Generating apparatus and generating method

Abstract

To provide a shelf layout pattern generation apparatus and generation method that can contribute to increased sales. [Solution] The generation device 20 according to this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 21 that acquires multiple types of shelf layout patterns, a list of products to be deleted, and a list of products to be added; a generation unit 22 that generates a new shelf layout pattern by sequentially executing a deletion process to delete products specified in the list of products to be deleted, a temporary addition process to temporarily add products specified in the list of products to be added to the additional positions according to the product type, a movement process to move the positions of products for zoning adjustment, and a final addition process to permanently add products specified in the list of products to be added to the additional positions according to the product type in the editing shelf layout pattern that is in the process of generating a new shelf layout pattern based on multiple types of shelf layout patterns; and an output unit 23 that outputs the new shelf layout pattern.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a generation device and a generation method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for determining a shelf division pattern in consideration of purchase information of products.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventionally, for example, when regularly replacing products considering seasonal demand, etc., it is required to appropriately suppress the accidental deletion of popular products, the disruption of zoning for displaying products of the same category / brand together, the occurrence of empty spaces on the shelves, etc., and improve sales.

[0005] This disclosure has been made in view of the above situation, and an object thereof is to provide a generation device and a generation method capable of generating a shelf division pattern that can contribute to improving sales.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A generation device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that acquires multiple types of shelf layout patterns, a list of products to be deleted, and a list of products to be added; a generation unit that generates a new shelf layout pattern by sequentially executing a deletion process to delete products specified in the list of products to be deleted, a temporary addition process to temporarily add products specified in the list of products to be added to the additional positions according to the product type, a movement process to move the positions of products for zoning adjustment, and a final addition process to permanently add products specified in the list of products to be added to the additional positions according to the product type, in the editing shelf layout pattern that is in the process of generating a new shelf layout pattern based on multiple types of shelf layout patterns; and an output unit that outputs the new shelf layout pattern.

[0007] In one aspect of this disclosure, a new shelf layout pattern is generated by sequentially deleting a specified product, temporarily adding a specified product, moving the position of a product for zoning adjustment, and finally adding a specified product to a shelf layout pattern being edited during the generation of a new shelf layout pattern based on multiple types of shelf layout patterns. By referring to pre-prepared shelf layout patterns, for example, past (previous period) shelf layout patterns can be easily and appropriately generated. Furthermore, by deleting products before adding them, the opportunity for shelf overflow is suppressed, and the situation in which unintended products are cut (deleted) due to overflow can be avoided. In addition, instead of simply adding products after deletion, the process is carried out in the order of temporary product addition, zoning adjustment, and final addition. This process allows for the identification of how many products can be added considering the product type through temporary addition, followed by zoning adjustment, and finally final addition, making it a mechanism that is less likely to disrupt zoning. With such a generation device, shelf layout patterns that can contribute to increased sales can be generated by suppressing unintended product cuts and zoning disruptions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a generating device and a generating method that can generate shelf layout patterns that can contribute to improving sales. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 illustrates the generation of shelf layout patterns. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a table explaining the generation of shelf layout patterns. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the device configuration of the shelf layout pattern generation system according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processes performed by the generation device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the deletion process. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the temporary addition process. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the additional location identification process. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the movement process. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing this additional process. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the overflow resolution process. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart of the adjustment process. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the generation device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] Figure 1 illustrates the generation of shelf layout patterns. The shelf layout pattern generation system according to this embodiment, for example, automatically generates shelf layout patterns for each store (shelf layouts for each pattern) instantly (for example, in about tens of seconds) using AI or the like, based on a previously created shelf layout pattern.

[0012] The businesses involved in shelf allocation are, for example, three parties: the manufacturer, the wholesaler, and the retailer. The manufacturer may be a consumer goods manufacturer, such as a beverage, food, or daily necessities manufacturer. The wholesaler may be a specialized trading company or distributor. The retailer may be a supermarket, drugstore, convenience store, etc.

[0013] Shelf layout refers to the display layout of merchandise on shelves (sometimes simply referred to as shelves) in retail stores. In shelf layout, it is important to avoid simply arranging products randomly. For example, it is important to stock a good selection of best-selling products, to zone (divide) products by category or price range to make it easier for customers to choose and buy products, and to rotate products regularly (e.g., every six months) with seasonal demand in mind. Generally, rotations are carried out in spring / summer (March to September) and autumn / winter (September to March). Inappropriate shelf layouts in stores directly lead to a decline in sales, so proper shelf layout is an extremely important factor for manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers alike.

[0014] Regarding shelf division, it can be considered when manufacturers or wholesalers are commissioned by retailers to conduct it, or when retailers conduct it themselves. When manufacturers or wholesalers are commissioned by retailers to conduct shelf inventory, there are problems such as being unable to make highly differentiated proposals due to being chased by huge amounts of work within a limited time, not being able to handle store-by-store analysis and proposals, having skill differences among members and inheritance work being difficult, etc. In this regard, by introducing the shelf division pattern generation system described later, the working time is significantly shortened, so it becomes possible to conduct in-depth proposal discussions during the free time. Since AI can automatically generate the optimal shelf division pattern, it becomes easier to conduct store-by-store analysis, etc., and it becomes possible to maintain the quality of analysis and proposals at a certain level even when the person in charge changes. Also, when retailers conduct shelf division operations, there are problems such as a large burden of work in analyzing and evaluating whether the content of the shelf division proposals from business partners is appropriate in shelf inventory analysis and creation, not being able to handle shelf inventory optimization by store or by store characteristics, not having enough time for analysis and document creation, etc. In this regard, by introducing the shelf division pattern creation system described later, it becomes possible to easily analyze and grasp the sales trends before shelf division review meetings, etc., so that the initiative in negotiations with business partners can be taken. Since AI can automatically generate the optimal shelf division for each store, it is possible to carefully create shelf divisions for stores other than the main stores. There are advantages such as being able to make decisions based on data in shelf division negotiations and shelf division review meetings with business partners that relied on the conventional sense in the past.

[0015] For example, the flow of shelf allocation work performed by sales representatives of major manufacturers is generally as follows. First, an analysis of the current situation of the entire category in the responsible company (POS data analysis) is carried out. Subsequently, issues in the sales floor are extracted, and information on new products including those of other companies is collected. Subsequently, a new shelf allocation plan and proposal materials are created, and a shelf allocation presentation is made to retail buyers and others. Subsequently, a selection meeting is held to determine the basic shelf allocation pattern. And based on the determined basic shelf allocation pattern, derivative shelf allocation patterns are created for each store. The shelf allocation pattern generation system described below is used for creating such derivative shelf allocation patterns. Thereafter, the creation and transmission of a new cut list and star chart, the actual shelf replacement work at each store, the POS analysis and investigation after the shelf allocation change, etc. are sequentially carried out.

[0016] Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining the generation of a shelf allocation pattern by the shelf allocation pattern generation system described below. The shelf allocation pattern generation system generates a plurality of types of new (current period) shelf allocation patterns based on a plurality of types of shelf allocation patterns, specifically, a plurality of types of shelf allocation patterns in the past (e.g., the previous period) and the new (current period) basic shelf allocation pattern. In the example shown in Figure 2, the reference shelf is set as shelf allocation pattern A. As the plurality of types of shelf allocation patterns in the previous period, shelf allocation data for each pattern such as shelf allocation patterns A, B, C, D, E, F... have been acquired. Note that the differences between these patterns refer to shelf allocations where any one of the shelf size (number of gondolas on the shelf, width dimension, etc.), product assortment (displayed products), and display position is different. Also, among the new (current period) shelf allocation patterns, the basic shelf allocation pattern is created manually. And in the shelf allocation pattern generation system, based on the plurality of shelf allocation patterns in the previous period that have been acquired and the current period's basic shelf allocation pattern created manually, new shelf allocation patterns other than the current period's basic shelf allocation pattern are automatically generated by AI. Below, the details of the shelf allocation pattern generation system will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 12.

[0017] Figure 3 shows the device configuration of the shelf layout pattern generation system 1 according to this embodiment. The shelf layout pattern generation system 1 comprises a generation device 20, a product database 30, a sales database 40, and a shelf layout database 50.

[0018] The generation device 20 is, for example, an information processing device such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer. The user of the generation device 20 is, for example, a sales representative working for a manufacturer that produces goods sold in retail. The workplace of the user of the generation device 20 may be, for example, a beverage manufacturer that manufactures and sells beverages such as soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, a food manufacturer that manufactures and sells food products, or a daily necessities manufacturer that manufactures and sells daily necessities.

[0019] One example of a sales activity by a user of the generation device 20 is the proposal of shelf layout patterns for a specific product category, including the company's own products. The generation device 20 is a device that supports users in proposing shelf layout patterns. A shelf layout pattern refers to variations such as the number of gondolas and shelf widths in each retail store according to the sales floor area of ​​each store, the product assortment and display order of each product displayed on multiple shelves arranged in a retail store, and the ratio of the amount of space allocated to each product. The generation device 20 generates shelf layout patterns according to the user's instructions (input).

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, the generation device 20 includes an acquisition unit 21, a generation unit 22, and an output unit 23.

[0021] The acquisition unit 21 acquires multiple pieces of information related to shelf layout pattern creation by reading multiple input files. The acquisition unit 21 acquires a list of products to be added, a list of products to be deleted, a product information list, a product sales list, and multiple types of shelf layout patterns (current sample shelf layout, past sample shelf layout, and past shelf layouts for each pattern).

[0022] The acquisition unit 21 acquires a list of products to be added, a list of products to be deleted, and a product information list from the product database 30. The product database 30 may store this information for each retail store. The list of products to be added is at least a list of products to be added. The list of products to be deleted is at least a list of products to be deleted. The product information list is at least a list that associates product classifications (major category, medium category, minor category), brands (manufacturers), and sizes.

[0023] The acquisition unit 21 acquires the product sales list from the sales database 40. The sales database 40 may store the product sales list for each retail store. It may also contain data that records sales from multiple retail stores, not just sales from a specific retail store. The product sales list is a list in which the sales of each product are recorded for at least a predetermined period of time.

[0024] The acquisition unit 21 acquires multiple types of shelf layout patterns (current sample shelf layout, past sample shelf layout, and past shelf layouts for each pattern) related to the store for which a new shelf layout pattern is to be created from the shelf layout DB 50. The shelf layout DB 50 may store multiple types of shelf layout patterns for each retail store. The multiple types of shelf layout patterns related to the store for which a new shelf layout pattern is to be created may be multiple types of shelf layout patterns for that store, or multiple types of shelf layout patterns for stores similar to that store (the same or similar retail store with similar demand, etc.). The current sample shelf layout is a specific shelf layout pattern that serves as a standard (basic shelf layout pattern). The specific shelf layout pattern that serves as a standard (basic shelf layout pattern) here may be the largest (most numerous) shelf size that is expected. The past sample shelf layout is a past shelf layout pattern (basic shelf layout pattern) in the same pattern as the current sample shelf layout (e.g., the previous period). The past shelf layout for each pattern is a past shelf layout pattern in a pattern different from the current sample shelf layout and the past sample shelf layout. Each pattern's past shelf layouts may include only one size of shelf layout pattern, or it may include multiple sizes of shelf layout patterns. Preferably, each pattern's past shelf layouts include at least past shelf layout patterns of the same size as the new shelf layout pattern to be created (including the number of gondolas, shelf width in feet, number of shelves, etc.).

[0025] The acquisition unit 21 may further acquire a replacement table from the product database 30 that specifies the products before and after replacement. In this case, the product database 30 may store the replacement table for each retail store or pattern. Replacement refers to replacing an existing product with a specific product (a successor product, such as one with changed packaging) when, for example, an existing product is discontinued or its contents and packaging are changed. The replacement table may specify at least the products to be replaced. When shelf layouts are created for products specified in the replacement table, the replacement relationships described in the replacement table are reflected.

[0026] The generation unit 22 generates a new shelf layout pattern by sequentially executing all or part of the following processes in this order on the editing shelf layout pattern, which is in the process of generating a new shelf layout pattern based on multiple types of shelf layout patterns: deletion, temporary addition, movement, and final addition. For example, the generation unit 22 generates an editing shelf layout pattern in the process of generating a new shelf layout pattern (a specific shelf layout pattern other than the basic pattern for the current period), taking into account the difference between past sample shelf layouts (basic shelf layout patterns for the previous period) and past basic shelf layouts (basic shelf layout patterns for the previous period). The editing shelf layout pattern can be rephrased as the current period's pattern-specific shelf layout being edited. The generation unit 22 generates the final new shelf layout pattern by performing the above-described processes on the editing shelf layout pattern.

[0027] The deletion process is the process of deleting items specified in the list of items to be deleted, which is obtained by the acquisition unit 21, in the shelf layout pattern being edited.

[0028] The temporary addition process is executed after the deletion process, and it temporarily adds the products specified in the list of products to be added to the appropriate positions according to their product type.

[0029] The relocation process is performed after the temporary addition process and involves moving the positions of products to adjust the zoning. In the relocation process, the generation unit 22 moves the positions of products to reflect the changes in zoning corresponding to changes in shelf size, deletion of products due to the deletion process, and temporary addition of products due to the temporary addition process (to correct any disturbances in the zoning).

[0030] This addition process is executed after the movement process, and it involves adding the products specified in the list of designated additional products to the appropriate locations according to their product type.

[0031] If, after this addition process, there is an overflow on a shelf where the total width of the displayed products exceeds the shelf width, the generation unit 22 may further perform an overflow resolution process to move the added products to the overflowing shelf to another shelf according to the product type. Product overflow refers to a state where there is no longer enough space on a shelf for all the products to fit. Product overflow can occur, for example, when new products that were not previously displayed on the shelf are added. If the overflow is not resolved by moving the added products to another shelf during the overflow resolution process, the generation unit 22 may delete products in order of sales amount, starting with the lowest sales amount, based on the product sales list acquired by the acquisition unit 21.

[0032] The generation unit 22 may further perform an adjustment process after this additional processing (more specifically, after the overflow resolution process) to adjust the product positions by referring to the shelf layout pattern for the current period in the basic pattern.

[0033] The generation unit 22 may generate a new shelf layout pattern so as not to delete the replaced products specified in the replacement table acquired by the acquisition unit 21.

[0034] The output unit 23 outputs the new shelf layout pattern generated by the generation unit 22. The new shelf layout pattern output by the output unit 23 is visible to the user. The new shelf layout pattern output by the output unit 23 is also stored in the shelf layout DB 50.

[0035] Next, the processes performed by the generation device 20 will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processes performed by the generation device 20.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, first, the generation device 20 obtains the necessary information by reading the input file (step S1). Specifically, it obtains a list of products to be added, a list of products to be deleted, a product information list, a product sales list, the current sample shelf layout, past sample shelf layouts, and past shelf layouts for each pattern.

[0037] Next, the generation device 20 obtains the replacement list (step S2). Additional products included in the replacement list are excluded from being moved to the temporary storage area and deleted.

[0038] Next, in the editing shelf layout pattern that is in the process of generating a new shelf layout pattern, products that should be deleted are deleted based on the list of products designated for deletion (Step S3, Deletion Process).

[0039] Next, in the shelf layout pattern being edited, the additional products are tentatively added based on the list of additional specified products (Step S4, tentative addition process).

[0040] Next, in the shelf layout pattern being edited, the positions of the products are moved to adjust the zoning (Step S5, Movement Process).

[0041] Next, in the shelf layout pattern being edited, additional items are added based on the list of specified additional items (Step S6, item addition process).

[0042] Next, in the editing shelf layout pattern, any overflowing shelves are resolved (Step S7, overflow resolution process).

[0043] Next, in the shelf layout pattern being edited, the product positions are adjusted by referring to the current period's shelf layout pattern in a specific reference shelf layout pattern (basic shelf layout pattern) (Step S8, adjustment process).

[0044] The editing shelf layout pattern after the above processing is designated as the new shelf layout pattern, and the new shelf layout is completed (step S9).

[0045] Next, the detailed processing flows for each of the processes described above will be explained with reference to Figures 5 to 11. Figure 5 is a flowchart for the deletion process. Figure 6 is a flowchart for the temporary addition process. Figure 7 is a flowchart for the addition position identification process. Figure 8 is a flowchart for the movement process. Figure 9 is a flowchart for the final addition process. Figure 10 is a flowchart for the overflow resolution process. Figure 11 is a flowchart for the adjustment process.

[0046] In the deletion process, as shown in Figure 5, a list of products designated for deletion and the editing shelf layout pattern (the reduced shelf layout being edited) are first obtained (step S31). Subsequently, the products designated for deletion in the editing shelf layout pattern are deleted (step S32), and the editing shelf layout pattern after the deletion process is returned for the next process (step S33).

[0047] In the temporary addition process, as shown in Figure 6, a list of items to be added, the shelf layout pattern being edited (the reduced shelf layout being edited), and a list of product information are first obtained (step S41). Next, the addition location is identified for each item to be added (step S42). The process for identifying the addition location will be described later. Subsequently, the items to be added are temporarily added (added with a temporary addition status) to the shelf where the addition location was identified (step S43). Finally, the shelf layout pattern being edited after the temporary addition is returned for the next process (step S44).

[0048] In the process of identifying the additional location, as shown in Figure 7, the product code (JAN code, etc.), the current sample shelf layout, the shelf layout pattern being edited (the reduced shelf layout being edited), and a product information list are first obtained (step S101). Next, a list of available candidate shelves is created (step S102), and shelves containing products of the same large, medium, and small classifications, brands, and sizes as the additional product are added to the candidate shelf list (step S103).

[0049] Next, it is determined whether there is at least one candidate shelf (step S104). If there is, the process proceeds to step S118; otherwise, it proceeds to step S105. In step S105, shelves containing products of the same large, medium, or small classification and brand as the product to be added are added to the candidate shelf list. Next, it is determined whether there is at least one candidate shelf (step S106). If there is, the process proceeds to step S118; otherwise, it proceeds to step S107.

[0050] In step S107, shelves containing products that are on the same shelf as the additional products in the current sample shelf allocation are added to the candidate shelf list. Next, it is determined whether there is at least one candidate shelf (step S108). If there is, the process proceeds to step S118; otherwise, it proceeds to step S109.

[0051] In step S109, shelves that have the large, medium, or small classification of the additional product on the current sample shelf layout on the shelf one level above (or below) are added to the candidate list. Next, it is determined whether there is at least one candidate shelf (step S110). If there is, the process proceeds to step S118; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S111.

[0052] In step S111, shelves containing products of the same major / minor category as the additional product are added to the candidate shelf list. Next, it is determined whether or not there is at least one candidate shelf (step S112). If there is, the process proceeds to step S118; otherwise, it proceeds to step S113.

[0053] In step S113, shelves containing products of the same large, medium, and small classifications as the additional product are added to the candidate shelf list. Next, it is determined whether or not there is at least one candidate shelf (step S114). If there is, the process proceeds to step S118; otherwise, it proceeds to step S115.

[0054] In step S115, shelves containing products of the same major category as the additional product are added to the candidate shelf list. Next, it is determined whether or not there are any candidate shelves (step S116). If there are, the process proceeds to step S118; otherwise, it proceeds to step S117.

[0055] In step S117, if there is no candidate shelf list, all shelves are considered candidate shelves. Finally, information indicating the shelf with the largest amount of empty space (space without products) in the candidate shelf list is returned as information indicating the additional location (step S118).

[0056] In the move process, as shown in Figure 8, the editing shelf layout pattern (the reduced shelf layout being edited) and the product information list are first acquired (step S51). Next, one of the multiple gondolas is selected (step S52), and the top and bottom shelves are identified for each category (step S53).

[0057] Then, one of the previously selected categories is chosen from among several categories (step S54), and the total width (width A) of the product placed one row above the bottom row and the temporarily added product is obtained (step S55). Also, the total width (width B) of the products in the bottom row is obtained (step S56).

[0058] Next, it is determined whether width A + width B fits within the gondola width (step S57). If it does not fit, the process proceeds to step S59. If it does fit, all the items on the bottom shelf are moved up one shelf (step S58), and then the process proceeds to step S59.

[0059] In step S59, the total width (width C) of the product placed one row below the top row and the temporarily added product is obtained (step S59). Also, the total width (width D) of the top row product is obtained (step S60).

[0060] Next, it is determined whether width C + width D fits within the gondola width (step S61). If it does not fit, the process proceeds to step S63. If it does fit, all the items on the top shelf are moved down one level (step S62), and then the process proceeds to step S63.

[0061] In step S63, it is determined whether the move process has been completed for all of the multiple classifications. If there are any classifications that have not been completed, the process is executed again from step S54. If the move process has been completed for all classifications, it is determined whether the move process has been completed for all gondolas (step S64). If there are any gondolas that have not been completed, the process is executed again from step S52. If the move process has been completed for all gondolas, the editing shelf layout pattern after the move process is returned for the next process (step S65).

[0062] In this addition process, as shown in Figure 9, a list of items to be added, the shelf layout pattern being edited (the reduced shelf layout being edited), and a list of product information are first obtained (step S66). Next, the addition location is identified for each item to be added (step S67). The process for identifying the addition location is as described above. Subsequently, the items to be added are officially added (added with a placed status) to the shelf where the addition location was identified (step S68). Finally, the shelf layout pattern being edited after the addition is returned for the next process (step S69).

[0063] In the overflow resolution process, as shown in Figure 10, a list of additional designated products, the editing shelf layout pattern (the reduced shelf layout being edited), a product sales list, and a product information list are obtained (step S71). Subsequently, shelves where the total width of the placed products exceeds the shelf width (overflowing shelves) are identified (step S72).

[0064] Next, in each overflowing shelf, additional products are moved to other shelves until the shelves are no longer overflowing (Step S73). Here, products can only be moved to shelves that contain products of the same large, medium, or small category and brand.

[0065] Next, in each shelf that is still overflowing, existing products are moved to other shelves until the overflow is eliminated (step S74). Here, products can only be moved to shelves that contain products of the same large, medium, or small category and brand.

[0066] Next, additional items are removed from each shelf that is still overflowing until it is no longer overflowing (step S75). Furthermore, existing items are removed from each shelf that is still overflowing until it is no longer overflowing (step S76). Here, items may be removed in order of increasing sales amount. Finally, the editing shelf layout pattern after the overflow elimination process is returned for the next process (step S77).

[0067] In the adjustment process, as shown in Figure 11, the editing shelf layout pattern (reduced shelf layout during editing), the current sample shelf layout, and a product information list are obtained (step S81). Next, products are rearranged on each shelf to resemble the current sample shelf layout, while referring to the current sample shelf layout (step S82). Then, products of the same large, medium, and small classifications and brands are grouped together (step S83), and finally, the editing shelf layout pattern after the adjustment process is returned (step S84).

[0068] Next, the effects and advantages of the generation apparatus 20 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0069] The generation device 20 according to this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 21 that acquires multiple types of shelf layout patterns, a list of products to be deleted, and a list of products to be added; a generation unit 22 that generates a new shelf layout pattern by sequentially executing a deletion process to delete products specified in the list of products to be deleted, a temporary addition process to temporarily add products specified in the list of products to be added to the additional positions according to the product type, a movement process to move the positions of products for zoning adjustment, and a final addition process to permanently add products specified in the list of products to be added to the additional positions according to the product type in the editing shelf layout pattern that is in the process of generating a new shelf layout pattern based on multiple types of shelf layout patterns; and an output unit 23 that outputs the new shelf layout pattern.

[0070] In the generation device 20 according to this embodiment, in the editing of a shelf layout pattern during the generation of a new shelf layout pattern based on multiple types of shelf layout patterns, the deletion of specified products, the temporary addition of specified products, the movement of product positions for zoning adjustment, and the final addition of specified products are executed sequentially to generate a new shelf layout pattern. By referring to pre-prepared shelf layout patterns, for example, past (previous period) shelf layout patterns can be easily and appropriately generated. Furthermore, by deleting products before adding them, the opportunity for overflow on the shelves can be suppressed, and the situation in which unintended products are cut (deleted) due to overflow can be avoided. In addition, instead of simply adding products after deletion, the process is carried out in the order of temporary addition, zoning adjustment, and final addition. With this process, the number of products that can be added is determined by considering the product type through temporary addition, zoning adjustment is performed, and finally the final addition is made, so that the zoning is less likely to be disrupted. With such a generation device, shelf layout patterns that can contribute to increased sales can be generated by suppressing unintended product cuts and zoning disruptions.

[0071] The acquisition unit 21 acquires multiple types of shelf layout patterns, including current and past shelf layouts of a specific standard pattern, and past shelf layout patterns of patterns different from the standard. The generation unit 22 deletes items specified in the list of items to be deleted in the deletion process, in the current and past basic patterns, and in the editing shelf layout pattern which is the current shelf layout pattern generated based on past shelf layout patterns. In the movement process, the unit may move the positions of items to reflect changes in zoning corresponding to changes in shelf size (number of gondolas and shelf width in feet) and number of shelves, deletion of items due to the deletion process, and temporary addition of items due to the temporary addition process. With this configuration, it is possible to move the positions of items while considering changes in shelf size and number of shelves for each past shelf layout pattern, and to appropriately generate a new shelf layout pattern while suppressing disturbances in zoning.

[0072] If, after this addition process, there are shelves where the total width of the products on the shelves exceeds the shelf width, the generation unit 22 may further perform an overflow resolution process to move the products added to the overflowing shelves to other shelves according to the product type. This makes it possible to generate a new shelf layout pattern that can reliably resolve the overflow caused by this addition.

[0073] The acquisition unit 21 further acquires a sales list for each product, and the generation unit 22, in the overflow resolution process, may delete products in the sales list for each product in order of sales amount, starting with the lowest sales amount, if the overflow cannot be resolved by moving the added products to a different shelf. This makes it possible to prioritize the deletion of products that have a low contribution to sales when the overflow cannot be resolved by moving and product deletion is necessary, thereby generating a new shelf layout pattern that contributes to increased sales.

[0074] The generation unit 22 may further perform adjustment processing after this additional processing to adjust product positions by referring to the current shelf layout in the basic pattern. With this configuration, new shelf layouts for each shelf layout pattern can be generated while maintaining the zoning, etc., in the basic pattern.

[0075] The acquisition unit 21 may further acquire a replacement table that specifies the products before and after replacement, and the generation unit 22 may generate a new shelf layout pattern so that the replaced products specified in the replacement table are not deleted. This makes it possible to appropriately prevent products that have simply undergone package changes, etc., from being mistakenly deleted at the time of shelf rearrangement.

[0076] The generating apparatus and generating method of this disclosure have the following configuration.

[0077] [1] An acquisition unit that acquires multiple types of shelf layout patterns, a list of items to be deleted, and a list of items to be added. A generation unit generates the new shelf layout pattern by sequentially executing the following processes in the editing shelf layout pattern during the generation process, which is generated based on the aforementioned multiple types of shelf layout patterns: a deletion process to delete the products specified in the list of products to be deleted; a temporary addition process to temporarily add the products specified in the list of products to be added to the additional positions according to the product type; a movement process to move the positions of products for zoning adjustment; and a final addition process to permanently add the products specified in the list of products to be added to the additional positions according to the product type. A generating device comprising an output unit that outputs the aforementioned new shelf layout pattern.

[0078] [2] The acquisition unit acquires the current and past shelf layouts of a base pattern and past shelf layout patterns of derivative patterns different from the basic pattern as the multiple types of shelf layout patterns, and the generation unit deletes the products specified in the list of products to be deleted in the editing shelf layout pattern which is in the process of generating the new shelf layout pattern, which is the current shelf layout pattern of the derivative pattern generated based on the current and past shelf layout patterns of the basic pattern and the past shelf layout patterns of the derivative pattern, in the deletion process, The generating apparatus according to [1], which moves the position of products in the aforementioned movement process so as to reflect changes in zoning corresponding to changes from the basic pattern to the derived pattern, deletion of products by the deletion process, and temporary addition of products by the temporary addition process.

[0079] [3] The generating unit further performs an overflow resolution process to move the products added to the overflowing shelf to another shelf according to the product type if there is an overflow on a shelf where the total width of the products lined up after the above addition process exceeds the shelf width. (The generating device according to [1] or [2])

[0080] [4] The aforementioned acquisition unit further acquires the sales list for each product, The generating unit, in the overflow resolution process, deletes products in the sales list of each product in order from the smallest sales amount if the overflow is not resolved by moving the added products to another shelf, as described in [3].

[0081] [5] The generating unit further performs an adjustment process after the above additional processing to adjust the product positions by referring to the current period's shelf layout in the basic pattern, as described in [2].

[0082] [6] The acquisition unit further acquires a replacement table that specifies the products before and after replacement. The generating unit generates the new shelf layout pattern so that the replaced products specified in the replacement table are not deleted, according to the generating device described in any one of items [1] to [5].

[0083] [7] A generation method performed by a generation device, Obtain multiple shelf layout patterns, a list of items to be deleted, and a list of items to be added. In the editing process of generating a new shelf layout pattern based on the aforementioned multiple types of shelf layout patterns, the following processes are sequentially executed in order to generate the new shelf layout pattern: a deletion process to delete the products specified in the list of products to be deleted; a temporary addition process to temporarily add the products specified in the list of products to be added to the appropriate locations according to the product type; a movement process to move the positions of products for zoning adjustment; and a final addition process to permanently add the products specified in the list of products to be added to the appropriate locations according to the product type. A generation method that includes outputting the aforementioned new shelf layout pattern.

[0084] The block diagram used in the description of the above embodiment shows functional units. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method of realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using one device that is physically or logically coupled, or it may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are directly or indirectly connected (for example, using wired or wireless connections). A functional block may be realized by combining the above one device or the above multiple devices with software.

[0085] Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, decision, judgment, calculation, calculation, processing, derivation, investigation, exploration, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access, resolution, selection, selection, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, assumption, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating (mapping), and assigning. For example, a functional block (configuration part) that enables transmission is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. As mentioned above, the method of implementation is not particularly limited.

[0086] For example, the generation device 20 in one embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that processes the control method of the present disclosure. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the generation device 20 according to this embodiment. The generation device 20 described above may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, memory 1002, storage 1003, communication device 1004, input device 1005, output device 1006, bus 1007, etc. Note that the generation device 20 may be configured as a computer device including at least one processor such as a CPU or GPU, may be configured as a computer device including multiple processors, or may be configured as including multiple computer devices.

[0087] In the following explanation, the term "device" can be replaced with "circuit," "device," "unit," etc. The hardware configuration of the generation device 20 may include one or more of the devices shown in the figure, or it may be configured to omit some of the devices.

[0088] Each function in the generation device 20 is realized by loading predetermined software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 1001 and memory 1002, which allows the processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communication by the communication device 1004, and control at least one of data reading and writing in the memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0089] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer, for example, by running an operating system. The processor 1001 may be composed of a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, control devices, arithmetic units, registers, etc. For example, the acquisition unit 21, generation unit 22, output unit 23, etc., described above may be implemented by the processor 1001.

[0090] Furthermore, the processor 1001 reads programs (program code), software modules, data, etc., from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002 and executes various processes accordingly. The program used is one that causes the computer to execute at least a part of the operations described in the above embodiment. For example, the acquisition unit 21, the generation unit 22, and the output unit 23 may be implemented by a control program stored in the memory 1002 and running on the processor 1001, and other functional blocks may be implemented similarly. The above-described various processes have been explained as being executed by one processor 1001, but they may be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The program may also be transmitted from a network via a telecommunications line.

[0091] Memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may consist of at least one of the following: ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. Memory 1002 may also be called a register, cache, main memory, etc. Memory 1002 can store executable programs (program code), software modules, etc., for implementing a control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] Storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium and may consist of at least one of the following: an optical disc such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disc, a digital multipurpose disc, a Blu-ray® disc), a smart card, flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy® disk, a magnetic strip, etc. Storage 1003 may also be called an auxiliary storage device. The above-mentioned storage medium may be, for example, a database, server, or other suitable medium including at least one of memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0093] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transceiver / receiver device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also referred to as a network device, network controller, network card, communication module, etc. The communication device 1004 may be configured to include high-frequency switches, duplexers, filters, frequency synthesizers, etc., in order to implement at least one of frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD). For example, the acquisition unit 21 and output unit 23 described above may be implemented by the communication device 1004.

[0094] The input device 1005 is an input device that accepts input from an external source (e.g., a keyboard, mouse, microphone, switch, button, sensor, etc.). The output device 1006 is an output device that outputs to an external source (e.g., a display, speaker, LED lamp, etc.). The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be configured as an integrated unit (e.g., a touch panel).

[0095] Furthermore, each device, such as the processor 1001 and memory 1002, is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured using a single bus, or different buses may be configured for each device.

[0096] Furthermore, the generation device 20 may be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and some or all of each functional block may be realized by such hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these hardware components.

[0097] Information notification is not limited to the embodiments described herein and may be carried out by other means. For example, information notification may be carried out by physical layer signaling (e.g., DCI (Downlink Control Information), UCI (Uplink Control Information)), upper layer signaling (e.g., RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling, MAC (Medium Access Control) signaling, broadcast information (MIB (Master Information Block), SIB (System Information Block))), other signals, or combinations thereof. RRC signaling may also be called RRC messages, and may be, for example, RRC Connection Setup messages, RRC Connection Reconfiguration messages, etc.

[0098] The processing procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc., of each aspect / embodiment described herein may be reordered, provided they are consistent with each other. For example, the methods described herein present various step elements in an exemplary order and are not limited to that specific order.

[0099] Input and output information may be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or appended to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be transmitted to other devices.

[0100] The determination may be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), by a boolean value (true or false), or by a numerical comparison (for example, a comparison with a predetermined value).

[0101] Each aspect / embodiment described herein may be used individually, in combination, or switched between as needed during implementation. Furthermore, notification of specific information (e.g., notification that "X is") is not limited to explicit notification, but may also be implicit (e.g., by not providing such notification).

[0102] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the intent and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Accordingly, the descriptions in the present disclosure are illustrative and not intended to be restrictive in any way.

[0103] Software should be broadly interpreted to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, and so on, whether they are called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or by any other name.

[0104] Furthermore, software, instructions, information, etc., may be transmitted and received via a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using at least one of wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, or digital subscriber line (DSL)) and wireless technologies (such as infrared or microwave), then at least one of these wired and wireless technologies is included in the definition of a transmission medium.

[0105] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of the various different techniques. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0106] In addition, terms used in this disclosure and terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings. For example, at least one of the channel and symbol may be a signal (signaling). Also, a signal may be a message. Furthermore, a component carrier (CC) may be called a carrier frequency, cell, frequency carrier, etc.

[0107] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc., described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a given value, or other corresponding information. For example, wireless resources may be indicated by an index.

[0108] The names used for the parameters described above are not restrictive in any way. Furthermore, the formulas and other expressions using these parameters may differ from those expressly disclosed in this disclosure. Various channels (e.g., PUCCH, PDCCH, etc.) and information elements can be identified by any suitable name, and therefore, the various names assigned to these various channels and information elements are not restrictive in any way.

[0109] In this disclosure, terms such as "Mobile Station (MS)," "user terminal," "User Equipment (UE)," and "terminal" may be used interchangeably.

[0110] A mobile station may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other appropriate term.

[0111] As used in this disclosure, the terms “determining” and “determining” may encompass a wide variety of actions. “Determining” may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, or inquiring (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), or ascertaining. “Determining” may also include, for example, receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), inputting, outputting, or accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory). Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering something as having been "judged" or "decided" after resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering something as having been "judged" or "decided" after some action. Also, "judgment (decision)" can be reinterpreted as "assuming," "expecting," or "considering."

[0112] The terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variation thereof, mean any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are “connected” or “coupled” with each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, “connection” may be reinterpreted as “access.” As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be “connected” or “coupled” with each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables, and printed electrical connections, and, in some non-limiting and non-exclusive examples, electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency domain, microwave domain, and optical (both visible and invisible) domain.

[0113] In this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based solely on" unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based solely on" and "based at least on."

[0114] Any reference to elements using designations such as “first,” “second,” etc., as used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements. Accordingly, references to first and second elements do not imply that only two elements may be adopted, or that the first element must precede the second element in any way.

[0115] Where the terms “include,” “including,” and their variations are used in this disclosure, these terms are intended to be inclusive, as is the term “comprising.” Furthermore, the term “or” as used in this disclosure is not intended to mean exclusive OR.

[0116] In this disclosure, if articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, this disclosure may include the fact that the noun following these articles is plural.

[0117] In this disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "combine" may be interpreted similarly to "different." [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 20...Generation device, 21...Acquisition section, 22...Generation section, 23...Output section.

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires multiple types of shelf layout patterns, a list of items to be deleted, a list of items to be added, and sales information for each product. A generation unit generates the new shelf layout pattern by sequentially executing all or part of the following processes in the editing shelf layout pattern during the generation process based on the aforementioned multiple types of shelf layout patterns: a deletion process to delete products specified in the list of products to be deleted; a temporary addition process to temporarily add products specified in the list of products to be added to the appropriate positions according to product type; a movement process to move the positions of products for zoning adjustment; and a final addition process to permanently add products specified in the list of products to be added to the appropriate positions according to product type. A generating device comprising an output unit that outputs the aforementioned new shelf layout pattern.

2. The acquisition unit acquires, as the multiple types of shelf layout patterns, the current and past shelf layouts in a standard basic pattern, and past shelf layouts in derivative patterns different from the basic pattern. In the deletion process, the generation unit deletes the items specified in the list of items to be deleted from the new shelf layout pattern, which is the current shelf layout pattern in the derived pattern generated based on the current and past shelf layouts in the basic pattern and the past shelf layouts in the derived pattern, in the editing shelf layout pattern that is in the process of generating the new shelf layout pattern. The generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the movement process, the position of the products is moved in such a way as to reflect the changes in zoning corresponding to the change from the basic pattern to the derived pattern, the deletion of products by the deletion process, and the temporary addition of products by the temporary addition process.

3. The generating device according to claim 1, wherein if there is an overflow on a shelf where the total width of the products lined up after the above-mentioned additional processing exceeds the shelf width, the generating unit further performs an overflow resolution process to move the products added to the overflowing shelf to another shelf according to the product type.

4. The aforementioned acquisition unit further acquires the sales list for each product, The generating device according to claim 3, wherein, in the overflow resolution process, if the overflow is not resolved even by moving the added products to another shelf, the generating unit deletes products in the sales list of each product in order from the products with the smallest sales amount.

5. The generation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the generation unit further performs an adjustment process after the above additional processing to adjust the product positions by referring to the shelf layout pattern for the current period in the basic pattern.

6. The acquisition unit further acquires a replacement table that specifies the products before and after replacement. The generation device according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit generates the new shelf layout pattern so that the replaced products specified in the replacement table are not deleted.

7. A generation method performed by a generation device, Obtain multiple shelf layout patterns, a list of items to be deleted, and a list of items to be added. In the editing process of generating a new shelf layout pattern based on the aforementioned multiple types of shelf layout patterns, the following processes are sequentially executed in order to generate the new shelf layout pattern: a deletion process to delete the products specified in the list of products to be deleted; a temporary addition process to temporarily add the products specified in the list of products to be added to the appropriate locations according to the product type; a movement process to move the positions of products for zoning adjustment; and a final addition process to permanently add the products specified in the list of products to be added to the appropriate locations according to the product type. A generation method that includes outputting the aforementioned new shelf layout pattern.

Images