System
The system enhances the efficiency and flexibility of in-store product collection by using electronic shelf labels and a picking device to guide store clerks and manage alternative products, improving both customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023145680
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-09-07
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-19
AI Technical Summary
The existing system for store clerks to collect products in-store based on customer orders lacks efficiency and flexibility, particularly in guiding the picking process and handling alternative products.
A system that includes electronic shelf labels displaying product information and a picking device with instruction information display, which notifies the store clerk when a product is ready to be picked through light emission or display, and allows for the setting of alternative products.
The system improves the efficiency of the picking operation by guiding the store clerk with notifications and allows for flexibility in handling alternative products, enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing stock loss.
Smart Images

Figure 2025038833000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a system. [Background technology]
[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Systems are known that provide a service in which a store clerk collects products in a store based on an order from a customer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-087366 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the service of having store staff collect products in-store based on customer orders.
[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a technique that enables a store clerk to more appropriately carry out a service in which a store clerk collects products based on an order from a customer. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] One aspect of a system for solving the above-mentioned problems is a system having an electronic shelf label device that is installed at the display location of each product in a store and displays product information including the selling price, and a picking device that is used when store staff move around the store to pick up ordered products included in order information from customers, wherein the picking device is equipped with an instruction information display means that displays instruction information for the picking work based on the order information, and the electronic shelf label device is equipped with a product information display means that displays the product information, and a notification means that, if a product for which product information is displayed by the product information display means corresponds to the ordered product to be picked next in the picking work, notifies the staff that the product is the target product for the picking work. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a network for explaining a system 1. [Diagram 2] This is an example of the appearance of Cart 10. [Diagram 3] 2 is a configuration example of the cart 10. [Figure 4] 2 shows an example of the appearance and configuration of an electronic shelf label 20. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining information related to the system 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining information related to the system 1. [Figure 7] 13 is a display example of the touch display 103 of the cart 10. [Figure 8] 13 is a display example of the touch display 103 of the cart 10. [Figure 9] 13 is a display example of the touch display 103 of the cart 10. [Figure 10] 13 is a display example of the touch display 103 of the cart 10. [Figure 11] 13 is a display example of the touch display 103 of the cart 10. [Figure 12] 13 is a display example of the touch display 103 of the cart 10. [Figure 13] 13 is a display example of the touch display 103 of the cart 10. [Figure 14] 13 is a display example of the touch display 103 of the cart 10. [Figure 15] 13 is a display example of the touch display 103 of the cart 10. [Figure 16] 13 is a display example of the touch display 103 of the cart 10. [Figure 17] 13 is a display example of the touch display 103 of the cart 10. [Figure 18] 13 is a display example of the touch display 103 of the cart 10. [Figure 19] 13 is a display example of the touch display 103 of the cart 10. [Figure 20] 13 is a display example of the touch display 103 of the cart 10. [Figure 21] 13 is a display example of the touch display 103 of the cart 10. [Figure 22] 13 is a display example of the touch display 103 of the cart 10. [Diagram 23] 13 is a display example of the touch display 103 of the cart 10. [Figure 24] 13 is a display example of the touch display 103 of the cart 10. [Diagram 25] 13 is a display example of the touch display 103 of the cart 10. [Figure 26] 1 is an example of the appearance of a cart 1010. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0008] Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a network for explaining a system 1 of this embodiment. The system 1 is introduced in various types of stores (supermarkets, convenience stores, drug stores, home centers, home appliance retailers, etc., including cash wholesalers). As shown in Fig. 1, the system 1 includes carts (picking carts, picking carts) 10 (carts 10-1, carts 10-2, ...), electronic shelf labels (ESLs) 20 (electronic shelf labels 20-1, electronic shelf labels 20-2, ...), a management device 30, a store server (store controller) 40, a cloud server 50, and wireless APs (access points) 90 (wireless AP 90-1, wireless AP 90-2, ...).
[0009] The electronic shelf labels 20, the management device 30, the store server 40, and the wireless AP 90 are installed in a store. The electronic shelf labels 20 are installed, for example, on display shelves (for each type of product) in a product display area (sales floor). The management device 30 and the store server 40 are installed, for example, in a back yard (office, etc.). The wireless AP 90 is installed, for example, in various locations in the product display area (pillars, walls, ceilings, display shelves, etc.). The cart 10 is used in a store. For example, the cart 10 is used by a store clerk (employee) in the product display area. The cart 10 is placed in a designated cart storage area in the store before use, and is returned to the cart storage area after use. The cloud server 50 is installed outside the store (for example, in a data center).
[0010] The management device 30, the store server 40, and the wireless AP 90 are connected to a LAN 19 (which may be wired or wireless). The cart 10 and the electronic shelf labels 20 are connected to the LAN 19 via the wireless AP 90. That is, the management device 30 and the store server 40 can communicate with each other via the LAN 19. The cart 10 (as well as the electronic shelf labels 20) and the management device 30 (as well as the store server 40) can communicate with each other via the wireless AP 90 and the LAN 19. The cart 10 and the electronic shelf labels 20 can communicate with each other via the wireless AP 90.
[0011] The cart 10 and the electronic shelf labels 20 may be connected via Bluetooth (registered trademark; the same applies below) and may be able to communicate with each other. In other words, the cart 10 and the electronic shelf labels 20 may be able to communicate with each other directly (without going through the wireless AP 90). In a mode in which a Bluetooth connection is implemented, a Bluetooth address is required as pairing information, and a Bluetooth address is set in each electronic shelf label 20 (stored in the storage unit 202), and the Bluetooth address of each electronic shelf label 20 is shared within the system 1.
[0012] The store server 40 and the cloud server 50 can communicate with each other via a network (e.g., the Internet). The management device 30 can communicate with the cloud server 50 via the store server 40. The cart 10 (as well as the electronic shelf label 20) can communicate with the cloud server 50 via a wireless AP 90 and the store server 40. Note that each device in the store may be able to communicate with the cloud server 50 without going through the store server 40.
[0013] Sales data processing devices such as a registration device (not shown) and a settlement device (not shown) are also installed in the store. The sales data processing devices such as the registration device and the settlement device may be connected to the LAN 19. In other words, the system 1 may include the sales data processing device. The system 1 may be applicable to a logistics warehouse as well as a store.
[0014] (Cart 10) FIG. 2 is an example of the appearance of the cart 10. FIG. 3 is an example of the configuration of the cart 10. Four containers (for example, foldable containers (Oricon)) can be set (placed) on the cart 10. In the following explanation, it is assumed that Oricon containers are set. One Oricon container is used for one order. In other words, the cart 10 can process four orders at once (can carry out picking work for four ordered items). For ease of explanation, FIG. 2 shows four Oricon containers (Oricon OC A , Oricon OC B , Oricon OC C , Oricon OC D3 shows the cart 10 in a state in which the cart 10 is set. The configuration of the cart 10 shown in FIG. 3 will be described below with reference to the external view shown in FIG.
[0015] 3, the cart 10 includes a control device (control unit) 11, a first scanner unit 110, a second scanner unit 111, a first weighing unit 120A, a second weighing unit 120B, a third weighing unit 120C, and a fourth weighing unit 120D. When there is no need to distinguish between the first weighing unit 120A, the second weighing unit 120B, the third weighing unit 120C, and the fourth weighing unit 120D, they may be collectively referred to as the weighing units 120.
[0016] The control device 11 includes a CPU 101 , a memory unit 102 , a touch display 103 , a communication unit 104 , and a connection unit 105 .
[0017] The CPU 101 is a central processing unit, and controls the entire cart 10, for example by reading and executing programs stored in the memory unit 102. The memory unit 102 stores various information (for example, information referenced or generated by the CPU 101, information acquired from the outside, etc.). The memory unit 102 is a collective term for one or more various storage members (for example, memory or storage, such as RAM, ROM, hard disk, SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.). The touch display 103 displays various information to the store clerk, who is the operator, and accepts various operations from the store clerk.
[0018] The communication unit 104 transmits and receives various information. The communication unit 104 is a collective term for one or more various communication members (e.g., wireless LAN, Bluetooth, NFC, etc.). The connection unit 105 is responsible for connection with other members. The connection unit 105 is a collective term for one or more various connection members (e.g., USB, Bluetooth, etc.).
[0019] The first scanner unit 110 is a so-called fixed scanner. The first scanner unit 110 is supported (fixed) on a housing, and reads various codes (such as barcodes in which product identification information is coded, barcodes in which store clerk identification information is coded, etc.) held up in front of it by a store clerk. The second scanner unit 111 is a so-called handy scanner. The second scanner unit 111 is removable from the housing, and reads various codes held up in front of it by a store clerk.
[0020] The first weighing unit 120A has a platform for placing the containers at a set position (hereinafter also referred to as set position A) on the upper level on the front side (rear side in the direction of travel of the cart) as seen from the control device 11 side, and weighs the weight of the items (the containers and the products put into the containers) placed on the platform. A indicates a folding container set at set position A (a placement table at set position A). The second weighing section 120B has a placement table for placing folding containers at a lower set position (hereinafter also referred to as set position B) on the front side as viewed from the control device 11 side, and weighs the weight of an item placed on the placement table. Note that the folding container OC in FIG. B indicates a folding container set at set position B (a placement platform at set position B). The third weighing section 120C has a placement platform for placing folding containers at the upper set position (hereinafter also referred to as set position C) at the rear side (the front side in the direction of travel of the cart) as seen from the control device 11, and weighs the weight of an item placed on the placement platform. Note that the folding container OC in FIG. C indicates a folding container set at set position C (a placement table at set position C). The fourth weighing section 120D has a placement table for placing folding containers at a lower set position (hereinafter also referred to as set position D) on the far side as viewed from the control device 11, and weighs the weight of an item placed on the placement table. D indicates an OriCon set at set position D (the placement stand for set position D).
[0021] Each of the first weighing unit 120A to the fourth weighing unit 120D has a check function to verify whether the input of the product (registration and input of each ordered product) into each Oricon container is correct or not. In other words, the weighing unit 120 compares the change (increase) in weight due to the input of one product with the weight of the product (the weight of the product managed by the product master in FIG. 5(A)) to check whether the product has been correctly registered and input (weight check).
[0022] The cart 10 may also include an operation unit (operation buttons), a light emitting unit, a GPS sensor, an audio output unit (speaker), a printing unit (printer), and the like.
[0023] (Electronic shelf label 20) Fig. 4 shows an example of the appearance and configuration of the electronic shelf label 20. Fig. 4(A) shows an example of the appearance of the electronic shelf label 20. Fig. 4(B) shows an example of the configuration of the electronic shelf label 20. Below, the configuration of the electronic shelf label 20 shown in Fig. 4(B) will be described with reference to the appearance shown in Fig. 4(A).
[0024] As shown in FIG. 4B, the electronic shelf label 20 includes a CPU 201, a storage unit 202, a display unit 203, a communication unit 204, and a light emitting unit 205.
[0025] The CPU 201 controls the entire electronic shelf label 20. The memory unit 202 stores various information. The memory unit 202 is a collective term for one or more various storage members. The display unit 203 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information to customers (members) and store clerks. For example, as shown in FIG. 4(A), the display unit 203 displays product information (such as name and price) of a responsible product (a product displayed at the position where the electronic shelf label 20 is installed; a product whose product information is displayed on the display unit 203; may also be called a corresponding product). The communication unit 204 transmits and receives various information. The communication unit 204 is a collective term for one or more various communication members. The light-emitting unit 205 notifies the store clerk, who is the user of the cart 10, that the responsible product is a product to be picked by emitting light. Specifically, the light-emitting unit 205 is, for example, a full-color LED, and emits light in a light-emitting manner (such as color and light-emitting pattern) according to the cart 10.
[0026] The electronic shelf label 20 may also include an operation unit (operation buttons), an audio output unit (speaker), and the like.
[0027] (Display on display unit 203) The CPU 201 controls the display of the display unit 203. For example, the CPU 201 causes the display unit 203 to display product information received by the communication unit 204 (product information transmitted from the management device 30 or the cloud server 50).
[0028] (Light emission from light emitting unit 205) When the product for which the CPU 201 is responsible corresponds to the product to be picked next by a store clerk using a certain cart 10, the CPU 201 causes the light emitting unit 205 to emit light in a light emitting mode that corresponds to the cart 10. In other words, when the product for which the CPU 201 is responsible corresponds to the product to be picked next by a certain store clerk, the CPU 201 causes the light emitting unit 205 to emit light in a light emitting mode that corresponds to the cart 10 that the store clerk is using.
[0029] (Various information) 5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams illustrating information related to the system 1. Hereinafter, information that is acquired, generated, stored, referred to, updated, etc. in the system 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 5 and 6.
[0030] Fig. 5(A) is an example of a product master (product file). The product master stores (stores) basic product data. For example, the cloud server 50 may store the product master and deploy it to the store (permit access, send a copy, etc.). As shown in Fig. 5(A), the product master (basic product data) has the following data items: product identification information, product name, price (unit price), weight (weight of a single item), number of balls contained in a ball (box, bag), and ball weight (total weight of the number of balls and the weight of the container).
[0031] FIG. 5(B) is an example of a display master (display file). The display master stores product display position data. For example, the management device 30 may store the display master and deploy it to other devices in the store. As shown in FIG. 5(B), the display master (product display position data) has product identification information and display position information (location information) as data items. In other words, the display master stores the display position of each product.
[0032] Fig. 5(C) is an example of an electronic shelf label master (electronic shelf label file). The electronic shelf label master stores electronic shelf label data. For example, the management device 30 may store the electronic shelf label master and distribute it to other devices in the store. As shown in Fig. 5(C), the electronic shelf label master (electronic shelf label data) has shelf label identification information and installation position information (specifically, display position information of the product in charge) as data items.
[0033] FIG. 5(D) is an example of a customer master (customer file). The customer master stores customer data. For example, the cloud server 50 may store the customer master and deploy it on the store side. As shown in FIG. 5(D), the customer master (customer data) has the following data items: customer identification information (membership number), customer name, delivery address, payment method (settlement method), and registration date (membership registration date). The customer master (customer data) may also have data items related to evaluations such as rank and track record.
[0034] 5(E) is an example of an order file. The order file stores order data. For example, the cloud server 50 may store the order file and deploy it on the store side.
[0035] As shown in Fig. 5(E), the order file (order data) has the following data items: order identification information (order number), order date and time, customer identification information, ordered quantity (total of all items), estimated total amount (total amount if all ordered items are purchased), desired delivery date and time (date, time and time zone), product 1 (item 1), ..., product n (item n). Product m (item m) consists of ordered item (item identification information of ordered item m, ordered quantity of said ordered item) and substitute product (item identification information of substitute product for ordered item m). If there is no substitute product for an ordered item (if the customer has not specified a substitute product for the ordered item), the substitute product (product identification information of substitute product) is empty (e.g., NULL).
[0036] For example, a customer operates his / her own terminal (e.g., a PC, a smartphone, etc.) to access an order server (not shown) and display an order screen (not shown) on his / her own terminal. The customer orders products from the order screen (inputting the product and the quantity). On the order screen, it is possible to set substitute products for each ordered product. For example, a customer can order XX beer and set XX beer as a substitute for XX beer, and order △△ tofu and set □□ tofu as a substitute for △△ tofu. After inputting the desired product and quantity, the customer inputs customer identification information and desired delivery date and time on the order screen (or another screen transitioning from the order screen), and finally performs a confirm operation to complete the order. Note that the customer identification information may be input before inputting the product, etc. (e.g., on the login screen before the order screen is displayed), or does not have to be explicitly input (cookies, etc. may be used).
[0037] The ordering server acquires input information on an order screen or the like, and transmits the input information to the cloud server 50. The cloud server 50 generates order data based on the input information received from the ordering server, and stores the data in an order file.
[0038] In the above description, an order server exists separately from the cloud server 50, but the cloud server 50 may be the order server. In other words, the cloud server 50 may provide an order screen or the like to a customer, acquire information to be input to the order screen or the like, generate order data based on the acquired input information, and store the order data in an order file.
[0039] 5(F) is an example of an order processing status file. The order processing status file stores order processing status data indicating the processing status of each order. For example, the management device 30 may store the order processing status file and distribute it to other devices in the store.
[0040] As shown in Figure 5 (F), the order processing status file (order processing status data) has the following data items: order identification information, processing category, store clerk identification information (store clerk identification information of the store clerk in charge of picking the order), cart identification information (cart identification information of the cart 10 used to pick the order), and set position information (information indicating the set position of the container into which the ordered item (or substitute item) for the order is placed).
[0041] Processing categories are, for example, 0... before processing, 1... in processing (work in progress), and 2... processing completed. Resources (store clerk, cart 10, and set position of the Oricon container) are allocated to each order and it is processed (picking work is performed). Processing category "0 (before processing)" indicates a situation where resources have not been allocated. Processing category "1 (in processing)" indicates a situation where resources have been allocated and processing has not been completed. Processing category "2 (processing completed)" indicates a situation where resources have been allocated and processing has been completed. When the processing category is "0 (before processing)", the store clerk identification information, cart identification information, and set position information are empty (NULL, etc.).
[0042] 6(A) is an example of a cart usage status file. The cart usage status file stores cart usage status data indicating the usage status of each cart 10. For example, the management device 30 may store the cart usage status file and deploy it to other devices in the store.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 6(A), the cart usage status file (cart usage status data) has the following data items: cart identification information, shelf label light emission mode (light emission mode of the electronic shelf label 20 set for each cart 10), usage category, store clerk identification information (store clerk identification information of the store clerk using the cart), assigned orders, and work route.
[0044] The usage category is, for example, 0...unused (unused) and 1...in use. When the usage category is "0 (unused)", the store clerk identification information, allocated order, and work route are empty (NULL, etc.). Allocated orders consist of allocated order A (orders allocated to the Oricon at set position A), allocated order B (orders allocated to the Oricon at set position B), allocated order C (orders allocated to the Oricon at set position C), and allocated order D (orders allocated to the Oricon at set position D). Allocated orders A to D store the order identification information of the allocated orders.
[0045] The work route consists of destination 1 (picking position of the first product), destination 2 (picking position of the second product), ..., destination L (picking position of the last product). Destination n consists of display position information (display position information of destination n) and work category (work status of destination n). Work category is, for example, 0...unfinished (before work or in progress), 1...completed (work completed). The work route is determined (generated) based on the display positions of the products included in all orders (allocated orders A to D). In other words, the work route is determined based on the allocated orders (allocated orders A to D) of the cart usage status data, the order file (products 1 to n included in the order data), and the display master (display position information of the products).
[0046] FIG. 6(B) is an example of a picking work progress file. The picking work progress file stores picking work progress data indicating the progress (progress status) of the picking work in each cart 10. For example, each cart 10 may store its own picking work progress data, update the picking work progress data according to the progress of the work, and transmit the data to the management device 30 after the work is completed. That is, the management device 30 may store the picking work progress file and store the picking work progress data received from the cart 10 in the picking work progress file. Alternatively, the management device 30 may store the picking work progress data during the work in the picking work progress file, and update the picking work progress data based on the information received from the cart 10.
[0047] As shown in Figure 6 (B), the picking work progress file (picking work progress data) has the following data items: cart identification information, start date and time, completion date and time (end date and time), all orders, allocated order A, allocated order B, allocated order C, and allocated order D.
[0048] Allocation order x consists of the ordered quantity, the worked quantity, product 1 (the 1st item of allocation order x), ..., product nx (the nth item of allocation order x). Product m of allocation order x (the mth item of allocation order x) consists of the ordered product (product identification information of the mth ordered product of allocation order x, the ordered quantity of the ordered product, the worked quantity of the ordered product), substitute product (product identification information of a substitute product for the mth ordered product of allocation order x, the worked quantity of the substitute product), and completion time (completion time of the mth ordered product of allocation order x or the substitute product for the ordered product).
[0049] All orders are the sum of allocated orders A to D. All orders are made up of the number of orders, the number of items worked on, product 1 (the first item in all orders), ..., product N (the Nth item in all orders). The number of orders for all orders is the sum of the number of orders for allocated order A, the number of orders for allocated order B, the number of orders for allocated order C, and the number of items worked on for allocated order D. The number of items worked on for all orders is the sum of the number of items worked on for allocated order A, the number of items worked on for allocated order B, the number of items worked on for allocated order C, and the number of items worked on for allocated order D. All orders' product M (item M in all orders) is made up of ordered products (item identification information for ordered products in item M in all orders, the number of ordered items, and the number of items worked on for the ordered products), substitute products (item identification information for substitute products for ordered products in item M in all orders, and the number of items worked on for the substitute products), and completion time. Note that the number of substitute products for ordered products in item M may differ depending on the customer, so it is 1 or more.
[0050] 7 to 25 are display examples of the touch display 103 of the cart 10. In the explanation of Figs. 7 to 25, it is assumed that a store clerk with store clerk identification number "T005" has logged in to the cart 10 with cart identification information "CA01" (for example, by reading the store clerk identification number on the name tag of an unused cart 10 and logging in). It is assumed that the shelf tag illumination mode of the cart 10 with cart identification information "CA01" is "red."
[0051] (Initial screen) Fig. 7 is an example of an initial screen displayed after logging in to the cart 10. The initial screen shown in Fig. 7 has a first upper region R01, a second upper region R02, a third upper region R03, a center region R10, and a right region R20. The first upper region R01 displays cart identification information, a store clerk identification number, shelf label light emission mode (ESL light emission), etc.
[0052] In the central region R10, order selection buttons BT11A to BT11D for allocating orders to respective set positions (Oricon) are arranged. The order selection button BT11A is for allocating orders to set position A (Oricon OC A The order selection button BT11B is a button for selecting an order to be assigned to the set position B (Oricon OC BThe order selection button BT11C is a button for selecting an order to be assigned to the set position C (Oricon OC C The order selection button BT11D is a button for selecting an order to be assigned to the set position D (Oricon OC D ) to be assigned to the order. For example, when the order selection button BT11A is operated, the cart 10 displays a selectable list of pre-processing order data based on the order file and order processing status file (processing classification), and assigns one order data selected by the store clerk to set position A (the processing classification in the order processing status file is updated during processing, and store clerk identification information, cart identification information, and set position information). In addition, picking work progress data is generated (values related to work results such as completion date and time, number of items processed, etc. are blank). The store clerk may assign the four orders based on the order date and time, desired delivery time, product commonality, etc.
[0053] In the right region R20, a Complete button BT21 for completing the allocation of orders is arranged. In the scene shown in Fig. 7, since no orders have been allocated, the Complete button BT21 is displayed in a display mode indicating that it cannot be operated (grayed out, indicated by a dashed frame in the figure).
[0054] In the following explanation, it is assumed that in the initial screen shown in Figure 7, an order with order identification information "009" is assigned to set position A, an order with order identification information "010" is assigned to set position B, an order with order identification information "011" is assigned to set position C, and an order with order identification information "012" is assigned to set position D, and the work route is determined based on those orders (the products included in the orders).
[0055] The order with order identification information "009" is by customer AA (customer name "AA"), and the total number of items ordered is 7, including 1 bottle of XX detergent (no substitute product) and 1 bottle of XX beer (6 bottles) (substitute product is 6 bottles of △△ beer). The order with order identification information "010" is by customer BB (customer name "BB"), and the total number of items ordered is 8, including 1 bottle of XX beer (6 bottles) (no substitute product) and 1 bottle of XX milk (substitute product is XX milk). The order with order identification information "011" is by customer CC (customer name "CC"), and the total number of items ordered is 5, including 1 bottle of XX beer (6 bottles) (substitute product is □□ 6 bottles of beer) and 1 XX snack (substitute product is △△ snack). The order with order identification information "012" is an order by customer DD (customer name "DD"), and the total number of items ordered is 4, including 1 loaf of XX bread (the alternative product is △△ bread) and 1 bottle of XX detergent (no alternative product).
[0056] The total number of orders is 24 (7 + 8 + 5 + 4), but the number of different items in all orders (the number of items to be picked) is 15. The work route is determined to be Destination 1 (display location of XX detergent) → Destination 2 (display location of XX beer (6 bottles)) → Destination 3 (display location of XX milk) → ..., Destination 15 (display location of XX bread).
[0057] (Other initial screens (examples)) Fig. 8 is an example of an initial screen different from the initial screen shown in Fig. 7. When a store clerk with the store clerk identification number "T005" logs in, the cart 10 may display the initial screen shown in Fig. 8 instead of the initial screen shown in Fig. 7.
[0058] The order selection buttons BT11A-BT11D are not located in the central region R10 of the initial screen shown in Fig. 8. The receive work instructions button BT22 is located in the right region R20 of the initial screen shown in Fig. 8. The receive work instructions button BT22 is a button for receiving work instruction information (information based on the "allocated order" and "work route" of the corresponding cart usage status data, the corresponding order data of the order file, etc.).
[0059] That is, in a mode in which the initial screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed after login, the store clerk allocates orders on the initial screen, but in a mode in which the initial screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed after login, information that has already been allocated (picking work progress data (values related to work results such as completion date and time, number of items worked on, etc. are blank)) is acquired (received). Note that in the mode in which the initial screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed after login, allocation is performed in another device (e.g., management device 30) in the same manner as in the initial screen shown in FIG. 7.
[0060] In the following description, it is assumed that the information regarding allocation received on the initial screen shown in FIG. 8 is the same as that allocated by the store clerk on the initial screen shown in FIG.
[0061] Fig. 9 is an example of a work start screen displayed following the initial screen shown in Fig. 7 (or the initial screen shown in Fig. 8). When the cart 10 displays the initial screen shown in Fig. 7 after login, if the complete button BT21 is operated after orders are assigned to each of the set positions A to D on the initial screen shown in Fig. 7, the cart 10 displays the work start screen shown in Fig. 9. On the other hand, when the cart 10 displays the initial screen shown in Fig. 8 after login, if the receive work instruction button BT22 is operated on the initial screen shown in Fig. 8, the cart 10 displays the work start screen shown in Fig. 9.
[0062] The work start screen shown in Fig. 9 has a first upper region R01, a second upper region R02, a third upper region R03, a center region R10, and a right region R20. The first upper region R01 displays cart identification information, a store clerk identification number, a shelf tag light emission mode, etc. The second upper region R02 displays information indicating that the destination is 15 and that it is the 0th destination (in other words, that there are 15 types of products to be picked and that it is the 0th product).
[0063] In the central region R10, basic information (order identification information, customer name, order quantity) of the order assigned to each set position is displayed. For example, set position A (Oricon OC A) displays the order ID "009", the customer name "AA", and the number of items ordered "7". The waiter places the Oricon in each position while checking the basic information of the order assigned to each position.
[0064] In the right region R20, a route confirmation button BT23 for confirming the work route and a work start button BT24 for starting the picking work are arranged. When the route confirmation button BT23 is operated, the cart 10 displays the work route (and may notify how far the work has progressed).
[0065] When the work start button BT24 is operated on the work start screen shown in FIG. 9, the cart 10 displays a product scan instruction screen shown in FIG.
[0066] The product scan instruction screen shown in Fig. 10 has a first upper region R01, a second upper region R02, a third upper region R03, a center region R10, a right region R20, and a lower region R30. The first upper region R01 displays cart identification information, a store clerk identification number, shelf tag light emission mode, etc. The second upper region R02 displays the location (display position information) of destination 1 (first destination), a message that the destination is 15 and that it is the first destination. The third upper region R03 displays product information (product name "XX detergent", product identification information) of destination 1, a message that the item is in a pre-read state, and a specified number of the item (number of items to be picked).
[0067] In the central region R10, a message instructing the user to scan the barcode of the ordered product and a product image GA12 are displayed. In addition, in the central region R10, a different image button for switching the product image GA12 to another image is arranged. In the right region R20, various buttons such as the substitute product button BT25 are arranged. The substitute product button BT25 is a button that is operated when picking a substitute product. Since no substitute product is set for the XX detergent, the substitute product button BT25 is displayed in a display mode indicating that it cannot be operated. In the lower region R30, information (display position information, product name, number of instructions) regarding the next destination (destination 2) is displayed.
[0068] The store clerk checks the second upper area R02, the third upper area R03, and the central area R10, moves the cart 10 to the display position of the detergent, and reads the barcode of the detergent.
[0069] Figures 11 and 12 are examples of a product input instruction screen displayed following the product scan instruction screen shown in Figure 10. When the cart 10 reads the barcode of a detergent while the product scan instruction screen shown in Figure 10 is displayed, the cart 10 displays the product input instruction screen shown in Figure 11.
[0070] The third upper area R03 of the product insertion instruction screen shown in Figure 11 displays product information for destination 1 (product name "XX detergent", product identification information), a message indicating that the information has been read, and the number of items in question (number to be picked).
[0071] The central area R10 of the product input instruction screen shown in Fig. 11 displays a message instructing the user to input the product into the corresponding Oricon container, a message indicating that this is the first of two required inputs (instruction number) (specifically, "1 / 2"), and input instruction information J13 indicating the Oricon container to input the product into. In the scene in Fig. 11, the input instruction information J13 indicates that the Oricon container OC is the input destination for the XX detergent. A and Oricon OC D is indicated (highlighted, shown in a bold frame in the figure).
[0072] The clerk checks the number of displayed detergents (remaining number) and the central area R10 (input instruction information J13), and then puts the detergent into the Oricon OC A , Oricon OC D For example, Oricon OC A The "0 / 7" indicates that "0 has been added / 7 needs to be added." Oricon OC A The "0 (Kg)" is the initial value (weight reset to zero) before the product is released. A "Bulk 0 / 1" indicates that for a bulk (single item) of XX detergent, "amount added: 0 / amount to be added: 1."
[0073] The cart 10 is in a state where the product input instruction screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed and XX detergent is A When the product is inserted, the product insertion instruction screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed.
[0074] In the central area R10 of the product input instruction screen shown in FIG. 12, it is displayed that the second of two required inputs is being input (specifically, "2 / 2"). In the input instruction information J13, the input destination of the detergent is Oricon OC D In addition, Oricon OC A The "1 / 7" in the figure indicates that "1 has been added, 7 need to be added." Oricon OC A "W1 (Kg)" is the weight of the detergent. A "Bulk 1 / 1" indicates that for a bulk (single item) of XX detergent, "Quantity added: 1 / Quantity to be added: 1" (addition has been completed).
[0075] The cart 10 is in a state where the product input instruction screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed and XX detergent is in the Oricon OC DWhen the product is added to the destination, the product addition completion screen shown in Fig. 13 is displayed. In the third upper region R03 of the product addition completion screen shown in Fig. 13, product information of destination 1 (product name "XX detergent", product identification information), a status that the product has been added, and the specified number of the product (number to be picked) are displayed. In addition, in the center region R10 of the product addition completion screen shown in Fig. 13, a message instructing the user to operate the OK button BT14 is displayed, and the OK button BT14 is arranged.
[0076] When the OK button BT14 is operated on the product input completion screen shown in Fig. 13, the cart 10 displays the product scan instruction screen shown in Fig. 14. The second upper area R02, the third upper area R03, and the center area R10 of the product scan instruction screen shown in Fig. 14 display information about the second product, XX beer (6 bottles). Since an alternative product is set for XX beer (6 bottles), the alternative product button BT25 is displayed in an operable display mode. The lower area R30 displays information about the next destination (destination 3).
[0077] The store clerk checks the second upper area R02, the third upper area R03, and the central area R10, moves the cart 10 to the display position of XX beer (6 bottles), and reads the barcode of XX beer (6 bottles).
[0078] When the cart 10 reads the barcode for XX beer (6 bottles) while the product scan instruction screen shown in FIG. 14 is displayed, the cart 10 displays the product insertion instruction screen shown in FIG.
[0079] The central area R10 of the product insertion instruction screen shown in Fig. 15 displays a message instructing the insertion of the product into the corresponding Oricon, a message indicating that this is the first of three required insertions (specifically, "1 / 3"), and insertion instruction information J13 indicating the destination Oricon to insert the product into. In the scene in Fig. 15, the insertion instruction information J13 indicates that the Oricon OC beer (6 bottles) is to be inserted into. A , Oricon OC B and Oricon OC C This instructs:
[0080] Oricon OC A The replacement mark MK16 is Oricon OC A This indicates that an alternative product has been set for the XX beer (6 bottles) that should be added to the Oricon OC, i.e., for the XX beer (6 bottles) purchased by customer AA. C The replacement mark MK16 is Oricon OC C This indicates that an alternative product has been set for the XX beer (6 bottles) that should be dispensed, that is, for the XX beer (6 bottles) purchased by customer CC.
[0081] The store clerk checks the number of XX beers (6 bottles) on display (remaining number) and the central area R10 (insertion instruction information J13), and places XX beer (6 bottles) on the Oricon OC A , Oricon OC B , Oricon OC C The number of XX beers (6 bottles) on display is 1, which is 2 short of the requested number of 3. In other words, this is a situation where an alternative product will be used.
[0082] When the substitute product button BT25 is operated on the product insertion instruction screen shown in FIG. 15, the cart 10 displays the substitute product screen shown in FIG.
[0083] In the central region R10 of the substitute product screen shown in Fig. 16, a message is displayed indicating that the product can be changed to a substitute product, and a substitute product reception section B15 is provided to display substitute product information (whether or not a substitute product has been specified, and the specified substitute product) and to receive an operation to change to a substitute product. In the substitute product reception section B15 in Fig. 16, A (Customer AA) has been offered △△ beer (6 bottles) as a replacement for 〇〇 beer (6 bottles), and Oricon OC B Oricon OC has confirmed that there is no substitute product for XX beer (6 bottles) for (Customer BB). C(Customer CC) is shown that XX beer (6 bottles) is set as an alternative product to XX beer (6 bottles). In addition, Oricon OC, which has set an alternative product for XX beer (6 bottles), A and Oricon OC D is highlighted (bold frame in the figure), and Oricon OC who does not purchase XX beer (6 bottles) D (Customer DD) is displayed inconspicuously (shown in a dashed frame in the figure).
[0084] Image button BT17A is Oricon OC A This is a button to display an image of △△ beer (6 bottles), which is an alternative product for (Customer AA). The change button BT18A is A This is a button to change (Customer AA) from XX beer (6 bottles) to the alternative product △△ beer (6 bottles). Image button BT17C is Oricon OC C This is a button to display an image of □□ beer (6 bottles), which is an alternative product for (Customer CC). The change button BT18C is D For (Customer DD), this is a button to change from XX beer (6 bottles) to the alternative product □□ beer (6 bottles).
[0085] A back button BT26 for returning to the previous screen is disposed in the right region R20 of the alternative product screen shown in Fig. 16. When the back button BT26 is operated on the alternative product screen shown in Fig. 16, the cart 10 displays the product insertion instruction screen shown in Fig. 15.
[0086] In the state where the product input instruction screen shown in FIG. 15 is displayed, the cart 10 is displayed with XX beer (6 bottles) on the Oricon OC B When the product is inserted into the Oricon OC, the product insertion instruction screen shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. Note that the store clerk can select the replacement product from the Oricon OC screen shown in FIG. A and Oricon OC C Check the alternative products and then purchase 〇〇 beer (6 bottles) on Oricon OC B You can put it in the Oricon OC A and Oricon OC CWithout checking the alternative products, I ordered 〇〇 beer (6 bottles) from Oricon OC B In addition, in the product input instruction screen shown in FIG. 17, B "W2 (Kg)" is the weight of XX beer (6 bottles).
[0087] When the substitute product button BT25 is operated on the product insertion instruction screen shown in FIG. 17, the cart 10 displays the substitute product screen shown in FIG.
[0088] When the change button BT18A is operated on the substitute product screen shown in Fig. 18, the cart 10 displays the product scan instruction screen (for substitute product) shown in Fig. 19. Information on the substitute product △△ beer (6 bottles) is displayed in the second upper area R02, the third upper area R03, and the central area R10 of the product scan instruction screen (for substitute product) shown in Fig. 19. The store clerk checks the second upper area R02, the third upper area R03, and the central area R10, moves the cart 10 to the display position of △△ beer (6 bottles) (no movement if it is near XX beer (6 bottles)), and reads the barcode of △△ beer (6 bottles).
[0089] When the cart 10 reads the barcode of △△ beer (6 bottles) while displaying the product scan instruction screen (for substitute products) shown in Fig. 19, it displays the product input instruction screen (for substitute products) shown in Fig. 20. In the scene of Fig. 20, the input instruction information J13 specifies Oricon OC as the input destination of △△ beer (6 bottles). A This instructs:
[0090] In the state where the product input instruction screen (for substitute products) shown in FIG. 20 is displayed, the cart 10 is in a state where △△ beer (6 bottles) is in the Oricon OC A When the product is added to the Oricon OC, the product addition completion screen (for substitute products) shown in Figure 21 is displayed. A "W3 (Kg)" is the sum of the weight of XX detergent and the weight of △△ beer (6 bottles).
[0091] When the OK button BT14 is operated on the product input completion screen (for alternative products) shown in FIG. 21, the cart 10 displays an alternative product screen shown in FIG.
[0092] When the change button BT18C is operated on the substitute product screen shown in Fig. 22, the cart 10 displays a product scan instruction screen (for substitute products) (not shown). Next, when the cart 10 reads the barcode of □□ beer (6 bottles) while the product scan instruction screen (for substitute products) is displayed, the cart 10 selects Oricon OC as the input destination of □□ beer (6 bottles). C Then, while the product input instruction screen (for substitute products) is displayed, the cart 10 displays the product input instruction screen (for substitute products) and the product input instruction screen (for substitute products) is displayed. C When the product is added to the Oricon OC, the product addition completion screen (for substitute products) shown in Figure 23 is displayed. C "W4(Kg)" is the weight of □□ beer (6 bottles).
[0093] When the OK button BT14 is operated on the product input completion screen (for substitute products) shown in Fig. 23, the cart 10 displays the product input completion screen shown in Fig. 24. When the OK button BT14 is operated on the product input completion screen shown in Fig. 24, the cart 10 displays the product scan instruction screen shown in Fig. 25.
[0094] The second upper region R02, the third upper region R03, and the center region R10 of the product scan instruction screen shown in Fig. 25 display information about XX milk, which is one of three products. Since substitute products are set for XX milk, the substitute product button BT25 is displayed in an operable display mode. The lower region R30 displays information about the next destination (destination 4).
[0095] Thereafter, the store clerk similarly proceeds with the picking operation using the cart 10, but a description of the subsequent displays on the touch display 103 will be omitted.
[0096] (Weight check) As an example, when the product input instruction screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed, the detergent is listed on the Oricon OC website. A When the detergent is added to the cart 10, the cart 10 compares the increase in weight measured by the first measuring unit 120A with the weight of the detergent, and if the difference between the two is within a predetermined range, displays the product input instruction screen shown in FIG. 12. Note that if the difference between the two is not within the predetermined range or if the product input instruction screen shown in FIG. 11 does not display the Oricon (Oricon OC A , Oricon OC D ) other than Oricon (Oricon OC B , Oricon OC C ) when detergent is added (when the measured value of second measuring section 120B or third measuring section 120C increases), an error is notified (by display, audio output, light emission, etc.).
[0097] As another example, when the product input instruction screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed, the detergent is listed in the Oricon OC D When the detergent is added to the cart 10, the increase in weight measured by the fourth measuring unit 120D is compared with the weight of the detergent, and if the difference between the two is within a predetermined range, the cart 10 displays the product addition completion screen shown in FIG. 13. Note that if the difference between the two is not within the predetermined range or if the product input instruction screen shown in FIG. 12 is not displayed, the cart 10 displays the product input completion screen shown in FIG. D ) other than Oricon (Oricon OC A , Oricon OC B , Oricon OC C ) when detergent No. XX is added (when the measured value of first measuring section 120A, second measuring section 120B, or third measuring section 120C increases), an error is notified.
[0098] As another example, when the product input instruction screen (for substitute products) shown in FIG. 20 is displayed, △△ beer (6 bottles) is AWhen the beer is put into the cart 10, the increase in weight measured by the first measuring unit 120A is compared with the weight of △△ beer (6 bottles), and if the difference between the two is within a predetermined range, the cart 10 displays the product input completion screen (for substitute products) shown in FIG. 21. Note that if the difference between the two is not within the predetermined range or if the Oricon (Oricon OC A ) other than Oricon (Oricon OC B , Oricon OC C , Oricon OC D When △△ beer (6 bottles) is poured into the measuring section 120B (when the measured value of the second measuring section 120B, the third measuring section 120C, or the fourth measuring section 120D increases), an error is notified.
[0099] (Lighting of electronic shelf label 20) When the product in question corresponds to the next ordered product to be picked in a picking operation by a certain cart 10, the electronic shelf label 20 causes the light-emitting unit 205 to emit light in an illumination mode that corresponds to that cart 10 (to indicate that the product is the target product for the picking operation by that cart 10).
[0100] For example, when the cart 10 displays the product scan instruction screen shown in Fig. 10, the electronic shelf label 20 for XX detergent (the electronic shelf label 20 responsible for XX detergent) causes the light-emitting unit 205 to emit light in red. For example, when the cart 10 displays the product scan instruction screen shown in Fig. 10, it transmits light-emitting instruction information including the product identification information of XX detergent (or the display position information of XX detergent) and the shelf label light-emitting mode information "red" to the management device 30, and the management device 30 that has received the light-emitting instruction information may refer to the display master (Fig. 5(B)) and transmit a light-emitting instruction command to the electronic shelf label 20 for XX detergent to emit light in "red."
[0101] Also, when the cart 10 displays the product scan instruction screen shown in Fig. 14, the electronic shelf label 20 of XX beer (6 bottles) emits light from the light-emitting unit 205 in red. For example, when the cart 10 displays the product scan instruction screen shown in Fig. 14, the cart 10 transmits light-emitting instruction information including the product identification information of XX beer (6 bottles) (or the display position information of XX beer (6 bottles)) and the shelf label light-emitting mode information "red" to the management device 30, and the management device 30 that has received the light-emitting instruction information may refer to the display master and transmit a light-emitting instruction command to the electronic shelf label 20 of XX beer (6 bottles) to emit light in "red".
[0102] 19, the cart 10 causes the light-emitting unit 205 of the electronic shelf label 20 of △△ beer (6 bottles) to emit light in red. For example, when the cart 10 displays the product scan instruction screen (for substitute products) shown in Fig. 19, the cart 10 transmits light-emitting instruction information including the product identification information of △△ beer (6 bottles) (or the display position information of △△ beer (6 bottles)) and the shelf label light-emitting mode information "red" to the management device 30, and the management device 30 that has received the light-emitting instruction information may refer to the display master and transmit a light-emitting instruction command to the electronic shelf label 20 of △△ beer (6 bottles) to emit light in "red".
[0103] The cart 10 may transmit light emission instruction information that does not include shelf label light emission mode information to the management device 30 (the management device 30 may refer to the cart usage status file to identify the shelf label light emission mode of the cart 10).
[0104] When the product for which the customer is responsible is the next ordered product to be picked in a picking operation by a certain cart 10, and the cart 10 is located near the installation position of the electronic shelf label 20, the electronic shelf label 20 may cause the light emitting unit 205 to emit light in a light emitting mode appropriate for the cart 10. In other words, even if the product for which the customer is responsible is the next ordered product to be picked, the electronic shelf label 20 may not cause the light emitting unit 205 to emit light if the cart 10 is located far away.
[0105] The electronic shelf label 20 may use Bluetooth to determine that a corresponding cart 10 is present in the vicinity of the installation position of the electronic shelf label 20. For example, when the cart 10 receives a beacon with a radio wave intensity of at least a predetermined value from the electronic shelf label 20 of the next product (whether the beacon is transmitted from the electronic shelf label 20 of the next product can be determined from the Bluetooth address included in the beacon), the cart 10 may transmit response information to the electronic shelf label 20, and the electronic shelf label 20 may determine that the corresponding cart 10 is present in the vicinity upon receiving the response information (it may or may not connect thereafter). Alternatively, when the cart 10 receives a beacon with a radio wave intensity of at least a predetermined value from the electronic shelf label 20 of the next product, the cart 10 may transmit information to the management device 30 indicating that it is located in the vicinity, and the management device 30, having received the information, may notify the electronic shelf label 20 that the corresponding cart 10 is present in the vicinity, and the electronic shelf label 20, having received the notification, may determine that the corresponding cart 10 is present in the vicinity.
[0106] The electronic shelf label 20 may use the GPS function of the cart 10 to determine that a corresponding cart 10 is present in the vicinity of the installation position of the electronic shelf label 20 .
[0107] When the responsible product is read by the cart 10 (the cart 10 corresponding to the light emission), the electronic shelf label 20 stops emitting light (turns off) the light emitting unit 205. The fact that the responsible product has been read by the cart 10 may be notified from the cart 10 via the wireless AP 90 to the electronic shelf label 20, or may be notified directly from the cart 10 to the electronic shelf label 20 via a Bluetooth connection.
[0108] The electronic shelf label 20 may stop emitting light from the light-emitting unit 205 when the responsible product is placed in the orifice container of the cart 10. The fact that the responsible product has been placed in the cart 10 may be notified to the electronic shelf label 20 from the cart 10 via the wireless AP 90, or may be notified directly from the cart 10 to the electronic shelf label 20 via a Bluetooth connection. When the number of designated products for a responsible product is two or more, the light-emitting unit 205 may stop emitting light when one product is placed in the orifice container, or the light-emitting unit 205 may stop emitting light when all the designated products are placed in the orifice container.
[0109] The embodiment has been described above. According to the embodiment, it is possible to more suitably implement a service in which a store clerk collects products in a store based on an order from a customer.
[0110] For example, since the picking operation is guided by the notification from the electronic shelf label 20 (light emission in a light emission mode according to the cart 10), the picking operation can be made more efficient. Since the electronic shelf label is used (for both purposes), it is advantageous in terms of cost.
[0111] In addition, because it is possible to set substitute products, even if the ordered product is sold out (out of stock), the customer can purchase a substitute product (improving customer satisfaction). In addition, because it is possible to set substitute products, even if the ordered product is sold out, the store can sell a substitute product (reducing lost opportunities and increasing sales). In other words, the increased flexibility is favorable for both customers and stores.
[0112] In addition, because cart 10 displays information about each of a number of orders in its respective display area (see, for example, Figures 7-9, 11-13, 15-18, and 20-24), it is easy to intuitively recognize the status of each order and the tasks required for each order, and confusion is less likely to arise, making work more efficient.
[0113] In addition, various detailed analyses can be performed. For example, the set ratio of alternative products for each customer can be calculated by referring to the order file. In addition, similar or competing products can be identified and their relative merits (combinations of ordered products and alternative products) can be extracted by referring to the order file. In addition, the work efficiency of store clerks can be evaluated by referring to the picking work progress file. There are no particular limitations on the device that performs the above analyses (for example, the management device 30 or cloud server 50 is suitable, but the cart 10 may also be used since it has access to the necessary information).
[0114] (Variations, etc.) Although each embodiment has been described above, the device configuration, data configuration, processing flow, display and output aspects, etc. can be appropriately changed, for example, as shown in the following (1) to (11). In addition, the following (1) to (11) may be appropriately combined with each other.
[0115] (1) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the payment method was set in the customer master (FIG. 5(D)), but it may be possible to input the payment method when placing an order. In other words, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the payment method was preset as a fixed setting, but it may be possible to freely set the payment method for each order.
[0116] (2) In the above embodiment, an example in which one substitute product is set for one ordered product has been described, but two or more substitute products may be set for one ordered product. Priority may be set in the following manner: substitute product candidate 1, substitute product candidate 2, etc.
[0117] (3) During the picking operation, the number of registered substitute products (number of products inserted) and the registration ratio (the ratio of registered substitute products to the total number) may be displayed for each order (for each customer). For example, the number of registered substitute products and the registration ratio may be displayed on each screen (product scan instruction screen, product insertion instruction screen, product insertion completion screen, substitute product screen, etc.). For example, if two customers have ordered product a, of which there is only one, and both have set a substitute product for product a (one product a is missing), it may be decided which customer to assign product a to by referring to the number of registered substitute products and the registration ratio.
[0118] (4) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the electronic shelf label 20 notifies the user that the assigned product is a product to be picked by illuminating the light-emitting unit 205 (illuminating in a light-emitting manner corresponding to the cart 10). However, instead of or in addition to illuminating the light-emitting unit 205, the electronic shelf label 20 may notify the user that the assigned product is a product to be picked by displaying on the display unit 203 (for example, displaying in a display manner corresponding to the cart 10). The electronic shelf label 20 may alternately display (for example, by switching every two seconds) product information (name, price, etc.) and the fact that the product is a product to be picked. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to illuminating or displaying, the electronic shelf label 20 may notify the user that the assigned product is a product to be picked by audio output from an audio output unit (for example, audio output in an output manner corresponding to the cart 10).
[0119] In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the electronic shelf label 20 does not need to illuminate the light emitting unit 205 when the cart 10 is far away even if the responsible product is the next product to be picked. The same applies to the display by the display unit 203 and the audio output by the audio output unit.
[0120] (5) Although not described in the above embodiment, there may be products that do not have electronic shelf labels 20 (products that only have paper or plastic tags). As shown in Fig. 5, it is possible to determine whether a product has an electronic shelf label 20 by referring to the display master or the electronic shelf label master. This determination may be made by the cart 10 or by a higher-level device (e.g., the management device 30, the store server 40, the cloud server 50, etc.) (the determination result may be transmitted to the cart 10).
[0121] When the product to be picked does not have an electronic shelf label 20, the cart 10 may notify (by displaying on the touch display 103 or by using the audio output unit) that the product to be picked does not have an electronic shelf label 20 (i.e., does not emit light).
[0122] When the electronic shelf label 20 of the product to be picked cannot emit light (for example, during maintenance such as replacement), the cart 10 may similarly notify that the electronic shelf label 20 of the product to be picked cannot emit light. Note that a flag indicating whether light can be emitted or not may be set in the electronic shelf label master (electronic shelf label data), and the cart 10 or a higher-level device may refer to the electronic shelf label master to determine whether each electronic shelf label 20 can emit light or not.
[0123] (6) When the substitute product button BT25 is operated, the cart 10 may transmit (or may transmit via the electronic shelf tag 20) product replenishment information (information including at least product identification information) to the person in charge of shelf replenishment (an electronic device used by the person in charge, such as a PC, smartphone, tablet terminal, etc.) responsible for shelf replenishment.
[0124] The cart 10 may display a replenishment request button (not shown) on each screen (product scan instruction screen, product input instruction screen, product input completion screen, substitute product screen, etc.), and may transmit product replenishment information to a replenishment staff member when the replenishment request button is operated (this may be transmitted via the electronic shelf label 20). The cart 10 may be provided with the replenishment request button as one of the operation units (operation buttons). The cart 10 may also transmit product replenishment information to a replenishment staff member when an IC card held up by a store clerk is read. Note that the store clerk operates the replenishment request button (or has the IC card read) when there is a shortage of products to be picked (when the products to be picked are not present in the display positions, or when the number of products to be picked that are present in the display positions is less than the number required for picking).
[0125] Instead of or in addition to the cart 10, the electronic shelf label 20 may display a replenishment request button on the display unit 203, and transmit product replenishment information to a replenishment staff member when the replenishment request button is operated. The electronic shelf label 20 may include the replenishment request button as one of the operation units (operation buttons). The electronic shelf label 20 may transmit product replenishment information to a replenishment staff member when it reads an IC card held up by a store clerk.
[0126] (7) The store clerk may bag the items after picking without placing bags or containers (e.g., plastic bags, cardboard boxes, reusable bags, returnable boxes; hereafter referred to as bags, etc.) in the container beforehand, or may place the bags, etc. in the container beforehand and bag the items when picking (during the picking process).
[0127] If the timing for bagging is during picking (when bags are set in the container beforehand), the cart 10 may notify (display on the touch display 103, notify by the audio output unit) on the initial screen (FIGS. 7 and 8) or start screen (FIG. 9) about the setting of bags in the container (type of bags to be set). The customer may specify the type of bag when placing an order (so that the type of bag is stored in the order data), and the cart 10 may notify in the central area R10 of the type of bag to be set in the container corresponding to each customer (order).
[0128] Various checks may be performed when placing bags in the container. For example, it may be checked whether the bags to be placed in each container are correct (bags specified by the customer). Specifically, bag identification information for identifying the type of bag is set (defined) (i.e., the type of bag specified by the customer when placing an order is stored in the order data as bag identification information), and a barcode (or two-dimensional code) encoding the bag identification information is attached to the bag. When placing the bag in the container, the store clerk may specify the container in which the bag is to be placed (i.e., specify the order), and read the barcode (two-dimensional code) attached to the bag to be placed in the container (specified container). In other words, the cart 10 may determine whether the bag identification information included in the order data of the container specified by the store clerk matches the bag identification information obtained from the barcode (two-dimensional code) read by the store clerk.
[0129] The weight of the bags, etc., placed in the container may be checked. Specifically, weight information of each bag, etc. (a file associating bag identification information with weight information) may be stored in a location accessible by the cart 10 (the storage unit 102, a storage unit of another device), and the cart 10 may determine whether the weight information corresponding to the bag identification information included in the order data of the container specified by the store clerk matches the increased weight of the bags, etc., placed in the container (or whether the weight information is within a specified margin of error).
[0130] In addition, if the timing of bagging is after the picking work (if bags etc. are not set in the containers in advance), the cart 10 may notify the user of the bags etc. into which the items in each container (each ordered item) will be bagged when the picking work is completed.
[0131] Cart 10 may notify the store clerk that special containers, etc. will be used for frozen and chilled products, regardless of the customer's designation of bags, etc. Cart 10 may notify before picking begins if the products are bagged during picking (if bags, etc. are set in the container in advance), and may notify after picking is completed if the products are bagged after picking (if bags, etc. are not set in the container in advance). Note that the fact that a product is frozen or chilled may be stored, for example, in the product master (basic product data).
[0132] (8) The cart 10 may display customer preferences for NONPLU products (perishable foods of irregular sizes, particularly per-unit products). For example, customer preferences for NONPLU products may be stored in the order data, and the cart 10 may display the preferences of each individual customer on the product input instruction screen (e.g., the central region R10 of the product input instruction screen). The customer's preference may be a range of weight, a range of price, or a color or part of the product (e.g., the collar or belly of salmon). Note that fish deli dishes and the like may be produced if the desired product is not available.
[0133] (9) Although not described in the above embodiment, the first scanner unit 110 (fixed scanner) of the cart 10 may be capable of changing the angle in the left-right direction (may have a swivel function). Also, the touch display 103 (control device 11) of the cart 10 may be capable of changing the angle in the left-right direction. The touch display 103 (control device 11) of the cart 10 may be capable of changing the angle in the up-down direction (may have a tilt function).
[0134] That is, although illustration of the cart 10 is omitted, similar to a cart 1010 (FIG. 26) described later, the swivel angle of the touch display 103 and the first scanner unit 110 may be adjustable, and the tilt angle of the touch display 103 may be adjustable. The swivel angle of the touch display 103 and the first scanner unit 110 may be adjustable independently. Also, the tilt angle of the first scanner unit 110 may be adjustable.
[0135] (10) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a picking cart (cart 10) capable of holding four original containers was used, but a picking cart capable of holding three or less or five or more original containers may be used. For example, a picking cart capable of holding three original containers (cart 1010 in FIG. 26) or a picking cart capable of holding eight original containers (not shown) may be used.
[0136] Fig. 26 shows an example of the appearance of the cart 1010. As shown in Fig. 26(A) to Fig. 26(C), three containers (e.g., containers for storing food) can be set in the cart 1010. While the cart 10 described in Fig. 1 to Fig. 25 can process four orders in total (can perform picking work for four ordered items), the cart 1010 in Fig. 26 can process three orders in total (can perform picking work for three ordered items).
[0137] The cart 1010 includes a control device (control unit) 1011, a first scanner unit (fixed scanner) 1110, a second scanner unit (handy scanner) 1111, a first weighing unit 1120A (located under the upper container; reference number omitted), a second weighing unit 1120B (located under the container on the front side of the lower container; reference number omitted), and a third weighing unit 1120C (located under the container on the back side of the lower container; reference number omitted). The control device 1011 includes a CPU 1101 (not shown), a memory unit 1102 (not shown), a touch display 1103, a communication unit 1104 (not shown), and a connection unit 1105 (not shown).
[0138] As shown in FIG. 26(A) to FIG. 26(C), the first scanner unit 1110 and the touch display 1103 (control device 1011) have adjustable swivel angles (swivel function). The touch display 1103 has adjustable tilt angles (tilt function). FIG. 26(A) shows the cart 1010 in an initial state. FIG. 26(B) shows the cart 1010 in an orientation in which the touch display 1103 has been angle-adjusted upward. FIG. 26(C) shows the cart 1010 in an orientation in which the touch display 1103 and the first scanner unit 1110 have been angle-adjusted to the right (from the front to the right). Although not shown, the swivel angles of the touch display 1103 and the first scanner unit 1110 may be adjustable independently. The tilt angle of the first scanner unit 1110 may also be adjustable.
[0139] In the past, it was difficult to operate picking carts in narrow aisles in places like supermarkets (as well as logistics warehouses with narrow aisles), but by making the swivel angle and tilt angle adjustable as described above, the cart's operability and ease of loading products have been improved (the display unit's rotation mechanism allows products to be loaded from the side of the cart), making it possible to operate the cart without difficulty even in narrow aisles.
[0140] Usually, the display unit of the cart faces the handlebars, and basically, the only adjustment possible is the tilt direction. Also, the fixed scanner is fixedly faced toward the handlebars, and basically, the tilt direction cannot be adjusted. On the other hand, the cart 1010 (as described in (9) above, the same applies to the cart 10) allows the display unit (touch display 1103, touch display 103) and the fixed scanner (first scanner unit 1110, first scanner unit 110) to be adjusted in the swivel direction, so it can be used easily even in narrow aisles.
[0141] (11) Some or all of the functions (input / output, storage, processing (including judgment)) of each device (e.g., cart 10 (control device 11), electronic shelf label 20, management device 30, store server 40, cloud server 50, etc.) may be realized in a device other than the device described as the entity that executes the function. For example, cart 10 (control device 11) may function as a so-called thin client specialized for input / output interfaces, etc. As an example, a cloud server (which may be the same as cloud server 50 or may be another cloud server) may execute a program for controlling the operation of cart 10 (control device 11), and cart 10 (control device 11) may display a screen by a browsing function. In other words, the cloud server may control the display of each screen (FIGS. 7 to 25).
[0142] <Overview of the embodiment> [Technical field] The present invention relates to a system. [Background technology] 2. Description of the Related Art Systems are known that provide a service in which a store clerk collects products in a store based on an order from a customer. [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-087366 A [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be solved by the invention] However, there is room for improvement in the service in which a store clerk collects products in a store based on an order from a customer. The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and has an object to provide a technology that can more suitably implement the service in which a store clerk collects products in a store based on an order from a customer. [Means for solving the problem]
[0143] (1) One aspect for solving the above-mentioned problems is a system (e.g., system 1) having an electronic shelf label device (e.g., electronic shelf label 20) that is installed at the display location of each product in a store and displays product information including the selling price, and a picking device (e.g., cart 10, cart 1010) that is used when a store clerk moves around the store to pick up ordered products included in order information from customers, wherein the picking device is equipped with an instruction information display means (e.g., touch display 103, touch display 1103) that displays instruction information for the picking work based on the order information, and the electronic shelf label device is equipped with a product information display means (e.g., display unit 203) that displays the product information, and a notification means (e.g., light-emitting unit 205, display unit 203, audio output unit) that notifies the customer that the product for which the product information display means displays the product information corresponds to the ordered product to be picked next in the picking work, that the product is the target product of the picking work. According to the system of (1), the picking work can be made more efficient because the electronic shelf labels 20 provide notification (light emission, display, sound, etc.), and the system is advantageous in terms of cost because the electronic shelf labels are used (for both purposes).
[0144] (2) The order information may include information regarding an alternative product to the ordered product, and when the product to be picked next in the picking operation corresponds to an alternative product to the ordered product, the notification means notifies the user that the product is the target product. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that: System (2) offers greater flexibility and is therefore advantageous for both customers and stores.
[0145] (3) The system described in (1) is characterized in that the notification means notifies the customer that the product in question is the target product when the product corresponds to the ordered product that will be picked next in the picking operation and when the picking device is located near an installation location. According to the system of (3), it is possible to notify the necessary store staff at the necessary timing.
[0146] (4) A system described in any of (1) to (3), characterized in that the instruction information display means is capable of displaying the instruction information based on a plurality of pieces of order information, and displays information based on each of the order information in each display area provided for each piece of order information. (4) With the system, it is easier to intuitively understand the status of each order and the tasks that need to be performed for each order, and confusion is less likely to occur, making work more efficient.
[0147] In addition, a program for implementing the functions of each of the above-described devices (for example, the cart 10 (control device 11), the electronic shelf label 20, the management device 30, the store server 40, the cloud server 50, the wireless AP 90, etc.) may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded in the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform processing of each of the above-described devices. Here, "reading a program recorded in a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program in a computer system. The "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. In addition, the "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network including the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, a dedicated line, and other communication lines. In addition, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, an optical magnetic disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. In this way, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM. In addition, the recording medium also includes a recording medium provided inside or outside and accessible from a distribution server in order to distribute the program. The code of the program stored in the recording medium of the distribution server may be different from the code of the program in a format executable by the terminal device. In other words, the format in which the program is stored in the distribution server does not matter as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a format executable by the terminal device. The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined on the terminal device, or each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" includes a memory that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network. The above program may also be for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions.Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program). [Explanation of symbols]
[0148] 1... System 10... Cart (picking cart) 11... Control device (control unit) 20... Electronic shelf label 30... Management device 40... Store server 50... Cloud server 90... Wireless AP 1010... Cart (picking cart) 1011... Control device (control unit)
Claims
1. A system including an electronic shelf label device that is installed at the display location of each product in a store and displays product information including a sales price, and a picking device that is used when a store clerk moves around the store to pick up ordered products included in order information from a customer, The picking device is An instruction information display means for displaying picking work instruction information based on the order information. Equipped with The electronic shelf label device includes: a product information display means for displaying the product information; a notification means for notifying the customer that the product information of the product displayed by the product information display means corresponds to the ordered product to be picked next in the picking operation, the notification means being configured to notify the customer that the product is a product to be picked in the picking operation; Equipped A system characterized by:
2. The order information may include information regarding substitute products for the ordered products; The notification means includes: When the product in question corresponds to a substitute product that will be picked next in the picking operation, the fact that the product is a target product is notified.
2. The system of claim 1 .
3. The notification means includes: When the product in question corresponds to the ordered product to be picked next in the picking work and the picking device is located near an installation location, the fact that the product is the target product is notified.
2. The system of claim 1 .
4. The instruction information display means includes: The instruction information based on a plurality of pieces of order information can be displayed, 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein information based on each of said order information is displayed in each display area provided for each of said order information.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Commodity pickup apparatus and commodity pickup system
JP2022087366A