Notification system, notification method, and program

Abstract

In the present invention, a price tag and a spare tag are attached to a product, the price tag including a first RFID tag storing product identification information for the product, and the spare tag including a second RFID tag. Provided is an alarm system comprising a location detection unit, a determination unit, and an output control unit. The location detection unit detects the location of the price tag and the location of the spare tag by means of a reader device installed in a store. The determination unit determines whether the location of the price tag and the location of the spare tag match. The output control unit issues an alarm if the locations do not match.

Description

Notification system, notification method, and recording medium

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

[0002] There is a technology in which an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag is attached between the paper price tags of clothing items such as clothes, hats, bags, and shoes, and information identifying the item is stored in the RFID tag, which is then used for checkout.

[0003] International Publication No. 2020 / 208412

[0004] For example, shoplifting, where customers remove price tags from merchandise and take them home, has become a problem.

[0005] An example of an object of the present disclosure is to provide a notification system that aims to deter shoplifting.

[0006] An alarm system in one aspect of the present disclosure includes a position detection means that detects the position of a price tag tag attached to a product and including a first RFID tag that stores product identification information of the product, and the position of a spare tag attached to the product and including a second RFID tag using a reading device installed in a store, a determination means that determines whether the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag match, and an output control means that issues an alarm if they do not match.

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the notification method detects the position of a price tag attached to a product and including a first RFID tag that stores product identification information for the product, and the position of a spare tag attached to the product and including a second RFID tag, using a reading device installed in a store, determines whether the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag match, and issues a notification if they do not match.

[0008] A program in one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute a process that uses a reading device installed in a store to detect the position of a price tag attached to a product and including a first RFID tag that stores product identification information for the product, and the position of a spare tag attached to the product and including a second RFID tag, determines whether the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag match, and issues an alert if they do not match.

[0009] Each program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, shoplifting can be prevented.

[0011] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a notification system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the notification system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of installation of a plurality of reading devices and a plurality of imaging devices in a store. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of connection between the notification system and other devices. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of storage of a first RFID tag and a second RFID tag. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a notification system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example where the position of a price tag tag and the position of a spare tag match. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example where the position of a price tag tag and the position of a spare tag do not match. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of notification at an entrance / exit gate. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of notification on a store clerk's terminal device. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of notification on a store clerk's terminal device. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying a customer's flow line. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of displaying a customer's flow line. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the notification system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of a notification system, a notification method, a program, and a non-transitory recording medium for recording the program according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The disclosed technology is not limited to these embodiments.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) First, in embodiment 1, basic functions of a notification system will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a notification system according to embodiment 1. A notification system 10 includes a position detection unit 101, a determination unit 102, and an output control unit 103.

[0014] For example, a price tag including a first RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag that stores product identification information of the product and a spare tag including a second RFID tag are attached to the product.

[0015] A price tag is a tag that can be removed from a product. A spare tag may be a tag that cannot be removed from a product, or may be a detachable tag. For example, a spare tag may be a laundry tag or a clothing tag. A spare tag may be, for example, a button-type tag made of resin, or a tag made of fiber.

[0016] The position detection unit 101 detects the positions of price tag tags and spare tags using a reading device installed in the store. The number of reading devices is not particularly limited. For example, multiple reading devices may be installed in the store. For example, the multiple reading devices may be installed in different positions in the store. The reading devices may be installed on, for example, the ceiling, a wall, a mirror, a gate, etc. For example, the reading device may be installed at the entrance / exit of the store. The reading device, for example, obtains the received signal strength of radio waves from an RFID tag. The position detection unit 101 can detect the positions of price tag tags and spare tags based on this received signal strength. Note that if multiple reading devices are installed in different positions in the store, the positions of price tag tags and spare tags in the store can be detected more accurately. Note that the position detection unit 101 is not limited to detecting the positions of tags including RFID, but may also detect information related to the positions of tags including RFID, such as received signal strength.

[0017] The determination unit 102 determines whether the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag match. Here, to prevent shoplifting, in which a shoplifter removes a price tag tag from a product and takes the product home, the determination unit 102 only needs to determine whether a price tag tag and a spare tag are attached to the product. Therefore, the determination unit 102 may determine that the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag match if the price tag tag and the spare tag are within a predetermined range. As a specific example of a method for determining a match, the determination unit 102 may determine that the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag match if the difference in the received signal strength of the signal from the price tag tag and the spare tag is within a threshold value in a reading device. As a specific example of a method for determining a match, in a store where multiple reading devices are installed, the determination unit 102 may determine that the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag match if the reading device with the highest received signal strength is the same. In this way, the determination unit 102 does not need to determine a perfect match between the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag.

[0018] If there is a mismatch, the output control unit 103 issues a notification. The device used for the notification is not particularly limited, and may be a terminal device, a lighting device, an audio output device, or the like. Specific examples of the notification will be described in detail using the second embodiment.

[0019] (Flowchart) Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the notification system 10 according to the first embodiment. The position detection unit 101 detects the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag (step S101). Next, the determination unit 102 determines whether the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag match (step S102). If they match (step S102: Yes), the notification system 10 returns to step S101. If they do not match (step S102: No), the output control unit 103 issues a notification (step S103), and the notification system 10 returns to step S101.

[0020] When the notification is performed, the notification system 10 may end the processing, or the flowchart may end as appropriate.

[0021] For example, an RFID tag included in a price tag is provided with tag identification information that identifies the tag. Whether or not a purchase has been paid for is managed by accounting information, such as an accounting flag associated with the tag identification information that identifies the tag. The price tag is attached to a product, for example, with a string. A reader capable of reading RFID tags is installed at a gate at the entrance or exit of a store, and customers pass through the gate with their products. For example, there is a system that reads the tag identification information from the price tag and sounds an alarm if the accounting flag associated with the tag identification information indicates that the purchase has not been paid for. Such systems are generally known. For this reason, when customers shoplift, they may remove the price tag from a product in the store and take the product home. In other words, some customers believe that if they remove the price tag from the product, their shoplifting will not be discovered by store staff.

[0022] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the notification system 10 issues a notification when the position of the price tag attached to the product does not match the position of the spare tag attached to the product. This makes it possible to notify that the price tag may have been removed, thereby helping to deter shoplifting.

[0023] Furthermore, monitoring all customers to determine whether they have removed price tags from merchandise from images captured by an imaging device imposes a heavy processing load. Depending on the accuracy of the images captured by the imaging device, it may be difficult to detect whether price tags have been removed from merchandise. The notification system 10 according to the first embodiment can reduce the processing load compared to continuous video monitoring. Furthermore, shoplifting can be prevented with a simpler configuration than continuous video monitoring.

[0024] If a customer comes to the store with a stolen item, the accounting information on the item's price tag will still indicate that the item has not been paid for. Therefore, the notification system 10 can determine that the location of the spare tag on the item does not match the location of the price tag and issue another notification. This makes it easy to identify the shoplifting customer.

[0025] (Embodiment 2) Next, embodiment 2 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In embodiment 2, examples of notification and notification destinations will be described in detail. Below, explanations of content that overlaps with the above explanation will be omitted to the extent that the explanation of embodiment 2 is not unclear.

[0026] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the installation of multiple reading devices and multiple imaging devices in a store. The multiple reading devices 22 are installed in different positions. For example, in FIG. 3, multiple reading devices 22-1 to 22-15 are installed on the ceiling. Also, for example, in FIG. 3, reading device 22-16 is installed at the gate at the entrance / exit of the store.

[0027] The multiple reading devices 22 are reading devices 22 that can read information stored in a first RFID tag included in a price tag tag and information stored in a second RFID tag included in a spare tag. The multiple reading devices 22 can output, for example, received signal strength. The received signal strength is used to identify the position of each tag. Although an example is given in which there are 16 reading devices 22, the number of reading devices 22 is not particularly limited. When there is no particular limit to the number of reading devices 22, they will be referred to as reading devices 22.

[0028] 3, for example, a voice output device 24 capable of outputting an alert may be installed at the gate at the entrance / exit of the store. Note that the type of output device installed at the gate at the entrance / exit of the store is not particularly limited.

[0029] In FIG. 3, multiple imaging devices 23-1 to 23-5 capture images of people in a store. The people are customers or store clerks. The notification system may detect the behavior of people from images captured by the multiple imaging devices 23. For example, the notification system may detect the movement of people. The number of imaging devices 23 is not particularly limited. Although an example is given in which there are five imaging devices 23, the number of imaging devices 23 is not particularly limited. When there is no particular limitation on the imaging device 23, it will be referred to as imaging device 23.

[0030] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of connections between the notification system and other devices. For example, the notification system 20 is connected to a plurality of reading devices 22 via a communication network NT. For example, the notification system 20 is connected to a plurality of imaging devices 23 via the communication network NT. For example, the notification system 20 is connected to an audio output device 24 via the communication network NT.

[0031] For example, the notification system 20 is connected to terminal devices 21 via the communication network NT. The number of terminal devices 21 is not particularly limited. The terminal devices 21 may be terminal devices 21 of store clerks, terminal devices 21 of customers, or terminal devices 21 installed in the store. In FIG. 4 , the type of the terminal devices 21 is not particularly limited, and may be a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet device, signage, or the like. Note that an application program capable of outputting notifications and notices from the notification system 20 may be pre-installed in the terminal devices 21.

[0032] The notification system 20 may also be connected to a POS (Point Of Sales) server or the like via the communication network NT.

[0033] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of storage of a first RFID tag and a second RFID tag. The first RFID tag is included in a price tag. The price tag lists the size, price, etc. of the product. For example, the first RFID tag is included between the sheets of paper of the price tag. The first RFID tag stores, for example, product identification information that identifies the product. The product identification information is not particularly limited as long as it is information that can identify the product.

[0034] On the other hand, the second RFID tag is included in the spare tag. The spare tag may be, for example, a button, a laundry tag, or a paper tag separate from the price tag. For example, the spare tag may be a non-removable tag or a removable tag. Here, non-removable means that the customer cannot easily remove it by hand or the like. Alternatively, for example, it may be assumed that when a customer actually uses a product after purchasing it, the price tag is removed, but the spare tag is not removed.

[0035] The first RFID tag included in the price tag may store product identification information for identifying the product and tag identification information for identifying the first RFID tag. The product identification information is not particularly limited as long as it is information that can identify the product. The tag identification information is not particularly limited as long as it is information that can identify the RFID tag.

[0036] The second RFID tag included in the spare tag stores tag identification information that identifies the first RFID tag.

[0037] 6 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an alarm system 20 according to embodiment 2. The alarm system 20 includes, for example, a position detection unit 201, a determination unit 202, an output control unit 203, an image detection unit 204, an identification unit 205, and an association unit 206. The alarm system 20 includes the image detection unit 204, the identification unit 205, and the association unit 206 in addition to the components of the alarm system 10 according to embodiment 1.

[0038] The position detection unit 201 has, as a basic function, the function of the position detection unit 101 according to embodiment 1. The determination unit 202 has, as a basic function, the function of the determination unit 102 according to embodiment 1. The output control unit 203 has, as a basic function, the function of the output control unit 103 according to embodiment 1.

[0039] The notification system 20 includes, for example, a product DB (Database) 2001 , a tag DB 2002 , a stolen product DB 2003 , a behavior history DB 2004 , and a customer DB 2005 .

[0040] The product DB 2001 stores product information, for example, for each product. For example, the product DB 2001 stores product identification information and product information in association with each other. The product information includes the product name, product price, product image, product size, etc.

[0041] The tag DB 2002 stores transaction information indicating whether a price tag tag has been paid for. For example, the tag DB 2002 stores tag identification information, which identifies a price tag tag, in association with transaction information. Transaction information is, for example, information indicating whether a product to which a price tag tag containing an RFID tag identified by the tag identification information is attached has been paid for. In the tag DB 2002, before payment for the product, information indicating that the product has not been paid for is set as the transaction information, and once payment for the product is made, the transaction information is changed to information indicating that the product has been paid for.

[0042] The stolen goods DB 2003 stores, for example, tag identification information for identifying the first RFID tag included in the price tag when the position of the price tag and the position of the spare tag do not match. Furthermore, for example, the stolen goods DB 2003 may store the tag identification information in association with information on the date and time when the mismatch was determined.

[0043] The behavior history DB 2004 stores the behavior history of customers and store clerks. The behavior history DB 2004 stores person identification information that identifies a person and the behavior history in association with each other. If the person is a customer, the person identification information is customer identification information that identifies the customer, and if the person is a store clerk, the person identification information is store clerk identification information that identifies the store clerk.

[0044] The customer DB 2005 stores biometric information for each customer. For example, the biometric information is used to authenticate the customer. The type of authentication is not particularly limited. In the second embodiment, facial authentication is used as an example, and the biometric information is, for example, information related to facial features. Specifically, the customer DB 2005 stores customer identification information that identifies the customer and the biometric information in association with each other.

[0045] The customer DB 2005 may also store customer terminal device identification information for identifying the customer's terminal device 21 for each customer. For example, the customer terminal device identification information is information about the terminal device 21 that is necessary when sending a notification to the customer's terminal device 21. Note that, for example, an application program capable of sending a notification may be installed in the customer's terminal device 21. The customer identification information and the customer terminal device identification information may be the same. The customer terminal device identification information may also be customer contact information such as an email address or an electronic message destination.

[0046] Next, each functional unit will be described.

[0047] The position detection unit 201 detects the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag using the reading devices 22 installed in the store. The position detection unit 201 can detect the position of the RFID tag in the store based on the received signal strength output by the multiple reading devices 22. The stronger the received signal strength of the RFID tag signal received by the reading device 22, the closer the RFID tag is to the reading device 22. For example, as a method of detecting a more precise position, the position detection unit 201 may detect the position of the RFID tag by performing triangulation using the received signal strengths of the multiple reading devices 22. In this way, the position detection unit 201 may detect the position of each tag using existing technology.

[0048] The determination unit 202 determines whether the position of the price tag matches the position of the spare tag. The price tag that is the subject of this determination is a tag that indicates that the transaction information contained in the tag DB 2002 is unpaid. Determination does not need to be performed for products that have already been paid for. For this reason, price tag tags that indicate that the transaction information contained in the tag DB 2002 has already been paid for are not subject to determination.

[0049] In addition, when the second RFID tag stores tag identification information that identifies the first RFID tag, the judgment unit 202 judges whether the position of the spare tag matches the position of the price tag tag including the first RFID tag identified by the tag identification information stored in the second RFID tag included in the spare tag.

[0050] The output control unit 203 then issues an alert when the position of the price tag does not match the position of the spare tag. The type of device used for the alert is not particularly limited, and may be a terminal device, a display device, an audio output device, a lighting device, or a combination of these. The output control unit 203 may alert a store clerk or a customer.

[0051] Here, the output control unit 203 may issue a notification immediately after determining that the position of the price tag and the position of the spare tag do not match. For example, shoplifting is not considered if the customer does not take the product out of the store without paying for it. Therefore, the output control unit 203 may issue a notification when the customer leaves the store's entrance / exit gate. In this way, the timing of the notification is not particularly limited.

[0052] On the other hand, if the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag match, the output control unit 203 does not issue a notification. Alternatively, if the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag match, the output control unit 203 may output information indicating that there is no problem.

[0053] Here, examples of notification and non-notification will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG.

[0054] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the position of a price tag and the position of a spare tag match. In FIG. 7, a price tag and a spare tag are attached to a product. Here, the position of the reader 22 is used as an example to explain the position of each tag. The position detection unit 201 detects the position of the reader 22-12 as the position of the price tag tag of the product. The position detection unit 201 detects the position of the reader 22-12 as the position of the spare tag. Because the positions of the price tag tag of the product and the spare tag are both the positions of the reader 22-12, the determination unit 202 determines that the price tag tag of the product and the spare tag match. Then, the output control unit 203 does not issue a notification because the positions of the price tag tag and the spare tag match.

[0055] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the position of the price tag and the position of the spare tag do not match. In FIG. 8, a spare tag is attached to a product, but the price tag has been removed. Here, the position of the reader 22 is used as an example to explain the position of each tag. The position detection unit 201 detects the position of the reader 22-13 as the position of the product's price tag. The position detection unit 201 detects the position of the reader 22-12 as the position of the spare tag. Because the position of the product's price tag is the reader 22-13, but the position of the spare tag is the reader 22-12, the determination unit 202 determines that the product's price tag and the spare tag do not match. The output control unit 203 then issues a notification because the position of the price tag and the spare tag do not match. In FIG. 8, the output control unit 203 notifies the store clerk's terminal device 21.

[0056] <Example of Notification to Terminal Device 21 Installed in a Store> For example, the output control unit 203 outputs a notification to the terminal device 21 installed in the store. As a result, the notification is sent to at least one of a store clerk and a customer. For example, the terminal device 21 installed in the store may be a terminal device 21 in a store located near the location of the spare tag. Note that the notification system 20 stores in advance information about the location of the terminal device 21 installed in the store. The terminal device 21 in a store located near the location of the spare tag may be determined based on whether the terminal device 21 is located within a predetermined distance from the spare tag. Also, for example, the output control unit 203 sends a notification to the terminal device 21 in a store closest to the location of the detected spare tag. Because the spare tag is attached to a product, the terminal device 21 in the store closest to the location of the spare tag is located near a customer who owns a product from which the price tag has been removed. This increases the likelihood that the notification will be sent to a customer who owns a product from which the price tag has been removed.

[0057] Furthermore, similar to the case of a spare tag, for example, the output control unit 203 may output a notification to the terminal device 21 of a store that is located near the position of the price tag. The terminal device 21 of a store that is located near the position of the price tag may be determined based on whether the terminal device 21 is within a predetermined distance from the price tag. For example, a store clerk near the price tag can find the price tag. More specifically, for example, the output control unit 203 may output a notification to the terminal device 21 of a store that is closest to the position of the price tag.

[0058] The output control unit 203 may issue a notification to a terminal device 21 located near the display position of a product to which a price tag is attached. Specifically, for example, the output control unit 203 issues a notification to a terminal device 21 located near the display position of the product based on product display position information associated with product identification information included in the price tag in the product DB 2001. A terminal device 21 located near the display position of the product may be determined based on whether the terminal device 21 is located within a predetermined distance from the display position. More specifically, for example, the output control unit 203 may output a notification to a terminal device 21 in a store that is located closest to the display position of the product to which a price tag is attached.

[0059] <Example of notifying terminal device 21 in the vicinity of a customer> For example, an example of notifying a terminal device 21 in the vicinity of a customer will be described. The output control unit 203 may notify a terminal device 21 in the vicinity of a customer who has a product.

[0060] Specifically, for example, the image detection unit 204 detects a series of images taken before and after the time when the mismatch is determined from the video captured by the imaging device 23 installed in the store. Here, the series of images taken before and after the time when the mismatch is determined refers to a series of images taken from a time at least a first predetermined time before the time when the mismatch is determined to a time after a second predetermined time has elapsed since the time when the mismatch is determined. Note that the image detection unit 204 may also detect a series of images taken from a time at least a first predetermined time before the time when the mismatch is determined from the video to the time when the mismatch is determined.

[0061] The identification unit 205 then identifies a customer who has a product with a spare tag attached from the detected series of images. The identification unit 205 may also identify the customer and their location in the store from the series of images. The output control unit 203 notifies a terminal device 21 located near the identified customer. Whether a terminal device 21 is near the customer may be determined by whether the distance from the customer's location is within a predetermined distance.

[0062] Alternatively, a reading device 22 may be installed in a terminal device 21 installed in a store, and the position detection unit 201 may detect the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag using the reading device 22 installed in the terminal device 21. Then, the determination unit 202 determines whether the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag match. Then, the output control unit 203 notifies the terminal device 21 if a mismatch is determined. For example, the output control unit 203 may notify a store clerk by calling the store clerk. A display that can be identified by the store clerk may be displayed to indicate that the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag have been determined to mismatch. For example, the called store clerk can easily confirm that the customer is holding a product from which the price tag tag has been removed by checking the screen of the terminal device 21.

[0063] <Example of Notifying Terminal Device 21 that Authenticated the Customer> For example, the output control unit 203 may notify the terminal device 21 that authenticated the customer.

[0064] Furthermore, for example, the image detection unit 204 detects a series of images taken around the time when the mismatch was determined from the video captured by the imaging device 23 installed in the store. The identification unit 205 identifies the customer who is holding the product with the spare tag attached from the detected series of images.

[0065] On the other hand, the authentication unit 207 may authenticate the customer via, for example, a terminal device 21 installed in the store. The authentication unit 207 authenticates the customer by comparing information about facial features obtained from an image of the customer captured by an imaging device 23 provided in the terminal device 21 installed in the store with information about facial features stored in the customer DB 2005. For example, if the authenticated customer is the customer identified by the identification unit 205, the output control unit 203 notifies the customer's terminal device 21. For example, the output control unit 203 may issue a pop-up notification to the customer's terminal device 21.

[0066] Furthermore, for example, the authentication unit 207 may authenticate the customer via a mirror equipped with the imaging device 23. Specifically, for example, the authentication unit 207 authenticates the customer by comparing information about facial features obtained from an image of the customer captured by the imaging device 23 equipped in the mirror with information about facial features stored in the customer DB 2005. Then, for example, if the authenticated customer is a customer identified by the identification unit 205, the output control unit 203 notifies the terminal device 21 of the identified customer.

[0067] For example, when notifying the customer's terminal device 21, the output control unit 203 may notify the customer's terminal device 21 of a product including a spare tag determined to be a mismatch as a recommended product. Alternatively, for example, the output control unit 203 may notify the customer's terminal device 21 of a product including a spare tag determined to be a mismatch as a forgotten purchase product. This allows the store to show the customer that it is aware of the customer's behavior.

[0068] <Example of notification at a store entrance / exit gate> The position detection unit 201 detects the positions of the price tag tag and the spare tag using the reading device 22 installed at the gate, and the determination unit 202 determines whether the positions of the price tag tag and the spare tag match. If a mismatch is determined, the output control unit 203 notifies an output device installed at the gate. In FIG. 3, the audio output device 24 is used as an example of the output device.

[0069] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a notification at an entrance / exit gate. In FIG. 9 , a customer is about to pass through a store's entrance / exit gate. For example, the position detection unit 201 detects the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag via the reading device 22 installed at the store's entrance / exit. In FIG. 9 , because the price tag tag has been removed from the product, the reading device 22 receives a weak signal from the price tag tag and a strong signal from the spare tag. Therefore, the determination unit 202 determines that the price tag tag of the product and the spare tag do not match. Then, the output control unit 203 notifies the audio output device 24 installed at the entrance / exit gate that the positions of the price tag tag and the spare tag do not match. For example, the output control unit 203 may cause the audio output device 24 to output a beep. Alternatively, the output control unit 203 may cause the audio output device 24 to output a sound such as, "Are there any unpaid items?"

[0070] Also, for example, a mismatch may be detected at a location within the store other than a gate at the entrance / exit of the store, and an alert may be issued when the customer attempts to leave the gate.

[0071] For example, the image detection unit 204 detects a series of images taken around the time when the mismatch was determined from the video captured by the imaging device 23 installed in the store. The identification unit 205 identifies the customer who has the product with the spare tag attached from the detected series of images. The image detection unit 204 then tracks the identified customer from the video captured by the imaging device 23 installed in the store.

[0072] When the identified customer passes through a gate installed at the entrance / exit, the output control unit 203 notifies the output device installed at the gate. In this way, since leaving the store with unpaid merchandise would be treated as shoplifting, it is possible to notify the customer when they leave the gate.

[0073] <Example of Notification in Item Registration Device> Similar to the example of notification at the entrance / exit gate of a store shown in FIG. 9 , for example, the position detection unit 201 detects the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag using the reading device 22 installed in the item registration device. Then, the determination unit 202 may determine whether the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag match. Then, the output control unit 203 may issue a notification to the item registration device if a mismatch is determined. The item registration device may be a self-service POS terminal operated by a customer or a POS terminal operated by a store clerk. For example, in the case of the self-service terminal 21, the output control unit 203 may issue a notification to call a store clerk if a mismatch is detected.

[0074] Alternatively, for example, a mismatch may be detected at a location in the store other than the product registration device, and a notification may be issued when the customer registers the product using the product registration device. Specifically, for example, the image detection unit 204 detects a series of images taken around the time when the mismatch was detected from video captured by the imaging device 23 installed in the store. The identification unit 205 identifies the customer who owns the product with the spare tag attached from the detected series of images. The image detection unit 204 then tracks the identified customer from the video captured by the imaging device 23 installed in the store. The output control unit 203 notifies the product registration device when registration of the product purchased by the identified customer begins in the product registration device.

[0075] The notification may be sent to the settlement device instead of the merchandise registration device. Also, the merchandise registration device may have the function of the settlement device.

[0076] <Application Example of Notification to Store Staff Terminal Device 21> For example, the output control unit 203 outputs a notification to the store staff terminal device 21. This allows the store staff to be notified immediately.

[0077] More specifically, for example, if the position of the store clerk can be detected, the output control unit 203 outputs a notification to the store clerk's terminal device 21 based on the position of the spare tag and the position of the store clerk. Note that the position of the store clerk's terminal device 21 may be used as the position of the store clerk. Note that the method for detecting the position of the store clerk may use existing technology, such as position detection using a beacon or RFID tag using the store clerk's terminal device 21, or position detection from an image captured by the imaging device 23. For example, the output control unit 203 outputs a notification to the terminal device 21 of a store clerk who is in the vicinity of the position of the spare tag. Whether the terminal device 21 is in the vicinity of the spare tag may be determined by whether the distance from the spare tag is within a predetermined distance. The output control unit 203 may also output a notification to the terminal device 21 of the store clerk who is closest to the position of the spare tag.

[0078] Alternatively, similar to the case of a spare tag, for example, if the position of a store clerk can be detected, the output control unit 203 outputs a notification to the terminal device 21 of the store clerk based on the position of the price tag and the position of the store clerk. For example, the output control unit 203 outputs a notification to the terminal device 21 of the store clerk who is in the vicinity of the position of the price tag. Whether the terminal device 21 is in the vicinity of the price tag may be determined by whether the distance from the price tag is within a predetermined distance. The output control unit 203 may also output a notification to the terminal device 21 of the store clerk who is closest to the position of the price tag.

[0079] The output control unit 203 may display at least one of the position of the spare tag and the position of the price tag where the mismatch was detected on a map of the store.

[0080] Here, when a notice is sent to the store clerk's terminal device 21, the notice may be sent in a manner that makes it easier for the store clerk to take measures against shoplifting.

[0081] The image detection unit 204 detects a series of images taken around the time when the mismatch was determined from the video captured by the imaging device 23 installed in the store. The video is a time-series group of images. The detected series of images is also a time-series group of images.

[0082] The output control unit 203 may cause the time-series images to be displayed on the terminal device 21 of the store clerk.

[0083] Furthermore, for example, the associating unit 206 associates the time at which the mismatch was determined with the series of images detected by the image detection unit 204 and stores them in the database. The time at which the mismatch was determined may be the date and time at which the mismatch was determined in more detail. If multiple image capture devices 23 are installed in the store, the image detection unit 204 may detect a series of images taken around the time at which the mismatch was determined from video captured by an image capture device 23 installed near the location of the spare tag among the multiple image capture devices 23 installed in the store. Alternatively, the image detection unit 204 may detect a series of images taken around the time at which the mismatch was determined from video captured by an image capture device 23 installed near the location of the price tag among the image capture devices 23 installed in the store. In some cases, a customer may hide the price tag in their bag after removing it. Therefore, by linking with video, evidence of shoplifting can be immediately preserved.

[0084] The output control unit 203 may then associate the time at which the mismatch was determined with the series of images detected by the image detection unit 204 and display them on the store clerk's terminal device 21.

[0085] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing examples of notification to the store clerk's terminal device 21. In FIG. 10A , the output control unit 203 causes the store clerk's terminal device 21 to display the position of the preliminary tag determined to be a mismatch on a map of the store. Then, in FIG. 10B , when the position of the preliminary tag determined to be a mismatch is tapped, the output control unit 203 may cause the store clerk's terminal device 21 to display the detected series of images. Also, in FIG. 10 , the screen of the store clerk's terminal device 21 displays the time at which each of the series of images was captured in association with the time at which it was captured.

[0086] Furthermore, when the flow lines are displayed on the store clerk's terminal device 21, the flow lines of customers who are carrying products that include spare tags that are determined to be inconsistent may be displayed in an identifiable manner.

[0087] For example, the image detection unit 204 detects a series of images from the captured video taken around the time when the mismatch was determined. The identification unit 205 then identifies the customer who is carrying the product with the spare tag from the detected series of images. The output control unit 203 displays the movement line of the identified customer on the store clerk's terminal device 21 in a manner that makes it clear that the mismatch was determined.

[0088] 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams showing examples of displaying customer flow lines. In FIG. 11A , the output control unit 203 displays the flow lines of each of multiple customers on the terminal device 21 of a store clerk. In FIG. 11A , the flow lines of three customers are displayed on the screen of the terminal device 21. In FIG. 11B , when a mismatch is determined between the position of the spare tag and the position of the price tag of an item held by a certain customer, the output control unit 203 displays the position where the mismatch was determined, the current location of the customer holding the spare tag of the item determined to be mismatched, and the current locations of other customers in a distinguishable manner. This allows the store clerk to check the flow lines of each customer and identify customers holding items from which the price tag has been removed.

[0089] The notification methods and notification destinations described above may be used in any suitable combination.

[0090] Furthermore, the determination unit 202 stores tag identification information identifying the price tag tag determined to be a mismatch in the stolen merchandise DB 2003. More specifically, the determination unit 202 may associate the date and time when the mismatch was determined with the tag identification information identifying the price tag tag determined to be a mismatch in the stolen merchandise DB 2003. Furthermore, for example, when the mismatch is determined because the position of the spare tag is not detected in the store, the determination unit 202 may associate the date and time when the mismatch was determined with the tag identification information identifying the price tag tag determined to be a mismatch in the stolen merchandise DB 2003.

[0091] As described above, if a customer comes to a store with a shoplifted item, the accounting information on the price tag of that item remains unpaid. The position detection unit 201 detects the position of the spare tag attached to the item and the position of the price tag identified by the tag identification information stored in the second RFID tag included in the spare tag. If the item is shoplifted, the determination unit 202 determines that the position of the spare tag does not match the position of the price tag. If a mismatch is determined, the output control unit 203 notifies the store clerk that the customer came to the store with stolen items if the tag identification information of the price tag stored in the second RFID tag included in the spare tag is registered in the stolen item DB 2003 and the date and time stored in association with the tag identification information are different. For example, the output control unit 203 notifies the store clerk's terminal device that the customer came to the store with stolen items. This allows the store clerk to identify customers who have shoplifted in the store in the past. A theft flag or the like may be stored in association with the tag identification information of the price tag. The output control unit 203 may then determine whether the product is a stolen product based on the presence or absence of a theft flag associated with the tag identification information of the price tag stored in the second RFID tag included in the spare tag attached to the product. If the product is a stolen product, the output control unit 203 may issue a report.

[0092] Furthermore, when the image detection unit 204 detects the customer's movement line from each video, it stores the customer's movement line in the behavior history DB 2004 .

[0093] (Flowchart) Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the notification system 20 according to embodiment 2. Here, in Fig. 12, a flowchart for displaying the customer's flow line on the terminal device 21 of the store clerk will be described.

[0094] The position detection unit 201 detects the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag (step S201). The determination unit 202 determines whether the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag match (step S202). If the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag match (step S202: Yes), the notification system 20 returns to step S201.

[0095] On the other hand, if the position of the price tag does not match the position of the spare tag (step S202: No), the image detection unit 204 detects a series of images taken around the time when the mismatch was determined from the video captured by the imaging device 23 installed in the store (step S203). Here, the association unit 206 associates the time when the mismatch was determined with the detected series of images and stores them in the database.

[0096] The identification unit 205 identifies customers who have products with spare tags attached from the detected series of images (step S204). The output control means then causes the store clerk's terminal device 21 to display the identified customer's movement line in a manner that clearly indicates that a mismatch has been determined (step S205), and the notification system 20 returns to step S201. The flowchart may be terminated as appropriate. The timing of the start of the flowchart is not particularly limited. For example, the system may operate continuously, or may start at any time in response to a command from the store clerk.

[0097] As described above, in the second embodiment, the second RFID tag stores tag identification information for identifying the first RFID tag, and the notification system 20 determines whether the position of the spare tag matches the position of the price tag including the first RFID tag identified by the tag identification information stored in the second RFID tag included in the spare tag. In this way, when there are multiple products, the price tag of each product is associated with the spare tag of each product.

[0098] The notification system 20 also notifies at least one of the terminal device 21 of the store clerk, the terminal device 21 of the store near the spare tag, the terminal device 21 of the store near the price tag, and the terminal device 21 near the display position of the product to which the price tag is attached.

[0099] The notification system 20 also notifies a product registration device that registers products through customer operation. When the product registration device is notified, the notification system 20 calls a store clerk.

[0100] The reader 22 is provided in a terminal device 21 that is installed in a store and can be operated by a customer. If there is a mismatch, the notification system 20 notifies the terminal device 21. This makes it possible to notify customers of products whose price tags have been removed.

[0101] The notification system 20 also detects a series of images taken around the time when the mismatch was determined from the video captured by the imaging device 23 installed in the store, and identifies the customer who is holding the product with the spare tag from the detected series of images. The notification system 20 then notifies at least one of the terminal device 21 near the identified customer, the terminal device 21 of the identified customer, and the terminal device 21 that authenticated the identified customer.

[0102] Furthermore, if a customer does not leave the store with unpaid items, it is not considered shoplifting. Therefore, the notification system 20 may notify an output device installed at the entrance / exit of the store when the customer leaves the store. The reading device 22 is installed at the entrance / exit of the store.

[0103] A customer may hide an item in a bag after removing the price tag. Therefore, when a mismatch is detected, the notification system 20 detects a series of images taken before and after the time when the mismatch was detected from the video captured by the image capture device 23 installed in the store, and stores the detected series of images in association with the time when the mismatch was detected in a database. This allows video evidence of shoplifting to be immediately preserved. The notification system 20 also displays the detected series of images in association with the time when the mismatch was detected on the store clerk's terminal device 21. This allows evidence of shoplifting to be presented to the store clerk.

[0104] The notification system 20 also displays on the store clerk's terminal device 21 the movement path of a customer who is carrying a product with a spare tag that has been determined to be a mismatch, in a manner that makes it clear that the mismatch has been determined, thereby enabling the store clerk to check the movement path of a customer who may have shoplifted.

[0105] Furthermore, if the position of the spare tag and the position of the price tag match, the notification system 20 outputs a message indicating that there is no problem. This allows, for example, a store clerk to confirm that there is no abnormality.

[0106] This concludes the description of each embodiment. Each embodiment may be modified. Modifications will be described below.

[0107] <Modification> The second RFID tag included in the spare tag may store tag identification information for identifying the second RFID tag. The tag DB 2002 may store the tag identification information for identifying the first RFID tag included in the price tag of the product and the tag identification information for identifying the second RFID tag included in the spare tag in association with each other.

[0108] This concludes the description of the modified examples. The embodiments and modified examples may be used in combination as appropriate.

[0109] In each embodiment, the notification systems 10 and 20 may be configured to include some of the functional units and information.

[0110] Furthermore, each embodiment is not limited to the examples described above and can be modified in various ways. Furthermore, the configuration of the notification systems 10 and 20 in the embodiments is not particularly limited. For example, the notification systems 10 and 20 may be realized by a single device, such as a single server. When each functional unit of the notification systems 10 and 20 is realized by a single device, the single device may be called, for example, a notification device, an information processing device, or the like, and is not particularly limited.

[0111] Alternatively, the notification systems 10 and 20 in each embodiment may be realized by different devices for different functions or data. For example, each functional unit may be configured by multiple servers and realized as a notification system. For example, the notification systems 10 and 20 may be realized by a database server including each DB (Database) and a server having each functional unit. For example, the server realizing the notification systems 10 and 20 may be an edge server managed in a store. The edge server may further be connected to a server managing multiple stores, such as a headquarters server, via a communication network NT. Furthermore, for example, the notification systems 10 and 20 may be realized by an edge server and a server managing multiple stores.

[0112] Furthermore, for example, the output control units 103 and 203 may be realized as different functional units for each device to be controlled.

[0113] In each embodiment, each piece of information or each DB may include a portion of the information described above. Each piece of information or each DB may include information other than the information described above. Each piece of information or each DB may be divided into multiple DBs or multiple pieces of information in more detail, or may be combined into a single DB.

[0114] Furthermore, each screen is merely an example and is not particularly limited. Buttons, lists, check boxes, information display fields, input fields, etc. (not shown) may be added to each screen. Furthermore, the background color of the screen may be changed.

[0115] Furthermore, the process of generating information to be displayed on the terminal device 21 may be performed by the output control units 103 and 203. This process may also be performed by the terminal device.

[0116] (Example of Computer Hardware Configuration) Next, an example of a hardware configuration when each device, such as the notification systems 10 and 20 and the terminal device 21 described in each embodiment, is realized by a computer will be described. Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a computer hardware configuration. For example, some or all of each device can be realized using any combination of a computer 80 and a program as shown in Fig. 13.

[0117] The computer 80 includes, for example, a processor 801, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 802, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 803, and a storage device 804. The computer 80 also includes a communication interface 805 and an input / output interface 806. The components are connected to each other, for example, via a bus 807. The number of each component is not particularly limited, and there may be one or more of each component.

[0118] The processor 801 controls the entire computer 80. As the processor 801, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an FPU (Floating point number Processing Unit), a PPU (Physics Processing Unit), a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), a quantum processor, a microcontroller, or a combination thereof can be used.

[0119] The computer 80 also includes a ROM 802, a RAM 803, and a storage device 804 as storage units. Examples of the storage device 804 include semiconductor memory such as flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid state drive (SSD). For example, the storage device 804 stores an operating system (OS) program, application programs, and programs according to the embodiments. Alternatively, the ROM 802 stores application programs and programs according to the embodiments. The RAM 803 is used as a work area for the processor 801.

[0120] The processor 801 also loads programs stored in the storage device 804, ROM 802, etc. The processor 801 then executes each process coded in the program. The processor 801 may also download various programs via the communication network NT. The processor 801 also functions as a part or all of the computer 80. The processor 801 may then execute the processes or instructions in the illustrated flowchart based on the program.

[0121] The communication interface 805 is connected to a communication network NT such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) via a wireless or wired communication line. The communication network NT may be composed of multiple communication networks NT. As a result, the computer 80 is connected to external devices and external computers 80 via the communication networks NT. The communication interface 805 serves as an interface between the communication network NT and the inside of the computer 80. The communication interface 805 also controls the input and output of data from external devices and external computers 80.

[0122] Furthermore, the input / output interface 806 is connected to at least one of an input device, an output device, and an input / output device. The connection method may be wireless or wired. Examples of the input device include a keyboard, a mouse, and a microphone. Examples of the output device include a display device, a lighting device, and an audio output device that outputs audio. Examples of the input / output device include a touch panel display. Note that the input device, output device, and input / output device may be built into the computer 80 or may be external.

[0123] The hardware configuration of the computer 80 is an example. The computer 80 may have some of the components shown in FIG. 13 . The computer 80 may have components other than those shown in FIG. 13 . For example, the computer 80 may have a drive device or the like. The processor 801 may then read programs and data stored on a recording medium attached to the drive device or the like into the RAM 803. Examples of non-transitory tangible recording media include optical disks, flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories. As described above, the computer 80 may have input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. The computer 80 may have an output device such as a display. The computer 80 may also have an input device, an output device, and an input / output device.

[0124] The computer 80 may also include various sensors (not shown). The types of sensors are not particularly limited. The computer 80 may also include an imaging device capable of capturing images or videos.

[0125] This concludes the description of the hardware configuration of each device. There are various variations in the method of realizing each device. For example, each device may be realized by any combination of a different computer and program for each component. Furthermore, multiple components of each device may be realized by any combination of a single computer and program.

[0126] Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by circuits for specific applications. Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by general-purpose circuits including a processor such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by a combination of circuits for specific applications and general-purpose circuits. Furthermore, these circuits may be a single integrated circuit. Alternatively, these circuits may be divided into multiple integrated circuits. The multiple integrated circuits may be connected via a bus or the like.

[0127] Furthermore, when some or all of the components of each device are realized by a plurality of computers, circuits, etc., the plurality of computers, circuits, etc. may be centrally located or distributed.

[0128] The notification methods described in the respective embodiments are realized by being executed by the notification systems 10 and 20. Furthermore, for example, the notification methods are realized by having a computer such as a server or a terminal device execute a program prepared in advance.

[0129] The programs described in each embodiment are recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a HDD, SSD, flexible disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or USB memory. The programs are then read from the recording medium and executed by a computer. The programs may also be distributed via a communication network NT.

[0130] The functions of each of the components of the notification systems 10 and 20 in each of the embodiments described above may be realized by dedicated hardware, such as a computer. Alternatively, each component may be realized by software. Alternatively, each component may be realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0131] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to various embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. The configuration and details of each of the present disclosures may include embodiments to which various modifications that would be apparent to those skilled in the art are applied within the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may also include embodiments in which the details described herein are appropriately combined or substituted as necessary. For example, details described using a particular embodiment may also be applied to other embodiments to the extent that no contradiction occurs. For example, although multiple operations are described in sequence in the form of a flowchart, the order of the descriptions does not limit the order in which the multiple operations are performed. Therefore, when implementing each embodiment, the order of the multiple operations may be changed as long as it does not interfere with the content.

[0132] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as follows: However, some or all of the above-described embodiments are not limited to the following.

[0133] (Supplementary Note 1) An alarm system comprising: position detection means for detecting, by a reading device installed in a store, the position of a price tag attached to an item and including a first RFID tag storing item identification information of the item, and the position of a spare tag attached to the item and including a second RFID tag; determination means for determining whether the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag match; and output control means for issuing an alarm if they do not match. (Supplementary Note 2) The alarm system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the price tag tag is a tag that can be removed from the item. (Supplementary Note 3) The alarm system according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein the spare tag is a tag that cannot be removed from the item. (Supplementary Note 4) The alarm system according to any of Supplements 1 to 3, wherein the spare tag is a laundry tag. (Supplementary Note 5) The notification system according to any one of Supplements 1 to 4, wherein the second RFID tag stores tag identification information that identifies the first RFID tag, and the determination means determines whether the position of the spare tag matches the position of the price tag tag including the first RFID tag identified by the tag identification information stored in the second RFID tag included in the spare tag. (Supplementary Note 6) The notification system according to any one of Supplements 1 to 5, wherein the output control means issues a notification to at least one of a store clerk's terminal device, a store terminal device near the spare tag, a store terminal device near the price tag tag, and a terminal device near the display position of the product to which the price tag tag is attached. (Supplementary Note 7) The notification system according to any one of Supplements 1 to 6, wherein the output control means issues a notification to a product registration device that registers products through customer operation. (Supplementary Note 8) The notification system according to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the output control means issues a notification to a product registration device that registers products through customer operation. (Supplementary Note 9) The notification system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, wherein the reading device is provided in a terminal device that is installed in a store and can be operated by a customer, and the output control means notifies the terminal device when there is a mismatch.(Supplementary Note 10) The notification system according to any one of Supplements 1 to 9, comprising: an image detection means that detects a series of images taken before and after the time when a mismatch is determined from video captured by an imaging device installed in the store; and an identification means that identifies a customer who is holding the product to which the spare tag is attached from the detected series of images, wherein the output control means notifies at least one of a terminal device near the identified customer, a terminal device of the identified customer, and a terminal device that authenticated the identified customer. (Supplementary Note 11) The notification system according to Supplementary Note 10, wherein the output control means notifies an output device installed at an entrance / exit of the store of the product to which the spare tag is determined to be a mismatch. (Supplementary Note 12) The notification system according to any one of Supplements 1 to 11, wherein the output control means notifies an output device installed at an entrance / exit of the store. (Supplementary Note 13) The notification system according to Supplementary Note 12, wherein the reading device is installed at an entrance / exit of the store. (Supplementary Note 14) The notification system according to any one of Supplements 1 to 13, comprising: an image detection means that, in the event of a mismatch, detects a series of images taken from video captured by an imaging device installed in the store around the time when a mismatch is determined, and an association means that associates the time when a mismatch is determined with the detected series of images. (Supplementary Note 15) The notification system according to Supplementary Note 14, wherein the output control means causes a store clerk's terminal device to display the time when a mismatch is determined and the detected series of images in association with each other. (Supplementary Note 16) The notification system according to any one of Supplements 1 to 13, comprising: an image detection means that detects a series of images taken from video captured by an imaging device installed in the store around the time when a mismatch is determined, and an identification means that identifies a customer who is holding the product to which the spare tag is attached from the detected series of images, and the output control means causes a store clerk's terminal device to display the movement line of the identified customer in a manner that makes it clear that a mismatch has been determined. (Supplementary Note 17) The notification system according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 16, wherein the output control means outputs a message indicating that there is no problem if the two match.(Supplementary Note 18) A notification method comprising: detecting, by a reading device installed in a store, the position of a price tag attached to a product and including a first RFID tag storing product identification information of the product, and the position of a spare tag attached to the product and including a second RFID tag; determining whether the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag match; and issuing a notification if they do not match. (Supplementary Note 19) A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute a process of: detecting, by a reading device installed in a store, the position of a price tag attached to a product and including a first RFID tag storing product identification information of the product, and the position of a spare tag attached to the product and including a second RFID tag; determining whether the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag match; and issuing a notification if they do not match. (Supplementary Note 20) A program that causes a computer to execute the following process: detects, using a reading device installed in a store, the position of a price tag that is attached to a product and includes a first RFID tag that stores product identification information of the product, and the position of a spare tag that is attached to the product and includes a second RFID tag; determines whether the position of the price tag tag and the position of the spare tag match; and issues an alert if they do not match.

[0134] 10, 20 Notification system 21 Terminal device 22, 22-1, 22-2, 22-3, 22-4, 22-5, 22-6, 22-7, 22-8, 22-9, 22-10, 22-11, 22-12, 22-13, 22-14, 22-15, 22-16 Reading device 23, 23-1, 23-2, 23-3, 23-4, 23-5 Imaging device 24 Audio output device 80 Computer 101, 201 Position detection unit 102, 202 Determination unit 103, 203 Output control unit 204 Image detection unit 205 Identification unit 206 Association unit 207 Authentication unit 801 Processor 802 ROM 803 RAM 804 Storage device 805 Communication interface 806 Input / output interface 807 Bus 2001 Product DB 2002 Tag DB 2003 Stolen product DB 2004 Action history DB 2005 Customer DB NT Communication network

Claims

1. a position detection means for detecting, by a reader installed in the store, the position of a price tag including a first RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag attached to a commodity and storing commodity identification information of the commodity, and the position of a spare tag attached to the commodity and including a second RFID tag; a determining means for determining whether the position of the price tag and the position of the spare tag coincide with each other; an output control means for notifying the user when the two do not match; An alarm system comprising:

2. The price tag is a tag that can be removed from the product. The notification system according to claim 1 .

3. The spare tag is a tag that cannot be removed from the product. The notification system according to claim 1 .

4. The spare tag is a laundry tag. The notification system according to claim 1 .

5. the second RFID tag stores tag identification information that identifies the first RFID tag; the determining means determines whether the position of the spare tag matches the position of the price tag tag including the first RFID tag identified by the tag identification information stored in the second RFID tag included in the spare tag. The notification system according to claim 1 .

6. the output control means notifies at least one of a store clerk's terminal device, a store terminal device located near the spare tag, a store terminal device located near the price tag, and a terminal device located near the display position of the commodity to which the price tag is attached. The notification system according to claim 1 .

7. the output control means notifies a product registration device that registers products in response to an operation by a customer; The notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. When the notification is sent to the product registration device, the output control means calls a store clerk. The notification system according to claim 7.

9. A computer comprising: detecting, by a reader installed in the store, the position of a price tag attached to a commodity and including a first RFID tag storing commodity identification information of the commodity, and the position of a spare tag attached to the commodity and including a second RFID tag; determining whether the position of the price tag and the position of the spare tag match; If there is no match, report it. Notification method for executing a process.

10. On the computer, detecting, by a reading device installed in the store, the position of a price tag attached to a product and including a first RFID tag storing product identification information of the product, and the position of a spare tag attached to the product and including a second RFID tag; determining whether the position of the price tag and the position of the spare tag match; If there is no match, report it. A program that executes a process.