System and Program

Abstract

To suppress wrongdoing of a customer in a store provided with a fitting room.SOLUTION: A system according to an embodiment includes: a first reading unit, a second reading unit, a storage unit, and a control unit. The first reading unit reads membership identification information to uniquely identify each customer entering and exiting a fitting area. The second reading unit reads product identification information of products brought into the fitting area by the customer and product identification information of products taken out of the fitting area by the customer. The storage unit associates the membership information indicated by the membership identification information when the customer enters the fitting area with the product information indicated by the product identification information at the time of entry and stores them with date and time information, and associates the membership information indicated by the membership identification information when the customer exits the fitting area with the product information indicated by the product identification information at the time of exit and stores them with the date and time information. The control unit compares the product information at the time of exit with the most recent product information at the time of entry when the customer exits the fitting area, and issues a notification if there is a discrepancy between the product information at the time of entry and the time of exit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in stores such as apparel shops, fitting rooms may be provided for customers to try on products.

[0003] In such a situation, there is a problem that illegal acts such as shoplifting and mischief taking advantage of the fitting room being a closed room may occur. Also, there is a problem that it is troublesome for the store side such as store clerks to grasp all of the entry and exit of customers to the fitting room and the bringing in of unaccounted products by those customers. For these reasons, there has been a need for a technology that enables the store side such as store clerks to easily grasp and manage the entry and exit of customers to the fitting room and the bringing in of unaccounted products by those customers.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to suppress illegal acts of customers in stores provided with fitting rooms.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The system according to this embodiment includes a first reading unit, a second reading unit, a storage unit, and a control unit. The first reading unit reads member identification information to uniquely identify a customer entering a fitting area and a customer leaving the fitting area. The second reading unit reads at least one item identification information at the time of entry, held by each of the wireless tags attached to at least one item that the customer brings into the fitting area, and at least one item information at the time of exit, held by each of the wireless tags attached to at least one item that the customer takes out of the fitting area. The storage unit stores the member information indicated by the member identification information when the customer enters the fitting area, and the item information indicated by the item identification information at the time of entry, linked together with date and time information. It also stores the member information indicated by the member identification information when the customer leaves the fitting area, and the item information indicated by the item identification information at the time of exit, linked together with date and time information. The control unit compares the product information at the time of exit with the product information at the time of entry when the customer leaves the fitting area, and notifies the customer if there is a difference between the product information at the time of exit and the product information at the time of entry. The storage unit stores purchase history information indicating at least one product purchased by the customer and fitting history information indicating at least one product brought into the fitting area by the customer, linked to the member information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the customer management server shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the store server configuration shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the POS (Point of Sales) terminal shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the entrance and exit gates in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the fitting room configuration shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the fitting and sales process in the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the management process flow in the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The following describes the system, program, and recording medium (Computer Program Product) on which the program is recorded according to the embodiment, with reference to the drawings.

[0008] The embodiments described below are one embodiment of the system, program, and recording medium relating to this disclosure, and do not limit their configuration, specifications, etc. The embodiments described below are examples of applications to a POS (Point of Sales) system installed in stores such as apparel shops.

[0009] Specifically, the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment is a management system configured to manage the try-on history and purchase history of products for customers (members) who have registered for a member-only service related to a store 3 such as an apparel shop.

[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 includes a customer management server 2, a store server 4, a POS terminal 5, an entrance / exit gate 6, a fitting room 7, and a customer terminal 8. The store server 4, POS terminal 5, entrance / exit gate 6, and fitting room 7 are provided, for example, for each store 3. The number of customer terminals 8 can be any number, for example, one for each customer.

[0011] In the information processing system 1, the customer management server 2 is connected to the store server 4 and the customer terminal 8 via any communication line. These communication lines can be the internet, VPN (virtual private network), LAN (local area network), public communication network, mobile communication network, etc., either individually or in combination as appropriate.

[0012] In store 3, the store server 4 is connected to the POS terminal 5, entrance / exit gate 6, and fitting room 7 via any communication line. These connections may be wired connections using dedicated lines such as communication cables, or wireless connections. Furthermore, these connections may be via the internet, VPN, LAN, public communication network, mobile communication network, etc. These connections may also be via the customer management server 2.

[0013] The customer management server 2 is, for example, at least one server device located on a network such as the internet, i.e., a cloud server installed on the cloud. For example, the customer management server 2 is installed and operated by an administrator who manages multiple stores 3. The customer management server 2 may also be installed in one of the stores 3.

[0014] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the customer management server 2 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the customer management server 2 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a controller 23, and a communication unit 24. The control unit 21, storage unit 22, controller 23, and communication unit 24 are connected to each other via, for example, a bus 29.

[0015] The control unit 21 has a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and is configured in the same way as a general computer. For example, the control unit 21 is configured to load various programs stored in memory such as ROM or in the storage unit 22 into the RAM of the memory, and the processor executes the loaded programs to realize each function of the customer management server 2, including the information storage unit 211. Here, the information storage unit 211 of the customer management server 2 according to this embodiment is an example of a storage unit.

[0016] The information storage unit 211 collects information about each customer (member) registered for the member-only service and stores it as registered member information 222.

[0017] As an example, the information storage unit 211 collects user member information 423 (see Figure 3) for each customer (member) from the store server 4 of each store 3, and stores the collected history information linked to each customer's member ID 911.

[0018] As an example, the information storage unit 211 receives review information 914 indicating customer evaluations of products from each customer's (member's) customer terminal 8, and stores the received review information 914 linked to each customer's member ID 911. Here, the review information 914 in this embodiment is an example of evaluation information.

[0019] Furthermore, the processor in the control unit 21 may be other than the CPU, or in addition to the CPU. Other processors that can be used include various types of processors such as GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) and DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), as well as dedicated arithmetic circuits implemented using ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays).

[0020] In addition to the ROM and RAM, non-volatile recording media such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), and Flash memory can be appropriately used as the memory of the control unit 21.

[0021] The storage unit 22 is a storage device equipped with a non-volatile recording medium such as HDD, SSD, or Flash memory. The storage unit 22 stores various programs related to the operation of the customer management server 2, various data, and device drivers of devices connected to the customer management server 2 via the controller 23.

[0022] As an example, the storage unit 22 stores a control program 221 and registered member information 222. For example, the control program 221 includes at least one program for realizing each functional unit of the customer management server 2. For example, the registered member information 222 is information regarding customers (members) registered for the member-exclusive service related to at least one store 3 managed by the customer management server 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the registered member information 222 includes a member ID 911, a fitting history information 912, a purchase history information 913, and a review information 914. In the registered member information 222, each of the fitting history information 912, the purchase history information 913, and the review information 914 is associated with at least one other piece of information via the member ID 911 or directly. In this embodiment, the fitting history information 912 and the purchase history information 913 may be collectively referred to simply as history information.

[0023] The member ID 911 is information for uniquely identifying each customer registered for the member-exclusive service.

[0024] The fitting history information 912 includes product information indicating the products each customer has tried on and date-time information indicating the date and time of the fitting. Note that the date-time information of the fitting is at least one of the date and time when the customer passed through the entry / exit gate 6 described later when entering (entering) for fitting and the date and time when exiting (exiting).

[0025] Purchase history information 913 includes product information indicating the products purchased by each customer, and date and time information indicating the date and time of the purchase (sale).

[0026] Review information 914 includes information indicating each customer's self-assessment of the product they tried on or purchased. For example, review information 914 may be a value (category) entered on a multi-level scale (e.g., number of stars) or free-form text.

[0027] Controller 23 is an input / output interface that connects devices to customer management server 2.

[0028] The communication unit 24 is a communication interface for communicating with the outside world of the customer management server 2. The communication unit 24 includes either a communication circuit for wired communication or a communication circuit for wireless communication, and connects to the above-mentioned communication line via the said communication circuit.

[0029] Store Server 4 is, for example, at least one server device installed in the back room of Store 3. For instance, Store Server 4 is installed and operated by the administrator managing Store 3. Note that Store Server 4 is not limited to being installed in Store 3; it may also be configured as a cloud server installed in the cloud. For example, Store Server 4 may be configured together with Customer Management Server 2.

[0030] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the store server 4 in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the store server 4 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a controller 43, and a communication unit 44. The control unit 41, storage unit 42, controller 43, and communication unit 44 are connected to each other via, for example, a bus 49.

[0031] The control unit 41 has, for example, a processor such as a CPU and memory such as ROM and RAM, and is configured in the same way as a general computer. For example, the control unit 41 is configured to load various programs stored in memory such as ROM or storage unit 42 into the RAM of the memory, and the processor executes the loaded programs to realize each function of the store server 4, including the fitting room control unit 411, the information collection unit 412, and the notification unit 413.

[0032] The fitting room control unit 411 manages the availability of fitting rooms 7. For example, in response to an entry notification (entry data) from the entrance / exit gate 6, the fitting room control unit 411 selects one of the available rooms (sections) 71-74 (see Figure 6) of fitting room 7 to offer to the customer. Here, the entry notification is the information notified from the entrance / exit gate 6 when a customer enters the fitting area 32 from the product display area 31 of the store 3 via the entrance / exit gate 6. This entry data includes the customer's member ID, product information indicating the products the customer will bring into fitting room 7, and date and time information indicating the date and time. Also, for example, the fitting room control unit 411 notifies the entrance / exit gate 6 of the information indicating the selected room and flashes the usage status indicator lamp 703 (see Figure 6) for that room. Furthermore, for example, the fitting room control unit 411 turns on the room usage status indicator lamp 703 when it detects that the curtain (or door) of the room has been closed, that is, when it detects that a customer has started using the room. Also, for example, the fitting room control unit 411 turns off the room usage status indicator lamp 703 of the fitting room 7 provided to the customer in response to an exit notification (exit data) from the entrance / exit gate 6. Here, the exit notification is information notified from the entrance / exit gate 6 when a customer exits the fitting area 32 of the store 3 to the product display area 31 via the entrance / exit gate 6. This exit data includes the customer's member ID, product information indicating the products the customer is taking out of the fitting room 7, and date and time information indicating the date and time.

[0033] The information collection unit 412 collects sales information from at least one POS terminal 5 installed in the store 3. For example, the information collection unit 412 stores the sales information received from the POS terminal 5 and uses the stored sales information to manage the store's sales. Then, based on the sales information for each customer, the information collection unit 412 collects purchase history information 913 for each customer (member ID 911) and stores it in the storage unit 22.

[0034] Furthermore, the information collection unit 412 collects fitting history information 912 for each customer (member ID 911) from at least one entrance / exit gate 6 provided in the store 3. As an example, the information collection unit 412 collects entrance notifications (entrance data) and exit notifications (exit data) from the entrance / exit gate 6 as fitting history information 912. Here, the information collection unit 412 of the store server 4 according to this embodiment is an example of a storage unit.

[0035] The notification unit 413 issues an alert if the product information included in the exit notification (exit data) does not match the product information in the most recent entry notification (entry data) for the same customer (member ID 911). This alert may be issued by at least one of the store server 4, the POS terminal 5, and the entry / exit gate 6, or by other alarm devices installed in the store 3 or by a handheld terminal carried by a store employee. This alert may also be implemented by outputting a notification sound (warning sound), by outputting voice, or by displaying a message. In this embodiment, the explanation will continue using the case where the alert is issued at the entry / exit gate 6 as an example. Here, the notification unit 413 of the store server 4 according to this embodiment is an example of a control unit.

[0036] Furthermore, the processor in the control unit 41 may be other than the CPU, or in addition to the CPU. Other processors that can be used include various types of processors such as GPUs and DSPs, as well as dedicated arithmetic circuits implemented using ASICs and FPGAs.

[0037] In addition to ROM and RAM, non-volatile recording media such as HDDs, SSDs, and Flash memory can be used as the memory for the control unit 41 as appropriate.

[0038] The storage unit 42 is a storage device equipped with a non-volatile recording medium such as an HDD, SSD, or Flash memory. The storage unit 42 stores various programs and data related to the operation of the store server 4, as well as device drivers for devices connected to the store server 4 via the controller 43. Here, the information collection unit 412 of the store server 4 according to this embodiment is an example of a storage unit.

[0039] As an example, the storage unit 42 stores a control program 421, a product master 422, and user member information 423. For example, the control program 421 includes at least one program for realizing each functional unit of the store server 4. For example, the product master 422 stores product information for each product, associating it with product identification information that identifies the product. Here, the product identification information is, for example, a product code that indicates a product, but it does not have to be a product code; any information that identifies a product is acceptable. User member information 423 is information about customers (members) registered for the member-only service at the store 3 where the store server 4 is located. As shown in Figure 3, user member information 423 includes a member ID (member information) 911, fitting history information 912, and purchase history information 913. In user member information 423, each of the fitting history information 912 and purchase history information 913 is linked to the other information either via the member ID 911 or directly.

[0040] The controller 43 is an input / output interface for connecting devices to the store server 4.

[0041] The communication unit 44 is a communication interface for communicating with the outside world of the store server 4. The communication unit 44 includes either a communication circuit for wired communication or a communication circuit for wireless communication, and connects to the above-mentioned communication line via the communication circuit.

[0042] POS terminal 5 is at least one sales data processing device installed in store 3. POS terminal 5 is configured to perform, for example, at least one of the following: product registration processing and payment processing (collectively referred to as "transaction processing") for products purchased at store 3.

[0043] Here, the product registration process involves reading product information (product name, product price, etc.) of products identified through package recognition processing, etc., from the product master and registering it. The payment process involves displaying the total amount and tax amount for products related to a single transaction in which products have been registered, calculating and displaying the change based on the deposit received from the customer, and issuing a receipt printed with product information and payment information (total amount, deposit amount, change amount, etc.).

[0044] The POS terminal 5 may be operated by a store employee, a semi-self-service terminal where the customer performs some of the payment processing operations, or a self-service terminal where the customer performs all of the transaction processing operations. Furthermore, the POS terminal 5 may be implemented as a terminal device such as a tablet PC (Personal Computer), smartphone, or dedicated terminal that is fixed to or detachably mounted on a cart terminal or shopping cart, a terminal device such as a tablet PC or smartphone owned by a store employee (employee terminal), or a terminal device such as a tablet PC or smartphone owned or lent to a customer (customer terminal 8). These terminal devices may function in the same way as the POS terminal 5 according to the embodiment by executing an installed POS application (program). The POS terminal 5 may be configured integrally with the customer management server 2 or the store server 4.

[0045] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the POS terminal 5 in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 4, the POS terminal 5 has a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, a controller 53, a communication unit 54, an operation unit 55, a display unit 56, and a reading unit 57. The control unit 51, storage unit 52, controller 53, and communication unit 54 are communicated together, for example, via a bus 59. The operation unit 55, display unit 56, and reading unit 57 are each communicated together with the controller 53.

[0046] The control unit 51 has a processor such as a CPU and memory such as ROM and RAM, and is configured in the same way as a general computer. For example, the control unit 51 is configured to load various programs stored in memory such as ROM or in the storage unit 52 into the RAM of the memory, and the processor executes the loaded programs to realize each function of the POS terminal 5, including the transaction control unit 511.

[0047] The transaction control unit 511 controls the reading unit 57 and obtains product identification information to identify the product to be read. Based on the product identification information of the read product, the transaction control unit 511 performs a registration process to register the product. The transaction control unit 511 performs a settlement process for the product registered in the registration process and sends the product information and settlement information (i.e., sales information) of the settled product to the store server 4.

[0048] In this embodiment, the information processing system 1 may perform product registration processing at the cart terminal or customer terminal 8, and then use the registration results to perform product payment processing at the POS terminal 5. In this case, the entry / exit gate 6 may treat the registration results as products brought into the fitting area 32.

[0049] In this embodiment, the POS terminal 5 may be an accounting device configured to perform settlement processing based on the results of product registration processing at the cart terminal or customer terminal 8 during the transaction process. This accounting device does not necessarily have to be configured to perform product registration processing.

[0050] In addition, as the processor of the control unit 51 according to this embodiment, various processors such as GPUs and DSPs, or dedicated arithmetic circuits implemented with ASICs and FPGAs, can be used as appropriate, instead of or in addition to a CPU.

[0051] The storage unit 52 is a storage device equipped with a non-volatile recording medium such as an HDD, SSD, or Flash memory. The storage unit 52 stores various programs and data related to the operation of the POS terminal 5, as well as device drivers for devices connected to the POS terminal 5 via the controller 53.

[0052] As an example, the storage unit 52 stores the control program 521 and the product master 522. For example, the control program 521 includes at least one program for implementing each function of the POS terminal 5. The product master 522 stores product information for each product, associating it with product identification information that identifies the product. Here, the product identification information is, for example, a product code that indicates a product, but it does not have to be a product code; any information that identifies a product is acceptable.

[0053] The controller 53 is an input / output interface that connects devices to the POS terminal 5. In the example shown in Figure 4, the controller 53 is connected to the operation unit 55, the display unit 56, and the reading unit 57.

[0054] The communication unit 54 is a communication interface for communicating with the outside world of the POS terminal 5. The communication unit 54 includes either a communication circuit for wired communication or a communication circuit for wireless communication, and connects to a communication line via the communication circuit.

[0055] The operation unit 55 is an input interface that receives user input. The operation unit 55 is, for example, a touch panel located on the display surface (screen) of the display unit 56, which detects the operator's touch operation and outputs a signal to the control unit 51. As an example, the operation unit 55 is configured to receive operator input for the operation screen displayed on the display unit 56. Note that the operation unit 55 is not limited to a touch panel; various input devices such as keyboards, switches, and buttons can be provided as appropriate.

[0056] The display unit 56 is configured to display various screens generated in accordance with the control of the control unit 51. Various display devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) displays can be used as the display unit 56 as appropriate.

[0057] The reading unit 57 is a device for acquiring product identification information related to the product being read.

[0058] For example, the reading unit 57 may be an imaging device (camera) for acquiring product identification information that identifies a corresponding product by package recognition, which identifies a product by imaging and analyzing symbols such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes attached to the product, or by recognizing the product based on the shape and appearance of the imaged product.

[0059] For example, the reading unit 57 may be a wireless tag reader that reads tag information from a wireless tag such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag attached to a product using short-range wireless communication to obtain product identification information that identifies the corresponding product.

[0060] For example, the reading unit 57 may be a scanner that optically reads symbols such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes attached to products and obtains product identification information to identify the corresponding product.

[0061] For example, the reading unit 57 may be a communication interface for acquiring product identification information to identify the corresponding product by communicating with a product shelf or the like, which can identify the retrieved product using various sensors such as a weight sensor or a camera.

[0062] For example, the reading unit 57 may acquire product information read at the entrance / exit gate 6, cart terminal, or customer terminal 8 via the communication unit 54.

[0063] The entrance / exit gate 6 is a device installed within the store 3, between the product display area 31 and the fitting area 32. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the entrance / exit gate 6 in Figure 1. For the sake of simplicity, this explanation will describe the case where customers entering the fitting area 32 from the product display area 31 and customers exiting the fitting area 32 to the product display area 31 pass through the same side of the entrance / exit gate 6.

[0064] The entrance and exit gates 6 may be configured as separate entrance and exit gates. In this case, the exit gate does not need to have a receipt printer 63. Alternatively, the entrance and exit gates may be configured to share a part of them. For example, if customers entering the fitting area 32 and customers exiting the fitting area 32 pass through the same side of the entrance and exit gates 6, the entrance and exit gates 6 may be configured as illustrated in Figure 5. For example, if customers entering the fitting area 32 and customers exiting the fitting area 32 pass through the entrance and exit gates 6 on opposite sides, the tablet terminals 61 at the entrance and exit gates 6 only need to be installed so that the display screen is visible to customers passing through both sides (entrance and exit sides), and may be a common terminal or different terminals. For example, the receipt printer 63 at the entrance and exit gates 6 only needs to be installed so that customers entering can receive the issued destination receipts 631. For example, the code reader 62 and reading station 65 of the entrance / exit gate 6 only need to be installed so that they can be used by customers passing through on both sides, and they may be shared or provided separately.

[0065] The entrance / exit gate 6 includes a tablet terminal 61, a code reader 62, a receipt printer 63, and a reading platform 65. The tablet terminal 61, code reader 62, receipt printer 63, and reading platform 65 may each be configured to communicate with the store server 4 individually, or they may be configured to communicate with the store server 4 via any one of them. Alternatively, the tablet terminal 61, code reader 62, receipt printer 63, and reading platform 65 may be configured as a single unit.

[0066] The tablet terminal 61 displays procedural instructions for each customer entering or leaving the facility at the entrance / exit gate 6.

[0067] The code reader 62 is a device for reading the member code displayed on the customer terminal 8. This member code includes at least information for identifying the customer's member ID 911 (member identification information). The member code may be a barcode, a two-dimensional code, or another image. The member code is not limited to being displayed on the customer terminal 8; it may also be printed on or affixed to a member card. Alternatively, a device for reading member cards with magnetic tape or IC chips may be provided instead of, or in addition to, the code reader 62. The code reader 62 transmits the read member identification information to the store server 4. At this time, the code reader 62 may also transmit date and time information indicating the date and time the member identification information was read to the store server 4. Here, the code reader 62 according to this embodiment is an example of a first reading unit.

[0068] The receipt printer 63 issues a destination receipt (ticket issuance notification) with the fitting room number of one of the fitting rooms 71-74 (see Figure 6) designated by the store server 4 printed on it. This ticket issuance notification may also be performed within the member-only application installed on the customer terminal 8, after information indicating the fitting room number is sent from the receipt printer 63 or the store server 4.

[0069] The reading platform 65 is configured to allow customers to place a shopping basket 601 on it, and is a wireless tag reader that obtains product identification information to identify the corresponding product by reading tag information from wireless tags (e.g., RFID tags) attached to products 603 in the placed shopping basket 601 using short-range wireless communication. The reading platform 65 can also read tag information from products 603 placed directly on it without using a shopping basket 601. The reading platform 65 transmits the read product identification information to the store server 4. At this time, the reading platform 65 may also transmit date and time information indicating the date and time the product identification information was read to the store server 4. Here, the reading platform 65 according to this embodiment is an example of a second reading unit.

[0070] The reading platform 65 may also have an imaging device (camera) for acquiring product identification information that identifies a corresponding product by package recognition, which identifies a product by imaging and analyzing symbols such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes attached to the product, or by recognizing the product based on the shape and appearance of the imaged product, or a scanner for acquiring product identification information that identifies a corresponding product by optically reading symbols such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes attached to the product.

[0071] The fitting room 7 is located in the fitting area 32, which is spatially separated from the product display area 31 via an entrance / exit gate 6. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the fitting room 7 in Figure 1. The fitting room 7 has multiple rooms 71, 72, 73, and 74 for customers to try on products displayed in the product display area 31 of the store 3. Note that Figure 6 illustrates a case where four rooms (sections) are provided, but is not limited to this. The number of rooms (sections) is arbitrary and may be one room, or two, three, or five or more rooms.

[0072] Each fitting room 71-74 is equipped with a fitting room number display 701 and an occupancy status indicator lamp 703. The fitting room number display 701 only needs to contain information that uniquely identifies the room; in the example in Figure 6, each room 71-74 is numbered 1-4. The occupancy status indicator lamp 703 is an indicator light that shows the occupancy status of each room 71-74.

[0073] The usage status indicator lamp 703 is configured to change its illumination mode in accordance with a status change request from the store server 4. For example, the usage status indicator lamp 703 is off when the room is not in use. For example, the usage status indicator lamp 703 is blinking when a customer is being guided to the room. For example, the usage status indicator lamp 703 is lit when the room is being used by a customer. Note that the illumination mode of the usage status indicator lamp 703 is not limited to blinking / on / off; it may also indicate the usage status using color, text, or icons.

[0074] Furthermore, each of the fitting rooms 71-74 is equipped with a detection sensor (not shown). This detection sensor can detect whether the door or curtain (not shown) in each of the fitting rooms 71-74 is closed or open, or its open / closed state.

[0075] Customer terminal 8 is a mobile terminal (information processing terminal) used by customers who use member-only services related to store 3. Any information processing terminal, such as a smartphone or tablet, can be used as customer terminal 8. For example, customer terminal 8 has a member-only app (application program) installed for using member-only services related to store 3. The processor of customer terminal 8 executes the member-only app to display a screen containing the member code, a screen containing purchase history and / or try-on history, accepts customer input of personal evaluation information (review information 914) regarding products included in the purchase history and / or try-on history, and sends the received review information 914 to customer management server 2. Customer terminal 8 may also provide the above functions to customers using a web browser.

[0076] Next, with reference to the drawings, an example of the operation of the information processing system 1 with the above configuration will be described.

[0077] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the fitting and sales process in the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. Note that the process flow in Figure 7 is merely an example, and steps can be added, deleted, and their order changed as needed.

[0078] The flow shown in Figure 7 is, for example, the process that begins when a customer visits the entrance / exit gate 6 located at the entrance to the fitting area 32 in order to take a product 603, which was displayed in the product display area 31 within the store 3, to the fitting room 7 to try it on.

[0079] First, the tablet terminal 61 at the entrance / exit gate 6 displays instructions 611 (see Figure 5) including instructions to scan the member code and instructions to place the items 603 to be brought into the fitting room 7 onto the reader 65. Then, following the instructions 611 displayed on the tablet terminal 61, the customer places the items 603 to be tried on onto the reader 65 and holds the member code displayed in the member-only app on the customer terminal 8 over the code reader 62. At this time, the reader 65 at the entrance / exit gate 6 reads the tag information of the placed items 603 and obtains product identification information for the placed items 603. In other words, the reader 65 obtains at least one piece of product identification information at the time of entry, which is held by each of the wireless tags attached to at least one item 603 that the customer brings into the fitting area 32. The code reader 62 also reads the member code displayed on the customer terminal 8, for example, and obtains member identification information (S101). The entrance / exit gate 6 then transmits the acquired product identification information and member identification information, along with date and time information, as entry data to the store server 4 (S102). The store server 4 also acquires the product identification information and member identification information from the entrance / exit gate 6 and, based on the product master 422 and user member information 423, acquires the customer's member ID 911 and product information indicating at least one product 603 that the customer brings into the fitting area 32.

[0080] Subsequently, the store server 4 selects one of the rooms 71-74 that is available based on the vacancy management information of the fitting rooms 7, and sends a fitting room designation notification indicating the selected room to the entrance / exit gate 6 (S103). In response to the fitting room designation notification from the store server 4, the entrance / exit gate 6 issues a destination receipt 631 with the fitting room number printed on it using the receipt printer 63 (ticket issuance notification) (S104). As a result, the fitting room number is further linked to member ID 911 and stored in the store server 4.

[0081] Furthermore, the store server 4 sends a fitting room assignment notification to the entrance / exit gate 6, and also sends a status change request to the entrance / exit gate 6 to change the usage status indicator lamp 703 of the selected room to a blinking state (S105). In response to the status change request from the store server 4, the usage status indicator lamp 703 of fitting room 7 starts blinking (S106). As a result, the customer is guided to the corresponding fitting room 7 by referring to the fitting room number shown on the destination receipt 631 and the blinking of the usage status indicator lamp 703, and enters that room.

[0082] Furthermore, when a detection sensor installed in fitting room 7 detects that the door or curtain has been closed, the usage status indicator lamp 703 of fitting room 7 determines that the room has been put into use and switches from a blinking state to a solid state indicating that the room is in use.

[0083] Furthermore, the store server 4 links the contents of the entire set of goods brought in to member ID 911, and collects and stores them as user member information 423 along with date and time information (S107).

[0084] Furthermore, the store server 4 may notify store staff via employee terminals or entrance / exit gates 6 if the number of items brought in exceeds a predetermined threshold, such as according to store rules 3. The threshold for the number of items is stored separately, for example, in the memory unit 42. This configuration reduces the effort required for store staff to check each item brought into the fitting area 32 by a customer.

[0085] When a customer finishes trying on clothes, they return to the product display area 31. At this time, the tablet terminal 61 at the entrance / exit gate 6 displays instructions, similar to the instructions 611 given upon entry, including instructions to scan the member code and instructions to place the product 603 to be taken from the fitting room 7 onto the reader 65. The customer then places the product 603 to be tried on onto the reader 65, following the instructions 611 displayed on the tablet terminal 61, and holds the member code displayed in the member-only app on the customer terminal 8 over the code reader 62. As a result, the reader 65 at the entrance / exit gate 6 acquires member identification information and product identification information related to the product being taken out, similar to the instructions given upon entry (S109). In other words, the reader 65 acquires at least one piece of product identification information for exit, which is held by each of the wireless tags attached to at least one product 603 that the customer takes out of the fitting room 32. The entrance / exit gate 6 then transmits the acquired product identification information and member identification information, along with date and time information, as exit data to the store server 4 (S110). The store server 4 also acquires the product identification information and member identification information from the entrance / exit gate 6 and, based on the product master 422 and user member information 423, acquires the customer's member ID 911 and product information indicating at least one product 603 that the customer takes out of the fitting area 32.

[0086] Furthermore, the store server 4 links the contents of the set of goods to be taken out to member ID 911 and collects and stores them as user member information 423 along with date and time information on the store server 4 (S111). Then, as soon as the store server 4 receives the exit data, it compares the goods to be taken out with the goods brought in based on the entry data from the most recent entry into the fitting area 32 (S112). If there is a discrepancy, the store server 4 notifies the entrance / exit gate 6 by sending an alert instruction to trigger an alert (S113). If the entrance / exit gate 6 receives an alert instruction from the store server 4, it issues an alert (S114). On the other hand, if there is no discrepancy, the store server 4 sends a status change request to the entrance / exit gate 6 to change the usage status indicator lamp 703 of the room used by that customer to off (S115). Also, the usage status indicator lamp 703 of fitting room 7 turns off in response to the status change request from the store server 4 (S116).

[0087] Furthermore, when comparing with the most recent submitted information, alerts may be issued not only when there are discrepancies in the comparison results of product information, but also based on the results of other comparisons, such as determining whether there are discrepancies in the number of products and issuing an alert if there are discrepancies in the number of products.

[0088] Furthermore, member identification information upon exit may be obtained by holding the destination receipt 631 over the code reader 62. In this case, the member may be identified based on the read fitting room number and entry data, or the destination receipt 631 may have additional information printed on it for obtaining member identification information.

[0089] In this way, store 3 obtains member identification information from the member code displayed on the customer terminal 8 or the member code attached to the member card, and manages the items brought into and taken out of the fitting area 32 for each member. Therefore, even in offline situations where communication between store 3 and the outside is not possible, fraudulent use of the fitting room 7 can be suppressed.

[0090] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the management process flow in the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment. Note that the process flow in Figure 8 is merely an example, and steps can be added, deleted, and their order changed as needed.

[0091] After the store server 4 performs the fitting and sales process (S201) as described above with reference to Figure 7, it sends the user member information 423, including history information, to the customer management server 2 (S202). The customer management server 2 updates the registered member information 222 of that member based on the history information from the store server 4.

[0092] Furthermore, entry data and alert information are stored as registered member information 222 in the customer management server 2. Therefore, even if no fraud is detected during entry or exit, if fraud is discovered later, such as the swapping of wireless tags, it is possible to track and verify the fraud. For example, the store server 4 sends a fitting history information request to the customer management server 2, which includes the customer, date and time, and at least one of the items (S204). The customer management server 2 then extracts the relevant fitting history information in response to the fitting history information request from the store server 4 and sends it to the store server 4 (S205). The store server 4 then displays a confirmation screen containing the received fitting history information on the store server 4's display or on the employee terminal (S206). In this way, the history of items being brought into the fitting room 7 remains on the store 3 side, so even malicious acts such as swapping items or detaching tags in the fitting room 7 can be narrowed down by tracking the history at a later date. Therefore, the above configuration can be expected to deter fraud such as shoplifting and vandalism.

[0093] Furthermore, customers can check their fitting and purchase history within the member-only app and input personal evaluations of the products indicated in each history. For example, customer terminal 8 sends a history information request to customer management server 2 that includes at least one of the store 3, date and time, and product (S207). The customer management server 2 then extracts the relevant history information in response to the history information request from customer terminal 8 and sends it to customer terminal 8 (S208). Customer terminal 8 then displays a history screen containing the received history information on its display or other screen (S209). At this time, customer terminal 8 can receive review information 914 indicating the customer's self-evaluation (S210). If customer terminal 8 receives the input of review information 914, it sends the received review information 914 to customer management server 2 (S211). The customer management server 2 then updates the registered member information 222 with the received review information 914 (S212). Thus, a configuration that allows customers to view not only their purchase history but also their fitting history through a member-only app makes it easier for them to plan future purchases. Furthermore, a configuration that allows customers to input self-evaluations for each item they purchased and / or tried on allows them to reconsider items they tried on that they rated 3 or higher out of 5 but did not purchase, even when they are outside the store, such as at home. In addition, this configuration can be expected to have sales promotion effects, such as increasing product touchpoints.

[0094] Furthermore, with the configuration in which historical information collected from each store 3 is linked to member ID 911 and stored, the management side of store 3 can perform various analyses for each product, such as whether it was purchased after being tried on, purchased without being tried on, tried on but not purchased, or neither tried on nor purchased, the relationship between the number of times it was tried on and whether or not it was purchased, and the time elapsed from trying on to purchasing. In addition, with a configuration that manages customer attributes that can be classified from registered member information 222 together with purchase history and try-on history, the consideration of sales strategies can be enhanced. Customer attributes are personal information entered by the customer when registering for the member-only app, and can include various things such as gender, age, residential area, hobbies, height, weight, and occupation. In this case, it is thought that managing not only purchase history but also try-on history together will greatly broaden the range of strategies when formulating sales strategies. In other words, by analyzing the historical information according to this embodiment, it is possible to consider appropriate sales strategies and sales promotions for each product or for each customer.

[0095] In this way, the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment can suppress fraudulent use of the fitting room 7 in stores 3 equipped with fitting rooms 7, such as apparel shops, by linking the items that customers bring into and take out of the fitting room 7 with their member information. Furthermore, it can reduce the workload of store staff in managing customers' entry into and exit from the fitting room 7.

[0096] According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to deter fraudulent customer behavior in the store 3 where the fitting room 7 is provided.

[0097] In the embodiments described above, "determining whether it is A" may mean "determining that it is A," "determining that it is not A," or "determining whether or not it is A."

[0098] Furthermore, each control program executed by each device of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment may be provided pre-loaded onto a recording medium such as ROM.

[0099] Each control program executed by each device of the information processing system 1 in this embodiment may be configured to be provided as a file in an installable or executable format, recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0100] Furthermore, each control program executed by each device of the information processing system 1 of this embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network. Alternatively, each control program executed by each device of the information processing system 1 of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0101] For example, the control program 221 executed by the customer management server 2 in this embodiment has a modular configuration that includes the above-described parts (information storage unit 211). The processor of the control unit 21 reads the control program 221 from the recording medium and loads the above-described parts onto the main memory of the control unit 21, such as RAM. As a result, the above-described parts are created on the main memory.

[0102] For example, the control program 421 executed by the store server 4 in this embodiment has a modular configuration that includes the above-mentioned parts (fitting room control unit 411, information collection unit 412, and notification unit 413). The processor of the control unit 41 reads the control program 421 from the recording medium and loads the above-mentioned parts onto the main memory of the control unit 41, such as RAM. As a result, the above-mentioned parts are created on the main memory.

[0103] For example, the control program 521 executed in the POS terminal 5 of this embodiment has a modular configuration including the above-mentioned parts (transaction control unit 511). The processor of the control unit 51 reads the control program 521 from the recording medium and loads the above-mentioned parts onto the main memory of the control unit 51, such as RAM. As a result, the above-mentioned parts are created on the main memory.

[0104] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 1. Information Processing System 2. Customer management server 21 Control Unit 211 Information Storage Unit 22 Memory section 221 Control Program 222 Registered Member Information 23 Controllers 24 Communications Department 29 bus 4 Store Servers 41 Control Unit 411 Fitting Room Control Unit 412 Information Gathering Department 413 Hochi Department 42 Storage section 421 Control Program 422 Product Master 423 User Information 43 Controllers 44 Communications Department 49 bus 5 POS terminal 51 Control Unit 511 Transaction Control Unit 52 Storage section 521 Control Program 522 Product Master 53 Controllers 54 Communications Department 55 Operation section 56 Display section 57 Reading section 59 bus 6 Entrance and Exit Gates 601 Shopping Cart 603 products 61 Tablet devices 62 Code Reader 63 Receipt printers 631 Destination receipt 65 Reading Stand 7. Fitting Room Rooms 71, 72, 73, 74 701 Fitting Room Number Display 703 Usage Status Indicator Lamp 8 Customer terminals 911 Member ID 912 Try-on history information 913 Purchase History Information 914 Review Information [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0106] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2023 / 026495

Claims

1. A first reading unit reads member identification information to uniquely identify customers entering the fitting area and customers leaving the fitting area, A second reading unit reads at least one piece of product identification information upon entry, held by each of the wireless tags attached to at least one item that the customer brings into the fitting area, and at least one piece of product information upon exit, held by each of the wireless tags attached to at least one item that the customer takes out of the fitting area. A storage unit stores, when the customer enters the fitting area, the member information indicated by the member identification information and the product information indicated by the product identification information at the time of entry, linked together with date and time information, and when the customer leaves the fitting area, the member information indicated by the member identification information and the product information indicated by the product identification information at the time of exit, linked together with date and time information. The system includes a control unit that, when the customer leaves the fitting area, compares the product information at the time of exit with the product information at the time of entry, and notifies the customer if there is a difference between the information at the time of exit and the information at the time of entry. The storage unit stores purchase history information indicating at least one product purchased by the customer and fitting history information indicating at least one product brought into the fitting area, linked to the member information. system.

2. The storage unit receives evaluation information indicating the customer's evaluation of at least one product included in the fitting history information, and stores the received evaluation information, further linking it to the member information. The system according to claim 1.

3. A first reading unit that reads member identification information to uniquely identify a customer entering a fitting area and a customer leaving the fitting area, A second reading unit reads at least one piece of product identification information upon entry, held by each of the wireless tags attached to at least one item that the customer brings into the fitting area, and at least one piece of product information upon exit, held by each of the wireless tags attached to at least one item that the customer takes out of the fitting area. A storage unit stores, when the customer enters the fitting area, the member information indicated by the member identification information and the product information indicated by the product identification information at the time of entry, linked together with date and time information, and when the customer leaves the fitting area, the member information indicated by the member identification information and the product information indicated by the product identification information at the time of exit, linked together with date and time information. The system includes a control unit that, when the customer leaves the fitting area, compares the product information at the time of exit with the product information at the time of entry, and notifies the customer if there is a difference between the information at the time of exit and the information at the time of entry. The control unit notifies the customer when the customer enters the fitting area if the number of items the customer brings into the fitting area exceeds a predetermined number of items. system.

4. A first reading unit that reads member identification information to uniquely identify a customer entering a fitting area and a customer leaving the fitting area, A second reading unit reads at least one piece of product identification information upon entry, held by each of the wireless tags attached to at least one item that the customer brings into the fitting area, and at least one piece of product information upon exit, held by each of the wireless tags attached to at least one item that the customer takes out of the fitting area. A storage unit stores, when the customer enters the fitting area, the member information indicated by the member identification information and the product information indicated by the product identification information at the time of entry, linked together with date and time information, and when the customer leaves the fitting area, the member information indicated by the member identification information and the product information indicated by the product identification information at the time of exit, linked together with date and time information. The system includes a control unit that, when the customer leaves the fitting area, compares the product information at the time of exit with the product information at the time of entry, and notifies the customer if there is a difference between the information at the time of exit and the information at the time of entry. The first reading unit reads the member identification information based on the member code displayed on the information processing terminal held by the customer, or the member code attached to the member card held by the customer. system.

5. We obtain member identification information to uniquely identify customers entering the fitting area and customers leaving the fitting area. The system acquires at least one item identification information upon entry, held by each of the wireless tags attached to at least one item that the customer brings into the fitting area, and at least one item identification information upon exit, held by each of the wireless tags attached to at least one item that the customer takes out of the fitting area. When the customer enters the fitting area, the member information indicated by the member identification information and the product information indicated by the product identification information at the time of entry are linked and stored together with the date and time information, and when the customer leaves the fitting area, the member information indicated by the member identification information and the product information indicated by the product identification information at the time of exit are linked and stored together with the date and time information, When the customer exits the fitting area, the product information at the time of exit is compared with the product information at the time of entry, and if there is a difference between the time of exit and the time of entry, the customer is notified. To cause a computer to store purchase history information indicating at least one product purchased by the customer and fitting history information indicating at least one product brought into the fitting area, linked to the member information. program.

6. Obtain member identification information to uniquely identify a customer entering a fitting area and a customer leaving the fitting area, The system acquires at least one item identification information upon entry, held by each of the wireless tags attached to at least one item that the customer brings into the fitting area, and at least one item identification information upon exit, held by each of the wireless tags attached to at least one item that the customer takes out of the fitting area. When the customer enters the fitting area, the member information indicated by the member identification information and the product information indicated by the product identification information at the time of entry are linked and stored together with the date and time information, and when the customer leaves the fitting area, the member information indicated by the member identification information and the product information indicated by the product identification information at the time of exit are linked and stored together with the date and time information, When the customer exits the fitting area, the product information at the time of exit is compared with the product information at the time of entry, and if there is a difference between the time of exit and the time of entry, the customer is notified. To enable a computer to notify a customer if the number of items the customer brings into the fitting area exceeds a predetermined number of items when the customer enters the fitting area. program.

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