JP7633038B2 - Information processing device - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing device.

In recent years, various measures have been taken to prevent the spread of infectious diseases caused by viruses and other pathogens. In commercial facilities, many products are displayed, and it is expected that multiple customers will come into contact with the products. For this reason, disinfecting shopping baskets and disinfecting hands when entering a store is recommended as the main measure to prevent infection through contact.

JP 2006-20421 A

However, if a customer is infected with an infectious disease, other customers who come into contact with a product that the previous customer has touched may also become infected with the infectious disease. Therefore, in order to prevent the spread of infection through contact, it is desirable to manage the customers who have come into contact with each product.

The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide a technology that manages customer contact with items.

In one embodiment, the information processing device includes an acquisition unit and a memory control unit. The acquisition unit acquires first identification information about a customer involved in each movement of an item detected by the sensing device. The memory control unit associates the first identification information about a customer involved in each movement of an item acquired by the acquisition unit with second identification information about the item and stores it in the memory unit.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the movement of products according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the movement of products according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a reader/writer device according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a POS terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a product management information database according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a transaction management information database according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a mobility management information database according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in a wireless tag attached to a product according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of information processing by the reader/writer device according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing procedure by the server according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of information processing by the reader/writer device according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing procedure by the server according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an information processing procedure by the POS terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing procedure by the server according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing procedure by the server according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system S according to the embodiment.
The information processing system S is a system that can be applied to stores such as supermarkets.

The information processing system S includes a server 1, a plurality of reader/writer devices 2, a plurality of wireless tags 3, a plurality of POS (Point Of Sales) terminals 4, a store clerk terminal 5, and a portable reader/writer terminal 6. The server 1, the plurality of reader/writer devices 2, the plurality of POS terminals 4, and the store clerk terminal 5 are connected to each other via a network NW so as to be able to communicate with each other freely. For example, the network NW is a LAN (Local Area Network), but is not limited thereto. The LAN includes at least one of a wired LAN and a wireless LAN. The server 1 may be outside the store. The information processing system S may also refer to a system including at least two elements of the server 1, the plurality of reader/writer devices 2, the plurality of wireless tags 3, the plurality of POS terminals 4, the store clerk terminal 5, and the portable reader/writer terminal 6. The plurality of products 7 are displayed in the store. Each of the multiple products 7 is displayed on one of the multiple display shelves 8. Each of the multiple products 7 has one wireless tag 3 attached. Attaching the wireless tag 3 includes directly or indirectly attaching the wireless tag 3 to the product 7.

The server 1 is an electronic device having an information processing function. Electronic devices include computers. The server 1 is an example of an information processing device. An example of the configuration of the server 1 will be described later.

The multiple reader/writer devices 2 are electronic devices capable of wirelessly communicating with multiple wireless tags 3. The multiple reader/writer devices 2 are installed so that the combined wireless communication range of the multiple reader/writer devices 2 includes the multiple wireless tags 3 attached to all products 7 displayed in the store. Here, it is assumed that one reader/writer device 2 is installed on one display shelf 8. It is assumed that one reader/writer device 2 is capable of wirelessly communicating with the multiple wireless tags 3 attached to the multiple products 7 displayed on the display shelf 8. The reader/writer device 2 is an example of an apparatus included in a sensing device. An example configuration of the reader/writer device 2 will be described later.

The multiple wireless tags 3 are tags capable of wireless communication with the multiple reader/writer devices 2 or the portable reader/writer terminals 6. The wireless tags 3 are tags for products. For example, the wireless tags 3 are RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags. Each wireless tag 3 is assigned a tag ID for each wireless tag 3. Hereinafter, the tag ID assigned to the wireless tag 3 is also referred to as a product tag ID. The product tag ID is identification information that individually identifies the wireless tag 3. The product tag ID is an example of identification information related to the product 7 that individually identifies the product 7. The wireless tag 3 includes a chip, an antenna, and the like. The chip controls the wireless tag 3. The chip includes a data storage area. The storage area stores the product tag ID. The antenna is used to wirelessly communicate with an external device. The antenna is used to receive power from the external device. The wireless tag 3 is activated by receiving radio waves from the external device via the antenna. When activated, the wireless tag 3 communicates with an external device. The wireless tag 3 is an example of an information recording medium. Examples of information other than the tag ID that is stored in the wireless tag 3 will be described later.

The multiple POS terminals 4 are electronic devices that enable payment for the products 7. Payment is the payment of the price for the products 7. Payment includes the meaning of accounting. The POS terminal 4 supports both offline and online payments. Offline payment is payment that does not require the POS terminal 4 to link with other electronic devices via the Internet or the like. For example, offline payment is payment with cash and gift certificates. Online payment is payment that the POS terminal 4 executes by linking with other electronic devices via the Internet or the like. For example, online payment is credit card payment, electronic money payment, credit card payment, debit card payment, code payment, etc. Online payment supports cashless payment. The POS terminal 4 is an example of a payment terminal. An example of the configuration of the POS terminal 4 will be described later.

The clerk terminal 5 is an electronic device that has a communication function with other electronic devices via the network NW, an input function, a display function, etc. The clerk terminal 5 is used by a clerk in the store. For example, the clerk terminal 5 is a PC (Personal Computer), but it may also be a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc.

The portable reader/writer terminal 6 is a portable electronic device capable of wirelessly communicating with multiple wireless tags 3. The portable reader/writer terminal 6 is used to search for products 7, etc.

The movement of the product 7 detected by the reader/writer device 2 will now be described.
The movement of the product 7 means that the customer C moves the product 7 displayed on the display shelf 8 from the display shelf 8. The movement of the product 7 includes a series of actions in which the customer picks up the product 7 displayed on the display shelf 8 and returns the product 7 to the display shelf 8. Picking up the product 7 includes moving the product 7 from its display location on the display shelf 8. Returning the product 7 to the display shelf 8 includes returning the product 7 to the same or approximately the same location on the display shelf 8 as its original display location. The movement of the product 7 may include actions taken by the customer up to picking up the product 7 displayed on the display shelf 8. The latter example is an example in which the customer does not return the product 7 to the display shelf 8. The movement of the product 7 is detected by wireless communication between the reader/writer device 2 and the wireless tag 3 attached to the product 7. Since the wireless tag 3 is attached to the product 7, the movement of the product 7 means the movement of the wireless tag 3. The notation "movement of the product 7" and the notation "movement of the wireless tag 3" can be read as interchangeable. The term "customer" may be replaced with "member,""consumer," or "person." An example of detection of movement of the product 7 by the reader/writer device 2 will be described later.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the movement of a product 7 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 2 shows a state in which a customer C is about to pick up a product 7 displayed on an arbitrary display shelf 8.
The reader/writer device 2 is installed at an arbitrary position on the display shelf 8. The reader/writer device 2 is capable of wireless communication with the wireless tags 3 attached to all the products 7 displayed on the display shelf 8.
The shopping basket 10 to which the wireless tag 9 is attached is a basket used by the customer C for shopping. The wireless tag 9 is a tag capable of wireless communication with a plurality of reader/writer devices 2. The wireless tag 9 is a tag for a shopping basket. For example, the wireless tag 9 is an RFID tag. The wireless tag 9 may be configured similarly to the wireless tag 3. A tag ID is assigned to each wireless tag 9. Hereinafter, the tag ID assigned to the wireless tag 9 is also referred to as a shopping basket tag ID. The shopping basket tag ID is identification information for individually identifying the wireless tag 9. The shopping basket tag ID can also be referred to as identification information for individually identifying the shopping basket 10. The wireless tag 9 stores the shopping basket tag ID. Each shopping basket 10 is attached with a wireless tag 9 that stores a different shopping basket tag ID. Attaching the wireless tag 9 includes directly or indirectly attaching the wireless tag 9 to the shopping basket 10.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the product 7 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 shows a state in which a customer C picks up a product 7 displayed on an arbitrary display shelf 8.

An example of the configuration of the server 1 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the server 1 according to the embodiment.
The server 1 is an electronic device including a processor 101, a main memory 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, and a communication interface 104. The components constituting the server 1 are connected to each other so as to be able to input and output signals. In Fig. 1, the interface is written as "I/F".

The processor 101 corresponds to the central part of the server 1. For example, the processor 101 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but is not limited to this. The processor 101 may be composed of various circuits. The processor 101 deploys a program that is pre-stored in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103 in the main memory 102. The program is a program that causes the processor 101 of the server 1 to realize or execute each part described below. The processor 101 executes various operations by executing the program deployed in the main memory 102.

The main memory 102 corresponds to the main storage portion of the server 1. The main memory 102 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 102 stores an operating system or a program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 102 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 101. For example, the main memory 102 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a non-volatile memory area. For example, the main memory 102 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area. The main memory 102 stores a program.

The auxiliary storage device 103 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the server 1. The auxiliary storage device 103 is an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The auxiliary storage device 103 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processor 101 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processes in the processor 101. The auxiliary storage device 103 stores the above-mentioned programs. The auxiliary storage device 103 is an example of a storage unit.

The auxiliary memory device 103 has a product management information database 1031, a transaction management information database 1032, and a movement management information database 1033.

The product management information database 1031 is a database that manages the movement of each product 7 after it has been displayed on one of the display shelves 8. The product management information database 1031 includes records that constitute data that associates a product tag ID, display date and time information, elapsed time information, movement history information, and shopping basket tag ID history information.

The product tag ID is identification information assigned to each wireless tag 3 attached to the product 7 as described above.
The display date and time information is information indicating the date and time when the reader/writer device 2 detects that the product 7 was first displayed on the display shelf 8 .
The elapsed time information is information indicating the time that has elapsed since the display date and time indicated by the display date and time information.

The movement history information is information related to the movement history of the product 7. The movement history information is information that changes based on detection of each movement of the product 7 by the reader/writer device 2. An example will be described in which the movement history information includes movement count information and movement date and time history information, but it does not have to include movement count information.
The movement count information is information on the number of times the product 7 is moved. The movement count of the product 7 is the number of times the detection of the movement of the product 7 by the reader/writer device 2 is counted. For example, the movement count of the product 7 is the number of times a series of actions in which a customer picks up the product 7 displayed on the display shelf 8 and returns the product 7 to the display shelf 8 is detected by the reader/writer device 2. In this example, the movement count of the product 7 is counted as one action, and is the number of times this action is repeated by the same customer or a different customer. The movement count of the product 7 may be the number of times the reader/writer device 2 detects the action of a customer picking up the product 7 displayed on the display shelf 8. In this example, the movement count of the product 7 is counted as one action, and is the number of times this action is repeated by the same customer or a different customer.

The movement date and time history information is information indicating the history of the movement date and time. The movement date and time is the date and time when the product 7 is moved by the customer. The movement date and time history is the movement date and time for each movement of the product 7. For example, the movement date and time is the date and time when the movement of the product 7 is detected by the reader/writer device 2. The movement date and time history information includes movement date and time information for each movement of the product 7. The movement date and time information is information indicating the movement date and time.

The shopping basket tag ID history information is information indicating the shopping basket tag ID of the shopping basket 10 related to a customer involved in each movement of the product 7. The shopping basket tag ID of the shopping basket 10 includes the shopping basket tag ID of the wireless tag 9 attached to the shopping basket 10. Hereinafter, the shopping basket tag ID of the shopping basket 10 related to a customer involved in each movement of the product 7 is also referred to as the movement-related shopping basket tag ID. For example, the shopping basket 10 related to a customer includes the shopping basket 10 used by the customer. Each movement-related shopping basket tag ID indicated in the shopping basket tag ID history information is associated with the movement date and time information for each movement of the product 7 included in the movement date and time history information. An example of detection of the shopping basket 10 related to a customer involved in each movement of the product 7 by the reader/writer device 2 will be described later.

The product management information database 1031 may not store at least any of the display date and time information, the elapsed time information, and the movement history information. The product management information database 1031 is an example of a storage unit. The auxiliary memory device 103 may store various information associated with each product tag ID, not limited to the product management information database 1031. The auxiliary memory device 103 may store the movement date and time information included in the movement date and time history information in association with each movement-related shopping basket tag ID indicated in the shopping basket ID history information for each movement of the product 7. The notation of the product management information database 1031 may be appropriately read as the auxiliary memory device 103. An example of the configuration of the product management information database 1031 will be described later.

The transaction management information database 1032 is a database for managing each transaction. A transaction is the delivery of the product 7 based on payment. A transaction includes the meaning of the completion of a commercial transaction.
The transaction management information database 1032 includes records constituting data relating a transaction ID, a member ID, a tag ID for the shopping basket used, one or more product tag IDs, display date and time information, elapsed time information, movement history information, and shopping basket tag ID history information.
The transaction ID is identification information that individually identifies a transaction. The transaction ID is an example of identification information related to a customer.
The member ID is identification information that individually identifies a customer. The member ID identifies the customer who is the subject of the transaction identified by the transaction ID. The member ID is an example of identification information related to a customer.
The used shopping basket tag ID is the shopping basket tag ID of the shopping basket 10 related to the customer who is the subject of the transaction identified by the transaction ID.
The product tag ID identifies the wireless tag 3 attached to each product 7 that is the subject of a transaction identified by the transaction ID.
The display date and time information, the elapsed time information, the movement history information, and the shopping basket tag ID history information are associated with each product tag ID.

The transaction management information database 1032 may store at least one of a transaction ID and a member ID. The transaction management information database 1032 may not store at least one of display date and time information, elapsed time information, and movement history information. The transaction management information database 1032 is an example of a storage unit. The auxiliary memory device 103 may store various information in association with at least one of each transaction ID and each member ID, not limited to the transaction management information database 1032. The auxiliary memory device 103 may store the movement date and time information included in the movement date and time history information in association with each movement-related shopping basket tag ID indicated in the shopping basket ID history information for each movement of the product 7. The notation of the transaction management information database 1032 may be appropriately read as the auxiliary memory device 103. An example of the configuration of the transaction management information database 1032 will be described later.

The movement management information database 1033 is a database that manages the movement of each product 7 before a transaction after the transaction. The movement management information database 1033 includes records that constitute data that associates product tag IDs, display date and time information, elapsed time information, movement history information, transaction ID history information, and member ID history information.

The product tag ID individually identifies the wireless tag 3 attached to the product 7 after the transaction.
The display date and time information, elapsed time information, and movement history information are information associated with each product tag ID, similar to the transaction management information database 1032.
The transaction ID history information is information indicating the transaction ID of a customer involved in each movement of a product 7 having a wireless tag 3 of a product tag ID attached thereto. Hereinafter, the transaction ID of a customer involved in each movement of the product 7 is also referred to as a movement-involved transaction ID. Each movement-involved transaction ID indicated in the transaction ID history information is associated with movement date and time information for each movement of the product 7, which is included in the movement date and time history information.
The member ID history information is information indicating the member ID of a customer involved in each movement of a product 7 having a wireless tag 3 with a product tag ID attached. Hereinafter, the member ID of a customer involved in each movement of a product 7 is also referred to as a movement participating member ID. Each movement participating member ID indicated in the member ID history information is associated with movement date and time information for each movement of the product 7, which is included in the movement date and time history information.

The movement management information database 1033 may store at least one of transaction ID history information and member ID history information. The movement management information database 1033 may not store at least one of display date and time information, elapsed time information, and movement history information. The movement management information database 1033 is an example of a storage unit. The auxiliary memory device 103 may store various information in association with each product tag ID, not limited to the movement management information database 1033. The auxiliary memory device 103 may store the movement date and time information for each movement of the product 7 included in the movement date and time history information in association with each movement-related transaction ID indicated in the transaction ID history information for each movement of the product 7. The auxiliary memory device 103 may store the movement date and time information for each movement of the product 7 included in the movement date and time history information in association with each movement-related member ID indicated in the member ID history information for each movement of the product 7. The notation of the movement management information database 1033 may be appropriately read as the auxiliary memory device 103. An example of the configuration of the movement management information database 1033 will be described later.

The communication interface 104 includes various interfaces that connect the server 1 to other electronic devices via a network in accordance with a specific communication protocol.

The hardware configuration of server 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. Server 1 allows the omission or modification of the above-mentioned components and the addition of new components as appropriate.

Each unit implemented in the above-mentioned processor 101 will be described.
The processor 101 implements an acquisition unit 1010 and a storage control unit 1011. Each unit implemented in the processor 101 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit implemented in the processor 101 can also be referred to as being implemented in a control unit including the processor 101 and the main memory 102.

The acquiring unit 1010 acquires information. The acquiring unit 1010 acquiring information includes the acquiring unit 1010 acquiring information from the reader/writer device 2 via the communication interface 104. The acquiring unit 1010 acquiring information includes the acquiring unit 1010 acquiring information from the auxiliary storage device 103.
The memory control unit 1011 stores the information acquired by the acquisition unit 1010 in the auxiliary memory device 103 .

An example of the configuration of the reader/writer device 2 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the reader/writer device 2 according to the embodiment.
The reader/writer device 2 is an electronic device including a processor 201, a main memory 202, an auxiliary storage device 203, a communication interface 204, a reader/writer 205, an antenna 206, and a clock 207. The processor 201, the main memory 202, the auxiliary storage device 203, the communication interface 204, the reader/writer 205, and the clock 207 are connected to each other so as to be able to input and output signals. The reader/writer 205 and the antenna 206 are electrically connected to each other. In Fig. 5, the interface is written as "I/F".

The processor 201 corresponds to the central part of the reader/writer device 2. The processor 201 has the same hardware configuration as the processor 101 described above. The processor 201 loads a program that is pre-stored in the main memory 202 or the auxiliary storage device 203 into the main memory 202. The program is a program that causes the processor 201 of the reader/writer device 2 to realize or execute each unit described below. The processor 201 executes the program loaded into the main memory 202 to perform various operations.

The main memory 202 corresponds to the main storage portion of the reader/writer device 2. The main memory 202 has the same hardware configuration as the main memory 102 described above. The main memory 202 stores programs.

The auxiliary storage device 203 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the reader/writer device 2. The auxiliary storage device 203 has the same hardware configuration as the auxiliary storage device 103 described above. The auxiliary storage device 203 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processor 201 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processes in the processor 201.

The communication interface 204 includes various interfaces that connect the reader/writer device 2 to other electronic devices via a network in accordance with a specific communication protocol.

The reader/writer 205 is an electronic device that wirelessly communicates with the wireless tag 3 through the antenna 206. For example, the reader/writer 205 emits a transmission wave through the antenna 206. The reader/writer 205 receives a response wave from the wireless tag 3 in response to the transmission wave through the antenna 206 and demodulates it. The reader/writer 205 acquires data from the wireless tag 3 by demodulating the response wave. The reader/writer 205 reads information stored in the wireless tag 3 from the wireless tag 3. The wireless tag 3 stores a product ID, display date and time information, elapsed time information, movement history information, and shopping basket tag ID history information. The reader/writer 205 measures the radio wave intensity from the wireless tag 3. The reader/writer 205 acquires the intensity of the response wave from the wireless tag 3 as radio wave intensity. Radio wave intensity is also called reception intensity. The reader/writer 205 transmits predetermined data to the wireless tag 3 based on a signal from the processor 201. For example, the reader/writer 205 transmits a signal that encodes write data, etc., to the wireless tag 3 via the antenna 206. The reader/writer 205 wirelessly communicates with the wireless tag 9 via the antenna 206.

The antenna 206 is an antenna through which the reader/writer 205 communicates wirelessly with the wireless tag 3. The antenna 206 is an antenna through which the reader/writer 205 communicates wirelessly with the wireless tag 9.

The clock 207 functions as a time information source for the reader/writer device 2. The processor 201 keeps track of the current date and time based on the time information kept by the clock 207.

The hardware configuration of the reader/writer device 2 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. The reader/writer device 2 allows the omission or modification of the above-mentioned components and the addition of new components as appropriate.

Each unit implemented in the above-mentioned processor 201 will be described.
The processor 201 implements an acquisition unit 2010, a detection unit 2011, a read control unit 2012, an addition unit 2013, a write control unit 2014, and an output unit 2015. Each unit implemented in the processor 201 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit implemented in the processor 201 can also be referred to as being implemented in a control unit including the processor 201 and the main memory 202.

The acquisition unit 2010 acquires the measurement result of the radio wave strength of the wireless tag 3 from the reader/writer 205. The acquisition unit 2010 acquires the measurement result of the radio wave strength based on the measurement of the radio wave strength of the wireless tag 3 by the reader/writer 205. The measurement result is the measured value of the radio wave strength of the wireless tag 3. The measured value of the radio wave strength is also simply called radio wave strength.

The detection unit 2011 detects the movement of the product 7 based on the measurement results of the radio wave intensity of the wireless tag 3 acquired by the acquisition unit 2010. The detection unit 2011 detects the shopping basket 10 of the customer involved in the movement of the product 7 based on the measurement results of the radio wave intensity of the wireless tag 9 acquired by the acquisition unit 2010. Since the wireless tag 9 is attached to the shopping basket 10, the detection of the shopping basket 10 includes the detection of the wireless tag 9 attached to the shopping basket 10. The detection unit 2011 detects the initial display of the product 7 on the display shelf 8 through communication between the reader/writer 205 and the wireless tag 3.

The reading control unit 2012 controls the reader/writer 205 to read information from the wireless tag 3 via the antenna 206. The reading control unit 2012 reads information from the wireless tag 3. For example, the reading control unit 2012 reads the product tag ID from the wireless tag 3. The reading control unit 2012 reads display date and time information from the wireless tag 3. The reading control unit 2012 reads movement count information from the wireless tag 3. The reading control unit 2012 controls the reader/writer 205 to read information from the wireless tag 9 via the antenna 206. For example, the reading control unit 2012 reads the shopping basket tag ID from the wireless tag 9. In the following description, "read" may be read as "receive".

The adder 2013 adds 1 to the number of movements indicated by the movement count information read by the read control unit 2012. The adder 2013 obtains new movement count information based on the process of adding 1 to the number of movements.

The write control unit 2014 controls the reader/writer 205 to write information to the wireless tag 3 via the antenna 206. For example, the write control unit 2014 writes display date and time information to the wireless tag 3. The write control unit 2014 writes elapsed time information to the wireless tag 3. The write control unit 2014 writes movement information to the wireless tag 3. The movement information is information related to the movement of the product 7. An example will be described in which the movement information includes movement count information and movement date and time information, but it does not have to include movement count information. The movement information is information based on the detection of movement of the product 7 by the reader/writer device 2. The movement information is information output by the reader/writer device 2. The write control unit 2014 writes the movement-related shopping basket tag ID to the wireless tag 3. In the following description, "write" may be read as "send" or "output".

The output unit 2015 outputs information to the server 1 via the communication interface 204. For example, the output unit 2015 outputs the product tag ID of the wireless tag 3 and display date and time information to the server 1. The output unit 2015 outputs the product tag ID of the wireless tag 3, elapsed time information, movement information, and movement-related shopping basket tag ID to the server 1.

An example of the configuration of the POS terminal 4 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a POS terminal 4 according to an embodiment.
The POS terminal 4 is an electronic device including a processor 401, a main memory 402, an auxiliary storage device 403, a clock 404, a change machine interface 405, a communication interface 406, an input device 408, a display device 409, a printing device 410, a scanner 407, a card reader 411, a reader/writer 412, and an antenna 413. The processor 401, the main memory 402, the auxiliary storage device 403, the clock 404, the change machine interface 405, the communication interface 406, the input device 408, the display device 409, the printing device 410, the scanner 407, the card reader 411, and the reader/writer 412 are connected to each other so as to be able to input and output signals. The reader/writer 412 and the antenna 413 are electrically connected to each other. In FIG. 6, the interface is described as "I/F".

The processor 401 corresponds to the central part of the POS terminal 4. The processor 401 has the same hardware configuration as the processor 101 described above. The processor 401 loads a control program that is pre-stored in the main memory 402 or the auxiliary storage device 403 into the main memory 402. The program is a program that causes the processor 401 of the POS terminal 4 to realize or execute each unit described below. The processor 401 executes various operations by executing the control program loaded into the main memory 402.

The main memory 402 corresponds to the main storage portion of the POS terminal 4. The main memory 402 has the same hardware configuration as the main memory 102 described above. The main memory 202 stores programs.

The auxiliary storage device 403 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the POS terminal 4. The auxiliary storage device 403 has the same hardware configuration as the auxiliary storage device 103 described above. The auxiliary storage device 403 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processor 401 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processes in the processor 401.

The clock 404 functions as a time information source for the POS terminal 4. The processor 401 keeps track of the current date and time based on the time information kept by the clock 404.

The change machine interface 405 inputs and outputs data signals to and from an automatic change machine (not shown). For example, the change machine interface 405 inputs inserted amount data from the automatic change machine. The change machine interface 405 outputs change amount data to the automatic change machine. The automatic change machine dispenses bills or coins equivalent to the change amount according to the change amount data.

The communication interface 406 includes various interfaces that communicatively connect the POS terminal 4 to other electronic devices via a network according to a specific communication protocol.

Scanner 407 scans and reads the barcode of a product held over the reading window. Products sold in stores are affixed with a barcode symbol, which is a product code that is converted into a barcode to identify the product. Scanner 407 reads the barcode symbol attached to the product each time it is held over the reading window. Here, the barcode may be replaced with a two-dimensional data code. Scanner 407 may be of a type that reads a code symbol by scanning with laser light. Scanner 407 may be of a type that reads a code symbol from an image captured by an imaging device such as a camera.

The input device 408 is a device that functions as a data input interface to the POS terminal 4. For example, the input device 408 is a keyboard, a touch panel, etc.

The display device 409 is a device capable of displaying various screens under the control of the processor 401. There are cases where the display device 409 is provided separately for use by store clerks and customers. For example, the display device 409 is a liquid crystal display, an EL (Electroluminescence) display, etc.

The printing device 410 is a device for printing receipts, slips, etc. For example, the printing device 410 is a thermal printer, an inkjet printer, etc.

The card reader 411 reads the card data recorded on the magnetic stripe of the card medium.

The reader/writer 412 reads information stored in the wireless tag 3 from the wireless tag 3. The reader/writer 412 reads information stored in the wireless tag 9 from the wireless tag 9. The reader/writer 412 has the same hardware configuration as the reader/writer 205 described above.

The antenna 413 is an antenna for the reader/writer 412 to wirelessly communicate with the wireless tag 3. The antenna 413 is an antenna for the reader/writer 412 to wirelessly communicate with the wireless tag 9. The antenna 413 has the same hardware configuration as the antenna 206 described above.

The hardware configuration of the POS terminal 4 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. The POS terminal 4 allows the omission or modification of the above-mentioned components and the addition of new components as appropriate.

Each unit implemented in the above-mentioned processor 401 will be described.
The processor 401 implements an acquisition unit 4010, a payment processing unit 4011, and an output unit 4012. Each unit implemented in the processor 401 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit implemented in the processor 401 can also be referred to as being implemented in a control unit including the processor 401 and the main memory 402.

The acquisition unit 4010 acquires information. For example, the acquisition unit 4010 acquires information from the wireless tag 3 via the reader/writer 412. The acquisition unit 4010 acquires information from the wireless tag 9 via the reader/writer 412. The acquisition unit 4010 acquires a member ID. The acquisition unit 4010 acquires a transaction ID. The acquisition unit 4010 acquires information from the server 1 via the network NW.
The payment processing unit 4011 executes a payment process. For example, the payment processing unit 4011 executes a payment process according to a payment method selected by a customer. The payment method includes offline payment and online payment.
The output unit 4012 outputs the information acquired by the acquisition unit 4010 to the server 1 based on the transaction of the product 7 in accordance with the payment processing by the payment processing unit 4011 .

An example of the configuration of the product management information database 1031 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the product management information database 1031 according to the embodiment.
The product management information database 1031 includes a "product tag ID" item, a "display date and time" item, an "elapsed time" item, a "number of moves" item, a "movement date and time" item, and a "movement-related shopping basket tag ID" item. The "product tag ID" item is an item for setting a product tag ID. The "display date and time" item is an item for setting display date and time information. The "elapsed time" item is an item for setting elapsed time information. The elapsed time information can be updated as appropriate based on the measurement of the elapsed time from the display date and time indicated in the display date and time information by the server 1 to the current date and time. The "number of moves" item is an item for setting number of moves information. The "movement date and time" item is an item for setting movement date and time history information. The "movement date and time" item includes one or more movement dates and times indicated in the movement date and time history information. The "movement-related shopping basket tag ID" item is an item for setting shopping basket tag ID history information. The "movement-related shopping basket tag ID" field includes one or more movement-related shopping basket tag IDs indicated by the shopping basket tag ID history information. Each of the multiple product tag IDs is associated with display date and time information, elapsed time information, number of moves information, movement date and time history information, and shopping basket tag ID history information as a movement history information record by the product management information database 1031. For example, for the product tag ID "00001", the product management information database 1031 stores that the display date and time is "October 11, 2020, 9:00" and the elapsed time is "31 hours and 30 minutes". The product management information database 1031 stores that the number of moves is three, and the respective movement dates and times are "October 11, 2020, 10:00", "October 12, 2020, 11:10", and "October 12, 2020, 15:00". The product management information database 1031 stores that the tag IDs for the moving-related shopping basket are "1001", "1006", and "1003". The tag IDs for the moving-related shopping basket "1001", "1006", and "1003" are associated with the moving dates and times "October 11, 2020, 10:00", "October 12, 2020, 11:10", and "October 12, 2020, 15:00" for each movement of the product 7. The information included in the product management information database 1031 can be set as appropriate. The server 1 updates the product management information database 1031 as appropriate.

If the wireless tag 3 does not store display date and time information, elapsed time information, movement history information, and shopping basket tag ID history information, the server 1 stores this information. On the other hand, if the wireless tag 3 stores display date and time information, elapsed time information, movement history information, and shopping basket tag ID history information, the server 1 may or may not store this information.

An example of the configuration of the transaction management information database 1032 will now be described.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the transaction management information database 1032 according to the embodiment.
The transaction management information database 1032 includes a "transaction ID" field, a "member ID" field, a "tag ID for shopping basket used" field, a "tag ID for product" field, a "display date and time" field, a "time elapsed" field, a "number of moves" field, a "date and time of moves" field, and a "tag ID for shopping basket involved in moves" field. The "transaction ID" field is a field for setting a transaction ID. The "member ID" field is a field for setting a member ID related to a customer who is the subject of a transaction. The "tag ID for shopping basket used" field is a field for setting a tag ID for shopping basket used. The "tag ID for product" field, "display date and time" field, "time elapsed" field, "number of moves" field, "date and time of moves" field, and "tag ID for shopping basket involved in moves" field are composed of data similar to the respective fields included in the product management information database 1031. The information included in the transaction management information database 1032 can be set as appropriate. The server 1 updates the transaction management information database 1032 as appropriate.

An example of the configuration of the movement management information database 1033 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the mobility management information database 1033 according to the embodiment.
The movement management information database 1033 includes a "product tag ID" item, a "display date and time" item, a "time elapsed" item, a "number of movements" item, a "movement date and time" item, a "movement-involved transaction ID" item, and a "movement-involved member ID" item. The "product tag ID" item, the "display date and time" item, the "time elapsed" item, the "number of movements" item, and the "movement date and time" items are composed of data similar to each item included in the product management information database 1031. The "movement-involved transaction ID" item is an item for setting transaction ID history information. The "movement-involved transaction ID" item includes one or more movement-involved transaction IDs indicated in the transaction ID history information. The "movement-involved member ID" is an item for setting member ID history information. The "movement-involved member ID" item includes one or more movement-involved member IDs indicated in the member ID history information. The information included in the movement management information database 1033 can be set as appropriate. The server 1 updates the movement management information database 1033 as appropriate.

An example of information stored in the wireless tag 3 will be described.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the wireless tag 3 according to the embodiment.
The wireless tag 3 includes a "product tag ID" item, a "display date and time" item, an "elapsed time" item, a "number of moves" item, a "movement date and time" item, and a "movement-related shopping basket tag ID" item. The "product tag ID" item, the "display date and time" item, the "elapsed time" item, the "number of moves" item, the "movement date and time" item, and the "movement-related shopping basket tag ID" are configured with data similar to each item included in the product management information database 1031. Each movement-related shopping basket tag ID indicated in the shopping basket tag ID history information is associated with movement date and time information for each movement of the product 7 included in the movement date and time history information. The wireless tag 3 does not need to store at least any of the display date and time information, the elapsed time information, and the movement history information. If the wireless tag 3 has a timer, the elapsed time information can be appropriately updated based on the measurement of the elapsed time from the display date and time indicated in the display date and time information to the current date and time. The information included in the wireless tag 3 can be appropriately set. The information contained in the wireless tag 3 is updated as appropriate through communication with the reader/writer device 2, the POS terminal 4, or the portable reader/writer terminal 6.

If the server 1 does not store the display date and time information, the elapsed time information, the movement history information, and the shopping basket tag ID history information, the wireless tag 3 stores this information. On the other hand, if the server 1 stores the display date and time information, the elapsed time information, the movement history information, and the shopping basket tag ID history information, the wireless tag 3 may or may not store this information.

The process performed by the information processing system S will now be described.
In the following description mainly focusing on the server 1, the server 1 may be read as the processor 101. Similarly, in the following description mainly focusing on the reader/writer device 2, the reader/writer device 2 may be read as the processor 201. Similarly, in the following description mainly focusing on the POS terminal 4, the notation "POS terminal 4" may be read as the processor 401. Note that the processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be changed as much as possible. Furthermore, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added to the processing procedure described below as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

The processing of the information processing system S based on the detection by the reader/writer device 2 of the initial display of a product 7 on a display shelf 8 before a transaction will be described. Here, we assume that the initial display on a display shelf 8 of a product 71 with a wireless tag 31 with a product tag ID "00001" attached among multiple products 7 is detected.

The procedure of information processing by the reader/writer device 2 will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of information processing by the reader/writer device 2 according to the embodiment.
The reading control unit 2012 reads the display date and time information from the wireless tag 31 (ACT 1). In ACT 1, for example, the reading control unit 2012 controls the reader/writer 205 to establish communication with the wireless tag 31 via the antenna 206. The reading control unit 2012 reads the display date and time information from the wireless tag 31. Reading data from the wireless tag 31 is a known technique, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

If the reading control unit 2012 reads the display date and time information (ACT1: YES), the process ends. If the reading control unit 2012 does not read the display date and time information (ACT1: NO), the process transitions from ACT1 to ACT2. If the reading control unit 2012 does not read the display date and time information, this corresponds to a case where the wireless tag 31 does not store the display date and time information.

The detection unit 2011 detects the first display of the product 71 on the display shelf 8 based on the inability of the read control unit 2012 to read the display date and time information (ACT 2). The write control unit 2014 writes the display date and time information to the wireless tag 3 based on the detection by the detection unit 2011 of the first display of the product 71 on the display shelf 8 (ACT 3). In ACT 3, for example, the write control unit 2014 controls the reader/writer 205 to establish communication with the wireless tag 31 based on the product tag ID via the antenna 206. The write control unit 2014 writes the date and time when the product 71 was first displayed on the display shelf 8 by the detection unit 2011 as display date and time information to the wireless tag 31. Based on the reception of the display date and time information, the wireless tag 31 sets the received display date and time information in the "display date and time" item. Writing information to the wireless tag 31 by the write control unit 2014 corresponds to outputting information to the wireless tag 31 attached to the product 71. Writing data to the wireless tag 31 is a well-known technique, so detailed explanation is omitted.

The output unit 2015 outputs display date and time information to the server 1 based on the detection by the detection unit 2011 of the initial display of the product 71 on the display shelf 8 (ACT 4). In ACT 4, for example, the output unit 2015 outputs the product tag ID of the wireless tag 31 attached to the product 71 and the display date and time information to the server 1.

If the wireless tag 31 does not store display date and time information, ACT 3 is omitted. If the server 1 does not store display date and time information, ACT 4 is omitted.

The procedure of information processing by the server 1 will be described.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing procedure by the server 1 according to the embodiment.
The acquiring unit 1010 acquires the display date and time information from the reader/writer device 2 (ACT 11). In ACT 11, for example, the acquiring unit 1010 acquires the product tag ID and the display date and time information of the wireless tag 31 based on the detection by the reader/writer device 2 of the first display of the product 71 on the display shelf 8.

The memory control unit 1011 stores the display date and time information acquired by the acquisition unit 1010 in the product management information database 1031 (ACT 12). In ACT 12, for example, the memory control unit 1011 stores the display date and time information in association with the product tag ID of the wireless tag 31 acquired by the acquisition unit 1010.

The processing of the information processing system S based on the detection of movement of the product 7 before a transaction by the reader/writer device 2 is described below. Here, we assume that the movement of the product 71 with the wireless tag 31 with the product tag ID "00001" is detected. Customer C picks up the product 71 displayed on the display shelf 8. The reader/writer device 2 installed on the display shelf 8 measures the radio wave intensity of the wireless tag 31 attached to the product 71.

The procedure of information processing by the reader/writer device 2 will be described.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing procedure performed by the reader/writer device 2 according to the embodiment.
The acquisition unit 2010 acquires the measurement result of the radio wave intensity of the wireless tag 31 from the reader/writer 205 (ACT 21). In ACT 21, for example, the acquisition unit 2010 acquires the measurement result of the radio wave intensity based on the measurement of the radio wave intensity of the wireless tag 31 by the reader/writer 205. In one example, the acquisition unit 2010 acquires the measurement result indicating the decrease and increase of the radio wave intensity of the wireless tag 31 as the customer C picks up the product 71 displayed on the display shelf 8 and returns the product 71 to the display shelf 8. In another example, the acquisition unit 2010 acquires the measurement result indicating the decrease of the radio wave intensity of the wireless tag 31 as the customer C picks up the product 71 displayed on the display shelf 8.

The detection unit 2011 detects the movement of the product 71 based on the measurement result of the radio wave intensity of the wireless tag 31 acquired by the acquisition unit 2010 (ACT 22). In ACT 22, for example, the detection unit 2011 detects the movement of the product 71 in response to a change in the radio wave intensity of the wireless tag 31 based on the measurement result acquired by the acquisition unit 2010. In one example, the detection unit 2011 detects the movement of the product 71 based on the measurement result indicating a decrease and increase in the radio wave intensity of the wireless tag 31 acquired by the acquisition unit 2010. In another example, the detection unit 2011 detects the movement of the product 71 based on the measurement result indicating a decrease in the radio wave intensity of the wireless tag 31 acquired by the acquisition unit 2010.

If the detection unit 2011 detects the movement of the product 71 (ACT22: YES), the process transitions from ACT22 to ACT23. If the detection unit 2011 does not detect the movement of the product 71 (ACT22: NO), the process transitions from ACT22 to ACT21.

The reading control unit 2012 reads information from the wireless tag 31 based on the detection of the movement of the product 71 by the detection unit 2011 (ACT 23). In ACT 23, for example, the reading control unit 2012 reads the product tag ID, display date and time information, and movement count information from the wireless tag 31.

The addition unit 2013 adds 1 to the number of movements of the wireless tag 31 (ACT 24). In ACT 24, for example, the addition unit 2013 adds 1 to the number of movements indicated by the movement count information based on the movement count information read from the wireless tag 31 by the reading control unit 2012. The addition unit 2013 obtains new movement count information based on the process of adding 1 to the number of movements.

The acquisition unit 2010 acquires the measurement results of the radio wave intensity of the multiple wireless tags 9 from the reader/writer 205 based on the detection of the movement of the product 71 by the detection unit 2011 (ACT 25). The detection unit 2011 detects the shopping basket 10 related to the customer C involved in the movement of the product 71 based on the measurement results of the radio wave intensity of the multiple wireless tags 9 acquired by the acquisition unit 2010 (ACT 26). In ACT 26, for example, the detection unit 2011 detects a wireless tag 9 with approximately the same radio wave intensity as the radio wave intensity of the wireless tag 31 that decreases with the movement of the product 71. The detection unit 2011 may detect a wireless tag 9 with approximately the same radio wave intensity as the radio wave intensity of the wireless tag 31 that decreases with the movement of the product 71 and in approximately the same direction as the communication direction with the wireless tag 31. The detection unit 2011 detects the shopping basket 10 related to the customer C involved in the movement of the product 71 based on the detected wireless tag 9.

The reading control unit 2012 reads the shopping basket tag ID from the wireless tag 9 based on the detection by the detection unit 2011 of the shopping basket 10 related to the customer C involved in the movement of the product 71 (ACT 27). In ACT 27, for example, the reading control unit 2012 reads the shopping basket tag ID from the wireless tag 9 attached to the shopping basket 10 related to the customer C involved in the movement of the product 71. The shopping basket tag ID read by the reading control unit 2012 corresponds to the movement-related shopping basket tag ID.

The write control unit 2014 writes the elapsed time information, the movement information, and the movement-related shopping basket tag ID to the wireless tag 31 based on the detection of the movement of the product 71 by the detection unit 2011. (ACT 28). In ACT 28, for example, the write control unit 2014 writes the number of movement information based on the addition process by the addition unit 2013 to the wireless tag 31. The write control unit 2014 writes the date and time when the movement of the product 71 was detected by the detection unit 2011 as movement date and time information to the wireless tag 31. The write control unit 2014 writes the movement-related shopping basket tag ID read by the reading control unit 2012 to the wireless tag 31. The write control unit 2014 writes the elapsed time information indicating the elapsed time from the display date and time indicated in the display date and time information of the product 71 to the date and time indicated in the movement date and time information to the wireless tag 31. Note that the write control unit 2014 does not need to write at least one of the elapsed time information and the movement information.

The wireless tag 31 sets the received elapsed time information in the "elapsed time" field based on receiving the elapsed time information. The wireless tag 31 sets the received movement count information in the "movement count" field based on receiving the movement count information included in the movement information of the product 71. The movement count is incremented by one when the reader/writer device 2 writes the movement count information. The wireless tag 31 sets the received movement date and time information in the "movement date and time" field based on receiving the movement date and time information included in the movement information of the product 71. The number of movement dates and times shown in the movement date and time history information is incremented by one when the reader/writer device 2 writes the movement date and time information. The wireless tag 31 sets the movement-related shopping basket tag ID in the "movement-related shopping basket tag ID" field based on receiving the movement-related shopping basket tag ID. The number of movement-related shopping basket tag IDs shown in the shopping basket tag ID history information is incremented by one when the reader/writer device 2 writes the movement-related shopping basket tag ID.

Based on the detection of the movement of the product 71 by the detection unit 2011, the output unit 2015 outputs the elapsed time information, the movement information, and the movement-related shopping basket tag ID to the server 1 (ACT 6). In ACT 6, for example, the output unit 2015 outputs the product tag ID of the wireless tag 31 attached to the product 71, the elapsed time information, the movement information, and the movement-related shopping basket tag ID to the server 1. Note that the output unit 2015 does not have to output at least one of the elapsed time information and the movement information to the server 1.

Next, the procedure of information processing by the server 1 will be described.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing procedure by the server 1 according to the embodiment.
The acquiring unit 1010 acquires information from the reader/writer device 2 based on the detection of the movement of the product 71 by the reader/writer device 2 (ACT 31). In ACT 31, for example, the acquiring unit 1010 acquires the product tag ID, elapsed time information, movement information, and movement-related shopping basket tag ID of the wireless tag 31 from the reader/writer device 2. Note that the acquiring unit 1010 does not need to acquire at least one of the elapsed time information and the movement information.

The memory control unit 1011 updates the information stored in the product management information database 1031 based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 1010 (ACT 32). In ACT 32, for example, the memory control unit 1011 updates the information associated with the product tag ID of the wireless tag 31 acquired by the acquisition unit 1010.
The storage control unit 1011 updates the elapsed time information stored in the product management information database 1031 to the elapsed time information acquired by the acquisition unit 1010 .

A case will be described where the movement information acquired by the acquisition unit 1010 includes movement count information. The storage control unit 1011 updates the movement count information stored in the product management information database 1031 to the movement count information acquired by the acquisition unit 1010. The number of movements indicated by the updated movement count information is increased by 1 from the number of movements indicated by the movement count information before the update.

A case will be described where the movement information acquired by the acquisition unit 1010 includes movement date and time information. The storage control unit 1011 updates the movement date and time history information stored in the product management information database 1031 based on the movement date and time information acquired by the acquisition unit 1010. The storage control unit 1011 adds the movement date and time indicated by the movement date and time information acquired by the acquisition unit 1010 to the movement date and time history information. The number of movement dates and times indicated in the updated movement date and time history information is increased by one compared to the number of movement dates and times indicated in the movement date and time information before the update.

A case will be described where the movement information acquired by the acquisition unit 1010 does not include movement count information, but does include movement date and time information. The storage control unit 1011 may update the movement count information by adding 1 to the number of movements indicated by the movement count information stored in the product management information database 1031. The number of movements indicated by the updated movement count information will be increased by 1 from the number of movements indicated by the movement count information before the update.

The memory control unit 1011 updates the shopping basket tag ID history information based on the movement-related shopping basket tag ID acquired by the acquisition unit 1010. The memory control unit 1011 adds the movement-related shopping basket tag ID acquired by the acquisition unit 1010 to the shopping basket tag ID history information. The memory control unit 1011 associates the movement-related shopping basket tag ID acquired by the acquisition unit 1010 with the movement date and time information acquired by the acquisition unit 1010 and stores it in the product management information database 1031. The number of movement-related shopping basket tag IDs indicated in the updated shopping basket tag ID history information is increased by one from the number of movement-related shopping basket tag IDs indicated in the shopping basket tag ID history information before the update.

The processing of the information processing system S based on the transaction of the commodity 7 will be described.
The procedure for information processing by the POS terminal 4 will now be described.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an information processing procedure by the POS terminal 4 according to this embodiment.
The store clerk uses the reader/writer 412 in the POS terminal 4 to register one or more purchased items of customer C.

The acquisition unit 4010 acquires a product tag ID from the wireless tag 3 attached to each of one or more products 7 via the reader/writer 412 (ACT 41). The acquisition unit 4010 acquires information associated with each product tag ID (ACT 42). In ACT 42, for example, the acquisition unit 4010 acquires information associated with each product tag ID from each wireless tag 3 via the reader/writer 412. In this example, the acquisition unit 4010 acquires display date and time information, elapsed time information, movement history information, and shopping basket tag ID history information associated with each product tag ID from each wireless tag 3. The acquisition unit 4010 may acquire information associated with each product tag ID acquired from each wireless tag 3 from the server 1 via the network NW. In this example, the acquisition unit 4010 acquires display date and time information, elapsed time information, movement history information, and shopping basket tag ID history information associated with each product tag ID stored in the product management information database 1031. Note that the acquisition unit 4010 does not need to acquire at least any of the display date and time information, elapsed time information, and movement history information associated with each product tag ID.

The acquisition unit 4010 acquires product information for each product 7 associated with each product tag ID acquired via the reader/writer 412 (ACT 43). For example, the product information is information necessary for payment processing, such as the product name, JAN code, and price. The product information may be stored in the POS terminal 4 or in the server 1.

The acquisition unit 4010 acquires the tag ID for the shopping basket in use (ACT 44). In ACT 44, for example, the acquisition unit 4010 acquires the shopping basket tag ID from the wireless tag 9 attached to the shopping basket 10 for customer C via the reader/writer 412. The shopping basket tag ID acquired by the acquisition unit 4010 corresponds to the tag ID for the shopping basket in use.

The acquisition unit 4010 acquires the member ID for customer C (ACT 45). In ACT 45, for example, the acquisition unit 4010 acquires the member ID for customer C based on the reading of the member card by the scanner 407.

The payment processing unit 4013 performs payment processing based on the product information of each product 7 acquired by the acquisition unit 4010 (ACT 46). In ACT 46, for example, the payment processing unit 4013 displays a payment screen (not shown) on the display device 409 based on the product information of each product 7. The store clerk selects a payment method for customer C according to the payment screen and performs payment processing according to the payment method. Since this type of payment processing is a well-known process, details thereof will not be described. The printing device 410 outputs a receipt on which product information of the purchased product and information such as a transaction ID related to customer C are printed based on the payment processing by the payment processing unit 4013. The transaction ID related to customer C may be issued by the payment processing unit 4013 based on the payment processing. The transaction ID is different for each payment.
The acquisition unit 4010 acquires a transaction ID related to customer C based on the payment processing by the payment processing unit 4013 (ACT 47).

The output unit 4012 outputs the transaction management information to the server 1 based on the payment processing by the payment processing unit 4013 (ACT 48). The transaction management information includes the information acquired by the acquisition unit 4010. The transaction management information includes a transaction ID and member ID for customer C, and a used shopping basket tag ID for customer C. In the following, the notations of transaction ID and member ID may be read as at least one of transaction ID and member ID. The transaction management information includes one or more product tag IDs. The transaction management information includes display date and time information, elapsed time information, movement history information, and shopping basket tag ID history information associated with each product tag ID. The transaction management information does not have to include at least one of display date and time information, elapsed time information, and movement history information.

The procedure of information processing by the server 1 will be described.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing procedure by the server 1 according to the embodiment.
The acquiring unit 1010 acquires transaction management information from the POS terminal 4 based on the transaction (ACT 51). In ACT 51, for example, the acquiring unit 1010 acquires transaction management information output from the POS terminal 4 for each transaction.

The memory control unit 1011 stores the transaction management information in the transaction management information database 1032 based on the acquisition of the transaction management information by the acquisition unit 1010 (ACT 52). In ACT 52, for example, the memory control unit 1011 stores the transaction ID and member ID for customer C in the transaction management information database 1032. The memory control unit 1011 stores the used shopping basket tag ID for customer C in the transaction management information database 1032 in association with the transaction ID and member ID for customer C. The memory control unit 1011 stores each product ID in the transaction management information database 1032 in association with the transaction ID and member ID for customer C. The memory control unit 1011 stores shopping basket ID history information in association with each product ID in the transaction management information database 1032. The memory control unit 1011 may store at least one of display date and time information, elapsed time information, and movement history information in association with each product ID in the transaction management information database 1032. The storage control unit 1011 may store the movement date and time information included in the movement date and time history information in the transaction management information database 1032 in association with each movement-related shopping basket tag ID indicated in the shopping basket ID history information for each movement of the product 7.

As described above, the memory control unit 1011 updates the information stored in the transaction management information database 1032 based on the acquisition of transaction management information by the acquisition unit 1010. The memory control unit 1011 updates information including the transaction ID and member ID for each customer and the tag ID for the shopping basket used for each customer. This allows the server 1 to update information including the transaction ID and member ID and the tag ID for the shopping basket used, which are used to manage customer contact with each product 7, to the latest state.

The process of updating the migration management information database 1033 by the server 1 will be described.
The procedure of information processing by the server 1 will be described.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing procedure by the server 1 according to the embodiment.
The server 1 updates the movement management information database 1033 by the process illustrated below for each product 7 after the transaction stored in the transaction management information database 1032. Here, the process will be described using an example of a product 71 attached with a wireless tag 31 having a product tag ID of "00001".

The acquisition unit 1010 acquires information associated with the product tag ID "00001" of the wireless tag 31 attached to the product 71 based on the transaction of the product 71 (ACT 61). Based on the transaction of the product 71 includes based on the payment process of the product 71 by the POS terminal 4. In ACT 61, for example, the acquisition unit 1010 acquires shopping basket ID history information associated with the product tag ID "00001" from the transaction management information database 1032. As a result, the acquisition unit 1010 acquires the movement-related shopping basket tag ID of the shopping basket 10 related to the customer involved in each movement of the product 71 detected by the reader/writer device 2. The acquisition unit 1010 may acquire movement date and time history information included in the movement history information associated with the product tag ID "00001" from the transaction management information database 1032. The acquisition unit 1010 acquires movement date and time information for each movement of the product 71 based on the movement date and time history information. The acquisition unit 1010 may acquire information on the number of movements of the product 71 included in the movement history information associated with the product tag ID "00001" from the transaction management information database 1032. The acquisition unit 1010 may acquire display date and time information of the product 71 associated with the product tag ID "00001" from the transaction management information database 1032. The acquisition unit 1010 may acquire elapsed time information of the product 71 associated with the product tag ID "00001" from the transaction management information database 1032.

The acquisition unit 1010 acquires a movement-related transaction ID and a movement-related member ID for each movement of the product 71 based on the movement-related shopping basket tag ID for each movement of the product 71 (ACT 62). In ACT 62, for example, the acquisition unit 1010 uses information including a transaction ID and a member ID for each customer stored in the transaction management information database 1032 and a used shopping basket tag ID for each customer. The acquisition unit 1010 acquires a transaction ID and a member ID associated with a used shopping basket tag ID corresponding to a movement-related shopping basket tag ID for each movement of the product 71. The transaction ID and the member ID acquired by the acquisition unit 1010 correspond to a movement-related transaction ID and a movement-related member ID for each movement of the product 71. According to this example, the server 1 can acquire a movement-related transaction ID and a movement-related member ID for each movement of the product 71 based on a movement-related shopping basket tag ID for each movement of the product 71. This allows server 1 to obtain the mobile-involved transaction ID and mobile-involved member ID, which are difficult to obtain directly, via the mobile-involved shopping basket tag ID.

The memory control unit 1011 associates the information acquired by the acquisition unit 1010 with the product tag ID "00001" and stores it in the movement management information database 1033 (ACT 63). In ACT 63, for example, the memory control unit 1011 associates the movement-related transaction ID and movement-related member ID for each movement of the product 71 acquired by the acquisition unit 1010 with the product tag ID "00001" and stores them. This allows the server 1 to manage the customer's contact with each product 7 using customer-related identification information such as the transaction ID and member ID for each product. For example, if a customer is infected with a specific infectious disease, the store clerk can track other customers who have come into contact with the product that the customer has come into contact with by using the customer-related identification information. Since the transaction ID and member ID are information linked to the customer, the store clerk can easily track the customer to be tracked.

The memory control unit 1011 may store the movement date and time information acquired by the acquisition unit 1010 in the movement management information database 1033 in association with the product tag ID "00001". In this example, the memory control unit 1011 stores the movement date and time information for each movement of the product 71 in association with the movement-related transaction ID and movement-related member ID for each movement of the product 71. This allows the server 1 to manage the customer's contact date and time with each product 7. For example, if a customer becomes infected with a specific infectious disease, a store clerk can easily determine whether or not to track other customers who have come into contact with products that this customer has come into contact with, taking into account the nature of the pathogen, which tends to decrease over time.

The memory control unit 1011 may store the movement count information of the product 71 acquired by the acquisition unit 1010 in the movement management information database 1033 in association with the product tag ID "00001". This allows the server 1 to manage the movement count information for each product 7 for each product. By comparing the number of movements indicated in the movement count information with the number of movement-related transaction IDs and movement-related member IDs, the store clerk can check whether any customers have come into contact with each product 7.

The memory control unit 1011 may store the display date and time information of the product 71 acquired by the acquisition unit 1010 in the movement management information database 1033 in association with the product tag ID "00001". The memory control unit 1011 may store the elapsed time information of the product 71 acquired by the acquisition unit 1010 in association with the product tag ID "00001" in the movement management information database 1033. This allows the server 1 to manage display date and time information or elapsed time information for each product. For example, if a customer is infected with a specific infectious disease, a store clerk can easily determine whether or not it is necessary to identify the store clerk who first displayed the product 7, taking into account the nature of the pathogen, which tends to decrease over time.

Depending on the manner in which the reader/writer device 2 detects the movement of the product 71, the shopping basket ID history information may not include the shopping basket tag ID of the shopping basket 10 related to the customer C who purchased the product 71. Therefore, in ACT 61, the acquisition unit 1010 may acquire the transaction ID and member ID associated with the product tag ID "00001" from the transaction management information database 1032. The transaction ID and member ID acquired by the acquisition unit 1010 are the transaction ID and member ID related to the customer C who purchased the product 71. In ACT 63, the storage control unit 1011 may associate the transaction ID and member ID acquired by the acquisition unit 1010 with the product tag ID "00001" and store them in the movement management information database 1033. This allows the server 1 to manage customer contact with each product 7, including customers who purchased the product 7 and customers who did not purchase the product 7, for each product.

At least one of the transaction ID and member ID described above is an example of information included in the first identification information related to the customer. At least one of the mobile-involved transaction ID and mobile-involved member ID is an example of information included in the first identification information related to the customer. The product tag ID is an example of second identification information related to the product 7. The shopping basket tag ID and the mobile-involved shopping basket tag ID are examples of third identification information of the shopping basket 10.

In the above embodiment, a POS terminal 4 in which a store clerk performs operations from registering purchased items to making payment is exemplified, but this is not limiting. At least some of the functions of the POS terminal 4 may be realized in a so-called semi-self-service payment device in which a store clerk registers purchased items and a customer makes payment. At least some of the functions of the POS terminal 4 may be realized in a so-called full-self-service POS terminal in which a customer performs operations from registering purchased items to making payment.

Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the POS terminal 4 may be realized in a so-called cart POS terminal, in which a product scanner and a dedicated terminal operated by the customer are attached to the cart. At least some of the functions of the POS terminal 4 may be realized in a so-called smartphone POS terminal, in which product registration is performed on a terminal such as a tablet or smartphone. The cart POS terminal or smartphone POS terminal registers the member ID by logging in or scanning the member card. The server 1 may detect customers involved in the movement of the product 7 by linking with a camera device or the like, and acquire information from the cart POS terminal or smartphone POS terminal of the detected customer. For example, the acquisition unit 1010 of the server 1 may acquire the movement-involved member ID of the customer involved in each movement of the product 7 from the cart POS terminal or smartphone POS terminal via the network NW.

In the above embodiment, a product has been used as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The above embodiment may be applied not only to items that are the subject of transactions involving payment, such as products, but also to items that do not involve payment. For example, an item that does not involve payment is a library book. The above word "product" may be read as "item".

In the above embodiment, the reader/writer device 2 has been described as an example of a device included in a sensing device that detects the movement of the product 7, but this is not limiting. A camera device may be an example of a device included in a sensing device that detects the movement of the product 7. In this example, the camera device outputs movement date and time information to the server 1 based on the detection of the movement of the product 7, in association with information for identifying the product 7 whose movement has been detected. The acquisition unit 1010 of the server 1 acquires information for identifying the product 7 whose movement has been detected from the camera device via the communication interface 104, instead of the product tag ID. In this example, the information for identifying the product 7 is an example of first identification information related to the product 7.

The information processing device may be realized as a single device, as explained using server 1 as an example, or may be realized as a system in which functions are distributed across multiple devices.

The reader/writer device may be realized as a single device, as explained using the reader/writer device 2 as an example, or may be realized as a system in which functions are distributed across multiple devices.

The program may be transferred in a state where it is stored in an electronic device, or in a state where it is not stored in an electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or in a state where it is recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is an electronic device-readable medium. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it is capable of storing the program and is readable by an electronic device.

Although several other embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.
The original claims are set forth below.
(1)
an acquisition unit that acquires first identification information regarding a customer involved in each movement of an item detected by the sensing device;
a storage control unit that stores the first identification information regarding a customer involved in each movement of the item acquired by the acquisition unit in a storage unit in association with second identification information regarding the item;
An information processing device comprising:
(2)
the acquisition unit acquires third identification information of a shopping basket related to a customer involved in each movement of the item, and acquires the first identification information related to the customer involved in each movement of the item based on the third identification information related to the customer involved in each movement of the item, using information including the first identification information and the third identification information related to each customer stored in the storage unit.
An information processing device as described in (1).
(3)
the acquisition unit acquires, for each transaction, information relating to a customer, the information including the first identification information and the third identification information;
the memory control unit updates the information including the first identification information and the third identification information regarding each customer stored in the memory unit based on the acquisition by the acquisition unit of information including the first identification information and the third identification information regarding each customer;
An information processing device as described in (2).
(4)
The acquisition unit acquires movement date and time information for each movement of the item,
the storage control unit stores the movement date and time information acquired by the acquisition unit in the storage unit in association with the first identification information for each movement of the item;
An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (3).
(5)
An information processing device described in any of (1) to (4), wherein the first identification information includes at least one of identification information that individually identifies a customer and identification information that individually identifies a transaction.

1...server, 2...reader/writer device, 3...wireless tag, 4...POS terminal, 5...store clerk terminal, 6...portable reader/writer terminal, 7...product, 8...display shelf, 9...wireless tag, 10...shopping basket, 31...wireless tag, 71...product, 101...processor, 102...main memory, 103...auxiliary storage device, 104...communication interface, 201...processor, 202...main memory, 203...auxiliary storage device, 204...communication interface, 205...reader/writer, 206...antenna, 207...clock, 401...processor, 402...main memory, 403...auxiliary storage device, 404...clock, 405...change machine interface, 406...communication interface, 407...scanner, 408...input device, 409...display device, 410...printing device, 411...card reader, 412...reader/writer, 413...antenna, 1010...acquisition unit, 1011...storage control unit, 1031...product management information database, 1032...transaction management information database, 1033...movement management information database, 2010...acquisition unit, 2011...detection unit, 2012...read control unit, 2013...addition unit, 2014...write control unit, 2015...output unit, 4010...acquisition unit, 4011...payment processing unit, 4012...output unit, C...customer, NW...network, S...information processing system.

Claims (5)

an acquisition unit that acquires identification information regarding a customer involved in each movement of an item detected by the sensing device;
a storage control unit that stores, in a storage unit, identification information regarding a customer involved in each movement of the item acquired by the acquisition unit in association with identification information regarding the item;
Equipped with
The identification information regarding the customer involved in each movement of the item includes identification information that individually identifies the customer.
Information processing device. the acquisition unit acquires identification information of a shopping basket for a customer involved in each movement of the item, and acquires identification information for a customer involved in each movement of the item based on the identification information of the shopping basket for a customer involved in each movement of the item, using information including the identification information for each customer and the shopping basket identification information for each customer stored in the storage unit;
The information processing device according to claim 1 . The acquisition unit acquires, for each transaction, information including identification information relating to a customer and identification information of a shopping basket relating to the customer ;
the memory control unit updates the information including the identification information for each customer and the identification information for the shopping basket for each customer stored in the memory unit based on the acquisition by the acquisition unit of the information including the identification information for each customer and the identification information for the shopping basket for each customer ;
The information processing device according to claim 2 . The acquisition unit acquires movement date and time information for each movement of the item,
The storage control unit stores, in the storage unit , the movement date and time information for each movement of the item acquired by the acquisition unit in association with identification information regarding a customer involved in each movement of the item.
The information processing device according to claim 1 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the identification information relating to a customer involved in each movement of the item includes identification information that individually identifies a transaction.