Information processing device and display system

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, a display system, and a display device, which enable efficient use of issued coupons.SOLUTION: An information processing device of an embodiment, which is an information processing device capable of communicating with a plurality of display devices provided in a store in association with each of display areas where commodities are displayed, includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire customer identification information that identifies a customer and customer location information that indicates the location of the customer; a selection unit configured to select a coupon that can be used by the customer identified by the customer identification information acquired by the acquisition unit; and a specification unit configured to specify a display device that indicates that the commodity in the corresponding display area is eligible for the coupon, from among the plurality of display devices, based on the customer location information acquired by the acquisition unit and area information indicating a display area of a target commodity of the coupon selected by the selection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing apparatus and and a display system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for the purpose of sales promotion, coupons have been issued by stores or businesses (hereinafter also collectively referred to as "stores") that sell goods or services (hereinafter also collectively referred to as "goods"). For example, a store issues a paper coupon with the contents of the coupon printed on a part of the receipt to a customer who has purchased a good. Also, a store issues a digital coupon to a store member or the like who has registered their email address via a network.

[0003] Also, a system for notifying customers in a sales floor of coupon target goods is known. For example, a system has been proposed that notifies a customer who approaches a coupon target good that the good is a coupon target good (for example, Patent Document 1). This system notifies information indicating that a good near the customer is a coupon target good to a tablet terminal installed in a shopping cart used by the customer. The tablet terminal displays the notified information.

[0004] However, since customers move around the sales floor while looking around at the displayed goods, it is easy to overlook the information displayed on the tablet installed in the shopping cart. As a result, in reality, customers often do not notice that a good displayed nearby is a target good of their available coupon. For this reason, it cannot be said that the issued coupons are being effectively utilized, and an improvement is desired.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an information processing device, a display system, and a display device that enable issued coupons to be effectively utilized. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device of the embodiment is an information processing device that can communicate with a plurality of display devices installed in a store, corresponding to each display area where products are displayed, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires customer identification information that identifies a customer and customer location information that indicates the location of the customer, a selection unit that selects a coupon that can be used by the customer identified by the customer identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, and the acquisition unit If the location indicated by the customer location information acquired by the selection unit is included in the display area where the coupon-eligible products selected by the selection unit are displayed, the selection unit identifies the display device installed in the display area from among the multiple display devices as a display device that indicates that the products in that display area are coupon-eligible products, It is equipped with. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a store system including a display system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the server device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the data structure of the customer master stored in the memory section of the server device in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the data structure of the coupon master stored in the memory section of the server device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the data structure of the customer information management file stored in the memory section of the server device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the data structure of the area management file stored in the memory section of the server device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the data structure of the beacon management file stored in the memory section of the server device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the display area of ​​the store in the first embodiment. [Figure 9]Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit of the server device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the display device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the data structure of the product information management file stored in the memory section of the display device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of the display format of the display device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit of the display device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a sequence chart showing the operation flow of the store system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of the display device selection process by the control unit of the server device in the first embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the display switching process by the control unit of the display device in the first embodiment. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the display device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 20] Figure 20 shows the data structure of the target coupon management file stored in the memory section of the display device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit of the display device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the terminal device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 23]FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit of the terminal device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a sequence chart showing the operation flow of the display system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the flow of display switching processing by the control unit of the display device according to the second embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, an information processing apparatus, a display system, and a display device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. For example, in the embodiments described below, an example in which the information processing apparatus is applied to a server apparatus will be described, but the information processing apparatus may be applied to a display device. Further, in the embodiments described below, an example in which a customer-owned smartphone is used as the terminal device will be described, but the terminal device may be a tablet terminal or the like prepared by the store.

[0009] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, the information processing apparatus, the display system, and the display device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a store system including a display system. The store system 1 of the present embodiment is applied to a store that sells products such as a supermarket. The store system 1 includes a plurality of accounting devices 2 and a display system 3.

[0010] The presentation system 3 includes a server device 4, a plurality of display devices 5 provided in the sales floor of the store, and a terminal device 6 owned by the customer C. The accounting device 2, the server device 4, and the display device 5 are communicably connected to each other via a network N such as a LAN (Local Area Network). When the shopping application program (hereinafter also referred to as "shopping app") installed in the terminal device 6 is launched, the terminal device 6 is communicably connected to the accounting device 2, the server device 4, and the display device 5 via a wireless LAN or the like. Further, when the shopping app is launched, the terminal device 6 can communicate with a plurality of beacon devices (not shown) provided in the sales floor by short-range wireless communication. The beacon devices are for detecting the position of the customer C and are provided in each area of the sales floor.

[0011] The accounting device 2 is, for example, a so-called self-service accounting device in which the customer C performs the accounting operation by himself / herself. The accounting device 2 executes accounting processing related to payment by cashless payment such as cash settlement or credit settlement based on the accounting information received from the terminal device 6. The accounting processing is processing for paying the price of the goods purchased by the customer C. The accounting device 2 can execute accounting processing using the coupon held by the customer C.

[0012] The accounting device 2 transmits transaction information related to the accounted transaction to the server device 4. The transaction information includes customer identification information for identifying the customer C, product information of the purchased product, coupon information, the total amount, etc. The customer identification information is, for example, the member ID of the store member who uses the shopping app. The coupon information is the coupon code for specifying the coupon used in the transaction and the coupon code for specifying the coupon printed on the receipt related to the transaction. In other words, the accounting device 2 transmits the coupon code of the coupon used by the customer C and the coupon code of the coupon newly issued to the customer C to the server device 4. Note that the accounting device 2 may be a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal or the like operated by a store clerk.

[0013] Server device 4 functions as a store server that manages various store information. Server device 4 receives transaction information from each accounting device 2. Server device 4 manages the transaction information received from each accounting device 2 for each customer C. Server device 4 also obtains coupon codes for digital coupons issued to customer C by a coupon server (not shown) from the coupon server. Server device 4 also obtains coupon codes for paper coupons issued to customer C from each accounting device 2. Furthermore, server device 4 obtains coupon codes for coupons used by customer C in transactions from each accounting device 2. Based on the obtained coupon codes, server device 4 manages the coupon codes of coupons held by customers, i.e., coupons that customers can use. In addition, server device 4 stores a product master that associates product codes with product information (product name, price, etc.) for products handled by the store, and transmits it to terminal device 6 as appropriate.

[0014] Server device 4 acquires the location information of customer C within the sales area. For example, server device 4 acquires a beacon ID from customer C's terminal device 6 as location information. Server device 4 recognizes customer C's location by referring to a beacon management file that associates the beacon ID with the sales area information. Area information is information that indicates the display area partitioned within the sales area. The display area is the area where products are displayed and is associated with the products that are displayed. The beacon ID is an example of customer location information. Server device 4 may also acquire customer C's location information using GPS (Global Positioning System) technology or the like.

[0015] Server device 4 controls the display content of display device 5. Specifically, when customer C is located in the display area of ​​a product eligible for a coupon available to that customer, server device 4 outputs a display change instruction to the display device 5 associated with that display area. In the following explanation, the product eligible for a coupon available to customer C may be referred to as a "coupon eligible product." Upon receiving the display change instruction, display device 5 displays a message indicating that the product displayed in the corresponding display area is a coupon eligible product. Also, when customer C is located in the display area of ​​a coupon eligible product, server device 4 outputs a vibration instruction to terminal device 6. Upon receiving the vibration instruction, terminal device 6 activates its built-in vibrator. Server device 4 is an example of an information processing device.

[0016] Display devices 5 are placed within the store, corresponding to each display area where products are displayed. Display devices 5 display information about the products displayed in their corresponding display area. While it is desirable for display devices 5 to be installed in their corresponding display areas, they are not limited to locations where customers C located in those display areas can recognize the displayed content. Furthermore, display devices 5 do not necessarily have to correspond one-to-one with display areas. For example, multiple display devices 5 may be associated with one display area, or one display device 5 may be associated with multiple display areas. Also, since the products displayed in each display area are predetermined, it can be said that display devices 5 are associated with the products that are displayed. In the following explanation, products displayed in the display area corresponding to a display device 5 may be referred to as "products corresponding to a display device 5."

[0017] Display device 5, for example, normally displays advertising information. The advertising information may be advertising information for the product corresponding to the display device 5 that displays it, or advertising information for other products. Here, "normal time" means a time other than when the display device 5 has received a display change instruction and is displaying information in accordance with that instruction. Display device 5 changes the display content in accordance with the display change instruction from server device 4. Specifically, when display device 5 receives a display change instruction, it displays information to customer C, who is in the display area corresponding to its device, for a predetermined time, indicating that the product displayed in that display area is a coupon-eligible product. As a result, customer C can recognize that they possess a coupon for the product displayed in the display area where they are located.

[0018] Incidentally, customer C typically moves around the store while looking at the displayed products. According to the display system 3 described above, the display device 5 installed in the display area notifies customer C that the products displayed in the display area where customer C is located are eligible for coupons (hereinafter also referred to as "coupon eligible product notification"), so customer C can reliably recognize the coupon eligible product notification. In this embodiment, the coupon eligible product notification is made by the display on the display device 5 and the vibration of the terminal device 6.

[0019] The display device 5 does not change its display content if customer C, who is in the display area corresponding to the device, does not possess a coupon for the products displayed in that area. This prevents the display device 5 from switching the display more than necessary, which would make it difficult for customer C to recognize the information being displayed. The display device 5 does not need to display any information under normal circumstances, or it may display any information other than advertising information. However, by displaying advertising information under normal circumstances, the display device 5 can be used for both advertising display and coupon-eligible product notifications.

[0020] The terminal device 6 is, for example, an information device such as a smartphone owned by customer C. The terminal device 6 can be held in a shopping cart B. The shopping cart B is placed in the sales area of ​​the store and used to transport goods purchased by customer C. The shopping cart B comprises a holding part BA and a handle BB. The holding part BA holds the terminal device 6. The handle BB is the part that customer C grips to move the shopping cart B. The holding part BA and the handle BB are connected via a vibration transmission member. When the terminal device 6 held in the holding part BA vibrates, the vibration is transmitted to the handle BB. As a result, customer C, who is gripping the handle BB, can recognize that the terminal device 6 is vibrating.

[0021] Terminal device 6 operates its built-in vibrator in accordance with vibration instructions from server device 4. Terminal device 6 can notify customer C of coupon-eligible products by transmitting vibrations from the vibrator.

[0022] A shopping application is installed on terminal device 6. Terminal device 6 can perform product registration by running the shopping application in the store. Specifically, terminal device 6 captures a barcode or other code symbol (hereinafter also referred to as "product barcode") attached to a product at the operation of customer C, and reads the product code indicated by the product barcode. The product code is product identification information that identifies the product. Based on the read product code, terminal device 6 obtains product information such as product name and price, and performs product registration by storing it in a storage device. Terminal device 6 may also read the product code using general object recognition.

[0023] Next, we will describe in detail each of the devices that make up the display system 3. First, we will describe the server device 4.

[0024] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the server device 4. The server device 4 comprises a control unit 40, a memory unit 41, a display unit 42, an operation unit 43, and a communication unit 44. The control unit 40, memory unit 41, display unit 42, operation unit 43, and communication unit 44 are connected to each other via a bus 45, etc.

[0025] The control unit 40 consists of a computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 402, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 403. The CPU 401, ROM 402, and RAM 403 are connected to each other via a bus 45.

[0026] The CPU 401 controls the overall operation of the server device 4. The ROM 402 stores various programs and data, such as the program used to drive the CPU 401. The RAM 403 is used as the work area for the CPU 401 and loads the various programs and data stored in the ROM 402 and the memory unit 41. The control unit 40 executes various control processes of the server device 4 by having the CPU 401 operate according to the control programs stored in the ROM 402 and the memory unit 41 and loaded into the RAM 403.

[0027] The memory unit 41 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory, and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The memory unit 41 stores a control program 411, a product master 412, a customer master 413, a coupon master 414, a customer information management file 415, an area management file 416, and a beacon management file 417.

[0028] The control program 411 is a program that implements functions such as acquiring a member ID to identify customer C and customer location information indicating the location of customer C from the terminal device 6, selecting coupons that can be used by the customer identified by the acquired member ID, and outputting a display change instruction to the display device 5 to notify the display device 5 of coupon-eligible products based on the acquired member ID and customer location information.

[0029] The product master 412 is a master file that stores information about the products handled by the store. The product master 412 stores product information such as product name and price, associated with the product code. Since the products handled by the store change daily, the product master 412 is updated as needed. The updated product master 412 is distributed to each terminal device 6.

[0030] Customer Master 413 is a master file that stores information about customer C, who is a store member. Each piece of information registered (stored) in Customer Master 413 is obtained from customer C when they install the shopping app and register as a member. Figure 3 shows the data structure of Customer Master 413. Customer Master 413 stores name, address, and notification address, associated with the member ID.

[0031] The Member ID is information that identifies customer C, and is an example of customer identification information. The Member ID is assigned by the store when customer C registers as a member. The notification destination is, for example, the email address of the terminal device 6 owned by customer C. The server device 4 can send information to customer C's terminal device 6 by referring to the notification destination.

[0032] The coupon master 414 is a master file that manages coupons issued by stores. When a store issues a new coupon, the information is registered in the coupon master 414. When the expiration date of a coupon registered in the coupon master 414 has passed, the information related to that coupon is deleted from the coupon master 414. In this embodiment, the coupon master 414 stores information on digital coupons issued by a coupon server (not shown) and paper coupons issued by the accounting device 2. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of the coupon master 414. The coupon master 414 stores product codes, benefits, and areas associated with coupon codes.

[0033] The coupon code is information that identifies the issued coupon. The product code is the product code of the product eligible for the coupon. The eligible product is a product for which the coupon's benefits can be obtained. The benefits are information that indicates the content and duration of the benefits provided by the coupon. The content is information that indicates the details of the benefits obtained by the coupon, such as the discount amount, discount rate, or provision of novelty goods. The duration is information that indicates the validity period during which the coupon can be used. The area is information that identifies the display area in the store where the product is displayed (area information).

[0034] The customer information management file 415 is a file that manages customer information. The customer information management file 415 is updated as needed according to the coupon issuance status for customer C, the coupon usage status by customer C, and customer C's location information. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the customer information management file 415. The customer information management file 415 stores the coupon code and store entry status, associated with the member ID.

[0035] As mentioned above, the Member ID is information that identifies customer C, who is a member. The Coupon Code is information that identifies coupons that customer C with the corresponding Member ID can use. The Store Entry Status is information that indicates whether or not customer C is inside the store.

[0036] The area management file 416 is a file that manages information about display areas. The information registered in the area management file 416 can be arbitrarily set by each store. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the area management file 416. The area management file 416 stores product codes and display device codes associated with areas. In addition, the area management file 416 may also store information indicating the installation location of display devices associated with the display device codes.

[0037] As described above, the area is information that identifies the display area where the products are displayed, and the product code is information that identifies the product. The display device code is information that identifies the display device 5 installed in the sales area.

[0038] Figure 8 shows the display areas of a sales floor. In this example, the sales floor has 16 display areas, numbered 1-1 to 4-4. In the example of area management file 416 in Figure 6, the 1-1 display area will contain products with product codes 000001 and 000002. Similarly, the 1-2 display area will contain products with product codes 000003 and 000004. Note that the area management file 416 may have more than three product codes associated with a single area. Also, the area management file 416 may have one product code associated with multiple display areas.

[0039] Furthermore, in the example of the area management file 416 shown in Figure 6, the display device 5 with code 01 is associated with the display area 1-1 and the display area 1-2. This means that the display device 5 with code 01 displays information to customers C located in the display area 1-1 and the display area 1-2. For example, the display device 5 with code 01 is installed in a position that spans the adjacent display areas 1-1 and 1-2, but its installation location is not specified. Note that the area management file 416 may associate multiple display device codes with a single display area.

[0040] The beacon management file 417 is a file that manages the correspondence between beacon devices placed in the sales area and the display area. Figure 7 shows the data structure of the beacon management file 417. The beacon management file 417 stores the beacon ID in association with the area.

[0041] The beacon ID is information that identifies the beacon device. The area is information that identifies the display area where the beacon is installed. Multiple beacon IDs may be associated with a single display area. The server device 4 can recognize the location of the terminal device 6 by receiving the beacon ID received by the terminal device 6 via short-range wireless communication from the terminal device 6. By recognizing the location of the terminal device 6, the server device 4 can recognize the display area where customer C, who possesses the terminal device 6, is located.

[0042] Returning to Figure 2, let's describe the hardware of server device 4.

[0043] The display unit 42 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel and displays various information. The display unit 42 displays, for example, information stored in the product master 412, customer master 413, coupon master 414, customer information management file 415, area management file 416, and beacon management file 417 as needed.

[0044] The operation unit 43 is for inputting information to the control unit 40 and consists of a keyboard, touch panel, mouse, etc.

[0045] The communication unit 44 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the accounting device 2, the display device 5, and the terminal device 6. The control unit 40 is connected to the external devices via the communication unit 44, enabling it to send and receive information (data) with the external devices.

[0046] Next, the main functional configuration of the control unit 40 of the server device 4 will be described. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 40 of the server device 4. The control unit 40 functions as a receiving unit 4001, an information management unit 4002, a specific unit 4003, and a transmitting unit 4004, with the CPU 401 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 402 and the memory unit 41. Note that each of these functions may be configured with hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0047] The receiving unit 4001 receives transaction information from the accounting device 2. The transaction information includes the coupon code of the coupon used in the transaction. The transaction information also includes coupon information of the coupon issued in the transaction. The receiving unit 4001 receives the member ID and the coupon code of the coupon issued to customer C of the member ID from a coupon server (not shown).

[0048] The receiving unit 4001 receives the member ID and beacon ID from the terminal device 6. The receiving unit 4001 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires customer identification information to identify the customer and customer location information indicating the location of the customer.

[0049] The information management unit 4002 manages the information stored in the memory unit 41. Here, managing information means storing information in the memory unit 41 or reading information from the memory unit 41 as needed.

[0050] The information management unit 4002 updates the customer information management file 415 based on the transaction information received by the receiving unit 4001 from the accounting device 2. Specifically, if the transaction information includes a coupon code for a newly issued coupon, the information management unit 4002 adds the coupon code in association with the member ID included in the transaction information. Also, if the transaction information includes a coupon code for a coupon that has been used, the information management unit 4002 deletes the coupon code from the coupon code stored in association with the member ID included in the transaction information. Furthermore, the information management unit 4002 updates the customer information management file 415 based on the member ID and coupon code received by the receiving unit 4001 from the coupon server.

[0051] When the receiving unit 4001 receives the member ID and beacon ID, the information management unit 4002 reads the coupon code corresponding to the member ID received by the receiving unit 4001 from the customer information management file 415. In other words, the information management unit 4002 selects a coupon that is available to customer C, who is identified by the member ID received by the receiving unit 4001. The information management unit 4002 functions as a selection unit that selects a coupon that is available to customer C. The information management unit 4002 also refers to the coupon master 414 and selects a product code corresponding to the coupon code read from the customer information management file 415.

[0052] The identification unit 4003 identifies the display device 5 that will notify the customer of the coupon-eligible product from among the multiple display devices 5, based on the beacon ID received by the receiving unit 4001 and the area information indicating the display area of ​​the coupon-eligible product selected by the information management unit 4002. Specifically, the identification unit 4003 first refers to the beacon management file 417 to identify the area information corresponding to the beacon ID received by the receiving unit 4001. In other words, the identification unit 4003 identifies the display area where customer C is located. Then, the identification unit 4003 refers to the coupon master 414 to determine whether the identified area information is included in the area information corresponding to the coupon code selected by the information management unit 4002. In other words, it determines whether the display area where customer C is located is a display area where the coupon-eligible product is displayed.

[0053] The identification unit 4003, in the coupon master 414, if the area information identified by the identification unit 4003 is included in the area information corresponding to the coupon code selected by the information management unit 4002, refers to the area management file 416 to identify the display device code corresponding to the area information identified by the identification unit 4003. In other words, if the display area where customer C is located is a display area where coupon-eligible products are displayed, the identification unit 4003 identifies the display device 5 corresponding to that display area. The display device 5 identified by the identification unit 4003 is the display device 5 to which the display change instruction will be sent.

[0054] The transmitting unit 4004 transmits a display change instruction to the display device 5 identified by the identification unit 4003. The transmitting unit 4004 functions as an output unit that outputs the display change instruction. The display change instruction includes a product code selected by the information management unit 4002. The transmitting unit 4004 also transmits a vibration instruction to the terminal device 6. The vibration instruction is an example of information indicating that the display device 5 has been identified by the identification unit 4003.

[0055] Next, we will describe the display device 5.

[0056] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the display device 5. The display device 5 comprises a control unit 50, a memory unit 51, a display unit 52, and a communication unit 53. The control unit 50, memory unit 51, display unit 52, and communication unit 53 are connected to each other via a bus 54, etc.

[0057] The control unit 50 consists of a computer equipped with a CPU 501, ROM 502, and RAM 503. The CPU 501, ROM 502, and RAM 503 are connected to each other via a bus 54.

[0058] The CPU 501 controls the overall operation of the display device 5. The ROM 502 stores various programs and data, such as the program used to drive the CPU 501. The RAM 503 is used as the work area for the CPU 501 and loads the various programs and data stored in the ROM 502 and the memory unit 51. The control unit 50 executes various control processes for the display device 5 by having the CPU 501 operate according to the control programs stored in the ROM 502 and the memory unit 51 and loaded into the RAM 503.

[0059] Furthermore, the RAM 503 includes a product code section 5031. The product code section 5031 stores the product code included in the display change instruction received from the server device 4.

[0060] The memory unit 51 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD or flash memory, and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The memory unit 51 stores the control program 511 and the product information management file 512.

[0061] The control program 511 is a program that implements functions such as receiving display change instructions from the server device 4 and displaying various information on the display unit 52.

[0062] The product information management file 512 is a file that manages the product information to be displayed on the display unit 52 when the display device 5 notifies the user of coupon-eligible products. The information registered in the product information management file 512 is set according to the products displayed in the display area associated with the display device 5. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the data structure of the product information management file 512. The product information management file 512 stores display information associated with the product code.

[0063] As mentioned above, the product code is product identification information that identifies a product. Display information includes the product name and product image. The display information may also include other product information such as price.

[0064] Here, we will describe the display format of the display unit 52 when the display device 5 receives a display change instruction from the server device 4. Figure 12 shows the display format of the display unit 52 when the display device 5 receives a display change instruction from the server device 4. The display unit 52 includes a product name display unit 521, a product image display unit 522, and a notification display unit 523.

[0065] The product name display unit 521 displays the product name. The displayed product name is the name of the coupon-eligible product located in the display area corresponding to the display device 5. The product image display unit 522 displays the product image. The displayed product image is an image of the coupon-eligible product, such as a photograph or illustration. When the display device 5 receives a display change instruction from the server device 4, it refers to the product information management file 512, extracts the product name and product image corresponding to the product code included in the display change instruction, and displays them on the display unit 52.

[0066] The notification display unit 523 displays information to a customer C located in a display area corresponding to the display device 5, informing them that the products displayed in that area are eligible for a coupon. The notification display unit 523 may display a message such as, "Your coupon can be used." The notification display unit 523 may also display information other than a message, for example, only the words "eligible for coupon." The display format when the display device 5 receives a display change instruction from the server device 4 is predetermined, and the display of the product name display unit 521 and the product image display unit 522 is set according to the product code included in the display change instruction.

[0067] Returning to Figure 10, the hardware of the display device 5 will be described.

[0068] The display unit 52 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel and displays various information. For example, the display unit 52 normally displays advertising information. Also, when the display device 5 receives a display change instruction from the server device 4, the display unit 52 displays product information, messages, etc. in the display format shown in Figure 12.

[0069] The communication unit 53 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the server device 4 and the terminal device 6. The control unit 50 is connected to the external devices via the communication unit 53, enabling it to send and receive information (data) with the external devices.

[0070] Next, the main functional configuration of the control unit 50 of the display device 5 will be described. Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 50 of the display device 5. The control unit 50 functions as a receiving unit 5001, an extraction unit 5002, and a display control unit 5003, with the CPU 501 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 502 and the memory unit 51. Note that each of these functions may be configured with hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0071] The receiving unit 5001 receives a display change instruction from the server device 4. The display change instruction received by the receiving unit 5001 includes a product code.

[0072] The extraction unit 5002 extracts display information from the product information management file 512. Specifically, the extraction unit 5002 extracts the product name and product image corresponding to the product code included in the display change instruction from the product information management file 512.

[0073] When the receiving unit 5001 receives a display change instruction, the display control unit 5003 switches the display on the display unit 52. For example, under normal circumstances, the display control unit 5003 displays advertising information on the display unit 52, and when the receiving unit 5001 receives a display change instruction, it displays the product name, product image, message, etc. on the display unit 52 in the display format shown in Figure 12.

[0074] Next, we will describe the terminal device 6.

[0075] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the terminal device 6. The terminal device 6 comprises a control unit 60, a memory unit 61, a display unit 62, an operation unit 63, an imaging unit 64, a short-range wireless communication unit 65, a vibrator 66, and a communication unit 67. The control unit 60, memory unit 61, display unit 62, operation unit 63, imaging unit 64, short-range wireless communication unit 65, vibrator 66, and communication unit 67 are connected to each other via a bus 68, etc.

[0076] The control unit 60 consists of a computer equipped with a CPU 601, ROM 602, and RAM 603. The CPU 601, ROM 602, and RAM 603 are connected to each other via a bus 68.

[0077] The CPU 601 controls the overall operation of the terminal device 6. The ROM 602 stores various programs and data, such as the program used to drive the CPU 601. The RAM 603 is used as the work area for the CPU 601 and loads the various programs and data stored in the ROM 602 and the memory unit 61. The control unit 60 executes various control processes of the terminal device 6 by having the CPU 601 operate according to the control programs stored in the ROM 602 and the memory unit 61 and loaded into the RAM 603.

[0078] The RAM 603 also includes a product information unit 6031. The product information unit 6031 stores product information of products whose product barcodes have been scanned by the imaging unit 64. The product information stored in the product information unit 6031 includes information such as the product code, product name, price, quantity, and coupon code of any coupons used. Product registration is performed when product information is stored in the product information unit 6031.

[0079] The memory unit 61 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD or flash memory, and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The memory unit 61 stores the control program 611, the product master 612, and the member ID file 613.

[0080] The control program 611 is a shopping application that implements functions such as registering products, associating product information stored in the product information unit 6031 and member IDs stored in the member ID file 613 and transmitting them to the accounting device 2 as accounting information, and driving the vibrator 66 based on vibration instructions received from the server device 4.

[0081] Product master 612 is the product master received from server device 4. Since product master 612 is the same as product master 412 of server device 4, redundant explanations are omitted. Member ID file 613 stores the member ID of the owner of terminal device 6.

[0082] The display unit 62 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel and displays various information. For example, the display unit 62 displays product information for registered products. The display unit 62 also displays a registration screen for registering products that do not have a product barcode.

[0083] The operation unit 63 is for inputting information to the control unit 60 and consists of a touch panel or the like provided on the surface of the display unit 62. For example, the operation unit 63 inputs the product code of a product that does not have a product barcode to the control unit 60.

[0084] The imaging unit 64, for example, captures a product barcode. The imaging unit 64 inputs the captured data of the product barcode to the control unit 60.

[0085] The short-range wireless communication unit 65 communicates with beacon devices placed inside the store via short-range wireless communication. The short-range wireless communication unit 65 receives beacon IDs that are periodically transmitted by the beacon devices.

[0086] The vibrator 66 generates vibrations. The vibrator 66 starts operating under the control of the control unit 60 and generates vibrations for a predetermined time or until a stop command is input to the operation unit 63.

[0087] The communication unit 67 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the accounting device 2, the server device 4, and the display device 5. The control unit 60 is connected to the external devices via the communication unit 67, enabling it to send and receive information (data) with the external devices.

[0088] Next, the main functional configuration of the control unit 60 of the terminal device 6 will be described. Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 60 of the terminal device 6. The control unit 60 functions as an input unit 6001, a registration unit 6002, a receiving unit 6003, and a transmission unit 6004, with the CPU 601 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 602 and the memory unit 61. Note that each of these functions may be configured with hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0089] Various information is input to the input unit 6001 from the operation unit 63 and the imaging unit 64. For example, the input unit 6001 receives transaction start instructions, accounting instructions, and product codes from the operation unit 63. In addition, the input unit 6001 receives image data of product barcodes from the imaging unit 64.

[0090] The registration unit 6002 performs product registration. Specifically, the registration unit 6002 analyzes the image data of the product barcode entered into the input unit 6001 and reads the product code. The registration unit 6002 reads product information such as the product name and price associated with the read product code from the product master 612. Then, the registration unit 6002 registers the read product information in the product information unit 6031.

[0091] Alternatively, when the registration unit 6002 reads a product code, it may output a query for product information based on that product code to the server device 4 which stores the product master 412, and retrieve the product information from the server device 4. In this case, the memory unit 61 does not need to store the product master 612.

[0092] The receiving unit 6003 receives a beacon ID from the beacon device. The receiving unit 6003 also receives vibration instructions from the server device 4.

[0093] When an accounting instruction is entered into the input unit 6001, the transmitting unit 6004 transmits the accounting information to the accounting device 2. Also, when the receiving unit 6003 receives a beacon ID, the transmitting unit 6004 associates the beacon ID with the member ID stored in the member ID file 613 and transmits it to the server device 4.

[0094] The operation of the store system 1 based on the above configuration will now be explained. Figure 16 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operation of the store system 1. First, the operation related to the switching of the display on the display device 5 (display operation) will be explained. Here, we will explain the case in which the display on the display device 5 switches in accordance with the movement of customer C within the sales floor.

[0095] When customer C makes a purchase, terminal device 6 launches the shopping app (step S1). For example, terminal device 6 launches the shopping app by scanning a two-dimensional code for store entry verification displayed at the storefront. As customer C moves within the sales floor (display area), terminal device 6 receives a beacon ID from one of the beacon devices installed in each display area (step S2). Terminal device 6 receives a beacon ID that identifies the nearest beacon device. Terminal device 6 associates the member ID it holds with the received beacon ID and transmits it to server device 4 (step S3).

[0096] Server device 4 performs a display device selection process using the received member ID and beacon ID (step S4). The display device selection process is for selecting a display device 5 that will change the display content and notify the user of coupon-eligible products. In other words, the display device selection process is for selecting the output destination of the display change instruction. Details of the display device selection process will be described later.

[0097] The server device 4 sends a display change instruction to the display device 5 selected in the display device selection process (step S5). The display change instruction includes the product code identified in the display device selection process. The server device 4 also sends a vibration instruction to the terminal device 6 (step S6).

[0098] When the display device 5 receives a display change instruction, it executes a display switching process (step S7). The display switching process is the process for switching the display content of the display device 5. Details of the display switching process will be described later. When the terminal device 6 receives a vibration instruction, it drives the vibrator 66 (step S8).

[0099] Through the above actions, customer C, who is located in the display area for coupon-eligible products, can be notified that the products displayed in that area are coupon-eligible products.

[0100] Next, we will explain the operations related to accounting processing (accounting operations) in store system 1.

[0101] With the shopping app running, when terminal device 6 scans a product barcode, terminal device 6 reads the product code and performs product registration (step S11). Product registration is performed for all products purchased by customer C. When customer C makes a payment, an accounting instruction is entered into terminal device 6 (step S12). Upon receiving the accounting instruction, terminal device 6 transmits the accounting information to accounting device 2 (step S13). At this time, terminal device 6 clears the registration information stored in product information unit 6031.

[0102] The accounting device 2 performs accounting processing based on the received accounting information (step S14). Accounting processing is the process for customer C to pay for the purchase, and includes processing related to cash payment, cashless payment, etc. Once accounting processing is complete, the accounting device 2 issues a coupon as needed (step S15). For example, the accounting device 2 issues a paper coupon as part of the receipt or separately from the receipt. The accounting device 2 transmits transaction information to the server device 4 (step S16). Transaction information includes the member ID of the member who made the transaction, the coupon code of the coupon used in the transaction, the coupon code of the issued paper coupon, etc.

[0103] Server device 4 updates the customer information management file 415 based on the received transaction information (step S17). Server device 4 updates the customer information management file 415 by rewriting the coupon code corresponding to the received member ID.

[0104] Through the above operations, customer C can make purchases using terminal device 6, and server device 4 can manage the coupons available to customer C. By managing the coupons available to customer C, server device 4 can appropriately notify customers of eligible coupon products using display device 5 and terminal device 6.

[0105] Next, we will describe the display device selection process performed by the server device 4. Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of the display device selection process by the control unit 40 of the server device 4.

[0106] The control unit 40 determines whether the receiving unit 4001 has received the member ID and beacon ID from the terminal device 6 (step S21). If it has not received them (N in step S21), it returns to the process in step S21 and waits.

[0107] When the receiving unit 4001 receives the member ID and beacon ID (Y in step S21), the identification unit 4003 identifies the area where customer C is located (step S22). Specifically, the identification unit 4003 refers to the beacon management file 417 to identify the area information corresponding to the beacon ID received by the receiving unit 4001.

[0108] The information management unit 4002 reads the coupon code available to customer C whose member ID was received by the receiving unit 4001 (step S23). Specifically, the information management unit 4002 reads the coupon code corresponding to the member ID received by the receiving unit 4001 from the customer information management file 415.

[0109] Next, the identification unit 4003 determines whether or not there are coupon-eligible products in the display area where customer C is located (step S24). Specifically, the identification unit 4003 refers to the coupon master 414 and determines whether or not the area information identified in step S22 is included in the area information corresponding to the coupon code read in step S23.

[0110] If there are no coupon-eligible products in the display area where customer C is located (N in step S24), the control unit 40 returns to the process in step S21. If there are coupon-eligible products in the display area where customer C is located (Y in step S24), the identification unit 4003 identifies the product code of the coupon-eligible product (step S25). Specifically, the identification unit 4003 refers to the coupon master 414 and identifies the product code corresponding to the coupon code read in step S23. Next, the identification unit 4003 identifies the display device 5 to which the display change instruction will be output (step S26). Specifically, the identification unit 4003 refers to the area management file 416 and identifies the display device code corresponding to the area information identified in step S22.

[0111] The transmitting unit 4004 transmits a display change instruction to the display device 5 identified in step S26, and also transmits a vibration instruction to the terminal device 6 (step S27). Then, the control unit 40 returns to the processing in step S21. Note that the processing in step S27 corresponds to the processing in steps S5 and S6 in the sequence chart in Figure 16.

[0112] Through the above display device selection process, if there are coupon-eligible products in the display area where customer C is located, the server device 4 can send a display change instruction to the display device 5 corresponding to that display area. Upon receiving the display change instruction, the display device 5 can notify customer C, who is in the display area, of the coupon-eligible products.

[0113] Next, we will explain the display switching process performed by the display device 5. Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the display switching process by the control unit 50 of the display device 5.

[0114] The display control unit 5003 normally displays advertising information on the display unit 52 (step S31). Next, the control unit 50 determines whether the receiving unit 5001 has received a display change instruction from the server device 4 (step S32). If it has not received the instruction (N in step S32), it returns to the process in step S31.

[0115] When the receiving unit 5001 receives a display change instruction from the server device 4 (Y in step S32), the control unit 50 stores the product code included in the display change instruction in the product code unit 5031 (step S33). The display control unit 5003 displays product information on the display unit 52 based on the product code stored in the product code unit 5031 (step S34). Specifically, the display control unit 5003 reads the product name and product image corresponding to the product code stored in the product code unit 5031 from the product information management file 512. Then, the display control unit 5003 displays the read product name and product image on the display unit 52 in the display format shown in Figure 12. This display notifies customer C of the product eligible for the coupon.

[0116] Next, the control unit 50 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S35). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (N in step S35), the control unit 50 determines whether the receiving unit 5001 has received a different display change instruction (step S36). A different display change instruction means a display change instruction that includes a product code different from the product code included in the display change process that was determined to have been received in step S32. In other words, in the process of step S36, the control unit 50 determines whether it has received a display change instruction for a coupon-eligible product different from the product whose information is currently being displayed on the display unit 52.

[0117] If the receiving unit 5001 receives a different display change instruction (Y in step S36), the control unit 50 stores the product code included in the display change instruction in the product code unit 5031 (step S37) and returns to the process in step S35. If the receiving unit 5001 does not receive a different display change instruction (N in step S36), the control unit 50 skips the process in step S37 and returns to the process in step S35.

[0118] In the process of step S35, after a predetermined time has elapsed (Y in step S35), the control unit 50 deletes the product code of the coupon-eligible product that had been displaying information up to that point from the product code unit 5031 (step S38). Then, the control unit 50 determines whether any other product codes are stored in the product code unit 5031 (step S39). If no other product codes are stored in the product code unit 5031 (Y in step S39), the control unit 50 returns to the process of step S31. If other product codes are stored in the product code unit 5031 (N in step S39), the control unit 50 returns to the process of step S34. Then, the display control unit 5003 displays the product information on the display unit 52 based on the product code stored in the product code unit 5031.

[0119] Through the above display switching process, when the display device 5 receives a display change instruction, it can display information indicating that the product with the product code included in the display change instruction is a coupon eligible product, thereby issuing a coupon eligible product notification. Furthermore, if the display device 5 receives a display change instruction for a product different from the product to which the coupon eligible product notification pertains while the coupon eligible product notification is being issued, it can issue a coupon eligible product notification for the different product after the coupon eligible product notification.

[0120] As described above, the server device 4 of the first embodiment is capable of communicating with a plurality of display devices 5 installed in the store in association with the display area where products are displayed, and includes a receiving unit 4001 that acquires a member ID that identifies customer C and a beacon ID that indicates the location of customer C, an information management unit 4002 that selects coupons that can be used by customer C identified by the member ID acquired by the receiving unit 4001, and a specification unit 4003 that identifies a display device among the plurality of display devices 5 whose display content is to be changed based on the beacon ID acquired by the receiving unit 4001 and area information indicating the display area of ​​the product to which the coupon selected by the information management unit 4002 is located.

[0121] As a result, if there are coupon-eligible products in the display area where customer C is located, the server device 4 can send a display change instruction to the display device 5 that displays information to customer C in that display area.

[0122] Furthermore, the server device 4 of the first embodiment further includes a transmission unit 4004 that outputs a display change instruction to the display device 5 identified by the identification unit 4003, instructing it to change the display content.

[0123] As a result, the server device 4 can output a display change instruction to the display device 5, thereby causing the display device 5 to notify the user of coupon-eligible products.

[0124] Furthermore, in the server device 4 of the first embodiment, the receiving unit 4001 obtains the member ID and beacon ID from the terminal device 6 that moves with the customer, and the transmitting unit 4004 outputs information to the terminal device 6 indicating that the display device 5 has been identified by the identification unit 4003.

[0125] This allows the terminal device 6 to notify the customer of eligible coupon products by generating vibrations or other means. In other words, the server device 4 can cause the terminal device 6 to notify the customer of eligible coupon products by outputting information to the terminal device 6 indicating that the display device 5 has been identified by the identification unit 4003.

[0126] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the display device 5 receives a coupon code from the terminal device 6 and performs a display switching process based on the received coupon code. In the following, descriptions of configurations and functions similar to those of the first embodiment may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessarily redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0127] Figure 19 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the display device 5. The display device 5 includes a control unit 50, a memory unit 51, a display unit 52, a communication unit 53, as well as a human presence sensor 55 and a short-range wireless communication unit 56. The human presence sensor 55 and the short-range wireless communication unit 56 are connected to other hardware via a bus 54, etc.

[0128] The memory unit 51 stores the control program 511 and the product information management file 512, as well as the coupon target management file 513.

[0129] The coupon management file 513 is a file that manages coupon information, associating coupon codes with product codes. The information registered in the coupon management file 513 is set according to the products displayed in the display area associated with the display device 5. Figure 20 shows the data structure of the coupon management file 513. The coupon management file 513 stores coupon codes in association with product codes.

[0130] The coupon code is information that identifies a coupon for a product displayed in the display area corresponding to the display device 5. The product code is the product code of the product to which the coupon applies.

[0131] When the motion sensor 55 detects a person (customer C) located within a predetermined range from the device, it inputs a detection signal to the control unit 50. The motion sensor 55 employs a well-known sensor, such as one using infrared light. The range in which the motion sensor 55 can detect customer C is set to the range in which the short-range wireless communication unit 56 can communicate with the terminal device 6.

[0132] The short-range wireless communication unit 56 communicates with the terminal device 6 via short-range wireless communication. When the human presence sensor 55 detects customer C, the short-range wireless communication unit 56 outputs a coupon code request. In other words, when customer C is within communication range, the short-range wireless communication unit 56 outputs a coupon code request to the terminal device 6 held by customer C. The communication range can be set arbitrarily. The short-range wireless communication unit 56 also receives a coupon code from the terminal device 6.

[0133] Next, the main functional configuration of the control unit 50 of the display device 5 will be described. Figure 21 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 50 of the display device 5. The control unit 50 functions as a receiving unit 5001, a display control unit 5003, a detection unit 5004, a transmitting unit 5005, and a determination unit 5006, with the CPU 501 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 502 and the memory unit 51. Note that each of these functions may be configured with hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0134] The receiving unit 5001 receives coupon information stored in the coupon management file 513 from the server device 4. The coupon information received by the receiving unit 5001 is coupon information related to the product corresponding to the display device 5. The coupon code included in the coupon information received by the receiving unit 5001 from the server device 4 is an example of target coupon identification information.

[0135] Furthermore, the receiving unit 5001 receives coupon codes from the terminal device 6 via the short-range wireless communication unit 56. The receiving unit 5001 functions as an acquisition unit that obtains coupon codes that identify coupons available to customers who own terminal devices 6 located within a predetermined range from its own unit. The coupon codes that the receiving unit 5001 receives from the terminal device 6 are an example of acquired coupon identification information.

[0136] The detection unit 5004 detects customer C who is within a predetermined range from the device. The detection unit 5004 detects customer C based on the detection signal from the human presence sensor 55.

[0137] When the detection unit 5004 detects customer C, the transmitting unit 5005 outputs a coupon code request via short-range wireless communication.

[0138] The determination unit 5006 determines whether the acquired coupon identification information obtained by the receiving unit 5001 matches the target coupon identification information for the product associated with its own device. Specifically, the determination unit 5006 determines whether the coupon code received by the receiving unit 5001 from the terminal device 6 is stored in the coupon target management file 513.

[0139] The display control unit 5003 switches the display on the display unit 52 according to the determination result of the determination unit 5006. For example, the display control unit 5003 normally displays advertising information on the display unit 52, and if a coupon code obtained from the terminal device 6 by the determination unit 5006 is stored in the coupon target management file 513, it displays information on the display unit 52 indicating that the product corresponding to that coupon code is a coupon target product.

[0140] Next, we will describe the terminal device 6.

[0141] Figure 22 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the terminal device 6. The memory unit 61 of the terminal device 6 includes a coupon code unit 614 in addition to the information stored in the memory unit 61 of the first embodiment.

[0142] The coupon code unit 614 stores coupon codes available to customer C, who owns the terminal device 6. The coupon codes stored in the coupon code unit 614 are received from the server device 4. The other hardware configurations of the terminal device 6 are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0143] Next, the main functional configuration of the control unit 60 of the terminal device 6 will be described. Figure 23 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 60 of the terminal device 6. The control unit 60 functions as an input unit 6001, a registration unit 6002, a receiving unit 6003, a transmission unit 6004, and a data management unit 6005, with the CPU 601 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 602 and the memory unit 61. Note that each of these functions may be configured with hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0144] The functions of the input unit 6001 and the registration unit 6002 are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0145] The receiving unit 6003 receives a coupon code from the server device 4. The received coupon code corresponds to the member ID stored in the member ID file 613 in the customer information management file 415 of the server device 4. In other words, the received coupon code is the coupon code for a coupon usable by customer C, who owns the terminal device 6. The receiving unit 6003 also receives a coupon code request from the display device 5 via the short-range wireless communication unit 65.

[0146] When the receiver 6003 receives a coupon code request, the transmitter 6004 outputs the coupon code via short-range wireless communication.

[0147] The operation of the store system 1 in the second embodiment will now be described. Figure 24 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operation of the store system 1. First, the information transmission operation by the server device 4 will be described.

[0148] Server device 4 transmits coupon information to display device 5 (step S41). Server device 4 transmits coupon information to display device 5, which includes the product code of the product corresponding to the product and the coupon code corresponding to the product code.

[0149] For example, server device 4 transmits coupon information to display device 5 for code 01 as follows: Server device 4 extracts area information 1-1 and 1-2 corresponding to code 01 from area management file 416. Next, server device 4 extracts coupon information from coupon master 414, including all coupon codes corresponding to area information 1-1 and 1-2 and the product codes corresponding to those coupon codes. Then, server device 4 transmits the extracted coupon information to display device 5 for code 01. Server device 4 transmits coupon information to other display devices 5 in the same manner. Server device 4 transmits coupon information to each display device 5 periodically, or when there are changes to the products displayed in the display area.

[0150] The display device 5 registers the received coupon information (step S42). Specifically, the display device 5 registers the received coupon information in the coupon management file 513.

[0151] Furthermore, the server device 4 sends a coupon code to the terminal device 6 (step S43). The server device 4 extracts the coupon code corresponding to the member ID from the customer information management file 415. The server device 4 reads the notification destination corresponding to the above member ID from the customer master 413. Then, the server device 4 sends the extracted coupon code to the read notification destination. The server device 4 sends the coupon code to the terminal device 6 at a predetermined timing, for example, when the terminal device 6 launches the shopping application and the server device 4 receives a coupon code request from the terminal device 6.

[0152] Terminal device 6 registers the received coupon code (step S44). Specifically, terminal device 6 registers the received coupon code in the coupon code section 614.

[0153] Next, we will explain the operation related to the switching of the display on the display device 5. Here, we will explain the case where the display on the display device 5 switches in response to customer C's movement within the sales floor.

[0154] When customer C makes a purchase, terminal device 6 launches the shopping application (step S51). When customer C moves within the sales area (display area) and approaches any of the display devices 5, the display device 5 detects customer C (step S52). Display device 5 outputs a coupon code request via short-range wireless communication (step S53).

[0155] When customer C approaches the display device 5, the terminal device 6 held by the customer receives a coupon code request. The terminal device 6 reads the coupon code from the coupon code section 614 (step S54). The terminal device 6 outputs the read coupon code via short-range wireless communication (step S55).

[0156] When the display device 5 receives the coupon code output by the terminal device 6, it performs a display switching process (step S56). Details of the display switching process will be described later.

[0157] Through the above operations, the display device 5 can appropriately notify customer C, who is moving around the sales floor, of eligible products for the coupon.

[0158] Next, we will explain the display switching process performed by the display device 5. Figure 25 is a flowchart showing the flow of the display switching process by the control unit 50 of the display device 5.

[0159] The display control unit 5003 normally displays advertising information on the display unit 52 (step S61). Next, the control unit 50 determines whether the receiving unit 5001 has received a coupon code from the terminal device 6 (step S62). If it has not received one (N in step S62), it returns to the process in step S61.

[0160] When the receiving unit 5001 receives a coupon code from the server device 4 (step S62, Y), the determination unit 5006 determines whether the received coupon code is registered in the coupon target management file 513 (step S63). If it is not registered (step S63, N), the control unit 50 returns to the process in step S61. In this case, the control unit 50 determines that customer C, who is near the device, does not possess a coupon for the product corresponding to the device, and continues to display the advertising information.

[0161] If the coupon code received by the receiving unit 5001 is registered in the coupon target management file 513 (Y in step S63), the control unit 50 reads the product code corresponding to the received coupon code from the coupon target management file 513 and stores it in the product code unit 5031 (step S64). In other words, the control unit 50 stores the product code of the coupon target product of the coupon held by customer C who is near the device in the product code unit 5031.

[0162] The display control unit 5003 displays product information on the display unit 52 based on the product code stored in the product code unit 5031 (step S65). The display control unit 5003 displays the product information on the display unit 52 in the display format shown in Figure 12, in the same manner as in the first embodiment. This display notifies customer C that the product is eligible for a coupon.

[0163] Next, the control unit 50 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S66). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (N in step S66), the control unit 50 determines whether the receiving unit 5001 has received a different coupon code (step S67). If no coupon code has been received (N in step S67), the control unit 50 returns to the process in step S66.

[0164] When the receiving unit 5001 receives a different coupon code (step S67, Y), the determination unit 5006 determines whether the received coupon code is registered in the coupon target management file 513 (step S68). If it is not registered (step S68, N), the control unit 50 returns to the process in step S66. If it is registered (step S68, Y), the control unit 50 reads the product code corresponding to the received coupon code from the coupon target management file 513 and stores it in the product code unit 5031 (step S69). Then, the control unit 50 returns to the process in step S66.

[0165] In the process of step S66, after a predetermined time has elapsed (Y in step S66), the control unit 50 erases the product code of the coupon-eligible product that had been displaying information up to that point from the product code unit 5031 (step S70). Then, the control unit 50 determines whether any other product codes are stored in the product code unit 5031 (step S71). If no other product codes are stored in the product code unit 5031 (Y in step S71), the control unit 50 returns to the process of step S61. If other product codes are stored in the product code unit 5031 (N in step S71), the control unit 50 returns to the process of step S65. Then, the display control unit 5003 displays the product information on the display unit 52 based on the product code stored in the product code unit 5031.

[0166] Through the above display switching process, the display device 5 can notify users of coupon-eligible products based on the coupon code received from the terminal device 6 located near itself.

[0167] As described above, the display device 5 of the second embodiment is a display device 5 installed in a store in association with the products on display, and includes a receiving unit 5001 that acquires a coupon code that identifies a coupon usable by a customer C who owns a terminal device 6 located within a predetermined range from the device, a determination unit 5006 that determines whether the coupon code (acquired coupon identification information) acquired by the receiving unit 5001 matches a coupon code (target coupon identification information) that applies to the product associated with the device, and a display control unit 5003 that switches the display of the display unit 52 when the determination unit 5006 determines that the acquired coupon identification information matches the target coupon identification information.

[0168] As a result, the display device 5 can notify customer C, who has approached the device, that the customer C possesses a coupon for a product that corresponds to the device, that the coupon is valid for that product.

[0169] In each of the above embodiments, the control programs executed by the server device 4, the display device 5, and the terminal device 6 may be provided by recording them on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Alternatively, the control programs executed by each device in each of the above embodiments may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading them via the network, or they may be provided via a network such as the Internet.

[0170] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0171] 3 Display System 4. Server device (information processing device) 5 Display device 6 Terminal devices 52 Display section 4001 Receiving unit (acquisition unit) 4002 Information Management Department (Selection Department) 4003 Specific part 4004 Transmitter (Output Unit) 5001 Receiver 5003 Display Control Unit 5006 Judgment section [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0172] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 065187

Claims

1. An information processing device capable of communicating with multiple display devices installed within the store, corresponding to each display area where products are displayed, An acquisition unit that acquires customer identification information to identify a customer and customer location information indicating the location of the customer, A selection unit that selects coupons usable by the customer identified by the customer identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, If the location indicated by the customer location information acquired by the acquisition unit is included in the display area where the coupon-eligible products selected by the selection unit are displayed, the identification unit identifies the display device installed in the display area from among the multiple display devices as a display device that indicates that the products in that display area are coupon-eligible products. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The system further includes an output unit that outputs a display change instruction to the display device identified by the specified unit, instructing it to change the display content. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The acquisition unit acquires the customer identification information and the customer location information from a terminal device that moves with the customer. The output unit outputs information to the terminal device indicating that the display device has been identified by the identification unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. A display system comprising a plurality of display devices installed within a store, corresponding to each display area where products are displayed, and an information processing device capable of communicating with the plurality of display devices, The aforementioned information processing device is An acquisition unit that acquires customer identification information to identify a customer and customer location information indicating the location of the customer, A selection unit that selects coupons usable by the customer identified by the customer identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, If the location indicated by the customer location information acquired by the acquisition unit is included in the display area where the coupon-eligible products selected by the selection unit are displayed, the identification unit identifies the display device installed in the display area from among the multiple display devices as a display device that indicates that the products in that display area are coupon-eligible products. The system includes an output unit that outputs a display change instruction to the display device identified by the specified unit, which instructs the display content to be changed. The aforementioned display device is A receiving unit that receives the display change instruction from the information processing device, A display control unit that switches the display on the display unit when the receiving unit receives the display change instruction, A display system equipped with the following features.

5. When the display control unit receives the display change instruction which includes product identification information that identifies a product, it displays information indicating that the product identified by the product identification information is a coupon eligible product. The display system according to claim 4.

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