Information processing device, display terminal, information processing system and program

Abstract

To enable effective use of scent-based media in a store.SOLUTION: An information processing device according to an embodiment comprises an acquisition unit and a storage unit. When a customer shopping around within a store uses an item which is a promotional item intended to encourage customers to purchase a product using a scent, the acquisition unit acquires member identification information for identifying the customer and information indicating that the customer has used the item. The storage unit stores the acquired member identification information in association with the information indicating that the customer has used the item.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing device, a display terminal, an information processing system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in stores such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and mass retailers, scent-based media such as scent testers and samples have been used as promotional materials for products displayed in the store, encouraging customers to purchase the product using its "scent."

[0003] In this situation, there was a problem that the providers of these media did not know the actual operation status, such as the installation rate and operation method being left up to each store. In addition, there was a problem that the stores that received these media did not know the usage status of customers. For these reasons, there was room for improvement in the operation of scent-based media in stores. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to enable effective use of scent-based media in stores. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The information processing device according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit and a storage unit. When a customer shopping around a store uses an item that is a promotional item for encouraging the purchase of a product with a scent, the acquisition unit acquires member identification information that identifies the customer and information indicating that the customer has used the item. The storage unit stores the acquired member identification information and the information indicating that the customer has used the item in association with each other. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the server in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the scent tester of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the sales data processing device of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the server of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of customer behavior data according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the scent tester of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the sales data processing device of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow in the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow in the system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, an information processing device, a display terminal, an information processing system, a program, and a recording medium according to embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0008] The embodiment described below is an embodiment of an information processing device, a display terminal, an information processing system, a program, and a recording medium, and does not limit the configuration, specifications, etc. The embodiment described below is an example of application to a POS (Point Of Sales) system introduced in a store such as a supermarket.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the system 1 includes a server 3, a scent tester 5, and at least one sales data processing device 8. In the example of Fig. 1, the system 1 includes a cart terminal 6 and a POS terminal 7 as the at least one sales data processing device 8.

[0010] 1 illustrates an example of the system 1 including one cart terminal 6 and one POS terminal 7, but the present invention is not limited to this. There may be two or more cart terminals 6 and two or more POS terminals 7. The POS terminal 7 is not an essential component of the system 1, and may not be provided.

[0011] 1 illustrates an example of the system 1 including one scent tester 5, but the present invention is not limited to this. The scent tester 5 may be two or more.

[0012] Here, the system 1 according to the embodiment is an example of an information processing system. The server 3 according to the embodiment is an example of an information processing device. The scent tester 5 according to the embodiment is an example of an article such as a promotional item or a sample product using "aroma". In other words, the scent tester 5 according to the embodiment is an example of a medium using "aroma" in a store. The cart terminal 6 according to the embodiment is, for example, a device in which a tablet terminal is fixed or detachably provided to a shopping cart. The cart terminal 6 has a display (see FIG. 4, for example, a display unit 86) and a reading unit (see FIG. 4, for example, a reading unit 87). The cart terminal 6 may be a device in which a mobile terminal owned by a consumer or a mobile store terminal lent to a consumer by a store is fixed or detachably provided to a shopping cart instead of a tablet terminal. The cart terminal 6 is an example of a display terminal operated by a customer who shops around the store, that is, a customer who moves around the store.

[0013] In the system 1, the server 3 is communicatively connected to each of the scent tester 5 and at least one sales data processing device 8 via a communication line. Furthermore, each of the at least one sales data processing device 8 is communicatively connected to at least one other sales data processing device 8 via a communication line. In the example of FIG. 1, the cart terminal 6 and the POS terminal 7 are communicatively connected to each other via a communication line. Furthermore, the scent tester 5 is communicatively connected to at least one sales data processing device 8 via a communication line. In the example of FIG. 1, the scent tester 5 and the cart terminal 6 are communicatively connected to each other via a communication line.

[0014] As these communication lines, the Internet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a public communication network, a mobile communication network, etc., can be used alone or in appropriate combination.

[0015] Note that communication between each of the at least one sales data processing devices 8 and at least one other sales data processing device 8 may be performed via the server 3 or the cent tester 5. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, communication between the cart terminal 6 and the POS terminal 7 may be performed via the server 3 or the cent tester 5.

[0016] Furthermore, communication between the scent tester 5 and the at least one sales data processing device 8 may be performed via the server 3 or another at least one sales data processing device 8.

[0017] The server 3 is at least one server device installed, for example, in the back yard of a store. As an example, the server 3 manages the types and numbers of products sold in the store. As an example, the server 3 manages sales in the store based on sales information received from the sales data processing device 8. Specifically, the server 3 stores the sales information received from the sales data processing device 8, and manages sales in the store using the stored sales information. Note that the server 3 is not limited to being installed in a store, and may be configured as a cloud server installed on the cloud.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the server 3 in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the server 3 has a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a controller 33, and a communication unit 34. The control unit 31, the storage unit 32, the controller 33, and the communication unit 34 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a bus 39, for example.

[0019] The control unit 31 has a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and is configured similarly to a general computer. For example, the control unit 31 is configured to load various programs stored in a memory such as a ROM or the storage unit 32 into the RAM of the memory, and to realize each function of the server 3 described below by the processor executing the various loaded programs.

[0020] Note that, instead of or in addition to the CPU, another processor may be provided as the processor of the control unit 31. As the other processor, various processors such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or a dedicated arithmetic circuit realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) can be appropriately used.

[0021] As the memory of the control unit 31, in addition to ROM and RAM, non-volatile recording media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), and a flash memory can be appropriately used.

[0022] The storage unit 32 is a storage device equipped with a non-volatile recording medium such as an HDD, an SSD, a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 32 stores various programs and data related to the operation of the server 3, device drivers for devices connected to the server 3 via the controller 33, etc.

[0023] As an example, the storage unit 32 stores a control program 321, a product master 322, tester placement information 323, sales promotion information 324, and customer behavior data 325. For example, the control program 321 includes at least one program for implementing each functional unit of the server 3.

[0024] For example, the product master 322 stores product information of each product in association with product identification information that identifies the product. Here, the product identification information is, for example, a product code that indicates the product, but it does not have to be a product code as long as it is information that identifies the product.

[0025] For example, the tester placement information 323 stores information indicating the position of a scent tester 5 placed in a store. The position of this scent tester is, for example, the position of a product shelf (display shelf) on which the scent tester 5 is placed, but may also include the position in the row direction and / or height direction on the product shelf.

[0026] For example, the sales promotion information 324 stores information for sales promotion provided to customers who use the scent tester 5. Here, the sales promotion information 324 according to the embodiment is an example of information related to the scent and information based on the scent of the scent tester 5.

[0027] As an example, the sales promotion information 324 may be information linked to the "aroma" or type thereof emitted by the scent tester 5, or a similar or related "aroma" or type thereof. As an example, the sales promotion information 324 may be information linked to a product or type thereof that is the promotion target of the scent tester 5, or a similar or related product or type thereof. As an example, the sales promotion information 324 may be information linked to a customer's membership ID or a customer attribute corresponding to the membership ID. As an example, the sales promotion information 324 may be information linked to the location where the scent tester 5 is placed. In other words, the sales promotion information 324 is appropriately adjusted or changed depending on this information.

[0028] As an example, the promotion information 324 may be coupon information that provides benefits such as discounts or points. As an example, the promotion information 324 may be recommendation information that recommends a product or a "fragrance." As an example, the promotion information 324 may be sale information regarding a special sale at the store. As an example, the promotion information 324 may be advertising information regarding a product or brand.

[0029] For example, the customer behavior data 325 is information collected about a customer who uses the scent tester 5. Here, the customer behavior data 325 according to the embodiment is an example of information about a scent. The customer behavior data 325 will be described later (see FIG. 8).

[0030] The controller 33 is an input / output interface that connects devices to the server 3 .

[0031] The communication unit 34 is a communication interface for communicating with the outside of the server 3. The communication unit 34 includes either a communication circuit for wired communication or a communication circuit for wireless communication, and is connected to the above-mentioned communication line via the communication circuit.

[0032] The scent tester 5 is installed together with products displayed on shelves in stores such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and mass retailers. As an example, the scent tester 5 is placed near a product that appeals to customers to purchase the product with its "aroma". Here, the scent tester 5 according to the embodiment is a promotional item for a product sold in a store, and is an example of a medium using an aroma that appeals to customers shopping around the store to purchase the product with the "aroma" of the product (also called aroma retail media). For example, the scent tester 5 may be integrated into a digital signage or the like having a display installed in a store, and the scent may be sprayed from the digital signage. The scent tester 5 may also be integrated with an electronic shelf label that is installed on a product shelf in a store and displays the price, and the electronic shelf label may function as the scent tester 5.

[0033] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the scent tester 5 of Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the scent tester 5 has a control unit 51, a memory unit 52, a controller 53, a communication unit 54, and a scent release unit 55. The control unit 51, the memory unit 52, the controller 53, and the communication unit 54 are communicatively connected via a bus 59, for example. The scent release unit 55 is communicatively connected to the controller 53.

[0034] The control unit 51 has a processor such as a CPU and memories such as a ROM and a RAM, and is configured similarly to a general computer. For example, the control unit 51 is configured to load various programs stored in a memory such as a ROM or the storage unit 52 into the RAM of the memory, and to realize each function of the scent tester 5 described later by the processor executing the various loaded programs.

[0035] As the processor of the control unit 51 according to the embodiment, various processors such as a GPU or DSP, or a dedicated arithmetic circuit realized by an ASIC or FPGA can be appropriately used instead of or in addition to a CPU.

[0036] The storage unit 52 is a storage device equipped with a non-volatile recording medium such as an HDD, an SSD, a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 52 stores various programs and data related to the operation of the scent tester 5, device drivers required for the operation of devices connected to the scent tester 5 via the controller 53, etc.

[0037] As an example, the storage unit 52 stores a control program 521. For example, the control program 521 includes at least one program for implementing each of the functional units of the sense tester 5.

[0038] The controller 53 is an input / output interface that connects devices to the scent tester 5. In the example of FIG.

[0039] The communication unit 54 is a communication interface for communicating with the outside of the sense tester 5. The communication unit 54 includes either a communication circuit for wired communication or a communication circuit for wireless communication, and is connected to the above-mentioned communication line via the communication circuit.

[0040] The scent release unit 55 is configured to hold a fragrance in, for example, a tank, a cylinder, a fibrous body, or the like provided inside the scent tester 5, and release the "scent" by discharging the held fragrance to the outside of the scent tester 5 in various ways, such as spraying, spouting, scattering, ejecting, or dripping. Here, the scent release unit 55 according to the embodiment is an example of a release unit.

[0041] The scent release unit 55 may be configured to release the "scent" in the form of evaporation, for example, by opening and closing a partition such as a lid or door that switches between exposing and covering the retained fragrance to the outside. The scent release unit 55 may also be configured to release the "scent" by discharging a sample such as a piece of mouette paper to which the fragrance is attached. The "scent" sample discharged from the scent tester 5 is also an example of an article such as a promotional item or sample product using the "scent," and is also an example of a medium using the "scent" in a store.

[0042] The sales data processing device 8 is installed in stores such as supermarkets, convenience stores, mass retailers, etc. The sales data processing device 8 is configured to be able to execute at least one of product registration processing and payment processing (collectively referred to as "transaction processing") for products purchased at the store, for example.

[0043] Here, the product registration process is a process of reading and registering product information (product name, product price, etc.) of a product identified by a package recognition process etc. from the product master. The payment process is a process of displaying the total price and tax amount of the products related to one transaction for which products have been registered, calculating and displaying the change based on the deposit received from the customer, issuing a receipt on which the product information and payment information (total price, deposit amount, change amount, etc.) are printed, etc.

[0044] The sales data processing device 8 according to the embodiment realizes at least the cart terminal 6 out of the cart terminal 6 and the POS terminal 7. Instead of or in addition to the cart terminal 6, the sales data processing device 8 may be a terminal device carried by a customer or a store clerk, such as a tablet PC (Personal Computer) or a smartphone. This terminal device can function in the same way as the cart terminal 6 according to the embodiment by executing an installed POS application (program). This terminal device may also be an example of a display terminal. Alternatively, the cart terminal 6 according to the embodiment may refer to a terminal device (display terminal) itself that is fixed or detachably provided on a shopping cart, such as a dedicated tablet terminal, a mobile terminal owned by a consumer, or a mobile store terminal lent to a consumer by a store.

[0045] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the sales data processing device 8 of Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the sales data processing device 8 has a control unit 81, a storage unit 82, a controller 83, a communication unit 84, an operation unit 85, a display unit 86, and a reading unit 87. The control unit 81, the storage unit 82, the controller 83, and the communication unit 84 are communicatively connected via, for example, a bus 89. The operation unit 85, the display unit 86, and the reading unit 87 are each communicatively connected to the controller 83.

[0046] The control unit 81 has a processor such as a CPU and memories such as a ROM and a RAM, and is configured similarly to a general computer. For example, the control unit 81 is configured to load various programs stored in a memory such as a ROM or the storage unit 82 into the RAM of the memory, and to realize each function of the sales data processing device 8 described below by the processor executing the various loaded programs.

[0047] As the processor of the control unit 81 according to the embodiment, various processors such as a GPU or DSP, or dedicated arithmetic circuits realized by an ASIC or FPGA can be appropriately used instead of or in addition to a CPU.

[0048] The storage unit 82 is a storage device equipped with a non-volatile recording medium such as an HDD, an SSD, a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 82 stores various programs and various data related to the operation of the sales data processing device 8, device drivers for devices connected to the sales data processing device 8 via the controller 83, etc.

[0049] As an example, the storage unit 82 stores a control program 821 and a product master 822. For example, the control program 821 includes at least one program for implementing each functional unit of the sales data processing device 8. The product master 822 stores product information of each product in association with product identification information that identifies the product. Here, the product identification information is, for example, a product code that indicates the product, but it does not have to be a product code as long as it is information that identifies the product.

[0050] The controller 83 is an input / output interface that connects devices to the sales data processing device 8. In the example of Fig. 3, an operation unit 85, a display unit 86, and a reading unit 87 are connected to the controller 83.

[0051] The communication unit 84 is a communication interface for communicating with the outside of the sales data processing device 8. The communication unit 84 includes either a communication circuit for wired communication or a communication circuit for wireless communication, and connects to a communication line via the communication circuit. As an example, the communication unit 84 in the cart terminal 6 or a terminal device that executes a POS application has a communication circuit for wireless communication.

[0052] The operation unit 85 is an input interface that accepts operation input from the user. The operation unit 85 is, for example, a touch panel that is arranged on the display surface (screen) of the display unit 86, detects a touch operation by the operator, and outputs a signal to the control unit 81. As an example, the operation unit 85 is configured to be able to accept operation input by the operator to an operation screen displayed on the display unit 86. Note that the operation unit 85 is not limited to a touch panel, and various input devices such as a keyboard, a switch, and a button may be provided as appropriate.

[0053] The display unit 86 is configured to be capable of displaying various types of screens generated under the control of the control unit 81. As the display unit 86, various display devices such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display can be appropriately used.

[0054] The reading unit 87 is a device for acquiring product identification information relating to the product to be read.

[0055] As an example, the reading unit 87 may be an imaging device (camera) for acquiring product identification information that identifies the corresponding product by identifying the product by capturing an image of a symbol such as a barcode or two-dimensional code attached to the product and analyzing the image, or by recognizing the product based on its shape or appearance in the image.

[0056] As an example, the reading unit 87 may be a wireless tag reading device that obtains product identification information that identifies the corresponding product by reading tag information from a wireless tag such as an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag attached to the product using short-range wireless communication.

[0057] As an example, the reading unit 87 may be a scanner for optically reading symbols such as bar codes or two-dimensional codes attached to products and acquiring product identification information for identifying the corresponding products.

[0058] As an example, the reading unit 87 may be a communication interface for acquiring product identification information for identifying the corresponding product by communicating with a product shelf where the removed product can be identified by various sensors such as a weight sensor or a camera.

[0059] Here, the functional configuration of the server 3 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server 3 in Fig. 2.

[0060] The control unit 31 realizes the functions of a usage promotion unit 311, a data collection unit 312, and a sales promotion unit 313 as shown in FIG. 5, by the processor executing a control program 321 loaded into the memory.

[0061] The use promotion unit 311 performs a use promotion process to promote the use of the scent tester 5. Here, the use promotion unit 311 according to the embodiment is an example of a control unit. In the use promotion process, the use promotion unit 311 outputs use promotion information to promote the use of the scent tester 5 to the cart terminal 6. As an example, the use promotion unit 311 acquires position information of the cart terminal 6 operated by a customer moving in the store, and when the cart terminal 6 is located within a predetermined range from the scent tester 5, outputs to the cart terminal 6 use promotion information to promote the customer to use the scent tester 5. The use promotion information is information for displaying guidance on the cart terminal 6. Note that the use promotion information may be information necessary for displaying guidance, or may be information on the guidance display or a display screen including the display. Here, the use promotion information according to the embodiment is an example of information on the scent and information based on the scent of the scent tester 5.

[0062] The data collection unit 312 performs a purchase data collection process to collect information on customer behavior regarding "aroma" (customer behavior data 325). Here, the data collection unit 312 according to the embodiment is an example of an acquisition unit.

[0063] Here, the customer behavior data collected by the system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the customer behavior data 325 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the customer behavior data 325 includes items such as a member ID 3251, usage data 3252, and purchase data 3253.

[0064] The member ID 3251 is, for example, information for uniquely identifying a customer who is registered in advance in a service provided by the system 1. Here, the member ID 3251 according to the embodiment is an example of member identification information.

[0065] The usage data 3252 is information indicating the customer's usage record of the scent tester 5. Here, the usage data 3252 according to the embodiment is an example of information indicating that the customer has smelled the "aroma", that is, information indicating that the customer has used the scent tester 5. For example, it is an example of information indicating an action such as the customer picking up the scent tester 5.

[0066] The purchase data 3253 is information indicating the purchase record of a customer in a transaction. Here, the purchase data 3253 according to the embodiment is an example of information on products purchased by a customer. The purchase data 3253 is collected and accumulated in association with a member ID 3251, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0067] In this way, in the system 1 according to the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the usage data 3252 is collected and accumulated in association with the member ID 3251. In other words, in the system 1 according to the present embodiment, when a customer uses the Scent Tester 5, the data collection unit 312 acquires the member ID 3251 for identifying the customer and the usage data 3252 indicating that the customer has smelled the scent of the Scent Tester 5. The storage unit 32 associates and stores the member ID 3251 and the usage data 3252 acquired by the data collection unit 312. In addition, the purchase data 3253 is collected and accumulated in the customer behavior data 325 in association with the member ID 3251. Therefore, the customer behavior data 325 includes information on whether or not the customer purchased the product for which the Scent Tester 5 was used. In other words, according to the system 1 according to the present embodiment, the effectiveness of the promotion of the Scent Tester 5 can be easily verified.

[0068] The customer behavior data 325 may further include information indicating whether or not the use promotion process has been performed. In other words, the customer behavior data 325 may further include information indicating whether or not a guidance display has been performed. With this configuration, the effect of promoting the use of the scent tester 5 by displaying the guidance of the use promotion process can be easily verified.

[0069] The sales promotion unit 313 performs a sales promotion process of providing sales promotion information 324 to a customer who has used the scent tester 5. In other words, when a customer has used the scent tester 5, the sales promotion unit 313 performs a sales promotion process of outputting sales promotion information related to the "aroma" of the scent tester 5 to a cart terminal 6 operated by the customer moving around the store. Here, the sales promotion unit 313 according to the embodiment is an example of a control unit. As an example, the sales promotion information 324 is information for displaying a coupon on the cart terminal 6. In this case, the sales promotion information 324 may be information necessary for displaying a coupon, or may be information on a coupon display or a display screen including the display.

[0070] Here, the functional configuration of the scent tester 5 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the scent tester 5 of Fig. 3.

[0071] The control unit 51 realizes the function of a fragrance release control unit 511 as shown in Fig. 7 by the processor executing a control program 521 loaded in the memory. Here, the fragrance release control unit 511 according to the embodiment is an example of a release control unit.

[0072] The fragrance emission control unit 511 controls the operation of the fragrance emission unit 55. Upon receiving information from the server 3 or the cart terminal 6, the fragrance emission control unit 511 causes the fragrance emission unit 55 to emit a fragrance. For example, upon receiving a fragrance emission request from the cart terminal 6, the fragrance emission control unit 511 causes the fragrance emission unit 55 to emit a target "fragrance."

[0073] Here, the functional configuration of the sales data processing device 8 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the sales data processing device 8 in Fig. 4. Fig. 8 illustrates an example of the functional configuration of the sales data processing device 8 that realizes the cart terminal 6.

[0074] The control unit 81 of the cart terminal 6 realizes functions as a cooperation control unit 811 and a transaction control unit 812 as shown in Fig. 8 by the processor executing a control program 821 loaded in the memory. Here, the cooperation control unit 811 according to the embodiment is an example of a control unit of a display terminal.

[0075] When the cooperative control unit 811 receives information based on the scent of the scent tester 5, which is a promotional item used to encourage the purchase of products through its scent, from the server 3, the cooperative control unit 811 displays information about the scent of the scent tester 5 on the display unit 86.

[0076] The cooperation control unit 811 displays guidance based on the utilization promotion information from the server 3.

[0077] The guidance display is a display that encourages the customer to use the scent tester 5 within a predetermined range from the cart terminal 6. As an example, the guidance display may include a display of the location of the scent tester 5 that encourages use. As an example, the guidance display may include a display that guides the customer to the scent tester 5 that encourages use. As an example, the guidance display may include a display of the name, image, or advertisement of the product that the scent tester 5 that encourages use appeals to purchase by its "scent". As an example, the guidance display may include a display of the "scent" that the scent tester 5 that encourages use can emit, a similar or related "scent," or a type of "scent." As an example, the guidance display may include a display of the product that is the promotion target of the scent tester 5 that encourages use, a similar or related product, or a type of product.

[0078] The guidance display also includes the display of an operation button for causing the scent tester 5 to emit a "scent" to encourage use. As an example, the guidance display includes the display of a "scent" button. For example, the cooperation control unit 811 accepts the selection of the "scent" button on the guidance display based on the output in response to the customer's operation of the operation unit 85. For example, when the cooperation control unit 811 accepts the selection of the "scent" button on the guidance display, it outputs a scent emission request to the scent tester 5 to request the emission of a "scent."

[0079] Furthermore, when the cooperation control unit 811 receives an operation to select the "smell the aroma" button, it outputs to the server 3 information indicating that the customer has smelled the "aroma" (see FIG. 6).

[0080] In addition, the cooperation control unit 811 performs coupon display for displaying coupon information based on sales promotion information from the server 3.

[0081] The coupon display is a display that provides or presents benefits such as discounts and points related to the "aroma" smelled by the customer. As an example, the coupon display may include a display of coupon information related to the "aroma" or its type emitted by the scent tester 5, or a product linked to a similar or related "aroma" or its type. As an example, the coupon display may include a display of coupon information related to a product or its type that is the promotion target of the scent tester 5 used by the customer, or a product linked to a similar or related product or its type. As an example, the coupon display may include a display of coupon information related to a product linked to the member ID of the customer who used the scent tester 5 or an attribute of the customer corresponding to the member ID. As an example, the coupon display may include a display of coupon information related to a product linked to the position of the scent tester 5 that emitted the "aroma" smelled by the customer.

[0082] Based on sales promotion information from the server 3, the cooperation control unit 811 may perform a recommendation display that displays recommendation information, a sale display that displays sale information, an advertisement display that displays advertisement information, and the like.

[0083] Furthermore, after the payment process, or after outputting information for the payment process to the server 3 or the POS terminal 7, the cooperation control unit 811 outputs information about the product purchased by the customer (see FIG. 6) to the server 3.

[0084] The transaction control unit 812 controls the reading unit 87 to obtain product identification information that identifies the product to be read. The transaction control unit 812 performs a registration process to register the product based on the product identification information of the read product. The transaction control unit 812 performs a payment process for the product registered in the registration process, and transmits product information and payment information (i.e., sales information) of the product for which payment has been processed to the server 3.

[0085] When the payment process is performed in the POS terminal 7, the transaction control unit 812 may transmit product identification information of the product registered in the registration process, i.e., the result of the registration process, to the POS terminal 7. Alternatively, the POS terminal 7 may obtain the result of the registration process from the cart terminal 6 via the server 3 and perform the payment process.

[0086] The functional configuration of the sales data processing device 8 that realizes the POS terminal 7 in this embodiment is similar to that of the sales data processing device 8 that realizes the cart terminal 6 described above, except that it does not include the collaboration control unit 811, so detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0087] The system 1 according to the present embodiment may be configured to execute product registration processing in the cart terminal 6, transmit product registration results from the cart terminal 6 to the POS terminal 7, and execute product payment processing in the POS terminal 7. This cart terminal 6 does not have to be configured to be able to execute product payment processing.

[0088] The POS terminal 7 according to this embodiment may be realized as an accounting device configured to be capable of executing a settlement process based on the result of a product registration process by the cart terminal 6, which is part of the transaction process. This accounting device does not have to be configured to be capable of executing a product registration process.

[0089] Next, an example of the operation of the system 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0090] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing in the system 1 according to the embodiment. Note that the flow of processing in Fig. 9 is merely an example, and steps can be added, deleted, and the order can be changed as desired.

[0091] The system 1 accepts input of a customer's member ID at the cart terminal 6 (S101). After that, the customer moves around the store with the cart terminal 6 and does shopping.

[0092] Also, when product registration is to be performed (S101: Yes), the system 1 acquires product identification information of the target product and performs a registration process to register the product (S103). Thereafter, the flow of FIG. 9 proceeds to the process of S104. For example, the scanner of the cart terminal 6 reads the barcode attached to the product to acquire the product code. The cart terminal 6 refers to the product master 822 of its own device and stores the acquired product code in its own device memory to register the product to be purchased. Alternatively, the cart terminal 6 transmits the acquired product code to the server 3 or the POS terminal 7 connected by a network. The server 3 receives the product code transmitted from the cart terminal 6, refers to the product master 322, and stores the product to be purchased in its own device memory to register the product. Alternatively, the POS terminal 7 receives the product code transmitted from the cart terminal 6, refers to the product master 822, and stores the product to be purchased in its own device memory to register the product to be purchased.

[0093] If the product registration is not performed (S101: No), the system 1 determines whether the cart terminal 6 is located within a predetermined range from the scent tester 5 (S104).

[0094] If the cart terminal 6 is located within a predetermined range from the scent tester 5 (S104: Yes), the system 1 performs a usage promotion process to promote the use of the scent tester 5 (S105).

[0095] After that, the system 1 determines whether the scent tester 5 has been used (S106). In this embodiment, the system 1 determines that the scent tester 5 has been used when, for example, the cart terminal 6 receives an operation by the customer to use the scent tester 5 (for example, an operation of the "Smell" button displayed on the display unit 86). If the scent tester 5 has not been used (S106: No), the flow of FIG. 9 proceeds to the process of S109.

[0096] If the scent tester 5 has been used (S106: Yes), the system 1 performs a usage data collection process to collect usage data 3252 of the scent tester 5 (S107). The system 1 also performs a sales promotion process to provide the customer who used the scent tester 5 with sales promotion information related to the "aroma" that the customer smelled (S108). Thereafter, the flow of FIG. 9 proceeds to the process of S109.

[0097] If the cart terminal 6 is not located within a predetermined range from the scent tester 5 (S104: No), the system 1 determines whether one transaction has ended (S109). The system 1 determines that one transaction has ended, for example, when the cart terminal 6 receives an operation from the customer instructing the completion of the transaction or the transition to checkout, or when the POS terminal 7 receives an operation from a store clerk instructing the completion of the transaction or the transition to checkout. If it is not determined that one transaction has ended (S109: No), the flow of FIG. 9 returns to the process of S102.

[0098] If it is determined that one transaction has ended (S109: Yes), the system 1 performs a purchase data collection process (S110) to collect purchase data 3253. After that, the flow in FIG. 9 ends.

[0099] Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process flow in the system 1 according to the embodiment. Note that the process flow in Fig. 10 is merely an example, and steps can be added, deleted, and the order can be changed as desired.

[0100] The cart terminal 6 accepts input of a member ID 3251 by a customer based on, for example, the result of an operation input by the customer on the operation unit 85 (S201). The cart terminal 6 outputs the accepted member ID 3251 to the server 3. In addition, the server 3 acquires the member ID 3251 from the cart terminal 6 (S202). The processing of S201 and S202 corresponds to the processing of S101 in FIG. 9.

[0101] The cart terminal 6 acquires location information within the store and outputs it to the server 3 (S203). The server 3 also supplements the location of each cart terminal 6 based on location information from at least one of the cart terminals 6 within the store (S204). Note that the processes of S203 and S204 are repeated, for example periodically, until it is determined that one transaction is complete (S109: Yes in FIG. 9).

[0102] When a product is read in response to an operation of the customer on the reading unit 87, the cart terminal 6 performs a product registration process for the target product (S205). The process of S205 corresponds to the processes of S102 and S103 in Fig. 9. The product registration process does not necessarily have to be performed by the cart terminal 6, and may be performed by the server 3 or the POS terminal 7 based on the product data acquired by the cart terminal 6.

[0103] The server 3 detects the cart terminals 6 located within a predetermined range from the center tester 5 based on the position of the cart terminal 6 that has been supplemented and the tester placement information 323 (S206). The server 3 outputs usage promotion information to the detected cart terminals 6 (S207). The cart terminal 6 also acquires the usage promotion information from the server 3 and displays guidance on the display unit 86 (S208). The processes of S206 to S208 correspond to the processes of S104 and S105 in FIG. 9.

[0104] The cart terminal 6 accepts an operation to select the "Smell the Scent" button on the guidance display based on the output of the operation unit 85 in response to the customer's operation (S209). When the cart terminal 6 accepts an operation to select the "Smell the Scent" button, it outputs an aroma emission request to the scent tester 5 to request the emission of an "aroma" (S210). Then, when the scent tester 5 receives the aroma emission request from the cart terminal 6, it emits the target "aroma" by the aroma emission unit 55 (S211).

[0105] When the cart terminal 6 receives an operation to select the "Smell" button, it further outputs the member ID 3251 and the usage data 3252 indicating the usage record showing that the scent tester 5 was used to the server 3 (S212). The server 3 also associates the member ID 3251 and the usage data 3252 collected from the cart terminal 6 and stores them in the customer behavior data 325 (S213). The server 3 also outputs the sales promotion information 324 to the cart terminal 6 used by the customer who used the scent tester 5 (S214). The cart terminal 6 acquires the sales promotion information 324 from the server 3 and displays a coupon on the display unit 86 (S215). The processes of S209 to S215 correspond to the processes of S106 to S108 in FIG. 9.

[0106] When a transaction is completed based on the result of the customer's operation input to the operation unit 85, that is, when the customer's registration process is completed, the cart terminal 6 performs a payment process for the registered product (S216). The cart terminal 6 also outputs the member ID 3251, product information of the product for which payment has been processed as purchase data 3253 indicating the purchase history, and payment information (i.e., sales information) to the server 3 (S217). The server 3 also associates the member ID 3251 and purchase data 3253 collected from the cart terminal 6 and stores them in the customer behavior data 325 (S218).

[0107] The scent tester 5 may be configured to emit an "aroma" not only in response to a request to emit an aroma from the cart terminal 6, but also in accordance with an instruction to emit an aroma from the cart terminal 6. The scent tester 5 may be configured to emit an "aroma" in accordance with an instruction to emit an aroma from the server 3 or the POS terminal 7, or in response to a request to emit an aroma from the server 3 or the POS terminal 7, instead of or in addition to the cart terminal 6.

[0108] The scent tester 5 may be mounted on the cart terminal 6 instead of being displayed together with the product.

[0109] The scent tester 5 may be configured to be able to receive operations on its own device and to emit a "scent" in response to the operations received from the customer on its own device. In this case, the scent tester 5 may be configured to output information indicating that the "scent" has been emitted to the server 3 or the cart terminal. In addition, when the server 3 collects the usage data 3252 from each of the scent tester 5 and the cart terminal 6, the server 3 can link the member ID 3251 and the usage data 3252 using, for example, a time stamp or location information of the scent tester 5 and the cart terminal 6.

[0110] The scent tester 5 is not limited to being configured to automatically release the scent, but may be an item that allows a customer to smell the scent by picking it up or manually opening and closing the lid, and may be, for example, a promotional item or an advertising medium. In other words, the scent tester 5 may be a scent retail medium.

[0111] In the system 1 according to the embodiment, some of the functions of the cart terminal 6 may be realized by at least one of the server 3, the scent tester 5, and the POS terminal 7. For example, the member ID 3251 may be output from the cart terminal 6 to the scent tester 5 together with the scent release request, and the member ID 3251 and the usage data 3252 may be output from the scent tester 5 that released the "scent" to the server 3. For example, the member ID 3251 may be output from the cart terminal 6 to the POS terminal 7 together with the result of the registration process, and the member ID 3251 and the purchase data 3253 may be output from the POS terminal 7 that performed the payment process to the server 3. For example, when the cart terminal 6 accepts an operation to select the "smell the scent" button, the server 3 may obtain the scent release request from the cart terminal 6 and output a scent release instruction to the scent tester 5 in accordance with the obtained scent release request.

[0112] In addition, whether or not a customer has smelled the "aroma" may not only be detected when the cart terminal 6 accepts the operation of selecting the "Smell the Aroma" button, but may also be detected by the server 3 receiving a notification from the scent tester 5 indicating that the "aroma" has actually been released from the scent tester 5, or the server 3 may obtain information from a weight sensor installed on the shelf on which the scent tester 5 is placed and detect the change in weight, or the server 3 may obtain a captured image of the placed scent tester 5 and detect the customer's behavior in response to the captured image through image processing such as detection.

[0113] In the system 1 according to the embodiment, part of the functions of the server 3 may be realized by at least one of the at least one sales data processing device 8.

[0114] In the system 1 according to the embodiment, the registration process (S205) of related products may be used as a trigger to encourage the use of the scent tester 5. For example, the system 1 may encourage the use of the scent tester 5 for the “scent” of a fabric softener when a detergent is scanned.

[0115] In addition, in the system 1 according to the embodiment, the use of the scent tester 5 for the same type of "scent" may be encouraged based on the past scent tester 5 usage data 3252 and the tendency of the "scent" of the product in the purchase data 3253. For example, the system 1 may encourage a customer who frequently uses or purchases scent tester 5 for a musk-based "scent" to use scent tester 5 for the same type of "scent".

[0116] In this way, the system 1 according to the embodiment is configured to display guidance in accordance with the position information of the cart terminal 6. This configuration provides customers with an opportunity to smell the "aroma," and can enhance the promotional effect of using media that use the "aroma" in stores, for example, as promotional materials.

[0117] Furthermore, the system 1 according to the embodiment is configured to collect information indicating that the customer has smelled the "aroma." With this configuration, both the provider and the recipient of the medium using the "aroma," for example as a promotional item, can understand the usage status of the customer, and it is possible to verify the effectiveness of the operation status of the medium using the "aroma."

[0118] Furthermore, the system 1 according to the embodiment is configured to collect information indicating whether a product whose "aroma" was smelled by a customer was purchased, or information indicating whether a similar product or a related product of the product was purchased. With this configuration, both the party that provided the medium using the "aroma" as, for example, a promotional item, sample, or free sample, and the party that received it can understand its impact, making it possible to verify the effectiveness of promotional activities using the medium using the "aroma."

[0119] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to effectively use a medium using a scent in a store, for example, as a promotional item or a sample product. Furthermore, the medium is not necessarily limited to a promotional item, and for example, an actual product for sale may be used as the medium using the scent.

[0120] In the above-mentioned embodiment, "determining whether it is A" may mean "determining that it is A", or "determining that it is not A", or "determining whether it is A or not".

[0121] Each control program executed by each device in the system 1 of this embodiment is provided in advance embedded in a recording medium such as a ROM.

[0122] Each control program executed by each device of system 1 of this embodiment may be configured to be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a digital versatile disk (DVD).

[0123] Furthermore, each control program executed by each device of the system 1 of this embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Also, each control program executed by each device of the system 1 of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0124] For example, the control program 321 executed by the server 3 in this embodiment has a modular configuration including the above-mentioned units (the usage promotion unit 311, the data collection unit 312, and the sales promotion unit 313). The processor of the control unit 31 reads out the control program 321 from the recording medium and loads the above-mentioned units onto a main storage device such as a RAM of the control unit 31. As a result, the above-mentioned units are generated on the main storage device.

[0125] For example, the control program 521 executed by the scent tester 5 of this embodiment has a modular configuration including the above-mentioned units (aroma release control unit 511). The processor of the control unit 51 reads out the control program 521 from the recording medium and loads the above-mentioned units onto a main storage device such as a RAM of the control unit 51. As a result, the above-mentioned units are generated on the main storage device.

[0126] For example, the control program 821 executed by the sales data processing device 8 (e.g., the cart terminal 6) of this embodiment has a modular configuration including the above-mentioned units (the cooperation control unit 811 and the transaction control unit 812). The processor of the control unit 81 reads out the control program 821 from the recording medium and loads the above-mentioned units onto a main storage device such as a RAM of the control unit 81. As a result, the above-mentioned units are generated on the main storage device.

[0127] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0128] (Additional Note) (1) an acquisition unit that acquires, when a customer shopping around in a store uses an item that is a promotional item for encouraging the purchase of a product by its scent, member identification information that identifies the customer and information indicating that the customer has used the item; a storage unit that stores the acquired member identification information and information indicating that the item has been used in association with each other; Information processing device. (2) and a control unit that outputs, when the customer uses the product, sales promotion information related to the fragrance of the product to a display terminal operated by the customer moving around the store. The information processing device according to (1) above. (3) the control unit changes the sales promotion information in accordance with attributes of the customer corresponding to the member identification information. The information processing device according to (2) above. (4) a control unit that acquires location information of a display terminal operated by the customer moving within the store, and outputs, when the display terminal is located within a predetermined range from the item, usage promotion information that encourages the customer to use the item to the display terminal; An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (3) above. (5) The acquisition unit further acquires information indicating whether the item used by the customer is a product that appeals to purchase with its fragrance. An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (4) above. (6) A display terminal operated by a customer moving around the store, A display unit; and a control unit that, upon receiving information based on the scent of an item that is a promotional item for promoting the purchase of a product through its scent, displays information about the scent of the item on the display unit. Display terminal. (7) the information based on the scent of the product is usage promotion information that encourages the customer to use the product; The control unit displays the use promotion information and an operation button for causing the item to emit a fragrance on the display unit. A display terminal as described in (6) above. (8) The information based on the scent of the product is sales promotion information about the product that appeals to purchase with its scent, the control unit displays the sales promotion information on the display unit when the customer uses the product. A display terminal according to (6) or (7) above. (9) An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (5) above; A display terminal according to any one of (6) to (8) above; The article includes an emitter configured to emit a scent, and an emission control unit that emits the scent from the emitter when information is received from the information processing device or the display terminal. Information processing system. (10) When a customer shopping around the store uses a promotional item that uses a scent to encourage the purchase of a product, member identification information that identifies the customer and information indicating that the customer has used the item are obtained; storing the acquired member identification information and information indicating that the item has been used in association with each other; A program that makes a computer do something. (11) A recording medium (Computer Program Product) having recorded thereon the program described in (10) above, which is executed by a computer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 1. System (information processing system) 3. Server (information processing device) 31 Control Unit 311 Usage Promotion Department 312 Data Collection Department 313 Sales Promotion Department 32 Storage section 321 Control Program 322 Product Master 323 Tester Placement Information 324 Sales Promotion Information 325 Customer Behavior Data 3251 Member ID 3252 Usage Data 3253 Purchasing Data 33 Controller 34 Communications Department 39 Bus 5 Cent Tester (item) 51 Control section 511 Scent release control unit 52 Storage section 521 Control Program 53 Controller 54 Communications Department 55 Fragrance release unit 59 Bus 6 Cart terminal (display terminal) 7. POS terminals 8 Sales data processing device 81 Control Unit 811 Coordination control unit 812 Transaction Control Unit 82 Memory section 821 Control Program 822 Product Master 83 Controller 84 Communications Department 85 Control section 86 Display section 87 Reading unit 89 Bus [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0130] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-217641 A

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires, when a customer shopping around in a store uses an item for encouraging the purchase of a product with a scent, member identification information that identifies the customer and information indicating that the customer has used the item; a storage unit that stores the acquired member identification information and information indicating that the item has been used in association with each other; Information processing device.

2. and a control unit that outputs, when the customer uses the product, sales promotion information related to the fragrance of the product to a display terminal operated by the customer moving around the store. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the control unit changes the sales promotion information in accordance with attributes of the customer corresponding to the member identification information. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. a control unit that acquires location information of a display terminal operated by the customer moving within the store, and outputs, when the display terminal is located within a predetermined range from the item, usage promotion information that encourages the customer to use the item to the display terminal; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The acquisition unit further acquires information indicating whether the item used by the customer is a product that appeals to purchase with its fragrance. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. A display terminal operated by a customer moving around the store, A display unit; and a control unit that, upon receiving information based on the scent of an item that is a promotional item for promoting the purchase of a product through its scent, displays information about the scent of the item on the display unit. Display terminal.

7. the information based on the scent of the product is usage promotion information that encourages the customer to use the product; The control unit displays the use promotion information and an operation button for causing the item to emit a fragrance on the display unit.

7. A display terminal according to claim 6.

8. The information based on the scent of the product is sales promotion information about the product that appeals to purchase with its scent, the control unit displays the sales promotion information on the display unit when the customer uses the product.

7. A display terminal according to claim 6.

9. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; A display terminal according to any one of claims 6 to 8; The article includes an emitter configured to emit a scent, and an emission control unit that emits the scent from the emitter when information is received from the information processing device or the display terminal. Information processing system.

10. When a customer shopping around the store uses an item that is a promotional item for encouraging the purchase of a product by using a scent, member identification information for identifying the customer and information indicating that the customer has used the item are obtained; storing the acquired member identification information and information indicating that the item has been used in association with each other; A program that makes a computer do something.

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