Shopping support system and storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a shopping support system and a storage medium, which can make a shop assistant responding to a support request from a customer to support the customer as soon as possible. The shopping support system includes a cart terminal as a first terminal device carried by a customer in a shop, a shop assistant terminal as a second terminal device carried by a shop assistant, and a server device communicably connected to the cart terminal and the shop assistant terminal. The server device calculates the length of a path along a channel between the cart terminal and the shop assistant terminal on the basis of the position of the cart terminal that has issued the support request, the position of the shop assistant terminal, and shop map information as map information that stores the configuration of the channel in the shop and information relating to the length of the channel. A shop assistant capable of supporting the customer using the cart terminal that has issued the support request is selected. The server device instructs the selected shop assistant terminal to support the cart terminal.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from a Japanese application with an application date of December 15, 2023 and an application number of JP2023-212444, and incorporates the content of the above application by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a shopping support system and a storage medium. Background Art

[0003] Conventionally, there has been proposed a shopping support system that enables a store clerk to go to the customer's side to provide support in response to a customer's call during shopping.

[0004] In such a shopping support system, regardless of the current situation of each store clerk, the store clerk selected to provide support is based on the distance from the customer. Therefore, for example, even a store clerk taking a break in the backyard may have to go to provide support if the distance from the customer is close. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a shopping support system and a storage medium that can enable a store clerk who can respond to a customer's support request as soon as possible to go to support the customer.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the shopping support system of the embodiment includes: a first terminal device carried by a customer while shopping in a store, a second terminal device carried by a store clerk, and a server device communicably connected to the first terminal device and the second terminal device. The first terminal device has a first position determination unit, a support request unit, and an own position transmission unit. The first position determination unit determines the position of the first terminal device itself in the store and outputs the determined position to the server device. The support request unit receives an instruction from the customer and requests support from the store clerk. The own position transmission unit conveys its own existence to the surroundings when the support request unit requests support. The server device has a position information acquisition unit, a support request acquisition unit, a distance calculation unit, a selection unit, and a support instruction unit. The position information acquisition unit acquires the current positions of the first terminal device and the second terminal device. The support request acquisition unit acquires a support request from the first terminal device. The distance calculation unit calculates the length of the distance along the passage between the first terminal device and the second terminal device based on the position of the first terminal device, the position of the second terminal device, and map information that stores the structure of the passages in the store and information related to the length of the passages. The selection unit selects a store clerk carrying the second terminal device capable of responding to the support request from the first terminal device based on the length of the distance calculated by the distance calculation unit. The support instruction unit instructs the second terminal device carried by the store clerk selected by the selection unit to support the customer using the first terminal device. The second terminal device has a second position determination unit and a support instruction acquisition unit. The second position determination unit determines the position of the second terminal device itself in the store and outputs the determined position to the server device. The support instruction acquisition unit acquires a support instruction for the customer using the first terminal device that has requested support from the server device.

[0007] According to the above shopping support system, it is possible to send a store clerk who can quickly respond to the customer's support request to support the customer.

[0008] In the above shopping support system, the map information is information representing the structure of the passages in the store by nodes indicating coordinate positions and links connecting the nodes. The links store a link length as the length of the link and a weight of the link as a coefficient multiplied by the link length when calculating the distance. The distance calculation unit calculates the distance based on the sum of the product values of the link length and the weight of the link.

[0009] According to the above shopping support system, since weights can be assigned to the links, it is possible to set up preparations that can respond to the customer's support to some extent quickly.

[0010] In the above shopping support system, a link from the sales floor to the backyard of the store is assigned a link weight greater than 1.

[0011] According to the shopping support system described above, a store clerk taking a break in the backyard can respond to a support request from a customer that is difficult for a store clerk inside the store to handle.

[0012] In the shopping support system described above, the second terminal device further includes a response availability notification unit that outputs to the server device information indicating that it can respond to a support request from a customer or cannot respond to a support request from a customer. The support instruction unit of the server device does not instruct the second terminal device that has output information indicating that it cannot respond to a support request from a customer to support the customer.

[0013] According to the shopping support system described above, for a store clerk who cannot respond to a support request, even if the clerk is near the customer who has requested support, the system can refrain from instructing support for the customer.

[0014] In the shopping support system described above, the support instruction unit instructs the second terminal device that has declared that it can respond to a support request from a customer and is located within a distance of a specified length from the first terminal device to support the customer.

[0015] According to the shopping support system described above, when there are multiple store clerks who can respond to a support request from a customer, the system can instruct multiple candidate store clerks to support the customer. As a result, the options for store clerks available for support can be increased.

[0016] In the shopping support system described above, the selection unit selects, from among multiple second terminal devices located within a distance of a specified length from the first terminal device that has requested support, the second terminal devices that have declared that they can respond to a support request from a customer.

[0017] According to the shopping support system described above, from among multiple second terminal devices, the system can select the second terminal devices that are located near the customer and can respond. As a result, store clerks who can quickly provide support to the customer can be selected.

[0018] In the shopping support system described above, a weight greater than 1 is assigned to a link that reaches a floor different from the floor where the customer is located.

[0019] According to the shopping support system described above, a store clerk on a different floor from the customer can respond to a support request from the customer that is more difficult for a store clerk on the same floor to handle.

[0020] In the shopping support system described above, a weight less than 1 is assigned to a link connecting the current position of a store clerk whose main business is to respond to customers and the customer.

[0021] According to the shopping support system described above, compared with other store clerks, it is possible to make it easier for store clerks whose main business is to deal with customers to respond to support requests from customers.

[0022] In the shopping support system described above, the selection unit selects all second terminal devices existing at a location within a specified distance from the first terminal device that has requested support among a plurality of second terminal devices.

[0023] According to the shopping support system described above, among a plurality of second terminal devices, it is possible to select a second terminal device existing at a location close to the customer. Thus, it is possible to select a store clerk who can quickly provide support to the customer.

[0024] Another storage medium of the present invention stores a program. The program enables a computer that controls a first terminal device carried by a customer while shopping in a store to have functions as the following parts: a first position determination unit that determines the position of the first terminal device itself in the store and outputs the determined position to the server device; a support request unit that receives an instruction from the customer and requests support from a store clerk; and a self-position transmission unit that, when the support request unit requests support, conveys its own existence to the surroundings. Moreover, the program also enables a computer that controls a second terminal device carried by a store clerk to have functions as the following parts: a second position determination unit that determines the position of the second terminal device itself in the store and outputs the determined position to the server device; and a support instruction acquisition unit that acquires a support instruction for a customer using the first terminal device that has requested support from the server device. Moreover, the program also enables a computer that controls a server device communicably connected to the first terminal device and the second terminal device to have functions as the following parts: a position information acquisition unit that acquires the current positions of the first terminal device and the second terminal device; a support request acquisition unit that acquires a support request from the first terminal device; a distance calculation unit that calculates the length of the distance along the passage between the first terminal device and the second terminal device based on the position of the first terminal device, the position of the second terminal device, and map information that stores the structure of the passages in the store and information related to the lengths of the passages; a selection unit that selects a store clerk carrying the second terminal device capable of responding to the support request from the first terminal device based on the length of the distance calculated by the distance calculation unit; and a support instruction unit that instructs the second terminal device carried by the store clerk selected by the selection unit to support the customer using the first terminal device.

[0025] According to the storage medium described above, it is possible to provide a function that enables a store clerk who can quickly respond to a customer's support request to go to support the customer. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] Figure 1 It is a schematic configuration diagram of the shopping support system of the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the shopping cart.

[0028] Figure 3 It is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the cart terminal included in the shopping cart.

[0029] Figure 4 It is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the store clerk terminal.

[0030] Figure 5 It is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device.

[0031] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing an example of the store map data included in the shopping support system.

[0032] Figure 7 It is the first diagram showing the structure of the store map data.

[0033] Figure 8 It is the second diagram showing the structure of the store map data.

[0034] Figure 9 It is a diagram explaining the process of applying the current positions of the customer and the store clerk to the nearby nodes in the store map data.

[0035] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing an example of the screen transition of the screen displayed on the monitor of the cart terminal when calling a store clerk.

[0036] Figure 11 It is a diagram showing an example of the screen transition of the screen displayed on the monitor of the store clerk terminal when a support request is received from the customer.

[0037] Figure 12 It is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the shopping support system.

[0038] Figure 13 It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the cart terminal when a customer issues a support request.

[0039] Figure 14 It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the server device when a customer issues a support request.

[0040] Figure 15 It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the store clerk terminal when a customer issues a support request.

[0041] Explanation of reference numerals

[0042] 1 Shopping support system 10 Cart terminal (first terminal device) 123 Commodity registration document 141 Monitor 142 Touch panel 143 Scanner 144 Positioning sensor 145 Warning light 16 Commodity registration screen 161 Commodity list 162 Clerk call button 163 Registration completion button 164 Registration cancellation button 17 Clerk call screen 171 Support received information 172 Call cancellation button 2 In-store network 21 Own position positioning unit (first position determination unit) 22 Support request unit 23 Own position transmission unit 24 Call cancellation unit 25 Support received acquisition unit 26 Commodity code reading unit 27 Commodity registration unit 28 Commodity registration information output unit 29 Transaction code acquisition unit 3 Access point 30 Clerk terminal (second terminal device) 322 Store map data (map information) 3221 Node data 3222 Link data 36, 37, 38, 39 Screens 361 Supportable label 362 Call-corresponding button 363 Non-call-corresponding button 371 Non-supportable label 381 Support request label 382 Support-corresponding acceptance button 383 Non-support-corresponding button 391 Customer support instruction label 392 Movement path 393 Corresponding completion button 4 Shopping cart 41 Own position positioning unit (second position determination unit) 42 Corresponding availability notification unit 43 Call cancellation acquisition unit 44 Support instruction acquisition unit 45 Support received notification unit 6 Shelf 50 Server device 522 Store map data (map information) 523 Commodity registration document 61 Position information acquisition unit 62 Corresponding availability acquisition unit 63 Support request acquisition unit 64 Call cancellation acquisition unit 65 Call cancellation notification unit 66 Route calculation unit 67 Clerk terminal selection unit (selection unit) 68 Support instruction unit 69 Support received confirmation acquisition unit 70 Support received notification unit 71 Commodity registration information acquisition unit 72 Transaction code issuing unit 80 Reconciliation settlement device C, Ca Customers S, Sa, Sb Clerks L, L ij-pq Link M Store map N, N ij Node P Link length w Weight Detailed implementation mode

[0043] (Schematic configuration of shopping support system)

[0044] Use Figure 1 Explain the schematic configuration of the shopping support system 1. Figure 1 It is a schematic configuration diagram of the shopping support system of the embodiment.

[0045] The shopping support system 1 includes a cart terminal 10, a clerk terminal 30, a server device 50, a reconciliation settlement device 80, and an access point 3 provided on the shopping cart 4.

[0046] The server device 50 and the reconciliation and settlement device 80 are communicably connected via the in-store network 2. The cart terminal 10, the server device 50, and the reconciliation and settlement device 80 are communicably connected via a plurality of access points 3 provided in the store. In addition, the store clerk terminal 30 and the server device 50 are communicably connected via the access point 3.

[0047] When the shopping support system 1 calls a store clerk when a customer C in the middle of shopping encounters difficulties, it can guide the available store clerk S to the side of the customer C. After the store clerk S arrives at the side of the customer C, the store clerk S provides support for problem-solving.

[0048] The cart terminal 10 has a product registration function for registering the products purchased by the customer C. In addition, the cart terminal 10 has a store clerk calling function for calling the store clerk S when the customer C in the middle of shopping needs the support of the store clerk S. The cart terminal 10 is an example of the first terminal device in the present disclosure.

[0049] The store clerk terminal 30 is a terminal device such as a tablet terminal or a smart phone carried by the store clerk S. When a call for the store clerk S is made from the customer C, the store clerk terminal 30 notifies that a support request has been issued. It should be noted that the shopping support system 1 does not notify all the store clerk terminals 30, but only notifies the store clerk terminals 30 carried by the store clerks S near the customer C who has requested support. In addition, the shopping support system 1 may also notify only the store clerk terminals 30 of the store clerks S who can support the customer C among the store clerks S near the customer C who has requested support.

[0050] In addition, the store clerk terminal 30 receives information related to the business by performing wireless communication with the server device 50. In addition, the store clerk terminal 30 receives information related to the business by performing wireless communication with other store clerk terminals 30. The store clerk terminal 30 is an example of the second terminal device in the present disclosure.

[0051] The server device 50 monitors the current position of the cart terminal 10 and the current position of the store clerk terminal 30.

[0052] The reconciliation and settlement device 80 performs reconciliation and settlement (which may also be referred to as checkout or settlement) related to the product registration information of the products registered by the customer C using the cart terminal 10. The reconciliation and settlement device 80 performs cash settlement or non-cash settlement in the settlement method selected by the customer C. Cash settlement is a settlement method using banknotes and coins. Non-cash settlement is a payment of the purchase price related to the product registration information registered in the cart terminal 10 without using cash. Non-cash settlement includes credit card settlement, code settlement, electronic money settlement, etc.

[0053] (Configuration of the shopping cart)

[0054] Use Figure 2Describe the configuration of the shopping cart 4. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the shopping cart.

[0055] The shopping cart 4 has a cage-shaped storage section 102 with an open top, a caster section 103 for movement disposed below the storage section 102, a handle section 104 connected to the storage section 102 and held by the customer C when moving the shopping cart 4, etc. In addition, the shopping cart 4 is composed of a frame 105 as the overall skeleton. The customer C takes the items to be purchased from the shelf and stores them in the storage section 102. It should be noted that the shopping cart 4 may not necessarily be in a form with its own storage section 102. For example, it may also be a form with a basket receiving section for placing a shopping basket for storing items, and using the shopping basket placed on the basket receiving section as the storage section 102.

[0056] In addition, on the handle section 104 side of the shopping cart 4, a trolley terminal 10 is installed via a holding section (not shown). The trolley terminal 10 includes a monitor 141, a touch panel 142, a scanner 143, and a positioning sensor 144.

[0057] The monitor 141 is composed of a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, and displays to the customer C the operation method of the trolley terminal 10, product information of the items to be purchased, etc.

[0058] The touch panel 142 is provided in a state of being laminated on the monitor 141, and obtains the operation instructions of the customer C for the trolley terminal 10.

[0059] The scanner 143 is provided near the monitor 141 and reads the product code registered in the code symbols such as barcodes attached to the items. It should be noted that in addition to the scanner 143, the trolley terminal 10 may also include a hand-held scanner (not shown) for the customer C to hold and scan the items. When the item is heavy, the customer C uses the hand-held scanner to read the code symbol of the item.

[0060] When the customer C puts an item into the shopping cart 4, the customer aligns the code symbol attached to the item with the scanner 143. The scanner 143 reads the code symbol it is aligned with. In addition, the scanner 143 decodes the read code symbol. The trolley terminal 10 analyzes the decoded digital signal to obtain the product code that determines the item. The trolley terminal 10 registers the items purchased by the customer by storing the obtained product code.

[0061] The positioning sensor 144 locates the position of the trolley terminal 10 in the store. The positioning sensor 144 is, for example, a well-known GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor. It should be noted that the positioning sensor 144 may also perform Wi-Fi (registered trademark) positioning based on the signal strength between itself and multiple access points 3 provided in the store to estimate its own position.

[0062] In addition, the shopping cart 4 has a warning light 145 at the top of the vertically arranged rod 106. When the warning light 115 lights up or blinks in a specified emission color and a specified emission pattern in the case where the customer C has performed an operation of calling a store clerk through the cart terminal 10, it notifies its position to the surroundings. Since the warning light 145 is provided at the top of the rod 106, that is, at a relatively high position, the store clerk in response to the call can easily find the customer C.

[0063] (Hardware configuration of the cart terminal)

[0064] Use Figure 3 Describe the hardware configuration of the cart terminal 10. Figure 3 It is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the cart terminal provided in the shopping cart.

[0065] The cart terminal 10 has a configuration in which a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a peripheral device controller 14, and a wireless communication interface 15 are interconnected via an internal bus 13.

[0066] The control unit 11 controls the overall operation of the cart terminal 10. The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113. The CPU 111 is connected to the ROM 112 and the RAM 113 via internal buses such as an address bus and a data bus. The CPU 111 expands various programs stored in the ROM 112 or the storage unit 12 in the RAM 113. The CPU 111 operates according to the various programs expanded in the RAM 113, thereby controlling the operation of the cart terminal 10. That is, the control unit 11 has a configuration of a general computer.

[0067] The storage unit 12 is a storage device such as an HDD or an SSD. In addition, the storage unit 12 may also be a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 12 stores a control program 121, a product master file 122, and a product registration file 123.

[0068] The control program 121 is a program for controlling the overall operation of the cart terminal 10. The control program 121 can be provided in a state stored in the storage unit 12, or can be recorded in a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD in an installable form or an executable form of a file. In addition, the control program 121 may also be stored on a computer connected to a network and downloaded via the network for providing. Furthermore, the control program 121 can be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0069] The product master file 122 is a master file that stores, in association with each other, code information such as JAN codes uniquely assigned to respective products and product information related to the products, such as the names, prices, and product classifications of the products.

[0070] The product registration file 123 is a file that stores product information (product name, unit price, quantity, etc.) corresponding to the product codes of the products registered in the cart terminal 10.

[0071] The control unit 11 is connected, via the peripheral device controller 14, to a monitor 141, a touch panel 142, a scanner 143, a positioning sensor 144, and a warning light 145 that perform various information input / output operations. The outlines of the respective input / output devices are as described above. The peripheral device controller 14 controls the operations of these peripheral devices according to instructions from the control unit 11.

[0072] In addition, the control unit 11 performs wireless communication with the server device 50 via the wireless communication interface 15.

[0073] The cart terminal 10 outputs its own position corresponding to the output of the positioning sensor 144 to the server device 50 at any time. In addition, the cart terminal 10 requests support from the server device 50 when the customer C performs an operation to call a store clerk. In addition, the cart terminal 10 obtains information indicating that the store clerk S has accepted the support from the server device 50 on the condition that the store clerk S has determined to respond to the support request.

[0074] In addition, when all product registrations are completed, the cart terminal 10 outputs the product registration file 123 to the server device 50. In addition, after the cart terminal 10 outputs the product registration file 123 to the server device 50, the cart terminal 10 obtains a transaction code that uniquely determines the registration content of the product registration file 123 from the server device 50.

[0075] (Hardware configuration of the store clerk terminal)

[0076] Use Figure 4 To describe the hardware configuration of the store clerk terminal 30. Figure 4 This is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the store clerk terminal.

[0077] The store clerk terminal 30 has a configuration in which a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a peripheral device controller 34, and a wireless communication interface 35 are interconnected via an internal bus 33.

[0078] The control unit 31 controls the overall operation of the store clerk terminal 30. The control unit 31 includes a CPU 311, a ROM 312, and a RAM 313. The CPU 311 is connected to the ROM 312 and the RAM 313 via internal buses such as an address bus and a data bus. The CPU 311 expands various programs stored in the ROM 312 and the storage unit 32 into the RAM 313. The CPU 311 operates according to the various programs expanded in the RAM 313, thereby controlling the operation of the store clerk terminal 30. That is, the control unit 31 has a general computer configuration.

[0079] The storage unit 32 is a storage device such as an HDD or an SSD. Additionally, the storage unit 32 can also be a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 32 stores a control program 321 and store map data 322.

[0080] The control program 321 is a program that controls the overall operation of the store clerk terminal 30. The control program 321 can be provided in a state stored in the storage unit 32, or can be recorded in a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD in a form that can be installed or executed and then provided. Additionally, the control program 321 can also be stored on a computer connected to a network and provided by downloading via the network. Moreover, the control program 321 can also be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0081] The store map data 322 is map data that stores the structure of aisles in the store and information related to the lengths of the aisles. Additionally, the store map data 322 stores the current positions of the cart terminals 10 and the store clerk terminal 30 in association with the store map data 322. It should be noted that the store map data 322 is an example of the map information in the present disclosure.

[0082] The control unit 31 is connected to a monitor 341, a touch panel 342, and a positioning sensor 343 that perform various information input / outputs via a peripheral device controller 34. The peripheral device controller 34 controls the operations of these peripheral devices according to instructions from the control unit 31.

[0083] The monitor 341 is composed of a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, and displays various information related to store management to the store clerk S.

[0084] The touch panel 342 is provided in a state laminated on the monitor 341, and obtains operation instructions from the store clerk S for the store clerk terminal 30.

[0085] The positioning sensor 343 locates the position of the store clerk terminal 30 in the store. The positioning sensor 343 is the same as the positioning sensor 144 provided in the cart terminal 10.

[0086] In addition, the control unit 31 performs wireless communication with the server device 50 via the wireless communication interface 35.

[0087] The store clerk terminal 30 outputs its own position located by the positioning sensor 343 to the server device 50 at any time. In addition, the store clerk terminal 30 outputs information indicating whether it can respond to a support request from the customer C to the server device 50. Moreover, the store clerk terminal 30 outputs information indicating that it has accepted a support request from the customer C to the server device 50.

[0088] In addition, the store clerk terminal 30 obtains an instruction corresponding to the meaning of the support request from the customer C from the server device 50. In addition, the store clerk terminal 30 obtains information indicating that the support request from the customer C has been cancelled from the server device 50.

[0089] (Hardware Configuration of Server Device)

[0090] Use Figure 5 To describe the hardware configuration of the server device 50. Figure 5 It is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device.

[0091] The server device 50 has a configuration in which the control unit 51, the storage unit 52, the peripheral device controller 54, and the communication interface 55 are connected to each other via the internal bus 53.

[0092] The control unit 51 controls the overall operation of the store clerk terminal 30. The control unit 51 includes a CPU 511, a ROM 512, and a RAM 513. The CPU 511 is connected to the ROM 512 and the RAM 513 via internal buses such as the address bus and the data bus. The CPU 511 expands various programs stored in the ROM 512 or the storage unit 52 into the RAM 513. The CPU 511 operates according to the various programs expanded in the RAM 513, thereby controlling the operation of the server device 50. That is, the control unit 51 has the configuration of a general computer.

[0093] The storage unit 52 is a storage device such as an HDD or an SSD. In addition, the storage unit 52 can also be a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 52 stores a control program 521, store map data 522, and a product registration file 523.

[0094] The control program 521 is a program that controls the overall operation of the store clerk terminal 30. The control program 521 can be provided in a state stored in the storage unit 52, or can be recorded in a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD in an installable form or an executable form and provided. In addition, the control program 521 can also be stored on a computer connected to a network and provided by downloading via the network. Moreover, the control program 521 can be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0095] The store map data 522 is map data that stores the structure of the aisles in the store and information related to the lengths of the aisles. In addition, the store map data 522 stores the current position of the cart terminal 10 and the current position of the store clerk terminal 30 in association with the store map data 522. It should be noted that the store map data 522 is the same as the store map data 322 stored in the store clerk terminal 30. The store map data 522 is an example of the map information in the present disclosure.

[0096] The merchandise registration file 523 is a file that is associated with the merchandise registration file 123 obtained from the cart terminal 10 and stores a transaction code that uniquely determines a transaction. It should be noted that the server device 50 stores the merchandise registration files 123 obtained from a plurality of cart terminals 10 in the store.

[0097] The control unit 51 is connected via the peripheral device controller 54 to a display device 541 and an operation device 542 that perform input / output of various information. The display device 541 is composed of a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel and displays various screen information or various text information to the operator of the server device 50. The operation device 542 is, for example, a touch panel laminated on the display device 541, and it obtains operation instructions from the operator for the server device 50. The peripheral device controller 54 controls the operations of these peripheral devices according to instructions from the control unit 51.

[0098] In addition, the control unit 51 performs wireless communication with the cart terminal 10 and the store clerk terminal 30 via the communication interface 55. In addition, the control unit 51 communicates with the reconciliation and settlement device 80 via the communication interface 55 and the in-store network 2.

[0099] The server device 50 obtains its own position corresponding to the output of the positioning sensor 144 from the cart terminal 10 at any time. In addition, the server device 50 obtains a support request from the customer C from the cart terminal 10. In addition, the server device 50 obtains the merchandise registration file 123 from the cart terminal 10.

[0100] The server device 50 outputs to the cart terminal 10 information indicating that the store clerk S has received support. In addition, the server device 50 outputs to the cart terminal 10 a transaction code that uniquely identifies the registration content of the merchandise registration file 123.

[0101] In addition, the server device 50 obtains its own position corresponding to the output of the positioning sensor 343 from the store clerk terminal 30 at any time. In addition, the server device 50 obtains from the store clerk terminal 30 information indicating whether it can respond to a support request from the customer C. In addition, the server device 50 obtains from the store clerk terminal 30 information indicating that a support request from the customer C has been received.

[0102] The server device 50 outputs to the store clerk terminal 30 an instruction indicating the meaning corresponding to the support request from the customer C. In addition, the server device 50 outputs to the store clerk terminal 30 information indicating that the support request from the customer C has been cancelled.

[0103] In addition, the server device 50 obtains from the reconciliation settlement device 80 the transaction code read by the customer C using the reconciliation settlement device 80.

[0104] The server device 50 outputs to the reconciliation settlement device 80 the merchandise registration file 523 corresponding to the transaction code.

[0105] (Structure of Store Map Data)

[0106] Use Figures 6 - 8 To explain the structures of the store map data 322 and 522. Figure 6 Is a diagram showing an example of the store map data included in the shopping support system. Figure 7 Is the first diagram showing the structure of the store map data. Figure 8 Is the second diagram showing the structure of the store map data.

[0107] As Figure 6 Shown, the store map M is composed of links that form aisles between the display shelves 6 where the customer C and the store clerk S can move, and nodes that are connection points between the connected links. The map data in this way is, for example, the same as the structure of the road map data included in the in-vehicle system.

[0108] It should be noted that when the store has multiple floors, a store map M is prepared for each floor.

[0109] Node N ij ( i = a, b, c,..., j = a, b, c,...) are formed at the intersections of the aisles in the store and at every specified distance along the aisles. The subscript i Represents the X-direction position of the node, and the subscript j Represents the Y-direction position of the node. Node Nij Stored in association with the X-direction position and Y-direction position in the store. Details will be described later (refer to Figure 7 ). It should be noted that in the following descriptions, when collectively referring to nodes, they are simply referred to as node N.

[0110] Link L ij-pq ( i = a, b, c,... j = a, b, c,... p = a, b, c,... q = a, b, c,...) represents the link connecting node N ij- and node N pq . Link L ij-pq starts from node N ij and ends at node N pq . Link L ij-pq stores in association the information that uniquely determines the node N representing the start point, the information that uniquely determines the node N representing the end point, the link length P, and the weight w of the link. Details will be described later (refer to Figure 8 ). It should be noted that in the following descriptions, when collectively referring to links, they are simply referred to as link L.

[0111] The link length P represents the actual length of link L.

[0112] The weight w of the link is a weight coefficient assigned to the link length P of the corresponding link L when calculating the length of the path between two nodes N in the store. For example, the clerk S taking a break in the backstage, if possible, does not want to respond to the call request from the customer C, so a weight w greater than 1.0 is assigned to the link L aa-ba connecting the sales floor and the backyard. Then, the server device 50 regards the product value of the link length P and the weight w as the apparent link length of link L aa-ba . The apparent link length P is an example of the information related to the passage length in the present disclosure. Thus, the link L from the sales floor to the backyard is considered longer than the actual distance, so the distance between the clerk S in the backyard and the customer C is estimated to be longer than the actual distance. Thus, it is difficult for the clerk S located in the backyard to respond to the support request from the customer C.

[0113] Similarly, for the clerk S on a different floor, since it is difficult to respond to the call request from the customer C by crossing floors through escalators, elevators, or stairs, it is therefore preferred that it is difficult to respond to the call request from the customer C. Therefore, a weight w greater than 1.0 is also assigned to the link L ga-ha leading to a floor different from the floor where the customer C is located.

[0114] On the other hand, for example, for the corresponding store clerk S whose main business is to serve customer C, this intention can also be registered in the server device 50. The server device 50 assigns a weight w less than 1.0 to the link L connected to the node N closest to the current position of the store clerk S. That is, the link L connecting the current position of the store clerk S and customer C is assigned a weight w less than 1.0. Thereby, it is possible to enable the store clerk S whose main business is to serve customer C to easily respond to support requests from customer C. In this way, the server device 50 can also variably set the weight w of the link L according to the store clerk S.

[0115] When the server device 50 receives a call request from customer C, it compares the position information of customer C obtained from the trolley terminal 10 with the store map M to determine the node N closest to customer C. In addition, when the server device 50 receives a call request from customer C, it compares the position information of the store clerk S obtained from the store clerk terminal 30 with the store map M to determine the node N closest to the store clerk S. Then, the server device 50 refers to the store map M to calculate the shortest path from the store clerk S to customer C and the length of this shortest path. The shortest path calculated in this way is output to the store clerk terminal 30, and the store clerk S travels along the prompted path to support customer C.

[0116] Figure 7 An example of the node data 3221 included in the store map data 322. The node data 3221 stores information that uniquely identifies the node N ij associated with the node N ij For example, information such as the node number and position coordinates of the node N ij The position coordinates of the node N are represented by, for example, ij the horizontal position X in and the vertical position Y orthogonal to the horizontal position X. It should be noted that the store map data 522 also has the same node data. Figure 6

[0117] Figure 8 An example of the link data 3222 included in the store map data 322. The link data 3222 stores the start point, end point, link length P, and weight w of the link L in association with the link L. Information that uniquely identifies the node corresponding to the start point, such as the node number, is stored at the start point of the link L. Information that uniquely identifies the node corresponding to the end point, such as the node number, is stored at the end point of the link L. It should be noted that there is no clear definition of the start point and end point, and as long as one of the nodes N forming the end points of the link is used as the start point and the other end point node N is used as the end point. The link length P stores the actual length of the link L. The weight w stores the weight assigned to the link L. The weight w can be a fixed value, as described above, or can be variable according to the store clerk S. It should be noted that the store map data 522 also has the same node data and link data.​

[0118] (Store map data applicable to the current locations of customers and store clerks)

[0119] Use Figure 9 , to illustrate the processing content in which the server device 50 applies the current locations of customer C and store clerk S to the store map data 322. Figure 9 It is a diagram illustrating the process of applying the current locations of customers and store clerks to nearby nodes in the store map data.

[0120] The server device 50 applies the current location of customer C, who requests support and is obtained from the cart terminal 10, to the store map data 322, and regards the node N closest to customer C as the current location of customer C.

[0121] Specifically, as Figure 9 shown, the server device 50 determines the node N closest to the location of customer Ca in the store map data 322 cb . Then, the node N cb is regarded as the current location of customer Ca.

[0122] In addition, the server device 50 applies the current location of store clerk S, which is obtained from the store clerk terminal 30, to the store map data 322, and regards the node N closest to store clerk S as the current location of store clerk S.

[0123] Specifically, as Figure 9 shown, the server device 50 determines the node N closest to the location of store clerk Sa in the store map data 322 dc . Then, the node N dc is regarded as the current location of store clerk Sa. In addition, the server device 50 determines the node N closest to the location of store clerk Sb in the store map data 322 cf . Then, the node N cf is regarded as the current location of store clerk Sb.

[0124] (Method for selecting a store clerk for support)

[0125] The server device 50 calculates the shortest path from node N dc , that is, the current location of store clerk Sa, to N cb , that is, the location of customer Ca. The shortest path search in the map data composed of nodes and links can be performed by a well-known path search algorithm. It should be noted that when performing the shortest path search, the server device 50 does not use the actual link length P, but uses the product value of the link length P and the weight w. In addition, the server device 50 calculates from node N cf , that is, the current location of store clerk Sb, to reach N cb, that is, the shortest path to the position of customer Ca. Then, the server device 50 selects the shorter one between the shortest path from the calculated clerk Sa to customer Ca and the shortest path from clerk Sb to customer Ca. Then, the server device 50 indicates the clerk with the shorter distance to customer Ca among the clerks S who have announced their willingness to support customer C to support customer Ca.

[0126] It should be noted that there are various variations in the method of selecting the clerk requested for support by the clerk terminal selection unit 67 (selection unit) described later. For example, the server device 50 may also select only the clerk terminal 30 with the smallest distance to customer Ca from among the multiple clerk terminals 30. Moreover, it may indicate to support customer Ca to the selected clerk terminal 30. In addition, the server device 50 may also select the clerk terminals 30 of all clerks whose distance to customer Ca is less than a specified value from among the multiple clerk terminals 30. Moreover, it may indicate to support customer Ca to all the selected clerk terminals 30. That is, the clerk terminal selection unit 67 selects all the clerk terminals 30 in which the place where the cart terminal 10 requesting support exists is within a specified distance. In the latter case, for the indication of support, the server device 50 only needs to support customer Ca to the clerk who has earliest replied to the meaning of accepting the indication.

[0127] (Screen transition of the screen displayed on the monitor of the cart terminal when calling a clerk)

[0128] Use Figure 10 Explain the screen transition of the screen displayed on the monitor 141 of the cart terminal 10. Figure 10 It is a diagram showing an example of the screen transition of the screen displayed on the monitor of the cart terminal when calling a clerk.

[0129] During the period when customer C is shopping, the cart terminal 10 displays a product registration screen 16 on the monitor 141. The product registration screen 16 includes a product list 161, a clerk call button 162, a registration completion button 163, and a registration cancellation button 164.

[0130] The product list 161 displays product information (product name, quantity, amount, etc.) of the product corresponding to the product code read by the cart terminal 10. The customer sees the product list 161 and confirms whether there are any errors in the content of the products they purchased.

[0131] The clerk call button 162 is a button pressed when the support of clerk S is needed. When customer C presses the clerk call button 162, the cart terminal 10 requests the support of clerk S from the server device 50.

[0132] The registration completion button 163 is a button pressed when the registration of all purchased goods is completed. When the customer C presses the registration completion button 163, the trolley terminal 10 outputs a product registration file 123 to the server device 50 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0133] The registration cancellation button 164 is a button pressed when canceling the registration of a product. When the customer C presses the registration cancellation button 164, the trolley terminal 10 then deletes the information related to the product designated by the customer C from the product registration file 123.

[0134] When the store clerk call button 162 is pressed, the trolley terminal 10 displays a store clerk call screen 17 on the monitor 141.

[0135] On the store clerk call screen 17, which overlaps the product registration screen 16, a support acceptance message 171 indicating that the store clerk S has gone to provide support is displayed. It should be noted that the support acceptance message 171 is displayed when the trolley terminal 10 obtains from the server device 50 a message indicating that the store clerk S has accepted the support message.

[0136] In addition, on the store clerk call screen 17, a call cancellation button 172 is displayed instead of the store clerk call button 162. When the support of the store clerk S is no longer needed, the customer C presses the call cancellation button 172. When the call cancellation button 172 is pressed, the trolley terminal 10 displays the above-mentioned product registration screen 16 on the monitor 141.

[0137] (Screen transition of the screen displayed on the monitor of the store clerk terminal when a support request is received from the customer)

[0138] Use Figure 11 to illustrate the screen transition of the screen displayed on the monitor 341 of the store clerk terminal 30 when a support request is received from the customer C. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the screen transition of the screen displayed on the monitor of the store clerk terminal when a support request is received from the customer.

[0139] When the store clerk S receives a call from the customer C by operating his / her own store clerk terminal 30, it is preset whether to be able to respond to the call or not.

[0140] Specifically, by pressing either the call-respondable button 362 or the call-unrespondable button 363 displayed on the monitor 341 of the store clerk terminal 30, it is announced whether it is possible to support the customer C. When the call-respondable button 362 is pressed, it can be announced that the call from the customer can be responded to. At this time, as Figure 11 shown in the screen 36, a supportable label 361 indicating that it has been announced that the call from the customer can be responded to is displayed on the monitor 341.

[0141] On the other hand, when the call non-correspondence button 363 is pressed, the call of the non-corresponding customer can be announced. At this time, as Figure 11 shown in the screen 37 as shown, an unsupport label 371 indicating the meaning of announcing the call of the non-corresponding customer is displayed on the monitor 341.

[0142] The store clerk S can announce at any time whether they can respond to the call of the customer C by pressing either the call correspondence button 362 or the call non-correspondence button 363. It should be noted that whether the store clerk S can respond to the call of the customer C is output to the server device 50.

[0143] In the state where it is announced that the call of the customer C can be responded to, when the server device 50 instructs the correspondence to the customer C, the monitor 341 of the store clerk terminal 30 is as Figure 11 shown in the screen 38 as shown, and a support request label 381 indicating the meaning of a call from the customer C is displayed. At this time, the store clerk terminal 30 can also emit a sound from a buzzer or a speaker (not shown) or vibrate a vibrator (not shown) to convey the support request from the customer C.

[0144] At this time, a support correspondence acceptance button 382 indicating the meaning corresponding to the support request from the customer C and a support non-correspondence button 383 indicating the meaning not corresponding to the support request from the customer C are displayed on the screen 38. In this way, the support correspondence acceptance button 382 and the support non-correspondence button 383 are displayed because even in the case where it is announced that the call of the customer can be responded to, at the time when the support is actually requested, it is uncertain whether the call can be responded to.

[0145] When the store clerk S presses the support correspondence acceptance button 382, this meaning is output to the server device 50. The server device 50 determines that the store clerk S has promised to go to the support of the customer C, and outputs information indicating the meaning that the store clerk S goes to support to the cart terminal 10 of the customer C. On the other hand, when the store clerk S presses the support non-correspondence button 383, the server device 50 instructs the next candidate store clerk S the meaning corresponding to the support request.

[0146] In the screen 38, when the support correspondence acceptance button 382 is pressed, as Figure 11 shown in the screen 39 as shown, a customer support instruction label 391, a movement path 392, and a correspondence completion button 393 are displayed on the monitor 341. The customer support instruction label 391 is a label indicating that the support of the customer C is instructed. The movement path 392 indicates the movement path from the current position of the store clerk S to the customer C. The store clerk S walks towards the side of the customer C while confirming the movement path 392.

[0147] The warning light 145 used by the cart terminal 10 of the customer C requesting support (refer toFigure 2 )The light is turned on. Thus, the store clerk S close to the customer C can immediately identify the position of the customer C.

[0148] The corresponding completion button 393 is a button pressed by the store clerk S when the support for the customer C is completed. When the corresponding completion button 393 is pressed, the store clerk terminal 30 outputs the meaning of the completion of the support for the customer C to the server device 50. Then, at this time, the display of the monitor 341 switches to the screen 36.

[0149] (Functional configuration of the shopping support system)

[0150] Use Figure 12 , to describe the functional configuration of the shopping support system 1. Figure 12 It is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the shopping support system.

[0151] First, the functional configuration of the cart terminal 10 will be described. The control unit 11 of the cart terminal 10 operates by expanding the control program 121 in the RAM 113, and Figure 12 the self-position positioning unit 21, support request unit 22, self-position transmission unit 23, call cancellation unit 24, support reception acquisition unit 25, product code reading unit 26, product registration unit 27, product registration information output unit 28, and transaction code acquisition unit 29 shown in are implemented as functional units. It should be noted that part or all of these functional units can also be implemented by dedicated hardware.

[0152] The self-position positioning unit 21 locates its own position in the store through the positioning sensor 144 (refer to Figure 3 ). In addition, the self-position positioning unit 21 outputs its own positioned position to the server device 50. The self-position positioning unit 21 is an example of the first position determination unit in the present disclosure.

[0153] The support request unit 22 receives an instruction from the customer and requests support from the store clerk. Specifically, the support request unit 22 requests support from the store clerk S to the server device 50 when it detects that the store clerk call button 162 (refer to Figure 10 ) is pressed.

[0154] When the support request unit 22 requests support from the store clerk, the self-position transmission unit 23 conveys its own presence to the surroundings. Specifically, the self-position transmission unit 23 notifies its own position to the surroundings by causing the warning light 145 to light up or blink in a specified emission color and specified emission pattern.

[0155] The call cancellation unit 24 receives an instruction from the customer and outputs information indicating the cancellation of the support request for the store clerk S to the server device 50. Specifically, the call cancellation unit 24 outputs information indicating the cancellation of the support request for the store clerk S to the server device 50 when it detects that the call cancellation button 172 (refer to Figure 10)When pressed, the support request for the store clerk S is canceled.

[0156] The support acceptance acquisition unit 25 acquires information indicating that the store clerk S has accepted the support request from the server device 50. In addition, the support acceptance acquisition unit 25 displays information indicating that the store clerk S has accepted the support request on the monitor 141. Specifically, the support acceptance acquisition unit 25 displays a support acceptance message 171 indicating that the store clerk S has gone to provide support on the monitor 141 (refer to Figure 10 ).

[0157] The product code reading unit 26 reads the product code of the product registered in the code symbol of the alignment scanner 143.

[0158] The product registration unit 27 registers the product code read by the product code reading unit 26 in the product registration file 123. In addition, the product registration unit 27 determines that the product registration is completed when the registration completion button 163 (refer to Figure 10 ) is pressed.

[0159] When the product registration is completed, the product registration information output unit 28 outputs the product registration file 123 to the server device 50 in association with the identification information uniquely identifying the cart terminal 10.

[0160] The transaction code acquisition unit 29 acquires the transaction code uniquely identifying the product registration file 123 from the server device 50.

[0161] Next, the functional configuration of the store clerk terminal 30 will be described. The control unit 31 of the store clerk terminal 30 expands and operates the control program 321 in the RAM 313 to implement Figure 12 the self-positioning unit 41, the corresponding availability notification unit 42, the call cancellation acquisition unit 43, the support instruction acquisition unit 44, and the support acceptance notification unit 45 shown as functional units. It should be noted that some or all of these functional units can be implemented by dedicated hardware.

[0162] The self-positioning unit 41 locates its own position in the store through the positioning sensor 343 (refer to Figure 4 ). In addition, the self-positioning unit 41 outputs its located position to the server device 50. The self-positioning unit 41 is an example of the second position determination unit of the present disclosure.

[0163] The corresponding availability notification unit 42 determines whether it is in a state where it can respond to a support request from the customer C or in a state where it cannot respond to the support request. Specifically, the corresponding availability notification unit 42 displays a supportable label 361 on its own monitor 341 (refer to Figure 11) is determined to be in a state where it can respond to the support request from customer C. On the other hand, when the correspondence availability notification unit 42 displays the non-support label 371 on its monitor 341 (refer to Figure 11 ), it is determined to be in a state where it cannot respond to the support request from customer C. In addition, the correspondence availability notification unit 42 outputs information indicating whether it can respond to the support request from customer C or cannot respond to the support request to the server device 50. Specifically, the correspondence availability notification unit 42 outputs the content of the supportable label 361 (refer to Figure 11 ) or the non-support label 371 (refer to Figure 11 ) at this time to the server device 50.

[0164] The call cancellation acquisition unit 43 acquires information indicating that the support request from customer C has been cancelled from the server device 50.

[0165] The support instruction acquisition unit 44 acquires a support instruction for customer C who has requested support for the trolley terminal 10 from the server device 50.

[0166] The support acceptance notification unit 45 outputs information indicating acceptance of the instruction acquired by the support instruction acquisition unit 44 to the server device 50. Specifically, when the support response acceptance button 382 (refer to Figure 11 ) displayed on the monitor 341 is pressed, the support acceptance notification unit 45 outputs information indicating acceptance of the instruction acquired by the support instruction acquisition unit 44 to the server device 50. On the other hand, when the support non-correspondence button 383 (refer to Figure 11 ) displayed on the monitor 341 is pressed, the support acceptance notification unit 45 does not output information indicating acceptance of the instruction acquired by the support instruction acquisition unit 44 to the server device 50.

[0167] Next, the functional configuration of the server device 50 will be described. The control unit 51 of the server device 50 performs Figure 12 the functions shown by the position information acquisition unit 61, the correspondence availability acquisition unit 62, the support request acquisition unit 63, the call cancellation acquisition unit 64, the call cancellation notification unit 65, the route calculation unit 66, the store clerk terminal selection unit 67, the support instruction unit 68, the support acceptance confirmation acquisition unit 69, the support acceptance notification unit 70, the product registration information acquisition unit 71, and the transaction code issuing unit 72 by expanding and operating the control program 521 in the RAM 513. It should be noted that part or all of these functional units can also be implemented by dedicated hardware.

[0168] The position information acquisition unit 61 acquires the current positions of the trolley terminal 10 and the store clerk terminal 30, respectively.

[0169] The corresponding availability unit 62 can obtain information from the store clerk terminal 30 indicating whether the store clerk S can respond to a support request from the customer C or cannot respond to the support request.

[0170] The support request acquisition unit 63 acquires a support request from the trolley terminal 10.

[0171] The call cancellation acquisition unit 64 acquires information from the trolley terminal 10 indicating the cancellation of the support request for the store clerk S.

[0172] The call cancellation notification unit 65 notifies the store clerk terminal 30 that the support request for the store clerk S has been cancelled.

[0173] The route calculation unit 66 calculates the length of the route along the passage between the trolley terminal 10 and the store clerk terminal 30 based on the store map data 522 that stores the positions of the trolley terminal 10, the store clerk terminal 30, the structure of the passages in the store, and information related to the lengths of the passages. It should be noted that the route calculation unit 66 calculates the length of the shortest route from the store clerk S to the customer C based on the sum of the product values of the link lengths P of all the links L constituting the path from the store clerk terminal 30 to the trolley terminal 10 and the weights w attached to the link L.

[0174] The store clerk terminal selection unit 67 selects the store clerk S carrying the store clerk terminal 30 that can respond to the support request from the trolley terminal 10 based on the length of the route calculated by the route calculation unit 66. More specifically, the store clerk terminal selection unit 67 selects the store clerk terminal 30 that announces its ability to respond to the support request from the customer C among the multiple store clerk terminals 30 located within a specified route length from the trolley terminal 10 that has requested support. It should be noted that the store clerk terminal selection unit 67 is an example of the selection unit in the present disclosure.

[0175] The support instruction unit 68 instructs the store clerk terminal 30 carried by the store clerk S selected by the store clerk terminal selection unit 67 to support the customer C using the trolley terminal 10.

[0176] The support acceptance confirmation acquisition unit 69 acquires information indicating acceptance of the instruction from the store clerk terminal 30 to which the support instruction unit 68 has instructed support for the customer C.

[0177] The support acceptance notification unit 70 outputs information indicating that the store clerk S has accepted the support request to the trolley terminal 10.

[0178] The merchandise registration information acquisition unit 71 acquires the merchandise registration file 123 and the identification information that uniquely identifies the trolley terminal 10 from the trolley terminal 10.

[0179] The transaction code issuing section 72 issues a unique transaction code for the merchandise registration document 123 obtained from the cart terminal 10. Additionally, the transaction code issuing section 72 outputs the issued transaction code to the cart terminal 10.

[0180] (Flow of processing performed by the cart terminal)

[0181] Use Figure 13 to illustrate the processing flow of the cart terminal 10 when customer C issues a support request. Figure 13 This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the cart terminal when a customer issues a support request.

[0182] The self - position positioning section 21 locates the current position of the cart terminal 10 (step S11).

[0183] The self - position positioning section 21 outputs the current position of the cart terminal 10 to the server device 50 (step S12).

[0184] The support request section 22 determines whether there is a support request from customer C (step S13). If it is determined that there is a support request from customer C (Yes in step S13), then proceed to step S14. On the other hand, if it is not determined that there is a support request from customer C (No in step S13), then proceed to step S21. Note that the support request section 22 determines that customer C has a support request when it detects that the store clerk call button 162 (refer to Figure 10 ) is pressed.

[0185] In step S13, when it is determined that there is a support request from customer C, the self - position communication section 23 lights the warning lamp 145 in a specified emission color (step S14). Note that the self - position communication section 23 can also cause the warning lamp 145 to flash in a specified pattern.

[0186] The support request section 22 requests support for store clerk S from the server device 50 (step S15).

[0187] The support acceptance acquisition section 25 determines whether it has obtained information from the server device 50 indicating that store clerk S has accepted the support request (step S16). If it is determined that store clerk S has obtained information indicating acceptance of the support request (Yes in step S16), then proceed to step S17. On the other hand, if it is determined that store clerk S has not obtained information indicating acceptance of the support request (No in step S16), then repeat the determination in step S16.

[0188] In step S16, when it is determined that information indicating that store clerk S has accepted the support request has been obtained, the support acceptance acquisition section 25 displays a support acceptance message 171 indicating that store clerk S is going to provide support on the monitor 141 (refer to Figure 10)(Step S17).

[0189] The call cancellation unit 24 determines whether an instruction to cancel the support request has been issued (Step S18). If it is determined that an instruction to cancel the support request has been issued (Yes in Step S18), the process proceeds to Step S19. On the other hand, if it is determined that an instruction to cancel the support request has not been issued within the specified time (No in Step S18), the trolley terminal 10 ends the process.

[0190] In Step S18, when it is determined that an instruction to cancel the support request has been issued, the call cancellation unit 24 outputs information indicating the cancellation of the support request for the store clerk S to the server device 50 (Step S19).

[0191] The call cancellation unit 24 turns off the warning light 145 that was lit in Step S14 (Step S20). After that, the trolley terminal 10 ends the process.

[0192] Returning to Step S13, if it is not determined that there is a support request from the customer C, the product code reading unit 26 determines whether the product code of the product registered in the code symbol aligned with the scanner 143 has been read (Step S21). If it is determined that the product code has been read (Yes in Step S21), the process proceeds to Step S22. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the product code has been read, the process returns to Step S11.

[0193] In Step S21, when it is determined that the product code has been read, the product registration unit 27 registers the product code read by the product code reading unit 26 in the product registration file 123 (Step S22).

[0194] The product registration unit 27 determines whether the product registration is complete (Step S23). If it is determined that the product registration is complete (Yes in Step S23), the process proceeds to Step S24. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the product registration is complete (No in Step S23), the process returns to Step S11. It should be noted that the product registration unit 27 determines that the product registration is complete when the registration completion button 163 (refer to Figure 10 ) is pressed.

[0195] In Step S23, when it is determined that the product registration is complete, the product registration information output unit 28 outputs the product registration file 123 to the server device 50 in association with the identification information that uniquely identifies the trolley terminal 10 (Step S24).

[0196] The transaction code acquisition unit 29 determines whether a transaction code has been acquired from the server device 50 (Step S25). When it is determined that the transaction code has been acquired (Yes in Step S25), the trolley terminal 10 ends the process. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the transaction code has been acquired (No in Step S25), the determination in Step S25 is repeated.

[0197] It should be noted that although not recorded in the flowchart of Figure 13 , the customer C who has completed the product registration moves to the location of the reconciliation and settlement device 80. Then, the customer C displays the transaction code obtained in the above step S25 on the monitor 141 of the trolley terminal 10, and causes a scanner (not shown) provided in the reconciliation and settlement device 80 to read the transaction code. The reconciliation and settlement device 80 obtains the content of the transaction corresponding to the read transaction code, that is, the product registration file 123, from the server device 50, and performs the reconciliation and settlement of the product payment according to the method specified by the customer C (such as cash settlement, credit card settlement, electronic money settlement, code settlement, etc.).

[0198] (Processing flow performed by the server device)

[0199] Using Figure 14 , the processing flow performed by the server device 50 when the customer C issues a support request will be described. Figure 14 FIG. is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the server device when the customer issues a support request.

[0200] The position information acquisition unit 61 acquires the current position of the trolley terminal 10 (step S31).

[0201] The position information acquisition unit 61 acquires the current position of the store clerk terminal 30 (step S32).

[0202] The correspondence availability acquisition unit 62 acquires information indicating whether it is possible to respond to the support request from the customer C or not from all the store clerk terminals 30 (step S33).

[0203] The support request acquisition unit 63 determines whether a support request from the trolley terminal 10 has been acquired (step S34). If it is determined that a support request has been acquired (Yes in step S34), the process proceeds to step S35. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a support request has been acquired (No in step S34), the process proceeds to step S42.

[0204] In step S34, when it is determined that a support request has been acquired, the route calculation unit 66 calculates the length of the route from the store clerk terminal 30 carried by all the store clerks S who can respond to the support request from the customer C to the customer C (trolley terminal 10) who requests support (step S35).

[0205] The store clerk terminal selection unit 67 selects the store clerk S who carries the store clerk terminal 30 that can respond to the support request from the trolley terminal 10 according to the length of the route calculated by the route calculation unit 66 (step S36).

[0206] The support instruction unit 68 instructs the store clerk terminal 30 carried by the store clerk S selected by the store clerk terminal selection unit 67 to support the customer C using the cart terminal 10 (step S37).

[0207] The support acceptance confirmation acquisition unit 69 determines whether the store clerk terminal 30 that has been instructed by the support instruction unit 68 to support the customer C has acquired information indicating an instruction to accept the support (step S38). If it is determined that the information indicating an instruction to accept the support has been acquired (Yes in step S38), the process proceeds to step S39. On the other hand, if it is determined that the information indicating an instruction to accept the support has not been acquired (No in step S38), the determination in step S38 is repeated.

[0208] In step S38, when it is determined that the information indicating an instruction to accept the support has been acquired, the support acceptance notification unit 70 outputs to the cart terminal 10 requesting support information indicating that the store clerk S has accepted the support request (step S39).

[0209] The call cancellation acquisition unit 64 determines whether information indicating cancellation of the support request has been acquired from the cart terminal 10 (step S40). If it is determined that the information indicating cancellation of the support request has been acquired (Yes in step S40), the process proceeds to step S41. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the information indicating cancellation of the support request has been acquired (No in step S40), the determination in step S40 is repeated.

[0210] In step S40, when it is determined that the information indicating cancellation of the support request has been acquired, the call cancellation notification unit 65 notifies the store clerk terminal 30 that the support request has been cancelled (step S41). After that, the process returns to step S31.

[0211] Returning to step S34, if it is not determined that a support request has been received from the cart terminal 10, the merchandise registration information acquisition unit 71 determines whether a merchandise registration document 123 has been acquired from the cart terminal 10 (step S42). When it is determined that the merchandise registration document 123 has been acquired from the cart terminal 10 (Yes in step S42), the process proceeds to step S43. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the merchandise registration document 123 has been acquired from the cart terminal 10 (No in step S42), the process returns to step S31.

[0212] In step S42, when it is determined that the merchandise registration document 123 has been acquired from the cart terminal 10, the transaction code issuing unit 72 issues a transaction code that uniquely identifies the merchandise registration document 123 acquired from the cart terminal 10 (step S43).

[0213] Next, the transaction code issuing unit 72 outputs the issued transaction code to the cart terminal 10 (step S44). Then, the server device 50 ends the process.

[0214] (Processing Flow Conducted by Store Clerk Terminal)

[0215] Use Figure 15 to illustrate the processing flow conducted by multiple store clerk terminals 30 when customer C issues a support request. Figure 15 It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of a store clerk terminal when a customer issues a support request.

[0216] The self-positioning unit 41 locates the current position of the store clerk terminal 30 (step S51).

[0217] The self-positioning unit 41 outputs the current position of the store clerk terminal 30 to the server device 50 (step S52).

[0218] The corresponding notification availability determination unit 42 determines whether it is in a state where it can respond to the support request from customer C or in a state where it cannot respond to the support request (step S53). If it is determined that it is in a state where it can respond to the support request from customer C (Yes in step S53), it proceeds to step S54. On the other hand, if it is not determined that it is in a state where it can respond to the support request from customer C (No in step S53), it proceeds to step S58.

[0219] In step S53, when it is determined that it is in a state where it can respond to the support request from customer C, the support instruction acquisition unit 44 determines whether a support instruction has been issued to customer C from the server device 50 (step S54). If it is determined that a support instruction has been issued to customer C (Yes in step S54), it proceeds to step S55. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a support instruction has been issued to customer C (No in step S54), it returns to step S51.

[0220] In step S54, when it is determined that a support instruction has been issued to customer C, the support acceptance notification unit 45 determines whether to accept the support request (step S55). If it is determined to accept the support request (Yes in step S55), it proceeds to step S56. On the other hand, if it is not determined to accept the support request (No in step S55), the store clerk terminal 30 ends the processing. It should be noted that the support acceptance notification unit 45 determines that the store clerk S carrying the store clerk terminal 30 accepts the support request when the support response acceptance button 382 (refer to Figure 11 ) displayed on the monitor 341 of the store clerk terminal 30 is pressed. On the other hand, when the support non-correspondence button 383 (refer to Figure 11 ) displayed on the monitor 341 of the store clerk terminal 30 is pressed, the store clerk S carrying the store clerk terminal 30 is not determined to accept the support request.

[0221] In step S55, when it is determined that the store clerk S carrying the store clerk terminal 30 has accepted the support request, the support acceptance notification unit 45 notifies the server device 50 of the information indicating that the store clerk S carrying the store clerk terminal 30 has accepted the support request (step S56). Then, the store clerk S moves to the side of the customer C along the movement path 392 displayed on the monitor 341 of the store clerk terminal 30 to support the customer C.

[0222] The call cancellation acquisition unit 43 determines whether it has acquired from the server device 50 the information indicating that the support request from the customer C has been cancelled (step S57). When it is determined that the information indicating that the support request from the customer C has been cancelled has been acquired (Yes in step S57), the call cancellation acquisition unit 43 deletes the support request accepted in step S55, and the store clerk terminal 30 ends the process. On the other hand, when it is not determined that the information indicating that the support request from the customer C has been cancelled has been acquired, the determination in step S57 is repeated.

[0223] Returning to step S53, when it is not determined that the state is such that the support request from the customer C can be responded to, the correspondence availability notification unit 42 notifies the server device 50 of the information indicating that the support request from the customer C cannot be responded to (step S58). After that, it returns to step S51.

[0224] (Effects of the embodiment)

[0225] As described above, the shopping support system 1 of this embodiment includes: a cart terminal 10 (first terminal device) that a customer C carries around in a store during shopping, a clerk terminal 30 (second terminal device) carried by a clerk S, and a server device 50 communicably connected to the cart terminal 10 and the clerk terminal 30. The cart terminal 10 includes: a self-position positioning unit 21 (first position determination unit) that determines its own position in the store and outputs the determined position to the server device 50; a support request unit 22 that receives an instruction from the customer C and requests support from the clerk S; and a self-position transmission unit 23 that conveys its own presence to the surroundings when the support request unit 22 requests support. The server device 50 includes: a position information acquisition unit 61 that acquires the current positions of the cart terminal 10 and the clerk terminal 30, a support request acquisition unit 63 that acquires a support request from the cart terminal 10, a route calculation unit 66 that calculates the length of the route along the passage between the cart terminal 10 and the clerk terminal 30 based on store map data 522 (map information) storing the positions of the cart terminal 10, the positions of the clerk terminal 30, the structure of the passages in the store, and information related to the lengths of the passages; a clerk terminal selection unit 67 (selection unit) that selects a clerk S carrying the clerk terminal 30 capable of responding to the support request from the cart terminal 10 based on the length of the route calculated by the route calculation unit 66; and a support instruction unit 68 that instructs the clerk terminal 30 carried by the clerk S selected by the clerk terminal selection unit 67 to support the customer C using the cart terminal 10. The clerk terminal 30 includes: a self-position positioning unit 41 (second position determination unit) that determines its own position in the store and outputs the determined position to the server device 50; and a support instruction acquisition unit 44 that acquires an instruction to support the customer C of the cart terminal 10 that has requested support from the server device 50. Therefore, it is possible to send the clerk S who can respond to the support request of the customer C as soon as possible to support the customer C.

[0226] In addition, in the shopping support system 1 of this embodiment, the store map data 522 (map information) represents the structure of the passages in the store using nodes N representing coordinate positions and links L connecting the nodes. The link L stores a link length P as the length of the link L and a weight w of the link L as a coefficient to be multiplied by the link length P when calculating the route. The route calculation unit 66 calculates the route based on the sum of the product values between the link length P and the link weight w. Therefore, since a weight w can be assigned to the link, it is possible to set how quickly to prepare for supporting the customer C.

[0227] In addition, in the shopping support system 1 of this embodiment, a weight w greater than 1 is assigned to the link L from the store sales floor to the backyard. Therefore, a clerk S taking a break in the backyard can be more difficult for a clerk S in the store to respond to a support request from the customer C.

[0228] In addition, in the shopping support system 1 of the present embodiment, the store clerk terminal 30 further includes a corresponding availability notification unit 42. The corresponding availability notification unit 42 outputs information indicating that it can respond to a support request from the customer C or cannot respond to a support request from the customer C to the server device 50. The support instruction unit 68 of the server device 50 does not instruct the store clerk terminal 30 that has output information indicating that it cannot respond to a support request from the customer C to support the customer C. Therefore, for a store clerk S who cannot respond to a support request, even if the store clerk S is near the customer C who requests support, it is possible not to instruct the support for the customer C.

[0229] In addition, in the shopping support system 1 of the present embodiment, the support instruction unit 68 instructs the store clerk terminal 30 that has announced that it can respond to a support request from the customer C among the store clerk terminals 30 where the cart terminal 10 exists within a length of a specified distance, to support the customer C. Therefore, in the case where there are multiple store clerks S who can respond to a support request from the customer C, it is possible to instruct multiple store clerks S who are candidates to support the customer C. As a result, the selection of store clerks S for support can be increased.

[0230] As described above, although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope or gist of the invention, and also included in the invention described in the scope of the claims and its equivalent scope.

Claims

1. A shopping support system comprising a first terminal device that a customer carries with him in a store during shopping, a second terminal device that a store clerk carries, and a server device that is communicably connected to the first terminal device and the second terminal device, characterized in that: The first terminal device comprises: A first position determination unit determines the position of the first terminal device itself in the store, and outputs the determined position to the server device; The Support Request Department receives instructions from customers and requests support from store staff; and The own position transmitting unit transmits the own position to the surroundings when the support requesting unit requests support, and the server device comprises: a position information acquisition unit, which acquires the current positions of the first terminal device and the second terminal device; a support request acquiring unit, which acquires a support request from the first terminal device; a distance calculation unit that calculates the length of the distance along the passage between the first terminal device and the second terminal device based on the position of the first terminal device, the position of the second terminal device, and map information storing the structure of the passage in the store and information related to the length of the passage; a selection unit that selects a store clerk carrying the second terminal device that can respond to the support request from the first terminal device based on the length of the distance calculated by the distance calculation unit; as well as a support instruction unit for instructing the second terminal device carried by the store clerk selected by the selection unit to provide support to the customer using the first terminal device, The second terminal device comprises: A second position determination unit determines the position of the second terminal device itself in the store and outputs the determined position to the server device; and The support instruction acquisition unit acquires, from the server device, a support instruction for a customer using the first terminal device who has requested support.

2. The shopping support system according to claim 1, wherein: The map information is information that expresses the structure of aisles in the store by using nodes indicating coordinate positions and links connecting the nodes. The link stores a link length as the length of the link and a weight of the link as a coefficient to be multiplied by the link length when calculating the distance, The distance calculation unit calculates the distance based on a sum of product values ​​of the link length and the weight of the link.

3. The shopping support system according to claim 2, wherein: The link from the store's sales floor to the backyard is assigned a link weight greater than 1.

4. The shopping support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The second terminal device further includes a support availability notification unit that outputs information indicating whether the support request from the customer can be responded to or cannot be responded to to the server device. The support instruction unit of the server device does not instruct the second terminal device that has output information indicating that the support request from the customer cannot be responded to to support the customer.

5. The shopping support system according to claim 4, wherein: The support instruction unit instructs a second terminal device, among the second terminal devices that are located within a predetermined distance from the first terminal device and that has declared that it can respond to a support request from a customer, to support a customer.

6. The shopping support system according to claim 4, wherein: The selection unit selects a second terminal device that announces that it can respond to a request for support from a customer, from among a plurality of second terminal devices that are present at a location within a predetermined distance from the first terminal device that has requested support.

7. The shopping support system according to claim 2, wherein: For links that reach a floor different from the floor where the customer is located, a weight greater than 1 is given to the link.

8. The shopping support system according to claim 2, wherein: For a clerk whose main job is to deal with customers, a weight less than 1 is assigned to the link connecting the clerk's current location and the customer.

9. The shopping support system according to claim 1, wherein: The selection unit selects all second terminal devices that are located within a predetermined distance from the first terminal device that has requested support, from among the plurality of second terminal devices.

10. A storage medium storing a program, wherein: The program enables the computer controlling the first terminal device that the customer carries around the store while shopping to function as the following parts: A first position determination unit determines the position of the first terminal device itself in the store, and outputs the determined position to the server device; The Support Request Department receives instructions from customers and requests support from store staff; and The own position transmitting unit transmits the own position to the surroundings when the support requesting unit requests support. Furthermore, the program causes the computer controlling the second terminal device carried by the store clerk to function as the following units: a second position determination unit that determines the position of the second terminal device itself in the store and outputs the determined position to the server device; as well as a support instruction acquisition unit that acquires, from the server device, a support instruction for a customer using the first terminal device who has requested support, Furthermore, the program further causes a computer controlling a server device communicatively connected to the first terminal device and the second terminal device to function as the following components: a position information acquisition unit, which acquires the current positions of the first terminal device and the second terminal device; a support request acquiring unit, which acquires a support request from the first terminal device; a distance calculation unit that calculates the length of the distance along the passage between the first terminal device and the second terminal device based on the position of the first terminal device, the position of the second terminal device, and map information storing the structure of the passage in the store and information related to the length of the passage; a selection unit that selects a store clerk carrying the second terminal device that can respond to the support request from the first terminal device based on the length of the distance calculated by the distance calculation unit; as well as The support instructing unit instructs the second terminal device carried by the store clerk selected by the selecting unit to support the customer using the first terminal device.

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