Information processing device, program, and stocking information notification system

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, a program and an article delivery information notification system, capable of enhancing contribution to a profit of a shop.SOLUTION: An information processing device of an embodiment includes: acquisition means that acquires inventory information indicating an inventory status of commodities displayed on a sales floor; selection means that selects a rare-stock commodity needed to be replenished to the sales floor on the basis of the inventory information acquired by the acquisition means; setting means that, when a plurality of the rare-stock commodities are selected by the selection means, sets a priority of replenishment to the sales floor for the selected rare-stock commodity; and output means that outputs article delivery information in which commodity identification information identifying the rare-stock commodity selected by the selection means is associated with the priority that is set by the setting means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing apparatus, a program, and a replenishment information notification system.

Background Art

[0002] When products displayed on the sales floor of a store such as a supermarket run out or become scarce, the store prevents loss of sales opportunities by replenishing the products. In the following description, the state where products displayed on the sales floor have run out or become scarce and replenishment of the products is required is also referred to as an "out-of-stock state", and the products in the out-of-stock state are also referred to as "out-of-stock products". Also, replenishing out-of-stock products on the sales floor is also referred to as "replenishment".

[0003] Conventionally, a product management system has been proposed that detects the out-of-stock state of display shelves on which products are displayed based on an image of the sales floor and notifies store employees of out-of-stock products (for example, Patent Document 1). According to this conventional technology, a store employee can recognize out-of-stock products based on a notification from the product management system and perform replenishment.

[0004] However, in the above conventional technology, when there are multiple out-of-stock products, the replenishment order of the out-of-stock products has been left to the judgment of individual store employees. For this reason, in stores, situations have occurred such as delays in replenishing out-of-stock products with a high degree of opportunity loss due to inability to sell, for example. As a result, the above conventional technology has room for improvement in terms of contributing to the profit of the store.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, a program, and a replenishment information notification system that can enhance the contribution to the profit of a store.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing device of this embodiment includes: an acquisition means for acquiring inventory information indicating the inventory status of products displayed in the sales area; a selection means for selecting low-stock products that need to be replenished in the sales area based on the inventory information acquired by the acquisition means; a setting means for setting a priority for replenishment in the sales area for the selected low-stock products when multiple low-stock products are selected by the selection means; and an output means for outputting product identification information that identifies the low-stock products selected by the selection means and the priority set by the setting means. Furthermore, the setting means sets the priority based on the degree of opportunity loss calculated by multiplying the price of each of the scarce products by the average number of units sold. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a product stocking notification system including an information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the sales floor of a store where the stocking notification system of the first embodiment is employed. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the store server in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the data structure of the product master stored in the storage unit of the store server in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the data structure of the transaction information management table stored in the memory unit of the store server in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the data structure of the stocking information management table stored in the storage unit of the store server in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit in the store server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the employee terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit in the store clerk terminal of the first embodiment. [Figure 10]Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the product stocking information notification process by the control unit of the store server in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the product stocking information notification screen displayed on the display unit of the store clerk terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows the data structure of the stocking information management table in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the product stocking information notification process in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows the product stocking information notification screen in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows the data structure of the stocking information management table in the third embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the product stocking information notification process in the third embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows the product stocking information notification screen in the third embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows another example of the product stocking information notification screen in the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following describes an information processing device, program, and stocking information notification system of an embodiment with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. For example, the embodiments described below describe an example in which a store server managed by a store is used as the information processing device, but the invention is not limited to this. The information processing device may also be a server device managed by a business operator that provides stocking information notification services to stores. Furthermore, the store server and the server device may be composed of multiple computers.

[0009] Furthermore, in the embodiments described below, the store server selects out-of-stock products based on imaging data captured by a camera installed in the shopping cart that images the sales floor, but is not limited thereto. The store server may select out-of-stock products based on imaging data captured by a camera fixed within the sales floor.

[0010] Also, the store server may select out-of-stock products based on the output of a weight sensor installed on the display shelf on which products are placed. In this case, for example, when the weight detected by the weight sensor installed on the display shelf falls below a predetermined value, the store server selects the products placed on that display shelf as out-of-stock products. Furthermore, the store server may select out-of-stock products based on settlement information of an accounting device such as a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal. In this case, for example, when a specific product is sold a predetermined number or more times according to the settlement information from the accounting device, the store server selects that specific product as an out-of-stock product.

[0011] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a product-out information notification system 1 including an information processing device according to the first embodiment. The product-out information notification system 1 of the present embodiment is applied to, for example, a store such as a supermarket. The product-out information notification system 1 includes a store server 2 managed by the store, a store clerk terminal 3 operated by a store clerk, a registration terminal 4 installed in a shopping cart SC, and an accounting device 5.

[0012] The store server 2, the store clerk terminal 3, the registration terminal 4, and the accounting device 5 are communicably connected to each other via a network such as a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network). Note that the numbers of these store server 2, store clerk terminal 3, registration terminal 4, and accounting device 5 are not limited to the illustrated example. Here, the store server 2 is an example of an information processing device, and the store clerk terminal 3 is an example of a terminal device.

[0013] Customer C shops while moving the shopping cart SC within the sales floor. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the sales floor of the store. Inside the sales floor, a plurality of display shelves A to L are arranged. The display shelves are classified by product category. Specifically, display shelves A to D display products with the product category of "vegetables". Display shelves E to G display products with the product category of "meat". Display shelves H to J display products with the product category of "fish". Display shelves K and L display products with the product category of "confectionery".

[0014] Customer C uses the registration terminal 4 of the shopping cart SC in the sales floor shown in FIG. 2 to register the product information of the products to be purchased (hereinafter also referred to as "purchased products") with the store server 2. For example, the registration terminal 4 reads the product code from the code symbol attached to the purchased product by a scanner (not shown) according to the operation of Customer C and transmits it to the store server 2. The store server 2 reads out the product information corresponding to the received product code from the product master stored in its own device. The store server 2 issues a transaction code and registers the read product information in association with the transaction code as transaction information. Thereby, the store server 2 manages the transaction information for each transaction code.

[0015] Note that the product information may be registered in the registration terminal 4. In this case, the registration terminal 4 may read out the product information corresponding to the product code from the product master stored in its own device, or may acquire it from the store server 2.

[0016] After the registration of the product information for all the purchased products is completed, Customer C moves to the accounting device 5 and inputs the transaction code. The input of the transaction code is made, for example, by the scanner provided in the accounting device 5 reading the code symbol displayed on the registration terminal 4. The accounting device 5 acquires the transaction information corresponding to the input transaction code from the store server 2 and executes the accounting process for Customer C to make a payment. Thereby, Customer C can complete the payment for the purchased products.

[0017] As multiple customers C move around the sales floor, cameras 41 installed on each shopping cart SC capture images of the display shelves within the sales floor. The store server 2 acquires the image data captured by the cameras 41 on the multiple shopping carts SC moving around the sales floor, and can recognize the status of display shelves A to L throughout the entire sales floor. Based on the acquired image data, the store server 2 determines whether or not there are any products that are running low on stock in the recognized display shelves A to L. In other words, the store server 2 detects products that are running low on stock based on the acquired image data. The store can arbitrarily set the criteria for determining whether a product is running low on stock. Furthermore, if there are multiple products that are running low on stock, the store server 2 sets the priority for replenishing the sales floor for those products, in other words, the priority for stocking products that are running low on stock.

[0018] The priority for stocking shelves (hereinafter also simply referred to as "priority") is set based, for example, on the degree of opportunity loss caused by the inability to sell scarce items. The method of setting priorities can be determined arbitrarily by the store. For example, a store can set a higher priority for items with large inventories.

[0019] Store server 2 outputs stocking information to employee terminal 3 to notify employees of low-stock items and their priority. Employees can view the stocking information acquired by employee terminal 3 to determine which low-stock items should be prioritized for stocking. Employee terminal 3 may be an information terminal carried by employees and located within the sales floor, or it may be a PC (Personal Computer) located in the back room and operated by employees.

[0020] Next, we will describe each device. First, we will describe the store server 2. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the store server 2. The store server 2 comprises a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation unit 23, and a communication unit 24. The control unit 20, storage unit 21, display unit 22, operation unit 23, and communication unit 24 are connected to each other via a bus 25, etc.

[0021] The control unit 20 consists of a computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 203. The CPU 201, ROM 202, and RAM 203 are connected to each other via a bus 25.

[0022] The CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the store server 2. The ROM 202 stores various programs and data, such as the program used to drive the CPU 201. The RAM 203 is used as the work area for the CPU 201 and loads the various programs and data stored in the ROM 202 and the memory unit 21. The control unit 20 executes various control processes for the store server 2 by having the CPU 201 operate according to the control programs stored in the ROM 202 and the memory unit 21 and loaded into the RAM 203.

[0023] The storage unit 21 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory, and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 21 stores the control program 211, product master 212, imaging data unit 213, analysis model unit 214, transaction information management table 215, and product stocking information management table 216.

[0024] The control program 211 is a program that implements functions such as registering transaction information based on product codes obtained from the registration terminal 4, acquiring image data from the camera 41 installed in the shopping cart SC, selecting scarce products based on the acquired image data, setting the priority of the selected scarce products, and outputting stocking information that associates scarce products with their priorities.

[0025] Product Master 212 is a master file that stores product information for items handled by a store. Since the products handled by a store change daily, Product Master 212 is updated as needed by each store. Figure 4 shows the data structure of Product Master 212. Product Master 312 stores product name, price, average sales volume, lost sales opportunity, shelf location, and product classification, associated with the product code.

[0026] The product code is information that identifies a product, and is an example of product identification information. The product name is information that indicates the name of the product. The price is information that indicates the unit price of the product. The average number of units sold is information that indicates the average number of units sold per day. The average number of units sold is information that indicates, for example, the average number of units sold per day in the previous month, and is updated every month.

[0027] Opportunity cost is information that shows the amount calculated by multiplying the corresponding price by the average number of units sold. Opportunity cost is an estimate of the amount of loss due to products that could have been sold but could not be sold, and is an example of the degree of opportunity cost that is determined for each product. Note that the degree of opportunity cost may be based on, for example, only the price of the product, only the average number of units sold per day, or the profit margin of the product. Display shelf is information that identifies the display shelf on which the product is displayed, and is an example of display area identification information. Product classification is information that shows the product classification assigned to each product, and is an example of classification identification information.

[0028] The imaging data unit 213 sequentially stores imaging data acquired at predetermined intervals from the cameras 41 of each shopping cart SC. Each imaging data stored in the imaging data unit 213 is associated with the time it was captured. By combining imaging data of a specific time stored in the imaging data unit 213, the control unit 20 can recognize the status of all display shelves in the sales area at that specific time, in other words, the display status of products on all display shelves. The imaging data stored in the imaging data unit 213 is an example of inventory information showing the inventory status of products displayed in the sales area.

[0029] The analysis model unit 214 stores the analysis model. The analysis model is a data analysis model that can estimate the depletion status of products displayed on shelves from image data captured within the sales area. For example, the analysis model may be a machine learning model, or it may be an algorithm that does not use machine learning.

[0030] In the former case, for example, the analysis model may be a machine learning model generated by machine learning such as deep learning, using training data consisting of a pair of image data of display shelves in various situations and ground truth data indicating the scarcity status of products. In the latter case, for example, the analysis model may estimate the scarcity status of products displayed on the shelves from image data of the sales floor using known image processing techniques. The analysis model takes image data of the sales floor as input and outputs information indicating scarce products estimated based on said image data.

[0031] The transaction information management table 215 is a data table that manages customer C's transaction information for each transaction. Transaction information is used by the accounting device 5 when it performs accounting processing. The transaction information management table 215 is updated as needed based on information from the registration terminal 4 and the accounting device 5. Figure 5 shows the data structure of the transaction information management table 215. The transaction information management table 215 stores the terminal number, product code, product name, price, transaction amount, and payment completion flag, associated with the transaction code.

[0032] The transaction code is information that identifies a transaction and is issued by the control unit 20. The terminal number is information that identifies the registered terminal 4. The product code, product name, and price are as described in the product master 212. If multiple products are purchased in one transaction, multiple product codes, product names, and prices are registered corresponding to one transaction code. The transaction amount is information that indicates the total amount of one transaction. The payment completion flag is information that indicates whether or not customer C has completed payment of the transaction amount. The payment completion flag is set to "0" if customer C has not completed payment of the transaction amount, and to "1" if payment has been completed.

[0033] The stocking information management table 216 is a data table that manages stocking information to be notified to the employee terminal 3. The stocking information includes information that identifies low-stock items, such as product name and product code, and the stocking priority of the low-stock item. The stocking information management table 216 is updated as needed by the control unit 20. For example, the stocking information management table 216 is updated each time the stocking information notification process described later is executed by the control unit 20. The stocking information management table 216 may be overwritten each time a low-stock item is selected by the stocking information notification process, or the information may be accumulated. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the stocking information management table 216. The stocking information management table 216 stores the update time, product name, opportunity loss amount, and priority in association with each other.

[0034] The update time indicates the time when the stocking information management table 216 was updated by the control unit 20. The product name indicates the name of the product that the control unit 20 determined to be in short supply. In other words, the product name indicates the name of the product that the control unit 20 determined to be in short supply. The opportunity loss amount indicates the opportunity loss amount associated with each product in the product master 212. The priority indicates the priority set by the control unit 20. Note that the stocking information management table 216 does not necessarily have to store the opportunity loss amount.

[0035] The store server 2 periodically transmits stocking information to the employee terminal 3 if stocking information is stored in the stocking information management table 216. Alternatively, the store server 2 may transmit stocking information to the employee terminal 3 upon request from the employee terminal 3 if stocking information is stored in the stocking information management table 216.

[0036] Returning to Figure 3, let's explain the hardware configuration of store server 2.

[0037] The display unit 22 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel and displays various information. The display unit 22 displays information stored in, for example, the product master 212, the transaction information management table 215, the stocking information management table 216, etc., as needed.

[0038] The operation unit 23 is for inputting information to the control unit 20 and consists of a keyboard, touch panel, mouse, etc.

[0039] The communication unit 24 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the employee terminal 3, registration terminal 4, and accounting device 5. The control unit 20 is connected to the external devices via the communication unit 24, enabling it to send and receive information (data) with those external devices.

[0040] Next, the functional configuration of the store server 2 will be described. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 20 of the store server 2. The control unit 20 functions as an input means 2001, a registration means 2002, an acquisition means 2003, a selection means 2004, a setting means 2005, and an output means 2006, with the CPU 201 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 202 and the memory unit 21. Note that each of these functions may be configured with hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0041] Various types of information are input to the input means 2001 from external devices. For example, product codes are input to the input means 2001 from the registration terminal 4. Transaction information requests are also input to the input means 2001 from the accounting device 5. Transaction information requests request transaction information necessary for the accounting device 5 to perform accounting processing, and include a transaction code that identifies the transaction information.

[0042] Furthermore, the input means 2001 may receive replenishment completion information from the employee terminal 3. Replenishment completion information indicates that an employee has restocked a low-stock item, and includes the product code of the restocked item. In this case, when replenishment completion information is received by the input means 2001, the control unit 20 updates the stocking information management table 216. Specifically, the control unit 20 deletes the product with the product code included in the replenishment completion information from the stocking information management table 216.

[0043] The registration means 2002 performs product registration. Specifically, the registration means 2002 reads product information corresponding to the product code entered in the input means 2001 from the product master 212 and registers the necessary information in the transaction information management table 215. When the first product code in a transaction is entered in the input means 2001, the registration means 2002 issues a transaction code and registers product information associated with that transaction code. At this time, the registration means 2002 registers "0" in the corresponding payment completion flag.

[0044] The acquisition means 2003 acquires inventory information indicating the stock status of products displayed in the sales area. Specifically, the acquisition means 2003 acquires image data, which is an example of inventory information, from the registration terminal 4 at predetermined intervals. The image data acquired by the acquisition means 2003 is image data taken continuously by a camera 41 installed on a shopping cart SC that moves around the sales area, and the time of capture is associated with the image data. The acquisition means 2003 stores the acquired image data in the image data unit 213.

[0045] The acquisition means 2003 may also acquire other information as inventory information. For example, the acquisition means 2003 may acquire weight data from a weight sensor that detects the weight of products displayed on a shelf. Alternatively, the acquisition means 2003 may acquire transaction information from the accounting device 5.

[0046] The selection means 2004 selects low-stock items that need to be replenished on the sales floor based on the inventory information acquired by the acquisition means 2003. Specifically, the selection means 2004 selects low-stock items from the imaging data acquired by the acquisition means 2003 using an analysis model. In other words, the selection means 2004 selects low-stock items from among the multiple types of products displayed on the shelves that are either absent or in short supply and require replenishment. Once the selection means 2004 has selected low-stock items, it writes the information to the stocking information management table 216.

[0047] If the selection means 2004 selects multiple items that are out of stock, the setting means 2005 sets a priority for replenishing the selected items in the sales area. Specifically, the setting means 2005 reads the amount of opportunity loss for the items that the selection means 2004 has selected from the product master 212 and sets the priority in descending order of the amount of opportunity loss. In this embodiment, the setting means 2005 sets a priority for each item. The setting means 2005 writes the set priority to the stocking information management table 216.

[0048] The output means 2006 outputs various information to an external device. For example, the output means 2006 outputs stocking information that associates product identification information, which identifies the scarce product selected by the selection means 2004, with the priority set by the setting means 2005. Specifically, when the stocking information management table 216 is updated and a scarce product is registered in the stocking information management table 216, the output means 2006 outputs stocking information that associates the product code and priority of the scarce product with the employee terminal 3.

[0049] Furthermore, when a transaction information request is input to the input means 2001 from the accounting device 5, the output means 2006 outputs transaction information corresponding to the transaction code included in the transaction information request to the accounting device 5.

[0050] Next, the employee terminal 3 will be described. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the employee terminal 3. The employee terminal 3 comprises a control unit 30, a storage unit 31, a display unit 32, an operation unit 33, and a communication unit 34. The control unit 30, storage unit 31, display unit 32, operation unit 33, and communication unit 34 are connected to each other via a bus 35, etc.

[0051] The control unit 30 consists of a computer equipped with a CPU 301, ROM 302, and RAM 303. The CPU 301, ROM 302, and RAM 303 are connected to each other via a bus 35.

[0052] The CPU 301 controls the overall operation of the employee terminal 3. The ROM 302 stores various programs and data, such as the program used to drive the CPU 301. The RAM 303 is used as the work area for the CPU 301 and loads the various programs and data stored in the ROM 302 and the memory unit 31. The control unit 30 executes various control processes for the employee terminal 3 by having the CPU 301 operate according to the control programs stored in the ROM 302 and the memory unit 31 and loaded into the RAM 303.

[0053] The storage unit 31 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD or flash memory, and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 31 stores the control program 311, product master 312, map data 313, and stocking information 314.

[0054] The control program 311 is a program that implements functions such as sending and receiving various information with the store server 2, receiving various information from the operation unit 33, and displaying product stocking information on the display unit 32.

[0055] Product master 312 is received from store server 2 and is the same as product master 212 stored in store server 2. Map data 313 is information showing the map of the sales floor. Stocking information 314 is stocking information received from store server 2. Stocking information 314 is overwritten each time it is received from store server 2, for example, so that the latest stocking information is stored.

[0056] The storage unit 31 may be configured not to store the product master 312. In this case, the store clerk terminal 3 can access the product master 212 by referring to the product master 212 stored in the store server 2, similar to the configuration in which the product master 312 is stored.

[0057] The display unit 32 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel and displays various information. For example, the display unit 22 displays stocking information received from the store server 2. Details regarding the display of low stock information by the display unit 22 will be described later.

[0058] The operation unit 33 is for inputting information to the control unit 30 and consists of a keyboard, touch panel, mouse, etc. For example, the operation unit 33 inputs information to the control unit 30 that instructs switching the display format of the stocking information.

[0059] The communication unit 34 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the store server 2. The control unit 30 is connected to the external device via the communication unit 34, enabling it to send and receive information (data) with the external device.

[0060] Next, the functional configuration of the employee terminal 3 will be described. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 30 of the employee terminal 3. The control unit 30 functions as a transmitting / receiving means 3001, a receiving means 3002, and a display control means 3003, with the CPU 301 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 302 and the memory unit 31. Note that each of these functions may be configured with hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0061] The transmitting / receiving means 3001 transmits and receives various information with the store server 2. For example, if the store server 2 selects a product that is in short supply, the transmitting / receiving means 3001 receives stocking information from the store server 2.

[0062] The transmitting / receiving means 3001 may send a stocking information request to the store server 2. The stocking information request inquires about the availability of low-stock items and is sent by a store employee operating the operation unit 33 as needed. In other words, the stocking information request requests the store server 2 to detect low-stock items. In addition to detecting low-stock items in the stocking information notification process which is performed periodically, the store server 2 also detects low-stock items in response to stocking information requests from the store employee terminal 3. The store server 2 then sends stocking information to the store employee terminal 3 as needed.

[0063] Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving means 3001 may transmit replenishment completion information to the store server 2. Replenishment completion information is information indicating that a store employee has completed replenishing low-stock items, and is transmitted in response to the employee's actions. By receiving the replenishment completion information, the store server 2 can update the stocking information management table 216 independently of the stocking information notification process that is performed periodically.

[0064] The reception means 3002 receives various input information from the operation unit 33. For example, the reception means 3002 receives a display switching input to switch the display method of the stocking information. The reception means 3002 may also receive the replenishment completion information mentioned above.

[0065] The display control means 3003 displays various information on the display unit 32. For example, the display control means 3003 displays the stocking information received by the transmission / reception means 3001 from the store server 2 on the display unit 32. Specifically, the display control means 3003 uses map data 313 to display the product name, stocking location, and stocking priority of low-stock items on the display unit 32 for store staff to easily understand where low-stock items are located.

[0066] Next, the registration terminal 4 will be described. The registration terminal 4 is composed of, for example, a tablet device. The registration terminal 4 is connected to a camera 41 that takes images of the sales floor and a scanner (not shown) that reads product codes from code symbols attached to products.

[0067] The registration terminal 4 transmits the product code read by the scanner to the store server 2, causing the store server 2 to register the transaction information. The registration terminal 4 also transmits the image data captured by the camera 41 to the store server 2 as it occurs.

[0068] Next, let's describe the accounting device 5. The accounting device 5 is a so-called self-service accounting device in which, for example, customer C performs the accounting operations themselves. The accounting device 5 obtains transaction information corresponding to the entered transaction code from the store server 2. Based on the transaction information obtained from the store server 2, the accounting device 5 performs accounting processing related to payments made by cash or cashless payment methods such as credit card payments. Here, accounting processing refers to the process of paying for the goods purchased by customer C.

[0069] The accounting device 5 may also be a POS terminal operated by a store employee to register transaction information and perform accounting processing. In this case, for example, the shopping cart SC may be equipped with a camera 41 and a transmission device that transmits the image data captured by the camera 41 to the store server 2.

[0070] Next, we will explain the stocking information notification process performed by the store server 2. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the stocking information notification process by the control unit 20 of the store server 2. The stocking information notification process is performed periodically (for example, at 5-minute intervals).

[0071] The control unit 20 determines whether it is time to execute the product stocking information notification process (step S1). If it is not time to execute the process (step S1, N), it returns to step S1 and waits.

[0072] When it is time to execute (Y in step S1), the selection means 2004 acquires imaging data from the imaging data unit 213 (step S2). At this point, the acquisition means 2003 may acquire imaging data from the registration terminal 4, in which case the selection means 2004 immediately acquires the imaging data acquired by the acquisition means 2003. Subsequently, the selection means 2004 determines whether or not there are any low-stock items on the sales floor based on the acquired imaging data (step S3). The selection means 2004 determines the presence or absence of low-stock items using the analysis model stored in the analysis model unit 214.

[0073] If there are no items in short supply (N in step S3), the control unit 20 terminates the stocking information notification process. If there are items in short supply (Y in step S3), the selection means 2004 determines whether there are multiple items in short supply (step S4).

[0074] If there are multiple items in short supply (Y in step S4), the setting means 2005 reads the opportunity loss amount for each item from the product master 212 and compares them (step S5). Next, the setting means 2005 sets a priority for the items in short supply. Specifically, the setting means 2005 sets the priority in descending order of opportunity loss amount.

[0075] The control unit 20 updates the stocking information management table 216 (step S7). Specifically, the control unit 20 registers information including the update time, the name of the low-stock item selected by the selection means 2004, and the priority of the low-stock item in the stocking information management table 216. The output means 2006 transmits the stocking information, including the name and priority, from the information registered in the stocking information management table 216 to the store clerk terminal 3. Then, the control unit 20 terminates the stocking information notification process.

[0076] In step S4, if there are no multiple items in short supply (N in step S4), the control unit 20 skips steps S5 and S6 and proceeds to step S7. In this case, since only one item in short supply is registered in the stocking information management table 216, the priority of that item is set to "1".

[0077] Next, the display of stocking information by the employee terminal 3 will be explained. Based on the product master 312, map data 313, and stocking information 314 stored in the storage unit 31, the employee terminal 3 displays a stocking information notification screen on the display unit 32. Figure 11 shows the stocking information notification screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the employee terminal 3. Here, the stocking information notification screen when the stocking information shown in Figure 6 is registered in the stocking information management table 216 of the store server 2 will be explained as an example.

[0078] The display unit 32 displays the product name and priority of scarce items, associating them with the display location of the scarce item. Specifically, the display unit 32 displays a map of the sales floor showing the location of the display shelves, and displays the product name and priority of the scarce item, associating them with the display shelves. For example, for "beef" with a priority of "1" in the stocking information management table 216 shown in Figure 6, the display unit 32 displays the product name "beef" and priority "(1)" as associations with the display shelf E where the beef is displayed.

[0079] More specifically, the employee terminal 3 reads the display shelf E corresponding to "beef" included in the stocking information received from the store server 2 from the product master 312. Then, the employee terminal 3 displays the location of the low-stock product "beef" and its priority "(1)" in the map data 313 on the display unit 32.

[0080] The display unit 32 similarly displays the product name and priority for other scarce products, associating them with the display location of the scarce product. Specifically, for "cabbage" with a priority of "2" and "potatoes" with a priority of "3", the display unit 32 displays the product name "cabbage" and priority "(2)", and the product name "potatoes" and priority "(3)", associating them with display shelf B.

[0081] Furthermore, the display unit 32 displays the product name "Tomato" and priority "(4)" for "Tomato," which has a priority of "4," in association with display shelf A. In addition, the display unit 32 displays the product name "Sweets X," priority "(5)" for "Sweets Y," which has a priority of "5," and the product name "Sweets Y," priority "(6)" for "Sweets Y," in association with display shelf K.

[0082] By viewing the stocking information notification screen displayed on the display unit 32, store employees can recognize low-stock items, the stocking priority of those items, and the display location of those items. By recognizing the priority, store employees can stock items in an order that is beneficial to the store. Furthermore, by recognizing the display location of low-stock items, store employees can stock items efficiently.

[0083] The display unit 32 may also indicate priority by color instead of using numbers such as "(1)". For example, the display unit 32 may make the text and background of the product name of the most high-priority scarce product red. Furthermore, the scarcity information notification screen only needs to display information identifying scarce products and their priority, and various display formats can be adopted.

[0084] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that priority is set for scarce items on a shelf-by-shelf basis. In the following description, explanations of configurations and functions similar to those of the first embodiment may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessarily verbose explanations and to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art.

[0085] The storage unit 21 of the store server 2 includes a stocking information management table 217 as shown in Figure 12. The stocking information management table 217 is a data table that manages low-stock items for each display shelf. The stocking information management table 217 stores the update time, display shelf, product name, lost sales opportunity amount, and priority in association with each other.

[0086] The update time and product name are the same as in the first embodiment. The display shelf is information that identifies the display shelf where the low-stock product is displayed. If multiple products are displayed on one display shelf, multiple product names are registered corresponding to one display shelf. The opportunity loss amount is the sum of the opportunity losses for the low-stock products on the corresponding display shelf. In the example shown in Figure 12, the low-stock products on display shelf B are "cabbage" and "potatoes". In this case, the opportunity loss amount is 35,000 yen, which is the sum of the opportunity loss amount of 20,000 yen for "cabbage" and the opportunity loss amount of 15,000 yen for "potatoes" in product master 212. The priority is the priority for each display shelf, and is set in descending order of the corresponding opportunity loss amount.

[0087] Next, we will describe the stocking information notification process performed by the store server 2. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the stocking information notification process by the control unit 20 of the store server 2 in the second embodiment.

[0088] The processing in steps S1 to S4 is the same as in the first embodiment. In the processing of step S4, if there are multiple items that are out of stock (Y in step S4), the setting means 2005 calculates the opportunity loss amount for each display shelf (step S11). Specifically, if there are multiple items that are out of stock selected by the selection means 2004 on a single display shelf, the setting means 2005 refers to the product master 212 and adds up the opportunity loss amounts of the multiple items that are out of stock displayed on that display shelf.

[0089] The setting means 2005 compares the opportunity loss amount for each display shelf calculated in step S11 (step S5) and sets the stocking priority for each display shelf (step S12). The setting means 2005 sets the priority for each display shelf in descending order of opportunity loss amount.

[0090] The control unit 20 updates the stocking information management table 217 (step S7). The output means 2006 transmits the stocking information for each display shelf to the store clerk terminal 3 (step S13). The stocking information for each display shelf includes display unit identification information that identifies the display shelf where the low-stock product is located, the priority of that display shelf unit, and the name of the low-stock product. The control unit 20 then outputs the stocking information notification process.

[0091] In step S4, if there are no multiple items that are in short supply (N in step S4), the control unit 20 skips steps S11, S5, and 12 and proceeds to step S7.

[0092] Next, we will explain how the store clerk terminal 3 displays stocking information. Figure 14 shows the stocking information notification screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the store clerk terminal 3 in the second embodiment. Here, we will explain the stocking information notification screen as an example when the stocking information shown in Figure 12 is registered in the stocking information management table 217 of the store server 2.

[0093] The display unit 32 displays the priority for each display shelf, information identifying the display shelf, and the product name for the product in association with that display shelf. Specifically, the display unit 32 displays a map of the sales floor showing the location of the display shelves, and displays the priority, the display shelf name, and the product name of the product in association with that display shelf. For example, regarding the product "beef" which is in short supply on display shelf E, which has a priority of "1" in the stocking information management table 217 shown in Figure 12, the display unit 32 displays the display shelf name "Shelf E", priority "(1)", and product name "Beef" in association with display shelf E.

[0094] The employee terminal 3 similarly displays the priority of each display shelf, information identifying the display shelf, and the product name for other scarce items, associating them with the respective display shelf. Specifically, the display unit 32 displays the display shelf name "Shelf B", priority "(2)", and product names "Potato" and "Cabbage" for the scarce items "Potatoes" and "Cabbage" on display shelf B, which have a priority of "2", associating them with display shelf B.

[0095] Furthermore, the display unit 32 displays the shelf name "Shelf K", priority "(3)", and product names "Sweets X" and "Sweets Y" in association with shelf K, which are scarce items on shelf K with a priority of "3". In addition, the display unit 32 displays the shelf name "Shelf A", priority "(4)", and product name "Tomato" in association with shelf A, which is scarce item on shelf A, which has a priority of "4".

[0096] By viewing the stocking information notification screen displayed on the display unit 32, store staff can recognize the priority of the display shelves for stocking low-stock items, or in other words, the priority of low-stock items for each display shelf. By recognizing the above priority, store staff can stock items in a sequence that is beneficial to the store, similar to the first embodiment. Furthermore, since store staff can stock low-stock items in batches for each display shelf, they can perform the stocking work on the display shelves more efficiently.

[0097] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that it sets priorities for scarce products on a product category basis. In the following, explanations of configurations and functions similar to those of the first and second embodiments may be omitted.

[0098] The storage unit 21 of the store server 2 includes a stocking information management table 218 as shown in Figure 15. The stocking information management table 218 is a data table that manages scarce items for each product category. Product categories are classifications of products sold in the store and can be arbitrarily set by each store. The stocking information management table 218 stores the update time, product category, display shelf, product name, lost sales opportunity, and priority in association with each other.

[0099] The update time, display shelf, and product name are the same as in the second embodiment. The product classification is information that identifies the product classification set by the store. If products belonging to a single product classification are displayed on multiple display shelves, multiple display shelves are registered corresponding to that single product classification. The opportunity loss amount is the sum of the opportunity losses for the under-stocked products in the corresponding product classification. In the example shown in Figure 15, the under-stocked products in the product classification "vegetables" are "cabbage," "potatoes," and "tomatoes." In this case, the opportunity loss amount is 45,000 yen, which is the sum of the opportunity loss amount for "cabbage" (20,000 yen), the opportunity loss amount for "potatoes" (15,000 yen), and the opportunity loss amount for "tomatoes" (10,000 yen) in the product master 212. The priority is the priority for each product classification, and is set in descending order of the corresponding opportunity loss amount.

[0100] Next, we will describe the stocking information notification process performed by the store server 2. Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the stocking information notification process by the control unit 20 of the store server 2 in the third embodiment.

[0101] The processing in steps S1 to S4 is the same as in the second embodiment. In the processing of step S4, if there are multiple items that are out of stock (Y in step S4), the setting means 2005 calculates the opportunity loss amount for each product category (step S21). Specifically, if there are multiple items in a single product category that have been selected by the selection means 2004, the setting means 2005 refers to the product master 212 and adds up the opportunity loss amounts for the items that are out of stock belonging to that product category.

[0102] The setting means 2005 compares the opportunity loss amounts for each product category calculated in step S21 (step S5) and sets the stocking priority for each product category (step S22). The setting means 2005 sets the priority for each product category in descending order of opportunity loss amount.

[0103] The control unit 20 updates the stocking information management table 218 (step S7). The output means 2006 transmits the stocking information by product category to the store clerk terminal 3 (step S23). The stocking information by product category includes classification identification information that identifies the product category to which the low-stock item belongs, the priority of the product category unit, and the name of the low-stock item. The control unit 20 then outputs the stocking information notification process.

[0104] In step S4, if there are no multiple items that are in short supply (N in step S4), the control unit 20 skips steps S21, S5, and S22 and proceeds to step S7.

[0105] Next, we will explain how the store clerk terminal 3 displays stocking information. Figure 17 shows the stocking information notification screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the store clerk terminal 3 in the third embodiment. Here, we will explain the stocking information notification screen as an example when the stocking information shown in Figure 15 is registered in the stocking information management table 218 of the store server 2.

[0106] The display unit 32 displays the priority and product category name for each product category to which the scarce product belongs, associating them with the display shelves. Specifically, the display unit 32 displays a map of the sales floor in which the display shelves are grouped by the product category of the products they display. The display unit 32 also displays the product category to which the scarce product belongs and its priority, associating it with the display shelves grouped by product category. For example, the display unit 32 displays priority "(1)" and product category name "Vegetables" as associated with the display shelves that display products belonging to the product category "Vegetables" with a priority of "1" in the stocking information management table 218 shown in Figure 15.

[0107] The employee terminal 3 similarly displays the priority and name of each product category to which other scarce items belong, associating them with the display shelves grouped by that product category. Specifically, the display unit 32 displays priority "(2)" and product category name "Meat" as associated with the display shelf where products belonging to the "Meat" category with a priority of "2" are displayed. The display unit 32 also displays priority "(3)" and product category name "Sweets" as associated with the display shelf where products belonging to the "Sweets" category with a priority of "3" are displayed.

[0108] By viewing the stocking information notification screen displayed on the display unit 32, store staff can recognize that they should prioritize stocking scarce items classified as "vegetables." As shown in Figure 18, when a store staff member taps the shelf section labeled "vegetables" on the stocking information notification screen, the display unit 32 pops up detailed stocking information. For example, the display unit 32 pops up the product name and shelf name of the scarce item. This allows store staff to confirm the details of the stocking information.

[0109] By viewing the stocking information notification screen displayed on the display unit 32, store staff can recognize the priority of the product category to which the low-stock items belong, or in other words, the priority of low-stock items for each product category. By recognizing the above priority, store staff can stock items in an order that is beneficial to the store, similar to the first and second embodiments.

[0110] Furthermore, since stores typically store products in warehouses according to their product category, setting priorities for low-stock items within each category allows store employees to efficiently retrieve these items from the warehouse. For example, employees can consolidate all low-stock items to be stocked in a single stocking operation into a single product category, improving the efficiency of retrieving these items from the warehouse.

[0111] Store employees can similarly display detailed restocking information in a pop-up window for low-stock items in categories such as "meat" and "sweets."

[0112] As described above, the store server 2 of the above embodiment includes an acquisition means 2003 that acquires inventory information (image data) indicating the inventory status of products displayed on the sales floor, a selection means 2004 that selects low-stock products that need to be replenished on the sales floor based on the inventory information acquired by the acquisition means 2003, a setting means 2005 that sets a priority for replenishment on the sales floor for the selected low-stock products when multiple low-stock products are selected by the selection means 2004, and an output means 2006 that outputs product identification information that identifies the low-stock products selected by the selection means 2004 and the priority set by the setting means 2005, in association with product information.

[0113] This allows store server 2 to enable store employees to recognize scarce items and their restocking priorities. As a result, employees can restock items in an order that is beneficial to the store. Consequently, store server 2 can increase its contribution to the store's profits.

[0114] Furthermore, the setting means 2005 in the store server 2 of the above embodiment sets priority based on the degree of opportunity loss (amount of opportunity loss) defined for each product.

[0115] This allows store server 2 to mitigate profit reductions caused by lost sales opportunities resulting from shortages of certain products in stores.

[0116] Furthermore, the setting means 2005 in the store server 2 of the above embodiment sets different priorities for each item that is in short supply.

[0117] This allows store server 2 to finely adjust the priority of scarce items. As a result, store server 2 can more effectively mitigate profit losses due to lost sales opportunities caused by scarce items.

[0118] In addition, in the store server 2 of the above embodiment, the setting means 2005 sets a different priority for each product display unit associated with each product, and the output means 2006 outputs product stocking information including display unit identification information that identifies the product display unit associated with the priority.

[0119] This allows store server 2 to make store employees aware of the priority of each display shelf. As a result, store employees can stock shelves in batches of low-stock items, making the stocking process more efficient.

[0120] Furthermore, in the store server 2 of the above embodiment, the setting means 2005 sets different priorities for each product classification into which each product is categorized, and the output means 2006 outputs product stocking information that includes classification identification information that identifies the product classification and is associated with the priority.

[0121] This allows store server 2 to recognize the priority of each product category for store employees. As a result, store employees can efficiently retrieve low-stock items from the warehouse during a single stocking cycle.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the control programs executed by the store server 2, employee terminal 3, registration terminal 4, and accounting device 5 may be provided by recording them on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Alternatively, the control programs executed by each device in the above embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading them via the network, or they may be provided via a network such as the Internet.

[0123] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. For example, the method of displaying stocking information by the display unit 32 of the employee terminal 3 may be realized by a combination of the display methods of each embodiment described above. In addition, the stocking information output by the store server 2 may include information such as the number of items to be replenished on the sales floor in association with low-stock items. In this case, the store server 2 stores an appropriate display quantity set in advance for each product and calculates the number to be replenished from the number of items on display of the detected low-stock item and the stored appropriate display quantity. This allows the store to replenish and display the appropriate number of items when they become low in stock.

[0124] Furthermore, the above 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 variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0125] 1. Product Stocking Information Notification System 2. Store Server (Information Processing Unit) 3. Staff terminal (terminal device) 2003 Acquisition method 2004 Selection method 2005 Configuration Method 2006 Output means 3001 Transmitting and receiving means (receiving means) 3003 Display control means [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0126] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-139413

Claims

1. A means for acquiring inventory information that shows the inventory status of products displayed in the sales area, Based on the inventory information acquired by the acquisition means, a selection means selects low-stock items that need to be replenished in the sales area, If multiple scarce items are selected by the selection means, a setting means is provided to set a priority for replenishing the selected scarce items in the sales area. An output means outputs product identification information that associates product identification information that identifies the scarce product selected by the selection means with the priority set by the setting means, Equipped with, The setting means is an information processing device that sets the priority based on the degree of opportunity loss calculated by multiplying the price of each of the scarce products by the average number of units sold.

2. The setting means sets different priorities for each of the scarce products. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The setting means sets different priorities for each product display section associated with each product, The output means outputs the product stocking information, which includes product display unit identification information that is associated with the priority and identifies the product display unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The setting means sets different priorities for each product category into which each product is classified. The output means outputs the product listing information, which includes classification identification information that corresponds to the priority and identifies the product classification. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. A program for controlling an information processing device with a computer, The aforementioned computer, A means for acquiring inventory information that shows the inventory status of products displayed in the sales area, Based on the inventory information acquired by the acquisition means, a selection means selects low-stock items that need to be replenished in the sales area, If multiple scarce items are selected by the selection means, a setting means is provided to set a priority for replenishing the selected scarce items in the sales area. An output means outputs product identification information that associates product identification information that identifies the scarce product selected by the selection means with the priority set by the setting means, To make it function as, The setting means is a program that sets the priority based on the degree of opportunity loss calculated by multiplying the price of each of the scarce products by the average number of units sold.

6. A product stocking information notification system comprising an information processing device for managing store information and a terminal device operated by store employees, The aforementioned information processing device is A means for acquiring inventory information that shows the inventory status of products displayed in the sales area, Based on the inventory information acquired by the acquisition means, a selection means selects low-stock items that need to be replenished in the sales area, If multiple scarce items are selected by the selection means, a setting means is provided to set a priority for replenishing the selected scarce items in the sales area. The system includes an output means that outputs product identification information to the terminal device, which associates product identification information that identifies the scarce product selected by the selection means with the priority set by the setting means, The aforementioned terminal device is Receiving means for receiving the aforementioned product stocking information, The receiving means includes a display control means that causes the receiving means to display the product stocking information on the display unit, Equipped with, The setting means is a stocking information notification system that sets the priority based on the degree of opportunity loss calculated by multiplying the price of each of the scarce items by the average number of units sold.

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