Pre-payment product transfer system between stores and cart

Abstract

This allows users to directly compare and consider unpurchased items from multiple stores. [Solution] The pre-payment inter-store product transfer system comprises a cart having a container for storing products, a door for opening and closing the container, an acquisition unit for acquiring information on the products stored in the container, and wheels for making the container movable; a store gate installed at the entrance and exit of a store in a complex commercial facility including multiple stores, which detects the passage of the cart; and a server that can communicate with the cart and the store gate, and manages the estimated location of the cart based on the detection result of the store gate and the product information acquired by the acquisition unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a pre-settlement inter-store product movement system and a shopping cart. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, from the perspective of crime prevention and other reasons, commercial complexes that include a plurality of stores on their premises do not allow customers to move products from one store to another before purchasing the products. For this reason, customers cannot directly compare products from a plurality of stores when considering a purchase.

[0003] It is desirable to enable customers to directly compare and consider unpurchased products from a plurality of stores, as this can improve convenience for customers. [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to enable direct comparison and consideration of unpurchased products from a plurality of stores. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] The pre-settlement inter-store product movement system of an embodiment comprises: a cart including a container for storing products, a door for opening and closing the container, an acquisition unit for acquiring information of the products stored in the container, and wheels enabling movement of the container; a store gate installed at an entrance / exit of a store in a commercial complex including a plurality of stores, for detecting passage of the cart; and a server capable of communicating with the cart and the store gate, for managing the position of the cart estimated based on the detection result of the store gate and the product information acquired by the acquisition unit. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the external appearance of an inter-store cart. [Figure 2]Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of a shopping cart used between stores. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the range of motion of a door. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the range of motion of a door. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the range of motion of a door. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a pre-payment inter-store product transfer system. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a user terminal hardware configuration. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a store-to-store shopping cart. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management server. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of shopping cart management information. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a shopping cart used between stores. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the control unit of the inter-store cart. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the control unit of the inter-store cart. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by the control unit of the inter-store cart. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of the product list screen displayed by the inter-store shopping cart's display operation unit. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows an example of the product list screen displayed by the inter-store shopping cart's display operation unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] (First Embodiment) One form of implementation of a pre-payment inter-store product transfer system and cart will be explained with reference to drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the exterior of an inter-store cart 5. The inter-store cart 5, an example of a cart used in a pre-payment inter-store product transfer system, is a device for transporting pre-payment (unpurchased) goods from store to store within a complex commercial facility that includes multiple stores on its premises. The inter-store cart 5 is equipped with a main body 501, a door 502, wheels 503, a handle 504, a display and operation unit 56, a short-range wireless unit 57, a lamp 58, etc.

[0008] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the inter-store cart 5. The main body 501 is a box-shaped container with one side open to form an opening. The main body 501 is equipped with a hanger rack 505 and shelves 506 inside, and can store goods.

[0009] Door 502 opens and closes the opening of the main body 501. In Figure 1, door 502 is in the position to close the opening of the main body 501. In Figure 2, door 502 is in the position to open the main body 501.

[0010] Figures 3 to 5 are schematic plan views illustrating an example of the range of motion of the door 502. Figure 3 shows the door 502 in the closed position, Figure 4 shows the door 502 in the open position, and Figure 5 shows the open door 502 moved to the side of the main body 501.

[0011] The door 502 is connected to the main body 501 by a hinge 507. The hinge 507 rotatably supports the door 502 relative to the main body 501. The door 502 rotates approximately 90° relative to the main body 501, with one side as its axis. Furthermore, the hinge 507 is movable along the side wall of the main body 501. This movement allows the door 502 to move along the side wall of the main body 501 from a state where the opening of the main body 501 is open.

[0012] The inter-store cart 5 is configured to detect the opening and closing of the door 502 using sensors or the like. The open / closed state of the door 502 is transmitted to the control unit 50, which will be described later.

[0013] Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, wheels 503 are provided at the four corners of the bottom surface of the main body 501. The inter-store cart 5 can be easily moved around the store by means of the wheels 503. A handle 504 is a portion that is gripped when moving the inter-store cart 5 or the like.

[0014] The display operation unit 56 is, for example, a touch panel display that displays information and accepts operations according to the displayed content. In implementation, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone fitted into the top surface of the main body 501 may provide the function as the display operation unit 56.

[0015] The short-range wireless unit 57 is a reader / writer that reads and writes information stored in an NFC tag using, for example, NFC (Near Field Communication) technology.

[0016] The lamp 58 emits light in a predetermined color according to the state of the inter-store cart 5, so that the state of the inter-store cart 5 can be identified even from a distance.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an inter-store movement system for products before settlement. This system is a system for enabling comparison of products from a plurality of stores through the operation of inter-store carts 5. The system is configured by a management server 1, an inter-store cart 5, a plurality of store gates 65, a fitting area gate 66, a product return station gate 67, a cart storage area gate 68, an entrance / exit gate 69, return product readers 76, 77, and the like, which are communicably connected to each other.

[0018] The management server 1 is communicably connected to each device included in the system (the inter-store cart 5, the plurality of store gates 65, the fitting area gate 66, the product return station gate 67, the cart storage area gate 68, the entrance / exit gate 69, the return product readers 76, 77, and the like), and manages each device. The management server 1 also manages the position and state of the inter-store cart 5 estimated based on detection results from each gate, and manages products stored in the inter-store cart 5.

[0019] User terminal 3 is a terminal device owned by the customer, such as a portable terminal like a smartphone. User registration for the inter-store cart 5 is performed when user terminal 3 and the short-range wireless unit 57 communicate and transmit / receive predetermined information. The specific method of user registration may utilize existing technology, so a detailed explanation is omitted. Upon completion of the user registration, the customer possessing user terminal 3 is permitted to use the inter-store cart 5 and take out unpurchased items from the inter-store cart 5.

[0020] When user registration is complete, information is shared from the inter-store shopping cart 5 to the management server 1. In other words, the inter-store shopping cart 5 sends information that can identify itself (identification information) and information that can identify the user terminal 3 (identification information) to the management server 1.

[0021] The inter-store cart 5 is a device used by registered customers to store items they are considering purchasing and move them to other stores. By storing items in the inter-store cart 5, customers are permitted to take unpurchased items out of the store.

[0022] The store gate 65 is installed at the entrance / exit that separates the inside and outside of each store, detects the passage of inter-store carts 5, and works in cooperation with the management server 1 to manage the entry and exit of inter-store carts 5.

[0023] The fitting area gate 66 is installed at the entrance / exit that separates the inside and outside of the fitting area, detects the passage of inter-store carts 5, and works in cooperation with the management server 1 to manage the entry and exit of inter-store carts 5. The fitting area is an example of a comparison area that allows customers to compare products from multiple stores, and is an area where customers can bring in and try on clothing from multiple stores.

[0024] The product return gate 67 is installed at an entrance / exit that separates the inside and outside of the product return area. It detects the passage of inter-store shopping carts 5 and works in cooperation with the management server 1 to manage the entry and exit of inter-store shopping carts 5. The product return area is located in a designated place, such as near the cart storage area, and is an area that allows the return of unpurchased items from multiple stores.

[0025] The cart storage gate 68 is installed at the entrance / exit that separates the inside and outside of the cart storage area, detects the passage of inter-store carts 5, and works in cooperation with the management server 1 to manage the entry and exit of inter-store carts 5. The cart storage area is a place for inter-store carts 5 that are waiting, and is equipped with facilities for charging inter-store carts 5 that are waiting.

[0026] The entrance / exit gate 69 is installed at the entrance / exit that separates the inside and outside of the premises of a multi-purpose commercial facility containing multiple stores. It detects the passage of inter-store carts 5 and works in cooperation with the management server 1 to manage the entry and exit of inter-store carts 5.

[0027] When the entrance / exit gate 69 detects the passage of the inter-store cart 5, it issues an alert to notify the user of the inter-store cart 5 and those in the surrounding area of ​​the abnormality. This alert is preferably something that attracts the attention of those around, such as an audible alert. The audible alert is preferably something that announces the passage of the inter-store cart 5, which is prohibited from leaving the complex commercial facility.

[0028] Each of the gates 65-69 (i.e., store gate 65, fitting room gate 66, product return gate 67, cart storage gate 68, and entry / exit gate 69) manages the entry and exit of carts 5 between stores. The management method is, for example, the use of wireless tags. Wireless tags are electronic tags such as RF tags. RF tags are tags that support RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology and include an IC (Integrated Circuit) configured to enable contactless reading using radio waves, etc.

[0029] More specifically, for example, each inter-store cart 5 is equipped with a wireless tag 61 (see Figure 8, described later), and each gate 65-69 is equipped with a reader that reads the information (tag information) stored in the wireless tag 61. The wireless tag 61 stores, for example, a cart ID. The cart ID is information (identification information) that can identify each inter-store cart 5. The cart IDs are assigned in a way that they do not overlap, at least within the complex commercial facility.

[0030] Each gate 65-69 detects the passage of an inter-store cart 5, that is, reads the cart ID from the wireless tag 61, and transmits the cart ID along with information that identifies it (e.g., gate ID) to the management server 1. When the management server 1 receives the cart ID and gate ID, it assumes that the inter-store cart 5 indicated by the cart ID has passed through the gate indicated by the gate ID, and uses this information to manage the usage status of the inter-store cart 5 (see Figure 10, described later).

[0031] The returned item reader 76 is located within the fitting area. The returned item reader 77 is located at the item return counter. The returned item readers 76 and 77 read the information (tag information) stored in the wireless tags. In this embodiment, the product is fitted with a wireless tag. The wireless tag attached to the product (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the product tag) stores, for example, an individual product code. The individual product code is identification information that allows for the individual identification of multiple identical products that have the same product code. The individual product code is managed in association with the identification information of the store that handles the product indicated by that individual product code. Products whose individual item codes are read by return product readers 76 and 77 are recognized as returned by management server 1.

[0032] Next, we will describe an example of the hardware configuration of each main device. First, Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of user terminal 3. User terminal 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, communication unit 34, storage unit 35, display operation unit 36, imaging unit 37, etc. These units are connected via a bus or the like.

[0033] The CPU 31 is an example of a processor and comprehensively controls all parts of the user terminal 3. The ROM 32 stores various programs. The RAM 33 is a workspace for displaying programs and various data. The CPU 31, ROM 32, and RAM 33 constitute the control unit 30 of the computer configuration.

[0034] The communication unit 34 is a communication interface that enables communication between the control unit 30 and an external device (in this case, for example, the inter-store cart 5).

[0035] The display operation unit 36 ​​is a touch panel display in which a touch panel is superimposed on the surface of a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and under the control of the CPU 31, it displays various information and accepts operations according to the displayed content.

[0036] The imaging unit 37 is a digital camera equipped with an image sensor (image sensor) and the like, which receives light reflected from an object and outputs image data. The control unit 30 includes a function unit that extracts and decodes code symbols from image data output by the imaging unit 37, and may use this function unit to obtain a product code from the code symbols attached to the product.

[0037] The memory unit 35 has a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory and retains its contents even when the power supply is cut off. The memory unit 35 stores programs 351 and the like that the CPU 31 can execute. When the CPU 31 executes the program 351, the control unit 30 functions as various functional units.

[0038] One of the various functional units implemented by the control unit 30 is a function unit for registering users of the inter-store shopping cart 5. This function unit may be provided by dedicated application software, or it may be made available for temporary use via a general-purpose application such as a web browser. Note that "app" above is an abbreviation for "application software".

[0039] Next, Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the inter-store cart 5. In addition to the configuration already described, the inter-store cart 5 is further equipped with a CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, communication unit 54, storage unit 55, lock drive unit 59, product tag reader 60, wireless tag 61, etc. The wireless tag 61 is as described above.

[0040] The explanation of the CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, the program 551 stored in the memory unit 55, and the control unit 50 corresponds to the explanation of the program 351 stored in the CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, the program 351 stored in the memory unit 35, and the control unit 30 described above, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0041] The communication unit 54 is a communication interface that enables communication between the control unit 50 and external devices (in this case, for example, the management server 1 and the user terminal 3).

[0042] The memory unit 55 stores the stored product information 552. The stored product information 552 is information that can identify the products stored in the main unit 501, and is, for example, the individual product code of the products stored in the main unit 501.

[0043] The product tag reader 60 is an example of an acquisition unit that reads information from wireless tags (product tags) attached to products stored in the main unit 501. More specifically, the main unit 501 is equipped with an antenna inside, which emits radio waves within the main unit 501 and receives radio waves that return from the product tag. The product tag reader 60 controls the emission of radio waves by the antenna and acquires tag information based on the radio waves received by the antenna.

[0044] The locking drive unit 59 is a drive unit that locks the wheel 503, and under the control of the CPU 51, it switches the rotation of the wheel 503 on or off by locking or unlocking it.

[0045] The lock drive unit 59 further includes a drive unit that fixes (i.e., locks) the door 502 in place when the door 502 is in a position that closes the opening of the main body 501. Under the control of the CPU 51, the lock drive unit 59 switches the operation of opening the door 502 between enabling and disabling the operation of opening the door 502 by locking or unlocking the door 502.

[0046] The lock drive unit 59 may utilize existing technologies such as electrically controlled brake pads, solenoid actuators, and motors, so a detailed explanation of its structure is omitted.

[0047] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management server 1. The management server 1 includes a CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, communication unit 14, storage unit 15, etc.

[0048] The descriptions of the CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, the program 151 stored in the memory unit 15, and the control unit 10 correspond to those of the CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, the program 351 stored in the memory unit 35, and the control unit 30 described above, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0049] The communication unit 14 is a communication interface that enables communication between the control unit 10 and external devices (in this case, for example, the inter-store carts 5, the gates 65-69, and the return product readers 76, 77).

[0050] The memory unit 15 further stores various setting information such as the product master 152 and various other information such as cart management information 153.

[0051] Product Master 152 is an example of product information, where information on products handled by each store managed by Management Server 1 is compiled, for example, in a table format. The items included in Product Master 152 are, for example, the following: Store Code • Individual product code Product Code ·Product name ·unit price

[0052] The individual product codes are as described above.

[0053] A store code is information (identification information) that makes it possible to identify a store contained within a commercial complex. A store code is, for example, a unique number assigned to each store, and does not overlap among stores included in the commercial complex managed by management server 1.

[0054] A product code is an example of information that can identify a product (identification information), such as a JAN code. Other information (such as product name and unit price) is stored in association with the product code.

[0055] The "Product Name" field records the name of the product. The "Unit Price" field records the price for one unit of the product.

[0056] Cart management information 153 is a summary of information about inter-store carts 5, for example, in a table format. Figure 10 shows an example of cart management information 153. In implementation, it is preferable to display the cart management information 153 on a display device connected to the management server 1, for example, as a list like that shown in Figure 10.

[0057] As shown in Figure 10, the items included in the cart management information 153 are, for example, the following: Cart ID • Final check gate ·User • Door lock status (open / closed) Cart status • Storage products

[0058] The cart ID is as stated above. The final check gate is the gate that inter-store cart 5 passed through last. This item stores the location and gate ID of the gate that served as the final check gate. The gate ID is as described above.

[0059] The user is a customer who possesses the user terminal 3 used for user registration in the inter-store cart 5. This field stores information that can identify the customer (e.g., name and contact information) and information that can identify the user terminal 3. The aforementioned contact information includes, for example, a telephone number, address, and email address.

[0060] The door lock status refers to the lock status of door 502 of the inter-store cart 5. This item stores information indicating the lock status of door 502. When the door lock status is "closed," door 502 is locked and cannot be opened. When the door lock status is "open," it indicates that door 502 is not locked.

[0061] The cart status refers to the status of cart 5 between stores. This item stores information indicating the status, such as "in-store," "in transit," "trying on," "paying," "returning," "charging," and "anomaly detected."

[0062] The stored items are those stored in the inter-store cart 5. This item stores information that can identify the items stored in the inter-store cart 5, such as the individual item code. The information stored in this item matches the stored item information 552.

[0063] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the inter-store cart 5 and the management server 1. The control unit 50 of the inter-store cart 5 provides various functional units such as a user registration unit 511, a product registration unit 512, an accounting processing unit 513, a lock control unit 514, and an abnormality notification unit 515 through program execution. The control unit 10 of the management server 1 provides functional units such as an update processing unit 111 through program execution.

[0064] The user registration unit 511 is a processing unit that registers users of its device by sending and receiving predetermined information with the customer's mobile terminal (user terminal 3).

[0065] The product registration unit 512 registers products based on the information obtained by the product tag reader 60. More specifically, the product registration unit 512 obtains product information from the product master 152 that matches the individual product code stored in the stored product information 552 and registers it as a purchase target.

[0066] The accounting processing unit 513 is an example of a settlement processing unit that settles the payment for goods purchased by a customer, and performs accounting processing for goods registered by the product registration unit 512.

[0067] The lock control unit 514 controls the lock state of the door 502 and the wheels 503 via the lock drive unit 59.

[0068] The abnormality notification unit 515 is an example of a notification unit that notifies of abnormalities and issues various alerts. For example, the abnormality notification unit 515 notifies of an abnormality if the number of products related to the information acquired by the product tag reader 60 decreases after the door 502 is opened and closed.

[0069] The update processing unit 111 updates the cart management information 153 based on information received from the user registration unit 511, the product registration unit 512, and the accounting processing unit 513. The update processing unit 111 also transmits information to the lock control unit 514 and the abnormality notification unit 515 based on the updated cart management information 153.

[0070] Figures 12 to 14 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the processing flow performed by the control unit 50 of the inter-store cart 5. The control unit 50 waits for communication with the user terminal 3 (step S1_No), and when communication with the user terminal 3 begins (step S1_Yes), it performs user registration (step S2) and unlocks the wheels 503 (step S3).

[0071] After this, the customer, who is the user of the inter-store cart 5 and is holding the user terminal 3, grasps the handle 504 and moves the inter-store cart 5 to enter the desired store. At that time, the inter-store cart 5 passes through the store gate 65, which is installed at the entrance / exit that separates the inside and outside of the store. At this time, the store gate 65 reads the tag information from the wireless tag 61 of the inter-store cart 5 and transmits the cart ID contained in the tag information and its own gate ID to the management server 1.

[0072] When the control unit 10 of the management server 1 receives the cart ID and gate ID, it updates the cart management information 153. The control unit 10 also sends the updated cart management information 153 to the inter-store cart 5 corresponding to the cart ID.

[0073] Now, referring again to Figure 10, we will explain the management of inter-store carts 5 by the management server 1. When the control unit 10 of the management server 1 receives the cart ID and gate ID, it checks the record in the cart management information 153 for the received cart ID, estimates the current status, and updates the cart management information 153.

[0074] For example, suppose that in the cart management information 153, there is a cart ID where the final check gate is "cart storage area", the door lock is "closed", and the status is "moving", and the management server 1 receives this cart ID. If the gate ID received along with the cart ID is different from the final check gate and belongs to "Store A", the management server 1 determines that the inter-store cart 5 with that cart ID has entered "Store A", and switches the door lock to "open". Furthermore, the control unit 50 changes the final check gate to "Store A" and the status to "inside the store", and sends the updated information to the corresponding inter-store cart 5.

[0075] When the inter-store cart 5 receives the above update information, the control unit 50 recognizes that the cart has entered the store (step S4_Yes) and unlocks the door 502 (step S5).

[0076] After this, the customer, who is a user of the inter-store cart 5, opens the door 502, places the product they are considering purchasing into the main unit 501, and closes the door 502.

[0077] When door 502 is opened or closed (step S6_Yes), the control unit 50, upon receiving this information, reads information from the wireless tags (product tags) attached to the products stored in the main unit 501 via the product tag reader 60 and antenna (step S7). Subsequently, based on the tag information read, the control unit 50 determines whether there are any discrepancies in the products from other stores that were stored in the main unit 501 before door 502 was opened or closed (step S8).

[0078] The process in step S8 is designed to prevent problems such as accidentally returning an item stored in the main unit 501 to a different store's sales floor when the item is removed from consideration for purchase. If there is any discrepancy in the information indicating items from other stores after the door 502 is opened or closed (step S8_No), the control unit 50 issues an alert (step S9) and returns the process to step S6.

[0079] The alert in step S9 might, for example, emit a sound to attract attention and display a message on the display operation unit 56 such as, "An item that does not belong to this store has been removed. Please return it to your cart."

[0080] If there is no excess or deficiency in step S8 (step S8_Yes), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S10. Also, if there was no opening or closing of the door 502 in step S6 (step S6_No), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S10.

[0081] In step S10, the control unit 50 determines whether the inter-store cart 5 has left the store (step S10). If it has not left (step S10_No), the control unit 50 returns to step S6.

[0082] When a user leaves a store with the inter-store cart 5, the cart 5 passes through the store's gate 65. At this time, the store gate 65 reads the tag information from the wireless tag 61 of the inter-store cart 5 and transmits the cart ID contained in the tag information and its own gate ID to the management server 1.

[0083] When the control unit 10 of the management server 1 receives the cart ID and gate ID, it checks the record in the cart management information 153 for the received cart ID to estimate the current status, updates the cart management information 153, and transmits the updated information to the inter-store cart 5 for the corresponding cart ID.

[0084] More specifically, suppose that in the cart management information 153, there is a cart ID where the final check gate is "Store A", the door lock is "Open", and the status is "Inside the store", and the management server 1 receives this cart ID. At this time, if the gate ID received along with the cart ID is the same as the final check gate, "Store A", the control unit 10 of the management server 1 determines that the inter-store cart 5 with that cart ID has left "Store A", and switches the door lock to "Closed". Furthermore, the control unit 50 changes the status to "In transit" and sends the updated information to the corresponding inter-store cart 5.

[0085] When the inter-store cart 5 receives the above update information, the control unit 50 recognizes that the cart has left the store (step S10_Yes) and checks if the door 502 is closed (step S11). If it is not closed (step S11_No), the control unit 50 issues an alert (step S12), locks the wheels 503 (step S13), and returns to step S11.

[0086] The alert in step S12 may, for example, emit an audio message to attract attention and display a message such as "Please close the door when you leave the store" on the display operation unit 56.

[0087] If door 502 is closed (step S11_Yes), the control unit 50 locks door 502 (step S14), unlocks wheel 503 if it is locked (step S15), and returns to step S4.

[0088] If the control unit 50 does not recognize that the customer has entered the store in step S4 (step S4_No), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S21. In step S21, the control unit 50 determines whether the customer has entered the fitting area (step S21). If the control unit 50 does not recognize that the customer has entered the fitting area in step S21 (step S21_No), the control unit 50 returns to step S4.

[0089] Here, Figures 15 and 16 show examples of the stored product list screen 561 displayed by the display operation unit 56 of the inter-store cart 5, with Figure 15 showing the view outside the fitting area and Figure 16 showing the view inside the fitting area.

[0090] The storage item list screen 561 includes the list table 562, the map button 563, and the checkout button 564. The list table 562 displays information about the products stored in the main unit 501 in a list format. The items include, for example, product code, product name, and price (unit price). It is also preferable to include the total price of the stored products. Furthermore, it is preferable to display secondary information such as the color and size of the products.

[0091] The map button 563 is an operator that accepts input to display a map of the commercial complex, and is labeled, for example, "Show Floor Map." The checkout button 564 is an operator that accepts input to start the checkout process, and is labeled, for example, "Pay Here." The checkout button 564 is enabled in designated locations (such as fitting rooms) and disabled in other locations.

[0092] Door 502 of inter-store cart 5 is locked unless it is in a store or fitting area, so it is not possible to open door 502 and check the contents. However, these stored product list screens allow you to check the contents even when door 502 is closed.

[0093] When the inter-store cart 5 leaves the store and heads towards the designated fitting area, and passes through the fitting area gate 66, the fitting area gate 66 reads the tag information from the wireless tag 61 of the inter-store cart 5 and transmits the cart ID contained in the tag information and its own gate ID to the management server 1.

[0094] When the control unit 10 of the management server 1 receives the cart ID and gate ID, it checks the record in the cart management information 153 for the received cart ID to estimate the current status, updates the cart management information 153, and transmits the updated information to the inter-store cart 5 for the corresponding cart ID.

[0095] More specifically, suppose in the cart management information 153, there is a cart ID where the final check gate is "Store A", the door lock is "closed", and the status is "moving", and the management server 1 receives this cart ID. At this time, if the gate ID received along with the cart ID is for the "fitting area", the control unit 10 of the management server 1 determines that the inter-store cart 5 with that cart ID has entered the "fitting area" and switches the door lock to "open". Furthermore, the control unit 50 changes the status to "trying on" and sends the updated information to the corresponding inter-store cart 5.

[0096] When the inter-store cart 5 receives the above update information, the control unit 50 recognizes that the customer has entered the fitting area (step S21_Yes) and unlocks the door 502 (step S22).

[0097] After this, the customer, who is a user of the inter-store cart 5, opens the door 502, takes out the items from the main unit 501, tries them on, returns the items to be purchased (purchase targets) to the main unit 501, and has the return item reader 76 read the items that will not be purchased and will be returned (return targets). The return item reader 76 sends the read tag information to the management server 1. The management server 1 sends the tag information received from the return item reader 76 to the inter-store cart 5 as information on items to be returned.

[0098] When a customer finishes trying on clothes and closes the door 502 (Step S23_Yes), the control unit 50 reads information from the product tags stored in the main unit 501 via the product tag reader 60 and antenna (Step S24). Subsequently, based on the read tag information and the tag information received from the management server 1, the control unit 50 determines whether there is any discrepancy between the purchased and returned items stored and the items before the door 502 was opened or closed (Step S25).

[0099] The process in step S25 is designed to prevent problems such as items being left unattended (for example, left in the fitting room) when the items stored in the main unit 501 are separated into those to be purchased and those to be returned. If there are any discrepancies in the items after the door 502 is opened or closed (step S25_No), the control unit 50 issues an alert (step S26) and returns the process to step S23.

[0100] The alert in step S26 may, for example, emit a sound to attract attention and display a message on the display operation unit 56 such as, "There are items in your cart that have not been returned and have not been returned. Please check."

[0101] If there is no surplus or deficit in step S25 (step S25_Yes), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S27. Also, if there was no opening or closing of the door 502 in step S23 (step S23_No), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S27.

[0102] In step S27, the control unit 50 determines whether an accounting operation has been performed (step S27). An accounting operation is, for example, when the accounting button 564 is pressed. If no accounting operation has been performed (step S27_No), the control unit 50 returns the process to step S23. If an accounting operation has been performed (step S27_Yes), the control unit 50 checks whether the door 502 is closed (step S28).

[0103] If door 502 is not closed (step S28_No), the control unit 50 issues an alert (step S29) and returns the process to step S28. The alert in step S29 may, for example, emit an attention-grabbing sound and display a message such as "We will now process your payment, please close the door." on the display operation unit 56.

[0104] If it is confirmed that door 502 is closed (step S28_Yes), the control unit 50 locks door 502 (step S30) and performs accounting processing (step S31).

[0105] The accounting process here is carried out using cashless payment, for example, using the display operation unit 56 or the short-range wireless unit 57 and the user terminal 3 or an IC card. Cashless payment methods include, for example, credit card payments, electronic money payments, and code payments using code symbols such as two-dimensional codes or barcodes. Since existing methods are used for cashless payment, a detailed explanation of the procedure is omitted. Communication with external parties such as payment agents required for cashless payment is carried out, for example, via the management server 1. Upon completion of the accounting process, the goods in the main unit 501 are managed by the management server 1 as having been purchased.

[0106] Once the accounting process is complete, the control unit 50 unlocks the wheels 503 if they are locked (step S32), proceeds to step S41, and waits for the return of the inter-store cart 5 (step S41_No).

[0107] After completing the transaction, the customer returns to the cart storage area with the inter-store cart 5 containing their purchased items. When the inter-store cart 5 passes through the cart storage gate 68, the cart storage gate 68 reads the tag information from the wireless tag 61 of the inter-store cart 5 and transmits the cart ID contained in the tag information and its own gate ID to the management server 1.

[0108] When the control unit 10 of the management server 1 receives the cart ID and gate ID, it checks the record in the cart management information 153 for the received cart ID to estimate the current status, updates the cart management information 153, and transmits the updated information to the inter-store cart 5 for the corresponding cart ID.

[0109] More specifically, suppose that in the cart management information 153, there is a cart ID where the final check gate is "fitting area", the door lock is "closed", and the status is "moving", and the management server 1 receives this cart ID. At this time, if the gate ID received along with the cart ID is for "cart storage", the control unit 10 of the management server 1 determines that the inter-store cart 5 with that cart ID has entered the "cart storage", and switches the door lock to "open". Furthermore, the control unit 50 changes the status to "charging" and sends the updated information to the corresponding inter-store cart 5.

[0110] When the inter-store cart 5 receives the above update information, the control unit 50 recognizes that it has entered the cart storage area, that is, that the inter-store cart 5 has been returned (step S41_Yes), and unlocks the door 502 and provides instructions for retrieval (step S42). The retrieval instructions include, for example, displaying a message on the display operation unit 56 such as "Please open the door and take your items. Thank you for your purchase."

[0111] The control unit 50 waits for the door 502 to open or close (step S43_No), and when the door 502 is opened or closed (step S43_Yes), it attempts to read the product tags inside the main unit 501 via the product tag reader 60 and antenna (step S44).

[0112] If tag information is obtained, the control unit 50 determines that the product has not been removed (step S45_No), issues an alert (step S46), and returns the process to step S43. The alert in step S46 may, for example, emit a sound to attract attention and display a message such as "There is a product inside, please remove it" on the display operation unit 56.

[0113] If tag information is not obtained in step S44, the control unit 50 determines that the product has been removed (step S45_Yes) and checks whether the door 502 is closed (step S47).

[0114] If door 502 is not closed (step S47_No), the control unit 50 issues an alert (step S48) and returns the process to step S47. The alert in step S48 may, for example, emit an attention-grabbing sound and display a message such as "Please close the door" on the display operation unit 56.

[0115] If it is confirmed that door 502 is closed (step S47_Yes), the control unit 50 locks door 502 (step S49), then cancels user registration (step S50), and then locks the wheels 503 (step S51), and ends this process.

[0116] Let's explain the processes outside the flowchart. The process for returning products at the product return area is a combination of the processes in the fitting area (steps S21-S26, see Figure 13) and the processes in the store area (steps S10-S15).

[0117] Specifically, the control unit 50 detects the passage of the inter-store cart 5 by the product return gate 67, determines whether the inter-store cart 5 is entering or leaving the product return area, and unlocks the door 502 while inside the product return area. The control unit 50 also reads the product tags when the door 502 is opened or closed, determines whether there are any discrepancies in the products to be returned, and issues an alert if there are any discrepancies. Furthermore, when the inter-store cart 5 leaves the product return area, the control unit 50 checks if the door 502 is closed, and issues an alert and locks the wheels 503 if it is not closed. The control unit 50 then locks the door 502 if it is closed, and unlocks the wheels 503 if they were locked.

[0118] According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to take products stored in the inter-store cart 5 outside the store and carry them to other stores or to fitting rooms or product return areas. This makes it possible to directly compare and consider unpurchased products from multiple stores.

[0119] In the above embodiment, clothing to be tried on was described as an example of a product, but in implementation, products that do not require trying on may also be used. For example, it is preferable to set up a comparison area within the product return area managed by the product return gate 67. This allows products such as glasses that do not require trying on to be compared by lining up and handling items from multiple stores in the comparison area, and to have the products that are not purchased read by the product return reader 77. In this case, it is also preferable to make the checkout button 564 operable within the comparison area.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, user registration was performed by transmitting and receiving information via short-range wireless communication between the user terminal and the cart's reader. However, the implementation is not limited to this, and other existing methods may be used. For example, the system may be configured so that the user terminal (or cart) reads a code symbol such as a two-dimensional code displayed on the cart (or user terminal) to exchange the information necessary for user registration.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the product tag reader reads the information of the wireless tag attached to the product, but the implementation is not limited to this. For example, if there is a product tag reader that can read product tags other than wireless tags, the inter-store cart 5 may be configured using such a reader.

[0122] The programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments are provided pre-installed in ROM or the like. The programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments may also be provided as files in an installable or executable format, recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0123] Furthermore, the programs executed by each of the above-described embodiments may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Alternatively, the programs executed by each of the above-described embodiments may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0124] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0125] 1 ... Management server, 10...Control unit, 111...Update processing unit, 11...CPU, 12...ROM, 13...RAM, 14...Communication section, 15...Memory unit, 151...Program, 152...Product master, 153...Cart management information, 3 ... User terminal, 30... Control unit, 31...CPU, 32...ROM, 33...RAM, 34...Communication section, 35...Memory unit, 351...Program, 36...Display and operation unit, 37...Imaging unit, 5... Inter-store shopping cart, 501...Main body, 502...Door, 503...Wheels, 504...Handle 505... Clothes rack, 506... Shelf, 507... Hinges 50... Control unit, 511...User registration section, 512...Product registration section, 513...Accounting processing section, 514... Lock control unit, 515... Anomaly notification unit, 51...CPU, 52...ROM, 53...RAM, 54...Communication section, 55...Memory unit, 551...Program, 552...Stored product information, 56...Display and operation unit, 561...Storage item list screen, 562...List, 563...Map button, 564...Checkout button 57...Short-range wireless unit, 58...Lamp, 59...Lock drive unit, 60...Product tag reader, 61...Wireless tag, 65...Store gate, 66... ​​Fitting room gate, 76... Returned item leader, 67...Product return gate, 77...Return product reader, 68... Cart parking gate, 69... Entrance / exit gate. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0126] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-206226

Claims

1. A cart having a container for storing goods, a door for opening and closing the container, an acquisition unit for acquiring information about the goods stored in the container, and wheels for making the container movable, A store gate installed at the entrance of a store in a multi-store commercial complex, which includes multiple stores, detects the passage of the cart, A server that can communicate with the cart and the store gate, and manages the location of the cart estimated based on the detection result of the store gate and the product information acquired by the acquisition unit, A pre-payment inter-store product transfer system.

2. The aforementioned door can be opened and closed while inside the store and is locked when leaving the store. The pre-settlement product inter-store transfer system according to claim 1.

3. A comparison area gate is installed at the entrance and exit of a comparison area that allows for the comparison of products from multiple stores, and further comprises a comparison area gate that detects the passage of the shopping cart. The server is capable of communicating with the comparison area gate and also manages the location of the cart estimated based on the detection results of the comparison area gate. The pre-settlement product inter-store transfer system according to claim 1.

4. The facility further includes an entrance / exit gate installed at the entrance / exit of the aforementioned commercial complex, which issues an alert when it detects the passage of the cart. The pre-settlement product inter-store transfer system according to claim 1.

5. A container for storing the product, A door for opening and closing the aforementioned container, An acquisition unit that acquires information about the products stored in the container, Wheels that make the container movable, A lock control unit that switches the locked state of the door and the wheels, A payment processing unit that settles the payment for goods based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit by sending and receiving predetermined information with the customer's mobile terminal, A notification unit that notifies of an abnormality if the number of products related to the information acquired by the acquisition unit decreases after the door is opened or closed, A cart equipped with a cart.

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