Shopping management device and shopping management method

Abstract

To provide a shopping management device and a shopping management method, which provide a user terminal with a store image that allows a display state of commodities in a store to be grasped and sales information regarding sales of the commodities.SOLUTION: In a shopping system in which a shopping management device, a user terminal, and a store terminal are connected so as to be able to transmit and receive data via the user terminal and a network, the shopping management device 1 includes an information provision unit 112 configured to provide the user terminal with a store image that allows a display state of commodities in a store to be grasped and sales information regarding sales of the commodities. The user terminal includes a display control unit configured to display a store image on which the sales information is superimposed on a display unit included in the user terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a shopping management device and a shopping management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an in-store product EC system that sells products displayed in stores through electronic commerce. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-51804 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Recently, there has been a demand for a better shopping system.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A shopping management device according to one aspect of the present invention is a shopping management device that is connected to a user terminal, which is a user's terminal, via a network so that it can send and receive data, and is equipped with an information providing unit that provides the user terminal with store images that allow the display status of products in the store to be understood, and sales information regarding sales of the products, and the user terminal is equipped with a display control unit that displays the store image with the sales information superimposed on it on a display unit equipped on the user terminal.

[0007] In addition, a shopping management method according to another aspect of the present invention includes an information providing step of providing a store image that enables the display status of products in the store to be grasped and sales information regarding sales of the products to a user terminal that is a terminal of the user via a network, and a display control step of displaying the store image with the sales information superimposed on it on a display unit provided on the user terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a good shopping system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a shopping system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a shopping management device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the store terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a shopping screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a shopping screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a shopping screen displayed on a user terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the shopping management device according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [One embodiment] A shopping management device and a shopping management method according to one embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a shopping system according to this embodiment.

[0011] The shopping system 10 according to this embodiment may be configured, for example, by a shopping management device 1, a user terminal 3, and a store terminal 5. The shopping management device 1 is responsible for managing the shopping system 10. The user terminal (user terminal) 3 is a terminal used by a user (user). The store terminal 5 is a terminal provided in a store 90 (see FIG. 5). The shopping management device 1 and the user terminal 3 may be connected via a network 7 so as to be able to send and receive data. The shopping management device 1 and the store terminal 5 may be connected via the network 7 so as to be able to send and receive data. The user terminal 3 and the store terminal 5 may be connected via the network 7 so as to be able to send and receive data.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a shopping management device according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the shopping management device (server device) 1 may include a calculation unit 11, a storage unit 13, and a communication unit 15. The shopping management device 1 may also include components other than these components, but a description of these components will be omitted here. The shopping management device 1 may be managed by an operator who operates a shopping service provided using the shopping system 10.

[0013] The calculation unit 11 may be configured by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). That is, the calculation unit 11 may be configured by processing circuitry. The calculation unit 11 may be provided with a control unit 111 and an information providing unit 112. The control unit 111 is responsible for overall control of the shopping management device 1. The control unit 111 and the information providing unit 112 may be realized by the calculation unit 11 executing a program stored in the memory unit 13. The calculation unit 11 may be provided with components other than these components, but a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0014] At least a part of the control unit 111 and the information providing unit 112 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).In addition, at least a part of the control unit 111 and the information providing unit 112 may be configured by an electronic circuit including a discrete device.

[0015] The storage unit 13 may include a volatile memory (not shown) and a nonvolatile memory (not shown). Examples of the volatile memory include RAM (Random Access Memory). The volatile memory is used as a working memory for the processor and temporarily stores data necessary for processing or calculation. Examples of the nonvolatile memory include ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory. The nonvolatile memory is used as a storage memory and stores programs, tables, maps, and the like. At least a portion of the storage unit 13 may be included in the processor, integrated circuit, or the like described above. The storage unit 13 may further include an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like. An application program for causing a computer to execute the shopping management method according to this embodiment is pre-installed in the storage unit 13. At least a portion of the storage unit 13 may be configured by a storage device (not shown) provided separately from the shopping management device 1.

[0016] The communication unit 15 is equipped with, for example, a communication module (not shown). The communication unit 15 can communicate with a communication unit 39 equipped in the user terminal 3 via the network 7. The communication unit 15 can also communicate with a communication unit 56 equipped in the store terminal 5 via the network 7.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a user terminal. As shown in FIG. 3, the user terminal 3 may include a calculation unit 31, a storage unit 33, an operation unit 35, a display unit 37, and a communication unit 39. The user terminal 3 may also include components other than these components, but descriptions of these components will be omitted here. Examples of the user terminal 3 include, but are not limited to, a smartphone, a personal computer, a head-mounted display, etc. Here, an example will be described in which the user terminal 3 is a smartphone. The user terminal 3 may be operated by a user who uses the shopping service provided by the shopping system 10.

[0018] The calculation unit 31 may be configured by a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. That is, the calculation unit 31 may be configured by a processing circuit. The calculation unit 31 may include a control unit 311 and a display control unit 312. Note that the calculation unit 31 may also include components other than these components, but a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0019] The control unit 311 is responsible for overall control of the user terminal 3. The display control unit 312 is responsible for control of the display of the display unit 37. The control unit 311 and the display control unit 312 can be realized by the calculation unit 31 executing a program stored in the storage unit 33. At least a part of the control unit 311 and the display control unit 312 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. At least a part of the control unit 311 and the display control unit 312 may also be configured by an electronic circuit including a discrete device.

[0020] The storage unit 33 may include a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown). The storage unit 33 may further include an HDD, an SSD, etc. The storage unit 33 may include an acquaintance information storage unit 331. The acquaintance information storage unit 331 may store, for example, acquaintance information, which is information about acquaintances of the user who operates the user terminal 3. The acquaintance information may include, but is not limited to, the name of the acquaintance, the telephone number of the acquaintance, the email address of the acquaintance, the address of the acquaintance, etc. Information stored in an address book provided in the user terminal 3 may be used as the acquaintance information.

[0021] The operation unit 35 can be used when a user performs operation input to the user terminal 3. Examples of the operation unit 35 include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.

[0022] The display unit 37 is provided with a display element (not shown). For example, a liquid crystal display element, an organic electroluminescence display element, etc. may be used as the display element. The operation unit 35 and the display unit 37 may be configured by a touch panel (not shown) provided with such a display element.

[0023] The communication unit 39 includes, for example, a communication module (not shown). The communication unit 39 can communicate with the communication unit 15 included in the shopping management device 1 via the network 7.

[0024] 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a store terminal. The store terminal 5 may include a calculation unit 51, a storage unit 52, an operation unit 53, a display unit 54, an imaging unit 55, and a communication unit 56. The store terminal 5 may also include components other than these components, but descriptions of these components will be omitted here. The store terminal 5 may be configured, for example, by a smartphone, a personal computer, a 360-degree camera, etc., but is not limited to these. Here, an example will be described in which the store terminal 5 is a smartphone. The store terminal 5 may be operated by a store clerk or the like at the store 90, but is not limited to this.

[0025] The calculation unit 51 may be configured by a processor such as a CPU or a GPU, that is, a processing circuit. The calculation unit 51 may include a control unit 511 and a display control unit 512. Note that the calculation unit 51 may also include components other than these components, but a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0026] The control unit 511 is responsible for overall control of the store terminal 5. The display control unit 512 is responsible for control of the display of the display unit 54. The control unit 511 and the display control unit 512 can be realized by the calculation unit 51 executing a program stored in the storage unit 52. At least a part of the control unit 511 and the display control unit 512 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. At least a part of the control unit 511 and the display control unit 512 may also be configured by an electronic circuit including a discrete device.

[0027] The storage unit 52 may include a volatile memory (not shown) and a nonvolatile memory (not shown). The storage unit 52 may further include an HDD, an SSD, or the like.

[0028] The operation unit 53 can be used when a store clerk or the like of the store 90 performs operation input to the store terminal 5. Examples of the operation unit 53 include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.

[0029] The display unit 54 is provided with a display element (not shown). As the display element, for example, a liquid crystal display element, an organic electroluminescence display element, etc. The operation unit 53 and the display unit 54 may be configured by a touch panel (not shown) provided with such a display element.

[0030] The imaging unit 55 is provided with, for example, a camera module (not shown). The imaging unit 55 can be used when a store clerk or the like takes an image of the display state of the products 92 in the store 90.

[0031] The communication unit 56 includes, for example, a communication module (not shown). The communication unit 56 can communicate with the communication unit 15 included in the shopping management device 1 via the network 7.

[0032] As described above, the shopping management device 1 may include an information providing unit 112. The information providing unit 112 may supply the user terminal 3 with information for displaying a shopping screen 95 (see FIG. 5) on the user terminal 3. The shopping screen 95 may include a store image 91 (see FIG. 5) and sales information 94 (see FIG. 5). The shopping management device 1 may provide the store image 91 and the sales information 94 to the user terminal 3. The information providing unit 112 may supply the store image 91 with the sales information 94 superimposed thereon to the user terminal 3, but is not limited to this. Here, an example will be described in which the store image 91 with the sales information 94 superimposed thereon is supplied from the shopping management device 1 to the user terminal 3.

[0033] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a shopping screen displayed on a user terminal, in which sales information 94 superimposed on a store image 91 is sales figures.

[0034] The shopping screen 95 may be displayed on the display unit 37 provided in the user terminal 3. The shopping screen 95 may be displayed on the display unit 37 when the user performs an operation to start shopping at the store 90. A store image 91 may be displayed on the shopping screen 95. Sales information 94 may be superimposed on the store image 91. The sales information 94 may be superimposed on a display position 93 where a product 92 is displayed. In other words, the sales information 94 may be superimposed at a position corresponding to the position where the product 92 is displayed.

[0035] The store image 91 is an image of the store 90 where a user shops. The store image 91 shows the state in which products 92 are displayed in the store 90. The store image 91 allows the user to grasp the display state of the products 92 in the store 90. In this way, the store image 91 is an image from which the display state of the products 92 in the store 90 can be grasped. The store image 91 may be supplied from the store terminal 5, but is not limited to this. The store image 91 is a real-time image supplied from the store terminal 5, but is not limited to this. The store image 91 is an image obtained by photographing the store 90 with the imaging unit 55 provided in the store terminal 5, but is not limited to this. In other words, the store image 91 is an image obtained by photographing a physical store, which is the actual store 90, but is not limited to this.

[0036] The sales information 94 is information related to the sales of the product 92. The sales information 94 may include information indicating the number of sales of the product 92. The number of sales of the product 92 may be, for example, but is not limited to, the number of sales of the product 92 in real time. The number of sales of the product 92 may be the number of sales in a predetermined period. The number of sales of the product 92 may also be the cumulative number of sales. The sales information 94 may be stored in the memory unit 13 in a state linked to information related to the product 92. The information related to the product 92 may include information indicating the name, price, appearance, etc. of the product 92. The product information related to the product 92 may be stored in the memory unit 13 in a state linked to information indicating the display position of the product 92 in the store 90.

[0037] The control unit 111 can identify the product 92 displayed in the store image 91. As described above, information indicating the appearance of the product 92 is linked to information related to the product 92. Therefore, the control unit 111 can identify the product 92 displayed in the store image 91. Because the control unit 111 can identify the product 92 displayed in the store image 91, the control unit 111 can determine which product 92 is displayed in which position in the store image 91. Because the control unit 111 can determine which product 92 is displayed in which position in the store image 91, the control unit 111 can superimpose sales information 94 at a position corresponding to the position of the product 92 displayed in the store image 91.

[0038] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a shopping screen displayed on a user terminal, in which sales information 94 superimposed on a store image 91 is displayed using a heat map.

[0039] In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the sales figures for the products 92 are displayed using a heat map. A heat map indicates individual values ​​using colors or shades of colors. For example, a relatively dark color is superimposed on the display positions 93 of products 92 with relatively high sales figures. That is, a relatively dark color is superimposed on a position corresponding to the position of the product 92 with relatively high sales figures. This allows the user to understand that the sales figures for the product 92 are relatively high. Furthermore, a relatively light color is superimposed on the display positions 93 of products 92 with relatively low sales figures. That is, a relatively light color is superimposed on a position corresponding to the position of the product 92 with relatively low sales figures. This allows the user to understand that the sales figures for the product 92 are relatively low. In this way, sales information 94 may be displayed using a heat map.

[0040] Information (not shown) indicating that the product 92 has been purchased may be displayed at a position corresponding to the position of the purchased product 92. Such information may include, for example, a mark (not shown) resembling money, but is not limited to this.

[0041] Sales information 94, which is a combination of sales figures and a heat map, may be superimposed on the store image 91.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a shopping screen displayed on a user terminal.

[0043] 7 , the display control unit 312 can display information 96 indicating that a product 92 has been purchased by an acquaintance of the user on the display unit 37. That is, the display control unit 312 can display information 96 indicating the acquaintance who purchased the product 92 on the display unit 37. The information 96 indicating the acquaintance who purchased the product 92 can be generated, for example, by the control unit 111 provided in the shopping management device 1. The control unit 111 can generate the information 96 indicating the acquaintance who purchased the product 92 based on information indicating the purchaser who purchased the product 92 and acquaintance information, which is information about the acquaintance of the user. The acquaintance information can be provided in advance to the shopping management device 1 from the user terminal 3, but is not limited to this.

[0044] The product 92 is selected by the user performing an operation to select the product 92 displayed on the shopping screen 95. When the product 92 is selected by the user, an order acceptance screen (not shown) for ordering the selected product 92 is displayed on the display unit 37 provided on the user terminal 3. When the user performs an operation to order the product 92 on the order acceptance screen, order information for ordering the product 92 is generated. The order information generated in this manner is supplied from the user terminal 3 to the shopping management device 1.

[0045] The control unit 111 can perform order processing, which is processing for receiving an order for the product 92 selected by the user. The control unit 111 can perform order processing based on order information supplied from the user terminal 3. The order information can include, but is not limited to, information for identifying the product 92 ordered by the user, information indicating the number of products 92 ordered by the user, etc.

[0046] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the shopping management device according to this embodiment.

[0047] In step S1, the information providing unit 112 provided in the shopping management device 1 provides the store image 91 and sales information 94 to the user terminal 3. After that, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0048] In step S2, the display control unit 312 provided in the user terminal 3 displays the store image 91 with the sales information 94 superimposed on it on the display unit 37 provided in the user terminal 3. After that, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0049] In step S3, the control unit 111 provided in the shopping management device 1 performs order reception processing based on the order information supplied from the user terminal 3. In this way, the processing shown in FIG.

[0050] Thus, according to this embodiment, the store image 91 is displayed on the display unit 37 of the user terminal 3. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide the user with a realistic shopping experience. Moreover, according to this embodiment, it is possible to superimpose sales information 94 on the store image 91. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to increase the user's motivation to purchase. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an excellent shopping system 10.

[0051] [Modified embodiment] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0052] For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the store image 91 on which the sales information 94 is superimposed is provided from the shopping management device 1 to the user terminal 3 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The sales information 94 and the store image 91 may be provided separately from the shopping management device 1 to the user terminal 3. That is, the process of superimposing the sales information 94 on the store image 91 may be performed by the user terminal 3.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the store image 91 is an image obtained by photographing a real store, which is the actual store 90, but the present invention is not limited to this. The store image 91 may be an image of a virtual store that imitates a real store.

[0054] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a store image 91 acquired in real time is displayed on the user terminal 3, but this is not limiting. A past store image, which is a past store image 91, may be provided to the display unit 37 included in the user terminal 3. The past store image may be supplied in advance from the store terminal 5 to the shopping management device 1, but this is not limiting. The past store image supplied in advance from the store terminal 5 to the shopping management device 1 may be stored in advance in the memory unit 13 included in the shopping management device 1, but this is not limiting. The display control unit 312 included in the user terminal 3 may display the past store image on the display unit 37. Past sales information, which is past sales information, may be superimposed on the past store image. The past sales information may be stored in advance in the memory unit 13 included in the shopping management device 1, but this is not limiting. The past store image may be displayed on the display unit 37 when a user performs an operation to display the past store image. An operation to display the past store image may include, but is not limited to, an operation of selecting a past store image to be displayed from multiple past store images.

[0055] The following additional notes are provided regarding the above-described embodiment.

[0056] (Appendix 1) The shopping management device (1) is connected to a user terminal (3) via a network (7) so as to be capable of transmitting and receiving information. The shopping management device (1) includes an information providing unit (112) that provides the user terminal with a store image (91) that allows the user to grasp the display status of products (92) in a store (90) and sales information (94) related to sales of the products. The user terminal includes a display control unit (312) that displays the store image with the sales information superimposed on it on a display unit (37) provided in the user terminal. With this configuration, the store image is displayed on the display unit of the user terminal. Therefore, this configuration can provide the user with a realistic shopping experience. Moreover, with this configuration, the sales information can be superimposed on the store image. Therefore, this configuration can increase the user's purchasing motivation. As such, this embodiment can provide an excellent shopping system.

[0057] (Appendix 2) In the shopping management device described in Supplementary Note 1, the display control unit displays the sales information at a position corresponding to a position where the product is displayed. With this configuration, the sales information regarding the product can be accurately grasped by the user.

[0058] (Appendix 3) In the shopping management device described in Supplementary Note 1 or 2, the store image is an image obtained by photographing the store. With this configuration, it is possible to provide the user with a realistic shopping experience.

[0059] (Appendix 4) In the shopping management device described in Supplementary Note 1, the sales information is displayed using a heat map showing the sales numbers of the products. With this configuration, the sales information can be intuitively grasped by the user.

[0060] (Appendix 5) In the shopping management device described in Supplementary Note 1, the sales information includes information indicating the number of sales of the product in real time.

[0061] (Appendix 6) In the shopping management device described in Supplementary Note 1, the display control unit may display information indicating the acquaintance who is an acquaintance of the user and who purchased the product. With this configuration, the user can know that the product was purchased by an acquaintance.

[0062] (Appendix 7) In the shopping management device described in Supplementary Note 3, the information providing unit can provide past store images, which are past store images, to the user terminal, and the display control unit can display the past store images. With this configuration, the past store images can be provided to the user.

[0063] (Appendix 8) In the shopping management device described in Supplementary Note 7, the information providing unit can provide past sales information, which is the past sales information, to the user terminal, and the display control unit can display the past store image with the past sales information superimposed. With this configuration, past sales information can be provided to the user.

[0064] (Appendix 9) The shopping management method includes an information provision step (S1) of providing a store image that enables the display status of products in the store to be grasped and sales information regarding sales of the products to a user terminal, which is a terminal of the user, via a network, and a display control step (S2) of displaying the store image with the sales information superimposed on it on a display unit provided on the user terminal.

[0065] The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1: Shopping management device 3: User terminal 5: Store terminal 7: Network 10: Shopping system 11, 31, 51: Calculation unit 13, 33, 52: Memory section 15, 39, 56: Communication section 35, 53: Operation section 37, 54: Display section 55: Imaging unit 90: Store 91: Store image 92: Product 93: Display position 94: Sales information 95: Shopping screen 96: Information 111, 311, 511: Control unit 112: Information providing unit 312, 512: Display control unit 331: Acquaintance information storage unit

Claims

1. A shopping management device that is connected to a user terminal, which is a terminal of a user, via a network so as to be able to transmit and receive data, an information providing unit that provides the user terminal with a store image that allows the user to grasp the display state of the products in the store and sales information regarding sales of the products; the user terminal includes a display control unit that displays the store image with the sales information superimposed on a display unit provided in the user terminal, the information providing unit is capable of providing past store images, which are past store images, to the user terminal; the display control unit is capable of displaying the past store image, the information providing unit is capable of providing past sales information, which is the past sales information, to the user terminal; the display control unit is capable of displaying the past store image on which the past sales information is superimposed, The display control unit displays a past store image selected by the user from among a plurality of past store images on the display unit, and the past sales information corresponding to the past store image displayed on the display unit is superimposed on the past store image.

2. 2. The shopping management device according to claim 1, The display control unit displays the sales information at a position corresponding to a position at which the product is displayed.

3. 3. The shopping management device according to claim 1, The store image is an image obtained by photographing the store.

4. 2. The shopping management device according to claim 1, The sales information is displayed using a heat map showing the number of sales of the products.

5. 2. The shopping management device according to claim 1, The sales information includes information indicating the real-time sales volume of the product.

6. 2. The shopping management device according to claim 1, The display control unit is capable of displaying information indicating an acquaintance of the user who has purchased the product.

7. an information providing step in which an information providing unit provides a store image that allows the display state of products in the store to be understood and sales information regarding sales of the products to a user terminal that is a terminal of the user via a network; a display control step of displaying the store image on which the sales information is superimposed by a display control unit on a display unit provided in the user terminal, In the information providing step, a past store image that is a past store image can be provided to the user terminal, In the display control step, the past store image can be displayed, In the information providing step, past sales information, which is the past sales information, can be provided to the user terminal, In the display control step, the past store image on which the past sales information is superimposed can be displayed, A shopping management method in which, in the display control step, a past store image selected by the user from among a plurality of past store images is displayed on the display unit, and the past sales information corresponding to the past store image displayed on the display unit is superimposed on the past store image.

Images