shopping cart

Abstract

To provide a shopping cart capable of limiting a movement range of the shopping cart in response to a form of a shop.SOLUTION: In a cart terminal attached to a shopping cart, a control section includes: a determination section 2512 for determining whether a shopping cart is moved from a first area where the shopping cart can be moved to a second area where the shopping cart can be moved or is moved from the second area to the first area; and a movement control section 2513 for controlling the movement of the shopping cart in response to a determination result of the determination section 2512.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a shopping cart. [Background technology]

[0002] In stores such as supermarkets, customers use mobile vehicles such as carts (hereinafter referred to as shopping carts) to carry the products they have purchased. Shopping carts are generally used within a designated area such as within the store, but they may be taken outside the designated area due to theft or other reasons.

[0003] In addition, in the case of commercial facilities such as shopping malls that house multiple stores, it is possible to provide shopping carts exclusively for each store, thereby limiting the area in which the shopping carts can be used to within the same store.

[0004] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a technique has been proposed in which communication is performed with a wireless communication device provided in a shopping cart, and an area in which the shopping cart is located is detected based on a signal received from the wireless communication device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, there is room for further improvement in limiting the range of movement of shopping carts in various store formats.

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to realize a shopping cart that can limit the range of movement of the shopping cart in accordance with the style of the store. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The shopping cart of the embodiment includes: an imaging unit that captures an image of the surroundings of a position where a shopping cart is located; a detection unit that detects a restriction pattern of the boundary between the first area and the second area based on the imaging result of the imaging unit; andWhether the shopping cart has moved from a first area in which the shopping cart can be moved to a second area in which the shopping cart can be moved, or whether the shopping cart has moved from the second area to the first area; of and a movement control unit that controls movement of the shopping cart in accordance with the determination result of the determination unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a schematic configuration of a shopping cart according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a cart terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the control unit of the cart terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of lock control of a shopping cart according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of releasing the lock control of the shopping cart according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a different movable range is set for each shopping cart according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a different movable range is set for each shopping cart according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of lock control by the control unit of the cart terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of releasing the lock control of the shopping cart according to the second modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A shopping cart according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below assumes that the shopping cart is used in a commercial facility such as a shopping mall that houses multiple stores. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0010] (Shopping cart configuration) First, the configuration of a shopping cart 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the schematic configuration of a shopping cart. Shopping cart 1 comprises a basket-shaped storage section 202 that is open at the top, caster sections 203 for movement that are arranged below storage section 202, and handle sections 204 that are connected to storage section 202 and that customers grip when moving shopping cart 1. Caster sections 203 are an example of "wheels."

[0011] The overall framework of the shopping cart 1 is formed by a frame 205. The storage section 202 has a net 2021 stretched between the frames 205 that make up the storage section 202, allowing products to be stored in a manner that allows them to be seen from the outside. This allows store clerks and others to easily know the details of the products stored in the storage section 202.

[0012] In addition, the shopping cart 1 does not have to be in a form that is equipped with a storage section 202 itself, but may be in a form that has, for example, a basket receiving section that receives a product basket that stores products in a manner that allows them to be seen from the outside, and the product basket received by this basket receiving section serves as the storage section 202.

[0013] Camera 2051 is provided on the bottom surface (the surface to which caster unit 203 is attached) of frame 205. The location where camera 2051 is provided is not limited to the bottom surface of frame 205. For example, camera 2051 may be provided on a portion of frame 205 that holds caster unit 203.

[0014] The camera 2051 is an imaging device having an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary MOS), etc. The camera 2051 is an example of an "imaging unit."

[0015] Camera 2051 captures an image of the floor where the shopping cart is located. In this embodiment, a two-color solid line (an example of a linear restriction pattern) is drawn on the floor of the commercial facility. Camera 2051 captures an image of the line drawn on the floor of the commercial facility.

[0016] It should be noted that the object captured by the camera 2051 is not limited to the floor where the shopping cart is located. For example, the camera 2051 may be installed at a position where it can capture an image of the ceiling where the shopping cart is located, and capture an image of a linear restriction pattern drawn on the ceiling of a commercial facility.

[0017] Furthermore, for example, the camera 2051 may capture an image of a restriction pattern written on a wall surface. Furthermore, for example, the object (restriction pattern) captured by the camera 2051 may be a symbol such as a two-dimensional code. In this case, for example, a symbol provided on the floor surface may include area information or area boundary information. Then, the area or area boundary may be detected by reading information from the captured symbol. Furthermore, for example, the object (restriction pattern) captured by the camera 2051 may be a color such as the color of the floor, ceiling, or wall. In this case, for example, the area or area boundary may be detected by reading the color from the captured image.

[0018] Also, for example, an optical sensor or the like may be attached to shopping cart 1 instead of camera 2051 so that a linear restriction pattern can be detected. In this case, for example, the optical sensor may detect light rays that cross as shopping cart 1 moves. Specifically, an optical sensor that detects blue light emitted from the wall surface and an optical sensor that detects red light emitted from the wall surface may be provided on shopping cart 1, and the location of the shopping cart may be detected based on the detected light.

[0019] Furthermore, a cart terminal 2 is attached via a holder (not shown) to a portion of the handle portion 204 side of the frame 205 that constitutes the storage portion 202. The cart terminal 2 is a control device that controls the overall operation of the shopping cart 1.

[0020] The cart terminal 2 has a housing 212. The housing 212 is provided with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 213 that displays information, and a touch panel 214 that is attached to the display surface of the LCD 213 and that allows various operations to be performed.

[0021] The caster sections 203 are also provided with locking solenoids 2031 (not shown), which will be described later. The locking solenoids 2031 are provided on the two front caster sections 203 out of the four caster sections 203. This allows the shopping cart 1 to move using the rear caster sections 203 when the locking solenoids 2031 are activated. In this specification, the side on which the LCD 213 is not provided is defined as the front.

[0022] Furthermore, locking solenoids 2031 may be provided on all of the caster sections 203. This makes it even more difficult to move the shopping cart 1. The front caster sections 203 can also be rotated to change the direction of movement of the shopping cart 1. By rotating the front caster sections 203, the shopping cart 1 can be moved while freely changing its orientation.

[0023] (Cart terminal hardware configuration) Next, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the cart terminal 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the cart terminal. The cart terminal 2 includes a control unit 251 that controls the overall operation of the shopping cart 1.

[0024] The control unit 251 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 252, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 253, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 254, and a non-volatile memory 258. The CPU 252 and each of the components are connected via a bus line 259.

[0025] The CPU 252 performs overall control of the shopping cart 1. The ROM 253 permanently stores programs executable by the CPU 252, setting information, etc. The RAM 254 functions as a work area, etc. for the CPU 252. The RAM 254 also temporarily stores images captured by the camera 2051.

[0026] The nonvolatile memory 258 stores programs executed by the CPU 252. The nonvolatile memory 258 also stores information such as pattern information 2581 (described later). The LCD 213, the touch panel 214, the wireless communication device 261, the lock solenoid 2031, and the camera 2051 are connected to the control unit 251 via a bus line 259.

[0027] The wireless communication device 261 realizes communication with a POS terminal for making payments via a network and a server, which is a higher-level device that manages various information. The wireless communication device 261 may also be configured to communicate with a beacon installed in the store.

[0028] The locking solenoid 2031 locks the caster section 203 of the shopping cart 1 under the control of the CPU 252. The locking solenoid 2031 not only simply locks the caster section 203 (stops the wheels from rotating), but also applies load to the caster section 203 in stages to lock it, that is, it is also possible to increase the braking force in stages.

[0029] In this embodiment, stopping (locking) the rotation of the wheels will be described as an example of restricting movement. There are other methods for restricting the movement of the shopping cart 1. For example, in addition to stopping the rotation of the wheels, fixing the direction of movement of the shopping cart 1 also corresponds to restricting movement. In this case, the locking solenoid 2031 fixes the caster part 203 so that it does not rotate.

[0030] This allows the shopping cart to move only in a certain direction. For example, if the caster section 203 is fixed at a 90-degree angle to the front of the shopping cart 1, it becomes difficult for the shopping cart to move forward. Another method is to apply a load to the wheels to make them less likely to rotate (the wheels are not prevented from rotating). In other words, a load may be applied to the wheels to make it difficult for them to rotate.

[0031] In this case, even if a large force is applied to rotate the wheels, it is possible to restrict the movement of the shopping cart 1. Note that restricting the movement of the shopping cart means that the shopping cart that has entered the second area cannot move freely within the second area.

[0032] (Functional configuration of the cart terminal control unit) Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 251 of the cart terminal 2 will be described. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit of the cart terminal. The control unit 251 includes a detection unit 2511, a determination unit 2512, a movement control unit 2513, and a notification control unit 2514. In addition, the non-volatile memory 258 stores pattern information 2581.

[0033] The pattern information 2581 is information relating to one or more restriction patterns. Here, the restriction pattern refers to a linear pattern (hereinafter also referred to as a line) drawn on the boundary between a first area in which the movement of the shopping cart 1 is permitted and a second area in which the movement of the shopping cart is restricted, among the areas in which the shopping cart 1 can move.

[0034] In this embodiment, the restriction pattern is two lines made up of solid lines of different colors. However, the restriction pattern is not limited to this. For example, the restriction pattern may be one line made up of a solid line of one color, or three or more lines made up of solid lines of three or more colors. Furthermore, the restriction pattern may be formed using a line type other than a solid line (for example, a dashed line).

[0035] In this embodiment, a form using two lines will be described. In addition, in this embodiment, the pattern information 2581 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 258, but it may also be stored in a server or the like connected to the cart terminal 2 via a communication network.

[0036] The detector 2511 detects a linear restriction pattern drawn on the boundary between the first area and the second area based on the image captured by the camera 2051.

[0037] In this embodiment, the detection unit 2511 detects the restriction pattern from the image captured by the camera 2051 based on the pattern information 2581 stored in the nonvolatile memory 258 .

[0038] For example, it is assumed that two lines consisting of a red solid line and a black solid line are registered as restriction patterns in the pattern information 2581. In this case, the detection unit 2511 detects each of the red solid line and the black solid line included in the image captured by the camera 2051 as restriction patterns.

[0039] Based on the detection result of the restriction pattern by the detection unit 2511, the determination unit 2512 determines whether the shopping cart 1 has moved from the first area to the second area or from the second area to the first area.

[0040] Specifically, the determination unit 2512 determines whether the shopping cart 1 has moved from the first area to the second area or from the second area to the first area based on the detection order of the lines detected as the restriction pattern by the detection unit 2511.

[0041] For example, assume that non-volatile memory 258 stores, as setting information, information associating the detection order of red solid line → black solid line with movement from the first area to the second area, and information associating the detection order of black solid line → red solid line with movement from the second area to the first area.

[0042] In this case, when the detection unit 2511 detects a red solid line as a restriction pattern and then detects a black solid line as a restriction pattern, the determination unit 2512 recognizes the detection order of the restriction patterns as red solid line → black solid line. Then, the determination unit 2512 refers to the setting information in the nonvolatile memory 258 and determines that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the first area to the second area.

[0043] On the other hand, when the detection unit 2511 detects a black solid line and then a red solid line, the detection order of the restriction pattern is recognized as black solid line → red solid line. Then, the determination unit 2512 refers to the setting information in the nonvolatile memory 258 and determines that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the second area to the first area.

[0044] Here, the setting information stored in nonvolatile memory 258 is set in accordance with the environment (such as the state of the lines drawn) of the actual commercial facility, etc. Note that the above setting information is an example, and nonvolatile memory 258 may store other information as setting information.

[0045] As another example of the restriction pattern and setting information, symbols may be used that are stored in association with the movement direction and the detection order of codes indicating areas. In this case, the detection unit 2511 reads symbols including codes indicating areas that are provided on the floor or side, etc. Then, the movement direction of the shopping cart 1 may be determined from the order of the read codes.

[0046] Alternatively, beacons may be placed near the boundaries of the areas, and the beacon signals may be received by the wireless communication device of the shopping cart 1. In this case, the direction of movement is determined from the order in which the information indicating the area contained in the signals received from the beacons is received. The storage location of the setting information is not limited to the non-volatile memory 258. For example, the setting information may be stored in a storage unit of a server that can communicate with the shopping cart 1.

[0047] As another method, when the detection unit 2511 detects a restriction pattern, the determination unit 2512 may identify the order in which each line constituting the restriction pattern appears in the image by arranging and analyzing multiple images in which the restriction pattern is detected in chronological order.

[0048] In this example, a form using two lines has been described, but a form using one line (a form in which the line drawn on the boundary between the first area and the second area is a single solid line of one color) may also be used.

[0049] However, in this case, a gyro sensor or the like is separately used to measure the orientation of the shopping cart 1 within the floor so that the judgment unit 2512 can determine whether the shopping cart 1 has moved from the first area to the second area or from the second area to the first area.

[0050] The movement control unit 2513 controls the movement of the shopping cart 1 according to the determination result of the determination unit 2512. Here, the control of movement includes not restricting the movement of the shopping cart 1, restricting the movement of the shopping cart 1, lifting the restriction on the movement of the shopping cart 1, etc.

[0051] For example, it is assumed that the determining unit 2512 has determined that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the first area to the second area.

[0052] In this case, after a predetermined time has elapsed since it was determined that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the first area to the second area, the movement control unit 2513 controls the locking solenoid 2031 to apply a load in stages to the caster unit 203 of the shopping cart 1 to lock it. In this embodiment, applying a load in stages to the caster unit 203 to lock it (preventing the wheels from rotating after applying a load in stages) or locking the caster unit 203 (preventing the wheels from rotating) is referred to as lock control.

[0053] Specifically, when the shopping cart 1 moves from the first area to the second area, the movement control unit 2513 first increases the load (braking force) on the caster unit 203 of the shopping cart 1, and then performs locking control to lock the caster unit 203.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of shopping cart lock control. Note that the dashed line RL shown in the figure represents a red solid line constituting the restriction pattern, and the solid line KL represents a black solid line constituting the restriction pattern. Also, in FIG. 4, area I represents an area within a store in a commercial facility, and area O represents an area outside the store area (e.g., an aisle, etc.). Note that area I corresponds to the "first area," and area O corresponds to the "second area."

[0055] In addition, in this example, the non-volatile memory 258 stores, as setting information, information associating the detection order of line RL → line KL with movement from the first area to the second area, and information associating the detection order of line KL → line RL with movement from the second area to the first area.

[0056] Based on the above, assume that a user moves shopping cart 1 from area I, which is an area inside a store in a commercial facility, to area O, which is outside the store. In this case, camera 2051 first captures an image of line RL and then captures an image of line KL. Therefore, detection unit 2511 detects line RL as a restriction pattern, and then detects line KL as a restriction pattern.

[0057] Therefore, the determination unit 2512 recognizes the detection order of the restriction pattern as line RL → line KL. Then, the determination unit 2512 refers to the setting information in the nonvolatile memory 258 and determines that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the first area to the second area.

[0058] In this case, after a predetermined time has elapsed since it was determined that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the first area to the second area, the movement control unit 2513 first controls the locking solenoid 2031 to perform locking control to gradually lock the caster portion 203 of the shopping cart 1.

[0059] The predetermined time can be set freely. For example, it can be set so that control is performed to increase the load (braking force) on the caster section 203 five seconds after it is determined that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the first area to the second area.

[0060] Furthermore, if the shopping cart 1 does not return to the first area even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the process of increasing the load on the caster part 203 of the shopping cart 1 has been performed, the movement control unit 2513 performs lock control to lock the caster part 203 of the shopping cart 1. This predetermined time can also be freely set.

[0061] For example, if the shopping cart 1 does not return to the first area even after 16 seconds have passed since the process of increasing the load on the caster part 203 started, the caster part 203 of the shopping cart 1 is controlled to be locked.

[0062] In this example, the movement control unit 2513 is configured to lock the caster unit 203 if the shopping cart 1 does not return to the first area within a predetermined time after performing control to increase the load on the caster unit 203 of the shopping cart 1. However, the movement control unit 2513 may be configured to lock the caster unit 203 when the determination unit 2512 determines that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the first area to the second area.

[0063] In addition, the movement control unit 2513 may be configured not to perform processing that increases the load on the caster unit 203, but to lock the caster unit 203 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the determination unit 2512 determined that the caster unit 203 has moved from the first area to the second area.

[0064] In addition, the movement control unit 2513 may perform locking control of the caster unit 203 when the shopping cart 1 moves a predetermined distance toward the second area after the judgment unit 2512 judges that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the first area to the second area.

[0065] It is preferable that shopping cart 1 be able to move toward the first area even when caster section 203 is locked.

[0066] Specifically, locking caster unit 203 locks shopping cart 1 from moving in the forward direction (toward the second area) and allows it to move in the opposite direction (toward the first area) to encourage movement toward the first area. This allows the user to move shopping cart 1 toward the first area even if caster unit 203 is locked.

[0067] Furthermore, when the determining unit 2512 determines that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the second area to the first area, the movement control unit 2513 unlocks the caster unit 203, allowing the shopping cart 1 to move freely.

[0068] 5 is a diagram showing an example of releasing the lock control of a shopping cart. Here, the shopping cart 1 (see FIG. 4) is shown to have been moved from area I to area O, and then moved from area O to area I.

[0069] At this time, the camera 2051 first captures an image of the line KL, and then captures an image of the line RL. Therefore, the detection unit 2511 detects the line KL as a limiting pattern, and then detects the line RL as a limiting pattern.

[0070] Therefore, the determination unit 2512 recognizes the detection order of the restriction pattern as line KL → line RL. Then, the determination unit 2512 refers to the setting information in the nonvolatile memory 258 and determines that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the second area to the first area.

[0071] In this case, the movement control unit 2513 controls the locking solenoid 2031 to release the lock control of the caster unit 203. The predetermined time can be freely set.

[0072] For example, if the judgment unit 2512 determines that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the second area to the first area within 20 seconds after the judgment unit 2512 determines that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the first area to the second area, the lock control of the caster unit 203 is set to be released.

[0073] It is possible to register different information for each shopping cart 1 in the pattern information 2581. This makes it possible to set a different movable range for each shopping cart 1. Below, with reference to Figs. 6 and 7, a description will be given of a mode in which different information is registered for each shopping cart 1.

[0074] For example, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, shopping cart 11 can be set to be movable within the area IA of store A and the area IB of store B, but not movable within the area O outside the store areas, and shopping cart 12 can be set to be movable within the area IA of store A, but not movable within the area IB of store B and the area O outside the store areas.

[0075] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which different movement ranges are set for each shopping cart. In the figure, the dashed line BL will be represented by a solid blue line. The lines RL and KL are the same as those in Figure 4.

[0076] Two lines, line BL and line RL, are drawn at the boundary between area IA of store A and area IB of store B. In addition, two lines, line RL and line KL, are drawn at the boundary between area IA, which is the area of store A, and area O, which is outside the store area, and at the boundary between area IB, which is the area of store B, and area O, which is outside the store area. In this example, area IA and area IB correspond to the "first area," and area O corresponds to the "second area."

[0077] Two lines, line RL and line KL, are registered as a restriction pattern in pattern information 2581 of shopping cart 11. In addition, nonvolatile memory 258 stores, as setting information, information associating the detection order of line RL → line KL with movement from the first area to the second area.

[0078] For example, assume that a user moves shopping cart 11 from area IA of store A to area O outside the store area. At this time, camera 2051 first captures an image of line RL and then captures an image of line KL. Therefore, detection unit 2511 detects line RL as a restriction pattern, and then detects line KL as a restriction pattern.

[0079] Therefore, the determination unit 2512 recognizes the detection order of the restriction pattern as line RL → line KL. Then, the determination unit 2512 refers to the setting information in the nonvolatile memory 258 and determines that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the first area to the second area. The movement control unit 2513 performs locking control of the caster unit 203 according to the determination result.

[0080] On the other hand, if the user moves the shopping cart 11 from area IA of store A to area IB of store B, the detection unit 2511 does not detect the line BL as a restriction pattern. Therefore, the determination unit 2512 does not determine that the shopping cart 11 has moved from the first area to the second area. In other words, the shopping cart 11 can be moved within area IB of store B.

[0081] 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a different movable range is set for each shopping cart. In the pattern information 2581 of the shopping cart 12, two lines consisting of a line BL and a line RL, and two lines consisting of a line RL and a line KL are registered as restriction patterns.

[0082] Furthermore, the nonvolatile memory 258 stores, as setting information, information associating the detection order of line RL → line KL with the movement from the first area to the second area, and information associating the detection order of line RL → line BL with the movement from the first area to the second area. In this example, area IA corresponds to the "first area," and areas IB and O correspond to the "second area."

[0083] For example, assume that a user moves the shopping cart 12 from area IA in store A to area IB in store B. At this time, the camera 2051 first captures an image of the line RL and then captures an image of the line BL. Therefore, the detection unit 2511 detects the line RL as a restriction pattern, and then detects the line BL as a restriction pattern.

[0084] Therefore, the determination unit 2512 recognizes line RL → line BL as the detection order of the restriction pattern. Then, the determination unit 2512 refers to the setting information in the nonvolatile memory 258 and determines that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the first area to the second area. The movement control unit 2513 performs locking control of the caster unit 203 according to the determination result.

[0085] It should be noted that when the user moves the shopping cart 11 from area IA of store A to area O outside the store area, the situation is the same as in FIG.

[0086] In this way, by changing the information registered in the pattern information 2581, different movable ranges can be set for the shopping carts 11 and 12.

[0087] Returning to Figure 3, the description will continue. When the determination unit 2512 determines that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the first area to the second area, the notification control unit 2514 issues a notification urging the user to return the shopping cart 1 to the first area.

[0088] In this embodiment, the notification control unit 2514 controls the LCD 213 to display a warning (an example of a "notification") urging the user to return the shopping cart 1 to the first area before the movement control unit 2513 controls the movement of the shopping cart 1. Note that the method of notification is not limited to display, and may also be a method of sounding a warning sound from a speaker, etc.

[0089] The notification made by the notification control unit 2514 is not limited to this. For example, if the user moves the shopping cart 1 to another store (area) before paying for products at one store (area), the notification control unit 2514 may make a notification urging the user to complete payment before moving to the other store.

[0090] (Processing of the control unit of the cart terminal) Next, a description will be given of the processing performed by the control unit 251 of the cart terminal 2. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the control unit of the cart terminal to lock the casters in stages.

[0091] First, the detection unit 2511 detects a restriction pattern from an image captured by the camera 2051 based on the pattern information 2581 (step S101). The determination unit 2512 determines whether the shopping cart 1 has moved from the first area to the second area based on the order of line detection (step S102).

[0092] If the judgment unit 2512 judges that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the first area to the second area (step S102: Yes), the notification control unit 2514 controls the LCD 213 to display a warning urging the user to return the shopping cart 1 to the first area (step S103).

[0093] Next, the detection unit 2511 attempts to detect a restriction pattern for a predetermined time period after it is determined that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the first area to the second area (step S104). If the detection unit 2511 detects a restriction pattern within the predetermined time period (step S104: Yes), the determination unit 2512 determines whether the shopping cart 1 has moved from the second area to the first area based on the order in which the lines were detected (step S105).

[0094] If the determination unit 2512 does not determine that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the second area to the first area (step S105: No), the process returns to step S104. If the detection unit 2511 does not detect the restriction pattern within the predetermined time in step S104 (step S104: No), the movement control unit 2513 performs control to increase the load on the caster unit 203 (step S106).

[0095] Next, the detection unit 2511 attempts to detect a restriction pattern until a predetermined time has elapsed since the movement control unit 2513 performed control to increase the load on the caster unit 203 (step S107). If the detection unit 2511 detects a restriction pattern within the predetermined time (step S107: Yes), the determination unit 2512 determines whether the shopping cart 1 has moved from the second area to the first area based on the order of line detection (step S108).

[0096] If the determination unit 2512 does not determine that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the second area to the first area (step S108: No), the process returns to step S107 and continues. If the detection unit 2511 does not detect the restriction pattern within a predetermined time in step S107 (step S107: No), the movement control unit 2513 locks the caster unit 203 and ends this process (step S109).

[0097] It should be noted that the lock will not be released even if the shopping cart 1 is returned to the first area. In this case, the lock will be released by a store employee. This restricts the movement of the shopping cart 1, making it unusable and also preventing theft.

[0098] If the determination unit 2512 determines in step S102 that the shopping cart 1 has not moved from the first area to the second area (step S102: No), the process returns to step S101. The same applies if the determination unit 2512 determines in step S104 that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the second area to the first area (step S104: Yes).

[0099] Furthermore, if the determination unit 2512 determines in step S106 that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the second area to the first area (step S108: Yes), the movement control unit 2513 releases the lock control of the caster unit 203 (step S110). After that, the process returns to step S101.

[0100] In addition to determining whether the determination unit 2512 has moved from the first area to the second area in S102, the determination unit 2512 may also determine whether the movement has occurred from the second area to the first area. If it is determined that the movement has occurred from the second area to the first area, the lock control of the caster unit 203 may be released in S110.

[0101] This allows the shopping cart 1 to be unlocked by moving the shopping cart 1 from the second area to the first area after the predetermined time has elapsed. This eliminates the need for a store clerk to assist, improving convenience.

[0102] (Shopping cart effect) Next, the effects of the shopping cart 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The cart terminal 2 attached to the shopping cart 1 includes a detection unit 2511 that detects a linear restriction pattern drawn on the boundary between a first area in which movement of the shopping cart 1 is permitted and a second area in which movement of the shopping cart 1 is restricted, among the areas in which the shopping cart 1 can move; a determination unit 2512 that determines whether the shopping cart 1 has moved from the first area to the second area or from the second area to the first area, based on the detection result of the restriction pattern by the detection unit 2511; and a movement control unit 2513 that controls the movement of the shopping cart 1 in accordance with the determination result of the determination unit 2512.

[0103] This allows the movement of the shopping cart 1 to be controlled depending on the area through which the shopping cart 1 has moved, thereby limiting the range of movement of the shopping cart 1 in accordance with the style of the store.

[0104] In this embodiment, the restriction pattern is a line drawn on the boundary between a first area in which movement of the shopping cart 1 is permitted and a second area in which movement of the shopping cart 1 is restricted. Therefore, the first area and the second area are clearly distinguished by the line. And, because the camera 2051 captures an image of the line, the boundary can be clearly detected (the boundary is not ambiguous). This makes it possible to determine the movement direction of the shopping cart 1 by changing the restriction pattern in various ways.

[0105] Therefore, the movement control unit 2513 controls the movement of the shopping cart 1 depending on the determination result by the determination unit 2512 as to whether the shopping cart 1 has moved from the first area to the second area or from the second area to the first area, thereby accurately limiting the movement range of the shopping cart 1.

[0106] In this embodiment, since the pattern information 2581 and setting information are stored in the nonvolatile memory 258 of the shopping cart 1, there is no need to communicate with a server. Therefore, the detection unit 2511 can detect the line drawn on the boundary between the first area and the second area as a restriction pattern without communicating with a server. Furthermore, the movement control unit 2513 can control the movement of the shopping cart 1 based on the detection result.

[0107] As a result, the shopping cart 1 according to this embodiment can change its movement range by changing the pattern information and setting information of the shopping cart 1.

[0108] Furthermore, the shopping cart 1 according to this embodiment can complete the process of controlling the movement of the shopping cart 1 using the cart terminal 2 attached to the shopping cart 1. In other words, the shopping cart 1 according to this embodiment can perform the process of controlling the movement of the shopping cart 1 without depending on the network environment or the like.

[0109] Furthermore, when the determination unit 2512 determines that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the first area to the second area, the movement control unit 2513 gradually locks the caster unit 203 of the shopping cart 1. When the determination unit 2512 determines that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the second area to the first area, the movement control unit 2513 releases the lock on the caster unit 203.

[0110] This allows the shopping cart 1 that has been moved from the second area to the first area to continue to be used. Furthermore, even if the user accidentally moves the shopping cart 1 from the first area to the second area, the shopping cart 1 according to this embodiment will not be immediately locked and unable to be moved.

[0111] In addition, the shopping cart 1 of this embodiment is equipped with an alarm control unit 2514 that controls the LCD 213 to display a warning urging the user to return the shopping cart 1 to the first area when it is determined that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the first area to the second area.

[0112] As a result, the shopping cart 1 according to this embodiment can prompt the user to return to the first area if the user accidentally moves the shopping cart 1 from the first area to the second area.

[0113] In this embodiment, the detection unit 2511 detects a line drawn on the boundary between the first area and the second area as the restriction pattern, but the restriction pattern does not have to be a line. For example, the floor of the first area may be blue and the color of the second area may be brown, and the determination unit 2512 may determine the movement direction from a color change in the image captured by the camera 2051. Specifically, when detecting a gradual change from blue to brown, the detection unit 2511 determines that the object has moved from the first area to the second area. Furthermore, when detecting a gradual change from brown to blue, the detection unit 2511 determines that the object has moved from the second area to the first area.

[0114] In another embodiment, the determination unit 2512 may determine the direction of movement from symbols provided on the route along which the shopping cart 1 moves. For example, a symbol containing information indicating the first area (on the first area side) and a symbol containing information indicating the second area (on the second area side) are placed near the boundary between the first and second areas. Then, when the camera 2051 reads the information indicating the first area from the symbol captured by the camera 2051 and then reads the information indicating the second area, the determination unit 2512 determines that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the first area to the second area. When the symbols are read in the reverse order, the determination unit 2512 may determine that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the second area to the first area.

[0115] (Variation) <Variation 1> In the above embodiment, the shopping cart 1 performs the process of controlling the movement of the shopping cart 1 by itself, but a server capable of communicating with multiple shopping carts 1 may be provided, and the server may perform the process of controlling the movement of the shopping cart 1. For example, the shopping cart 1 may only perform the process of sending images captured by the camera 2051 to the server, and the server may perform other processes via a communication network.

[0116] In this case, the shopping cart 1 only transmits images to the server, so the specifications of the cart terminal 2 (such as the performance of the CPU 252 and the capacity of the non-volatile memory 258) can be kept to a minimum. Also, the server can grasp the status of multiple shopping carts 1 (such as whether they are movable, whether their casters are under load, or whether they are locked). This allows for comprehensive management of multiple shopping carts 1.

[0117] <Variation 2> In the above embodiment, the caster unit 203 is unlocked when the determining unit 2512 determines that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the second area to the first area. However, the method for unlocking the caster unit 203 is not limited to this.

[0118] For example, a linear release pattern for instructing to release the lock may be provided in a similar manner to the restriction pattern, and information on the release pattern may be registered in the pattern information 2581. In this case, when the detection unit 2511 detects the release pattern, the movement control unit 2513 releases the lock control of the caster unit 203.

[0119] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a process for releasing the lock control of the casters of the shopping cart according to the second modification.

[0120] Two lines, line RL and line KL, are drawn at the boundary between an area I of a store and an area O outside the store. Also, within I, two lines, line BL and line KL, are drawn at a position away from the boundary between I and O. In this example, I corresponds to the "first area" and O corresponds to the "second area."

[0121] In the pattern information 2581, a line consisting of a line RL and a line KL is registered as a restriction pattern, and a line consisting of a line BL and a line KL is registered as a release pattern.

[0122] Furthermore, the nonvolatile memory 258 stores, as setting information, information associating the detection order of the line KL→line BL with the movement from the second area side of the release pattern to the first area side of the release pattern.

[0123] Based on the above assumptions, let us assume that, with the load on the caster section 203 increasing, the user moves the shopping cart 1 from area O, which is outside the store area, to area I, which is inside the store, causing it to cross two lines consisting of line BL and line KL.

[0124] At this time, the camera 2051 first captures the image of the line KL, and then captures the image of the line BL. Therefore, the detection unit 2511 detects the line KL as a release pattern, and then detects the line BL as a release pattern. Therefore, the determination unit 2512 recognizes the detection order of the release patterns as line KL → line BL.

[0125] Then, the determination unit 2512 refers to the setting information in the nonvolatile memory 258 and determines that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the second area side of the release pattern to the first area side of the release pattern. The movement control unit 2513 releases the lock control of the caster unit 203 in accordance with the determination result.

[0126] The release pattern is not limited to the above example, and the line (line RL) closer to the first area among the multiple lines constituting the restriction pattern may be set as the release pattern.

[0127] In a configuration in which the caster unit 203 is unlocked when the determining unit 2512 determines that the shopping cart 1 has moved from the second area to the first area, the caster unit 203 may be locked and unlocked frequently, which may confuse the user.

[0128] Therefore, by providing the release pattern in a position within the first area away from the boundary between the first and second areas as in this modified example, it is possible to avoid frequent locking and unlocking of the caster section 203. In other words, the shopping cart 1 according to this modified example can prevent a situation in which the user becomes confused.

[0129] <Variation 3> In the above embodiment, the first area is where the movement of the shopping cart 1 is permitted and the second area is where the movement of the shopping cart 1 is restricted, but it is also possible to accommodate an operation in which the areas where the movement is permitted and the areas where the movement is restricted are not determined. For example, the movement of the shopping cart 1 may be restricted depending on the direction of movement of the shopping cart 1.

[0130] As an example, it is assumed that a shopping area will be made one-way to avoid crowds. The following explanation will be given using FIG. 6 as an example. For example, consider a case where movement within store A and store B, and movement from store A to store B, is permitted, but movement from store B to store A is restricted (i.e., movement from store A to store B is one-way). In this example, store A is the second area and store B is the first area.

[0131] In this case, the user can move the shopping cart 1 sequentially to store A, store B, and outside the store area O. After that, the user can move the shopping cart 1 from outside the store area O back to store A. Furthermore, since the shopping cart 1 is permitted to move within the area IA of store A, the user can shop while moving the shopping cart 1 within store A.

[0132] Suppose that the user then moves shopping cart 1 from store A to store B. In this case, the determination unit 2512 determines that the shopping cart is moving from the second area to the first area. At this time, movement from store A to store B is permitted, so locking control is not performed by the movement control unit 2513. Furthermore, since movement of shopping cart 1 within area IB of store B is permitted, the user can shop while moving shopping cart 1 within store B. Suppose that the user then moves shopping cart 1 from store B to store A again.

[0133] In this case, the determination unit 2512 determines that the movement is from the first area to the second area. At this time, movement in the opposite direction is restricted, so the movement control unit 2513 performs lock control.

[0134] In this way, according to this modification, even in an area where the movement of the shopping cart 1 is permitted, the movement of the shopping cart 1 can be restricted depending on the direction of movement of the shopping cart 1.

[0135] <Variation 4> Furthermore, for example, the restriction on movement according to the direction of movement of the shopping cart 1 can also be expected to be used when it is desired to restrict movement between specific stores. For example, in the case of a store that sells plants and a store that sells clothing, the clothing store may want to prevent plant pollen or odors from adhering to the clothing, which is a product.

[0136] As an example, consider a case where movement within a plant store and a clothing store is permitted, but movement from a plant store to a clothing store is restricted. In this example, the plant store is designated as Area 1 and the clothing store is designated as Area 2.

[0137] When the shopping cart 1 is located inside a store that sells clothing (second area), the shopping cart 1 is permitted to move within the store that sells clothing, so the user can shop while moving the shopping cart 1 around the store that sells clothing.

[0138] It is assumed that the user then moves the shopping cart 1 from the clothing store to a store that sells plants. In this case, the determination unit 2512 determines that the shopping cart 1 has been moved from the second area to the first area. Because the shopping cart 1 is permitted to move within the store that sells plants (the first area), the user can shop while moving the shopping cart 1 through the store that sells plants. It is assumed that the user then moves the shopping cart 1 again from the store that sells plants to the store that sells clothing.

[0139] In this case, the determining unit 2512 determines movement from the first area to the second area. At this time, movement from a store selling plants to a store selling clothing is restricted, so the movement control unit 2513 performs lock control.

[0140] In this way, according to this modification, it is possible to determine the direction of movement of the shopping cart 1 and restrict the shopping cart 1 from returning to an area where movement is permitted. In other words, it is possible to determine from which area the shopping cart 1 entered (moved) into an area where movement is permitted, and to restrict the movement of the shopping cart 1 according to the determination result.

[0141] This makes it possible to restrict the movement of the shopping cart 1 according to the type of store. Conventionally, the areas where the movement of the shopping cart 1 is restricted and the areas where the movement is permitted have been fixed, making it difficult to implement the above-mentioned measures.

[0142] The program executed by the control unit 251 of the cart terminal 2 of the shopping cart 1 in the above embodiment is provided by being pre-installed in a storage medium (ROM 253 or non-volatile memory 258) provided in the cart terminal 2 of the shopping cart 1.

[0143] However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be configured to be provided by recording the file in an installable or executable format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0144] The storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of a computer or an embedded system, but also includes a storage medium that stores or temporarily stores a program downloaded via a LAN, the Internet, or the like.

[0145] The program executed by the control unit 251 of the cart terminal 2 of the shopping cart 1 of the above 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 control unit 251 of the cart terminal 2 of the shopping cart 1 of the above embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0146] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 1. Shopping Cart 2. Cart terminal 202 Storage area 203 Caster part 204 Handle 205 frames 212 Housing 214 Touch Panel 251 Control Unit 252 CPU 253 ROM 254 RAM 258 non-volatile memory 259 Bus Line 261 Wireless communication equipment 2021 net 2031 Lock solenoid 2051 Camera 2511 Detector 2512 Judgment section 2513 Movement control unit 2514 Notification control unit [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0148] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-54358

Claims

1. An imaging unit that captures images of the surroundings of the location of the shopping cart; a detection unit that detects a restriction pattern of a boundary between a first area in which the shopping cart can move and a second area in which the shopping cart can move based on an image captured by the imaging unit; a determination unit that determines whether the user has moved from the first area to the second area or from the second area to the first area based on a result of detection of the restriction pattern by the detection unit; a movement control unit that controls movement of the shopping cart in accordance with the determination result of the determination unit; A shopping cart equipped with

2. A determination unit that determines whether a shopping cart has moved from a first area in which the shopping cart can be moved to a second area in which the shopping cart can be moved, or whether the shopping cart has moved from the second area to the first area; a movement control unit that controls movement of the shopping cart according to the determination result of the determination unit, does not restrict movement of the shopping cart in the second area within the second area, does not restrict movement of the shopping cart when the determination unit determines that the shopping cart in the second area has moved from the second area to the first area, and restricts movement of the shopping cart when the determination unit determines that the shopping cart has moved from the first area to the second area; A shopping cart equipped with

3. the movement control unit restricts movement of the shopping cart when the determination unit determines that the shopping cart has moved from the first area to the second area, and releases the restriction on movement of the shopping cart when the determination unit determines that the shopping cart has moved from the second area to the first area. The shopping cart of claim 1 .

4. the movement control unit applies a load to the wheels of the shopping cart in stages when restricting the movement of the shopping cart; The shopping cart of claim 3.

5. When restricting the movement of the shopping cart, the movement control unit prevents wheels of the shopping cart from rotating. The shopping cart of claim 3.

6. the movement control unit, when lifting the restriction on the movement of the shopping cart, releases the load applied to the wheels of the shopping cart; 5. The shopping cart of claim 4.

7. the movement control unit does not restrict the shopping cart in the second area from moving within the second area, does not restrict the movement of the shopping cart when the determination unit determines that the shopping cart in the second area has moved from the second area to the first area, and restricts the movement of the shopping cart when the determination unit determines that the shopping cart has moved from the first area to the second area. The shopping cart of claim 1 .

8. The detection unit further detects a release pattern provided in the first area, the determination unit further determines whether the shopping cart has moved from the second area side of the release pattern to the first area side based on the detection result of the release pattern by the detection unit; the movement control unit restricts movement of the shopping cart when the determination unit determines that the shopping cart has moved from the first area to the second area, and releases the restriction on movement of the shopping cart when the determination unit determines that the shopping cart has moved from the second area side of the release pattern to the first area side. The shopping cart of claim 1 .

9. a notification control unit that, when the determination unit determines that the shopping cart has moved from the first area to the second area, issues a notification to prompt the customer to return the shopping cart to the first area; A shopping cart according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images