Remote management method for unmanned stores

Abstract

To provide an unmanned store remote management system and method capable of managing unmanned stores remotely.SOLUTION: An unmanned store remote management method comprises: receiving an entrance request from a user; determining whether the user's voucher is valid; when the voucher is valid, determining whether the voucher is in an entrance state or an outing / exit state; when the voucher is in the entrance state, controlling a short signal provided from a semiconductor relay to open a door.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a remote management system and method for unmanned stores, and in particular, to a system and method capable of remotely managing an unmanned store including door control, lighting control, kiosk management, etc. using Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

Background Art

[0002] With the development of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, recently, the demand for contactless or non-face-to-face services has increased, and the interest in unmanned stores has been growing. Unmanned stores can be applied to various industries. For example, unmanned stores can be widely applied not only to industries that provide tangible goods such as restaurants and stores, but also to industries that provide spaces or intangible services such as reading rooms and paid self-study rooms. As a result, the demand for an unmanned store operation plan that can provide convenience and efficiency to both operators and users of unmanned stores is increasing.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] One of the technical problems to be solved by the present invention is to provide an unmanned store remote management system and method capable of remotely managing an unmanned store using IoT technology.

[0004] Another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an unmanned store remote management system and method capable of managing entry, exit, and checkout of an unmanned store using IoT technology.

[0005] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the above technical problems, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art from the following description.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An unmanned store remote management method according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the steps of: receiving an entry request from a user; determining whether the user's ticket is valid; if the ticket is valid, determining whether the ticket is in an entry state or an exit / exit state; and if the ticket is in an entry state, controlling a short signal provided by a semiconductor relay to open the door.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present invention, the step of controlling a short signal to open a door may include the step of controlling an MQTT server and a smart plug electrically connected to a semiconductor relay to cause the semiconductor relay to output a short signal for a predetermined time.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, the above method may further include the step of prompting the user to purchase a ticket if the ticket is not valid.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the method may further include the steps of determining whether the ticket holder has a seat to which it is assigned, and, if the ticket holder has a seat to which it is assigned, controlling a short signal to open the door.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the method may further include the step of prompting the user to select a seat if the user does not possess a seat to which the ticket is assigned.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the method may further include the step of controlling a short signal to open the door if the entry request corresponds to a master key.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, the method may further include: receiving a store identifier that identifies a store from among a plurality of stores whose door is to be opened; receiving a door identifier that identifies a door from among one or more doors of the store identified by the store identifier whose door is to be opened; using at least one of the store identifier and the door identifier to obtain the serial number (S / N) of a smart plug that controls a semiconductor relay from a database; and using the serial number of the smart plug to control a short signal provided from the semiconductor relay of the store whose door is to be opened to open the door.

[0013] An unmanned store remote management method according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the steps of receiving a request from a user to leave / exit the store, determining whether the user's ticket is valid, determining if the user's usage time has been exceeded if the ticket is valid, and if the user's usage time has not been exceeded, controlling a short signal provided by a semiconductor relay to open the door.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, the step of controlling a short signal to open a door may include the step of controlling an MQTT server and a smart plug electrically connected to a semiconductor relay to cause the semiconductor relay to output a short signal for a predetermined time.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, if the voucher is invalid, the step of prompting the user to purchase a voucher may be further included.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, if the user's usage time is exceeded, the further steps may include determining whether the user has completed the payment of the excess charges, and if the user has completed the payment of the excess charges, controlling a short signal to open the door.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present invention, if the user has not completed the settlement of excess charges, the further step may be to prompt the user to settle the excess charges.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, if the request to leave / exit corresponds to a master key, the further step may include controlling a short signal to open the door.

[0019] An unmanned store remote management method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: a service server receiving a light bulb control request including an unmanned store identifier (shop_id) from a store operator terminal; the service server identifying an unmanned store corresponding to the unmanned store identifier (shop_id); the service server determining whether the identified unmanned store is an integrated kiosk configuration using only an entry / exit kiosk that handles all entry, exit, and departure, or a bidirectional kiosk configuration using separately configured entry kiosks and exit kiosks; and determining whether the identified unmanned store is an integrated kiosk configuration. If it is determined that the store is a bidirectional kiosk, the service server includes the steps of: transmitting a light bulb control command to the entry / exit kiosk that corresponds to the light bulb control request; if it is determined that the identified unmanned store is a bidirectional kiosk, the service server transmits the light bulb control command only to the exit kiosk; and the entry / exit kiosk or exit kiosk that has received the light bulb control command transmits the light bulb control command received from the service server to the bridge to control the light bulb, wherein the entry / exit kiosk or exit kiosk and the bridge may be connected via a Wi-Fi® router to a network with the same bandwidth.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present invention, a light bulb control request may include at least one of the following: a request to turn all light bulbs in an unmanned store on / off; a request to turn only the light bulbs in a specific seat on / off; or a request to change the color and brightness of the light bulbs in a specific seat.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present invention, if the bulb control request is a request to turn on / off only the bulbs of a specific seat, the bulb control request received by the service server from the store operator terminal further includes a bulb identifier (bulb_id) of the specific seat, and the service server may generate a bulb control command based on the bulb identifier (bulb_id) of the specific seat.

[0022] In some embodiments of the present invention, the method is such that, when a bulb control request is a request to change the color and brightness of a bulb in a specific seat, the bulb control request received by the service server from the store operator terminal further includes a bulb identifier (bulb_id) for the specific seat, a desired color value and a brightness value, and the service server may generate a bulb control command based on the bulb identifier (bulb_id) for the specific seat, the desired color value and the brightness value.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present invention, the method may further include the steps of a store operator terminal transmitting IP information for each added or modified bridge to a service server, a username value that can identify a bridge to a service server, or a group_id value to identify a group of light bulbs that a single bridge can control to a service server, in order to add or modify information about a bridge.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present invention, the method may further include the step of a store operator terminal transmitting a bulb_id value that can identify the bulb for each seat to a service server in order to add or modify a bulb ID for each seat.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present invention, the method may further include the step of a store operator terminal transmitting a desired basic color value or basic brightness value to a service server in order to set the basic color value or basic brightness value for each light bulb in each store.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method for remotely managing a unmanned store includes steps where a service server receives a kiosk restart request including a unmanned store identifier (shop_id), kiosk identifiers (shop_in, ship_out), and floor information (layer_info) from a store operator terminal; the service server identifies the unmanned store corresponding to the unmanned store identifier (shop_id); the service server identifies the kiosk to be restarted based on the kiosk identifiers (shop_in, ship_out) and the floor information (layer_info); when the kiosk to be restarted is identified, the service server transmits a kiosk restart command corresponding to the kiosk restart request to the identified kiosk; and the identified kiosk restarts according to the kiosk restart command received from the service server.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present invention, the method may further include steps where an administrator terminal transmits a command for collectively updating all of a plurality of kiosks in a unmanned store to the service server; and according to the command, the service server performs a kiosk update using an update image corresponding to the kiosk model installed in the identified unmanned store.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present invention, the method may further include steps where an administrator terminal transmits a command for updating a specific kiosk in a unmanned store to the service server; and according to the command, the service server performs a kiosk update using an update image corresponding to the specific kiosk model.

Advantages of the Invention

[0029] According to embodiments of the present invention, the doors of an unmanned store can be conveniently controlled using IoT technology. Furthermore, by linking with unmanned store service provision software and unmanned store operation software that can remotely manage the unmanned store, entry, exit, and departure management for users of the unmanned store can be efficiently performed. This not only increases the satisfaction of users who receive services from the unmanned store, but also improves the convenience of the operators who run the unmanned store.

[0030] Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention, unmanned stores can be conveniently managed remotely using IoT technology. Specifically, the store owner or manager can remotely transmit data or commands for door control to the service server, causing the service server to open and close doors; remotely transmit data or commands for lighting control to the service server, causing the service server to control lighting; or remotely transmit data or commands for kiosk restart or kiosk update to the service server, causing the service server to restart or update kiosks. This improves the convenience for store owners and managers who remotely manage unmanned stores. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating an unmanned store remote management system based on one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating an unmanned store remote management system based on one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for remotely managing an unmanned store using one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for remotely managing an unmanned store using one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for remotely managing an unmanned store using one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]This is a flowchart illustrating a method for remotely managing an unmanned store using one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating an unmanned store remote management system based on one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for remotely managing an unmanned store using one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for remotely managing an unmanned store using one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for remotely managing an unmanned store using one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure illustrates several embodiments of an unmanned store remote management system according to embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure illustrates several embodiments of an unmanned store remote management system according to embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates several embodiments of an unmanned store remote management system according to embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 14] This figure illustrates several embodiments of an unmanned store remote management system according to embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 15] This figure illustrates several embodiments of an unmanned store remote management system according to embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 16] This figure illustrates several embodiments of an unmanned store remote management system according to embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 17] This figure illustrates an unmanned store remote management system linked to a thermal imaging camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This figure illustrates an unmanned store remote management system linked to a thermal imaging camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This figure illustrates an unmanned store remote management system linked to a thermal imaging camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20]This figure illustrates an unmanned store remote management system linked to a thermal imaging camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This figure illustrates an unmanned store remote management system linked to a thermal imaging camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] This figure illustrates an unmanned store remote management system linked to a thermal imaging camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] This is a diagram illustrating a method for remotely managing an unmanned store using one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] This is a diagram illustrating a method for remotely managing an unmanned store using one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] This figure illustrates several embodiments of an unmanned store remote management system according to embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 26] This figure illustrates several embodiments of an unmanned store remote management system according to embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 27] This figure illustrates several embodiments of an unmanned store remote management system according to embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 28] This figure illustrates several embodiments of an unmanned store remote management system according to embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 29] This figure illustrates several embodiments of an unmanned store remote management system according to embodiments of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that they can be easily implemented by a person ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly illustrate the present invention in the drawings, parts that are not relevant to the description have been omitted, and similar parts throughout the specification are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0033] Throughout the specification and claims, when a part of the specification "includes" a component, this means, unless otherwise stated, that it may include other components rather than excluding them.

[0034] Furthermore, terms such as "...part," "...machine," and "...module" used in this specification may mean a unit capable of performing at least one function or operation as described herein, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0035] In this specification, an unmanned store means a store that is operated in a manner in which no operator is permanently stationed on-site. Specifically, an unmanned store means one in which at least some of the tasks or operations necessary to operate the store are automated or performed by a person at a remote location.

[0036] Typical examples of unmanned stores include unmanned paid study rooms or unmanned reading rooms. What distinguishes unmanned paid study rooms from ordinary study rooms is that various tasks or operations necessary for running the study room, such as assigning seats to users, allocating usage time, processing payments, and managing members, are carried out using information and communication technology (ICT), eliminating the need for an operator to be permanently stationed on-site.

[0037] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an unmanned store remote management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Referring to Figure 1, the unmanned store remote management system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be an unmanned paid study room operated based on usage tickets with a defined usage period. Users of the unmanned paid study room can rent one seat from among the seats provided in the store for a period corresponding to the type of usage ticket, either purchased in advance or on-site. To achieve this, the unmanned store remote management system 1 may include a service server 10, an MQTT (Message queuing telemetry transport) server 12, kiosks 20 and 22, and a user terminal 30, and the service server 10, MQTT server 12, kiosks 20 and 22, and user terminal 30 can send and receive data from each other via a network 40. In addition, a door 50 and lighting 60 are installed inside the unmanned store.

[0039] The service server 10 can provide general operations related to the operation of the unmanned store or the provision of services to users of the unmanned store. Specifically, the service server 10 can receive service requests related to the unmanned paid study room from users via the kiosks 20, 22 or user terminals 30 and provide the relevant services. Specifically, the service server 10 can provide services necessary for users to use the unmanned store, for example, by controlling the doors 50 installed in the store via the MQTT server 12, or by controlling the lighting 60 by controlling the bridge and smart bulbs.

[0040] The MQTT server 12 can provide IoT messaging-related services using the MQTT (Message queuing telemetry transport) protocol, an ISO standard (ISO / IEC PRF 20922) publish-subscribe based messaging protocol. The MQTT protocol is designed to minimize power consumption and packet volume and is considered suitable for communication in IoT and mobile applications. It is characterized by its adoption of a broker, publisher, and subscriber structure, rather than a client-server structure like HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) and TCP (Transmission Control Protocol). The publisher publishes topics, subscribers subscribe to topics, and the broker acts as an intermediary between them. Multiple subscribers can subscribe to a single topic, making it useful for realizing 1:N communication.

[0041] In this specification, the service server 10 and the MQTT server 12 may be implemented on physically separate computer devices or integrated into a single computer device. Of course, the service server 10 may be implemented on a single computer device or using multiple computer devices, and the same applies to the MQTT server 12. Furthermore, in this specification, the term "server" may refer to a hardware device equipped with a processor and memory, to the software itself that runs on any computer device and can provide services, or sometimes to a form implemented as a combination of hardware and software.

[0042] Kiosks 20 and 22 may be computerized automated devices designed to be installed at the entrance, exit, or interior of an unmanned store and to provide services to users while operating unmanned. Kiosks 20 and 22 may be implemented to include a processor, memory, storage, etc., for driving the software that provides the services, as well as devices such as a display, touchscreen, speaker, printer, camera, thermal imaging camera, barcode scanner, and card reader for providing input / output interfaces. Of course, kiosks 20 and 22 may also include various other devices as needed depending on the services provided, in addition to the devices listed above.

[0043] Depending on the specific purpose of implementation, an unmanned store may have an integrated kiosk configuration or a bidirectional kiosk configuration. An integrated kiosk configuration refers to a case where a single kiosk handles all aspects of entry, exit, and departure for customers using the unmanned store. A bidirectional kiosk configuration refers to a case where one entry kiosk is responsible for processing the entry of customers using the unmanned store, and the other exit kiosk is responsible for processing the exit and departure of customers using the unmanned store. In this case, the entry kiosk provides functions for purchasing tickets, extending tickets, moving seats, and processing entry, while the exit kiosk, unlike the entry kiosk, does not provide functions for purchasing tickets or processing entry, but may provide functions for extending tickets, moving seats, processing exit, and processing departure.

[0044] Of course, this explanation primarily assumes that an integrated kiosk setup uses one kiosk for entry and exit, but if the unmanned store is large or consists of multiple floors, multiple entry and exit kiosks may be provided. Similarly, this explanation primarily assumes that a bidirectional kiosk setup uses one entry kiosk and one exit kiosk, but if the unmanned store is large or consists of multiple floors, the number of entry and exit kiosks used may increase further.

[0045] Figure 1 shows a case where an unmanned store has a kiosk setup for both directions, and kiosk 20 may be used as an entry kiosk and kiosk 22 as an exit kiosk. If an integrated kiosk setup is implemented, unlike what is shown in Figure 1, only one kiosk 20 would be used as an entry / exit kiosk.

[0046] In the following, unless there are features that clearly distinguish between an integrated kiosk configuration and a bidirectional kiosk configuration, the content of the unmanned store remote management system and method according to the embodiment of the present invention implemented with an integrated kiosk configuration can also be applied to a bidirectional kiosk configuration, and the scope of modifications resulting from such application is within the scope of the present invention. Similarly, unless there are features that clearly distinguish between an integrated kiosk configuration and a bidirectional kiosk configuration, the content of the unmanned store remote management system and method according to the embodiment of the present invention implemented with a bidirectional kiosk configuration can also be applied to an integrated kiosk configuration, and the scope of modifications resulting from such application is within the scope of the present invention.

[0047] The user terminal 30 may be a computer device used by users of an unmanned store to receive unmanned store services or to operate or manage the unmanned store. For example, the user terminal 30 can be a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, wearable device, etc., but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these, and it can be implemented in any computer device capable of running software that provides services for the use, operation and management of an unmanned store, i.e., unmanned store software.

[0048] Unmanned store software can be divided into unmanned store service software, unmanned store operation software, and unmanned store management software, depending on the user. Unmanned store service software is used by customers who use unmanned stores (for example, students using unmanned paid study rooms). Unmanned store operation software is used by store owners who operate a specific unmanned store or franchise managers who can manage up to multiple store owners (i.e., store operators) to operate the unmanned store and provide services to customers. Unmanned store management software is used by system administrators who manage the information and communication technology applied to the unmanned store, or who provide and maintain the equipment and systems installed and operated in the unmanned store, as well as the unmanned store service software and unmanned store operation software. Such unmanned store software may be referred to by various names such as unmanned store programs, unmanned store applications, unmanned store application programs, and unmanned store apps, but below, they will be consistently referred to as "unmanned store software," "unmanned store user software," "unmanned store operation software," and "unmanned store management software."

[0049] As a result, the user terminal 30 may be referred to as a customer terminal when unmanned store service software is running, as a store operator terminal when unmanned store operation software is running, and as an administrator terminal when unmanned store management software is running.

[0050] On the other hand, the unmanned store service software, which provides services to customers who wish to use the unmanned store, can be run not only on the user terminal 30 but also on the kiosks 20 and 22. For example, a ticket purchased online by a customer via the user terminal 30 can be accessed and services provided at the kiosks 20 and 22, and conversely, a ticket purchased on-site by a customer via the kiosk 20 can also be accessed online via the user terminal 30 and related services can be provided. Furthermore, the unmanned store software may run independently on the user terminal 30 or the kiosks 20 and 22, or it may be connected to the service server 10 via the network 40, and the functions that are mainly focused on the interface with the user or operator on the user terminal 30 or the kiosks 20 and 22, while functions that are processed internally are performed via the service server 10.

[0051] In the following explanation, for the sake of clarity, we will primarily describe an unmanned paid study room that rents out study space without an operator permanently stationed on-site. However, it is clear that the embodiments of the present invention can be applied not only to unmanned paid study rooms but also to various other forms of unmanned stores.

[0052] The user terminal 30 can run unmanned store service software to provide to customers of the unmanned store. This allows the user terminal 30 to provide services related to the unmanned store to users even when they are not at the actual location (i.e., the unmanned store) via a network including the internet.

[0053] For example, unmanned store service software can provide users with the functionality to purchase tickets to use the unmanned store. Here, the tickets can be subdivided into various types to allow access to different types of seating, such as open seating where users can freely choose their seats, fixed seating where seats are assigned for a certain period, study rooms where multiple seats are assigned instead of just one seat, and lockers for storing belongings only.

[0054] On the other hand, depending on the period of use, tickets may include same-day tickets, hourly tickets, period tickets, advance-booked period tickets, advance-booked hourly tickets, etc. Here, a same-day ticket is a ticket that can be used in hourly increments (e.g., 1 hour, 2 hours, 8 hours, etc.) only on that day, while hourly tickets and advance-booked hourly tickets are tickets that can be used for the filled period without time restrictions (e.g., 30 hours, 50 hours, 100 hours, 200 hours, etc.) (of course, "no time restrictions" means that there are no restrictions on the period of use within the validity period of the ticket; for example, a 30-hour ticket may have a validity period of 14 days, a 50-hour ticket and a 100-hour ticket may have validity periods of 2 weeks and 2 months respectively, while a 200-hour ticket may have an unlimited validity period), and an advance-booked hourly ticket is a ticket that can be used for the filled period on a day reserved in advance. On the other hand, a period pass refers to a pass that can be used unlimitedly for a certain period (15 days, 30 days, 45 days, 60 days, etc.), while a pre-booked period pass refers to a period pass that can be used for a certain period from the date of pre-booking.

[0055] Of course, the types of tickets are not limited to the examples above and can be changed as needed depending on the actual purpose of implementation.

[0056] Furthermore, the unmanned store service software may also include functions for the user to select a store to use, select a voucher to use, select the date and time to use the voucher, payment functions, and functions to contact the store or operator. Here, the payment function may include not only general payment functions, but also a simplified payment function that allows the user to input information about frequently used cards and designate the card as a frequently used card, so that when purchasing a voucher, payment is automatically made with the designated card or by other methods such as ZeroPay, KakaoPay, LG Pay, Samsung Pay, etc. The simplified payment function may also provide a function to delete the designated card. In addition, the payment function may also provide a voucher payment function using biometric information (e.g., fingerprint, iris, face, etc.) in conjunction with biometric sensors (e.g., fingerprint sensor, iris sensor, face sensor) of the kiosk 20, 22 or user terminal 30 on which the unmanned store service software is executed. Once the purchase of the voucher is complete, the user can receive a guidance message via a messaging app (e.g., text message, KakaoTalk, etc.).

[0057] Furthermore, the unmanned store service software can provide users with functions such as extending the time of their usage ticket or moving seats, and entering, leaving, or exiting the store. Specifically, users can extend the time of a usage ticket they have already purchased through the unmanned store service software and pay additional fees for the extension, with options such as easy payment and payment using biometric information. Users can also choose to leave or exit through the unmanned store service software, and if additional fees are incurred upon exiting, they can pay these fees through the app. In addition, the unmanned store service software can provide users with functions to check their usage ticket purchase history, connect to a customer center for each unmanned store, and receive notifications of usage status via messenger or text message.

[0058] As mentioned above, the unmanned store service software may be installed on kiosks 20 and 22. This allows kiosks 20 and 22 to provide users with services related to the unmanned paid study room on-site. When the unmanned store service software is run through kiosks 20 and 22, in addition to the functions realized by the unmanned store operation software on the user terminal 30 as described above, it can also provide on-site card payment functionality for users of terminals where the unmanned store service software is not running (e.g., 2G phones), functionality for purchasing and extending usage tickets offline on-site, and functionality for entering and exiting the room.

[0059] In relation to the entry and exit functions, users who have purchased a ticket online can enter, leave, and exit the premises by scanning the barcode on the ticket displayed on the unmanned store service software using a barcode scanner connected to kiosks 20 and 22. Users who have purchased a ticket offline can enter, leave, and exit the premises through kiosks 20 and 22. As mentioned above, tickets purchased online by users through the mobile app are also linked to kiosks 20 and 22, and conversely, tickets purchased on-site through kiosks 20 and 22 can also be linked to the mobile app.

[0060] Furthermore, the user terminal 30 can run unmanned store operation software or unmanned store management software provided to the unmanned store operator (store owner, franchise manager, etc.) or system administrator. This allows the store operator to operate the unmanned store remotely without having to be stationed at the unmanned store site, and allows the system administrator to perform maintenance on the unmanned store remotely without having to visit the unmanned store site.

[0061] For example, unmanned store operation software can implement functions to provide store management and usage information. Specifically, store operators can inquire about real-time usage status of seats, study rooms, and lockers, as well as the reservation status of study rooms, and can directly assign and reserve tickets for specific users. The specific details regarding the types of tickets are the same as those described in the unmanned store service software. In addition, a sales status inquiry function is provided, allowing store operators to inquire about total sales and detailed sales. For example, store operators can view total sales per ticket, detailed sales by period / ticket, etc., in tables or graphs. Furthermore, a cancellation / refund status inquiry function is provided, allowing store operators to inquire about specific payment history (payment date and time, payment number, user information, seat number, ticket type, payment method, payment amount, etc.) and process cancellations / refunds for specific payment history.

[0062] Furthermore, a voucher management function is provided, allowing store operators to set promotions to apply to vouchers, remove applied promotions, and set different detailed promotion content for each voucher. In addition, a user management function is provided, allowing store operators to inquire about each user's basic information (e.g., mobile phone number, name, date of birth, gender, guardian's mobile phone number, enrollment date, etc.) and store usage status (e.g., cumulative payment amount, number of overdue payments, number of automatic exits, usage status, etc.). Store operators can also change the contact information of a user's guardian, change the usage status to active / deactivated, and enter the reason for deactivation. Deactivated users are unable to use unmanned stores, and the reason for deactivation entered by the operator can be confirmed through the unmanned store service software. Furthermore, store operators can check the usage history of all tickets used by each user via the unmanned store operation server, and can check the time of change, change in ticket status (e.g., entry, exit, departure, seat change, extension, exceeding of exit time, etc.), seat, and device used (e.g., user terminal or kiosk) for each ticket.

[0063] Furthermore, store operator information (e.g., ID, name, email address, contact information) and store information (e.g., store name, business registration number, blog address, homepage address, opening date, region, store address, photos related to the store, store operating hours, etc.), store operation information, store voucher operation information, and store IoT control management functions are provided, allowing store operator information and store information to be viewed and modified, store non-operating hours by day of the week (e.g., 24-hour operation, opening hours to closing hours, regular holidays), and daily holidays to be set separately. In addition, store operators can view and modify store operation information (e.g., KakaoPlus channel search ID, chat URL, Wi-Fi® name, Wi-Fi® password, notes, available genders, kiosk seating layout magnification, locker password, light bulb control availability, HUE bridge list, basic light bulb color, etc.).

[0064] Furthermore, store operators can inquire about and modify store usage ticket management information (for example, duplicate entry, time-based entry, settlement of excess charges upon exit, grace period for exiting after exceeding the usage limit, available entry times for advance reservations in study rooms, time flow / stopping when leaving with a time-based ticket, daily leave allowance for time-based tickets, leave allowance for period tickets, number of automatic exits allowed, etc.), and can perform IoT control such as turning all store lights on / off at once, opening doors, and restarting kiosk entry / exit devices.

[0065] Furthermore, franchise managers are provided with store management functions, allowing them to view store information such as the store's location, store name, operator name, contact information, opening date, and promotion details, as well as the status of vouchers and promotions for each store. Functions may also be provided to view the status of vouchers for each store, or to view sales figures.

[0066] The following describes in detail a method for remotely managing an unmanned store using IoT technology, based on the above. In the following description, the unmanned store service software, unmanned store operation software, or unmanned store management software may be provided via kiosks 20, 22 and user terminals 30 in conjunction with the service server 10.

[0067] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an unmanned store remote management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Referring to Figure 2, the unmanned store remote management system 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a service server 10, an MQTT server 12, kiosks 20 and 22, and a user terminal 30, and can control the door 50 using a smart plug 52, an adapter 54, a semiconductor relay 56, and a deadbolt 58.

[0069] The service server 10 can provide the MQTT server 12 with a door open signal to open the door 50. When the service server 10 provides the door open signal to the MQTT server 12, for example, when a user enters, leaves, and exits the premises while holding a valid ticket, or when the store operator needs to directly open the door 50 as needed. In such cases, the service server 10 may also generate a door open signal and provide it to the MQTT server 12 based on a door open request provided by unmanned store service software or unmanned store operation software running via the kiosk 20, 22, or user terminal 30.

[0070] For example, when a user purchases a valid ticket and requests entry, exit, or leaving the store via the unmanned store service software by scanning the valid ticket using the barcode scanners at kiosks 20 and 22, the service server 10 can provide a door open signal to the MQTT server 12. Similarly, when a user requests entry, exit, or leaving the store via the unmanned store service software on the user terminal 30 using a valid ticket, the service server 10 can also provide a door open signal to the MQTT server 12. Furthermore, when a user requests the store operator to open the door, the store operator can have the door open function executed via the unmanned store operation software on the user terminal 30, and in this case as well, the service server 10 can provide a door open signal to the MQTT server 12.

[0071] Upon receiving the door open signal, the MQTT server 12 can control the smart plug 52, which is connected to the MQTT server 12 via a Wi-Fi® network, to be turned ON. When the smart plug 52 is turned ON, power is supplied to the adapter 54 connected to the smart plug 52, and then to the semiconductor relay 56. As a result, the semiconductor relay 56 provides a short signal to the deadbolt 58, which opens the door 50.

[0072] In particular, the MQTT server 12 may control the smart plug 52 so that it remains ON for a predetermined period of time (for example, about 1 second). That is, the MQTT server 12 may control the smart plug 52 to remain ON, and then turn it OFF again after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0073] As a result, the smart plug 52 turns ON and then OFF, supplying power to the adapter 54 connected to the smart plug 52 before shutting it off, and then supplying power to the semiconductor relay 56 before shutting it off. This causes the semiconductor relay 56 to provide a short signal to the deadbolt 58 and then stop providing it, so that the door 50 opens only while the short signal is applied, and then closes.

[0074] Here, the time it takes for the door 50 to open and close may be longer than the time it takes for the smart plug 52 to turn off after being turned ON. Specifically, the time it takes for the door 50 to open and close varies depending on how the current value is set when power is supplied to the semiconductor relay 56 and then cut off. For example, if the adapter 54 is an adapter with a 12V / 1A specification, and the time it takes for the smart plug 52 to turn off after being turned ON is about 1 second, then the time it takes for the door 50 to open and close may be about 3 to 5 seconds. However, the time it takes for the door 50 to open and close, and the time it takes for the smart plug 52 to turn off after being turned ON, can be changed to any value as needed for store operations.

[0075] On the other hand, the smart plug 52 is connected to a Wi-Fi® network and can communicate with the MQTT server 12, and can sense whether or not it is connected to the Wi-Fi® network. The smart plug 52 can also be equipped with a control code (or control program, control software) to control the smart plug 52, and by customizing the control code, if the smart plug 52 senses that the connection to the Wi-Fi® network has been lost, it can automatically supply power to the adapter 54 and open the door 50. Furthermore, while the connection to the Wi-Fi® network is lost, the smart plug 52 can continue to supply power to the adapter 54 to keep the door 50 open, and when the Wi-Fi® network is reconnected, it can cut off the power supplied to the adapter 54 and control the door 50 to close.

[0076] On the other hand, the door opening and closing function may be linked to a thermal imaging camera. Specifically, the kiosks 20 and 22 may include a thermal imaging camera or be linked to an exterior thermal imaging camera. If the user is scanned by the thermal imaging camera and their body temperature is measured to be above a predetermined temperature, the service server 10 may transmit a door blocking command to the MQTT server 12. This allows the MQTT server 12 to block the door from opening by not supplying power to the adapter 54 via the smart plug 52.

[0077] More specific details regarding how the door opening and closing function is linked to the thermal imaging camera will be described later in relation to Figures 17 to 22.

[0078] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for remotely managing an unmanned store according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Referring to Figure 3, an unmanned store remote management method according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the steps of switching the smart plug 52 to the OFF state (S301), the service server 10 transmitting a door open command to the MQTT server 12 (S303), the MQTT server 12 transmitting a smart plug power ON command to the smart plug 52 (S305), the smart plug 52 switching to the ON state (S307), the smart plug 52 supplying power to the semiconductor relay 56 (S309), and the semiconductor relay 56 outputting a short signal (S311), and the door 50 can be opened through these steps.

[0080] Furthermore, the above method may also include the steps of the MQTT server 12 transmitting a smart plug power OFF command to the smart plug 52 (S313), the smart plug 52 being switched to the OFF state (S315), the smart plug 52 interrupting the power supply to the semiconductor relay 56 (S317), and the semiconductor relay 56 interrupting the short signal output (S319), and the door 50 can be closed through these steps.

[0081] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a remote management method for an unmanned store according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Referring to Figure 4, an unmanned store remote management method according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the steps of: switching the smart plug 52 to the OFF state (S401); the user terminal 30 or kiosk 20, 22 providing device_info, layer_info, ticket_id, scanner_serial, and shop_seat_id to the service server 10 (S403); the service server 10 checking the validity of the ticket by searching for shop_id using ticket_id (S405); and the service server 10 searching for the serial number (Serial Number, S / N) of the smart plug that controls the door to be opened using scanner_serial and shop_seat_id (S407).

[0083] In this embodiment, ticket_id is a ticket identifier for identifying a ticket, device_info is an identifier for the device that received the request signal, such as shop_in (entry kiosk), shop_out (exit kiosk), study-room (study room), shop_id is a store identifier for identifying a store, shop_seat_id is an identifier for the seat to be used or the seat currently in use, layer_info is floor information on which the kiosk is located, and scanner_serial is the serial number (S / N) of the scanner mounted on the kiosk. The search in steps (S405, S407) can be performed on a database that stores and manages the relevant information. For example, the database can store and manage the serial number (S / N) of a smart plug for each shop_id.

[0084] Furthermore, the above method may also include the steps of: the service server 10 transmitting a door open command to the MQTT server 12 based on the serial number (S / N) of the smart plug that controls the door to be opened (S411); the MQTT server 12 transmitting a smart plug power ON command corresponding to the serial number (S / N) to the smart plug 52 (S413); the smart plug 52 being switched to the ON state (S415); and the smart plug 52 supplying power to the semiconductor relay 56 (S417). Through these steps, only the door to be opened out of multiple doors can be opened.

[0085] Furthermore, the above method may also include the steps of the MQTT server 12 transmitting a smart plug power OFF command to the smart plug 52 (S419), the smart plug 52 being switched to the OFF state (S421), and the smart plug 52 interrupting the power supply to the semiconductor relay 56 (S423), and through these steps the open door can be closed.

[0086] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for remotely managing an unmanned store according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Referring to Figure 5, an unmanned store remote management method according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the step of receiving an entry request from a user (S501), and the step of determining whether or not the entry request is made using a master key (S503).

[0088] If it is determined that the entry request is not made using a master key (S503, N), or if the entry request is received without checking the master key (S509), the method may proceed to the next step of determining whether the user's access ticket is valid (S505). If it is determined that the access ticket is not valid (S505, N), the method may perform the step of prompting the user to purchase an access ticket (S507).

[0089] If the user's ticket is determined to be valid (S505, Y), the above method may proceed to the step of determining whether the ticket is in the entry state or the exit state (S511).

[0090] If it is determined that the ticket is not valid for entry (S511, N), the method may proceed to the step of determining whether a seat is available (S513). If it is determined that a seat is not available (S513, N), the method may proceed to the step of selecting a seat (S515).

[0091] The above method may proceed to the next step after the step of selecting a seat (S515), which is to determine whether the door floor and the seat floor are the same (S517), if it is determined that the entry request is made by a master key (S503, Y), if it is determined that the user has an entry ticket (S511, Y), if it is determined that the user has a seat (S513, Y), or if it is determined that the next step after the step of selecting a seat (S515).

[0092] If it is determined that the door floor and the seating floor are not the same (S517, N), the above method may proceed to the step of determining whether the door floor and the common floor are the same (S519).

[0093] If it is determined that the door floor and the seating floor are the same (S517, N) or if it is determined that the door floor and the common floor are the same (S519, Y), the above method may proceed to the step of transmitting a door open command (S521).

[0094] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for remotely managing an unmanned store according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Referring to Figure 6, an unmanned store remote management method according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the step of receiving a request from a user to leave / exit the store (S601), and the step of determining whether or not the request to leave / exit the store is made using a master key (S603).

[0096] If it is determined that the request to leave / exit is not made using a master key (S603, N), or if the next step after receiving an entry request without checking the master key (S609), the above method may proceed to the step of determining whether the user's access ticket is valid (S605). If it is determined that the access ticket is not valid (S605, N), the above method may perform the step of prompting the user to purchase an access ticket (S607).

[0097] If the user's ticket is determined to be valid (S605, Y), the method may proceed to the step of recording whether the user has left the premises or exited the premises (S611), and the step of determining whether the usage time has been exceeded (S613). If it is determined that the usage time has been exceeded (S613, Y), the method may proceed to the step of determining whether the excess charge has been paid (S615). If it is determined that the excess charge has not been paid (S615, N), the method may perform the step of prompting the user to pay the excess charge (S617).

[0098] The above method may proceed to the step of determining whether the door floor and the seating floor are the same (S619) if it is determined that the request to leave / exit was made using a master key (S603, Y), if it is determined that the usage time has not been exceeded (S613, Y), or if it is determined that the excess charges have been settled (S615, Y).

[0099] If it is determined that the door floor and the seating floor are not the same (S619, N), the above method may proceed to the step of determining whether the door floor and the common floor are the same (S621).

[0100] If it is determined that the door floor and the seating floor are the same (S619, N), or if it is determined that the door floor and the common floor are the same (S621, Y), the above method may proceed to the step of transmitting a door open command (S623).

[0101] Figure 7 illustrates an unmanned store remote management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Referring to Figure 7, the unmanned store remote management system 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a service server 10, kiosks 20 and 22, and a user terminal 30, and can control lighting using a smart light bulb 60, a dedicated smart light bulb bridge 62, and a Wi-Fi® router 64. Here, the kiosks 20 and 22 and the dedicated smart light bulb bridge 62 are connected to a network with the same bandwidth via the Wi-Fi® router 64. By setting the kiosks 20 and 22 and the dedicated smart light bulb bridge 62 to a network with the same bandwidth, remote control of the smart light bulb 60 becomes possible.

[0103] The service server 10 can provide lighting control signals to the kiosks 20 and 22. Here, the lighting control signals include not only ON / OFF control of the smart bulbs 60, but also color control, brightness control, etc., and can include control for a single bulb as well as control for multiple bulbs.

[0104] For example, when a user requests entry, exit, or departure from a kiosk 20, 22, or user terminal 30 via unmanned store service software, or when an operator executes a lighting control function, the service server 10 can transmit lighting control signals to the kiosks 20, 22. The kiosks 20, 22 can be implemented as Android® tablet computers, and the lighting can be controlled by controlling a smart bulb 60 by controlling a dedicated smart bulb bridge 62 via fcm / socket communication using the lighting control signals.

[0105] Furthermore, the user's smart light bulb settings 60 may be stored in a customer database. The customer database may be implemented by connecting to the service server 10, kiosks 20 and 22, and user terminal 30 via a network. When the user re-enters the store, the settings stored in the customer database can be read, and the smart light bulb 60 can be controlled according to those settings. This allows the user to apply the smart light bulb 60 settings used at the previous store even when using a different store. In addition, any changes or new settings made by the user while using the unmanned store can be updated in the customer database. Furthermore, it becomes possible to control the lights, such as automatically turning them on when the user enters the store and automatically turning them off when the usage time on the ticket expires.

[0106] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for remotely managing an unmanned store according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Referring to Figure 8, an unmanned store remote management method according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the steps of: a user terminal 30 (in particular, a store operator terminal) selecting a store to which it intends to control the light bulbs (S801); a user terminal 30 setting the overall / seat-specific, ON / OFF, brightness, color, etc. (S803); a user terminal 30 transmitting shop_id, shop_seat_id, and light bulb setting data to the service server 10 (S805); and a service server 10 searching for bridge and light bulb information to be controlled (S807).

[0108] In this embodiment, shop_id means a store identifier for identifying a store, and shop_seat_id means an identifier for the seat to be used or the seat currently in use. The search in step (S807) may be performed on a database that stores and manages the relevant information.

[0109] Furthermore, the above method may also include the steps of: the service server 10 transmitting a light bulb control command to the kiosk 20 (S809); the kiosk 20 transmitting a light bulb ON / OFF control command to the bridge 62 (S811); and the bridge 62 performing light bulb ON / OFF control (S813).

[0110] Furthermore, the above method may also include the steps of the kiosk 20 transmitting a control command for the brightness of the light bulb to the bridge 62 (S815), and the bridge 62 controlling the brightness of the light bulb (S817).

[0111] Furthermore, the above method may also include the steps of the kiosk 20 transmitting a control command for the color of the light bulb to the bridge 62 (S819), and the bridge 62 performing the control of the color of the light bulb (S821).

[0112] In steps S811, S815, and S819, in the case of an integrated kiosk configuration as shown in Figure 13 or Figure 14, the entry / exit kiosk transmits the light bulb control command to the bridge 62, and in the case of a bidirectional kiosk configuration as shown in Figure 12, the exit kiosk transmits the light bulb control command to the bridge 62. The kiosk and bridge transmitting the light bulb control command must necessarily use the same IP bandwidth. For example, if the IP address of the kiosk is set to 192.168.50.2, the IP address of the bridge may be set to 192.168.50.5 (the same up to 192.168.50).

[0113] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for remotely managing an unmanned store according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to Figure 9, an unmanned store remote management method according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the steps of: a user terminal 30 (in particular, a customer terminal) confirming the entry status and usage ticket (S901); a user terminal 30 setting ON / OFF, brightness, color, etc. (S903); a user terminal 30 transmitting customer_id, shop_seat_id, and light bulb setting data to the service server 10 (S905); a service server 10 searching for previous setting values ​​(S907); and a service server 10 searching for bridge and light bulb information to be controlled (S909).

[0115] In this embodiment, customer_id means a customer identifier for identifying a customer, and shop_seat_id means an identifier for the seat to be used or the seat currently in use. The search in steps (S907, S909) may be performed on a database that stores and manages the relevant information.

[0116] Furthermore, the above method may also include the steps of: the service server 10 transmitting a light bulb control command to the kiosk 20 (S911); the kiosk 20 transmitting a light bulb ON / OFF control command to the bridge 62 (S913); and the bridge 62 performing light bulb ON / OFF control (S915).

[0117] Furthermore, the above method may also include the steps of the kiosk 20 transmitting a control command for the brightness of the light bulb to the bridge 62 (S917), and the bridge 62 controlling the brightness of the light bulb (S919).

[0118] Furthermore, the above method may also include the steps of the kiosk 20 transmitting a control command for the color of the light bulb to the bridge 62 (S921), and the bridge 62 performing the control of the color of the light bulb (S923).

[0119] In steps S913, S917, and S921, in the case of an integrated kiosk configuration as shown in Figure 13 or Figure 14, the entry / exit kiosk transmits the light bulb control command to the bridge 62, and in the case of a bidirectional kiosk configuration as shown in Figure 12, the exit kiosk transmits the light bulb control command to the bridge 62. The kiosk and bridge transmitting the light bulb control command must necessarily use the same IP bandwidth. For example, if the IP address of the kiosk is set to 192.168.50.2, the IP address of the bridge may be set to 192.168.50.5 (the same up to 192.168.50).

[0120] Furthermore, the above method may include a step (S925) in which the service server 10 searches for the current setting value.

[0121] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for remotely managing an unmanned store according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Referring to Figure 10, an embodiment of the present invention of a remote management method for an unmanned store may include the step of an entry kiosk performing an entry process (S1001), and the step of determining whether it is a time ticket or a period ticket (S1003).

[0123] If it is determined that it is a time ticket, the above method proceeds to the step of determining whether or not it is going out (S1005). If it is determined that it is not going out (S1005, N), the method proceeds to the step of performing an exit procedure (S1007). If it is determined that it is going out (S1005, Y), the method may proceed to the step of determining whether or not it is a free outing (S1009).

[0124] If it is determined that the outing is free (S1007, Y), the above method may proceed to the step of determining whether there is remaining free time (S1009). If it is determined that there is remaining free time (S1009, Y), the above method proceeds to the step of subtracting the free time and processing the outing (S1013). If it is determined that the outing is not free (S1007, N) or if it is determined that there is no remaining free time (S1009, N), the method may proceed to the step of subtracting the usage time and processing the outing (S1011).

[0125] On the other hand, if it is determined that it is a period ticket, the above method proceeds to the step of determining whether or not it is an outing (S1015). If it is determined that it is not an outing (S1015, N), the method proceeds to the step of performing an exit procedure (S1017). If it is determined that it is an outing (S1015, Y), the method proceeds to the step of performing an outing procedure (S1019).

[0126] After the outing process is completed, a step (S1021) may be performed to determine whether the permitted outing time has been exceeded. If the permitted outing time has been exceeded (S1021, Y), the process may proceed to the step (S1017) of performing an exit process. For example, in the case of a store that uses the automatic exit function for period tickets, after an outing using a period ticket, the server can perform an automatic exit process when the permitted outing time set for each store has elapsed. In this case, the permitted outing time may be initialized and calculated each time the customer goes out.

[0127] Figures 11 to 16 illustrate several embodiments of an unmanned store remote management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] Figure 11 shows one embodiment of controlling a door, Figure 12 shows one embodiment of setting up a bidirectional kiosk, and Figures 13 and 14 show one embodiment of setting up an integrated kiosk; however, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0129] Furthermore, while Figures 15 and 16 show one embodiment of kiosks 20 and 22, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0130] Figures 17 to 22 illustrate an unmanned store remote management system linked to a thermal imaging camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] Referring to Figure 17, there are two methods of entering and exiting the unmanned store: entry via kiosk (indicated as 1) and entry using a QR code (indicated as 2). In the case of entry via kiosk, the process may proceed as follows: log in to kiosk 20 (S1701), select a ticket (S1703), then select a seat and enter (S1705). On the other hand, in the case of entry using a QR code (indicated as 2), the process may proceed as follows: read the QR code (indicated as 2) on the user terminal 30 with the QR scanner on kiosk 20, perform QR recognition (S1707), then select a seat and enter (S1705).

[0132] Referring to Figure 18, when a seat is selected and entry is made using a kiosk 20 linked to a thermal imaging camera (or heat detector) 70 (S1801), it is determined whether or not the person is subject to heat detection (S1803). If it is determined that the person is subject to heat detection, the thermal imaging camera 70 can be used to check for fever and whether or not a mask is being worn. Here, the determination of whether or not a mask is being worn can be performed using machine learning-based image recognition technology. Next, the heat detection data is processed (S1807), and if heat detection fails, the administrator may be notified (S1809). If entry or exit is permitted (S1811), it is determined whether or not the person is subject to consent to the electronic entry / exit list (S1813). On the other hand, if it is determined that the person is not subject to heat detection, the process may proceed to step (S1813).

[0133] If it is determined that the user is subject to consent for creating an electronic entry / exit list, the system may receive consent from the user for creating the electronic entry / exit list and process the electronic entry / exit list data (S1815). If it is not determined that the user is subject to consent for creating an electronic entry / exit list, the system may proceed immediately to step (S1815).

[0134] Referring to Figure 19, after selecting a seat and entering the room (S1901), a thermal detection process may be performed (S1903) to determine whether or not an electronic entry / exit register is in operation (S1905). If it is determined that an electronic entry / exit register is not in operation, entry (admission) can be processed (S1917).

[0135] If it is determined that an electronic visitor log is being operated, it may be determined whether or not the person is a visitor (S1907). If it is determined that the person is a visitor, or if it is difficult to distinguish between a member and a visitor, the electronic visitor log creation screen may be displayed (S1911), and electronic visitor log user registration (S1913) and electronic visitor log visit history registration (S1915) may be performed. After step (S1915), the process may proceed to step (S1917).

[0136] If the user is determined to be a member, it may be determined (S1909) whether or not they are registered as an electronic access log user. If it is determined that they are not registered, the process proceeds to step (S1911); if it is determined that they are registered, the process proceeds to step (S1915).

[0137] For example, a member can register their visit history in the electronic entry log each time they enter the premises (including re-entering after leaving) through a single user information verification and consent procedure over a specified period (e.g., 4 weeks). In contrast, users who are not identified as members (e.g., visitors) or those who use a single ticket together, such as in a study room, must create an electronic entry log each time they enter. If a user of an unmanned store refuses to participate in the electronic entry log, they may be denied access to the unmanned store.

[0138] Figures 20 to 22 show exemplary embodiments of the thermal sensing operation status inquiry function, electronic access log management function, and thermal sensing management function provided by the service server 10.

[0139] The following section will provide a detailed explanation, based on the information regarding unmanned stores described above, particularly regarding cases where the store operator or system administrator manages the unmanned store remotely.

[0140] First, as mentioned above, in relation to Figures 2 to 4, the service server 10 controls the door 50 using an MQTT server 12, a smart plug 52, an adapter 54, a semiconductor relay 56, and a deadbolt 58, and the store operator or system administrator can remotely control such a door.

[0141] Specifically, a store operator or system administrator can control a door located on a desired floor or in a desired location within a desired unmanned store via a user terminal 30 running unmanned store operation software or unmanned store management software. For example, a store operator or system administrator can select an unmanned store that they can control via a user interface provided by the unmanned store operation software or unmanned store management software. Internally, the software can manage shop_id values ​​that each store owner or administrator can access. Furthermore, a store operator or system administrator can select the floor and location in the unmanned store they have selected to control the door. For example, a store operator or system administrator may select a door located at the entrance on the first floor, a door located at the entrance on the second floor, or a door in the study room on the first floor. In other words, when a store operator or system administrator provides the service server 10 with identifiers for the unmanned store where the door to be controlled is located, the floor identifier, and the location identifier through the unmanned store operation software or unmanned store management software, the service server 10 can open and close the door 50 in the manner described above in relation to Figures 2 to 4.

[0142] This method allows the store owner or manager to remotely control the doors of an unmanned store.

[0143] Figure 23 is a diagram illustrating a remote management method for an unmanned store according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0144] Referring to Figure 23, in an unmanned store remote management method according to one embodiment of the present invention, the store operator terminal (Admin Web) may transmit a shop_id value that identifies the unmanned store it has selected to the service server (Server) in order to turn on / off all the light bulbs in the unmanned store it has selected.

[0145] Alternatively, the store operator terminal may transmit to the service server a shop_id value that identifies the selected unmanned store and a bulb_id value that identifies the selected light bulb, in order to select a light bulb for a specific seat in the unmanned store that it has selected and turn the selected light bulb on or off. Alternatively, the store operator terminal may transmit to the service server a shop_id value that identifies the selected unmanned store, a bulb_id value that identifies the selected light bulb, and a desired color or brightness value, in order to select a light bulb for a specific seat in the unmanned store that it has selected and change the color or brightness of the selected light bulb.

[0146] The service server may transmit light bulb API commands to the kiosk based on information received from the store operator terminal. If the unmanned store is configured as an integrated kiosk with only one entrance / exit kiosk, the light bulb API commands are transmitted to the single entrance / exit kiosk. If the unmanned store is configured as a bidirectional kiosk with separately configured entrance and exit kiosks, the light bulb API commands (i.e., light bulb control commands) are transmitted only to the exit kiosk and not to the entrance kiosk. The entrance / exit kiosk or exit kiosk that receives a light bulb control command may perform light bulb control via the bridge in the manner described above in relation to Figures 7 to 9. For this purpose, in an integrated kiosk configuration, the entrance / exit kiosk and the bridge must be configured on a network with the same bandwidth via a Wi-Fi® router, and in a bidirectional kiosk configuration, the exit kiosk and the bridge must be configured on a network with the same bandwidth via a Wi-Fi® router. Furthermore, if necessary, in a bidirectional kiosk configuration, the exit kiosk and bridge may be configured on a network with the same bandwidth via a Wi-Fi® router, while the entry kiosk and bridge do not necessarily have to be configured on networks with different bandwidths.

[0147] Alternatively, the store operator terminal may transmit the IP information for each added or modified bridge to the service server in order to add or modify bridge information, transmit the username value corresponding to the identifier of the user who can control the bridge to the service server, or transmit the group_id value to the service server to identify the multiple light bulbs that one bridge can control. Here, username is the identifier of the user who can control the bridge, and when the service server transmits a light bulb control command to the bridge, it transmits "bridge IP address / api / <username> / lights / <bulb_id> A method like " / state" can be used, which ensures that the bridge only issues light bulb control commands if the username is registered with the bridge.

[0148] Alternatively, the store operator terminal may transmit a bulb_id value to the service server that identifies the bulb for each added or modified seat in order to add or modify the bulb ID for each seat. Alternatively, the store operator terminal may transmit a desired basic color value or basic brightness value to the service server in order to set the basic color value or basic brightness value for the bulbs in each store. Upon receiving the above information from the store operator terminal, the service server can thereby change the lighting settings of the unmanned store.

[0149] This method allows store operators to remotely control the lighting of unmanned stores, and the same principles apply to system administrators.

[0150] A point of particular note is that, in the case of an unmanned store with a bidirectional kiosk configuration using separately configured entrance and exit kiosks, if the light bulb control command is transmitted to both the entrance and exit kiosks, the light bulb control command will be processed redundantly, potentially causing errors in the unmanned store's light bulb control or resulting in an unstable light bulb control service. Therefore, the light bulb control command is transmitted only to the exit kiosk and not to the entrance kiosk.

[0151] Furthermore, in unmanned stores, the entrance kiosk is generally installed outside the store, while the exit kiosk is installed inside. However, as mentioned above, in order to control light bulbs via kiosks and bridges, the kiosk and bridge must be connected to the same bandwidth network via a Wi-Fi® router. Considering the structure of such unmanned stores, the exit kiosk installed inside the store should be physically closer to the bridge than the entrance kiosk installed outside the store. The closer the distance between the kiosk and the bridge, the higher the rate of transmission and reception of light bulb control commands when both devices are connected to the same bandwidth network, which leads to higher functional stability. In other words, since the entrance kiosk is installed outside the door, it is inevitably physically farther from the bridge, resulting in weaker network signal strength, which can reduce the stability of the light bulb control service. For these reasons, in the case of an unmanned store with a bidirectional kiosk configuration using separately configured entrance and exit kiosks, the light bulb control command may be transmitted only to the exit kiosk and not to the entrance kiosk.

[0152] Figure 24 is a diagram illustrating a method for remotely managing an unmanned store according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] Referring to Figure 24, the store operator (Admin Web) can remotely select a kiosk via a user terminal 30 running unmanned store operation software and restart the kiosk (i.e., restart the software running on the kiosk). Specifically, the store owner transmits the shop_id value where the kiosk to be restarted is located, the shop_in and shop_out values ​​to distinguish whether it is for entry or exit, and the layer_info value indicating the floor information on which the kiosk is located, to the service server (Server). The service server then transmits a restart command to the kiosk via fcm / socket communication. This allows the unmanned store service software running on the kiosk to be restarted.

[0154] This method allows store operators to remotely restart kiosks without being present at or visiting unmanned stores, and this functionality can also be applied to system administrators. Furthermore, the kiosks to be restarted may be specific kiosks (for example, the kiosks for entering the first floor and exiting the third floor of a particular store), or all kiosks in a particular store may be specified.

[0155] On the other hand, the system administrator can either automatically update multiple kiosks at once via the user terminal 30 running the unmanned store management software, or update only the desired kiosks individually. Here, updating a kiosk may mean updating the unmanned store software running on the kiosk. Specifically, the system administrator ("OreAdmin") transmits the kiosk information to be updated to the service server 10 in order to remotely initiate a kiosk update via the user terminal 30 running the unmanned store management software. The service server 10 may then store an update image (or apk file) corresponding to the kiosk model installed in the relevant unmanned store and perform the kiosk update using the update image.

[0156] For this purpose, the kiosk may run launcher software or a program, and when the launcher receives a kiosk update command from the system administrator, it may download an update image corresponding to the kiosk model to be updated from a server or storage device where the update image is stored, and then perform the kiosk update using the downloaded image.

[0157] For example, if a system administrator transmits a kiosk update command to an entrance kiosk located on the first floor and an exit kiosk located on the second floor of a specific store via the service server 10, the launcher running on each kiosk will download an image called in32.apk for the entrance kiosk on the first floor and an image called out.apk for the exit kiosk on the second floor, and then use these images to perform updates on the entrance kiosk on the first floor and the exit kiosk on the second floor.

[0158] This method allows system administrators to remotely update kiosks.

[0159] Figures 25 to 29 illustrate several embodiments of an unmanned store remote management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0160] According to the embodiments of the present invention described above, unmanned stores can be conveniently managed remotely using IoT technology. Specifically, store operators or system administrators can remotely transmit data or commands for door control to a service server to cause the service server to open and close doors, remotely transmit data or commands for lighting control to a service server to cause the service server to control lighting, and remotely transmit data or commands for kiosk restart or kiosk update to a service server to cause the service server to restart or update kiosks. This improves the convenience for store operators or system administrators who remotely manage unmanned stores.

[0161] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be manufactured in a variety of different forms. A person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs will understand that it can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood to be illustrative and not limiting in all respects.< / username>

Claims

1. A method for remotely managing unmanned stores, The service server receives a light bulb control request from the store operator terminal, which includes an unmanned store identifier (shop_id). The service server identifies the unmanned store corresponding to the unmanned store identifier (shop_id), The service server determines whether the identified unmanned store is an integrated kiosk configuration using only an entry / exit kiosk that handles all entry, exit, and departure, or a bidirectional kiosk configuration using separately configured entry and exit kiosks. If the identified unmanned store is determined to be the integrated kiosk configuration, the service server transmits a light bulb control command corresponding to the light bulb control request to the entry / exit kiosk, If the identified unmanned store is determined to have the bidirectional kiosk configuration, the service server transmits the light bulb control command only to the exit kiosk and does not transmit the light bulb control command to the entry kiosk, The steps include: the entrance / exit kiosk or exit kiosk that has received the light bulb control command transmits the light bulb control command received from the service server to the bridge and controls the light bulb; The aforementioned entry / exit kiosk or the aforementioned exit kiosk and the aforementioned bridge are configured on a network with the same bandwidth via a Wi-Fi® router. The step of controlling the light bulb by transmitting the light bulb control command received from the service server to the bridge is: The service server, upon receiving the desired color value or brightness value of the light bulb along with the unmanned store identifier (shop_id) from the store operator terminal, controls the color or brightness of the light bulb using the received color value or brightness value. If the service server does not receive the desired color value or brightness value of the light bulb from the store operator terminal, it controls the color or brightness of the light bulb using the basic color value or basic brightness value of the light bulb preset for each store. including, method.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the light bulb control request includes at least one of the following: a request to turn all light bulbs in an unmanned store on / off, a request to turn only the light bulbs in a specific seat on / off, and a request to control the color and brightness of the light bulbs in a specific seat.

3. If the aforementioned light bulb control request is a request to turn on / off only the light bulb of the specific seat, the light bulb control request received by the service server from the store operator terminal further includes the light bulb identifier (bulb_id) of the specific seat, The method according to claim 2, wherein the service server generates the light bulb control command based on the light bulb identifier (bulb_id) of the specific seat.

4. If the aforementioned light bulb control request is a request to control the color and brightness of the light bulb in the specific seat, the light bulb control request received by the service server from the store operator terminal further includes the light bulb identifier (bulb_id) of the specific seat, the desired color value and brightness value, The method according to claim 2, wherein the service server generates the light bulb control command based on the light bulb identifier (bulb_id) of the specific seat, the desired color value, and the brightness value.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of the store operator terminal transmitting to the service server IP information for each added or modified bridge, or transmitting to the service server a username value that can identify a bridge, or transmitting to the service server a group_id value for identifying a plurality of light bulbs that one bridge can control, in order to add or modify information relating to the bridge.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of the store operator terminal transmitting a bulb identifier (bulb_id) value that can identify the bulb for each seat to the service server in order to add or modify a bulb ID for each seat.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of the store operator terminal transmitting a desired basic color value or basic brightness value to the service server in order to set the basic color value or basic brightness value for each store's light bulb.

8. A computer program for causing a computer device to perform the method described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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