Business support device, business support method, and program

Abstract

To easily grasp a display position of commodities.SOLUTION: A business support device includes: commodity specifying means for specifying a commodity to be displayed, using information for product specification for specifying a commodity to be displayed; a commodity position specifying means for specifying a display position of the specified commodity; and output means for outputting display control information for superimposing and displaying information instructing the display position of the commodity on an image of a shelf photographed by a clerk terminal, to the clerk terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a business support device, a business support method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for changing shelf allocation information based on an image of the display shelf taken by a store clerk so as to correspond to the products displayed on the display shelf. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2023 / 080239 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a store clerk stocks products, the clerk needs to know the display position of the products according to the shelf allocation information. However, in drug stores and supermarkets, there are many types of products and many shelves on which the products are displayed. Therefore, it is not easy for the clerk to know the display position of the products.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a business support device or the like that makes it easy to grasp the display positions of products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the business support device includes a product identification means for identifying products to be put out using product identification information for identifying the products to be put out, a product position identification means for identifying the display position of the identified products, and an output means for outputting display control information to the store clerk terminal for superimposing information indicating the display position of the products on an image of a shelf photographed by the store clerk terminal.

[0007] A business support method in one embodiment of the present disclosure uses product identification information to identify the products to be put out, identifies the display position of the identified products, and outputs display control information to the clerk terminal to superimpose information indicating the display position of the products on an image of a shelf photographed by the clerk terminal.

[0008] A program in one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to perform the following processes: identifying products to be put out using product identification information for identifying the products to be put out; identifying the display position of the identified products; and outputting display control information to the clerk terminal for superimposing information indicating the display position of the products on an image of a shelf photographed by the clerk terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to achieve the effect of making it easier to grasp the display positions of products. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a business support device. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display of product display positions on a store clerk terminal. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the task assistance device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a business support device that uses the positions of store staff and the like. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display showing different shelves on a store clerk terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a business support device that detects out-of-stock items. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of hardware of the business support device. [Figure 8] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a business support system that uses a business support device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In the following description, the clerk terminal 20 is a terminal carried by a clerk. The clerk terminal 20 is, for example, a tablet equipped with a camera and a microphone, a smartphone, or smart glasses, but is not limited to these.

[0012] First Embodiment 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a business assistance device 10. The business assistance device 10 includes a product identification unit 110, a product position identification unit 120, and an output unit .

[0013] The product identification unit 110 identifies the products to be stocked using product identification information for identifying the products to be stocked. The product identification information is information used by the store clerk to identify the products to be stocked on the display shelves. For example, the store clerk needs to stock products from the back room to replenish products that are running low on the shelves or that have disappeared from the shelves. Alternatively, when products are delivered, the store clerk needs to stock the delivered products in their display positions in the store. Alternatively, in response to instructions from the store headquarters or the like, the store clerk may add best-selling products and stock them. The product identification information is information used by the store clerk in such cases to identify the products to be stocked.

[0014] The product specification information is, for example, the following information, but is not limited to this information.

[0015] (1) Product image: For example, the product appearance, product name, JAN (Japanese Article Number) code, or two-dimensional code photographed by a store clerk using the store clerk terminal 20.

[0016] (2) Voice information: For example, a voice signal of the product name or JAN code spoken by a store clerk to the store clerk terminal 20.

[0017] (3) Text information: For example, the name or code of a product entered by a store clerk using the touch panel / keyboard of the store clerk terminal 20.

[0018] The product identification unit 110 identifies a product using any one or a combination of multiple pieces of information described above as product identification information. For example, when using an image captured by the store clerk terminal 20, the product identification unit 110 may identify the product in the image captured by the store clerk terminal 20 by referring to a product information database that stores information indicating the product and an image of the product in association with each other for each product. The information indicating the product includes, for example, the product name, product model number, product code, product price, product category, product size, product weight, and information including at least a part of the product image, but is not limited to these.

[0019] The product position identification unit 120 identifies the display position of the identified product. The display position is the position where the store clerk puts the product out for display. For example, the display position includes at least part of information about the shelf on which the product is displayed, information about the shelf level, and information about the number of faces displayed on the level, but is not limited to these. The shelf information may be, for example, information about the shelf number or shelf position, but is not limited to these. The shelf information may also be section information that divides a continuous shelf into multiple sections. For example, the shelf information may be information indicating each of multiple sections into which the shelf is divided, such as a section close to the aisle and a central section. The level information may be, for example, a level number counted from the top or bottom, but is not limited to this. Here, the number of faces refers to the number of rows of products displayed side by side on a shelf, etc. In the following description, a face refers to a row of products displayed on a shelf, etc. The face information may be, for example, a face number in a display position on a shelf, etc. Specifically, face information is information that indicates the number from the right or left of the display shelf, etc. However, face information is not limited to the above.

[0020] The product location specifying unit 120 may specify the location where the product is to be displayed by, for example, referring to a shelf allocation information database that stores information on products in association with their display locations within a store. The shelf allocation information database may store shelf allocation information for products by category.

[0021] The configuration of the product information database and the shelf allocation information database is not particularly limited. The product information database and the shelf allocation information database may be different databases or may be included in a single database. For example, the product information database and the shelf allocation information database may be databases in which the internal data is linked.

[0022] The output unit 130 outputs to the store clerk terminal 20 display control information for superimposing and displaying information instructing the display position of the product on an image including the shelf photographed by the store clerk terminal 20.

[0023] The display control information is information for displaying information indicating the display position of a product on the store clerk terminal 20. The information indicating the display position of a product is, for example, information including at least a portion of information indicating the shelf on which the product is displayed, information indicating the row on the shelf on which the product is displayed, and information indicating the number of faces on which the product is displayed on the shelf or row. However, the information indicating the display position of a product is not limited to these.

[0024] Based on the display control information, the clerk terminal 20 displays information indicating the display position of the product by superimposing it on the image of the shelf. For example, the clerk terminal 20 may display a shape, such as a rectangle, indicating the display position of the product on the image of the shelf. Alternatively, the clerk terminal 20 may display text indicating the display position of the product, such as the number of the shelf on which the product is displayed. Alternatively, the clerk terminal 20 may output a sound indicating the display position of the product. Alternatively, if the clerk terminal 20 is a terminal that realizes augmented reality, such as smart glasses, the clerk terminal 20 may superimpose it on the image of the shelf in the real world to virtually display the display position of the product.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the display position of a product on the store clerk terminal 20. In FIG. 2, the display position is displayed using a square frame superimposed on an image of a shelf. For example, even if there are multiple places on a shelf where a product can be displayed, the store clerk can understand the display position of the product by referring to the display as shown in FIG. 2. The store clerk terminal 20 may use an application for displaying images of the shelf and the product when displaying the shelf as shown in FIG. 2.

[0026] The output unit 130 may output alert information to the clerk terminal 20 for outputting an alert at the clerk terminal 20. For example, if a two-dimensional code containing information indicating the shelf is affixed to each shelf, the image of the shelf photographed by the clerk terminal 20 can be used to determine the shelf that has been photographed. Therefore, for example, the output unit 130 may use the image photographed by the clerk terminal 20 to determine the shelf photographed by the clerk terminal 20. Then, if the shelf photographed by the clerk terminal 20 is different from the shelf on which products are displayed, the output unit 130 may output alert information to the clerk terminal 20 for outputting an alert indicating that the shelf is a different shelf. Alternatively, the output unit 130 may use the image of the shelf photographed by the clerk terminal 20 to determine the face count of the displayed product. Then, if the face counts of the displayed products are different, the output unit 130 may output alert information to the clerk terminal 20 for outputting an alert indicating that the face counts are different. The shelf determination, the determination of whether the shelf is different, the determination of the number of faces, and the determination of whether the number of faces is different may be performed by other configurations or other devices without being limited to the output unit 130. In this case, the output unit 130 may output alert information based on the results of these determinations.

[0027] The alert on the store clerk terminal 20 in response to the alert information output by the output unit 130 is, for example, at least one of vibration, audio notification, and image display indicating the alert, but is not limited to these.

[0028] The output unit 130 may output information about work instructions related to the shelves displaying products to the store clerk terminal 20. Work instructions include, but are not limited to, instructions for creating in-store advertisements (POP: Point of Purchase Advertising) and instructions for arranging products during stocking. In-store advertisements may be, for example, advertisements for products to be displayed on shelves or advertisements for other products to be displayed on the same shelves as the products being displayed. Instructions for creating in-store advertisements may include, for example, instructions regarding the content of the advertisements to be created. Alternatively, instructions for creating in-store advertisements may include instructions indicating products to be advertised, such as recommended products or featured products. Instructions for arranging products during stocking may include, for example, the total number of products to be stocked or instructions for rearranging products. For example, the arranging instructions may include instructions to move older products to the front and newer products to the back for products with expiration dates or best-before dates. Alternatively, the arranging instructions may include instructions to remove products that have passed their expiration dates or have a short time until their expiration dates or best-before dates.

[0029] The timing at which the output unit 130 outputs the information on the task instructions is not limited. For example, in the case of a task instruction that is performed simultaneously with stocking, the output unit 130 may output display control information for displaying the information on the task instructions and information instructing the display position. Alternatively, in the case of a task instruction that is performed at a timing different from stocking, the output unit 130 may output the information on the task instructions at an appropriate timing. For example, in the case of monitoring the work status of a store clerk, the output unit 130 may output the information on the task instructions when the store clerk is free. In the case of multiple task instructions, the output unit 130 may output the information on the task instructions in a list. The output unit 130 may select the task instruction to output depending on the store clerk operating the store clerk terminal 20 to output the task instruction.

[0030] The output unit 130 may output additional information regarding the display position of the product to the store clerk terminal 20. The additional information regarding the display position of the product is, for example, information indicating that the display position of the product has changed, or information indicating another display position where the same product is displayed, but is not limited to these.

[0031] The output unit 130 may output other information related to stocking in addition to the display control information. For example, the output unit 130 may output a store map in addition to the display control information. In this case, the clerk terminal 20 may display the display position superimposed on the store map. Alternatively, the output unit 130 may output the store map and the route from the storage location of the product to be stocked to the display position. In this case, the clerk terminal 20 may display the storage position, display position, and route superimposed on the store map.

[0032] The output unit 130 may output to the store clerk terminal 20 display control information for displaying information indicating products to be removed from the shelf in an image of a shelf on which information indicating the display position of the products is superimposed. For example, the output unit 130 may identify products to be removed from the shelf in an image of a shelf captured by the store clerk terminal 20, and output display control information to the store clerk terminal 20 for displaying information indicating the identified products to be removed. The information indicating the products to be removed includes, for example, at least one of information indicating the display location of the products to be removed, an image of the products to be removed, and the name of the products to be removed, but is not limited to these. The information indicating the products to be removed may also include information indicating a location where the products removed from the shelf are to be stored or disposed of.

[0033] 3 is a flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the business support device 10. The product identification unit 110 identifies the product to be put out using product identification information to identify the product to be put out (step S201). The product position identification unit 120 identifies the display position of the identified product (step S202). The output unit 130 outputs display control information to the clerk terminal 20 for superimposing information indicating the display position of the product on an image including a shelf photographed by the clerk terminal 20 (step S203).

[0034] As described above, the business support device 10 includes a product identification unit 110, a product position identification unit 120, and an output unit 130. The product identification unit 110 identifies the product to be put out using product identification information. The product position identification unit 120 identifies the display position of the identified product. The output unit 130 outputs display control information to the clerk terminal 20 for superimposing information indicating the display position of the product on an image including a shelf photographed by the clerk terminal 20.

[0035] As described above, the business assistance device 10 outputs display control information to display display position instructions on the clerk terminal 20 using product identification information for identifying the products to be stocked. In other words, if the business assistance device 10 can obtain product identification information for identifying the products to be stocked, it can provide the display positions of the products. In this way, the business assistance device 10 makes it easy to understand the display positions of the products. Therefore, even an inexperienced clerk can easily understand the display positions of the products when stocking them using the clerk terminal 20.

[0036] Second Embodiment The business assistance device 10 may operate using the location of a store clerk. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the business assistance device 11. The business assistance device 11 includes a store clerk identification unit 140 in addition to the configuration of the business assistance device 10.

[0037] The clerk identification unit 140 identifies the position of the clerk. For example, in store management, the positions of clerks and customers are determined using images of the inside of the store taken by cameras installed in the store. Therefore, the clerk identification unit 140 may use the position of the clerk within the store determined using images of the inside of the store taken by cameras installed in the store as the position of the clerk. Alternatively, if beacons are installed in the store or on the shelves, the clerk identification unit 140 may identify the position of the clerk using information from the beacons received by the clerk terminal 20. Alternatively, the clerk identification unit 140 may use information on the position of the clerk entered by the clerk into the clerk terminal 20.

[0038] Alternatively, the clerk identification unit 140 may use the position of a shelf near the clerk as the position of the clerk. For example, the clerk identification unit 140 may identify the position of a shelf using an image of the shelf acquired from the clerk terminal 20, and determine the identified shelf position as the position of the clerk. For example, if a two-dimensional code containing information identifying the shelf is attached to each shelf, the clerk identification unit 140 may identify the position of the shelf using a photographed two-dimensional code, and determine the identified shelf position as the position of the clerk. Alternatively, if an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag containing information identifying the shelf is attached to each shelf, the clerk identification unit 140 may determine the position of the shelf read by the clerk terminal 20 from the RFID tag as the position of the clerk. Alternatively, the clerk identification unit 140 may use the shelf position input by the clerk to the clerk terminal 20.

[0039] When the store clerk is located at a position other than in front of the shelf on which the merchandise is displayed, the output unit 130 outputs alert information to the store clerk terminal 20 to output an alert indicating that the store clerk is located at a position other than the shelf on which the merchandise is displayed.

[0040] The output unit 130 may change the display control information based on the identified position of the store clerk. That is, the output unit 130 may change the information that the store clerk terminal 20 displays by superimposing it on the image of the shelf, based on the identified position of the store clerk. For example, if the store clerk is not located in front of the shelf on which the products are displayed, the output unit 130 may output to the store clerk terminal 20 display control information for superimposing information indicating the position of the shelf on which the products are displayed on the image captured by the store clerk terminal 20. In this case, the store clerk terminal 20 displays information indicating the position of the shelf on which the products are displayed by superimposing it on the captured image of the shelf. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the store clerk terminal 20 indicating the position of the shelf on which the products are displayed. In FIG. 5, the store clerk terminal 20 uses an arrow to indicate the position of the shelf on which the products are displayed. In FIG. 5, the arrow indicates the direction of the shelf on which the products are displayed. The store clerk can reach the position where the products are displayed by referring to the display such as that in FIG. 5.

[0041] The output unit 130 may output a store map and a route from the position of the store clerk to the display position. In this case, the store clerk terminal 20 may display the position of the store clerk, the display position, and the route superimposed on the store map.

[0042] The clerk identification unit 140 may identify the direction in which the clerk is facing. For example, if the clerk terminal 20 is a smartphone or tablet equipped with a direction sensor, the clerk terminal 20 can identify the direction. Alternatively, if the clerk terminal 20 is smart glasses, the direction in which the clerk is facing may be identified based on an image captured by the smart glasses. In these cases, the clerk identification unit 140 may acquire the direction in which the clerk is facing from the clerk terminal 20. Then, if the direction in which the clerk is facing is different from the direction of the shelves on which the products are displayed, the output unit 130 may output alert information to the clerk terminal 20 to output an alert indicating that the clerk is facing a direction different from the direction of the shelves on which the products are displayed.

[0043] In this way, the business support device 11 is provided with the store clerk identification unit 140, and is therefore able to provide information corresponding to the location of the store clerk.

[0044] Third Embodiment The business support device 10 may detect shortages on shelves. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the business support device 12. In addition to the configuration of the business support device 10, the business support device 12 includes a shortage detection unit 150. The business support device 12 may also include a store clerk identification unit 140.

[0045] The stockout detection unit 150 detects stockouts on the shelves using images of the shelves. For example, the stockout detection unit 150 detects stockouts on the shelves using images of the shelves captured by the store clerk terminal 20. Alternatively, the stockout detection unit 150 may acquire information about stockouts on the shelves from another configuration or device that detects stockouts using images of the shelves.

[0046] The out-of-stock items to be detected are not limited to the items being stocked, but may be other items. Furthermore, the timing of detecting out-of-stock items by the out-of-stock detection unit 150 may be simultaneous with or different from the stocking of the items. For example, if the store clerk terminal 20 is smart glasses, the out-of-stock detection unit 150 may detect out-of-stock items in an image of a shelf that displays the display position of the items on the smart glasses. Alternatively, the out-of-stock detection unit 150 may detect out-of-stock items in an image of a shelf photographed by the store clerk terminal 20 even at a timing different from the stocking of the items. In this way, the out-of-stock detection unit 150 may use an image of a shelf before stocking the items, an image of a shelf after stocking the items, or an image of a shelf different from the shelf from which the items are stocked. Each embodiment may be combined.

[0047] When the out-of-stock detection unit 150 detects a shortage of an item on a shelf, the output unit 130 outputs display control information for displaying information indicating the shortage to the store clerk terminal 20. For example, the output unit 130 may output display control information to the store clerk terminal 20 for displaying the location and name of the shortage superimposed on the image of the shelf captured by the store clerk terminal 20. In this case, the store clerk terminal 20 displays information indicating the location and name of the shortage superimposed on the image of the shelf.

[0048] In this way, by including the out-of-stock detection unit 150, the business support device 12 can provide information on out-of-stock items on the shelves in addition to the display positions of the products.

[0049] The embodiment may be modified and used, and modifications will be described below.

[0050] <Modification> In each embodiment, the clerk terminal 20 has been described as a tablet, a smartphone, smart glasses, or the like. Therefore, in each embodiment, an example has been described in which the output unit 130 superimposes various information on an image captured by the clerk terminal 20. Here, as a modified example, an example will be described in which the clerk terminal 20 is AR glasses, which are a terminal capable of realizing augmented reality. AR glasses have the function of recognizing objects in the real world. Therefore, when the clerk terminal 20 is AR glasses, the output unit 130 performs various superimposed displays on a shelf recognized by the clerk terminal 20. For example, the output unit 130 may output display control information to the clerk terminal 20 for superimposing and displaying information indicating the display position of a product on a shelf recognized by the clerk terminal 20. Then, based on the display control information, the clerk terminal 20 virtually displays the display position of the product on the recognized shelf.

[0051] In addition, in the example of changing the display control information based on the position of the store clerk described in the second embodiment, the output unit 130 may change the information to be displayed superimposed on the shelf recognized by the store clerk terminal 20 based on the identified position of the store clerk.

[0052] Furthermore, in the example of a shelf shortage described in the third embodiment, when the shortage detection unit 150 detects a shortage on a shelf, the output unit 130 may output display control information to the clerk terminal 20 to superimpose the location and name of the shortage on the shelf recognized by the clerk terminal 20.

[0053] <Hardware configuration> The hardware configuration of the business support devices 10 to 12 will now be described. Each component of the business support devices 10 to 12 may be configured using a hardware circuit. Alternatively, each component of the business support devices 10 to 12 may be configured using multiple devices connected via a network. For example, the business support devices 10 to 12 may be configured using cloud computing. Alternatively, multiple components of the business support devices 10 to 12 may be configured using a single piece of hardware. Alternatively, the business support devices 10 to 12 may be realized as a computer including a processor, a memory, and a network interface (NIC: Network Interface Card). The processor may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), but is not limited to this. The memory may be, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM), but is not limited to these.

[0054] 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer 600, which is the hardware configuration of the task support devices 10 to 12. The computer 600 includes a CPU 610, a ROM 620, a RAM 630, a storage device 640, and a network interface 650.

[0055] The CPU 610 loads a program from at least one of the ROM 620 and the storage device 640. Based on the loaded program, the CPU 610 controls the RAM 630, the storage device 640, and the network interface 650. The CPU 610 controls these components to realize the functions of the product identification unit 110, the product position identification unit 120, the output unit 130, the store clerk identification unit 140, and the stockout detection unit 150. In this way, the computer 600 may realize its functions as a combination of hardware and software.

[0056] The CPU 610 may read a program contained in a computer-readable recording medium 690 using a recording medium reading device (not shown). Alternatively, the CPU 610 may receive a program via the network interface 650, store it in the RAM 630 or the storage device 640, and operate based on the stored program.

[0057] The ROM 620 stores programs and fixed data executed by the CPU 610. The ROM 620 is, for example, a programmable ROM (P-ROM) or a flash ROM. The RAM 630 temporarily stores programs and data executed by the CPU 610. The RAM 630 is, for example, a dynamic RAM (D-RAM). The storage device 640 stores data and programs that the computer 600 stores long-term. The storage device 640 is, for example, a hard disk device, a magneto-optical disk device, a solid-state drive (SSD), or a disk array device.

[0058] The ROM 620 and the storage device 640 are non-volatile (non-transitory) recording media. On the other hand, the RAM 630 is a volatile (transitory) recording media. The CPU 610 can operate based on programs stored in the ROM 620, the storage device 640, and the RAM 630. In other words, the CPU 610 can operate using either a non-volatile recording medium or a volatile recording medium. When realizing each function, the CPU 610 may use at least one of the RAM 630 and the storage device 640 as a temporary storage medium for programs and data.

[0059] The network interface 650 relays data exchange with external devices via a network. The network interface 650 is, for example, a local area network (LAN) card. Furthermore, the network interface 650 is not limited to a wired connection, and may be wireless.

[0060] The computer 600 configured in this way executes the operations configured in the business support devices 10 to 12 and realizes the functions of the business support devices 10 to 12.

[0061] <System example> A business support system 30 that uses business support devices 10 to 12 will be described below. For ease of explanation, the following description will be given using the business support device 10. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a business support system 30 that uses the business support device 10. The business support system 30 includes the business support device 10, a store clerk terminal 20, a management server 40, a product information database 50, and a shelf allocation information database 60. Each component is interconnected via a network. In FIG. 8, a tablet and smart glasses are shown as examples of the store clerk terminal 20. However, the store clerk terminal 20 is not limited to these.

[0062] The clerk terminal 20 acquires product identification information and outputs it to the business support device 10. Furthermore, the clerk terminal 20 receives display control information from the business support device 10 and displays information instructing the display positions of products to be stocked using the display control information. The product information database 50 stores information used by the product identification unit 110 to identify products to be stocked using the product identification information. The shelf allocation information database 60 stores information used by the product position identification unit 120 to identify the display positions of products. The management server 40 stores information required for the product information database 50 and the shelf allocation information database 60. For example, a person in charge of management headquarters managing a store operates the management server 40 to store information required for the product information database 50 and the shelf allocation information database 60. However, the operation of the information in the product information database 50 and the shelf allocation information database 60 is not limited to the above. For example, if each store has a management server 40, a person in charge of the store may operate the store's management server 40 to store information required for the product information database 50 and the shelf allocation information database 60.

[0063] The business support device 10 operates as described above using the information stored in the product information database 50 and the shelf allocation information database 60, and the product identification information acquired from the clerk terminal 20, and outputs display control information to the clerk terminal 20. More specifically, the product identification unit 110 identifies the product to be stocked using the information stored in the product information database 50 and the product identification information input to the clerk terminal 20 for identifying the product to be stocked. The product position identification unit 120 identifies the display position of the identified product using the information stored in the shelf allocation information database 60. The output unit 130 outputs display control information to the clerk terminal 20 for displaying information indicating the display position of the product superimposed on an image including a shelf photographed by the clerk terminal 20. Through these operations, the business support device 10 provides information that makes it easy to understand the display position of a product when stocking products.

[0064] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0065] (Appendix 1) a product identification means for identifying a product to be put out using product identification information for identifying the product to be put out; a product position specifying means for specifying the display position of the specified product; an output means for outputting, to the store clerk terminal, display control information for superimposing information indicating the display position of the product on an image of the shelf photographed by the store clerk terminal; A business support device comprising:

[0066] (Appendix 2) The information indicating the display position of the product includes information indicating the number of faces on which the product is to be displayed. 10. The business support device according to claim 1.

[0067] (Appendix 3) When the shelf photographed by the store clerk terminal is different from the shelf on which the product is displayed, the output means outputs alert information to the store clerk terminal for outputting an alert indicating that the shelf is different. 3. The business support device according to claim 1 or 2.

[0068] (Appendix 4) When the number of faces in the image of the product photographed by the store clerk terminal differs from the number of faces displayed for the product, the output means outputs alert information to the store clerk terminal for outputting an alert indicating that the number of faces differs. 4. The business support device according to any one of appendixes 1 to 3.

[0069] (Appendix 5) Further provided is a store clerk identification means for identifying the location of the store clerk, When the store clerk is located at a position other than in front of the shelf on which the product is displayed, the output means outputs alert information to the store clerk terminal for outputting an alert indicating that the store clerk is located at a position other than the shelf on which the product is displayed. 5. A business support device according to any one of appendixes 1 to 4.

[0070] (Appendix 6) The store clerk identification means identifies the direction in which the store clerk is facing, When the direction in which the store clerk is facing is different from the direction of the shelves on which the products are displayed, the output means outputs alert information to the store clerk terminal for outputting an alert indicating that the store clerk is facing a direction different from the direction of the shelves on which the products are displayed. 6. The business support device according to claim 5.

[0071] (Appendix 7) the output means changes the display control information based on the identified position of the store clerk. 7. The business support device according to claim 5 or 6.

[0072] (Appendix 8) The output means outputs, to the store clerk terminal, display control information for superimposing information indicating the position of the shelf on which the product is displayed on the image captured by the store clerk terminal. 8. The business support device according to claim 7.

[0073] (Appendix 9) The output means outputs information on work instructions related to the shelves on which the products are displayed to the store clerk terminal. 9. A business support device according to any one of appendixes 1 to 8.

[0074] (Appendix 10) The work instruction is at least one of an instruction to create an in-store advertisement, an instruction to put out the products, and an instruction to rearrange the products when putting out the products. 10. The business support device according to claim 9.

[0075] (Appendix 11) The output means outputs additional information regarding the display position of the product to the store clerk terminal. 11. A business support device according to any one of appendixes 1 to 10.

[0076] (Appendix 12) The additional information is information indicating that the display position of the product has changed, or information indicating another display position where the product will be displayed. 12. The business support device according to claim 11.

[0077] (Appendix 13) Further provided is a stockout detection means for detecting stockouts on the shelves using images of the shelves, When a shortage is detected, the output means outputs display control information for displaying information indicating the shortage to the store clerk terminal. 13. A business support device according to any one of appendices 1 to 12.

[0078] (Appendix 14) the output means outputs to the store clerk terminal display control information for displaying information indicating the product to be removed from the shelf superimposed on the image of the shelf; 14. A business support device according to any one of appendixes 1 to 13.

[0079] (Appendix 15) Identifying the product to be put out using product identification information for identifying the product to be put out; Identifying the display position of the identified product; outputting, to the store clerk terminal, display control information for superimposing and displaying information indicating the display position of the product on an image of the shelf photographed by the store clerk terminal; Business support methods.

[0080] (Appendix 16) A process of identifying a commodity to be put out using commodity identification information for identifying the commodity to be put out; A process of identifying a display position of the identified product; outputting, to the store clerk terminal, display control information for superimposing information indicating the display position of the product on an image of the shelf photographed by the store clerk terminal; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

[0081] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 14, which are dependent on Supplementary Note 1, may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 15 and 16 in the same dependent relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 14. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Notes 1, 15, and 16, some or all of the configurations described as Supplements may be made dependent on various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems, within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0082] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 10 Business support equipment 11 Business support equipment 12 Business support equipment 110 Product Specification Department 120 Product location identification section 130 Output section 140 Clerk Specific Department 150 Missing Item Detection Unit 20 Store clerk terminal 30 Business Support System 40 Management Server 50 Product Information Database 60 Shelf allocation information database 600 computers 610 CPU 620 ROM 630 RAM 640 Storage device 650 network interface 690 Recording Media

Claims

1. a product identification means for identifying a product to be put out using product identification information for identifying the product to be put out; a product position specifying means for specifying the display position of the specified product; an output means for outputting to the store clerk terminal display control information for superimposing information indicating the display position of the product on an image of the shelf photographed by the store clerk terminal; A business support device comprising:

2. The information indicating the display position of the product includes information indicating the number of faces on which the product is to be displayed. The business support device according to claim 1 .

3. When the shelf photographed by the store clerk terminal is different from the shelf on which the product is displayed, the output means outputs alert information to the store clerk terminal for outputting an alert indicating that the shelf is different. The business support device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Further provided is a store clerk identification means for identifying the location of the store clerk, When the store clerk is located at a position other than in front of the shelf on which the product is displayed, the output means outputs alert information to the store clerk terminal for outputting an alert indicating that the store clerk is located at a position other than the shelf on which the product is displayed. The business support device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The store clerk identification means identifies the direction in which the store clerk is facing, When the direction in which the store clerk is facing is different from the direction of the shelves on which the products are displayed, the output means outputs alert information to the store clerk terminal for outputting an alert indicating that the store clerk is facing a direction different from the direction of the shelves on which the products are displayed. The business support device according to claim 4.

6. the output means changes the display control information based on the identified position of the store clerk. The business support device according to claim 5.

7. The output means outputs information on work instructions related to the shelves on which the products are displayed to the store clerk terminal. The business support device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. Further provided is a stockout detection means for detecting stockouts on the shelves using images of the shelves, When a shortage is detected, the output means outputs display control information for displaying information indicating the shortage to the store clerk terminal. The business support device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. Identifying the product to be put out using product identification information for identifying the product to be put out; Identifying a display position of the identified product; outputting, to the store clerk terminal, display control information for superimposing information indicating the display position of the product on an image of the shelf photographed by the store clerk terminal; Business support methods.

10. A process of identifying a commodity to be put out using commodity identification information for identifying the commodity to be put out; A process of identifying a display position of the identified product; outputting, to the store clerk terminal, display control information for superimposing information indicating the display position of the product on an image of the shelf photographed by the store clerk terminal; A program that causes a computer to execute the following.

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