Store support mobile unit, store support method, and store support program

Abstract

To provide a store support mobile apparatus capable of:securely receiving an order from a user who see a signage display of a store, which may make the user wish to place an order to the store; improving user convenience; and promoting store sales.SOLUTION: A store support mobile body 100 includes a signage display 11 and communicates with a store terminal device 200 used in a store 20. A self-propelled device 150 performs autonomous driving. An advertising device 110 displays an advertisement for the store 20 on the signage display 11. An ordering device 120 uses the signage display 11 to allow a user to input an order to the store, and notifies the store terminal device 200 of the order.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a store support mobile object, a store support method, and a store support program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, mobile signage has become popular. Mobile signage is a mobile device that moves around while providing information such as store advertisements or recommendations for products. Current mobile signage is only for advertising purposes, and if a user wants to purchase a product, they still have to go to the store. If the store is a restaurant, they have to go to the restaurant, order, and wait for the food to be prepared. Also, if the product is a physical item, they have to go to the store to pick it up.

[0003] As such, current mobile signage only advertises the store, and if a user wants to make a purchase, they end up having to go to the store. Also, even if they do go to the store, they may not know where the store is, and in the end, the signage may only advertise the product without actually making a purchase.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a retail system that assists in completing sales by interacting with customers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-528580 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Current mobile signage only advertises the store, so if a user wants to purchase a product, they still have to go to the store. Even if they try to go to the store, they don't know where the store is, so they end up just seeing the advertisements and not making a purchase. Therefore, while current mobile signage can increase users' willingness to buy through advertising, it is difficult to reliably link this increased willingness to buy to store sales.

[0007] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 discloses a retail system that supports the completion of sales by interacting with customers. In the retail system of Patent Document 1, users must find the retail system, and cannot place an order unless they can find the retail system. Even if users find the retail system and place an order, they must go to the store themselves if they want to make a purchase. Another problem with the retail system of Patent Document 1 is that there is no way to directly link increased user purchasing motivation through advertising with store sales.

[0008] The present disclosure aims to improve convenience for users and promote store sales by reliably accepting orders from users who see a signage display and wish to place an order with a store. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The mobile store support unit according to the present disclosure is a mobile store support unit that includes a signage display and communicates with a store terminal device used in a store, a self-propelled device that performs autonomous traveling; an advertising device that displays an advertisement for the store on the signage display; an ordering device that allows a user to input an order to the store using the signage display and notifies the store terminal device of the order; 、 Equipped with the self-propelled device autonomously travels to a store where an order has been received by an ordering device of another store support mobile body; The store support mobile unit receives the ordered item from the store, tracks the location of the user who placed the order using the ordering device of the other store support mobile unit, and controls the self-propelled device to deliver the item to the user. Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] A store support mobile body according to the present disclosure includes a self-propelled device that performs autonomous driving and a promotion device that displays advertisements on a signage display. The store support mobile body further includes an ordering device that uses the signage display to allow a user to input an order to the store and notifies the store terminal device of the order. Therefore, the store support mobile body according to the present disclosure has the effect of reliably accepting orders from users who see the signage display and wish to place an order with the store, improving user convenience and promoting store sales. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a store support system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of use of a store support vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a store support mobile body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a store support mobile body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a store terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 3 is a flowchart showing an example of advertising processing and order processing among the operations of the store support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a schematic diagram of the store support vehicle according to the first embodiment, viewed from the direction P in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an order reception screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of guidance processing in the operation of the store support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a personal recognition function in the guidance device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a delivery process among the operations of the store support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing Example 3 of the delivery process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an outline of the operation of the store support system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a delivery process according to a first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a delivery process according to a second modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of a store support mobile body according to a third modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a store support mobile body according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a store terminal device according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals. In the description of the embodiment, the description of identical or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. Furthermore, the size relationships of the components in the following drawings may differ from the actual ones. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiment, directions or positions such as up, down, left, right, front, rear, front and back may be indicated. These notations are provided for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the arrangement, direction or orientation of devices, instruments, parts, etc.

[0013] Embodiment 1 ***Configuration Description*** FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a store support system 500 according to this embodiment. The store support system 500 according to this embodiment is a system that supports stores using mobile objects such as AMRs or PMVs that travel autonomously within a facility for the purpose of signage. AMR is an abbreviation for Autonomous Mobile Robot. PMV is an abbreviation for Personal Mobility Vehicle. The store support system 500 includes a plurality of store support mobile objects 100 and a store terminal device 200 that communicates with each store support mobile object 100 via a network. The store terminal device 200 is installed in each store 20. If there are multiple stores 20, there will also be multiple store terminal devices 200.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of how the store support vehicle 100 according to this embodiment is used. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the store support mobile object 100 according to this embodiment. The store support mobile unit 100 is, for example, a signage-type AMR. The store support mobile unit 100 is also called a signage-type transport robot. The store support mobile unit 100 travels around a facility, such as a resort facility or a shopping mall, and aims to advertise the stores within the facility to facility users 10. The store support mobile unit 100 normally performs low-speed autonomous driving along a preset driving route. Since the purpose of the store support mobile unit 100 is to advertise the store 20 to users 10 within the facility, the store support mobile unit 100 drives at an appropriate speed that is safe for the users 10 and allows the users 10 to see the advertisements. Alternatively, a control device that controls all store support mobile units 100 may control the driving route and safe speed of each store support mobile unit 100.

[0015] The store support vehicle 100 autonomously travels along a route. self It is a rhythmic moving object. As shown in FIG. 3, the store support vehicle 100 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape with the widest surface facing the direction of travel. The store support mobile body 100 is equipped with a signage display 11 that displays advertisements. The signage display 11 displays various information introducing the store 20. The information displayed on the signage display 11 is also called signage information or signage display. In FIG. 2, the signage display 11 is provided on the side of the store support mobile body 100 in the direction of travel. In other words, the signage display 11 is provided large on the widest side of the store support mobile body 100.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the store support mobile object 100 according to this embodiment. The store support mobile object 100 is a mobile object equipped with a computer. Specifically, the store support mobile object 100 includes a processor 910, as well as other hardware such as a memory 921, an auxiliary storage device 922, and a communication device 950. Although not shown, the store support mobile object 100 also includes other hardware such as an input interface and an output interface. The processor 910 is connected to the other hardware via wired or wireless communication and controls the other hardware. The store support vehicle 100 also includes a signage display 11, a touch panel 12, a microphone 13, a speaker 14, a lidar 15, a camera 16, and a vehicle unit 17. These pieces of hardware are also connected to other hardware via wired or wireless communication. The store support vehicle 100 may be equipped with multiple cameras 16 on the front and rear.

[0017] The processor 910 includes, as functional elements, an advertising device 110, an ordering device 120, a guidance device 130, a delivery device 140, and a self-propelled device 150. With regard to the advertising device 110, the ordering device 120, the guidance device 130, the delivery device 140, and the self-propelled device 150, the "device" may be read as a "unit." Furthermore, when the "device" in the advertising device 110, the ordering device 120, the guidance device 130, the delivery device 140, and the self-propelled device 150 is read as a "unit," the "unit" may further be read as a "circuit," a "process," a "procedure," a "processing," a "device," or a "circuitry."

[0018] The processor 910, memory 921, auxiliary storage device 922, and communication device 950 are the same as those of the store terminal device 200 described below. The functions of the signage display 11, touch panel 12, microphone 13, speaker 14, rider 15, camera 16, and vehicle section 17 will be described later.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the store terminal device 200 according to this embodiment. The store terminal device 200 is a computer. The store terminal device 200 includes a processor 910, as well as other hardware such as a memory 921, an auxiliary storage device 922, an input interface 930, an output interface 940, and a communication device 950. The processor 910 is connected to the other hardware via wired or wireless communication and controls the other hardware.

[0020] The store terminal device 200 includes an order receiving unit 210, a store processing unit 220, and a storage unit 230 as functional elements. The functions of the order receiving unit 210 and the store processing unit 220 are realized by software. The storage unit 230 is provided in the memory 921. The storage unit 230 may be provided in the auxiliary storage device 922, or may be provided separately in the memory 921 and the auxiliary storage device 922.

[0021] The processor 910 is a device that executes a store support program. The store support program is a program that realizes the functions of the store support system 500. The functions of the store support system 500 include the functions of the store support mobile body 100 and the functions of the store terminal device 200. The processor 910 is an IC that performs arithmetic processing. Specific examples of the processor 910 are a CPU, a DSP, and a GPU. IC is an abbreviation for Integrated Circuit. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. DSP is an abbreviation for Digital Signal Processor. GPU is an abbreviation for Graphics Processing Unit.

[0022] The memory 921 is a storage device that temporarily stores data. Specific examples of the memory 921 are SRAM and DRAM. SRAM is an abbreviation for Static Random Access Memory. DRAM is an abbreviation for Dynamic Random Access Memory. The auxiliary storage device 922 is a storage device that stores data. A specific example of the auxiliary storage device 922 is a HDD. The auxiliary storage device 922 may also be a portable storage medium such as an SD (registered trademark) memory card, CF, NAND flash, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk, or a DVD. Note that HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive. SD (registered trademark) is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. CF is an abbreviation for CompactFlash (registered trademark). DVD is an abbreviation for Digital Versatile Disk.

[0023] The input interface 930 is a port connected to an input device such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel. Specifically, the input interface 930 is a USB terminal. The input interface 930 may also be a port connected to a LAN. USB is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. LAN is an abbreviation for Local Area Network.

[0024] The output interface 940 is a port to which a cable of an output device such as a display is connected. Specifically, the output interface 940 is a USB terminal or an HDMI (registered trademark) terminal. Specifically, the display is an LCD. The output interface 940 is also called a display interface. HDMI (registered trademark) is an abbreviation for High Definition Multimedia Interface. LCD is an abbreviation for Liquid Crystal Display.

[0025] The communication device 950 has a receiver and a transmitter. The communication device 950 is connected to a communication network such as a LAN, the Internet, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or a telephone line. The communication device 950 is specifically a communication chip or NIC. NIC is an abbreviation for Network Interface Card.

[0026] The store support program is executed in each device of the store support system 500, such as the store support mobile body 100 or the store terminal device 200. The store support program is read into the processor 910 and executed by the processor 910. The memory 921 stores not only the store support program but also an OS (Operating System). The processor 910 executes the store support program while running the OS. The store support program and the OS may be stored in an auxiliary storage device 922. The store support program and the OS stored in the auxiliary storage device 922 are loaded into the memory 921 and executed by the processor 910. Note that part or all of the store support program may be incorporated into the OS.

[0027] Each device in the store support system 500 may have multiple processors that replace the processor 910. These multiple processors share the task of executing the store support program. Each processor is a device that executes the store support program in the same way as the processor 910.

[0028] Data, information, signal values, and variable values ​​used, processed, or output by the store support program are stored in the memory 921, the auxiliary storage device 922, or a register or cache memory within the processor 910.

[0029] The "unit" of each unit of each device of the store support system 500 may be read as a "circuit," "process," "procedure," "processing," "device," or "circuitry." The store support program causes a computer to execute store support processing. The "processing" of each unit of each device of the store support system 500 may be read as a "program," "program product," "computer-readable storage medium storing a program," or "computer-readable recording medium recording a program." Furthermore, the store support method is a method carried out by each device of the store support system 500 executing the store support program. The store support program may be provided in a state stored in a computer-readable recording medium, or may be provided as a program product.

[0030] ***Explanation of Operation*** Next, the operation of the store support system 500 according to this embodiment will be described. The operation procedure of the store support system 500 corresponds to a store support method. Furthermore, the program that realizes the operation of the store support system 500 corresponds to a store support program.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing an example of advertising processing and order processing among the operations of the store support system 500 according to this embodiment.

[0032] <Advertising Processing> In step S101, the store support vehicle 100 autonomously travels within the facility while displaying an advertisement for the store 20 on the signage display 11.

[0033] The self-propelled device 150 enables the store support vehicle 100 to travel autonomously. The self-propelled devices 150 perform autonomous driving according to a driving route preset for each store support vehicle 100. Alternatively, the store support system 500 may include a control device that controls all store support vehicles 100. The control device may transmit driving routes to each store support vehicle 100 and control the autonomous driving of all store support vehicles 100.

[0034] Specifically, the advertising device 110 displays an advertisement for the store 20 on the signage display 11. The advertising device 110 acquires advertising display content from the store 20 via the communication device 950 and displays it on the signage display 11. Alternatively, the advertising device 110 acquires advertising display content from the control device via the communication device 950 and displays it on the signage display 11. For example, the advertising device 110 may have a function of performing a predetermined advertisement or providing audio guidance when it arrives at a specific location and at a specific time. Furthermore, the self-propelled device 150 may have a function of traveling to the location of the user 10 and directing the signage display 11 toward the user 10.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the store support mobile object 100 according to this embodiment, viewed from the direction P in FIG. The self-propelled device 150 can change its direction of travel and rotate its orientation. The store support vehicle 100 has, for example, auxiliary wheels on both the front and rear of the traveling direction, and a main wheel between the front and rear auxiliary wheels. The self-propelled device 150 can rotate the direction of the store support vehicle 100 by orienting the front and rear auxiliary wheels in opposite directions.

[0036] The store support mobile body 100 has a function of rotating the signage display 11 so that it faces the user 10 when it arrives at the location of the user 10. The store support mobile body 100 approaches the user 10, and when it reaches a predetermined distance, it turns so that the signage display 11 on its side faces the user 10. Then, the store support mobile body 100 displays an advertisement on the signage display 11 and starts providing guidance.

[0037] The store support mobile body 100 recognizes the target user 10 using the front and rear cameras 16, automatically selects the user 10, and begins guiding or tracking the user. The store support mobile body 100 may automatically select a specific person registered in advance as the user 10 using face recognition. The store support mobile body 100 may also automatically select a recognized individual as the user 10 at will. Alternatively, the store support mobile body 100 may automatically select a person calling out as the user 10 using voice recognition.

[0038] <Order Processing> In steps S102 and S103, the ordering device 120 uses the signage display 11 to have the user 10 input an order to the store 20, and notifies the store terminal device 200 of the order input by the user 10. The ordering device 120 may also have a function for performing settlement. An example of an order process is as follows:

[0039] <<Order Processing Example 1>> FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the order reception screen 21 according to this embodiment. The signage display 11 is a touch panel 12. For example, when the user 10 touches a button such as "Start ordering" included in an advertisement displayed on the signage display 11, an order reception screen 21 for receiving an order input by the user 10 is displayed on the signage display 11. In this way, the ordering device 120 acquires an order by having the user 10 input the order via the signage display 11. Then, the ordering device 120 notifies the store terminal device 200 of the order by transmitting the order to the store terminal device 200.

[0040] It should be noted that a touch panel 12 may be provided separately from the signage display 11, and the order reception screen 21 may be displayed on the touch panel 12 separate from the signage display 11.

[0041] 8, the order reception screen 21 is configured like a ticket machine, but it is also possible to call a store employee and ask questions as needed. For example, by touching the "Call store" button on the order reception screen 21, the user 10 can talk to a store employee at the store 20 using the microphone 13 and speaker 14.

[0042] <<Order Processing Example 2>> The ordering device 120 may acquire an order by inputting the order via the microphone 13 provided on the store support mobile body 100. The ordering device 120 has a voice recognition function and converts the voice input from the microphone 13 into text. Then, the ordering device 120 notifies the store terminal device 200 of the order by transmitting the converted text to the store terminal device 200.

[0043] <<Order Processing Example 3>> The ordering device 120 allows the user 10 to talk to the store using the microphone 13 and speaker 14 provided on the store support mobile unit 100, thereby inputting an order and notifying the store terminal device 200 of the order.

[0044] <<Order Processing Example 4>> The ordering device 120 may display a two-dimensional code on the signage display 11 to display the website of the store 20 that accepts the order. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the ordering device 120 displays a QR code (registered trademark) of the website of the store 20 on the signage display 11. QR is an abbreviation for Quick Response. The ordering device 120 causes the mobile terminal device of the user 10 to read the two-dimensional code. The user 10 inputs an order from the website of the store 20 displayed on their mobile terminal device, thereby transmitting the order from the mobile terminal device to the store terminal device 200. In this way, the ordering device 120 causes the user 10 to input the order from the mobile terminal device and notifies the store terminal device 200. The mobile terminal device of the user 10 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet device, a mobile phone, or a mobile information processing device.

[0045] In step S201, the order receiving unit 210 of the store terminal apparatus 200 receives the notified order. The store processing unit 220 of the store terminal apparatus 200 performs necessary processing such as outputting the notified order to an output device. In step S202, the store 20 starts preparation for the ordered item or service.

[0046] If the store 20 is a type of store where the user 10 visits and receives food or services, such as a restaurant, the user 10 is guided to the store 20 by the store support mobile unit 100 . If the store 20 is a restaurant, when an order is received, the store 20 reserves a seat and starts preparing the food aiming for the estimated arrival time. If the store 20 is full, the store 20 can also stop taking orders. When the user 10 arrives, the store 20 guides the user 10 to the reserved seat, shortening the waiting time and allowing the food to be served. This function utilizes the "moving" function of the signage, and is effective in reducing waiting times, providing benefits to both the user 10 and the store 20.

[0047] The store support mobile unit 100 can also be used in hospitals or government offices. For example, it can be used to guide a person to "go to the internal medicine clinic next." The destination (in this example, the internal medicine clinic) can receive information in advance and prepare for the destination before the person arrives, thereby making work more efficient. The guidance process will be explained in detail later.

[0048] Also, if the store 20 is a general store, where the user 10 only needs to purchase the ordered items and does not need to go to the store 20, the store support vehicle 100 delivers the ordered items to the user 10. The delivery process will be explained in detail later.

[0049] In step S104, the guiding device 130 determines whether or not to guide the user 10 who has input the order to the store 20. When the store 20 signs a contract to use the store support system 500, it registers in advance in the store support mobile unit 100 or the control device whether the store 20 is a store that guides the user 10 or a store that delivers ordered items. The guidance device 130 determines whether to guide the user 10 to the store 20 based on the information registered in advance. Alternatively, the user 10 may be configured to be able to select whether to be guided or to have the item delivered. The guidance device 130 may display or output a voice message saying, "Would you like us to guide you to the store 20?" and have the user 10 respond, thereby determining whether to guide the user 10 to the store 20.

[0050] If it is determined that the user 10 should be guided to the store 20, the guiding device 130 starts the guiding process in step S105.

[0051] <Guidance processing> FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing an example of guidance processing among the operations of the store support system 500 according to this embodiment.

[0052] In step S106, the guidance device 130 first recognizes the user 10. This is to prevent the user 10 from getting lost due to losing sight of the store support mobile object 100, etc. In steps S107 and S108, the guiding device 130 determines whether the user 10 is within a predetermined range, and guides the user 10 to the store 20 when the user 10 is within the range. If it is determined that the location does not exist within the range, the guiding device 130 notifies the user 10 of a warning in step S109. An example of the guidance process is as follows.

[0053] <<Guidance processing example 1>> The guidance device 130 uses the lidar 15 and camera 16 provided on the store support vehicle 100 to recognize the user 10 and determine whether the user 10 is within a predetermined range, and guides the user 10 to the store 20.

[0054] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a personal recognition function in guidance device 130 according to this embodiment. The guidance device 130 can recognize the user 10 as an individual by photographing the user 10 with the camera 16 based on information such as the user's 10 face, clothing, belongings, movement characteristics, and skeletal structure. The guidance device 130 may take a full-body photo of the user 10 in advance and register information that can identify the user 10. The left diagram of Fig. 10 shows an example of personal recognition by facial recognition using camera images or by recognizing features of belongings, etc. The right diagram of Fig. 10 shows an example of personal recognition by comparing the skeleton of user 10 obtained from camera images with pre-registered skeleton information. Furthermore, for the presence area of ​​a specific user 10 who has been individually recognized in a camera image (a monocular camera can determine the angle of the presence area of ​​a person), the distance to the presence area of ​​the specific user 10 is measured by the LIDAR 15. Note that instead of the LIDAR 15, a stereo camera may be used to measure the distance to the presence area of ​​a specific person. In this way, the guide device 130 uses the camera 16 and the lidar 15 to check whether the user 10 who is placing the order is always within a predetermined distance. If the user 10 cannot be identified or it is determined that the user 10 is not within a specified range, the guidance function of the store support mobile body 100 is interrupted and a warning is sent to the user 10 via a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone of the user 10.

[0055] <<Guidance processing example 2>> The guidance device 130 may recognize the user 10 and determine whether the user 10 is within range by conversing with the user 10 using a microphone 13 and a speaker 14 provided on the store support vehicle 100.

[0056] If the user 10 becomes unable to be identified during a conversation with the store support mobile body 100, the store support mobile body 100 issues a warning to the user 10. In addition, if the user 10 wants to stop somewhere other than the store 20, such as a restroom, the store support mobile body 100 may have a function to stop by telling the user 10 to "wait."

[0057] <<Guidance Processing Example 3>> The guidance device 130 may guide the target user 10 by having the user 10 grab a string coming out of the store support mobile body 100. The guidance device 130 may have a function to stop the store support mobile body 100 when the user 10 releases the string.

[0058] <<Guidance Processing Example 4>> The guidance device 130 may have the user 10 to be guided carry a beacon emitted from the store support mobile body 100. The guidance device 130 guides the user 10 while checking whether the user 10 is not far from the store support mobile body 100 by sending and receiving wireless signals to and from the beacon. According to example 4 of the guidance process, the reliability of the recognition of the user 10 is increased. In addition, if the beacon cannot be confirmed or if it is determined that the beacon is not within a specified range, a warning is sent to the user 10 via the user's smartphone, and the device can also be used as a key loss prevention device, etc.

[0059] <<Guidance Processing Example 5>> The store support vehicle 100 may be configured as a PMV that can carry a person and travel autonomously. The guidance device 130 notifies the user 10 to be guided to get on the store support vehicle 100, and once the user 10 gets on the store support vehicle 100, the store support vehicle 100 travels to the store 20.

[0060] As described above, in the guidance process, the guidance function (guidance function) is started after the user 10, who is the guidance target, inputs an order or a destination. For example, the store support mobile body 100 guides the person to be guided by displaying signage information or providing audio guidance while traveling alongside or in front of or behind the person to be guided. The store support mobile body 100 may highlight the destination by superimposing a virtual display on a real image using signage display. For example, the store support mobile body 100 may display the target location, direction of travel, store guide information, etc. by superimposing a virtual display on a real image.

[0061] After guiding the customer to the destination store 20, the store support mobile body 100 may provide on-site guidance at the destination. On-site guidance may include displaying advantageous information on the signage display 11 or providing service at the store 20. When providing service at the store 20, the store support mobile body 100 may use its own delivery function or may provide service by working in cooperation with other delivery robots.

[0062] Note that the store support mobile body 100 and the person to be guided (including a group) are guided one-to-one, and the number of people to be guided may be limited. For this reason, instead of guiding by itself, the store support mobile body 100 may transfer guidance information or guidance information to a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone of the user 10 and provide guidance in conjunction with the smartphone of the user 10. In this case, another AMR such as a welcoming AMR may take over on-site guidance after arrival at the destination.

[0063] <Shipping process> FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing an example of a delivery process among the operations of the store support system 500 according to this embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the store support mobile body 100 is not performing order processing or guidance processing, but is performing advertising processing in step S101. In other words, it is assumed that the store support mobile body 100 is autonomously traveling around the facility while displaying an advertisement for the store 20 on the signage display 11.

[0064] In step S110, the delivery device 140 determines whether there is a call from the store 20. If there is no call, the store support mobile body 100 continues the advertising process. Specifically, when the delivery device 140 receives a call request signal from the store terminal device 200 of the store 20, it determines that there is a call from the store 20.

[0065] When a call is made, in step S111, the delivery device 140 autonomously travels to the store 20 that made the call. A case in which a store 20 calls a store support mobile unit 100 that is currently advertising is when the store 20 has accepted an order from a user 10 and wishes to deliver the ordered item to the user 10. Therefore, the self-propelled device 150 of the called store support mobile unit 100 will autonomously travel to the store 20 that received the order via the ordering device 120 of another store support mobile unit 100.

[0066] The store support mobile unit 100 that receives the order and the store support mobile unit 100 that is called may be the same store support mobile unit 100. However, the user 10 requesting delivery is usually located away from the store 20, and the called store support vehicle 100 is expected to be near the store 20, so it is often a different store support vehicle 100.

[0067] Furthermore, the call to the store support mobile body 100 may be a simultaneous transmission from the store terminal device 200 of the store 20, or the store terminal device 200 of the store 20 may send a call request to the control device, which then makes the call. The control device then calls the store support mobile body 100 that is closest to the store 20 and is currently processing an advertisement.

[0068] When the store support vehicle 100 arrives at the store 20 that originated the call, the store 20 loads the ordered items onto the store support vehicle 100 in step S204. In step S112, the delivery device 140 detects that the loading of the ordered items is complete. In step S113, the delivery device 140 controls the self-propelled device 150 to deliver the ordered item to the delivery destination, the user 10. Alternatively, the delivery device 140 may notify the control device of the delivery destination, and the control device may control the self-propelled device 150 to deliver the ordered item to the delivery destination.

[0069] There is a possibility that the receiving user 10 may move around when using the store support mobile unit 100 according to this embodiment. The party that receives the order places the ordered item in the store support mobile unit 100 and sends it out, but the delivery destination becomes an issue. The store support mobile object 100 according to this embodiment determines the delivery destination as follows.

[0070] <<Shipping Processing Example 1>> The delivery device 140 determines the location specified by the user 10 at the time of ordering as the delivery destination. The delivery device 140 issues a password or the like when an order is placed, and when the store support mobile unit 100 arrives at the delivery destination, the user 10 enters the password to unlock the device and receive the ordered items. In addition, the user 10 may be able to specify the time and location of the delivery destination when placing an order.

[0071] <<Shipping Processing Example 2>> When the user 10 inputs an order and the order is notified to the store 20, the store support vehicle 100 that received the order causes the self-propelled device 150 to autonomously travel so as to follow the user 10. A delivery device 140 of a store support mobile body 100 that delivers the ordered items determines the location of another store support mobile body 100 that has received the order as the delivery destination, and autonomously drives a self-propelled device 150 toward the delivery destination. The store support mobile unit 100 has a function of notifying its own location. When a user 10 places an order, the store support mobile unit 100 follows the user 10 until the ordered item arrives, and notifies other store support mobile units 100 or a control device of its location.

[0072] <<Shipping Processing Example 3>> When the user 10 inputs an order and the order is notified to the store 20, the store support mobile object 100 that received the order may distribute a beacon to the user 10. The delivery device 140 of the store support mobile unit 100 that delivers the ordered item determines the position of the beacon as the delivery destination, and autonomously drives the self-propelled device toward the location of the user 10, which is the delivery destination. This beacon is preferably a locked beacon. When the user 10 returns the locked beacon to the store support mobile unit 100, the lock is unlocked and the user 10 can receive the ordered item.

[0073] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing Example 3 of the delivery process according to the present embodiment. In the schematic diagram of FIG. 12, Example 3 of the delivery process is carried out as follows (1) to (6). (1) A user 10 places an order from a store support mobile unit 100 . (2) The beacon is handed over to the user 10. The user 10 is free to move. (3) The order is notified to the store 20. (4) At the store 20, the ordered items are loaded onto the store support vehicle 100 for delivery. (5) The store support vehicle 100 for delivery travels autonomously to the delivery destination. (6) User 10 receives the ordered item in exchange for the beacon.

[0074] 12, the store support mobile unit 100 for delivery is shown as a signage-type AMR of a different type from the store support mobile unit 100 that receives the order. Store support mobile units 100 with similar functions may have different shapes of signage-type AMRs included in the store support system 500. Alternatively, all of the signage-type AMRs may be the same type.

[0075] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an outline of the operation of the store support system 500 according to this embodiment. In one example of the outline of the operation of the store support system 500 in FIG. 13, the following operations (a) to (f) are performed. (a) A store support mobile unit 100, which is a signage-type AMR that moves within a facility, receives an order from a user 10. (b) The store support mobile unit 100 transmits an order to the store 20 . (c-1) When the store 20 is a restaurant and the user 10 is ordering food, the store support mobile body 100 guides the user 10 to the store 20. The store 20 prepares the food, and when the user 10 arrives at the store 20, the food can be served without waiting. (c-2) In the case of ordering a product, a call request signal is sent from the store 20 to the signage type AMR that is closest to the store 20 . (d) The store 20 loads the ordered items onto the called store support vehicle 100 and issues instructions to deliver the items to the delivery destination of the user 10. (e) The store support mobile unit 100 tracks the location of the user 10 based on information from a transmitter or smartphone carried by the user 10 and delivers the product to the user 10. (6) When the store support mobile unit 100 arrives at the user's location, the user 10 receives the ordered items by entering a password known only to the user 10 or by facial recognition, etc.

[0076] ***Other Configurations*** <Variation 1> FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a delivery process according to the first modification of the present embodiment. Here, a modified example of the delivery process using a beacon will be described. At a hotel, you can leave your luggage and receive a beacon. When you approach your car (your room) and press the beacon, a delivery AMR will bring your luggage to you. -When you press a beacon at a golf course, for example, a delivery AMR will bring your golf bag to you. When you order food from a stall at a theme park, you will receive a beacon, and when you move to your desired location, a delivery AMR will bring it to you. -Also, if the beacon has a selection function that allows you to choose "what" to order, it can be used as an ordering device.

[0077] <Variation 2> FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a delivery process according to the second modification of the present embodiment. The delivery AMR can also be a delivery-type vending machine that is pre-loaded with products, like a vending machine. Users can call the delivery-type vending machine using a smartphone or other device. Alternatively, if a user requests "I want a beer" using a smartphone or other device, the delivery-type vending machine will arrive and the user can purchase the beer on the spot. In FIG. 15, a large vending machine is mounted, but a small vending machine is preferable when used for in-car sales, for example.

[0078] <Variation 3> FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of a store support mobile object according to the third modification of this embodiment. The functions of the store support vehicle 100 according to this embodiment are applicable to AMRs of various shapes as shown in FIG.

[0079] <Variation 4> In this embodiment, the functions of each device in the store support system 500 are realized by software. As a second modification, the functions of each device in the store support system 500 may be realized by hardware.

[0080] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a store support mobile object 100 according to the fourth modification of this embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a store terminal device 200 according to the fourth modification of the present embodiment. In the following, the store terminal device 200 will be described as an example. Specifically, the store terminal 200 includes an electronic circuit 909 instead of the processor 910 .

[0081] The electronic circuit 909 is a dedicated electronic circuit that realizes the functions of the store terminal device 200. Specifically, the electronic circuit 909 is a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, a logic IC, a GA, an ASIC, or an FPGA. GA is an abbreviation for Gate Array. ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. FPGA is an abbreviation for Field-Programmable Gate Array.

[0082] The functions of the store terminal device 200 may be realized by a single electronic circuit, or may be realized by distributing the functions across multiple electronic circuits.

[0083] As another modification, some of the functions of the store terminal device 200 may be implemented by electronic circuits and the remaining functions may be implemented by software. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the store terminal device 200 may be implemented by firmware.

[0084] Each of the processors and electronic circuits is also called a processing circuitry. In other words, the functions of each device in the store support system 500 are realized by the processing circuitry.

[0085] ***Explanation of the effect of this embodiment*** As described above, with the store support system 500 according to this embodiment, a user can "order" food from a restaurant using a store support mobile unit, which is a signage-type AMR, be "guided" to the store, and can eat the food without waiting when they arrive at the store. Also, when ordering products from an apparel shop or the like, the user "orders" using a store support mobile unit, and the store loads the products onto another store support mobile unit and "delivers" them to the user. Therefore, with the store support system 500 according to this embodiment, customers can easily place orders using the signage-type AMR, which leads to the completion of the purchase without being stopped by advertisements. Benefits can be expected for both the facility and the customers, such as guiding customers to the store through guidance, improving customer satisfaction by shortening waiting times, and increasing store profits by increasing turnover.

[0086] As described above, the store support system 500 according to this embodiment is expected to have the following effects by enabling easy "ordering," "guidance," and "delivery" services using signage.

[0087] If you need to go to a restaurant or other store, the following benefits are available: For users, the benefits are as follows: You can order before entering the store. If you don't know where the store is, they will give you directions. When you arrive at the store, the food is ready and you can be served without waiting. For the store, the benefits are as follows: It goes beyond just advertising to lead to sales. -Increased store turnover and increased sales. This will lead to visitor satisfaction and encourage repeat visits.

[0088] If you don't need to go to the store to order products, the following benefits are achieved: For users, the benefits are as follows: You can receive the products you want without having to go to the store. For the store, the benefits are as follows: It goes beyond just advertising to lead to sales. - Labor costs for "delivery" can be reduced. This will lead to visitor satisfaction and encourage repeat visits.

[0089] In the first embodiment described above, each unit of each device of the store support system 500 has been described as an independent functional block. However, the configuration of each device of the store support system 500 does not have to be the same as that of the above-described embodiment. The functional blocks of each device of the store support system 500 may have any configuration as long as they can realize the functions described in the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to combine multiple parts of the first embodiment. Alternatively, it is possible to implement only one part of this embodiment. In addition, it is possible to implement this embodiment in any combination, either as a whole or in part. That is, in the first embodiment, the embodiments can be freely combined, or any of the components in each embodiment can be modified, or any of the components in each embodiment can be omitted.

[0090] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are essentially preferred examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, the scope of application of the present disclosure, and the scope of use of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiments can be modified in various ways as necessary. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 10 User, 11 Signage display, 12 Touch panel, 13 Microphone, 14 Speaker, 15 Lidar, 16 Camera, 17 Vehicle unit, 20 Store, 21 Order reception screen, 100 Store support mobile unit, 110 Advertising device, 120 Order device, 130 Guidance device, 140 Delivery device, 150 Self-propelled device, 200 Store terminal device, 210 Order reception unit, 220 Store processing unit, 230 Memory unit, 500 Store support system, 909 Electronic circuit, 910 Processor, 921 Memory, 922 Auxiliary storage device, 930 Input interface, 940 Output interface, 950 Communication device.

Claims

1. A store support mobile unit that is equipped with a signage display and communicates with a store terminal device used in a store, a self-propelled device that performs autonomous traveling; an advertising device that displays an advertisement for the store on the signage display; an ordering device that allows a user to input an order to the store using the signage display and notifies the store terminal device of the order; Equipped with the self-propelled device autonomously travels to a store where an order has been received by an ordering device of another store support mobile body; The store support mobile unit includes a delivery device that receives the ordered item from the store, tracks the location of the user who placed the order using the ordering device of the other store support mobile unit, and controls the self-propelled device to deliver the item to the user. Store support mobile unit.

2. the signage display is a touch panel, The ordering device A store support mobile body as described in claim 1, which obtains the order by having the user input the order via the signage display, and notifies the store terminal device of the order by transmitting the order to the store terminal device.

3. The ordering device A store support mobile body as described in claim 1, which obtains the order by having the user input the order through a microphone provided on the store support mobile body, and notifies the store terminal device of the order by transmitting the order to the store terminal device.

4. The ordering device A store support mobile body as described in claim 1, wherein the store support mobile body allows the user to communicate with the store using a microphone and speaker provided on the store support mobile body, thereby inputting the order and notifying the store terminal device of the order.

5. The ordering device The store support mobile body described in claim 1 displays a two-dimensional code of the store's website accepting the order on the signage display, has the user's mobile terminal device read the two-dimensional code, and has the user input the order from the store's website, thereby inputting the order and notifying the store terminal device of the order.

6. The store support mobile body is A store support mobile body as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a guidance device that recognizes the user using a personal recognition function, determines whether the user is within a predetermined range, and guides the user to the store when the user is within the range.

7. The guide device is The store support vehicle according to claim 6, wherein a LIDAR and a camera provided on the store support vehicle are used to recognize the user and determine whether the user is present within the range.

8. The guide device is A store support mobile body as described in claim 6, which recognizes the user and determines whether the user is within the range by conversing with the user using a microphone and speaker provided on the store support mobile body.

9. A store support mobile device equipped with a signage display and communicating with a store terminal device used in a store, a self-propelled device that performs autonomous traveling; an advertising device that displays an advertisement for the store on the signage display; an ordering device that allows a user to input an order to the store using the signage display and notifies the store terminal device of the order; Equipped with the self-propelled device autonomously travels to a store where an order has been received by an ordering device of another store support mobile body; The store support mobile unit receives the ordered item from the store and includes a delivery device that controls the self-propelled device to move toward a beacon carried by a user who placed an order using an ordering device of the other store support mobile unit. Store support mobile unit.

10. A store support mobile device equipped with a signage display and communicating with a store terminal device used in a store, a self-propelled device that performs autonomous traveling; an advertising device that displays an advertisement for the store on the signage display; an ordering device that allows a user to input an order to the store using the signage display and notifies the store terminal device of the order; Equipped with the self-propelled device autonomously travels to a store where an order has been received by an ordering device of another store support mobile body; when the order is notified to the store, the ordering device of the other store support mobile body causes a self-propelled device of the other store support mobile body to autonomously travel so that the other store support mobile body follows the user; The store support mobile unit receives the ordered items from the store, and controls the self-propelled device to move toward the location of the other store support mobile unit. Store support mobile unit.

11. A store support method used in a store support mobile device that has a signage display and communicates with a store terminal device used in a store, comprising: The store support vehicle includes a self-propelled device that performs autonomous traveling, a promotion device that displays an advertisement for the store on a signage display, and a delivery device that controls the self-propelled device; Using the advertising device, the user inputs an order to the store, and the store terminal device is notified of the order; the self-propelled device autonomously travels to a store where an order has been received by an ordering device of another store support mobile body; The delivery device receives the ordered item from the store, tracks the location of the user who placed the order using the ordering device of the other store support mobile body, and controls the self-propelled device to deliver the item to the user. How to support stores.

12. A store support program used in a store support mobile device that has a signage display and communicates with a store terminal device used in a store, The store support vehicle includes a self-propelled device that performs autonomous traveling, a promotion device that displays an advertisement for the store on a signage display, and a delivery device that controls the self-propelled device; using the advertising device, causing a user to input an order to the store, and causing a computer to execute an order process for notifying the store terminal device of the order; causing a computer to execute a process of autonomously traveling to a store that has received an order from an ordering device of another store support mobile body, using the self-propelled device; The computer executes a process of using the delivery device to receive the ordered item from the store, tracking the location of the user who placed the order using the ordering device of the other store support mobile body, and controlling the self-propelled device to deliver the item to the user. Store support program.

Images