Information providing system

Abstract

To provide an information providing system and a POS terminal capable of improving the effectiveness of sales promotion.SOLUTION: An information providing system includes a POS terminal in which products are registered, and a POS server that transmits recommendation information and detailed information of the recommendation information to the POS terminal. The recommendation information includes recommended products and the detailed information includes location information indicating the locations of the recommended products, and the POS terminal includes a display device that displays the recommended products and the location information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information providing system and a POS terminal that provide information for sales promotion in a store. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that, for the purpose of promoting sales of products, coupons or information on recommended products is provided to each customer. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes efficient sales promotion by selecting and distributing coupons that are likely to be used by users based on their coupon usage records. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4943281 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, convenience stores, supermarkets, and other stores have increasingly introduced self-checkout systems in which customers can move around the store and register the products they purchase in a POS terminal, and then make payments. In such self-checkout systems, the number of touch points via POS terminals in the store increases, and the timing of providing information on recommended products and the like also increases. In this case, the situation of the user, such as the current location, differs at each timing, so that the expected sales promotion effect may not be achieved even if information is provided according to the user's usage history.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an information providing system and a POS terminal that can improve the effectiveness of sales promotion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information provision system of the present invention comprises a POS terminal where products are registered, and a POS server which transmits recommendation information and detailed information of the recommendation information to the POS terminal, the recommendation information including recommended products, the detailed information including location information indicating the location of the recommended products, and the POS terminal comprises a display device which displays the recommended products and the location information.

[0007] The POS terminal of the present invention comprises a reading device that reads product information, a communication device that transmits the information read by the reading device to a POS server and receives recommendation information and detailed information of the recommendation information from the POS server, and a display device that displays the recommendation information and detailed information, wherein the recommendation information includes recommended products and the detailed information includes location information indicating the location of the recommended products. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the information provision system and POS terminal of the present invention, by displaying recommended products and location information on the POS terminal, the user can make a purchase decision for the recommended product based on the user's current location and other circumstances and the location information of the recommended product, thereby improving the effectiveness of sales promotion. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an information providing system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a control block diagram of an information providing system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations of the information providing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is an example of a registration screen displayed on the POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 13 is an example of a details screen displayed on the POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 13 is another example of a details screen displayed on the POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 is an example of a details screen displayed on a POS terminal according to Modification Example 1-1. [Figure 8] 13 is an example of a details screen displayed on a POS terminal according to Modification 1-2. [Figure 9] 13 is an example of a details screen displayed on a POS terminal according to Modification Example 1-3. [Figure 10] 13 is an example of a registration screen displayed on a POS terminal according to Modification Example 1-4. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations of the information providing system 100 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is an example of a details screen displayed on a POS terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is an example of an updated registration screen displayed on the POS terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is an example of a registration screen including saved recommendation information, which is displayed on the POS terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is an example of a registration screen displayed on a POS terminal according to Modification Example 2-1. [Figure 16] 13 is an example of a registration screen displayed on a POS terminal according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] 13 is an example of a registration screen including chat contents displayed on a POS terminal according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an information providing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. In addition, the shape, size, arrangement, etc. of the configurations shown in each drawing may be changed as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.

[0011] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an information provision system 100 according to a first embodiment. The information provision system 100 according to this embodiment is used in retail stores such as convenience stores or supermarkets. As shown in FIG. 1, the information provision system 100 includes a POS terminal 1 and a POS server 2. The POS terminal 1 and the POS server 2 are connected to each other via a network 200 such as a LAN or the Internet so as to be capable of wireless communication. Although one POS terminal 1 and one POS server 2 are shown in FIG. 1, the number of the POS terminals 1 and the POS servers 2 may be multiple.

[0012] The POS terminal 1 is used by a user who visits a store to shop and registers and pays for products himself, and is, for example, a portable terminal such as a dedicated POS terminal, a PC, a tablet, or a smartphone. The POS terminal 1 has the function of a POS register that registers, settles, and pays for products purchased by the user. In this embodiment, the POS terminal 1 is a tablet mounted on a shopping cart. The user uses the POS terminal 1 to register products while moving around the store.

[0013] The POS server 2 is a server that manages the POS system in the store. The POS server 2 manages product information on the products handled in the store and user information on the users who use the store. The POS server 2 also provides recommendation information and detailed information for sales promotion to the POS terminal 1 based on the product information and user information.

[0014] 2 is a control block diagram of the information providing system 100 according to the embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the POS terminal 1 includes a control device 11, a display device 12, an operation device 13, a reading device 14, and a communication device 15.

[0015] The control device 11 includes a processor such as a CPU and a memory. The control device 11 includes a product registration unit 111, a payment processing unit 112, and a display control unit 113. Each unit of the control device 11 is a functional unit that is realized by the processor executing a program stored in the memory. At least one of the units of the control device 11 may be realized by a processing circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0016] The product registration unit 111 registers the product read by the reading device 14 as a product to be purchased and settles the bill. The payment processing unit 112 performs payment processing for the product registered and settled by the product registration unit 111. The POS terminal 1 of this embodiment allows payment by prepaid card, credit card, electronic money, or barcode. When the user selects payment by prepaid card, credit card, electronic money, or barcode, the payment processing unit 112 performs payment processing based on the input information of the prepaid card, credit card, electronic money, or barcode.

[0017] The display control unit 113 controls the display device 12 to display information about the product read by the reading device 14 and information about the checkout and settlement of the product. The display control unit 113 also generates a display screen based on the recommendation information and detailed information provided by the POS server 2, and displays it on the display device 12.

[0018] The display device 12 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays a screen including information on registered products, information on checkout and settlement of products, and recommendation information and detailed information provided by the POS server 2.

[0019] The operation device 13 is, for example, a touch panel formed integrally with the display device 12. The operation device 13 is operated by a user to log in when starting use, manually register products without barcodes, give payment instructions, select a payment method, input information for payment (such as a PIN number), and select recommended information.

[0020] The reading device 14 is a device that irradiates a laser scanning line onto a commodity to read a barcode attached to the commodity. The commodity information read by the reading device 14 is transmitted to the control device 11. The reading device 14 may also include a card reader that reads information on a prepaid card or credit card, a scanner that reads information on electronic money or a barcode, or a camera.

[0021] The communication device 15 is a network interface that transmits and receives data to and from the POS server 2 via wireless communication. The communication device 15 transmits information input by a user via the POS terminal 1 to the POS server 2. In addition, the communication device 15 receives information transmitted from the POS server 2 and outputs it to the control device 11.

[0022] The POS server 2 includes a control device 21, a communication device 22, and a storage device 23. The control device 21 manages information input to the POS terminal 1 and information provided to the POS terminal 1, and includes a processor such as a CPU, and a memory. The control device 21 includes a recommendation information extraction unit 211 and a detailed information generation unit 212. Each unit of the control device 21 is a functional unit that is realized by the processor executing a program stored in the memory. At least one of the units of the control device 21 may be realized by a processing circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0023] The recommendation information extraction unit 211 extracts recommendation information based on the user information and product information stored in the storage device 23 at the timing when the POS terminal 1 is operated, and transmits the recommendation information to the POS terminal 1. The recommendation information is information on a recommended product or coupon.

[0024] The detailed information generating unit 212 generates detailed information of the selected recommendation information based on a request from the POS terminal 1, and transmits the detailed information to the POS terminal 1. The detailed information is additional information related to the recommended product or coupon, and location information of the recommended product.

[0025] The communication device 22 is a network interface that transmits and receives data via wireless communication with the POS terminal 1. The communication device 22 outputs information received from the POS terminal 1 to the control device 21. In addition, the communication device 22 transmits the recommendation information extracted by the control device 21 and the detailed information generated by the control device 21 to the POS terminal 1.

[0026] The storage device 23 is, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a ROM or a flash memory, a volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM, or a HDD, which stores data used in the information providing system 100. The storage device 23 includes a user information database 231 that stores user information, a product information database 232 that stores product information, and a recommendation information database 233 that stores recommendation information. In FIG. 2, "database" is abbreviated to "DB."

[0027] The user information database 231 is a database that includes user information on users who use the POS terminal 1. The user information includes user identification information such as the user's name, age, and sex, the user's payment information, the user's past operation history information, and the user's past purchase history. The product information database 232 is a database that includes product information on products handled in the store. The product information includes product identification information that identifies the product, such as the product name, JAN, and price.

[0028] The recommendation information database 233 is a database including recommendation data serving as source data for selecting recommended products, coupons, and additional information on recommended products or coupons. The recommendation data includes user information stored in the user information database 231 and product information stored in the product information database 232, and is acquired by periodically synchronizing with the user information database 231 and the product information database 232. The recommendation data also includes one or more product characteristics that are selection conditions for the recommended product for each product. The product characteristics include shelf allocation information indicating the shelf allocation of the product, inventory information indicating the inventory of the product, and information on product sales. A plurality of coupon candidates are determined for each product purchased in advance, the age and sex of the user, season, or weather, and are stored in the recommendation information database 233. The additional information on the recommended product or coupon is the allergens of the recommended product, the recommended points, or the expiration date of the coupon. The recommended points of the recommended product are information on the characteristics of the product's ingredients, information on time sales, or ranking information by day / week / month or by sex / generation.

[0029] Next, the operation of the information providing system 100 of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of the information providing system 100 of the first embodiment. First, a user logs in to the POS terminal 1 (S1). Then, information entered at the time of login is transmitted from the POS terminal 1 to the POS server 2 as user information (S2).

[0030] Then, the product to be purchased is registered in the POS terminal 1 (S3), and information on the registered product is transmitted as registration information to the POS server 2 (S4). The control device 21 of the POS server 2 extracts recommendation information from the recommendation information database 233 based on the user information and registration information received from the POS terminal 1 (S5), and transmits the information to the POS terminal 1 (S6).

[0031] The recommendation information is extracted by the recommendation information extraction unit 211 of the control device 21 of the POS server 2. The recommendation information extraction unit 211 selects recommended products using the user information and registration information received from the POS terminal 1 and the recommendation data included in the recommendation information database 233. In detail, the recommendation information extraction unit 211 assigns a score to each product included in the recommendation data, and selects products with scores equal to or greater than a threshold as recommended products. Here, when there are many products with scores equal to or greater than the threshold, one or more recommended products are randomly selected from the products with scores equal to or greater than the threshold.

[0032] For example, a product that has a temporary product characteristic such as a product on sale or a product with a low stock, or a product located near the POS terminal 1, is set to have a high priority as a recommended product and is given a high score. The location of the POS terminal 1 is estimated from the shelf allocation information of the product registered in the POS terminal 1, and a product close to the location of the POS terminal 1 is identified from the estimated location of the POS terminal 1 and the shelf allocation information of the product included in the recommendation data. Furthermore, a product with a purchase history of the user or a product that is likely to be purchased based on the user's age or gender is set to have a medium priority as a recommended product and is given a medium score. Furthermore, a product that is closely related to a registered product, a product that is closely related to a product whose registration has been cancelled, a seasonal product, or a weather-related product is set to have a low priority as a recommended product and is given a low score. Furthermore, products that are out of stock in the store and products that the user cannot purchase due to his or her age are excluded from the selection of recommended products.

[0033] Further, the recommendation information extraction unit 211 selects a coupon using the user information and registration information received from the POS terminal 1. Specifically, the recommendation information extraction unit 211 selects a coupon corresponding to a product registered with the user, the age and sex of the user, the season, or the weather from among a plurality of coupons included in the recommendation information database 233. The recommendation information extraction unit 211 transmits the selected recommended product and coupon to the POS terminal 1 as recommendation information. On the other hand, if there is no product with a score equal to or greater than the threshold, or if there is no coupon corresponding to a product registered with the user, the age and sex of the user, the season, or the weather, the recommendation information extraction unit 211 does not transmit the recommendation information to the POS terminal 1. Note that the method of extracting the recommendation information is not limited to the above. For example, the recommendation information extraction unit 211 may extract recommendation information using a trained model in which the user information, the registration information, and the season or weather information input to the POS terminal 1 are used as input data, and the recommendation information is used as output data. In this case, the trained model learns the weighting of factors such as product characteristics, the user's age, gender, or purchasing history, season, or weather, as described above, and outputs recommended products and coupons.

[0034] The control device 11 of the POS terminal 1 creates a screen including the recommendation information received from the POS server 2, and displays it on the display device 12 (S7). FIG. 4 is an example of a registration screen 3 displayed on the POS terminal 1 according to the first embodiment. The registration screen 3 in FIG. 4 is a screen that is displayed when a user uses the POS terminal 1 to register a product. The registration screen 3 is generated by the display control unit 113 of the control device 11 based on the registration information and the recommendation information. As shown in FIG. 4, the registration screen 3 includes a registration information display unit 31 and a recommendation information display unit 32. The registration screen 3 also includes a checkout button 33a, a cancel button 33b, a manual registration button 33c, and a coupon display button 33d.

[0035] The registration information display unit 31 displays registration information related to products registered in the POS terminal 1. Specifically, the registration information display unit 31 displays the name, quantity, price, total amount, etc. of the registered products. The recommendation information display unit 32 displays the recommendation information received from the POS server 2. Specifically, when the recommendation information is a recommended product, a photo or icon indicating the recommended product, the product name, and the price are displayed. When the recommendation information is a coupon, a photo or icon indicating the recommended coupon, the coupon name, and the coupon content are displayed.

[0036] The checkout button 33a is operated when checking out a registered product. The cancel button 33b is operated when canceling a registered product. The manual registration button 33c is operated when registering a manually registered product that does not have a barcode, such as fruits and vegetables. The coupon display button 33d is operated when displaying a list of available coupons.

[0037] Returning to Fig. 3, in the POS terminal 1, it is determined whether any of the recommended information displayed on the recommended information display unit 32 has been selected (S8). Here, when the user touches a photo or icon of a recommended product or coupon displayed on the recommended information display unit 32, it is determined that the touched product or coupon has been selected. When the recommended information displayed on the recommended information display unit 32 has not been selected (S8: NO), the process returns to step S3, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0038] When any of the recommended information displayed on the recommended information display unit 32 is selected (S8: YES), the control device 11 of the POS terminal 1 requests detailed information of the selected recommended information from the POS server 2 (S9). In response to the request from the POS terminal 1, the control device 21 of the POS server 2 generates detailed information of the selected recommended information (S10) and transmits it to the POS terminal 1 (S11).

[0039] The detailed information is generated by the detailed information generating unit 212 of the control device 21 of the POS server 2. When the selected recommendation information is a recommended product, the detailed information generating unit 212 extracts shelf allocation information of the selected recommended product from shelf allocation information included in the recommendation data stored in the recommendation information database 233, and generates location information including a map. The detailed information generating unit 212 also extracts additional information of the selected recommended product from the additional information stored in the recommendation information database 233. Then, the detailed information generating unit 212 transmits the location information and the additional information to the POS terminal 1 as detailed information.

[0040] The control device 11 of the POS terminal 1 generates a details screen 4 including the detailed information received from the POS server 2, and displays it on the display device 12 (S12). FIG. 5 is an example of the details screen 4 displayed on the POS terminal 1 according to the first embodiment. The details screen 4 in FIG. 5 is displayed when any of the recommended products displayed in the recommended information display section 32 is selected. As shown in FIG. 5, the details screen 4 includes a message display section 40, a product display section 41, an additional information display section 42, a location information display section 43, and a close button 44.

[0041] The message display unit 40 displays a message recommending a product to the user. The product display unit 41 displays a photo or icon of the selected recommended product, the product name, and the price. The additional information display unit 42 displays additional information related to the selected recommended product. For example, in the example of FIG. 5, an allergy indication for the selected recommended product is displayed. The location information display unit 43 displays location information for the selected recommended product. For example, in the example of FIG. 5, the shelf number of the selected recommended product and a map of the store showing the shelf location are displayed.

[0042] Fig. 6 is another example of the details screen 4 displayed on the POS terminal 1 according to the first embodiment. The details screen 4 in Fig. 6 is displayed when any of the coupons displayed in the recommended information display section 32 is selected. As shown in Fig. 6, when a coupon is selected, the details screen 4 includes a message display section 40, a product display section 41, an additional information display section 42, a location information display section 43, a close button 44, and in addition, a use button 45.

[0043] The message display section 40 displays a message informing the user that a coupon is being distributed. The product display section 41 displays a photo or icon of the selected coupon and the contents of the coupon. The additional information display section 42 displays additional information related to the selected coupon. For example, in the example of FIG. 6, a description of the selected coupon and the coupon's expiration date are displayed. The location information display section 43 displays the location information of the product that the selected coupon applies to. Furthermore, the selected coupon is applied when the user presses the use button 45 on the details screen 4.

[0044] By pressing the close button 44 on the details screen 4, the details screen 4 is closed and the display on the display device 12 returns to the registration screen 3. Thereafter, the process returns to step S3, and each time a product is registered, recommendation information and detailed information related to the registered product are displayed. The displayed recommendation information may be erased if a certain period of time has passed since it was displayed, or may be erased when a new product is registered.

[0045] As described above, in the information provision system 100 of this embodiment, detailed information including location information of the recommended product is displayed on the POS terminal 1 together with the recommended product. This allows the user to easily know where the recommended product is located relative to the current location, which can encourage the user to purchase the recommended product. Also, by displaying additional information such as allergy information as detailed information in addition to location information, the user can use this information as a reference in deciding whether or not to purchase the product. This can improve the effectiveness of sales promotion for the recommended product.

[0046] The detailed information included in the details screen 4 displayed on the display device 12 of the POS terminal 1 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 shows an example of the details screen 4 displayed on the POS terminal 1 according to the modified example 1-1. As shown in FIG. 7, the additional information display unit 42 may display the recommended points of the selected recommended product and the in-store stock status of the selected product. The detailed information generation unit 212 of the POS server 2 extracts the stock status of the selected recommended product from the stock information stored in the recommendation information database 233, and generates detailed information.

[0047] Fig. 8 is an example of a details screen 4 displayed on the POS terminal 1 according to the modified example 1-2. As shown in Fig. 8, if the selected recommended product is on a limited-time sale, a message to that effect may be displayed in the message display section 40 of the details screen 4. Also, the additional information display section 42 of the details screen 4 may display, as recommended points of the selected product, that the product is on a limited-time sale, the sale price, and the remaining time of the limited-time sale. The detailed information generating section 212 of the POS server 2 extracts sale information of the selected recommended product from the information related to the sale of the product stored in the recommended information database 233, and generates detailed information.

[0048] Fig. 9 is an example of a details screen 4 displayed on the POS terminal 1 according to the modification 1-3. As shown in Fig. 9, if the selected recommended product was previously purchased, a message may be displayed in the message display section 40 of the details screen 4 to inform the user that the product was previously purchased. In addition, the additional information display section 42 may display, as a recommended point of the selected recommended product, that the product was previously purchased. The detailed information generating section 212 of the POS server 2 extracts the purchase history of the selected recommended product from the past purchase history of the user stored in the recommendation information database 233, and generates detailed information.

[0049] By enriching the content displayed on the details screen 4 as in Modifications 1-1 to 1-3, it is possible to make the recommended products more appealing to the user, and to improve the effectiveness of sales promotion.

[0050] Furthermore, the display of the recommended information display section 32 of the registration screen 3 displayed on the display device 12 of the POS terminal 1 is not limited to the example of Fig. 4. Fig. 10 is an example of the registration screen 3 displayed on the POS terminal 1 according to Modification 1-4. As shown in Fig. 10, additional information may be displayed in the recommended information display section 32. This can attract the user's interest in the recommended information displayed on the registration screen 3, further improving the effectiveness of sales promotion.

[0051] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when a product is registered in the POS terminal 1, the POS server 2 extracts recommendation information and displays it on the POS terminal 1, but this is not limiting. For example, when a user logs in to the POS terminal 1, recommendation information based on user information, season, or weather may be extracted and displayed on the POS terminal 1. In addition, when displaying the recommendation information in the recommendation information display section 32 of the registration screen 3 and the additional information and location information on the details screen 4, the display method may be changed, such as changing the color or blinking depending on the information. For example, when a recommended product is on sale or the number of products in the store is low, the product can be highlighted in red to attract the user's attention.

[0052] Embodiment 2 Next, an information providing system 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. The information providing system 100 according to the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it can store recommendation information. The configuration and other functions of the information providing system 100 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0053] 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations of the information providing system 100 according to the embodiment 2. In the information providing system 100 of this embodiment, the same operations as steps S1 to S11 of the embodiment 1 are performed. Then, when any piece of recommended information is selected in the recommended information display unit 32, a details screen 4A is displayed on the display device 12 of the POS terminal 1 (S12).

[0054] Fig. 12 is an example of a details screen 4A displayed on the POS terminal 1 according to the embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 12, the details screen 4A according to the embodiment displays a message display section 40, a product display section 41, an additional information display section 42, a location information display section 43, a close button 44, and in addition, a save button 46.

[0055] 11, the control device 11 of the POS terminal 1 judges whether or not to save the selected recommendation information (S13). Here, when the user presses the save button 46 on the details screen 4A, the POS terminal 1 judges to save the selected recommendation information.

[0056] If the selected recommendation information is not to be saved (S13: NO), the process returns to step S3 and the subsequent processes are repeated. On the other hand, if the selected recommendation information is to be saved (S13: YES), the control device 11 of the POS terminal 1 requests the POS server 2 to save the selected recommendation information (S14). The control device 21 of the POS server 2 saves the recommendation information selected in response to the request from the POS terminal 1 and detailed information of the recommendation information in the recommendation information database 233 (S15).

[0057] Furthermore, when the selected recommendation information is saved, the control device 11 of the POS terminal 1 updates the registration screen 3 (S16). Fig. 13 is an example of the updated registration screen 3A displayed on the POS terminal 1 according to the second embodiment. When there is recommendation information saved by the user, the display control unit 113 of the POS terminal 1 displays a redisplay button 34, which is operated to redisplay the saved recommendation information, in the recommendation information display unit 32 of the registration screen 3A.

[0058] Returning to Fig. 11, the control device 11 of the POS terminal 1 judges whether or not a command to redisplay the saved recommended information has been issued (S17). Here, the control device 11 of the POS terminal 1 judges that a command to redisplay the saved recommended information has been issued when the redisplay button 34 is pressed on the registration screen 3A. If a command to redisplay the saved recommended information has not been issued (S17: NO), the process returns to step S3 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0059] On the other hand, if an instruction to redisplay the stored recommendation information is given (S17: YES), the control device 11 of the POS terminal 1 requests the stored recommendation information from the POS server 2 (S18). The control device 21 of the POS server 2 transmits the stored recommendation information requested by the POS terminal 1 to the POS terminal 1 (S19). Then, the control device 11 of the POS terminal 1 displays the stored recommendation information received from the POS server 2 on the registration screen 3A (S20).

[0060] Fig. 14 is an example of a registration screen 3A including saved recommended information displayed on the POS terminal 1 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 14, the display control unit 113 of the POS terminal 1 displays the saved recommended information in the recommended information display unit 32 of the registration screen 3A so that it is clear that the recommended information has been saved and redisplayed. After that, the process returns to step S8, and a details screen is displayed in response to the user's selection of the recommended information.

[0061] As described above, in the information providing system 100 of this embodiment, the recommendation information can be saved and redisplayed at any timing desired by the user. As a result, for example, if the location of the recommended product is far away when the recommended product is first displayed as recommendation information, the recommendation information can be saved and redisplayed when the recommended product comes close. In this way, by saving and redisplaying the recommendation information according to the user's situation, the convenience for the user can be improved and the effectiveness of sales promotion can be further improved.

[0062] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the stored recommendation information is redisplayed by being triggered by an instruction from a user, but the present invention is not limited to this. Fig. 15 is an example of a registration screen 3A displayed on the POS terminal 1 according to the modified example 2-1. For example, the control device 21 of the POS server 2 estimates the position of the POS terminal 1 from the shelf allocation information of the product registered immediately before by the POS terminal 1. Then, when the estimated position of the POS terminal 1 is close to the position information of the stored recommendation information, the recommended information stored in the POS terminal 1 and a message indicating that the position is close may be transmitted to the recommendation information display unit 32.

[0063] The location of the POS terminal 1 may be estimated by a beacon and a receiver, or a camera, provided on the shelves in the store and on the POS terminal 1. Instead of a message indicating that the location is nearby, the display color of the saved recommended information may be changed from the display color of other recommended information, or the periphery of the saved recommended information may be blinked to notify that the location is nearby.

[0064] This allows products to be recommended to users at a time when the users are most likely to pick up the products, further improving the effectiveness of sales promotion. Alternatively, the saved recommendation information may be redisplayed on the display device 12 when the user pays for the product at the POS terminal 1. This prevents the user from forgetting to buy the product.

[0065] Embodiment 3 An information providing system 100 according to the third embodiment will be described. The information providing system 100 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it provides recommendation information in response to an input from a user. The configuration and other functions of the information providing system 100 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0066] Fig. 16 is an example of a registration screen 3B displayed on the POS terminal 1 according to the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 16, the registration screen 3B includes a chat display section 35. A text input section 351, a numeric keypad 352, and a voice input button 353 are displayed on the chat display section 35. A user operates the numeric keypad 352 to input a question into the text input section 351. Also, the POS terminal 1 may be provided with a voice input device such as a microphone so that a question can be input by voice input when the voice input button 353 is operated.

[0067] The control device 11 of the POS terminal 1 transmits the question input by the user to the POS server 2. The control device 21 of the POS server 2 has an interactive AI function, creates an answer to the question input to the POS terminal 1, and transmits it to the POS terminal 1. Specifically, the control device 21 analyzes the question input by the user, and extracts recommendation information corresponding to the question from the recommendation information database 233. The method of extracting recommendation information is the same as in the first embodiment, and a score of the product corresponding to the user's question is set high to select a recommended product. Then, the control device 21 generates an answer including the recommendation information. The POS terminal 1 displays the answer from the POS server 2 on the chat display section 35 of the registration screen 3B.

[0068] FIG. 17 is an example of a registration screen 3B including chat content displayed on the POS terminal 1 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, the chat display section 35 displays a question from the user and a reply to the question from the POS server 2. The reply from the POS server 2 includes a link to detailed information about the recommended product. When the user touches the name of a recommended product included in the reply from the POS server 2 on the registration screen 3B (in the example of FIG. 17, "carrots," "potatoes," "pork block," etc.), the POS terminal 1 determines that the recommended product has been selected and requests detailed information from the POS server 2. Then, similar to the first embodiment, detailed information including location information of the recommendation information created by the POS server 2 is transmitted to the POS terminal 1, and the details screen 4 is displayed on the POS terminal 1.

[0069] Instead of the above example in which the reply from the POS server 2 includes a link to detailed information about the recommended product, the reply from the POS server 2 and a photo or icon showing the recommended product included in the reply may be displayed on the chat display unit 35. In this case, similar to the first embodiment, when the user touches the photo or icon showing the recommended product, the POS terminal 1 determines that the recommendation information has been selected and requests detailed information from the POS server 2.

[0070] As described above, in the information providing system 100 of this embodiment, the user can actively obtain recommendation information by using the chat function. This makes it possible to provide recommendation information that meets the user's wishes, thereby further improving the effectiveness of sales promotion.

[0071] The above is an explanation of the embodiment, but the above embodiment can be modified and combined. For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the user registers products while moving the POS terminal 1 has been explained, but the POS terminal 1 does not have to be moved by the user. For example, even in the case where the user remotely controls the robot to move the POS terminal 1 and register products, the effect of sales promotion can be improved by providing information according to the present invention.

[0072] Also, all or part of the functions of the POS terminal 1 and the POS server 2 may be provided in other devices or servers. As a specific example, each database stored in the storage device 23 of the POS server 2 may be provided in a separate server. Also, the configuration of the database in the storage device 23 of the POS server 2 is not limited to the example of FIG. 2. For example, user information excluding payment information and operation history may be stored as member data, data related to payment may be stored as POS data, and product information may be stored as independent core data for each store. Also, the registration screen 3 and the details screen 4 displayed on the display device 12 of the POS terminal 1 may be generated in the control device 21 of the POS server 2, and the screen data may be transmitted to the POS terminal 1.

[0073] Furthermore, the method of extracting the recommendation information is not limited to the method described in the above embodiment. For example, the recommendation information extraction unit 211 may extract the recommendation information using the age and location information of the user. Generally, whether a user can reach a purchasing behavior for a recommended product within 15 to 30 seconds, which is the time it takes for the user to recognize the recommended product in short-term memory, depends on the distance from the current location to the recommended product and the user's moving speed. The user's moving speed is affected by physical changes according to age. Therefore, it is possible to optimize purchase promotion by estimating the expected purchase range using the user's age and location information, and extracting and displaying recommendation information related to products displayed within the purchase range.

[0074] Specifically, the recommendation information extraction unit 211 extracts recommendation information using a trained model that uses as input data the user's age based on the user information input to the POS terminal 1, the registration information, and the user's location information at the time of product registration, and outputs recommendation information as output data. The trained model is trained using the user's age, the registration information at the time of past product registration, the location information at the time of past product registration, and the recommendation information that has a history of use / purchase at that time as training data. Alternatively, the recommendation information extraction unit 211 may extract recommendation information in the same manner as in the first embodiment by estimating the user's purchase range from the user's age and location information, and assigning a high score to products within the purchase range.

[0075] Alternatively, the recommendation information extraction unit 211 may extract recommendation information using changes in user location information. Usually, the route that a user takes in a store varies depending on the user's purpose. Therefore, even if a product that is not on the user's route is recommended, it is highly unlikely to lead to the user's purchase. Therefore, the user's route is estimated from the changes in the user's location information, and recommendation information regarding products that are on the estimated route is extracted. This allows a seamless process from displaying recommendation information to purchasing behavior.

[0076] Specifically, the recommendation information extraction unit 211 extracts recommendation information using a trained model that uses the registration information input to the POS terminal 1 and the user's location information history as input data and outputs recommendation information as output data. The trained model is trained using the registration information at the time of past product registration, the location information history at the time of past product registration, and the recommendation information that has been used / purchased at that time as training data. Alternatively, the recommendation information extraction unit 211 may extract recommendation information in the same manner as in the first embodiment by estimating a movement route from the user's location information history and assigning a high score to products on the movement route.

[0077] Alternatively, the recommendation information extraction unit 211 may extract recommendation information using the time period in which the product is registered. In general, it is estimated that the tendency of purchased products differs depending on the time period in which the user visits the store. For example, the purchasing behavior of fresh food is strong in the time period before dinner, when the rate of home cooking is high, and the purchasing behavior of prepared foods or bento boxes is strong in the time period before lunch, when the rate of home cooking is low. Therefore, by extracting recommendation information about products with a high purchasing tendency from the time period in which the product is registered, the effect of sales promotion can be improved.

[0078] Specifically, the recommendation information extraction unit 211 extracts recommendation information using a trained model that uses the registration information input to the POS terminal 1 and the time period when the product was registered as input data and outputs recommendation information as output data. The trained model is trained using the registration information at the time of past product registration, the time when the product was registered in the past, and the recommendation information that had a usage / purchase history at that time as training data. Alternatively, the recommendation information extraction unit 211 may extract recommendation information in the same manner as in the first embodiment by classifying purchase data by time period by category and assigning a high score to products with a high purchase history in the time period when the product was registered. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1 POS terminal, 2 POS server, 3, 3A, 3B registration screen, 4, 4A detail screen, 11 control device, 12 display device, 13 operation device, 14 reading device, 15 communication device, 21 control device, 22 communication device, 23 storage device, 31 registration information display section, 32 recommendation information display section, 33a checkout button, 33b cancel button, 33c manual registration button, 33d coupon display button, 34 redisplay button, 35 chat display section, 40 message display section, 41 product display section, 42 additional information display section, 43 location information display section, 44 close button, 45 use button, 46 save button, 100 information provision system, 111 product registration section, 112 payment processing section, 113 display control section, 200 network, 211 recommendation information extraction section, 212 detailed information generation section, 231 User information database, 232 product information database, 233 recommendation information database, 351 text input section, 352 numeric keypad, 353 voice input button.

Claims

1. a POS terminal where products are registered; a POS server that transmits recommendation information and detailed information of the recommendation information to the POS terminal; The recommendation information includes a recommended product, The detailed information includes location information indicating a location of the recommended product, The POS terminal is an information providing system including a display device that displays the recommended products and the location information.

2. The information providing system according to claim 1 , wherein the detailed information further includes at least one of an allergy indication, a recommended point, an in-store inventory, and sales information of the recommended product.

3. The display device includes: Displaying the recommendation information on a registration screen when registering the product; 3. The information providing system according to claim 1, wherein when the recommended information is selected by a user on the registration screen, the detailed information is displayed on a details screen.

4. the detail screen includes a save button for saving the recommendation information, When the save button is operated by the user, the POS server saves the recommendation information; The information providing system according to claim 3 , wherein the registration screen includes a redisplay button for redisplaying the saved recommendation information.

5. the detail screen includes a save button for saving the recommendation information, The POS server includes: When the save button is operated by the user, the recommendation information is saved; 4. The information providing system according to claim 3, wherein when the position of the POS terminal approaches the position information, the stored recommendation information is redisplayed on the display device of the POS terminal.

6. The information provision system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the POS server extracts the recommendation information using a trained model that uses the user's location information at the time the product was registered, the user's location information history, or the time period as input data and the recommendation information as output data.

7. A reading device for reading product information; a communication device that transmits the information read by the reading device to a POS server and receives recommendation information and detailed information of the recommendation information from the POS server; a display device that displays the recommendation information and the detailed information, The recommendation information includes a recommended product, The detailed information includes location information indicating a location of the recommended product.

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