Product management system, apparatus communication device, and product management method

Abstract

To provide a product management system, an apparatus communication device, and a product management method that enable a user to easily find a product that matches a product picked up by a user.SOLUTION: In a product management system 10, a first apparatus communication device 100-1 includes a detection unit that detects that the first apparatus communication device has been lifted by a user, and a first beacon transmission / reception unit that transmits a first beacon including a first apparatus communication device identifier that represents an identifier of the first apparatus communication device, and a second apparatus communication device 100-2 includes a second lighting unit and a second beacon transmission / reception unit receiving the first beacon and includes a second control unit that controls the second lighting unit to light up when it is confirmed in a product management device that a first product and a second product are associated based on the first apparatus communication device identifier and a second apparatus communication device identifier that represents an identifier of the second apparatus communication device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a product management system, an appliance communication device, and a product management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been devices that recommend suitable products to customers. For example, there are the following devices. That is, there is a recommendation device that takes a photo of an item worn by a customer or a sales item displayed in a store, performs image recognition, acquires the type of the item and the owner of the item (customer or client), and outputs a recommended product based on the type of item and the owner information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6069565 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, even if the above-mentioned recommendation device outputs a recommended product, the customer may not know where the recommended product is located in the store. This causes the customer to search for the recommended product in the store, which is troublesome. The store clerk serving the customer may also have to search for the recommended product in the store, which may be troublesome for the store clerk.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a product management system, an appliance communication device, and a product management method that enable a user to easily find a product that matches a product when the user picks up the product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A product management system according to a first aspect includes a first appliance communication device attached to either a first product or a holding device that holds the first product, a second appliance communication device attached to either a second product or a holding device that holds the second product, and a product management device that manages the first product and the second product. In the product management system, the first appliance communication device includes a detection unit that detects that the first appliance communication device has been lifted by a user, and a first beacon transceiver unit that transmits a first beacon including a first appliance communication device identifier that represents an identifier of the first appliance communication device when the detection unit detects that the first appliance communication device has been lifted. In addition, in the product management system, the second appliance communication device includes a second lighting unit and a second beacon transceiver unit that receives the first beacon. In addition, the second appliance communication device includes a second control unit that controls the second lighting unit to be lit when it is confirmed in the product management device that the first product and the second product are associated with each other based on the first appliance communication device identifier and the second appliance communication device identifier that represents the identifier of the second appliance communication device.

[0007] The appliance communication device according to the second aspect is an appliance communication device attached to either a second product or a holding tool for holding the second product. The appliance communication device has a beacon transceiver unit that receives a first beacon including a first appliance communication device identifier representing an identifier of the other appliance communication device, the first beacon being transmitted from the other appliance communication device in response to a user lifting up the other appliance communication device attached to either a first product or a holding tool for holding the first product. The appliance communication device also has a lighting unit and a control unit that controls the lighting unit to light up when it is confirmed in the product management device that the first product and the second product are associated with each other based on the first appliance communication device identifier and the second appliance communication device identifier representing the identifier of the appliance communication device.

[0008] A product management method according to a third aspect is a product management method in a product management system having a first appliance communication device attached to either a first product or a holding device for holding the first product, a second appliance communication device attached to either a second product or a holding device for holding the second product, and a product management device for managing the first product and the second product. The product management method includes a step in which the first appliance communication device transmits a first beacon including a first appliance communication device identifier representing an identifier of the first appliance communication device when the first appliance communication device detects that the first appliance communication device has been lifted by a user. The product management method also includes a step in which the second appliance communication device receives the first beacon, and when it is confirmed in the product management device that the first product and the second product are associated with each other based on the first appliance communication device identifier and the second appliance communication device identifier representing the identifier of the second appliance communication device, the second appliance communication device controls to light up a lighting unit of the second appliance communication device. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a product management system, an appliance communication device, and a product management method that enable a customer to easily find a product that matches the product he or she picks up. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a product management system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an application scenario of the product management system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an application scenario of the product management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the appliance communication device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a user terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the product management device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7(A) is a diagram showing a configuration example of a pairing table according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 7(B) is a diagram showing a configuration example of a matching determination table according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a first operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a first operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a color setting operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation when highlighting according to the first embodiment is performed. [Figure 12] 12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating an example in which emphasis lighting according to the first embodiment is performed. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a second operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a third operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a third operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a fourth operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a fourth operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a fifth operation example according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a determination table with a matching degree according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20] 20A to 20C are diagrams illustrating an example of an application scenario according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a light-off operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a light-off operation according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the appliance communication device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of how the correspondence information is displayed according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the second embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0012] (Example of product management system configuration) Next, a configuration example of a product management system according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0013] The product management system 10 includes a plurality of appliance communication devices 100 (100-1, 100-2, 100-3, . . . ), a plurality of product tags 200 (200-1, 200-2, 200-3, . . . ), a user terminal device 500, and a product management device 700.

[0014] In one embodiment, the appliance communication device 100 and the product tag 200 are installed in a store S. In the following, an example in which the store S is an apparel store will be described, but the store S may be any store that sells the product P, and may be, for example, a supermarket, a greengrocer, a fishmonger, etc.

[0015] Moreover, in one embodiment, the appliance communication device 100 and the product tag 200 are provided in a display zone Z. In the following, a hanger rack and a display shelf are used as examples of the display zone Z, but the display zone Z may be any zone that displays the product P, and may be, for example, a showcase. In the following, an example in which one display zone Z exists in the store S is described, but multiple display zones Z may exist in the store S.

[0016] The appliance communication device 100 may be attached to a holding appliance H that holds the product P. In the following, a hanger is used as an example of the holding appliance H, but the holding appliance H may be any appliance capable of holding the product P, and may be, for example, a tray or an appliance fixing device. In the following, an example is described in which a plurality of sets of a holding appliance H and a product P are provided in the display zone Z, but the number of sets may be one. The appliance communication device 100 may be provided on the price tag of the product P, instead of on the holding appliance H that holds the product P. The appliance communication device 100 is a communication device attached to the holding appliance H or the price tag of the product P.

[0017] The appliance communication device 100 may be incorporated in the holding appliance H or may be attached to the surface of the holding appliance H. The appliance communication device 100 may also be attached to the price tag of the product P. The appliance communication device 100 is not limited to the above example, and may be attached to, for example, a product tag 200 described later, as long as it is attached in association with the product P.

[0018] The appliance communication device 100 may also be attached directly to the product P. The appliance communication device 100 may also be attached to the product P when the product P is displayed on a display shelf. The appliance communication device 100 and the product tag 200 are attached as one set to one product P. Although a case where a plurality of products P are attached to the appliance communication device 100 will be described below, the case where there is only one product P may also be used. The appliance communication device 100 is also a communication device attached to the product P. In one embodiment, the appliance communication device 100 is attached to the surface of the product P when the product P is displayed on a display shelf.

[0019] In the following, the attachment of the appliance communication device 100 to a holding tool H that holds the product P or the price tag of the product P, and the direct attachment of the appliance communication device 100 to the product P may be collectively referred to as "attaching the appliance communication device 100 to the product P." In other words, the attachment of the appliance communication device 100 to the product P includes the attachment of the appliance communication device 100 to a holding tool H that holds the product P or the price tag of the product P, and may also be used to mean the direct attachment of the appliance communication device 100 to the product P.

[0020] The product tag 200 is a tag attached to the product P. In the following, an example of a wireless tag will be described as the product tag 200, but the product tag 200 may be a barcode. A product identifier (or product ID) for identifying the product P from other products is written in the product tag 200. The wireless tag may be called an IC tag, an RFID, or an RF tag. The wireless tag may be a passive type wireless tag or an active type wireless tag. Even when the product tag 200 is a barcode, the barcode includes a product identifier. In the following, the product tag 200 may be attached to the surface of the product P, or may be affixed to a label attached to the product P.

[0021] The user terminal device 500 is a terminal device used by a user. Alternatively, the user terminal device 500 may be a terminal device held by a user. Here, a user is a customer who can purchase a product P in a store S. In the following, the terms "user" and "customer" may not be distinguished from each other. The user terminal device 500 can be connected to a network NW via a wireless line. The user terminal device 500 can communicate with a product management device 700 via the network NW. The user terminal device 500 is a portable communication terminal device. Specifically, the user terminal device 500 is a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, or the like. A program that can be used in the store S may be installed in the user terminal device 500. The user can receive various services in the store S via the user terminal device 500 in which the program is installed.

[0022] The product management device 700 is a device that manages the product P. The product management device 700 is connected to a network NW via a wired line or a wireless line, and can communicate with the user terminal device 500 via the network NW. An example in which the product management device 700 exists outside the store S will be described below, but the product management device 700 may be located inside the store S. The product management device 700 may be a cloud server. A cloud server is a server that can provide computer resources in the form of a service. The product management device 700 may provide computer resources to the user terminal device 500 as a cloud server. The product management device 700 may be a dedicated server, or may be a general-purpose computer in which a product management program (or a customer service support program) is installed.

[0023] (An example of a scenario in which a product management system can be used) 2 and 3 are diagrams showing an example of an application scenario of the product management system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0024] 2, a user U carrying a user terminal device 500 enters a store S. In the store S, a plurality of sets of a product P and a holding tool H are arranged on a hanger rack L. In addition, a plurality of products P are displayed on a display shelf M.

[0025] The user U selects an item P of interest from among the multiple items P on the hanger rack L, and removes the selected item P1 and the corresponding holding device H1 from the hanger rack L.

[0026] 3, when a user U removes a product P1 and a holding tool H1 from a hanger rack L, an LED of the tool communication device 100-1 attached to the holding tool H1 lights up. Then, an LED of the tool communication device 100-4 attached to a product P4 that can be coordinated with the product P lights up in response to the lighting of the LED of the tool communication device 100-1.

[0027] In this manner, in the first embodiment, when the user U holds the product P1, the LED of the appliance communication device 100-1 lights up, and the LED of the appliance communication device 100-4 attached to the product P4 that can be coordinated with the product P1 also lights up. Therefore, in the first embodiment, when the user U picks up the product P1, he or she can easily find the product P4 that matches the product P1.

[0028] (Example of the configuration of the appliance communication device) Next, a configuration example of the appliance communication device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. As described above, the appliance communication device 100 may be attached to a holding appliance H that holds the product P, a price tag of the product P, or the like, or may be directly attached to the product P. The appliance communication device 100 may also be attached to a product tag 200 of the product P. In other words, the appliance communication device 100 is attached to the product P.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the appliance communication device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, the appliance communication device 100 includes a beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110, a wireless communication unit 120, a control unit 130, a lighting unit 140, a detection unit 150, and a power supply unit 160.

[0031] The beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110 transmits and receives beacons under the control of the control unit 130. When the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110 receives a beacon, it reads out information contained in the beacon and outputs the information to the control unit 130. When the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110 is instructed by the control unit 130 to transmit a beacon including predetermined information, the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110 generates a beacon including the predetermined information received from the control unit 130 and transmits the beacon.

[0032] In the following, the beacon will be described as an example of a BT beacon based on the Bluetooth (registered trademark; the same applies below) standard, but a beacon based on a standard other than Bluetooth may be used.

[0033] In the following, an example will be described in which the appliance communication device 100 communicates with another appliance communication device 100 or a user terminal device 500 using the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110, but a signal other than a beacon may be used for the communication. For example, the appliance communication device 100 may use a signal based on a short-range wireless communication method such as UWB (Ultra Wide Band) or NFC (Near Field Communication). In this case, the appliance communication device 100 may have a short-range wireless communication unit instead of the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110.

[0034] The wireless communication unit 120 is connected to the network NW via a wireless line under the control of the control unit 130, and is capable of communicating with the product management device 700 via the network NW. The wireless communication unit 120 may communicate with the product management device 700 using a wireless communication method based on the wireless LAN standard (e.g., Wifi, etc.), or may communicate with the product management device 700 using a cellular communication method (e.g., 5G, etc.).

[0035] The control unit 130 controls various functions of the appliance communication device 100. The control unit 130 has at least one memory 132 and at least one processor 131 electrically connected to the memory 132. The memory 132 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory, and stores information used for processing in the processor 131 and a program executed by the processor 131. The processor 131 may perform various processes by executing the program stored in the memory 132. In one embodiment, the memory 132 stores an identifier (hereinafter, referred to as an "apparatus identifier") that distinguishes the appliance communication device 100 from other appliance communication devices. The apparatus identifier is appropriately read out under the control of the control unit 130. Note that, in the following operation example, the operation or processing performed in the appliance communication device 100 may be mainly performed in the control unit 130.

[0036] The lighting unit 140 turns on under the control of the control unit 130. In the following, an LED will be described as an example of the lighting unit 140, but as long as the lighting is performed under the control of the control unit 130, a device other than an LED may be used.

[0037] The detection unit 150 detects that the holding tool H has been taken out of the hanger rack L and that the holding tool H has been returned to the hanger rack L. The detection unit 150 also detects that the product P has been lifted from the display shelf M and that the product P has been returned to the display shelf M. That is, the detection unit 150 detects that the appliance communication device 100 has been lifted and that the appliance communication device 100 has been returned to the hanger rack L or the display shelf M. The detection unit 150 outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 130. The detection unit 150 may include a switch that is turned on or off in response to the appliance communication device 100 being lifted (or the appliance communication device 100 being returned to the hanger rack L or the display shelf M). The detection unit 150 may also include a sensor (e.g., an acceleration sensor) that detects a change in a physical quantity in response to the appliance communication device 100 being lifted (or the appliance communication device 100 being returned to the hanger rack L or the display shelf M).

[0038] In the following, the holding tool H for holding the product P being taken out of the hanger rack L and the product P being lifted from the display shelf M may be collectively referred to as "the tool communication device 100 being lifted." In other words, the tool communication device 100 being lifted by the user U may be used to mean that the holding tool H for holding the product P is taken out of the hanger rack L together with the product P by the user U, and may be used to mean that the product P is lifted from the display shelf M by the user U.

[0039] In addition, hereinafter, the returning of the holding tool H holding the product P to the hanger rack L and the returning of the product P to the display shelf M may be collectively referred to as "the tool communication device 100 being returned." In other words, the returning of the tool communication device 100 by the user U may be used to mean the returning of the holding tool H holding the product P together with the product P to the hanger rack L by the user U, and may also mean the returning of the product P to the display shelf M by the user U.

[0040] The power supply unit 160 supplies power to each unit of the appliance communication device 100 under the control of the control unit 130. The power supply unit 160 may be a battery (or a secondary battery) that can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0041] When the appliance communication device 100-1 (first appliance communication device) configured as described above detects that the appliance communication device 100-1 has been lifted, it transmits a beacon (first beacon) including an appliance identifier (or a first appliance communication device identifier) ​​representing the identifier of the appliance communication device 100-1. The appliance communication device 100-2 (second appliance communication device) that receives the beacon turns on the lighting unit 140 (second lighting unit) of the appliance communication device 100-2 when the appliance management device 700 confirms that the appliance communication device 100-1 is attached to the appliance communication device 100-2 (first appliance) and the appliance communication device 100-2 is attached to the appliance communication device 100-2 (second appliance communication device) are associated with each other based on the appliance identifier representing the identifier of the appliance communication device 100-1 and the appliance identifier representing its own identifier (or the second appliance communication device identifier).

[0042] (Example of user terminal device configuration) Next, a configuration example of the user terminal device 500 will be described.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a user terminal device 500 according to the first embodiment.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, user terminal device 500 has a beacon transmitting / receiving unit 510, a wireless communication unit 520, a control unit 530, and a display unit 540.

[0045] The beacon transmitting / receiving unit 510 receives a beacon transmitted from the appliance communication device 100. The beacon transmitting / receiving unit 510 reads information included in the beacon and outputs the information to the control unit 530. When the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 510 is instructed by the control unit 130 to transmit a beacon including predetermined information, the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 510 generates a beacon including the predetermined information received from the control unit 130 and transmits the beacon.

[0046] The wireless communication unit 520 is connected to the network NW via a wireless line and can communicate with the product management device 700 via the network NW. Like the wireless communication unit 120 of the appliance communication device 100, the wireless communication unit 520 may also communicate using a wireless communication method based on the wireless LAN standard or a wireless communication method based on the CERA method.

[0047] The control unit 530 controls various functions in the user terminal device 500. The control unit 530 has at least one memory 532 and at least one processor 531 electrically connected to the memory 532. The memory 532 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory, and stores information used in processing in the processor 531 and programs executed by the processor 531. The processor 531 may perform various processes by executing the programs stored in the memory 532. Note that in the following operation examples, the operations or processes performed in the user terminal device 500 may be mainly performed in the control unit 530.

[0048] The display unit 540 displays various information under the control of the control unit 530 .

[0049] (Example of product management device configuration) Next, a configuration example of the product management device 700 will be described.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a product management device 700 according to the first embodiment.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, the product management device 700 includes a communication interface 710 and a control unit 730.

[0052] The communication interface 710 is connected to the network NW via a wired line or a wireless line. The communication interface 710 receives data transmitted from the user terminal device 500 or the appliance communication device 100, and outputs the received data to the control unit 730.

[0053] The control unit 730 controls various functions in the product management device 700. The control unit 730 has at least one memory 732 and at least one processor 731 electrically connected to the memory 732. The processor 731 may perform various processes by executing programs stored in the memory 732. Note that in the following operation examples, the operations or processes performed in the product management device 700 may be performed in the control unit 730 of the product management device 700.

[0054] (Pairing method according to the first embodiment) Next, a pairing technique according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0055] In the first embodiment, pairing refers to linking a product identifier (or product ID) of a product P with a device identifier (or device ID) of the appliance communication device 100. The product management device 700 manages the product identifier and the device identifier in association with each other, thereby making it possible to know which appliance communication device 100 the product P is attached to. As a pairing method, there is a manual pairing method performed by a store clerk, and an automatic pairing method in which pairing is performed automatically without the help of a store clerk.

[0056] (Manual pairing method) The manual pairing procedure basically follows the following steps:

[0057] (A1) An application program for pairing is executed on a store clerk terminal device held by a store clerk.

[0058] (A2) A store clerk holds a store clerk terminal device over the product tag 200 to obtain a product identifier from the product tag 200. If the product tag 200 is a wireless tag, the product identifier is read from the wireless tag by a wireless tag reader function of the store clerk terminal device. If the product tag 200 is a barcode, the barcode is read by a barcode reader function of the store clerk terminal device, and the product identifier included in the barcode is also read.

[0059] (A3) A store clerk holds the store clerk terminal device over the appliance communication device 100 and reads out the device identifier from the appliance communication device 100. If the appliance communication device 100 is capable of communicating using the NFC method, the NFC reader function of the store clerk terminal device reads out the device identifier from the appliance communication device 100. If a QR code (registered trademark; the same applies below) affixed to the appliance communication device 100 contains a device identifier, the QR code reader function of the store clerk terminal device reads out the QR code and reads out the device identifier from the QR code. If a device identifier is written in a wireless tag affixed to the appliance communication device 100, the wireless tag reader function of the store clerk terminal device reads out the device identifier.

[0060] (A4) The store clerk terminal device transmits the product identifier read out in (A2) and the device identifier read out in (A3) to the product management device 700 via the network NW.

[0061] In this manner, the product management device 700 can acquire, from the store clerk terminal device, the product identifier of the product P and the device identifier of the appliance communication device 100. The product management device 700 stores the product identifier and the device identifier in the memory 732 in association with each other.

[0062] The order of (A2) and (A3) may be reversed.

[0063] (Automatic pairing method) In the case of the automatic pairing method, pairing is performed, for example, as follows.

[0064] First, a display zone communication device provided near the display zone Z (hanger rack L or display shelf M) may be used. In this case, a device wireless tag is provided on the holding device H to which the device communication device 100 is attached. A device identifier is written in the device wireless tag. Alternatively, the device wireless tag may be attached to the surface of the device communication device 100. The display zone communication device has a wireless tag reader. The wireless tag reader reads the product identifier from the product tag 200 and reads the device identifier from the device wireless tag. The display zone communication device has a wireless communication unit. The wireless communication unit transmits the product identifier and the device identifier to the product management device 700 via the network NW.

[0065] Secondly, the user terminal device 500 may be used. That is, the user terminal device 500 has a wireless tag reader, and reads the device identifier written in the device wireless tag and the product identifier from the product tag 200 by using the wireless tag reader. The user terminal device 500 transmits the device identifier and the product identifier to the product management device 700 by using the wireless communication unit 520.

[0066] Although the manual pairing method and the automatic pairing method have been described above, pairing may be performed by a method other than the above methods as long as the product management device 700 can link the product identifier with the device identifier.

[0067] Fig. 7(A) shows an example of a pairing table according to the first embodiment. The pairing table is stored in, for example, the memory 732. The example of Fig. 7(A) shows an example in which product identifiers are stored as product information. As shown in Fig. 7(A), a device identifier "device ID_A" is linked to a product identifier "product ID_P1", and a device identifier "device ID_B" is linked to a product identifier "product ID_P2".

[0068] (Operation example according to the first embodiment) Next, a description will be given of an operation example according to the first embodiment. The operation example according to the first embodiment will be described in the following order.

[0069] (1) First Operation Example According to the First Embodiment: An operation example when the second appliance communication device 100-2 is connected to the network NW

[0070] (2) Second Operation Example According to the First Embodiment: Operation Example When the Second Appliance Communication Device 100-2 is Not Connected to the Network NW

[0071] (3) Third Operation Example According to the First Embodiment: Operation Example When an In-Store Code is Used

[0072] (4) Fourth Operation Example According to the First Embodiment: Operation Example When the User Does Not Set Colors

[0073] (5) Fifth Operation Example According to the First Embodiment: An Operation Example When Emphasis Lighting is Performed According to the Matching Degree

[0074] (6) Other operation examples

[0075] (1) First Operation Example According to First Embodiment First, a description will be given of a first operation example according to the first embodiment. The first operation example is an operation example in the case where the second appliance communication device 100-2 is connected to the network NW.

[0076] As described above, when the user U picks up the product P1, the lighting unit 140 of the appliance communication device 100-2 attached to the product P2 lights up. The appliance communication device 100-1 attached to the product P1 is hereinafter referred to as the "first appliance communication device 100-1." Meanwhile, the appliance communication device 100-2 attached to the product P2 is hereinafter referred to as the "second appliance communication device 100-2." The first appliance communication device 100-1 is attached to the product P1, and the second appliance communication device 100-2 is attached to the product P2.

[0077] In the following description, there may be cases where there is no distinction between the first appliance communication device 100-1 being lifted and the product P1 being lifted.

[0078] 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating a first operation example according to the first embodiment.

[0079] As shown in Fig. 8, in step S10, color setting is performed. Color setting is the task of setting the color that will be lit up when the product P1 is picked up. The color setting is performed, for example, by the user U operating the user terminal device 500. Details will be described later. In the first operation example, it will be described that "color A" has been set.

[0080] In step S11, the user U picks up the product P1, that is, picks up the product P1.

[0081] In step S12, the first appliance communication device 100-1 attached to the product P1 detects that the user U has lifted the product P1.

[0082] In step S13, the first appliance communication device 100-1 transmits a beacon including a color inquiry signal. For example, when the control unit 130 (first control unit) of the first appliance communication device 100-1 detects that the first appliance communication device 100-1 is lifted by the detection unit 150, the control unit 130 instructs the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110 to transmit a beacon including a color inquiry signal, and the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110 generates and transmits the beacon.

[0083] In step S14, in response to receiving a beacon including a color inquiry signal, the user terminal device 500 transmits a beacon including the color information "color A" set by the color setting (step S10). For example, the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 510 of the user terminal device 500 receives a beacon transmitted from the first appliance communication device 100-1, extracts the color inquiry signal from the beacon, and outputs the color inquiry signal to the control unit 530. In response to inputting the color inquiry signal, the control unit 530 reads out the color information set by the color setting from the memory 532, and instructs the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 510 to transmit a beacon together with the color information. Then, the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 510 transmits a beacon including the color information according to the instruction. The second appliance communication device 100-2 receives the beacon.

[0084] In step S15, the first appliance communication device 100-1 lights up the lighting unit 140 in "color A." For example, when the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 510 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 receives a beacon transmitted from the user terminal device 500, it extracts color information from the beacon and outputs the color information to the control unit 530. The control unit 530 controls the lighting unit 140 to light up in "color A," which is the color information, and the lighting unit 140 lights up in "color A."

[0085] In step S16, the first appliance communication device 100-1 transmits a beacon (first beacon) including the device identifier (or device ID) of the first appliance communication device 100-1 and color information ("color A"). For example, in response to receiving the color information "color A" from the user terminal device 500, the control unit 130 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 outputs the device identifier and color information of the first appliance communication device 100-1 to the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 510 and instructs transmission of a beacon. The beacon transmitting / receiving unit 510 (first beacon transmitting / receiving unit) transmits the beacon in accordance with the instruction.

[0086] In addition, the transmission interval of the beacon (first beacon) may be adjusted in consideration of efficient power use by the power supply unit 160. Specifically, the first appliance communication device 100-1 may be adjusted due to some trigger. For example, the trigger may be when the detection unit 150 detects that the first appliance communication device 100-1 has been shaken by the user U more strongly than a certain level. Alternatively, the trigger may be when the user gets closer to the full-length mirror than a certain level and receives a beacon from a beacon transmission unit provided near the full-length mirror.

[0087] When the second appliance communication device 100-2 receives the beacon (first beacon), the second appliance communication device 100-2 performs the process of step S17 and the subsequent steps in Fig. 9. That is, in step S17, in response to receiving the beacon (first beacon) transmitted from the first appliance communication device 100-1, the second appliance communication device 100-2 transmits an inquiry message (first inquiry message) including the device identifier (first appliance communication device identifier) ​​of the first appliance communication device 100-1 and the device identifier (second appliance communication terminal identifier) ​​of the second appliance communication device 100-2 to the commodity management device 700. For example, when the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 receives the beacon transmitted from the first appliance communication device 100-1, the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110 extracts the device identifier of the first appliance communication device 100-1 from the beacon and outputs the device identifier to the control unit 130 (second control unit). The control unit 130 reads out the device identifier of itself (the second appliance communication device 100-2) from the memory 132, and generates an inquiry message including the device identifier of the first appliance communication device 100-1 and the device identifier of the second appliance communication device 100-2. The control unit 130 transmits the inquiry message to the product management device 700 via the wireless communication unit 120. The product management device 700 receives the inquiry message.

[0088] In step S18, the commodity management device 700 performs pairing determination using the pairing table (FIG. 7(A)). For example, when the control unit 730 of the commodity management device 700 receives an inquiry message via the communication interface 710, it extracts the device identifier of the first appliance communication device 100-1 and the device identifier of the second appliance communication device 100-2 from the inquiry message. Then, the control unit 730 reads the pairing table (FIG. 7(A)) from the memory 732 and extracts the commodity identifier of the commodity P paired with the device identifier from the pairing table. For example, the control unit 730 reads the commodity identifier "commodity ID_P1" paired with the device identifier "device ID_A" of the first appliance communication device 100-1 from the pairing table, and reads the commodity identifier "commodity ID_P2" paired with the device identifier "device ID_B" of the second appliance communication device 100-2 from the pairing table.

[0089] In step S19, the commodity management device 700 performs a matching determination. That is, the commodity management device 700 determines whether or not the commodity P1 to which the first appliance communication device 100-1 is attached and the commodity P2 to which the second appliance communication device 100-2 is attached are associated. Specifically, the control unit 730 of the commodity management device 700 uses a matching determination table to determine whether or not the commodity P2 is associated with the commodity P1, which is a target commodity.

[0090] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of a matching determination table according to the first embodiment. The matching determination table is a table in which a product associated with a target product is represented by a product identifier. Here, "association" means matching with the target product. Alternatively, "association" may mean being able to be coordinated with the target product. That is, the matching determination table represents a product that matches or can be coordinated with the target product. In the following, "association" will be described as "matching". The matching determination table is stored in the memory 732 of the product management device 700. For example, the control unit 730 checks whether or not the product identifier "product ID_P2" of the product P2 matches with the product identifier "product ID_P1" of the product P1, which is the target product. In the example of FIG. 7B, the product identifier "product ID_P2" is associated with the product identifier "product ID_P1". That is, the product P1 and the product P2 match.

[0091] In step S20, the control unit 730 of the product management device 700 generates a result message (first result message) including result information indicating the result of the matching determination. Then, the control unit 730 transmits the result message to the second appliance communication device 100-2 via the communication interface 710. The second appliance communication device 100-2 receives the result message.

[0092] When the product P1 and the product P2 match, in step S21, the second appliance communication device 100-2 lights up the lighting unit 140 with the color information (step S16) ("color A") received from the first appliance communication device 100-1. For example, when the wireless communication unit 120 receives from the product management device 700 a result message including result information indicating that the product P1 and the product P2 match in response to the inquiry message (step S17), the control unit 130 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 controls to light up the lighting unit 140 (second lighting unit) of the device itself. At this time, the control unit 130 lights up the lighting unit 140 with the same color ("color A") as the color information included in the beacon received from the first appliance communication device 100-1. As a result, the lighting unit 140 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 lights up with the same color (for example, "color A") as the lighting unit 140 of the first appliance communication device 100-1. A user U who owns product P1 can easily find product P2 in store S that matches product P1.

[0093] The lighting unit 140 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 is turned on on a first-come, first-served basis. Since the second appliance communication device 100-2 receives the result information (step S20) first, the second appliance communication device 100-2 turns on the lighting unit 140 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 in response to the first appliance communication device 100-1. The second appliance communication device 100-2 may not accept beacons from other appliance communication devices 100 while the lighting unit 140 is turned on.

[0094] In step S22, when the first appliance communication device 100-1 and the second appliance communication device 100-2 approach each other, the lighting unit 140 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 and the lighting unit 140 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 perform highlight lighting. In one embodiment, the highlight lighting is described below as lighting in a color with higher brightness than the normal lighting (step S21). An example of the highlight lighting operation will be described later.

[0095] In step S23, the first appliance communication device 100-1 and the second appliance communication device 100-2 turn off the turned-on lighting unit 140. The turning-off may be performed after a certain time has elapsed after the lighting, or may be performed by an operation by the user U. The turning-off operation will be described in (6) Other operation examples.

[0096] On the other hand, if the product P1 and the product P2 do not match, in step S24, the second appliance communication device 100-2 does not light up and the lighting unit 140 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 is turned off. For example, when the control unit 130 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 receives a result message including result information indicating no matching via the wireless communication unit 120, the control unit 130 ends the process without turning on the lighting unit 140. In this case, the lighting unit 140 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 is turned on in step S15, but is turned off after a certain period of time, for example.

[0097] Furthermore, if the second appliance communication device 100-2 does not receive the beacon (step S16), it performs the process of step S25. That is, in step S25, the lighting unit 140 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 is turned off. In this case, too, the lighting unit 140 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 is turned on in step S15, but is turned off after a certain period of time, for example.

[0098] (1.1) Color setting operation FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a color setting operation according to the first embodiment.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 10, in step S100, a user U executes an application program for color setting on a user terminal device 500.

[0100] In step S101, the user terminal device 500 transmits a settable color inquiry message, indicating an inquiry about a settable color, to the product management device 700 via the network NW. For example, when the control unit 530 of the user terminal device 500 starts executing the application program, it generates a settable color inquiry message and transmits the settable color inquiry message to the product management device 700 via the wireless communication unit 520.

[0101] In step S102, in response to receiving the settable color inquiry message, the product management device 700 generates a response message including color information representing the color when the lighting unit 140 of the appliance communication device 100-1 is turned on, and transmits the response message to the user terminal device 500. When generating the color information, the control unit 730 of the product management device 700 may transmit a response message including color information of a color that is not used in the other appliance communication devices 100.

[0102] In step S103, when the user terminal device 500 receives the response message, the user terminal device 500 displays color information included in the response message. The color information represents color information that can be set in the first appliance communication device 100-1 (and the second appliance communication device 100-2).

[0103] In step S104, color information is set by inputting color information by the user U. Here, the following description will be given assuming that "color A" has been set.

[0104] In step S105, the user terminal device 500 transmits a message including set color information (hereinafter referred to as "color information") indicating the color set by the user U to the product management device 700. For example, the control unit 530 generates a message including the color information input by the user U, and transmits the message to the product management device 700 via the wireless communication unit 520. The product management device 700 holds and manages the color information.

[0105] The product management device 700 may manage the color information in association with the user identifier. As a result, as described above, it is possible to notify other users of the color information that a color different from the color set by the user U can be set as a color. In this case, the user identifier may be included in the message including the color information (step S105).

[0106] (1.2) Example of operation when highlighting is performed Next, an example of the operation when highlighting is performed will be described.

[0107] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation when highlighting according to the first embodiment is performed. Note that the example of the operation illustrated in Fig. 11 is performed in a state in which the lighting unit 140 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 and the lighting unit 140 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 are turned on (steps S15 and S21), assuming that the product P1 and the product P2 match.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 11, in step S220, a product P1 (specifically, the first appliance communication device 100-1) and a product P2 (specifically, the second appliance communication device 100-2) approach each other.

[0109] In step S221, the control unit 130 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 detects that the product P2 has approached. For example, the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110 receives a beacon transmitted from the second appliance communication device 100-2, measures the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) of the beacon, and outputs the measured RSSI to the control unit 130. The control unit 130 estimates the distance to the product P2 (the second appliance communication device 100-2) based on the RSSI. Then, when the control unit 130 determines that the distance is within a first threshold, it detects that the product P2 has approached.

[0110] In step S222, the first appliance communication device 100-1 highlights the lighting unit 140. For example, when the control unit 130 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 detects that the estimated distance is within a first threshold, the control unit 130 controls the lighting unit 140 (first lighting unit) to perform highlight lighting different from normal lighting. As described above, the highlight lighting may be achieved by lighting the lighting unit at a brightness higher than the normal lighting.

[0111] On the other hand, in step S223, the control unit 130 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 detects that the product P1 has approached. In this case, for example, the beacon transceiver unit 110 receives the beacon transmitted from the first appliance communication device 100-1, measures the RSSI of the beacon, and outputs the measured RSSI to the control unit 130. The control unit 130 may estimate the distance to the product P1 (first appliance communication device 100-1) based on the RSSI, and detect that the product P1 has approached when the distance is within a first threshold value.

[0112] In step S224, the second appliance communication device 100-2 highlights the lighting unit 140 of its own device. When the control unit 130 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 detects that the estimated distance is within the first threshold, the control unit 130 controls the lighting unit 140 (second lighting unit) to perform highlight lighting different from normal lighting.

[0113] On the other hand, when the product P1 and the product P2 move away from each other in step S225, the first appliance communication device 100-1 detects that the product P2 has moved away in step S226. For example, the control unit 130 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 estimates the distance to the product P2 based on the RRSI of the beacon received from the second appliance communication device 100-2, and detects that the product P2 has moved away when detecting that the distance is longer than a first threshold value.

[0114] Then, in step S226, the first appliance communication device 100-1 normally lights the lighting unit 140 of its own device. For example, when the control unit 130 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 detects that the distance is longer than the first threshold, it controls the lighting unit 140 to change the lighting unit 140 (first lighting unit) from highlighted lighting to normal lighting.

[0115] Similarly, the second appliance communication device 100-2 detects that the product P1 has moved away in step S228. For example, the control unit 130 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 measures the RSSI based on the beacon received from the first appliance communication device 100-1, estimates the distance to the product P1 based on the RSSI, and detects that the distance is longer than a first threshold.

[0116] Then, in step S229, the second appliance communication device 100-2 normally lights the lighting unit 140 of its own device. For example, in response to detecting that the distance is longer than the first threshold, the control unit 130 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 controls the lighting unit 140 to change the lighting unit 140 (second lighting unit) from highlighted lighting to normal lighting.

[0117] Although an example in which RSSI is used in distance estimation has been described, a radio field intensity other than RSSI may be used, for example, SNR (Signal Noise Rate) or the like may be used.

[0118] 12(A) and 12(B) are diagrams showing an example of a case where highlighted lighting according to the first embodiment is performed. As shown in FIG. 12(A), when the distance between product P1 and product P2 is longer than a first threshold, the lighting unit 140 is turned on in normal lighting. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12(B), when the distance between product P1 and product P2 approaches within the first threshold, the lighting unit 140 changes from normal lighting to highlighted lighting. The highlighted lighting makes it easy to know which product P matches the target product P1.

[0119] (2) Second Operation Example According to First Embodiment Next, a second operation example according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0120] In the first operation example, an operation example in which the second appliance communication device 100-2 is connected to the network NW is described. In the second operation example, an operation example in which the second appliance communication device 100-2 is not connected to the network NW is described.

[0121] In the second operation example, since the second appliance communication device 100-2 is not connected to the network NW, the second appliance communication device 100-2 cannot transmit an inquiry message to the commodity management device 700 via the wireless communication unit 120. Therefore, in the second operation example, the second appliance communication device 100-2 transmits an inquiry message to the commodity management device 700 via the user terminal device 500.

[0122] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a second operation example according to the first embodiment.

[0123] In the second operation example, the process from step S10 to step S16 (FIG. 8) is performed as in the first operation example. That is, the second appliance communication device 100-2 receives color information (e.g., "color A") set by the user from the first appliance communication device 100-1 using a beacon (first beacon) (step S16). Also, the lighting unit 140 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 is turned on as the product P1 is picked up (step S15).

[0124] As shown in Fig. 13, when the second appliance communication device 100-2 receives a beacon (first beacon), in step S30, the second appliance communication device 100-2 transmits a beacon (second beacon) including inquiry information. The inquiry information includes the same information as that included in the inquiry message in the first operation example. That is, the inquiry information includes the device identifier (first appliance communication device identifier) ​​of the first appliance communication device 100-1 and the device identifier (second appliance communication terminal identifier) ​​of the second appliance communication device 100-2. In response to receiving the beacon (step S16) transmitted from the first appliance communication device 100-1 by the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110, the control unit 130 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 outputs the device identifier of the first appliance communication device 100-1 included in the beacon and the device identifier of its own device (the second appliance communication device 100-2) stored in the memory 132 to the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110, and instructs the beacon to be transmitted. The beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110 (second beacon transmitting / receiving unit) generates and transmits a beacon including inquiry information in accordance with the instruction. That is, in response to receiving the beacon from the first appliance communication device 100-1, the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110 transmits a beacon (second beacon) including the device identifier of the first appliance communication device 100-1 and the device identifier of the second appliance communication device 100-2. The user terminal device 500 receives the beacon.

[0125] In step S31, in response to receiving the beacon, the user terminal device 500 generates an inquiry message (second inquiry message) including inquiry information, and transmits the inquiry message to the product management device 700. For example, upon receiving the beacon, the beacon transceiver unit 510 of the user terminal device 500 extracts the inquiry information from the beacon and outputs it to the control unit 530. In response to inputting the inquiry information including the two device identifiers, the control unit 530 generates an inquiry message including the inquiry information, and transmits it to the product management device 700 via the wireless communication unit 520.

[0126] Steps S32 and S33 are the same as steps S18 and S19, respectively, in the first operation example.

[0127] In step S34, the product management device 700 transmits a result message (second result message) including result information of the matching determination to the user terminal device 500. In the following, it is assumed that result information indicating that the product P1 and the product P2 match each other is obtained.

[0128] In step S35, the user terminal device 500 transmits a beacon (third beacon) including result information in response to receiving the result message. For example, the control unit 530 of the user terminal device 500 transmits an inquiry message including the device identifier of the first appliance communication device 100-1 and the device identifier of the second appliance communication device 100-2 to the commodity management device 700 in response to receiving the beacon including inquiry information (step S30) (step S31). Then, the control unit 530 receives a result message including result information indicating that the product P1 and the product P2 are associated with each other in response to the inquiry message from the commodity management device 700 (step S34), and transmits a beacon including the result information in response to receiving the result message (step S35). The second appliance communication device 100-2 receives the beacon.

[0129] When the product P1 and the product P2 match, in step S36, the second appliance communication device 100-2 turns on the lighting unit 140 of its own device. For example, when the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 510 receives a beacon (third beacon) transmitted from the user terminal device 500, the control unit (second control unit) of the second appliance communication device 100-2 controls the lighting unit 140 to turn on the lighting unit 140.

[0130] Note that the steps after step S37 are the same as in the first operation example. Also, in Fig. 13, an operation example in which the product P1 and the product P2 do not match is omitted, but the operation itself is the same as in the first operation example.

[0131] In this way, in the second operation example, even if the second appliance communication device 100-2 is not connected to the network NW, an inquiry about matching can be made to the product management device 700 via the user terminal device 500. As a result, for example, even if the second appliance communication device 100-2 is not connected to the network NW, it can turn on the lighting unit 140 of its own device according to the result information.

[0132] (3) Third Operation Example According to First Embodiment Next, a third operation example will be described. In the first and second operation examples, examples in which a device identifier is used have been described. In the third operation example, a case in which an in-store code is used instead of the device identifier will be described.

[0133] An in-store code is a barcode that can be used in a company's own store S. Unlike the JAN (Japanese Article Number) code used in the distribution process of product P, an in-store code can be assigned independently within store S for product management purposes. The in-store code can be freely determined, except that the first two digits must be a value between "20" and "29." For example, in the in-store code "2510012301012," the first "25" indicates that it is an in-store code, the next six digits "100123" indicate the product code for a T-shirt, the next two digits "01" indicate the size "S," and the next two digits "01" indicate the color "white." The last digit is used as a check digit. In other words, the in-store code indicates a white T-shirt of size "S."

[0134] For example, by using an in-store code matching determination table including the in-store code, it is possible to search for an in-store code of a product that matches the size and color included in the in-store code. The in-store code matching determination table may be obtained by replacing the product identifier with the in-store code (the code portion representing the size and color) in the matching determination table shown in FIG. 7(B). If the in-store code matching determination table is stored in the memory 132 of each appliance communication device 100, the first appliance communication device 100-1 and the second appliance communication device 100-2 can determine whether or not the two products P1 and P2 match based on the in-store code of the product P1 (the code portion representing the size and color) and the in-store code of the product P2 (the code portion representing the size and color).

[0135] 14 and 15 are diagrams illustrating a third operation example according to the first embodiment.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 14, the processes from step S40 to step S45 are performed, and steps S40 to S45 are the same as steps S10 to S15 in the first operation example, respectively.

[0137] In step S46, the first appliance communication device 100-1 transmits a beacon (first beacon) including the in-store code and color information of the product P1 in response to receiving a beacon including color information (e.g., "color A") (step S44). For example, the control unit 130 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 reads the in-store code of the product P1 from the memory 132 in response to receiving a beacon from the user terminal device 500 via the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110. Then, the control unit 130 outputs the in-store code and color information to the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110 and instructs the generation of a beacon. In response to the instruction, the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110 generates and transmits a beacon including the in-store code and color information.

[0138] When the second appliance communication device 100-2 receives the beacon, step S47 in FIG. 15 is performed. That is, in step S47, the second appliance communication device 100-2 determines whether the product P1 and the product P2 are associated with each other based on the in-store code (first in-store code) of the product P1 and the in-store code (second in-store code) of the product P2. For example, the control unit 130 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 receives the in-store code of the product P1 transmitted from the first appliance communication device 100-1 via the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110, and reads out the in-store code of the product P2 to which the device (the second appliance communication device 100-2) is attached from the memory 132. Then, the control unit 130 determines whether the two in-store codes match by using an in-store code matching determination table. The in-store code matching determination table may be stored in the memory 132.

[0139] When the product P1 and the product P2 match, in step S48, the second appliance communication device 100-2 turns on the lighting unit 140 of its own device according to the color information (color "A"). For example, when the control unit 130 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 confirms that the product P1 and the product P2 are associated with each other based on the in-store code of the product P1 and the in-store code of the product P2, the control unit 130 controls the lighting unit 140 to be turned on.

[0140] The processes from step S49 onwards are the same as those in the first operation example.

[0141] (Another Operation Example 1 of the Third Operation Example) In the third operation example, it has been described that the in-store code of the product P1 is stored in the memory 132 of the first appliance communication device 100-1, and the in-store code of the product P2 is stored in the memory 132 of the second appliance communication device 100-2. The in-store code of the product P1 may be stored in the memory 132 of the first appliance communication device 100-1, for example, as follows.

[0142] That is, an in-store code is affixed to the product tag 200 of the product P1. The first appliance communication device 100-1 has a barcode reader and reads the in-store code of the product tag 200. A store clerk may hold the product tag 200 over the first appliance communication device 100-1 to read the in-store code. The first appliance communication device 100-1 stores the in-store code of the product P1 in the memory 132 via the barcode reader. Similarly, the second appliance communication device 100-2 may store the in-store code of the product P2 in the memory 132 via the barcode reader.

[0143] (Another Operation Example 2 of the Third Operation Example) In the third operation example, an example was described in which a matching determination is made using the code portion of the in-store code that represents the size and color of the product P, but a code other than the size and color of the product P may be used for the matching determination. For example, a matching determination may be made using the product code of the in-store code (for example, the next six digits after the first two digits that represent the in-store code). In this case, the portion of the in-store code that represents the product code is stored in the in-store code matching table.

[0144] In this way, a matching determination is made using all or part of the in-store code, and the code stored in the in-store code matching table is all or part of the in-store code depending on the in-store code used for the matching determination.

[0145] (4) Fourth operation example Next, a fourth operation example will be described.

[0146] In the fourth operation example, an operation example in which no color setting is performed by the user U (or the user terminal device 500) will be described.

[0147] 16 and 17 are diagrams illustrating a fourth operation example according to the first embodiment.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 16, in step S60, the user U picks up the product P1 without setting a color, and in step S61, the first appliance communication device 100-1 detects that the user U has picked up the product P1.

[0149] In step S62, the first appliance communication device 100-1 lights the lighting unit 140 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 in a predetermined color. The predetermined color may be stored in the memory 132 of the first appliance communication device 100-1. For example, when the control unit 130 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 transmits a beacon including a color inquiry signal via the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110 but does not receive a beacon including color information from the user terminal device 500, the control unit 130 reads the color information (color information representing a predetermined color) stored in the memory 132 and controls the lighting unit 140 to light the lighting unit 140 according to the color information.

[0150] In step S63, the first appliance communication device 100-1 transmits a beacon (first beacon) including color information indicating the lit color (a predetermined color) and the device identifier of the first appliance communication device 100-1.

[0151] When the second appliance communication device 100-2 receives the beacon, step S64 in FIG. 17 is performed. That is, in step S64, when the second appliance communication device 100-2 is connected to the network NW, the matching determination of the first operation example (steps S17 to S20 in FIG. 9) is performed. Also, in step S64, when the second appliance communication device 100-2 is not connected to the network NW, the matching determination of the second operation example (steps S30 to S35 in FIG. 13) is performed. Furthermore, in step S64, when the in-store code is used for the matching determination, the second appliance communication device 100-2 performs the matching determination of the third operation example (step S47 in FIG. 15). The subsequent steps are the same as those in the first operation example.

[0152] Thus, in the fourth operation example, the control unit 130 (first control unit) of the first appliance communication device 100-1 lights the lighting unit 140 (first lighting unit) in a predetermined color when the color is not set by the user U (step S62). Also, the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 transmits a beacon (first beacon) including color information representing the predetermined color (step S63). Then, the control unit 130 (second control unit) of the second appliance communication device 100-2 controls the lighting unit 140 (second lighting unit) to light in the predetermined color (the same color as the lighting unit 140 of the first appliance communication device 100-1) according to the color information.

[0153] As a result, even if color setting is not performed, when the user U picks up the product P1, the lighting unit 140 of the appliance communication device 100-1 attached to the product P1 lights up, and the lighting unit 140 of the appliance communication device 100-2 attached to the product P2 associated with the product P1 also lights up. Therefore, even in the fourth operation example, the user U can easily find the product P2 that matches the product P1.

[0154] (5) Fifth operation example Next, a fifth operation example according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0155] In the fifth operation example, an example will be described in which lighting unit 140 is lit in different lighting methods depending on the degree of matching (or the degree of association). As the lighting method, for example, when the degree of matching is equal to or greater than a second threshold, control unit 130 lights lighting unit 140 in accent lighting, and when the degree of matching is less than the second threshold, control unit 130 lights lighting unit 140 in normal lighting. Below, an example will be described using lighting methods depending on whether they are normal lighting or accent lighting.

[0156] In this way, when the degree of matching is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the lighting unit 140 is highlighted, so that the user U can easily find the product P2 whose degree of matching with the product P1 is equal to or greater than the second threshold. Also, when the degree of matching is less than the second threshold, the lighting unit 140 is turned on in normal lighting, so that the user U can easily find the product P2 whose degree of matching with the product P1 is less than the second threshold.

[0157] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a fifth operation example according to the first embodiment. In the fifth operation example, steps S10 to S16 (Fig. 8) are performed in the same manner as the first operation example. That is, the lighting unit 140 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 lights up (step S15), and the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 transmits a beacon including the device identifier and color information of the first appliance communication device 100-1 (step S16).

[0158] As shown in Fig. 18, when the second appliance communication device 100-2 receives the beacon, the process from step S80 onwards is performed. The process from step S80 onwards represents an operation example (second operation example) when the second appliance communication device 100-2 is not connected to the network NW. The process from step S80 to step S82 is the same as the process from step S30 to step S32 in the second operation example (Fig. 13), respectively.

[0159] In step S83, the product management device 700 performs a matching determination. In the fifth operation example, the control unit 730 of the product management device 700 uses the matching degree determination table to determine whether the product P1 and the product P2 are associated with each other (i.e., whether they match).

[0160] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a determination table with a matching degree according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, the determination table with a matching degree is configured to further include a matching degree in comparison with the matching determination table (FIG. 7(A)). For example, a product P2 ("product ID_P2") can be matched with a target product P1 ("product ID_P1"), and the matching degree is "90%". In addition, for example, a product P3 ("product ID_P3") can also be matched with a target product P1, and the matching degree is "50%".

[0161] The control unit 730 of the product management device 700 acquires the product identifier of the product P1 and the product identifier of the product P2 corresponding to the device identifier of the first appliance communication device 100-1 and the device identifier of the second appliance communication device 100-2 included in the inquiry information by pairing determination (step S82). Then, the control unit 730 checks whether the product identifier of the product P1 and the product identifier of the product P2 are matchable in the matching degree determination table, and if they are matchable, acquires the matching degree from the matching degree determination table.

[0162] Returning to FIG. 18, in step S84, the product management device 700 transmits a result message including the result information to the user terminal device 500. For example, the control unit 730 of the product management device 700 generates result information including a matching result (information indicating whether the product P1 and the product P2 match or not) and a matching degree. Then, the control unit 730 generates a result message including the result information, and transmits the result message to the user terminal device 500 via the communication interface 710. The user terminal device 500 receives the result message.

[0163] In step S85, the user terminal device 500 transmits a beacon (third beacon) including the result information. The second appliance communication device 100-2 receives the beacon.

[0164] If the matching degree included in the result information is equal to or greater than the second threshold, in step S86, the second appliance communication device 100-2 lights the lighting unit 140 in an accentuated manner. For example, the control unit 130 (second control unit) of the second appliance communication device 100-2 controls the lighting unit 140 to light the lighting unit 140 in an accentuated manner when the matching degree is equal to or greater than the second threshold. The accentuated lighting may be performed by increasing the brightness compared to normal lighting, as in the first operation example. Then, in step S87, the lighting unit 140 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 and the lighting unit 140 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 are turned off after a certain period of time has passed, for example.

[0165] On the other hand, when the matching degree included in the result information is less than the second threshold, in step S88, the second appliance communication device 100-2 causes the lighting unit 140 to perform normal lighting. For example, when the matching degree is less than the second threshold, the control unit 130 (second control unit) of the second appliance communication device 100-2 controls the lighting unit 140 to perform normal lighting when the matching degree is less than the second threshold. Then, in step S89, the lighting unit 140 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 and the lighting unit 140 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 are turned off after a certain period of time has passed, for example.

[0166] In this manner, the control unit 130 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 controls the lighting unit 140 (second lighting unit) to light up the product in different lighting methods depending on the degree of association between the product P1 and the product P2.

[0167] (Another example of the fifth operation example) In the fifth operation example, an operation example in which the second appliance communication device 100-2 is not connected to the network NW has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The fifth operation example may be the operation example (first operation example) in which the second appliance communication device 100-2 is connected to the network NW. In this case, steps S17 to S19 in FIG. 9 are performed. Then, the product management device 700 transmits result information including the matching degree to the second appliance communication device 100-2.

[0168] (6) Other operation examples Next, other operation examples according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0169] (6.1) Other operation example 1 For example, there is the following scenario. That is, a scenario in which a user U picks up multiple products P at the same time. For example, the user U picks up a product P1 (the first appliance communication device 100-1) and a product P2 (the second appliance communication device 100-2) at the same time. On the other hand, the product P2 and the product P3 match, but the product P1 and the product P3 do not match.

[0170] In such a scenario, since the user U picks up the product P1 and the product P2 at the same time, the lighting unit 140 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 attached to the product P1 lights up, and the lighting unit 140 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 attached to the product P2 also lights up. Furthermore, the lighting unit 140 of the third appliance communication device 100-3 attached to the product P3 also lights up because it matches the product P2.

[0171] 20(A) shows an example of an application scenario according to the first embodiment. In this case, the lighting unit 140 of the appliance communication device 100-3 attached to the product P3 lights up, but the lighting unit 140 of the appliance communication device 100-1 attached to the product P1 and the lighting unit 140 of the appliance communication device 100-2 attached to the product P2 also light up. Therefore, the user U does not know whether the product P1 and the product P3 match, or the product P2 and the product P3 match.

[0172] In this case, as described in the first operation example, highlighting may be performed according to the distance. That is, when the user U brings the product P2 close to the product P3 and the distance is within the first threshold, the product P2 and the product P3 are matched, so highlighting is performed in the lighting unit 140 of the appliance communication device 100-2 attached to the product P2 and the lighting unit 140 of the appliance communication device 100-3 attached to the product P3 (FIG. 20(B)). On the other hand, even when the user U brings the product P1 close to the product P3 and the distance is within the first threshold, the product P1 and the product P3 are not matched, so highlighting is not performed in the lighting unit 140 of the appliance communication device 100-1 attached to the product P1 and the lighting unit 140 of the appliance communication device 100-3 attached to the product P3 (FIG. 20(C)). In this case, normal lighting is maintained.

[0173] In this way, by utilizing the highlighted lighting described in the first operation example, even if the user U holds up multiple products at the same time, the user U can easily find a matching product.

[0174] (6.2) Other operation examples 2 Next, as another operation example 2, a light-off operation according to the first embodiment will be described. The light-off operation includes a light-off operation by either a user U's operation to turn off the light or a light-off operation after a certain period of time has elapsed (hereinafter referred to as "light-off pattern #1"). Another light-off operation includes a light-off operation when the user U returns the product P1 (the first appliance communication device 100-1) to the hanger rack L or the display shelf M (hereinafter referred to as "light-off pattern #2").

[0175] (6.2.1) Lights-out pattern #1 Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a light-off operation (light-off pattern #1) according to the first embodiment. The operation example shown in Fig. 21 shows operations (step S23 of the first operation example, step S38 of the second operation example, step S50 of the third operation example, step S67 of the fourth operation example, and steps S87 and S89 of the fifth operation example) after the lighting unit 140 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 and the lighting unit 140 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 are turned on, assuming that the product P1 and the product P2 are matched.

[0176] As shown in Fig. 21, in step S230, a user U performs a turn-off operation on the first appliance communication device 100-1. For example, the user U may perform the turn-off operation by operating a turn-off button attached to the first appliance communication device 100-1. Alternatively, the first appliance communication device 100-1 may be provided with a touch sensor, and the user U may perform the turn-off operation by touching a touch sensor portion. Note that step S230 may be the lapse of a certain period of time instead of the turn-off operation by the user U.

[0177] In step S231, the first appliance communication device 100-1 transmits a beacon (fourth beacon) including a device identifier of the first appliance communication device 100-1 and a turn-off instruction. For example, the control unit 130 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 transmits a beacon including at least a turn-off instruction in response to either a turn-off operation by the user U or after a certain period of time has elapsed.

[0178] In step S232, the first appliance communication device 100-1 turns off the lighting unit 140 of its own device. For example, the control unit 130 (first control unit) of the first appliance communication device 100-1 controls the lighting unit 140 to turn off the lighting unit 140 (first lighting unit) in response to either a turn-off operation by the user U or after a certain period of time has elapsed.

[0179] The order of steps S231 and S232 may be reversed.

[0180] When the second appliance communication device 100-2 receives the turn-off instruction transmitted from the first appliance communication device 100-1 (step S231), the second appliance communication device 100-2 turns off the lighting unit 140 of its own device in step S233. For example, in response to receiving the turn-off instruction transmitted from the first appliance communication device 100-1, the control unit 130 (second control unit) of the second appliance communication device 100-2 controls the lighting unit 140 to turn off the lighting unit 140 (second lighting unit).

[0181] On the other hand, when the second appliance communication device 100-2 does not receive the turn-off instruction transmitted from the first appliance communication device 100-1, in step S234, it continues turning on the appliance without performing any particular process.

[0182] In addition, the light-off pattern #1 can also be applied to the light-off operation when there is no product matching the product P1 (step S24 in the first operation example, step S39 in the second operation example, step S51 in the third operation example, and step S68 in the fourth operation example). In this case, the control unit 130 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 may turn off the lighting unit 140 of the device itself (step S232) when detecting either a light-off operation by the user U or after a certain period of time has elapsed (step S230).

[0183] The light-off pattern #1 can also be applied to the light-off operation when the second appliance communication device 100-2 does not receive a beacon (first beacon) (step S25 in the first operation example, step S52 in the third operation example, and step S69 in the fourth operation example). In this case, the control unit 130 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 may turn off the lighting unit 140 of the device itself (step S232) when detecting either a light-off operation by the user U or after a certain period of time has elapsed (step S230).

[0184] Furthermore, in the light-off pattern #1, a user operation on the product P1 (the first appliance communication device 100-1) is described as an example, but a user operation on the product P2 (the second appliance communication device 100-2) may be performed. In this case, this can be implemented by replacing the "first appliance communication device 100-1" and the "second appliance communication device 100-2" in FIG.

[0185] (6.2.2) Lights-out pattern #2 Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a light-off operation (light-off pattern #2) according to the first embodiment. As in Fig. 21, the operation example shown in Fig. 22 shows a light-off operation (step S23 of the first operation example, step S38 of the second operation example, step S50 of the third operation example, step S67 of the fourth operation example, and steps S87 and S89 of the fifth operation example) after the lighting unit 140 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 and the lighting unit 140 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 are turned on, assuming that the product P1 and the product P2 match, as in Fig. 21.

[0186] 22, in step S250, the user U returns the product P1 (the first appliance communication device 100-1) to the hanger rack L. Alternatively, the user U may return the product P1 to the display shelf M.

[0187] In step S251, the first appliance communication device 100-1 detects an action (step S250) of returning the product P1 (the first appliance communication device 100-1) by the user U to the hanger rack L or the display shelf M. For example, the detection unit 150 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 detects that the product P1 (the first appliance communication device 100-1) has been returned to the hanger rack L or the display shelf M by the user U.

[0188] In step S252, the first appliance communication device 100-1 turns off the lighting unit 140 of its own device. For example, in response to the detection by the detection unit 150 that the product P1 (first appliance communication device 100-1) has been returned by the user U to the hanger rack L or the display shelf M, the control unit 130 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 controls the lighting unit 140 to turn off the lighting unit 140 (first lighting unit).

[0189] In step S253, the first appliance communication device 100-1 transmits a beacon (fifth beacon) including the device identifier of the first appliance communication device 100-1 and a turn-off notification. For example, the control unit 130 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 transmits a beacon including at least a turn-off instruction in response to the detection unit 150 detecting that the user U has returned the product P1 (the first appliance communication device 100-1) to the hanger rack L or the display shelf M.

[0190] When the second appliance communication device 100-2 receives the light-off notification, the second appliance communication device 100-2 performs a predetermined process.

[0191] First, when the product P2 is not picked up by the user U (i.e., the second appliance communication device 100-2 is not picked up), in step S254, the second appliance communication device 100-2 turns off the lighting unit 140 of its own device. For example, when the product P2 remains displayed on the display shelf M, the lighting unit 140 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 attached to the product P2 is turned off.

[0192] Secondly, when the user U picks up the product P2 (i.e., the second appliance communication device 100-2 is picked up), in step S255, the second appliance communication device 100-2 keeps the lighting unit 140 of its own device on without turning it off. For example, when the product P2 is also picked up by the user U, the second appliance communication device 100-2 keeps the lighting on instead of turning it off even when it receives a turn-off notification. In this way, the user U can confirm that the product P1 that he picked up matches the product P because the lighting units 140 of the two appliance communication devices 100-1 and 100-2 continue to light up even after a certain period of time has passed.

[0193] In this way, the control unit 130 (second control unit) of the second appliance communication device 100-2 performs a predetermined process in response to the beacon transceiver unit 110 (second beacon transceiver unit) receiving the turn-off notification. That is, as the predetermined process, the control unit 130 controls the lighting unit 140 (second lighting unit) of the second appliance communication device 100-2 to turn off the lighting unit 140 when the second appliance communication device 100-2 is not lifted, and to keep the lighting unit 140 on without turning it off when the second appliance communication device 100-2 is lifted.

[0194] In addition, the light-off pattern #2 can also be applied to the light-off operation when there is no product matching the product P1 (step S24 in the first operation example, step S39 in the second operation example, step S51 in the third operation example, and step S68 in the fourth operation example). In this case, when the control unit 130 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 detects the operation of step S250 by the user U (step S251), it only has to turn off the lighting unit 140 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 (step S252).

[0195] The light-off pattern #2 can also be applied to the light-off operation when the second appliance communication device 100-2 does not receive a beacon (first beacon) (step S25 in the first operation example, step S52 in the third operation example, and step S69 in the fourth operation example). In this case, when the control unit 130 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 detects the operation of step S250 (step S251), it only has to turn off the lighting unit 140 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 (step S252).

[0196] Furthermore, in the light-off pattern #2, a user action on the product P1 (the first appliance communication device 100-1) (i.e., an action of returning the product P1 to the hanger rack L or the display shelf M) is taken as an example, but a user action on the product P2 (the second appliance communication device 100-2) may also be performed. In this case, this can be implemented by swapping the "first appliance communication device 100-1" and the "second appliance communication device 100-2" in FIG. 22.

[0197] (6.3) Other operation example 3 In the first embodiment, normal lighting and highlighted lighting have been described as the lighting methods.

[0198] First, the lighting method may be blinking instead of lighting. For example, in the first operation example, when result information that the product P1 and the product P2 match is obtained (step S20), the control unit 130 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 may control the lighting unit 140 (second lighting unit) of the device itself so that the lighting unit blinks instead of lighting. When emphasis lighting due to approach is performed (FIG. 11), the lighting unit 140 may be controlled so that the blinking speed varies depending on the distance, instead of emphasis lighting (steps S222 and S224) and normal lighting (steps S227 and S229). For example, the following control may be performed.

[0199] That is, the control unit 130 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 controls the lighting unit 140 so that the blinking speed becomes faster than a certain interval when the distance to the product P2 (second appliance communication device 100-2) is within the first threshold. Similarly, the control unit 130 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 also controls the lighting unit 140 so that the blinking speed becomes faster than a certain interval when the distance to the product P1 (first appliance communication device 100-1) is within the first threshold. On the other hand, the control unit 130 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 controls the lighting unit 140 so that the blinking speed becomes shorter than a certain interval when the distance to the product P2 (second appliance communication device 100-2) is longer than the first threshold. Similarly, the control unit 130 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 also controls the lighting unit 140 so that the blinking speed becomes shorter than a certain interval when the distance to the product P1 (first appliance communication device 100-1) is longer than the first threshold.

[0200] Secondly, as a lighting method, emphasis lighting by changing color may be performed. For example, when the distance between the first appliance communication device 100-1 and the second appliance communication device 100-2 is longer than a first threshold, the light may be turned on in blue, and when the distance is within the first threshold, the light may be turned on in red. That is, the lighting unit 140 may be turned on in different colors depending on the distance. Specifically, the control unit 130 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 controls the lighting unit 140 (first lighting unit) of the device itself so that the color is different depending on the distance to the product P2 (second appliance communication device 100-2). The control unit 130 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 also controls the lighting unit 140 (second lighting unit) of the device itself so that the color is different depending on the distance to the product P1 (first appliance communication device 100-1).

[0201] [Second embodiment] Next, a description will be given of a second embodiment. In the first embodiment, an example in which the lighting unit 140 (for example, an LED) is displayed in a color set by the user U has been described.

[0202] However, when there are a certain number of users U in the store S, there is a limit to the colors that each user U can distinguish.

[0203] In the second embodiment, an example in which the appliance communication device 100 has a display unit to display a message instead of lighting by the lighting unit 140 will be described.

[0204] 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the appliance communication device 100 according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG.

[0205] The display unit 170 displays the correspondence information indicating that the products are associated under the control of the control unit 130. The correspondence information may be information indicating that the product P1 and the product P2 are associated. The correspondence information displayed on the display unit 170 may be set between the user terminal device 500 and the product management device 700, similar to the color setting (FIG. 10). In this case, the user U may use the user terminal device 500 to set what information is to be displayed as the correspondence information (step S104 in FIG. 10). For example, the nickname of the user U or a product identifier may be set as the correspondence information. By displaying the nickname of the user U on the display unit 170 as the correspondence information, the correspondence information can be displayed on the display unit 170 in a manner distinguished from other users.

[0206] Fig. 24 shows an example of correspondence information displayed on the display unit 170. As shown in Fig. 24, product identifiers of two matching products are displayed as correspondence information on the display unit 170. Since the matching product identifiers are directly displayed, when the user U picks up the product P1, the user U can easily find out what kind of product is matching with the product P1.

[0207] 25 and 26 are diagrams illustrating an example of operation according to the second embodiment.

[0208] In FIG. 25, steps S111 and S112 are the same as steps S11 and S12, respectively, in the first operation example.

[0209] In step S113, the first appliance communication device 100-1 transmits a beacon including setting inquiry information for inquiring about the setting of the corresponding information. The setting inquiry information may be information for inquiring about what information is to be displayed on the display unit 170.

[0210] In step S114, in response to receiving the beacon, the user terminal device 500 transmits a beacon including setting information related to the corresponding information setting. The user terminal device 500 transmits the setting information related to the display set to the product management device 700, similar to the case of the color setting (FIG. 10).

[0211] In step S115, the first appliance communication device 100-1 receives the beacon and displays the corresponding information on the display unit 170 according to the setting information. For example, the control unit 130 of the first appliance communication device 100-1 displays, for example, an identifier of the product P (the product identifier of the product P1) according to the setting information in response to receiving the beacon via the beacon transmitting / receiving unit 110. The control unit 130 may cause the display unit 170 to display the nickname of the user U according to the setting information.

[0212] In step S116, the first appliance communication device 100-1 transmits a beacon including the device identifier of the first appliance communication device 100-1 and the setting information.

[0213] 26, when the second appliance communication device 100-2 receives the beacon, the processes from step S17 to step S19 are performed. In this case, the process related to the matching determination when the second appliance communication device 100-2 is connected to the network NW is performed.

[0214] In step S120, the product management device 700 includes matching product information indicating the matching products together with the matching result. For example, the control unit 730 of the product management device 700 acquires the product identifier of the product matching with the target product (e.g., the product identifier of the product P2) together with the target product P1 from the matching determination table. Then, the control unit 730 may include the acquired product identifier in the result message as matching product information and transmit it.

[0215] When the product P1 and the product P2 match, in step S121, the second appliance communication device 100-2 displays matching product information on the display unit 170. For example, when the control unit 130 of the second appliance communication device 100-2 receives a result message via the wireless communication unit 120, the control unit 130 confirms that the product P1 and the product P2 match from the result information and displays the product identifier of the product P1 and the product identifier of the product P2 on the display unit 170 according to the matching product information. That is, instead of controlling the lighting unit 140 to light up, the control unit 130 (second control unit) controls the display unit 170 to display correspondence information indicating that the product P1 and the product P2 are associated with each other.

[0216] The subsequent processing is the same as in the first operation example.

[0217] (Another operation example of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, an operation example (first operation example) in the case where the second appliance communication device 100-2 is connected to the network NW has been described (FIG. 26), but the present invention is not limited to this. The second appliance communication device 100-2 can also be implemented in the case where it is not connected to the network NW (second operation example). In this case, instead of the processes from step S17 to step S19, the processes from step S30 to step S35 in FIG. 13 are performed.

[0218] (Another Operation Example 2 of the Second Embodiment) Lighting by the lighting unit 140 of the first embodiment and display by the display unit 170 of the second embodiment may be combined.

[0219] [Other embodiments] A program (e.g., a customer service support program) that causes a computer to execute each process (or each operation) described in each of the above-mentioned embodiments may be provided. The program can be installed in a computer by using a computer-readable medium. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transient recording medium. The non-transient recording medium is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM. Such a recording medium may be included in the control unit 130 of the appliance communication device 100, the control unit 530 of the user terminal device 500, and the control unit 730 of the product management device 700. Each of the control units 130, 530, and 730 may read the program from the recording medium and execute the program to realize the function (or process, or operation) described in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0220] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes and the like are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, the above-described embodiments, operations, or processes can be appropriately combined within a range that does not cause inconsistency.

[0221] (Additional Note) (Appendix 1) A first appliance communication device attached to either a first product or a holding appliance that holds the first product; A second appliance communication device attached to either a second product or a holding appliance that holds the second product; a product management system including a product management device that manages the first product and the second product, The first appliance communication device is A detection unit that detects that the first appliance communication device is lifted by a user; a first beacon transceiver unit that transmits a first beacon including a first appliance communication device identifier that represents an identifier of the first appliance communication device when the detection unit detects that the first appliance communication device has been lifted; The second appliance communication device is A second lighting unit; a second beacon transceiver unit that receives the first beacon; A product management system having a second control unit that controls the second lighting unit to turn on when the product management device confirms that the first product and the second product are associated based on the first appliance communication device identifier and a second appliance communication device identifier representing an identifier of the second appliance communication device.

[0222] (Appendix 2) the second appliance communication device has a wireless communication unit that transmits a first inquiry message including the first appliance communication device identifier and the second appliance communication device identifier to the product management device in response to the second beacon transceiver unit receiving the first beacon, The second control unit controls the second lighting unit to light up when the wireless communication unit receives from the product management device a first result message including result information indicating that the first product and the second product are associated with each other in response to the first inquiry message. Item management system according to claim 1.

[0223] (Appendix 3) A user terminal device used by the user, The second beacon transceiver unit transmits a second beacon including the first appliance communication device identifier and the second appliance communication device identifier in response to receiving the first beacon; In response to receiving the second beacon, the user terminal device transmits a second inquiry message including the first appliance communication device identifier and the second appliance communication device identifier to the product management device, receives a second result message from the product management device in response to the second inquiry message, the second result message including result information indicating that the first product and the second product are associated with each other, and in response to receiving the second result message, transmits a third beacon including the result information; The second control unit controls the second lighting unit to light up when the second beacon transmitting / receiving unit receives the third beacon. Item management system according to claim 1 or 2.

[0224] (Appendix 4) The first beacon transmitting / receiving unit transmits the first beacon including a first in-store code related to the first product instead of the first appliance communication device identifier, The second control unit controls the lighting unit to light up when it is confirmed that the first product and the second product are associated with each other based on the first in-store code and a second in-store code related to the second product, instead of the first appliance communication device identifier and the second appliance communication device identifier. 4. A product management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[0225] (Appendix 5) The first appliance communication device has a first control unit and a first lighting unit, The first control unit controls the first lighting unit to be turned on when the detection unit detects that the first appliance communication device is lifted. 5. A product management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

[0226] (Appendix 6) the second control unit controls the second lighting unit to perform emphasized lighting different from normal lighting when detecting, based on the beacon transmitted from the first appliance communication device, that the distance to the first appliance communication device is within a first threshold value; The first control unit controls the first lighting unit to perform the highlighted lighting when detecting, based on the beacon transmitted from the second appliance communication device, that the distance to the second appliance communication device is within the first threshold value. 6. A product management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[0227] (Appendix 7) The first control unit lights up the first lighting unit in a color set by the user, The first beacon transmitting / receiving unit transmits the first beacon including color information representing information of the color; The second control unit lights up the second lighting unit in the same color as the color. 7. A product management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

[0228] (Appendix 8) the first control unit lights up the first lighting unit in a predetermined color when the color is not set by the user; the first beacon transmitting / receiving unit transmits the first beacon including color information representing the predetermined color; The second control unit lights up the second lighting unit in the same color as the predetermined color. 8. A product management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

[0229] (Appendix 9) The second control unit controls the second lighting unit to blink instead of lighting. 9. A product management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

[0230] (Appendix 10) The second control unit controls the second lighting unit so that a blinking speed is changed depending on a distance from the first appliance communication device, instead of the normal lighting and the highlighted lighting, and The first control unit controls the first lighting unit so that a blinking speed varies depending on a distance from the second appliance communication device, instead of the normal lighting and the highlighted lighting. 10. A product management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

[0231] (Appendix 11) The second control unit controls the second lighting unit to light in a different color depending on a distance from the first appliance communication device, instead of the normal lighting and the highlighted lighting; The first control unit controls the first lighting unit to light in a different color depending on a distance from the first appliance communication device, instead of the normal lighting and the highlighted lighting. 11. A product management system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

[0232] (Appendix 12) The second control unit controls the second lighting unit to light the first product and the second product in different lighting methods depending on the degree of association between the first product and the second product. 12. A product management system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

[0233] (Appendix 13) The first control unit controls the first lighting unit to be turned off in response to either a turn-off operation by the user or after a certain period of time has elapsed; The first beacon transmitting / receiving unit transmits a fourth beacon including at least a turn-off instruction in response to either a turn-off operation by the user or after a certain period of time has elapsed; The second control unit controls the second lighting unit to be turned off in response to the second beacon transceiver unit receiving the turn-off instruction. 13. A product management system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

[0234] (Appendix 14) the first control unit controls the first lighting unit to be turned off in response to the detection unit detecting that the first appliance communication device has been returned to a hanger rack or a display shelf by the user; the first beacon transceiver unit transmits a fifth beacon including at least a light-off notification in response to the detection unit detecting that the first appliance communication device has been returned to the hanger rack or the display shelf by the user; The second control unit performs a predetermined process in response to the second beacon transmitting / receiving unit receiving the light-off notification, The predetermined process is to control the second lighting unit so as to turn off the second lighting unit when the second appliance communication device is not lifted, and to keep the second lighting unit on without turning off the second lighting unit when the second appliance communication device is lifted. 14. A product management system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

[0235] (Appendix 15) The second appliance communication device has a display unit, the second control unit, instead of controlling the second lighting unit to light up, controls the display unit to display correspondence information indicating that the first product and the second product are associated with each other; The display unit displays the corresponding information. A product management system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

[0236] (Appendix 16) The association between the first product and the second product indicates that the first product and the second product are coordinateable. 16. A product management system according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

[0237] (Appendix 17) An appliance communication device attached to either a second product or a holding appliance for holding the second product, a beacon transceiver unit that receives a first beacon including a first appliance communication device identifier representing an identifier of the other appliance communication device, the first beacon being transmitted from the other appliance communication device in response to a user lifting up the other appliance communication device attached to either a first product or a holding device that holds the first product; A lighting section and and a control unit that controls the lighting unit to light up when it is confirmed in the product management device that the first product and the second product are associated with each other based on the first appliance communication device identifier and a second appliance communication device identifier representing an identifier of the appliance communication device. Instrument communication device.

[0238] (Appendix 18) A first appliance communication device attached to either a first product or a holding appliance that holds the first product; A second appliance communication device attached to either a second product or a holding appliance that holds the second product; a product management device that manages the first product and the second product, When the first appliance communication device detects that the first appliance communication device has been lifted by a user, the first appliance communication device transmits a first beacon including a first appliance communication device identifier representing an identifier of the first appliance communication device; The second appliance communication device receives the first beacon, and when it is confirmed in the product management device that the first product and the second product are associated with each other based on the first appliance communication device identifier and a second appliance communication device identifier representing an identifier of the second appliance communication device, controls a lighting unit of the second appliance communication device to light up. Product management method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0239] 10: Product management system 100: Appliance communication device 110: Beacon transmission / reception unit 120: Wireless communication unit 130: Control unit 140: Lighting unit 150: Detection unit 170: Display unit 200: Product tag 500: User terminal device 510: Beacon transmission / reception unit 520: Wireless communication unit 530: Control unit 700: Product management device 710: Communication interface 730: Control unit H: Holding device L: Hanger rack M:Display shelf P:Product S: Store U: User

Claims

1. A first appliance communication device attached to either a first product or a holding appliance that holds the first product; A second appliance communication device attached to either a second product or a holding appliance that holds the second product; a product management system including a product management device that manages the first product and the second product, The first appliance communication device is A detection unit that detects that the first appliance communication device is lifted by a user; a first beacon transceiver unit that transmits a first beacon including a first appliance communication device identifier that represents an identifier of the first appliance communication device when the detection unit detects that the first appliance communication device has been lifted; The second appliance communication device is A second lighting unit; a second beacon transceiver unit that receives the first beacon; A product management system having a second control unit that controls the second lighting unit to be turned on when the product management device confirms that the first product and the second product are associated based on the first appliance communication device identifier and a second appliance communication device identifier representing the identifier of the second appliance communication device.

2. The second appliance communication device has a wireless communication unit that transmits a first inquiry message including the first appliance communication device identifier and the second appliance communication device identifier to the product management device in response to the second beacon transmission / reception unit receiving the first beacon, The second control unit controls the second lighting unit to light up when the wireless communication unit receives from the product management device a first result message including result information indicating that the first product and the second product are associated with each other in response to the first inquiry message. The merchandise management system according to claim 1.

3. A user terminal device used by the user, The second beacon transceiver unit transmits a second beacon including the first appliance communication device identifier and the second appliance communication device identifier in response to receiving the first beacon; In response to receiving the second beacon, the user terminal device transmits a second inquiry message including the first appliance communication device identifier and the second appliance communication device identifier to the product management device, receives a second result message from the product management device in response to the second inquiry message, the second result message including result information indicating that the first product and the second product are associated with each other, and in response to receiving the second result message, transmits a third beacon including the result information; The second control unit controls the second lighting unit to light up when the second beacon transmitting / receiving unit receives the third beacon. The merchandise management system according to claim 1.

4. The first beacon transmitting / receiving unit transmits the first beacon including a first in-store code related to the first product instead of the first appliance communication device identifier, The second control unit controls the lighting unit to light up when it is confirmed that the first product and the second product are associated with each other based on the first in-store code and a second in-store code related to the second product, instead of the first appliance communication device identifier and the second appliance communication device identifier. The merchandise management system according to claim 1.

5. The first appliance communication device has a first control unit and a first lighting unit, The first control unit controls the first lighting unit to be turned on when the detection unit detects that the first appliance communication device is lifted. The merchandise management system according to claim 1.

6. the second control unit controls the second lighting unit to perform emphasized lighting different from normal lighting when detecting, based on the beacon transmitted from the first appliance communication device, that the distance to the first appliance communication device is within a first threshold value; The first control unit controls the first lighting unit to perform the highlighted lighting when detecting, based on the beacon transmitted from the second appliance communication device, that the distance to the second appliance communication device is within the first threshold value. The merchandise management system according to claim 5.

7. The first control unit lights up the first lighting unit in a color set by the user, The first beacon transmitting / receiving unit transmits the first beacon including color information representing information of the color; The second control unit lights up the second lighting unit in the same color as the color. The merchandise management system according to claim 5.

8. The first control unit lights up the first lighting unit in a predetermined color when the color is not set by the user, The first beacon transmitting / receiving unit transmits the first beacon including color information representing the predetermined color; The second control unit lights up the second lighting unit in the same color as the predetermined color. The merchandise management system according to claim 5.

9. The second control unit controls the second lighting unit to blink instead of lighting. The merchandise management system according to claim 1.

10. The second control unit controls the second lighting unit so that a blinking speed is changed depending on a distance from the first appliance communication device, instead of the normal lighting and the highlighted lighting, and The first control unit controls the first lighting unit so that a blinking speed varies depending on a distance from the second appliance communication device, instead of the normal lighting and the highlighted lighting. The merchandise management system according to claim 6.

11. The second control unit controls the second lighting unit to have a different color depending on a distance from the first appliance communication device, instead of the normal lighting and the highlighted lighting, and The first control unit controls the first lighting unit to have a different color depending on a distance from the first appliance communication device, instead of the normal lighting and the highlighted lighting. The merchandise management system according to claim 6.

12. The second control unit controls the second lighting unit to light the first product and the second product in different lighting methods depending on the degree of association between the first product and the second product. The merchandise management system according to claim 1.

13. The first control unit controls the first lighting unit to be turned off in response to either a turn-off operation by the user or after a certain period of time has elapsed, The first beacon transmitting / receiving unit transmits a fourth beacon including at least a turn-off instruction in response to either a turn-off operation by the user or after a certain period of time has elapsed; The second control unit controls the second lighting unit to be turned off in response to the second beacon transmitting / receiving unit receiving the turn-off instruction. The merchandise management system according to claim 5.

14. The first control unit controls the first lighting unit to be turned off in response to the detection unit detecting that the first appliance communication device has been returned to a hanger rack or a display shelf by the user; The first beacon transmitting / receiving unit transmits a fifth beacon including at least a light-off notification in response to the detection unit detecting that the first appliance communication device has been returned to the hanger rack or the display shelf by the user; The second control unit performs a predetermined process in response to the second beacon transmitting / receiving unit receiving the light-out notification, The predetermined process is to control the second lighting unit so as to turn off the second lighting unit when the second appliance communication device is not lifted, and to keep the second lighting unit on without turning off the second lighting unit when the second appliance communication device is lifted. The merchandise management system according to claim 5.

15. The second appliance communication device has a display unit, the second control unit, instead of controlling the second lighting unit to light up, controls the display unit to display correspondence information indicating that the first product and the second product are associated with each other; The display unit displays the corresponding information. The merchandise management system according to claim 1.

16. The association between the first product and the second product indicates that the first product and the second product are coordinateable. The merchandise management system according to claim 1.

17. An appliance communication device attached to either a second product or a holding appliance for holding the second product, a beacon transceiver unit that receives a first beacon including a first appliance communication device identifier representing an identifier of the other appliance communication device, the first beacon being transmitted from the other appliance communication device in response to the user lifting up the other appliance communication device attached to either the first product or a holding device for holding the first product; A lighting section and and a control unit that controls the lighting unit to light up when it is confirmed in the product management device that the first product and the second product are associated with each other based on the first appliance communication device identifier and a second appliance communication device identifier representing an identifier of the appliance communication device. Instrument communication device.

18. A first appliance communication device attached to either a first product or a holding appliance that holds the first product; A second appliance communication device attached to either a second product or a holding appliance that holds the second product; a product management device that manages the first product and the second product, When the first appliance communication device detects that the first appliance communication device has been lifted by a user, the first appliance communication device transmits a first beacon including a first appliance communication device identifier representing an identifier of the first appliance communication device; The second appliance communication device receives the first beacon, and when it is confirmed in the product management device that the first product and the second product are associated with each other based on the first appliance communication device identifier and a second appliance communication device identifier representing an identifier of the second appliance communication device, controls a lighting unit of the second appliance communication device to light up. Product management method.

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