Commodity information acquisition device, commodity information acquisition method, program

Abstract

To reduce the load of processing on a computer with respect to a technique for specifying stock statuses of respective commodities using electronic tags attached to the respective commodities.SOLUTION: There is provided a commodity information acquisition device having: selecting means for selecting read means which meets predetermined conditions among read means for acquiring commodity information representing respective commodities from electronic tags attached to the respective commodities through wireless communication; instructing means for transmitting an instruction to acquire commodity information to the selected read means; and acquiring means for acquiring the commodity information, acquired from an electronic tag through the wireless communication executed according to the instruction, from the read means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a product information acquisition device, a product information acquisition method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology related to the present disclosure is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for identifying the stock status of each product by using an electronic tag attached to each product. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-280116 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to a technology for checking the stock status of each product using an electronic tag attached to each product, it is possible to specify the stock status of each product at a desired time without a store clerk having to visually check the stock, etc. According to this technology, it is possible to specify the stock status in real time, for example.

[0005] However, since the number of products in a store is huge, the number of electronic tags attached to the products is also huge. Therefore, in order to efficiently collect information, it is necessary to prepare multiple reading means and acquire information from the electronic tags using the multiple reading means. However, if all of the multiple reading means are configured to simultaneously acquire information from the electronic tags attached to the products, the processing load on the computer will be large.

[0006] One example of the objective of the present disclosure is to provide a product information acquisition device, a product information acquisition method, and a program that reduce the processing burden on a computer in a technology for determining the inventory status of each product using an electronic tag attached to each product, in consideration of the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a selection means for selecting a reading means that satisfies a predetermined condition from among reading means that acquire product information indicating each product from an electronic tag attached to each product by wireless communication; an instruction means for transmitting an instruction to the selected reading means to acquire the product information; an acquisition means for acquiring, from the reading means, the product information acquired from the electronic tag through wireless communication executed in response to the instruction; There is provided a product information acquisition device having the above configuration.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, One or more computers selecting a reading means that satisfies a predetermined condition from among reading means that acquire product information indicating each product from an electronic tag attached to each product by wireless communication; Transmitting an instruction to the selected reading means to acquire the product information; There is provided a product information obtaining method for obtaining, from the reading means, the product information obtained from the electronic tag through wireless communication executed in response to the instruction.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, Computer, a selection means for selecting a reading means that satisfies a predetermined condition from among reading means that acquire product information indicating each product from an electronic tag attached to each product by wireless communication; an instruction means for transmitting an instruction to the selected reading means to acquire the product information; an acquisition means for acquiring, from the reading means, the product information acquired from the electronic tag through wireless communication executed in response to the instruction; A program is provided to function as a Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, in a technology for identifying the inventory status of each product using an electronic tag attached to each product, a product information acquisition device, a product information acquisition method, and a program are realized that reduce the processing burden on a computer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] The above objects and other objects, features and advantages will become more apparent from the following preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block diagram of a product information acquisition device according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow of a product information acquisition device according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a product information acquisition device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block diagram of a product information acquisition device according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processed by a product information acquisition device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a process executed by a product information acquisition device according to the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 7] 11 is a diagram for explaining another example of the process executed by the product information acquisition device according to the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow of a product information acquisition device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram showing an example of information output by a product information acquisition device according to the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow of a product information acquisition device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow of a product information acquisition device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 12]1 is a diagram showing an example of information output by a product information acquisition device according to the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processed by a product information acquisition device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process flow of a product information acquisition device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, similar components are denoted by similar reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0014] <First embodiment> Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an overview of a product information acquisition device 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the product information acquisition device 10 has a selection unit 11, an instruction unit 12, and an acquisition unit 13. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the product information acquisition device 10. An example of the configuration of the product information acquisition device 10 will be described below along the flow of the flowchart in Fig. 2.

[0015] First, the product information acquisition device 10 selects a reading means that satisfies a predetermined condition from at least one reading means that acquires product information indicating each product from an electronic tag attached to each product by wireless communication such as short-range wireless communication (S10). The selection unit 11 in FIG. 1 executes this process.

[0016] Next, the product information acquisition device 10 transmits an instruction to acquire product information to the reading means selected in S10 (S11). The instruction unit 12 in Fig. 1 executes this process. In response to the instruction, the reading means executes a process to acquire product information from an electronic tag attached to the product. The reading means acquires product information from an electronic tag located within a predetermined distance from the device itself by wireless communication such as short-range wireless communication. The predetermined distance is a distance at which communication is possible.

[0017] Next, the product information acquisition device 10 acquires, from the reading means, the product information acquired from the electronic tag through wireless communication executed in response to the instruction transmitted in S11 (S12). The acquisition unit 13 in FIG. 1 executes this process.

[0018] In this way, the product information acquisition device 10 transmits an instruction to acquire product information from an electronic tag attached to a product to a reading means that satisfies a predetermined condition among the multiple reading means. Then, the product information acquisition device 10 acquires product information from the reading means that satisfies the predetermined condition among the multiple reading means.

[0019] According to such a product information acquisition device 10, the amount of information processed at one time by the product information acquisition device 10 can be reduced compared to a case where a plurality of reading means simultaneously acquires product information from electronic tags and transmits the acquired product information to the product information acquisition device 10. As a result, the processing load on the product information acquisition device 10 is reduced.

[0020] Furthermore, the product information acquisition device 10 selects a reading means that satisfies a "predetermined condition" from among a plurality of reading means, and transmits an instruction to acquire product information to the selected reading means. By appropriately setting the predetermined condition, the instruction can be transmitted to the reading means required at that time. As a result, it becomes possible to appropriately collect the required information while reducing the processing burden on the computer.

[0021] In addition, according to the product information acquisition device 10, the reading means that executes the process of acquiring product information is limited to the reading means that satisfies a predetermined condition. As a result, the reading means can suppress the inconvenience of unnecessarily executing the process multiple times. As a result, the processing burden on the reading means is reduced.

[0022] <Second embodiment> "overview" The product information acquisition device 10 of the second embodiment is a specific embodiment of the configuration of the product information acquisition device 10 of the first embodiment. The configuration of the product information acquisition device 10 will be described in detail below.

[0023] "Hardware Configuration" An example of the hardware configuration of the product information acquisition device 10 will be described. Each functional unit of the product information acquisition device 10 is realized by any combination of hardware and software. Those skilled in the art will understand that there are various variations in the realization method and device. The software includes programs that are stored in the device before it is shipped, and programs downloaded from recording media such as CDs (Compact Discs) and servers on the Internet.

[0024] Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the product information acquisition device 10. As shown in Fig. 3, the product information acquisition device 10 has a processor 1A, a memory 2A, an input / output interface 3A, a peripheral circuit 4A, and a bus 5A. The peripheral circuit 4A includes various modules. The product information acquisition device 10 does not need to have the peripheral circuit 4A. The product information acquisition device 10 may be composed of multiple devices that are physically and / or logically separated. In this case, each of the multiple devices can have the above hardware configuration.

[0025] The bus 5A is a data transmission path for the processor 1A, the memory 2A, the peripheral circuit 4A, and the input / output interface 3A to transmit and receive data to each other. The processor 1A is, for example, a processing device such as a CPU or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The memory 2A is, for example, a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The input / output interface 3A includes an interface for acquiring information from an input device, an external device, an external server, an external sensor, a camera, etc., and an interface for outputting information to an output device, an external device, an external server, etc. The input / output interface 3A also includes an interface for connecting to a communication network such as the Internet. The input device is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a physical button, a touch panel, etc. The output device is, for example, a display, a speaker, a printer, a mailer, etc. The processor 1A can issue commands to each module and perform calculations based on the results of those calculations.

[0026] "Function Configuration" Next, a detailed description will be given of the functional configuration of the product information acquisition device 10. An example of a functional block diagram of the product information acquisition device 10 is shown in Fig. 4. As shown in the figure, the product information acquisition device 10 has a selection unit 11, an instruction unit 12, an acquisition unit 13, and an identification unit 14.

[0027] The selection unit 11 selects a reading means that satisfies a predetermined condition from at least one reading means. The selection unit 11 may select one reading means. Alternatively, the selection unit 11 may select multiple reading means.

[0028] The "reading means" is configured to acquire product information indicating each product from an electronic tag attached to each product via wireless communication. The "wireless communication" performed by the reading means is, for example, short-range wireless communication. The reading means executes short-range wireless communication using a communication standard such as RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification), Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. The reading means acquires product information from an electronic tag located within a communication area. The communication area is an area within a predetermined distance from the position of the reading means. The predetermined distance is a distance at which communication is possible via wireless communication such as short-range wireless communication.

[0029] Such a reading means may be a general-purpose communication device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a smart watch, etc. Alternatively, the reading means may be a dedicated reader / writer device that communicates with an electronic tag.

[0030] At least one store clerk may each carry a reading means. Alternatively, at least one mobile means that moves within the store may each carry a reading means. The mobile means is, for example, an autonomous mobile robot. The mobile means includes means for moving on land, air, or on a pre-installed rail. Alternatively, the reading means may be installed at a predetermined position within the store.

[0031] An "electronic tag" has an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip that stores data, and an antenna. The electronic tag communicates with a reading means via wireless communication such as short-range wireless communication. For example, the electronic tag may be an RFID tag that complies with the RFID standard. The electronic tag may also be a tag that communicates with a reading means via other communication standards such as Bluetooth. An electronic tag that communicates with a reading means via Bluetooth is disclosed, for example, at "https: / / www.sato.co.jp / taggingtown / wiliot.html".

[0032] The electronic tag is attached to each product. The electronic tag stores information indicating the product to which the tag is attached. The "information indicating the product to which the tag is attached" may be identification information of each product. That is, each electronic tag may store identification information of the product to which the electronic tag is attached. Alternatively, the information indicating the product to which the tag is attached may be unique identification information unique to each electronic tag. In this case, a predetermined storage device stores linking information that links the unique identification information of each electronic tag with the identification information of the product to which the electronic tag is attached. The product to which the electronic tag is attached can be identified based on the unique identification information stored in each electronic tag and the linking information. The storage device that stores the linking information may be provided in the product information acquisition device 10. Alternatively, the storage device may be provided in an external device configured to be able to communicate with the product information acquisition device 10.

[0033] The "predetermined condition" is set in advance. The predetermined condition is set, for example, so that a reading means capable of acquiring the necessary product information at that time can be selected. The predetermined condition may also be set so as not to select a reading means that cannot acquire the necessary product information at that time. The predetermined condition may also be set so as not to select a reading means that can acquire product information that is not desirable to acquire at that time. "That time" is the time when a process of acquiring product information from an electronic tag attached to a product is executed in response to an instruction from the instruction unit 12.

[0034] The predetermined condition includes, for example, at least one of the following. That is, the predetermined condition may be one of the following. Alternatively, the predetermined condition may be a condition in which two or more of the following are connected by a logical operator.

[0035] - A reading method carried by store staff in the store - A reading device carried by a store clerk who is not currently cashing out - A reading device held by a store clerk who is not currently handling returns, etc. - Reading means carried by store staff who are not on break - Reading method where there are no customers within a specified distance - A reading means for determining whether the current location indicated by the location information satisfies a predetermined location condition

[0036] Each condition will be explained below.

[0037] "Reading means carried by store staff in the store" Even when on duty, a store clerk may not be located in the store due to breaks, work-related shopping, other errands, etc. Since such a store clerk is not located near the products displayed in the store, even if a reading means carried by such a store clerk is caused to execute a process for acquiring product information, the product information cannot be acquired.

[0038] By setting a condition like this example, it is possible to select a reading means capable of acquiring product information and have the selected reading means execute the process of acquiring product information. In other words, it is possible to suppress the inconvenience of having a reading means that cannot acquire product information execute the process of acquiring product information.

[0039] There are various means for determining whether a sales clerk is in the store. For example, a work schedule for each working day of each sales clerk may be shown in a pre-created shift. The work schedule indicates the work content to be performed in each time period (including work content to be performed outside the store) and break times. The selection unit 11 may then determine whether a sales clerk is in the store at each timing based on a work schedule registered in advance in the product information acquisition device 10 or an external device accessible from the product information acquisition device 10.

[0040] Alternatively, the selection unit 11 may determine whether each store clerk is in the store by detecting each store clerk from an image captured inside the store. The detection of the store clerk is realized based on appearance information (face information, etc.) of each store clerk that is registered in advance.

[0041] Note that linking information linking each store clerk with the reading means carried by each store clerk is registered in advance in a predetermined storage device. The selection unit 11 can identify the reading means carried by each store clerk based on the linking information. The storage device that stores the linking information may be provided in the product information acquisition device 10. Alternatively, the storage device may be provided in an external device configured to be able to communicate with the product information acquisition device 10. The premise described in this paragraph may be applied to other conditions and other embodiments.

[0042] "Reading means held by a store clerk who is not currently ringing up cash" The cashier is positioned near the customer who is paying or waiting to pay. Therefore, the reading means carried by the cashier can obtain product information from the electronic tags attached to the products to be purchased that are carried by the customer who is paying or waiting to pay. However, the products carried by the customer who is paying or waiting to pay are likely to be purchased and sold out of stock, and it may not be desirable to count such products in the inventory.

[0043] By setting a condition like this example, it is possible to select a reading means capable of acquiring product information from an electronic tag attached to a product that is desirable to be counted in the inventory, and to have the selected reading means execute a process to acquire the product information. In other words, it is possible to suppress the inconvenience of having a reading means capable of acquiring product information from an electronic tag attached to a product that is undesirable to be counted in the inventory execute a process to acquire the product information.

[0044] There are various means for determining whether a store clerk is ringing up purchases. For example, a work schedule for each store clerk for each working day may be shown in a pre-created shift. The work schedule shows the work content (including ringing up purchases) to be performed during each time period. The selection unit 11 may then determine whether a store clerk is ringing up purchases at each timing based on a work schedule that is pre-registered in the product information acquisition device 10 or an external device accessible from the product information acquisition device 10.

[0045] Alternatively, the selection unit 11 may detect each store clerk from an image captured near the cash register in the store to determine whether or not each store clerk is currently operating a transaction. In this case, the selection unit 11 determines that a store clerk located inside the cash register is currently operating a transaction. The detection of the store clerk is achieved based on appearance information (face information, etc.) of each store clerk that is registered in advance.

[0046] "A reading device held by a store employee who is not currently handling returns, etc." The store clerk handling the return or the like is located near the product to be returned. Therefore, the reading means carried by the store clerk handling the return or the like can obtain product information from the electronic tag attached to the product to be returned. The product to be returned is not necessarily sold again after it is returned. For example, if the product is returned because it is defective, the product to be returned will not be sold again after it is returned. For this reason, it may not be desirable to count the product to be returned in the inventory.

[0047] By setting a condition like this example, it is possible to select a reading means capable of acquiring product information from an electronic tag attached to a product that is desirable to be counted in the inventory, and to have the selected reading means execute a process to acquire the product information. In other words, it is possible to suppress the inconvenience of having a reading means capable of acquiring product information from an electronic tag attached to a product that is undesirable to be counted in the inventory execute a process to acquire the product information.

[0048] There are various means for determining whether a store clerk is handling a return or the like. For example, a work schedule for each store clerk for each working day may be shown in a pre-created shift. The work schedule shows the work content (including customer handling such as returns) to be performed during each time period. The selection unit 11 may then determine whether a store clerk is handling a return or the like at each timing based on a work schedule that is pre-registered in the product information acquisition device 10 or an external device accessible from the product information acquisition device 10.

[0049] Alternatively, the selection unit 11 may detect each store clerk from an image captured near a counter in the store that accepts returns, etc., and determine whether each store clerk is currently handling a return, etc. In this case, the selection unit 11 determines that, for example, a store clerk located behind a counter that accepts returns, etc. is currently handling a return, etc. The detection of the store clerk is realized based on appearance information (face information, etc.) of each store clerk that is registered in advance.

[0050] "Reading means carried by a store employee who is not on break" A store clerk on a break is not in the vicinity of the products displayed in the store, and therefore, even if a reading means carried by such a store clerk is made to execute a process for acquiring product information, the product information cannot be acquired.

[0051] By setting a condition like this example, it is possible to select a reading means capable of acquiring product information and have the selected reading means execute the process of acquiring product information. In other words, it is possible to suppress the inconvenience of having a reading means that cannot acquire product information execute the process of acquiring product information.

[0052] There are various means for determining whether a store clerk is on a break. For example, a work schedule for each working day of each store clerk may be shown in a pre-created shift. The work schedule shows the work content and break time for each time period. The selection unit 11 may then determine whether a store clerk is on a break at each timing based on a work schedule registered in advance in the product information acquisition device 10 or an external device accessible from the product information acquisition device 10.

[0053] Alternatively, the selection unit 11 may determine whether each store clerk is in the store by detecting each store clerk from an image captured inside the store. The selection unit 11 may then determine that a store clerk who is not located inside the store is on a break. The detection of the store clerk is achieved based on appearance information (face information, etc.) of each store clerk that is registered in advance.

[0054] "Reading means for detecting no customers within a specified distance" A reader located within a certain distance from a customer can obtain product information from an electronic tag attached to a product held by the customer. However, the product held by the customer may be purchased and may be sold out, and it may not be desirable to count such products in the inventory.

[0055] By setting a condition like this example, it is possible to select a reading means capable of acquiring product information from an electronic tag attached to a product that is desirable to be counted in the inventory, and to have the selected reading means execute a process to acquire the product information. In other words, it is possible to suppress the inconvenience of having a reading means capable of acquiring product information from an electronic tag attached to a product that is undesirable to be counted in the inventory execute a process to acquire the product information.

[0056] The reading means is not limited to a reading means carried by a store clerk, and may be carried by the above-mentioned mobile means or installed at a predetermined position in the store.

[0057] The determination of whether or not a customer is present within a specified distance from each reading means is realized by analyzing images taken of the inside of the store.

[0058] When the reading means is carried by a store clerk or a means of transportation, the selection unit 11 detects each store clerk or each means of transportation from within the image. Then, the selection unit 11 specifies the position of each store clerk or each means of transportation as the position of each reading means. When the reading means is installed at a predetermined position within the store, information indicating the position of each reading means within the image is registered in advance in the product information acquisition device 10 or an external device accessible from the product information acquisition device 10.

[0059] The plurality of means of transportation can be distinguished from one another by their appearances. The selection unit 11 distinguishes the plurality of reading means from one another based on the differences in appearance. For example, identification information such as a number may be displayed on the body of each means of transportation. In addition, the appearances (colors, etc.) of each means of transportation may be different from one another. Then, linking information linking each means of transportation with the reading means possessed by each means of transportation is registered in advance in a storage device. The selection unit 11 can identify the reading means possessed by each means of transportation based on the linking information. The storage device that stores the linking information may be provided in the product information acquisition device 10. In addition, the storage device may be provided in an external device configured to be able to communicate with the product information acquisition device 10. The premise described in this paragraph may be applied to other conditions and other embodiments.

[0060] The detection of customers is achieved by detecting people from within the image. For example, the selection unit 11 may detect people detected from within the image, excluding store clerks, as customers. There are various means for determining whether a detected person is a store clerk or not. For example, if a store clerk wears a specific uniform, it may be determined whether a detected person is a store clerk or not based on whether the detected person is wearing the uniform. In addition, the appearance features (face information, etc.) of each of multiple store clerks may be registered in advance in the product information acquisition device 10 or an external device accessible from the product information acquisition device 10. Then, the selection unit 11 may determine whether a detected person is a store clerk or not based on the appearance information.

[0061] The selection unit 11 can determine whether the distance in the image between the detected customer position and the position of the reading means is within a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance is a distance at which communication with the reading means is possible. The predetermined distance is determined in advance.

[0062] "Reading means for reading the current location indicated by the location information satisfying a predetermined location condition" The reading means is not limited to a reading means carried by a store clerk, and may be carried by the above-mentioned mobile means or installed at a predetermined position in the store.

[0063] "Location information" indicates the current location of each reading means. For example, each reading means may have a function of acquiring location information indicating its own current location. The selection unit 11 may then acquire location information indicating the current location of each reading means from each of the multiple reading means. In addition, when the reading means are installed at predetermined locations within a store, location information indicating the installation location of each reading means may be registered in advance in the product information acquisition device 10 or an external device accessible from the product information acquisition device 10.

[0064] The location information indicating the current location of the reading means can be obtained, for example, by using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The GNSS is a satellite positioning system, and includes the Global Positioning System (GPS), GLONASS, Galileo, and Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS). There is a technology for correcting the location information obtained by the GNSS and specifying the location information with higher accuracy. The technology may be used to obtain the location information indicating the current location of the reading means. The technology for correcting the location information is disclosed, for example, in "https: / / www.ntt.com / business / services / highprecision_gnss_positioning.html".

[0065] The "location condition" includes, for example, at least one of the following. That is, the location condition may be one of the following. Alternatively, the location condition may be a condition in which two or more of the following are connected by a logical operator.

[0066] -Reading means located within a specified distance from the display position of a specified product · Reading means located in the store - Reading means that is not located within a specified distance from the cash register - Reading means that is not located within a specified distance from the counter that accepts returns, etc.

[0067] Each position condition will be explained below.

[0068] "Reading means located within a specified distance from the display position of a specified product" The "predetermined product" is a product that is the target of the process of checking the stock status. For example, the user may specify the predetermined product. Alternatively, the selection unit 11 may specify the predetermined product according to a predetermined rule.

[0069] Display position information indicating the display position of each of a plurality of products is registered in advance in the product information acquisition device 10 or an external device accessible from the product information acquisition device 10. An example of the display position information is shown in FIG. 5. In the example of FIG. 5, the display position of each product is indicated by the aisle number and position information on the product shelf (which row from the top, which item from the left). Also, in the example of FIG. 5, the display position of each product is indicated by latitude and longitude information. Note that the information indicating the display position of each product shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example and is not limited to this.

[0070] The selection unit 11 can specify the display position of a predetermined product based on such display position information.

[0071] The "predetermined distance" is a distance at which communication with an electronic tag attached to a predetermined product is possible. The predetermined distance is determined in advance based on the communication distance of wireless communication performed by the reading means. The predetermined distance may be the communication distance or may be a distance shorter than the communication distance.

[0072] The distance between the display position of each product and the current position of each reading means can be calculated by various means. For example, if the display position of each product and the current position of each reading means are obtained by latitude and longitude information, the distance between the two points can be calculated based on that information.

[0073] By setting a position condition like this example, it is possible to select a reading means capable of acquiring product information from an electronic tag attached to a specific product, and to have the selected reading means execute a process to acquire the product information. In other words, it is possible to suppress the inconvenience of having a reading means that is incapable of acquiring product information from an electronic tag attached to a specific product execute a process to acquire the product information.

[0074] "Reading means located inside the store" A reading means that is not located inside the store cannot obtain product information from electronic tags attached to products displayed in the store. Even if such a reading means is made to execute a process for obtaining product information, it is not possible to obtain product information from the electronic tags attached to a specific product.

[0075] By setting a position condition like this example, it is possible to select a reading means capable of acquiring product information from an electronic tag attached to a specific product, and to have the selected reading means execute a process to acquire the product information. In other words, it is possible to suppress the inconvenience of having a reading means that is incapable of acquiring product information from an electronic tag attached to a specific product execute a process to acquire the product information.

[0076] For example, information indicating the area of ​​a store using latitude and longitude is registered in advance in the product information acquisition device 10 or an external device accessible from the product information acquisition device 10. Based on the information, the selection unit 11 can determine whether each reading means is located within the store.

[0077] "Reading means not located within a specified distance from the cash register" A reading device located within a specified distance from the cash register can obtain product information from electronic tags attached to products to be purchased that are held by customers who are paying or waiting to pay. However, products held by customers who are paying or waiting to pay are likely to be purchased and sold out, and it may not be desirable to count such products in the inventory.

[0078] By setting a position condition like this example, it is possible to select a reading means capable of acquiring product information from an electronic tag attached to a product that is desirable to be counted in the inventory, and to have the selected reading means execute a process to acquire the product information. In other words, it is possible to suppress the inconvenience of having a reading means capable of acquiring product information from an electronic tag attached to a product that is undesirable to be counted in the inventory execute a process to acquire the product information.

[0079] For example, information indicating the location of the checkout counter (e.g., latitude and longitude information) is registered in advance in the product information acquisition device 10 or an external device accessible from the product information acquisition device 10. The selection unit 11 can calculate the distance between the checkout counter and each reading means based on the information.

[0080] "Reading means not located within a specified distance from the counter that accepts returns, etc." A reading device located within a predetermined distance from the counter that accepts returned goods can obtain product information from an electronic tag attached to the returned product. Returned products are not necessarily sold again after they are returned. For this reason, it may not be desirable to count returned products in the inventory.

[0081] By setting a position condition like this example, it is possible to select a reading means capable of acquiring product information from an electronic tag attached to a product that is desirable to be counted in the inventory, and to have the selected reading means execute a process to acquire the product information. In other words, it is possible to suppress the inconvenience of having a reading means capable of acquiring product information from an electronic tag attached to a product that is undesirable to be counted in the inventory execute a process to acquire the product information.

[0082] For example, information (e.g., latitude and longitude information) indicating the location of the counter where returned goods or the like are accepted is registered in advance in the product information acquisition device 10 or an external device accessible from the product information acquisition device 10. Based on the information, the selection unit 11 can calculate the distance between the counter where returned goods or the like are accepted and each reading means.

[0083] Returning to FIG. 4, the instruction unit 12 transmits an instruction to the reading means selected by the selection unit 11 to acquire product information. The instruction unit 12 does not transmit the instruction to the reading means not selected by the selection unit 11. The reading means that receives the instruction executes a process to acquire product information from an electronic tag attached to each product in accordance with the instruction. The reading means acquires product information from an electronic tag located within a predetermined distance from the reading means at the time the process is executed. The predetermined distance is a distance at which communication is possible via wireless communication such as short-range wireless communication.

[0084] The acquisition unit 13 acquires, from the reading means, the product information acquired from the electronic tag through wireless communication executed in response to an instruction from the instruction unit 12 .

[0085] The identifying unit 14 identifies at least one of the presence or absence of each product, the quantity of each product in stock, and the location of each product, based on the product information acquired from the electronic tag.

[0086] As described above, the product information acquired from each electronic tag indicates the product to which each electronic tag is attached. Therefore, the identifying unit 14 can identify a product indicated in any of the product information acquired by the acquiring unit 13 as being in stock. The identifying unit 14 can also identify a product not indicated in any of the product information acquired by the acquiring unit 13 as being out of stock.

[0087] Furthermore, the identification unit 14 can identify the number of products in stock indicated in the M pieces of product information among the product information acquired by the acquisition unit 13 as M. The selection unit 11 can select a plurality of reading means. If the selected plurality of reading means are close to each other, there is a possibility that the plurality of reading means acquire product information from the same electronic tag. In this case, the identification unit 14 may identify the product information acquired in duplicate by the plurality of reading means based on the unique identification information unique to each electronic tag stored in the electronic tag. The identification unit 14 may count the number of pieces of product information indicating each product without counting the product information acquired in duplicate by the plurality of reading means. In this case, the reading means acquires the unique identification information unique to each electronic tag from each electronic tag and transmits it to the product information acquisition device 10.

[0088] Furthermore, the identification unit 14 can identify the position of a certain product based on the position of the reading means that has acquired product information indicating the product.

[0089] Based on the fact that "product information was acquired by a certain reading means," it is possible to determine that "the product is located within a certain distance (within a communication area) from the reading means." However, based on the fact that "product information was acquired by a certain reading means," it is not possible to determine the exact location of the product within the communication area. As shown in FIG. 6, within a communication area within a certain distance L from the position P of a certain reading means, multiple display positions can be included. C is the cash register counter, and S is a product shelf. D will be described later.

[0090] Therefore, the identification unit 14 may not pinpoint the position of a certain product, but may identify the vicinity of the position of the reading means that acquired the product information as the position of the product. For example, the identification unit 14 may identify the position of the product within a predetermined distance L from the reading means. Furthermore, the identification unit 14 may identify a position (such as an aisle) on the floor where the reading means is located based on the position of the reading means and a floor map of the store, and identify the vicinity of the identified position as the position of the product. The floor map of the store is registered in advance in the product information acquisition device 10 or an external device accessible from the product information acquisition device 10.

[0091] As another example, as shown in Fig. 7, when a display position D of a certain product exists within a predetermined distance L from a position P of a reading means that has acquired product information of the product, the identification unit 14 may identify the display position D of the product as the position of the product. This is because, in such a situation, the product is highly likely to be located at the display position D of the product. The display position of the product is the position indicated by the display position information in Fig. 5.

[0092] The identification unit 14 can output the identified results. The identification unit 14 may output the identified results via an output device (display, projection device, etc.) included in the product information acquisition device 10. Alternatively, the product information acquisition device 10 may be a server in a client-server system. The identification unit 14 may then transmit the identified results to a client. In this case, the client outputs the received results via an output device (display, projection device, etc.) included in the client. The identification unit 14 may also update product inventory information indicating the inventory status of each product based on the identified results.

[0093] The embodiment in which the stock status of a specific product is checked in response to an inquiry from a client and the result is returned to the client will be described in detail in the third and fourth embodiments. Also, the embodiment in which the stock status of a specific product is checked at a predetermined timing and product stock information is updated based on the result will be described in detail in the fifth embodiment.

[0094] Next, an example of the flow of processing performed by the product information acquisition device 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0095] First, the product information acquisition device 10 selects a reading means that satisfies a predetermined condition from at least one reading means (S20). The reading means is configured to acquire product information indicating each product from an electronic tag attached to each product by wireless communication such as short-range wireless communication. The product information acquisition device 10 may execute the process of S20 in response to, for example, an input from a user. Alternatively, the product information acquisition device 10 may execute the process of S20 in response to the occurrence of a predetermined event other than an input from a user.

[0096] Next, the product information acquisition device 10 transmits an instruction to acquire product information to the reading means selected in S20 (S21). The reading means that receives the instruction executes a process to acquire product information from an electronic tag attached to each product in accordance with the instruction. The reading means acquires product information from an electronic tag that is located within a predetermined distance from the reading means at the time the process is executed. Note that the product information acquisition device 10 does not transmit an instruction to acquire product information to a reading means that is not selected in S20. Therefore, the reading means that is not selected in S20 does not execute a process to acquire product information from an electronic tag at this point.

[0097] Next, the product information acquisition device 10 acquires, from the reading means, the product information acquired from the electronic tag through wireless communication executed in accordance with the instruction transmitted in S21 (S22).

[0098] Next, the product information acquisition device 10 identifies at least one of the stock availability of each product, the stock quantity of each product, and the location of each product based on the product information acquired in S22 (S23). After that, the product information acquisition device 10 outputs the identification result of S23.

[0099] "Action and effect" According to the product information acquisition device 10 of the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the product information acquisition device 10 of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0100] Furthermore, according to the product information acquisition device 10 of the second embodiment, it is possible to select a reading means that satisfies the above-mentioned characteristic predetermined conditions. Therefore, for example, it is possible to select a reading means that can acquire the product information required at that time. It is also possible to avoid selecting a reading means that cannot acquire the product information required at that time. It is also possible to avoid selecting a reading means that can acquire product information that is not desirable to acquire at that time. By making such selections, it is possible to appropriately collect the required information while reducing the processing burden on the product information acquisition device 10 and the reading means.

[0101] Furthermore, the reading means is carried by a store clerk or a mobile means that moves around the store. Therefore, the position of the reading means is not fixed but may vary. With this configuration, it is possible to obtain product information of products located at various locations using one reading means. Then, by identifying the current position of the reading means and selecting the reading means whose current position satisfies the position condition, it is possible to accurately select an appropriate reading means.

[0102] Furthermore, the product information acquisition device 10 of the second embodiment can identify at least one of the stock status of each product, the stock quantity of each product, and the location of each product based on the product information acquired from the electronic tag. With such a product information acquisition device 10, it is possible to grasp the stock status in real time.

[0103] <Third embodiment> The product information acquisition device 10 of the third embodiment has a function of checking the current stock status of a product designated by a user in response to an inquiry from the user, and notifying the user of the result, as will be described in detail below.

[0104] The selection unit 11 accepts an inquiry about the stock of a specific inquired product from a user. The user is a concept including at least one of a store clerk and a customer. The inquiry may be realized via a dedicated application installed in a communication device. Alternatively, the inquiry may be realized via a specific web page accessible from the communication device. The communication device here is a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a smart watch, a personal computer, etc. Alternatively, the inquiry may be realized via a dedicated terminal device installed in the store.

[0105] The inquired product can be specified by inputting product identification information, reading the product's barcode, selecting a desired product from among a plurality of displayed products, or the like.

[0106] The selection unit 11 identifies the display position of the inquired product for which a stock inquiry has been made, based on display position information (see FIG. 5) indicating the display position of the product. Then, the selection unit 11 selects a reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inquired product. This selection process by the selection unit 11 is realized in the same manner as the process of selecting "a reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the predetermined product" described in the second embodiment.

[0107] Other configurations of the selection unit 11 are similar to those in the first and second embodiments. Moreover, the configurations of the instruction unit 12 and the acquisition unit 13 are similar to those in the first and second embodiments.

[0108] The identification unit 14 identifies at least one of the stock availability, the stock quantity, and the location of the inquired product in the same manner as the process described in the second embodiment. Then, the identification unit 14 can output the identified result.

[0109] As described in the second embodiment, the identification unit 14 may output the identified results via an output device (display, projection device, etc.) included in the product information acquisition device 10. Alternatively, the product information acquisition device 10 may be a server in a client-server system. The identification unit 14 may transmit the identified results to a client. In this case, the client outputs the received results via an output device (display, projection device, etc.) included in the client. The client may be a communication device such as a smartphone owned by a user. The client may also be a dedicated terminal device installed in a store.

[0110] An example of information output by the identifying unit 14 is shown in Fig. 9. In Fig. 9, the availability and location of the inquired product are shown. Although not shown, the identifying unit 14 may further notify the identified stock quantity.

[0111] Next, an example of the flow of processing performed by the product information acquisition device 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0112] First, the product information acquisition device 10 acquires information indicating the inquired product (S30). For example, a store clerk or a customer inputs a specific product as the inquired product via a communication device such as a smartphone or a dedicated terminal device installed in the store. The product information acquisition device 10 acquires the information indicating the inquired product input in this manner from the communication device or the dedicated terminal device.

[0113] Next, the product information obtaining device 10 identifies the display position of the inquired product, about which the stock has been inquired, based on the display position information (see FIG. 5) indicating the display position of the product (S31).

[0114] Next, the product information acquisition device 10 selects a reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position identified in S31 (S32).

[0115] Next, the product information acquisition device 10 transmits an instruction to acquire product information to the reading means selected in S32 (S33). The reading means that receives the instruction executes a process to acquire product information from an electronic tag attached to each product in accordance with the instruction. The reading means acquires product information from an electronic tag that is located within a predetermined distance from the reading means at the time the process is executed. Note that the product information acquisition device 10 does not transmit an instruction to acquire product information to a reading means that is not selected in S32. Therefore, the reading means that is not selected in S32 does not execute a process to acquire product information from an electronic tag at this point.

[0116] Next, the product information acquisition device 10 acquires, from the reading means, the product information (read result) acquired from the electronic tag through wireless communication executed in response to the instruction transmitted in S33 (S34).

[0117] Next, the product information acquisition device 10 identifies at least one of the stock status of each product, the stock quantity of each product, and the location of each product based on the product information acquired in S34 (S35).

[0118] Next, the product information acquisition device 10 outputs the identification result of S35 (S36). For example, the product information acquisition device 10 transmits a screen showing the identification result as shown in Fig. 9 to a communication device or a dedicated terminal device installed in the store. The communication device or the dedicated terminal device displays the screen as shown in Fig. 9 on a display or the like.

[0119] Although not shown, if the identification result in S35 is "out of stock," the product information acquisition device 10 can output a screen indicating that fact.

[0120] Other configurations of the product information acquisition device 10 of the third embodiment are similar to those of the product information acquisition device 10 of the first and second embodiments.

[0121] According to the product information acquisition device 10 of the third embodiment, the same advantageous effects as those of the product information acquisition device 10 of the first and second embodiments are achieved.

[0122] Furthermore, the product information acquisition device 10 of the third embodiment can identify the display location of a product about which a store clerk or customer has made an inquiry, and can cause a reading means within a predetermined distance from the identified display location to acquire product information. With this type of product information acquisition device 10, it is possible to identify the real-time inventory status of a product about which a store clerk or customer has made an inquiry, and notify the store clerk or customer, while reducing the processing load on the product information acquisition device 10 and the reading means.

[0123] <Fourth embodiment> The product information acquisition device 10 of the fourth embodiment is obtained by adding a new function to the product information acquisition device 10 of the third embodiment.

[0124] Products may be located at locations other than the predetermined display location. For example, a customer may mistakenly place a product he or she has picked up at a location other than the display location of the product. Also, in a promotional campaign for a product, the product may be displayed at a promotional product display location in addition to the normal display location. In such a situation, when checking the inventory status of a product, it may not be appropriate to make a judgment based only on information obtained from a reading means located in the vicinity of the display location of the product. In order to check the inventory status more accurately, it is preferable to check whether each product is present at a location other than the display location of the product.

[0125] However, if all the reading means located in the store acquire product information at the same time, the processing load on the product information acquisition device 10 and the reading means will be large. Also, when notifying the stock status of the inquired product in response to a user's inquiry, it is sufficient to notify the user if the inquired product is in the display position, and it is not necessary to notify the user that the inquired product is in another location.

[0126] Therefore, the product information acquisition device 10 of the fourth embodiment has a function of gradually increasing the number of reading means that execute the process of acquiring product information as necessary, as will be described in detail below.

[0127] When a user inquires about stock, the selection unit 11 first selects a reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inquired about product. Hereinafter, this selection is referred to as the "first selection". Then, the identification unit 14 identifies at least one of the stock availability of the inquired about product, the stock quantity of each product, and the location of each product, based on the product information acquired by the reading means selected in the first selection. If the identification result is "in stock", the identification unit 14 notifies the user of the identification result. Then, the product information acquisition device 10 ends the processing for the user's inquiry. This processing is as described in the third embodiment.

[0128] On the other hand, if the identification result based on the product information acquired by the reading means selected in the first selection is "out of stock", the selection unit 11 reselects a new reading means. Hereinafter, this selection is referred to as "second selection". In the second selection, the selection unit 11 selects a reading means under a condition different from that of the first selection, which is determined in advance. For example, the selection unit 11 may select a reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the promotional product. Alternatively, the selection unit 11 may select a reading means that is not located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inquired product. Alternatively, the selection unit 11 may select a reading means located within a predetermined distance from the position where the product information of the inquired product was acquired in the past (for example, at the most recent timing). In this case, information indicating the position where the product information of each product was acquired in the past is registered in the product information acquisition device 10 or an external device accessible from the product information acquisition device 10. The position where the product information of each product was acquired is the position of each product identified by the identification unit 14 based on the reading result of the reading means. Note that information indicating the display positions of the promotional products is registered in advance in the product information acquisition device 10 or an external device accessible from the product information acquisition device 10.

[0129] The instruction unit 12 transmits an instruction to the reading means selected in the second selection to acquire product information. The acquisition unit 13 acquires, from the reading means, the product information acquired from the electronic tag by wireless communication executed in response to the instruction. The identification unit 14 identifies at least one of the availability of the inquired product, the inventory quantity of each product, and the location of each product, based on the product information acquired by the reading means selected in the second selection. The identification unit 14 then outputs the identification result.

[0130] Next, an example of the flow of processing performed by the product information acquisition device 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0131] First, the product information acquisition device 10 acquires information indicating the inquired product (S40). For example, a store clerk or a customer inputs a specific product as the inquired product via a communication device such as a smartphone or a dedicated terminal device installed in the store. The product information acquisition device 10 acquires the information indicating the inquired product input in this manner from the communication device or the dedicated terminal device.

[0132] Next, the product information obtaining device 10 identifies the display position of the inquired product, about which the stock has been inquired, based on the display position information (see FIG. 5) indicating the display position of the product (S41).

[0133] Next, the product information acquisition device 10 selects a reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position identified in S41 (S42). The selection in S42 corresponds to the first selection described above.

[0134] Next, the product information acquisition device 10 transmits an instruction to acquire product information to the reading means selected in S42 (S43). The reading means that receives the instruction executes a process to acquire product information from an electronic tag attached to each product in accordance with the instruction. The reading means acquires product information from an electronic tag that is located within a predetermined distance from the reading means at the time the process is executed. Note that the product information acquisition device 10 does not transmit an instruction to acquire product information to a reading means that is not selected in S42. Therefore, the reading means that is not selected in S42 does not execute a process to acquire product information from an electronic tag at this point.

[0135] Next, the product information acquisition device 10 acquires, from the reading means, the product information (read result) acquired from the electronic tag through wireless communication executed in response to the instruction transmitted in S43 (S44).

[0136] Next, the product information acquisition device 10 identifies at least one of the stock availability, the stock quantity, and the location of the inquired product based on the product information acquired in S44 (S45).

[0137] If the result of the identification in S45 is "in stock" (Yes in S46), the product information acquisition device 10 outputs the result of the identification in S45 (S51).

[0138] For example, the product information acquisition device 10 transmits a screen showing the identification result as shown in FIG. 9 to a communication device such as a smartphone or a dedicated terminal device installed in a store. The communication device or the dedicated terminal device displays a screen as shown in FIG. 9 on a display or the like. In FIG. 9, the user is notified that the inquired product is in the display position. This notification will be described. In the first selection, a reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inquired product is selected. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the display position D of the inquired product is within a predetermined distance L from the position P of the reading means that acquired the product information of the inquired product. As described in the second embodiment, in such a case, the product information acquisition device 10 can identify the display position D of the inquired product as the position of the inquired product. Therefore, in the identification result shown in FIG. 9, the user is notified that the inquired product is in the display position.

[0139] 11, if the result of the determination in S45 is "out of stock" (No in S46), the product information acquisition device 10 selects at least one of the reading means that is not located within a predetermined distance from the display position determined in S41 (S47). The selection in S47 corresponds to the second selection described above.

[0140] Next, the product information acquisition device 10 transmits an instruction to acquire product information to the reading means selected in S47 (S48). The reading means that receives the instruction executes a process to acquire product information from an electronic tag attached to each product in accordance with the instruction. The reading means acquires product information from an electronic tag that is located within a predetermined distance from the reading means at the time the process is executed. Note that the product information acquisition device 10 does not transmit an instruction to acquire product information to a reading means that is not selected in S47. Therefore, the reading means that is not selected in S47 does not execute a process to acquire product information from an electronic tag at this point.

[0141] Next, the product information acquisition device 10 acquires, from the reading means, the product information (read result) acquired from the electronic tag through wireless communication executed in response to the instruction transmitted in S48 (S49).

[0142] Next, the product information acquisition device 10 identifies at least one of the stock availability, the stock quantity, and the location of the inquired product based on the product information acquired in S49 (S50). Then, the product information acquisition device 10 outputs the identification result of S50 (S51).

[0143] For example, the product information acquisition device 10 transmits a screen showing the identification result as shown in FIG. 12 to a communication device such as a smartphone or a dedicated terminal device installed in the store. The communication device or the dedicated terminal device displays a screen as shown in FIG. 12 on a display or the like. In FIG. 12, the user is notified that the inquired product is near "Aisle 5". This notification will be described. In the second selection, a reading means that is not located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inquired product is selected. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the display position D of the inquired product does not exist within a predetermined distance L from the position P of the reading means that acquired the product information of the inquired product. As described in the second embodiment, in such a case, the product information acquisition device 10 does not pinpoint the position of the inquired product, but can specify the vicinity of the position of the reading means that acquired the product information as the position of the inquired product. For example, the product information acquisition device 10 may specify the position of the inquired product within a predetermined distance L from the reading means. Furthermore, the product information acquisition device 10 may identify the location (aisle, etc.) on the floor where the reading means is located based on the location of the reading means and the floor map of the store, and identify the vicinity of the identified location as the location of the inquired product. Therefore, in the identification result shown in FIG. 12, the user is notified that the inquired product is located near "aisle 5."

[0144] Although not shown, if the identification result in S50 is "out of stock," the product information acquisition device 10 can output a screen indicating that fact.

[0145] Although the process of selecting the reading means in two separate steps, the first selection and the second selection, has been described so far, the product information acquisition device 10 may select the reading means in three or more separate steps. That is, if the identification result based on the product information acquired by the reading means selected in the second selection is "out of stock," the selection unit 11 may reselect the reading means under new different conditions.

[0146] Other configurations of the product information acquisition device 10 of the fourth embodiment are similar to the configurations of the product information acquisition device 10 of the first to third embodiments.

[0147] According to the product information acquisition device 10 of the fourth embodiment, the same advantageous effects as those of the product information acquisition devices 10 of the first to third embodiments are achieved.

[0148] Furthermore, the product information acquisition device 10 of the fourth embodiment can gradually increase the number of reading means that execute the process of acquiring product information, as necessary. With such a product information acquisition device 10, it is possible to more accurately identify the real-time inventory status of a product for which an inquiry has been made by a store clerk or a customer, and notify the store clerk or the customer of the same, while reducing the processing load on the product information acquisition device 10 and the reading means.

[0149] <Fifth embodiment> The product information acquisition device 10 of the fifth embodiment has a function of checking the inventory status of a product for which an inventory change event has been detected, and updating the product inventory information based on the result. The product information acquisition device 10 does not check the inventory status of all products at once, but checks the inventory status of a product for which an inventory change event has been detected in response to detection of the inventory change event. Therefore, the product information acquisition device 10 can update the product inventory status in real time while reducing the processing load on the product information acquisition device 10 and the reading means. This will be described in detail below.

[0150] The selection unit 11 detects a product for which a stock fluctuation event has occurred (hereinafter, may be referred to as a "stock fluctuation product").

[0151] An "inventory change event" is an event that may have caused a change in the inventory status, such as an action taken by a store clerk with respect to a certain product.

[0152] For example, at least one of the following is an inventory change event:

[0153] - A store employee stayed in front of the display position for longer than the designated time. -The store clerk carried out product stocking work in front of the display position.

[0154] These change events are identified by analyzing images captured inside the store. For "stocking work," the external characteristics of the clerk performing stocking work are registered in advance in the product information acquisition device 10 or an external device accessible from the product information acquisition device 10. The selection unit 11 then detects the clerk performing stocking work based on the characteristics. The external characteristics of the clerk performing stocking work include posture, movement, belongings, types of objects present around the clerk, etc.

[0155] When the selection unit 11 detects a product with a fluctuating inventory, it selects a reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the product with a fluctuating inventory.

[0156] The identification unit 14 identifies at least one of the stock availability, stock quantity, and location of the inventory-changing item, and updates product inventory information indicating the stock status of each of the multiple items based on the identification result. An example of product inventory information is shown in Fig. 13. The product inventory information shown in Fig. 13 indicates the stock quantity of each item. The identification unit 14 does not update the product inventory information of all items at once, but updates the product inventory information of the item for which an inventory fluctuation event has occurred in response to the occurrence of an inventory fluctuation event.

[0157] Next, an example of the flow of processing performed by the product information acquisition device 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0158] When the product information acquisition device 10 detects a stock change event (Yes in S60), it selects a reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the stock change product for which the stock change event has occurred (S61).

[0159] Next, the product information acquisition device 10 transmits an instruction to acquire product information to the reading means selected in S61 (S62). The reading means that receives the instruction executes a process to acquire product information from an electronic tag attached to each product in accordance with the instruction. The reading means acquires product information from an electronic tag that is located within a predetermined distance from the reading means at the time the process is executed. Note that the product information acquisition device 10 does not transmit an instruction to acquire product information to a reading means that is not selected in S61. Therefore, the reading means that is not selected in S61 does not execute a process to acquire product information from an electronic tag at this point.

[0160] Next, the product information acquisition device 10 acquires the product information (reading result) acquired from the electronic tag by wireless communication executed in response to the instruction transmitted in S62 from the reading means (S63). Next, the product information acquisition device 10 identifies at least one of the stock availability, stock quantity, and location of the inventory-varying product based on the product information acquired in S63 (S64). Then, the product information acquisition device 10 updates the product inventory information of the inventory-varying product based on the identification result in S64 (S65).

[0161] Other configurations of the product information acquisition device 10 of the fifth embodiment are similar to the configurations of the product information acquisition device 10 of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0162] According to the product information acquisition device 10 of the fifth embodiment, the same advantageous effects as those of the product information acquisition devices 10 of the first to fourth embodiments are achieved.

[0163] Furthermore, the product information acquisition device 10 of the fifth embodiment checks the inventory status of a product for which an inventory change event has been detected, and updates the product inventory information based on the result. The product information acquisition device 10 does not check the inventory status of all products at once, but checks the inventory status of a product for which an inventory change event has been detected in response to detection of an inventory change event. This allows the product information acquisition device 10 to update the product inventory status in real time while reducing the processing load on the product information acquisition device 10 and the reading means.

[0164] <Modification> All of the above-described embodiments can be modified in configuration by adopting one or more of the following modifications. These modifications also achieve the same effects as the above-described embodiments.

[0165] "Variation 1" The product information acquisition device 10 may acquire product information from all reading means located in the store and check the stock status of each product.

[0166] In this case, the selection unit 11 selects a reading means located inside the store. That is, the selection unit 11 does not select a reading means that is not located inside the store. By not selecting a reading means that is not located inside the store, the processing load on the product information acquisition device 10 and the reading means can be reduced.

[0167] The selection unit 11 may select all reading means located in the store at once. In this case, the instruction unit 12 transmits an instruction to the reading means located in the selected store to acquire product information. The acquisition unit 13 acquires the product information acquired from the electronic tag by wireless communication executed in response to the instruction from the reading means located in the selected store. Then, the identification unit 14 identifies at least one of the stock status of each product, the stock quantity of each product, and the location of each product based on the product information acquired by the acquisition unit 13.

[0168] However, the product information acquired from the reading means located in the store may include product information of products that are not desirable to be counted as inventory. Therefore, the specification unit 14 may calculate the inventory quantity of each product by the following calculation method.

[0169] First, when a target product is indicated in N pieces of product information among the product information acquired by the acquisition unit 13, the identification unit 14 calculates the number of the target products present in the store as N. Then, the identification unit 14 calculates the number of stock of the target product as N minus at least one of the following:

[0170] The number of sales of the target product registered in the POS (point of sales) register after the reading means executes the process of obtaining product information from the electronic tag The number of pieces of product information for target products obtained by a reading means located within a predetermined distance from the cash register The number of items of product information acquired by a reading device located within a specified distance from the counter that accepts returns, etc. Number of target products in the fitting room

[0171] The "sales volume of the target product registered in the POS register after the reading means executes the process of obtaining product information from the electronic tag" can be identified by checking the data registered in the POS register. The identification unit 14 identifies the sales volume based on the data.

[0172] The "number of pieces of product information of target products acquired by a reading means located within a predetermined distance from the cash register counter" and the "number of pieces of product information of target products acquired by a reading means located within a predetermined distance from the counter for accepting returns, etc." can be identified by the method described in the above embodiment. The identification unit 14 identifies these numbers by the method described in the above embodiment.

[0173] The "number of target products present in the fitting room" can be determined by various methods. For example, the determination unit 14 may determine the number of product information of the target products acquired by a reading means located within a predetermined distance from the fitting room as the number. Alternatively, a gate may be present in front of the fitting room. The gate is equipped with a reader / writer device that acquires product information from electronic tags attached to the products. When a customer holding a product passes through the gate, the reader / writer device acquires product information from electronic tags attached to the products that have passed through the gate. The product information acquisition device 10 can manage the products brought into the fitting room based on the product information acquired by the reader / writer device of the gate. The determination unit 14 may determine the number of target products present in the fitting room based on the management results.

[0174] In this modified example, the identification unit 14 may update the display position information (FIG. 5) indicating the display position of each product. The identification unit 14 updates the display position of each product indicated by the display position information to the position of each product identified by the method described in the second embodiment.

[0175] According to this modified example, the inventory quantity of a product can be more accurately determined while reducing the processing load on the product information acquisition device 10 and the reading means.

[0176] "Variation 2" The selection unit 11 can select the reading means carried by a sales clerk at a specific sales floor. In this modified example, there are multiple sales floors in the store. The multiple sales floors in a clothing store are, for example, a children's clothing floor, a men's clothing floor, a women's clothing floor, etc. A work schedule for each working day of each sales clerk is shown in a pre-created shift. The work schedule shows the sales floor for which the sales clerk is in charge during each time period. The selection unit 11 determines which sales floor the sales clerk is in at each timing based on a work schedule registered in advance in the product information acquisition device 10 or an external device accessible from the product information acquisition device 10. The selection unit 11 may analyze images captured inside the store to identify the sales clerk at each sales floor.

[0177] The "predetermined sales floor" is a sales floor where the inquired product or the product with changing inventory is displayed. Linking information linking the identification information of each sales floor with the identification information of the products displayed in each sales floor is registered in advance in a storage device. The selection unit 11 can identify the sales floor where the predetermined product is displayed based on the linking information. The storage device that stores the linking information may be provided within the product information acquisition device 10. Alternatively, the storage device may be provided within an external device configured to be able to communicate with the product information acquisition device 10.

[0178] "Variation 3" The user may specify at least a part of an area in the store. Then, the selection unit 11 may select a reading means located in the specified area. The user may select a specific sales floor. The user may also specify an area where mannequins are present, a back yard, etc.

[0179] The user may make the designation via a communication device such as a smartphone or a dedicated terminal device installed in the store.

[0180] There are various means for receiving the designation from the user. For example, the inside of the store may be classified into a plurality of areas in advance. Examples of the plurality of areas include a children's clothing department, a men's clothing department, a women's clothing department, a mannequin area, a back yard, a cash register counter, and the like. The plurality of areas may then be presented to the user in a selectable manner. The user may then designate at least one of the presented plurality of areas.

[0181] Alternatively, a floor map of the store may be presented to the user, and the user may specify at least a portion of the area within the store by drawing an enclosed area of ​​any shape and size on the floor map.

[0182] The third modification can be applied to the third embodiment, for example. That is, the user specifies at least a part of an area in the store in addition to specifying the inquired about product. The product information acquisition device 10 acquires product information from a reading means located in at least the part of the area in the store specified by the user, and identifies the stock status of the inquired about product based on the acquired product information. Then, the product information acquisition device 10 notifies the user of the identification result.

[0183] "Variation 4" The product information acquisition device 10 may calculate the reliability of the product information acquired from each of the multiple reading means.

[0184] For example, the product information acquisition device 10 may determine which of the following criteria each of the reading means that acquired the product information corresponds to. Then, based on the determination result, the reliability of the product information acquired from each reading means may be calculated. The reliability of the product information acquired from the reading means that satisfies criterion 1 is the highest. The reliability of the product information acquired from the reading means that satisfies criterion 2 is the next highest, the reliability of the product information acquired from the reading means that satisfies criterion 3 is the next highest, and the reliability of the product information acquired from the reading means that satisfies criterion 4 is the lowest.

[0185] (Criteria 1: The process of acquiring product information from an electronic tag was performed a certain number of times or more in the same location.) As described above, the reading means can be carried by a store clerk or a means of transportation moving around the store. If the reading means executes a process to acquire product information from an electronic tag while the store clerk or means of transportation is moving, the reliability of the acquired information will naturally be low. A reading means that satisfies criterion 1 is highly likely to have stopped at that location for a predetermined period of time or longer and acquired product information from an electronic tag while stopped. The reliability of product information acquired by such a reading means that satisfies criterion 1 will be high.

[0186] In this example, each reading means can execute a process of acquiring product information from an electronic tag multiple times in response to a single instruction from the product information acquisition device. For example, the reading means executes the process a predetermined number of times at intervals of several seconds. The reading means then transmits at least a portion of the product information acquired in the multiple processes to the product information acquisition device. The reading means also transmits location information of its own device at the time of executing each of the multiple processes to the product information acquisition device. The product information acquisition device determines whether each reading means satisfies criterion 1 based on the location information.

[0187] (Criteria 2: The process of acquiring product information from electronic tags has not been performed more than the specified number of times in the same location, and the travel distance is below the standard value) The movement distance is the movement distance of the reading means between two successive executions of "a process of acquiring product information from electronic tags multiple times in response to one instruction from the product information acquisition device."

[0188] Product information acquired by such a reading means that satisfies criterion 2 is likely to have been acquired by a reading means that was moving. On the other hand, if the above-mentioned moving distance is equal to or less than the reference value, it is unlikely that the information was acquired by a reading means that was moving. The reliability of product information acquired by such a reading means that satisfies criterion 2 will be lower than the reliability of product information acquired by a reading means that satisfies criterion 1. And, product information acquired by such a reading means that satisfies criterion 2 has the second highest reliability after product information acquired by a reading means that satisfies criterion 1. The product information acquisition device can determine whether each reading means satisfies criterion 2 using a method similar to criterion 1.

[0189] (Criteria 3: The process of acquiring product information from electronic tags has not been performed a certain number of times or more in the same location, and the traveled distance is greater than the reference value) Product information acquired by a reading means that satisfies such criterion 3 is more likely to have been acquired by a reading means that is moving. The reliability of product information acquired by a reading means that satisfies such criterion 3 is lower than the reliability of product information acquired by a reading means that satisfies criteria 1 and 2. The product information acquisition device can determine whether each reading means satisfies criterion 3 using a method similar to criteria 1 and 2.

[0190] (Criteria 4: The number of acquired product information is less than the criteria) Radio waves may bounce and travel to unexpected locations. If the number of pieces of acquired product information is smaller than the standard, the position of the reading means may be such that a good communication environment cannot be secured with the electronic tag. The reliability of product information acquired by such a reading means that satisfies criterion 4 is lower than the reliability of product information acquired by a reading means that satisfies criteria 1 to 3.

[0191] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by a person skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments.

[0192] In addition, in the multiple flow charts used in the above description, multiple steps (processes) are described in order. However, the order of execution of the steps performed in each embodiment is not limited to the order described. In each embodiment, the order of the steps shown in the figures can be changed to the extent that does not cause any problems in terms of content. In addition, each of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined to the extent that the content is not contradictory.

[0193] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes. 1. A selection means for selecting a reading means that satisfies a predetermined condition from among reading means that acquire product information indicating each product from an electronic tag attached to each product by wireless communication; an instruction means for transmitting an instruction to the selected reading means to acquire the product information; an acquisition means for acquiring, from the reading means, the product information acquired from the electronic tag through wireless communication executed in response to the instruction; A product information acquisition device having the above configuration. 2. The product information acquisition device described in 1, wherein the reading means is carried by a store clerk or a mobile means moving around the store. 3. A product information acquisition device as described in 1 or 2, which has an identification means for identifying at least one of the availability of each product, the number of products in stock, and the location of each product based on the product information acquired from the electronic tag. 4. The selection means acquiring location information indicating a current location of the reading means; 4. The product information acquisition device according to any one of 1 to 3, which selects the reading means whose current location satisfies a predetermined location condition. 5. The selection means Identifying the display location of the inquired product based on the display location information indicating the display location of the product; 5. The product information acquisition device according to claim 4, which selects the reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inquired product. 6. The selection means selecting the reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inventory-changing commodity in which the inventory change event has been detected; The identification means is The product information acquisition device described in 3 identifies at least one of the availability, inventory quantity, and location of the inventory-changing product, and updates product inventory information indicating the inventory status of each of the multiple products based on the identification result. 7. The identification means is Identifying whether the inquired about product is in stock based on the product information acquired from the reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inquired about product; If the identification result indicates that the inquired about product is in stock, the product information acquisition device described in 3 notifies the user of information indicating that the inquired about product is displayed in the display position of the inquired about product indicated by the display position information. 8. When the identification result based on the product information acquired from the reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inquired product indicates that the inquired product is out of stock, The selection means is 8. The product information acquisition device according to claim 7, further comprising: selecting a new at least one of the reading means that is not located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inquired product. 9. One or more computers: selecting a reading means that satisfies a predetermined condition from among reading means that acquire product information indicating each product from an electronic tag attached to each product by wireless communication; Transmitting an instruction to the selected reading means to acquire the product information; The product information acquisition method further comprises acquiring, from the reading means, the product information acquired from the electronic tag through wireless communication executed in response to the instruction. 10. The product information acquisition method according to claim 9, wherein the reading means is carried by a store clerk or a mobile means moving around the store. 11. A product information acquisition method as described in 9 or 10, in which one or more computers determine at least one of the availability of each product, the number of products in stock, and the location of each product based on the product information acquired from the electronic tag. 12. The one or more computers: acquiring location information indicating a current location of the reading means; 12. The method for acquiring product information according to any one of items 9 to 11, further comprising the step of selecting the reading means whose current location satisfies a predetermined location condition. 13. The one or more computers: Identifying the display location of the inquired product based on the display location information indicating the display location of the product; 13. The method for acquiring product information according to claim 12, further comprising selecting the reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inquired product. 14. The one or more computers: selecting the reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inventory-changing commodity in which the inventory change event has been detected; The product information acquisition method described in 11, which identifies at least one of the availability, quantity, and location of the inventory-changing product, and updates product inventory information indicating the inventory status of each of multiple products based on the identification results. 15. The one or more computers: Identifying whether the inquired about product is in stock based on the product information acquired from the reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inquired about product; If the identification result indicates that the inquired about product is in stock, the product information acquisition method described in 11 notifies the user of information indicating that the inquired about product is displayed in the display position of the inquired about product indicated by the display position information. 16. One or more computers: The product information acquisition method according to claim 15, wherein when the identification result based on the product information acquired from the reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inquired about product indicates that the inquired about product is out of stock, at least one of the reading means not located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inquired about product is newly selected. 17. Computers, a selection means for selecting a reading means that satisfies a predetermined condition from among reading means that acquire product information indicating each product from an electronic tag attached to each product by wireless communication; an instruction means for transmitting an instruction to the selected reading means to acquire the product information; an acquisition means for acquiring, from the reading means, the product information acquired from the electronic tag through wireless communication executed in response to the instruction; A program that functions as a 18. The program described in 17, wherein the reading means is carried by a store clerk or a mobile means moving around the store. 19. A program as described in 17 or 18, which causes the computer to function as an identification means for identifying at least one of the availability of each product, the quantity in stock of each product, and the location of each product based on the product information obtained from the electronic tag. 20. The selection means: acquiring location information indicating a current location of the reading means; 20. The program according to any one of 17 to 19, which selects the reading means whose current position satisfies a predetermined position condition. 21. The selection means: Identifying the display location of the inquired product based on the display location information indicating the display location of the product; The program according to claim 20, which selects the reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inquired about product. 22. The selection means: selecting the reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inventory-changing commodity in which the inventory change event has been detected; The identification means is The program described in 19 identifies at least one of the availability, quantity, and location of the inventory-changing items, and updates item inventory information indicating the inventory status of each of the multiple items based on the identification results. 23. The identification means is Identifying whether the inquired about product is in stock based on the product information acquired from the reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inquired about product; 19. The program according to claim 19, wherein, if the identification result indicates that the inquired about product is in stock, the program notifies the user of information indicating that the inquired about product is displayed in the display position of the inquired about product indicated by the display position information. 24. If the identification result based on the product information acquired from the reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inquired product indicates that the inquired product is out of stock, The selection means is 24. The program according to claim 23, further comprising: selecting a new at least one of the reading means that is not located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inquired about product. [Explanation of symbols]

[0194] 10 Product information acquisition device 11 Selection section 12 Instruction part 13 Acquisition Department 14 Specific section 1A Processor 2A Memory 3A input / output I / F 4A Peripheral circuit 5A Bus

Claims

1. a selection means for selecting a reading means that satisfies a predetermined condition from among reading means that acquire product information indicating each product from an electronic tag attached to each product by wireless communication; an instruction means for transmitting an instruction to the selected reading means to acquire the product information; an acquisition means for acquiring, from the reading means, the product information acquired from the electronic tag through wireless communication executed in response to the instruction; A product information acquisition device having the above configuration.

2. The product information acquisition device according to claim 1 , wherein the reading means is carried by a store clerk or by a mobile means for moving around the store.

3. 2. The product information acquisition device according to claim 1, further comprising an identification means for identifying at least one of the availability of each product, the number of products in stock, and the location of each product based on the product information acquired from the electronic tag.

4. The selection means is acquiring location information indicating a current location of the reading means; The product information acquisition device according to claim 2 , further comprising a step of selecting the reading means whose current location satisfies a predetermined location condition.

5. The selection means is Identifying the display location of the inquired product based on the display location information indicating the display location of the product; The product information acquisition device according to claim 4, further comprising: a reading unit located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inquired product.

6. The selection means is selecting the reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inventory-changing commodity in which the inventory change event has been detected; The identification means is The product information acquisition device according to claim 3 , further comprising: identifying at least one of the availability, quantity, and location of the inventory-varying product; and updating product inventory information indicating the inventory status of each of a plurality of products based on the identifying result.

7. The identification means is Identifying whether the inquired about product is in stock based on the product information acquired from the reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inquired about product; The product information acquisition device according to claim 3, wherein if the identification result indicates that the inquired about product is in stock, the device notifies the user of information indicating that the inquired about product is displayed in the display position of the inquired about product indicated by the display position information.

8. When the identification result based on the product information acquired from the reading means located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inquired product indicates that the inquired product is out of stock, The selection means is The product information acquisition device according to claim 7, further comprising: selecting a new at least one of the reading means that is not located within a predetermined distance from the display position of the inquired product.

9. One or more computers selecting a reading means that satisfies a predetermined condition from among reading means that acquire product information indicating each product from an electronic tag attached to each product by wireless communication; Transmitting an instruction to the selected reading means to acquire the product information; The product information acquisition method further comprises acquiring, from the reading means, the product information acquired from the electronic tag through wireless communication executed in response to the instruction.

10. Computer, a selection means for selecting a reading means that satisfies a predetermined condition from among reading means that acquire product information indicating each product from an electronic tag attached to each product by wireless communication; an instruction means for transmitting an instruction to the selected reading means to acquire the product information; an acquisition means for acquiring, from the reading means, the product information acquired from the electronic tag through wireless communication executed in response to the instruction; A program that functions as a

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