Store equipment control system

Abstract

This invention provides a store equipment control system that can improve user convenience (usability) in the settings related to the operation of store equipment. [Solution] This store equipment control system 100, 110 comprises: a plurality of store equipment 3 located in the store 90 and powered by electricity; a control device 1 installed in the store 90, configured to monitor the power usage and operating status of the plurality of store equipment 3 and to control the operation of the plurality of store equipment 3, and to perform operations on each of the plurality of store equipment 3 by receiving operation input from the user; and portable terminals 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d that can communicate with the control device 1 and receive operation input from the user for performing operations on each of the plurality of store equipment 3.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , , ,

[0001] This invention relates to a store equipment control system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a store equipment control system has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the above Patent Document 1, a store management system (store equipment control system) including store equipment (store equipment) and an in-store control device (control device) is disclosed. The store management system described in Patent Document 1 is used, for example, to reduce the basic electricity charge in a store and to suppress an increase in the peak of power consumption. The plurality of in-store devices include a showcase for arranging products, a refrigeration cycle, a beverage manufacturing device, an air conditioner, and lighting. The refrigeration device cools the showcase by a refrigeration cycle. The in-store control device is configured to control the operations of the plurality of in-store devices.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Although not explicitly stated in Patent Document 1, the in-store control device is installed, for example, in the back room of the store (a place within the store other than the sales area, such as a warehouse or workshop) and is configured to allow setting the operating status of the in-store equipment. Therefore, when a user wants to set the operating status of the in-store equipment, they need to go to the back room where the in-store control device is installed and operate the in-store control device. For this reason, it is desirable to improve user convenience (usability) when setting the operating status of the in-store equipment.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a store equipment control system that can improve user convenience (usability) in setting up the operation of store equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, a store equipment control system according to one aspect of this invention comprises: a plurality of store equipment installed in a store and powered by electricity; a control device stationed in the store, configured to monitor the power usage and operating status of the plurality of store equipment and to control the operation of the plurality of store equipment, and to perform operations on each of the plurality of store equipment by receiving operation input from a user; and a portable terminal that can communicate with the control device and receives operation input from a user for performing operations on each of the plurality of store equipment.

[0008] In one aspect of this invention, the store equipment control system is configured such that, as described above, the mobile terminal can communicate with the control device and accept user input for operating each of the multiple store devices. As a result, the user can operate each of the multiple store devices by receiving user input from the mobile terminal, eliminating the need for the user to go to the location where the control device is installed and operate it. Therefore, the user can operate each of the multiple store devices using the mobile terminal from any location within the store. This improves user convenience (usability) in setting up the operation of the store equipment.

[0009] In the store equipment control system according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the control device and the mobile terminal are configured to switch between receiving user input for operating each of the multiple store equipment based on predetermined conditions. With this configuration, since the target for receiving user input for operating each of the multiple store equipment is switched between the control device and the mobile terminal, interference between operations on each of the store equipment between the control device and the mobile terminal can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the simultaneous execution of operations on each of the store equipment based on input to the control device and conflicting operations on each of the store equipment based on input to the mobile terminal.

[0010] In this case, preferably, based on the predetermined condition that the first distance between the control device and the mobile terminal is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance, the target that can accept user input for operation is switched from the control device to the mobile terminal, and based on the predetermined condition that the first distance is less than a predetermined distance, the target that can accept user input is switched from the mobile terminal to the control device. With this configuration, when the first distance between the control device and the mobile terminal is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance, it is assumed that the user is carrying the mobile terminal, and the target that can accept user input for operation is switched from the control device to the mobile terminal. Furthermore, when the first distance between the control device and the mobile terminal is less than a predetermined distance, it is assumed that the mobile terminal is not carried by the user but is located near the control device's installation location, and the target that can accept user input is switched from the mobile terminal to the control device. For these reasons, the user does not need to switch the target that can accept user input between the control device and the mobile terminal, thus improving user convenience (usability).

[0011] In a configuration in which the target that can receive the above-mentioned operation input is switched between the control device and the mobile terminal, it is preferable that the target that can receive user operation input for operation is switched between the control device and the mobile terminal based on the acceptance of user operation input to the mobile terminal or control device as a predetermined condition. With this configuration, the target that can receive user operation input for operation is switched between the control device and the mobile terminal based on the acceptance of user operation input to the mobile terminal or control device. Therefore, the user can switch the target that can receive operation input between the control device and the mobile terminal at a desired timing, thereby further improving user convenience (usability).

[0012] In a configuration where the target that can receive the above-mentioned operation input is switched between the control device and the mobile terminal, it is preferable to prohibit the acceptance of operation input to the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal has moved outside the store, while the mobile terminal is in a state where it can accept operation input from the user. With this configuration, since the acceptance of operation input to the mobile terminal is prohibited when the mobile terminal has moved outside the store, it is possible to suppress operation input from outside the store using the mobile terminal. Furthermore, since it can be inferred, for example, that the mobile terminal has been stolen based on the fact that the mobile terminal has moved outside the store, the acceptance of operation input to the stolen mobile terminal can be prohibited immediately.

[0013] In this case, preferably, the acceptance of operation input to the mobile terminal is prohibited based on the detection that the mobile terminal has moved outside the store, where the second distance between the mobile terminal and the store is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance. With this configuration, it is easy to determine that the mobile terminal has moved outside the store based on the second distance between the mobile terminal and the store being greater than or equal to a predetermined distance.

[0014] In a configuration where the target capable of receiving the above-mentioned operation input is switched between the control device and the mobile terminal, preferably, when the mobile terminal is capable of receiving operation input from the user, if no operation input from the user is received by the mobile terminal for a predetermined period of time, the target capable of receiving operation input from the user for performing an operation is switched from the mobile terminal to the control device. With this configuration, if no operation input from the user is received by the mobile terminal for a predetermined period of time, it can be inferred that the user does not intend to perform an operation input to the mobile terminal. Therefore, the target capable of receiving operation input from the user for performing an operation can be appropriately switched from the mobile terminal to the control device.

[0015] In a configuration in which the target that can receive the above operation input is switched between the control device and the mobile terminal, preferably, the control device includes a first display unit, and the mobile terminal includes a second display unit. The first display unit is configured to allow viewing of information regarding the operating status of multiple store equipment when the mobile terminal is in a state where it can receive operation input from the user, and the second display unit is configured to allow viewing of information regarding the operating status of multiple store equipment when the control device is in a state where it can receive operation input from the user. With this configuration, even when the control device or mobile terminal is in a state where it cannot receive operation input from the user, the user can view information regarding the operating status of multiple store equipment, thereby further improving user convenience (usability).

[0016] In the store equipment control system according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the mobile terminal includes a second display unit that includes an operation screen for receiving user input, and the second display unit is configured to display a store equipment layout diagram that shows the arrangement of multiple store equipment in the store and accepts user input for operation of each of the multiple store equipment. With this configuration, the user can perform operation input on the store equipment layout diagram displayed on the second display unit, so that operation input for each of the multiple store equipment can be performed simply and intuitively.

[0017] In a configuration where the control device and the mobile terminal switch between which devices can accept the above-mentioned operation input, preferably, the mobile terminal includes multiple mobile terminals, and when the multiple mobile terminals are in a state where they can accept operation input from the user, a priority order for accepting user operation input is set. With this configuration, since a priority order for accepting user operation input is set for multiple mobile terminals, the mobile terminal with the highest priority can exclusively perform operations on each piece of store equipment. Therefore, it is possible to increase the number of mobile terminals that can accept user operation input while suppressing the simultaneous execution of operations on store equipment based on operation input from each of the multiple mobile terminals.

[0018] In the store equipment control system according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the control device and the mobile terminal are configured to communicate with each other via a secure communication line that allows communication while concealing information from the outside. With this configuration, a secure communication path (network) can be established between the control device and the mobile terminal by connecting them via a secure communication line. Therefore, security in communication between the control device and the mobile terminal can be ensured.

[0019] In the store equipment control system according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the mobile terminal is configured to receive operation input from the user for each of the multiple store equipment to be operated by the control device. With this configuration, the mobile terminal can receive operation input for each of the multiple store equipment to be operated by the control device, thereby making it easy to operate each of the multiple store equipment by the control device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to provide a store equipment control system that can improve user convenience (usability) in setting up the operation of store equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of a store in which a store equipment control system according to the first embodiment is arranged. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram of a store equipment control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the software configuration of a control program in a control device. [Figure 4] It is a diagram for explaining the switching of a master machine based on the first distance. [Figure 5] It is a diagram for explaining the prohibition of receiving an operation input to a mobile terminal based on the second distance. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing a store equipment layout diagram. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram of a store in which a store equipment control system according to the second embodiment is arranged.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0023] [First Embodiment] (Outline of the Store and Overall Configuration of the Store Equipment Control System) Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the outline of the store 90 and the configuration of the store equipment control system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the store equipment control system 100 includes a control device 1, a mobile terminal 2, and a plurality of store equipment 3 (see FIG. 2).

[0025] The store 90 in which the store equipment control system 100 is arranged will be described. Inside the store 90, the control device 1 is arranged. Also, a plurality of store equipment 3 are arranged inside and outside the store 90. The store 90 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is a convenience store, a supermarket, or a drugstore.

[0026] (Control device) As shown in Figure 2, the control device 1 is configured to control multiple store devices 3. The control device 1 is installed, for example, in the back room 91 (see Figure 1) of the store 90.

[0027] The control device 1 includes a control device side first communication unit 11, a control device side second communication unit 12, a control device side third communication unit 13, a control device side control unit 10, a storage unit 14, a first input receiving unit 15, and a first display unit 16.

[0028] The control device side first communication unit 11 is configured to communicate with the mobile terminal side first communication unit 21 of the mobile terminal 2. The control device side first communication unit 11 is wirelessly connected to the mobile terminal side first communication unit 21 of the mobile terminal 2 via a first network 81. The first network 81 is, for example, the Internet. The control device side first communication unit 11 connects to the first network 81 by, for example, Wi-Fi® or wireless mobile communication technology. Details of the communication between the control device side first communication unit 11 and the mobile terminal side first communication unit 21 will be described later. In addition, the control device side first communication unit 11 is wirelessly connected via the first network 81 to a server (not shown) that performs data management and data analysis for multiple or all of the stores 90.

[0029] The control device's second communication unit 12 is configured to perform short-range wireless communication 80 with the mobile terminal's second communication unit 22. This short-range wireless communication 80 is, for example, UWB (Ultra Wide Band) communication. Details of the UWB communication between the control device's second communication unit 12 and the mobile terminal's second communication unit 22 will be described later.

[0030] Furthermore, the control device's third communication unit 13 is connected to each of the multiple store devices 3 via the second network 82, enabling communication with each of them. The second network 82 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0031] The control unit 10 is configured to monitor the power usage and operating status of multiple store devices 3 and to control the operation of the multiple store devices 3. Furthermore, the control unit 10 is configured to perform operations on each of the multiple store devices 3 by receiving operation input from the user. The control unit 10 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0032] The memory unit 14 stores the control program 4 (see Figure 4) and various application programs. The memory unit 14 includes ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0033] The first input receiving unit 15 is configured to receive user operation input. The first display unit 16 is configured to display an operation screen that accepts user operation input. The first display unit 16 includes, for example, a liquid crystal monitor. In this embodiment, the first input receiving unit 15 and the first display unit 16 are configured as an integrated touch panel.

[0034] (Store equipment) Referring to Figure 2, the multiple store equipment 3 will be described. The multiple store equipment 3 is powered by electricity. The multiple store equipment 3 includes, for example, a first cooling device 30, multiple second cooling devices 33, a refrigeration device 36, an air conditioning device 37, and lighting 38. Inside the store 90, the first cooling device 30, multiple second cooling devices 33, an air conditioning device 37, and lighting 38 are arranged. The refrigeration device 36 is located outside the store 90.

[0035] The first cooling device 30 is configured to display products for sale and to cool the displayed products. Products such as canned beverages, bottled beverages, and PET bottle beverages are displayed in the first cooling device 30. The first cooling device 30 includes a first cooling unit 31 that cools the first cooling device 30. The detailed configuration of the first cooling unit 31 will be described later. The first cooling device 30 is a so-called walk-in type cooling device in which a user can work inside.

[0036] A first temperature sensor 32 is provided inside the first cooling device 30. The temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature inside the first cooling device 30. The first temperature sensor 32 is also configured to transmit the measured temperature inside the first cooling device 30 to the control device 1.

[0037] The second cooling device 33 is configured to display goods and cool the displayed goods. Goods such as food products are displayed in the second cooling device 33. The second cooling device 33 includes a second cooling section 34 that cools the second cooling device 33. The detailed configuration of the second cooling section 34 will be described later. The second cooling device 33 has an opening (not shown) on its front side. The second cooling device 33 is a so-called open-type cooling device.

[0038] A second temperature sensor 35 is provided inside the second cooling device 33. The second temperature sensor 35 is configured to measure the temperature inside the second cooling device 33. The second temperature sensor 35 is also configured to transmit the measured temperature inside the second cooling device 33 to the control device 1.

[0039] The refrigeration unit 36 ​​is connected to the first cooling unit 30 and the second cooling unit 33, forming a refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration unit 36 ​​is located outside the store 90. The refrigeration cycle is configured to cool objects by circulating a refrigerant. The refrigeration unit 36 ​​is powered, for example, by electricity supplied from a commercial power source (not shown).

[0040] Now, let's explain the refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle consists of a first evaporator 31a, a first expansion valve 31b, a compressor 36a, and a condenser 36b.

[0041] The first cooling unit 31 includes a first evaporator 31a, a first expansion valve 31b, and a first blower 31c. The first evaporator 31a is configured to cool the refrigerant by exchanging heat with it. Specifically, the first evaporator 31a exchanges heat with the air to be cooled, and evaporates the refrigerant by receiving heat from the air to be cooled. The first expansion valve 31b is configured to expand the refrigerant. The first blower 31c is configured to blow the air cooled by the first evaporator 31a into the interior of the first cooling device 30. The refrigeration device 36 also includes a compressor 36a and a condenser 36b. The compressor 36a is configured to compress the evaporated gaseous phase refrigerant to a high-pressure refrigerant. The condenser 36b is configured to cool the refrigerant and condense it into a high-pressure liquid phase refrigerant.

[0042] The refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 36a flows into the condenser 36b and is condensed in the condenser 36b. The refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 36b flows into the first evaporator 31a via the first expansion valve 31b. The air inside the first cooling device 30 is cooled by evaporating the refrigerant in the first evaporator 31a. The refrigerant flowing out of the first evaporator 31a flows into the compressor 36a.

[0043] The second cooling device 33, like the first cooling device 30, includes a second evaporator 34a, a second expansion valve 34b, and a second blower 34c. The second cooling device 33, like the first cooling device 30, forms a refrigeration cycle with the refrigeration device 36 and cools the air inside the second cooling device 33. Note that the first cooling device 30 and the second cooling device 33 may be built-in cooling devices with a refrigeration cycle.

[0044] The air conditioning system 37 is an air conditioning system that provides cooling and heating within the store 90. The lighting system 38 includes, for example, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) installed within the store 90.

[0045] Each of the multiple store equipment 3 is connected to the control device side third communication unit 13 via the second network 82 so as to be able to communicate. Specifically, each of the first cooling device 30, the multiple second cooling devices 33, the refrigeration device 36, the air conditioning device 37, and the lighting 38 is connected to the control device side third communication unit 13 via the second network 82 so as to be able to communicate.

[0046] Furthermore, a storage section 92 (see Figure 1) is located within the store 90. The storage section 92 is an item storage section where goods are placed, and it is where goods that are stored at room temperature are placed.

[0047] (Mobile device) The mobile terminal 2 is configured to accept user input. The mobile terminal 2 accepts user input for operating each of the multiple store devices 3. Specifically, the mobile terminal 2 accepts user input for operating each of the multiple store devices 3 using the control device 1. In other words, the mobile terminal 2 is configured to enable remote operation of the control device 1 by communicating with the control device 1 via a secure communication line 81a, which will be described later. The mobile terminal 2 is, for example, a portable device such as a tablet terminal.

[0048] The mobile terminal 2 includes a mobile terminal-side first communication unit 21, a mobile terminal-side second communication unit 22, a mobile terminal-side control unit 20, a second input receiving unit 23, and a second display unit 24.

[0049] The mobile terminal-side first communication unit 21 is configured to communicate with the control device-side first communication unit 11 of the control device 1. The mobile terminal-side first communication unit 21 is wirelessly connected to the mobile terminal-side first communication unit 21 of the mobile terminal 2 via the first network 81.

[0050] The mobile terminal-side second communication unit 22 is configured to perform short-range wireless communication 80 with the control device-side second communication unit 12 of the control device 1. The short-range wireless communication 80 is, for example, UWB communication.

[0051] The mobile terminal control unit 20 is configured to accept user input for operating each of the multiple store devices 3. The mobile terminal control unit 20 includes a processor such as a CPU and memory such as ROM and RAM.

[0052] The second input receiving unit 23 is configured to receive user operation input. The second display unit 24 is configured to display an operation screen that accepts user operation input. The second display unit 24 includes, for example, a liquid crystal monitor. The second display unit 24 has a larger screen than the first display unit 16 of the control device 1. For example, the size of the second display unit 24 is 8 inches or 10 inches. The size of the first display unit 16 is 4 inches or 7 inches. The sizes of the second display unit 24 and the first display unit 16 are not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the second input receiving unit 23 and the second display unit 24 are configured as an integrally configured touch panel. Because the second display unit 24 is larger than the first display unit 16, the mobile terminal 2 can display information regarding the operating status of multiple store equipment 3 on the second display unit 24 in a larger size than the control device 1. Therefore, the visibility of information regarding the operating status of store equipment 3 on the mobile terminal 2 can be improved.

[0053] (Setting up store equipment using control devices and mobile terminals) Although not shown in the diagram, the control device 1 receives user input for a first setting screen (not shown) displayed on the first display unit 16, thereby configuring each of the multiple store devices 3. On the first setting screen, for example, the user can set the internal temperature of the first cooling device 30, the internal temperature of the second cooling device 33, the settings for cooling or heating in the store 90 and the set temperature, and the settings for turning the lights 38 on, off and their brightness.

[0054] The mobile terminal 2 receives user input for a second setting screen (not shown) displayed on the second display unit 24, which is used for operation by the control device 1. The same settings as those on the first setting screen can be made on the second setting screen.

[0055] When the first and second setting screens receive inputs regarding the setting of the internal temperature of the first cooling device 30 and the internal temperature of the second cooling device 33, the control device 1 controls the refrigeration device 36 based on the received settings. Furthermore, when the first and second setting screens receive inputs regarding the setting of cooling or heating and the setting temperature of the store 90, the control device 1 controls the air conditioning device 37 based on the received settings. Furthermore, when the first and second setting screens receive inputs regarding the turning on, turning off, and setting the brightness of the lighting 38, the control device 1 controls the lighting 38 based on the received settings.

[0056] (Connection between the control unit and the mobile terminal) Referring to Figure 3, the connection between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 will be explained.

[0057] Figure 3 shows the software configuration of the control program 4 in the control device 1. The control program 4 is divided into three main blocks. These three blocks consist of the operating system 40 (OS), middleware 41, and application layer. The control program 4 is stored in the storage unit 14.

[0058] The operating system 40 provides the basic functions for executing the control program 4 in the control unit 10 on the control device side. The middleware 41 is configured as a group of software that connects the operating system 40 with applications.

[0059] The application layer is configured to control the operation of multiple store devices 3 via middleware 41. The application layer includes a controller application 42 and a web server application 43.

[0060] The controller application 42 monitors the power usage and operating status of multiple store equipment 3 and commands the multiple store equipment 3 to perform actions based on user input. For example, the controller application 42 controls the refrigeration unit 36 ​​based on the set temperature, either when the user inputs an operation to set the internal temperature of the first cooling unit 30 at the input reception unit, or based on control to suppress power consumption of the store equipment 3 in order to save energy.

[0061] The web server application 43 controls the connection between the control device 1 and the server, as well as the connection between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2. The web server application 43 also controls the screen operation of the first display unit 16 of the control device 1 and the second display unit 24 of the mobile terminal 2. By connecting to the control device 1 via the web server application 43, the mobile terminal 2 can display a second settings screen (not shown), which is the same screen as the first settings screen (not shown) displayed on the first display unit 16 of the control device 1, on the second settings screen 24 of the mobile terminal 2.

[0062] As a result, the mobile terminal 2 can receive user input via the second input receiving unit 23 to the second display unit 24 of the mobile terminal 2, which displays the second setting screen, which is the same screen as the first setting screen, via the web server application 43, and perform operations on the store equipment 3 in response to the received operation input.

[0063] As an example, when the mobile terminal 2 displays a second setting screen (not shown) via the web server application 43, the second input receiving unit 23 receives the user's input regarding the setting of the internal temperature of the second cooling device 33, and the control device 1 controls the refrigeration device 36 based on the set temperature. Also as an example, when the mobile terminal 2 displays data stored in the storage unit 14 of the control device 1 via the web server application 43, the second input receiving unit 23 receives the user's input regarding the updating of data stored in the storage unit 14 of the control device 1, and the data stored in the storage unit 14 of the control device 1 is updated.

[0064] Furthermore, the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 are configured to communicate with each other via a secure communication line 81a that allows communication while concealing information from the outside. For example, the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 are connected via a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection through the web server application 43 of the control device 1. In other words, the first network 81 is a network connected via a VPN connection. A VPN connection is a connection via a virtual private network configured using an internet connection.

[0065] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of ensuring security in communication between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2, the system is configured as follows. Specifically, the control device side control unit 10 is configured to determine whether or not it has access rights in response to a connection request from the mobile terminal 2. For example, the control device side control unit 10 may be configured to send a request for input of an authentication key to the mobile terminal 2 when it receives a connection request from the mobile terminal 2. If the control device side control unit 10 does not receive the correct authentication key from the mobile terminal 2 in response to the request for input of an authentication key, it restricts the connection with the mobile terminal 2. If it receives the correct authentication key from the mobile terminal 2, it permits the connection with the mobile terminal 2.

[0066] Furthermore, the control device 1 is configured to prevent other devices connected to the network from accessing it, for example, through firewalls or filtering functions. In addition, regarding data transmitted and received between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2, the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 are configured to either encrypt the data before transmission, or to encrypt the data and control commands into files and then transmit the encrypted files. It should be noted that the store equipment control system 100 does not necessarily have to have some or all of the above configurations in place for security purposes.

[0067] (Master and non-master units in control devices and mobile terminals) The master and non-master units in the control device 1 and mobile terminal 2 will be described below.

[0068] The control device 1 is configured to operate each of the multiple store devices 3 by receiving operation input from the user. That is, the control device 1 sets the operating settings for the store devices 3 based on the operation input from the user via the first input receiving unit 15. The mobile terminal 2 is also configured to receive operation input from the user for each of the multiple store devices 3 to be operated by the control device 1. That is, when the mobile terminal 2 receives operation input from the user via the second input receiving unit 23, the control device 1 sets the operating settings for the store devices 3 according to the operation input.

[0069] Here, to prevent simultaneous execution of settings related to the operation of store equipment 3 based on operation input to control device 1 and settings related to the operation of store equipment 3 based on operation input to mobile terminal 2, the settings related to the operation of store equipment 3 must be performed exclusively. Therefore, a master-non-master relationship is established between control device 1 and mobile terminal 2 for the operation of each of the multiple store equipment 3. Details of the switching between master and non-master units between control device 1 and mobile terminal 2 will be described later.

[0070] If control device 1 is the master unit and mobile terminal 2 is a non-master unit, control device 1 can configure settings related to the operation of store equipment 3 based on operation input to control device 1, but mobile terminal 2 cannot configure settings related to the operation of store equipment 3 based on operation input to mobile terminal 2. Also, if control device 1 is a non-master unit and mobile terminal 2 is the master unit, control device 1 cannot configure settings related to the operation of store equipment 3 based on operation input to control device 1, but mobile terminal 2 can configure settings related to the operation of store equipment 3 based on operation input to mobile terminal 2.

[0071] The second display unit 24 of the mobile terminal 2 is configured to allow viewing of information regarding the operating status of multiple store devices 3 when the control device 1 is in a state where it can accept user input. That is, when the control device 1 is the master unit and the mobile terminal 2 is a non-master unit, the second status confirmation screen (not shown) can be displayed on the second display unit 24. The second setting screen (not shown) cannot be displayed on the second display unit 24. The user can check the operating status of multiple store devices 3 by looking at the second status confirmation screen displayed on the second display unit 24.

[0072] Furthermore, the first display unit 16 of the control device 1 is configured to allow the user to view information regarding the operating status of multiple store devices 3 when the control device 1 is in a state where it can accept user input via the mobile terminal 2. That is, when the control device 1 is a non-master device and the mobile terminal 2 is a master device, the first display unit 16 can display a first status confirmation screen (not shown). The first display unit 16 cannot display a first setting screen (not shown). The user can check the operating status of multiple store devices 3 using the first status confirmation screen displayed on the first display unit 16.

[0073] (Switching between master and non-master machines) The switching between master and non-master units will now be explained. The target that can receive user input for operating each of the multiple store devices 3 is switched between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 based on predetermined conditions. Specifically, at least one of the control device side control unit 10 and the mobile terminal side control unit 20 is configured to switch between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 the target that can receive user input for operating each of the multiple store devices 3 based on predetermined conditions. In other words, at least one of the control device side control unit 10 and the mobile terminal side control unit 20 switches the master unit between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 based on predetermined conditions.

[0074] (Switching of master unit based on distance 1) Referring to Figure 4, the switching of the master unit based on the first distance 7 between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 will be explained. The control device side control unit 10 switches the master unit between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 based on the first distance 7 between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2, which is a predetermined condition.

[0075] The control device's second communication unit 12 and the mobile terminal's second communication unit 22 communicate via UWB. For example, the mobile terminal's second communication unit 22 transmits a pulse signal, and the control device's second communication unit 12 receives the pulse signal transmitted from the mobile terminal's second communication unit 22 and measures the time from transmission to reception of the signal. The control device's control unit 10 then obtains the first distance 7 between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2. The method for measuring the first distance 7 between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 is not limited to the method described above.

[0076] The control unit 10 on the control device side switches the master unit from the control device 1 to the mobile terminal 2 based on whether the first distance 7 is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance 7a. That is, the mobile terminal 2 becomes the master unit, and the control device 1 becomes a non-master unit. Also, the control unit 10 on the control device side switches the master unit from the mobile terminal 2 to the control device 1 based on whether the first distance 7 is less than the predetermined distance 7a. That is, the control device 1 becomes the master unit, and the mobile terminal 2 becomes a non-master unit. Note that the predetermined distance 7a in the first distance 7 is not particularly limited and can be set appropriately according to the size of the store 90, etc.

[0077] Furthermore, the switching of the master unit based on the first distance 7 may be configured such that the first distance 7 between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 is acquired by the mobile terminal-side control unit 20, and the mobile terminal-side control unit 20 switches the master unit from the control device 1 to the mobile terminal 2 based on whether the first distance 7 is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance 7a, and switches the master unit from the mobile terminal 2 to the control device 1 based on whether the first distance 7 is less than the predetermined distance 7a.

[0078] Furthermore, the short-range wireless communication 80 performed by the control device side second communication unit 12 and the mobile terminal side second communication unit 22 is not limited to UWB communication, but may be, for example, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication or other known short-range wireless communication 80.

[0079] (Switching of the master unit based on the acceptance of operation input to a mobile terminal or control device) The control unit 10 on the control device side or the control unit 20 on the mobile terminal side switches the master unit between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 based on the acceptance of user operation input to the mobile terminal 2 or the control device 1, which is a predetermined condition.

[0080] Although not shown in the diagram, a switch button is displayed on the first status confirmation screen shown on the first display unit 16 of the control device 1 and on the second status confirmation screen shown on the second display unit 24 of the mobile terminal 2. The switch button is used to switch the master unit between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2. Note that the switch button does not have to be a button displayed on the first and second status confirmation screens. The switch button may be, for example, a push button provided on the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2.

[0081] The control unit 10 on the control device side switches the master unit between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 based on the user's input to the switch button displayed on the first status confirmation screen. Specifically, when the master unit is the control device 1, the control unit 10 switches the master unit from the control device 1 to the mobile terminal 2 based on the user's input to the switch button displayed on the first status confirmation screen. In other words, the mobile terminal 2 becomes the master unit, and the control device 1 becomes the non-master unit.

[0082] Furthermore, when the master device is the mobile terminal 2, the control unit 10 on the control device side switches the master device from the mobile terminal 2 to the control device 1 based on the user's input to the switch button displayed on the first status confirmation screen. In other words, the control device 1 becomes the master device, and the mobile terminal 2 becomes a non-master device.

[0083] Furthermore, the mobile terminal-side control unit 20 switches the master unit between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 based on the user's input to the switch button displayed on the second status confirmation screen. Specifically, when the mobile terminal 2 is the master unit, the mobile terminal-side control unit 20 switches the master unit from the mobile terminal 2 to the control device 1 based on the user's input to the switch button displayed on the second status confirmation screen. In other words, the control device 1 becomes the master unit, and the mobile terminal 2 becomes a non-master unit.

[0084] Furthermore, when the master device is the control device 1, the mobile terminal control unit 20 switches the master device from the control device 1 to the mobile terminal 2 based on the user's input to the switch button displayed on the second status confirmation screen. In other words, the mobile terminal 2 becomes the master device, and the control device 1 becomes a non-master device.

[0085] (Master machine switching based on no operation input on the mobile device for a specified period of time) The following describes the switching of the master unit based on the absence of user input to the mobile terminal 2 for a predetermined period of time. The mobile terminal-side control unit 20 switches the master unit from the mobile terminal 2 to the control unit 1 based on the absence of user input to the mobile terminal 2 for a predetermined period of time, while the mobile terminal 2 is the master unit.

[0086] Specifically, the mobile terminal control unit 20 switches the master unit from mobile terminal 2 to control unit 1 based on the fact that, when mobile terminal 2 is the master unit, there has been no user input to the second status confirmation screen (not shown) and the second setting screen (not shown) on the second display unit 24 for a predetermined period of time. In other words, control unit 1 becomes the master unit, and mobile terminal 2 becomes a non-master unit. The predetermined period is not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate.

[0087] (No accepting input from mobile devices) Referring to Figure 5, the prohibition of accepting operation input to the mobile terminal 2 will be explained. When the mobile terminal 2 is in a state where it can accept operation input from the user, the acceptance of operation input to the mobile terminal 2 is prohibited based on the fact that the mobile terminal 2 has moved outside the store 90. That is, when the master device is the mobile terminal 2, the mobile terminal side control unit 20 is configured to prohibit the acceptance of operation input to the second setting screen (not shown) displayed on the second display unit 24 of the mobile terminal 2 based on the fact that the mobile terminal 2 has moved outside the store 90.

[0088] Specifically, the mobile terminal control unit 20 detects that the mobile terminal 2 has moved outside the store 90, and based on the second distance 8 between the mobile terminal 2 and the store 90 being greater than or equal to a predetermined distance 8a, it prohibits the acceptance of operation input to the second setting screen of the mobile terminal 2.

[0089] Store 90 is equipped with a store short-range wireless communication device 93 that performs short-range wireless communication 80 with the mobile terminal 2. For example, store 90 is equipped with a store UWB communication device that performs UWB communication with the mobile terminal's second communication unit 22. The short-range wireless communication 80 performed by the mobile terminal 2 and the store short-range wireless communication device 93 is not limited to UWB communication, but may be BLE communication, or other known short-range wireless communication 80. Furthermore, the location of the store short-range wireless communication device 93 is not particularly limited as long as it is inside or near store 90.

[0090] As an example, the store's short-range wireless communication device 93 transmits a pulse signal, and the mobile terminal-side control unit 22 receives the pulse signal transmitted from the store's short-range wireless communication device 93 and measures the time from transmission to reception of the signal, thereby obtaining the second distance 8 between the mobile terminal 2 and the store 90 by the mobile terminal-side control unit 20. However, the method for measuring the second distance 8 between the mobile terminal 2 and the store 90 is not limited to the method described above. For example, the second distance 8 between the mobile terminal 2 and the store 90 may be obtained based on the first distance 7 obtained by UWB communication between the mobile terminal-side control unit 22 and the control device-side second communication unit 12.

[0091] The mobile terminal control unit 20 prohibits accepting operation input to the second setting screen of the mobile terminal 2 when the master unit is the mobile terminal 2, based on the second distance 8 being at least a predetermined distance 8a. The predetermined distance 8a in the second distance 8 is not particularly limited and can be set appropriately according to the size of the store 90, etc.

[0092] Furthermore, the mobile terminal-side control unit 20 is configured to notify the control device-side control unit 10 via the mobile terminal-side first communication unit 21 that the second distance 8 has moved by a predetermined distance 8a or more when the master device is the mobile terminal 2. The control device-side control unit 10 is configured to output an alarm sound from a security buzzer device 94 installed near the entrance 95 of the store 90 based on the notification that the second distance 8 has moved by a predetermined distance 8a or more. However, the mobile terminal-side control unit 20 does not have to notify the control device-side control unit 10 that the second distance 8 has moved by a predetermined distance 8a or more, and the control device-side control unit 10 does not have to output an alarm sound from the security buzzer device 94 based on the notification that the second distance 8 has moved by a predetermined distance 8a or more.

[0093] Furthermore, the mobile terminal control unit 20 may be configured to prohibit operation inputs other than turning the power on or off of the mobile terminal 2, for example, as a way to prohibit the acceptance of operation inputs to the mobile terminal 2 based on the second distance 8 being separated by a predetermined distance 8a or more. In addition, the mobile terminal control unit 20 may be configured to display a dedicated screen (lock screen) on the second display unit 24 in order to prohibit the acceptance of operation inputs to the mobile terminal 2 based on the second distance 8 being separated by a predetermined distance 8a or more.

[0094] Furthermore, the mobile terminal control unit 20 may be configured to, when the master unit is the mobile terminal 2, prohibit the acceptance of operation input to the second setting screen of the mobile terminal 2 based on the second distance 8 being separated by a predetermined distance 8a or more, and to switch the master unit from the mobile terminal 2 to the control unit 1.

[0095] (Store equipment layout diagram and operation input based on the store equipment layout diagram) Referring to Figure 6, the store equipment layout diagram 60 and the operation input based on the store equipment layout diagram 60 will be explained.

[0096] Figure 6 shows the store equipment layout diagram 60 displayed on the first display unit 16 of the control device 1 and the second display unit 24 of the mobile terminal 2. The store equipment layout diagram 60 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of multiple store equipment 3 in the store 90. Note that the store equipment layout diagram 60 displayed on the first display unit 16 and the store equipment layout diagram 60 displayed on the second display unit 24 are the same image. Furthermore, the store equipment layout diagram 60 is configured to accept operation inputs from the user, allowing for operation of each of the multiple store equipment 3.

[0097] Specifically, as an example, the second status confirmation screen (not shown) displayed on the second display unit 24 shows a store equipment layout diagram display button (not shown). The store equipment layout diagram display button is used to display the store equipment layout diagram 60 on the second display unit 24. The mobile terminal control unit 20 receives user input for the store equipment layout diagram display button displayed on the second status confirmation screen, and displays the store equipment layout diagram 60 on the second display unit 24, as shown in Figure 6.

[0098] The mobile terminal control unit 20, when the master device is the mobile terminal 2 and the store equipment layout diagram 60 is displayed on the second display unit 24, receives user input for the store equipment 3 displayed on the store equipment layout diagram 60, and (not shown) displays a second individual setting screen for the store equipment 3 corresponding to the input on the second display unit 24 as a pop-up. The second individual setting screen is a setting screen for the store equipment 3 corresponding to the input among the multiple store equipment 3 displayed on the second setting screen.

[0099] In other words, when the master device is the mobile terminal 2 and the store equipment layout diagram 60 is displayed on the second display unit 24, if the user taps the image of the store equipment 3 displayed on the store equipment layout diagram 60, the second individual setting screen corresponding to the tapped store equipment 3 will pop up on the second display unit 24.

[0100] The location where the second individual settings screen pops up is not particularly limited. The display size of the second individual settings screen is pre-set. However, the display size of the second individual settings screen may be configured to be changeable by the user.

[0101] The user can configure the store equipment 3 corresponding to the operation input by making operation inputs via the second input receiving unit to various GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces) displayed on the second individual settings screen.

[0102] Furthermore, the control unit 10 on the control device side is configured to display the first individual setting screen (not shown) as a pop-up on the first display unit 16 when the master unit is the control device 1, by receiving user input for the store equipment 3 displayed on the store equipment layout diagram 60, similar to the control of the pop-up display of the second individual setting screen by the mobile terminal side control unit 20. Here, the first individual setting screen is a setting screen for the store equipment 3 corresponding to the operation input among the multiple store equipment 3 displayed on the first setting screen (not shown).

[0103] (Effects of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0104] In the first embodiment, as described above, the mobile terminal 2 is configured to communicate with the control device 1 and to accept user input for operating each of the multiple store devices 3. As a result, the user can operate each of the multiple store devices 3 by receiving user input to the mobile terminal 2, so the user does not need to go to the location where the control device 1 is installed and operate the control device 1. Therefore, the user can operate each of the multiple store devices 3 using the mobile terminal 2 from any location within the store 90. This improves user convenience (usability) in setting up the operation of the store devices 3.

[0105] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 are configured to switch between targets that can receive user input for operating each of the multiple store devices 3 based on predetermined conditions. As a result, the targets that can receive user input for operating each of the multiple store devices 3 are switched between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2, so that interference between operations on each of the store devices 3 between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the simultaneous execution of operations on each of the store devices 3 based on operation input to the control device 1 and conflicting operations on each of the store devices 3 based on operation input to the mobile terminal 2.

[0106] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, based on the predetermined condition that the first distance 7 between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance 7a, the target that can receive user input for operation is switched from the control device 1 to the mobile terminal 2. Conversely, based on the predetermined condition that the first distance 7 is less than a predetermined distance 7a, the target that can receive user input is switched from the mobile terminal 2 to the control device 1. As a result, when the first distance 7 between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance 7a, it is assumed that the mobile terminal 2 is being carried by the user, and the target that can receive user input for operation is switched from the control device 1 to the mobile terminal 2. Also, when the first distance 7 between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 is less than a predetermined distance 7a, it is assumed that the mobile terminal 2 is not being carried by the user but is located near the location where the control device 1 is installed, and the target that can receive user input is switched from the mobile terminal 2 to the control device 1. For these reasons, the user does not need to switch between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 to accept input, thus improving user convenience (usability).

[0107] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 switch the target that can receive user input for operation based on the acceptance of user input to the mobile terminal 2 or the control device 1 as a predetermined condition. As a result, the target that can receive user input for operation is switched between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 based on the acceptance of user input to the mobile terminal 2 or the control device 1. Therefore, the user can switch the target that can receive operation input between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 at a desired timing, thereby further improving the user's convenience (usability).

[0108] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, when the mobile terminal 2 is in a state where it can accept user input, the acceptance of user input to the mobile terminal 2 is prohibited based on the fact that the mobile terminal 2 has moved outside the store 90. As a result, since the acceptance of user input to the mobile terminal 2 is prohibited based on the fact that the mobile terminal 2 has moved outside the store 90, it is possible to suppress user input from outside the store 90 using the mobile terminal 2. In addition, based on the fact that the mobile terminal 2 has moved outside the store 90, for example, it can be inferred that the mobile terminal 2 has been stolen, and therefore, the acceptance of user input to the stolen mobile terminal 2 can be prohibited immediately.

[0109] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the acceptance of operation input to the mobile terminal 2 is prohibited based on the detection that the mobile terminal 2 has moved outside the store 90, specifically when the second distance 8 between the mobile terminal 2 and the store 90 has moved by a predetermined distance 8a or more. This makes it easy to determine that the mobile terminal 2 has moved outside the store 90 based on the second distance 8 between the mobile terminal 2 and the store 90 having moved by a predetermined distance 8a or more.

[0110] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, when the mobile terminal 2 is in a state where it can accept user input, if no user input is received from the mobile terminal 2 for a predetermined period of time, the target to which user input can be received for operation is switched from the mobile terminal 2 to the control device 1. This allows it to be inferred that the user does not intend to perform operation on the mobile terminal 2 if no user input is received from the mobile terminal 2 for a predetermined period of time. Therefore, the target to which user input can be received for operation can be appropriately switched from the mobile terminal 2 to the control device 1.

[0111] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the control device 1 includes a first display unit 16, and the mobile terminal 2 includes a second display unit 24. The first display unit 16 is configured to allow the user to view information regarding the operating status of multiple store devices 3 when the mobile terminal 2 is capable of receiving user input, and the second display unit 24 is configured to allow the user to view information regarding the operating status of multiple store devices 3 when the control device 1 is capable of receiving user input. With this configuration, even when the control device 1 or mobile terminal 2 is not capable of receiving user input, the user can view information regarding the operating status of multiple store devices 3, thereby further improving user convenience (usability).

[0112] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the mobile terminal 2 includes a second display unit 24 that includes an operation screen for receiving user input, and the second display unit 24 is configured to display a store equipment layout diagram 60 that shows the arrangement of multiple store equipment 3 in the store 90 and accepts user input for operation of each of the multiple store equipment 3. As a result, the user can perform operation input on the store equipment layout diagram 60 displayed on the second display unit 24, and can perform operation input for each of the multiple store equipment 3 in a simple and intuitive manner.

[0113] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 are configured to communicate with each other via a secure communication line 81a that allows communication while concealing information from the outside. By connecting the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 via the secure communication line 81a, a secure communication path (network) can be established between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2. Therefore, security in communication between the control device 1 and the mobile terminal 2 can be ensured.

[0114] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the mobile terminal 2 is configured to receive user input for the control device 1 to operate each of the multiple store devices 3. This allows the mobile terminal 2 to easily operate each of the multiple store devices 3 by receiving operation input for the control device 1 to operate each of the multiple store devices 3.

[0115] [Second Embodiment] Next, with reference to Figure 7, a store equipment control system 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Unlike the first embodiment described above, the second embodiment describes an example in which the mobile terminal 2 includes multiple mobile terminals 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d. Components identical to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0116] As shown in Figure 7, the store equipment control system 110 comprises a plurality of store equipment 3, a control device 1, and a plurality of mobile terminals 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d.

[0117] In Figure 7, there are four mobile devices 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, but there may be two, three, or five or more mobile devices 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d.

[0118] (Multiple mobile devices) Each of the multiple mobile terminals 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d receives user input for operating each of the multiple store equipment 3, similar to the mobile terminal 2 in the first embodiment. Specifically, each of the multiple mobile terminals 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d receives user input for operating each of the multiple store equipment 3 by the control device 1, similar to the mobile terminal 2 in the first embodiment.

[0119] Here, to prevent the settings for operating the store equipment 3 based on the operation input to the control device 1 and the settings for operating the store equipment 3 based on the operation input to each of the multiple mobile terminals 2 from being executed simultaneously, the settings for operating the store equipment 3 must be performed exclusively. Therefore, a master-non-master relationship is set between the control device 1 and the group of multiple mobile terminals 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d for the operation of each of the multiple store equipment 3. In addition, the multiple mobile terminals 2 are set up with a priority order for accepting user operation input when the group of multiple mobile terminals 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d is the master device.

[0120] In receiving operation input from multiple mobile terminals 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, as an example, the mobile terminal 2a with the highest priority is configured to display the second setting screen (not shown) on the second display unit 24. For example, if the second setting screen is displayed on the second display unit 24 of mobile terminal 2a, which is set to the highest priority, mobile terminal 2b, which is set to the second highest priority, cannot display the second setting screen on the second display unit 24. In other words, only mobile terminal 2a, which is set to the highest priority, is configured to receive operation input from the user regarding the second setting screen displayed on the second display unit 24.

[0121] Furthermore, for example, if the second setting screen is displayed on the second display unit 24 of mobile terminal 2b, which is set to the second priority, and an operation input is made on the tab 50 that displays the second setting screen on mobile terminal 2a, which is set to the first priority, the second setting screen will be displayed on the second display unit 24 of mobile terminal 2a, which is set to the first priority. In this case, the second display unit 24 of mobile terminal 2b, which is set to the second priority, will display an image or the like indicating that it cannot accept operation input because the second setting screen is displayed on mobile terminal 2a, which is set to the first priority.

[0122] Furthermore, regarding the pop-up display of the second individual settings screen on the second display unit 24, similar to the display of the second settings screen on the second display unit 24, the mobile terminal 2a with the highest priority is configured to be able to display the second individual settings screen as a pop-up on the second display unit 24.

[0123] Furthermore, the acceptance of user input on the mobile terminal 2a with the highest priority among the multiple mobile terminals 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d is not limited to the above example. In other words, as long as the mobile terminal 2a with the highest priority among the multiple mobile terminals 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d is configured to accept user input, the manner in which user input is accepted is not particularly limited.

[0124] Furthermore, instead of the second setting screen being displayed on the second display unit 24 based on the priority set for multiple mobile terminals 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, the system may be configured such that only the mobile terminal 2 that displays the second setting screen first on the second display unit 24 among the multiple mobile terminals 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d is able to display the second setting screen on the second display unit 24 and accept user input for the second setting screen.

[0125] Furthermore, the mobile terminals 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d that are closest to each of the store equipment 3 may be configured to accept user input for operating the store equipment 3 at the shortest distance. In this case, the distance between each of the mobile terminals 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d and each of the store equipment 3 is determined based on the location of each of the mobile terminals 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d within the store, which is obtained based on UWB communication between each of the mobile terminals 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d and the store short-range wireless communication device 93.

[0126] The other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0127] (Effects of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, as described above, the mobile terminal 2 includes a plurality of mobile terminals 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, and a priority order is set for which the plurality of mobile terminals 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d can accept user input. As a result, a priority order is set for which the plurality of mobile terminals 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d can accept user input, so that the mobile terminal 2a with the highest priority can exclusively perform operations on each of the store equipment 3. Therefore, it is possible to increase the number of mobile terminals 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d that can accept user input while suppressing the simultaneous execution of operations on the store equipment 3 based on the operation input of each of the plurality of mobile terminals 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d.

[0128] Furthermore, the other effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0129] (modified version) It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications (exceptions) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0130] For example, in the first and second embodiments described above, an example was shown in which the target that can receive user input for operating each of the multiple store devices is switched between the control device and the mobile terminal, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the target that can receive operation input may not be switched between the control device and the mobile terminal, and the user may choose to use the control device and the mobile terminal separately to prevent simultaneous execution of operations.

[0131] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples where the control device and the mobile terminal are connected via a VPN connection, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the communication line between the control device and the mobile terminal is not particularly limited as long as communication is possible while concealing information from the outside. Also, the connection between the control device and the mobile terminal may be a wired connection. If the connection between the control device and the mobile terminal is a wired connection, the control device may be configured as the master unit and the mobile terminal as a non-master unit when the control device and the mobile terminal are connected via a wired connection, and the mobile terminal may be configured as the master unit and the control device as a non-master unit when the wired connection between the control device and the mobile terminal is disconnected.

[0132] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples where the acceptance of operation input to the mobile terminal is prohibited based on the mobile terminal moving outside the store, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, instead of prohibiting the acceptance of operation input to the mobile terminal based on the mobile terminal moving outside the store, the mobile terminal may be configured to disable the acceptance of operation input by displaying a dedicated screen (lock screen) on the second display unit when it goes out of range.

[0133] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, for example, the mobile terminal is shown to switch to the control unit based on the absence of user input to the mobile terminal for a predetermined period of time while the master unit is a mobile terminal, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if there is no user input to the mobile terminal for a predetermined period of time, the master unit may remain a mobile terminal.

[0134] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, for example, when the control device is a master device and the mobile terminal is a non-master device, the second status confirmation screen can be displayed on the second display unit, and when the control device is a non-master device and the mobile terminal is a master device, the first status confirmation screen can be displayed on the first display unit. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples. For example, the control device or mobile terminal that is a non-master device may be configured so that neither the first nor the second status confirmation screen is displayed.

[0135] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples in which the second display unit of the mobile terminal and the first display unit of the control device are configured to display a store equipment layout diagram, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the second display unit of the mobile terminal and the first display unit of the control device may be configured not to display a store equipment layout diagram.

[0136] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples in which the mobile terminal receives user input for operation of each of the multiple store devices via a control device, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the mobile terminal may be configured to receive user input for operation of each of the multiple store devices via the mobile terminal without going through a control device.

[0137] Furthermore, although the first embodiment described above showed an example where the second display unit of the mobile terminal was larger than the first display unit of the control unit, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second display unit of the mobile terminal may be smaller than the first display unit of the control unit. With this configuration, the mobile terminal can be limited to only simplified functions and only a limited number of operations, thereby reducing misconfigurations and improving security.

[0138] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show the mobile terminal as a tablet device, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the mobile terminal may be a portable POS (Point of Sale) terminal device.

[0139] Furthermore, although the first and second embodiments described above show examples in which the mobile terminal is configured separately from the control device, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the mobile terminal may be detachably and integrally provided with the control device. In this case, for example, by making the first input receiving unit and the second input receiving unit common, and the first display unit and the second display unit common, the first input receiving unit, the second input receiving unit, the first display unit and the second display unit may be configured as a single touch panel, and the mobile terminal may be configured to include this single touch panel. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0140] 1 Control device 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d Mobile devices 3 Store equipment 7 1st distance 7a Predetermined distance 8 2nd distance 8a Predetermined distance 16 1st display section 24 2nd display section 60 Store Equipment Layout Diagram 81a Secure communication line 90 stores 100, 110 Store Equipment Control System

Claims

1. It is installed in the store and is powered by electricity, along with multiple store devices, A control device is installed in the store and configured to monitor the power usage and operating status of the multiple store devices and to control the operation of the multiple store devices, and to perform operations on each of the multiple store devices by receiving operation input from the user. A store equipment control system comprising a portable terminal capable of communicating with the control device and receiving operation input from the user for operating each of the plurality of store equipment.

2. The store equipment control system according to claim 1, wherein the control device and the mobile terminal are configured to switch between targets that can receive operation inputs from the user for operating each of the plurality of store equipment based on predetermined conditions.

3. Based on the predetermined condition that the first distance between the control device and the mobile terminal is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance, the target that can receive the operation input from the user for performing the operation is switched from the control device to the mobile terminal, The store equipment control system according to claim 2, wherein, based on the predetermined condition that the first distance is less than the predetermined distance, the target that can receive the operation input by the user for performing the operation is switched from the mobile terminal to the control device.

4. The store equipment control system according to claim 2, wherein, based on the acceptance of operation input by the user to the mobile terminal or the control device as a predetermined condition, the control device and the mobile terminal switch the target to which operation input by the user can be accepted for performing the operation.

5. The store equipment control system according to claim 2, wherein, while the mobile terminal is in a state where it can accept the operation input from the user, the acceptance of the operation input to the mobile terminal is prohibited based on the fact that the mobile terminal has moved outside the store.

6. The store equipment control system according to claim 5, wherein the acceptance of operation input to the mobile terminal is prohibited based on the detection that the mobile terminal has moved outside the store, where the second distance between the mobile terminal and the store is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance.

7. The store equipment control system according to claim 2, wherein, when the mobile terminal is in a state where it can receive the operation input from the user, the system switches the target for which it can receive the operation input from the user for performing the operation from the mobile terminal to the control device based on the fact that the mobile terminal has not received the operation input from the user for a predetermined period of time.

8. The control device includes a first display unit, The aforementioned mobile terminal includes a second display unit, The first display unit is configured to allow viewing of information regarding the operating status of the multiple store devices when it is in a state where it can receive the operation input from the user via the mobile terminal. The store equipment control system according to claim 2, wherein the second display unit is configured to allow viewing of the information relating to the operating status of the plurality of store equipment when the control device is in a state where it can receive the operation input from the user.

9. The aforementioned mobile terminal includes a second display unit which includes an operation screen that accepts the operation input from the user, The store equipment control system according to claim 1, wherein the second display unit is configured to display a store equipment layout diagram that shows the arrangement of the plurality of store equipment in the store and accepts operation inputs from the user to perform operations on each of the plurality of store equipment.

10. The aforementioned mobile terminal includes a plurality of such mobile terminals, The store equipment control system according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of mobile terminals are in a state where they can receive the operation input from the user, and a priority order for receiving the operation input from the user is set for each of the plurality of mobile terminals.

11. The store equipment control system according to claim 1, wherein the control device and the mobile terminal are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a secure communication line that allows communication while concealing information from the outside.

12. The store equipment control system according to claim 1, wherein the mobile terminal is configured to receive operation input from the user for each of the plurality of store equipment to be operated by the control device.

Images