Article supply device management method, device, program and medium, user interface

Abstract

The present invention provides an article supply device management method, device, program, medium, and user interface. The present invention obtains the configuration information of a specified sales location and the article information of each article supply device at the specified sales location from an article supply device database that records the configuration information related to the layout of each article supply device set up at the sales location and the article information related to the articles that each article supply device set up at the sales location can supply, and uses the configuration information and the article information of each article supply device at the specified sales location to display a layout image in a terminal used by a user, in which object images of each article supply device are arranged corresponding to the layout of the article supply device at the specified sales location. The object image includes the article information of the article supply device corresponding to the object image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article supply device management method, a user interface, an article supply device management device and a program, and in particular to an article supply device management method, a user interface, an article supply device management device and a program related to the management of the article supply device. Background Art

[0002] A technology related to a real-time store management system is disclosed, which can grasp the store's machine sales, original prize prices, expenses and final profits in real time, including the calculation of the original prize prices (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-331085 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, the above invention does not take into account the layout of the device for supplying prizes in the store.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention is invented in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an item supply device management method, user interface, item supply device management device and program that can manage each item supply device in an item supply device management screen that takes into account the layout of each item supply device set up at a sales location.

[0009] Solutions for solving problems

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention is a method for managing an article supply device, wherein configuration information of a specified sales location and article information of each article supply device at the specified sales location are obtained from an article supply device database that records configuration information related to the layout of each article supply device set up at the sales location and article information related to articles that can be supplied by each article supply device set up at the sales location, and a layout image is displayed in a terminal used by a user using the configuration information and article information of each article supply device at the specified sales location, in which object images of each article supply device are arranged corresponding to the layout of the article supply devices in the specified sales location, and the object image includes the article information of the article supply device corresponding to the object image.

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention is a user interface, wherein a layout image is displayed, in which object images of each item supply device are arranged corresponding to the layout of each item supply device in a specified sales location, and the object image contains item information related to the items that can be supplied by the item supply device corresponding to the object image. By selecting the object image, it is possible to select an item supply device as the object of change in item information, or to select an item supply device as the object of change in layout.

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention is an article supply device management device, comprising: an acquisition unit, which acquires configuration information of each article supply device at a specified sales location and article information of each article supply device at the specified sales location from an article supply device database that records configuration information related to the layout of each article supply device set up at the sales location and article information related to articles that can be supplied by each article supply device set up at the sales location; and a display control unit, which uses the configuration information and article information of each article supply device at the specified sales location to display a layout image in a terminal used by a user, in which object images of each article supply device are arranged corresponding to the layout of the article supply devices in the specified sales location, wherein the object image includes the article information of the article supply device corresponding to the object image.

[0013] One embodiment of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute the following steps: an acquisition step of acquiring layout information, wherein the layout information includes configuration information related to the layout of each item supply device set up in a sales location, and item information related to items that can be supplied by each item supply device; and a display control step of using the layout information to display a layout image, in which object images of each item supply device are arranged corresponding to the layout of the item supply devices in a specified sales location, wherein the object image includes the item information of the item supply device corresponding to the object image.

[0014] One embodiment of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the above-mentioned article supply device management method.

[0015] Effects of the Invention

[0016] The present invention can manage each article supply device on an article supply device management screen that takes into account the layout of each article supply device installed at a sales location. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the management system in this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a device configuration example of a tablet computer as an example of the terminal 2 .

[0019] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of article supply device information and article information recorded in the article supply device database 4 (article supply device DB 4).

[0020] Figure 4 It is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the terminal 2.

[0021] Figure 5 It is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the management server 3 .

[0022] Figure 6 This is an example of a basic layout diagram.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of layout information.

[0024] Figure 8 A diagram showing an example of a target image.

[0025] Fig. 9 A diagram showing an example of a target image.

[0026] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of a layout image.

[0027] Fig.11 It is the overall sequence diagram of the management system.

[0028] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing an example of the initial screen of the terminal 2.

[0029] Fig.13 This is a flowchart of the layout image generation process.

[0030] Fig.14 It is a diagram showing an example of a layout image displayed on the terminal 2.

[0031] Fig.15 This is a flowchart of the supplement, replacement, setting, and removal process (step 7).

[0032] Fig.16 This is a flowchart of the supplementation, replacement, installation, and removal update processing (step 8) of the management server 3.

[0033] Fig.17 This is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the terminal 2 when replenishing items.

[0034] Fig.18 It is a diagram showing an example of an input screen of “supplement”.

[0035] Fig.19 This is a diagram showing an example of a layout image after the stock quantity of the selected article supply device is updated.

[0036] Fig. 20 This is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the terminal 2 when the product is replaced.

[0037] Fig.21 This is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for “Product Replacement”.

[0038] Fig. 22 This is a diagram showing an example of a layout image after the item IDs and stock quantities supplied by the selected item supply device have been updated.

[0039] Fig.23 This is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the terminal 2 when the article supply device 1 is newly installed.

[0040] Fig.24 This is a diagram showing an example of an input screen of “settings”.

[0041] Fig.25 This is a diagram showing an example of a layout image after a newly installed article supply device has been updated.

[0042] Fig.26 This is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the terminal 2 when the article supply device 1 is removed.

[0043] Fig. 27 It is a diagram showing an example of a “remove” input screen.

[0044] Fig.28 This is a diagram showing an example of a layout image after the removed article supply device is updated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] <Implementation Methods of the Invention>

[0046] Embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0047] [Overall structure]

[0048] The article providing system in this embodiment will be described.

[0049] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the management system in this embodiment. Figure 1 In the figure, 1 is an article supply device installed at a sales location, 2 is a user's terminal, 3 is a management server, and 4 is an article supply device database.

[0050] The article supply device 1, the user's terminal 2, and the management server 3 can be connected to a communication line and can communicate with each other. The communication line refers to a communication path that can perform data communication. In other words, the communication line includes not only a LAN composed of a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, Ethernet (registered trademark), etc., but also a telephone communication network, a cable network, the Internet, etc., and the communication method is not wired or wireless.

[0051] The article supply device 1 is a single or multiple article supply devices set up at the sales location. Each article supply device 1 is a device that supplies (provides) articles. Each article supply device 1 has an article storage section that stores articles. Articles include, for example, articles such as toys stored in divisible spherical capsules, and articles in which toys and capsules are integrated. Articles are not limited to one type of article, and there may be multiple types of articles. In this case, multiple types of articles are mixed and stored in the article storage section of the article supply device 1 as articles belonging to one series (category).

[0052] The front surface of the article supply device 1 is provided with a handle as an operating part and a take-out port for providing articles. A rotating disk is provided at the lower part of the article storage part, and the rotating disk has a hole of a size that allows one article to pass through. The rotating disk is rotated in conjunction with the handle by a predetermined angle, and when the hole of the rotating disk faces the drop-down port provided at the bottom of the article storage part, one article falls from the drop-down port and is provided to the take-out port through a passage connected to the take-out port.

[0053] In addition, the article supply device 1 has the following functions: when the handle is rotated, each time an article is discharged, the handle is detected, and information indicating that one article has been discharged (discharge information) is reported to the table management server 3. However, this is not limited to this, and a structure can also be set to report to the management server 3 via a management device installed at the sales location. In addition, the transmission of discharge information is not limited to each time an article is discharged, and the number of discharges can also be reported in a summary at predetermined intervals.

[0054] The terminal 2 is, for example, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or the like. Figure 2 2 is a diagram showing an example of a device configuration of a tablet computer as an example of the terminal 2. Figure 2 As shown, the terminal 2 includes a display 21 and a touch operation panel 22 integrally formed with the display 21. The terminal 2 is also provided with a control substrate (not shown), a built-in battery, a power button, a volume adjustment button, and the like.

[0055] The control substrate is equipped with various microprocessors such as CPU, GPU, DSP, ASIC, VRAM, or various IC memories such as RAM, ROM, and a wireless communication module for wireless communication with a base station. In addition, the control substrate is equipped with a so-called I / F circuit (interface circuit) such as a drive circuit of the touch operation panel 22. These various elements mounted on the control substrate are electrically connected via a bus circuit, etc., and are connected in a manner that enables data reading or signal transmission and reception.

[0056] The management server 3 is a server system configured to include a single or a plurality of server devices, a storage device, and the like.

[0057] The article supply device database 4 is a database in which article supply device information related to the article supply device 1 and article information related to articles supplied by the article supply device 1 are recorded.

[0058] In addition, the management server 3 and the article supply device database 4 may also exist in the cloud.

[0059] The article supply device information includes: article supply device identification information (article supply device ID), which is identification information assigned to each article supply device 1; information of the sales location (store) where the article supply device 1 is installed; article identification information (article ID), which is used to identify the articles that the article supply device 1 can currently supply; configuration information, which is information related to the configuration of the article supply device 1 in the sales location; inventory quantity information of articles that the article supply device 1 can currently supply; and article supply device status information, which indicates whether the discharge report of the article supply device 1 is normally performed. In addition, the article supply device ID is attached to or engraved on the article supply device 1.

[0060] The article information includes the product name of the article, the description information of the article, the description image of the article, the price information of the article, and the article identification information (article ID) for identifying the article. In addition, the description image of the article is the same as the description image on the paper surface attached to the article supply device 1 in a manner that enables identification of the supplied article, or the description image displayed on the display of the article supply device 1 in a manner that enables identification of the supplied article.

[0061] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of article supply device information and article information recorded in the article supply device database 4 (article supply device DB 4).

[0062] according to Figure 3For example, in each record, the article supply device information includes a field for the article supply device ID, a field for the sales location (store) to be set, a field for the article ID that the article supply device 1 can currently supply, a field for information related to the configuration of the article supply device 1 in the sales location, that is, a field for configuration information, a field for the inventory quantity information of the articles of the article supply device 1, and a field for the status information of the article supply device 1, and each piece of information is recorded in association. For example, in the record of the article supply device ID "1001", the article supply device ID "1001", the sales location "Tokyo XXX", the article ID "100010", the configuration information "(1, 1)", the inventory quantity "35", and the status information "normal" are recorded in association.

[0063] according to Figure 3 For example, in each record, the item information includes a field for the item ID, a field for the product name of the item, a field for the item description information, a field for the item description image, and a field for the item price information, and each piece of information is recorded in association. For example, in the record of the item ID "100010", the item ID "100010", the product name "AA", the description information "figure", the description image "image 1", and the price "500 (yen)" are recorded in association.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above-described example, the inventory information of each article supply device is included in the article supply device information, but the inventory information may be included in the article information as information related to the articles supplied by each article supply device.

[0065] The information recorded in the article supply device database 4 is updated by the management server 3 at any time.

[0066] [Device structure]

[0067] The structure of the terminal 2 will be described. Figure 4 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional structure of the terminal 2. Figure 4 As shown, the terminal 2 includes a processing unit 201 , an operation input unit 202 , an image display unit 203 , a sound output unit 204 , a communication unit 205 , and a storage unit 206 .

[0068] The processing unit 201 controls the operation of the terminal 2 based on the program and data stored in the storage unit 206 and the operation input signal from the operation input unit 202. The functions of the processing unit 201 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU and a GPU, an ASIC, and an IC memory. The processing unit 201 includes a calculation unit 211, an image generation unit 212, a sound generation unit 213, and a communication control unit 214 as main functional units.

[0069] The calculation unit 211 executes various processes for executing the functions of the terminal 2 and outputs the results to the image generation unit 212, the sound generation unit 213, and the communication control unit 214. The calculation unit 211 includes a browser control unit 220.

[0070] The browser control unit 220 converts HTML or the like acquired from the management server 3 into an interactive document using the layout engine of the web browser and displays the document. If plug-ins corresponding to Flash applications and Java applets are prepared, these programs can be displayed and executed.

[0071] The image generation unit 212 generates one image in one frame time (e.g., 1 / 60 second) based on the processing result of the operation unit 211, and outputs the generated image signal to the image display unit 203. The function of the image generation unit 212 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a video signal IC, a video codec, an IC memory for drawing frames such as a frame buffer, an IC memory for expanding texture data, and the like.

[0072] The sound generation unit 213 generates sound signals such as effect sounds and various operation sounds based on the processing results of the operation unit 211, and outputs them to the sound output unit 204. The function of the sound generation unit 213 can be realized by a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP), a sound synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of playing sound files, etc.

[0073] The communication control unit 214 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with the management server 3 and the like.

[0074] The operation input unit 202 is used to input various operations of the user, and outputs operation input signals corresponding to the operation input to the processing unit 201. The functions of the operation input unit 202 can be realized by elements such as touch operation pads, home buttons, button switches, joysticks, and trackballs that are directly operated by the user with fingers, or can be realized by elements such as acceleration sensors, angular velocity sensors, tilt sensors, and geomagnetic sensors that detect movement and posture. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the touch operation panel 22 corresponds to the operation input unit 202 .

[0075] The image display unit 203 displays a screen based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 212. The function of the image display unit 203 can be realized by a display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. Figure 2 In the figure, the image display unit 203 corresponds to the display 21.

[0076] The sound output unit 204 is used to output a sound effect or the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 213 , and corresponds to a speaker of the terminal 2 , for example.

[0077] The communication unit 205 is connected to the communication line N to realize communication. The function of the communication unit 205 can be realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, and the like.

[0078] The storage unit 206 stores in advance or temporarily stores each time processing a program for causing the terminal 2 to operate to realize various functions of the terminal 2, data used in the execution of the program, and the like. The storage unit 206 can be realized by, for example, a RAM, a ROM, an IC memory such as a flash memory, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical disk such as a DVD, and the like. Specifically, the storage unit 206 stores a system program and a control program for controlling the processing of a browser, etc. The system program is a program for realizing the basic functions of the terminal 2 as a computer. The control program is a program for causing the operation unit 211 to function as the browser control unit 220.

[0079] Next, the configuration of the management server 3 will be described. Figure 5 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the management server 3. Figure 5 As shown, the management server 3 includes a processing unit 300 , a communication unit 301 , and a storage unit 302 .

[0080] The processing unit 300 controls the operation of the management server 3 based on the program and data stored in the storage unit 303. The functions of the processing unit 300 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU and a GPU, an ASIC, and an IC memory. The processing unit 300 includes a calculation unit 311 and a communication control unit 312 as main functional units.

[0081] The calculation unit 311 includes a database information acquisition unit 320 , a layout information generation unit 321 , a layout image generation unit 322 , an input screen generation unit 323 , and a database update unit 324 .

[0082] The database information acquisition unit 320 acquires the article supply device information including the record of the sales location specified by the terminal 2 from the article supply device database 4. Then, the article information including the record of the article ID included in each acquired record of the article supply device information is acquired.

[0083] The layout information generating unit 321 generates layout information required for generating a layout image. As a layout of a sales location, usually, the article supply devices 1 are stacked in two or three layers in the vertical direction, and the stacked article supply devices 1 are arranged in the horizontal direction. Considering such a layout, the layout information generating unit 321 pre-stores the content as a basic layout diagram for generating layout information. Figure 6 This is an example of a basic layout diagram. Figure 6 In the example of , the basic layout diagram is composed of 15 cells, and the position of each cell corresponds to the configuration position of the item supply device 1 in the sales location. The position of each cell of the basic layout diagram can be determined by the coordinates of the row and column. For example, the coordinates of cell 1 are (1, 1). The coordinates of the cell become the configuration information included in the item supply device information.

[0084] The layout information generating unit 321 uses the arrangement information in the article supply device information to arrange the article supply device information and the article information in the sales location acquired by the database information acquiring unit 320 in the cells of the basic layout diagram. Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of arranging each article supply device information and article information in a basic layout diagram. Figure 7 , the item supply device information and the item information corresponding to the item supply device 1 having the configuration information "(1, 1)" are configured in the cell of the coordinates (1, 1) of the basic layout diagram, the item supply device information and the item information corresponding to the item supply device 1 having the configuration information "(1, 2)" are configured in the cell of the coordinates (1, 2) of the basic layout diagram, and the item supply device information and the item information are similarly configured in other cells. In addition, the cell where the item supply device information and the item information are not configured is the cell where the item supply device 1 is not configured at the corresponding position.

[0085] In this way, the layout information generating unit 321 generates layout information of the sales location. The layout information generating unit 321 adds layout information identification information (layout information ID) for uniquely identifying the layout information to the generated layout information, and stores the layout information ID and the layout information.

[0086] The layout image generation unit 322 generates a layout image of the sales location using the layout information. The generation of the layout image of the sales location is described. The layout image generation unit 322 generates an object image of the article supply device 1 set at the sales location. The object image is generated using the article supply device information and the article information in each cell of the layout information. Specifically, the object image corresponding to one article supply device 1 is generated by superimposing the description image, price information, and inventory information obtained from the article supply device information and the article information in the cell on an image of a simulated article supply device 1 of a predetermined size.

[0087] Figure 8 A diagram showing an example of a target image. Figure 8 An example of an object image corresponding to the item supply device ID "1001" in the cell (1, 1) when the status information of the item supply device ID "1001" is "normal" is an example of an object image obtained by superimposing the description image and the imaged price information "￥500" and the inventory quantity "25" on the image of the simulated item supply device 1 prepared in advance. On the other hand, Fig. 9 The example is an example of an object image corresponding to the item supply device ID "1002" in the cell (1, 2) when the status information of the item supply device ID "1002" is "abnormal", which is an example of an object image obtained by superimposing a warning information image (error information) and the imaged price information "￥500" and the inventory quantity "10" on the image of the simulated item supply device 1 prepared in advance instead of the explanation image. Moreover, in the case where the inventory information is 0, that is, the number of supplied items is 0, the warning information image can also be superimposed instead of the explanation image. In addition, it is preferable to set the warning information image (error information) to a different expression method, for example, to a different color (red) from the object image of the item supply device, so as to be distinguishable from the object images of other normal item supply devices.

[0088] The layout image generating unit 322 arranges the generated object images of each cell in the basic layout diagram, and writes information indicating that no article supply device 1 is installed in the cell where the article supply device information and article information are not arranged. In this way, the layout image generating unit 322 generates a layout image. Fig.10 3 is a diagram showing an example of a layout image. The layout image corresponds to the layout information and includes the coordinates of the cells where each object image is arranged. Thus, when an object image is selected on the terminal 2, the item supply device information and the item information of the item supply device 1 corresponding to the coordinates of the cell of the selected object image can be obtained from the corresponding layout information. The layout image generation unit 322 sends the generated layout image, layout information, and layout information ID to the terminal 2.

[0089] The input screen generator 323 generates various processing screens required for performing management operations such as replenishing items in the item supply device 1, replacing items supplied by the item supply device 1, installing a new item supply device 1, and removing an installed item supply device 1. Then, the input screen generator 323 transmits the various images to the terminal 2.

[0090] The database updating unit 324 updates the item supply device information and the item information of the item supply device database 4 using the inventory information transmitted from the item supply device 1 and the item supply device information and the item information of the item supply device 1 transmitted from the terminal 2 .

[0091] Next, the operation of the management system according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig.11 It is the overall sequence diagram of the management system.

[0092] The user who goes to the sales place of the article supply device 1 enters the sales place he is going to in the initial screen of the terminal 2 (step 1). Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , it is assumed that the user inputs "Tokyo XXX" as the sales location. The browser control unit 220 of the terminal 2 transmits the information of the input sales location (Tokyo XXX) to the management server 3 (step 2).

[0093] The management server 3 performs a layout image generation process based on the received sales location information (step 3). Here, the layout image generation process of the management server 3 is described. Fig.13 This is a flowchart of the layout image generation process.

[0094] The database information acquisition unit 320 of the management server 3 acquires the article supply device information including the record of the designated sales location from the article supply device database 4 (step 100). In this example, the article supply device information with the sales location "Tokyo XXX" is acquired from the article supply device database 4. For example, the article supply device information with the article supply device ID "1001" is obtained.

[0095] Next, the database information acquisition unit 320 of the management server 3 acquires the item information of the record including the item ID included in the acquired item supply device information of each record (step 101). For example, since the item ID of the item supply device ID "1001" is "100010", the item information of the item ID "100010" is acquired from the item supply device database 4.

[0096] The layout information generating unit 321 of the management server 3 uses the configuration information of each item supply device information to configure each item supply device information and each item information obtained by the database information obtaining unit 320 in the cells of the basic layout diagram to generate the layout information of the sales location (step 102). Figure 7 The layout information shown.

[0097] The layout information generating unit 321 of the management server 3 adds layout information identification information (layout information ID) for uniquely identifying the layout information to the generated layout information, and stores the layout information ID and the layout information (step 103 ).

[0098] The layout image generation unit 322 of the management server 3 generates an object image using the article supply device information and the article information in each cell of the layout information. Then, the layout image generation unit 322 arranges the object image in the corresponding cell of the basic layout diagram, and records information indicating that the article supply device 1 is not installed in the cell where the article supply device information and the article information are not arranged, thereby generating a layout image (step 104).

[0099] The input screen generator 323 of the management server 3 generates various processing screens required for performing management operations such as replenishing items to the item supply device 1, replacing items supplied by the item supply device 1, installing a new item supply device 1, and removing an installed item supply device 1 (step 105).

[0100] The management server 3 transmits the layout information of the sales location, the layout ID, the layout image, and each input screen to the terminal 2 (step 106).

[0101] Back to Fig.11 The sequence diagram is used to continue the explanation.

[0102] The browser control unit 220 of the terminal 2 receives the layout information of the sales location, the layout ID, the layout image, and each input screen, and displays the layout image of the sales location (step 5). Fig.14 1 is a diagram showing an example of a layout image displayed in the terminal 2. The layout image displayed in the terminal 2 arranges object images corresponding to each article supply device 1 in the same arrangement as the layout of the article supply device 1 actually installed at the sales location. In addition, each object image includes an image that is the same as the image of the product description attached to the paper or displayed on the display of the article supply device 1 installed at the sales location. In addition, the object image also includes the price and the inventory quantity. With such a layout image, users who go to the sales location can identify the article supply device without confusion and understand its status, thereby improving the efficiency of replenishment and other operations.

[0103] Next, the user performs operations such as replenishing items, replacing items, installing a new item supply device 1, and removing the item supply device 1 at the sales location. These processes are performed by the replenishment, replacement, installation, and removal process (step 7) of the terminal 2 and the replenishment, replacement, installation, and removal update process (step 8) of the management server 3. Fig.15 is a flowchart of the supplement\replace\set\remove process (step 7), Fig.16 This is a flowchart of the supplementation, replacement, installation, and removal update process (step 8) of the management server 3. Next, the operation of each job will be described using the flowchart.

[0104] 1. Processing of replenishing items to the item supply device 1

[0105] First, the operation on the terminal 2 side will be described.

[0106] The user selects the replenishment tab of the terminal 2 (step 6 ), and selects an object image at a position corresponding to the article supply device 1 to be replenished with articles. Fig.17 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the terminal 2 when replenishing items. Fig.17 In the example, the Supplementation tab is selected, and the item supply device of the cell with coordinates (2, 1) is selected as the item replenishment target.

[0107] When the supplementation tab is selected (step 200) and the object image of the article supply device is selected on the layout image, the browser control unit 220 of the terminal 2 detects the coordinates of the cell of the selected object image (step 201). When the coordinates of the cell are detected, an input screen for "supplementation" as the selected processing content is displayed (step 202). Fig.18 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for “supplement”. Fig.18 In the "Replenishment" input screen, the item supply ID of the item supply device corresponding to the cell with coordinates (2, 1) as well as the item ID of the item supplied by the item supply device and the inventory quantity (remaining quantity) of the item are read from the layout information and displayed in the replenishment input screen.

[0108] When the user completes input of the replenishment information (replenishment quantity) of the replenished item (in Fig.18 When the input is "30" for replenishment quantity), the browser control unit 220 of the terminal 2 sends the replenishment information (the selected cell coordinates, the replenished inventory quantity and the layout ID) to the management server 3 (step 204).

[0109] Next, the operation of the management server 3 will be described.

[0110] The management server 3 receives the supplementary information (the selected cell coordinates, the replenished stock quantity of the item, and the layout ID) as the update information (step 300).

[0111] The layout information generation unit 321 of the management server 3 obtains the layout information corresponding to the received layout ID from the stored layout information (step 301). The layout information generation unit 321 updates the inventory quantity of the item supply device ID corresponding to the received cell coordinates in the layout information to the received replenished inventory quantity, thereby updating the layout information (step 302). Then, the layout information generation unit 321 assigns a new layout ID to the updated layout information and stores it (step 303).

[0112] The database updating unit 324 of the management server 3 updates the inventory quantity of the article supply device ID whose layout information has been updated in the article supply device database 4 to the inventory quantity after replenishment (step 304 ).

[0113] The layout image generation unit 322 of the management server 3 generates an object image using the article supply device information and article information in each cell of the updated layout information. Then, the object image is arranged in the corresponding cell of the basic layout diagram, and information indicating that the article supply device 1 is not installed is recorded in the cell where the article supply device information and article information are not arranged, thereby generating a layout image (step 305). In addition, only the object image of the cell where the article supply device information and article information are updated may be newly generated, and the object image may be reused for other cells.

[0114] The management server 3 transmits the layout information of the sales location, the layout ID, the layout image, and each input screen to the terminal 2 (step 306).

[0115] The terminal 2 receives the layout information of the sales location, the layout ID, and the layout image as each input screen, and displays the updated layout image (step 12). Fig.19 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a layout image after the inventory quantity of the selected article supply device is updated. Fig.19 In , the inventory quantity of the item supply device corresponding to the cell with coordinates (2, 1) is updated.

[0116] This concludes the description of the operation of the article supply device 1 for the process of replenishing articles.

[0117] 2. Product replacement process of the article supply device 1

[0118] First, the user selects the commodity replacement tab of the terminal 2 (step 6), and selects an object image at a position corresponding to the item supply device 1 to which the item is to be replaced. Fig. 20 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the terminal 2 when the product is replaced. Fig. 20 In the example, select commodity replacement, and select the item supply device in the cell (2, 1) as the commodity replacement object.

[0119] When the product replacement tab is selected (step 205) and the object image of the article supply device is selected on the layout image, the browser control unit 220 of the terminal 2 detects the coordinates of the cell of the selected object image (step 206). When the coordinates of the cell are detected, an input screen for "product replacement" as the selected processing content is displayed (step 207). Fig.21 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for “Product Replacement”. Fig.21In the "Product Replacement" input screen, the item supply device ID of the item supply device corresponding to the cell at coordinates (2, 1) and the item ID of the supplied item are read from the layout information and displayed on the product replacement input screen. In addition, a product replacement input screen is displayed for the user to input the item ID and inventory quantity of the item to be replaced.

[0120] When the input of product replacement information is completed (in Fig.21 When the item ID "202516" and the inventory quantity "30" are inputted in the terminal 2 (step 208), the browser control unit 220 of the terminal 2 sends the product replacement information (the selected cell coordinates, the item ID of the replaced item, the inventory quantity and the layout ID) to the management server 3 (step 209).

[0121] Next, the operation of the management server 3 will be described.

[0122] The management server 3 receives the commodity replacement information (selected cell coordinates, the item ID and stock quantity of the replaced item, and the layout ID) as update information (step 300).

[0123] The layout information generation unit 321 of the management server 3 obtains the layout information corresponding to the received layout ID from the stored layout information (step 301). The layout information generation unit 321 updates the item ID and the inventory quantity of the item supply device ID corresponding to the received cell coordinates in the layout information to the received item ID and the inventory quantity, and updates the layout information (step 302). Then, the layout information generation unit 321 assigns a new layout ID to the updated layout information and stores it (step 303).

[0124] The database updating unit 324 of the management server 3 updates the article ID and the stock quantity of the article supply device ID after the layout information is updated in the article supply device database 4 to the article ID and the stock quantity of the updated layout information (step 304).

[0125] The layout image generation unit 322 of the management server 3 generates an object image using the article supply device information and article information in each cell of the updated layout information. Then, the object image is arranged in the corresponding cell of the basic layout diagram, and information indicating that the article supply device 1 is not installed is recorded in the cell where the article supply device information and article information are not arranged, thereby generating a layout image (step 305). In addition, only the object image of the cell where the article supply device information and article information are updated may be newly generated, and the object image may be reused for other cells.

[0126] The management server 3 transmits the layout information of the sales location, the layout ID, the layout image, and each input screen to the terminal 2 (step 306).

[0127] The terminal 2 receives the layout information of the sales location, the layout ID, the layout image, and each input screen, and displays the updated layout image (step 12). Fig. 22 2 is a diagram showing an example of a layout image after updating the item ID and inventory quantity supplied by the selected item supply device. Fig. 22 In the example, the item (commodity) supplied by the item supply device corresponding to the cell at coordinates (2, 1) is replaced, thereby updating the description image, price, and inventory quantity of the object image of the cell at coordinates (2, 1).

[0128] This concludes the description of the operation of the commodity replacement process of the article supply device 1 .

[0129] 3. Processing of newly installing the article supply device 1

[0130] First, the user selects the setup tab of the terminal 2 (step 6 ), and selects a cell (uninstalled cell) corresponding to the position where the article supply device 1 is to be newly installed. Fig.23 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the terminal 2 when the article supply device 1 is newly installed. Fig.23 In the example of , the cell with coordinates (2, 5) corresponding to the position where the article supply device 1 is newly set is selected.

[0131] When the setting tab is selected (step 210) and a cell that has not been set is selected on the layout image, the browser control unit 220 of the terminal 2 detects the coordinates of the selected cell (step 211). When the coordinates of the cell are detected, an input screen for "settings" as the selected processing content is displayed (step 212). Fig.24 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen of “settings”. Fig.24 A setting input screen is displayed in the "Settings" input screen, which is used to input the item supply device ID of the item supply device configured at the position corresponding to the selected cell, the item ID and inventory quantity of the item supplied by the item supply device.

[0132] When the configuration information is input (in Fig.24 When the item supply device ID "10789", item ID "210087" and inventory quantity "30" are inputted) and the decision is pressed (step 213), the browser control unit 220 of the terminal 2 sends the setting information (selected cell coordinates, configured item supply device ID, item ID, inventory quantity and layout ID) to the management server 3 (step 214).

[0133] Next, the operation of the management server 3 will be described.

[0134] The management server 3 receives the setting information (selected cell coordinates, configured item supply device ID, item ID, stock quantity, and layout ID) as update information (step 300).

[0135] The layout information generation unit 321 of the management server 3 obtains the layout information corresponding to the received layout ID from the stored layout information (step 301). The layout information generation unit 321 uses the setting information (selected cell coordinates, configured item supply device ID, item ID, inventory quantity, and layout ID) to write "item supply device ID, sales location, item ID, configuration information, inventory quantity, and status" to the cell of the selected coordinates in the layout information, thereby updating the layout information (step 302). Then, the layout information generation unit 321 assigns a new layout ID to the updated layout information and stores it (step 303).

[0136] The database updating unit 324 of the management server 3 records the “article supply device ID, sales location, article ID, configuration information, inventory quantity, and status” of the newly installed article supply device in the article supply device database 4 to update the article supply device database 4 (step 304).

[0137] The layout image generation unit 322 of the management server 3 generates an object image using the article supply device information and article information in each cell of the updated layout information. Then, the object image is arranged in the corresponding cell of the basic layout diagram, and information indicating that the article supply device 1 is not installed is recorded in the cell where the article supply device information and article information are not arranged, thereby generating a layout image (step 305). In addition, only the object image of the cell where the article supply device information and article information are updated may be newly generated, and the object image may be reused for other cells.

[0138] The management server 3 transmits the layout information of the sales location, the layout ID, the layout image, and each input screen to the terminal 2 (step 306).

[0139] The terminal 2 receives the layout information of the sales location, the layout ID, the layout image, and each input screen, and displays the updated layout image (step 12). The same process is also performed on the cell with the newly set coordinates (1, 5). Fig.25 2 is a diagram showing an example of a layout image after updating a newly installed article supply device. Fig.25 , a layout image is shown in which an object image of a newly installed article supply device is added to the cell at coordinates (1, 5) and the cell at coordinates (2, 5).

[0140] This concludes the description of the operation of the process for installing a new article supply device 1 .

[0141] 4. Removal of the Article Supply Device 1

[0142] First, the user selects the removal tab of the terminal 2 (step 6), and selects a cell corresponding to the position of the article supply device 1 to be removed. In addition, in the case of removal, considering the aesthetics of the arrangement of the article supply device 1, it is generally considered to remove the two upper and lower article supply devices 1 in the vertical direction at the same time. Therefore, in this example, if a cell corresponding to any one of the two upper and lower article supply devices 1 in the vertical direction is selected, the other cell can also be selected at the same time. Fig.26 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the terminal 2 when the article supply device 1 is removed. Fig.26 In the example, by selecting the cell with coordinates (2, 2) corresponding to one of the item supply devices 1 to be removed, the cell with coordinates (1, 2) corresponding to two item supply devices 1 and the cell with coordinates (2, 2) are selected.

[0143] When the Remove tab is selected (step 215) and a cell at a position to be removed is selected on the layout image, the browser control unit 220 of the terminal 2 detects the coordinates of the selected cell and cells that are continuous in the vertical direction (step 216). When the coordinates of the cells are detected, an input screen for "Remove" as the selected processing content is displayed (step 217). Fig. 27 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for “Remove”. Fig. 27 In the "Remove" input screen, the item supply device ID of the item supply device corresponding to the selected cell with coordinates (2, 2) and the item supply device ID of the item supply device corresponding to the cell with coordinates (1, 2) continuous in the vertical direction are displayed.

[0144] When the ID of the item supply device to be removed is confirmed (in Fig. 27 When the decision is pressed (step 218), the browser control unit 220 of the terminal 2 sends the removal information (layout ID, selected cell coordinates, and cell coordinates continuous in the vertical direction) to the management server 3 (step 219).

[0145] Next, the operation of the management server 3 will be described.

[0146] The management server 3 receives the removal information (layout ID, selected cell coordinates, and vertically continuous cell coordinates) as update information (step 300).

[0147] The layout information generation unit 321 of the management server 3 obtains the layout information corresponding to the received layout ID from the stored layout information (step 301). The layout information generation unit 321 uses the removal information (layout ID, selected cell coordinates, and vertically continuous cell coordinates) to delete the "article supply device information and article information" in the cells of the selected cell coordinates and vertically continuous cell coordinates in the layout information, and updates the layout information (step 302). Then, the layout information generation unit 321 assigns a new layout ID to the updated layout information and stores it (step 303).

[0148] The database updating unit 324 of the management server 3 deletes the “article supply device information” in the cells of the selected cell coordinates and the cell coordinates that continue in the vertical direction from the article supply device database 4, and updates the article supply device database 4 (step 304).

[0149] The layout image generation unit 322 of the management server 3 generates an object image using the article supply device information and article information in each cell of the updated layout information. Then, the object image is arranged in the corresponding cell of the basic layout diagram, and information indicating that the article supply device 1 is not installed is recorded in the cell where the article supply device information and article information are not arranged, thereby generating a layout image (step 305).

[0150] The management server 3 transmits the layout information of the sales location, the layout ID, the layout image, and each input screen to the terminal 2 (step 306).

[0151] The terminal 2 receives the layout information of the sales location, the layout ID, the layout image, and each input screen, and displays the updated layout image (step 12). Fig.28 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a layout image after updating a removed article supply device. Fig.28 , a layout image is shown in which the object image of the article supply device is deleted from the cell at coordinates (1, 2) and the cell at coordinates (2, 2) and the position is changed to unset.

[0152] This concludes the description of the operation of the removal process of the article supply device 1 .

[0153] In this embodiment, a layout image of an item supply device corresponding to the configuration layout of the item supply device installed at the sales location is displayed on the terminal. The layout image arranges object images corresponding to each item supply device in the same arrangement as the configuration of the item supply device 1 actually installed at the sales location. In addition, each object image includes item information of the item supply device installed at the sales location. The item information is information attached to the paper of the item supply device, or information displayed on the display of the item supply device, inventory information, price information, etc.

[0154] Users visiting the sales location can compare the article supply devices installed at the sales location with the layout image to identify each article supply device without confusion and understand its status. As a result, the efficiency of replenishing or replacing articles in the article supply devices, and arranging and removing the article supply devices is improved.

[0155] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the layout image is displayed two-dimensionally according to the characteristics of the arrangement of the article supply devices, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the layout image may be displayed stereoscopically in a three-dimensional space.

[0156] <Modification 1 of the embodiment of the present invention>

[0157] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the management server 3 generates a layout image, and the terminal 2 displays the received layout image. However, the terminal 2 may also have a function of generating and controlling a layout image. In this case, the terminal 2 implements these functions by installing a dedicated application for executing the functions of the layout image generating unit 322 and the input screen generating unit 323 of the management server 3. On the other hand, it is assumed that the management server 3 does not generate a layout image but transmits layout information. The other operations are the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0158] <Variation 2 of the embodiment of the present invention>

[0159] The layout information generating unit 321 of the management server 3 may generate layout information for each sales location in advance. An advantage of generating layout information for each sales location in advance is that the arrangement of the description images of the articles in each sales location can be known.

[0160] The user who goes to the sales location takes a picture of the actual arrangement of the article supply device, and the management server 3 analyzes the arrangement of the article description images in the photographed image. The management server 3 can determine the sales location that the user goes to by comparing the arrangement of the description images in the photographed image with the arrangement of the description images in each layout information, and can generate a layout image based on the layout information of the sales location.

[0161] With such a structure, the user can omit the input of the sales location.

[0162] The preferred embodiments are listed above to illustrate the present invention, but it is not necessary to have the structures of all the embodiments. Not only can the structures of the various embodiments be combined as appropriate to implement the present invention, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and can be implemented by various modifications within the scope of its technical concept.

[0163] In addition, part or all of the above-mentioned embodiments are also described as the following supplementary notes, but are not limited to these.

[0164] [Appendix 1]

[0165] A management method for managing a plurality of article supply devices capable of supplying actual articles, wherein

[0166] Control is performed so that the inventory information of articles in each article supply device can be presented to the manager in a layout image corresponding to the installation position of the article supply device.

[0167] [Appendix 2]

[0168] Regarding the management methods described in Appendix 1,

[0169] Control is performed so that price information of articles that can be supplied from each article supply device can be presented to a manager in a layout image corresponding to the installation position of the article supply device.

[0170] [Appendix 3]

[0171] Regarding the management method described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2,

[0172] The article supply device includes a paper surface on which information of articles that can be supplied is recorded.

[0173] The management method is controlled so that article information written on paper can be presented as image information in a layout image corresponding to the installation position of the article supply device.

[0174] [Appendix 4]

[0175] Regarding the management method described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 3,

[0176] The layout image includes a first number of image frames in a vertical direction and a second number of image frames in a horizontal direction, and the first number is less than the second number.

[0177] [Appendix 5]

[0178] Regarding the management method described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 4,

[0179] Control is performed so that one article supply device can correspond to one image frame.

[0180] [Appendix 6]

[0181] Regarding the management method described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 5,

[0182] The first number is a number that is 3 or less.

[0183] [Appendix 7]

[0184] Regarding the management method described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 6,

[0185] Control is performed in such a manner that an address that can be recognized by a manager is assigned to each image frame.

[0186] [Appendix 8]

[0187] Regarding the management method described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 7,

[0188] Control is performed in such a manner that at least any one of inventory information, price information, and item information can be presented within the image frame.

[0189] [Appendix 9]

[0190] Regarding the management method described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 8,

[0191] Control is performed in such a manner that any of the inventory information, price information, and article information is not presented to the manager in an image frame that does not correspond to the article supply device.

[0192] [Appendix 10]

[0193] The management method described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 9, wherein:

[0194] Control is performed so that information indicating that the article supply device is not installed can be presented to a manager in an image frame that does not correspond to the article supply device.

[0195] [Appendix 11]

[0196] The management method described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 10, wherein:

[0197] The new article supply device can be controlled accordingly based on the input of the selection of the image frame showing the information indicating that the item is not installed, and the device information and the commodity information of the article supply device newly corresponding to the selected image frame.

[0198] [Appendix 12]

[0199] The management method described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 11, wherein:

[0200] The image frame is controlled so as to correspond to the changed installation position of the article supply device as the installation position of the article supply device is changed.

[0201] [Appendix 13]

[0202] Regarding the management method described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 12,

[0203] The control is performed so that the association between the article supply device and the image frame is released on the condition that an image frame corresponding to the article supply device desired to be removed is selected.

[0204] [Appendix 14]

[0205] Regarding the management method described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 13,

[0206] The control is performed so that the article supply devices whose correspondence with the image frame is released include the article supply devices corresponding to the image frame adjacent to the selected image frame in the up-down direction.

[0207] [Appendix 15]

[0208] The management method described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 14, wherein:

[0209] The control is such that an error message is presented to the manager in the image frame when an article cannot be supplied from the corresponding article supply device or when inventory information cannot be acquired from the corresponding article supply device.

[0210] [Appendix 16]

[0211] Regarding the management methods described in Appendix 15,

[0212] The error information is controlled in such a way that it can be presented in a different color from the stock information and the price information.

[0213] [Appendix 17]

[0214] The management method described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 16, wherein:

[0215] The control is performed so that the inventory information can be changed according to the replenishment quantity of the articles replenished to the article supply device.

[0216] [Appendix 18]

[0217] A cloud computing system is a cloud computing system in a cloud having an article supply device database, wherein the article supply device database records configuration information related to the layout of each article supply device installed at a sales location, inventory information of articles that can be supplied by each article supply device, and article information related to articles that can be supplied by each article supply device installed at the sales location, and the cloud computing system includes the following processing:

[0218] Acquiring inventory information of items that can be supplied by an item supply device provided at a sales location;

[0219] Using the acquired inventory information, updating the inventory information of the article supply device in the article supply device database;

[0220] receiving a designation of a sales location from a user's terminal;

[0221] Acquiring configuration information of the designated sales location, inventory information of each item supply device of the designated sales location, and item information of each item supply device of the specified sales location; and

[0222] Using the arrangement information of the sales location, displaying a layout image on the user's terminal, in which object images of the respective article supply devices are arranged corresponding to the layout of the article supply devices in the prescribed sales location;

[0223] The object image includes inventory information and item information of an item supply device corresponding to the object image.

[0224] Description of Reference Numerals

[0225] 1: Article supply device; 2: Terminal; 3: Management server; 4: Article supply device database; 21: Display; 22: Touch operation panel; 201: Processing unit; 202: Operation input unit; 203: Image display unit; 204: Sound output unit; 205: Communication unit; 206: Storage unit; 211: Operation unit; 212: Image generation unit; 213: Sound generation unit; 214: Communication control unit; 220: Browser control unit; 300: Processing unit; 301: Communication unit; 302: Storage unit; 311: Operation unit; 312: Communication control unit; 320: Database information acquisition unit; 321: Layout information generation unit; 322: Layout image generation unit; 323: Input screen generation unit; 324: Database update unit.

Claims

1. A method for managing an article supply device, wherein: The configuration information of each item supply device at each sales location and the item information of each item supply device at each sales location are obtained from an item supply device database that records the configuration information related to the layout of each item supply device installed at the sales location and the item information related to the items that can be supplied by each item supply device installed at the sales location. Using the configuration information and the item information of each item supply device in each sales location, a layout image is displayed on a terminal used by a user, in which object images of each item supply device are arranged corresponding to the layout of the item supply devices in each sales location. The layout image is composed of a plurality of cells whose positions are determined by rows and columns, and the layout image is an image obtained by arranging object images corresponding to the respective article supply devices at the positions of the cells corresponding to the arrangement positions of the respective article supply devices in the respective sales locations. The object image includes article information of an article supply device corresponding to the object image. The configuration information of each article supply device is the coordinates of each cell.

2. The article supply device management method according to claim 1, wherein: The object image includes at least one of inventory information and price information of articles that can be supplied by each article supply device and description information of the articles.

3. The article supply device management method according to claim 2, wherein: The explanatory information is information written on a paper attached to each article supply device installed at the sales location, or information displayed on a display screen of each article supply device installed at the sales location.

4. The article supply device management method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: By selecting the object image in the layout image, the control is performed so that the article supply device corresponding to the selected object image can be selected, Control is performed so that the arrangement information or the article information in the article supply device database of the selected article supply device can be updated.

5. The article supply device management method according to claim 4, wherein: Control is performed in such a way that the replenishment quantity of the article to be replenished to the selected article supply device can be input, The input replenishment quantity is used to update the inventory information of the selected article supply device in the article supply device database.

6. The article supply device management method according to claim 4, wherein: updating the article supply device database based on the decision to remove the selected article supply device, The layout image is displayed without the object image of the article supply device determined to be removed.

7. The article supply device management method according to claim 6, wherein: The decision to remove is made on the condition that an object image adjacent in the vertical direction and corresponding to the article supply device to be removed is selected in the layout image.

8. The article supply device management method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: Control is performed so that the arrangement position of the article supply device newly installed at the sales location can be selected in the layout image, updating the article supply device database according to the configuration information and article information of the newly set article supply device, A layout image is displayed in which an object image of a newly installed article supply device is arranged at the selected arrangement position.

9. The article supply device management method according to claim 1, wherein: The layout image is an image in which an image indicating that no article supply device is installed is arranged in a cell in which the object image is not arranged.

10. The article supply device management method according to claim 1 or 9, wherein: The layout image is displayed in such a manner that a user can recognize the position of each cell in the layout image.

11. The article supply device management method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The object image includes warning information indicating that the article supply device is in a state where it cannot supply articles or cannot obtain the number of articles that can be supplied.

12. The article supply device management method according to claim 11, wherein: The warning information displays the object image corresponding to the article supply device which is in a state where the article supply device cannot supply the article or cannot obtain the number of articles that can be supplied in a manner distinguishable from other object images.

13. A user interface, wherein: displaying a layout image, using the configuration information of each article supply device at each sales location and the article information related to the articles that can be supplied by each article supply device to display the layout image, in which the object image of each article supply device is arranged corresponding to the layout of each article supply device at each sales location, The object image includes article information related to articles that can be supplied by an article supply device corresponding to the object image. By selecting the object image, it is possible to select an article supply device as a target for changing the article information or to select an article supply device as a target for changing the layout. The layout image is composed of a plurality of cells whose positions are determined by rows and columns, and the layout image is an image obtained by arranging object images corresponding to the respective article supply devices at the positions of the cells corresponding to the arrangement positions of the respective article supply devices in the respective sales locations. The configuration information of each article supply device is the coordinates of each cell.

14. The user interface of claim 13, wherein: The object image includes at least one of inventory information and price information of articles that can be supplied from each article supply device and description information of the articles.

15. The user interface of claim 14, wherein: The explanatory information is information written on a paper attached to each article supply device installed at the sales location, or information displayed on a display screen of each article supply device installed at the sales location.

16. The user interface according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein: The layout image reflects the changed layout or the changed item information.

17. The user interface according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein: The object image includes warning information indicating that the article supply device is in a state where it cannot supply articles or cannot obtain the number of articles that can be supplied.

18. The user interface according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein: An input screen is displayed outside the area of ​​the layout image, and the input screen is used to input information related to replenishment of articles, replacement of articles, and installation or removal of an article supply device.

19. The user interface of claim 13, wherein: The layout image is an image in which an image indicating that no article supply device is installed is arranged in a cell in which the object image is not arranged.

20. The user interface of claim 13, wherein: The layout image is displayed in such a manner that a user can recognize the position of each cell in the layout image.

21. An article supply device management device, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires configuration information of each item supply device at each sales location and item information of each item supply device at each sales location from an item supply device database that records configuration information related to the layout of each item supply device installed at the sales location and item information related to items that can be supplied by each item supply device installed at the sales location; and a display control unit that uses the configuration information of each article supply device at each sales location and the article information to display a layout image on a terminal used by a user, wherein object images of each article supply device are arranged corresponding to the layout of the article supply devices at each sales location, in, The layout image is composed of a plurality of cells whose positions are determined by rows and columns, and the layout image is an image obtained by arranging object images corresponding to the respective article supply devices at the positions of the cells corresponding to the arrangement positions of the respective article supply devices in the respective sales locations. The object image includes the item information of the item supply device corresponding to the object image. The configuration information of each article supply device is the coordinates of each cell.

22. A computer program product comprising a program for causing a computer to execute the article supply device management method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

23. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the article supply device management method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

Images