Information processing method, program, fixture, and information processing device

Abstract

To provide an information processing method, etc., for presenting to customers a promotion content regarding commodities being exhibited.SOLUTION: An information processing method causes a computer to execute the process of acquiring a commodity ID from a commodity box 60 exhibited on furniture 30 for commodity exhibition and displaying the promotion content corresponding to the commodity ID to a first display unit 31 provided in correspondence to the furniture 30. The commodity box 60 includes a wireless tag 67 in which the commodity ID is recorded, and the furniture 30 includes a commodity shelf 35 on which the commodity box 60 can be mounted, the commodity shelf 35 including a read unit 37 capable of reading the commodity ID from the wireless tag 67 when the commodity box 60 is mounted in place.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method, a program, a fixture, and an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] A product information providing device has been proposed that displays products with tags attached and reads the tag of a product specified by a customer to display product information (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-65453 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The product information providing device of Patent Document 1 cannot present promotional content to customers who are not particularly interested in the products on display, such as customers passing by.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide an information processing method or the like for presenting promotional content related to products on display to customers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing method includes acquiring a product ID from a product box displayed on a product display fixture, Acquire via a network promotional content for when a customer is not detected and promotional content for when a customer is detected, which are recorded in association with the acquired product ID, and record in a database the location on the fixture where the product box is displayed, the product ID, the promotional content for when a customer is not detected, and the promotional content for when a customer is detected, in association with each other; If no customer is detected near the fixture, Recorded in the database Promotional content for when no customer is found 1 promotional content of is displayed on a first display unit provided in correspondence with the fixture, and when a customer is detected in the vicinity of the fixture, Recorded in the database Promotional content for customer detection 1 promotional content of is displayed on the first display unit provided in correspondence with the fixture. After the promotional content ends, it is determined whether or not a customer is detected around the fixture, and if it is determined that a customer is detected, another promotional content among the promotional contents for when a customer is detected and recorded in the database is displayed on a first display unit provided corresponding to the fixture.The processing is carried out by a computer. Effect of the Invention

[0007] In one aspect, an information processing method or the like can be provided that presents promotional content related to products on display to customers. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a record layout of a content DB. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the record layout of a display DB. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow of a program. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the record layout of a display DB in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing of a program according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating fixtures according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a record layout of a weight DB. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the record layout of a display weight DB. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing of a program according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating fixtures according to the first modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating fixtures according to modified example 2. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating fixtures according to modified example 3. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of an information processing device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [Embodiment 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing system 10. In this embodiment, the information processing system 10 used in a cosmetics counter in a store such as a drugstore, supermarket, or department store will be described as an example.

[0010] The information processing system 10 includes product display fixtures 30 arranged in a store, and an information processing device 20 connected to the fixtures 30 via a wired or wireless connection. The fixtures 30 are prepared for each cosmetics manufacturer or for each brand of cosmetics provided by each cosmetics manufacturer.

[0011] 1, the fixture 30 includes a back panel 381, three product shelves 35 protruding horizontally from the back panel 381, and a first display unit 31 attached to the upper part of the back panel 381. A customer sensor 33 is disposed on the edge of the first display unit 31. The customer sensor 33 is, for example, a camera, an infrared sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor, and is capable of detecting whether or not a customer is present near the fixture 30. The customer sensor 33 may be a human presence sensor embedded in the floor around the fixture 30.

[0012] A second display unit 32 is disposed at the end of each product shelf 35. Side panels 351 are disposed on both sides of the product shelf 35. The first display unit 31 and the second display unit 32 are examples of display units that display promotional content. The second display unit 32, the side panels 351, and the back panel 381 form a shallow box on the product shelf 35 in which a product box 60 (described later) can be mounted. A reading unit 37 is provided on the inner side of the side panels 351. The reading unit 37 includes an antenna (not shown) and a transceiver.

[0013] It should be noted that the shape of the fixture 30 shown in FIG. 1 is an example. The number of product shelves 35 is not limited to three tiers. The second display unit 32 may be provided only on some of the product shelves 35. The second display unit 32 may be omitted. The customer sensor 33 may be disposed at a location away from the fixture 30. The customer sensor 33 may be omitted. The customer sensor 33 may be attached to the product shelf 35.

[0014] A cubic product box 60 packed with a large number of products 61 is delivered from a manufacturer or wholesaler to a store. A wireless tag 67 is attached to the side of the product box 60. The wireless tag 67 records the product ID given to the product 61 packed in the product box 60.

[0015] A cut line 62 is formed on the product box 60. When a salesperson cuts the product box 60 along the cut line 62 and removes the top portion, the product 61 is ready to be displayed in a good-looking manner on the sales floor. The product box 60 has dimensions that allow it to be mounted just inside a box formed on the product shelf 35. The wireless tag 67 and the reading unit 37 are positioned so that they are close to each other when the salesperson mounts the product box 60 on the product shelf 35.

[0016] The wireless tag 67 is, for example, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag. The reading unit 37 is, for example, an RFID reader. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which electromagnetic waves in the HF (High Frequency) band are used for communication between the wireless tag 67 and the reading unit 37. When the HF band is used, the communication distance between the reading unit 37 and the wireless tag 67 is short, and the reading unit 37 cannot read the wireless tag 67 that is located at a distance.

[0017] The product ID recorded in the wireless tag 67 is read by the reading unit 37 and transmitted to the information processing device 20. The information processing device 20 displays promotional content selected based on the product ID on the first display unit 31 and the second display unit 32.

[0018] As described above, an information processing system 10 is realized that automatically displays promotional content corresponding to a product displayed by a salesperson simply by displaying the product box 60 on the product shelf 35. Therefore, an information processing system 10 can be provided that reduces the workload of replacing promotional content according to the product 61 displayed in the store.

[0019] By using the HF band, the product ID corresponding to the product 61 displayed on the product shelf 35 can be accurately read. In other words, it is possible to prevent erroneous reading of the product ID corresponding to the product 61 displayed on another product shelf 35 and on another adjacent fixture 30, etc. Therefore, it is possible to provide the information processing system 10 that correctly displays the promotional content corresponding to the product 61 displayed on the fixture 30.

[0020] The product shelf 35 and the side panel 351 may be provided with a shield that blocks radio waves from the RFID tag. This provides an information processing system 10 that prevents reading of any wireless tags other than those corresponding to the products 61 displayed on the product shelf 35.

[0021] In the following description, an example will be described in which one product box 60 contains one type of product 61 and one product ID is recorded in the wireless tag 67.

[0022] 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the information processing system 10. The information processing system 10 includes a server 40 in addition to the above-mentioned information processing device 20, fixture 30, and wireless tag 67. As described above, the fixture 30 includes a customer sensor 33, a reading unit 37, a first display unit 31, and a second display unit 32.

[0023] The information processing device 20 includes a control unit 21, a main memory device 22, an auxiliary memory device 23, a communication unit 24, a fixture I / F (Interface) 28, and a bus. The control unit 21 is an arithmetic and control device that executes the program of this embodiment. The control unit 21 uses one or more central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), tensor processing units (TPUs), multi-core CPUs, or the like. The control unit 21 is connected to each hardware unit constituting the information processing device 20 via the bus.

[0024] The main memory device 22 is a storage device such as a static random access memory (SRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a flash memory, etc. The main memory device 22 temporarily stores information required during processing performed by the control unit 21 and programs being executed by the control unit 21.

[0025] The auxiliary storage device 23 is a storage device such as an SRAM, a flash memory, a hard disk, or a magnetic tape. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores the display DB 56, the programs to be executed by the control unit 21, and various data required for executing the programs. The communication unit 24 is an interface for communicating between the information processing device 20 and the network. The furniture I / F 28 is an interface for connecting the furniture 30 and the bus of the information processing device 20.

[0026] The information processing device 20 is a general-purpose personal computer, a tablet, a smartphone, or the like. The information processing device 20 may be a small computer that can be built into the fixture 30. The information processing device 20 may be a mainframe computer or a virtual machine that operates on a mainframe computer. The information processing device 20 may be configured with hardware such as a plurality of personal computers or a mainframe computer that perform distributed processing. The information processing device 20 may be configured with a cloud computing system or a quantum computer.

[0027] The server 40 includes a control unit 41, a main storage device 42, an auxiliary storage device 43, a communication unit 44, and a bus. The control unit 41 uses one or more CPUs, GPUs, multi-core CPUs, etc. The control unit 41 is connected to each hardware unit constituting the server 40 via the bus.

[0028] The main memory device 42 is a storage device such as an SRAM, a DRAM, a flash memory, etc. The main memory device 42 temporarily stores information required during the processing performed by the control unit 41 and programs being executed by the control unit 41.

[0029] The auxiliary storage device 43 is a storage device such as an SRAM, a flash memory, a hard disk, or a magnetic tape. The auxiliary storage device 43 stores the content DB 51, the programs to be executed by the control unit 41, and various data required for executing the programs. The communication unit 44 is an interface that communicates between the server 40 and the network.

[0030] The server 40 is a general-purpose personal computer, a tablet, a large-scale computer, or a virtual machine that runs on a large-scale computer. The server 40 may be configured with hardware such as a plurality of personal computers or a large-scale computer that perform distributed processing. The server 40 may be configured with a cloud computing system or a quantum computer.

[0031] The server 40 is used to distribute promotional content related to the product 61. The server 40 is operated, for example, by a manufacturer that produces and sells the product 61. The server 40 may also be operated by the headquarters of a retail chain that manages multiple stores. The information processing device 20 may also be used to distribute the promotional content. In this case, it becomes possible for each store to decide the content to be distributed.

[0032] 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a record layout of the content DB 51. The content DB 51 is a DB that records product IDs and promotional content files in association with each other. The content DB 51 has a product ID field and a promotional content field. The promotional content field has a first content field and a second content field.

[0033] The product ID field records a product ID that is uniquely assigned to each product 61. The first content field records a video or still image file in which promotional content to be displayed on the first display unit 31 is recorded. The second content field records a video or still image file in which promotional content to be displayed on the second display unit 32 is recorded. The content DB 51 has one record for one product ID.

[0034] The promotional content may be a program that interactively changes its display in response to a user's reaction. The first content field and the second content field may record a location where the promotional content can be read out, such as a uniform resource locator (URL) of the promotional content.

[0035] For example, when a new product is released, promotional content created for the new product is added to the content DB 51. Promotional content may be updated as appropriate in accordance with seasonal changes, campaigns, and the like. The same promotional content may be recorded for multiple product IDs. Multiple promotional content may be recorded for one product ID.

[0036] 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the record layout of the display DB 56. The display DB 56 is a DB that records the position on the fixture 30, the product ID of the displayed product, and promotional content in association with each other. The display DB 56 has a position field, a product ID field, and a promotional content field. The promotional content field has a first content field and a second content field.

[0037] The position field records the position on the fixture 30. The positions on the fixture 30 correspond to the respective reading units 37. Fig. 4 shows the display DB 56 in the case where one reading unit 37 is provided for each of the three product shelves 35, the upper, middle and lower levels, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0038] The product ID field records a product ID that is uniquely assigned to the product 61 displayed on the fixture 30. The first content field records a video or still image file that records promotional content to be displayed on the first display unit 31. The second content field records a video or still image file that records promotional content to be displayed on the second display unit 32.

[0039] In addition, in the case where a plurality of promotional contents are recorded for one product ID in the content DB 51, the plurality of promotional contents are similarly recorded for one product ID in the content DB 51.

[0040] In addition, when a plurality of fixtures 30 are connected to one information processing device 20, the display DB 56 includes a fixture ID field in which a fixture ID for distinguishing each fixture 30 is recorded.

[0041] Fig. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the flow of processing of the program. The program in Fig. 5 is a program that is started, for example, when a store is preparing to open. The control unit 21 updates the display DB 56 (step S501).

[0042] Specifically, control unit 21 requests server 40 to transmit promotional content corresponding to the product ID of each record recorded in display DB 56, and updates the first content field and the second content field with the promotional content received from server 40. Control units 21 and 41 may update the promotional content recorded in display DB 56 to the latest state by a so-called synchronization process. Since synchronization processing is commonly used, detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0043] If the promotional content is updated overnight, the process in step S501 records the updated promotional content in the display DB 56. Therefore, during preparations for opening the store, for example, promotional content related to a limited-time campaign is recorded in the display DB 56, and the new promotional content can be presented to customers from the time of opening the store.

[0044] The control unit 21 acquires product IDs from the wireless tags 67 of the product boxes 60 displayed on the product shelves 35 via the respective reading units 37 (step S502). In step S502, the control unit 21 realizes the function of an acquisition unit that acquires product IDs. The control unit 21 determines whether the relationship between the position on the fixture 30 and the product ID read by the reading units 37 has changed from the data recorded in the display DB 56 (step S503).

[0045] For example, if a salesperson replaces the product box 60 on the top row with a product box 60 containing a different product 61, the product ID of the top row changes. If a salesperson replaces the product box 60 on the top row with a product box 60 containing the same product 61, the product ID of the top row does not change.

[0046] If it is determined that there has been a change (YES in step S503), the control unit 21 transmits the product ID acquired in step S502 to the server 40 (step S504). The control unit 41 receives the product ID (step S601). The control unit 41 searches the content DB 51 using the received product ID as a key to extract a record (step S602). The control unit 41 transmits the promotional content recorded in the first content field and the second content field of the extracted record to the information processing device 20 (step S603).

[0047] The control unit 21 receives the promotional content (step S505). The control unit 21 updates the display DB 56 (step S506). Specifically, the control unit 21 extracts from the display DB 56 a record relating to the position corresponding to the reading unit 37 that read the wireless tag 67, and rewrites the first content field and the second content field with the received promotional content.

[0048] If it is determined that there has been no change (NO in step S503), or after step S506 is completed, control unit 21 displays the promotional content recorded in the promotional content field of display DB 56 on first display unit 31 and second display unit 32 (step S507). In step S507, control unit 21 realizes the function of an output unit that outputs the promotional content to the display units.

[0049] Specifically, the control unit 21 sequentially displays the promotional contents recorded in the first content field on the first display unit 31. The order is, for example, top row, middle row, bottom row. The frequency of display may vary depending on the product shelf 35, for example, top row, middle row, top row, bottom row, etc. The order of contents to be displayed on the first display unit 31 may be set appropriately by a salesperson or a promotional content provider, etc.

[0050] The order may be random. The frequency of displaying the contents on the first display unit 31 may be set appropriately by a salesperson, a promotional content provider, etc. The number of promotional contents to be displayed on the first display unit 31 in one step S507 may be set appropriately by a salesperson, a promotional content provider, etc.

[0051] If the product box 60 is not displayed on any of the product shelves 35, the control unit 21 displays predetermined promotional content, for example, introducing the manufacturer or the store, on the first display unit 31. The control unit 21 may output to the first display unit 31 a display informing the customer of the expected arrival date of the product 61, etc.

[0052] The control unit 21 may display content on the first display unit 31 to notify the salesperson that no product boxes 60 are displayed on the product shelf 35 and to alert the salesperson. The control unit 21 may enter a so-called power saving mode in which no power is supplied to the first display unit 31 and the second display unit 32.

[0053] The control unit 21 displays the promotional content recorded in the second content field corresponding to each product shelf 35 on the second display unit 32 attached to each product shelf 35.

[0054] After displaying the promotional content a predetermined number of times, the control unit 21 determines whether to end the process (step S508). The predetermined number of times is, for example, one or more times for each of the promotional contents recorded in the first content field of the display DB 56. The predetermined number of times may be one time for any one of the promotional contents recorded in the first content field.

[0055] The control unit 21 determines to end the process when, for example, the closing time has passed. If it is determined to end the process (YES in step S508), the control unit 21 ends the process. If it is determined not to end the process (NO in step S508), the control unit 21 returns to step S502.

[0056] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an information processing system 10 that displays promotional content corresponding to a product 61 on display when a salesperson simply places a product box 60 on the fixture 30. Even if a salesperson changes the product 61 displayed on the fixture 30 during store business hours, it is possible to provide an information processing system 10 that displays promotional content corresponding to the product 61 on display.

[0057] Therefore, the salesperson can concentrate on serving customers without being bothered by the work of replacing the promotional content, etc. Promotional content for seasonal campaigns can be provided to customers without bothering the salesperson.

[0058] It is also possible that one product box 60 contains multiple types of products 61, and multiple wireless tags 67 recording product IDs corresponding to the respective products 61 are attached to the product box 60. When RFID is used, the reading unit 37 can read the product IDs from the multiple wireless tags 67 present within the reading range. The control unit 21 records the multiple product IDs read from one location in the product ID field of the display DB 56, and records promotional content corresponding to each product ID in the promotional content field.

[0059] A single product box 60 may contain multiple types of products 61, and multiple types of product IDs may be recorded in the wireless tag 67. A single product box 60 may contain multiple types of products 61, and the wireless tag 67 may record product IDs assigned to the assortment of multiple types of products 61.

[0060] A barcode may be used for the wireless tag 67, and a barcode reader may be used for the reading unit 37. The barcode may be a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode. It is possible to provide an information processing system 10 that reliably prevents the wireless tag 67 of any item other than the product box 60 placed on the product shelf 35 from being erroneously read.

[0061] 5, if it is determined not to end the process in step S508 (NO in step S508), control unit 21 may return to step S501. Even if a manufacturer or the like changes promotional content recorded in content DB 51 during business hours, it is possible to provide information processing system 10 that promptly displays new promotional content. Therefore, it is possible to provide information processing system 10 that displays different promotional content for each time period, for example.

[0062] [Embodiment 2] This embodiment relates to an information processing system 10 that displays different promotional content on a first display unit 31 depending on whether a customer is present in front of a fixture 30 or not. Explanations of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0063] 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a record layout of the display DB 56 of the second embodiment. The display DB 56 of the present embodiment has a position field, a product ID field, and a promotion content field. The promotion content field has a first content field and a second content field. The first content field has a detected field and a non-detected field.

[0064] The position field, the product ID field, and the second contents field are the same as those in the display DB 56 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 4, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0065] In the detection field, when the customer sensor 33 detects a customer, a video or still image file is recorded which records the promotional content to be displayed on the first display unit 31. In the non-detection field, when the customer sensor 33 does not detect a customer, a video or still image file is recorded which records the promotional content to be displayed on the first display unit 31.

[0066] Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing of the program according to the embodiment 2. Steps S501 to S506 are the same as those in the program according to the embodiment 1 described using Fig. 5, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0067] If it is determined that there has been no change (NO in step S503), or after completion of step S506, the control unit 21 retrieves the promotional content recorded in the second content field corresponding to the product shelf 35 from the display DB 56, and displays it on the second display unit 32 (step S511).

[0068] The control unit 21 determines whether the customer sensor 33 detects a customer in the vicinity of the fixture 30 (step S512). If the customer sensor 33 is a relatively simple human presence sensor such as an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor, the control unit 21 does not distinguish between a customer and a salesperson.

[0069] When the customer sensor 33 is a camera, the control unit 21 may perform image analysis to identify whether the person photographed is a salesperson or a customer. Furthermore, the control unit 21 may perform image analysis to estimate attributes such as the gender and age of the person photographed, and identify whether the person is a so-called target customer who is expected to purchase the product displayed on the fixture 30.

[0070] When it is determined that a customer is detected (YES in step S512), the control unit 21 displays the promotional content recorded in the detection field of the display DB 56 (step S513). Specifically, the control unit 21 selects one promotional content from the promotional content recorded in the detection field of the display DB 56, and displays it on the first display unit 31.

[0071] After one promotional content ends, control unit 21 determines whether the customer detected by customer sensor 33 has left (step S514). If it is determined that the customer has not left (NO in step S514), control unit 21 returns to step S513. Specifically, control unit 21 selects promotional content different from the previous one from the promotional content recorded in the detection field, and displays it on first display unit 31.

[0072] If it is determined that a customer has not been detected (NO in step S512), control unit 21 displays the promotional content recorded in the undetected field of display DB 56 (step S515). Specifically, control unit 21 selects one promotional content from the promotional content recorded in the undetected field of display DB 56, and displays it on first display unit 31.

[0073] If it is determined that the customer has left (YES in step S514), or after step S515 is completed, the control unit 21 determines whether or not to end the process (step S516). The control unit 21 determines to end the process, for example, if closing time has passed. If it is determined to end the process (YES in step S516), the control unit 21 ends the process. If it is determined not to end the process (NO in step S516), the control unit 21 returns to step S502.

[0074] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an information processing system 10 that displays different promotional content on the first display unit 31 depending on whether or not a customer is detected around the fixture 30. For example, when a customer is detected around the fixture 30, promotional content with a relatively large amount of information that is intended to be viewed from close up is displayed, whereas when no customer is detected around the fixture 30, promotional content that is eye-catching even from a distance is displayed, thereby enhancing the promotional effect.

[0075] The detection fields of the display DB 56 may further include fields for the attributes of detected customers, such as by age group. In this case, a camera is used for the customer sensor 33. The control unit 21 can perform image analysis to estimate attributes such as the age of the person photographed, and select promotional content to be displayed on the first display unit 31 based on the estimation result. In this way, it is possible to provide an information processing system 10 that displays promotional content according to a combination of the products 61 displayed on the fixtures 30 and the attributes of customers who come nearby.

[0076] [Embodiment 3] This embodiment relates to an information processing system 10 that automatically notifies a customer of a decrease in a product 61. Explanation of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0077] Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating fixture 30 according to embodiment 3. Fig. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of a cross section of fixture 30 cut along a plane parallel to back panel 381. Side panels 351 are disposed on both ends of product shelf 35. Reading unit 37 and weight sensor 39 are disposed in a stacked manner on product shelf 35. Reading unit 37 is configured in the form of a thin sheet.

[0078] The reading unit 37 and the weight sensor 39 are arranged on all product shelves 35 of the fixture 30. The fixture 30 does not need to have the side panels 351. If the fixture 30 does not have the side panels 351, the salesperson can easily load the product boxes 60 onto the product shelves 35. If the fixture 30 does not have the side panels 351, it is desirable to provide an anti-slip surface on the reading unit 37.

[0079] The weight sensor 39 is a so-called IoT (Internet of Things) device that measures the weight of a loaded article at any time and transmits the measurement result by wire or wirelessly. The data transmission destination of the weight sensor 39 may be a so-called cloud server or the information processing device 20. In this embodiment, a case where data is transmitted from the weight sensor 39 to the information processing device 20 will be described as an example. Note that when the data transmission destination is a cloud server, the control unit 21 appropriately acquires data from the cloud server.

[0080] 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the record layout of the weight DB. The weight DB is a DB that records product IDs, product weights, and thresholds for notifying sales staff in association with each other. The weight DB has a product ID field, a weight field, and a notification threshold field. The weight field has a single field and a total number field. The weight DB is recorded in the auxiliary storage device 43 or a large-capacity storage device connected to the server 40.

[0081] The product ID field records a product ID that is uniquely assigned to each product 61. The single unit field records the weight of each product 61 displayed on the product shelf 35. The total number field records the weight when a product box 60 is partially removed and placed on the product shelf 35, as explained using Fig. 1, that is, the weight when all of the products 61 are contained in the product box 60.

[0082] The notification threshold field records a threshold for notifying the salesperson that the number of products 61 displayed on the fixture 30 has decreased. In Fig. 9, the threshold is set so that for product boxes 60 with product IDs "P001", "P002", and "P005", the salesperson is notified when one product 61 is decreased, and for product boxes 60 with product IDs "P003" and "P004", the salesperson is notified when two products 61 are decreased. The notification threshold field may also record a weight for which a notification is made.

[0083] The weight DB may have a notification threshold field for each store in which the fixture 30 is located or for each type of store. In this way, a threshold value according to the situation of the store can be determined.

[0084] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram explaining the record layout of the display weight DB. The display weight DB is a DB that records the position on the fixture 30, the product ID of the displayed product, the weight of the product, and a threshold value for notifying the salesperson, in association with each other. The display weight DB has a position field, a product ID field, a weight field, and a notification threshold field. The weight field has a single field and a total number field. The weight DB is recorded in the auxiliary storage device 23 or a large-capacity storage device connected to the information processing device 20.

[0085] In the position field, a position on the fixture 30 is recorded. The positions on the fixture 30 correspond to the respective reading units 37. In the product ID field, a product ID uniquely assigned to the product 61 displayed on the fixture 30 is recorded.

[0086] The weight of each product 61 displayed on the product shelf 35 is recorded in the "per unit" field. The "total number" field records the weight of the product box 60 when it is placed on the product shelf 35 after some of the products 61 have been removed, as described with reference to FIG. 1, that is, the weight of the product box 60 when all of the products 61 are contained therein.

[0087] The notification threshold field records a threshold for notifying the salesperson that the number of products 61 displayed on the fixture 30 has decreased. In Fig. 9, the threshold is set so that the salesperson is notified when the number of products 61 displayed on the fixture 30 has decreased by one for the upper and middle tiers, and when the number of products 61 displayed on the lower tier has decreased by two for the lower tier. The weight at which the notification is made may also be recorded in the notification threshold field.

[0088] Fig. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing of the program according to the embodiment 3. The control unit 21 executes the program of Fig. 9 in parallel with the program of the embodiment 1 explained using Fig. 5 or the program of the embodiment 2 explained using Fig. 7.

[0089] The control unit 21 acquires the product ID from the wireless tag 67 of the product box 60 displayed on the product shelf 35 via each reading unit 37 (step S522). The control unit 21 determines whether the relationship between the position on the fixture 30 and the product ID read by the reading unit 37 has changed from the data recorded in the display weight DB (step S523).

[0090] If it is determined that there has been a change (YES in step S523), the control unit 21 transmits the product ID acquired in step S522 to the server 40 (step S524). The control unit 41 receives the product ID (step S611). The control unit 41 searches the weight DB using the received product ID as a key to extract a record (step S612). The control unit 41 transmits the data recorded in the weight field and the notification threshold field of the extracted record to the information processing device 20 (step S613).

[0091] The control unit 21 receives the data from the server 40 (step S525). The control unit 21 updates the display weight DB (step S526). Specifically, the control unit 21 extracts a record related to the position corresponding to the reading unit 37 that read the wireless tag 67 from the display weight DB, and rewrites the weight field and the notification threshold field with the received data.

[0092] If it is determined that there has been no change (NO in step S523), or after step S526 is completed, the control unit 21 acquires the weight measured by the weight sensor 39 installed on each product shelf 35 (step S527). The control unit 21 determines whether the acquired weight is equal to or less than the weight indicated by formula (1) (step S528).

[0093] Threshold = BA × C (1) A is the weight of one item recorded in the single item field. B is the weight of the product box containing all the products recorded in the total number field. C is the quantity of the item recorded in the notification threshold field.

[0094] If it is determined that the number is equal to or less than the threshold (YES in step S528), the control unit 21 determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the previous notification regarding the same product shelf 35 was issued (step S529). The predetermined time is determined, for example, based on the average time it takes for a salesperson to replenish products 61. Step S529 makes it possible to prevent a salesperson who is unable to replenish products 61 due to circumstances such as being busy serving a customer from being bothered by frequent notifications.

[0095] If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S529), the control unit 21 notifies the salesperson, for example via an intercom or a terminal device worn by the salesperson, that the number of products 61 has decreased (step S530).

[0096] If it is determined that the difference is not below the threshold (NO in step S528), if it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S529), or after step S530 is completed, the control unit 21 determines whether to end the process (step S531).

[0097] The control unit 21 determines to end the process when, for example, the closing time has passed. If it is determined to end the process (YES in step S531), the control unit 21 ends the process. If it is determined not to end the process (NO in step S531), the control unit 21 returns to step S522.

[0098] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an information processing system 10 that promptly notifies a salesperson when the number of displayed products 61 decreases, and prompts the salesperson to replenish the products. As shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, by setting the notification threshold to 1 or 2, the salesperson can keep all the products 61 on display at all times.

[0099] The salesperson may be allowed to change the notification threshold field of the weight DB described using Fig. 9 or the display weight DB described using Fig. 10 as appropriate. Setting the notification threshold according to the sales situation of the product 61 and the number of salespersons available to handle the product 61 can improve the work efficiency of the salesperson.

[0100] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an information processing system 10 that sets a notification threshold and appropriately notifies the salesperson of a decrease in products simply by the salesperson placing the product box 60 on the fixture 30. Even if the salesperson changes the products 61 displayed on the fixture 30 during store business hours, it is possible to provide an information processing system 10 that sets a notification threshold corresponding to the products 61 on display.

[0101] The wireless tag 67 may be attached to the bottom of each product 61. As described above, when RFID is used, the reading unit 37 can read the product ID from each of the multiple wireless tags 67 present within the reading range. Therefore, the reading unit 37 can detect the number of products 61 displayed on the product shelf 35 without using the weight sensor 39.

[0102] If the changed weight is not an integer multiple of the weight of the product 61, there is a possibility that a product from another product shelf 35 or another sales area has been left behind on the product shelf 35. The control unit 21 may send a notification to the salesperson if there is such a possibility.

[0103] Specifically, if the number of products to be reduced, as shown in formula (2), is not an integer, the control unit 21 sends a notification to the salesperson. Decrease in number of products = (BD) / A ‥‥‥ (2) D is the weight acquired by the weight sensor 39.

[0104] The control unit 21 may detect the number of products 61 that have been reduced based on data acquired from a camera capable of photographing each product shelf 35, or a sensor capable of detecting the number or movement of products 61 displayed on 354, instead of the weight sensor 39. The customer sensor 33 may also function as a sensor that detects the number of products 61 that have been reduced.

[0105] [Variation 1] Variation 1 relates to a fixture 30 in which multiple reading units 37 are attached to one product shelf 35. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the fixture 30 of Variation 1. FIG. 12 shows a schematic partial cross section of the fixture 30 cut along a plane parallel to the product shelf 35, looking down on the product shelf 35. Three reading units 37 are disposed on the product shelf 35. The reading units 37 are configured in the form of a thin sheet. A weight sensor 39 may be disposed beneath each reading unit 37.

[0106] It is preferable that the antenna be located at the center of the reading unit 37. By separating the antennas included in adjacent reading units 37, mutual interference between the reading units 37 can be prevented.

[0107] In this embodiment, product boxes 60 are used that have dimensions that allow three of them to be placed side by side on a product shelf 35. By arranging multiple reading units 37 on one product shelf 35 as shown in Fig. 12, it is possible to provide an information processing system 10 that can distinguish between product boxes 60 placed on, for example, the "left side of the upper row," the "center of the upper row," and the "right side of the upper row."

[0108] For example, the control unit 21 may use a camera having a gaze detection function in the customer sensor 33 to display promotional content related to the product 61 displayed in a place where the customer is paying attention.

[0109] [Variation 2] The second modification relates to a fixture 30 for a so-called warehouse-type retail store. The fixture 30 of this modification is suitable for selling products in units of product boxes 60. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the fixture of the second modification.

[0110] The fixture 30 includes one product shelf 35, two supports 382 rising from the edge of the product shelf 35, and a first display unit 31 attached to the upper part of the supports 382. A reading unit 37 and a weight sensor 39 (not shown) are stacked on the product shelf 35.

[0111] The product boxes 60 are displayed in a stacked state on the product shelf 35 as indicated by the two-dot chain line. Only one type of product box 60 is displayed on one fixture 30, and customers take away the product boxes 60 in order from the top. The information processing device 20 reads the product IDs from the displayed product boxes 60 via the reading unit 37, and displays promotional content on the first display unit 31.

[0112] The control unit 21 detects that the number of product boxes 60 on display is decreasing based on the weight acquired by the weight sensor 39, and notifies the salesperson of this. Note that, in the case where the replenishing of products is performed by a robot, the control unit 21 may notify the robot that the number of product boxes 60 is decreasing.

[0113] The reading unit 37 may be disposed between the two posts 382. In this case, the wireless tag 67 is attached to the side surface of the product box 60.

[0114] [Variation 3] This modified example relates to a fixture 30 that displays product boxes 60 in a hanging state. Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the fixture of modified example 3. The fixture 30 of this modified example has a wire net 383 on the outside of the side. A first display unit 31 is disposed above the wire net 383. A reading unit 37 is disposed below the first display unit 31. Product inventory stored below the first display unit 31 is hidden from customers' eyes by a fixture door 384.

[0115] With a simple assembly process, product boxes 60 of this modified example are shaped so that small products are packed on a small shelf and have hooks 63 on the top. Wireless tags 67 are attached to the back panel of product boxes 60. A salesperson displays product boxes 60 by hanging hooks 63 on wire netting 383. When reading unit 37 and wireless tags 67 are brought into close proximity, the product ID can be read.

[0116] In addition, the fixture 30 may be provided with a hook, and the product box 60 may have a hole for hanging on the hook.

[0117] The control unit 21 reads the product ID from the suspended product box 60 via the reading unit 37 and displays the promotional content on the first display unit 31.

[0118] The shapes of the fixtures 30 described above are all examples and are not limited to these. Any shape of fixtures 30 can be used depending on the products 61 to be sold and the characteristics of the sales floor.

[0119] [Embodiment 4] 15 is a functional block diagram of an information processing device 20 according to a fourth embodiment. The information processing device 20 includes an acquisition unit 71 and an output unit 72. The acquisition unit 71 acquires a product ID from a product box 60 displayed on a product display fixture 30. The output unit 72 outputs promotional content corresponding to the product ID to a first display unit 31 provided in correspondence with the fixture 30.

[0120] [Embodiment 5] 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of an information processing system 10 according to the fifth embodiment. This embodiment relates to a form in which the information processing system 10 of this embodiment is realized by combining and operating a general-purpose computer 90 and a program 97. Explanations of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0121] The computer 90 includes a reading unit 48 in addition to the control unit 41, main memory device 42, auxiliary memory device 43, communication unit 44, and bus described above.

[0122] The program 97 is recorded in a portable recording medium 96. The control unit 41 reads the program 97 via the reading unit 48 and stores it in the auxiliary storage device 43. The control unit 41 may also read out the program 97 stored in a semiconductor memory 98, such as a flash memory, implemented in the computer 90. Furthermore, the control unit 41 may download the program 97 from another server computer (not shown) connected via the communication unit 44 and a network (not shown), and store it in the auxiliary storage device 43.

[0123] The control unit 41 distributes the program 97 to the information processing device 20 of each store via the network. The program 97 is installed as a control program of the information processing device 20, and is loaded into the main storage device 22 and executed. In this manner, the information processing system 10 described in the first embodiment is realized.

[0124] The control unit 21 may read the program 97 via a reading unit provided in each information processing device 20. The control unit 21 may read the program 97 from an external storage device connected to each information processing device 20.

[0125] The technical features (constitutive elements) described in each embodiment can be combined with each other, and by combining them, new technical features can be formed. The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 10. Information Processing Systems 20 Information processing device 21 Control section 22 Main storage 23 Auxiliary storage device 24 Communications Department 28 Fixture I / F 30 Fixtures 31 1st display section 32 2nd display section 33 Customer Sensor 35 Product shelf 351 Side Panel 37 Reading unit 381 Backboard 382 Post 383 Wire Net 384 Furniture Door 39 Weight Sensor 40 Servers 41 Control section 42 Main storage 43 Auxiliary storage device 44 Communications Department 48 Reading unit 51 Content DB 56 Display DB 60 product box 61 items 62 Cutting line 63 Hook 67 Radio tag 71 Acquisition Department 72 Output section 90 Computer 96 Portable recording media 97 Program 98 Semiconductor Memory

Claims

1. Acquire a product ID from a product box displayed on a product display fixture, Acquire, via a network, promotional content for when a customer is not detected and promotional content for when a customer is detected, the promotional content being recorded in association with the acquired product ID; a location on the display unit where the product box is displayed, a product ID, promotional content for when a customer is not detected, and promotional content for when a customer is detected, the promotional content being associated with each other and recorded in a database; If no customer is detected near the fixture, displaying one of the promotional contents for cases where the customer recorded in the database is not detected on a first display unit provided corresponding to the fixture; When a customer is detected near the fixture, displaying one of the promotional contents for when the customer recorded in the database is detected on a first display unit provided corresponding to the fixture; After the promotional content is finished, determining whether or not a customer is detected in the vicinity of the fixture; When it is determined that a customer is detected, another promotional content among the promotional contents for when a customer is detected and recorded in the database is displayed on a first display unit provided corresponding to the fixture. An information processing method in which processing is performed by a computer.

2. The product box has a wireless tag that records the product ID, The fixture has a product shelf on which the product box can be mounted, The product shelf has a reading unit capable of reading the product ID from the wireless tag when the product box is mounted on the product shelf. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

3. A plurality of the product boxes can be mounted side by side on the product shelf, The product shelf has the reading unit capable of reading the wireless tags provided on all the product boxes mounted thereon. The information processing method according to claim 2 .

4. A plurality of the product boxes can be mounted side by side on the product shelf, The product shelves each have the reading unit at a position corresponding to the wireless tag provided on each of the product boxes. The information processing method according to claim 2 .

5. The fixture has a second display unit corresponding to each of the product shelves, Promotional content corresponding to the product ID acquired from the product box mounted on each product shelf is displayed on the second display unit corresponding to the product shelf.

5. The information processing method according to claim 2.

6. The product box has a wireless tag that records the product ID, The fixture has a reading unit capable of reading the product ID from the wireless tag when the product box is hung. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

7. The fixture includes a weight sensor that detects the weight of the product box, Send a notification if the weight of the product box is below a threshold.

7. The information processing method according to claim 1.

8. The product box is delivered to the store with multiple products packed in it. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The product box is displayed in a state where a part of the product box is removed and the product ID can be read. The information processing method according to claim 8.

10. Acquire a product ID from a product box displayed on a product display fixture, Acquire, via a network, promotional content for when a customer is not detected and promotional content for when a customer is detected, the promotional content being recorded in association with the acquired product ID; a location on the display unit where the product box is displayed, a product ID, promotional content for when a customer is not detected, and promotional content for when a customer is detected, the promotional content being associated with each other and recorded in a database; If no customer is detected near the fixture, displaying one of the promotional contents for cases where the customer recorded in the database is not detected on a first display unit provided corresponding to the fixture; When a customer is detected near the fixture, displaying one of the promotional contents for when the customer recorded in the database is detected on a first display unit provided corresponding to the fixture; After the promotional content is finished, determining whether or not a customer is detected in the vicinity of the fixture; When it is determined that a customer is detected, another promotional content among the promotional contents for when a customer is detected and recorded in the database is displayed on a first display unit provided corresponding to the fixture. A program that causes a computer to carry out processing.

11. A reading unit that reads a product ID from a product box displayed on a product display fixture; A customer sensor capable of detecting whether or not a customer is present around the fixture; If there are no customers around the fixtures, displaying one of promotional contents for cases where a customer is not detected, the promotional contents being obtained from a database in which the location on the fixture where the product box is displayed, the product ID, promotional contents for cases where a customer is not detected, and promotional contents for cases where a customer is detected are recorded in association with each other; If there are customers around the fixtures, a display unit that displays one of the promotional contents for when a customer is detected, which are acquired from the database, and that displays another of the promotional contents for when a customer is detected, if a customer is present around the fixture after the promotional content ends; Fixtures equipped with:

12. An acquisition unit that acquires a product ID from a product box displayed on a product display fixture; a content acquisition unit that acquires, via a network, promotional content for when a customer is not detected and promotional content for when a customer is detected, the promotional content being recorded in association with the acquired product ID; a recording unit that records in a database the location on the display unit where the product box is displayed, the product ID, promotional content for when a customer is not detected, and promotional content for when a customer is detected, in association with each other; A second acquisition unit that acquires information regarding whether or not a customer is present in the vicinity of the fixture; If there are no customers around the fixtures, outputting, to a first display unit provided corresponding to the fixture, one of promotional contents among promotional contents for cases where the customer recorded in the database is not detected; If there are customers around the fixtures, outputting, to the first display unit, one promotional content among promotional contents for when the customer recorded in the database is detected; an output unit that outputs, to the first display unit, another promotional content among the promotional contents for when a customer is present around the fixture after the promotional content ends and the customer recorded in the database is detected; An information processing device equipped with the device.

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