Evacuation guidance device, and evacuation guidance method

Abstract

To provide an evacuation guidance device capable of safely guiding customers when emergency occurs, and to provide an evacuation guidance method therefor.SOLUTION: An evacuation guidance device is constituted from a server; and one or more information terminals communicable with the server, that is movable inside commercial facilities. The one or more information terminals comprise transmission means that transmits specific information for specifying a position of one's own information terminal. The server comprises: specification means for specifying the position of the information terminal inside the commercial facilities, based on the specific information; a receiving part for receiving an emergency signal transmitted from a transmission device; determination means for determining an evacuation guidance passage for every information terminal, based on the position of the specified information terminal, when receiving the emergency signal; and signal-sending means for sending evacuation guidance passage information including information of the determined evacuation guidance passage to each information terminal. The information terminal comprises display means for displaying the evacuation guidance passage included in the evacuation guidance passage information received from the server, on a display part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an evacuation guidance device and an evacuation guidance method. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, the number of store clerks working at commercial facilities, including shopping centers, mass retailers, department stores, etc., has been decreasing due to labor shortages and increased efficiency in operations. As a result, in the event of a disaster or other emergency at a commercial facility, it may be difficult for store clerks to safely guide customers inside the facility. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide an evacuation guidance device and an evacuation guidance method that are capable of guiding customers safely in the event of an emergency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] An embodiment of the evacuation guidance device is an evacuation guidance device composed of a server and one or more information terminals capable of moving within a commercial facility and communicating with the server, wherein the information terminal is equipped with a transmitting means for transmitting specific information for identifying the position of the information terminal itself, the server is equipped with an identifying means for identifying the position of the information terminal within the commercial facility based on the identifying information, a receiving unit for receiving an emergency signal transmitted from the transmitting device, a determining means for determining an evacuation guidance route for each information terminal based on the identified position of the information terminal when the emergency signal is received, and a transmitting means for transmitting evacuation guidance route information including information on the determined evacuation guidance route to each information terminal, and the information terminal is equipped with a display means for displaying the evacuation guidance route included in the evacuation guidance route information received from the server on a display unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cart and an information terminal attached to the cart. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing a process flow in the evacuation guiding device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the information terminal. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the server. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a memory map showing the configuration of the information terminal management unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a map of the inside of a store. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the payment machine. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the evacuation guiding device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the information terminal. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an emergency situation and evacuation routes displayed on an information terminal. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the server. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the movement status of information terminals after an emergency occurs, displayed on a server. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the payment machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0006] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment, a shopping center, a mass retailer, a department store, or other store will be described as an example of a commercial facility. Also, the information terminal will be described as being attached to a shopping cart (hereinafter simply referred to as a "cart") that can be moved freely within the store. Also, in the embodiment, the position of the information terminal 7 within the store is identified by, for example, detection using a plurality of beacons provided near the aisles within the store T. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

[0007] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a system according to an embodiment. In Fig. 1, the system 1 is installed in a store T such as a supermarket, a mass retailer, a convenience store, or a specialty store. The system 1 includes, for example, a server 2 which is a store server, an information terminal 7 attached to a cart 6, and a checkout machine 3 (transmission device). In addition, the system 1 may include a fire alarm 51 (transmission device) which detects and notifies the occurrence of a fire, and a beacon b. In the embodiment, the server 2 and the information terminal 7 constitute an evacuation guidance device 4.

[0008] The server 2, the payment machine 3, the fire alarm 51, and the beacon b are connected to each other by a communication line 52, such as a LAN (Local Area Network). An information terminal 7 located in the store T can be connected by a wireless communication line 53, such as a wireless LAN, via one or more repeaters 5 (wireless access points) connected to the communication line 52. When the information terminal 7 is connected to the communication line 52 via the wireless communication line 53 and the repeater 5, the information terminal 7 can communicate with the server 2 and the payment machine 3. The communication line 52 and the wireless communication line 53 can use the Internet, a VPN (virtual private network), a LAN, a public communication network, a mobile communication network, etc., either alone or in appropriate combination.

[0009] Here, a description will be given of the cart 6 and the information terminal 7. FIG.

[0010] The cart 6 is movable within the store T. The cart 6 includes a storage section 61, casters 62, a handle 63, and a battery 64. The storage section 61 is used to place products to be purchased. Alternatively, the storage section 61 is used to place a shopping basket or the like in which the customer places products to be purchased. The casters 62 are provided, for example, at four locations on the bottom of the cart 6, and can rotate to move the cart 6 in the forward, backward, leftward, and rightward directions. The handle 63 is held by the customer when moving the cart 6. The customer holds the handle 63 and operates (pushes or pulls) the cart 6 to move the cart 6 within the store T. The battery 64 is a storage battery that is mounted on the cart 6 and supplies power to a scanner 65, which will be described later. The battery 64 may supply power to the information terminal 7, or may function as a battery for charging the information terminal 7.

[0011] The cart 6 also has a scanner 65 attached to, for example, the handle 63. The scanner 65 captures an image of a product and reads a code symbol, such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code, attached to the product. Alternatively, the scanner 65 optically reads the code symbol. The scanner 65 decodes the read code symbol and obtains product identification information of the product.

[0012] Also, the scanner 65 may recognize the image of the product by general object recognition and obtain product identification information of the product. In the embodiment, the scanner 65 is described as a device separate from the information terminal 7, but if the information terminal 7 has a built-in camera, the camera may be used instead of the scanner 65. In this case, the scanner 65 is not necessary.

[0013] An information terminal 7 is attached to the cart 6. The information terminal 7 is a small information terminal configured with a microcomputer, such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The information terminal 7 has a hardware configuration described later in Fig. 4, and has application software installed therein for executing control described later in Fig. 10.

[0014] The information terminal 7 inputs the product identification information of the product read by the scanner 65 from the scanner 65 and executes a product registration process for the product. The product registration process refers to a process of reading out product information of the product (product name, product price, etc.) based on the read product identification information, displaying it on the display unit 78 (see FIG. 4), and storing it in the product information unit 731 (see FIG. 4).

[0015] The information terminal 7 transmits the product information stored in the product information section 731 to the server 2 .

[0016] Furthermore, when the information terminal 7 is logged in and receives radio waves from a beacon b, which will be described later, the information terminal 7 transmits a terminal code (specific information) that identifies the information terminal 7. The transmitted terminal code is received by the beacon b installed near the information terminal 7.

[0017] Furthermore, in the event of an emergency within store T, the information terminal 7 displays an evacuation route for the information terminal 7 (i.e., the customer operating the cart 6 to which the information terminal 7 is attached) to evacuate from its current location to an exit of store T. If there are multiple information terminals 7 within store T, the evacuation route may differ depending on the location of each information terminal 7 within store T. Therefore, each information terminal 7 displays an evacuation route for guiding the customer to the exit closest to that information terminal 7.

[0018] A customer operating the cart 6 can safely evacuate to outside the store T through the exit by pushing and moving the cart 6 along the evacuation route displayed on the information terminal 7.

[0019] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 1, the beacon b is installed in every passageway through which the cart 6 passes in the store T. The beacon b transmits radio waves used for short-distance wireless communication within a range of several meters to several tens of meters around the beacon b, and communicates with the information terminal 7 located within the range. Specifically, the beacon b transmits weak radio waves that reach within a range of several meters to several tens of meters. The information terminal 7 that enters the range receives the radio waves transmitted by the beacon b. When the information terminal 7 receives the radio waves, it transmits radio waves including a terminal code that identifies the information terminal 7. The beacon b receives the terminal code by receiving the radio waves transmitted from the information terminal 7. The beacon b recognizes the strength of the received radio waves. In other words, the closer the information terminal 7 is located, the stronger the radio waves it receives. The beacon b transmits the beacon code that identifies the beacon b, the received terminal code, and information on the strength of the received radio waves (hereinafter collectively referred to as "beacon information") to the server 2 via the communication line 52.

[0020] Note that the beacon b repeatedly transmits radio waves at a predetermined time interval. The beacon b transmits the terminal code, radio wave strength, and beacon information related to the beacon code received in response to the transmission to the server 2. Therefore, when the information terminal 7 is moving, the received terminal code and radio wave strength change each time.

[0021] The fire alarms 51 are installed at multiple locations on the ceiling of the store T. When a fire (emergency situation) occurs within the store T, the fire alarms 51 detect the fire (flames and smoke) and transmit an emergency signal indicating that a fire has occurred to the server 2 via the communication line 52. When transmitting the emergency situation signal, the fire alarm 51 transmits it to the server 2 together with an alarm code that identifies its own fire alarm 51.

[0022] One or more payment machines 3 are installed in the payment area Sa (see FIG. 7) of store T. The payment machine 3 performs payment processing for products that have been registered on the information terminal 7. Specifically, the payment machine 3 performs payment processing based on product information received from the information terminal 7 directly or via the server 2. Payment processing includes displaying the total price and tax amount of products related to one transaction for which product registration processing has been performed, calculating and displaying change based on the deposit received from the customer when paying in cash, and issuing a receipt on which product information and payment information (total price, deposit amount, change amount, etc.) are printed. The payment machine 3 sends product information and payment information (collectively referred to as "sales data") for the products for which payment processing has been performed to the server 2.

[0023] Each payment machine 3 is equipped with an emergency button 41 (see FIG. 8). The emergency button 41 is operated by a store clerk such as a cashier when an emergency (e.g. a robbery) occurs at the payment machine 3. When the emergency button 41 is operated, the payment machine 3 transmits an emergency signal to the server 2 via the communication line 52. When transmitting the emergency signal, the payment machine 3 transmits it to the server 2 together with a payment machine code that identifies the payment machine 3 itself.

[0024] The server 2 is installed, for example, in the back yard of the store T. The server 2 receives from the payment machine 3 and accumulates sales data of products processed by each payment machine 3, and manages the sales information of the store T.

[0025] The server 2 also grasps the positions of multiple information terminals 7 moving within the store T (i.e., the position of the cart 6). The server 2 receives beacon information from a beacon b including a terminal code, and identifies the position of the information terminal 7 identified by the terminal code. Specifically, the server 2 receives beacon information from multiple beacons b. The server 2 then compares the radio wave strength received from each beacon b, and determines that the information terminal 7 identified by the terminal code is located at the position of the beacon b with the strongest radio wave strength of the received terminal code. By placing as many beacons b as possible within the store T, the server 2 can determine the position of the information terminal 7 with higher accuracy. In this manner, the server 2 identifies the position of the information terminal 7.

[0026] In addition, since the terminal code and radio wave strength received by the server 2 change each time the information terminal 7 moves, the server 2 recognizes that the location of the information terminal 7 determined based on the received terminal code and radio wave strength changes. In other words, since the server 2 can grasp the location of the moving information terminal 7 in real time, the server 2 can determine whether the information terminal 7 is moving or has remained in place for a predetermined period of time or more.

[0027] Furthermore, when the fire alarm 51 is activated, the server 2 receives from the fire alarm 51 an emergency signal associated with a fire and an alarm code identifying the fire alarm 51. The server 2 then recognizes that an emergency (fire) has occurred based on the received emergency signal. The server 2 also recognizes (identifies) the location (area) in the store T where the emergency has occurred based on the received alarm code.

[0028] Furthermore, when the emergency button 41 is operated, the server 2 receives from the payment machine 3 whose emergency button 41 was operated an emergency signal and a payment machine code that identifies that payment machine 3. The server 2 then recognizes that an emergency (e.g., a robbery) has occurred based on the received emergency signal. The server 2 also recognizes (specifies) the location (area) in store T where the emergency has occurred based on the received payment machine code.

[0029] Next, a description will be given of the process flow relating to the evacuation guiding device 4 and the payment machine 3. Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the process flow in the evacuation guiding device 4 and the payment machine 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the evacuation guiding device 4 in this embodiment has a server 2 and an information terminal 7.

[0030] The information terminal 7 receives the radio waves transmitted by the beacon b and transmits a terminal code that identifies the information terminal 7 (T1). The beacon b transmits beacon information including the received terminal code, the strength of the radio waves, and a beacon code that identifies the information terminal 7 (T2) to the server 2. The server 2, which has received the beacon information, identifies the position of the beacon b that transmitted the terminal code with the strongest radio wave strength as the position of the information terminal 7 that transmitted that terminal code (T3). The processes of T1 to T3 are repeatedly executed every time the beacon b transmits radio waves at a predetermined time interval. Therefore, the server 2 can grasp the positions of all logged-in information terminals 7 within the store T (position information of each information terminal 7 (for example, coordinate information within the store T)) in almost real time.

[0031] When the fire alarm 51 detects a fire or when the emergency button 41 is operated, the server 2 receives an emergency signal (T4). When the server 2 receives an emergency signal and an alarm code from the fire alarm 51 (T41), it determines that an emergency (fire) has occurred. When the server 2 receives an emergency signal and an alarm code from the payment machine 3 (T42), it determines that an emergency (e.g., a robbery) has occurred. The server 2 identifies the location (area) where the fire has occurred based on the received alarm code (T5). The server 2 also identifies the location (area) where the emergency has occurred based on the received payment machine code (T5).

[0032] Next, the server 2 determines (creates) an evacuation guidance route for each information terminal 7 to evacuate the information terminal 7 to the nearest exit based on the position information (coordinates) of each information terminal 7, the position information (coordinates) of the location where the emergency occurred, and the position information (coordinates) of the exit closest to each information terminal 7. When determining the evacuation guidance route, the server 2 determines an evacuation guidance route that avoids the location where the emergency occurred.

[0033] The server 2 determines the evacuation guidance route, for example, as follows. It calculates the distance between the position (coordinates) of the information terminal 7 and the positions (coordinates) of multiple exits, and determines the shortest evacuation guidance route for each information terminal 7 among the evacuation guidance routes that allow evacuation without passing through the location where the emergency occurred. Alternatively, it creates a large number of candidates for evacuation guidance routes from the location where the emergency occurred to the exit for each location in the store T, and determines the optimal evacuation guidance route from the candidates created based on the position (coordinates) of each information terminal 7 at the time of receiving the emergency signal and the location (coordinates) where the emergency occurred. Note that the evacuation guidance route is not limited to the above, and may be determined using other methods.

[0034] The server 2 stores an in-store map (see FIG. 7) showing the layout of the aisles and the like in the store T, and displays the current position within the store T of each information terminal 7 identified in T3 (T7). The server 2 then transmits to each logged-in information terminal 7 in the store T emergency information indicating that an emergency has occurred, and evacuation guidance route information including the position showing where the emergency has occurred, the current position of the information terminal 7 in the store T, and the evacuation guidance route for the information terminal 7 from the position of the information terminal 7 to the exit, via the communication line 52, the repeater 5, and the wireless communication line 53 (T8).

[0035] The information terminal 7 displays the evacuation route based on the received evacuation route information, superimposed on the store map (T9). The customer operating the cart 6 can safely evacuate to the exit by moving the cart 6 along the evacuation route displayed on the information terminal 7.

[0036] After transmitting the evacuation route information to the information terminal 7, the server 2 grasps the position of the information terminal 7 in real time based on the beacon information received from the beacon b. Then, after transmitting the evacuation route information, the server 2 judges how far each information terminal 7 (i.e., the cart 6) has moved (specifically, whether the information terminal 7 has moved or has essentially remained in place after transmitting the evacuation route information) (T11). Then, the server 2 transmits evacuation route information including the current position of the information terminal 7 to each information terminal 7 (T12). Each information terminal 7 displays the current position of the information terminal 7 based on the received evacuation route information (T13). In this way, the customer evacuating with the cart 6 can grasp the current position within the store T and can judge whether they are evacuating correctly along the evacuation route.

[0037] Furthermore, based on the determination in T11, the server 2 displays the information terminal 7 that has not substantially moved (has remained in place or moved only a small distance) after transmitting the evacuation route information (T14). The server 2 determines whether the information terminal 7 has moved or has not substantially moved based on whether the information terminal 7 has moved a predetermined distance or more within a predetermined time after transmitting the evacuation route information. The processes from T11 to T14 are repeated many times after transmitting the evacuation route information.

[0038] Next, the hardware configuration of the information terminal 7 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information terminal 7. As shown in FIG. 4, the information terminal 7 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71, which is an example of a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 72, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 73, a memory unit 74, and the like. The CPU 71 is the main controller of the information terminal 7. The ROM 72 stores various programs. The RAM 73 expands programs and various data. The memory unit 74 stores various programs. The CPU 71, the ROM 72, the RAM 73, and the memory unit 74 are connected to each other via a bus 75. The CPU 71, the ROM 72, and the RAM 73 constitute a control unit 700. That is, the control unit 700 executes a control process of the information terminal 7, which will be described later, by the CPU 71 operating according to a control program (including application software) stored in the ROM 72 or the memory unit 74 and expanded in the RAM 73.

[0039] The RAM 73 has a product information section 731, an evacuation route section 732, and a customer code section 733. The product information section 731 stores product information of products for which product registration processing has been performed. The evacuation route section 732 stores emergency information received from the server 2 and evacuation guidance route information for the information terminal 7. The customer code section 733 stores the customer code of the customer used when logging in to the information terminal 7.

[0040] The memory unit 74 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and has a control program unit 741 that stores a control program (including installed application software) that operates the information terminal 7, a product master 742, a terminal code unit 743, and a store map information unit 744. The product master 742 stores product information for each product by associating it with product identification information that identifies the product. The terminal code unit 743 stores a terminal code (terminal identification information) that identifies the information terminal 7. The store map information unit 744 stores map information that shows the layout of the store T when viewed in a plan view. The map information includes information for displaying the positions of the shelves in the store T and displaying on the information terminal 7 which products are displayed in which positions, and is also information that can display on the information terminal 7 the aisles through which the cart 6 passes. A customer who moves the cart 6 can display the map information on the information terminal 7 to check the display position of the desired product and the aisle to that position.

[0041] In addition, the control unit 700 is connected to an operation unit 77, a display unit 78, and a card reading unit 80 via a bus 75 and a controller 76.

[0042] The operation unit 77 has a start key 771 and an end key 772. The start key 771 is operated when entering a customer code to log in to the information terminal 7. The start key 771 is operated, for example, by a customer operating the cart 6. The end key 772 is operated when logging off the information terminal 7. The end key 772 is operated, for example, by the customer. The display unit 78 displays product information of a product for which product registration processing has been performed. The display unit 78 also displays the emergency situation and the evacuation guide route information received from the server 2 and stored in the evacuation route unit 732, superimposed on the map information stored in the store map information unit 744. The card reading unit 80 reads (acquires) card information including the customer code from the scanned or inserted customer card.

[0043] The control unit 700 is also connected to the communication unit 81 via the bus 75. The communication unit 81 is communicatively connected to the server 2 and the payment machine 3 via the wireless communication line 53, the repeater 5, and the communication line 52.

[0044] Next, the hardware configuration of the server 2 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the server 2 includes a CPU 21, which is an example of a processor, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a memory unit 24, and the like. The CPU 21 is the main controller of the server 2. The ROM 22 stores various programs. The RAM 23 expands programs and various data. The memory unit 24 stores various programs. The CPU 21, the ROM 22, the RAM 23, and the memory unit 24 are connected to each other via a bus 25. The CPU 21, the ROM 22, and the RAM 23 constitute a control unit 200. That is, the control unit 200 executes the control process of the server 2, which will be described later, by the CPU 21 operating in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 22 or the memory unit 24 and expanded in the RAM 23.

[0045] The RAM 23 has a sales information section 231 and an information terminal management section 232. The sales information section 231 cumulatively stores sales data received from the payment machine 3 and manages sales of the store T. The information terminal management section 232 manages information of the logged-in information terminal 7, including the position of the information terminal 7 within the store T. The information terminal management section 232 will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0046] The memory unit 24 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as an HDD or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and has a control program unit 241 and a store map information unit 242. The control program unit 241 stores a control program for driving the server 2. The store map information unit 242 stores map information similar to that of the store map information unit 744.

[0047] In addition, the control unit 200 is connected to a display unit 27 and an operation unit 28 via a bus 25 and a controller 26. The display unit 27 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information to an operator who operates the server 2. The operation unit 28 is, for example, a keyboard, and is operated by the operator of the server 2.

[0048] The control unit 200 is also connected to a communication unit 29 (receiving unit) via a bus 25. The communication unit 29 is communicatively connected to the payment machine 3, the beacon b, the fire alarm 51, and the repeater 5 via a communication line 52. The communication unit 29 is also communicatively connected to the information terminal 7 via the repeater 5.

[0049] Next, a description will be given of the information terminal management unit 232. Fig. 6 is a memory map showing the configuration of the information terminal management unit 232. As shown in Fig. 6, the information terminal management unit 232 has a login information unit 2321, a terminal code unit 2322, a product information unit 2323, an information terminal position unit 2324, an evacuation route unit 2325, and a movement determination unit 2326.

[0050] The login information section 2321 receives and stores from the information terminal 7 a customer code read from a customer card used to log in the information terminal 7. The terminal code section 2322 receives and stores from the information terminal 7 a terminal code that identifies the information terminal 7 that logged in with the customer code stored in the login information section 2321. The product information section 2323 receives and stores product information of a product that has been registered in the information terminal 7 of the terminal code stored in the terminal code section 2322 from the information terminal 7 in response to the operation of the end key 772. The information terminal position section 2324 stores information on the position (coordinates) of the information terminal 7 of the terminal code stored in the terminal code section 2322, which is specified based on the beacon information received from the beacon b (at T3 in FIG. 3). The evacuation route section 2325 stores emergency information and evacuation route information related to the evacuation route of the information terminal 7 of the terminal code stored in the terminal code section 2322, which is determined at T6 in FIG. 3 when an emergency occurs. After transmitting the evacuation route information to the information terminal 7, the movement determination unit 2326 determines whether there is an information terminal 7 that has not moved or has not substantially moved (T11 in FIG. 3), and the control unit 200 stores information indicating that the information terminal 7 has not substantially moved (e.g., flag information) in the movement determination unit 2326 corresponding to the terminal code of the information terminal that has not substantially moved. An information terminal 7 for which flag information of "1" is stored in the movement determination unit 2326 indicates that it has not substantially moved after transmitting the emergency information. An information terminal 7 for which flag information of "0" is stored in the movement determination unit 2326 indicates that it has moved after transmitting the emergency information.

[0051] Next, an example of a map displayed on the display unit 78 based on map information stored in the store map information unit 744 of the information terminal 7 will be described. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a map of the inside of the store T displayed on the display unit 78. As shown in Fig. 7, the map display Ca showing the layout of the inside of the store T in a plan view displayed on the display unit 78 displays the installation positions of the display shelves in the store T, the sales floor for each product, the aisles within the store T, etc. The map display Ca also displays the payment area Sa in which the payment machine 3 is installed, and the exits (represented by Da, Db, Dc, and Dd) leading from the store T to the outside.

[0052] Although not actually shown on the map display Ca, beacons b are attached to the display shelves at predetermined intervals (for the sake of explanation, beacons b are shown in FIG. 7). In reality, more beacons b than those shown in FIG. 7 are installed at predetermined intervals throughout the store T, making it possible to accurately grasp the location of the information terminal 7.

[0053] The information terminal 7 receives information on the specified location of the information terminal 7 from the server 2 and plots the location on the map display Ca, allowing the customer to recognize his / her location within the store T. Therefore, the customer can understand the positional relationship with the sales floor of the product to be purchased and head to the sales floor of the product.

[0054] Next, the hardware configuration of the payment machine 3 will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the payment machine 3. As shown in FIG. 8, the payment machine 3 is equipped with a CPU 31, which is an example of a processor, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a memory unit 34, etc. The CPU 31 is the main controller of the payment machine 3. The ROM 32 stores various programs. The RAM 33 expands programs and various data. The memory unit 34 stores various programs. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, and the memory unit 34 are connected to each other via a bus 35. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, and the RAM 33 constitute a control unit 300. That is, the control unit 300 executes the control processing of the payment machine 3, which will be described later, by the CPU 31 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 32 and the memory unit 34 and expanded in the RAM 33.

[0055] The RAM 33 has a product information section 331 and a sales information section 332. The product information section 331 stores product information that has been received from the information terminal 7 via the server 2 and that has undergone product registration processing. In this embodiment, the product information section 331 receives and stores product information that has been temporarily sent from the information terminal 7 to the server 2 and stored in the product information section 2323. Specifically, the card reading section 39 (described later) of the payment machine 3 queries the server 2 for product information based on a customer code read from the customer card, and the server 2 searches the information terminal management section 232 based on the received customer code, reads out the relevant product information from the product information section 2323, and sends it to the payment machine 3. The payment machine 3 stores the product information received from the server 2 in the product information section 331. The sales information section 332 stores transaction data that has undergone payment processing based on the product information stored in the product information section 331.

[0056] The memory unit 34 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a HDD or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and has a control program unit 341, a product master 342, and a payment machine code unit 343. The control program unit 341 stores a control program for driving the payment machine 3. The product master 342 stores the same information as the product master 742. The payment machine code unit 343 stores a payment machine code that identifies the payment machine 3 in question.

[0057] The control unit 300 is also connected to the operation unit 37, display unit 38, card reading unit 39, printer 40, and emergency button 41 via the bus 35 and controller 36. The operation unit 37 is a keyboard including a billing key 371, and is operated by the operator of the billing machine 3. The billing key 371 is operated by a customer or a store clerk when processing a billing on the billing machine 3. The display unit 38 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information to the operator operating the billing machine 3. The operation unit 37 may be a touch panel provided on the display unit 38. The card reading unit 39 reads a customer code from an inserted or scanned customer card. The printer 40 prints out product information and billing information related to the processed transaction and issues a receipt.

[0058] The emergency button 41 is a button attached to the payment machine 3. The emergency button 41 is operated by a customer, a store clerk, etc., when an emergency such as a robbery occurs at the payment machine 3. When the emergency button 41 is operated, the payment machine 3 transmits an emergency signal to the server 2.

[0059] The control unit 300 is also connected to the communication unit 42 via the bus 35. The communication unit 42 is communicatively connected to the server 2, the beacon b, the fire alarm 51, and the repeater 5 via a communication line 52. The communication unit 42 is also communicatively connected to the information terminal 7 via the repeater 5.

[0060] From here, a functional configuration of the evacuation guiding device 4 will be described. Fig. 9 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the evacuation guiding device 4. The control unit 200 of the server 2 functions as a login accepting means 201, a specifying means 202, an emergency situation determination means 203, an emergency situation position specifying means 204, a deciding means 205, a transmitting means 206, a movement determination means 207, and a specifying display means 208 by following the control programs stored in the ROM 22 or the control program unit 241 of the memory unit 24.

[0061] The login reception means 201 executes login processing for the information terminal 7 based on login information including a customer code and a terminal code received from the information terminal 7. Specifically, based on the login information received from the information terminal 7, the login reception means 201 stores the received customer code in a login information section 2321 of the information terminal management section 232, and stores the received terminal code in a corresponding terminal code section 2322. The information terminal 7 with the terminal code stored in the terminal code section 2322 has logged in.

[0062] The identification means 202 identifies the position of the information terminal 7 within the store T based on the beacon information transmitted by the beacon b that received the terminal code (identification information) transmitted from the information terminal 7. Specifically, the identification means 202 compares the radio wave strength received from each beacon b, and identifies the position of the beacon b with the strongest radio wave strength of the received terminal code as the position of the information terminal 7.

[0063] The emergency situation determination means 203 determines whether an emergency has occurred within the store T. Specifically, the emergency situation determination means 203 determines whether an emergency situation signal has been received from the fire alarm 51. If the emergency situation determination means 203 determines that an emergency situation signal has been received from the fire alarm 51, it determines that an emergency situation (fire) has occurred within the store T. The emergency situation determination means 203 also determines whether an emergency situation signal has been received from the payment machine 3. If the emergency situation determination means 203 determines that an emergency situation signal has been received from the payment machine 3, it determines that an emergency situation (e.g. a robbery) has occurred within the store T.

[0064] The emergency location identification means 204 identifies the location where the emergency is occurring based on the received alarm code. That is, the emergency location identification means 204 identifies the location (coordinates) of the fire alarm 51 identified by the received alarm code as the location where the emergency is occurring. The emergency location identification means 204 also identifies the location where the emergency is occurring based on the received payment machine code. That is, the emergency location identification means 204 identifies the location (coordinates) of the payment machine 3 identified by the received payment machine code as the location where the emergency is occurring.

[0065] When the determination means 205 receives an emergency signal, it determines an evacuation guidance route for each information terminal 7 based on the identified position of the information terminal 7. Specifically, the determination means 205 determines an evacuation guidance route for the information terminal 7 based on information on the location where the emergency occurred, information on the position of the information terminal 7 stored in the information terminal position unit 2324, and information on the position of the exit closest to the position of the information terminal 7. The determination means 205 determines an evacuation guidance route that does not pass through (or does not approach) the coordinates indicating the location where the emergency occurred. The determination means 205 stores evacuation guidance route information including the determined evacuation guidance route in the evacuation route unit 2325.

[0066] The transmitting means 206 transmits emergency information indicating that an emergency has occurred and evacuation route information including information on the determined evacuation route (i.e., the emergency information and evacuation route information stored in the evacuation route section 2325) to each information terminal 7.

[0067] The movement determination means 207 determines whether the information terminal 7 to which the transmission means 206 has transmitted the evacuation route information has substantially moved a predetermined distance or more from the position identified by the identification means 202. Specifically, the movement determination means 207 determines whether the information terminal 7 to which the transmission means 206 has transmitted the evacuation route information has moved a predetermined distance or more from the position identified by the identification means 202 after transmitting the evacuation route information.

[0068] The identification display means 208 displays, on the display unit 27, an information terminal 7 that the movement determination means 207 has determined not to have substantially moved a predetermined distance or more. Specifically, the identification display means 208 highlights an information terminal 7 that the movement determination means 207 has determined not to have substantially moved a predetermined distance or more, and displays it on the display unit 27. When highlighting an information terminal 7, the identification display means 208 displays it with a time during which it has not substantially moved.

[0069] Further, the control unit 700 of the information terminal 7 functions as a login means 701 , a transmission means 702 , and a display means 703 by following the control programs stored in the ROM 72 or the control program unit 741 of the memory unit 74 .

[0070] The login means 701 inputs a customer code to log in to the information terminal 7. Specifically, the login means 701 reads the customer code by having the card reading unit 80 read the customer card, and enables the information terminal 7 to be used.

[0071] The transmitting means 702 transmits specific information (terminal code) for identifying the position of its own information terminal 7. Specifically, when the transmitting means 702 receives radio waves from the beacon b in a logged-in state, it transmits the terminal code for identifying the position of its own information terminal 7.

[0072] The display means 703 displays the evacuation route received from the server 2 on the display unit 78. Specifically, the display means 703 displays the evacuation route of the information terminal 7 on the map information stored in the store map information unit 744, based on the evacuation route information received from the server 2.

[0073] Next, the control of the information terminal 7 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the information terminal 7. As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 700 of the information terminal 7 judges whether the start key 771 has been operated (S11). It waits until it is operated (No in S11), and if it is judged that the start key 771 has been operated (Yes in S11), the control unit 700 then judges whether the customer code has been read by the card reading unit 80 (S12). It waits until it is read (No in S12), and if it is judged that the customer code has been read (Yes in S12), the login means 701 logs in the information terminal 7 based on the read customer code (S13). Then, the control unit 700 stores the read customer code in the customer code unit 733 (S14). Then, the control unit 700 transmits the login information (including the customer code and the terminal code) to the server 2 (S15).

[0074] Next, the control unit 700 judges whether or not it has received radio waves transmitted at regular intervals from the beacon b (S16). If it has been judged that it has received radio waves from the beacon b (Yes in S16), the transmitting means 702 transmits a terminal code that identifies the information terminal 7 stored in the terminal code section 743 (S17). If it has been judged that it has not received radio waves from the beacon b (No in S16), the control unit 700 does not execute the process of S17.

[0075] After executing the process of S17, or if the result of S16 is No, the control unit 700 next judges whether the end key 772 has been operated (S21). If it is determined that the end key 772 has not been operated (No in S21), the control unit 700 judges whether an image of a product captured by the scanner 65 has been input from the scanner 65 (S31). If it is determined that an image of a product has been input (Yes in S31), the control unit 700 executes a product registration process for the product based on the image (S32). Then, the control unit 700 returns to S16.

[0076] Furthermore, if it is determined that the image is not input from the scanner 65 (No in S31), the control unit 700 then determines whether emergency information and evacuation route information have been received from the server 2 (S41). If it is determined that emergency information and evacuation route information have been received from the server 2 (Yes in S41), the display means 703 displays the received emergency information, the location where the emergency occurred, which is included in the evacuation route information, the current position of the information terminal 7, and the evacuation route from the current position, superimposed on the map information stored in the store map information unit 744, on the display unit 78 (S42). Then, the control unit 700 returns to S16.

[0077] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen indicating the occurrence of an emergency and an evacuation route displayed by the display means 703 in the process of S42. As shown in Fig. 11, a message M indicating the occurrence of an emergency is displayed in a prominent position (for example, at the top of the screen Cb) on the displayed screen Cb. The message M includes a message Ma indicating the occurrence of an emergency and the type of emergency (the message "fire outbreak" in the example of Fig. 11) and a message Mb calling attention to evacuating along the evacuation route). In addition, a mark W indicating a flame is displayed on the screen Cb at the location where the emergency (fire) has occurred. In the display example of Fig. 11, the mark W is displayed near the checkout area Sa, so it can be recognized that an emergency has occurred near the checkout area Sa.

[0078] Also, the screen Cb displays an evacuation route Ya for customer A. The evacuation route Ya is determined based on the position Ta of the information terminal 7 attached to the cart 6 operated by customer A in the store T, the location where the emergency occurred, and the position of the exit Da closest to the position Ta that avoids the location where the emergency occurred. Note that the most appropriate evacuation route for another customer who is in a different location from customer A is displayed on the information terminal 7 of that other customer.

[0079] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 10, if it is determined that evacuation guidance route information has not been received from the server 2 (No in S41), the control unit 700 then determines whether or not a signal for lifting the emergency situation has been received from the server 2 (S44). If it is determined that a signal for lifting the emergency situation has not been received (No in S44), the control unit 700 returns to S31, and if it is determined that a signal for lifting the emergency situation has been received from the server 2 (Yes in S44), the control unit 700 deletes the display of the emergency situation information, the location where the emergency situation has occurred, and the evacuation guidance route related to the information terminal 7, which were displayed in S42 (S45). Then, the control unit 700 returns to S16.

[0080] Furthermore, in S21, when it is determined that the end key 772 has been operated (Yes in S21), the control unit 700 transmits product information of the product for which product registration processing has been performed to the server 2 (S22). Then, the control unit 700 performs a logoff process for the information terminal 7 (S23). Then, the control unit 700 ends the process.

[0081] According to the information terminal 7 of this embodiment, the evacuation guidance route required for the information terminal 7 to evacuate, received from the server 2, is displayed on the display unit 78. Therefore, the customer operating the cart 6 can evacuate safely by moving the cart 6 along the displayed evacuation guidance route.

[0082] Next, the control of the server 2 will be described. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the server 2. As shown in Fig. 12, the control unit 200 of the server 2 judges whether login information has been received from the information terminal 7 (S51). If it is judged that login information has been received from the information terminal 7 (Yes in S51), the login reception means 201 stores the customer code included in the received login information in the login information section 2321, and stores the received terminal code in the terminal code section 2322 (S52). Then, the control unit 200 returns to S51.

[0083] Furthermore, if it is determined that login information has not been received from the information terminal 7 (No in S51), the control unit 200 determines whether sales data has been received from the payment machine 3 (S53). If it is determined that sales data has been received from the payment machine 3 (Yes in S53), the control unit 200 additionally stores the received sales data in the sales information unit 231 (S54). The control unit 200 then returns to S51.

[0084] Furthermore, if it is determined that the received data is not sales data from the accounting machine 3 (No in S53), the control unit 200 determines whether beacon information has been received from beacon b (S55). If it is determined that beacon information has been received from beacon b (Yes in S55), the identification means 202 identifies the position (coordinates) of the information terminal 7 identified by the terminal code based on the received beacon code, terminal code, and radio wave strength information (S56). The control unit 200 then stores information on the identified position of the information terminal 7 in the information terminal position unit 2324. The control unit 200 then returns to S51.

[0085] Also, if it is determined that the beacon information is not received from the beacon b (No in S55), the emergency determination means 203 determines whether an emergency has occurred in the store T (i.e., whether there is an emergency) (S61). If it is determined that an emergency has not occurred in the store T (No in S61), the control unit 200 returns to S51, and if it is determined that an emergency has occurred in the store T (Yes in S61), the emergency location identification means 204 identifies the location where the emergency has occurred (S62). Then, the determination means 205 determines an evacuation guidance route for each information terminal 7 in the store T (S63). Then, the control unit 200 stores the evacuation guidance route information including the determined evacuation guidance route and the emergency information in the evacuation route unit 2325. Then, the transmission means 206 transmits the emergency information and the evacuation guidance route information including the determined evacuation guidance route to each information terminal 7 (S64).

[0086] Next, the control unit 200 judges whether the emergency has been lifted (S65). The emergency can be lifted by, for example, a manager of the store T performing a predetermined operation on the server 2 (for example, entering the manager's clerk code and then operating the lift button) to transmit an emergency lift signal and lift the emergency. If it is determined that the emergency has not been lifted (No in S65), it is determined whether beacon information has been received from the beacon b after the evacuation route information has been transmitted (S66). If the beacon information has not been received (No in S66), the process returns to S64. If it is determined that the beacon information has been received from the beacon b (Yes in S66), the control unit 200 additionally stores the position information of the new information terminal 7 in the position of the information terminal 7 stored in the information terminal position unit 2324, and updates the position information of the information terminal 7 stored in the information terminal position unit 2324 (S67). That is, the information terminal position unit 2324 stores the position information of the information terminal 7 previously specified and the position information of the newly specified information terminal 7.

[0087] Next, the movement determination means 207 determines whether the information terminal 7 (i.e., the cart 6 to which the information terminal 7 is attached) has moved a predetermined distance or more based on the new and old position information of the information terminal 7 stored in the information terminal position unit 2324 (S69). The predetermined distance is a distance that is determined in advance and is a distance that allows the information terminal 7 to be recognized as having moved substantially. If it is determined that the information terminal 7 has moved a predetermined distance or more (Yes in S69), the control unit 200 returns to S64, and if it is determined that the information terminal 7 has not moved a predetermined distance or more (i.e., the information terminal 7 has not moved substantially) (No in S69), the specific display means 208 superimposes the position of the information terminal 7 represented by the position information (coordinates) of the information terminal 7 on the map information stored in the store map information unit 242, and displays it on the display unit 27 with a message indicating that the information terminal 7 (i.e., the cart 6) has not moved substantially after transmitting the evacuation route information (S70). In addition, if there are any information terminals 7 that have not substantially moved after the transmission of the evacuation route information, the specific display means 208 displays the positions and messages of those information terminals 7 on the same screen of the display unit 27 (S70). The manager or person in charge of store T who sees this display can grasp at once the number, positions, and time that the information terminals 7 have not moved, which have remained stationary.

[0088] Fig. 13 shows an example of a screen displayed by the identification display means 208 on the display unit 27 in S70. In Fig. 13, information terminals 7 that have not substantially moved since transmitting evacuation route information are displayed at four locations, namely, positions Ha, Hb, Hc, and Hd. Then, at a location close to each information terminal 7, a message is displayed indicating the time that the information terminal 7 has been staying and the degree of danger according to the time that the information terminal 7 has been staying. A person in charge or the like who sees this message can determine which information terminal 7 the customer staying with should be given priority in rescuing.

[0089] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 12, on the other hand, when it is determined in S65 that the emergency has been lifted (Yes in S65), the control unit 200 transmits an emergency lift signal to each information terminal 7 (S71), and then the control unit 200 deletes information relating to the emergency (for example, information stored in the evacuation route unit 2325 and the movement determination unit 2326) (S72). The screen displayed on the display unit 27 in S70 is also deleted. Then, the control unit 200 returns to S51.

[0090] According to the server 2 of such an embodiment, an evacuation route for each customer (for each information terminal 7) is determined based on the position of the information terminal 7, the location where the emergency occurred, and the position of the exit, and is transmitted to the information terminal 7, so that each customer can be safely guided to the exit. In addition, since the position of information terminals 7 that have not substantially moved after transmitting the evacuation route information is displayed, store staff and the like can head to these information terminals 7 to provide rescue.

[0091] From here, the control of the payment machine 3 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the flow of the control process of the payment machine 3. As shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 300 of the payment machine 3 judges whether product information of a product registered in the information terminal 7 has been received from the server 2 (S81). Specifically, when the customer code is read by the card reading unit 39 in the payment machine 3, the control unit 300 associates the customer code with the payment machine code stored in the payment machine code unit 343 and transmits them to the server 2. The server 2 that has received the customer code and the payment machine code transmits the product information stored in the product information unit 2323 corresponding to the received customer code to the payment machine 3 specified by the payment machine code. In S81, the control unit 300 judges whether product information has been received from the server 2. If it is judged that product information has been received (Yes in S81), the control unit 300 stores the product information in the product information unit 331 (S82). Then, the control unit 300 returns to S81.

[0092] Furthermore, if it is determined that the signal has not been product information (No in S81), the control unit 300 determines whether the emergency button 41 has been operated (S83). If it is determined that the emergency button 41 has been operated (Yes in S83), the control unit 300 associates the emergency signal with the payment machine code stored in the payment machine code unit 343 and transmits them to the server 2. The control unit 300 then displays emergency information indicating that an emergency has occurred on the display unit 38 (S85).

[0093] Next, the control unit 300 judges whether the emergency has been lifted (whether an emergency lift signal has been received from the server 2) (S86). The control unit 300 waits until the emergency has been lifted (No in S86), and if it judges that the emergency has been lifted (Yes in S86), it deletes the display of the emergency information displayed in S85 (S87). Then, the control unit 300 returns to S81.

[0094] Furthermore, if it is determined that the emergency button 41 was not operated (No in S83), the control unit 300 determines whether the accounting key 371 was operated (S88). If not, the process returns to S81. If it is determined that the accounting key 371 was operated (Yes in S88), the control unit 300 executes accounting for the transaction based on the product information stored in the product information section 331 (S89). The control unit 300 then stores sales data for the product for which accounting was performed in the sales information section 332. The control unit 300 then returns to S81.

[0095] As described above, the evacuation guidance device 4 of the embodiment is an evacuation guidance device 4 composed of the server 2 and one or more information terminals 7 that are movable within the store T and can communicate with the server 2, wherein the information terminal 7 is equipped with a transmission means 702 that transmits identification information for identifying the position of its own information terminal 7, the server 2 is equipped with an identification means 202 that identifies the position of the information terminal 7 within the store T based on the identification information, a communication unit 29 that receives an emergency signal transmitted from the fire alarm 51 or the cash register 3, a determination means 205 that determines an evacuation guidance route for each information terminal 7 based on the identified position of the information terminal 7 when the emergency signal is received, and a transmission means 206 that transmits evacuation guidance route information including information on the determined evacuation guidance route to each information terminal 7, and the information terminal 7 is equipped with a display means 703 that displays the evacuation guidance route included in the evacuation guidance route information received from the server 2 on the display unit 78.

[0096] In the evacuation guidance device 4 of such an embodiment, the server 2 determines and transmits to each information terminal 7 in the store T an evacuation guidance route suitable for evacuation from the position of each information terminal 7, and the information terminal 7 displays the evacuation guidance route on the display unit 78. Therefore, in the event of an emergency, it becomes possible to guide customers safely.

[0097] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0098] For example, in the embodiment, the information terminal 7 can be attached to the cart 6. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the information terminal 7 may be attached to, for example, a shopping basket (carried by a customer) in which products are placed.

[0099] In the embodiment, the server 2 identifies the position of the information terminal 7 based on the beacon information transmitted from the beacon b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the server 2 may identify the position of the information terminal 7 by a known method using, for example, GPS (Global Positioning System) or WI-FI (Wireless Fidelity).

[0100] In the embodiment, the product information is first transmitted from the information terminal 7 to the server 2 and then transmitted to the payment machine 3. However, this is not limiting, and the product information may be transmitted directly from the information terminal 7 to the payment machine 3.

[0101] In the embodiment, the product information transmitted to the server 2 is stored in the product information section 2323 of the information terminal management section 232. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the product information may be stored in, for example, a customer server that handles customer information.

[0102] In the embodiment, the evacuation guidance device 4 is configured with the server 2 and the information terminal 7. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an evacuation guidance system including the server 2 and the information terminal 7 may be used.

[0103] In the embodiment, information of the information terminal 7 that has not substantially moved after transmitting the evacuation route information is displayed on the server 2. However, such a function is not essential.

[0104] In addition, in the embodiment, a fire and a burglary are described as examples of an emergency situation, but an emergency situation may be something other than a fire and a burglary.

[0105] In the embodiment, the fire alarm 51 and the payment machine 3 are described as examples of a transmission device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the transmission device may be either the fire alarm 51 or the payment machine 3.

[0106] In the embodiment, the store T has been described as an example of a commercial facility, but the commercial facility is not limited thereto and may be, for example, a shopping mall or an outdoor shopping facility. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1 System 2 Server 3. Cashier 4 Evacuation guidance device 6 Cart 7 Information terminal 27 Display section 29 Communications Department 41 Emergency Button 51 Fire alarm 65 Scanner 78 Display section 80 Card reader 200 Control section 201 Login acceptance method 202 Specific means 203 Emergency judgment means 204 Emergency location means 205 Decision-making Procedures 206 Transmission Method 207 Movement judgment means 208 Specific display means 231 Sales Information Department 232 Information Terminal Management Department 242 Store Map Information Department 300 Control section 343 Accounting Machine Code Section 700 Control section 701 Login Method 702 Means of transmission 703 Display means 731 Product Information Department 732 Evacuation Route Section 733 Customer Code Department 743 Terminal Code Section 744 Store Map Information Department 2321 Login Information Department 2322 Terminal Code Section 2324 Information terminal location section 2325 Evacuation Routes Department 2326 Movement judgment unit T Store Ya Evacuation route b Beacon [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0108] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-57166 A

Claims

1. An evacuation guidance device comprising a server and one or more information terminals movable within a commercial facility and capable of communicating with the server, The information terminal includes: A transmitting means for transmitting specific information for identifying the location of the user's own information terminal; Equipped with The server, an identification means for identifying a location of the information terminal within the commercial facility based on the identification information; a receiving unit that receives an emergency signal transmitted from a transmitting device; a determination means for determining an evacuation route for each information terminal based on the identified position of the information terminal when the emergency signal is received; A transmission means for transmitting evacuation route information including information on the determined evacuation route to each information terminal; Equipped with The information terminal includes: a display means for displaying, on a display unit, an evacuation route included in the evacuation route information received from the server; An evacuation guidance device equipped with

2. the identifying means identifies the location of the information terminal based on the location of a beacon that receives the strongest radio wave of the specific information transmitted by the transmitting means, among a plurality of beacons arranged in the commercial facility; The evacuation guiding device according to claim 1.

3. the determining means determines an evacuation route based on an installation position of the transmitting device, a position of the information terminal, and a position of an exit of the commercial facility. The evacuation guiding device according to claim 1.

4. the determining means determines the evacuation route while avoiding a location of a fire alarm that has detected a fire and transmitted the emergency signal among a plurality of fire alarms installed in the commercial facility. The evacuation guiding device according to claim 3.

5. The server, a movement determining means for determining whether the information terminal has moved a predetermined distance or more from a specified position after transmitting the evacuation route information; a specific display means for displaying the information terminal that the movement determination means has determined not to have moved the predetermined distance or more; The evacuation guiding device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

6. the identifying means is configured to determine the emergency button position, among a plurality of emergency buttons installed in the commercial facility, so as to avoid the position of the emergency button that has transmitted the emergency signal based on an operation during an emergency. The evacuation guiding device according to claim 1.

7. An evacuation guidance method for an evacuation guidance device including a server and one or more information terminals movable within a commercial facility and capable of communicating with the server, comprising: The information terminal includes: a transmitting step of transmitting specific information for identifying the location of the information terminal; Equipped with The server, a specifying step of specifying a location of the information terminal within the commercial facility based on the specific information transmitted in the transmitting step; a determination step of determining an evacuation route for each information terminal based on the position of the information terminal identified in the identification step when an emergency signal transmitted from a transmitting device is received; a transmission step of transmitting evacuation route information including information on the evacuation route determined by the determination step to each information terminal; Equipped with The information terminal includes: a display step of displaying, on a display unit, an evacuation route included in the evacuation route information transmitted from the server in the transmission step; Evacuation guidance methods including:

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