Product management system, product management method, and program

Abstract

To provide a product management system, a product management method, and a program that facilitate returns of unpaid products.SOLUTION: A product management system 100 communicably connected to a return box 10, a reception terminal 11, and a terminal 20 by wire or wirelessly, comprises a return reception unit 101, a detection unit 102, a control unit 103, and an output unit 104, wherein unpaid products acquired by customers at a store are managed when the products are returned to the return box.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0003]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a product management system and the like.

Background Art

[0002] After a customer takes out a product under consideration for purchase, the customer may cancel the purchase. For example, the customer can return the product by putting the taken-out product back on the original shelf or handing the product to a store clerk.

[0003] In a shopping facility having a plurality of stores, a customer may purchase a product after looking at the products in each store. It is convenient for the customer if the products in the plurality of stores can be settled together. Patent Document 1 discloses a settlement system in which products of one franchise store can be purchased at another franchise store. The settlement system according to Patent Document includes creating settlement information based on user identification information, product identification information, and franchise store identification information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] To return a product for which the purchase has been cancelled, returning it to the original display position of the product or looking for a store clerk may be troublesome for the customer.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to facilitate the return of unsettled products. <00000'settlement system according to Patent Document 1 creates settlement information based on user identification information, product identification information, and franchise store identification information.32>

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The product management system relating to this disclosure includes a return acceptance means for receiving a return request from a customer for an unpaid product; a detection means for detecting the storage of the product in a return box; a control means for controlling the locking of the return box in which the product is stored; and an output means for outputting stored product information relating to the stored product and a box identifier for identifying the return box to a terminal.

[0008] The product management method described herein receives a customer's request to return an unpaid product to a return box, detects the product being placed in the return box, controls the locking of the return box containing the product, and outputs product information about the stored product and a box identifier that identifies the return box to a terminal.

[0009] The program relating to this disclosure receives a customer's request to return an unpaid item to a return box, detects the item being placed in the return box, controls the locking of the return box containing the item, and causes a computer to output stored item information and a box identifier identifying the return box to a terminal. The program may be stored on a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it will be easier to return unaccounted-for goods. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a product management system. [Figure 2] This flowchart shows an example of how the product management system works. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a product management system. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of how the reception terminal and product management system work. [Figure 5]This flowchart shows an example of how a terminal and a product management system work together. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a shopping facility. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen. [Figure 8] This diagram shows an example of a shopping cart screen. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a return request confirmation screen. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram showing an example of a computer hardware configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the product management system 100 according to the first embodiment. The product management system 100 includes a return reception unit 101, a detection unit 102, a control unit 103, and an output unit 104. The product management system 100 according to the first embodiment is a system that manages products when unpaid products acquired by a customer at a store are returned to a return box.

[0013] The product management system 100 is used, for example, in a shopping facility with multiple stores. A shopping facility is also known as an outlet mall or a shopping mall. Each store is also called a tenant. However, the shopping facility is not limited to these examples. Furthermore, there are no particular restrictions on the number of stores in a shopping facility. For example, the product management system 100 may be used in a single large store.

[0014] Furthermore, it is assumed that the shopping facilities where the product management system 100 is used will be equipped with return boxes. The return boxes are facilities provided for customers to return products they have acquired at the store and then decide not to purchase.

[0015] The merchandise management system 100 is communicably connected to the return box 10, the reception terminal 11, and the terminal 20 by wire or wirelessly. The numbers of the return box 10, the reception terminal 11, and the terminal 20 are not particularly limited.

[0016] The return box 10 is installed in an area where it is permitted to hold unaccounted merchandise. The return box 10 can store merchandise, and if it can be locked, its size and form are not particularly limited. In the following description, the case where the return box 10 is a locker provided with a door and a key in the storage section will be described as an example.

[0017] The reception terminal 11 is operated by a customer who returns merchandise. The reception terminal 11 may be installed near the return box 10, or may be provided integrally with the return box 10. Further, the reception terminal 11 may be a customer's mobile terminal.

[0018] The terminal 20 is a terminal used by a person who collects the merchandise stored in the return box 10. In the first embodiment, the case where a store clerk of a store that sells the returned merchandise collects the merchandise will be described as an example. That is, the case where the terminal 20 is a terminal used by a store clerk will be described as an example. However, the person who collects the merchandise is not limited to a store clerk, and may be another customer. The case where another customer collects the merchandise will be described later in other embodiments.

[0019] An application program may be installed in advance in the reception terminal 11 and the terminal 20. Alternatively, a part of the functions of the reception terminal 11 and the terminal 20 may be realized by an application program executed via a network. Then, the reception terminal 11 and the terminal 20 exchange various information with the merchandise management system 100 via the application program.

[0020] The return reception section 101 receives a return request for unaccounted merchandise acquired by a customer. The return reception section 101 receives the return request via, for example, the reception terminal 11. Further, the return request includes, for example, a merchandise identifier that identifies the unaccounted merchandise to be returned.

[0021] Furthermore, if unpaid items acquired by a customer are managed on a server (not shown), the reception terminal 11 may display candidates for unpaid items to be returned based on the information managed on the server. In this case, the reception terminal 11 transmits the product identifier of the selected product from the displayed candidates to the return reception unit 101. Also, if the product identifier is attached to the product as a barcode, the reception terminal 11 transmits the product identifier read by the camera or scanner installed in the reception terminal 11 to the return reception unit 101. The return reception unit 101 receives the product identifier received from the reception terminal 11.

[0022] The method by which the return reception unit 101 receives product identifiers is not limited to the method described above. For example, the return reception unit 101 may receive product identifiers for products that have been image-recognized using the camera provided in the reception terminal 11.

[0023] The return box 10 may be a box with a volume capable of accepting returns from multiple customers. In this case, the return reception unit 101 accepts a return request if there is available space in the return box 10. The return box 10 may also be configured to have multiple boxes to accept returns from each customer. The return reception unit 101 may identify the return box 10 to which the product should be returned from among the multiple available return boxes 10. In this case, the return reception unit 101 may display a box identifier that identifies the identified return box 10 on the reception terminal 11. The return reception unit 101 may also identify the return box 10 to which the product should be returned in response to the customer selecting a return box 10 through a predetermined operation.

[0024] If the reception terminal 11 is a portable terminal, the return reception unit 101 may accept a return request if the reception terminal 11 is within a predetermined range from the return box 10. Whether the reception terminal 11 is within a predetermined range may be determined, for example, by the reception terminal 11 communicating wirelessly with equipment installed in the return box 10.

[0025] After the return request is received by the return reception unit 101, the customer places the items to be returned into the return box 10. When the return reception unit 101 identifies the return box 10 to which the items should be returned, the customer places the items into the return box 10 corresponding to the box identifier displayed on the reception terminal 11.

[0026] The detection unit 102 detects when an item is placed in the return box 10. The detection unit 102 may also detect whether or not an item has been placed in the return box 10 identified by the return reception unit 101.

[0027] The detection unit 102 may detect that the door of the return box 10 has been closed as an indication that an item has been placed in the return box 10. In this case, the detection unit 102 detects that an item has been placed in the return box 10 based on the output from a sensor that detects the opening and closing of the door of the return box 10. Alternatively, the detection unit 102 may detect that an item has been placed in the return box 10 based on the output from a sensor that detects the presence or absence of an item inside the return box 10. In this case, the sensor may be a distance sensor, a weight sensor, or a pressure sensor. The detection unit 102 may also detect the presence or absence of an object based on the results of image recognition of an image taken inside the return box 10. If an electronic tag is attached to the item, the detection unit 102 may detect that an item has been placed in the return box 10 based on the reading result of a reader that reads the electronic tag.

[0028] The detection unit 102 may recognize which product the item it has detected has been placed in the return box 10 is. For example, the detection unit 102 recognizes the product by comparing the results detected by the sensor with information stored in a database that associates product identifiers with product characteristics. The product characteristics to be compared may be, for example, the shape, color, or weight of the item. Alternatively, the detection unit 102 may recognize the product based on the reading results of an electronic tag attached to the product.

[0029] The detection unit 102 recognizes which product the detected item is, enabling the return reception unit 101 to determine whether the stored item matches the item for which a return request has been received. Furthermore, if the detection unit 102 recognizes an item, the return reception unit 101 may receive the item identifier of the item recognized by the detection unit 102 from the detection unit 102. In other words, the return reception unit 101 does not need to receive the item identifier before the item is stored in the return box 10.

[0030] The control unit 103 controls the locking of the return box 10 containing the product. Locking the return box 10 prevents unauthorized persons from taking the product from the return box 10. The control unit 103 may also lock the return box 10 if, for example, the detection unit 102 detects that a product has been placed in the return box 10. This prevents the locking of the return box 10 when there is no product inside.

[0031] The output unit 104 outputs to the terminal 20 the stored product information regarding the products stored in the return box 10 and a box identifier that identifies the return box 10. The output box identifier is an identifier that identifies the return box 10 in which the products represented in the stored product information are stored. The stored product information includes, for example, the product name, product identifier, or image of the product for which the return reception unit 101 has received a return request.

[0032] The store clerk refers to the stored product information and box identifier displayed on terminal 20 and heads to return box 10 to collect the products. For example, based on the stored product information, the clerk can determine the timing of when to collect the products, such as collecting popular items earlier.

[0033] Terminal 20 may display a list of returned product information and the box identifiers in which the returned products are stored. Output unit 104 may output the stored product information and box identifiers of the stored products in such a way that the display on terminal 20 differs depending on the demand for the stored products. For example, output unit 104 may output information about high-demand products to terminal 20 so that it is displayed more prominently than other products. High-demand products include, for example, products that are displayed in fewer than a predetermined number in the store, products that are sold in more than a predetermined number over a predetermined period, products that are being advertised, or products that are on sale. This allows store employees to retrieve high-demand products from the return box 10 earlier if they are stored there. Therefore, it is possible to prevent other customers from losing the opportunity to purchase the products.

[0034] The locked return box 10 is unlocked using a physical key or by unlocking information. The unlocking information is information for unlocking the return box 10. The unlocking information may be stored in advance in the terminal 20. Alternatively, the unlocking information may be output from the output unit 104 when the stored product information is output and stored in the terminal 20. The unlocking information is input via an optional input interface provided near the return box 10. When unlocking information is input, the control unit 103 unlocks the return box 10 identified by the box identifier.

[0035] The unlocking information stored in terminal 20 may be displayed on terminal 20 as, for example, numbers, barcodes, or two-dimensional codes. This unlocking information is entered via a keypad or scanner. Alternatively, the unlocking information stored in terminal 20 may be entered via a reader through wireless communication.

[0036] After return box 10 is unlocked, store staff can collect the items and return them to the display shelves or other designated areas.

[0037] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the product management system 100 according to the first embodiment. The product management system 100 may start the operation shown in Figure 2 in response to an operation related to a product return request being performed at the reception terminal 11.

[0038] First, the return reception unit 101 receives a return request from the customer for unpaid items (step S1). For example, the return reception unit 101 receives the product identifier of the item the customer wishes to return. Then, the detection unit 102 detects that the item has been placed in the return box 10 (step S2). Next, the control unit 103 controls the locking of the return box 10 containing the item (step S3).

[0039] Step S1 may be performed after step S2 or step S3. In other words, the request for the return of the product may be accepted after the product has been placed in the return box 10.

[0040] The output unit 104 outputs information about the stored items and a box identifier that identifies the return box 10 to the terminal 20 (step S4). After the output unit 104 outputs, the product management system 100 terminates the operation shown in Figure 2.

[0041] According to the first embodiment, a customer's request to return an unpaid item is received, and the item is returned to the return box 10. Furthermore, information about the stored item and a box identifier that identifies the return box 10 are output to the terminal 20. Therefore, if the customer returns the item to the return box 10, they do not need to return the item to its original display location. Also, the customer does not need to look for a store employee to accept the return. Thus, the return of the item becomes easier for the customer.

[0042] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, by storing the product in the return box 10, it is possible to prevent the product from being returned to a display location other than its original display location. Therefore, it becomes easier for store staff to manage the sales floor.

[0043] In the first embodiment, the case was described in which the output unit 104 outputs the stored product information and the box identifier to the terminal 20, and a store employee retrieves the product. However, the output unit 104 may also transmit the stored product information and the box identifier to a robot that retrieves the product. Based on the output from the output unit 104, the robot unlocks the return box 10 and retrieves the product.

[0044] [Second Embodiment] Next, as a second embodiment, another example of the product management system 100 will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the product management system 100 according to the second embodiment. The product management system 100 according to the second embodiment includes a return reception unit 101, a detection unit 102, a control unit 103, an output unit 104, a management unit 105, and a purchase reception unit 106. Regarding the configuration of the second embodiment, the same configuration as in the first embodiment will not be described.

[0045] In the second embodiment, products that a customer is considering purchasing are managed in conjunction with the customer. Also, unpaid products returned by a customer to the return box 10 are collected by other customers.

[0046] In the second embodiment, the reception terminal 11 is a mobile device such as a smartphone carried by the customer returning the acquired items. The reception terminal 11 is used to register the items acquired by the customer. Terminal 20 is a terminal used by other customers, for example, a mobile device carried by another customer. However, some of the functions of the reception terminal 11 and terminal 20 described below may be implemented by another terminal installed near the return box 10.

[0047] The management unit 105 manages the relationship between customers who acquire goods and the acquired goods. For example, the reception terminal 11 sends a registration request to the management unit 105 that includes information identifying the customer and a product identifier. The management unit 105 links the customer and the goods in response to the registration request from the reception terminal 11. This linking of customers and goods is used, for example, to allow customers to pay for goods before leaving the shopping facility.

[0048] When an item is returned to the return box 10, the management unit 105 unlinks the item from the customer who acquired it. For example, when the management unit 105 detects that an item has been placed in the return box 10 and the return box 10 is locked, it unlinks the item from the customer.

[0049] Furthermore, when payment for a product is made, the management unit 105 unlinks the product from the customer who acquired it.

[0050] The purchase reception unit 106 receives purchase requests for products from terminals 20 used by other customers. The output unit 104 then outputs the stored product information and the box identifier of the product to terminal 20 if the product requested for purchase is stored in the return box 10. The other customer using terminal 20 who has received the stored product information and box identifier performs a predetermined operation to unlock the return box 10 identified by the box identifier and retrieves the product stored in the return box 10.

[0051] Let's explain in more detail an example of when one customer retrieves an item that another customer has returned. Terminal 20 sends a purchase request to the purchase reception unit 106, which includes the product identifier of the item the customer wishes to purchase. The purchase reception unit 106 determines whether the item for which the purchase request has been received is in the return box 10. If it is determined that the item is in the return box 10, the output unit 104 outputs the stored item information and the box identifier of the return box 10 in which the item is stored to Terminal 20.

[0052] If it is determined that the requested item is not in the return box 10, the output unit 104 may output the display location of the item in the store where it is sold to the terminal 20. Also, if the item is not in stock at the store, for example, the output unit 104 may output information to the terminal 20 that identifies the e-commerce site where the item is sold.

[0053] The output unit 104 may output to the terminal 20 the box identifier of the return box 10 in which the requested item is stored, based on the display status of the item in the store.

[0054] The display conditions in a store include, for example, whether or not the product is displayed in the store, or the location of the product in the store.

[0055] For example, if the output unit 104 determines that the product for which a purchase request has been received is not on display in the store, it outputs the box identifier of the return box 10. If it determines that the product is on display in the store, the output unit 104 may output the display location of the product in the store that sells it to the terminal 20.

[0056] Furthermore, for example, the output unit 104 may output the box identifier of the return box 10 if the distance from the customer to the display location of the product for which the customer has requested to purchase is greater than the distance from the customer to the location of the return box 10 where the product is stored. If the customer travels less distance to retrieve the product from the store's display location than to retrieve it from the return box 10, the output unit 104 may output the display location of the product in the store where it is sold to the terminal 20.

[0057] In response to an unlocking request from the other customer, the control unit 103 unlocks the return box 10 containing the purchased items. As described in the first embodiment, if unlocking information is input via an optional input interface located near the return box 10, the control unit 103 unlocks the return box 10.

[0058] In the second embodiment, the unlocking information may be information that identifies the terminal 20. The purchase reception unit 106 may register information that identifies the terminal 20 that has received a request to purchase the items stored in the return box 10. The control unit 103 unlocks the return box 10 if the information that identifies the entered terminal 20 matches the information that identifies the terminal 20 that has been registered in advance.

[0059] After the return box 10 is unlocked, other customers retrieve the items and purchase them. The detection unit 102 may detect that an item has been retrieved from the return box 10. The management unit 105 may manage the customer who retrieved the item and the retrieved item by linking them together.

[0060] In stores where the above-described product management system 100 and return box 10 are implemented, customers may be allowed to leave the store if there are no products associated with them.

[0061] The above describes the case in which it is determined whether the requested item is stored in the return box 10. However, the purchase acceptance unit 106 may also accept a purchase request for an item selected from the items stored in the return box 10. In this case, the determination of whether the item is stored in the return box 10 should be performed as needed.

[0062] For example, the output unit 104 transmits the stored product information to the terminal 20. The terminal 20 displays the received stored product information. The terminal 20 may then transmit the customer's purchase request for the selected product to the purchase acceptance unit 106. The output unit 104 outputs to the terminal 20 the box identifier of the return box 10 where the requested purchase is stored.

[0063] Alternatively, for example, the output unit 104 may transmit the stored product information and a box identifier that identifies the return box 10 in which the product is stored to the terminal 20. The terminal 20 displays the received stored product information and box identifier. The terminal 20 may then transmit a purchase request, including the box identifier of the product selected from the displayed products, to the purchase acceptance unit 106.

[0064] Furthermore, if the door of the return box 10 is transparent, or if the customer can see the items inside, the output of the stored item information by the output unit 104 may be omitted. Also, if a box identifier is displayed on the return box 10 in which the stored items can be seen, the output of the box identifier by the output unit 104 may be omitted. The terminal 20 may also transmit a purchase request, including the box identifier entered by the customer after looking inside the return box 10, to the purchase acceptance unit 106.

[0065] By accepting purchase requests for items stored in the return box, customers near the return box 10, which is located away from the stores, can retrieve items stored in the return box 10, even in large outlet malls. Therefore, customers do not need to travel to the distant stores.

[0066] Next, an example of operation according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the reception terminal 11 and the product management system 100 according to the second embodiment. In Figure 4, a case will be described in which a customer registers the acquired products, returns some of the registered products, and makes a payment for the remaining acquired products.

[0067] The reception terminal 11 transmits a registration request for the product acquired by the customer to the management unit 105 of the product management system 100 (step S11). Upon receiving the registration request, the management unit 105 links the customer who acquired the product with the acquired product and manages them together (step S12). Information regarding the product linked to the customer may be output to the reception terminal 11.

[0068] Next, the reception terminal 11 sends a return request for unpaid items acquired by the customer to the return reception unit 101 of the product management system 100 (step S13). The reception terminal 11 sends, for example, a return request for an item selected by the customer from among the items associated with the customer. The return reception unit 101 accepts the return request (step S14).

[0069] Furthermore, the detection unit 102 of the product management system 100 detects the placement of a product in the return box 10 (step S15). The control unit 103 controls the locking of the return box 10 containing the product (step S16). When a product is returned, the management unit 105 unlinks the customer who returned the product from the returned product (step S17). If the link is unlinked, the information regarding the product linked to the customer may be updated and output to the reception terminal 11 again.

[0070] The reception terminal 11 processes payment for the products associated with the customer (step S18). That is, the reception terminal 11 processes payment for the products acquired by the customer, excluding returned products. The completion of payment processing at the reception terminal 11 is notified to the management unit 105. The completion of payment processing is notified, for example, from the reception terminal 11. Alternatively, the completion of payment processing may be notified from another information processing device.

[0071] When payment for a product is made, the management unit 105 unlinks the customer who made the payment from the product (step S19). For example, the management unit 105 unlinks the customer from the product when it receives notification from the reception terminal 11 that the payment process has been completed.

[0072] The above describes an example of the operation of the reception terminal 11 and the product management system 100. If the customer returns all the products they have acquired, the payment processing in step S18 is omitted. Also, if the products are not returned, the processing from steps S13 to S17 is omitted.

[0073] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of terminal 20 and product management system 100. In Figure 5, we explain the case where another customer operates terminal 20 to specify the product they wish to purchase. If the desired product is stored in the return box 10, the customer retrieves the product. Furthermore, in Figure 5, the other customer makes a payment for the retrieved product. Although not shown in the flowchart, terminal 20 may also send a product registration request, similar to the reception terminal 11. In this case, the management unit 105 of the product management system 100 manages the customer and product in accordance with the registration request. As explained in Figure 4, the customer makes a payment for the linked product.

[0074] Terminal 20 sends a purchase request for the product to the purchase acceptance unit 106 of the product management system 100 (step S21). The purchase acceptance unit 106 accepts the purchase request for the product (step S22). If the product for which the purchase request has been accepted is stored in the return box 10, the output unit 104 outputs the stored product information and the box identifier of the return box 10 to terminal 20 (step S23).

[0075] The control unit 103 unlocks the return box 10 containing the requested items in response to an unlocking request from a customer using the terminal 20 (step S24). The customer retrieves the items from the unlocked return box 10. The management unit 105 manages the customer who retrieved the items and the retrieved items in a linked manner (step S25).

[0076] Terminal 20 processes the payment for the product associated with the customer (step S26). The completion of the payment process at terminal 20 is notified to the management unit 105. Similar to when payment processing is performed at the reception terminal 11, if payment for the product is made, the management unit 105 unlinks the customer who made the payment from the product (step S27). According to the second embodiment, as with the first embodiment, it becomes easier for customers to return products. Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the purchase reception unit 106 receives purchase requests from terminals 20 used by other customers, and the output unit 104 outputs the box identifier of the return box 10 that stores the requested products to the terminals 20. Therefore, other customers can obtain products from locations other than the product display area.

[0077] In the second embodiment, the linking of customers to products may be omitted. Furthermore, the product management system 100 according to the second embodiment can be applied to cases where store employees collect products by making various modifications.

[0078] [Third Embodiment] Other examples of the product management system 100 are described below. The configuration of the product management system 100 according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the product management system 100 may optionally include the management unit 105 according to the second embodiment and the purchase acceptance unit 106. Regarding the configuration of the third embodiment, the same configuration as that of the first and second embodiments will not be described.

[0079] In the third embodiment, the return box 10 is installed in a shopping facility having multiple stores. The shopping facility may also be called an outlet mall or a shopping mall. Each store may also be called a tenant.

[0080] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a shopping facility where return boxes 10 are installed. The number of return boxes 10 installed in the shopping facility is not particularly limited. The return boxes 10 may be installed inside each store or outside the stores.

[0081] In the third embodiment, customers can take unpaid items out of stores. Customers are then permitted to keep the unpaid items while they are within the shopping facility. Before leaving the shopping facility, customers pay for the items they have taken from each store. If a customer decides to cancel the purchase of unpaid items, they return the items to the return box 10. Items returned to the return box 10 are collected, for example, by store staff at each store.

[0082] In the third embodiment, the return reception unit 101 receives a return request from a customer for unpaid goods, and also receives a store identifier that identifies the store that sells the goods to be returned. The store identifier is, for example, a store name or a store code.

[0083] The output unit 104 outputs information about the stored items and the box identifier of the return box 10 in which the items were stored to a terminal 20 used by a store employee, which corresponds to the received store identifier.

[0084] The output unit 104 outputs to a terminal 20 used by store employees, corresponding to the received store identifier, allowing store employees selling the stored goods to retrieve them.

[0085] The method for receiving store identifiers is not particularly limited. For example, the return reception unit 101 may receive input of store identifiers via the reception terminal 11. If information regarding store identifiers is stored on a tag attached to the product, the return reception unit 101 may receive store identifiers read from the tag by the reception terminal 11 or the detection unit 102. Alternatively, the return reception unit 101 may obtain a store identifier corresponding to a received product identifier by referring to a database that stores product identifiers and store identifiers in association.

[0086] If the product management system 100 includes a management unit 105, products taken by customers from the store are managed in association with the customer. The management unit 105 may manage store identifiers together with information linking the product identifiers of the products acquired by the customer to the customer. The management unit 105 may also acquire store identifiers from the reception terminal 11. For example, the reception terminal 11 sends a registration request including a store identifier acquired by any method to the management unit 105. Alternatively, the management unit 105 may acquire a store identifier corresponding to a product identifier to be managed by referring to a database that stores product identifiers and store identifiers in association.

[0087] Figure 7 shows an example of a registration screen displayed by the reception terminal 11. The registration screen is where the reception terminal 11 obtains a product identifier and sends a registration request. In the registration screen of Figure 7, the product barcode is being read. The reception terminal 11 may also send a registration request regarding the read product to the management unit 105 in response to the button labeled "Add to Cart" being pressed.

[0088] The registration screen may display the current store identifier of the reception terminal 11 that it has acquired. The reception terminal 11 may acquire the store identifier through wireless communication with equipment installed in each store. Alternatively, the reception terminal 11 may acquire the store identifier by reading a code representing the store identifier at each store. The reception terminal 11 may acquire the store identifier of a store located at a location acquired by a satellite positioning system. In Figure 7, it is shown that the reception terminal 11 is being used in tenant A.

[0089] Information about products associated with a customer, managed by the management unit 105, may be displayed on the reception terminal 11. Figure 8 shows an example of a shopping cart screen displayed by the reception terminal 11. The shopping cart screen displays information about products associated with the customer.

[0090] The store identifiers managed by the management unit 105 may be displayed on the reception terminal 11. The shopping cart screen in Figure 8 includes the store identifiers of the stores that sell each product. By displaying the store identifiers, customers can see which store each product was taken from. Therefore, customers may look at the displayed store identifiers and decide whether to return the products to the store or return them to the return box 10.

[0091] The shopping cart screen may accept requests to remove items from the shopping cart. When the delete button is pressed, the receiving terminal 11 sends the item deletion request to the management unit 105. The management unit 105 unlinks the item that has been requested to be deleted from the customer. The item that has been unlinked is removed from the shopping cart screen.

[0092] The management unit 105 may decide whether or not to unlink the product based on the store identifier associated with the product for which a deletion request has been received and the location of the receiving terminal 11 that received the deletion request. For example, if the receiving terminal 11 is located in the store corresponding to the store identifier associated with the product for which a deletion request has been received, the management unit 105 will unlink the product from the customer. If the receiving terminal 11 is outside the store, the management unit 105 will cancel the unlinking process. If the unlinking process is canceled, the receiving terminal 11 may display information prompting the use of a return box.

[0093] A button for initiating a return request may be displayed on the shopping cart screen. The reception terminal 11 may display this button when it is within a predetermined range from the return box 10. For example, the reception terminal 11 may send a return request in response to a button labeled "Return to Box" being pressed. When this button is pressed, for example, the reception terminal 11 sends a return request for the selected product to the return reception unit 101. In response to receiving the return request, the return reception unit 101 may display a return request confirmation screen on the reception terminal 11. Figure 9 shows an example of a return request confirmation screen displayed by the reception terminal 11. The return request confirmation screen includes information about the product related to the return request and the box identifier of the return box 10 to which the product should be returned.

[0094] The store identifier managed by the management unit 105 may be used for payment of goods. For example, if multiple goods obtained from multiple stores are accounted for together, the sales may be distributed using the store identifier.

[0095] Payment for goods may be made using the reception terminal 11 or using a payment machine. The payment machine may be installed in each store or in a space other than the stores within the shopping facility. It is convenient for customers if they can pay for goods from multiple stores at once. Also, it may reduce the amount of luggage customers have to carry by consolidating their shopping bags. Furthermore, reducing the number of transactions that take place within the shopping facility reduces the workload for store staff.

[0096] When payment for a product is made, the management unit 105 unlinks the product from the customer who acquired it. If the customer is no longer associated with a product, the customer is permitted to leave the shopping facility. For example, the reception terminal 11 carried by the customer may hold exit information indicating that the customer is not associated with a product. The exit information may be the customer's identification information or information indicating that payment has been made. The exit information may be displayed on the reception terminal 11 as an exit code. The exit code is read, for example, via a code reader at an entry / exit management gate. Reading the exit code allows the customer to pass through the gate.

[0097] If the product management system 100 includes a purchase reception unit 106, products returned to the return box 10 may be collected by other customers.

[0098] A customer may want to return an item they are considering purchasing to another store after taking it from the store. The customer can return the item by, for example, placing it back on the shelf or handing it to a store employee. However, returning to the original store to return an item can be cumbersome for the customer. According to the third embodiment, returning items becomes easier for the customer.

[0099] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, since the product is returned to the return box, it is possible to prevent the product from being returned to a location other than the designated place. For example, it is possible to prevent the product from being left behind on the fixtures of other stores.

[0100] [Differentiation] In the embodiments described above, we explained the cases in which the return box 10 is equipped with a key and the control unit 103 locks the return box 10. However, the key only needs to be provided if necessary. Similarly, the control unit 103 only needs to be provided if necessary. In other words, the return box 10 containing the goods does not need to be locked.

[0101] [Hardware configuration] In each of the embodiments described above, each component of the product management system 100 represents a functional unit block. Some or all of each component of each device may be implemented by any combination of computer 500 and program.

[0102] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of computer 500. Referring to Figure 10, computer 500 includes, for example, a processor 501, ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, RAM (Random Access Memory) 503, a program 504, a storage device 505, a drive device 507, a communication interface 508, an input device 509, an input / output interface 511, and a bus 512.

[0103] The processor 501 controls the entire computer 500. An example of a processor 501 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The number of processors 501 is not particularly limited; there may be one or more processors 501.

[0104] Program 504 includes instructions for implementing each function of the product management system 100. Program 504 is pre-stored in ROM 502, RAM 503, and storage device 505. The processor 501 implements each function of the product management system 100 by executing the instructions contained in program 504. RAM 503 may also store data processed in each function of the product management system 100.

[0105] The drive device 507 reads and writes to the recording medium 506. The communication interface 508 provides an interface with the communication network. The input device 509 is, for example, a mouse or keyboard, and receives information input from store or shopping facility managers, etc. The output device 510 is, for example, a display, and outputs (displays) information to the manager, etc. The input / output interface 511 provides an interface with peripheral devices. The bus 512 connects each of these hardware components. The program 504 may be supplied to the processor 501 via the communication network, or it may be stored in the recording medium 506 beforehand, read by the drive device 507, and supplied to the processor 501.

[0106] Note that the hardware configuration shown in Figure 10 is an example, and other components may be added, or some components may be omitted.

[0107] There are various ways to implement the product management system 100. For example, the product management system 100 may be implemented by any combination of different computers and programs for each component. Alternatively, the multiple components of the product management system 100 may be implemented by any combination of a single computer and program.

[0108] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the configuration and details of the present disclosure are possible, as can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the configurations in each embodiment can be combined with one another, as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0109] 100 Product Management Systems 101 Return Reception Department 102 Detection unit 103 Control Unit 104 Output section 105 Management Department 106 Purchase Reception Department 10. Return Box 11 Reception terminal 20 devices

Claims

1. A return acceptance mechanism for receiving return requests for unpaid goods acquired by customers, A detection means for detecting the storage of the aforementioned product in the return box, A control means for controlling the locking of the return box containing the aforementioned product, An output means that outputs information about the stored items and a box identifier that identifies the return box to the terminal. A product management system equipped with the following features.

2. The output means outputs the stored product information and the box identifier to the terminal used by the store clerk of the store that sells the product. Product management system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned return acceptance means accepts the store identifier of the store that sells the product, The output means outputs the stored product information and the box identifier to the terminal used by the store's staff, which corresponds to the store identifier. Product management system according to claim 2.

4. The system includes a purchase request mechanism that accepts product purchase requests from the aforementioned terminal used by other customers. If the product for which a purchase request has been received is stored in the return box, the output means outputs the box identifier of the return box containing the product for which a purchase request has been received to the terminal used by the other customer. The control means unlocks the return box in response to an unlocking request from another customer. The product management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Based on the display status of the product in the store, the output means outputs the box identifier of the return box containing the product for which the purchase request has been received to the terminal used by the other customer. Product management system according to claim 4.

6. The product management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a management means for linking and managing a customer who has acquired the product with the acquired product.

7. The management means, when a product is returned to the return box, unlinks the product from the customer who acquired it. Product management system according to claim 6.

8. When payment for the product is made, the management means unlinks the product from the customer who retrieved it. Product management system according to claim 6 or 7.

9. A computer, We accept customer requests to return unpaid items to the return box. The system detects when the aforementioned product is placed in the return box. The system controls the locking of the return box containing the aforementioned product. The terminal outputs information about the stored items and a box identifier that identifies the return box. Product management method.

10. We accept customer requests to return unpaid items to the return box. The system detects when the aforementioned product is placed in the return box. The system controls the locking of the return box containing the aforementioned product. The terminal outputs information about the stored items and a box identifier that identifies the return box. A program that instructs a computer to perform a process.

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