Store management system and store management method

Abstract

The present invention provides a store management system (10) comprising: a store status information acquisition unit (11) that acquires store status information indicating the status of a target store; a real-time modification unit (12) that, on the basis of the store status information, modifies a predetermined operation plan based on the characteristics of the target store; and an output unit (13) that outputs control information indicating the settings of equipment installed in the target store as specified in the modified operation plan.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a store management system and a store management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Techniques related to the present invention are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a calculation device installed in a headquarters calculates recommended setting values ​​for air conditioning equipment of each store based on the in-store temperature and the like of each store.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for allocating an upper limit of power consumption to each store within a preset upper limit of the total power consumption of all stores. For example, a weight is assigned according to the POS (Point of Sales) information of each store, and an upper limit of power consumption is allocated to each store. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2015-23634 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2017 / 131026 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Business entities with multiple stores, such as convenience stores and supermarkets, desire technology to reduce power consumption across all of their stores. By managing the settings of equipment such as air conditioning equipment installed in each store according to a unified standard, rather than leaving it up to each store, it becomes possible to manage power consumption across all of their stores. By appropriately defining the unified standard, it becomes possible to reduce power consumption across all of their stores.

[0007] Although the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 manages the settings of equipment installed in multiple stores according to uniform standards, there is room for improvement in the uniform standards. The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 adjusts the settings of the equipment for each store based on the current conditions of each store (such as the temperature inside the store), but does not take into account the characteristics of each store, such as the location, sales floor area, and frequency of customers.

[0008] If the characteristics of a store differ, the optimal settings of the equipment will also differ. If the differences in store characteristics are not taken into consideration, for example, in a store located inside a building that is not exposed to sunlight and is relatively cool, waste may occur, such as setting the temperature of the air conditioning equipment unnecessarily low. Neither Patent Document 1 nor Patent Document 2 discloses this problem or a means for solving it.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for reducing power consumption in a store. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to the present invention, A store characteristic information acquisition means for acquiring store characteristic information indicating characteristics of a target store; a store status information acquisition means for acquiring store status information indicating a status of the target store; a generating means for generating control information indicating settings of equipment installed in the target store based on the store characteristic information and the store state information; A store management system having the following features is provided.

[0011] Further, according to the present invention, The computer a store characteristic information acquisition step of acquiring store characteristic information indicating characteristics of a target store; a store status information acquisition step of acquiring store status information indicating a status of the target store; a generation step of generating control information indicating settings of equipment installed in the target store based on the store characteristic information and the store status information; A store management method is provided that performs the above. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, a technique for effectively reducing power consumption in a store is realized. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a store management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a store management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a store management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a store management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block diagram of a store management system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of a store management system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processed by the store management system of the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processed by the store management system of the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processed by the store management system of the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processed by the store management system of the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of a store management system according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0015] <First embodiment> "overview" The store management system of this embodiment is used in business entities that have multiple stores, such as convenience stores and supermarkets. The store management system manages the settings of the equipment installed in each store according to uniform standards. "Management according to uniform standards" does not mean that the settings are the same for all stores, but rather that the settings are appropriate for each store, determined according to uniform standards. For this reason, the equipment settings for multiple stores may be the same or different.

[0016] The store management system acquires store characteristic information indicating the characteristics of each store and store status information indicating the current status of each store, and generates and outputs control information indicating the settings of the equipment installed in each store based on the store characteristic information and store status information.

[0017] According to the store management system of this embodiment, the settings of the equipment installed in each store can be appropriately determined based on both the characteristics of each store and the state of each store at that time. In this way, a store management system that can appropriately determine the settings of equipment for each store based on both the characteristics of each store and the state of each store at that time makes it possible to effectively reduce wasteful power consumption in each store. As a result, it becomes possible to effectively reduce power consumption across multiple stores.

[0018] "Hardware Configuration" Next, an example of the hardware configuration of a store management system will be described.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, for example, a store management system 10 includes a store server 2 installed in each store and a center server 1 installed in a headquarters or the like. The store server 2 and center server 1 are connected so that they can communicate with each other. The store server 2 of each store is configured so that it can communicate with each of a plurality of pieces of equipment (store equipment group 3) installed in each store. The store equipment group 3 includes at least one of a POS system, personal computer, air conditioning equipment, refrigerators, freezers, lighting, cooking utensils, microwave ovens, and coffee makers. The store equipment group 3 may also include other equipment.

[0020] As another example, as shown in Fig. 2, the store management system 10 may include a center server 1 but not a store server 2. As another example, as shown in Fig. 3, the store management system 10 may include a store server 2 but not a center server 1.

[0021] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the devices that make up the store management system 10. Each functional unit of the store management system 10 is realized by any combination of hardware and software, centered on the CPU (Central Processing Unit) of any computer, memory, programs loaded into the memory, a storage unit such as a hard disk that stores the programs (this can store programs that are pre-loaded when the device is shipped, as well as programs downloaded from storage media such as CDs (Compact Discs) or servers on the Internet), and a network connection interface. Those skilled in the art will understand that there are many variations in the methods and devices used to realize these functions.

[0022] As shown in FIG 4, the store management system 10 has a processor 1A, memory 2A, an input / output interface 3A, a peripheral circuit 4A, and a bus 5A. The peripheral circuit 4A includes various modules. The store management system 10 does not have to have the peripheral circuit 4A. The store management system 10 may be made up of multiple physically and / or logically separated devices, or may be made up of a single device that is physically and logically integrated. When made up of multiple physically and / or logically separated devices, each of the multiple devices can have the above hardware configuration.

[0023] The bus 5A is a data transmission path for the processor 1A, memory 2A, peripheral circuit 4A, and input / output interface 3A to transmit and receive data to each other. The processor 1A is an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The memory 2A is a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The input / output interface 3A includes an interface for acquiring information from an input device, an external device, an external server, an external sensor, etc., and an interface for outputting information to an output device, an external device, an external server, etc. Examples of the input device include a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, etc. Examples of the output device include a display, a speaker, a printer, a mailer, etc. The processor 1A can issue commands to each module and perform calculations based on the results of those calculations.

[0024] "Function Configuration" Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the store management system 10. An example of a functional block diagram of the store management system 10 is shown in Fig. 5. As shown in the figure, the store management system 10 has a store status information acquisition unit 11, a store characteristic information acquisition unit 12, and a generation unit 13.

[0025] The store characteristic information acquisition unit 12 acquires store characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the target store.

[0026] The "target store" is a target store for which the facility settings are determined among multiple stores.

[0027] "Store characteristics" are indicated by the values ​​of one or more items that may affect the settings of equipment installed in the store. The values ​​of items indicating store characteristics are not subject to change from moment to moment, but are fixed or nearly fixed. "Nearly fixed" means that the value changes at relatively long intervals, such as once every few weeks, once every few months, or once a year. Hereinafter, items indicating store characteristics are referred to as "store characteristic items." Specific examples of store characteristic items will be described in the following embodiments.

[0028] "Equipment" refers to devices that are installed in a store and consume electricity, and includes at least one of a POS system, a personal computer, an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a freezer, lighting, a cooking appliance, a microwave oven, and a coffee maker.

[0029] "Equipment settings" are conditions that are determined for each piece of equipment. Examples of equipment settings include the operation mode of an air conditioning system (cooling, dehumidification, heating, ventilation, etc.), the set temperature of the air conditioning system, the set humidity of the air conditioning system, the air volume of the air conditioning system, the set temperature of the refrigerator, the set temperature of the freezer, the illuminance of the lights, the temperature of the fryer, etc., which are input / specified for the equipment itself and are referenced in the computer control of the equipment itself. In addition, equipment settings may include rules related to the work of an operator using the equipment or the work of an operator on the equipment, etc., that are not referenced in the computer control of the equipment itself, such as the time period during which the fryer can be used, the time period during which defrosting of the refrigerator or freezer can be performed, etc.

[0030] The store characteristic information acquisition unit 12 can acquire store characteristic information of the target store that is stored in advance in the center server 1 or the store server 2.

[0031] The store status information acquisition unit 11 acquires store status information indicating the status of a target store.

[0032] "Store status" is indicated by the values ​​of one or more items that may affect the settings of the equipment installed in the store. The values ​​of items indicating the store status may change from moment to moment (may change from time to time). Hereinafter, items indicating the store status will be referred to as "store status items." "Store status information" includes values ​​of store status items. Values ​​are a concept that includes numerical values ​​and character strings (the same applies below). Values ​​of store status items may be actual measured values ​​or predicted values. Specific examples of store status items will be described in the following embodiments.

[0033] The store status information acquisition unit 11 may acquire store status information from the center server 1 or the store server 2, or may acquire store status information from an external server other than these servers. The store status information acquisition unit 11 may also acquire store status information from sensors or other information collection devices installed in the store.

[0034] The store status information acquisition unit 11 may periodically and repeatedly acquire the latest store status information (e.g., every predetermined time), or may acquire the latest store status information in response to the occurrence of a predetermined event. An example of the predetermined event is, but is not limited to, the timing when the power consumption in the entire store exceeds a reference value.

[0035] The generation unit 13 generates and outputs control information indicating settings of equipment installed in the target store based on the store characteristic information and store state information of the target store.

[0036] The "control information" is information input to each piece of equipment, and may be a signal for changing the settings of each piece of equipment. In this case, the equipment Generate The setting of the equipment itself is changed based on the control information input by the control unit 13. For example, the air conditioning equipment changes the operation mode, the set temperature, the set humidity, etc. Generate The change is made based on the control information input by unit 13.

[0037] Alternatively, the control information may be information input to equipment equipped with an output device (such as a display, a projection device, a speaker, etc.), such as a personal computer, a POS system, etc. In this case, information indicating the settings of the equipment is displayed via the output device. For example, the operation mode, set temperature and set humidity of the air conditioning equipment, the available time period of the fryer, the available time period of defrosting of the refrigerator and the freezer, etc. are output via an output device such as a personal computer, a POS system, etc. An operator (a store clerk, etc.) of the target store can grasp the changed settings of the equipment based on the information output via an output device such as a personal computer, a POS system, etc. Then, the operator can operate the equipment to change the settings, or perform work using or on the equipment according to the settings. For example, the operator defrosts the refrigerator or the freezer during the available time period indicated by the control information, or cooks using the fryer during the available time period indicated by the control information.

[0038] By generating control information based on both store characteristic information and store status information, it is possible to generate appropriate control information that takes into account both store characteristics and store status. The details of the process of generating control information based on both store characteristic information and store status information are not particularly limited in this embodiment. A specific example will be described in the following embodiment.

[0039] Next, an example of the process flow of the store management system 10 will be described using the flowchart in Fig. 6. Note that the purpose of this description is to explain the process flow, and therefore details of each process and definitions of each term described above will be omitted.

[0040] At S10, the store management system 10 acquires store characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the target store. At S11, the store management system 10 acquires store status information indicating the status of the target store. At S12, the store management system 10 generates and outputs control information indicating the settings of equipment installed in the target store based on the store characteristic information and store status information.

[0041] "Action and effect" The store management system 10 of this embodiment can appropriately determine the settings of equipment installed in each store based on both the characteristics and status of each store. In this way, a store management system that can appropriately determine the equipment settings for each store based on both the characteristics and status of each store can effectively reduce wasteful power consumption in each store. As a result, it becomes possible to effectively reduce power consumption across multiple stores.

[0042] <Second embodiment> In this embodiment, the process of generating control information based on store characteristic information and store state information is more specifically embodied.

[0043] -Store status information- As described in the first embodiment, the store status information is information indicating the status of the store, and includes values ​​of store status items. The store status items include at least one of power consumption, temperature, humidity, weather information, customer status, sales status, operation status of equipment installed in the target store, operation status of equipment installed in the target store, and maintenance status of equipment installed in the target store. The store status items may include other items.

[0044] "Power consumption" includes at least one of the power consumption of the entire store and the power consumption of each piece of equipment. The power consumption at that time can be measured using sensors installed in the store, and the actual measured value can be used as the store status information. Note that well-known power consumption prediction technology can be used to estimate the power consumption of the entire store and the power consumption of each piece of equipment, and this estimated value can be used as the store status information. The estimation can be performed by the store management system 10 or an external server.

[0045] "Temperature" is the temperature of the store. A sensor installed in the store can measure the temperature at that time, and the actual measured value can be used as the store condition information. Alternatively, the predicted temperature by time period for the area in which each store is located, as indicated by the weather forecast, can be used as the store condition information indicating the temperature of each store. Note that weather forecast information can be obtained from an external server.

[0046] "Humidity" is the humidity in the store. A sensor installed in the store can measure the humidity in the store at that time, and the actual measured value can be used as the store condition information. Alternatively, the predicted humidity by time period for the area in which each store is located, as indicated by the weather forecast, can be used as the store condition information indicating the humidity in each store. Note that weather forecast information can be obtained from an external server.

[0047] "Weather information" is information related to the weather other than temperature and humidity. Weather information indicates, for example, the weather (sunny, rainy, cloudy), the movement of rain clouds, the probability of precipitation, the amount of ultraviolet light, wind direction, wind speed, etc. A sensor installed in the store measures the weather information for the store at that time, and the actual measured value can be used as the store condition information. In addition, weather information by time period for the area in which each store is located, which is indicated by the weather forecast, can also be used as the store condition information for each store. Note that weather forecast information can be obtained from an external server.

[0048] "Visitor status" indicates the number of customers in the store. The customer status may indicate the number of customers in the store at that time, or may indicate the number of customers in the store at a certain point in the future (e.g., a few minutes later, a few hours later, etc.). The number of customers in the store at that time can be determined using any technology. For example, the number of customers may be determined by analyzing an image generated by a camera that captures the inside of the store and detecting and counting people in the image. In addition, the number of customers in the store may be determined by analyzing an image generated by a camera that captures the entrance and exit of the store, detecting people entering and leaving the store, and counting the number of customers in the store based on the detection results. The number of customers in the store at a certain point in the future can also be determined using any technology. For example, the number of customers in the store at a certain point in the future may be estimated based on an estimation model that uses machine learning to determine the relationship between the history of the number of customers by time period in the past and factors that may affect the number of customers (month, day of the week, weather, events at surrounding facilities, etc.). The customer status may differ depending on the characteristics of the store. For example, the peak time when the number of customers increases sharply may also differ depending on the characteristics of the store. For example, in the case of a store located in a business district, the number of customers tends to increase sharply around noon on weekdays, but not so much on weekends and holidays.

[0049] "Sales status" indicates the sales status of products that use the equipment. Examples of products that use the equipment include, but are not limited to, prepared foods that are cooked using equipment such as a fryer. The sales status of a product may indicate the sales status at the present time, or may indicate the sales status at a certain point in time in the future (e.g., several minutes later, several hours later, etc.). The sales status indicates the number of items sold up to that point in time, the sales amount, etc. For example, the store status information may be generated based on sales data registered in a POS system. In addition, for example, the sales of the product at a certain point in time may be estimated based on an estimation model that uses machine learning to determine the relationship between the history of sales of the product by time period in the past and factors that may affect sales (month, day of the week, weather, events at surrounding facilities, etc.).

[0050] The "operation status of the equipment installed in the target store" indicates whether the equipment is operating. In addition, the operation status of the equipment installed in the target store may further indicate the settings of the equipment at that time. The equipment settings here refer to the operation mode of the air conditioning equipment (cooling, dehumidification, heating, ventilation, etc.), the set temperature of the air conditioning equipment, the set humidity of the air conditioning equipment, the air volume of the air conditioning equipment, the set temperature of the refrigerator, the set temperature of the freezer, the illuminance of the lighting, the temperature of the fryer, etc., which are input / specified to the equipment itself and are referred to in the computer control of the equipment itself. Such store status information may be obtained by obtaining information indicating the operation status of each equipment from each equipment. In addition, whether each equipment is operating or not may be identified by analyzing images generated by a camera that photographs the equipment.

[0051] "Operation status of equipment installed in the target store" indicates the opening and closing status of refrigerator and freezer doors, the status of maintenance of the equipment, etc. The opening and closing status of refrigerator and freezer doors indicates the time the doors were open (statistical time per specified time (average, maximum, minimum, mode, median, etc.), accumulated time on the day, etc.). Acquisition of such store status information may be achieved by detecting the opening and closing of the doors using a sensor.

[0052] "Equipment maintenance status" is whether maintenance has been performed in the past, maintenance and the date of the most recent maintenance. Equipment maintenance includes, but is not limited to, defrosting of refrigerators and freezers, and cleaning of air conditioning equipment filters. Such store status information may be acquired by acquiring the maintenance implementation history stored in each piece of equipment. Alternatively, such store status information may be acquired by acquiring the maintenance history information of each piece of equipment stored in the center server 1 or the store server 2.

[0053] -Store characteristics information- As described in the first embodiment, the store characteristic information is information indicating the characteristics of a store, and includes values ​​of store characteristic items. The store characteristic items include at least one of the following: location, sales floor area, sunlight conditions, frequency of customers, installed equipment, and location information. The store characteristic items may include other items.

[0054] "Location" is the location of each store. It is indicated by address, latitude and longitude information, etc.

[0055] "Sales floor area" is the area of ​​the sales floor of a store.

[0056] "Sunlight condition" indicates the sunlight condition of the store. For example, it may be evaluated in three stages such as "good", "average", and "poor", or it may be evaluated by other criteria.

[0057] "Visitor frequency" refers to the frequency with which customers come. For example, the visitor frequency may be an estimate of the number of visitors per day. The visitor frequency may be calculated based on past performance or may be a forecast figure.

[0058] "Installed equipment" refers to equipment installed in the store.

[0059] "Location information" indicates the characteristics of the location where the store is located. For example, the location where the store is located may be classified as "roadside," "residential area," "mixed area (business location + residential area)," "business location," etc. Residential areas, mixed areas, and business locations can be classified, for example, based on the working population ratio. One example of the classification criteria is that areas with a working population ratio of less than 0.4 are residential areas, areas with a working population ratio of 0.4 to less than 0.8 are mixed areas, and areas with a working population ratio of 0.8 or more are business locations, but this is not limited to the above.

[0060] Fig. 7 shows a schematic example of store characteristic information acquired by the store characteristic information acquisition unit 14. Fig. 7 shows store characteristic information of store A, which is one of the multiple stores. Store characteristic information for each of the multiple stores may be generated in advance and registered in at least one of the center server 1 and the store server 2. The store characteristic information acquisition unit 14 can acquire the store characteristic information of the target store from the center server 1 or the store server 2.

[0061] -Processing for generating control information based on store characteristic information and store state information- Generation part 1 3 The generating unit 1 obtains an operation plan corresponding to the store characteristic information of the target store. 3 The generating unit 1 adjusts the operation plan of the target store based on the store status information of the target store. 3 The control information is generated based on the adjusted operation plan. This will be described in detail below.

[0062] The "operation plan" defines the planned settings for the equipment installed in the store. The operation plan for the target store defines at least one of the following: the operating mode of the air conditioning equipment, the set temperature of the air conditioning equipment, the set humidity of the air conditioning equipment, the air volume of the air conditioning equipment, the set temperature of the refrigerator, the set temperature of the freezer, the illuminance of the lighting, the temperature of the fryer, the time period during which the fryer can be used, the time period during which the refrigerator can be defrosted, and the time period during which the freezer can be defrosted.

[0063] The power consumption of each piece of equipment changes depending on the operating mode of the air conditioning equipment, the set temperature of the air conditioning equipment, the set humidity of the air conditioning equipment, the air volume of the air conditioning equipment, the set temperature of the refrigerator, the set temperature of the freezer, the illuminance of the lights, and the temperature of the fryer. In addition, the time periods when the power consumption of the equipment increases and decreases change depending on the time periods when the fryer is available, the time periods when defrosting of the refrigerator can be performed, and the time periods when defrosting of the freezer can be performed. By defining the above-mentioned contents in the operation plan, it becomes possible to manage the power consumption of the target store.

[0064] FIG. 8 shows a schematic example of an operation plan for store A, which is one of multiple stores. In the illustrated operation plan, the operating mode, temperature setting, and humidity setting of the air conditioning equipment are determined for each predetermined period. The illustrated operation plan also determines the time period during which the fryer can be used. The illustrated operation plan also determines the time period during which defrosting of the refrigerators and freezers can be performed.

[0065] The operation plan is determined for each store based on the characteristics of the store. A person may determine the operation plan for each store based on the characteristics of the store, or a computer may determine the operation plan for each store based on the characteristics of the store.

[0066] Next, a process for acquiring an operation plan corresponding to the store characteristic information of a target store will be described.

[0067] - Processing example 1 for acquiring operation plans corresponding to the store characteristic information of the target store - A plurality of operation plans corresponding to the store characteristics may be generated in advance and stored in the center server 1 or the store server 2. Then, the generation unit 13 may acquire, from the center server 1 or the store server 2, an operation plan corresponding to the store characteristics of the target store indicated in the store characteristic information of the target store.

[0068] - Processing example 2 for acquiring operation plans corresponding to the store characteristic information of the target store - The generation unit 13 generates an operation plan for the target store by adjusting the operation plan for the standard store that was generated in advance based on the store characteristic information of the standard store and the store characteristic information of the target store. The adjusted operation plan for the standard store becomes the operation plan for the target store.

[0069] A "standard store" is a store with standard store characteristics. What store characteristics a store has to be designated as a standard store is a matter of design.

[0070] An example of store characteristic information of a standard store is illustrated in Fig. 9. Store characteristic information of a standard store is generated and registered in at least one of the center server 1 and the store server 2 in advance.

[0071] An example of an operation plan for a standard store is shown diagrammatically in Fig. 10. The operation plan for the standard store is generated and registered in at least one of the center server 1 and the store server 2 in advance.

[0072] Here, an example of a process for adjusting an operation plan of a standard store as shown in FIG. 10 based on the store characteristic information of a target store as shown in FIG. 7 and the store characteristic information of the standard store as shown in FIG. 9 will be described.

[0073] First, the generation unit 13 calculates the difference between the store characteristic information of the target store as shown in Fig. 7 and the store characteristic information of the standard store as shown in Fig. 9. Then, the generation unit 13 adjusts the operation plan of the standard store as shown in Fig. 10 based on the calculated difference. An adjustment rule that links the difference between the store characteristic information of the target store and the store characteristic information of the standard store with the adjustment content of the operation plan that should be implemented when the difference exists is generated in advance. The generation unit 13 adjusts the operation plan of the standard store based on the calculated difference and the adjustment rule.

[0074] Next, a process for adjusting the operation plan of the target store based on the store status information of the target store will be described.

[0075] - Processing example 1 for adjusting the operation plan of a target store based on the store status information of the target store - The generating unit 13 adjusts the operation plan of the target store based on the state of the target store indicated by the store state information. For example, the generating unit 13 can adjust at least one of the operation mode, the set temperature, and the set humidity of the air conditioning equipment indicated in the operation plan of the target store based on the store state information of the target store. Furthermore, the generating unit 13 can adjust at least one of the available time period of the fryer, the defrostable time period of the refrigerator, and the defrostable time period of the freezer indicated in the operation plan of the target store based on the store state information of the target store. The generating unit 13 can adjust the operation plan so as to reduce the power consumption of the entire store. For example, an adjustment rule may be generated in advance that defines the adjustment content of the operation plan to be implemented when the value of one or more store state items satisfies a predetermined condition. Then, the generating unit 13 may determine the adjustment content of the operation plan according to the adjustment rule. The adjustment rule may be generated for each store.

[0076] - Processing example 2 for adjusting the operation plan of a target store based on the store status information of the target store - The generation unit 13 adjusts the operation plan of the target store based on a store power correlation model that indicates the correlation between the state of the target store, changes in settings made to some of the equipment installed in the target store, and changes in power consumption across all of the multiple pieces of equipment installed in the target store.

[0077] Here, the store power correlation model will be described. When the setting of a certain piece of equipment is changed in a direction to reduce power consumption, the power consumption of that equipment will decrease, but the power consumption of other pieces of equipment may increase in response to the change. For example, when the set temperature of an air conditioning equipment operating in cooling mode in summer is increased, the power consumption of the air conditioning equipment will decrease, but the temperature inside the store will rise, and as a result, the power consumption of other pieces of equipment such as refrigerators and freezers may increase. Whether or not the power consumption of other pieces of equipment such as refrigerators and freezers increases due to the increase in the set temperature of the air conditioning equipment may vary depending on the state of the target store at that time, which is indicated by the store state information described above. Note that when the setting of a certain piece of equipment is changed in a direction to increase power consumption, the power consumption of that equipment will increase, but the power consumption of other pieces of equipment may decrease in response to the change.

[0078] The store power correlation model indicates the correlation between the state of such a store, a change in settings made to some of the equipment installed in the store, and a change in power consumption across all of the equipment installed in the store. In other words, the store power correlation model indicates how the power consumption across the entire store will change (whether it will increase or decrease, how much it will increase, how much it will decrease, etc.) when a change is made to the settings of some of the equipment in the state of a certain store. The store power correlation model can be generated, for example, by machine learning based on actual measurement data. Note that a store power correlation model common to all stores may be generated, or a store power correlation model may be generated for each store. Alternatively, a plurality of stores may be grouped together by grouping stores with similar store characteristics indicated in the store characteristic information, and a store power correlation model may be generated for each group.

[0079] Based on the store power correlation model as described above and the store status information acquired by the store status information acquisition unit 11, the generation unit 13 identifies "contents of change in settings for some equipment" that can reduce the overall power consumption of multiple pieces of equipment installed in the target store in a store in a state indicated by the store status information. The generation unit 13 then adjusts the settings for the part of equipment defined in the operation plan based on the identified "contents of change in settings for some equipment." For example, the generation unit 13 may adjust the settings for the part of equipment defined in the operation plan to become the identified "contents of change in settings for some equipment." Alternatively, the generation unit 13 may adjust the settings for the part of equipment defined in the operation plan to become closer to the identified "contents of change in settings for some equipment."

[0080] Next, an example of the process flow of the store management system 10 will be described using the flowchart in Fig. 11. Note that the purpose of this description is to explain the process flow, and therefore details of each process and definitions of each term described above will be omitted.

[0081] In S20, the store management system 10 acquires store characteristic information that indicates the characteristics of the target store. In S21, the store management system 10 executes the above-mentioned "Process example 1 for acquiring an operation plan corresponding to the store characteristic information of the target store" or "Process example 2 for acquiring an operation plan corresponding to the store characteristic information of the target store" to acquire an operation plan for the target store.

[0082] In S22, the store management system 10 acquires store status information indicating the status of the target store. In S23, the store management system 10 executes the above-mentioned "Process example 1 for adjusting the operation plan of the target store based on the store status information of the target store" or "Process example 2 for adjusting the operation plan of the target store based on the store status information of the target store" to adjust the operation plan of the target store.

[0083] In S24, the store management system 10 generates and outputs control information indicating the settings of the equipment installed in the target store based on the adjusted operation plan.

[0084] The processes of S20 and S21 are executed in a preparation stage before the store opens for business, whereas the processes of S22 to S24 are executed in real time while the store is open for business.

[0085] The processes of S22 to S24 may be repeated at predetermined time intervals. Examples of the predetermined time intervals include, but are not limited to, every few seconds, every few minutes, every tens of minutes, or every few hours. Alternatively, the processes of S22 to S24 may be performed only while a predetermined condition is satisfied. Examples of the predetermined condition include, but are not limited to, "the power consumption of the entire target store exceeds a reference value." In this example, the "processing of correcting the operation plan to reduce the power consumption of the entire target store" of S22 to S24 is executed only while the power consumption of the entire target store exceeds a reference value.

[0086] Other configurations of the store management system 10 of this embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0087] The store management system 10 of this embodiment achieves the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0088] Furthermore, the store management system 10 of this embodiment can generate an operation plan for each store based on at least one of the location, sales floor area, sunlight conditions, customer frequency, installed equipment, and location information of each store. The store management system 10 of this embodiment can adjust the operation plan for each store based on at least one of the power consumption, temperature, humidity, weather information, customer status, sales status, operation status of equipment installed in the target store, operation status of equipment installed in the target store, and maintenance status of equipment installed in the target store. The store management system 10 of this embodiment can generate control information indicating the settings of equipment installed in each store based on the adjusted operation plan. The store management system 10 of this embodiment can reduce the power consumption of each store more effectively.

[0089] <Third embodiment> In this embodiment, stores are divided into groups based on the characteristics of the stores, and an operation plan is generated for each group.

[0090] The generation unit 13 groups a plurality of stores based on the store characteristic information. The generation unit 13 generates groups by grouping stores with similar characteristics. The generation unit 13 can realize the grouping by using a clustering technique (machine learning).

[0091] The generation unit 13 then generates an operation plan for the target store by adjusting the operation plan for the standard store for each group based on the store characteristic information of the standard store and the store characteristic information of each group. The adjusted operation plan for the standard store becomes the operation plan for the target store.

[0092] The store characteristic information of each group is generated based on the store characteristic information of the stores belonging to each group. For example, the store characteristic information of one representative store selected from each group by any means may be used as the store characteristic information of each group. In addition, new store characteristic information generated by integrating the store characteristic information of multiple stores belonging to each group by any means may be used as the store characteristic information of each group. An example of the integration means is, but is not limited to, a means for calculating a statistical value (mode, maximum value, minimum value, median, average value, etc.) for each store characteristic item.

[0093] The other configuration of the store management system 10 of this embodiment is as follows: 1 and the same as the second embodiment.

[0094] The store management system 10 of this embodiment achieves the same effects as the first and second embodiments.

[0095] Furthermore, the store management system 10 of this embodiment can divide multiple stores into groups and create an operation plan for each group, which reduces the processing load on the computer compared to creating an operation plan for each store.

[0096] In this specification, "acquisition" includes at least one of the following: "the device itself goes to retrieve data stored in another device or storage medium (active acquisition)" based on user input or based on program instructions, such as receiving data by making a request or inquiry to another device, or accessing another device or storage medium and reading it, and "the device itself inputs data output from another device (passive acquisition)" based on user input or based on program instructions, such as receiving data that is distributed (or transmitted, push notification, etc.), and selecting and acquiring data from among the received data or information, and "editing data (converting it to text, rearranging data, extracting some data, changing the file format, etc.) to generate new data and acquiring the new data."

[0097] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. 1. A store characteristic information acquisition means for acquiring store characteristic information indicating characteristics of a target store; a store status information acquisition means for acquiring store status information indicating a status of the target store; a generating means for generating control information indicating settings of equipment installed in the target store based on the store characteristic information and the store state information; A store management system having the above. 2. A store management system as described in 1, wherein the store status information includes at least one of power consumption, temperature, humidity, weather information, customer status, sales status, operation status of equipment installed in the target store, operation status of equipment installed in the target store, and maintenance status of equipment installed in the target store. 3. The generating means Acquire an operation plan corresponding to the store characteristic information of the target store; adjusting the operation plan of the target store based on the store status information of the target store; A store management system as described in 1, which generates the control information based on the adjusted operation plan. 4. A store management system as described in 3, wherein the operation plan defines at least one of the operating mode of the air conditioning equipment, the set temperature of the air conditioning equipment, the set humidity of the air conditioning equipment, the air volume of the air conditioning equipment, the set temperature of the refrigerator, the set temperature of the freezer, the illuminance of the lighting, the temperature of the fryer, the time periods during which the fryer can be used, the time periods during which defrosting of the refrigerator can be performed, and the time periods during which defrosting of the freezer can be performed. 5. The generating means 5. The store management system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the operation plan corresponding to the store characteristic information is acquired from a plurality of the operation plans generated in advance. 6 The generating means A store management system as described in 3 or 4, which generates an operation plan for the target store by adjusting the operation plan for a standard store that was generated in advance based on the store characteristic information of the standard store and the store characteristic information of the target store. 7. The generating means Grouping the plurality of stores based on the store characteristic information; A store management system as described in 6, which generates the operation plan by adjusting the operation plan of the standard store for each group based on the store characteristic information of the standard store and the store characteristic information of the target stores belonging to each of the groups. 8. The generating means 8. A store management system as described in any one of 3 to 7, which adjusts the operation plan of the target store based on a store power correlation model that indicates a correlation between the state of the target store, changes in settings made to some of the equipment installed in the target store, and changes in power consumption across all of a plurality of pieces of equipment installed in the target store. 9. The generating means 9. The store management system according to any one of 3 to 8, which adjusts the operation plan of the target store at predetermined intervals. 10. The generating means 10. The store management system according to any one of 3 to 9, which adjusts the operation plan of the target store while the power consumption of the target store exceeds a reference value. 11. The computer: a store characteristic information acquisition step of acquiring store characteristic information indicating characteristics of a target store; a store status information acquisition step of acquiring store status information indicating a status of the target store; a generation step of generating control information indicating settings of equipment installed in the target store based on the store characteristic information and the store status information; A store management method to execute. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1. Central server 2. Store server 3. Store facilities 10. Store Management System 11 Store status information acquisition unit 12 Store characteristic information acquisition unit 13 Generation part 1A Processor 2A Memory 3A input / output I / F 4A Peripheral circuit 5A Bus

Claims

1. A store characteristic information acquisition means for acquiring store characteristic information indicating characteristics of a target store; a store status information acquisition means for acquiring store status information indicating a status of the target store; a generating means for generating control information indicating settings of equipment installed in the target store based on the store characteristic information and the store state information; having The generating means includes: Acquire an operation plan corresponding to the store characteristic information of the target store; adjusting the operation plan of the target store based on the store state information of the target store and an adjustment rule or a store power correlation model; generating the control information based on the adjusted operation plan; The adjustment rule defines adjustment contents of the operation plan when a state of the target store satisfies a predetermined condition, When the adjustment rule is used, the generation means adjusts the operation plan of the target store in accordance with the adjustment rule; the store power correlation model receives as input the state of the target store and details of changes in settings made to some of the equipment installed in the target store, and outputs details of changes in power consumption across a plurality of pieces of equipment installed in the target store; When the store power correlation model is utilized, the generation means identifies adjustments to the operation plan of the target store that can reduce power consumption across multiple pieces of equipment installed in the target store, and adjusts the operation plan of the target store based on the identified results.

2. 2. The store management system according to claim 1, wherein the store status information includes at least one of power consumption, temperature, humidity, weather information, customer status, sales status, operation status of equipment installed in the target store, operation status of equipment installed in the target store, and maintenance status of equipment installed in the target store.

3. 3. The store management system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the operation plan defines at least one of an operating mode of an air conditioning system, a set temperature of the air conditioning system, a set humidity of the air conditioning system, an air volume of the air conditioning system, a set temperature of a refrigerator, a set temperature of a freezer, an illuminance of lighting, a temperature of a fryer, a time period during which the fryer can be used, a time period during which defrosting of a refrigerator can be performed, and a time period during which defrosting of a freezer can be performed.

4. The generating means includes: The store management system according to claim 1 , further comprising: acquiring the operation plan corresponding to the store characteristic information from among a plurality of operation plans generated in advance.

5. The generating means includes: A store management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which generates an operation plan for the target store by adjusting the operation plan for a standard store generated in advance based on the store characteristic information of the standard store and the store characteristic information of the target store.

6. The generating means includes: Grouping a plurality of stores based on the store characteristic information; A store management system as described in claim 5, wherein the operation plan is generated by adjusting the operation plan of the standard store for each group based on the store characteristic information of the standard store and the store characteristic information of the target stores belonging to each of the groups.

7. The generating means includes:

7. A store management system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, which adjusts the operation plan of the target store based on a store power correlation model that indicates a correlation between the state of the target store, setting changes made to some of the equipment installed in the target store, and changes in power consumption across all of the multiple pieces of equipment installed in the target store.

8. The generating means includes: The store management system according to claim 1 , wherein the operation plan of the target store is adjusted at predetermined time intervals.

9. The computer a store characteristic information acquisition step of acquiring store characteristic information indicating characteristics of a target store; a store status information acquisition step of acquiring store status information indicating a status of the target store; a generation step of generating control information indicating settings of equipment installed in the target store based on the store characteristic information and the store status information; Run In the generating step, Acquire an operation plan corresponding to the store characteristic information of the target store; adjusting the operation plan of the target store based on the store state information of the target store and an adjustment rule or a store power correlation model; generating the control information based on the adjusted operation plan; The adjustment rule defines adjustment contents of the operation plan when a state of the target store satisfies a predetermined condition, When the adjustment rule is used, the generating step adjusts the operation plan of the target store in accordance with the adjustment rule; the store power correlation model receives as input the state of the target store and details of changes in settings made to some of the equipment installed in the target store, and outputs details of changes in power consumption across a plurality of pieces of equipment installed in the target store; When the store power correlation model is utilized, the generation process identifies adjustments to the operation plan of the target store that can reduce power consumption across multiple pieces of equipment installed in the target store, and adjusts the operation plan of the target store based on the identified results.

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