JP7639328B2 - Information processing method, program, fixture, and information processing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing method, a program, a fixture, and an information processing device.

A product information providing device has been proposed that displays tagged products, reads the tag of a product selected by a customer, and displays product information (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-65453

The product information providing device of Patent Document 1 cannot present promotional content to customers who are not particularly interested in the products on display, such as customers passing by.

In one aspect, the objective is to provide an information processing method etc. that presents promotional content related to products on display to customers.

The information processing method includes acquiring a product ID from a product box displayed on a product display fixture, acquiring promotional content for when a customer is not detected and promotional content for when a customer is detected, which are recorded in association with the acquired product ID, and recording in a database the location where the product box is displayed on the fixture, the product ID, the promotional content for when a customer is not detected, and the promotional content for when a customer is detected, in association with each other, and when a customer is not detected around the fixture, selecting one of the promotional contents for when a customer is not detected recorded in the database. The computer executes a process of displaying the promotional content on a first display unit provided corresponding to the fixture, and if a customer is detected around the fixture, displaying one of the promotional contents for when a customer recorded in the database has been detected on the first display unit provided corresponding to the fixture, and after the promotional content has ended, determining whether or not a customer has been detected around the fixture, and if it determines that a customer has been detected, displaying another one of the promotional contents for when a customer recorded in the database has been detected on the first display unit provided corresponding to the fixture .

In one aspect, an information processing method can be provided that presents promotional content related to products on display to customers.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing system. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a record layout of a content DB. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the record layout of a display DB. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow of a program. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the record layout of a display DB in the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing of a program according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating fixtures according to the third embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a record layout of a weight DB. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the record layout of a display weight DB. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing of a program according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating fixtures according to modified example 1. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating fixtures according to modified example 2. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating fixtures according to modified example 3. FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of an information processing device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system according to a fifth embodiment.

[First embodiment]
1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing system 10. In this embodiment, the information processing system 10 used in a cosmetics counter in a store such as a drugstore, supermarket, or department store will be described as an example.

The information processing system 10 includes product display fixtures 30 arranged in a store, and an information processing device 20 connected to the fixtures 30 via a wired or wireless connection. The fixtures 30 are prepared for each cosmetics manufacturer or for each brand of cosmetics offered by each cosmetics manufacturer.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the fixture 30 includes a back panel 381, three product shelves 35 protruding horizontally from the back panel 381, and a first display unit 31 attached to the top of the back panel 381. A customer sensor 33 is disposed on the edge of the first display unit 31. The customer sensor 33 is, for example, a camera, an infrared sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor, and is capable of detecting whether or not a customer is present near the fixture 30. The customer sensor 33 may also be a human presence sensor embedded in the floor around the fixture 30.

A second display unit 32 is disposed at the end of each product shelf 35. Side panels 351 are disposed on both sides of the product shelf 35. The first display unit 31 and the second display unit 32 are examples of display units that display promotional content. The second display unit 32, the side panels 351, and the back panel 381 form a shallow box on the product shelf 35 in which a product box 60 (described below) can be mounted. A reading unit 37 is provided on the inner side of the side panels 351. The reading unit 37 includes an antenna (not shown) and a transceiver.

The shape of the fixture 30 shown in FIG. 1 is an example. The number of product shelves 35 is not limited to three. The second display unit 32 may be provided only on some of the product shelves 35. The second display unit 32 may not be provided. The customer sensor 33 may be located away from the fixture 30. The customer sensor 33 may not be provided. The customer sensor 33 may be attached to the product shelves 35.

A cubic product box 60 packed with a large number of products 61 is delivered from a manufacturer or wholesaler to a store. A wireless tag 67 is attached to the side of the product box 60. The wireless tag 67 records the product ID assigned to the product 61 packed in the product box 60.

The product box 60 has a cut line 62 formed on it. When the salesperson cuts the product box 60 along the cut line 62 and removes the top, the product 61 is ready to be displayed attractively on the sales floor. The product box 60 has dimensions that allow it to be mounted exactly on a box formed on the product shelf 35. The wireless tag 67 and the reading unit 37 are positioned so that they are close to each other when the salesperson mounts the product box 60 on the product shelf 35.

The wireless tag 67 is, for example, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag. The reading unit 37 is, for example, an RFID reader. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which electromagnetic waves in the HF (High Frequency) band are used for communication between the wireless tag 67 and the reading unit 37. When the HF band is used, the communication distance between the reading unit 37 and the wireless tag 67 is short, and the reading unit 37 cannot read the wireless tag 67 that is located at a distance.

The product ID recorded in the wireless tag 67 is read by the reading unit 37 and transmitted to the information processing device 20. The information processing device 20 displays promotional content selected based on the product ID on the first display unit 31 and the second display unit 32.

As a result, an information processing system 10 is realized that automatically displays promotional content corresponding to the product displayed when the salesperson simply displays the product box 60 on the product shelf 35. Therefore, an information processing system 10 can be provided that reduces the workload of replacing promotional content according to the product 61 displayed in the store.

By using the HF band, the product ID corresponding to the product 61 displayed on the product shelf 35 can be accurately read. In other words, it is possible to prevent the erroneous reading of the product ID corresponding to the product 61 displayed on another product shelf 35 and the product 61 displayed on other adjacent fixtures 30, etc. Therefore, it is possible to provide an information processing system 10 that correctly displays promotional content corresponding to the product 61 displayed on the fixture 30.

The product shelves 35 and side panels 351 may be provided with shields that block radio waves from RFID tags. This provides an information processing system 10 that prevents reading of any wireless tags other than those 67 corresponding to the products 61 displayed on the product shelves 35.

In the following explanation, we will use as an example a case where one product box 60 contains one type of product 61 and one product ID is recorded in the wireless tag 67.

Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram explaining the configuration of the information processing system 10. The information processing system 10 includes a server 40 in addition to the information processing device 20, fixture 30, and wireless tag 67 described above. As described above, the fixture 30 includes a customer sensor 33, a reading unit 37, a first display unit 31, and a second display unit 32.

The information processing device 20 includes a control unit 21, a main memory device 22, an auxiliary memory device 23, a communication unit 24, a fixture I/F (Interface) 28, and a bus. The control unit 21 is an arithmetic and control device that executes the program of this embodiment. The control unit 21 uses one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), TPUs (Tensor Processing Units), multi-core CPUs, etc. The control unit 21 is connected to each of the hardware components that make up the information processing device 20 via the bus.

The main memory device 22 is a storage device such as an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), or a flash memory. The main memory device 22 temporarily stores information required during processing performed by the control unit 21 and programs being executed by the control unit 21.

The auxiliary storage device 23 is a storage device such as an SRAM, a flash memory, a hard disk, or a magnetic tape. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores the display DB 56, the programs to be executed by the control unit 21, and various data required for executing the programs. The communication unit 24 is an interface that communicates between the information processing device 20 and the network. The fixture I/F 28 is an interface that connects the fixtures 30 and the bus of the information processing device 20.

The information processing device 20 is a general-purpose personal computer, tablet, smartphone, etc. The information processing device 20 may be a small computer that can be built into the fixture 30. The information processing device 20 may be a mainframe computer or a virtual machine that operates on a mainframe computer. The information processing device 20 may be configured with hardware such as multiple personal computers or mainframe computers that perform distributed processing. The information processing device 20 may be configured with a cloud computing system or a quantum computer.

The server 40 includes a control unit 41, a main memory device 42, an auxiliary memory device 43, a communication unit 44, and a bus. The control unit 41 uses one or more CPUs, GPUs, multi-core CPUs, etc. The control unit 41 is connected to each hardware unit constituting the server 40 via the bus.

The main memory device 42 is a memory device such as an SRAM, DRAM, or flash memory. The main memory device 42 temporarily stores information required during processing performed by the control unit 41 and programs being executed by the control unit 41.

The auxiliary storage device 43 is a storage device such as an SRAM, a flash memory, a hard disk, or a magnetic tape. The auxiliary storage device 43 stores the content DB 51, the programs to be executed by the control unit 41, and various data required for executing the programs. The communication unit 44 is an interface that communicates between the server 40 and the network.

Server 40 is a general-purpose personal computer, tablet, large-scale computer, or a virtual machine running on a large-scale computer. Server 40 may be configured with hardware such as multiple personal computers or large-scale computers that perform distributed processing. Server 40 may be configured with a cloud computing system or a quantum computer.

The server 40 is used to distribute promotional content related to the product 61. The server 40 is operated, for example, by a manufacturer that produces and sells the product 61. The server 40 may also be operated by the headquarters of a retail chain that manages multiple stores. The information processing device 20 may also be used to distribute the promotional content. In this case, it becomes possible for each store to decide the content to be distributed.

Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram explaining the record layout of content DB51. Content DB51 is a DB that records product IDs and promotional content files in association with each other. Content DB51 has a product ID field and a promotional content field. The promotional content field has a first content field and a second content field.

The product ID field records a product ID that is uniquely assigned to each product 61. The first content field records a video or still image file that records the promotional content to be displayed on the first display unit 31. The second content field records a video or still image file that records the promotional content to be displayed on the second display unit 32. The content DB 51 has one record for one product ID.

The promotional content may be a program that interactively changes its display depending on the user's reaction. The first content field and the second content field may record a location from which the promotional content can be read, such as a uniform resource locator (URL) of the promotional content.

For example, when a new product is released, promotional content created for the new product is added to content DB51. The promotional content may be updated as appropriate in accordance with seasonal changes, campaigns, and the like. The same promotional content may be recorded for multiple product IDs. Multiple promotional contents may be recorded for one product ID.

Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram explaining the record layout of display DB 56. Display DB 56 is a DB that records the position on fixture 30, the product ID of the displayed product, and promotional content in association with each other. Display DB 56 has a position field, a product ID field, and a promotional content field. The promotional content field has a first content field and a second content field.

The position field records the position on the fixture 30. The position on the fixture 30 corresponds to each reading unit 37. Figure 4 shows the display DB 56 when one reading unit 37 is placed for each of the three product shelves 35 on the top, middle, and bottom levels, as shown in Figure 1.

The product ID field records a product ID that is uniquely assigned to the product 61 displayed on the fixture 30. The first content field records a video or still image file that records the promotional content to be displayed on the first display unit 31. The second content field records a video or still image file that records the promotional content to be displayed on the second display unit 32.

In addition, if multiple promotional contents are recorded for one product ID in content DB51, multiple promotional contents are also recorded for one product ID in content DB51.

When multiple fixtures 30 are connected to one information processing device 20, the display DB 56 has a fixture ID field that records a fixture ID that distinguishes each fixture 30.

Figure 5 is a flowchart explaining the flow of program processing. The program in Figure 5 is a program that is started, for example, when a store is preparing to open. The control unit 21 updates the display DB 56 (step S501).

Specifically, the control unit 21 requests the server 40 to transmit promotional content corresponding to the product ID of each record recorded in the display DB 56, and updates the first content field and the second content field with the promotional content received from the server 40. The control units 21 and 41 may update the promotional content recorded in the display DB 56 to the latest state by a so-called synchronization process. Since the synchronization process is commonly used, detailed explanation will be omitted.

If the promotional content is updated overnight, the updated promotional content is recorded in the display DB 56 by the processing of step S501. Therefore, while preparing to open the store, for example, promotional content related to a limited-time campaign is recorded in the display DB 56, and the new promotional content can be presented to customers from the time the store opens.

The control unit 21 acquires product IDs from the wireless tags 67 of the product boxes 60 displayed on the product shelves 35 via the respective reading units 37 (step S502). In step S502, the control unit 21 realizes the function of an acquisition unit that acquires product IDs. The control unit 21 determines whether the relationship between the position on the fixture 30 and the product ID read by the reading unit 37 has changed from the data recorded in the display DB 56 (step S503).

For example, if a salesperson replaces the product box 60 on the top row with a product box 60 containing a different product 61, the product ID on the top row changes. If a salesperson replaces the product box 60 on the top row with a product box 60 containing the same product 61, the product ID on the top row does not change.

If it is determined that there has been a change (YES in step S503), the control unit 21 transmits the product ID acquired in step S502 to the server 40 (step S504). The control unit 41 receives the product ID (step S601). The control unit 41 searches the content DB 51 using the received product ID as a key to extract a record (step S602). The control unit 41 transmits the promotional content recorded in the first content field and the second content field of the extracted record to the information processing device 20 (step S603).

The control unit 21 receives the promotional content (step S505). The control unit 21 updates the display DB 56 (step S506). Specifically, the control unit 21 extracts from the display DB 56 a record relating to the position corresponding to the reading unit 37 that read the wireless tag 67, and rewrites the first content field and the second content field with the received promotional content.

If it is determined that there has been no change (NO in step S503), or after step S506 is completed, the control unit 21 displays the promotional content recorded in the promotional content field of the display DB 56 on the first display unit 31 and the second display unit 32 (step S507). Through step S507, the control unit 21 realizes the function of an output unit that outputs the promotional content to the display unit.

Specifically, the control unit 21 sequentially displays the promotional content recorded in the first content field on the first display unit 31. The order is, for example, top row, middle row, bottom row. The frequency of display may vary depending on the product shelf 35, for example, top row, middle row, top row, bottom row, etc. The order of the content to be displayed on the first display unit 31 may be set appropriately by a salesperson or a promotional content supplier, etc.

The order may be random. The frequency with which the content is displayed on the first display unit 31 may be set appropriately by a salesperson or a promotional content provider, etc. The number of promotional contents to be displayed on the first display unit 31 in one step S507 may be set appropriately by a salesperson or a promotional content provider, etc.

If no product boxes 60 are displayed on any of the product shelves 35, the control unit 21 displays predetermined promotional content, for example introducing the manufacturer or the store, on the first display unit 31. The control unit 21 may also output a display on the first display unit 31 informing customers of the expected arrival date of the product 61, etc.

The control unit 21 may display content on the first display unit 31 to inform the salesperson that there are no product boxes 60 on the product shelf 35 and to alert the salesperson. The control unit 21 may enter a so-called power saving mode in which no power is supplied to the first display unit 31 and the second display unit 32.

The control unit 21 displays the promotional content recorded in the second content field corresponding to each product shelf 35 on the second display unit 32 attached to each product shelf 35.

After displaying the promotional content a predetermined number of times, the control unit 21 determines whether to end the process (step S508). The predetermined number of times is, for example, one or more times for each of the promotional contents recorded in the first content field of the display DB 56. The predetermined number of times may be one time for any one of the promotional contents recorded in the first content field.

The control unit 21 determines to end the process, for example, if the closing time has passed. If it is determined to end the process (YES in step S508), the control unit 21 ends the process. If it is determined not to end the process (NO in step S508), the control unit 21 returns to step S502.

According to this embodiment, an information processing system 10 can be provided that displays promotional content corresponding to the product 61 on display when a salesperson simply places the product box 60 on the display fixture 30. Even if a salesperson changes the product 61 displayed on the display fixture 30 during store business hours, an information processing system 10 can be provided that displays promotional content corresponding to the product 61 on display.

Therefore, sales staff can concentrate on serving customers without being bothered by tasks such as changing promotional content. Promotional content for seasonal campaigns can be provided to customers without bothering sales staff.

Note that one product box 60 may contain multiple types of products 61, and multiple wireless tags 67 recording product IDs corresponding to the respective products 61 may be attached to the product box 60. When RFID is used, the reading unit 37 can read the product IDs from the multiple wireless tags 67 present within the reading range. The control unit 21 records the multiple product IDs read from one location in the product ID field of the display DB 56, and records promotional content corresponding to each product ID in the promotional content field.

Multiple types of products 61 may be packed in one product box 60, and multiple types of product IDs may be recorded on the wireless tag 67. Multiple types of products 61 may be packed in one product box 60, and multiple types of product IDs assigned to the assortment of products 61 may be recorded on the wireless tag 67.

A barcode may be used for the wireless tag 67, and a barcode reader may be used for the reading unit 37. The barcode may be a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode. It is possible to provide an information processing system 10 that reliably prevents the erroneous reading of wireless tags 67 other than those of product boxes 60 placed on the product shelf 35.

If it is determined in step S508 of the program described using FIG. 5 that the processing is not to be terminated (NO in step S508), the control unit 21 may return to step S501. Even if a manufacturer or the like changes the promotional content recorded in the content DB 51 during business hours, it is possible to provide an information processing system 10 that quickly displays new promotional content. Therefore, it is possible to provide an information processing system 10 that displays different promotional content for different time periods, for example.

[Embodiment 2]
This embodiment relates to an information processing system 10 that displays different promotional content on a first display unit 31 depending on whether a customer is present in front of a fixture 30 or not. Explanation of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the record layout of the display DB 56 in the second embodiment. The display DB 56 in this embodiment has a position field, a product ID field, and a promotion content field. The promotion content field has a first content field and a second content field. The first content field has a detected field and a non-detected field.

The location field, product ID field, and second content field are the same as those in the display DB 56 of embodiment 1 described using Figure 4, so a description thereof will be omitted.

The detection field contains a video or still image file that records the promotional content to be displayed on the first display unit 31 when the customer sensor 33 detects a customer. The non-detection field contains a video or still image file that records the promotional content to be displayed on the first display unit 31 when the customer sensor 33 does not detect a customer.

Figure 7 is a flowchart explaining the processing flow of the program of the second embodiment. Steps S501 to S506 are the same as those of the program of the first embodiment explained using Figure 5, so the explanation is omitted.

If it is determined that there has been no change (NO in step S503), or after step S506 is completed, the control unit 21 retrieves the promotional content recorded in the second content field corresponding to each product shelf 35 from the display DB 56, and displays it on the second display unit 32 (step S511).

The control unit 21 determines whether the customer sensor 33 detects a customer in the vicinity of the fixture 30 (step S512). Note that if the customer sensor 33 is a relatively simple human presence sensor such as an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor, the control unit 21 does not distinguish between a customer and a salesperson.

If the customer sensor 33 is a camera, the control unit 21 may perform image analysis to identify whether the person photographed is a salesperson or a customer. Furthermore, the control unit 21 may perform image analysis to estimate attributes such as the gender and age of the person photographed, and identify whether the person is a so-called target customer who is expected to purchase the product displayed on the fixtures 30.

If it is determined that a customer has been detected (YES in step S512), the control unit 21 displays the promotional content recorded in the detection field of the display DB 56 (step S513). Specifically, the control unit 21 selects one promotional content from the promotional content recorded in the detection field of the display DB 56 and displays it on the first display unit 31.

After one promotional content ends, the control unit 21 determines whether the customer detected by the customer sensor 33 has left (step S514). If it is determined that the customer has not left (NO in step S514), the control unit 21 returns to step S513. Specifically, the control unit 21 selects promotional content different from the previous one from the promotional content recorded in the detection field, and displays it on the first display unit 31.

If it is determined that a customer has not been detected (NO in step S512), the control unit 21 displays the promotional content recorded in the undetected field of the display DB 56 (step S515). Specifically, the control unit 21 selects one promotional content from the promotional content recorded in the undetected field of the display DB 56 and displays it on the first display unit 31.

If it is determined that the customer has left (YES in step S514), or after step S515 is completed, the control unit 21 determines whether or not to end the process (step S516). The control unit 21 determines to end the process, for example, if closing time has passed. If it is determined to end the process (YES in step S516), the control unit 21 ends the process. If it is determined not to end the process (NO in step S516), the control unit 21 returns to step S502.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an information processing system 10 that displays different promotional content on the first display unit 31 depending on whether or not a customer is detected around the fixture 30. For example, when a customer is detected around the fixture 30, promotional content with a relatively large amount of information that is intended to be viewed from up close can be displayed, and when no customer is detected around the fixture 30, promotional content that is eye-catching even from a distance can be displayed, thereby enhancing the promotional effect.

The detection fields of the display DB 56 may further include fields for the attributes of detected customers, such as by age group. In this case, a camera is used for the customer sensor 33. The control unit 21 can perform image analysis to estimate attributes such as the age of the person photographed, and select promotional content to be displayed on the first display unit 31 based on the estimation results. In this way, it is possible to provide an information processing system 10 that displays promotional content according to a combination of the products 61 displayed on the fixtures 30 and the attributes of customers who come nearby.

[Embodiment 3]
This embodiment relates to an information processing system 10 that automatically notifies a customer of a decrease in the number of products 61. Explanation of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the fixture 30 of the third embodiment. Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of a cross section of the fixture 30 cut along a plane parallel to the back panel 381. Side panels 351 are disposed on both ends of the product shelf 35. The reading unit 37 and weight sensor 39 are stacked on top of the product shelf 35. The reading unit 37 is configured as a thin sheet.

The reading unit 37 and weight sensor 39 are arranged on all product shelves 35 of the fixture 30. The fixture 30 does not need to have side panels 351. If the fixture 30 does not have side panels 351, the salesperson can easily load the product box 60 onto the product shelf 35. If the fixture 30 does not have side panels 351, it is desirable to provide an anti-slip surface on the reading unit 37.

The weight sensor 39 is a so-called IoT (Internet of Things) device that constantly measures the weight of the loaded item and transmits the measurement results by wire or wirelessly. The data destination of the weight sensor 39 may be a so-called cloud server or the information processing device 20. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which data is transmitted from the weight sensor 39 to the information processing device 20. Note that when the data destination is a cloud server, the control unit 21 appropriately acquires data from the cloud server.

Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram explaining the record layout of the weight DB. The weight DB is a DB that records the product ID, product weight, and a threshold for notifying the salesperson in association with each other. The weight DB has a product ID field, a weight field, and a notification threshold field. The weight field has a single field and a total number field. The weight DB is recorded in the auxiliary storage device 43 or a large-capacity storage device connected to the server 40.

The product ID field records a product ID that is uniquely assigned to each product 61. The weight of each product 61 displayed on the product shelf 35 is recorded in the single unit field. The total number field records the weight when part of the product box 60 is removed and placed on the product shelf 35 as explained using Figure 1, that is, the weight when all of the products 61 are contained in the product box 60.

The notification threshold field records a threshold for notifying the salesperson that the number of products 61 displayed on the fixtures 30 has decreased. In FIG. 9, the threshold is set so that for product boxes 60 with product IDs "P001", "P002", and "P005", the salesperson is notified when one product 61 is decreased, and for product boxes 60 with product IDs "P003" and "P004", the salesperson is notified when two products 61 are decreased. The notification threshold field may also record the weight at which the notification is made.

The weight DB may also have a notification threshold field for each store in which the fixtures 30 are located, or for each type of store. In this way, thresholds can be set according to the situation of the store.

Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram explaining the record layout of the display weight DB. The display weight DB is a DB that records the position on the fixture 30, the product ID of the displayed product, the weight of the product, and a threshold value for notifying the salesperson, in association with each other. The display weight DB has a position field, a product ID field, a weight field, and a notification threshold field. The weight field has a single field and a total number field. The weight DB is recorded in the auxiliary storage device 23 or a large-capacity storage device connected to the information processing device 20.

The position field records the position on the fixture 30. The positions on the fixture 30 correspond to the respective reading units 37. The product ID field records the product ID that is uniquely assigned to the product 61 displayed on the fixture 30.

The weight of each product 61 displayed on the product shelf 35 is recorded in the "per item" field. The "total number" field records the weight when a part of the product box 60 is removed and placed on the product shelf 35, as explained using Figure 1, i.e., the weight when all of the products 61 are contained in the product box 60.

The notification threshold field records a threshold for notifying the salesperson that the number of products 61 displayed on the fixtures 30 has decreased. In FIG. 9, the threshold is set so that for the top and middle shelves of the fixtures 30, a notification is sent to the salesperson when one product 61 is decreased, and for the bottom shelf, a notification is sent to the salesperson when two products 61 are decreased. The notification threshold field may also record the weight at which the notification is sent.

Figure 11 is a flowchart explaining the flow of processing of the program of embodiment 3. The control unit 21 executes the program of Figure 9 in parallel with the program of embodiment 1 explained using Figure 5 or the program of embodiment 2 explained using Figure 7.

The control unit 21 acquires the product ID from the wireless tag 67 of the product box 60 displayed on the product shelf 35 via each reading unit 37 (step S522). The control unit 21 determines whether the relationship between the position on the fixture 30 and the product ID read by the reading unit 37 has changed from the data recorded in the display weight DB (step S523).

If it is determined that there has been a change (YES in step S523), the control unit 21 transmits the product ID acquired in step S522 to the server 40 (step S524). The control unit 41 receives the product ID (step S611). The control unit 41 searches the weight DB using the received product ID as a key to extract a record (step S612). The control unit 41 transmits the data recorded in the weight field and notification threshold field of the extracted record to the information processing device 20 (step S613).

The control unit 21 receives the data from the server 40 (step S525). The control unit 21 updates the display weight DB (step S526). Specifically, the control unit 21 extracts from the display weight DB a record relating to the position corresponding to the reading unit 37 that read the wireless tag 67, and rewrites the weight field and the notification threshold field with the received data.

If it is determined that there has been no change (NO in step S523), or after step S526 is completed, the control unit 21 acquires the weight measured by the weight sensor 39 installed on each product shelf 35 (step S527). The control unit 21 determines whether the acquired weight is equal to or less than the weight indicated by formula (1) (step S528).

Threshold value = B - A x C (1)
A is the weight of one item recorded in the single item field.
B is the weight of the product box containing all the products recorded in the total number field.
C is the quantity of the item recorded in the notification threshold field.

If it is determined that the number is equal to or less than the threshold (YES in step S528), the control unit 21 determines whether a predetermined time has passed since the last notification regarding the same product shelf 35 (step S529). The predetermined time is determined, for example, based on the average time it takes for a salesperson to replenish products 61. Step S529 makes it possible to prevent salespersons who are unable to replenish products 61 because they are busy serving customers, from being bothered by frequent notifications.

If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S529), the control unit 21 notifies the salesperson, for example via an intercom or terminal device worn by the salesperson, that the number of products 61 has decreased (step S530).

If it is determined that the value is not equal to or less than the threshold value (NO in step S528), if it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S529), or after step S530 is completed, the control unit 21 determines whether to end the process (step S531).

The control unit 21 determines to end the process, for example, if the closing time has passed. If it is determined to end the process (YES in step S531), the control unit 21 ends the process. If it is determined not to end the process (NO in step S531), the control unit 21 returns to step S522.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an information processing system 10 that promptly notifies a salesperson when the number of products 61 on display decreases, and prompts them to replenish the stock. As illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10, by setting the notification threshold to 1 or 2, the salesperson can keep all products 61 on display at all times.

The salesperson may be allowed to change the notification threshold field of the weight DB described using FIG. 9 or the display weight DB described using FIG. 10 as appropriate. Setting the notification threshold according to the sales status of the product 61 and the number of salespersons available to handle the product 61 can improve the work efficiency of the salesperson.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an information processing system 10 that sets a notification threshold and appropriately notifies the salesperson of a decrease in products simply by the salesperson placing the product box 60 on the display unit 30. Even if the salesperson changes the products 61 displayed on the display unit 30 during the store's business hours, it is possible to provide an information processing system 10 that sets a notification threshold corresponding to the products 61 being displayed.

The wireless tags 67 may be attached to the bottom of each product 61. As described above, when RFID is used, the reading unit 37 can read the product ID from each of the multiple wireless tags 67 present within the reading range. Therefore, the reading unit 37 can detect the number of products 61 displayed on the product shelf 35 without using a weight sensor 39.

If the changed weight is not an integer multiple of the weight of the product 61, it is possible that a product from another product shelf 35 or another sales area has been left behind on the product shelf 35. The control unit 21 may send a notification to the salesperson if there is such a possibility.

Specifically, if the number of products to be reduced, as shown in formula (2), is not an integer, the control unit 21 sends a notification to the salesperson.
Decrease in number of products = (B-D)/A ‥‥‥ (2)
D is the weight acquired by the weight sensor 39 .

Instead of the weight sensor 39, the control unit 21 may detect the number of products 61 that have been removed based on data acquired from a camera capable of photographing each product shelf 35 or a sensor capable of detecting the number or movement of products 61 displayed on 354. The customer sensor 33 may also function as a sensor that detects the number of products 61 that have been removed.

[Modification 1]
Variation 1 relates to a fixture 30 in which multiple reading units 37 are attached to one product shelf 35. Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the fixture 30 of Variation 1. Fig. 12 shows a schematic partial cross section of the fixture 30 cut along a plane parallel to the product shelf 35, looking down on the product shelf 35. Three reading units 37 are disposed on the product shelf 35. The reading units 37 are configured in the form of a thin sheet. A weight sensor 39 may be disposed beneath each reading unit 37.

It is preferable that the reading unit 37 has an antenna in the center. By increasing the distance between the antennas included in adjacent reading units 37, mutual interference between the reading units 37 can be prevented.

In this embodiment, product boxes 60 are used that are sized so that three can be placed side by side on a product shelf 35. As shown in FIG. 12, by arranging multiple reading units 37 on one product shelf 35, it is possible to provide an information processing system 10 that can distinguish between product boxes 60 placed on, for example, the "left side of the top row," the "center of the top row," and the "right side of the top row."

For example, the control unit 21 may use a camera with gaze detection function in the customer sensor 33 to display promotional content related to a product 61 displayed in a location where the customer is looking.

[Modification 2]
The second modification relates to a fixture 30 for a so-called warehouse-type retail store. The fixture 30 of this modification is suitable for selling products in units of product boxes 60. Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the fixture of the second modification.

The fixture 30 comprises one product shelf 35, two supports 382 rising from the edge of the product shelf 35, and a first display unit 31 attached to the top of the supports 382. A reading unit 37 and a weight sensor 39 (not shown) are stacked on top of the product shelf 35.

The product boxes 60 are displayed stacked on the product shelf 35 as indicated by the two-dot chain line. Note that only one type of product box 60 is displayed on one fixture 30, and customers take away the product boxes 60 in order from the top. The information processing device 20 reads the product IDs from the displayed product boxes 60 via the reading unit 37, and displays the promotional content on the first display unit 31.

Based on the weight acquired by the weight sensor 39, the control unit 21 detects that the number of product boxes 60 on display is decreasing, and notifies the salesperson. Note that, if the replenishing of products is performed by a robot, the control unit 21 may notify the robot that the number of product boxes 60 is decreasing.

The reading unit 37 may be disposed between the two posts 382. In this case, the wireless tag 67 is attached to the side of the product box 60.

[Modification 3]
This modified example relates to a fixture 30 that displays product boxes 60 in a hanging state. Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the fixture of modified example 3. The fixture 30 of this modified example has a wire net 383 on the outside of the side. A first display unit 31 is disposed above the wire net 383. A reading unit 37 is disposed below the first display unit 31. Product inventory stored below the first display unit 31 is hidden from customers' eyes by a fixture door 384.

The product box 60 of this modified example can be easily assembled into a small shelf filled with small products, with a hook 63 at the top. A wireless tag 67 is attached to the back panel of the product box 60. The salesperson displays the product box 60 by hanging the hook 63 on the wire net 383. When the reading unit 37 and the wireless tag 67 are brought into close proximity, the product ID can be read.

The fixture 30 may be provided with a hook, and the product box 60 may have a hole for hanging on the hook.

The control unit 21 reads the product ID from the hanging product box 60 via the reading unit 37 and displays the promotional content on the first display unit 31.

The shapes of the fixtures 30 described above are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Any shape of fixtures 30 may be used depending on the products 61 being sold and the characteristics of the sales floor.

[Fourth embodiment]
15 is a functional block diagram of an information processing device 20 according to a fourth embodiment. The information processing device 20 includes an acquisition unit 71 and an output unit 72. The acquisition unit 71 acquires a product ID from a product box 60 displayed on a product display fixture 30. The output unit 72 outputs promotional content corresponding to the product ID to a first display unit 31 provided in correspondence with the fixture 30.

[Embodiment 5]
16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of an information processing system 10 according to a fifth embodiment. This embodiment relates to a form in which the information processing system 10 of this embodiment is realized by combining and operating a general-purpose computer 90 and a program 97. Explanations of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

The computer 90 includes the aforementioned control unit 41, main memory device 42, auxiliary memory device 43, communication unit 44, and bus, as well as a reading unit 48.

The program 97 is recorded on a portable recording medium 96. The control unit 41 reads the program 97 via the reading unit 48 and stores it in the auxiliary storage device 43. The control unit 41 may also read out the program 97 stored in a semiconductor memory 98, such as a flash memory, implemented in the computer 90. Furthermore, the control unit 41 may download the program 97 from another server computer (not shown) connected via the communication unit 44 and a network (not shown) and store it in the auxiliary storage device 43.

The control unit 41 distributes the program 97 to the information processing device 20 of each store via the network. The program 97 is installed as a control program of the information processing device 20, and is loaded into the main memory device 22 and executed. In this way, the information processing system 10 described in the first embodiment is realized.

The control unit 21 may read the program 97 via a reading unit provided in each information processing device 20. The control unit 21 may read the program 97 from an external storage device connected to each information processing device 20.

The technical features (constituent elements) described in each embodiment can be combined with each other, and by combining them, new technical features can be formed.
The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Information processing system 20 Information processing device 21 Control unit 22 Main storage device 23 Auxiliary storage device 24 Communication unit
28 Fixtures I/F
30 Fixture 31 First display unit 32 Second display unit 33 Customer sensor 35 Product shelf 351 Side panel 37 Reading unit 381 Back panel 382 Support 383 Wire net 384 Fixture door 39 Weight sensor 40 Server 41 Control unit 42 Main storage unit 43 Auxiliary storage unit 44 Communication unit 48 Reading unit 51 Content DB
56 Display DB
60 Product box 61 Product 62 Cutting line 63 Hook 67 Wireless tag 71 Acquisition unit 72 Output unit 90 Computer 96 Portable recording medium 97 Program 98 Semiconductor memory

Claims (12)

Acquire a product ID from a product box displayed on a product display fixture,
Acquire, via a network, promotional content for when a customer is not detected and promotional content for when a customer is detected, the promotional content being recorded in association with the acquired product ID;
a location on the display unit where the product box is displayed, a product ID, promotional content for when a customer is not detected, and promotional content for when a customer is detected, the promotional content being associated with each other and recorded in a database;
If no customer is detected near the fixture,
displaying one of the promotional contents for cases where the customer recorded in the database is not detected on a first display unit provided corresponding to the fixture;
When a customer is detected near the fixture,
displaying one of the promotional contents for when the customer recorded in the database is detected on a first display unit provided corresponding to the fixture ;
After the promotional content is finished, determining whether or not a customer is detected in the vicinity of the fixture;
When it is determined that a customer is detected, another promotional content among the promotional contents for when a customer is detected and recorded in the database is displayed on a first display unit provided corresponding to the fixture.
An information processing method in which processing is performed by a computer. The product box has a wireless tag that records the product ID,
The fixture has a product shelf on which the product box can be mounted,
The information processing method according to claim 1 , wherein the product shelf includes a reading unit capable of reading the product ID from the wireless tag when the product box is mounted on the product shelf. A plurality of the product boxes can be mounted side by side on the product shelf,
The information processing method according to claim 2 , wherein the product shelf has the reading unit capable of reading the wireless tags provided on all of the product boxes mounted on the product shelf. A plurality of the product boxes can be mounted side by side on the product shelf,
The information processing method according to claim 2 , wherein the product shelves each have the reading unit at a position corresponding to the wireless tag provided on each of the product boxes. The fixture has a second display unit corresponding to each of the product shelves,
The information processing method according to claim 2 , further comprising displaying promotional content corresponding to the product ID acquired from the product box mounted on each product shelf on the second display unit corresponding to the product shelf. The product box has a wireless tag that records the product ID,
The information processing method according to claim 1 , wherein the fixture has a reading unit capable of reading the product ID from the wireless tag when the product box is hung from the fixture. The fixture includes a weight sensor that detects the weight of the product box,
The information processing method according to claim 1 , further comprising: transmitting a notification when the weight of the product box is equal to or less than a threshold value. The information processing method according to claim 1 , wherein the product box is delivered to the store with a plurality of products packed in the product box. The information processing method according to claim 8 , wherein the product boxes are displayed in a state where a part of the product boxes is detached and the product ID can be read. Acquire a product ID from a product box displayed on a product display fixture,
Acquire, via a network, promotional content for when a customer is not detected and promotional content for when a customer is detected, the promotional content being recorded in association with the acquired product ID;
a location on the display unit where the product box is displayed, a product ID, promotional content for when a customer is not detected, and promotional content for when a customer is detected, the promotional content being associated with each other and recorded in a database;
If no customer is detected near the fixture,
displaying one of the promotional contents for cases where the customer recorded in the database is not detected on a first display unit provided corresponding to the fixture;
When a customer is detected near the fixture,
displaying one of the promotional contents for when the customer recorded in the database is detected on a first display unit provided corresponding to the fixture ;
After the promotional content is finished, determining whether or not a customer is detected in the vicinity of the fixture;
When it is determined that a customer is detected, another promotional content among the promotional contents for when a customer is detected and recorded in the database is displayed on a first display unit provided corresponding to the fixture.
A program that causes a computer to carry out processing. A reading unit that reads a product ID from a product box displayed on a product display fixture;
A customer sensor capable of detecting whether or not a customer is present around the fixture;
If there are no customers around the fixtures,
displaying one of promotional contents for cases where a customer is not detected, the promotional contents being obtained from a database in which the location on the fixture where the product box is displayed, the product ID, promotional contents for cases where a customer is not detected, and promotional contents for cases where a customer is detected are recorded in association with each other ;
If there are customers around the fixtures,
and a display unit that displays one of the promotional contents for when a customer is detected , which are obtained from the database, and displays another of the promotional contents for when a customer is detected, if a customer is present in the vicinity of the fixture after the promotional content has ended . An acquisition unit that acquires a product ID from a product box displayed on a product display fixture;
a content acquisition unit that acquires, via a network, promotional content for when a customer is not detected and promotional content for when a customer is detected, the promotional content being recorded in association with the acquired product ID;
a recording unit that records in a database the location on the display unit where the product box is displayed, the product ID, promotional content for when a customer is not detected, and promotional content for when a customer is detected, in association with each other;
A second acquisition unit that acquires information regarding whether or not a customer is present around the fixture;
If there are no customers around the fixtures,
outputting one of the promotional contents for cases where the customer recorded in the database is not detected to a first display unit provided corresponding to the fixture;
If there are customers around the fixtures,
outputting, to the first display unit, one promotional content among promotional contents for when the customer recorded in the database is detected;
and an output unit that outputs to the first display unit another piece of promotional content among the promotional contents for when a customer recorded in the database is detected when a customer is present in the vicinity of the fixture after the promotional content has ended .

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