Information processing apparatus and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus and a program capable of preventing children from getting lost in a store.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus of an embodiment that is operated by a customer who uses a store and is capable of moving in the store together with the customer comprises: registration means for acquiring information that can identify a product and registering the product as a product to be purchased; first display means for displaying information about the product registered by the registration means on a display unit; receiving means for receiving a beacon signal from a beacon apparatus detachable from the information processing apparatus; acquisition means for acquiring information about the distance between the information processing apparatus and the beacon apparatus based on the beacon signal; and second display means for displaying first notification information on the display unit in accordance with the information acquired by the acquisition means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, shopping carts equipped with terminal devices such as tablet terminals have been used in supermarkets, mass retailers, etc. Furthermore, a terminal device (hereinafter also referred to as a cart terminal) equipped on a shopping cart has been proposed that is capable of processing periodic signals called beacons using short-range wireless technology such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Meanwhile, in commercial facilities such as amusement facilities, a system has been proposed that uses beacons to find lost children when parents and children using the facility unintentionally become separated, i.e., when a child becomes lost (for example, Patent Document 2).

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional systems do not take into consideration the use in stores, and it is difficult to apply them as they are. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing device and a program that can prevent children from getting lost in a store. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device of the embodiment is an information processing device that is operated by a customer using a store and can move around the store with the customer, and is equipped with a registration means that acquires information that can identify a product and registers it as a product to be purchased, a first display means that displays information about the product registered by the registration means on a display unit, a receiving means that receives a beacon signal from a beacon device that is detachable from the information processing device, an acquisition means that acquires information about the distance between the information processing device and the beacon device based on the beacon signal, and a second display means that displays first notification information on the display unit according to the information acquired by the acquisition means. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a lost child prevention system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a shopping cart according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of the lost child determination table according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a beacon transmitter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a terminal device and a beacon transmitter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a control process of the lost child prevention system S according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control process of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a lost child prevention system according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment of the terminal device 1 will be described. In the embodiment described below, the terminal device 1 used in a store or the like will be described as an example of an information processing device, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

[0009] (First embodiment) 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a lost child prevention system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the lost child prevention system S includes a terminal device 1 and a beacon transmitter 2.

[0010] The terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2 are connected to be able to communicate with each other by short-range wireless communication such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)). In this embodiment, the state in which communication is possible is a concept that includes not only two-way communication in which the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2 can send and receive signals to each other, but also one-way communication in which the terminal device 1 receives a signal transmitted by the beacon transmitter 2. In this embodiment, the description will be given assuming that the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2 perform the former two-way communication.

[0011] Here, the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2 form a one-to-one pair. For example, the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2 form a pair by holding the identification information of the other device with which they are paired, along with the identification information of their own device (for example, a UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) ​​or the like). In other words, the number of beacon transmitters 2 with which a certain terminal device 1 can transmit and receive information is limited to one. Hereinafter, the identification information for uniquely identifying the terminal device 1 will also be referred to as a terminal ID, and the identification information for uniquely identifying the beacon transmitter 2 will also be referred to as a beacon ID.

[0012] The terminal device 1 is an information processing device that is operated by a customer using a store and can move around the store together with the customer. The terminal device 1 can be attached to a shopping cart 3 (described later) and can move around the store together with the customer. For example, the terminal device 1 is a portable terminal device that can be moved around, such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone.

[0013] The terminal device 1 has a product registration function for registering products that a customer purchases. Specifically, when a customer finds a product to purchase in the product section of a store, the customer uses the imaging unit 34 (see FIG. 3) of the terminal device 1 to read a code symbol such as a barcode or two-dimensional code attached to the product, thereby registering the product.

[0014] Furthermore, when the terminal device 1 receives a checkout instruction from the operation unit 106 (see FIG. 3) of the terminal device 1, it transmits product information of the product registered by the terminal device 1 to a checkout machine (not shown).

[0015] Furthermore, the terminal device 1 receives various types of information from the beacon transmitter 2. Specifically, the terminal device 1 receives a beacon signal transmitted from the beacon transmitter 2. The beacon signal includes the beacon ID of the beacon transmitter 2 and location information of the beacon transmitter 2.

[0016] Furthermore, when the terminal device 1 receives a beacon signal, it authenticates the beacon transmitter 2. Specifically, when the terminal device 1 receives a beacon signal from the beacon transmitter 2, it determines whether or not the beacon ID included in the beacon signal matches the beacon ID stored in association with the terminal ID stored in the ROM 102 (see FIG. 3) of the terminal device 1. If it is determined that they match, the terminal device 1 determines that the beacon signal has been transmitted from the beacon transmitter 2 that forms a pair, and acquires the beacon signal. If it is determined that they do not match, the terminal device 1 determines that the beacon signal has been transmitted from a beacon transmitter other than the beacon transmitter 2 that forms the pair, and discards the beacon signal.

[0017] Furthermore, the terminal device 1 uses the positioning unit 108 (see FIG. 3) to acquire location information of its own terminal device 1. When the terminal device 1 acquires the location information indicating the location of its own terminal device 1 within the store, it calculates the distance between its own terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2 based on the location information and the location information of the beacon transmitter 2 included in the beacon signal. Then, the terminal device 1 displays a screen according to the calculated distance between the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2 on the display unit 105. Note that the method of acquiring the location information and the method of calculating the distance will be described later.

[0018] The beacon transmitter 2 is an example of a beacon device. The beacon transmitter 2 is detachably attached to the terminal device 1 that forms a pair.

[0019] The beacon transmitter 2 can be in two states: an off state corresponding to a state in which power is turned off or power consumption is reduced, such as a sleep or hibernation state (hereinafter collectively referred to as a hibernation state), and an on state that is not a hibernation state. In the off state, the beacon transmitter 2 repeatedly transmits a beacon signal at a specified interval stored in the ROM 202 (see FIG. 5) of the beacon transmitter 2. On the other hand, in the off state, the beacon transmitter 2 does not transmit a beacon signal.

[0020] When the beacon transmitter 2 detects that it has been removed from a state where it was attached to a predetermined position of the terminal device 1, it switches itself from an off state to an on state. Then, it uses the positioning unit 206 (see FIG. 5) of the beacon transmitter 2 to acquire location information indicating the location of its own beacon transmitter 2 within the store. Then, the beacon transmitter 2 transmits a beacon signal including a beacon ID and the location information of the beacon transmitter 2 to the terminal device 1. The method of acquiring the location information will be described later.

[0021] In this embodiment, communication between the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2 is possible throughout the entire store.

[0022] Next, a description will be given of a shopping cart 3 equipped with the terminal device 1. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the shopping cart 3 according to this embodiment.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the shopping cart 3 includes a basket-shaped storage section 31 with an open top, rotating casters 32 arranged below the storage section 31, and a handle section 33 connected to the storage section 31 and casters 32 and held by the customer when moving the shopping cart 3.

[0024] The storage section 31 has an open top and is surrounded by a mesh-like lattice 311 on the sides and bottom in a substantially rectangular shape, allowing the products stored in the storage section 31 to be viewed from the outside. The sides and bottom may be formed of wall surfaces instead of the mesh-like lattice 311.

[0025] The shopping cart 3 also includes a terminal device 1 near the handle 33. The terminal device 1 also includes a detachable beacon transmitter 2 at a predetermined position on the terminal device 1. The shopping cart 3 also includes an imaging unit 34 near the edge of the opening of the storage unit 31. The shopping cart 3 also includes a battery 4, for example, on the side or bottom of the storage unit 31.

[0026] The beacon transmitter 2 operates when attached to a predetermined position on the terminal device 1, as shown in Figure 2(a), or when detached from the predetermined position on the terminal device 1 and carried by the person to be operated (e.g., a child) who comes to the store with the operator of the shopping cart 3 (e.g., a parent), as shown in Figure 2(b).

[0027] As shown in Fig. 2(a), when the beacon transmitter 2 is attached to a predetermined position on the terminal device 1, the beacon transmitter 2 is in an off state. When the beacon transmitter 2 detects that the terminal device 1 has been removed from the predetermined position, the beacon transmitter 2 changes to an on state. When the beacon transmitter 2 is removed from the terminal device 1, as shown in Fig. 2(b), the beacon transmitter 2 is in an on state. When the beacon transmitter 2 detects that the terminal device 1 has been attached to a predetermined position, the beacon transmitter 2 changes to an off state.

[0028] The imaging unit 34 is realized by an imaging device such as a digital camera. The imaging unit 34 is installed so that the imaging direction faces the opening of the storage unit 31. In other words, the imaging direction and imaging range of the imaging unit 34 are set so that it can capture images of products being put in and taken out of the storage unit 31. The imaging unit 34 may be configured to be included in the terminal device 1.

[0029] The imaging unit 34 captures images of products stored in the storage unit 31 or products taken out of the storage unit 31, and outputs the captured images to the terminal device 1. Here, the image means a still image or a video image in frame units.

[0030] The battery 4 is a rechargeable secondary battery that stores power supplied from an external power source via a power supply unit (not shown) and supplies the stored power to the terminal device 1 mounted on the shopping cart 3.

[0031] The configuration of the shopping cart 3 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 2. For example, the terminal device 1 may be configured to be detachable from the shopping cart 3. In this case, the terminal device 1 may be a mobile terminal (tablet terminal, smartphone, etc.) that is owned by the customer or rented by the store and attached to the shopping cart 3.

[0032] Next, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the terminal device 1. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, which is an example of a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, and a memory unit 104.

[0034] The CPU 101 comprehensively controls each unit of the terminal device 1. The ROM 102 stores various programs. For example, the ROM 102 stores a terminal ID and a beacon ID corresponding to the terminal ID. The RAM 103 is a workspace for expanding programs and various data. For example, the RAM 103 includes a product registration file 1031.

[0035] The product registration file 1031 is a data table or database that manages products registered in the terminal device 1. The product registration file 1031 stores, for example, transaction management memory and transaction data (product code, product name, price, and quantity).

[0036] The transaction management memory is, for example, identification information (identification number) associated with a storage area that stores information related to one transaction handled by the terminal device 1. Specifically, the transaction management memory stores the information in association with the transaction data handled in one transaction. The transaction data stores, for example, product information such as the product code, product name, and price of the product registered in one transaction among the products stored in the product master 1042 described below, as well as the registered number of the product.

[0037] 3, the memory unit 104 is a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 104 includes a control program unit 1041, a product master 1042, a store map information unit 1043, and a lost child determination table 1044.

[0038] The control program unit 1041 stores a control program for controlling the terminal device 1. The CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, and memory unit 104 are connected to one another via a bus 112. The CPU 101, ROM 102, and RAM 103 constitute a control unit 100 having a computer configuration. That is, the control unit 100 executes a control process for the terminal device 1, which will be described later, by the CPU 101 operating in accordance with the control program unit 1041 stored in the ROM 102 or memory unit 104 and expanded in the RAM 103.

[0039] The product master 1042 is a data table or database for managing the prices of products sold in the store. The product master 1042 associates the type of product sold in the store with an identifiable product code, and stores product information such as the product name and price of the product corresponding to the product code.

[0040] The store map information unit 1043 is a data table or database that stores a store map that indicates the store layout, such as store aisles, product sales floor locations, and cash register locations, as well as the layout locations of the product sales floors. Here, the store layout is so-called map data that includes the locations and shapes of store aisles. The layout locations of the product sales floors are information that associates the coordinate locations where products are located with product information about the products (e.g., product codes). The store map information unit 1043 can be in any format, but for example, a format similar to that of road maps used in car navigation systems (data that represents aisles with links and nodes) is used.

[0041] The lost child determination table 1044 is a data table or database that defines the relationship between the distance between the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2 and the display content on the display screen corresponding to that distance. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the lost child determination table 1044. As shown in FIG. 4, the lost child determination table 1044 stores the distance and the display content in association with each other. Here, the display content is an example of information regarding the distance between the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2.

[0042] The distance represents, for example, the distance between the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2. The distance is calculated based on the location information of the terminal device 1 acquired via the positioning unit 108 (see FIG. 3) of the terminal device 1 and the location information of the beacon transmitter 2 included in the beacon signal.

[0043] Here, the distance can be calculated using known techniques. For example, the Euclidean distance calculated from the location information of the terminal device 1 and the location information of the beacon transmitter 2 may be used as the distance.

[0044] The display content indicates the type of screen to be displayed on display unit 105. In Fig. 5, for convenience, text explaining each screen is written in the display content column, but the display content stores content such as image data corresponding to each screen and identification information that can identify the content.

[0045] For example, in FIG. 4, if the distance calculated from the location information of the terminal device 1 and the location information of the beacon transmitter 2 is "3 m," the display content corresponding to that distance is a "product registration screen" that supports product registration processing. In this case, the display unit 105 of the terminal device 1 displays a product registration screen Ga (see FIG. 6) that corresponds to the "product registration screen." Note that, in this embodiment, the "product registration screen" is a default screen that is displayed on the display unit 105 while shopping (registering products) is being performed using the terminal device 1. In other words, when the "product registration screen" is displayed, it means that a beacon transmitter 2 is present in the vicinity of the terminal device 1, in other words, it means that there is a low possibility of the terminal device 1 getting lost.

[0046] Furthermore, if the distance calculated from the location information of the terminal device 1 and the location information of the beacon transmitter 2 is "6 m," the display content corresponding to that distance is "Lost Child Alert Screen 1." "Lost Child Alert Screen 1" notifies users of a situation in which a child may become lost. In this case, the display unit 105 of the terminal device 1 displays a lost child alert screen Gb (see FIG. 7) corresponding to "Lost Child Alert Screen 1."

[0047] Furthermore, if the distance calculated from the location information of the terminal device 1 and the location information of the beacon transmitter 2 is "12 m," the display content corresponding to that distance is "Lost Child Alert Screen 2." "Lost Child Alert Screen 2" notifies the user that a child has become lost. In this case, the display unit 105 of the terminal device 1 displays a lost child alert screen Gc (see FIG. 8) corresponding to "Lost Child Alert Screen 2."

[0048] Returning to FIG. 3, the control unit 100 is connected to the display unit 105 , the operation unit 106 , the communication unit 107 , the positioning unit 108 , the connection unit 109 , the power supply circuit 110 and the attachment / detachment sensor 111 via the bus 112 .

[0049] The display unit 105 is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display unit 105 displays various types of information under the control of the CPU 101. The operation unit 106 is a touch panel provided on the display unit 105. The operation unit 106 outputs operation contents input via an input device to the CPU 101. The operation unit 106 may also be an input device such as a keyboard or a pointing device.

[0050] The communication unit 107 is an interface for communicating with the beacon transmitter 2 by short-range wireless communication such as BLE. The communication unit 107 transmits and receives various information to and from the beacon transmitter 2.

[0051] The positioning unit 108 acquires position information indicating the location of its own terminal device 1 within the store. In this embodiment, the operator of the shopping cart 3 (e.g., a parent) is operating the terminal device 1, and therefore the terminal device 1 is located in the same location as the operator of the shopping cart 3. Therefore, the position of the terminal device 1 identified by the positioning unit 108 corresponds to the location of the operator of the shopping cart 3 within the store.

[0052] The method for acquiring the location information is not particularly limited, and any publicly known and publicly used method can be adopted. For example, the location of the terminal device 1 in the store is identified by performing indoor positioning using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and information related to the identified location of the terminal device 1 (hereinafter also referred to as location information of the terminal device 1) is acquired.

[0053] When the above-described indoor positioning method is employed, the positioning unit 108 first measures the radio wave strength when multiple access points (hereinafter also referred to as APs) (not shown) installed in the aisles of the store, on shelves where products are placed, etc. communicate with the terminal device 1. Then, based on the measured radio wave strength, the positioning unit 108 identifies the relative position of the terminal device 1 with respect to each AP. Based on the identified relative position of the terminal device 1 and the installation positions of the APs, the positioning unit 108 identifies the position of the terminal device 1 in the store (the position of the operator of the shopping cart 3).

[0054] Alternatively, the positioning unit 108 may identify the location of the terminal device 1 using a GPS (Global Positioning System) positioning function of the terminal device 1, and acquire location information of the terminal device 1. In addition, in places where GPS positioning is difficult due to weak radio waves, such as underground floors, positioning may be performed by installing a base station that transmits a signal containing location information. Such indoor positioning technology is called IMES (Indoor Messaging System), and the location of the terminal device 1 can be identified by having the terminal device 1 receive a signal transmitted from the base station.

[0055] The connection unit 109 is an interface for connecting a peripheral device. The connection unit 109 is a wired or wireless interface that complies with a short-range wireless communication standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this embodiment, the connection unit 109 is connected to the imaging unit 34.

[0056] The power supply circuit 110 is a circuit that supplies power to each piece of hardware in the terminal device 1. The power supply circuit 110 is connected to the battery 4. The power supply circuit 110 supplies power to each piece of hardware by, for example, stepping down the voltage supplied from the battery 4 to the operating voltage of each piece of hardware.

[0057] The attachment / detachment sensor 111 is a sensor that detects that the beacon transmitter 2 has been attached to or detached from the terminal device 1. The attachment / detachment sensor 111 is, for example, an object detection sensor that can detect whether the beacon transmitter 2 is placed at a predetermined position on the terminal device 1. The attachment / detachment sensor 111 may be a vibration detection sensor or a weight sensor that can detect contact or impact with the terminal device 1.

[0058] Next, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the beacon transmitter 2. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the beacon transmitter 2 according to this embodiment.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, the beacon transmitter 2 includes a CPU 201, which is an example of a processor, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, and a memory unit 204.

[0060] The CPU 201 comprehensively controls each part of the beacon transmitter 2. The ROM 202 stores various programs. The RAM 203 is a workspace where programs and various data are developed.

[0061] The memory unit 204 is a non-volatile memory such as a HDD or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 204 includes a control program unit 2041.

[0062] The control program section 2041 stores a control program for controlling the beacon transmitter 2. The CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, and memory section 204 are connected to one another via a bus 209. The CPU 201, ROM 202, and RAM 203 configure a control section 200 having a computer configuration. That is, the control section 200 executes a control process for the beacon transmitter 2, which will be described later, by the CPU 201 operating in accordance with the control program section 2041 stored in the ROM 202 or memory section 204 and expanded in the RAM 203.

[0063] The control unit 200 is connected to a communication unit 205 , a positioning unit 206 , a power supply circuit 207 and an attachment / detachment sensor 208 via a bus 209 .

[0064] The communication unit 205 is an interface for communicating with the terminal device 1 by short-range wireless communication such as BLE. The communication unit 205 transmits various types of information to and from the terminal device 1.

[0065] The positioning unit 206 acquires position information indicating the location of its own beacon transmitter 2 within the store. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the person carrying the beacon transmitter 2 is an operated person (e.g., a child) who has come to the store with the operator of the shopping cart 3, and therefore the beacon transmitter 2 is located in the same position as the operated person. Therefore, the position of the beacon transmitter 2 identified by the positioning unit 206 corresponds to the position of the operated person in the store.

[0066] The method used by the positioning unit 206 to acquire location information is not particularly limited, and a publicly known and commonly used method can be adopted, similar to that used by the positioning unit 108 .

[0067] The power supply circuit 207 is a circuit that supplies power to each piece of hardware of the beacon transmitter 2. When the beacon transmitter 2 is installed at a predetermined position of the terminal device 1, the power supply circuit 207 is electrically connected to the terminal device 1 via a connection part (not shown) of the terminal device 1. The power supply circuit 207 supplies power to each piece of hardware by, for example, stepping down the voltage supplied from the terminal device 1 to the operating voltage of each piece of hardware. The power supply circuit 207 may have a battery (not shown) and may be configured to supply power to each piece of hardware of the beacon transmitter 2. The power supply circuit 207 may also be configured to be connected to the battery 4 when the beacon transmitter 2 is installed at a predetermined position of the terminal device 1.

[0068] The attachment / detachment sensor 208 is a sensor that detects that the beacon transmitter 2 has been attached to or detached from the terminal device 1. The attachment / detachment sensor 208 is, for example, an object detection sensor that can detect whether the beacon transmitter 2 is placed in a predetermined position on the terminal device 1. The attachment / detachment sensor 208 may be a vibration detection sensor or a weight sensor that can detect contact or impact with the terminal device 1.

[0069] Next, various screens displayed in the display area G of the display unit 105 of the terminal device 1 will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 105 of the terminal device 1 according to this embodiment. The display control unit 1004 of the terminal device 1, which will be described later, displays a product registration screen Ga, which is made up of an area Gaa, an area Gab, and a button Gac, on the display unit 105. Here, the product registration screen Ga is a screen that supports the product registration process.

[0070] Area Gaa displays product information and registered points for registered products. Specifically, area Gaa displays product information for one transaction stored in product registration file 1031. Area Gab displays the total points and total price for registered products. Specifically, area Gab displays the total points and total price for one transaction stored in product registration file 1031. Button Gac is an operator for issuing a checkout instruction. Specifically, when the operator of the shopping cart 3 (terminal device 1) operates button Gac, the control unit 100 of terminal device 1 accepts a checkout instruction.

[0071] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 105 of the terminal device 1 according to this embodiment. The display control unit 1004 of the terminal device 1 causes the display unit 105 to display a lost child alert screen Gb consisting of an area Gba and a button Gbb. Here, the lost child alert screen Gb is a screen that notifies the user of a situation in which a child may get lost.

[0072] Here, when displaying the lost child alert screen Gb, the display control unit 1004 preferably grays out the product registration screen Ga to make it inoperable before displaying the lost child alert screen Gb. This makes it impossible to register additional products even when the operator of the terminal device 1 is concentrating on shopping, so that the operator can become aware of situations where a child may get lost and prevent the child from getting lost.

[0073] A message is displayed in the area Gba to notify that the operator of the terminal device 1 is far away from the child carrying the beacon transmitter 2. The button Gbb is an operator that notifies the control unit 100 of the terminal device 1 that the operator of the terminal device 1 has checked the lost child alert screen Gb. Specifically, when the operator of the terminal device 1 operates the button Gbb, the display control unit 1004 cancels the display of the lost child alert screen Gb and displays the product registration screen Ga on the display unit 105.

[0074] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 105 of the terminal device 1 according to this embodiment. The display control unit 1004 of the terminal device 1 causes the display unit 105 to display a lost child alert screen Gc consisting of an area Gca, an area Gcb, and a button Gcc. Here, the lost child alert screen Gc is a screen that notifies the user that a lost child has occurred.

[0075] Here, when displaying the lost child alert screen Gc, the display control unit 1004 preferably grays out the product registration screen Ga to make it inoperable before displaying the lost child alert screen Gc. This makes it impossible to register additional products even when the operator of the terminal device 1 is concentrating on shopping, so that the operator can notice and respond to the situation where a child has gotten lost.

[0076] In the area Gca, a message is displayed informing that the distance between the operator of the terminal device 1 and the child carrying the beacon transmitter 2 is too far. In the area Gcb, the store map stored in the store map information unit 1043, the location information of the terminal device 1, and the location information of the beacon transmitter 2 are displayed. At this time, it is preferable that the location information of the terminal device 1 and the location information of the beacon transmitter 2 are overlaid on the store map stored in the store map information unit 1043 and displayed on the display unit 105. The button Gcc is an operator that notifies the control unit 100 of the terminal device 1 that the operator of the terminal device 1 has confirmed the lost child alert screen Gc. Specifically, when the operator of the terminal device 1 operates the button Gcc, the display control unit 1004 cancels the display of the lost child alert screen Gc and displays the product registration screen Ga on the display unit 105.

[0077] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 105 of the terminal device 1 according to this embodiment. The display control unit 1004 of the terminal device 1 causes the display unit 105 to display an attachment alert screen Gd consisting of an area Gda and a button Gdb.

[0078] Here, when displaying the attachment alert screen Gd, the display control unit 1004 preferably grays out the product registration screen Ga to make it inoperable, and then displays the attachment alert screen Gd. This makes it possible to notify the operator of the terminal device 1 that the beacon transmitter 2 is not properly attached to the predetermined position of the terminal device 1.

[0079] The area Gda displays a message informing that the beacon transmitter 2 is not properly attached to the predetermined position of the terminal device 1. The button Gdb is an operator that notifies the control unit 100 of the terminal device 1 that the operator of the terminal device 1 has confirmed the attachment alert screen Gd. Specifically, when the operator of the terminal device 1 operates the button Gdb, the display control unit 1004 cancels the display of the attachment alert screen Gd and displays the product registration screen Ga on the display unit 105.

[0080] Next, the functional configurations of the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2 will be described. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configurations of the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 10, the control unit 100 of the terminal device 1 includes, as functional components, a signal communication processing unit 1001, a position information acquisition unit 1002, a calculation processing unit 1003, a display control unit 1004, a product sales data processing unit 1005, and a detection processing unit 1006. Furthermore, the control unit 200 of the beacon transmitter 2 includes, as functional components, an attachment / detachment detection unit 2001, a power supply control unit 2002, a position information acquisition unit 2003, and a signal communication processing unit 2004. Note that the functional configurations of the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2 are not limited to this.

[0081] Specifically, the control unit 100 (CPU 101) of the terminal device 1 realizes the above-mentioned functional configuration by executing the control program unit 1041 stored in the memory unit 104. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned functional configuration is a software configuration realized by cooperation between the processor and program of the terminal device 1, but is not limited to this, and may be a hardware configuration in which part or all of the functional configuration is realized by a dedicated circuit or the like. In addition, the control unit 200 (CPU 201) of the beacon transmitter 2 realizes the above-mentioned functional configuration by executing the control program unit 2041 stored in the memory unit 204. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned functional configuration is a software configuration realized by cooperation between the processor and program of the beacon transmitter 2, but is not limited to this, and may be a hardware configuration in which part or all of the functional configuration is realized by a dedicated circuit or the like.

[0082] The signal communication processing unit 1001 is an example of a receiving means. The signal communication processing unit 1001 receives a beacon signal transmitted by the beacon transmitter 2. Specifically, the signal communication processing unit 1001 receives the beacon signal transmitted by the beacon transmitter 2 via the communication unit 107. Here, the signal communication processing unit 1001 receives the beacon signal until the product sales data processing unit 1005, which will be described later, receives a checkout instruction.

[0083] Furthermore, the signal communication processing unit 1001 authenticates the beacon transmitter 2. Specifically, when the signal communication processing unit 1001 receives a beacon signal from the beacon transmitter 2, it determines whether or not the beacon ID included in the beacon signal matches the beacon ID stored in association with the terminal ID stored in the ROM 102 (see FIG. 3) of the terminal device 1. If it is determined that they match, the terminal device 1 determines that the beacon signal has been transmitted from the beacon transmitter 2 that forms a pair, and acquires the beacon signal. If it is determined that they do not match, the terminal device 1 determines that the beacon signal has been transmitted from a beacon transmitter other than the beacon transmitter 2 that forms the pair, and discards the beacon signal.

[0084] The signal communication processing unit 1001 may start receiving a beacon signal when the detection processing unit 1006 (described later) detects that the beacon transmitter 2 has been removed from the terminal device 1.

[0085] The location information acquisition unit 1002 is an example of a location information acquisition means. The location information acquisition unit 1002 acquires location information indicating the location of the terminal device 1. Specifically, the location information acquisition unit 1002 acquires the location information of the terminal device 1 via the positioning unit 108.

[0086] The calculation processing unit 1003 is an example of an acquisition unit. The calculation processing unit 1003 acquires information about the distance between the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2 based on the beacon signal. Specifically, the calculation processing unit 1003 calculates the distance (hereinafter also simply referred to as distance) between the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2 based on the location information of the terminal device 1 acquired by the location information acquisition unit 1002 and second location information indicating the location of the beacon transmitter 2 included in the beacon signal acquired by the signal communication processing unit 1001.

[0087] The display control unit 1004 is an example of a first display means, a second display means, and a third display means. The display control unit 1004 displays various screens in cooperation with other functional units. The display control unit 1004 displays information about products registered by a product sales data processing unit 1005 (described later) on the display unit 105. Specifically, the display control unit 1004 cooperates with the product sales data processing unit 1005 to display a product registration screen Ga on the display unit 105.

[0088] Furthermore, the display control unit 1004 displays the first notification information on the display unit 105 according to information regarding the distance between the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2 acquired by the calculation processing unit 1003. Specifically, the display control unit 1004 refers to the lost child determination table 1044 and acquires display content corresponding to the distance calculated by the calculation processing unit 1003. Furthermore, if the acquired display content is a lost child alert screen, the display control unit 1004 causes the display unit 105 to display a lost child alert screen Gb or a lost child alert screen Gc.

[0089] Furthermore, when the processing related to registration by the product sales data processing unit 1005 is completed, if the beacon transmitter 2 is not attached to the terminal device 1, the display control unit 1004 displays second notification information on the display unit 105. Specifically, if the detection processing unit 1006, which will be described later, has not detected that the beacon transmitter 2 has been attached to the terminal device 1, the display control unit 1004 cooperates with the detection processing unit 1006, which will be described later, to display an attachment alert screen Gd on the display unit 105.

[0090] Furthermore, when the control unit 100 receives an operation to confirm the lost child alert screen (button Gbb on the lost child alert screen Gb or button Gcc on the lost child alert screen Gc) from the operation unit 106, the display control unit 1004 cancels the display of the lost child alert screen and causes the display unit 105 to display the product registration screen Ga. Furthermore, when the control unit 100 receives an operation to confirm the wearing alert screen Gd (button Gdb on the wearing alert screen Gd) from the operation unit 106, the display control unit 1004 cancels the display of the wearing alert screen Gd and causes the display unit 105 to display the product registration screen Ga.

[0091] The product sales data processing unit 1005 is an example of a registration unit. The product sales data processing unit 1005 acquires information that can identify a product and registers it as a product to be purchased. Specifically, the product sales data processing unit 1005 uses the imaging unit 34 of the terminal device 1 to read a code symbol, such as a barcode or two-dimensional code, of the product to be purchased to acquire a product code of the product. Next, the product sales data processing unit 1005 references the product master 1042 and acquires product information of the product corresponding to the acquired product code. Then, the product sales data processing unit 1005 stores the acquired product information in the product registration file 1031 of the terminal device 1.

[0092] Furthermore, when the product sales data processing unit 1005 receives a transaction instruction from the operation unit 106 of the terminal device 1, it transmits the product information relating to one transaction stored in the product registration file 1031 to a payment machine (not shown).

[0093] The detection processing unit 1006 detects that a beacon transmitter 2 has been attached to the terminal device 1. Specifically, when the product sales data processing unit 1005 receives a transaction instruction, the detection processing unit 1006 determines whether or not it has detected, via the attachment / detachment sensor 111 of the terminal device 1, that a beacon transmitter 2 has been attached to the terminal device 1.

[0094] Then, when it is not detected that the beacon transmitter 2 is attached to the terminal device 1, the detection processing unit 1006 cooperates with the display control unit 1004 to display the attachment alert screen Gd on the display unit 105. Furthermore, when it is detected that the beacon transmitter 2 is attached to the terminal device 1, the detection processing unit 1006 determines whether the display control unit 1004 is displaying the attachment alert screen Gd on the display unit 105, and if the attachment alert screen Gd is being displayed, cancels the display of the attachment alert screen Gd.

[0095] In addition, when the detection processing unit 1006 detects the removal of the beacon transmitter 2 from the terminal device 1 via the attachment / detachment sensor 111, it may work in cooperation with the display control unit 1004 to display a screen on the display unit 105 informing the user that reception of beacon signals will begin.

[0096] On the other hand, the attachment / detachment detection unit 2001 of the beacon transmitter 2 detects that its own beacon transmitter 2 has been attached to or detached from the terminal device 1. Specifically, when the attachment / detachment detection unit 2001 detects via the attachment / detachment sensor 208 that the beacon transmitter 2 has been removed from a predetermined position of the terminal device 1, it transmits a notification (hereinafter also referred to as a detachment notification) to the control unit 200 to notify that the beacon transmitter 2 has been removed.

[0097] In addition, when the attachment / detachment detection unit 2001 detects that the beacon transmitter 2 has been attached to a predetermined position on the terminal device 1, it sends a notification (hereinafter also referred to as an attachment notification) to the control unit 200 informing that the beacon transmitter 2 has been attached to the predetermined position.

[0098] The power supply control unit 2002 controls the power supply of the beacon transmitter 2 and switches between the on state and the off state of the beacon transmitter 2. Specifically, when the control unit 200 receives a detachment notification, the power supply control unit 2002 switches the beacon transmitter 2 to the on state. Also, when the control unit 200 receives an attachment notification, the power supply control unit 2002 switches the beacon transmitter 2 to the off state.

[0099] The position information acquisition unit 2003 acquires position information indicating the location of the beacon transmitter 2. Specifically, the position information acquisition unit 2003 acquires the position information of the beacon transmitter 2 via the positioning unit 206.

[0100] The signal communication processing unit 2004 transmits a beacon signal. Specifically, the signal communication processing unit 2004 transmits a beacon signal including the beacon ID stored in the ROM 202 of the beacon transmitter 2 and the position information of the beacon transmitter 2.

[0101] Next, a description will be given of the control processing of the lost child prevention system S. Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the control processing of the lost child prevention system S according to this embodiment. The sequence diagram shown in Fig. 11 shows a processing example in which the terminal device 1 receives a beacon signal transmitted from the beacon transmitter 2, and calculates the distance based on the position information of the beacon transmitter 2 included in the beacon signal and the position information of the terminal device 1.

[0102] First, when the attachment / detachment detection unit 2001 of the beacon transmitter 2 detects that the beacon transmitter 2 has been removed from a predetermined position of the terminal device 1, it transmits a detachment notification to the control unit 200 (step S11). Next, when the control unit 200 receives the detachment notification from the attachment / detachment detection unit 2001, the power supply control unit 2002 of the beacon transmitter 2 switches the beacon transmitter 2 to the on state (step S12).

[0103] Subsequently, the position information acquisition unit 2003 of the beacon transmitter 2 acquires the position information of the beacon transmitter 2 via the positioning unit 206 (step S13). Next, the signal communication processing unit 2004 of the beacon transmitter 2 transmits a beacon signal including the beacon ID stored in the ROM 202 of the beacon transmitter 2 and the position information of the beacon transmitter 2 (step S14).

[0104] Meanwhile, the signal communication processing unit 1001 of the terminal device 1 receives the beacon signal transmitted by the beacon transmitter 2 via the communication unit 107 (step S15). Next, the signal communication processing unit 1001 authenticates the beacon ID included in the beacon signal (step S16). Here, if the beacon ID is that of the paired beacon transmitter 2, the location information acquisition unit 1002 of the terminal device 1 acquires the location information of the terminal device 1 via the positioning unit 108 (step S17).

[0105] Next, the calculation processing unit 1003 of the terminal device 1 calculates the distance based on the location information of the terminal device 1 acquired by the location information acquisition unit 1002 and the location information of the beacon transmitter 2 included in the beacon signal (step S18). Then, the display control unit 1004 displays a screen corresponding to the distance calculated by the calculation processing unit 1003 on the display unit 105 of the terminal device 1 (step S19).

[0106] On the other hand, when the control unit 200 receives the attachment notification from the attachment / detachment detection unit 2001, the power supply control unit 2002 of the beacon transmitter 2 switches the beacon transmitter 2 to the off state (step S20).

[0107] When the terminal device 1 receives a beacon signal transmitted from the beacon transmitter 2 through the above-described process, the distance is calculated based on the position information of the beacon transmitter 2 included in the beacon signal and the position information of the terminal device 1. Then, a lost child alert screen is displayed on the display unit 105 according to the distance between the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2. This makes it possible to notify the operator of the shopping cart 3 (for example, a parent) in stages of the possibility of a child getting lost.

[0108] Next, the control processing of the control unit 100 of the terminal device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the control processing of the terminal device 1 according to this embodiment. The flowchart shown in Fig. 12 displays a lost child alert screen on the display unit 105 according to the distance between the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2 calculated by the terminal device 1. The flowchart also shows an example of processing in which, upon receiving a checkout instruction, the terminal device 1 determines whether the beacon transmitter 2 is attached to a predetermined position on the terminal device 1. Note that, as a premise for this processing, it is assumed that the product registration screen Ga is displayed on the display unit 105 of the terminal device 1 (step S100).

[0109] First, the signal communication processing unit 1001 of the terminal device 1 waits until it receives a beacon signal from the beacon transmitter 2 (step S101; No). Upon receiving the beacon signal (step S101; Yes), the signal communication processing unit 1001 determines whether the beacon ID included in the beacon signal matches the beacon ID stored in the ROM 102 of the terminal device 1 (step S102).

[0110] If the beacon ID included in the beacon signal does not match the beacon ID stored in the ROM 102 of the terminal device 1 (step S102; No), the signal communication processing unit 1001 discards the beacon signal and returns the process to step S101. On the other hand, if the beacon ID included in the beacon signal matches the beacon ID stored in the ROM 102 of the terminal device 1 (step S102; Yes), the position information acquisition unit 1002 of the terminal device 1 acquires the position information of the terminal device 1 via the positioning unit 108 (step S103). Next, the calculation processing unit 1003 of the terminal device 1 calculates the distance between the two devices based on the position information of the terminal device 1 acquired in step S103 and the position information of the beacon transmitter 2 included in the beacon signal (step S104).

[0111] Next, the display control unit 1004 refers to the lost child determination table 1044 and acquires display content corresponding to the distance calculated by the calculation processing unit 1003. Then, the display control unit 1004 determines whether the acquired display content is a lost child alert screen (step S105). Then, if the acquired display content is not a lost child alert screen (step S105; No), the display control unit 1004 proceeds to step S109.

[0112] Furthermore, if the acquired display content is a lost child alert screen (step S105; Yes), the display control unit 1004 causes the lost child alert screen to be displayed on the display unit 105 of the terminal device 1 (step S106). Next, the control unit 100 of the terminal device 1 waits until it receives an operation to confirm the lost child alert screen (button Gbb on the lost child alert screen Gb or button Gcc on the lost child alert screen Gc) from the operation unit 106 (step S107; No).

[0113] Then, when an operation to confirm the lost child alert screen is accepted (step S107; Yes), the display control unit 1004 cancels the display of the lost child alert screen (step S108). Next, the product sales data processing unit 1005 of the terminal device 1 determines whether a checkout instruction has been accepted from the operation unit 106 of the terminal device 1 (step S109).

[0114] If a checkout instruction has not been received (step S109; No), the control unit 100 returns the process to step S101. If a checkout instruction has been received (step S109; Yes), the product sales data processing unit 1005 transmits the product information related to one transaction stored in the product registration file 1031 to a checkout machine (not shown).

[0115] Next, the detection processing unit 1006 of the terminal device 1 determines whether or not it has detected that the beacon transmitter 2 has been attached to the terminal device 1 via the attachment / detachment sensor 111 of the terminal device 1 (step S110). If it has not detected that the beacon transmitter 2 has been attached to the terminal device 1 (step S110; No), the detection processing unit 1006 works with the display control unit 1004 to display an attachment alert screen Gd on the display unit 105 of the terminal device 1 (step S111). Then, the control unit 100 returns the process to step S110.

[0116] When it is detected that the beacon transmitter 2 is attached to the terminal device 1 (step S110; Yes), the detection processing unit 1006 determines whether the display control unit 1004 is displaying the attachment alert screen Gd on the display unit 105 (step S112). Then, when the attachment alert screen Gd is displayed, the detection processing unit 1006 cancels the display of the attachment alert screen Gd (step S113) and ends the processing. On the other hand, when the attachment alert screen Gd is not displayed (step S112; No), the control unit 100 ends the processing.

[0117] If the display content acquired in step S105 is a lost child alert screen, the lost child alert screen displayed on the display unit 105 in step S106 will reflect the type of lost child alert screen (lost child alert screen Gb or lost child alert screen Gc).

[0118] As described above, in the lost child prevention system S of this embodiment, when the terminal device 1 receives a beacon signal transmitted from the beacon transmitter 2, the system calculates the distance based on the location information of the beacon transmitter 2 included in the beacon signal and the location information of the terminal device 1. In addition, a lost child alert screen according to the distance between the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2 is displayed on the display unit 105. In addition, when the terminal device 1 receives a payment instruction, it determines whether the beacon transmitter 2 is attached to the terminal device 1 in a predetermined position.

[0119] As a result, in the lost child prevention system S of this embodiment, by displaying a lost child alert screen according to the distance between the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2, it is possible to gradually notify the operator of the shopping cart 3 (e.g., a parent) of the possibility of a child getting lost. Also, by displaying a store map on the lost child alert screen, it is possible to easily find the child if they get lost. Also, by graying out the product registration screen Ga and displaying the lost child alert screen, it is possible to make the operator of the shopping cart 3 aware of a situation in which a child may get lost early. Therefore, it is possible to prevent children from getting lost in a store.

[0120] Furthermore, in the lost child prevention system S of this embodiment, when the terminal device 1 receives a payment instruction, it determines whether or not the beacon transmitter 2 is attached to a predetermined position on the terminal device 1, and if not, it can display an attachment alert screen. This makes it possible to prevent the beacon transmitter 2 from being lost.

[0121] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, based on the configuration of the lost child prevention system S in the first embodiment, a beacon signal transmitted by a beacon transmitter 2 is relayed via one or more repeaters 5, and the relayed beacon signal can be received by a terminal device 1. Note that the following mainly describes differences from the above-described embodiment, and a detailed description of points in common with the contents already described will be omitted.

[0122] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a lost child prevention system Sa according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 13, the lost child prevention system Sa includes a terminal device 1, a beacon transmitter 2, and a plurality of repeaters 5. In this embodiment, the range in which communication is possible between the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2 is assumed to be smaller than the size of a store.

[0123] The repeaters 5 are installed at multiple locations within the store and are configured to be able to communicate with each other. For example, the repeaters 5 form a mesh network within the store.

[0124] When a repeater 5 receives a beacon signal from a beacon transmitter 2, it transmits the beacon signal to transfer it to another repeater 5. Furthermore, when a repeater 5 receives a beacon signal from another repeater 5, it transmits the beacon signal to transfer it to another repeater 5. As a result, the beacon signal transmitted from the beacon transmitter 2 is transmitted throughout the store via the repeater 5.

[0125] Furthermore, the terminal device 1 of this embodiment receives a beacon signal transmitted from the beacon transmitter 2 and also receives a beacon signal transmitted via the repeater 5.

[0126] As a result, even when the distance between the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2 is such that direct communication is not possible between them, the beacon signal transmitted by the beacon transmitter 2 can be transferred via the plurality of repeaters 5, thereby propagating the beacon signal to the terminal device 1. Therefore, even when the beacon transmitter 2 deviates from the communication range, the terminal device 1 can receive the beacon signal via the repeaters 5, and can therefore identify the location of the beacon transmitter 2 and display a notification screen. Therefore, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be achieved.

[0127] In this embodiment, it is preferable to provide a mechanism for preventing a beacon signal transmitted by a repeater 5 from being received twice (duplicate transmission) as a beacon signal transmitted by another repeater 5 that has received the beacon signal. For example, each repeater 5 may include a repeater ID that can identify the repeater 5 in the beacon signal and forward the beacon signal. In this case, each repeater 5 can prevent duplicate transmission as a beacon signal by forwarding a beacon signal that does not include its own repeater ID and discarding a beacon signal that includes its own repeater ID.

[0128] The above-described embodiment can be modified as needed by partially changing the configuration or functions of each of the above-described devices. Therefore, several modifications of the above-described embodiment will be described below as other embodiments. The following mainly focuses on differences from the above-described embodiment, and detailed descriptions of commonalities with the content already described will be omitted. The modifications described below may be implemented individually or in appropriate combination.

[0129] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, when the product sales data processing unit 1005 of the terminal device 1 receives a checkout instruction from the operation unit 106, it sends the product information for one transaction stored in the product registration file 1031 to a checkout machine (not shown). However, this is not limited to this, and the product sales data processing unit 1005 may also generate checkout information from the product information for one transaction stored in the product registration file 1031 when it receives a checkout instruction from the operation unit 106. In this case, the product sales data processing unit 1005 executes the checkout process by reading a non-cash medium such as the customer's credit card via a reading unit (not shown) of the terminal device 1.

[0130] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, the beacon transmitter 2 is detachably attached to a predetermined position such as the back side of the terminal device 1 as shown in FIG. 2(a), but the present invention is not limited to this. The predetermined position where the beacon transmitter 2 is attached may be any position on the shopping cart 3 as long as it can be powered by the battery 4. In this case, an attachment / detachment sensor (not shown) provided on the shopping cart 3 detects attachment / detachment of the beacon transmitter 2 from the predetermined position and transmits the detection result to the terminal device 1.

[0131] (Variation 3) In the above embodiment, the distance calculated from the location information of the terminal device 1 and the location information of the beacon transmitter 2 is used as an example of the information about the distance between the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2, but this is not limiting. For example, the received signal strength (RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator)) of the beacon signal received by the terminal device 1 may be used as information about the distance between the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2.

[0132] In this case, the lost child determination table 1044 uses RSSI instead of distance. Furthermore, with regard to each functional unit of the terminal device 1, the signal communication processing unit 1001 acquires RSSI, and the display control unit 1004 refers to the lost child determination table 1044 to acquire display content corresponding to the RSSI acquired by the signal communication processing unit 1001. Then, the display control unit 1004 displays the acquired display content on the display unit 105. Therefore, in this case, the location information acquisition unit 1002 and the calculation processing unit 1003 of the terminal device 1 are not necessarily required.

[0133] (Variation 4) In the above-described embodiment, the display control unit 1004 of the terminal device 1 displays the lost child alert screen Gb and the lost child alert screen Gc by graying out the product registration screen Ga, but this is not limited to this. When displaying each lost child alert screen, instead of graying out the product registration screen Ga, the display control unit 1004 may display an operator for displaying each lost child alert screen at any location on the display area G, and when operation of the operator is received from the operation unit 106, each lost child alert screen may be displayed.

[0134] (Variation 5) In the first embodiment described above, communication between the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2 is possible throughout the entire store, but this is not limiting, and the range in which communication is possible between the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2 may be smaller than the store. In this case, the display control unit 1004 of the terminal device 1 displays a screen notifying a situation in which a child may get lost, such as a lost child alert screen Gb or a lost child alert screen Gc, when communication with the beacon transmitter 2 is interrupted. Note that the interruption of communication may be determined when the beacon signal transmitted at a predetermined interval is interrupted one or more times while the beacon transmitter 2 is removed, or when distance calculation is interrupted.

[0135] By performing the above processing, if the distance between the terminal device 1 and the beacon transmitter 2 becomes impossible to notify, the operator of the terminal device 1 can be promptly notified, thereby preventing children from getting lost and enabling them to be found early.

[0136] The programs executed by the lost child prevention system S and the lost child prevention system Sa of the embodiment and the modified example may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Also, the programs executed by the lost child prevention system S and the lost child prevention system Sa of the embodiment and the modified example may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0137] The programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments are provided in a state where they are pre-installed in a ROM, a storage unit, etc. The programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a digital versatile disk (DVD).

[0138] These novel embodiments and their modifications may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, and combinations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the inventions, and are also included in the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] S, Sa Lost Child Prevention System 1 Terminal device 2 Beacon Transmitters 5 Repeater 1001 Signal and communication processing section 1002 Location information acquisition unit 1003 Calculation processing unit 1004 Display control unit 1005 Product sales data processing unit 1006 Detection processing unit 2001 Attachment / detachment detection unit 2002 Power supply control unit 2003 Location information acquisition part 2004 Signal and Communications Processing Section [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0140] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-96620 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-199105

Claims

1. An information processing device that is operated by a customer who uses a store and can move around the store together with the customer, a registration means for acquiring information that can identify a product and registering the product as a product to be purchased; a first display means for displaying information about the product registered by the registration means on a display unit; a receiving means for receiving a beacon signal from a beacon device detachable from the information processing device; an acquisition means for acquiring information about the distance between the information processing device and the beacon device based on the beacon signal; a second display means for displaying first notification information on the display unit in accordance with the information acquired by the acquisition means; An information processing device comprising:

2. a location information acquiring unit that acquires first location information indicating a location of the information processing device; The acquisition means acquires information regarding the distance between the information processing device and the beacon device based on the first location information and second location information indicating the location of the beacon device included in the beacon signal, The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the acquiring means acquires received radio wave intensity of the beacon signal as information regarding the distance to the information processing device; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. the receiving means receives the beacon signal until the registration process by the registration means is completed. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. When the processing related to the registration of the registration means is completed, if the beacon device is not attached to the information processing device, the third display means for displaying second notification information on the display unit is further provided, The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. A computer of an information processing device that is operated by a customer who uses a store and can move around the store together with the customer, a registration means for acquiring information that can identify a product and registering the product as a product to be purchased; a first display means for displaying information about the product registered by the registration means on a display unit; a receiving means for receiving a beacon signal from a beacon device detachable from the information processing device; an acquisition means for acquiring information about the distance between the information processing device and the beacon device based on the beacon signal; a second display means for displaying first notification information on the display unit in accordance with the information acquired by the acquisition means; A program to function as a

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