Notification system, notification method, and program

Abstract

This notification system is provided with: a fitting room area entry / exit detection unit that detects users entering and exiting a fitting room area in which fitting rooms are provided; a fitting room area reading unit that, when a user enters or exits the fitting room area, reads product identification information for a product from a product price tag, attached to the product and including an RFID tag, via a reading device installed at an entrance / exit of the fitting room area; an individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit that detects an entry / exit of a user to / from an individual fitting room; a fitting room reading unit that reads the identification information for the product from the price tag via a reading device installed in the individual fitting room; and an output control unit that issues a notification if a combination of a reading state of the price tag in the individual fitting room, an entry / exit state of the user in the individual fitting room, an entry / exit state of the user in the fitting room area, and a reading state of the price tag in the fitting room area is not normal.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a notification system and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, there is a technology in which RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags are attached between the paper price tags of clothing, hats, and other accessories, and the RFID tags that store information that identifies the product are used for payment.In addition, in the case of apparel, customers may be able to bring products into a fitting room and try them on.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a notification or alarm is executed when a remotely readable identification tag, electronic product surveillance tag, or electronic price label can still be detected from either the fitting room or the fitting room area even when a person leaves either the fitting room or the fitting room area. Patent Document 1 also describes, for example, that when a signal from any of the remotely readable identification tag, electronic product surveillance tag, and electronic price label disappears while a person is in the fitting room, an alarm can be executed at the cash register because the price label is linked to either the electronic product surveillance tag or the electronic price label. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 071562 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2016 / 071563 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Shoplifting by customers in fitting rooms has become a problem. For example, there is a risk that an alert will be triggered by customer behavior that is unrelated to shoplifting. Thus, the difficulty of detecting shoplifting in fitting rooms remains a problem.

[0006] An example of an object of the present disclosure is to provide a notification system or the like that improves the accuracy of detecting shoplifting in fitting rooms. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An alarm system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a fitting room area entry / exit detection means for detecting whether a user has entered or left a fitting room area in which individual fitting rooms are provided; a fitting room area reading means for reading, via a reading device installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area, product identification information of the product from a price tag, including an RFID tag, attached to the product, when the user enters or leaves the fitting room area; individual fitting room entry / exit detection means for detecting entry / exit of the user to / from the individual fitting room; a fitting room reading means for reading the product identification information from the price tag via a reading device installed in the individual fitting room; an output control means for issuing a warning when a combination of the reading status of the price tag in the individual fitting room, the entry and exit status of the customer in the individual fitting room, the entry and exit status of the customer in the fitting room area, and the reading status of the price tag in the fitting room area is not normal; Equipped with.

[0008] A notification method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: Detecting whether a user enters or leaves a fitting room area where individual fitting rooms are provided; When the customer enters or leaves the fitting room area, a reader is installed at the entrance or exit of the fitting room area to read product identification information of the product from a price tag of the product, including an RFID tag, attached to the product; Detecting the user's entry and exit into the individual fitting room; reading the product identification information from the price tag using a reading device installed in the individual fitting room; An alert is issued if the combination of the reading status of the price tag in the individual fitting room, the entry / exit status of the user in the individual fitting room, the entry / exit status of the user in the fitting room area, and the reading status of the price tag in the fitting room area is not normal.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is provided for a computer. Detecting whether a user enters or leaves a fitting room area where individual fitting rooms are provided; When the customer enters or leaves the fitting room area, a reader is installed at the entrance or exit of the fitting room area to read product identification information of the product from a price tag of the product, including an RFID tag, attached to the product; Detecting the user's entry and exit into the individual fitting room; reading the product identification information from the price tag using a reading device installed in the individual fitting room; If the combination of the reading status of the price tag in the individual fitting room, the entry / exit status of the user in the individual fitting room, the entry / exit status of the user in the fitting room area, and the reading status of the price tag in the fitting room area is not normal, a process is executed to notify the user.

[0010] Each program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the accuracy of detecting shoplifting in fitting rooms. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a notification system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the notification system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a connection between the notification system and other devices. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the installation of each reading device, a human detection sensor, and an imaging device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of storage in an RFID tag. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a notification system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of storage in a fitting room area history DB. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of storage in an individual fitting room history DB. [Figure 9A] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an example of typical user movements in a fitting room area. [Figure 9B] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing an example of typical user movements in a fitting room area. [Figure 10A] This is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an example in which a customer's exit from an individual fitting room is detected and a price tag is left in the fitting room, but the customer's exit from the fitting room area is not detected. [Figure 10B] This is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing an example in which a customer's exit from an individual fitting room is detected and a price tag is left in the fitting room, but the customer's exit from the fitting room area is not detected. [Figure 11A] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an example in which a user's exit from an individual fitting room is detected, a price tag is left in the fitting room, and the user's exit from the fitting room area is detected. [Figure 11B] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing an example in which a user's exit from an individual fitting room is detected, a price tag is left in the fitting room, and the user's exit from the fitting room area is detected. [Figure 12A] This is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an example in which, after trying on clothes, a customer temporarily leaves the individual fitting room, then leaves the fitting room area and returns. [Figure 12B]This is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing an example in which, after trying on clothes, the customer temporarily leaves the individual fitting room, then leaves the fitting room area and returns. [Figure 13A] This is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an example of someone cutting off the price tag, leaving the fitting room area, and not returning. [Figure 13B] This is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing an example of someone cutting off the price tag, leaving the fitting room area, and not returning. [Figure 14A] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an example in which the product is returned to the store clerk while the customer remains in the individual fitting room. [Figure 14B] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing an example in which the product is returned to the store clerk while the customer remains in the individual fitting room. [Figure 15A] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an example in which a customer returns an item to a sales clerk while remaining in a private fitting room and receives another item from the sales clerk. [Figure 15B] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing an example in which a customer returns an item to a sales clerk while remaining in a private fitting room and receives another item from the sales clerk. [Figure 16A] This is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an example in which a customer hides an item in their bag while in a private fitting room and takes it home. [Figure 16B] This is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing an example in which a customer hides an item in their bag and takes it home while in a private fitting room. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a notification is sent to a terminal device 21 installed at the entrance to a fitting room area. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a notification is made to a terminal device 21 of a store clerk. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of a notification system, a notification method, a program, and a non-transitory recording medium for recording the program according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The disclosed technology is not limited to these embodiments.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) First, in embodiment 1, the basic functions of the notification system will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the notification system according to embodiment 1. Notification system 10 includes fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 101, fitting room area reader 102, individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 103, individual fitting room reader 104, and output control unit 105.

[0015] The fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 101 detects whether a user enters or exits a fitting room area where individual fitting rooms are provided. For example, a fitting room area is an area where individual fitting rooms are provided. The fitting room area is equipped with individual fitting rooms and mirrors that can be used by users of the individual fitting rooms. For example, an individual fitting room is a private room where a user can actually change clothes in order to try on products. The user here is a customer who uses the fitting rooms in the store. Specifically, for example, the fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 101 detects whether a user enters or exits the fitting room area by detecting the user with a human presence sensor. The human presence sensor is installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area. Alternatively, for example, the fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 101 detects the user from an image captured by an imaging device. The imaging device is installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area. Alternatively, for example, the fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 101 detects whether a customer has entered or left the fitting room area by reading tag identification information from an RFID tag included in a shopping basket or a band worn by the customer via a reader. The reader is installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area.

[0016] When a user enters or leaves the fitting room area, the fitting room area reading unit 102 reads the product identification information of the product from the price tag of the product, which includes an RFID tag, via a reading device installed at the entrance or exit of the fitting room area.

[0017] The individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 103 detects whether a customer enters or exits an individual fitting room. Specifically, for example, the individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 103 detects whether a customer enters or exits an individual fitting room by detecting whether a door to the individual fitting room is opened or closed. For example, if a curtain is installed instead of a door, the individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 103 detects whether a customer enters or exits an individual fitting room by detecting whether the curtain is opened or closed using a magnet or the like. Alternatively, for example, the individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 103 detects whether a customer enters or exits an individual fitting room by detecting a human presence sensor. Alternatively, for example, the individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 103 detects whether a customer enters or exits an individual fitting room by detecting the customer's weight using a weight sensor on a mat laid on the floor of the individual fitting room. Alternatively, for example, the individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 103 may detect a user's entry / exit to an individual fitting room by reading tag identification information from an RFID tag included in a basket or a band worn by the user.

[0018] The individual fitting room reader 104 reads the product identification information of the product from the RFID tag via a reader installed in the individual fitting room.

[0019] The output control unit 105 issues an alert when the combination of the reading status of the price tag tag in the individual fitting room, the entry / exit status of the customer in the individual fitting room, the entry / exit status of the customer in the fitting room area, and the reading status of the price tag tag in the fitting room area is abnormal. Specific examples of normal and abnormal combinations will be described in detail using Embodiment 2. The output control unit 105 may issue the alert via, for example, a terminal device. Furthermore, the output control unit 105 may issue the alert by, for example, controlling the lighting of a lighting device for each individual fitting room. The lighting control may be controlled to turn on, blink, or turn off, or may control the lighting color. For example, the output control unit 105 may issue the alert by lighting the lighting device in a specific color or by changing the lighting method of the lighting device to a specific lighting method. The output control unit 105 may issue the alert by, for example, outputting an audio signal from an audio output device. Thus, the output device used for the alert is not particularly limited.

[0020] (flowchart) 2 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the notification system 10 according to embodiment 1. The fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 101 detects entry / exit to the fitting room area (step S101). The fitting room area reading unit 102 reads product identification information from a price tag at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area (step S102).

[0021] The individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 103 detects whether a customer has entered or left the individual fitting room (step S103). The individual fitting room reading unit 104 reads product identification information from the price tag in the individual fitting room via a reading device installed in the individual fitting room (step S104).

[0022] The output control unit 105 determines whether the combination of the reading status of the price tag in the individual fitting room, the entry / exit status of the customer in the individual fitting room, the entry / exit status of the customer in the fitting room area, and the reading status of the price tag in the fitting room area is normal (step S105). If the combination is normal (step S105: Yes), the notification system 10 returns to step S101. If the combination is not normal (step S105: No), the output control unit 105 issues a notification (step S106). Then, after step S106, the notification system 10 returns to step S101. In this way, the notification system 10 repeats each reading and each detection, and issues a notification if an abnormality is found. The flowchart may be ended as appropriate.

[0023] As described above, in the first embodiment, the alarm system 10 detects entry and exit at the entrance to the fitting room area and reads the price tag tags of products, and detects entry and exit at the individual fitting rooms and reads the price tag tags. If the combination of the entry and exit status at the entrance and the price tag tag reading status, and the entry and exit status at the individual fitting rooms and the price tag tag reading status are abnormal, the alarm is issued. This allows for more accurate shoplifting alerts, which in turn helps to curb shoplifting.

[0024] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, specific examples will be given of cases where the combination of the reading status of the price tag tag in the individual fitting room, the entry and exit status of the customer in the individual fitting room, the entry and exit status of the customer in the fitting room area, and the reading status of the price tag tag in the fitting room area is normal and abnormal. In addition, in the second embodiment, an example will be given of using images captured by an imaging device to detect the entry and exit of the customer in the fitting room area. In addition, in the second embodiment, an example will be given of using a sensor to detect the entry and exit of the customer in the individual fitting room. Below, to the extent that the description of the second embodiment is not unclear, explanations that overlap with the above description will be omitted.

[0025] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a connection between the notification system and other devices. For example, the notification system 20 is connected to terminal devices 21 via a communication network NT. The number of terminal devices 21 is not particularly limited. The terminal devices 21 may be terminal devices 21 of store clerks, terminal devices 21 of customers, or terminal devices 21 installed in the store. In FIG. 3, the types of terminal devices 21 are not particularly limited, and may include personal computers (PCs), smartphones, tablet devices, signage, etc. For example, in FIG. 3, terminal device 21-1 is a smartphone or tablet device, and terminal device 21-2 is signage. For example, terminal device 21-1 may be a terminal device 21 installed in an individual fitting room, a terminal device of a store clerk, or a terminal device of a customer. For example, terminal device 21-2, which is signage, may be installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area. Note that, hereinafter, when each terminal device 21 is not specified, it will be referred to as terminal device 21.

[0026] For example, the notification system 20 is connected via the communication network NT to an imaging device 22 installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area. The imaging device 22 is used, for example, to detect when a customer enters or exits the fitting room area. The notification system 20 is connected via the communication network NT to a reading device 23 installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area. The reading device 23 is an RFID reader. These features make it possible to identify customers entering the fitting room area and the products they bring into the fitting room. Furthermore, it is possible to identify customers leaving the fitting room area and the products they are carrying when they leave the fitting room area.

[0027] Furthermore, the notification system 20 is connected to a reading device 24 installed in the return area. The reading device 24 is an RFID reader. This makes it possible to identify products returned to the return area.

[0028] The notification system 20 is connected to a reading device 25 installed in each individual fitting room via a communication network NT. For example, a reading device 25 is installed in each individual fitting room. The reading device 25 is an RFID reader. The notification system 20 is also connected to a human presence sensor 26 installed in each individual fitting room via the communication network NT. This makes it possible to identify the products that a customer has brought into the individual fitting room.

[0029] Furthermore, the alarm system 20 may be connected to a lighting device via the communication network NT. The lighting device may be installed at the entrance to each individual fitting room. The lighting device may be installed next to the door of the individual fitting room. The lighting device may be used, for example, to call a store clerk or to alert shoplifters.

[0030] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the installation of each reading device, motion sensor 26, and imaging device 22. In FIG. 4, the fitting room area has multiple individual fitting rooms. In FIG. 4, there are six individual fitting rooms. Each individual fitting room is equipped with a reading device 25 and a motion sensor 26. In FIG. 4, a reading device 23 and an imaging device 22 are installed at the entrance and exit of the fitting room area. In FIG. 4, a reading device 24 is installed in the return area.

[0031] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of data stored in an RFID tag. The RFID tag is included in a price tag. The price tag contains information such as the size, price, and name of the product. For example, the RFID tag is included between the pieces of paper in the price tag. The RFID tag stores, for example, product identification information that identifies the product. The product identification information is not particularly limited as long as it is information that can identify the product.

[0032] The RFID tag may further store tag identification information for identifying the RFID tag. The tag identification information is not particularly limited as long as it is information that can identify the RFID tag.

[0033] 6 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of notification system 20 according to embodiment 2. Notification system 20 includes fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201, fitting room area reading unit 202, individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203, individual fitting room reading unit 204, output control unit 205, and return area reading unit 206. Notification system 20 further includes return area reading unit 206 in addition to the components of notification system 20 according to embodiment 1.

[0034] The fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 has, as its basic function, the function of the fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 101 described in embodiment 1. The fitting room area reading unit 202 has, as its basic function, the function of the fitting room area reading unit 102 described in embodiment 1. The individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 has, as its basic function, the function of the individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 103 described in embodiment 1. The individual fitting room reading unit 204 has, as its basic function, the function of the individual fitting room reading unit 104 described in embodiment 1. The output control unit 205 has, as its basic function, the function of the output control unit 105 described in embodiment 1.

[0035] The notification system 20 includes a product DB (DataBase) 2001, a fitting room area history DB 2002, and an individual fitting room history DB 2003.

[0036] The product DB 2001 stores product information for each product. For example, the product DB 2001 stores product identification information in association with product information. The product information may include, for example, product name, product price, product size, product color, and product display location in a store. For example, when product identification information is read from an RFID tag, product information associated with the product identification information can be obtained from the product DB 2001.

[0037] The fitting room area history DB 2002 stores the detection results of entry and exit to the fitting room area and the reading results of the reading device 23 at the entrance and exit of the fitting room area.

[0038] The individual fitting room history DB 2003 stores the detection results of entry and exit to the individual fitting rooms and the reading results of the reading device 25 in the individual fitting rooms.

[0039] Each functional unit will be explained.

[0040] The fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects when a user enters or exits a fitting room area in which individual fitting rooms are provided. For example, the fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects when a user enters the fitting room area from images captured by the imaging device 22. Alternatively, for example, the fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects when a user leaves the fitting room area from images captured by the imaging device 22. Each detection result is stored in the fitting room area history DB 2002.

[0041] When a customer enters or leaves the fitting room area, the fitting room area reader 202 reads product identification information from the price tag of the product, including the RFID tag, via a reader 23 installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area. The reading results are stored in the fitting room area history DB 2002.

[0042] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of storage in the fitting room area history DB2002. The fitting room area history DB2002 stores, for each user who entered the fitting room area, the date and time of entry and the product identification information read from the price tag tag. For example, the fitting room area history DB2002 also stores, for each user who left the fitting room, the date and time of exit and the product identification information read from the price tag tag. The fitting room area history DB2002 stores user identification information that identifies a user, entry / exit information, date and time information, and product identification information in association with each other. The user identification information is not particularly limited as long as it can identify a user. If it can authenticate a user, the user identification information may also be identification information that identifies an authenticated user. Alternatively, the user identification information may be a provisionally assigned user ID. In FIG. 7, the entry / exit information is, for example, information indicating whether a user's entry or exit was detected. The date and time information is information that indicates the date and time when entry or exit was detected, or information that indicates the date and time when the product identification information was read.

[0043] The fitting room area history DB 2002 may store images of users taken by the imaging device 22 for each user.

[0044] The individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 detects when a user enters or exits an individual fitting room. For example, the individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 detects when a user enters an individual fitting room using the motion sensor 26. More specifically, as a method of detecting entry using the motion sensor 26, the individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 detects a user as entering the individual fitting room when the motion sensor 26 changes from not detecting a user in the individual fitting room to detecting a user. Furthermore, the individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 detects when a user leaves the individual fitting room using the motion sensor 26. More specifically, as a method of detecting exit using the motion sensor 26, the individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 detects when the motion sensor 26 changes from detecting a user in the individual fitting room to not detecting a user.

[0045] Next, the individual fitting room reader 204 reads the product identification information from the price tag via the reader 25 installed in the individual fitting room. For example, the user is identified by matching the product identification information read by the individual fitting room reader 204 with the product identification information read by the fitting room area reader 202. If there are multiple individual fitting rooms in the fitting room area, the individual fitting room reader 204 reads the price tag of the product in that individual fitting room on an individual fitting room basis. In other words, the individual fitting room reader 204 does not read the price tag of the product in an adjacent individual fitting room. Specifically, for example, the individual fitting room reader 204 obtains the product identification information of the product presumed to be in the individual fitting room by comparing the RSSI value received from the RFID tag included in the price tag with a threshold value. Here, the individual fitting room reader 204 can detect changes in the reception level by comparing the RSSI value with a threshold value. Here, the individual fitting room reader 204 is capable of detecting changes in reception level that may indicate that an item with a price tag has been placed in a bag, box, or the like in the individual fitting room. For example, if a customer leaves the individual fitting room while still holding an item with a price tag, the individual fitting room reader 204 will detect a change in reception level when reading the price tag. On the other hand, the individual fitting room reader 204 will not detect a change in reception level that simply occurs when the item moves within the individual fitting room.

[0046] 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of storage in the individual fitting room history DB 2003. For example, the individual fitting room history DB 2003 stores, in association with one another, individual fitting room identification information that identifies an individual fitting room, the user identification information of the user who entered the individual fitting room, the entry and exit status, the date and time, and the product identification information read from the price tag. Here, the user identification information is set based on a match between the product identification information read by the individual fitting room reader 204 and the product identification information read by the fitting room area reader 202. For example, if product X, product Y, and product Z are read by the individual fitting room reader 204, then the user identification information A was used when product X, product Y, and product Z were read by the fitting room area reader 202 at the most recent date and time in FIG. 7. Therefore, A is set as the user identification information in the individual fitting room history DB 2003 in FIG. 8.

[0047] For example, the entry and exit states refer to the state of entering, leaving, or remaining in an individual fitting room. As a result, the individual fitting room history DB 2003 can store the date and time of entry into an individual fitting room and the product identification information read, the date and time of exit from an individual fitting room and the product identification information read, and the date and time when the reception level of the product identification information changed while the user was in the individual fitting room and the product identification information read.

[0048] For example, the return area reading unit 206 reads the product identification information from the price tag via the reading device 24 installed in the return area.

[0049] For example, the output control unit 205 may cause the number of price tags read in the individual fitting room to be displayed on the terminal device 21 installed in the individual fitting room as the number of items brought into the individual fitting room by the customer. Also, for example, the output control unit 205 may cause the number of price tags read at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area when entering the fitting room area to be displayed on the terminal device 21 installed in the individual fitting room as the number of items brought into the fitting room area by the customer.

[0050] As explained in the first embodiment, the output control unit 205 issues an alert when the combination of the price tag reading status in the individual fitting room, the customer entry / exit status in the individual fitting room, the customer entry / exit status at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area, and the price tag reading status at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area is not normal. Whether the combination is normal may be determined by checking whether the time series combination is normal.

[0051] On the other hand, for example, the output control unit 105 may not issue an alert if the combination of the price tag tag reading status in the individual fitting room, the customer entry / exit status in the individual fitting room, the customer entry / exit status at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area, and the price tag tag reading status at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area is normal. Alternatively, for example, the output control unit 105 may output a signal indicating normal operation if the combination of the price tag tag reading status in the individual fitting room, the customer entry / exit status in the individual fitting room, the customer entry / exit status at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area, and the price tag tag reading status at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area is normal. The output control unit 105 may, for example, display a notification indicating that there is no problem on the terminal device. Furthermore, the output control unit 105 may, for example, notify the user that there is no problem by controlling the lighting of a lighting device for each individual fitting room. Controlling the lighting may include turning the light on, blinking, or off, or may also include controlling the color of the light. For example, the output control unit 105 may, as a notification, light up the lighting device in a specific color, or may change the lighting method of the lighting device to a specific lighting method. The specific color here may be, for example, a color different from the color used to notify when the combination is abnormal. The specific lighting method here may be a lighting method different from the lighting method used to notify when the combination is abnormal. In other words, it is sufficient that the notification when the combination is abnormal and the notification when the combination is normal can be distinguished. The output control unit 105 may, for example, notify the normality by audio output from an audio output device. In this way, the output device used for notification is not particularly limited.

[0052] (Examples of typical user movements in the fitting room area and their detection and reading) First, a description will be given of typical user movements in the fitting room area, and detection and reading of typical user movements in the fitting room area and in individual fitting rooms.

[0053] 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of typical user movements in the fitting room area. In FIGS. 9A and 9B, the individual fitting rooms described in each step are the same. First, a user enters the fitting room area to try on clothes. The fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects the user's entry into the fitting room area, and the fitting room area reader 202 reads product identification information from the RFID tags attached to the products the user is carrying via the reader 23 (step S201). The product identification information for three products is read at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area. Note that in step S201, the individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 fails to detect the user's entry or exit, and the individual fitting room reader 204 fails to read any product identification information.

[0054] Next, the customer enters the individual fitting room to try on the items. Individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 detects the customer's entry into the individual fitting room using human presence sensor 26, and individual fitting room reader 204 reads the product identification information from the RFID tags attached to the items the customer has brought into the individual fitting room via reader 25 (step S202). Note that because the customer has already entered the individual fitting room, fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 does not detect the customer's entry into the fitting room area in step S202, and fitting room area reader 202 is unable to read any product identification information via reader 23.

[0055] Then, when the customer has finished trying on the clothes, he or she leaves the individual fitting room with the three items. The individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 detects the customer's exit from the individual fitting room using the human presence sensor 26 (step S203). In step S203, the individual fitting room reading unit 204 is unable to read any of the product identification information via the reading device 25. Also, since the customer has just left the individual fitting room, they have not yet arrived at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area. Therefore, in step S203, the fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects that the customer has left the fitting room area. from Therefore, the fitting room area reader 202 does not detect the user's exit from the fitting room, and the reader 23 is unable to read any of the product identification information.

[0056] After leaving the individual fitting room, the customer leaves the fitting room area with the items in hand. The fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects the customer's exit from the fitting room area via the imaging device 22, and the fitting room area reading unit 202 reads the item identification information from the RFID tags attached to the items the customer is carrying via the reading device 23 (step S204). The item identification information for the three items is read at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area. Note that in step S204, the individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 is unable to detect the customer's entry or exit, and the individual fitting room reading unit 204 is unable to read any of the item identification information. Here, the item identification information read upon the customer's entry matches the item identification information read upon their exit.

[0057] This concludes the explanation of each detection and reading example when a user typically uses a fitting room. Note that when at least some of the items are returned to the return area, the product identification information read by reader 24 installed in the return area and the product identification information read by reader 23 installed at the entrance to the fitting room area upon leaving the room will match the product identification information read by reader 23 installed at the entrance to the fitting room area upon entering the room.

[0058] (Notification when price tags are removed in individual fitting rooms) Shoplifting, in which customers remove price tags from items and then take them away, while leaving the price tags in the individual fitting rooms, has become a problem. Therefore, for example, if a customer is detected leaving a fitting room, an alert could be issued if the price tags remain in the fitting room. However, if a customer tries on an item and then leaves the fitting room to check in a mirror or other location in the fitting room, an alert could be issued even if there are other items in the fitting room besides the item being tried on.

[0059] Therefore, for example, the output control unit 205 issues an alert when it detects that a customer has left the fitting room area if a price tag tag is left in the fitting room.On the other hand, the output control means does not issue an alert when it detects that a customer has left the fitting room area if a price tag tag is left in the fitting room.

[0060] When a notification is sent to the terminal device 21, for example, the output control unit 205 may cause the terminal device 21 to display, along with a warning, individual fitting room identification information that identifies the individual fitting room used by the user. Alternatively, for example, the output control unit 205 may cause a map of the fitting room area to be displayed, and a warning displayed on the map for the individual fitting room used by the user. Alternatively, for example, the output control unit 205 may cause a map of the fitting room area to be displayed, and the individual fitting rooms used by users whose combinations are determined to be incorrect may be distinguishably displayed on the map. For example, the output control unit 205 may highlight the individual fitting rooms used by users whose combinations are determined to be incorrect on the map.

[0061] The output control unit 205 may also control the lighting of a lighting device corresponding to the individual fitting room used by the user. For example, the output control unit 205 may also output the name and image of a product identified by the product identification information read in the individual fitting room used by the user.

[0062] For example, when notifying a customer, since the customer has left the individual fitting room, the output control unit 205 may notify the terminal device 21 installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area. If the customer is authenticated and the notification system 20 has information about the terminal device 21 that can notify the customer individually, the output control unit 205 may notify the customer's terminal device 21. In this case, the customer may simply have left an item in the individual fitting room, or the customer may have committed shoplifting. Therefore, when notifying a customer, the output control unit 205 may display a warning on the terminal device 21, such as "Have you left any items in the fitting room?" This also allows the customer to know that the store is aware of the customer's movements, such as leaving items behind, which can help prevent shoplifting.

[0063] When notifying a store clerk, the output control unit 205 may notify the store clerk's terminal device 21. When notifying a store clerk, the output control unit 205 may control the lighting of a lighting device corresponding to the individual fitting room used by the customer. When notifying a store clerk, the output control unit 205 may notify the terminal device 21 installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area. When notifying a store clerk, the output control unit 205 may output a captured image of the customer to the store clerk's terminal device 21.

[0064] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing an example in which a customer's exit from a private fitting room is detected and a price tag is left in the fitting room, but the customer's exit from the fitting room area is not detected. In FIGS. 10A and 10B, an example is shown in which a customer tries on an item in a private fitting room and temporarily leaves the fitting room but does not leave the fitting room area. For example, it is expected that the customer will try on an item in the private fitting room, temporarily leave the fitting room, and look in a mirror installed in the fitting room area or have a store clerk or other person check their appearance. Note that the private fitting room described in each step in FIGS. 10A and 10B is the same private fitting room.

[0065] First, a customer enters the fitting room area to try on clothes. The fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects the customer's entry into the fitting room area, and the fitting room area reader 202 reads product identification information from the RFID tags attached to the products the customer is carrying via the reader 23 (step S211). The product identification information for three products is read at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area. Note that in step S211, the individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 is unable to detect the customer's entry or exit, and the individual fitting room reader 204 is unable to read any of the product identification information.

[0066] Next, the customer enters the individual fitting room to try on the items. Individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 detects the customer's entry into the individual fitting room using human presence sensor 26, and individual fitting room reader 204 reads the product identification information from the RFID tags attached to the items the customer has brought into the individual fitting room via reader 25 (step S212). Note that because the customer has already entered the individual fitting room, fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 does not detect the customer's entry into the fitting room area in step S212, and fitting room area reader 202 is unable to read any product identification information via reader 23.

[0067] After trying on the items, the customer leaves the individual fitting room while still wearing them. At this time, the customer leaves two items in the individual fitting room. The individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 detects the customer's exit from the individual fitting room using the human presence sensor 26 (step S213). That is, even though the customer has left the individual fitting room, the price tag remains in the individual fitting room. In step S213, the individual fitting room reading unit 204 reads the product identification information of two items via the reading device 25, but is unable to read the product identification information of one item. Although the customer has left the individual fitting room, they have not left the fitting room area. In step S213, the fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects the customer's exit from the fitting room area from Therefore, the fitting room area reader 202 does not detect the user's exit from the fitting room, and the reader 23 is unable to read any of the product identification information.

[0068] The customer then returns to the individual fitting room. The individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 detects the customer's entry into the individual fitting room using the motion sensor 26, and the individual fitting room reading unit 204 reads the product identification information of the three products using the reading device 25 (step S214). In step S214, the fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 does not detect the customer's exit from the fitting room area using the imaging device 22, and the fitting room area reading unit 202 is unable to read any product identification information using the reading device 23.

[0069] For example, if the output control unit 205 detects that a user has left an individual fitting room and a price tag is still remaining in the fitting room (e.g., step S213), the output control unit 205 does not issue an alert because it does not detect that a user has left the fitting room area.

[0070] 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams showing an example in which a customer's exit from a private fitting room is detected, a price tag is left in the fitting room, and the customer's exit from the fitting room area is detected. In FIGS. 11A and 11B, the customer removes the price tag from the product in the private fitting room. ofAn example will be described in which the individual fitting rooms are removed, left, and then left again from the fitting room area. Note that the individual fitting rooms described in each step in Figures 11A and 11B are the same individual fitting rooms.

[0071] First, a customer enters the fitting room area to try on clothes. The fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects the customer's entry into the fitting room area, and the fitting room area reading unit 202 reads the product identification information of the three products via the reading device 23 (step S221). The product identification information of the three products is read at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area. Note that in step S221, the individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 is unable to detect the customer's entry or exit, and the individual fitting room reading unit 204 is unable to read any of the product identification information.

[0072] Next, the customer enters the individual fitting room to try on the items. Individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 detects the customer's entry into the individual fitting room using human presence sensor 26, and individual fitting room reader 204 reads the product identification information from the RFID tags attached to the items the customer has brought into the individual fitting room via reader 25 (step S222). Note that because the customer has already entered the individual fitting room, fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 does not detect the customer's entry into the fitting room area in step S222, and fitting room area reader 202 is unable to read any product identification information via reader 23.

[0073] The customer then removes the price tag from one of the items and hides the item in their bag. from Since the user is in the individual fitting room, the individual fitting room reading unit 204 does not detect the user's exit from the fitting room area, and so the individual fitting room reading unit 204 reads the product identification information of the three products via the reading device 25 (step S223). Since the user is in the individual fitting room, in step S223 the fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 does not detect the user's entry into the fitting room area, and the fitting room area reading unit 202 is unable to read any product identification information via the reading device 23.

[0074] Next, the customer leaves the individual fitting room with the two items and one item hidden in the bag. The individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 detects the customer's exit from the individual fitting room using the human sensor 26, and the individual fitting room reading unit 204 reads the product identification information of one item via the reading device 25 (step S224). In other words, even though the customer has left the individual fitting room, the price tag remains in the individual fitting room. In step S224, the customer has left the individual fitting room but has not left the fitting room area. In step S224, the fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects the customer's exit from the fitting room area from Therefore, the fitting room area reader 202 does not detect the user's exit from the fitting room, and the reader 23 is unable to read any of the product identification information.

[0075] The customer then leaves the fitting room area. The fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects the customer's exit from the fitting room area via the imaging device 22, and the fitting room area reading unit 202 reads the two pieces of product identification information via the reading device 23 (step S225). Note that in step S225, the individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 fails to detect the customer's entry or exit, and the individual fitting room reading unit 204 reads the product identification information of the product from the removed price tag.

[0076] For example, if the output control unit 205 detects that a user has left an individual fitting room and a price tag is left in the fitting room, the output control unit 205 will issue a notification when the user's departure from the fitting room area is detected. This concludes the description of Figures 11A and 11B.

[0077] In addition, customers may leave the fitting room area while trying on an item and go to get another item from the store's display shelves. In such cases, the customer may leave some of the items in the individual fitting room and leave the fitting room area. In such cases, the customer's departure from the individual fitting room is detected, and the price tag will remain in the individual fitting room.

[0078] Therefore, when a customer's exit from an individual fitting room is detected, the output control unit 205 will not issue an alert if a price tag tag remains in the individual fitting room, the customer's exit from the fitting room area is detected, and then a customer's entry into the fitting room area is detected within a predetermined time after the customer's exit from the fitting room area is detected. The predetermined time is determined in advance based on, for example, the customer's general walking speed, the distance from the fitting room area to each display shelf in the store, the size of the store, etc. On the other hand, for example, when a customer's exit from an individual fitting room is detected, the output control unit 205 will issue an alert if a price tag tag remains in the individual fitting room, the customer's exit from the fitting room area is detected, and yet a customer's entry into the fitting room area is not detected within the predetermined time after the customer's exit from the fitting room area is detected.

[0079] 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams showing an example in which a customer temporarily leaves a private fitting room after trying on items, then leaves the fitting room area and returns. In FIGS. 12A and 12B, an example is shown in which a customer tries on items in a private fitting room, leaves some of the items in the private fitting room, leaves the private fitting room, and then returns after leaving the fitting room area. Note that the private fitting room described in each step in FIGS. 12A and 12B is the same private fitting room.

[0080] First, a customer enters the fitting room area to try on clothes. The fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects the customer's entry into the fitting room area, and the fitting room area reading unit 202 reads the product identification information of the three products via the reading device 23 (step S231). The product identification information of the three products is read at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area. Note that in step S231, the individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 is unable to detect the customer's entry or exit, and the individual fitting room reading unit 204 is unable to read any of the product identification information.

[0081] Next, the customer enters the individual fitting room to try on the items. Individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 detects the customer's entry into the individual fitting room using human presence sensor 26, and individual fitting room reader 204 reads the product identification information from the RFID tags attached to the items the customer has brought into the individual fitting room via reader 25 (step S232). Note that because the customer has already entered the individual fitting room, fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 does not detect the customer's entry into the fitting room area in step S232, and fitting room area reader 202 is unable to read any product identification information via reader 23.

[0082] The individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 detects whether or not the customer has tried on one item and is still wearing that item. from The fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects the customer's exit from the fitting room area, and the individual fitting room reading unit 204 reads the product identification information of the two products via the reading device 25 (step S233). In other words, even though the customer has left the individual fitting room, the price tags remain in the individual fitting room. In step S233, the fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 does not detect the customer's exit from the fitting room area, and the fitting room area reading unit 202 is unable to read any product identification information via the reading device 23.

[0083] The customer then leaves the fitting room area while still wearing one item. The fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects the customer's exit from the fitting room area via the imaging device 22, and the fitting room area reading unit 202 reads one item's identification information via the reading device 23 (step S234). Note that in step S234, the individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 fails to detect the customer's entry or exit, and the individual fitting room reading unit 204 reads the item identification information for two items.

[0084] The customer leaves the fitting room area with another item and then returns to the fitting room area within a predetermined time. The fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects the customer's entry into the fitting room area via the imaging device 22, and the fitting room area reading unit 202 reads the two pieces of product identification information via the reading device 23 (step S235). In step S235, the individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 fails to detect the customer's entry or exit, and the individual fitting room reading unit 204 reads the product identification information for the two items.

[0085] For example, if the output control unit 205 detects that a user has left an individual fitting room and a price tag is remaining in the individual fitting room (e.g., step S233), and if the output control unit 205 detects that a user has left the fitting room area (e.g., step S234), and if the output control unit 205 detects that a user has entered the fitting room area within a predetermined time after the output control unit 205 detects that a user has left the fitting room area (e.g., step S235), it will not issue an alert.

[0086] The customer returns to the individual fitting room and tries on the items. Individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 detects the customer's entry into the individual fitting room using human presence sensor 26, and individual fitting room reading unit 204 reads the product identification information of the four items via reading device 25 (step S236). This completes the description of Figures 12A and 12B.

[0087] 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams showing an example in which a customer cuts off a price tag, leaves the fitting room area, and does not return. In FIGS. 13A and 13B, a customer removes a price tag from an item in a private fitting room. of An example will be described in which the individual fitting rooms are removed, left, and then left again from the fitting room area. Note that the individual fitting rooms described in each step in Figures 13A and 13B are the same individual fitting rooms.

[0088] First, a customer enters the fitting room area to try on clothes. The fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects the customer's entry into the fitting room area, and the fitting room area reading unit 202 reads the product identification information of the three products via the reading device 23 (step S241). The product identification information of the three products is read at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area. Note that in step S241, the individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 is unable to detect the customer's entry or exit, and the individual fitting room reading unit 204 is unable to read any of the product identification information.

[0089] Next, the customer enters the individual fitting room to try on the items. Individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 detects the customer's entry into the individual fitting room using human presence sensor 26, and individual fitting room reader 204 reads the product identification information from the RFID tags attached to the items the customer brought into the individual fitting room using reader 25 (step S242). Note that because the customer has already entered the individual fitting room, fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 does not detect the customer's entry into the fitting room area in step S242, and fitting room area reader 202 is unable to read any product identification information using reader 23.

[0090] The customer then removes the price tag from one of the items. The customer then leaves the individual fitting room with the two items and the one item from which the price tag has been removed. The individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 detects the customer's exit from the individual fitting room using the motion sensor 26, and the individual fitting room reading unit 204 reads the product identification information of the one item via the reading device 25 (step S243). In other words, even though the customer has left the individual fitting room, the price tag remains in the individual fitting room. Step S24 3 In step S243, the fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects whether the user has left the individual fitting room but has not yet left the fitting room area. from Therefore, the fitting room area reader 202 does not detect the user's exit from the fitting room, and the reader 23 is unable to read any of the product identification information.

[0091] The customer then leaves the fitting room area. The fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects the customer's exit from the fitting room area via the imaging device 22, and the fitting room area reading unit 202 reads the two pieces of product identification information via the reading device 23 (step S244). Note that in step S244, the individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 fails to detect the customer's entry or exit, and the individual fitting room reading unit 204 reads the product identification information from the removed price tag.

[0092] After that, the customer does not return to the fitting room area even after a predetermined time has passed since their exit from the fitting room area was detected. The fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 does not detect the customer's entry into the fitting room area via the imaging device 22, and the fitting room area reading unit 202 does not read any product identification information via the reading device 23 (step S245). Note that in step S245, the individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 fails to detect the customer's entry or exit, and the individual fitting room reading unit 204 reads the product identification information from the removed price tag.

[0093] The output control unit 205 issues an alert when it detects that a user has left an individual fitting room and a price tag is still remaining in the individual fitting room (e.g., step S243), or when it detects that a user has left the fitting room area and no user has entered the fitting room area within a predetermined time since it detected that the user left the fitting room area (e.g., step S245). This concludes the explanation of Figures 13A and 13B.

[0094] (Notification when an item is hidden in a bag) Shoplifting, where customers hide items in bags or other items with the price tag still attached and take them home, has become a problem in fitting rooms. It would be desirable to issue an alert when such shoplifting occurs. For example, an alert could be issued if the reception level becomes low when the price tag is read even though the customer is still in the fitting room. However, even if the customer returns the item to a store clerk or other person while still in the fitting room, an alert would still be issued because the reception level becomes low when the price tag is read.

[0095] For example, it is expected that when a store clerk receives an item returned by a customer in a private fitting room, the store clerk will leave the fitting room area to return the item. More specifically, when a customer is in a private fitting room, the store clerk will read the customer's name from the reading device 2 installed in the private fitting room. 5 If a change in reception level is detected when reading the price tag via the reading device 2 and the product does not leave the fitting room area after that, it is possible that the product has been hidden in a bag or the like. 5 If a change in the reception level is detected when reading the price tag via the reading device 202 and the product then leaves the fitting room area, it is assumed that the product has been returned. 5 and a change in reception level is detected in reading the price tag via the reader 2 installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area within a second predetermined time after the change in reception level is detected. 3 When the price tag cannot be read via the reader 204, the output control unit 205 notifies the user if the price tag cannot be read via the reader 204. Here, the second predetermined time is determined in advance based on, for example, the general walking speed of the customer and the store clerk and the distance from the individual fitting room to the entrance / exit of the fitting room area. When the customer is in the individual fitting room, the output control unit 205 notifies the user if the price tag cannot be read via the reader 204. 5 When a change in the reception level is detected during reading of the price tag via the reader 2, 5 Within a second predetermined time after a change in the reception level is detected in the 3 If the price tag is read via the

[0096] For example, when notifying a customer, if the customer has not yet left the individual fitting room, the output control unit 205 may notify the terminal device 21 installed in the individual fitting room the customer is using. Alternatively, if the customer has left the individual fitting room, the output control unit 205 may notify the terminal device 21 installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area. Alternatively, if lighting devices are installed at the entrances / exits of the individual fitting rooms, the output control unit 205 may control the lighting of the lighting device corresponding to the individual fitting room the customer is using. In this way, the store can inform the customer that it is aware of the customer's movements, such as leaving behind items, and shoplifting can be discouraged.

[0097] Furthermore, for example, when notifying a store clerk, the output control unit 205 may notify the store clerk's terminal device 21. When notifying a store clerk, the output control unit 205 may control the lighting of a lighting device corresponding to the individual fitting room used by the customer. When notifying a store clerk, the output control unit 205 may notify a terminal device 21 installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area.

[0098] Furthermore, for example, when a store clerk receives an item returned by a customer in a private fitting room, the clerk is expected to place the returned item in the return area. For example, when a customer is in a private fitting room, the reading device 2 installed in the private fitting room 5If a change in reception level is detected when reading the price tag via the reader 24 and the product is not subsequently returned to the return area, it is possible that the product has been hidden in a bag or the like. On the other hand, if the product is returned to the return area, the price tag is read via the reader 24 installed in the return area. Therefore, if a change in reception level is detected when reading the price tag and the price tag cannot be read via the reader 24 installed in the return area within a second predetermined time after the change in reception level is detected while the customer is in an individual fitting room, the output control unit 205 issues an alert. An alert is issued when the product has not been returned to the return area. If a change in reception level is detected when reading the price tag and the price tag is read via the reader 24 installed in the return area within a second predetermined time after the change in reception level is detected while the customer is in an individual fitting room, the output control unit 205 does not issue an alert. An alert is not issued when the product is returned to the return area.

[0099] 14A and 14B are explanatory diagrams showing an example in which products are returned to a store clerk while the customer remains in the individual fitting room. Note that the individual fitting rooms described in each step in FIGS. 14A and 14B are the same individual fitting rooms. First, the customer enters the fitting room area to try on clothes. The fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects the customer's entry into the fitting room area, and the fitting room area reader 202 reads the product identification information of the three products via the reader 23 at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area (step S251). Note that in step S251, the individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 fails to detect the customer's entry or exit, and the individual fitting room reader 204 fails to read any of the product identification information.

[0100] Next, the customer enters the individual fitting room to try on the items. The individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 detects the customer's entry into the individual fitting room using the motion sensor 26, and the individual fitting room reading unit 204 reads the product identification information of the three items via the reading device 25 (step S252). Note that because the customer has already entered the individual fitting room, the fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 does not detect the customer's entry into the fitting room area in step S252, and the fitting room area reading unit 202 is unable to read any product identification information via the reading device 23.

[0101] The customer then returns one item to the store clerk. The store clerk then leaves with the returned item. The individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 detects whether the customer is in the individual fitting room or not using the human presence sensor 26. from Without detecting the customer's exit, individual fitting room reader 204 reads the product identification information of the two items via reader 25 (step S253). In step S253, individual fitting room entry / exit detector 203 detects that the product identification information of one of the returned items can no longer be read, or that the reception level of the product identification information of one of the returned items has decreased. In other words, when a customer is in an individual fitting room, a change in the reception level is detected when reading one of the price tags.

[0102] Next, the salesperson leaves the fitting room area with the returned items. The fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects the salesperson's exit from the fitting room area, and the fitting room area reading unit 202 reads the item identification information of the returned items via the reading device 23 (step S254).

[0103] When the user is in the individual fitting room, the output control unit 205 outputs the ID of the user to the reading device 2 installed in the individual fitting room. 5 and a change in reception level is detected in reading the price tag tag via the reader 23, and within a second predetermined time after the change in reception level is detected by the reader 23, the reader 23 installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area 3No notification is issued because the price tag was read via the reading device 23. More specifically, for example, the output control unit 205 may determine whether the product is being returned based on whether the product identification information on the price tag whose reception level has changed matches the product identification information read via the reading device 23 within a second predetermined time after the change in reception level was detected, and if they match, it may determine that the product is being returned and not issue a notification. In this way, even if the reception level changes when the price tag is read while the customer is in the individual fitting room, if the product is being returned, no notification is issued. This concludes the explanation of Figures 14A and 14B.

[0104] 15A and 15B are explanatory diagrams showing an example in which a customer returns an item to a sales clerk while remaining in a private fitting room and receives another item from the sales clerk. Note that the same private fitting room is used in each step in FIGS. 15A and 15B. First, the customer enters the fitting room area to try on an item. The fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects the customer's entry into the fitting room area, and the fitting room area reader 202 reads the product identification information for the three items via the reader 23 (step S261). The product identification information for the three items is read at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area. Note that in step S261, the private fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 fails to detect the customer's entry or exit, and the private fitting room reader 204 fails to read any of the product identification information.

[0105] Next, the customer enters the individual fitting room to try on the items. The individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 detects the customer's entry into the individual fitting room using the motion sensor 26, and the individual fitting room reading unit 204 reads the product identification information of the three items via the reading device 25 (step S262). Note that because the customer has already entered the individual fitting room, the fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 does not detect the customer's entry into the fitting room area in step S262, and the fitting room area reading unit 202 is unable to read any product identification information via the reading device 23.

[0106] The sales clerk then enters the fitting room area to hand over another item to the customer. The fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects the entry of the sales clerk into the fitting room area, and the fitting room area reading unit 202 reads the product identification information of one of the items via the reading device 23 (step S263).

[0107] Next, the store clerk hands over the items to the customer. Meanwhile, the customer returns one item to the store clerk. The store clerk takes the returned item and leaves. The individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 detects whether or not a person has entered or left the individual fitting room using the human presence sensor 26. from Without detecting the customer's departure, individual fitting room reader 204 reads the product identification information of the three items via reader 25 (step S264). These three items are two items brought in by the customer and one item brought in by the sales clerk. On the other hand, the product identification information of the item returned to the sales clerk is no longer read. In other words, when a customer is in an individual fitting room, a change in the reception level is detected when reading one price tag.

[0108] Next, the salesperson leaves the fitting room area with the returned items. The fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects the salesperson's exit from the fitting room area, and the fitting room area reading unit 202 reads the item identification information of the returned items via the reading device 23 (step S265).

[0109] When the user is in the individual fitting room, the output control unit 205 outputs the ID of the user to the reading device 2 installed in the individual fitting room. 5 and a change in reception level is detected in reading the price tag tag via the reader 23, and within a second predetermined time after the change in reception level is detected by the reader 23, the reader 23 installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area 3 If the price tag is read via the individual fitting room, no notification is sent. In this way, even if the reception level changes when the price tag is read while the customer is in the individual fitting room, if the item is being returned, no notification is sent. This concludes the explanation of Figures 15A and 15B.

[0110] 16A and 16B are explanatory diagrams showing an example in which a customer hides products in a bag while in a private fitting room and takes them home. Note that the private fitting rooms described in each step in FIGS. 16A and 16B are the same. First, the customer enters the fitting room area to try on products. The fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 detects the customer's entry into the fitting room area, and the fitting room area reading unit 202 reads the product identification information of the three products via the reading device 23 (step S271). The product identification information of the three products is read at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area. Note that in step S271, the private fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 fails to detect the customer's entry or exit, and the private fitting room reading unit 204 fails to read any of the product identification information.

[0111] Next, the customer enters the individual fitting room to try on the items. The individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 detects the customer's entry into the individual fitting room using the motion sensor 26, and the individual fitting room reading unit 204 reads the product identification information of the three items via the reading device 25 (step S272). Note that because the customer has already entered the individual fitting room, the fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 does not detect the customer's entry into the fitting room area in step S272, and the fitting room area reading unit 202 is unable to read any product identification information via the reading device 23.

[0112] The user then hides one of the items in the bag in the individual fitting room. fromIn step S273, the individual fitting room reading unit 204 does not detect the user's exit from the fitting room area, and reads the product identification information of the two products via the reading device 25, and detects a change in the reception level of the product identification information of one of the products (step S273). In step S273, for example, the product identification information of one of the products hidden in the bag may become unreadable, or a decrease in the reception level of the product identification information of one of the products hidden in the bag may be detected. Note that in step S273, the fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 does not detect the user's entry into the fitting room area, and the fitting room area reading unit 202 is unable to read any of the product identification information via the reading device 23.

[0113] Furthermore, even if a second predetermined time has elapsed since a change in the reception level was detected, the fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 201 does not detect the presence or absence of the fitting room area from In step S274, even if a second predetermined time has elapsed since the change in reception level was detected, individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 203 does not detect the entry or exit of any user from the individual fitting room by human presence sensor 26, and therefore, the individual fitting room area reading unit 202 is unable to read any product identification information via reading device 23 (step S274). from The individual fitting room reader 204 does not detect the customer's exit from the individual fitting room, and reads the product identification information of the two products via the reader 25. In other words, the customer remains in the individual fitting room.

[0114] When the user is in the individual fitting room, the output control unit 205 outputs the ID of the user to the reading device 2 installed in the individual fitting room. 5 A change in the reception level is detected in reading the price tag via the reader 2 installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area (for example, step S273), and within a second predetermined time after the change in the reception level is detected, 3 This concludes the explanation of Figures 16A and 16B.

[0115] The flowchart in the second embodiment may be the same as the flowchart in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0116] As described above, in the second embodiment, the notification system 20 issues an alert when a customer is detected leaving an individual fitting room, when a price tag tag is left in the fitting room, and when the customer's exit from the fitting room area is detected. On the other hand, the notification system 20 does not issue an alert when a customer is detected leaving an individual fitting room, when a price tag tag is left in the fitting room, and when the customer's exit from the fitting room area is not detected. This allows for more accurate alerts and helps to prevent shoplifting. It also reduces unnecessary alerts.

[0117] In addition, a customer may leave the fitting room area while trying on an item and then return to the fitting room area. Therefore, the notification system 20 issues an alert if a customer's exit from an individual fitting room is detected, a price tag tag is left in the individual fitting room, the customer's exit from the fitting room area is detected, and the customer's entry into the fitting room area is not detected within a predetermined time after the customer's exit from the fitting room area is detected. The notification system 20 does not issue an alert if a customer's exit from an individual fitting room is detected, a price tag tag is left in the individual fitting room, the customer's exit from the fitting room area is detected, and then the customer's entry into the fitting room area is detected within a predetermined time after the customer's exit from the fitting room area is detected. This allows for more accurate alerts and helps prevent shoplifting. It also reduces unnecessary alerts.

[0118] When a customer is in a private fitting room, the notification system 20 issues an alert if a change in reception level is detected when reading a price tag via a reader 25 installed in the private fitting room, and the price tag is not read via a reader 23 installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area within a second predetermined time after the change in reception level is detected. On the other hand, when a customer is in a private fitting room, the notification system 20 does not issue an alert if a change in reception level is detected when reading a price tag via a reader 25 installed in the private fitting room, and the price tag is read via a reader 23 installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area within a second predetermined time after the change in reception level is detected. This allows for more accurate notifications and helps to prevent shoplifting. It also reduces unnecessary notifications.

[0119] The notification system 20 reads the price tag via a reader 24 installed in the return area. When a customer is in a private fitting room, the notification system 20 issues an alert if a change in reception level is detected when reading the price tag and the price tag cannot be read via the reader 24 installed in the return area within a second predetermined time after the change in reception level is detected. On the other hand, the notification system 20 reads the price tag via a reader 24 installed in the return area. When a customer is in a private fitting room, the notification system 20 detects a change in reception level when reading the price tag and the price tag can be read via the reader 24 installed in the return area within a second predetermined time after the change in reception level is detected, but the notification system 20 does not issue an alert. This allows for more accurate alerts and helps to prevent shoplifting. It also reduces unnecessary alerts.

[0120] The notification system 20 notifies at least one of the terminal devices 21 installed at the entrances and exits of the fitting room area and the store staff's terminal devices 21. The notification system 20 causes the terminal devices 21 to display individual fitting room identification information that identifies the individual fitting room along with a warning message. This makes the notification easier to understand and helps to deter shoplifting.

[0121] The notification system 20 controls the lighting of lighting devices installed at the entrances and exits of individual fitting rooms. The notification system 20 lights up the lighting devices in a specific color. The notification system 20 also changes the lighting method of the lighting devices to a specific lighting method. This makes the notification easier to understand and helps to deter shoplifting.

[0122] The notification system 20 displays the number of price tags read in the individual fitting room as the number of items the customer has brought into the individual fitting room on a terminal device 21 installed in the individual fitting room. This allows the customer to know that the store is aware of the number of items the customer has brought into the room, and helps to discourage shoplifting.

[0123] Although the fitting room area has been described with reference to an example in which the entrance and exit are the same, the entrance and exit may be different. In such a case, it is sufficient to provide an imaging device 22 and a reading device 23 at each of the entrance and exit of the fitting room area.

[0124] Furthermore, the RFID tag included in the price tag may also store tag identification information that identifies the RFID tag. The tag identification information is not particularly limited, as long as it is information that can identify the RFID tag. For example, the tag DB may store tag identification information and transaction information associated with each RFID tag included in a product's price tag. For example, transaction information is information indicating whether or not a product has been purchased. When a product has been purchased, the transaction information indicates that the product has been purchased; when the product has not been purchased, the transaction information indicates that the product has not been purchased. In the fitting room area, transaction information may be used to check for information indicating that a product has not been purchased.

[0125] Here, examples of screens displayed when a notification is sent to a terminal device will be briefly described with reference to FIGS.

[0126] 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a notification is sent to a terminal device 21 installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area. For example, the output control unit 205 notifies the user via terminal device 21-2. A warning message for the user is displayed on the screen. Furthermore, a map may be displayed on the screen, and the individual fitting room used by the user may be highlighted on the map.

[0127] When the user looks at the screen displayed on the terminal device 21-2, the user can be notified that the store is aware of the user's actions in the individual fitting rooms.

[0128] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification being sent to a store clerk's terminal device 21. For example, the output control unit 205 notifies the store clerk via terminal device 21-1. FIG. 18 shows an example of a notification in which a change in the reading level of the price tag occurs while the customer is in a private fitting room, but the product is not returned. For example, the screen displays a message indicating that suspicious behavior has been detected in the private fitting room.

[0129] This concludes the description of each embodiment. Each embodiment may be modified or used in appropriate combination.

[0130] In each embodiment, the notification systems 10 and 20 may be configured to include some of the functional units and information.

[0131] Furthermore, each embodiment is not limited to the above-described examples and can be modified in various ways. Furthermore, the configuration of the notification systems 10 and 20 in the embodiments is not particularly limited. For example, the notification systems 10 and 20 may be realized by a single device, such as a single server. When each functional unit of the notification systems 10 and 20 is realized by a single device, the single device may be called, for example, a notification device, an information processing device, or the like, and is not particularly limited.

[0132] Alternatively, the notification systems 10 and 20 in each embodiment may be realized by different devices for different functions or data. For example, each functional unit may be configured by multiple servers and realized as a notification system. For example, the notification systems 10 and 20 may be realized by a database server including each DB (DataBase) and a server having each functional unit.

[0133] For example, the server that realizes the notification systems 10 and 20 may be an edge server managed in a store. The edge server may be further connected to a server that manages multiple stores, such as a head office server, via a communication network NT.

[0134] Furthermore, for example, the output control units 105 and 205 may be realized as different functional units for each device to be controlled.

[0135] In each embodiment, each piece of information or each DB may include part of the information described above. Also, each piece of information or each DB may include information other than the information described above. Each piece of information or each DB may be divided into multiple DBs or multiple pieces of information in more detail, or may be combined into a single DB.

[0136] Furthermore, each screen is merely an example and is not particularly limited. Buttons, lists, check boxes, information display fields, input fields, etc. (not shown) may be added to each screen. Furthermore, the background color of the screen may be changed.

[0137] Furthermore, the process of generating information to be displayed on the terminal device may be performed by the output control units 105 and 205. This process may also be performed by the terminal device.

[0138] (Example of computer hardware configuration) Next, an example of a hardware configuration in which each device, such as the notification systems 10 and 20 and the terminal device 21 described in each embodiment, is implemented by a computer will be described. Fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a computer. For example, some or all of each device can be implemented using any combination of a computer 80 and a program as shown in Fig. 19.

[0139] The computer 80 includes, for example, a processor 801, a read-only memory (ROM) 802, a random access memory (RAM) 803, and a storage device 804. The computer 80 also includes a communication interface 805 and an input / output interface 806. The components are connected to each other, for example, via a bus 807. The number of each component is not particularly limited, and there may be one or more of each component.

[0140] The processor 801 controls the entire computer 80. The processor 801 may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an FPU (Floating point number Processing Unit), a PPU (Physics Processing Unit), a TPU (Tensor Processing The quantum processor may be a microcontroller, quantum processor, quantum computer, or a combination thereof.

[0141] The computer 80 also includes a ROM 802, a RAM 803, and a storage device 804 as storage units. Examples of the storage device 804 include a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid state drive (SSD). For example, the storage device 804 stores an operating system (OS) program, application programs, and programs according to the embodiments. Alternatively, the ROM 802 stores application programs and programs according to the embodiments. The RAM 803 is used as a work area for the processor 801.

[0142] The processor 801 also loads programs stored in the storage device 804, ROM 802, etc. The processor 801 then executes each process coded in the program. The processor 801 may also download various programs via the communication network NT. The processor 801 also functions as a part or all of the computer 80. The processor 801 may then execute the processes or instructions in the illustrated flowchart based on the program.

[0143] The communication interface 805 is connected to a communication network NT such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network) via a wireless or wired communication line. The communication network NT may be composed of multiple communication networks NT. As a result, the computer 80 is connected to external devices and external computers 80 via the communication networks NT. The communication interface 805 serves as an interface between the communication network NT and the inside of the computer 80. The communication interface 805 also controls the input and output of data from external devices and external computers 80.

[0144] Furthermore, the input / output interface 806 is connected to at least one of an input device, an output device, and an input / output device. The connection method may be wireless or wired. Examples of the input device include a keyboard, a mouse, and a microphone. Examples of the output device include a display device, a lighting device, and an audio output device that outputs audio. Examples of the input / output device include a touch panel display. The input device, output device, and input / output device may be built into the computer 80 or may be external.

[0145] The hardware configuration of the computer 80 is an example. The computer 80 may have some of the components shown in FIG. 19 . The computer 80 may have components other than those shown in FIG. 19 . For example, the computer 80 may have a drive device or the like. The processor 801 may then read programs and data stored in a recording medium attached to the drive device or the like into the RAM 803. Examples of non-transitory tangible recording media include optical disks, flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories. As described above, the computer 80 may also have input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. The computer 80 may also have an output device such as a display. The computer 80 may also have an input device, an output device, and an input / output device.

[0146] The computer 80 may also have various sensors (not shown). The types of sensors are not particularly limited. The computer 80 may also have an imaging device capable of capturing images or videos.

[0147] This concludes the description of the hardware configuration of each device. There are various variations in the method of realizing each device. For example, each device may be realized by any combination of a different computer and program for each component. Furthermore, multiple components of each device may be realized by any combination of a single computer and program.

[0148] Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by circuits for specific applications. Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by general-purpose circuits including a processor such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by a combination of circuits for specific applications and general-purpose circuits. Furthermore, these circuits may be a single integrated circuit. Alternatively, these circuits may be divided into multiple integrated circuits. Furthermore, the multiple integrated circuits may be configured by being connected via a bus or the like.

[0149] Furthermore, when some or all of the components of each device are realized by a plurality of computers, circuits, etc., the plurality of computers, circuits, etc. may be centrally located or distributed.

[0150] The notification methods described in the respective embodiments are realized by being executed by the notification systems 10 and 20. Furthermore, for example, the notification methods are realized by having a computer such as a server or a terminal device execute a program prepared in advance.

[0151] The programs described in each embodiment are recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a HDD, SSD, flexible disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or USB memory. The programs are then read from the recording medium and executed by a computer. The programs may also be distributed via a communications network NT.

[0152] The functions of each of the components of the notification systems 10 and 20 in each of the embodiments described above may be realized by dedicated hardware, such as a computer. Alternatively, each component may be realized by software. Alternatively, each component may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0153] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to various embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. The configuration and details of each of the present disclosures may include embodiments to which various modifications that would be apparent to those skilled in the art are applied within the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may also include embodiments in which the details described herein are appropriately combined or substituted as necessary. For example, details described using a particular embodiment may also be applied to other embodiments to the extent that no contradiction occurs. For example, although multiple operations are described in sequence in the form of a flowchart, the order of the descriptions does not limit the order in which the multiple operations are performed. Therefore, when implementing each embodiment, the order of the multiple operations may be changed as long as it does not interfere with the content.

[0154] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as follows: However, some or all of the above-described embodiments are not limited to the following.

[0155] (Appendix 1) a fitting room area entry / exit detection means for detecting whether a user has entered or left a fitting room area in which individual fitting rooms are provided; a fitting room area reading means for reading, via a reading device installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area, product identification information of the product from a price tag, including an RFID tag, attached to the product, when the user enters or leaves the fitting room area; individual fitting room entry / exit detection means for detecting entry / exit of the user to / from the individual fitting room; a fitting room reading means for reading the product identification information from the price tag via a reading device installed in the individual fitting room; an output control means for issuing a warning when a combination of the reading status of the price tag in the individual fitting room, the entry and exit status of the customer in the individual fitting room, the entry and exit status of the customer in the fitting room area, and the reading status of the price tag in the fitting room area is not normal; An alarm system comprising: (Appendix 2) the output control means issues an alert when it is detected that the customer has left the individual fitting room and the price tag is still remaining in the fitting room, and 10. The notification system of claim 1. (Appendix 3) the output control means does not issue an alert unless it detects that the user has left the fitting room area when it detects that the user has left the individual fitting room and the price tag is still remaining in the fitting room; 2. The notification system according to claim 1, (Appendix 4) The output control means issues an alert when the user's exit from the individual fitting room is detected, the price tag is left in the individual fitting room, the user's exit from the fitting room area is detected, and the user's entry into the fitting room area is not detected within a predetermined time after the user's exit from the fitting room area is detected. 4. The notification system according to claim 2 or 3. (Appendix 5) the output control means, when it is detected that the user has left the individual fitting room, if the price tag remains in the individual fitting room, and after it is detected that the user has left the fitting room area, it is detected that the user has entered the fitting room area within the predetermined time after it was detected that the user had left the fitting room area, does not issue an alert; 5. The notification system according to claim 4. (Appendix 6) The output control means issues an alert when, while the customer is in the individual fitting room, a change in reception level is detected in reading the price tag via the reading device installed in the individual fitting room, and the price tag cannot be read via the reading device installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area within a second predetermined time after the change in reception level is detected. 6. An alarm system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. (Appendix 7) the output control means, when the customer is in the individual fitting room, detects a change in the reception level when reading the price tag via the reader installed in the individual fitting room, and if the price tag is read via the reader installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area within the second predetermined time after the change in reception level is detected, does not issue an alert. 7. The notification system according to claim 6. (Appendix 8) a return area reading means for reading the price tag via a reading device installed in the return area; Equipped with The output control means issues an alert when a change in the reception level is detected during reading of the price tag while the customer is in the individual fitting room, and the price tag cannot be read by the reading device installed in the return area within the second predetermined time after the change in reception level is detected. 8. The notification system of claim 7. (Appendix 9) The output control means notifies a terminal device installed at an entrance to the fitting room area or a store clerk's terminal device. 9. An alarm system according to any one of appendixes 1 to 8. (Appendix 10) the output control means causes the terminal device to display identification information for identifying the individual fitting room together with a warning message; 10. The notification system according to claim 9. (Appendix 11) the output control means controls lighting of a lighting device installed in the individual fitting room as the notification. 11. An alarm system according to any one of claims 1 to 10. (Appendix 12) the output control means causes the lighting device to light up in a specific color as the notification; 12. The notification system of claim 11. (Appendix 13) The output control means changes the lighting method of the lighting device to a specific lighting method as the notification. 13. The notification system according to claim 11 or 12. (Appendix 14) the output control means displays the number of the price tags read in the individual fitting room on a terminal device installed in the individual fitting room as the number of items brought into the fitting room by the customer; 14. An alarm system according to any one of claims 1 to 13. (Appendix 15) the output control means outputs a signal indicating that the combination is normal when the combination is normal. 15. An alarm system according to any one of claims 1 to 14. (Appendix 16) Detecting whether a user enters or leaves a fitting room area where individual fitting rooms are provided; When the customer enters or leaves the fitting room area, a reader is installed at the entrance or exit of the fitting room area to read product identification information of the product from a price tag of the product, including an RFID tag, attached to the product; Detecting the user's entry and exit into the individual fitting room; reading the product identification information from the price tag using a reading device installed in the individual fitting room; If a combination of the reading status of the price tag in the individual fitting room, the entry / exit status of the customer in the individual fitting room, the entry / exit status of the customer in the fitting room area, and the reading status of the price tag in the fitting room area is abnormal, an alert is issued. Notification method. (Appendix 17) On the computer, Detecting whether a user enters or leaves a fitting room area where individual fitting rooms are provided; When the customer enters or leaves the fitting room area, a reader is installed at the entrance or exit of the fitting room area to read product identification information of the product from a price tag of the product, including an RFID tag, attached to the product; Detecting the user's entry and exit into the individual fitting room; reading the product identification information from the price tag using a reading device installed in the individual fitting room; If a combination of the reading status of the price tag in the individual fitting room, the entry / exit status of the customer in the individual fitting room, the entry / exit status of the customer in the fitting room area, and the reading status of the price tag in the fitting room area is abnormal, an alert is issued. A non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer that records a program for executing processing. (Appendix 18) On the computer, Detecting whether a user enters or leaves a fitting room area where individual fitting rooms are provided; When the customer enters or leaves the fitting room area, a reader is installed at the entrance or exit of the fitting room area to read product identification information of the product from a price tag of the product, including an RFID tag, attached to the product; Detecting the user's entry and exit into the individual fitting room; reading the product identification information from the price tag using a reading device installed in the individual fitting room; If a combination of the reading status of the price tag in the individual fitting room, the entry / exit status of the customer in the individual fitting room, the entry / exit status of the customer in the fitting room area, and the reading status of the price tag in the fitting room area is abnormal, an alert is issued. A program that executes a process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 10,20 Notification System 21, 21-1, 21-2 Terminal equipment 22 Imaging device 23, 24, 25 Reading device 26 Human Sensor 80 Computer 101,201 Fitting room area entry / exit detection unit 102,202 Fitting room area reader 103,203 Individual fitting room entry / exit detection unit 104,204 Individual fitting room reader 105,205 Output control section 206 Return area reading unit 801 processor 802 ROM 803 RAM 804 Storage device 805 Communication Interface 806 Input / Output Interface 807 Bus 2001 Product DB 2002 Fitting room area history DB 2003 Individual fitting room history database NT Communications Network

Claims

1. a fitting room area entry / exit detection means for detecting whether a user has entered or left a fitting room area in which individual fitting rooms are provided; a fitting room area reading means for reading, via a reading device installed at an entrance / exit of the fitting room area, product identification information of the product from a price tag of the product, including an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag attached to the product, when the user enters or leaves the fitting room area; individual fitting room entry / exit detection means for detecting entry / exit of the customer to / from the individual fitting room; a fitting room reading means for reading the product identification information from the price tag via a reading device installed in the individual fitting room; an output control means for issuing a warning when a combination of the reading status of the price tag in the individual fitting room, the entry and exit status of the customer in the individual fitting room, the entry and exit status of the customer in the fitting room area, and the reading status of the price tag in the fitting room area is not normal; An alarm system comprising:

2. the output control means issues an alert when it is detected that the customer has left the individual fitting room and the price tag is still remaining in the fitting room, and The notification system according to claim 1 .

3. the output control means does not issue an alert unless it detects that the user has left the fitting room area when it detects that the user has left the individual fitting room and the price tag is still remaining in the fitting room; The notification system according to claim 2 .

4. The output control means issues an alert when the user's exit from the individual fitting room is detected, the price tag is left in the individual fitting room, the user's exit from the fitting room area is detected, and the user's entry into the fitting room area is not detected within a predetermined time after the user's exit from the fitting room area is detected. The notification system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the output control means, when it is detected that the user has left the individual fitting room, if the price tag remains in the individual fitting room, and after it is detected that the user has left the fitting room area, it is detected that the user has entered the fitting room area within the predetermined time after it was detected that the user had left the fitting room area, does not issue an alert; The notification system according to claim 4.

6. The output control means issues an alert when, while the customer is in the individual fitting room, a change in reception level is detected in reading the price tag via the reading device installed in the individual fitting room, and the price tag cannot be read via the reading device installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area within a second predetermined time after the change in reception level is detected. The notification system according to claim 1 .

7. the output control means, when the customer is in the individual fitting room, detects a change in the reception level when reading the price tag via the reader installed in the individual fitting room, and when the price tag is read via the reader installed at the entrance / exit of the fitting room area within the second predetermined time after the change in reception level is detected, does not issue an alert. The notification system according to claim 6.

8. a return area reading means for reading the price tag via a reading device installed in the return area; Equipped with The output control means issues an alert when a change in the reception level is detected in reading the price tag while the customer is in the individual fitting room, and the price tag cannot be read by the reading device installed in the return area within the second predetermined time after the change in reception level is detected. The notification system according to claim 7.

9. Detecting whether a user enters or leaves a fitting room area where individual fitting rooms are provided; When the user enters or leaves the fitting room area, product identification information of the product is read from a price tag of the product, including an RFID tag, attached to the product, using a reading device installed at the entrance or exit of the fitting room area; Detecting whether the user enters or leaves the individual fitting room; reading the product identification information from the price tag via a reading device installed in the individual fitting room; If a combination of the reading status of the price tag in the individual fitting room, the entry / exit status of the customer in the individual fitting room, the entry / exit status of the customer in the fitting room area, and the reading status of the price tag in the fitting room area is abnormal, an alert is issued. Notification method.

10. On the computer, Detecting whether a user enters or leaves a fitting room area where individual fitting rooms are provided; When the user enters or leaves the fitting room area, product identification information of the product is read from a price tag of the product, including an RFID tag, attached to the product, using a reading device installed at the entrance or exit of the fitting room area; Detecting whether the user enters or leaves the individual fitting room; reading the product identification information from the price tag via a reading device installed in the individual fitting room; If a combination of the reading status of the price tag in the individual fitting room, the entry / exit status of the customer in the individual fitting room, the entry / exit status of the customer in the fitting room area, and the reading status of the price tag in the fitting room area is abnormal, an alert is issued. A program that executes a process.

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