Merchandise management device and merchandise management system

Abstract

A product management device 400 comprises a communication unit 410, a control unit 420, and a storage unit 422. The communication unit 410 receives, from a first communication device 200, first clerk identification information identifying a first clerk, receives, from a second communication device 100, first customer identification information identifying a first customer, and further receives, from the first communication device 200, the first clerk identification information and product information related to a product. The control unit 420 stores, in response to the reception of the first clerk identification information and the first customer identification information, the first clerk identification information and the first customer identification information in association with each other in the storage unit 422, and stores, in response to the reception of the first clerk identification information and the product information, stores the product information and the first customer identification information in association with each other in the storage unit 422 on the basis of the first clerk identification information.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a merchandise management device and a merchandise management system. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a customer service management system that includes a store clerk terminal, a customer terminal, and a management server, in which the store clerk terminal transmits location information and customer service status information to the management server, and the management server, based on the location information and customer service status information, displays an image of the store clerk and the customer service status information of the store clerk superimposed on a floor map of the store on the customer terminal (for example, Patent Document 1 below).

[0003] This will allow customers to know the customer service status of the staff member, which is said to improve convenience for customers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6954687 Summary of the Invention

[0005] A product management device according to a first aspect includes a communication unit, a control unit, and a storage unit. The communication unit receives first clerk identification information identifying a first clerk from the first communication device, receives first customer identification information identifying a first customer from the second communication device, and further receives the first clerk identification information and product information related to a product from the first communication device. The control unit associates the first clerk identification information and the first customer identification information in response to receiving the first clerk identification information and the first customer identification information and stores them in the storage unit, and associates the product information and the first customer identification information in response to receiving the first clerk identification information and the product information based on the first clerk identification information and stores them in the storage unit.

[0006] A merchandise management system according to a second aspect includes a merchandise management device having a memory unit, a first communication device, and a second communication device. The first communication device of the merchandise management system transmits first clerk identification information identifying a first clerk to the merchandise management device, and further transmits the first clerk identification information and merchandise information related to the merchandise to the merchandise management device. The second communication device of the merchandise management system transmits first customer identification information identifying a first customer to the merchandise management device. The merchandise management device of the merchandise management system associates the merchandise information with the first customer identification information based on the first clerk identification information and stores the associated merchandise information in the memory unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a product management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an application scenario of the product management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3(A) is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a user communication device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3(B) is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a store clerk communication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the appliance communication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the product management device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6(A) is a diagram for explaining a first operation example, and FIG. 6(B) is a diagram for explaining a second operation example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7(A) is a diagram for explaining a third operation example, and FIG. 7(B) is a diagram for explaining a fourth operation example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8(A) is a diagram for explaining a fifth operation example, and FIG. 8(B) is a diagram for explaining a sixth operation example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9(A) is a diagram for explaining the seventh operation example, and FIG. 9(B) is a diagram for explaining the eighth operation example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first operation example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a first operation example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a second operation example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a third operation example. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a fourth operation example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a fourth operation example. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a fifth operation example. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a fifth operation example. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a sixth operation example and a seventh operation example. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a sixth operation example. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a seventh operation example. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an eighth operation example. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a ninth operation example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The technology described in the background art above does not disclose anything about linking customers with products.

[0009] Therefore, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to appropriately link customers and products.

[0010] [First embodiment] For example, there is the following technology. That is, when it detects that a holding device for holding a product, such as a hanger, has been removed from the display zone, it transmits a beacon. When the user communication device receives the beacon, it transmits the user identifier and the device identifier contained in the beacon to the product management device. Also, when the display zone communication device receives the beacon, it reads the product identifier from the product tag and transmits the product identifier and the device identifier contained in the beacon to the product management device. Then, the product management device links the user identifier with the product identifier using the device identifier as a key.

[0011] However, the above-mentioned technology requires the use of a holding device, and therefore, if the above-mentioned technology does not use a holding device, for example, if the product is placed flat on a shelf, it is not possible to link the user identifier with the product identifier.

[0012] Therefore, the first embodiment aims to appropriately link customers and products even when a holding device is not used. By appropriately linking customers and products, the store can understand, for example, the customer's purchasing intention, such as what products the customer is interested in. Furthermore, by linking customers and products, it is possible to determine the product placement or display information, etc., and promote product sales.

[0013] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

[0014] (Example of product management system configuration) FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a product management system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0015] The merchandise management system 10 includes a customer communication device 100, a store clerk communication device 200, and a merchandise management device 400. The merchandise management system 10 may include holding devices H (H1, H2, H3, . . . ).

[0016] In one embodiment, the customer communication device 100 and the store clerk communication device 200 are located in a store S. The store S is an apparel store. The store S may be any store that sells products. The store S may be, for example, a supermarket, a greengrocer, etc.

[0017] The user communication device (e.g., a second communication device) 100 is a communication device that is owned and usable by a user. A user refers to a person who uses the product management system 10. The user is, for example, a customer who may purchase a product P in a store S. Hereinafter, the terms "user" and "customer" may be used interchangeably. The user communication device 100 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet device, or a wearable device. The user communication device 100 can be connected to a network NW via a wireless line. The user communication device 100 can access a product management device 400 via the network NW and download a program from the product management device 400. By executing the program, the user communication device 100 can receive various services within the store S. The user communication device 100 may download the program via the network NW from a server other than the product management device 400. In the store S, the customer communication device 100 can also communicate with the appliance communication devices 300 (300-1, 300-2, 300-3, . . . ) provided on the holding appliance H1.

[0018] The clerk communication device (e.g., first communication device) 200 is a communication device carried by and usable by a clerk. A clerk is, for example, a person who supports the sale or provision of product P to users in store S. The clerk communication device 200 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet device, or a wearable device. The clerk communication device 200 can be connected to the network NW via a wireless line. The clerk communication device 200 can access the product management device 400 via the network NW and download programs from the product management device 400. By executing the programs, the clerk communication device 200 can receive various services, such as sales support, within the store S. Note that the clerk communication device 200 may download the programs via the network NW from a server other than the product management device 400.

[0019] The holding device H is, for example, a hanger that holds a product. The holding device H may be any device that can hold the product P. The holding device H may be, for example, a product fixture such as a mannequin, a tray, etc. The holding device H can be hung on a display rack together with the product P (or without the product P hanging thereon).

[0020] The appliance communication device 300 is a communication device provided in the holding appliance H. The appliance communication device 300 may be incorporated inside the holding appliance H. Alternatively, the appliance communication device 300 may be attached to the surface of the holding appliance H. The appliance communication device 300 has a beacon transmitting unit that transmits a beacon.

[0021] The product management device 400 is a device that manages products P. The product management device 400 is connected to the network NW via a wired or wireless line. The product management device 400 can communicate with the user communication device 100 and the store clerk communication device 200 via the network NW. As an example, the product management device 400 is installed outside the store S. However, the product management device 400 may also be installed in the store S. The product management device 400 does not necessarily have to be a dedicated device or server. The product management device 400 may be, for example, a server of a supplier of the appliance communication device 300, a server dedicated to e-commerce, or a server of a store retailer.

[0022] (An example of a scenario for applying a product management system) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an application scenario of the product management system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 2, a user U carrying a user communication device 100 enters a store S. In the store S, multiple sets of products P and holding devices H are arranged on a display rack L. Also, in the store S, multiple products P are laid out flat on a shelf T.

[0024] A user U is interested in a product P placed on a product shelf T. The user U is standing next to the product P and is about to check the product P. Meanwhile, a store clerk V is approaching the user U to serve the user U.

[0025] In the first embodiment, even for products P that are not held by a holding device H (i.e., products P that are laid flat on a product shelf T), it is possible to appropriately link product identification information with user identification information (or customer identification information).

[0026] Although not shown in FIG. 2, the store S may have a back-of-house area. The back-of-house area is a space in the store S that is not used for sales. The back-of-house area may be a space for storing products or packaging. The back-of-house area is not a revenue-generating space, but is a space used by the store clerk V to perform his or her work efficiently.

[0027] (Configuration example of user communication device) FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the customer premises equipment 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0028] 3A, the customer premises equipment 100 includes a wireless communication unit 120, a control unit 130, a display unit 140, and a microphone 150. The customer premises equipment 100 may also include a beacon receiving unit 110.

[0029] The wireless communication unit 120 can be connected to the network NW via a wireless line, and can communicate with the product management device 400 via the network NW.

[0030] The control unit 130 controls various functions of the customer custodian communication device 100. The control unit 130 has at least one memory 132 and at least one processor 131 electrically connected to the memory 132. The memory 132 includes both volatile and nonvolatile memory. The memory 132 stores information used in processing by the processor 131 and programs executed by the processor 131. The processor 131 may perform various processes by executing programs stored in the memory 132. By executing such programs, the processor 131 or the control unit 130 can, for example, perform a voice recognition function that recognizes speech uttered by a store clerk V. The memory 132 stores user identification information related to the user U or the customer custodian communication device 100. The user identification information may be any information that can be used to identify the user U from other users or other customer custodians communication devices. The user identification information may be, for example, a user identifier (or user ID). Note that the following operations or processes of the customer custodian communication device 100 may be performed by the control unit 130.

[0031] The display unit 140 displays various types of information under the control of the control unit 130.

[0032] The microphone 150, under the control of the control unit 130, acquires surrounding sounds and outputs audio information related to the sounds to the control unit 130. The control unit 130 can recognize each uttered sound using a voice recognition function. In particular, the control unit 130 can use the voice recognition function to identify the speaker (e.g., store clerk V) and various keyword information included in the uttered sound. The control unit 130 transmits the keyword information to the merchandise management device 400.

[0033] The beacon receiving unit 110 receives a beacon transmitted from the appliance communication device 300 and outputs the received beacon to the control unit 130. In the following, an example in which the beacon is a BT beacon based on the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard will be mainly described. However, the beacon is not limited to a BT beacon, and beacons based on standards other than BT may also be applied. A beacon is, for example, a signal including an identifier. The identifier included in the beacon is, for example, an appliance identifier. The identifier included in the beacon may be product information (for example, a product identifier) ​​linked to the appliance identifier.

[0034] The user communication device 100 configured in this way can transmit the user identification information (or customer identification information) of the user U to the merchandise management device 400. The user communication device 100 can also transmit keyword information contained in the voice uttered by the store clerk V, the store clerk identification information of the store clerk V, and the user identification information of the user U to the merchandise management device 400.

[0035] (Example of configuration of store clerk communication device) FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the store clerk communication device 200 according to the first embodiment.

[0036] 3B, the store clerk communication device 200 includes a wireless communication unit 220, a control unit 230, and a display unit 240. The store clerk communication device 200 may also include a beacon receiving unit 210.

[0037] The wireless communication unit 220 can be connected to the network NW via a wireless line, and can communicate with the product management device 400 via the network NW.

[0038] The control unit 230 controls various functions of the store clerk communication device 200. The control unit 230 has at least one memory 232 and at least one processor 231 electrically connected to the memory 232. The memory 232 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The memory 232 stores information used in processing by the processor 231 and programs executed by the processor 231. The processor 231 may perform various processes by executing programs stored in the memory 232. By executing such programs, the processor 231 or the control unit 230 can, for example, perform a voice recognition function that recognizes speech uttered by store clerk V. The memory 232 stores store clerk identification information related to the store clerk V or the store clerk communication device 200. The store clerk identification information may be any information that can be used to identify the store clerk V from other store clerks or other store clerk communication devices. The store clerk identification information may be, for example, a store clerk identifier (or store clerk ID). The operation or processing of the store clerk communication device 200 described below may be performed by the control unit 230.

[0039] The display unit 240 displays various types of information under the control of the control unit 230.

[0040] Under the control of the control unit 230, the microphone 250 acquires surrounding sounds and outputs audio information of the sounds to the control unit 230. The control unit 230 can recognize each uttered sound using a voice recognition function. In particular, the control unit 230 can use the voice recognition function to identify the speaker (e.g., store clerk V) and various keyword information included in the uttered sound. The control unit 230 transmits the keyword information to the merchandise management device 400.

[0041] The beacon receiving unit 210 receives a beacon including holding tool information transmitted from the tool communication device 300 and outputs the received beacon to the control unit 230.

[0042] The store clerk communication device 200 configured in this manner can transmit the store clerk identification information of store clerk V to the merchandise management device 400. The store clerk communication device 200 can also transmit keyword information contained in the voice uttered by store clerk V and the store clerk identification information of store clerk V to the merchandise management device 400. Furthermore, the store clerk communication device 200 can transmit the store clerk identification information of store clerk V and merchandise information related to the merchandise to the merchandise management device 400.

[0043] (Configuration example of appliance communication device) 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the appliance communication device 300 according to the first embodiment. As described above, the appliance communication device 300 is included in the holding appliance H.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the appliance communication device 300 includes a beacon transmitting unit 310, a control unit 320, and a detection unit 330.

[0045] The beacon transmitter 310 transmits a beacon. The beacon includes, for example, an appliance identifier. The appliance identifier is, for example, a hanger ID.

[0046] The control unit 320 controls various functions of the appliance communication device 300. The control unit 130 has at least one memory 322 and at least one processor 321. The memory 322 stores, for example, an appliance identifier.

[0047] The detection unit 330 detects that the holding device H has moved, and outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 320. For example, the detection unit 330 may include a switch that turns on / off in response to the movement of the holding device H (hanger), and / or a sensor that detects a change in a physical quantity (for example, acceleration) when the holding device H (hanger) has moved from the display rack L. An example of such a sensor is an acceleration sensor.

[0048] (Example of product management device configuration) FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the product management device 400 according to the first embodiment.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5, the product management device 400 includes a communication interface 410 and a control unit 420.

[0050] The communication interface 410 is connected to the network NW via a wired or wireless line. The communication interface 410 receives user identification information transmitted from the customer service device 100. The communication interface 410 also receives keyword information, store clerk identification information, and user identification information transmitted from the customer service device 100. The communication interface 410 also receives store clerk identification information transmitted from the store clerk communication device 200. The communication interface 410 also receives keyword information and store clerk identification information transmitted from the store clerk communication device 200. The communication interface 410 also receives store clerk identification information and product information transmitted from the store clerk communication device 200. The communication interface 410 outputs the received information to the control unit 420. The communication interface 410 may be a communication unit that communicates with the customer service device 100 and the store clerk communication device 200.

[0051] The control unit 320 controls various functions of the product management device 400. The control unit 320 has at least one memory 422 and at least one processor 421 electrically connected to the memory 422. The memory 422 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory, and stores information used for processing by the processor 421 and programs executed by the processor 421. The memory 422 functions as a storage unit. The processor 421 may perform various processes by executing the programs stored in the memory 422. Note that the operations or processes of the product management device 400 described below may be performed by the control unit 420.

[0052] In the product management device 400 configured as described above, first, the communication interface 410 (e.g., a communication unit) receives clerk identification information identifying clerk V (e.g., first clerk identification information identifying a first clerk) from the clerk communication device 200 (e.g., a first communication device), receives user identification information identifying user U (e.g., first customer identification information identifying a first customer) from the user communication device 100 (e.g., a second communication device), and further receives the clerk identification information of clerk V and product information related to product P from the clerk communication device 200. Second, in response to receiving the clerk identification information of clerk V and the user identification information of user U, the control unit 320 associates the clerk identification information with the user identification information and stores them in memory 422 (e.g., a storage unit), and in response to receiving the clerk identification information of clerk V and product information, the control unit 320 associates the product information with the user identification information of user U based on the clerk identification information of clerk V and stores them in memory 422.

[0053] As a result, the merchandise management device 400 can link the clerk identification information of clerk V with the user identification information of user U, and can also link the user identification information of user U with the merchandise information via the clerk identification information and the clerk identification information of clerk V received together with the merchandise information. Therefore, the merchandise management device 400 can link the merchandise information with the user identification information even without the holding device H. This makes it possible to appropriately link the merchandise with the customer.

[0054] Hereinafter, the first to tenth operation examples will be described as operation examples in the first embodiment.

[0055] (First operation example) Next, a first operation example will be described.

[0056] FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a first operation example.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 6(A), the first operation example is an example in which when a store clerk V approaches a user U and says "Welcome," the store clerk identification information of the store clerk V is linked to the user identification information of the user U. "Welcome" is an example of keyword information indicating the start of customer service.

[0058] In the first operation example, when the store clerk V says "Thank you" to the user U, the link between the store clerk identification information and the user identification information is released. "Thank you" is an example of keyword information indicating the end of the customer service.

[0059] 10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating a first operation example.

[0060] The customer communication device 100 may download a specific program available in the store S from the merchandise management device 400 or the like and execute the program. By executing such a program, the customer communication device 100 may execute the various processes shown in Fig. 10. The store clerk communication device 200 may also download the program from the merchandise management device 400 or the like and execute the program, and by executing the program, may execute the various processes shown in Fig. 10.

[0061] 10, in step S10, the store clerk communication device 200 turns on the microphone 250 in response to a password entry. The password entry is performed to ensure security in the store clerk communication device 200.

[0062] In step S11, after checking in, the customer possessed communication device 100 turns on the microphone 150. For example, the customer possessed communication device 100 may execute a specific program as described above to turn on the voice recognition function and turn on the microphone 150. Note that steps S10 and S11 may be performed in reverse order.

[0063] In step S12, the store clerk V approaches the user U and says, "Welcome." The voice saying "Welcome" reaches the store clerk communication device 200 and the user communication device 100 (steps S13 and S14).

[0064] In step S15, the clerk communication device 200 receives the voice of clerk V saying "Welcome" via microphone 250 and identifies the speaker and the keyword. If the voice is the clerk's own, the clerk communication device 200 issues a notification. For example, the clerk communication device 200 stores in advance in memory 232 voice information of the voice of clerk V, including keyword information of clerk V. The clerk communication device 200 then determines whether the received voice is the clerk's own voice and whether the received voice contains specific keyword information by pattern matching between the voice information and the voice information of the received voice. Here, the following description will be given assuming that the clerk communication device 200 has identified the voice received in step S13 as that of clerk V himself and that the received voice contains keyword information, "Welcome," indicating the start of customer service.

[0065] In step S16, the store clerk communication device 200 transmits to the merchandise management device 400 customer service status information including information indicating that the store clerk is currently serving customers, keyword information indicating that the store clerk has started serving customers, and the store clerk identification information of store clerk V. By identifying the keyword information, "Welcome," indicating that the store clerk has started serving customers, the store clerk communication device 200 generates customer service status information indicating that the store clerk is currently serving customers and transmits the customer service status information to the merchandise management device 400. The store clerk communication device 200 also stores the store clerk identification information of each store clerk in memory 232. By identifying that the voice saying "Welcome" is that of store clerk V, the store clerk communication device 200 can read the store clerk identification information of store clerk V from memory 232 and transmit the store clerk identification information. The store clerk communication device 200 does not have to transmit the customer service status information to the merchandise management device 400. In this case, the store clerk communication device 200 transmits the keyword information and the store clerk identification information to the merchandise management device 400, and the merchandise management device 400 can determine that the store clerk V is in a serving state from the keyword information and the store clerk identification information. The merchandise management device 400 may then generate serving status information including information indicating the serving state, and transmit the serving status information to the store clerk communication device 200 and the user communication device 100. Even after this, in the process of transmitting the serving status information indicating the serving state together with the keyword information, the store clerk communication device 200 does not have to transmit the serving status information.

[0066] In step S17, the customer communication device 100 identifies the keyword and speaker from the voice received by the microphone 150 (step S14). For example, the customer communication device 100 may have previously downloaded voice information of store clerks (including store clerk V) working in store S, along with a predetermined program, from the product management device 400 or the like, and stored it in memory 132. The customer communication device 100 then identifies the received voice as that of store clerk V by pattern matching the voice information with that of the received voice, and determines that the received voice contains keyword information, "Welcome," indicating the start of customer service. In the following description, it is assumed that the customer communication device 100 has identified "Welcome" as the keyword information and store clerk V as the speaker.

[0067] In step S18, the user communication device 100 transmits to the merchandise management device 400 customer service status information including information indicating that it is currently serving customers, keyword information indicating that it has started serving customers, store clerk identification information, and user identification information. Having identified the keyword information indicating the start of serving customers, "Welcome," the user communication device 100 can generate customer service status information including information indicating that it is currently serving customers and transmit the customer service status information to the merchandise management device 400. Furthermore, the user communication device 100 stores the store clerk identification information of each store clerk in the memory 132. Having identified that the voice saying "Welcome" is that of store clerk V, the user communication device 100 can read the store clerk identification information of store clerk V from the memory 132 and transmit the store clerk identification information. Furthermore, since the user communication device 100 stores the user identification information in advance in the memory 132, the user communication device 100 can transmit the user identification information by reading the user identification information from the memory 132. The user communication device 100 does not necessarily have to transmit the customer service status information. In this case, the merchandise management device 400 determines from the keyword information, the store clerk identification information, and the user identification information that store clerk V is currently serving customer U. The merchandise management device 400 may then generate customer service status information including information indicating the currently serving state, and transmit the customer service status information to the store clerk communication device 200 and the user communication device 100. Even after this, when the user communication device 100 transmits the customer service status information indicating the currently serving state together with the keyword information, the user communication device 100 does not need to transmit the customer service status information.

[0068] Note that steps S15 and S16 may be defined as a first set, and steps S17 and S18 as a second set, and the order of the first and second sets may be reversed.

[0069] In step S19, the merchandise management device 400 associates the user U with the store clerk V. Specifically, the merchandise management device 400 confirms that the keyword information ("Welcome") received from the store clerk communication device 200 is the same as the keyword information ("Welcome") received from the customer service device 100, and confirms that the keyword indicates the start of customer service. The merchandise management device 400 then associates (or pairs; hereinafter, "association" and "pairing" may be used interchangeably) the user identification information of the user U with the store clerk identification information of the store clerk V, and stores the associated information in the memory 422. The user identification information and store clerk identification information to be associated may be the user identification information and store clerk identification information received from the customer service device 100 (step S18). Alternatively, the user identification information to be linked may be the user identification information received from the customer communication device 100 (step S18), and the store clerk identification information to be linked may be the store clerk identification information received from the store clerk communication device 200 (step S16). In this way, user U and store clerk V are linked.

[0070] In this way, the merchandise management device 400 receives keyword information of "Welcome" uttered by the store clerk V (e.g., first keyword information related to the first voice uttered by the first store clerk) and the store clerk identification information of the store clerk V (e.g., first store clerk identification information) from the store clerk communication device 200 (e.g., first communication device), and also receives the keyword information, the store clerk identification information of the store clerk V, and the user identification information of the user U (e.g., first customer identification information) from the user communication device 100 (e.g., second communication device). In response to the reception, the merchandise management device 400 associates the store clerk identification information of the store clerk V with the user identification information of the user U and stores them in the memory 422 (e.g., storage unit).

[0071] In step S20, the merchandise management device 400 transmits user information (or customer information; hereinafter, this may be referred to as "customer information") regarding the user currently being served to the store clerk communication device 200. For example, the merchandise management device 400 transmits the customer information of the user U associated in step S19. The store clerk communication device 200 displays the customer information on the display unit 240. From the customer information displayed on the display unit 240, the store clerk V can obtain information such as what kind of person the user U currently being served is, what products the user U has purchased in the past, and the like, thereby improving the quality of customer service.

[0072] In step S21, the user U takes action with respect to the product P. Here, the description will be given assuming that the user U is holding a holding tool H for holding the product P and is taking action to check the product P.

[0073] In steps S22 and S23, the appliance communication device 300 transmits a beacon in response to the detection by the detection unit 330 of the movement of the holding appliance H.

[0074] In step S24 (FIG. 11), the customer premises equipment 100 receives a beacon.

[0075] In step S25, the user communication device 100 transmits to the commodity management device 400 behavioral information indicating the behavior of the user U, commodity information related to the commodity P, user identification information, store clerk identification information, and customer service status information including information indicating that the user U is currently serving a customer. The user communication device 100 may generate the behavioral information upon receiving a beacon, and transmit the behavioral information. Furthermore, when downloading a predetermined program from the commodity management device 400, the user communication device 100 receives information indicating a combination of an appliance identifier and commodity information, and stores the information in the memory 132. The user communication device 100 may acquire the commodity information of the commodity P by reading, from the memory 132, the commodity information corresponding to the commodity identifier included in the beacon. Alternatively, the commodity information of the commodity P may be included in the beacon. The user communication device 100 may acquire the commodity information of the commodity P from the beacon. Furthermore, the user communication device 100 may generate customer service status information including information indicating that the user U is currently serving a customer, and transmit the customer service status information upon receiving a beacon.

[0076] In step S27, the store clerk V says to the user U, "Thank you very much."

[0077] In step S28, store clerk communication device 200 receives the voice of store clerk V via microphone 250 and identifies the keyword ("Thank you very much") and the speaker (store clerk V) from the voice information of the received voice. As in step S15, store clerk communication device 200 uses its voice recognition function to identify the speaker as store clerk V and to determine that the voice information contains the keyword information "Thank you very much." "Thank you very much" is keyword information that indicates the end of the customer service.

[0078] In step S29, the store clerk communication device 200 transmits to the merchandise management device 400 service status information including information indicating that the service status will be terminated, the keyword information ("Thank you"), and the store clerk identification information of store clerk V. Having identified the keyword information indicating the end of service, the store clerk communication device 200 generates service status information for terminating the service status and can transmit the service status information. Furthermore, having identified the keyword information, the store clerk communication device 200 can transmit the keyword information. Furthermore, having identified that the speaker is store clerk V, the store clerk communication device 200 can read the store clerk identification information corresponding to store clerk V from memory 232 and transmit the store clerk identification information of store clerk V.

[0079] In step S30, upon receiving keyword information indicating the end of customer service and the clerk identification information of clerk V from the clerk communication device 200, the product management device 400 uses the clerk identification information of clerk V as a key to release the link between the user identification information and the clerk identification information that was linked in step S19.

[0080] In this way, in the product management device 400, upon receiving keyword information such as "Thank you" (e.g., second keyword information contained in the second voice uttered by the first clerk) and clerk identification information of clerk V (e.g., first clerk identification information) from the clerk communication device (e.g., first communication device), the product management device 400 releases the link between clerk identification information of clerk V and user identification information of user U (e.g., first customer identification information).

[0081] Thus, in the first operation example, when the store clerk V approaches the user U and says "Welcome," the product management device 400 links the store clerk identification information with the user identification information (step S19). Also, when the store clerk V says "Thank you" to the user U, the link between the store clerk identification information and the user identification information is released. Therefore, in the first operation example, the store clerk identification information and the user identification information can be linked appropriately.

[0082] (Second operation example) Next, a second operation example will be described.

[0083] FIG. 6B is a diagram for explaining the second operation example.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 6(B), the second operation example is an example in which product information of product P is linked to user identification information of user U when product P placed flat on a product shelf T is used. The second operation example is also an operation example in which a holding tool H is not used.

[0085] 12 is a diagram illustrating a second operation example. In the second operation example, similar to the first operation example, the store clerk communication device 200 and the customer communication device 100 are described as executing a specific program and having a voice recognition function. Also, in the case of FIG. 12, the password entry (step S10) and microphone ON (step S11) in the first operation example are described as having been performed. This also applies to the third and subsequent operation examples described below.

[0086] In step S40, the user U touches the product P that is laid out flat.

[0087] In step S41, the store clerk V greets the user U with "Welcome." Steps S42 to S46 are the same as steps S15 to S19 (FIG. 10) in the first operation example. In step S46, the product management device 400 associates the identification information of the user U with the identification information of the store clerk V and stores them in the memory 422. That is, the user U and the store clerk V are associated with each other.

[0088] In step S47, the store clerk V receives the product P from the user U, refolds the product P, and returns the product P to its original location.

[0089] In step S48, when the store clerk V refolds the product P touched by the user U and returns it to its original place, the store clerk V reads the barcode of the product P with a barcode reader. The barcode of the product P may be affixed to the product P. Alternatively, the barcode of the product P may be affixed to a label attached to the product P. The barcode reader may also be the store clerk communication device 200. That is, the store clerk communication device 200 can perform the function of a barcode reader by executing the specific program described above. The store clerk communication device 200 can read the barcode of the product P using its barcode reader function and obtain the barcode information contained in the barcode. The barcode information includes product information about the product. The product information includes product identification information (or product identifier). The product information may include the product name, the product manufacturing date, the product manufacturer, etc.

[0090] In step S49, the store clerk communication device 200 associates the product P with the store clerk communication device 200 and stores them in the memory 232. For example, the store clerk communication device 200 may associate the product information of the product P with the store clerk identification information of the store clerk V and store them in the memory 232.

[0091] In step S50, the store clerk communication device 200 transmits the store clerk identification information of the store clerk V (for example, the first store clerk identification information) and the product information of the product P to the product management device 400.

[0092] In step S51, the merchandise management device 400 associates the user identification information of the user U with the merchandise information of the merchandise P and stores them in the memory 422. Specifically, the merchandise management device 400 confirms that the store clerk identification information associated in step S46 and the store clerk identification information received in step S50 are the same, and associates (step S51) the user identification information of the user U associated with the store clerk identification information with the merchandise information received together with the store clerk identification information (step S50). In this way, the user U and the merchandise P are associated with each other.

[0093] Thus, in the second operation example, first, the merchandise management device 400 receives keyword information such as "Welcome" (e.g., first keyword information included in the first speech uttered by the first clerk) and clerk identification information of clerk V (e.g., first clerk identification information) from the first communication device (e.g., the clerk communication device 200) (step S43). Second, the merchandise management device 400 receives the keyword information, the clerk identification information of clerk V, and the user identification information of user U (e.g., first customer identification information) from the user communication device 100 (e.g., the second communication device) (step S45). Third, in response to receiving these, the merchandise management device 400 associates the user identification information of user U with the clerk identification information of clerk V and stores them in the memory 422 (e.g., the storage unit) (step S46). Fourth, upon receiving the clerk identification information and product information of clerk V from the clerk communication device 200, the product management device 400 associates the product information of product P with the user identification information of user U based on the clerk identification information of clerk V and stores them in a memory unit (step S51).

[0094] In this way, in the second operation example, it is possible to link the product information and the user identification information without the holding fixture H. Therefore, in the second operation example, it is possible to appropriately link the product information and the user identification information.

[0095] (Third operation example) Next, a third operation example will be described.

[0096] FIG. 7A is a diagram for explaining the third operation example.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 7(A), a store clerk V greets a user U with "Welcome" and serves the user. Then, the store clerk V brings a product P from the back room of the store S and offers the product P to the user U. In the third operation example, the product management device 400 associates product information with user identification information without using a holding tool H.

[0098] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a third operation example.

[0099] Steps S60 to S65 are the same as steps S12 to S19 in the first operation example. In step S65, the merchandise management device 400 associates the user U's user identification information with the store clerk V's store clerk identification information and stores them in the memory 422.

[0100] In step S66, the store clerk V takes out the product P from the back room.

[0101] In step S67, when store clerk V takes out product P from the back yard, he reads the barcode of product P. As a barcode reader, store clerk communication device 200 reads the barcode of product P, acquires barcode information, and acquires product information contained in the barcode information, similar to step S48 in the second operation example.

[0102] Steps S68 to S70 are the same as steps S49 to S51 (FIG. 12) in the second operation example. In step S70, the product management device 400 confirms that the store clerk identification information linked in step S65 and the store clerk identification information received in step S69 are the same, and links the user identification information linked with the store clerk identification information (step S65) with the product information received together with the product information (step S69).

[0103] In step S71, the store clerk V hands over the product P to the user U.

[0104] As described above, in the third operation example, when the store clerk V takes out the product P from the back yard, he / she reads the barcode of the product P and then hands the product P to the user U. Then, as in the second operation example, the product management device 400 links the user identification information of the user U with the store clerk identification information of the store clerk V (step S65), and upon receiving the store clerk identification information and the product information (step S69), links the user identification information of the user U with the product information of the product P (step S70). Therefore, in the third operation example as well, the user U and the product P are appropriately linked even if the holding device H is not used.

[0105] (Fourth operation example) Next, a fourth operation example will be described.

[0106] FIG. 7B is a diagram for explaining the fourth operation example.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 7(B), user U holds product P1 and checks it. Store clerk V approaches user U and says, "Welcome." Then, store clerk V brings product P2, which is different from product P1, and offers product P2 to user U. The fourth operation example is an example in which store clerk V offers product P2 while serving user U. In the fourth operation example, holding devices H1 and H2 are used.

[0108] 14 and 15 are diagrams illustrating a fourth operation example.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 14, in step S80, the user U takes the product P1 as an action toward the product P1.

[0110] In step S81, the appliance communication device 300-H1 of the holding appliance H1 transmits a beacon in response to the detection by the detection unit 330 of the movement of the holding appliance H1.

[0111] In step S82, the customer premises equipment 100 receives a beacon.

[0112] In step S83, the user communication device 100 transmits behavioral information indicating that the behavioral user U has performed an action, product information regarding the product P, user identification information, store clerk identification information, and customer service status information including information indicating that the customer is currently serving a customer, to the product management device 400. The transmission of the behavioral information, product information, user identification information, store clerk identification information, and customer service status information is the same as step S25 (FIG. 11) in the first operation example.

[0113] In step S84, the store clerk V approaches the user U and says, "Welcome." Steps S84 to S89 are the same as steps S12 to S19 (FIG. 10) in the first operation example. In step S89, the product management device 400 associates the user identification information of the user U with the store clerk identification information of the store clerk V, and stores the associated information in the memory 422.

[0114] In step S90 (FIG. 15), the store clerk V intends to offer the product P2 to the user U and holds the product P2 held by the holding device H2.

[0115] In step S91, the appliance communication device 300-H2 of the holding appliance H2 transmits a beacon when the detection unit 330 detects the movement of the holding appliance H2.

[0116] In step S92, the store clerk communication device 200 receives the beacon.

[0117] In step S93, in response to receiving the beacon, the store clerk communication device 200 transmits to the product management device 400 behavioral information indicating the action of the store clerk V, product information related to the product P, store clerk identification information, and customer service status information including information indicating that the store clerk V is currently serving a customer. The store clerk communication device 200 can transmit the behavioral information by generating the behavioral information in response to receiving the beacon. The store clerk communication device 200 may also acquire product information based on a beacon transmitted from the appliance communication device 300 in response to the store clerk V moving the holding appliance H that holds the product P. For example, when downloading a predetermined program from the product management device 400, the store clerk communication device 200 receives information indicating a combination of an appliance identifier and product information and stores the information in the memory 232. The store clerk communication device 200 may acquire the product information of the product P2 by reading, from the memory 232, the product information corresponding to the product identifier included in the beacon. Alternatively, the product information of the product P2 may be included in the beacon. The store clerk identification information may be obtained by acquiring product information of product P2 from the beacon. Furthermore, upon receiving the beacon, the store clerk communication device 200 may generate customer service status information including information indicating that the store clerk is currently serving customers, and transmit the customer service status information.

[0118] In step S94, the product information of product P2 is linked to the user identification information of user U. Specifically, the product management device 400 confirms that the store clerk identification information linked in step S89 and the store clerk identification information received in step S93 are the same, and links the user identification information linked to the store clerk identification information (step S89) with the product information received together with the product information (step S93).

[0119] Also in the fourth operation example, the product management device 400 links the user identification information of the user U with the clerk identification information of the clerk V (step S89), and when the clerk V carries the product P2 (or suggests the product P2 to the user U), the product management device 400 links the user identification information of the user U with the product information of the product P2 (step S94). Therefore, also in the fourth operation example, the user U and the product P can be appropriately linked.

[0120] (5th operation example) Next, a fifth operation example will be described.

[0121] FIG. 8A is a diagram for explaining the fifth operation example.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 8(A), the fifth operation example is an example in which a store clerk V serves multiple users U (UA and UB). Specifically, the store clerk V greets users UA and UB with "Welcome." User UB simply stands next to user UA, and while serving user UA, moves away and leaves the service. After that, the store clerk V greets user UA with "Would you like this?"

[0123] Upon the initial greeting of "Welcome," the product management device 400 links the clerk identification information of clerk V with the user identification information of user UA, and also links the clerk identification information of clerk V with the user identification information of user UB. The customer service state in which the user identification information of multiple users U is linked to the clerk identification information of one clerk V is called "temporary customer service."

[0124] Subsequently, when the voice asks "How about this?", user UB is no longer present, and the user communication device 100-B is unable to receive the voice message "How about this?". Therefore, the product management device 400 releases the association between user UB and the clerk identification information of clerk V when the voice asks "How about this?". As a result, only user UA remains serving clerk V. The state of serving customers when the clerk identification information of one clerk V is associated with the user identification information of one user U is referred to as "serving customers."

[0125] In this way, in the fifth operation example, clerk V first serves multiple users U (UA and UB) and enters a "temporary service" state, and then clerk V enters a "current service" state, serving user UA.

[0126] 16 and 17 are diagrams illustrating a fifth operation example.

[0127] In step S100, a store clerk V approaches the user UA and the user UB and says, "Welcome."

[0128] Steps S101 and S104 in the store clerk communication device 200 are the same as steps S15 and S16 (FIG. 10) in the first operation example, respectively.

[0129] Steps S102 and S105 in the customer communication device 100-A are the same as steps S17 and S18 (FIG. 10), respectively, in the first operation example. In this case, in step S105, the customer communication device 100-A transmits to the product management device 400 serving status information including information indicating that the customer is currently serving a customer, keyword information ("Welcome"), clerk identification information of clerk V, and user identification information of user UA.

[0130] Steps S103 and S106 in the customer communication device 100-B are the same as steps S17 and S18 (FIG. 10), respectively, in the first operation example. In this case, in step S106, the customer communication device 100-B transmits to the product management device 400 serving status information including information indicating that the customer is currently serving a customer, keyword information ("Welcome"), clerk identification information of clerk V, and user identification information of user UB.

[0131] In step S107, the merchandise management device 400 links user UA with store clerk V, and also links user UB with store clerk V. Specifically, the merchandise management device 400 confirms that the keyword information received from the store clerk communication device 200 (step S104) is the same as the keyword information received from the user communication device 100-A (step S105). Then, the merchandise management device 400 links the store clerk identification information of store clerk V (the store clerk identification information received in step S104 or the store clerk identification information received in step S105) with the user identification information of user UA (the store clerk identification information received in step S105).

[0132] In step S107, the merchandise management device 400 confirms that the keyword information received from the store clerk communication device 200 (step S104) is the same as the keyword information received from the user communication device 100-B (step S106). Then, the merchandise management device 400 associates the store clerk identification information of store clerk V (the store clerk identification information received in step S104 or the store clerk identification information received in step S106) with the user identification information of user UB (the user identification information received in step S106).

[0133] As a result, two users UA and UB are associated with one store clerk V. In other words, store clerk V is in a "temporary customer service" state.

[0134] In step S108, the sales clerk V holds the product P. The sales clerk V proposes the product P to the user UA and the user UB.

[0135] In step S109, the appliance communication device 300 provided in the holding appliance H that holds the product P transmits a beacon in response to the detection by the detection unit 330 that the holding appliance H has moved.

[0136] In step S110, the store clerk communication device 200 receives a beacon.

[0137] In step S111, the store clerk communication device 200 transmits the behavior information, the product information of the product P, the store clerk identification information of the store clerk V, and the customer service status information including information indicating that the store clerk V is currently serving a customer to the product management device 400. Step S111 is the same as step S93 in the third operation example.

[0138] In step S112, the product management device 400 associates the product information of the product P with the user identification information of the user UA and the user identification information of the user UB. Specifically, the product management device 400 confirms that the store clerk identification information associated in step S107 and the store clerk identification information received in step S111 are the same, and associates the user identification information of the user UA associated with the store clerk identification information (step S107) with the product information received together with the store clerk identification information (step S111). The product management device 400 also confirms that the store clerk identification information associated in step S107 and the store clerk identification information received in step S111 are the same, and associates the user identification information of the user UB associated with the store clerk identification information (step S107) with the product information received together with the store clerk identification information (step S111).

[0139] In step S113 (FIG. 17), the user UB (and the customer communication device 100-B) moves away from the customer service.

[0140] In step S114, the operator speaks, "How is this?" "How is this?" is keyword information different from "Welcome" (step S100). The keyword spoken here may be any keyword other than a predetermined keyword, such as a keyword indicating the start of service (e.g., "Welcome"), a keyword indicating the end of service (e.g., "Thank you"), or a keyword indicating a change of service (e.g., "I'll help you"), which will be described later.

[0141] In step S115, the store clerk communication device 200 receives the voice saying "How about this?" and identifies the speaker (store clerk V) and the keyword ("How about this?").

[0142] In step S116, the customer communication device 100-A also receives the voice "Is this one or not?" and identifies the speaker (store clerk V) and the keyword ("Is this one okay?").

[0143] In step S117, the store clerk communication device 200 transmits to the product management device 400 the customer service status information indicating that the store clerk is currently serving a customer, the keyword information ("How about this?"), and the store clerk identification information of store clerk V.

[0144] In step S118, the customer communication device 100-A transmits the customer service status information, the keyword information (“How about this?”), the clerk identification information of the clerk V, and the user identification information of the user UA to the product management device 400.

[0145] In step S119, the merchandise management device 400 confirms that the keyword information received in step S117 ("How about this?") and the keyword information received in step S118 ("How about this?") are the same. Then, the merchandise management device 400 links the clerk identification information of clerk V (the clerk identification information received in step S117 or the clerk identification information received in step S118) with the user identification information of user UA (the user identification information received in step S118). At this point, the merchandise management device 400 has not received the user identification information of user UB, and therefore releases the link between the user identification information of user UB and the clerk identification information of clerk V that was linked in step S107.

[0146] In step S120, the product management device 400 also releases the link between the product information of the product P and the user identification information of the user UB. In response to releasing the link between the user identification information of the user UB and the store clerk identification information of the store clerk V (step S119), the product management device 400 may release the link between the product information of the product P that was linked to the user UB.

[0147] Thus, in the fifth operation example, first, the merchandise management device 400 receives the user identification information of user UB (e.g., second customer identification information that identifies the second customer), keyword information (e.g., "Welcome"), and the clerk identification information of clerk V (e.g., first clerk identification information) from the user communication device 100-B (e.g., third communication device) (step S106). Second, the merchandise management device 400 stores the clerk identification information of clerk V and the user identification information of user UB in memory 422 (e.g., storage unit) based on the keyword information (step S107). Third, in response to receiving "How about this?" (e.g., third keyword information relating to a third voice different from the first voice uttered by clerk V) different from "Welcome" uttered by clerk V from clerk communication device 200 (e.g., first communication device) and user communication device 100-B (e.g., second communication device) (steps S117 and S118), the link between user identification information of user UB and clerk identification information of clerk V is released (step S119).

[0148] That is, in the fifth operation example, when a store clerk V serves multiple users U, the product management device 400 links the store clerk V with each user U, and when a store clerk V serves only one user U, the product management device 400 maintains the link between the store clerk V and the user U and releases the other links. Therefore, the product management device 400 can link the store clerk V with the users U in a way that matches the customer service situation.

[0149] Also, in the fifth operation example, first, in response to receiving (step S111) the clerk identification information (e.g., first clerk identification information) and product information of clerk V from the clerk communication device 200 (e.g., first communication device), the product management device 400 links the product information to the user identification information (e.g., first customer identification information) of user UA and stores them in memory 422 (e.g., storage unit), and also links the product information to the user identification information (e.g., second customer identification information) of user UB and stores them in memory 422 (step S112). Second, in response to receiving third keyword information ("How about this?") different from the first keyword information ("Welcome") from the store clerk communication device 200 (e.g., the first communication device) and the user communication device 100-A (e.g., the second communication device) (steps S117 and S118), the product management device 400 releases the product information and the user identification information of the user UB (step S120).

[0150] That is, in the fifth operation example, when a store clerk V serves multiple users U, the product management device 400 links the product P with each user U, and when a store clerk V serves only one user U, the product management device 400 maintains the link between the product P and that user U and releases the other links. Therefore, the product management device 400 can link the product P with the users U in a manner appropriate to the state of service. Therefore, the product management device 400 can appropriately link the product P with the users U.

[0151] (Sixth operation example) Next, a sixth operation example will be described.

[0152] FIG. 8B is a diagram for explaining the sixth operation example.

[0153] 8(B), the sixth operation example is also an operation example in which a store clerk V serves multiple users U (UA and UB). However, in the sixth operation example, customer information of users UA and UB is sent from the merchandise management device 400 to the store clerk communication device 200, and in the store clerk communication device 200, the store clerk V selects the users that he or she will serve based on the customer information.

[0154] 18 and 19 are diagrams illustrating a sixth operation example.

[0155] In step S130, the store clerk V approaches the user UA and the user UB while saying, "Welcome." The following steps S131 to S137 are the same as steps S101 (FIG. 16) to S107 in the fifth operation example.

[0156] In step S138, the merchandise management device 400 transmits the customer information of the user UA and the customer information of the user UB to the store clerk communication device 200.

[0157] In step S139, the store clerk V holds the product P. The subsequent steps S140 to S143 are the same as steps S109 to S112 (FIG. 16) of the fifth operation example.

[0158] In step S143 (FIG. 19), the store clerk V checks the user UA from the customer information displayed on the display unit 240 of the store clerk communication device 200.

[0159] In step S144, the store clerk V selects the user UA who is currently serving the customer on the screen displayed on the display unit 240 of the store clerk communication device 200.

[0160] In step S145, the store clerk communication device 200 transmits to the merchandise management device 400 customer service status information including information indicating that the user UA has been selected and will be served, the user identification information of the selected user UA, and the store clerk identification information of the store clerk V. Here, in response to the selection of user UA by store clerk V (step S144), the store clerk communication device 200 may generate customer service status information indicating that the user UA has been selected and will be served, and transmit the customer service status information. Alternatively, the store clerk communication device 200 may obtain the user identification information of the user UA selected on the screen from the customer information, and transmit the user identification information of the user UA.

[0161] In step S146, in response to receiving the user identification information of user UA selected by store clerk V (e.g., the first store clerk) (step S145), the merchandise management device 400 releases the association between the user identification information of user UB and the store clerk identification information of store clerk V. That is, based on the user identification information of user UA received in step S145, the merchandise management device 400 maintains the association between the user identification information of user UA and the store clerk identification information of store clerk V, and releases the association between the user identification information of user UA and the store clerk identification information of store clerk V.

[0162] In step S147, the product management device 400 releases the association between the product information of the product P and the user identification information of the user UB. That is, in response to receiving the user identification information of the user UA selected by the store clerk V (step S145), the product management device 400 releases the association between the product information of the product P and the user identification information of the user UA that was linked in step S143.

[0163] Thus, in the sixth operation example, first, the merchandise management device 400 receives the user identification information of the user UB (e.g., second customer identification information identifying the second customer) and keyword information (e.g., "Welcome") from the user communication device 100-B (e.g., third communication device) (step S136). Second, the merchandise management device 400 associates the clerk identification information of the clerk V (e.g., first clerk identification information) with the user identification information of the user UB based on the keyword information and stores the associated information in the memory 422 (e.g., storage unit) (step S137). Third, the merchandise management device 400 transmits the customer information of the user UA (e.g., first customer) and the customer information of the user UB (e.g., second customer) to the clerk communication device 200 (e.g., first communication device) (step S138). Fourth, upon receiving the user identification information (e.g., first customer identification information) of user UA selected by store clerk V (e.g., first store clerk) from the store clerk communication device 200, the product management device 400 releases the link between the store clerk identification information of store clerk V and the user identification information (e.g., second customer identification information) of user UB.

[0164] That is, when a store clerk V serves multiple users U, the product management device 400 associates each store clerk V with each user U. Then, for the user U selected by the store clerk V, the product management device 400 maintains the association between the store clerk V and the user U, and releases the association between the other store clerks V and users. Therefore, the product management device 400 can associate the store clerk V with the users U in a manner that matches the state of the customer service.

[0165] In the sixth operation example, first, in response to receiving the clerk identification information (e.g., first clerk identification information) and clerk information of clerk V from the clerk communication device 200 (e.g., the first communication device) (step S142), the clerk management device 400 associates the clerk information with the user identification information (e.g., first customer identification information) of user UA and stores the associated clerk information in memory 422 (e.g., a storage unit), and also associates the clerk information with the user identification information (e.g., second customer identification information) of user UB and stores the associated clerk information in memory 422 (step S143). Second, in response to receiving the user identification information of user UA selected by clerk V (e.g., the first clerk) from the clerk communication device 200, the clerk management device 400 releases the association between the clerk information and the user identification information of user UB (step S147).

[0166] That is, when a store clerk V serves multiple users U, the product management device 400 links a product P with each user U, and when serving a user U selected by the store clerk V, it maintains the link between the product P and that user U and releases the link between the other products P and users. Therefore, the product management device 400 can link products P and users U in a way that suits the state of service. Therefore, the product management device 400 can appropriately link products P and users U.

[0167] (7th operation example) Next, a seventh operation example will be described.

[0168] FIG. 9A is a diagram for explaining the seventh operation example.

[0169] As shown in Fig. 9(A), the seventh operation example is also an operation example in which a store clerk V serves multiple users U (UA and UB) (i.e., during "temporary service"). In this example, when the store clerk V utters "Thank you" during "temporary service," the store clerk communication device 200 allows the user to select the user to be released from service. In the sixth operation example, the store clerk V selected the user to be served, but in the seventh operation example, the store clerk V selects the user to be released from service.

[0170] 18 and 20 are diagrams showing the seventh operation example. Since Fig. 18 has been explained in the sixth operation example, an explanation thereof will be omitted here.

[0171] 18 ends, the merchandise management device 400 associates the user identification information of user UA with the clerk identification information of clerk V, and also associates the user identification information of user UB with the clerk identification information of clerk V, and stores these in the memory 422 (step S137). Furthermore, the merchandise management device 400 associates the merchandise information of merchandise P with the user identification information of user UA, and also associates the merchandise information of merchandise P with the user identification information of user UB, and stores these in the memory 422 (step S143).

[0172] In step S150 (FIG. 20), store clerk V greets user UA and user UB with "Thank you very much." "Thank you very much" is a keyword indicating the end of customer service.

[0173] The store clerk communication device 200, the customer user communication device 100-A, and the customer user communication device 100-B receive "Thank you" from the store clerk V and identify the keyword and the speaker (steps S151 to S153). Step S151 is the same as step S15 in the first operation example (FIG. 10). Steps S152 and S153 are the same as step S17 in the first operation example (FIG. 10).

[0174] In step S154, the store clerk communication device 200 identifies the user to be released from service on the screen. Because the store clerk communication device 200 has received the customer information of user UA and the customer information of user UB from the merchandise management device 400 (step S138), the store clerk communication device 200 can display the customer information on the display unit 240 based on the received customer information. Then, store clerk V selects the user to be released from service on the screen of the display unit 240. Here, the following description will be given assuming that user UB has been selected as the user U to be released from service.

[0175] In step S155, the store clerk communication device 200 transmits to the product management device 400 customer service status information including information indicating that the customer service status will be canceled, the user identification information of the user UB for whom the customer service status is to be canceled, and the store clerk identification information.

[0176] In response to receiving the identification information of the user UB selected by the store clerk V as the target for termination of service, the product management device 400 releases the link between the user identification information of user UB and the store clerk identification information of the store clerk V, which was linked in step S137.

[0177] However, if clerk V says "Thank you" (step S150) and does not select a user to terminate service from, the link between each user's identification information linked in step S137 and clerk V's identification information is maintained.

[0178] In the seventh operation example, first, the user communication device 100-B (e.g., the third communication device) transmits the user identification information of the user UB (the second customer identification information that identifies the second customer) and the first keyword information ("Welcome") to the merchandise management device 400. Second, the merchandise management device 400 transmits the customer information of the user UA (e.g., the first customer) and the customer information of the user UB (e.g., the second customer) to the store clerk communication device 200 (e.g., the first communication device). Third, in response to the second voice (e.g., "Thank you") uttered by the store clerk V (e.g., the first store clerk), the store clerk communication device 200 transmits the user identification information (e.g., the second customer identification information) of the user UB selected by the store clerk V to the merchandise management device 400. Fourth, upon receiving the user identification information of the user UB, the merchandise management device 400 releases the association between the store clerk identification information of the store clerk V (first store clerk identification information) and the user identification information of the user UB.

[0179] In this way, in the sixth operation example, by saying "Thank you," the store clerk V can select a user from among the users U who are "temporarily serving" the customer to stop serving, thereby making it possible to properly link the user U being served with the store clerk V.

[0180] (8th operation example) Next, an eighth operation example will be described.

[0181] FIG. 9B is a diagram for explaining the eighth operation example.

[0182] As shown in FIG. 9(B), the eighth operation example is an example in which multiple store clerks V (VA, VB, and VC) serve one user U. Specifically, while store clerk VC is serving user U, if store clerk VA approaches user U and says, "Welcome," store clerks VA and VC will be "serving" user U. Then, if store clerk VB approaches user U and says, "May I help you," store clerks VA and VC will no longer be "serving" user U, and store clerk VB and user U will be "serving" user U. "I'll help you" is keyword information indicating a change of serving role.

[0183] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an eighth operation example.

[0184] In step S160, the user U and the store clerk VC are currently serving the customer. In this case, the merchandise management device 400 associates the user identification information of the user U with the store clerk identification information of the store clerk VC and stores them in the memory 422.

[0185] In step S161, a store clerk VA approaches the user U and says, "Welcome."

[0186] In step S162, the user communication device 100 of the user U receives the voice of the store clerk VA saying "Welcome" and identifies the keyword and the speaker.

[0187] In step S163, the customer communication device 100 transmits the keyword information ("Welcome"), the store clerk identification information of the speaker (store clerk VA), and the user identification information of the user U to the merchandise management device 400.

[0188] In addition, the store clerk communication device 200-A of the store clerk VA may receive the voice of the store clerk VA saying "Welcome" and transmit the keyword information ("Welcome") and the store clerk identification information of the speaker (store clerk VA) to the product management device 400.

[0189] In step S164, the merchandise management device 400 associates the clerk identification information of the clerk VA with the user identification information of the user U based on the keyword information received from the user communication device 100, and stores the associated information in memory 422. As a result, the clerk VA and the user U are now "serving customers." The merchandise management device 400 may confirm that the keyword information received from the clerk communication device 200-A ("Welcome") is the same as the keyword information received from the user communication device 100, and then associates the clerk identification information of the clerk VA with the user identification information of the user U, and stores the associated information in memory 422. Since the clerk VC and the user U have already been "serving customers" in step S160, the two clerks VA and VC are now serving the user U.

[0190] In step S165, the store clerk VB approaches the user U and says, "I'll help you."

[0191] In step S166, the store clerk communication device 200-B of the store clerk VB receives "I'll help you" from the store clerk VB and identifies the keyword and the speaker.

[0192] In step S167, the store clerk communication device 200-B transmits to the product management device 400 the customer service status information including information indicating that the store clerk is currently serving a customer, the keyword information ("I will help you"), and the store clerk identification information of the store clerk VB.

[0193] In step S168, the customer communication device 100 receives the voice of the store clerk VB saying "I'll help you," and identifies the keyword and the speaker.

[0194] In step S169, the customer communication device 100 transmits the keyword information (“I will help you”), the store clerk identification information of the store clerk VB, and the user identification information of the user U to the merchandise management device 400.

[0195] In step S170, the merchandise management device 400 confirms that the keyword information ("I'll help you") received from the store clerk communication device 200-B (step S167) and the keyword information ("I'll help you") received from the user communication device 100 (step S169) are the same, and confirms that the customer service shift has been changed. The merchandise management device 400 then associates the store clerk identification information of store clerk VB (the store clerk identification information received in step S167 or the store clerk identification information received in step S169) with the user identification information of user U (the user identification information received in step S169) and stores them in the memory 422. The merchandise management device 400 also releases the association between the store clerk identification information of store clerk VA and the user identification information of user U, and also releases the association between the store clerk identification information of store clerk VC and the user identification information of user U.

[0196] In step S171, the store clerk VB says to the user U, "Thank you very much."

[0197] In step S172, the store clerk communication device 200-B receives "Thank you" from the store clerk VB.

[0198] In step S173, the store clerk communication device 200-B transmits to the product management device 400 the service status information including the information indicating that the service has been terminated, the keyword information ("Thank you"), and the store clerk identification information of the store clerk VB.

[0199] In step S174, the merchandise management device 400 releases the association between the user U and all store clerks. In this case, the merchandise management device 400 releases the association between the user identification information of the user U and the store clerk identification information of the store clerk VB that was established in step S170.

[0200] Thus, in the seventh operation example, first, the merchandise management device 400 receives from the clerk communication device 200-B (e.g., the fourth communication device) the fourth keyword information (e.g., “I'll help you”) contained in the fourth voice uttered by the clerk VB (e.g., the second clerk) and the clerk identification information of the clerk VB (e.g., the second clerk identification information identifying the second clerk) (step S167). Second, in response to receiving the fourth keyword information and the clerk identification information of the clerk VB, the merchandise management device 400 releases the association between the clerk identification information of the clerk VA (e.g., the first clerk identification information) and the user identification information of the user U (e.g., the first customer identification information), and associates the clerk identification information of the clerk VB with the user identification information of the user U, and stores the association in a storage unit (e.g., the memory 422) (step S170).

[0201] That is, when clerk VB utters a voice containing keyword information indicating a change of customer service, the association between clerk V (clerks VA and VC) and user U that had been associated up until now is released, and the clerk identification information of clerk VB is associated with the user identification information of user UB. Therefore, it becomes possible to associate clerk V and user U according to the customer service status of clerk VB, and clerk V and user U are appropriately associated.

[0202] (9th operation example) Next, a ninth operation example will be described.

[0203] The ninth operation example is a combination of the first to eighth operation examples.

[0204] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a ninth operation example.

[0205] As shown in FIG. 22, in step S200, the product management system 10 starts processing.

[0206] In step S201, the store clerk communication device 200 sets the store clerk identification information (e.g., store clerk ID) of store clerk V as the user of an application program (e.g., a specific program). Also in step S201, the customer communication device 100 sets the user identification information (e.g., user ID) of user U as the user of the program.

[0207] In step S202, the salesperson communication device 200 registers customer service keywords in the merchandise management device 400. For example, the customer service keywords include "Welcome" (first keyword information) as a keyword indicating the start of customer service. Furthermore, the customer service keywords include "Thank you" (second keyword information) as a keyword indicating the end of customer service. Furthermore, the customer service keywords include "How would you like this?" (third keyword information). Furthermore, the customer service keywords include "I'll help you" (fourth keyword information) as a keyword indicating a change of customer service. For example, when the salesperson V inputs these pieces of keyword information via the salesperson communication device 200, the customer service keywords are sent from the salesperson communication device 200 to the merchandise management device 400, and the customer service keywords are registered in the merchandise management device 400.

[0208] In step S203, voice data of the store clerk V is registered in the merchandise management device 400. For example, when the store clerk V speaks a voice including a customer service keyword through the microphone 250 of the store clerk communication device 200, the voice information is transmitted from the store clerk communication device 200 to the merchandise management device 400 and registered in the merchandise management device 400.

[0209] In step S204, the store clerk communication device 200 and the user communication device 100 acquire voice information and customer service keywords of store clerk V from the merchandise management device 400. For example, the store clerk communication device 200 and the user communication device 100 may acquire voice information including the customer service keywords of store clerk V. Furthermore, for example, the store clerk communication device 200 and the user communication device 100 may acquire voice information of multiple store clerks in store S.

[0210] In step S205, the store clerk communication device 200 and the customer communication device 100 acquire surrounding audio information.

[0211] In step S206, the clerk communication device 200 and the user communication device 100 determine the clerk identification information (e.g., clerk ID) of clerk V based on the acquired ambient voice information. Using their voice recognition functions, the clerk communication device 200 and the user communication device 100 confirm that the acquired ambient voice information includes the voice information of clerk V, based on the voice information of clerk V acquired in step S204 and the acquired ambient voice information. The clerk communication device 200 and the user communication device 100 then obtain the clerk identification information of clerk V based on the correspondence information between each clerk and each clerk identification information acquired in advance from the merchandise management device 400. Step S206 corresponds to step S15 and step S17 (FIG. 10) in the first operation example.

[0212] In step S207, the store clerk communication device 200 and the user communication device 100 extract customer service keywords. Using their voice recognition functions, the store clerk communication device 200 and the user communication device 100 extract keyword information uttered by store clerk V from surrounding voice information based on the voice information acquired in step S204. Step S207 corresponds to step S15 and step S17 (FIG. 10) in the first operation example.

[0213] In step S208, the store clerk communication device 200 and the customer communication device 100 transmit the store clerk identification information and keyword information of the store clerk V to the merchandise management device 400. Step S208 corresponds to step S16 and step S18 (FIG. 10) in the first operation example.

[0214] In step S209, the merchandise management device 400 determines the customer service status between the store clerk V and the user U. For example, the merchandise management device 400 may determine the customer service status based on the customer service status information (or keyword information) received from the store clerk communication device 200 and the user communication device 100.

[0215] In step S211, the store clerk communication device 200 and the customer communication device 100 acquire the customer service status from the merchandise management device 400.

[0216] In step S212, the store clerk communication device 200 reads the barcode of the product P. Step S212 corresponds to step S48 (FIG. 12) in the second operation example or step S67 (FIG. 13) in the third operation example.

[0217] In step S213, the merchandise management device 400 associates the user identification information of the user U currently serving the customer with the merchandise information of the product P. For example, the store clerk communication device 200 acquires the merchandise information of the product P from the barcode information included in the barcode read in step S212, and transmits the merchandise information and the store clerk identification information to the merchandise management device 400. The merchandise management device 400 associates the user identification information of the user U currently serving the customer with the merchandise information of the product P based on the store clerk identification information. Step S213 corresponds to step S50 and step S51 (FIG. 12) in the second operation example.

[0218] In step S214, the store clerk communication device 200 receives the beacon transmitted from the device communication device 300 of the holding device H. Step S214 corresponds to step S92 (FIG. 15) of the fourth operation example.

[0219] In step S215, the merchandise management device 400 associates the user identification information of the user U currently serving the customer with the merchandise information of the merchandise P. For example, in response to receiving a beacon, the store clerk communication device 200 transmits the merchandise information and the store clerk identification information to the merchandise management device 400. Based on the store clerk identification information, the merchandise management device 400 associates the user identification information of the user U with the merchandise information of the merchandise P. Step S215 corresponds to step S93 and step S94 (FIG. 15) of the fourth operation example.

[0220] Then, in step S216, the product management system 10 ends the series of processes.

[0221] (10th operation example) Next, a tenth operation example will be described.

[0222] In the first to ninth operation examples described above, the user U is linked to the store clerk V and the user U is linked to the product P using voice information from the store clerk V. For example, the user U may be linked to the store clerk V and the user U is linked to the product P using location information instead of voice information. For example, the following processing may be performed.

[0223] That is, the store clerk communication device 200 transmits the store clerk identification information of store clerk V and the location information of the store clerk communication device 200 to the merchandise management device 400 at a predetermined timing. The user communication device 100 also transmits the user identification information of user U and the location information of the user communication device 100 to the merchandise management device 400 at a predetermined timing. If the two pieces of location information are within a threshold, the merchandise management device 400 determines that the store clerk is serving a customer and links the store clerk identification information of store clerk V with the user identification information of user U. That is, the store clerk V and user U are linked.

[0224] Thereafter, the clerk communication device 200 acquires product information from the barcode information (steps S48 and S49 in FIG. 12) and acquires product information from the beacon (step S92 in FIG. 15), and transmits the clerk identification information of clerk V and the product information to the product management device 400.

[0225] The product management device 400 confirms that the store clerk identification information linked to the user identification information of the user U is the same as the store clerk identification information received together with the product information, and then links the user identification information to the product information and stores them in the memory 422. In other words, the product P is linked to the user U.

[0226] Thus, in the tenth operation example, first, the merchandise management device 400 receives location information indicating the location of the clerk communication device 200 (e.g., first location information indicating the location of the first communication device) and clerk identification information of clerk V (e.g., first clerk identification information) from the clerk communication device 200 (e.g., first communication device), and also receives location information indicating the location of the user communication device 100 (e.g., second location information indicating the location of the second communication device) and first customer identification information (e.g., user identification information of user U) from the user communication device (e.g., second communication device). Second, in response to the reception, the merchandise management device 400 associates the clerk identification information of clerk V with the user identification information of user U and stores them in memory 422 (e.g., storage unit). Third, upon receiving the clerk identification information of clerk V and the product information from the clerk communication device 200, the product management device 400 associates the product information with the user identification information of user U based on the clerk identification information of clerk V and stores the linked information in memory 422.

[0227] This makes it possible to link the user U with the store clerk V using location information, and also to link the product P with the user U. Therefore, in the tenth operation example as well, the product P and the user U are appropriately linked.

[0228] [Other embodiments] In the first to ninth operation examples, the store clerk communication device 200 and the user communication device 100 have been described as having a voice recognition function, but this is not limited to this. For example, the store clerk communication device 200 and the user communication device 100 may not have a voice recognition function. In this case, for example, the voice information and keyword information of each store clerk are registered in the merchandise management device 400. The store clerk communication device 200 then acquires the voice information of store clerk V and transmits the voice information to the merchandise management device 400. The user communication device 100 also acquires the voice information of store clerk V and transmits the voice information to the merchandise management device 400. The merchandise management device 400 may use its voice recognition function to compare the voice information of each store clerk with the voice information received from the store clerk communication device 200 and the user communication device 100 to identify the keyword and the speaker.

[0229] In the second and third operation examples, examples of acquiring product information using a barcode have been described, but this is not limiting. For example, a wireless tag may be used instead of a barcode. The wireless tag may be attached directly to the product P or attached to a label. In this case, the store clerk communication device 200 has a wireless tag reader function, and the store clerk communication device 200 can acquire tag information from the wireless tag via this reader function. Since the tag information includes product information, the store clerk communication device 200 can acquire product information from the wireless tag. The subsequent operation can be performed in the same manner as in the second and third operation examples.

[0230] In the first to tenth operation examples, the storage unit of the product management device 400 has been described as being the memory 232 inside the control unit 130. For example, the storage unit of the product management device 400 may be located outside the control unit 130.

[0231] A program that causes a computer to execute each of the above-described processes (or operations) may be provided. The program can be installed on a computer using a computer-readable medium. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may be a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory recording medium is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM. Such a recording medium may be included in the control unit 130 of the user communication device 100, the control unit 230 of the store clerk communication device 200, the control unit 320 of the appliance communication device 300, and the control unit 420 of the merchandise management device 400. The control unit 130 of the user communication device 100, the control unit 230 of the store clerk communication device 200, the control unit 320 of the appliance communication device 300, and the control unit 420 of the merchandise management device 400 may read the program from the recording medium and execute the program to realize the functions (or processes, or operations) described in the above-described embodiments.

[0232] As used in this disclosure, the terms "based on" and "depending on" do not mean "based only on" or "depending only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. The term "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least in part on." Similarly, the term "depending on" means both "based only on" and "at least in part on." Furthermore, "obtain" may mean obtaining information from stored information, obtaining information from information received from another node, or obtaining information by generating the information. The terms "include," "comprise," and variations thereof do not mean including only the listed items, but may also mean including only the listed items or including additional items in addition to the listed items. Furthermore, as used in this disclosure, the term "or" is not intended to mean an exclusive or. Furthermore, any reference to elements using designations such as "first," "second," etc., as used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used herein as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, reference to first and second elements does not imply that only two elements may be employed therein or that the first element must precede the second element in some manner. In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, these articles shall include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0233] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments, operations, or processes can be combined as appropriate within a consistent range.

[0234] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-050642 (filed March 25, 2022), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0235] (Addendum) The following additional notes are about the features of the above-described embodiment.

[0236] (1) The device includes a communication unit, a control unit, and a storage unit, the communication unit receives first store clerk identification information identifying a first store clerk from a first communication device, receives first customer identification information identifying a first customer from a second communication device, and further receives the first store clerk identification information and product information related to a product from the first communication device; the control unit, in response to receiving the first store clerk identification information and the first customer identification information, associates the first store clerk identification information with the first customer identification information and stores them in the storage unit; and, in response to receiving the first store clerk identification information and the merchandise information, associates the merchandise information with the first customer identification information based on the first store clerk identification information and stores them in the storage unit. Product management device.

[0237] (2) the control unit receives, via the communication unit, from the first communication device, first keyword information and the first store clerk identification information included in the first voice uttered by the first store clerk, and, in response to receiving the first keyword information, the first store clerk identification information, and the first customer identification information from the second communication device, associates the first store clerk identification information with the first customer identification information and stores them in the storage unit; the control unit, in response to receiving the first store clerk identification information and the product information from the first communication device via the communication unit, associates the product information with the first customer identification information based on the first store clerk identification information and stores the associated product information in the storage unit; The merchandise management device according to (1) above.

[0238] (3) the control unit receives, via the communication unit, first location information indicating the location of the first communication device and the first store clerk identification information from the first communication device, and, in response to receiving, from the second communication device, second location information indicating the location of the second communication device and the first customer identification information, associates the first store clerk identification information with the first customer identification information and stores them in the storage unit; the control unit, in response to receiving the first store clerk identification information and the product information from the first communication device via the communication unit, associates the product information with the first customer identification information based on the first store clerk identification information and stores the associated product information in the storage unit; The merchandise management device according to (1) or (2) above.

[0239] (4) The first keyword information is keyword information indicating the start of customer service. The merchandise management device according to any one of (1) to (3) above.

[0240] (5) the control unit, in response to receiving, via the communication unit, from the first communication device, second keyword information included in the second voice uttered by the first store clerk and the first store clerk identification information, cancels the association between the first store clerk identification information and the first customer identification information; The second keyword information is keyword information indicating the end of customer service. The merchandise management device according to any one of (1) to (4) above.

[0241] (6) the communication unit receives second customer identification information identifying a second customer, the first keyword information, and the first store clerk identification information from a third communication device; the control unit associates the first store clerk identification information with the second customer identification information based on the first keyword information and stores the associated information in the storage unit; the control unit releases the association between the first store clerk identification information and the second customer identification information in response to receiving, via the communication unit, third keyword information included in a third voice different from the first voice uttered by the first store clerk from the first communication device and the second communication device. The merchandise management device according to any one of (1) to (5) above.

[0242] (7) the control unit, in response to receiving the first store clerk identification information and the product information from the first communication device, associates the product information with the first customer identification information and stores them in the storage unit, and also associates the product information with the second customer identification information and stores them in the storage unit; the control unit, in response to receiving the third keyword information from the first communication device and the second communication device, cancels the association between the product information and the second customer identification information. The merchandise management device according to any one of (1) to (6) above.

[0243] (8) the communication unit receives second customer identification information that identifies a second customer and the first keyword information from a third communication device; the control unit associates the first store clerk identification information with the second customer identification information based on the first keyword information and stores the associated information in the storage unit; the control unit transmits the customer information of the first customer and the customer information of the second customer to the first communication device via the communication unit; The control unit releases the association between the first store clerk identification information and the second customer identification information in response to receiving, via the communication unit, from the first communication device, one of the first customer identification information and the second customer identification information selected by the first store clerk. The merchandise management device according to any one of (1) to (7) above.

[0244] (9) the control unit, in response to receiving the first store clerk identification information and the product information from the first communication device, associates the product information with the first customer identification information and stores them in the storage unit, and also associates the product information with the second customer identification information and stores them in the storage unit; the control unit releases the association between the product information and the second customer identification information in response to receiving, from the first communication device, either the first customer identification information or the second customer identification information selected by the first store clerk. The merchandise management device according to any one of (1) to (8) above.

[0245] (10) the communication unit receives, from a fourth communication device, fourth keyword information included in a fourth voice uttered by a second store clerk and second store clerk identification information identifying the second store clerk; the control unit, in response to receiving the fourth keyword information and the second store clerk identification information, releases the association between the first store clerk identification information and the first customer identification information, associates the second store clerk identification information with the first customer identification information, and stores the second store clerk identification information and the first customer identification information in the storage unit; The fourth keyword information is a keyword indicating a change of customer service. The merchandise management device according to any one of (1) to (9) above.

[0246] (11) The system includes a product management device having a storage unit, a first communication device, and a second communication device, the first communication device transmits first store clerk identification information identifying a first store clerk to the product management device, and further transmits the first store clerk identification information and product information relating to the product to the product management device; the second communication device transmits first customer identification information identifying the first customer to the merchandise management device; the product management device associates the product information with the first customer identification information based on the first store clerk identification information and stores the associated information in the storage unit; Product management system.

[0247] (12) the first communication device has a barcode reader; the first communication device acquires the product information based on barcode information read from a barcode attached to the product by the barcode reader; The merchandise management system according to (11) above.

[0248] (13) The barcode is read by the barcode reader when the first store clerk refolds the product that has been touched by the first customer. The merchandise management system according to (11) or (12) above.

[0249] (14) The barcode is read by the barcode reader when the first store clerk takes out the product from the back room. The product management system according to any one of (11) to (13) above.

[0250] (15) further comprising a holding device having an appliance communication device; The first communication device acquires the product information based on a beacon transmitted from the tool communication device in response to the first store clerk moving the holding tool that holds the product. The product management system according to any one of (11) to (14) above.

[0251] (16) the first communication device transmits first keyword information included in the first voice uttered by the first store clerk and the first store clerk identification information to the product management device; the second communication device transmits the first keyword information and the first customer identification information to the product management device; the merchandise management device associates the first store clerk identification information with the first customer identification information based on the first keyword information and stores the associated information in the storage unit; The product management system according to any one of (11) to (15) above.

[0252] (17) Further, a third communication device is provided, the third communication device transmits second customer identification information identifying the second customer and the first keyword information to the product management device; the product management device transmits the customer information of the first customer and the customer information of the second customer to the first communication device; the first communication device transmits the second customer identification information selected by the first store clerk to the merchandise management device in response to a second voice uttered by the first store clerk; the merchandise management device, in response to receiving the second customer identification information, cancels the association between the first store clerk identification information and the second customer identification information; The second keyword information included in the second voice is keyword information indicating the end of customer service. The product management system according to any one of (11) to (16) above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0253] 10: Management system 100: User communication device 120: Wireless communication unit 130: Control unit 140: Communications Department 150: Microphone 200: Clerk communication device 220: Radio Communication Department 230: Control unit 240:Display section 250: Microphone 300: Instrument communication device 400:Product management device 410: Communication interface 420: Control unit 422: Memory

Claims

1. The device includes a communication unit, a control unit, and a storage unit, the communication unit receives first store clerk identification information identifying a first store clerk from a first communication device, receives first customer identification information identifying a first customer from a second communication device, and further receives the first store clerk identification information and product information related to a product from the first communication device; the control unit, in response to receiving the first store clerk identification information and the first customer identification information, associates the first store clerk identification information with the first customer identification information and stores them in the storage unit; and, in response to receiving the first store clerk identification information and the merchandise information, associates the merchandise information with the first customer identification information based on the first store clerk identification information and stores them in the storage unit. Product management device.

2. the control unit receives, via the communication unit, from the first communication device, first keyword information and the first store clerk identification information included in the first voice uttered by the first store clerk, and, in response to receiving the first keyword information, the first store clerk identification information, and the first customer identification information from the second communication device, associates the first store clerk identification information with the first customer identification information and stores them in the storage unit; the control unit, in response to receiving the first store clerk identification information and the product information from the first communication device via the communication unit, associates the product information with the first customer identification information based on the first store clerk identification information and stores the associated product information in the storage unit; The product management device according to claim 1.

3. the control unit receives, via the communication unit, first location information indicating the location of the first communication device and the first store clerk identification information from the first communication device, and, in response to receiving, from the second communication device, second location information indicating the location of the second communication device and the first customer identification information, associates the first store clerk identification information with the first customer identification information and stores them in the storage unit; the control unit, in response to receiving the first store clerk identification information and the product information from the first communication device via the communication unit, associates the product information with the first customer identification information based on the first store clerk identification information and stores the associated product information in the storage unit; The product management device according to claim 1.

4. The first keyword information is keyword information indicating a start of customer service.

3. The merchandise management device according to claim 2.

5. the control unit, in response to receiving, via the communication unit, from the first communication device, second keyword information included in the second voice uttered by the first store clerk and the first store clerk identification information, cancels the association between the first store clerk identification information and the first customer identification information; The second keyword information is keyword information indicating an end of customer service.

3. The merchandise management device according to claim 2.

6. the communication unit receives second customer identification information identifying a second customer, the first keyword information, and the first store clerk identification information from a third communication device; the control unit associates the first store clerk identification information with the second customer identification information based on the first keyword information and stores the associated information in the storage unit; the control unit releases the association between the first store clerk identification information and the second customer identification information in response to receiving, via the communication unit, third keyword information included in a third voice different from the first voice uttered by the first store clerk from the first communication device and the second communication device.

3. The merchandise management device according to claim 2.

7. the control unit, in response to receiving the first store clerk identification information and the product information from the first communication device, associates the product information with the first customer identification information and stores them in the storage unit, and also associates the product information with the second customer identification information and stores them in the storage unit; the control unit releases the association between the product information and the second customer identification information in response to receiving the third keyword information from the first communication device and the second communication device.

7. The merchandise management device according to claim 6.

8. the communication unit receives second customer identification information identifying a second customer and the first keyword information from a third communication device; the control unit associates the first store clerk identification information with the second customer identification information based on the first keyword information and stores the associated information in the storage unit; the control unit transmits the customer information of the first customer and the customer information of the second customer to the first communication device via the communication unit; The control unit releases the association between the first store clerk identification information and the second customer identification information in response to receiving, via the communication unit, from the first communication device, either the first customer identification information or the second customer identification information selected by the first store clerk.

3. The merchandise management device according to claim 2.

9. the control unit, in response to receiving the first store clerk identification information and the product information from the first communication device, associates the product information with the first customer identification information and stores them in the storage unit, and also associates the product information with the second customer identification information and stores them in the storage unit; the control unit releases the association between the product information and the second customer identification information in response to receiving, from the first communication device, either the first customer identification information or the second customer identification information selected by the first store clerk.

9. The merchandise management device according to claim 8.

10. the communication unit receives, from a fourth communication device, fourth keyword information included in a fourth voice uttered by a second store clerk and second store clerk identification information identifying the second store clerk; the control unit, in response to receiving the fourth keyword information and the second store clerk identification information, releases the association between the first store clerk identification information and the first customer identification information, associates the second store clerk identification information with the first customer identification information, and stores the second store clerk identification information and the first customer identification information in the storage unit; The fourth keyword information is a keyword indicating a change of customer service.

3. The merchandise management device according to claim 2.

11. The system includes a product management device having a storage unit, a first communication device, and a second communication device, the first communication device transmits first store clerk identification information identifying a first store clerk to the merchandise management device, and further transmits the first store clerk identification information and merchandise information relating to the merchandise to the merchandise management device; the second communication device transmits first customer identification information identifying the first customer to the merchandise management device; the merchandise management device associates the merchandise information with the first customer identification information based on the first store clerk identification information and stores the associated merchandise information in the storage unit; Product management system.

12. the first communication device has a barcode reader; the first communication device acquires the product information based on barcode information read from a barcode attached to the product by the barcode reader; The merchandise management system according to claim 11.

13. The barcode is read by the barcode reader when the first store clerk refolds the product that has been touched by the first customer. The merchandise management system according to claim 12.

14. The barcode is read by the barcode reader when the first store clerk takes out the product from the back room. The merchandise management system according to claim 12.

15. further comprising a holding device having an appliance communication device; The first communication device acquires the product information based on a beacon transmitted from the tool communication device in response to the first store clerk moving the holding tool that holds the product. The merchandise management system according to claim 11.

16. the first communication device transmits first keyword information included in the first voice uttered by the first store clerk and the first store clerk identification information to the product management device; the second communication device transmits the first keyword information and the first customer identification information to the merchandise management device; the merchandise management device associates the first store clerk identification information with the first customer identification information based on the first keyword information and stores the associated information in the storage unit; The merchandise management system according to claim 11.

17. Further, a third communication device is provided, the third communication device transmits second customer identification information identifying a second customer and the first keyword information to the product management device; the product management device transmits the customer information of the first customer and the customer information of the second customer to the first communication device; the first communication device transmits the second customer identification information selected by the first store clerk to the merchandise management device in response to a second voice uttered by the first store clerk; the merchandise management device, in response to receiving the second customer identification information, cancels the association between the first store clerk identification information and the second customer identification information; The second keyword information included in the second voice is keyword information indicating the end of customer service. The merchandise management system according to claim 16.

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