Evacuation guide device and evacuation guide method

Abstract

The invention discloses an evacuation guiding device and an evacuation guiding method. The evacuation guiding device and the evacuation guiding method can safely guide customers under the condition of emergency. An evacuation guidance device is an evacuation guidance device including a server and one or more information terminals capable of communicating with the server and movable within a commercial facility, the information terminals including a transmission unit that transmits designation information for designating the position of the information terminal itself. The server includes a specifying unit that specifies a position of the information terminal in the commercial facility based on the specifying information, a receiving unit that receives an emergency signal transmitted from a transmission device, and a transmitting unit that transmits the emergency signal to the server when the emergency signal is received. A specifying means for specifying an evacuation guidance path for each of the information terminals on the basis of the specified position of the information terminal, and a transmitting means for transmitting evacuation guidance path information including information on the specified evacuation guidance path to each of the information terminals, the information terminal includes a display unit that displays, on a display unit, an evacuation guide route included in the evacuation guide route information received from the server.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese patent application filed on August 2, 2023, application number JP2023-126165, and cites the contents of the above application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of the present invention relate to an evacuation guidance device and an evacuation guidance method. Background Art

[0003] Recently, in commercial facilities including shopping malls, large retail stores, department stores, etc., the number of store clerks working in the commercial facilities tends to decrease due to labor shortages, the promotion of business efficiency, etc. Therefore, when an emergency such as a disaster occurs in the commercial facility, it may be difficult for store clerks to safely guide customers in the commercial facility. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an evacuation guidance device and an evacuation guidance method, which can guide customers safely in the event of an emergency.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the evacuation guidance device of an embodiment includes a server and one or more information terminals that can be moved within a commercial facility and can communicate with the server, wherein the information terminal includes a sending unit that sends designated information for specifying the location of its own information terminal, and the server includes: a designation unit that specifies the location of the information terminal within the commercial facility based on the designated information, a receiving unit that receives an emergency signal sent from a sending device, a determination unit that determines the evacuation guidance path of each information terminal based on the designated location of the information terminal when the emergency signal is received, and a sending unit that sends evacuation guidance path information containing information of the determined evacuation guidance path to each information terminal, wherein the information terminal includes a display unit that displays the evacuation guidance path contained in the evacuation guidance path information received from the server on a display unit.

[0006] According to the above-mentioned evacuation guidance device, customers can be guided safely in the event of an emergency.

[0007] In the above-mentioned evacuation guidance device, the specifying unit specifies the position of the information terminal based on the position of a beacon at which a radio wave strongestly receives the specifying information transmitted by the transmitting unit, among a plurality of beacons arranged in the commercial facility.

[0008] According to the above-mentioned evacuation guidance device, when an emergency occurs, customers can be guided safely using beacons.

[0009] In the above-mentioned evacuation guidance device, the determination unit determines the evacuation guidance route according to the installation position of the transmission device, the position of the information terminal, and the position of the exit of the commercial facility.

[0010] According to the above-mentioned evacuation guidance device, when an emergency occurs, customers can be safely guided by utilizing the installation position of the transmission device.

[0011] In the above-mentioned evacuation guidance device, the specifying unit specifies the evacuation guidance route by avoiding a position of a fire alarm that has detected a fire and transmitted the emergency signal among a plurality of fire alarms installed in the commercial facility.

[0012] According to the above-mentioned evacuation guidance device, customers can be guided safely away from the place of fire.

[0013] In the above-mentioned evacuation guidance device, the server also includes: a movement judgment unit, which judges whether the information terminal has moved a distance greater than a specified distance from the designated position after sending the evacuation guidance path information; and a designated display unit, which displays the information terminal that the movement judgment unit judges as not having moved a distance greater than the specified distance.

[0014] According to the above-mentioned evacuation guidance device, it is possible to identify stranded customers.

[0015] In the above-mentioned evacuation guidance device, the specifying unit specifies the position avoiding the position of the emergency button which has transmitted the emergency signal based on the operation in the emergency, among the plurality of emergency buttons installed in the commercial facility.

[0016] According to the above-mentioned evacuation guidance device, it is possible to guide customers safely by avoiding the place where an accident has occurred.

[0017] In the above-mentioned evacuation guidance device, the information terminal is provided on a cart carrying commodities to be purchased, and the display unit displays guidance urging the user to abandon the commodities on the cart and evacuate together with the evacuation guidance route.

[0018] According to the above-mentioned evacuation guidance device, when the information terminal is installed on the cart, it is possible to convey an appropriate evacuation method.

[0019] In the above-mentioned evacuation guidance device, the information terminal also includes: a product registration processing unit, which stores product information of the product based on the product designation information of the product loaded on the cart; and an emergency product information sending unit, which, when receiving the evacuation guidance path information from the server and storing the registered product information in the product registration processing unit, sends the registered product information to the server, wherein the server also includes: an emergency product information storage unit, which stores the received product information in the product information section.

[0020] According to the above-mentioned evacuation guidance device, it is possible to store the commodity information of the commodities placed on the cart at the time of evacuation.

[0021] In the above-mentioned evacuation guidance device, the server also includes: a deletion unit, which, when it is determined that the emergency state is lifted, sends an emergency state release signal to each information terminal and deletes the evacuation route information; and an output unit, which outputs the product information stored in the emergency product information storage unit as the emergency state is lifted.

[0022] According to the above evacuation guide device, even if the commodities placed on the cart are abandoned during evacuation, the abandoned commodities can be provided to the customer. Thus, the customer can abandon the commodities placed on the cart with peace of mind and evacuate with the light cart.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention is an evacuation guidance method, which is used in an evacuation guidance device including a server and one or more information terminals that can move within a commercial facility and can communicate with the server, wherein the information terminal performs the following steps: a sending step of sending designated information for designating the location of its own information terminal, and the server performs the following steps: a specifying step of specifying the location of the information terminal within the commercial facility based on the designated information sent by the sending step; a determining step of determining the evacuation guidance path of each information terminal based on the location of the information terminal designated by the specifying step upon receiving an emergency signal sent by the sending device; and a sending step of sending evacuation guidance path information containing information about the evacuation guidance path determined by the determining step to each information terminal, and the information terminal performs the following steps: a displaying step of displaying on a display unit the evacuation guidance path contained in the evacuation guidance path information sent from the server by the sending step.

[0024] According to the above-mentioned evacuation guidance method, customers can be guided safely in the event of an emergency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 Schematic diagram showing a system according to the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing a cart and an information terminal installed on the cart.

[0027] Figure 3 It is a timing chart showing the processing flow in the evacuation guidance device.

[0028] Figure 4 It is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the information terminal.

[0029] Figure 5 It is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the server.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a memory map showing the structure of the information terminal management unit.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing a map inside a store.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of a checkout machine.

[0033] Fig. 9 It is a functional block diagram showing the functional structure of the evacuation guidance device.

[0034] Fig.10 This is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the information terminal.

[0035] Fig.11 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an evacuation guidance route displayed on an information terminal in the event of an emergency.

[0036] Fig.12 This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the server.

[0037] Fig.13 This is a schematic diagram showing the movement status of information terminals after an emergency occurs on the server.

[0038] Fig.14 This is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the checkout machine.

[0039] Description of Reference Numerals

[0040] 1 system 2 server 3 checkout machine 4 evacuation guidance device 6 trolley

[0041] 7 Information terminal 27 Display unit 29 Communication unit 41 Emergency button

[0042] 51 Fire alarm 65 Scanner 78 Display unit 80 Card reader

[0043] 200 Control unit 201 Login receiving unit 202 Designation unit

[0044] 203 Emergency situation determination unit 204 Emergency situation location designation unit

[0045] 205 determination unit 206 sending unit 207 movement judgment unit

[0046] 208 Designation display unit 231 Sales information unit 232 Information terminal management unit

[0047] 242 store map information unit 300 control unit 343 checkout machine code unit

[0048] 700 Control unit 701 Login unit 702 Sending unit

[0049] 703 display unit 731 commodity information unit 732 evacuation route unit

[0050] 733 Customer code section 743 Terminal code section 744 Store map information section

[0051] 2321 Login information section 2322 Terminal code section 2324 Information terminal location section

[0052] 2325 Evacuation route unit 2326 Movement determination unit T store

[0053] Ya evacuation guidance path b beacon DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiment, a store such as a shopping mall, a large retailer, a department store, etc. is described as an example of a commercial facility. In addition, the information terminal is described as an information terminal installed on a shopping cart (hereinafter simply referred to as a "trolley") that can be freely moved in the store. In addition, in the embodiment, as an example, the position of the information terminal 7 in the store is specified by detecting a plurality of beacons set near the passage in the store T. In addition, the embodiment does not limit the present invention.

[0055] Figure 1 Schematic diagram showing a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the system 1 is set in a store T such as a supermarket, a large retail store, a convenience store, a specialty store, etc. The system 1 includes, for example, a server 2 as a store server, an information terminal 7 installed on a cart 6, and a checkout machine 3 (transmitting device). In addition, the system 1 may include a fire alarm 51 (transmitting device) and a beacon b that senses the occurrence of a fire and notifies. In addition, in the embodiment, the evacuation guidance device 4 includes the server 2 and the information terminal 7.

[0056] The server 2, the checkout machine 3, the fire alarm 51, and the beacon b are connected to each other via a communication line 52 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). In addition, the information terminal 7 located in the store T can be connected via a wireless communication line 53 such as a wireless LAN via one or more repeaters 5 (wireless access points) connected to the communication line 52. When the information terminal 7 is connected to the communication line 52 via the wireless communication line 53 and the repeater 5, the information terminal 7 can communicate with the server 2 and the checkout machine 3. In addition, the Internet, VPN (Virtual Private Network), LAN, public communication network, mobile communication network, etc. can be used alone or in appropriate combination as the communication line 52 and the wireless communication line 53.

[0057] Here, the cart 6 and the information terminal 7 will be described. Figure 2 1 is a schematic diagram showing a cart 6 and an information terminal 7 mounted on the cart 6 .

[0058] The cart 6 is movable in the store T. The cart 6 includes a storage portion 61, casters 62, a handle 63, and a battery 64. The storage portion 61 carries the goods to be purchased. Alternatively, the storage portion 61 carries a shopping basket or the like containing the goods that the customer wants to purchase. The casters 62 are provided at four positions at the bottom of the cart 6, for example, and are rotated to enable the cart 6 to move in the front, rear, left, and right directions. The handle 63 is held by the customer when moving the cart 6. The customer moves the cart 6 in the store T by holding the handle 63 and operating (pushing or pulling) the cart 6. The battery 64 is a storage battery mounted on the cart 6 to supply power to the scanner 65 described later. The battery 64 can supply power to the information terminal 7, and can also function as a battery for charging the information terminal 7.

[0059] In addition, the cart 6 is provided with a scanner 65, for example, on the handle 63. The scanner 65 takes an image of the commodity and reads a code symbol such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code attached to the commodity. Alternatively, the scanner 65 reads the code symbol optically. The scanner 65 decodes the read code symbol and obtains the commodity-specific information of the commodity.

[0060] In addition, the commodity photographed by the scanner 65 can be identified by general object recognition, and the commodity-specific information of the commodity can be obtained. In addition, in the embodiment, although the scanner 65 is described as a device provided separately from the information terminal 7, if the information terminal 7 has a built-in camera, the camera can be used instead of the scanner 65. In this case, the scanner 65 is not required.

[0061] In addition, an information terminal 7 is installed on the cart 6. The information terminal 7 is a small information terminal composed of a microcomputer such as a smart phone, a tablet terminal, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The information terminal 7 is later Figure 4 The hardware structure described in Fig.10 Application software for the control described in.

[0062] The information terminal 7 inputs the commodity specifying information of the commodity read by the scanner 65 from the scanner 65, and performs a commodity registration process (commodity registration unit) related to the commodity. The commodity registration process is to read the commodity information (commodity name, commodity price, etc.) of the commodity based on the read commodity specifying information and display it on the display unit 78 (refer to Figure 4 ) and stored in the product information section 731 (refer to Figure 4 ) in the processing.

[0063] The information terminal 7 transmits the product information stored in the product information unit 731 to the server 2 .

[0064] When the information terminal 7 is registered, when receiving radio waves from a beacon b described later, a terminal code (designation information) designating the information terminal 7 is transmitted from the information terminal 7. The transmitted terminal code is received by the beacon b installed near the information terminal 7.

[0065] Furthermore, when an emergency occurs in the store T, the information terminal 7 displays an evacuation guidance path for the information terminal 7 (i.e., the customer operating the cart 6 on which the information terminal 7 is mounted) to evacuate from the current position to the exit of the store T. When there are multiple information terminals 7 in the store T, the evacuation guidance path during evacuation may be different depending on the position of each information terminal 7 in the store T. Therefore, the evacuation guidance path that guides the user to the exit closest to the information terminal 7 is displayed on each information terminal 7.

[0066] The customer operating the cart 6 pushes the cart 6 to move it according to the evacuation guidance route displayed on the information terminal 7 , so that the customer can be safely evacuated outside the store T from the exit.

[0067] Back to Figure 1Description. Beacons b are respectively set in all channels through which the cart 6 in the store T passes. Beacon b transmits radio waves for near-field wireless communication within a range of several meters to several tens of meters around it, and communicates with the information terminal 7 located within the range. Specifically, beacon b transmits weak radio waves that can reach a range of several meters to several tens of meters. The information terminal 7 that enters the range receives the radio waves sent by beacon b. When the information terminal 7 receives the radio waves, it sends radio waves including a terminal code that specifies the information terminal 7. Beacon b receives the terminal code by receiving the radio waves sent from the information terminal 7. In addition, beacon b identifies the intensity of the received radio waves. That is, the stronger the radio waves received by beacon b, the closer the position of the information terminal 7 it identifies. Beacon b sends the information specifying the beacon code of the beacon b, the received terminal code, and the received radio wave intensity (hereinafter collectively referred to as "beacon information") to the server 2 via the communication line 52.

[0068] In addition, beacon b repeatedly transmits radio waves at a predetermined time interval. Then, beacon b transmits the terminal code received in response to the transmission, the strength of the radio waves, and beacon information related to the beacon code to server 2 each time. Therefore, when information terminal 7 is moving, the received terminal code and the strength of the radio waves will change each time.

[0069] The fire alarm 51 is installed at multiple locations on the ceiling of the store T. When a fire (emergency) occurs in the store T, the fire alarm 51 senses the fire (flame or smoke) and transmits an emergency signal indicating the occurrence of a fire to the server 2 via the communication line 52. When the fire alarm 51 transmits the emergency signal, it also transmits a notifier code specifying its own fire alarm 51 to the server 2.

[0070] In the checkout area Sa of store T (refer to Figure 7 ) is provided with one or more checkout machines 3. The checkout machine 3 performs checkout processing on the commodities that have been registered through the information terminal 7. Specifically, the checkout machine 3 performs checkout processing based on the commodity information received directly from the information terminal 7 or via the server 2. Checkout processing refers to the total amount of commodities involved in a transaction that has been registered, the display of taxes, the calculation and display of change based on the prepaid amount prepaid by the customer in the case of cash payment, the issuance of receipts printed with commodity information and settlement information (total amount, prepaid amount, change amount, etc.), etc. The checkout machine 3 sends the commodity information and checkout information (collectively referred to as "sales data") of the commodities that have been checked out to the server 2.

[0071] Each checkout machine 3 includes an emergency button 41 (see Figure 8). When an emergency (e.g., robbery) occurs at the checkout machine 3, a cashier or other employee presses the emergency button 41. When the emergency button 41 is pressed, the checkout machine 3 sends an emergency signal to the server 2 via the communication line 52. When sending the emergency signal, the checkout machine 3 sends the checkout machine code specifying its own checkout machine 3 to the server 2.

[0072] The server 2 is installed in, for example, the backstage of the store T. The server 2 receives and accumulates sales data of commodities that have been processed by the checkout machines 3 from the checkout machines 3 , and manages the sales information of the store T.

[0073] In addition, the server 2 grasps the positions of multiple information terminals 7 moving in the store T (i.e., the positions of the carts 6). The server 2 receives beacon information including a terminal code from the beacon b, and specifies the position of the information terminal 7 specified by the terminal code. Specifically, the server 2 receives beacon information from multiple beacons b. Then, the server 2 compares the radio wave strength received from each beacon b, and determines that the position of the beacon b where the radio wave strength of the received terminal code is the strongest is the position of the information terminal 7 specified by the terminal code. By configuring as many beacons b as possible in the store T, the server 2 can determine the position of the information terminal 7 with higher accuracy. The server 2 specifies the position of the information terminal 7 in this way.

[0074] In addition, the terminal code and the strength of the radio wave received by the server 2 change with each movement of the information terminal 7, so the server 2 recognizes that the position of the information terminal 7 determined based on the received terminal code and the strength of the radio wave has changed. That is, since the server 2 can grasp the position of the moving information terminal 7 in real time, the server 2 can determine whether the information terminal 7 is moving or whether it has stayed at that position for more than a specified time.

[0075] Furthermore, when the fire alarm 51 is activated, the server 2 receives an emergency signal notifying a fire and an alarm code specifying the fire alarm 51 from the fire alarm 51. Then, the server 2 recognizes that an emergency (fire) has occurred based on the received emergency signal. Furthermore, the server 2 recognizes (specifies) a place (area) in the store T where the emergency has occurred based on the received alarm code.

[0076] Furthermore, when the emergency button 41 is operated, the server 2 receives an emergency signal and a checkout machine code specifying the checkout machine 3 from the checkout machine 3 that operated the emergency button 41. Then, the server 2 recognizes that an emergency (e.g., robbery) has occurred based on the received emergency signal. Furthermore, the server 2 recognizes (specifies) a place (area) in the store T where the emergency has occurred based on the received checkout machine code.

[0077] Next, the flow of processing related to the evacuation guidance device 4 and the settlement machine 3 will be described. Figure 3 3 is a timing chart showing the flow of processing in the evacuation guidance device 4 and the checkout machine 3. Figure 3 As shown, the evacuation guidance device 4 in the embodiment includes a server 2 and an information terminal 7.

[0078] Information terminal 7 receives the radio wave transmitted by beacon b, and transmits the terminal code of its own information terminal 7 (T1). Beacon b transmits beacon information including the received terminal code, radio wave strength, and the beacon code specifying itself to server 2 (T2). Server 2, which receives the beacon information, specifies that the position of beacon b that transmits the terminal code with the strongest electric field strength is the position of information terminal 7 that transmitted the terminal code (T3). Whenever beacon b transmits radio waves at a prescribed time interval, the processing of T1 to T3 is repeated. Therefore, server 2 can grasp the positions of all information terminals 7 logged in in store T (position information of each information terminal 7 (e.g., coordinate information in store T)) in approximately real time.

[0079] When the fire alarm 51 senses a fire, or when the emergency button 41 is operated, the server 2 receives an emergency signal (T4). When the server 2 receives the emergency signal and the alarm code from the fire alarm 51 (T41), it determines that an emergency (fire) has occurred. In addition, when the server 2 receives the emergency signal and the checkout machine code from the checkout machine 3 (T42), it determines that an emergency (such as a robbery or other accident) has occurred. The server 2 specifies the place (area) where the fire occurred based on the received alarm code (T5). In addition, the server 2 specifies the place (area) where the emergency occurred based on the received checkout machine code (T5).

[0080] The server 2 then determines (creates) an evacuation guidance route for each information terminal 7 to evacuate the information terminal 7 to the nearest exit based on the acquired location information (coordinates) of each information terminal 7, the location information (coordinates) of the place where the emergency occurred, and the location information (coordinates) of the exit closest to each information terminal 7. The server 2 determines the evacuation guidance route in a manner that avoids the place where the emergency occurred.

[0081] The server 2 determines the evacuation guidance path, for example, as follows. The distance between the position (coordinates) of the information terminal 7 and the positions (coordinates) of multiple exits is calculated, and the closest evacuation guidance path among the evacuation guidance paths that can be evacuated without passing through the place where the emergency occurs is determined for each information terminal 7. Alternatively, candidates for evacuation guidance paths from the corresponding positions to the exits of multiple different places where emergencies occur are pre-created at various positions within the store T, and the most suitable evacuation guidance path is determined from the created candidates based on the position (coordinates) of the terminal 7 and the place (coordinates) where the emergency occurs, based on the information at the time when the emergency signal is received. In addition, the evacuation guidance path is not limited to the above-mentioned, and other methods can be used to determine it.

[0082] The server 2 stores a store map showing the layout of the aisles and the like in the store T (see Figure 7 ), and displays the current position of each information terminal 7 in the store T specified by T3 (T7). Then, the server 2 sends emergency information indicating that an emergency has occurred and evacuation guidance path information including the position of the place where the emergency has occurred, the current position of the information terminal 7 in the store T, and the evacuation guidance path of the information terminal 7 from the position of the information terminal 7 to the exit to each information terminal 7 in the store T being logged in via the communication line 52, the repeater 5, and the wireless communication line 53 (T8). The emergency information includes category information for identifying whether the emergency is a fire or a robbery.

[0083] The information terminal 7 displays the emergency message based on the emergency information and superimposes the evacuation guidance path on the store map based on the received evacuation guidance path information (T9). When receiving the emergency information and the evacuation guidance path information, the information terminal 7 can send the product information of the registered products stored in the product information unit 731 to the server 2. The customer operating the cart 6 can evacuate safely to the exit by moving the cart 6 along the evacuation guidance path displayed on the information terminal 7.

[0084] After sending the evacuation guidance path information to the information terminal 7, the server 2 also grasps the location of the information terminal 7 in real time based on the beacon information received from the beacon b. The server 2 can store the commodity information received from the information terminal 7 in the commodity information unit 2323 after sending the emergency information and the evacuation guidance path information. Then, the server 2 determines the degree of movement of each information terminal 7 (i.e., the cart 6) after sending the evacuation guidance path information (specifically, whether the information terminal 7 is moving or actually staying at its location after sending the evacuation guidance path information) (T11). Then, the server 2 sends the evacuation guidance path information including the current location of the information terminal 7 to each information terminal 7 (T12). Each information terminal 7 displays the current location of the information terminal 7 based on the received evacuation guidance path information (T13). In this way, customers who are evacuating with the shopping cart 6 can grasp their current location in the store T and can also determine whether they can evacuate correctly along the evacuation guidance path.

[0085] In addition, based on the judgment at T11, the server 2 displays the information terminal 7 that has not actually moved (has not moved at the same place or has only moved a small distance) after the evacuation guidance route information is sent (T14). The server 2 judges whether the information terminal 7 is moving or has not actually moved based on whether the information terminal 7 has moved a distance greater than a prescribed distance within a prescribed time after the evacuation guidance route information is sent. The processing of T11 to T14 is repeated multiple times after the evacuation guidance route information is sent.

[0086] Next, the hardware configuration of the information terminal 7 will be described. Figure 4 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the information terminal 7. Figure 4 As shown, the information terminal 7 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71 as an example of a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 72, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 73, a memory unit 74, etc. The CPU 71 becomes the control body of the information terminal 7. The ROM 72 stores various programs. The RAM 73 loads programs and various data. The memory unit 74 stores various programs. The CPU 71, the ROM 72, the RAM 73 and the memory unit 74 are connected to each other via a bus 75. The CPU 71, the ROM 72 and the RAM 73 constitute a control unit 700. That is, the control unit 700 operates according to the control program (including application software) stored in the ROM 72 or the memory unit 74 and loaded in the RAM 73 by the CPU 71, thereby executing the control processing of the information terminal 7 described later.

[0087] The RAM 73 includes a product information unit 731, an evacuation route unit 732, and a customer code unit 733. The product information unit 731 stores product information of products that have been registered. The evacuation route unit 732 stores emergency information received from the server 2 and evacuation guidance route information for the information terminal 7. The customer code unit 733 stores a customer code used by a customer when logging into the information terminal 7.

[0088] The memory unit 74 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a HDD (Hard Disc Drive) or a flash memory that retains the stored information even when the power is turned off, and includes a control program unit 741 that stores a control program (including installed application software) for operating the information terminal 7, a product master file 742, a terminal code unit 743, and a store map information unit 744. The product master file 742 stores the product information of each product in association with the product designation information that specifies the product for each product. The terminal code unit 743 stores the terminal code (terminal designation information) that specifies the information terminal 7. The store map information unit 744 stores map information that indicates the floor plan of the store T. The map information indicates the location of the display shelves in the store T, includes information for displaying which products are displayed at which location on the information terminal 7, and is information that can display the aisle through which the cart 6 passes on the information terminal. The customer who moves the cart 6 can display the map information on the information terminal 7 and confirm the display location of the desired product and the path to the location.

[0089] Furthermore, the control unit 700 is connected to an operation unit 77 , a display unit 78 , and a card reader 80 via a bus 75 and a controller 76 .

[0090] The operation unit 77 has a start key 771 and an end key 772. The start key 771 is operated when a customer code is input to log in to the information terminal 7. The start key 771 is operated, for example, by a customer operating the cart 6. The end key 772 is operated when logging out of the information terminal 7. The end key 772 is operated, for example, by a customer. The display unit 78 displays product information of products that have undergone product registration processing. In addition, the display unit 78 superimposes and displays emergency messages and evacuation guidance path information based on emergency information received from the server 2 and stored in the evacuation route unit 732 on the map information stored in the store map information unit 744, thereby displaying the emergency situation and the evacuation guidance path. The card reading unit 80 reads (acquires) card information including a customer code from a scanned or inserted customer card.

[0091] Furthermore, the control unit 700 is connected to the communication unit 81 via the bus 75. The communication unit 81 is connected to the server 2 and the checkout machine 3 via the wireless communication line 53, the repeater 5, and the communication line 52 so as to be communicable.

[0092] Next, the hardware structure of the server 2 will be described. Figure 5 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the server 2. Figure 5 As shown, the server 2 includes a CPU 21 as an example of a processor, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a memory unit 24, and the like. The CPU 21 becomes the control subject of the server 2. The ROM 22 stores various programs. The RAM 23 loads programs and various data. The memory unit 24 stores various programs. The CPU 21, the ROM 22, the RAM 23, and the memory unit 24 are connected to each other via a bus 25. The CPU 21, the ROM 22, and the RAM 23 constitute a control unit 200. That is, the control unit 200 performs control processing of the server 2 described later by the CPU 21 operating in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 22 or the memory unit 24 and loaded in the RAM 23.

[0093] RAM 23 has a sales information unit 231 and an information terminal management unit 232. The sales information unit 231 cumulatively stores the sales data received from the register 3 and manages the sales of the store T. The information terminal management unit 232 manages the information of the registered information terminal 7 including the location of the information terminal 7 in the store T. Figure 6 The information terminal management unit 232 will be described.

[0094] The memory unit 24 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a HDD or a flash memory that retains the stored information even when the power is turned off, and includes a control program unit 241 and a store map information unit 242. The control program unit 241 stores a control program for driving the server 2. The store map information unit 242 stores the same map information as the store map information unit 744. In addition, customer information such as the customer's address information and point information can be stored in correspondence with the customer code.

[0095] The control unit 200 is connected to a display unit 27 and an operation unit 28 via a bus 25 and a controller 26. The display unit 27 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information to an operator who operates the server 2. The operation unit 28 is, for example, a keyboard, and is operated by the operator of the server 2.

[0096] The control unit 200 is connected to the communication unit 29 (receiving unit) via the bus 25. The communication unit 29 is connected to the register 3, the beacon b, the fire alarm 51, and the repeater 5 via the communication line 52. The communication unit 29 is connected to the information terminal 7 via the repeater 5 so as to be able to communicate.

[0097] Next, the information terminal management unit 232 will be described. Figure 6 is a memory map showing the structure of the information terminal management unit 232. Figure 6As shown, the information terminal management unit 232 includes a login information unit 2321, a terminal code unit 2322, a product information unit 2323, an information terminal location unit 2324, an evacuation path unit 2325 and a movement determination unit 2326.

[0098] The login information unit 2321 receives from the information terminal 7 and stores the customer code read from the customer card used when logging into the information terminal 7. The terminal code unit 2322 receives from the information terminal 7 and stores the terminal code of the information terminal 7 designated to log in using the customer code stored in the login information unit 2321. The product information unit 2323 receives from the information terminal 7, in response to the operation of the end key 772, product information of products that have been registered by the information terminal 7 having the terminal code stored in the terminal code unit 2322, and stores the received product information. In addition, after the emergency information and the evacuation guidance route information are sent, the product information received from the information terminal 7 is stored. In this way, the product information placed in the cart 6 during the evacuation can be saved and confirmed later. The information terminal position unit 2324 stores the beacon information ( Figure 3 The information of the location (coordinates) of the terminal 7 is stored in the terminal code section 2322 and the terminal code specified in T3) in the evacuation route section 2325. Figure 3 The evacuation guidance route information and emergency information related to the evacuation guidance route information of the information terminal 7 with the terminal code stored in the terminal code unit 2322 determined by T6. After sending the evacuation guidance route information to the information terminal 7, the movement judgment unit 2326 judges whether there is an information terminal 7 that has not moved or an information terminal 7 that has not actually moved ( Figure 3 In the case of T11, the control unit 200 stores information indicating that there is actually no movement (e.g., flag information) in the movement judgment unit 2326 corresponding to the terminal code that has not actually moved. The information terminal 7 having information with flag "1" stored in the movement judgment unit 2326 indicates that the information terminal 7 has not actually moved after sending the emergency information. The information terminal 7 having information with flag "0" stored in the movement judgment unit 2326 indicates that the information terminal 7 is moving after sending the emergency information.

[0099] Next, an example of a map displayed on the display unit 78 based on the map information stored in the store map information unit 744 of the information terminal 7 will be described. Figure 7 78 is a schematic diagram showing a map of the store T displayed on the display unit 78. Figure 7As shown, the map display Ca showing the layout of the store T in a plan view displayed on the display unit 78 shows the installation positions of the display shelves in the store T, the sales areas of each product, the aisles in the store T, etc. In addition, the checkout area Sa where the checkout machine 3 is installed and the exits from the store T to the outside (indicated by Da, Db, Dc, Dd) are displayed in the map display Ca.

[0100] In addition, although the beacon b is not actually displayed on the map display Ca, the beacon b is installed on the display shelf at a predetermined distance (in Figure 7 In fact, by setting up beacons b at regular intervals in store T, Figure 7 As shown, more beacons b are provided, so that the position of the information terminal 7 can be accurately grasped.

[0101] The information terminal 7 receives information on the location of its own information terminal 7 designated by the server 2, and plots the location on the map display Ca, so that the customer can recognize the current location of the customer in the store T. Therefore, the customer can understand the location relationship with the store where the product to be purchased is sold, and go to the store where the product is sold.

[0102] Next, the hardware configuration of the checkout machine 3 will be described. Figure 8 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware structure of the checkout machine 3. Figure 8 As shown, the checkout machine 3 includes a CPU 31 as an example of a processor, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a memory unit 34, and the like. The CPU 31 serves as a control body of the checkout machine 3. The ROM 32 stores various programs. The RAM 33 loads programs and various data. The memory unit 34 stores various programs. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, and the memory unit 34 are connected to each other via a bus 35. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, and the RAM 33 constitute a control unit 300. That is, the control unit 300 performs control processing of the checkout machine 3 described later by the CPU 31 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 32 and the memory unit 34 and loaded in the RAM 33.

[0103] The RAM 33 has a product information unit 331 and a sales information unit 332. The product information unit 331 stores product information that has been received from the information terminal 7 via the server 2 and has been processed for product registration. In the embodiment, the product information stored in the product information unit 2323 is sent from the information terminal 7 to the server 2, and the server 2 receives and stores it. Specifically, the card reading unit 39 (described later) of the checkout machine 3 compares the product information with the server 2 based on the customer code read from the customer card, and the server 2 retrieves the terminal management unit 232 based on the received customer code, reads the corresponding product information from the product information unit 2323, and sends it to the checkout machine 3. The checkout machine 3 stores the product information received from the server 2 in the product information unit 331. The sales information unit 332 stores transaction data that has been processed for checkout based on the product information stored in the product information unit 331.

[0104] The memory unit 34 is composed of a nonvolatile memory such as a HDD or a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and includes a control program unit 341, a product master file 342, and a checkout machine code unit 343. The control program unit 341 stores a control program for driving the checkout machine 3. The product master file 342 stores the same information as the product master file 742. The checkout machine code unit 343 stores a checkout machine code that specifies the checkout machine 3.

[0105] Furthermore, the control unit 300 is connected to the operation unit 37, the display unit 38, the card reader 39, the printer 40, and the emergency button 41 via the bus 35 and the controller 36. The operation unit 37 is a keyboard including a checkout key 371, and is operated by the operator of the checkout machine 3. The checkout key 371 is operated by a customer or a clerk when performing a checkout process on the checkout machine 3. The display unit 38 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information to the operator operating the checkout machine 3. In addition, the operation unit 37 may be a touch panel provided on the display unit 38. The card reader 39 reads a customer code from a customer card inserted or scanned. The printer 40 prints commodity information and checkout information related to the transaction for which the checkout process has been performed, and issues a receipt.

[0106] The emergency button 41 is a button installed on the checkout machine 3. The emergency button 41 is operated by a customer, a store clerk, or the like when an emergency such as robbery occurs at the checkout machine 3. When the emergency button 41 is operated, the checkout machine 3 transmits an emergency signal to the server 2.

[0107] The control unit 300 is connected to the communication unit 42 via the bus 35. The communication unit 42 is connected to the server 2, the beacon b, the fire alarm 51 and the repeater 5 via the communication line 52. The communication unit 42 is connected to the information terminal 7 via the repeater 5 so as to be able to communicate.

[0108] Next, the functional structure of the evacuation guidance device 4 will be described. Fig. 9 1 is a functional block diagram showing the functional structure of the evacuation guidance device 4. The control unit 200 of the server 2 operates according to the control program stored in the ROM 22 and the control program unit 241 in the memory unit 24, thereby functioning as a login receiving unit 201, a specifying unit 202, an emergency state judgment unit 203, an emergency state position specifying unit 204, a determining unit 205, a sending unit 206, a movement judgment unit 207, and a specified display unit 208.

[0109] The login accepting unit 201 performs a login process related to the information terminal 7 based on the login information including the customer code and the terminal code received from the information terminal 7. Specifically, the login accepting unit 201 stores the received customer code in the login information unit 2321 of the information terminal management unit 232 based on the login information received from the information terminal 7, and stores the received terminal code in the corresponding terminal code unit 2322. The information terminal 7 having the terminal code stored in the terminal code unit 2322 is logged in. Since the customer code is stored in the customer information of the memory unit 24, the login is allowed. If it is not stored, the login of the information terminal 7 is cancelled.

[0110] The designation unit 202 designates the position of the information terminal 7 in the store T based on the beacon information transmitted by the beacon b that receives the terminal code (designation information) transmitted from the information terminal 7. Specifically, the designation unit 202 compares the radio wave strength received from each beacon b, and designates the position of the beacon b having the strongest radio wave strength of the received terminal code as the position of the information terminal 7.

[0111] The emergency judgment unit 203 judges whether an emergency has occurred in the store T. Specifically, the emergency judgment unit 203 judges whether an emergency signal has been received from the fire alarm 51. When the emergency judgment unit 203 judges that an emergency signal has been received from the fire alarm 51, it is judged that an emergency (fire) has occurred in the store T. In addition, the emergency judgment unit 203 judges whether an emergency signal has been received from the checkout machine 3. When the emergency judgment unit 203 judges that an emergency signal has been received from the checkout machine 3, it is judged that an emergency (for example, robbery) has occurred in the store T.

[0112] The emergency position specifying unit 204 specifies the location where the emergency has occurred based on the received alarm code. That is, the emergency position specifying unit 204 specifies the location (coordinates) of the fire alarm 51 specified by the received alarm code as the location where the emergency is occurring. Furthermore, the emergency position specifying unit 204 specifies the location where the emergency has occurred based on the received checkout code. That is, the emergency position specifying unit 204 specifies the location (coordinates) of the checkout machine 3 specified by the received checkout code as the location where the emergency is occurring.

[0113] When receiving the emergency signal, the determination unit 205 determines the evacuation guidance path of each information terminal 7 based on the position of the designated information terminal 7. Specifically, the determination unit 205 determines the evacuation guidance path of the information terminal 7 based on the information of the place where the emergency occurs, the information of the position of the information terminal 7 stored in the information terminal position unit 2324, and the information of the position of the exit closest to the position of the information terminal 7. In addition, the determination unit 205 determines the evacuation guidance path that does not pass through (or is not close to) the coordinates indicating the place where the emergency occurs. The determination unit 205 stores the evacuation guidance path information including the determined evacuation guidance path in the evacuation path unit 2325.

[0114] The sending unit 206 sends emergency information indicating the occurrence of an emergency and evacuation guidance route information including information on the determined evacuation guidance route (ie, the emergency information and evacuation guidance route information stored in the evacuation route unit 2325) to each information terminal 7.

[0115] The movement judgment unit 207 judges whether the information terminal 7 to which the sending unit 206 sent the evacuation guidance path information has actually moved a distance greater than a prescribed distance from the position specified by the specifying unit 202. Specifically, the movement judgment unit 207 judges whether the information terminal 7 to which the sending unit 206 sent the evacuation guidance path information has moved a distance greater than a prescribed distance from the position specified by the specifying unit 202 after sending the evacuation guidance path information.

[0116] The designated display unit 208 displays the information terminal 7 determined by the movement determination unit 207 as not actually moving a distance greater than the prescribed distance on the display unit 27. Specifically, the designated display unit 208 highlights the information terminal 7 determined by the movement determination unit 207 as not actually moving a distance greater than the prescribed distance on the display unit 27. When highlighting the information terminal 7, the designated display unit 208 displays the time when the information terminal 7 was not actually moved.

[0117] Furthermore, the control unit 700 of the information terminal 7 operates according to the control program stored in the ROM 72 and the control program unit 741 of the memory unit 74 , thereby functioning as a login unit 701 , a transmission unit 702 , and a display unit 703 .

[0118] The login unit 701 inputs a customer code to log in to the information terminal 7. Specifically, the login unit 701 reads the customer code by causing the card reader 80 to read the customer card, and makes the information terminal 7 usable based on the permission of the server 2.

[0119] The transmission unit 702 transmits the specifying information (terminal code) for specifying the position of its own information terminal 7. Specifically, when the transmission unit 702 receives the radio wave from the beacon b in the logged-in state, it transmits the terminal code for specifying the position of its own information terminal 7.

[0120] The display unit 703 displays the evacuation guidance path received from the server 2 on the display unit 78. Specifically, when the display unit 703 receives the emergency information and the evacuation guidance path information from the server 2, it superimposes and displays the evacuation guidance path of the information terminal 7 on the map information stored in the store map information unit 744 based on the received evacuation guidance path information. An emergency message based on the emergency information received from the server 2 can be displayed together with the evacuation guidance path. The emergency message can display the category of the emergency based on the category information. The emergency message can display a guide urging the user to abandon the goods placed on the cart 6 and evacuate together with the evacuation guidance path.

[0121] Next, control of the information terminal 7 will be described. Fig.10 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the information terminal 7. Fig.10 As shown, the control unit 700 of the information terminal 7 determines whether the start key 771 is operated (S11). The control unit 700 waits until the start key 771 is operated (No in S11). If the start key 771 is determined to have been operated (Yes in S11), the control unit 700 then determines whether the customer code has been read by the card reader 80 (S12). The control unit 700 waits until the customer code is read (No in S12). If the customer code is determined to have been read (Yes in S12), the login unit 701 logs in the information terminal 7 based on the read customer code (S13). Then, the control unit 700 stores the read customer code in the customer code unit 733 (S14). The control unit 700 then sends the login information (including the customer code and the terminal code) to the server 2 (S15). The login is canceled when an instruction to cancel the login is received from the server 2. When the login is allowed from the server 2, the commodity registration process is executed.

[0122] The control unit 700 then determines whether the radio wave transmitted at a certain interval by the beacon b has been received (S16). If it is determined that the radio wave from the beacon b has been received (Yes in S16), the transmission unit 702 transmits the terminal code for specifying the information terminal 7 stored in the terminal code unit 743 (S17). If it is determined that the radio wave from the beacon B has not been received (No in S16), the control unit 700 does not perform the processing in S17.

[0123] After executing the processing in S17, or in the case of No in S16, the control unit 700 then determines whether the end key 772 has been operated (S21). In the case where it is determined that the end key 772 has not been operated (No in S21), the control unit 700 determines whether an image of the commodity photographed by the scanner 65 has been input from the scanner 65 (S31). In the case where it is determined that the image of the commodity has been input (Yes in S31), the control unit 700 performs commodity registration processing for the commodity based on the image (S32). The registered commodity information is stored in the commodity information unit 731. The control unit 700 then returns to S16.

[0124] Furthermore, when it is determined that no image has been input from the scanner 65 (No in S31), the control unit 700 then determines whether emergency information and evacuation guidance route information have been received from the server 2 (S41). When it is determined that emergency information and evacuation guidance route information have been received from the server 2 (Yes in S41), the display unit 703 displays the received emergency information, the place where the emergency has occurred included in the evacuation guidance route information, the current position of the information terminal 7, the evacuation guidance route from the current position, and the map information stored in the store map information unit 744 on the display unit 78 in a superimposed manner (S42). When it is determined that emergency information and evacuation guidance route information have been received from the server 2, it is determined whether the registered product information is stored in the product information unit 731. If it is stored, the content of the product information unit 731 can be sent to the server 2 (emergency product information sending unit). In this case, emergency information that can be recognized as sending product information due to the occurrence of an emergency can be added and sent. The control unit 700 then returns to S16.

[0125] Fig.11 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen showing the occurrence of an emergency and an evacuation guidance route displayed by the display unit 703 in the process of S42. Fig.11 As shown, on the displayed screen Cb, a message M (emergency message) indicating that an emergency has occurred is displayed in a prominent position (e.g., the upper part of the screen Cb). The message M includes a message Ma indicating that an emergency has occurred and the type of the emergency (in Fig.11In the example of , a message "fire has occurred" is displayed) and a message Mb reminding customers to evacuate along the evacuation guidance path. In addition, in order to facilitate evacuation, a guide urging customers to abandon the goods on the cart 6 can be displayed. In addition, on the screen Cb, a mark W indicating a flame is displayed at the place where an emergency (fire) has occurred. Fig.11 In the display example, since the mark W is displayed near the checkout area Sa, it can be recognized that an emergency has occurred near the checkout area Sa.

[0126] In addition, the evacuation guidance route Ya of customer A is displayed on the screen Cb. The evacuation guidance route Ya is determined based on the position Ta of the information terminal 7 installed on the cart 6 operated by customer A in the store T, the location where the emergency occurred, and the location of the exit Da closest to the location Ta that avoids the location where the emergency occurred. In addition, the most suitable evacuation guidance route for other customers located at different locations from customer A is displayed on the information terminal 7 of the customer.

[0127] Back to Fig.10 In addition, when it is determined that the evacuation guidance path information has not been received from the server 2 (No in S41), the control unit 700 then determines whether a release signal of the emergency has been received from the server 2 (S44). When it is determined that the release signal of the emergency has not been received (No in S44), the control unit 700 returns to S31. When it is determined that the release signal of the emergency has been received from the server 2 (Yes in S44), the control unit 700 deletes the display of the emergency information, the place where the emergency occurred, and the evacuation guidance path involved in the information terminal 7 displayed in S42 (S45). The control unit 700 then returns to S16.

[0128] In addition, in S21, when it is determined that the end key 772 has been operated (Yes in S21), the control unit 700 sends the product information of the product that has been registered to the server 2 (S22). The control unit 700 then performs a logout process on the information terminal 7 (S23). The control unit 700 then ends the process.

[0129] According to the information terminal 7 of this embodiment, the evacuation guide route required by the information terminal 7 during evacuation, which is received from the server 2, is displayed on the display unit 78. Therefore, the customer operating the cart 6 can evacuate safely by moving the cart 6 along the displayed evacuation guide route. However, it may be dangerous to evacuate in a state where there are many products in the cart 6. Even if the product to be purchased and registered is abandoned from the shopping cart 6 during evacuation, the product information of the shopping cart 6 is stored in the server 2. The store can compensate the customer who interrupts shopping and evacuates.

[0130] Next, control of the server 2 will be described. Fig.12 2 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the server 2. Fig.12 As shown, the control unit 200 of the server 2 determines whether the login information has been received from the information terminal 7 (S51). In the case where it is determined that the login information has been received from the information terminal 7 (Yes in S51), the login acceptance unit 201 stores the customer code included in the received login information in the login information unit 2321, and stores the received terminal code in the terminal code unit 2322 (S52). In addition, if the customer code is not stored in the customer information of the memory unit 24, a notification of canceling the login is sent to the information terminal 7. If the customer code is stored, a notification of allowing the login is sent to the information terminal. The control unit 200 then returns to S51.

[0131] Furthermore, when it is determined that the login information has not been received from the information terminal 7 (No in S51), the control unit 200 determines whether the sales data has been received from the checkout machine 3 (S53). When it is determined that the sales data has been received from the checkout machine 3 (Yes in S53), the control unit 200 additionally stores the received sales data in the sales information unit 231 (S54). The control unit 200 then returns to S51.

[0132] Furthermore, when it is determined that the sales data has not been received from the checkout machine 3 (No in S53), the control unit 200 determines whether the beacon information has been received from the beacon b (S55). When it is determined that the beacon information has been received from the beacon b (Yes in S55), the specifying unit 202 specifies the position (coordinates) of the information terminal 7 specified by the terminal code based on the received beacon code, terminal code, and radio wave intensity information (S56). The control unit 200 then stores the information of the position of the specified information terminal 7 in the information terminal position unit 2324. After that, the control unit 200 returns to S51.

[0133] In addition, when it is determined that the beacon information is not received from the beacon b (No in S55), the emergency judgment unit 203 determines whether an emergency has occurred in the store T (i.e., whether it is an emergency) (S61). When it is determined that no emergency has occurred in the store T (No in S61), the control unit 200 returns to S51, and when it is determined that an emergency has occurred in the store T (Yes in S61). The emergency position specifying unit 204 specifies the place where the emergency has occurred (S62). Then, the determination unit 205 determines the respective evacuation guidance routes for each information terminal 7 located in the store T (S63). The control unit 200 then stores the evacuation guidance route information including the determined evacuation guidance route and the emergency information in the evacuation route unit 2325. The sending unit 206 then sends the emergency information and the evacuation guidance route information including the determined evacuation guidance route to each information terminal 7 (S64). Thereafter, the product information and emergency information received from each information terminal 7 may be stored in the product information unit 2323 (emergency product information storage means).

[0134] The control unit 200 then determines whether the emergency has been resolved (S65). The emergency can be resolved, for example, by a manager-level person in the store T performing a predetermined operation on the server 2 (for example, inputting the manager's clerk code and operating the release button), thereby issuing a release signal for the emergency. In the case where it is determined that the emergency has not been resolved (No in S65), it is determined whether beacon information is received from beacon b after the evacuation guidance path information is sent (S66). If the beacon information is not received (No in S66), the process returns to S64, and in the case where it is determined that the beacon information has been received from beacon b (Yes in S66), the control unit 200 adds the new location information of the information terminal 7 to the location of the information terminal 7 stored in the information terminal location unit 2324, and updates the location information of the information terminal 7 stored in the information terminal location unit 2324 (S67). That is, the location information of the previously specified information terminal 7 and the newly specified location information of the information terminal 7 are stored in the information terminal location unit 2324.

[0135] The movement judgment unit 207 then judges whether the information terminal 7 (i.e., the cart 6 on which the information terminal 7 is mounted) has moved a prescribed distance based on the old position information and the new position information of the information terminal 7 stored in the information terminal position unit 2324 (S69). The prescribed distance is a predetermined distance that can be recognized as the distance that the information terminal 7 is actually moving. In the case where it is judged that the information terminal 7 has moved a distance greater than the prescribed distance (Yes in S69), the control unit 200 returns to S64, and in the case where it is judged that the information terminal 7 has not moved a distance greater than the prescribed distance (i.e., the information terminal 7 has not actually moved) (No in S69), the control unit 200 specifies that the display unit 208 superimposes the position of the information terminal 7 represented by the position information (coordinates) of the information terminal 7 on the map information stored in the store map information unit 242, and displays the information terminal 7 (i.e., the cart 6) on the display unit 27 after attaching a message indicating that the information terminal 7 (i.e., the cart 6) has not actually moved after the evacuation guidance path information is sent (S70). In addition, if there are information terminals 7 that have not actually moved after the evacuation guidance route information is transmitted, the designated display unit 208 displays the positions and messages of these information terminals 7 on the same screen of the display unit 27 (S70). The manager or person in charge of the store T who sees this display can immediately understand the number, position, and duration of the information terminals 7 that are stranded and have not moved.

[0136] Fig.13 FIG. 2 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 27 by designating the display unit 208 in S70. Fig.13 In the example, the information terminals 7 that have not actually moved after the evacuation guidance route information was sent are displayed at four positions, namely, positions Ha, Hb, Hc, and Hd. Then, a message indicating the time the information terminal 7 has been staying and the degree of danger corresponding to the staying time is displayed at a position close to each information terminal 7. The person in charge etc. who sees this message determines which information terminal 7 the customer with should be rescued first.

[0137] return Fig.12On the other hand, when it is determined in S65 that the emergency state has been lifted (Yes in S65), the control unit 200 sends an emergency release signal to each information terminal 7 (S71), and the control unit 200 deletes the information related to the emergency (for example, the information stored in the evacuation path unit 2325 and the movement judgment unit 2326) (S72). The screen displayed on the display unit 27 in S70 is also deleted (deletion unit). The control unit 200 returns to S51 thereafter. According to the deleted situation, the commodity information including the emergency information received from each information terminal 7 is read from the commodity information unit 2323, and the commodity information is output through an external device or a printing device (output device). Based on the output commodity information, the store can distribute the commodities (commodities that have been registered and placed in the trolley 6) placed in the shopping cart 6 by customers who have registered the commodities when evacuating due to a fire or other accident by express delivery or the like. Accordingly, customers can safely abandon the commodities placed in the trolley 6 and evacuate with a lightweight trolley. In addition, stores can continue to retain disturbed customers.

[0138] According to the server 2 of such an embodiment, the evacuation guidance path for each customer (each information terminal 7) is determined based on the location of the information terminal 7, the location of the emergency, and the location of the exit, and is sent to the information terminal 7, so that each customer can be safely guided to the exit. In addition, since the location of the information terminal 7 that has not actually moved after the evacuation guidance path information is sent is displayed, the store clerk and the like can go to these information terminals 7 for rescue.

[0139] Next, the control of the checkout machine 3 will be described. Fig.14 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the checkout machine 3. Fig.14 As shown, the control unit 300 of the checkout machine 3 determines whether the product information of the product that has been registered by the information terminal 7 is received from the server 2 (S81). Specifically, when the customer code is read by the card reading unit 39 in the checkout machine 3, the control unit 300 associates the customer code with the checkout machine code stored in the checkout machine code unit 343 and sends it to the server 2. The server 2 that has received the customer code and the checkout machine code sends the product information stored in the product information unit 2323 to the checkout machine 3 specified by the checkout machine code in correspondence with the received customer code. In S81, the control unit 300 determines whether the product information is received from the server 2. In the case where it is determined that the product information has been received (Yes in S81), the product information is stored in the product information unit 331 (S82). The control unit 300 then returns to S81.

[0140] Furthermore, when it is determined that the product information has not been received (No in S81), the control unit 300 determines whether the emergency button 41 has been operated (S83). When it is determined that the emergency button 41 has been operated (Yes in S83), the control unit 300 associates the emergency signal with the checkout machine code stored in the checkout machine code unit 343 and transmits the associated emergency signal to the server 2. Then, the control unit 300 displays emergency information indicating that an emergency has occurred on the display unit 38 (S85).

[0141] The control unit 300 then determines whether the emergency has been resolved (whether an emergency resolution signal has been received from the server 2) (S86). The control unit 300 waits until the emergency is resolved (No in S86), and if it is determined that the emergency has been resolved (Yes in S86), the display of the emergency information displayed in S85 is deleted (S87). The control unit 300 then returns to S81.

[0142] Furthermore, when it is determined that the emergency button 41 has not been operated (No in S83), the control unit 300 determines whether the checkout key 371 has been operated (S88). If it has not been operated, the process returns to S81. When it is determined that the checkout key 371 has been operated (Yes in S88), the control unit 300 performs the checkout process related to the transaction based on the commodity information stored in the commodity information unit 331 (S89). Then, the control unit 300 stores the sales data of the commodity that has been checked out in the sales information unit 332. The control unit 300 then returns to S81.

[0143] As described above, the evacuation guidance device 4 of the embodiment is an evacuation guidance device 4 including a server 2, one or more information terminals 7 that can move within the store T and can communicate with the server 2, the information terminal 7 includes a designated information sending unit 702 for sending a position of the information terminal 7 for specifying itself, the server 2 includes a designation unit 202 for specifying the position of the information terminal 7 within the store T based on the designated information, a communication unit 29 for receiving an emergency signal sent from a fire alarm 51 or a checkout machine 3, a determination unit 205 for determining the evacuation guidance path of each information terminal 7 based on the position of the designated information terminal 7 when receiving the emergency signal, and a sending unit 206 for sending evacuation guidance path information including information on the determined evacuation guidance path to each information terminal 7, the information terminal 7 includes a display unit 703 for displaying the evacuation guidance path included in the evacuation guidance path information received from the server 2 on the display unit 78.

[0144] In the evacuation guidance device 4 of such an embodiment, the server 2 determines and transmits each evacuation guidance route suitable for evacuation from the position of each information terminal 7 to each information terminal 7 located in the store T, and the information terminal 7 displays the evacuation guidance route on the display unit 78. Therefore, in the event of an emergency, customers can be safely guided.

[0145] So far, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, changes and combinations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0146] For example, in the embodiment, the information terminal 7 may be installed on the cart 6. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the information terminal 7 may be installed in, for example, a shopping basket (carried by a customer) into which merchandise is placed.

[0147] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the server 2 specifies the location of the information terminal 7 based on the beacon information transmitted from the beacon b. However, without being limited thereto, the server 2 may specify the location of the information terminal 7 by using a known method such as GPS (Global Positioning System) or WI-FI (Wireless Fidelity).

[0148] In the embodiment, the commodity information is first sent from the information terminal 7 to the server 2 and then to the checkout machine 3. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the commodity information may be directly sent from the information terminal 7 to the checkout machine 3.

[0149] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the product information transmitted to the server 2 is stored in the product information unit 2323 of the information terminal management unit 232. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the product information may be stored in a customer server that processes customer information.

[0150] In addition, in the embodiment, the evacuation guidance device 4 is constructed by the server 2 and the information terminal 7. However, it is not limited thereto, and may be an evacuation guidance system including the server 2 and the information terminal 7.

[0151] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the information of the information terminal 7 which has not actually moved after the evacuation guidance route information is transmitted is displayed on the server 2. However, such a function is not essential.

[0152] Furthermore, in the embodiment, fire and robbery are described as examples of emergency situations, but the emergency situation may be other than fire and robbery.

[0153] In the embodiment, the fire alarm 51 and the checkout machine 3 are described as examples of the transmission device. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the transmission device may be any of the fire alarm 51 and the checkout machine 3.

[0154] In addition, in the embodiment, the store T is described as an example of a commercial facility, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the commercial facility may be, for example, a shopping mall or an outdoor shopping facility.

Claims

1. An evacuation guidance device, comprising a server and one or more information terminals that can move within a commercial facility and can communicate with the server, wherein: The information terminal comprises: a sending unit for sending designation information for designating the location of its own information terminal, The server comprises: a specifying unit that specifies a location of the information terminal within the commercial facility based on the specifying information; A receiving unit, receiving an emergency signal sent from a sending device; a determining unit, which, upon receiving the emergency signal, determines an evacuation guidance path for each information terminal based on the designated location of the information terminal; and The sending unit sends evacuation guidance path information including information of the determined evacuation guidance path to each information terminal, wherein: The information terminal comprises: The display unit displays, on a display unit, the evacuation guidance route included in the evacuation guidance route information received from the server.

2. The evacuation guiding device according to claim 1, wherein: The specifying unit specifies the position of the information terminal based on the position of a beacon at a position where a radio wave that receives the specifying information transmitted by the transmitting unit is strongest among a plurality of beacons arranged in the commercial facility.

3. The evacuation guiding device according to claim 1, wherein: The determination unit determines an evacuation guidance route based on an installation location of the transmission device, a location of the information terminal, and a location of an exit of the commercial facility.

4. The evacuation guiding device according to claim 3, wherein: The specifying unit specifies the evacuation guidance route avoiding a position of a fire alarm that has detected a fire and transmitted the emergency signal among a plurality of fire alarms installed in the commercial facility.

5. The evacuation guiding device according to claim 1, wherein: The server also includes: a movement determination unit for determining whether the information terminal has moved a distance greater than a specified distance from a designated position after the evacuation guidance path information is sent; and The designation display unit displays the information terminal determined by the movement determination unit as not having moved a distance greater than the predetermined distance.

6. The evacuation guiding device according to claim 1, wherein: The specifying unit specifies the emergency button avoiding a position of the emergency button that has transmitted the emergency signal based on an operation during an emergency, among a plurality of emergency buttons installed in the commercial facility.

7. The evacuation guiding device according to claim 4, wherein: The information terminal is placed on a cart carrying the goods to be purchased. The display unit displays a guide urging the user to abandon the merchandise on the cart and evacuate together with the evacuation guidance route.

8. The evacuation guiding device according to claim 7, wherein: The information terminal also includes: a commodity registration processing unit that stores commodity information of the commodity placed on the cart based on commodity designation information of the commodity; and The emergency commodity information sending unit, when receiving the evacuation guidance path information from the server, sends the registered commodity information to the server in the case where the registered commodity information is stored by the commodity registration processing unit, wherein: The server also includes: The emergency commodity information storage unit stores the received commodity information in the commodity information section.

9. The evacuation guiding device according to claim 8, wherein: The server also includes: a deleting unit that, when it is determined that the emergency situation has been resolved, sends an emergency situation resolution signal to each information terminal and deletes the evacuation route information; and The output unit outputs the commodity information stored in the emergency commodity information storage unit as the emergency state is released.

10. An evacuation guidance method, used in an evacuation guidance device comprising a server and one or more information terminals that can move within a commercial facility and can communicate with the server, wherein: The information terminal performs the following steps: a sending step of sending designated information for designating the location of the own information terminal, The server performs the following steps: a specifying step of specifying a location of the information terminal in the commercial facility based on the specifying information transmitted in the transmitting step; a determining step of determining an evacuation guidance path for each information terminal based on the position of the information terminal specified by the specifying step upon receiving the emergency signal transmitted by the transmitting device; and a sending step of sending evacuation guidance route information including information on the evacuation guidance route determined in the determining step to each information terminal, The information terminal performs the following steps: and a display step of displaying, on a display unit, the evacuation guidance route included in the evacuation guidance route information transmitted from the server in the transmission step.

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