Server and Programs

Abstract

To provide a server and a program capable of distributing necessary content without delay.SOLUTION: A server according to an embodiment is a server capable of transmitting and receiving information to / from an other-store server installed in another store via a communication line, and includes: a storage unit that stores content related to products of the other store distributed from the other-store server installed in the other store; input means for accepting customer identification information identifying an input customer; distribution means for distributing content related to the customer stored in the storage unit based on the accepted customer identification information to a user terminal carried by the customer; acquisition means for acquiring content related to the store related to a product purchased by the customer this time or in the past; and sharing means for transmitting the acquired content to the other-store server via the communication line.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a server and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, for example, a cloud server (headquarters server) that manages a chain of stores is installed at the headquarters, and data such as content is sent from the cloud server to edge servers such as store servers installed in each store. Meanwhile, recently, there has been an increase in sending and receiving information to user terminals by connecting the user terminals carried by customers to edge servers, which has resulted in large volumes of data being sent from the edge servers to the cloud servers, increasing the load on the cloud servers.

[0003] This can result in delays in the delivery of necessary data to edge servers and user terminals. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a server and a program capable of delivering required content without delay. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The server of the embodiment is a server capable of sending and receiving information with other store servers installed in other stores via a communication line, and is equipped with a memory unit that stores content related to products of the other stores distributed from the other store servers installed in the other stores, an input means that accepts customer identification information that identifies an inputted customer, a distribution means that distributes content related to the customer stored in the memory unit based on the accepted customer identification information to a user terminal carried by the customer, an acquisition means that acquires content related to the store that is related to products that the customer has purchased this time or in the past, and a sharing means that transmits the acquired content to the other store server via the communication line. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an edge server. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a memory map showing the configuration of the customer information section. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a memory map showing the structure of the database. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a POS terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the cloud server. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the edge server. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control process of the edge server. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing an example of a control process of the edge server. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a control process of the edge server. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a control process of the POS terminal. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control process of the cloud server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a server and a program will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiment described below, an edge server will be described as an example of a server. Note that the embodiment is an embodiment of a server and a program, and the configuration, functions, etc. thereof do not limit the invention.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system 10 according to the present embodiment. The system 10 is a system for sharing content, for example, in stores such as chain stores located in the same area, or in small stores located in the same area. In the embodiment, the content is various information related to products, and is information displayed on a user terminal carried by a customer who visits the store. The content is, for example, information related to bargain products and special sale products, information related to products that the store is focusing on selling, information on coupons, discount coupons, and discount vouchers that can be used when purchasing products, and the like. The content includes content related to the store itself and content related to other stores. For example, bargain products and special sale products at other stores. The user terminal is a portable terminal carried by a customer, and refers to a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and the like.

[0009] The system 10 includes a plurality of edge servers 1, POS (Point of Sales) terminals 3, a user terminal 5, and a cloud server 7. The edge server 1 is a server installed in a store T, and is, for example, a store server that manages sales of the store. In the embodiment, an edge server 1 (edge ​​server 111, edge server 112, edge server 113) is installed in each of three stores T (store TA, store TB, store TC). One or more (three in the embodiment) POS terminals 3 (product sales data processing devices) are connected to the edge servers 111, 112, and 113, respectively (in FIG. 1, the POS terminals 3 are omitted in the stores TB and TC). The edge server 1 and the POS terminals 3 are connected by a communication line LC, such as a LAN (Local Area Network), and can transmit and receive information to and from each other.

[0010] The POS terminal 3 executes product registration processing and payment processing for products sold in the store T. The product registration processing includes processing for reading a symbol attached to a product, retrieving and displaying product information such as the product name and price of the product based on a product code that identifies the product associated with the symbol, and storing the information in memory (product information section 331, see FIG. 5). The payment processing refers to processing for displaying the total amount and change amount related to a transaction with a customer (hereinafter referred to as "payment information") based on the product information of the product for which product registration processing has been performed. The payment processing includes processing for issuing a receipt on which the product information of the paid product and the payment information are printed.

[0011] The edge server 1 collects product information and payment information of products for which payment has been processed at each POS terminal 3, and manages the sales of the store T.

[0012] The edge server 1 of each store T is directly connected to the edge servers 1 (other store servers) of other stores T via a communication line LB (e.g., a dedicated line), and can transmit and receive information to and from each other. For example, the edge server 111 of the store TA is connected to the edge server 112 of the store TB and the edge server 113 of the store TC.

[0013] Here, in the embodiment, the stores TA, TB, and TC are, for example, chain stores that open in the same area. Or, the stores TA, TB, and TC are, for example, small stores with stores T in the same area. There are many other stores T in this area. The stores TA, TB, and TC are stores T that the customer has permitted to share information and content with (stores T registered by the customer, which will be described later). Store registration can be performed by freely specifying a store at the customer's will. Therefore, the store T that shares information and content may differ for each customer. For example, a customer registers multiple stores T that he or she frequently uses. Then, the registered stores T are permitted and enabled to share content related to the customer and information related to the customer (information on products purchased by the customer, information on the customer's purchase history, information indicating the time period when the customer visits store T, etc.).

[0014] When a customer enters store T (store TA in this embodiment), the edge server 1 acquires a customer code (customer identification information) that identifies the customer. For example, the edge server 1 acquires the customer code from the user terminal 5 by holding the user terminal 5 over a short-range wireless terminal (short-range wireless communication unit 19 in FIG. 2) installed near the entrance of store T. In addition, the edge server 1 acquires the customer code included in the beacon by receiving a beacon transmitted by the user terminal 5, for example.

[0015] The edge server 1 stores the time when the customer entered the store based on the acquired customer code. The edge server 1 also distributes content related to the customer issued by the store T (store TA) where the customer entered based on the acquired customer code. The edge server 1 distributes the content to the user terminal 5 carried by the customer who entered the store via a wireless communication line LD. The wireless communication line LD is, for example, a wireless LAN provided in the store T, and directly connects the edge server 1 to the entrance of the store T and the user terminal 5 located inside the store T. The content distributed by the edge server 1 to the user terminal 5 is, for example, content related to recommended products for sale products promoted by the store T (store TA), content related to products frequently purchased by customers at the store T, etc. Furthermore, the edge server 1 distributes information related to the distributed content together with the customer code of the customer to other edge servers 1 (for example, the edge server 111 is the store's own server, the edge servers 112 and 113 are other store's servers, and the edge server 111 is the edge server 112 and the edge server 113) installed in other stores T (stores TB and TC in the embodiment) via a communication line LB in real time. This communication line LB is a line that does not go through the cloud server 7 but directly connects the edge servers 1. Therefore, the distributed content is distributed to the other edge servers 1 without delay. The content distributed to the other stores T is, for example, content related to products sold at the other stores T that are related to the content distributed by the customer at the store T. In addition, the purchase history and behavior history of the customer, which will be described later, are also distributed to the other stores T.

[0016] In addition, the edge server 1 distributes to the user terminal 5 content related to products displayed near the customer who is moving around the store T (store TA) while the customer is shopping in the store T (store TA).

[0017] In addition, when the customer makes a payment at the POS terminal 3, the edge server 1 distributes to the user terminal 5 content related to products of another store T (store TB in the embodiment) that is likely to be visited next. Content related to products of another store T that is likely to be visited next by the customer is distributed from the edge server 1 (edge ​​server 112) of the other store T (store TB) that is likely to be visited next to the edge server 1 (edge ​​server 111) of the store (store TA) itself and stored. When the customer makes a payment, if content has been distributed to the customer from the edge server 1 of the other store T, the edge server 1 distributes the content to the user terminal 5 at the timing of the payment. This motivates the customer to visit the next store T (store TB). In addition, when the customer visits the next store T and purchases a product using the distributed content, a predetermined amount may be paid from the next store T to the store T itself (store TB to store TA in the embodiment).

[0018] The edge server 1 also distributes the content that it has directly distributed to the edge servers 1 (other store servers) of other stores T to the cloud server 7, for example, at night. Content is distributed from the edge server 1 to the cloud server 7 at a low speed. Sales information is also sent from the edge server 1 to the cloud server 7 at a low speed. Furthermore, data is compressed and features are extracted on the edge server 1 before distribution, which can improve privacy and communication cost issues.

[0019] The cloud server 7 is a server installed, for example, at the headquarters of a company. The cloud server 7 is composed of one or more computers. The cloud server 7 receives and manages sales information from each store T. The cloud server 7 also distributes a product master 142 (see FIG. 2) to the edge server 1 of each store T. The product master 142 stores product information (product name, product price, etc.) for each product in correspondence with a product code. By transmitting the product master 142 to the edge server 1 of each store T, the cloud server 7 can sell products at the same price in each store T.

[0020] The cloud server 7 is also connected to the edge server 1 of each store T via a communication line LA, which may be a dedicated line or an Internet line. The cloud server 7 distributes the content distributed from the edge server 1 of each store T to the edge servers 1 of other stores T. The content is distributed from the cloud server 7 to the edge server 1 at a low speed.

[0021] From here, the hardware of the edge server 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the edge server 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the edge server 1 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 11, a read only memory (ROM) 12, a random access memory (RAM) 13, a memory unit 14, and the like. The CPU 11 is a control entity. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 expands programs and various data. The memory unit 14 stores various programs. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, and the memory unit 14 are connected to one another via a bus 15. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13 constitute a control unit 100. That is, the control unit 100 executes a control process of the edge server 1, which will be described later, by the CPU 11 operating according to a control program stored in the ROM 12 or the memory unit 14 and expanded in the RAM 13.

[0022] The RAM 13 includes a customer code storage unit 131 and a content storage unit 132. The customer code storage unit 131 stores a customer code, which is customer identification information for identifying a customer, acquired (received) from the user terminal 5 by the short-range wireless communication unit 19 described later. The content storage unit 132 extracts and stores information on content to be distributed to the user terminal 5 carried by a customer identified by the customer code stored in the customer code storage unit 131, based on information stored in a customer information unit 143 described later and content stored in a database 144. Specifically, the content storage unit 132 searches the purchase history unit 1432 of the customer based on the customer code stored in the customer code storage unit 131, and generates and stores content for, for example, products with a high purchase history. In addition, the content memory unit 132 searches the behavior information unit 1433 based on the customer code stored in the customer code memory unit 131, determines (estimates) another store T that the customer is likely to visit next from the customer's behavior history (accumulated information showing the order of the customer's past behavior for multiple stores T (i.e., the order of stores T that the customer visited in the past)), and stores content related to the customer that is stored in the content information unit corresponding to the determined store T in the database 144 (in this embodiment, since store TA is the store itself, either the content information unit (TB store) 1442 delivered from the edge server 112 of store TB or the content information unit (TC store) 1443 delivered from the edge server 113 of store TC).

[0023] The memory unit 14 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and stores a control program unit 141 that stores a control program for controlling the edge server 1, a product master 142, a customer information unit 143, and a database 144. The product master 142 stores product information of the product in association with a product code that identifies the product. The customer information unit 143 stores various information related to each customer. The customer information unit 143 will be described later in FIG. 3. The database 144 stores content distributed by the edge server 1. The database 144 will be described later in FIG. 4.

[0024] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is connected to the operation unit 17, the display unit 18, and the short-range wireless communication unit 19 via the bus 15 and the controller 16. The controller 16 receives instructions from the control unit 100 and controls the operation unit 17, the display unit 18, and the short-range wireless communication unit 19. However, for convenience of explanation, the control performed by the controller 16 will be explained as being performed by the control unit 100.

[0025] The operation unit 17 is, for example, a keyboard or a touch panel, and is operated by an operator of the edge server 1. The display unit 18 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information to the operator of the edge server 1. The short-range wireless communication unit 19 is installed, for example, at the entrance of the store T, and acquires a customer code from the user terminal 5 of a customer entering the store T.

[0026] The control unit 100 is also connected to the communication unit 20 via the bus 15. The communication unit 57 is connected to the cloud server 7 via a communication line LA, and transmits and receives information to and from the cloud server 7. The communication unit 57 is also connected to an edge server 1 installed in another store T via a communication line LB, and transmits and receives information directly to and from the edge server 1. The communication unit 57 is also connected to a POS terminal 3 via a communication line LC, and transmits and receives information to and from the POS terminal 3. The communication unit 57 is also directly connected to a user terminal 5 via a wireless communication line LD, and transmits and receives information to and from the user terminal 5.

[0027] Next, the customer information section 143 will be described. FIG. 3 is a memory map showing the configuration of the customer information section 143. As shown in FIG. 3, the customer information section 143 stores various information related to a customer for each customer. The customer information section 143 has a customer identification information section 1431, a purchase history section 1432, a behavior information section 1433, and a store registration section 1434. The customer identification information section 1431 stores a customer code for identifying a customer. The customer identification information section 1431 also stores various information related to the customer (such as name, address, telephone number, and address of the user terminal 5). The purchase history section 1432 cumulatively stores product information of products purchased by the customer in the past in association with the customer code stored in the customer identification information section 1431. The behavior information section 1433 stores the behavior history of the customer in association with the customer code stored in the customer identification information section 1431. Specifically, the behavior information unit 1433 stores the customer's movement line between the registered stores T based on the date and time of entry to each store T, the date and time of payment, etc. Based on the customer's movement line (behavior history) stored in this behavior information unit 1433, the order in which the store T will be visited by the customer can be estimated. Note that while FIG. 3 shows only one customer information unit 143 for a single customer, in reality there are as many customer information units 143 as there are customers. The store registration unit 1434 stores (registers) the store T specified by the customer. The stores T stored in the store registration unit 1434 are in the same group. Content related to the customer is mutually transmitted and shared between the edge servers 1 installed in the stores T stored in the store registration unit 1434.

[0028] Next, the database 144 (storage unit) will be described. Fig. 4 is a memory map showing the configuration of the database 144. The database 144 stores content distributed by the edge server 1 of each store T for each store T. In the embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the database 144 has a content information section (TA store) 1441, a content information section (TB store) 1442, a content information section (TC store) 1443, and a content section 1444 for own store.

[0029] The content information section (TA store) 1441 stores content that the edge server 111 of the store TA has distributed to other stores T. The content information section (TA store) 1441 includes content for each customer that is generated by the edge server 111 of the store TA. The edge server 111 of the store TA stores content such as information on products that a customer frequently purchases at the store TA based on the customer's purchase history, information on special sales being carried out at the store TA, and coupons, discount coupons, and discount tickets that can be used at the store TA for these products.

[0030] The content information section (TB store) 1442 stores content that the edge server 112 of store TB has distributed to other stores T. The content information section (TB store) 1442 includes content for each customer that is generated by the edge server 112 of store TB. The edge server 112 of store TB stores content such as information on products that a customer frequently purchases at store TB based on the customer's purchase history, information on special sales being carried out at store TB, and coupons, discount coupons, and discount tickets related to these products that can be used at store TB.

[0031] The content information section (TC store) 1443 stores content that the edge server 113 of the store TC has distributed to other stores T. The content information section (TC store) 1443 includes content for each customer that is generated by the edge server 113 of the store TC. The edge server 113 of the store TC stores content such as information on products that a customer frequently purchases at the store TC based on the customer's purchase history, information on special sales being carried out at the store TC, and coupons, discount coupons, and discount tickets that can be used at the store TC for these products.

[0032] The store-use content unit 1444 stores content to be distributed to a user terminal 5 carried by a customer who visits the store T. The store-use content unit 1444 stores content such as information on special sales items at the store T, information on products that the customer frequently purchases at the store T based on the customer's purchase history, and coupons, discount coupons, and discount tickets that can be used at the store T.

[0033] Although FIG. 4 shows database 144 for only one customer, in reality there are databases 144 for each customer.

[0034] Next, the hardware of the POS terminal 3 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the POS terminal 3 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a memory unit 34, and the like. The CPU 31 is the main controller. The ROM 32 stores various programs. The RAM 33 loads programs and various data. The memory unit 34 stores various programs. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, and the memory unit 34 are connected to one another via a bus 35. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, and the RAM 33 constitute a control unit 300. That is, the control unit 300 executes a control process of the POS terminal 3, which will be described later, by the CPU 31 operating in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 32 or the memory unit 34 and loaded in the RAM 33.

[0035] The RAM 33 includes a product information section 331. The product information section 331 stores product information (product name, product price, etc.) of products that have been registered.

[0036] The memory unit 34 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and stores a control program unit 341 that stores a control program for controlling the POS terminal 3, and a product master 342. The product master 342 stores product information of a product sold in the store T in association with a product code that identifies the product.

[0037] Furthermore, the control unit 300 is connected to the operation unit 41, the clerk display unit 42, the customer display unit 43, the card reading unit 44, the printer 45, and the code reading unit 46 via the bus 35 and the controller 36. The controller 36 receives instructions from the control unit 300 and controls the operation unit 41, the clerk display unit 42, the customer display unit 43, the card reading unit 44, the printer 45, and the code reading unit 46. However, for the sake of convenience, the control performed by the controller 36 will be described as being performed by the control unit 300.

[0038] The operation unit 41 is, for example, a keyboard or a touch panel, and is operated by an operator of the POS terminal 3. The clerk display unit 42 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information to the clerk who is the operator of the POS terminal 3. The customer display unit 43 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information to the customer. The card reading unit 44 reads a customer code from a card (for example, a credit card, electronic money, etc.) used by the customer for payment. The control unit 300 of the POS terminal 3 executes a payment process for the customer based on the read customer code. The printer 45 issues a receipt or a voucher on which product information and payment information of the product for which product registration processing has been performed are printed. The code reading unit 46 captures or optically reads symbols such as bar codes and two-dimensional codes attached to the products. The control unit 300 of the POS terminal 3 executes a product registration process for the product based on the read symbol.

[0039] The control unit 300 is also connected to a communication unit 47 via a bus 35. The communication unit 47 is connected to the edge server 1 via a communication line LC to transmit and receive information.

[0040] Next, the hardware of the cloud server 7 will be described. FIG. 6 is a memory map showing the configuration of the cloud server 7. As shown in FIG. 6, the cloud server 7 includes a CPU 71, a ROM 72, a RAM 73, a memory unit 74, and the like. The CPU 71 is a control entity. The ROM 72 stores various programs. The RAM 73 expands programs and various data. The memory unit 74 stores various programs. The CPU 71, the ROM 72, the RAM 73, and the memory unit 74 are connected to each other via a bus 75. The CPU 71, the ROM 72, and the RAM 73 constitute a control unit 700. That is, the control unit 700 executes a control process of the cloud server 7, which will be described later, by the CPU 71 operating in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 72 or the memory unit 74 and expanded in the RAM 73.

[0041] The memory unit 74 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory in which stored information is retained even when the power is turned off, and stores a control program unit 741 that stores a control program for controlling the cloud server 7, a content storage unit 742, and a sales information unit 743. The content storage unit 742 stores content transmitted from the edge server 1. The control unit 700 transmits the content stored in the content storage unit 742 to the edge servers 1 of other stores T. The sales information unit 743 tallys up and stores the sales information of each store T received from each store T.

[0042] Furthermore, the control unit 700 is connected to an operation unit 77 and a display unit 78 via a bus 75 and a controller 76. The controller 76 receives instructions from the control unit 700 and controls the operation unit 77 and the display unit 78. However, for convenience of explanation, the control performed by the controller 76 will be explained as being performed by the control unit 700.

[0043] Operation unit 77 is, for example, a keyboard or a touch panel, and is operated by the operator of cloud server 7. Display unit 78 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information to the operator of cloud server 7.

[0044] The control unit 700 is also connected to a communication unit 79 via a bus 75. The communication unit 79 is connected to each edge server 1 via a communication line LA to transmit and receive information.

[0045] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the edge server 1. Fig. 7 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the edge server 1. As shown in Fig. 7, the control unit 100 of the edge server 1 functions as an input means 101, a distribution means 102, an acquisition means 103, a sharing means 104, a next store determination means 105, and a registration means 106 by following a control program stored in the ROM 12 or a control program unit 141 of the memory unit 14.

[0046] The input means 101 receives a customer code that identifies an input customer. Specifically, the input means 101 stores the customer code input from the short-range wireless communication unit 19 (acquired by the short-range wireless communication unit 19) in the customer code storage unit 131.

[0047] Based on the received customer code, the distribution means 102 distributes information on content related to the customer stored in the content storage unit 132 to the user terminal 5 carried by the customer. Specifically, the distribution means 102 searches the database 144 based on the customer code stored in the customer code storage unit 131, and distributes content suitable for the customer to the user terminal 5 carried by the customer based on the purchase history of the customer identified by the customer code.

[0048] The acquisition means 103 acquires content related to the store T related to the product purchased by the customer this time or in the past. Specifically, based on the purchase history of the customer stored in the purchase history section 1432 and the behavioral history of the customer stored in the behavioral information section 1433, the acquisition means 103 stores, from the content to be distributed to the customer stored in the database 144, content to be distributed to the user terminal 5 carried by the customer when the customer enters the store T, content to be distributed to the user terminal 5 carried by the customer while shopping in the store T, and content to be distributed to the user terminal 5 carried by the customer at the time of payment in the content storage section 132 and the database 144 (content information section (TA store) 1441 when the store TA is its own store).

[0049] The sharing means 104 transmits the acquired content to the edge server 1 of the other store T via the communication line LB. Specifically, the sharing means 104 transmits the content acquired by the acquiring means 103 and stored in the database 144 (content information section (TA store) 1441 when the store TA is its own store) via the communication line LB in real time with the customer code of the customer. This transmission is directly distributed from the edge server 1 to the other edge server 1 without passing through the cloud server 7.

[0050] The next store determination means 105 determines which store T the customer is likely to visit next among other stores T. Specifically, the next store determination means 105 predicts which store T the customer is likely to visit next based on the behavior history of the customer stored in the behavior information unit 1433. More specifically, the next store determination means 105 predicts which store T the customer is likely to visit next based on the behavior history of the customer for each store T stored in the behavior information unit 1433, such as the date and time of entry and the date and time of payment.

[0051] The registration means 106 registers in advance a plurality of stores T. Specifically, the registration means 106 registers in advance a plurality of stores T that share content designated by a customer in the store registration unit 1434. The behavior information unit 1433 stores behavior history such as the date and time of customer entry and the date and time of payment for the plurality of stores T registered by the registration means 106.

[0052] Next, the control of the edge server 1 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the control process of the edge server 1. As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 100 of the edge server 1 judges whether a store T has been specified (S11). A customer operates the user terminal 5 to specify a store T with which to share content. If it is determined that the store T has been specified (Yes in S11), the registration means 106 stores (registers) the specified store T in the store registration unit 1434 (S12). That is, a group of the store T specified by the customer is formed. Then, the control unit 100 returns to S11.

[0053] Also, if it is determined that the store T is not specified (No in S11), the control unit 100 determines whether the customer has entered the store (specifically, whether the short-range wireless communication unit 19 has acquired the customer code) (S21). If it is determined that the customer has entered the store (Yes in S21), the input unit 101 stores the customer code that identifies the input customer in the customer code storage unit 131 (i.e., accepts the input customer code) (S22). The control unit 100 also stores the date and time of entry of the customer, which is received at the same time, in the behavior information unit 1433. Then, the acquisition unit 103 acquires content related to the customer and content that the store T wants to distribute from the own store content unit 1444, and stores them in the content storage unit 132 (S23). The acquisition unit 103 also stores content related to the customer distributed from other stores T in the content storage unit 132 (S23). For example, if the store is a TA store, the acquisition means 103 acquires content for the store TB related to the customer from the content information section (TB store) 1442 and stores it in the content storage unit 132 (S23). The acquisition means 103 also acquires content for the store TC related to the customer from the content information section (TC store) 1443 and stores it in the content storage unit 132 (S23). The acquisition means 103 also stores the content stored in the content storage unit 132 in the database 144 (content information section (TA store) 1441 in the case of the store TA).

[0054] Next, the distribution means 102 distributes the content stored in the content storage unit 132 to the user terminal 5 carried by the customer via the wireless communication line LD (S24). Note that the distribution means 102 does not have to distribute all of the content stored in the content storage unit 132 to the user terminal 5. Content related to a specific product may be distributed by processing in S32, as described below. Furthermore, content related to another store T may be distributed by processing in S44, as described below.

[0055] Next, the sharing means 104 transmits the content stored in the database 144 in S23 directly to the edge server 1 of the other store T via the communication line LB (S25). For example, when the store is the store TA, the distribution means 102 transmits the content stored in the content information unit (TA store) 1441 of the edge server 111 to the edge server 112 of the store TB and the edge server 113 of the store TC via the wireless communication line LB. In this way, the content stored in the database 144 is transmitted (distributed) as shared data to the edge server 1 of the other store T. The shared data is stored in each edge server 1. Then, the control unit 100 returns to S11. Note that the information directly transmitted in S25 is transmitted from the edge server 1 to the cloud server 7 as backup information via the communication line LA, for example, by batch processing at night. Information is transmitted to the cloud server 7 via the communication line LA at a low speed.

[0056] Furthermore, if it is determined that the customer has not entered the store (No in S21), the control unit 100 determines whether the customer is located near a specific product (e.g., a sale product, a product recommended by the store T) on display (S31). Whether the customer is located near a specific product can be determined, for example, by a receiver at that location catching a beacon (radio wave including customer code information) transmitted by a user terminal 5 carried by the customer. If it is determined that the customer is located near a specific product on display (Yes in S31), the distribution means 102 distributes content related to the product stored in the content storage unit 132 to the user terminal 5 carried by the customer via the wireless communication line LD (S32).

[0057] Furthermore, if it is determined that the customer is not located near a specific product (No in S31), the control unit 100 determines whether a payment process has been executed at the POS terminal 3 for the transaction related to that customer (S41). The control unit 100 determines whether a payment process has been executed based on whether a payment signal (including a customer code) indicating that a payment process has been executed has been received from the POS terminal 3. If the control unit 100 receives a payment signal, it determines that a payment process has been executed for the transaction of that customer.

[0058] When it is determined that the payment process has been executed at the POS terminal 3 (Yes in S41), the control unit 100 stores the payment date and time in the behavior information unit 1433 of the customer. Then, the next store determination means 105 determines another store T that is likely to be visited next among the stores T registered by the customer in S12 (S42). Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the content storage unit 132 contains content for the customer related to the other store T that the next store determination means 105 has determined to be likely to be visited next (S43). When it is determined that the content for the customer related to the other store T is included (Yes in S43), the distribution means 102 distributes the content for the customer related to the other store T via the wireless communication line LD (S44).

[0059] Next, the control unit 100 updates the data stored in the purchase history unit 1432 based on the payment information of the customer, and updates the data stored in the behavior information unit 1433 based on the date and time of entry of the customer into the store and the date and time of payment (S45). In addition, accompanying the update of the data in the purchase history unit 1432 and the behavior information unit 1433, the information of the content stored in the content information unit of the store itself (if the store TA is the store itself, the information of the content stored in the content information unit (TA store) 1441 related to the customer) is updated (S45). Then, the sharing means 104 transmits the information updated in S45 related to the customer (the data stored in the purchase history unit 1432, the data stored in the behavior information unit 1433, and the content stored in the content information unit of the store itself (if the store TA is the store itself, the content stored in the content information unit (TA store) 1441 related to the customer) to the edge server 1 of another store T via the communication line LB (S46). The information transmitted in S46 is stored in each edge server 1 as shared data. Then, the control unit 100 returns to S11. Note that the information directly transmitted in S46 is transmitted from the edge server 1 to the cloud server 7 as backup information by nighttime batch processing via the communication line LA. The transmission of information to the cloud server 7 via the communication line LA is performed at a low speed.

[0060] Furthermore, if it is determined that the payment process is not being executed (No in S41), the control unit 100 determines whether shared data has been received from other edge servers 1 (edge ​​servers 112 and 113 in the embodiment) (S51). If it is determined that shared data has been received (Yes in S51), the control unit 100 stores the shared data in the database 144 (S52). In the case of the edge server 111, if the shared data has been received from the edge server 112, the control unit 100 stores the shared data in the content information unit (TB store) 1442. If the shared data has been received from the edge server 113, the control unit 100 stores the shared data in the content information unit (TC store) 1443. Then, the control unit 100 returns to S11.

[0061] If it is determined that the received data is not shared data (No in S51), the control unit 100 returns to S11.

[0062] From here, the distribution and sharing of contents by each edge server 1 in the case where the store TA is the own store and the stores TB and TC are other stores T will be described. FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing an example of the control process of each edge server 1. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the control process of the edge server 1 in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, a customer registers the store T in advance in order to group the store T in the store TA. In the example of FIG. 9, the customer operates the user terminal 5 of the customer in the store TA to specify the store TA, the store TB, and the store TC in order to group the store TA, the store TB, and the store TC. Specifically, for example, the customer specifies the store TA, the store TB, and the store TC from among the multiple stores T displayed on the user terminal 5. Then, the user terminal 5 transmits the specified store TA, the store TB, and the store TC to the edge server 111 of the store TA (arrow 81). The edge server 111 registers (groups) the store TA, the store TB, and the store TC specified by the user terminal 5. Furthermore, the edge server 111 transmits information on the grouping of the stores TA, TB, and TC to the edge server 112 of the store TB and the edge server 113 of the store TC (arrows 82 and 83).

[0063] Next, when the customer enters (checks in) the store TA, the customer code of the customer acquired by the short-range wireless communication unit 19 and the acquired date and time (entry date and time (11:00 AM in FIG. 10)) are transmitted to the edge server 111 (arrow 91). The edge server 111 stores the received customer code and date and time, acquires content related to the customer, and distributes it to the user terminal 5 of the customer (arrow 92). In FIG. 10, content A is distributed to the user terminal 5 at this timing. Then, the edge server 111 transmits information on the customer code, entry date and time, and content A to edge servers 112 and 113 registered in the same group via the communication line LB (information sharing).

[0064] Next, the customer makes a payment at the store TA. At this time, if the delivered content A is a coupon, discount coupon, or discount voucher, the customer can use the content A when making a payment at the POS terminal 3. The POS terminal 3 that has made the payment transmits the date and time of the payment (12:00 PM in FIG. 10), product information and payment information related to the transaction, together with the customer code, to the edge server 111. The edge server 111 stores the received customer code and date and delivers the content related to the customer to the user terminal 5 of the customer (arrow 95). In FIG. 10, the content M is delivered to the user terminal 5 at this timing. The content M is, for example, information on the content related to the store TB delivered as shared information from the edge server 112. If the edge server 111 determines that the next store T to be visited is highly likely to be the store TB, it delivers the content M delivered from the edge server 112 of the store TB to the user terminal 5. Then, the edge server 111 transmits the customer code, the store entry date and time, and the information on the content M to the edge servers 112 and 113 registered in the same group via the communication line LB (information sharing).

[0065] Next, the customer visits the store TB. When the customer enters the store TB, the customer code of the customer acquired by the short-range wireless communication unit 19 and the acquired date and time (entry date and time (14:00 PM in FIG. 10)) are transmitted to the edge server 112 (arrow 151). The edge server 112 stores the received customer code and date and time, acquires content related to the customer, and distributes it to the user terminal 5 of the customer (arrow 152). In FIG. 10, content B is distributed to the user terminal 5 at this timing. Then, the edge server 112 transmits information on the customer code, the entry date and time, and content B to the edge servers 111 and 113 registered in the same group via the communication line LB (arrows 153 and 154) (information sharing).

[0066] Next, the customer makes a payment at the store TB. At this time, if the delivered content B is a coupon, discount coupon, or discount voucher, the customer can use the content B when making a payment at the POS terminal 3. The POS terminal 3 that has made the payment transmits the date and time of the payment (15:00 PM in FIG. 10), product information and payment information related to the transaction, together with the customer code, to the edge server 112. The edge server 112 stores the received customer code and date and delivers the content related to the customer to the user terminal 5 of the customer (arrow 155). In FIG. 10, the content N is delivered to the user terminal 5 at this timing. The content N is, for example, information on the content related to the store TC delivered as shared information from the edge server 113. If the edge server 112 determines that the next store T to be visited is highly likely to be the store TC, it delivers the content N delivered from the edge server 113 of the store TC to the user terminal 5. Then, the edge server 112 transmits the customer code, the store entry date and time, and information on the content N to the edge servers 111 and 113 registered in the same group via the communication line LB (arrows 156 and 157) (information sharing).

[0067] In this way, the edge server 1 directly transmits and receives content to other edge servers 1, so that necessary information is delivered to customers without delay. In addition, the transmission and reception of information to and from the cloud server 7 is reduced, so the burden on the cloud server 7 can be reduced.

[0068] From here, the control of the POS terminal 3 will be described. Fig. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of the control process of the POS terminal 3. As shown in Fig. 11, the control unit 300 of the POS terminal 3 judges whether the code reading unit 46 has read a symbol attached to a product and obtained a corresponding product code (S61). If it is judged that a product code has been obtained (Yes in S61), the control unit 300 executes a product registration process (including a process of storing product information in the product information unit 331) for the product based on the product code (S62). Then, the control unit 300 returns to S61.

[0069] Furthermore, if it is determined that the request is not to obtain a product code (No in S61), the control unit 300 determines whether a payment operation, such as pressing a payment key (not shown), has been performed (S63). If it is determined that a payment operation has been performed (Yes in S63), the control unit 300 executes a payment process for the transaction based on the product information stored in the product information unit 331 (S64). The control unit 300 then transmits a payment signal to the edge server 1, which includes product information on the product for which payment has been processed, payment information, and the customer code of the customer related to the transaction. The payment signal also includes information on the date and time of the payment process.

[0070] From here, the control of the cloud server 7 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the control process of the cloud server 7. As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 700 of the cloud server 7 judges whether the information received from the edge server 1 is collected information (e.g., sales information at store T) to be collected and stored by the cloud server 7 (S71). If it is judged to be collected information (Yes in S71), the control unit 700 stores the received collection information in the sales information unit 743 (S72). Then, the control unit 700 returns to S71.

[0071] Also, if it is determined that the information received from the edge server 1 is not collected information (No in S71), the control unit 700 determines whether the information received from the edge server 1 is information to be distributed to other edge servers 1 (for example, information sent in S25, S46) (S73). If it is determined that the information is to be distributed to other edge servers 1 (Yes in S73), the control unit 700 transmits the information to the other edge servers 1. This transmission is performed at a low speed. Then, the control unit 700 returns to S71. Also, if it is determined that the information is not to be distributed to other edge servers 1 (No in S73), the control unit 700 returns to S71.

[0072] In this way, the edge server 1 of the embodiment is a server that is directly connected to edge servers 1 installed in other stores T via a communication line LB and is capable of sending and receiving information, and is equipped with a database 144 that stores content related to products of other stores T distributed from the edge servers 1 installed in the other stores T, an input means 101 that accepts an input customer code that identifies the customer, a distribution means 102 that distributes content information related to the customer stored in the database 144 based on the accepted customer code to a user terminal 5 carried by the customer, an acquisition means 103 that acquires content information related to the store T that is related to products purchased by the customer this time or in the past, and a sharing means 104 that transmits the acquired content information to the edge server 1 of the other store T via the communication line LB.

[0073] The edge server 1 of such an embodiment transmits content directly to other edge servers 1 via the communication line LB. That is, the content can be shared between edge servers 1 without going through the cloud server 7, so that necessary content can be delivered without delay. Moreover, the edge server 1 of the embodiment can deliver appropriate content to the customer. Moreover, the edge server 1 of the embodiment transmits content to the edge server 1 without going through the cloud server 7, so that the load on the cloud server 7 can be reduced.

[0074] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This new embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0075] For example, in the embodiment, the content to be distributed to the customer and the content to be transmitted to other edge servers 1 are described as, for example, information on bargain items and special sale items, information on items that the store T is promoting, information on coupons, discount coupons, and discount tickets that can be used when purchasing items, etc. However, the content is not limited to this, and may be any information related to items and displayed on the user terminal 5 carried by the customer who visits the store T.

[0076] In the embodiment, the store server has been described as an example of the edge server 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the edge server 1 may be a server other than the store server as long as it is installed in the store T.

[0077] In the embodiment, the store T where the product is purchased is described as an example. However, the store T is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a restaurant. In this case, the edge server 1 may distribute the menu of the restaurant to the user terminal 5 as the content at the time of entering the store.

[0078] Also, in the embodiment, a method has been described in which data is shared between edge servers 1 without going through the cloud server 7. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when there is information to be utilized by performing high-speed customer analysis on the cloud server 7 or information required in real time for API collaboration with other cloud servers 7, the information may be selectively communicated at high speed in real time.

[0079] The programs executed by the edge server 1 of the embodiment are provided as files in an installable or executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a digital versatile disk (DVD).

[0080] The program executed by the edge server 1 of the embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The program executed by the edge server 1 of the embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0081] Moreover, the programs executed by the edge server 1 of the embodiment may be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 Edge Server 3. POS terminal 5. User terminal 7. Cloud Server 10. System 19 Near Field Communication Department 100 Control section 101 Input Method 102 Delivery Method 103 Acquisition means 104 Sharing means 105 Next store decision method 106 Registration Method 111 Edge Server 112 Edge Server 113 Edge Server 131 Customer code storage unit 132 Content storage unit 142 Product Master 143 Customer Information Department 144 Database 300 Control section 700 Control section 743 Sales Information Department 1431 Customer Specific Information Department 1432 Purchase History Section 1433 Behavioral Information Department 1434 Store Registration Department 1444 Store Contents Department LA communication line LB communication line LC communication line LD wireless communication line [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0083] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-56953

Claims

1. A server capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from other servers installed in other stores via a communication line, A storage unit that stores content related to products of other stores distributed from other store servers installed in the other stores; An input means for receiving customer identification information that identifies an input customer; a distribution means for distributing content related to the customer stored in the storage unit based on the received customer identification information to a user terminal carried by the customer; An acquisition means for acquiring content related to the store that is related to the product that the customer has purchased this time or in the past; a sharing means for transmitting the acquired content to the other store server via the communication line; A server equipped with

2. The acquiring means further acquires information content related to products that the store wishes to sell to the customer. The server of claim 1 .

3. A next store determination means for determining which store is likely to be visited next by the customer among the other stores, the distribution means distributes to the user terminal the content distributed from the other store determined to be likely to be visited next among the content stored in the storage unit; 3. The server according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the next store determination means determines another store which is likely to be visited next based on a past behavior history indicating the order of behavior of the customer; The server according to claim 3.

5. Further comprising a registration means for registering a plurality of stores in advance, 5. A server according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A computer as a server capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from other store servers installed in other stores via a communication line, the computer comprising a storage unit for storing content related to products of the other stores distributed from the other store servers installed in the other stores, An input means for receiving customer identification information that identifies an input customer; a distribution means for distributing content related to the customer stored in the storage unit based on the received customer identification information to a user terminal carried by the customer; An acquisition means for acquiring content related to the store that is related to the product that the customer has purchased this time or in the past; a sharing means for transmitting the acquired content to the other store server via the communication line; A program to make it function as such.

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