Product management system, product management device, program, terminal, and information display device.

Abstract

To provide attractive products to users under certain restrictions. [Solution] The product management system includes a display means that can be obtained by the user's terminal and display access information that enables access to product information, and an order-taking means that presents product information to the terminal that accessed the system using the access information and can accept orders for products from the terminal. The order-taking means controls the system to accept product orders for at least a first predetermined period.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a product management system, a product management device, a program, a terminal, and an information display device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has existed a product sales system that deals with stocked products having inventory and reserved products to be sold in the future (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, many EC sites (online stores) of product sales systems are domestic-only EC sites (online stores) in consideration of payment procedures and delivery procedures. On the other hand, in recent years, many foreigners visit Japan and often purchase Japanese products at Japanese stores. Under such circumstances, there are also many foreign visitors to Japan who wish to purchase products handled at domestic-only EC sites (online stores).

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a product management system, a product management device, a program, a terminal, and an information display device that can provide products attractive to users under certain restrictions.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a product management system comprising: a display means capable of displaying access information that can be acquired by a user's terminal and enables access to product information; and an order-taking means that presents product information to the terminal that accessed the system using the access information and can accept orders for products from the terminal, wherein the order-taking means controls the system to accept product orders for at least a first predetermined period.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a product management device that, in response to a request for product information to be presented based on access information acquired by a user's terminal, presents product information to the terminal and is capable of receiving orders for products from the terminal, wherein the order receiving means controls the system to enable receiving product orders for at least a first predetermined period.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as an order-taking means capable of receiving orders for products from a terminal, in response to a request for product information to be presented based on access information obtained by the user's terminal, presenting product information to the terminal, and controlling the order-taking means to enable the acceptance of product orders for at least a first predetermined period.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a terminal comprising: acquisition means capable of acquiring access information that enables access to product information; request means for requesting the presentation of product information based on the acquired access information; and order means for presenting product information and placing an order for the product information.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is an information display device that is obtainable by a user's terminal and includes a display means capable of displaying access information that enables access to product information, wherein the access information is information that enables viewing of product information for at least a first predetermined period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide attractive products to users, under certain limitations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the product management system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a tablet computer, which is an example of the terminal 2. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an external view of the access information display device 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram of the access information display device 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining the display period of the information display body and the browsing period of the EC site. [Figure 6] ]>Figure 6 is a block diagram of the product management device 3 of the first administrator. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the user information database D1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the product information database D2. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an example of the product purchase screen of the EC site for the information display body 100. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a block diagram of the product management device 4 of the second administrator. <° [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the user information database D4. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the third screen presented by the product management device 4 of the second administrator. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal 2. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is an operation flowchart of the information display body display process. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is an operation flowchart of the product purchase screen presentation process of the product management device 3. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is an operation flowchart of the order receiving and placing process of the product management device 3.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0014] [Overall Configuration] The product management system in this embodiment will be described.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the product management system in this embodiment. In FIG. 1, 1 is an access information display device, 2 is a user's terminal, 3 is a product management device of the first administrator, 4 is a product management device of the second administrator, 5 is a product warehouse of the first administrator, 6 is a product warehouse of the second administrator, 7 is the user's home, and 8 is a product.

[0016] The access information display device 1, the terminal 2, the product management device 3, the product management device 4, the product warehouse 5, and the product warehouse 6 can be connected to a communication line and can communicate with each other. The communication line means a communication path capable of data communication. That is, the communication line includes, in addition to a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection and a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark), communication networks such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet, and the communication method may be wired / wireless.

[0017] The access information display device 1 is a device that displays an information display body on which access information for accessing an EC site (online store) managed by the product management device 3 of the first administrator and providing the product 8 is described. The access information is, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the EC site that provides the product 8 provided by the product management device 3. The information display body is, for example, a two-dimensional barcode that can be acquired (read) by the terminal 2 for the access information. The access information display device 1 is installed in a store or the like of an operator (first administrator) who operates the EC site.

[0018] Terminal 2 can be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or a mobile phone. Figure 2 shows an example of the device configuration of a tablet computer, which is an example of terminal 2. As shown in Figure 2, terminal 2 includes a display 21, a touch operation panel 22 integrated with the display 21, and a built-in speaker 23. Terminal 2 is also provided with a control board, a built-in battery, a power button, volume control buttons, etc., which are not shown.

[0019] The control board is equipped with various microprocessors such as CPUs, GPUs, and DSPs, ASICs, various IC memories such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a wireless communication module for wireless communication with the base station. The control board also includes so-called I / F circuits (interface circuits), such as the driver circuit for the touch operation panel 22. Each of these elements mounted on the control board is electrically connected via bus circuits, etc., enabling data reading and writing, and signal transmission and reception.

[0020] The first administrator's product management device 3 is a server system composed of one or more server devices and storage devices. The product management device 3 provides an e-commerce site (online shop) for offering products 3 to users, and handles the acquisition of inventory status of products in the product warehouse 5, and the procedures for delivering products to users. The e-commerce site (online shop) operated by the first administrator is basically an e-commerce site for users residing in Japan, and can only process payments for products and deliveries for users residing in Japan.

[0021] The second administrator's product management device 4 is a server system consisting of one or more server devices and storage devices. Product management device 4 is a product management device operated by the second administrator (proxy purchasing business) that acts on behalf of users such as foreigners visiting Japan to purchase and ship products from the e-commerce site (online shop) operated by the first administrator.

[0022] Product Management Warehouse 5 is the domestic product warehouse of the first administrator, and is where product 8 is stored and managed. In Product Management Warehouse 5, the inventory status of product 8 is managed, and the inventory status information of product 8 is reported to product supply device 3. In addition, upon receiving shipping instructions from product supply device 3, it carries out the procedures for delivering product 8 to the homes or warehouses of domestic users.

[0023] Product management warehouse 6 is the domestic product warehouse of the second administrator, and is where products 8 delivered from the first administrator are stored and managed. Product management warehouse 6 receives shipping instructions from the product supply device 4 and carries out the procedures for delivering products 8 to the homes of foreign users, etc.

[0024] Home 7 is the user's home, and is generally located in a country other than Japan.

[0025] Product 8 is a product sold by the first administrator to the user. In this embodiment, the product is provided to the user upon payment of a monetary price or points that can be used to pay that price. The product is represented by a character or the like embodying a physical product. For example, it may be a figure or other sculptural object that has the appearance of a certain character, or clothing, plastic models, accessories, etc., but is not limited to these. Furthermore, there are multiple types of products depending on the shipping time. For example, there are in-stock products that are normally sold and can be shipped immediately if there is stock, lottery-sale products that can only be purchased by those who win the lottery, reservation products that are announced for sale and reservations are accepted, and made-to-order products that are produced after an order is received. In addition, the shipping time for reservation products is predetermined.

[0026] Next, I will explain the general operation of the product management system.

[0027] When a foreign user visits Japan and goes to a store operated by the first administrator, the access information displayed on the access information display device 1 installed in the store is acquired (read) using terminal 2. The user then uses the acquired access information to access the e-commerce site (online shop) operated by the first administrator.

[0028] The first administrator's product management device 3 presents a Japanese domestic e-commerce site to the user's terminal. This e-commerce site differs from a typical Japanese domestic e-commerce site in that it redirects to the order screen of the second administrator's product management device 4 when an order is placed, but otherwise it is the same as a typical Japanese domestic e-commerce site. The user places an order for a product on the presented e-commerce site. When placing an order, the user consents to being redirected to the order screen of the second administrator's product management device 4. Product management device 3 transmits the accepted order information to the second administrator's product management device 4.

[0029] Upon receiving the order information, the second administrator's product management device 4 displays an order screen on the user's terminal 2, where the user can pay for the goods, enter their name and delivery address, etc.

[0030] The user completes the order by following the order screen of the product management device 4 displayed on terminal 2. Based on the user's order information, the product management device 4, after settling the payment for the goods, places a new order for the goods from the first administrator's product management device 3 via the regular e-commerce site (online shop). In this case, the person placing the order is the second administrator, and the goods are delivered to the second administrator's product warehouse 6. Once the goods 8 arrive at product warehouse 6, the goods 8 are shipped from product warehouse 6 to the registered user's home address 7.

[0031] The above is an overview of the operation of the product management system of this embodiment.

[0032] [Functional Configuration] The configuration of each device will be explained.

[0033] The access information display device 1 will be described below.

[0034] Figure 3 is an external view of the access information display device 1, and Figure 4 is a block diagram of the access information display device 1. The access information display device 1 comprises a processing unit 10, a communication unit 11, a display unit 12, and a storage unit 12.

[0035] The processing unit 10 comprehensively controls the operation of the access information display device 1 based on the programs and data stored in the storage unit 13. The functions of the processing unit 10 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, or an IC memory. The processing unit 10 mainly comprises an information display control unit 111 and an information display period management unit 112.

[0036] The information display control unit 111 displays an information display unit 100 on the display unit 12, which contains access information for accessing the e-commerce site (online shop) that provides the product 8 offered by the product management device 3 of the first administrator. The access information is, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) to the e-commerce site that provides the product 8 by the product management device 3. The information display unit 100 is, for example, a two-dimensional barcode that the terminal 2 can acquire (read) the access information.

[0037] The information display period management unit 112 manages the display period of the information display elements displayed on the display unit 12. The displayed information display elements 100 are updated at predetermined intervals and changed to new information display elements. The information display period management unit 112 acquires new information display elements at predetermined intervals. The link address of the acquired new information display element is different from the link address before the update. In other words, the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is different. However, even if the address is different, the content of the linked e-commerce site is the same.

[0038] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the display period of information displays and the viewing period of e-commerce sites. The information display display period management unit 112 acquires a new information display from the product management device 3 for each first period. The information display control unit 111 displays the acquired information display 100 for the first period. The e-commerce site linked to by the displayed information display remains accessible for a second period even after the first period has elapsed. In the example in Figure 5, the first displayed information display is shown only for the first period, and the linked e-commerce site remains accessible for a second period after the first period has elapsed. Similarly, the second displayed information display is shown only for the first period, and the linked e-commerce site remains accessible for a second period after the first period has elapsed. The third displayed information display is shown only for the first period, and the linked e-commerce site remains accessible for a second period after the first period has elapsed. In each case, after the second period has elapsed, the link is broken and the linked e-commerce site becomes inaccessible.

[0039] Furthermore, even if the EC site becomes inaccessible after the second period has elapsed, you can access the EC site again by scanning a new information display and accessing the product purchase screen linked from it.

[0040] This approach prevents fraudulent purchases from overseas and allows access from outside Japan for a certain period of time.

[0041] The communication unit 11 connects to the communication line N to enable communication. The functions of the communication unit 34 can be realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc.

[0042] The display unit 12 can be implemented using a display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), or a projector.

[0043] The storage unit 13 pre-stores or temporarily stores data used during the execution of the access information display device 1, as well as programs for operating the access information display device 1 and realizing its various functions. The storage unit 13 can be implemented using, for example, an IC memory such as RAM, ROM, or flash memory, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD. Specifically, the storage unit 13 stores a system program and a control program. The system program is a program for realizing the basic computer functions of the access information display device 1. The control program is a program for causing the processing unit 10 to function as an information display control unit 111 and an information display period management unit 112. Acquired information displays are also stored.

[0044] Next, we will describe the product management device 3 for the first administrator.

[0045] Figure 6 is a block diagram of the first administrator's product management device 3. As shown in Figure 6, the product management device 3 comprises a processing unit 30, a communication unit 31, and a storage unit 32.

[0046] The processing unit 30 comprehensively controls the operation of the product management device 3 based on programs and data stored in the memory unit 32. The functions of the processing unit 30 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, or an IC memory. The processing unit 10 includes, as its main functional units, a user information management unit 311, an inventory status management unit 312, a product purchase screen display control unit 313, a product order management unit 314, a shipping management unit 315, and an information display unit management unit 316.

[0047] The User Information Management Unit 311 manages user information using the User Information Database D1. The information managed includes the user's identification information (User ID) and password within the purchase service, personal information such as the user's name, address, and email address, payment type (payment method), and purchase history information.

[0048] Figure 7 shows an example of a user information database D1. In the example in Figure 7, user information data D1 is a table that associates the user's user ID, personal information, payment type information (prepaid information, credit card information, etc.), and purchase history information. The purchase history information also records the product name, order date, payment type (payment method), and payment information of the products purchased by the user. Payment information can be categorized into "paid" and "tentatively paid." "Paid" means that the payment for the product has been completed using that payment method, while "tentative" refers to the process of determining whether that payment method can be effectively used for payment, securing a credit limit equivalent to the price of the product, etc., and the payment is incomplete.

[0049] The inventory management unit 312 manages the inventory status of product 8 using the product information database D2.

[0050] Product Information Database D2 is a database that records information about products sold. Figure 8 shows an example of Product Information Database D2. Product information includes product identification information (ID), product name, product information, price information, product image, inventory status, payment timing, scheduled shipping date, and delivery type. Product ID is identification information that identifies product 8. Product name is the name of product 3. Product information is general information about product 8, and includes information on whether it is an in-stock product (normal sales format), a pre-order product (reservation required), or a made-to-order product (produced after ordering), as well as product description information. Price information is the price of the product. Product image is image data of product 8. Inventory status is the number (quantity) of products 8 in stock. Payment timing is the type of payment method for the product, for example, payment at the time of purchase or payment at the time of shipment. Note that payment at the time of purchase is generally applied to in-stock products, and payment at the time of shipment is generally applied to pre-order products, lottery-sold products, etc. The scheduled shipping date is the time when product 8 can be shipped. The shipping date can be on a monthly, weekly, or daily basis, but in this embodiment, it will be on a daily basis. The delivery type is the delivery method for product 8, and can be a standard delivery method, a frozen or refrigerated delivery method, etc.

[0051] The inventory management unit 312 updates the product information database D2 whenever a new product 8 is added, and whenever the inventory status of that product 8 changes.

[0052] The product purchase screen display control unit 313, in coordination with other units, comprehensively processes the operation of displaying the product purchase screen for product 8 on terminal 2 by referring to the product information database D2. When accessed via access information from the information display unit 100, it is an e-commerce site for the information display unit 100 that differs slightly from a normal domestic site. The e-commerce site for the information display unit 100 has a product purchase screen prepared for at least each link destination, and the product purchase screen for a single link is viewable by the user who obtained the link destination from the information display unit 100 for the period consisting of the first and second periods mentioned above. The viewing region is not limited to Japan, but can also be outside of Japan. After the period consisting of the first and second periods has elapsed, the product purchase screen for that link is deleted and made inaccessible.

[0053] Figure 9 is an example of a product purchase screen for an e-commerce site used by the information display unit 100. As shown in Figure 9, first, the first screen 101 (top screen) is presented. The first screen 101 (top screen) displays an approval button 130 for transitioning to a domestic e-commerce site and a purchase procedure 131. The purchase procedure states that a second administrator will purchase and ship the product on behalf of the user. After confirming the purchase procedure 131, the user selects the approval button 130, and the second screen 102 (a typical Japanese domestic e-commerce site) containing product information is presented.

[0054] The second screen consists of multiple screens displaying information on multiple products. The user selects the desired product and adds it to the cart. Adding a product to the cart is done by selecting the "Add to Cart" button 131. When the "Add to Cart" button 131 is selected, the system transitions to the second screen 103. The second screen is the final screen of the EC site presented by the product purchase screen display control unit 313, and it is the screen for transferring the order information of the products ordered by the user to the product management device 4 of the second administrator. When the user confirms the order details and selects the "Confirm Order Information" button 132, the EC site of the first administrator presented by the product purchase screen display control unit 313 ends. The product purchase screen display control unit 313 then transmits the user's order information (ordered products, amount) to the product management device 4 of the second administrator. From this point onward, the EC site for the information display unit 100 does not handle payment or shipping procedures. In a typical EC site for the Japanese domestic market, payment and shipping procedures are handled by the product order management unit 314, etc.

[0055] The product order management unit 314 retrieves the payment timing of the products 8 added to the cart (selected by the user) on a typical e-commerce site from the product information database D2, and generates order groups by grouping the products 8 according to their payment timing. In this embodiment, the payment timing is either payment at the time of purchase or payment at the time of shipment, so the product order management unit 314 generates order groups by grouping the products according to their payment timing and scheduled shipment date. The product order management unit 314 performs payment processing for each grouped order group. The payment processing sets the payment method selected by the user and settles the price of the products according to the payment timing of the products using that payment method. Based on the payment, the product order management unit 314 records the purchase information in the purchase history information of the user information database D1.

[0056] The shipping management unit 315 manages the shipment of goods ordered by users. The delivery address is selected from the addresses registered in the user information database D1. The delivery date is the shipping date of the order group.

[0057] The information display management unit 316 manages the information display units 100 displayed on the access information display device 1. The information display management unit 316 generates a new information display unit 100 at each of the first periods described above. The new information display unit 100 includes updated link information (address) for the product purchase screen. The information display management unit 316 transmits the generated information display unit 100, including the new link information (address), to the access information display device 1.

[0058] Furthermore, the information display management unit 316 monitors the product purchase screen displayed by the product purchase screen presentation control unit 313, and if the product purchase screen cannot be viewed normally, it controls the access information display device 1 to stop displaying the information display unit 100.

[0059] The communication unit 31 connects to a communication line to enable communication.

[0060] The storage unit 32 stores the system program and the functional programs. The system program is the program that realizes the basic functions of the product management device 3 as a computer. The functional programs are the programs that cause the processing unit 30 to function as the user information management unit 311, the inventory status management unit 312, the product purchase screen display control unit 313, the product order management unit 314, the shipping management unit 315, and the information display unit 316. The storage unit 12 also stores the user information database D1 and the product information database D2.

[0061] Next, we will explain the product management device 4 for the second administrator.

[0062] Figure 10 is a block diagram of the second administrator's product management device 4. As shown in Figure 10, the product management device 4 comprises a processing unit 40, a communication unit 41, and a storage unit 42.

[0063] The processing unit 40 comprehensively controls the operation of the product management device 3 based on programs and data stored in the memory unit 42. The functions of the processing unit 40 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, or an IC memory. The processing unit 10 includes, as its main functional units, a user information management unit 411, an agent order management unit 412, a payment processing unit 413, an agent order management unit 414, and a shipping management unit 415.

[0064] The User Information Management Unit 411 manages user information using the User Information Database D4. The information managed includes the user's identification information (User ID) and password within the purchased service, personal information such as the user's name, address, and email address, payment type (payment method), and purchase history information. The User Information Database D4 is basically the same as the User Information Database D1, and mainly records information of users who reside outside of Japan.

[0065] Figure 11 shows an example of the user information database D4. In the example in Figure 11, user information data D4 is a table that associates the user's user ID, personal information, payment type information (prepaid information, credit card information, etc.), and purchase history information. The purchase history information also records the product name, order date, payment type (payment method), payment information, proxy purchase status, and shipping status of the products purchased by the user. The proxy purchase status records whether the product in the user's order information was ordered on behalf of the user on a regular e-commerce site for the Japanese domestic market provided by the first administrator's product management device 3. The shipping status records the shipping status of the products ordered on behalf of the user to the user.

[0066] The proxy order management unit 412 receives the user's order information from the second administrator's product management device 4. The proxy order management unit 412 then displays the third screen necessary for proxy purchasing.

[0067] The payment processing unit 413 processes the payment for the goods based on the order information (ordered items, amount) and user information.

[0068] Figure 12 shows an example of the third screen presented by the second administrator's product management device 4. As shown in Figure 12, the proxy order management unit 412 presents the third screen 131 based on the received order information. The third screen is an order information confirmation screen and can be displayed in a language other than Japanese, such as English or Chinese, at the user's selection. The user confirms the order details and selects the purchase procedure button 135. When the purchase procedure button 135 is selected, the proxy order management unit 412 presents the third screen 132. The third screen 132 is a user information input screen where the user enters their information. The user information includes the user's name, shipping address, payment method, etc. Once the user has finished entering their information and selected the purchase button 136, the payment processing unit 413 processes the payment for the goods. After the payment is completed, the proxy order management unit 412 enters the purchase history into the user information database D4.

[0069] The proxy order management unit 414 uses the user's order information recorded in the user information database D4 to place a proxy order for the products in the user's order information on the regular e-commerce site for domestic Japanese markets provided by the first administrator's product management device 3. The person placing the order is the second administrator. Once the proxy order is completed, the proxy order management unit 414 enters the purchase history into the user information database D4. As a result, the products ordered by the user are purchased on their behalf and delivered from the first administrator's product warehouse 5 to the second administrator's product warehouse 6.

[0070] The shipping management unit 415 manages the shipment of goods ordered by the second administrator on behalf of the user. Once the ordered goods are delivered from the first administrator's warehouse 5 to the second administrator's warehouse 6, the unit ships the goods to the user. The shipping address is selected from the address registered in the user information database D4.

[0071] The communication unit 41 connects to a communication line to enable communication.

[0072] The storage unit 42 stores the system program and the functional programs. The system program is the program that realizes the basic functions of the product management device 4 as a computer. The functional programs are the programs that make the processing unit 40 function as the user information management unit 411, the proxy order management unit 412, the settlement processing unit 413, the proxy order management unit 414, and the shipping management unit 415. The storage unit 42 also stores the user information database D4.

[0073] Next, we will describe the configuration of terminal 2. Figure 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of terminal 2.

[0074] As shown in Figure 13, terminal 2 comprises a processing unit 50, an operation input unit 51, an image display unit 52, an audio output unit 53, a communication unit 54, and a storage unit 55.

[0075] The processing unit 50 comprehensively controls the operation of terminal 2 based on programs and data stored in the memory unit 55, operation input signals from the operation input unit 51, etc. The functions of the processing unit 50 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, or an IC memory. The processing unit 50 performs various processes for purchasing product 8 and has the functions of a display control unit 510, an order procedure processing unit 511, an image generation unit 512, a sound generation unit 513, and a communication control unit 514.

[0076] The display control unit 510 uses information provided by the product management device 3 and the product management device 4, along with user operation information, to display and enhance the product purchase screen for product 8.

[0077] The order processing unit 51 has the function of accessing the e-commerce site provided by the product management device 3 using access information obtained from the information display unit 100, and performs the order procedure for product 8 on the e-commerce site. Specifically, it performs the order processing for product 8 between product management device 3 and product management device 4.

[0078] The image generation unit 512 generates one image in, for example, one frame time (e.g., 1 / 60th of a second) and outputs the generated image signal to the image display unit 52.

[0079] The sound generation unit 513 generates sound signals such as sound effects and various operation sounds based on the processing results and outputs them to the sound output unit 33.

[0080] The communication control unit 514 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with the product management device 3 and the product management device 4.

[0081] The operation input unit 51 is for inputting various user operations and outputs an operation input signal to the processing unit 50 according to the operation input. The functions of the operation input unit 51 can be realized not only by elements that the user directly operates with their fingers, such as a touch operation pad, home button, button switch, joystick, and trackball, but also by elements that detect movement and posture, such as an acceleration sensor, angular velocity sensor, tilt sensor, and geomagnetic sensor. In addition, the operation input unit 51 also has a camera function and has the function of taking pictures of the information display 100 displayed on the access information display device 1.

[0082] The image display unit 52 displays the screen based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 512. The functions of the image display unit 52 can be realized by a display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head-mounted display. In Figure 2, the image display unit 52 corresponds to the display 21.

[0083] The sound output unit 53 is for outputting sound effects and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 513. In Figure 2, the sound output unit 53 corresponds to the speaker 23.

[0084] The communication unit 54 connects to the communication line N to enable communication. The functions of the communication unit 54 can be realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc.

[0085] The memory unit 55 pre-stores programs for operating the terminal 2 and realizing various functions of the terminal 2, as well as data used during the execution of these programs, or temporarily stores them each time processing is performed. The memory unit 55 can be implemented as, for example, an IC memory such as RAM, ROM, or flash memory, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD. Specifically, the memory unit 55 stores a system program and a control program that controls the terminal 2's purchase process for product 8. The system program is a program that realizes the basic functions of the terminal 2 as a computer. The control program is a program that causes the processing unit 50 to function as a display control unit 510, an order procedure processing unit 511, an image generation unit 512, a sound generation unit 513, and a communication control unit 514.

[0086] [Explanation of operation] First, we will explain the operation of the information display process by the access information display device 1. Figure 14 is a flowchart of the operation of the information display process.

[0087] The access information display device 1 receives information from the first information display unit and the second information display unit (Step 100). The access information for the first information display unit and the second information display unit are the same product purchase screen, but the links to them are different.

[0088] The access information display device 1 determines whether the first period has elapsed (Step 101). If the first period has not elapsed (Step 102), the access information display device 1 displays the first information display (Step 108). On the other hand, if the first period has elapsed, the access information display device 1 updates the displayed information display from the first information display to the second information display (Step 103) and displays the second information display (Step 104).

[0089] The access information display device 1 determines whether to stop displaying the information display (Step 105). If it receives an instruction to stop displaying the information display (Step 106), the access information display device 1 stops displaying the information display (Step 107). On the other hand, if it does not receive an instruction to stop displaying the information display (Step 106), the access information display device 1 continues displaying the information display and finishes processing.

[0090] The above describes the operation of the information display processing by the access information display device 1.

[0091] Next, we will explain the operation of the first administrator's product management device 3. Note that product purchases by users residing in Japan will proceed as before, so we will omit the explanation. Figure 15 is a flowchart of the operation of the product purchase screen display process of the product management device 3.

[0092] First, the product management device 3 determines whether or not the requested link exists (Step 200). If the linked product purchase screen has been deleted and the product purchase screen cannot be viewed (Step 201), the product management device 3 sends a message indicating that it cannot be viewed (Step 209). On the other hand, if the product purchase screen is viewable (Step 201), the product management device 3 presents the first screen of the product purchase screen (Step 202).

[0093] The product management device 3 determines whether the product to be ordered has been selected and the approval button has been selected (Step 203). If the approval button has been selected (Step 204), the product management device 3 displays the second screen of the product purchase screen (Step 205).

[0094] The product management device 3 determines whether the order confirmation button has been selected on the second screen (Step 206). If the order confirmation button has been selected (Step 207), the product management device 3 sends the order information (ordered products and prices) to the product management device 4 of the second administrator (Step 208).

[0095] The above describes the operation of the product purchase screen display process of the product management device 3 of the first administrator.

[0096] Next, we will explain the operation of the second administrator's product management device 4. Figure 16 is a flowchart of the order processing operation of product management device 3.

[0097] The second administrator's product management device 4 receives order information (ordered products and prices) from the first administrator's product management device 4 (Step 300). Then, the product management device 4 displays the third screen (order confirmation screen) (Step 301).

[0098] The product management device 4 determines whether the purchase procedure button has been selected (Step 302). If the purchase procedure button 135 is selected (Step 303), the product management device 4 displays the third screen (user information input screen) (Step 304).

[0099] The product management device 4 determines whether the purchase button has been selected (Step 305). If the purchase button has been selected (Step 306), the product management device 4 processes the payment for the ordered product (Step 307).

[0100] Product management device 4 processes orders for products that have been paid for on the regular e-commerce site provided by the first administrator's product management device 3 (Step 308). Then, product management device 4 records user information and purchase history in user information database D4 (Step 309).

[0101] After confirming receipt of the goods delivered by the first administrator, the product management device 4 performs a shipping procedure to deliver the goods to the user's address (Step 310).

[0102] The above describes the operation of the order processing of the second administrator's product management device 4.

[0103] This embodiment allows foreign visitors to Japan to access e-commerce sites similar to those for domestic use by acquiring information displayed on access information display devices installed in stores within Japan. As a result, foreign visitors can purchase products handled by e-commerce sites (online shops) that are exclusively for domestic use, and these products are shipped to their homes abroad, making it highly convenient for foreign visitors.

[0104] Furthermore, by obtaining access information from the information display device, the site can be viewed from abroad for a certain period, allowing people outside of Japan to purchase products from the Japanese domestic e-commerce site. On the other hand, the information display device shown on the access information display device is updated at predetermined intervals, and after a certain period, the e-commerce site becomes inaccessible, thus preventing fraudulent purchases from overseas.

[0105] <Modification of the embodiment> In the embodiment described above, the period during which the product purchase screen could be viewed was controlled by updating the information display body, which included access information, and deleting the linked product purchase screen after a certain period of time. However, the first administrator's product management device 3 may acquire the identification information of the terminal that accessed the system during the initial access based on the access information, determine the terminal's identification information for each viewing request, and configure the system to prevent viewing of the product purchase screen from the terminal with that identification information after a certain period of time has elapsed since the initial access.

[0106] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following.

[0107] [Note 1] A display means that can display access information that can be obtained by the user's terminal and enables access to product information, A means for receiving orders for products from a terminal that has accessed the system using the aforementioned access information, and for receiving orders for products from the terminal. Equipped with, The order-taking means controls the ability to accept orders for goods for at least a first predetermined period. Product management system.

[0108] [Note 2] The display means changes the access information after a second predetermined period has elapsed. Product management system as described in Appendix 1.

[0109] [Note 3] The order-taking means controls the system to enable order acceptance from terminals located other than the location where the access information is acquired, subject to access via the access information. The product management system described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0110] [Note 4] Other than the location where the aforementioned access information is obtained, this includes locations outside of Japan. A product management system as described in any of the appendices 1 through 3.

[0111] [Note 5] The aforementioned order-taking means displays a first screen explaining the procedure for providing the product. A product management system as described in any of the appendices 1 through 4.

[0112] [Note 6] The order-taking means presents a second screen containing product information, subject to a first operation performed on the user terminal on the first screen. A product management system as described in any of the appendices 1 through 5.

[0113] [Note 7] The order receiving means controls the second screen to enable the acceptance of product orders. A product management system as described in any of the appendices 1 through 6.

[0114] [Note 8] The aforementioned order-taking method presents a third screen for settling payment for the ordered goods. A product management system as described in any of the appendices 1 through 7.

[0115] [Note 9] The order-taking means controls the first screen and the second screen to be displayed under the management of the first administrator, and controls the third screen to be displayed under the management of a second administrator who is different from the first administrator. A product management system as described in any of the appendices 1 through 8.

[0116] [Note 10] The system includes a shipping procedure means that controls the ability to ship the paid-for goods to a country other than Japan, conditional on payment being made on the third screen. A product management system as described in any of the appendices 1 through 9.

[0117] [Note 11] The order-taking means, after the first predetermined period has elapsed, presents the product information to the terminal that accessed the terminal using the reacquired access information, and controls the terminal to enable it to accept orders for the products described in the product information. A product management system as described in any of the appendices 1 through 10.

[0118] [Note 12] The display means controls the display of the access information only when the product information is in a state where it can be presented. A product management system as described in any of the appendices 1 through 11.

[0119] [Note 13] The display means controls the display of the access information only when it is possible to accept an order for a product. A product management system as described in any of the appendices 1 through 12.

[0120] [Note 14] The display means controls the access information to be displayed under the management of the first administrator. A product management system as described in any of the appendices 1 through 13.

[0121] [Note 15] The system includes an order taking mechanism that, in response to a request for product information based on access information obtained by the user's terminal, presents product information to the terminal and accepts orders for the products from the terminal. The order-taking means controls the ability to accept orders for goods for at least a first predetermined period. Product management device.

[0122] [Note 16] Computers, In response to a request for product information based on access information obtained by the user's terminal, the system displays product information to the terminal and functions as an order-taking means capable of receiving orders for the products from the terminal. The order-taking means controls the ability to accept orders for goods for at least a first predetermined period. program.

[0123] [Note 17] A means for obtaining access information that enables access to product information, Based on the acquired access information, a request means is provided to request the presentation of the aforementioned product information, A means for presenting the aforementioned product information and for placing an order for the product information, A terminal equipped with the following features.

[0124] [Note 18] It is equipped with a display means that can display access information that can be obtained by the user's terminal and enables access to product information, The aforementioned access information is information that enables viewing of product information for at least a predetermined period of time. Information display device.

[0125] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above embodiments and can be modified and implemented in various ways within the scope of its technical concept. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1. Access Information Display Device 2. User's terminal 3. Product management device of the first administrator 4. Second Administrator's Product Management Device 5. First Administrator's Product Warehouse 6. Second Administrator's Product Warehouse 7. User's home 8 products

Claims

1. A display means that can display access information that can be obtained by the user's terminal and enables access to product information, A means for receiving orders for products from a terminal that has accessed the system using the aforementioned access information, and for receiving orders for products from the terminal. Equipped with, The order-taking means controls the ability to accept orders for goods for at least a predetermined first period. Product management system.

2. The display means changes the access information after a second predetermined period has elapsed. Product management system according to claim 1.

3. The order-taking means controls the system to enable order acceptance from terminals located other than the location where the access information is acquired, subject to access via the access information. Product management system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. Other than the location where the aforementioned access information is obtained, this includes locations outside of Japan. Product management system according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned order-taking means displays a first screen explaining the procedure for providing the product. Product management system according to claim 3.

6. The order-taking means presents a second screen containing product information, subject to a first operation performed on the user terminal on the first screen. Product management system according to claim 5.

7. The order receiving means controls the second screen to enable the acceptance of product orders. Product management system according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned order-taking method presents a third screen for settling payment for the ordered goods. Product management system according to claim 7.

9. The order-taking means controls the first screen and the second screen to be displayed under the management of the first administrator, and controls the third screen to be displayed under the management of a second administrator who is different from the first administrator. Product management system according to claim 8.

10. The system includes a shipping procedure means that controls the ability to ship the paid-for goods to a country other than Japan, conditional on payment being made on the third screen. Product management system according to claim 9.

11. The order-taking means, after the first predetermined period has elapsed, presents the product information to the terminal that accessed the terminal using the reacquired access information, and controls the terminal to enable it to accept orders for the products described in the product information. Product management system according to claim 1.

12. The display means controls the display of the access information only when the product information is in a state where it can be presented. Product management system according to claim 1.

13. The display means controls the display of the access information only when it is possible to accept an order for a product. Product management system according to claim 1.

14. The display means controls the access information to be displayed under the management of the first administrator. Product management system according to claim 9.

15. The system includes an order taking mechanism that, in response to a request for product information based on access information obtained by the user's terminal, presents product information to the terminal and accepts orders for the products from the terminal. The order-taking means controls the ability to accept orders for goods for at least a predetermined first period. Product management device.

16. Computers, In response to a request for product information based on access information obtained by the user's terminal, the system displays product information to the terminal and functions as an order-taking means capable of receiving orders for the products from the terminal. The order-taking means controls the ability to accept orders for goods for at least a predetermined first period. program.

17. A means for obtaining access information that enables access to product information, Based on the acquired access information, a request means is provided to request the presentation of the aforementioned product information, A means for presenting the aforementioned product information and for placing an order for the product information, A terminal equipped with the following features.

18. It is equipped with a display means that can display access information that can be obtained by the user's terminal and enables access to product information, The aforementioned access information is information that enables viewing of product information for at least a predetermined period of time. Information display device.

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