Commodity delivery assistance device, commodity delivery assistance method, and recording medium

Abstract

This commodity delivery assistance device comprises: an entry detection means for detecting entry of a vehicle of a user who has come to receive an ordered commodity; a selection reception means for receiving a selection of whether the user will immediately receive the ordered commodity, or will receive the ordered commodity after using another store sharing a parking lot with a target store from which the ordered commodity was ordered; and a preparation start instruction means for transmitting an instruction to start delivery preparation of the ordered commodity to a target store terminal used in the target store. The preparation start instruction means transmits an instruction to start delivery preparation upon receiving selection that the ordered commodity will be immediately received, and transmits an instruction to start delivery preparation at a predetermined timing after the other store is used, upon receiving selection that the ordered commodity will be received after use of the other store.

Description

Product delivery support device, product delivery support method, and recording medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a product delivery support device, a product delivery support method, and a recording medium.

[0002] There is a service called curbside pickup, which allows customers to pick up pre-ordered items in the store's parking lot.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a sales management system that makes it possible to provide a service in which customers who come to a store by car or the like can pick up pre-ordered products in the store's parking lot.

[0004] JP 2003-067461 A

[0005] For example, a user may stop by a store other than the store where the user placed the order before picking up the ordered item. In order to efficiently deliver the ordered item, the store that delivers the item to the user needs to respond in accordance with the user's behavior.

[0006] One of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide a product delivery support device and the like that enables efficient delivery of products.

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the product delivery support device comprises an entry detection means for detecting the entry of a vehicle of a user who has come to pick up ordered products; a selection acceptance means for accepting a choice from the user whether to pick up the ordered products immediately or to pick up the ordered products after visiting another store that shares a parking lot with the target store where the ordered products were placed; and a preparation start instruction means for, if the selection to pick up the ordered products immediately is accepted, sending an instruction to start preparations for delivery of the ordered products to a target store terminal used at the target store, and, if the selection to pick up the ordered products after visiting the other store is accepted, sending an instruction to start preparations for delivery to the target store terminal at a predetermined time after using the other store.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a product delivery support method detects the entry of a vehicle of a user who has come to pick up an ordered product, and accepts a choice between the user receiving the ordered product immediately or receiving the ordered product after visiting another store that shares a parking lot with the target store where the ordered product was placed.If the choice to receive the ordered product immediately is accepted, an instruction to start preparations for delivery of the ordered product is sent to a target store terminal used in the target store, and if the choice to receive the ordered product after visiting the other store is accepted, an instruction to start preparations for delivery of the ordered product is sent to the target store terminal used in the target store at a predetermined time after visiting the other store.

[0009] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the product delivery support program detects the entry of a vehicle of a user who has come to pick up ordered products, accepts the user's choice of whether to pick up the ordered products immediately or to pick up the ordered products after visiting another store that shares a parking lot with the target store where the ordered products were placed, and if the choice of picking up the ordered products immediately is accepted, sends an instruction to start preparing for delivery of the ordered products to a target store terminal used at the target store, and if the choice of picking up the ordered products after visiting the other store is accepted, sends an instruction to start preparing for delivery of the ordered products to the target store terminal used at the target store at a predetermined time after visiting the other store.

[0010] Each program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

[0011] One example of the effect of the present disclosure is that it enables efficient delivery of goods.

[0012] FIG. 1 is an image diagram showing an example of a parking lot where a target store and another store are located together. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system including a product delivery support device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a product delivery support device. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the product delivery support device. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a product delivery support device. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen where either immediate pickup or pickup after using another store can be selected. FIG. 7 is an image diagram showing an example of a parking lot where a target store and another store are located together. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that notifies information about the pickup location. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the product delivery support device. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a product delivery support device. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen where it is possible to select whether to start preparation for delivery. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the product delivery support device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the product delivery support device.

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] First Embodiment First, an application example of the product delivery support device 10 will be described. As described above, there is a service that allows a user to pick up a product that they have ordered in advance in a store parking lot. That is, a user orders a product from a location outside the store, such as their home or workplace, before visiting the store. Then, the user who has ordered the product in advance heads to the store parking lot, for example, by car. At the store, a store clerk knows that the user has arrived at the parking lot. Then, the store clerk delivers the ordered product of the user who has arrived at the parking lot to the user's car. In this way, the ordered product is delivered in the store parking lot. This service is called, for example, curbside pickup.

[0015] Here, the store from which a curbside pickup customer pre-ordered a product and a different store may share the same parking lot. In other words, a single parking lot may house both the store from which the customer pre-ordered a product and a different store. For example, a commercial facility such as a shopping mall may have multiple stores open, and customers of the multiple stores may use a common parking lot. In the following description, the store from which the customer pre-ordered a product will be referred to as the "target store." Also, in the following description, a store other than the target store that is located in a single parking lot will be referred to as the "other store." Here, the other store may be, for example, a hospital, a pharmacy, or a facility for administrative procedures. In other words, the other store may be any place that the customer visits to run an errand.

[0016] In addition, when a target store and another store are located in the same parking lot, a user who comes to pick up an ordered item may want to pick up the ordered item after visiting the other store. On the other hand, a user who comes to pick up an ordered item may want to pick up the ordered item immediately without visiting the other store. Therefore, the following explanation will be divided into cases where a user picks up the ordered item after visiting the other store and cases where a user picks up the ordered item immediately, as necessary.

[0017] Here, the target store, other stores, and parking lot will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is an image diagram showing an example of a parking lot where the target store and other stores are located. The target store and other stores share a parking lot. Referring to FIG. 1, the target store and other stores are in different buildings. The target store and other stores may also be located in the same building. In other words, the target store and other stores may be stores that share a parking lot.

[0018] A parking lot is provided with multiple parking spaces. Referring to FIG. 1, the parking spaces are represented by squares. The area of ​​the parking spaces indicated by a bold frame is a dedicated product delivery area. The dedicated product delivery area is an area where curbside pickup customers park to receive their products. Therefore, in the case of immediate pickup, the customer parks in a parking space in the dedicated product delivery area. On the other hand, in the case of pickup after visiting another store, the customer visits the other store before receiving their product. Therefore, the customer parks in a parking space outside the dedicated product delivery area. Furthermore, customers who are not using curbside pickup park in a parking space outside the dedicated product delivery area.

[0019] The dedicated product delivery area in FIG. 1 includes nine parking spaces. In other words, nine vehicles can be parked in the dedicated product delivery area. The number of parking spaces is not limited to nine. The dedicated product delivery area may include one parking space or multiple parking spaces. Each parking space included in the dedicated product delivery area may be called a receiving port.

[0020] Referring to Figure 1, there are two dedicated product delivery areas in the parking lot. The number of dedicated product delivery areas is not limited to two. There may be one or more dedicated product delivery areas. The number of dedicated product delivery areas may be determined, for example, according to the size of the parking lot. The number of dedicated product delivery areas may also be determined according to the number of curbside pickup users. Each parking space in the dedicated product delivery area may also be assigned a number. Referring to Figure 1, each parking space is assigned a number from 1 to 9. If there are multiple dedicated product delivery areas, the parking spaces may be assigned consecutive numbers, or each dedicated product delivery area may be assigned a number.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a parking lot where a target store and other stores are located. The relative positions of the target store, other stores, and parking lot are not limited to this. Furthermore, the number and relative positions of parking spaces within the parking lot are not limited to this. The number and relative positions of areas exclusively for product delivery are not limited to this.

[0022] Next, an example of the configuration of a system including the product delivery support device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system including the product delivery support device 10. Referring to Fig. 2, the product delivery support device 10 is connected to a database 90, a camera 91, a target store terminal 92, a user terminal 93, and an other store server 94 via a wired or wireless network.

[0023] The database 90 stores information about the target store. For example, the database 90 stores user information and order information. The database 90 may also store other information about the target store. The database 90 may be included in the product delivery support device 10.

[0024] The user information may include, for example, at least one of the name, age, date of birth, contact information, and address of the curbside pickup user. The user information may also include the user's family structure, occupation, or payment information. The user information may also include the name, age, or date of birth of the user's family members as information about the user's family. Payment information is information necessary for payment used when a user orders a product. For example, in the case of credit card payment, payment information includes the card number and expiration date. User information is not limited to these.

[0025] The user information includes identification information of the vehicle used by the user. The vehicle used by the user is the vehicle that the user uses when picking up ordered items. In other words, the vehicle used by the user is not limited to a vehicle owned by the user. For example, the vehicle used by the user may be a vehicle owned by the user's family. The vehicle identification information is, for example, the vehicle's license plate number. The vehicle identification information may further include the vehicle's model or color. The vehicle identification information is not limited to these. The identification information may be any information that can identify the vehicle.

[0026] The user information may include a purchase history. The purchase history includes information about products that the user has ordered in the past using curbside pickup. The purchase history also includes information about products that the user has actually purchased at a target store. In other words, the purchase history includes information about products that the user has purchased at a target store.

[0027] Order information is information about orders that a user has placed in advance but has not yet received the products. Order information includes the product names and quantities ordered in advance by the user. Order information may also include information identifying the products ordered in advance by the user. Order information may also include the product prices. Order information further includes information about the delivery date and time and delivery time slot. Delivery time slot information is the time slot during which the ordered products will be delivered. Delivery time slot information is expressed, for example, as 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The user registers the delivery date and time slot and delivery time slot, i.e., the date and time slot during which the user will visit the target store to pick up the ordered products.

[0028] When a user places an advance order, order information is stored in association with the user information. For example, a user can place an advance order by registering the items they wish to purchase, the quantity, and the delivery time slot. Order information is then stored in association with the user information of the user who placed the advance order. At this time, if payment information is registered in the user information, payment for the ordered items can be made using the registered payment information. If payment information is not registered, the user may make payment when placing the advance order.

[0029] The camera 91 photographs vehicles. The camera 91 is installed, for example, at the entrance and exit of a parking lot. The camera 91 can photograph vehicles entering the parking lot. The camera 91 may also be installed in a position where it can photograph vehicles parked in the parking lot. In other words, the camera 91 can photograph vehicles parked in each parking space. Referring to FIG. 2 , there is one camera 91. The number of cameras 91 is not limited to one. There may be multiple cameras 91.

[0030] The target store terminal 92 is a terminal used in the target store. Specifically, the target store terminal 92 may be a terminal carried by each store employee. Furthermore, the target store terminal 92 may be a terminal installed in the back room of the store. In other words, the target store terminal 92 may be any terminal that can be operated by a store employee of the target store. The target store terminal 92 is, for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, or a tablet terminal. The target store terminal 92 is not limited to these. Furthermore, the number of target store terminals 92 is not limited to one. There may be multiple target store terminals 92.

[0031] The user terminal 93 is a terminal used by a user. That is, it is a terminal that can be used by a user who orders a product in advance and picks up the product in the parking lot of the target store. The user terminal 93 is, for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, or a tablet terminal. The user terminal 93 is not limited to these. Furthermore, the number of user terminals 93 is not limited to one. There may be multiple user terminals 93. The product delivery support device 10 may be connected via a wireless network to user terminals 93 used by multiple users. Furthermore, when one user uses multiple user terminals 93, the product delivery support device 10 may be connected to the multiple user terminals 93 used by the user. Here, if the user who ordered the product in advance and the user who picks up the product at the target store are different, the terminals used by each user may be included in the user terminal 93. An example of a case where the user who ordered the product in advance and the user who picks up the product at the target store are different is when the mother orders the product and the father picks up the product. In this case, the user terminal 93 includes the terminal used by the mother and the terminal used by the father.

[0032] The other store server 94 is a server that manages the business operations of other stores. The other store server 94 manages customer information of other stores. The other store server 94 manages, for example, reservations and schedules for services used by customers of other stores. The other store server 94 may also manage customers' entry and exit to other stores. The other store server 94 manages customer payments.

[0033] The configuration of the product delivery support device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the product delivery support device 10. The product delivery support device 10 includes an entry detection unit 101, a selection reception unit 102, and a preparation start instruction unit 103.

[0034] The entry detection unit 101 is one aspect of an entry detection means that detects the entry of a vehicle of a customer who has come to pick up an ordered item. A curbside pickup customer drives their car into the parking lot of the target store to pick up their ordered item. The entry detection unit 101 detects that the customer's vehicle has entered the parking lot.

[0035] The method by which the entrance detection unit 101 detects the entrance of a user's vehicle will be described in detail.

[0036] The entry detection unit 101 can detect the entry of a vehicle, for example, from an image captured by a camera 91. The camera 91 is installed, for example, at the entrance of a parking lot. The camera 91 captures an image of a vehicle passing through the entrance. The entry detection unit 101 acquires and analyzes the image captured by the camera 91. The entry detection unit 101 then identifies identification information of the vehicle that passed through the entrance, which is included in the image. The entry detection unit 101 can then use the vehicle identification information to determine whether the vehicle belongs to a user who has come to pick up a product. The user's vehicle identification information is registered in advance by the user and stored, for example, in the database 90. The entry detection unit 101 then compares the user's vehicle identification information with the identification information of the vehicle that passed through the entrance. In other words, the entry detection unit 101 compares the vehicle that passed through the entrance with the identification information of a user whose vehicle has matching identification information. If a user's vehicle with matching identification information is found, the entry detection unit 101 can detect that the user's vehicle has entered the parking lot.

[0037] Here, the analysis of the image captured by the camera 91 may be performed by an information processing device (not shown) different from the product delivery support device 10. Furthermore, the matching of the identification information of the user's vehicle with the identification information of the vehicle that has passed through the entrance may be performed by an information processing device different from the product delivery support device 10. The entry detection unit 101 can detect the entry of the user's vehicle by receiving the matching result from the information processing device. The entrance where the camera 91 is installed may be an entrance dedicated to entry, or may be an entrance that also serves as an exit from the parking lot.

[0038] The entry detection unit 101 may detect entry from video captured by a camera 91 installed in the parking lot. The camera 91 may be installed, for example, in a passageway from the entrance to the parking lot to the parking area. In other words, the camera 91 may be installed in a position where it can capture an image of a vehicle entering the parking lot.

[0039] The entry detection unit 101 may use an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) card to detect the entry of a user's vehicle. For example, the user inserts an ETC card into an on-board unit installed in the vehicle. The user then registers the ETC card information in advance. An antenna that wirelessly communicates with the on-board unit is installed at the entrance to the parking lot. The antenna acquires the information on the ETC card inserted into the on-board unit through communication between the antenna and the on-board unit. The entry detection unit 101 compares the acquired ETC card information with the user's ETC card information. If the acquired ETC card information matches the user's registered ETC card information, the entry detection unit 101 can detect the entry of the user's vehicle. The detection of vehicle entry is not limited to a method using ETC. That is, the vehicle detection unit 101 may detect the entry of a vehicle using an automatic toll collection system similar to ETC.

[0040] The entry detection unit 101 may detect the entry of the user's vehicle by acquiring GPS (Global Positioning System) information from the user terminal 93. Known technology can be used to acquire the GPS information from the user terminal 93. The entry detection unit 101 can detect that the user's vehicle has entered the parking lot from the acquired GPS information.

[0041] The entry detection unit 101 can detect the entry of a user's vehicle by any of the above methods. Alternatively, the entry detection unit 101 may detect the entry of a user's vehicle by using a plurality of the above methods.

[0042] The selection receiving unit 102 is one aspect of a selection receiving means that receives a selection of whether a user will receive the ordered items immediately or after visiting another store that shares a parking lot with the target store where the ordered items were placed. As described above, when the target store and the other store are located in the same parking lot, the user may receive the ordered items after visiting the other store, or the user may receive the ordered items immediately. Receiving the ordered items after visiting the other store refers to receiving the ordered items after completing an errand at the other store, which is a facility other than the target store. Therefore, the selection receiving unit 102 receives a selection of whether a user will receive the ordered items immediately or after visiting the other store. In the following description, receiving the ordered items after visiting the other store may be referred to as "receiving the ordered items after visiting the other store." Furthermore, receiving the ordered items immediately may be referred to as "immediate pickup." In other words, the selection receiving unit 102 receives a selection of either immediate pickup or pickup after visiting the other store.

[0043] The selection receiving unit 102 may accept a selection of either immediate pickup or pickup after visiting another store, depending on the lane in which the vehicle is traveling. An example will be described in which a parking lot has separate lanes for immediate pickup of ordered items and for pickup after visiting another store. If the user is to pick up the ordered items immediately, the user will travel in the lane for immediate pickup. On the other hand, if the user is to pick up the ordered items after visiting another store, the user will travel in the lane for pickup after visiting another store. The selection receiving unit 102 then detects a vehicle passing through at least one of the lanes for immediate pickup or the lane for pickup after visiting another store. The selection receiving unit 102 can accept a selection based on the detection result.

[0044] For example, a case will be described in which the selection receiving unit 102 detects a vehicle passing through the immediate pickup lane. The entry detection unit 101 detects an entering vehicle. Then, the selection receiving unit 102 detects a vehicle traveling through the immediate pickup lane. That is, the selection receiving unit 102 can accept a selection of immediate pickup by a vehicle traveling through the immediate pickup lane. On the other hand, the selection receiving unit 102 does not detect a vehicle traveling through the immediate pickup lane. That is, the selection receiving unit 102 can accept a selection of "after using another store" by a user of a vehicle traveling through the lane for after using another store. Even when the selection receiving unit 102 detects a vehicle passing through the lane for after using another store, the selection receiving unit 102 can similarly accept a user's selection. Furthermore, when the selection receiving unit 102 detects a vehicle passing through the immediate pickup lane and the lane for after using another store, the selection receiving unit 102 can accept a selection by a user of a vehicle passing through each lane. The entrance detection unit 101 may detect vehicles passing through at least one of the lanes for immediate pickup or the lane for pickup after using another store.

[0045] The selection receiving unit 102 can detect vehicles passing through the lane by using any of the vehicle entry detection methods described above. That is, the selection receiving unit 102 can detect vehicles passing through the lane by using at least one of an image captured by a camera, an ETC card, or location information of the user terminal 93. The detection of vehicles passing through the lane by the selection receiving unit 102 may be performed by a method similar to the detection of vehicle entry by the entry detection unit 101. Furthermore, the detection of vehicles passing through the lane by the selection receiving unit 102 may be performed by a method different from the detection of vehicle entry by the entry detection unit 101.

[0046] The selection receiving unit 102 can receive a selection of either immediate pickup or pickup after visiting another store, based on advance registration by the user. A user may plan to pick up an ordered item after visiting another store. A user may also plan to pick up an ordered item immediately without visiting another store. Therefore, a user can register a selection of either immediate pickup or pickup after visiting another store in advance. A user can register a selection when placing an advance order. A user can also register a selection between placing an advance order and picking up the ordered item. A user can register a selection of either immediate pickup or pickup after visiting another store, depending on, for example, plans before and after the delivery date and time.

[0047] The preparation start instruction unit 103 is one aspect of a preparation start instruction means that, when a selection to receive the ordered items immediately is accepted, sends an instruction to start preparing for delivery of the ordered items to the target store terminal 92 used at the target store, and, when a selection to receive the ordered items after using another store is accepted, sends an instruction to start preparation for delivery to the target store terminal at a predetermined timing after using the other store.

[0048] First, delivery preparation refers to preparation for delivering the ordered items to the user. In other words, delivery preparation includes preparation for transporting the ordered items to the user's vehicle and transporting the ordered items to the user's vehicle. To transport the ordered items to the user's vehicle, the store clerk must, for example, load the ordered items onto a cart. The store clerk must also confirm that all the ordered items are present. The store clerk then uses the cart loaded with the ordered items to transport the ordered items to the user's vehicle. By transporting the ordered items to the user's vehicle, the store clerk can deliver the ordered items to the user.

[0049] Here, when loading the ordered items into a cart or loading platform, the ordered items may be collected in advance. That is, the store clerk may, for example, prepare to transport the ordered items to the user's vehicle by loading a basket containing pre-collected ordered items into the cart. When the user places an advance order, the user registers a delivery time slot. Therefore, the store clerk can collect the ordered items in a basket or container before that time slot. Then, when the preparation start instructing unit 103 sends an instruction to start delivery preparation, the store clerk can confirm the instruction to start delivery preparation via the target store terminal 92. Then, the store clerk can load the basket or container containing the ordered items into the cart, thereby preparing to transport the ordered items to the user's vehicle.

[0050] The preparation start instruction unit 103 transmits a delivery preparation start instruction to the target store terminal 92. The delivery preparation start instruction is an instruction to start preparations for transporting the ordered items to the user's vehicle. If multiple target store terminals 92 are used in the target store, the preparation start instruction unit 103 may transmit the delivery preparation start instruction to all target store terminals 92. Also, if multiple target store terminals 92 are used in the target store, the preparation start instruction unit 103 may identify the target store terminal 92 to which the delivery preparation start instruction should be transmitted. Then, the preparation start instruction unit 103 may transmit the delivery preparation start instruction to the identified target store terminal 92. For example, the preparation start instruction unit 103 may identify the target store terminal 92 used by a store clerk in charge of delivery preparation in the target store. Then, the preparation start instruction unit 103 may transmit the delivery preparation start instruction. For example, for each target store terminal 92, the store clerk in charge of using the target store terminal 92 is set in advance. For example, the target store terminal 92 is for the stocking clerk and the target store terminal 92 is for the cashier. A table associating the target store terminal 92 with the clerk who uses the target store terminal 92 is stored, for example, in a database. The preparation start instruction unit 103 then references the table associating the target store terminal 92 with the clerk who uses the target store terminal 92, and identifies the target store terminal 92 used by the clerk in charge of delivery preparation. The preparation start instruction unit 103 can then send a delivery preparation start instruction to the identified target store terminal 92.

[0051] The preparation start instruction unit 103 transmits a delivery preparation start instruction when the selection receiving unit 102 receives a selection to immediately receive the ordered items. That is, the preparation start instruction unit 103 transmits a delivery preparation start instruction when the selection receiving unit 102 receives a selection to immediately receive the ordered items.

[0052] Furthermore, when the selection receiving unit 102 receives a selection to receive the ordered items after using the other store, the preparation start instructing unit 103 transmits a delivery preparation start instruction at a predetermined timing after using the other store. The predetermined timing after using the other store is the timing at which the user's use of the other store ends. The timing at which the user's use of the other store ends is, for example, the time when an event at the other store is predicted to end. Examples of events at the other store include a treatment at a beauty salon or a regular medical checkup at a hospital. Another example of the timing at which the user's use of the other store ends is the timing at which a notification indicating the end of an event at the other store is received. The notification indicating the end of an event at the other store is, for example, a notification indicating that the user's payment at the other store has been completed. Another example of the notification indicating the end of an event at the other store is a notification indicating that the user has left the other store. The preparation start instructing unit 103 can transmit a delivery preparation start instruction at the timing at which the user's use of the other store ends.

[0053] 4, the operation of the product delivery support device 10 including the entry detection unit 101, the selection reception unit 102, and the preparation start instruction unit 103 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the product delivery support device 10.

[0054] In step S101, the entry detection unit 101 detects the entry of a vehicle of a user who has come to pick up their ordered items. Then, in step S102, the selection receiving unit 102 receives a selection of whether the user will pick up the ordered items immediately. If the answer is Yes in step S102, the selection receiving unit 102 receives a selection of whether the user will pick up the ordered items immediately. If the answer is No in step S102, the selection receiving unit 102 receives a selection of whether the user will pick up the ordered items after visiting another store. In other words, the selection receiving unit 102 receives a selection of whether the user will pick up the ordered items immediately or after visiting another store.

[0055] If the selection receiving unit 102 receives a selection to immediately receive the ordered product (Yes in step S102), the preparation start instruction unit 103 transmits an instruction to start preparation for delivery of the ordered product in step S103. Then, the product delivery support device 10 ends its operation.

[0056] If the selection receiving unit 102 receives a selection to receive the ordered product after visiting another store (No in step S102), in step S104, the preparation start instruction unit 103 sends an instruction to start preparation for delivery of the ordered product at a predetermined timing after visiting the other store. Then, the product delivery support device 10 ends its operation.

[0057] In this embodiment, the product delivery support device 10 includes an entry detection unit 101 that detects the entry of a vehicle of a user who has come to pick up an ordered item; a selection acceptance unit 102 that accepts a selection from the user whether to pick up the ordered item immediately or to pick up the ordered item after visiting another store that shares a parking lot with the target store where the ordered item was placed; and a preparation start instruction unit 103 that, when accepting the selection of picking up the ordered item immediately, sends an instruction to start preparation for delivery of the ordered item to a target store terminal used in the target store, and when accepting the selection of picking up the ordered item after visiting the other store, sends an instruction to start preparation for delivery to the target store terminal at a predetermined timing after visiting the other store. A user may stop by the other store before picking up a previously ordered item. Therefore, a store clerk needs to prepare for delivery at a timing appropriate for whether the user will pick up the ordered item immediately or after visiting the other store. When the selection acceptance unit 10 accepts the selection of picking up the ordered item immediately, the preparation start instruction unit 103 sends an instruction to start preparation for delivery of the ordered item to the target store terminal used in the target store. Furthermore, when the selection receiving unit 102 receives a selection to receive the ordered items after using another store, the preparation start instruction unit 103 transmits a delivery preparation start instruction to the target store terminal at a predetermined timing after using the other store. This configuration allows the store clerk to start delivery preparation at a timing that suits the user's behavior. Also, the user can receive the ordered items at a timing that suits their own behavior. Therefore, the above configuration enables efficient delivery of items.

[0058] [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Below, the description of the second embodiment will be omitted to the extent that it does not make the description of the present embodiment unclear.

[0059] The configuration of the product delivery support device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the product delivery support device 20. The product delivery support device 20 includes an entry detection unit 201, a selection reception unit 202, a preparation start instruction unit 203, a selection request transmission unit 204, a timing identification unit 205, a parking location identification unit 206, a delivery location determination unit 207, and a delivery location notification unit 208.

[0060] The entry detection unit 101 corresponds to the entry detection unit 201, the selection reception unit 102 corresponds to the selection reception unit 202, and the preparation start instruction unit 103 corresponds to the preparation start instruction unit 203. That is, the product delivery support device 20 includes, in addition to the configuration of the product delivery support device 10, a selection request sending unit 204, a timing specifying unit 205, a parking location specifying unit 206, a delivery location determination unit 207, and a delivery location notifying unit 208.

[0061] The entrance detection unit 201 detects the entry of a vehicle of a user who has come to pick up an ordered item. The entrance detection unit 201 is similar to the entrance detection unit 101. That is, the entrance detection unit 201 can detect the entry of a vehicle into the parking lot, for example, using an image captured by the camera 91. The entrance detection unit 201 may also detect the entry of a user's vehicle using an ETC card. Furthermore, the entrance detection unit 201 may detect the entry of a user's vehicle by acquiring GPS information from the user terminal 93.

[0062] The selection receiving unit 202 receives a selection from the user as to whether to receive the ordered items immediately or to receive the ordered items after visiting another store. The method by which the selection receiving unit 202 receives the selection is as described above. That is, the selection receiving unit 202 may receive a selection of either immediate pickup or pickup after visiting another store, depending on the lane in which the vehicle is traveling. The selection receiving unit 202 may receive a selection from the user as to whether to receive the ordered items immediately or pickup after visiting another store, after detecting the entry of the user's vehicle. The selection receiving unit 202 may also receive a selection from the user as to whether to receive the ordered items immediately or pickup after visiting another store, based on prior registration by the user.

[0063] The selection receiving unit 202 may receive a selection from the user of either immediate pickup or pickup after visiting another store after detecting the entry of the user's vehicle. Here, the product delivery support device 20 may include a selection request sending unit 204.

[0064] The selection request sending unit 204 is one aspect of a selection request sending means that sends a selection request to the user terminal 93 used by the user, asking whether the user wants to receive the ordered items immediately or after visiting another store that shares a parking lot with the target store where the ordered items were placed. When the selection request sending unit 204 detects the entry of the user's vehicle, it sends a selection request to the user terminal 93, asking whether the user wants to receive the ordered items immediately or after visiting the other store. The user terminal 93 receives the selection request from the selection request sending unit 204. Upon receiving the selection request, the user terminal 93 displays a screen on which the user can select either immediate collection or collection after visiting the other store. When the user terminal 93 receives the selection request, it may display a notification on the screen indicating that the selection request has been received. The user can select either immediate collection or collection after visiting the other store on the screen of the user terminal 93. The user terminal 93 then sends the user's selection result to the product delivery support device 20. The selection receiving unit 202 may then receive the user's selection result transmitted by the user terminal 93.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 6 , a screen displayed on the user terminal 93, which allows the user to select either immediate pickup or pickup after visiting another store, will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which the user can select either immediate pickup or pickup after visiting another store. Referring to FIG. 6 , a message requesting the user to make a selection is displayed on the screen. A "Pick Up Now" button and a "Pick Up After Visiting Another Store" button are also displayed. The user can select either immediate pickup or pickup after visiting another store by pressing the "Pick Up Now" button or the "Pick Up After Visiting Another Store" button. A "Send" button is also displayed on the screen. When the user presses the "Send" button, the user terminal 93 transmits the user's selection to the product delivery support device 20. The selection receiving unit 202 can then receive the selection from the user terminal 93. Screens on which the user can select either immediate pickup or pickup after visiting another store are not limited to these. When the user presses the "Pick Up Now" button or the "Pick Up After Visiting Another Store" button, the user terminal 93 may transmit the selection to the product delivery support device 20.

[0066] When the selection receiving unit 202 has a function of receiving a selection by a user after detecting the entry of the user's vehicle, the product delivery support device 20 may have a selection request sending unit 204. In addition, the selection receiving unit 202 may have the function of the selection request sending unit 204.

[0067] The preparation start instruction unit 203 transmits an instruction to start preparation for delivery of the ordered items to the target store terminal 92 used in the target store. As described above, delivery preparation is preparation for delivery of the ordered items to the user. In other words, delivery preparation includes preparation for transporting the ordered items to the user's vehicle and transporting the ordered items to the user's vehicle.

[0068] Next, the timing for transmitting the delivery preparation start instruction will be described in detail. First, a case will be described in which the selection receiving unit 202 receives a selection to immediately receive the ordered product. In this case, the preparation start instruction unit 203 transmits the delivery preparation start instruction in response to the selection receiving unit 202 receiving the selection to immediately receive the ordered product.

[0069] Next, a case where the selection receiving unit 202 receives a selection to receive the ordered product after visiting another store will be described. As described above, the preparation start instruction unit 203 sends a delivery preparation start instruction at a predetermined timing after visiting the other store. The predetermined timing after visiting the other store is the end timing of the user's visit to the other store. The end timing of the visit may be determined by the timing determination unit 205. Here, the product delivery support device 20 may be equipped with the timing determination unit 205.

[0070] The timing identification unit 205 is one aspect of timing identification means that identifies the timing of use completion regarding the end of use at the other store. The timing of use completion regarding the end of use at the other store is the timing when the user is predicted to finish use at the other store and head from the other store to the target store to pick up the ordered items. In other words, the timing identification unit 205 identifies the timing when the user is predicted to head from the other store to the target store. Then, the preparation start instruction unit 203 sends an instruction to start delivery preparation.

[0071] An example of the usage end timing for the user's end of use at another store is the time when an event at the other store is predicted to end. Therefore, the timing specifying unit 205 predicts the end time of the event at the other store. Then, the timing specifying unit 205 specifies the predicted end time as the usage end timing.

[0072] An example of an event at another store is receiving a service provided by that store. The service provided by that store is a service for which the store or the user can estimate the required time. For example, if the other store is a hospital, the service provided by that store is a medical examination or treatment. For a medical examination, the store or the user can estimate the required time depending on whether it is a first visit or a repeat visit. For a treatment, the store or the user can estimate the required time depending on the treatment content. If the other store is a beauty salon or nail salon, the service provided by that store is receiving a treatment from the menu of that store. The store or the user can estimate the required time depending on the menu of the beauty salon or nail salon. Another example is taking a lesson or course if the other store is an English conversation school or cram school. Examples of events at that store are not limited to these. An event at that store is a service provided by the other store and may be a service for which the store or the user can estimate the required time.

[0073] The timing identification unit 205 acquires information about a service that the user uses at another store. The information about the service that the user uses at another store includes the start time of the service. The information about the service that the user uses at another store may also include the content of the service. The information about the service that the user uses at another store may also include an estimate of the time required for the service. The information about the service that the user uses at another store may also include the end time of the service or the time period during which the service is used.

[0074] The timing specifying unit 205 can, for example, obtain information about services that a user uses at other stores from the other store server. The timing specifying unit 205, for example, transmits a request for information about services that a user uses to the other store server. At this time, the request to the other store server may include information that identifies the user. The other store server then transmits information about services that a user uses that correspond to the information that identifies the user included in the request to the timing specifying unit 205. The timing specifying unit 205 can obtain information about services that a user uses at other stores from the other store server.

[0075] The timing identification unit 205 can obtain information about services that the user will use at other stores, for example, through advance registration by the user. A user may register in advance that they will pick up their ordered items after using the other store. In this case, the user can pre-register information about services that the user will use at other stores. That is, the user can pre-register information about services that the user will use at other stores at the same time as registering to pick up their ordered items after using the other store. Furthermore, after registering to pick up their ordered items after using the other store, the user can pre-register information about services that the user will use at other stores during the period in which they will pick up their ordered items. The pre-registration of information about services that the user will use at other stores by the user only needs to be completed before the delivery of the ordered items.

[0076] The timing identification unit 205 can predict the end time of an event at the other store based on information about the service used by the user at the other store. The timing identification unit 205 can predict the end time of the event at the other store based on the start time of the service used by the user at the other store and the required time for the service. The timing identification unit 205 can predict the end time of the event at the other store by adding the required time for the service to the start time of the service. The timing identification unit 205 may predict the end time of the event at the other store by adding a predetermined time to the time obtained by adding the required time for the service to the start time of the service. The predetermined time is the time required from the end of the service used at the other store to leaving the other store. For example, if the other store is a hospital, there may be time required for payment and receipt of prescription medication after treatment or consultation. Therefore, the timing identification unit 205 may predict the end time of the event at the other store by adding the time required from the end of the service used at the other store to leaving the other store. The time required from the end of the service used at another store to leaving the store may be a time analyzed using the leaving times of users who have used other stores in the past, or may be a preset time.

[0077] The timing identifying unit 205 can predict the end time of an event at another store from the end time of the service used by the user at the other store. The timing identifying unit 205 can predict the end time of an event at the other store from the time period during which the user uses a service at the other store. The timing identifying unit 205 may predict the end time of the service used at the other store as the end time of the event at the other store. Furthermore, as described above, the timing identifying unit 205 may predict the end time of the event at the other store by adding the time required to leave the other store to the end time of the service use.

[0078] The timing identifying unit 205 may predict the end time of an event at another store based on the time required when the user visited the other store in the past. For example, the other store may record the user's entry time and exit time. Therefore, the timing identifying unit 205 acquires the user's entry time, exit time, and service details from the other store's server when the user visited the other store in the past. The timing identifying unit 205 can then analyze the user's stay time at the other store based on the service the user uses. The analysis of the user's stay time at the other store may be performed by the other store's server. The analysis of the user's stay time at the other store may be performed by an information processing device different from the product delivery support device. The timing identifying unit 205 may then predict the end time of the event at the other store based on the analysis result and the service details used by the user.

[0079] Another example of the usage end timing for the user's use of another store is the timing when the user receives a notification indicating the end of an event at the other store. Therefore, the timing identifying unit 205 receives an end notification indicating the end of the event at the other store. The timing identifying unit 205 then identifies the timing at which the end notification is received as the usage end timing. Here, an event at the other store is an event in which the user's stay time at the other store changes depending on the user's intentions or circumstances. Examples of events at the other store include purchasing a product or window shopping. In such cases, the timing identifying unit 205 identifies the usage end timing using the end notification of the event at the other store.

[0080] The notification indicating the end of an event at another store is a notification indicating that the event at the other store has ended. The notification indicating the end of an event at the other store is, for example, a notification indicating that a user's payment at the other store has ended. When a user makes a payment at the other store, the timing identification unit 205 may request the other store server in advance to send a notification indicating that the user's payment has ended. The request includes information that identifies the user. Then, when the user completes the payment at the other store, the other store server sends the timing identification unit 205 a notification indicating that the user's payment has ended. The timing identification unit 205 receives a notification indicating that the payment at the other store has ended from the other store server. Then, the timing identification unit 205 identifies the timing at which the notification indicating that the payment at the other store has ended as the usage end timing.

[0081] Another example of a notification indicating the end of an event at another store is a notification indicating that a user has left the other store. An example of a notification indicating that a user has passed through a gate at the other store. When leaving the other store, the user passes through the gate at the other store. Then, the user heads toward the target store. The timing identifying unit 205 identifies the timing at which the user receives a notification indicating that the user has passed through the gate at the other store as the usage end timing. In some cases, the other store's server manages user entry and exit using a gate installed at the entrance / exit of the other store. Therefore, when the user passes through the gate at the other store, the timing identifying unit 205 may request the other store's server in advance to transmit a notification indicating that the user has passed through the gate at the other store. The request includes information identifying the user. When the user passes through the gate at the other store, the other store's server transmits a notification indicating that the user has passed through the gate at the other store to the timing identifying unit 205. The timing specifying unit 205 receives a notification from the other store's server indicating that the user has passed through a gate installed at the other store, and specifies the timing at which the notification indicating that the user has passed through the gate installed at the other store as the usage end timing.

[0082] The usage end timing may be specified by the preparation start instruction unit 203. In other words, the preparation start instruction unit 203 may have the function of the timing specification unit 205.

[0083] The parking location identification unit 206 is one aspect of a parking location identification means that identifies a parking location of a vehicle. The parking location identification unit 206 identifies the location where the user parked the vehicle. When picking up the vehicle after using another store, the user may park in a parking space other than the dedicated product delivery area. Therefore, the parking location identification unit 206 may identify the parking space where the user is parked, other than the dedicated product delivery area.

[0084] The parking location identification unit 206 identifies the parking location of the user's vehicle from an image captured by the camera 91, for example. The camera 91 is installed in the parking lot and is capable of capturing images of the parked vehicle. The parking location identification unit 206 identifies the vehicle's identification information included in the image captured by the camera 91. The parking location identification unit 206 then compares the user's vehicle's identification information with the identification information of vehicles parked in the parking lot. The user's vehicle's identification information is registered in advance. The parking location of the user's vehicle is then identified from the image capturing conditions of the camera 91 under which the vehicle matching the user's vehicle's identification information was captured. The image capturing conditions are the position and angle conditions for the camera 91 to capture the image. In other words, the image capturing conditions are conditions that represent the location of the parking lot where the camera 91 is capturing the image. The analysis of the image captured by the camera 91 may be performed by an information processing device different from the product delivery support device 20. Furthermore, the comparison of the user's vehicle's identification information with the identification information of the parked vehicle may be performed by an information processing device different from the product delivery support device 20.

[0085] The parking space identification unit 206 may use an ETC card to identify the parking space of the user's vehicle. For example, an antenna that communicates wirelessly with the in-vehicle unit may be installed for each parking space. Then, through communication between the antenna and the in-vehicle unit, the antenna acquires information on the ETC card inserted into the in-vehicle unit. The entry detection unit 201 compares the acquired ETC card information with the information on the user's ETC card. The information on the user's ETC card is registered in advance. Then, if the acquired ETC card information matches the information on the user's ETC card, the parking space identification unit 206 can identify the parking space of the user's vehicle.

[0086] The parking location identification unit 206 may identify the parking location of the user's vehicle through registration by the user. For example, the user can use the user terminal 93 to register the location where the user parked the vehicle as the parking location. Then, the user terminal 93 transmits information about the parking location registered by the user to the product delivery support device 20. The parking location identification unit 206 can identify the parking location of the user's vehicle by receiving the parking location information from the user terminal 93. Here, the user can register the parking location of the vehicle by, for example, a parking space number. The user may also specify the parking location on a map displayed on the screen of the user terminal 93. At this time, the user terminal 93 may transmit information about the parking location specified by the user to the product delivery support device 20.

[0087] In the case of immediate pickup, a user who enters the parking lot may head to a pickup port. Then, the user may park in an available pickup port. In this case, the parking location identification unit 206 may identify the pickup port where the user of immediate pickup parked the vehicle.

[0088] The receiving port where the vehicle is parked may be identified, for example, by a method using an image captured by the camera 91 described above. Alternatively, the receiving port where the vehicle is parked may be identified, for example, by a method using an ETC card described above. Furthermore, the receiving port where the vehicle is parked may be identified, for example, by user registration described above.

[0089] In the case of immediate pickup, the parking location identification unit 206 may identify whether or not a vehicle is already parked at the pickup port. In other words, by identifying whether or not a vehicle is already parked at the pickup port, the parking location identification unit 206 can identify a pickup port that is not parked by another user. This is because the delivery location determination unit 207, which will be described later, can determine, as the pickup location, a pickup port that has been identified as not having a vehicle parked therein. Identifying whether or not a vehicle is already parked at the pickup port may be performed, for example, by a method using an image captured by the camera 91 described above.

[0090] The delivery location determination unit 207 is one aspect of a delivery location determination means that determines a delivery location in the parking lot for the ordered items based on the parking location. The delivery location determination unit 207 determines the delivery location based on the parking location of the vehicle identified by the parking location identification unit 206. The delivery location determination unit 207 determines the delivery location based on the distance between the parking location and the dedicated product delivery area. The method of determining the delivery location will be explained separately for the case of picking up after using another store and the case of picking up immediately.

[0091] The method for determining the delivery location will be explained below for the case of picking up after using another store. When picking up after using another store, the user may park in a parking space other than the area dedicated to product delivery while using the other store. On the other hand, the delivery of the ordered product may take place at a receiving port installed in the area dedicated to product delivery.

[0092] When a user's parking location is close to a dedicated product delivery area, the effort required for a store employee to transport the ordered items to the dedicated product delivery area may not be significantly different from the effort required for a store employee to transport the ordered items to the user's parking location. Furthermore, if the ordered items are delivered to the user's parking location, the user does not need to move the vehicle to the dedicated product delivery area. Therefore, when a user's parking location is close to a dedicated product delivery area, the delivery location determination unit 207 may determine the parking location as the delivery location. A case where a user's parking location is close to a dedicated product delivery area is when the parking location is within a predetermined range from a dedicated product delivery area that is set up in advance in the parking lot. In other words, the delivery location determination unit 207 determines the parking location as the delivery location when the parking location is within a predetermined range from a dedicated product delivery area that is set up in advance in the parking lot.

[0093] Here, the predetermined range is the range around the dedicated product delivery area, and is the range within which a store employee can transport the ordered products. The predetermined range is, for example, a parking space adjacent to the dedicated product delivery area. The predetermined range is also, for example, a parking space across an aisle from the dedicated product delivery area. In other words, the predetermined range is a range within which the effort required for a store employee to transport the ordered products is not significantly different from the effort required to transport them to the dedicated product delivery area. The predetermined range is set in advance by the target store. The target store can set the predetermined range depending on the size of the parking lot, the arrangement of parking spaces, the number of store employees, etc.

[0094] If the user's parking location is far from the dedicated product delivery area, the effort required for a store employee to transport the ordered items to the user's parking location may be greater than the effort required to transport the ordered items to the dedicated product delivery area. Therefore, if the user's parking location is far from the dedicated product delivery area, the delivery location determination unit 207 may determine the dedicated product delivery area as the delivery location. The case where the user's parking location is far from the dedicated product delivery area refers to the case where the parking location is outside a predetermined range from the dedicated product delivery area that is set up in advance in the parking lot. In other words, if the parking location is outside a predetermined range from the dedicated product delivery area that is set up in advance in the parking lot, the delivery location determination unit 207 determines the dedicated product delivery area as the delivery location.

[0095] Here, with reference to FIG. 7 , the delivery location in the case of receiving after using another store will be specifically described. FIG. 7 is an image diagram showing an example of a parking lot where the target store and another store are located together. The layout of the target store, the other store, and the parking lot is the same as in FIG. 1 . In FIG. 7 , the hatched area is the predetermined range described above. The predetermined range is the area surrounding the dedicated product delivery area. If the parking location is within a predetermined range from the dedicated product delivery area, the delivery location determination unit 207 determines the parking location as the delivery location. In other words, if the parking location is within the hatched range in FIG. 7 , the delivery location determination unit 207 determines the parking location as the delivery location. On the other hand, if the parking location is outside the predetermined range from the dedicated product delivery area, the delivery location determination unit 207 determines the dedicated product delivery area as the delivery location. In other words, if the parking location is outside the hatched range in FIG. 7 , the dedicated product delivery area is determined as the delivery location. The parking lot shown in FIG. 7 is an example. The dedicated product delivery area and the predetermined range are not limited to these.

[0096] The decision of the delivery location will be explained in the case of immediate pickup.

[0097] After entering the parking lot, a user who selects immediate pickup may park their vehicle in a pickup port in the area dedicated to product pickup and delivery. In this case, the pickup location is the pickup port where the user parked their vehicle. In other words, the parking location identification unit 206 identifies the pickup port where the user's vehicle is parked. Then, the pickup location determination unit 207 determines the pickup port as the pickup location.

[0098] The delivery location determination unit 207 may determine, as the delivery location, a receiving port where no other user's vehicle is parked. The parking location identification unit 206 identifies whether or not there is a vehicle parked at the receiving port. Then, the delivery location determination unit 207 may determine, as the delivery location, a receiving port that has been identified as having no parked vehicle, that is, an empty receiving port. If there are multiple empty receiving ports, the receiving port closest to the target store may be determined, as the delivery location, or the receiving port closest to the parking lot entrance may be determined, as the delivery location.

[0099] The delivery location notification unit 208 is one aspect of delivery location notification means that notifies the user terminal used by the user and the target store terminal 92 of information related to the delivery location. The delivery location notification unit 208 notifies information related to the delivery location determined by the delivery location determination unit 207. The notification destination and notification content by the delivery location notification unit 208 may be different between the case of picking up after using another store and the case of immediate picking up. Therefore, the notification destination and notification content by the delivery location notification unit 208 will be explained for each of the case of picking up after using another store and the case of immediate picking up.

[0100] In the case of picking up after using another store, the delivery location notification unit 208 notifies the target store terminal 92 and the user terminal 93 of information regarding the delivery location determined by the delivery location determination unit 207. In other words, the delivery location notification unit 208 notifies the target store terminal 92 and the user terminal 93 of the location of the delivery location. The target store terminal 92 and the user terminal 93 display the information about the delivery location received from the delivery location notification unit 208 on their screens. The store clerk can know the delivery location, i.e., the delivery destination of the ordered items, via the target store terminal 92. Furthermore, the user can know the delivery location via the user terminal 93.

[0101] If the parking location is within a predetermined range from the dedicated product delivery area, the delivery location notification unit 208 may notify the user terminal 93 of the information about the delivery location and that there is no need to move the vehicle. If the parking location is within a predetermined range from the dedicated product delivery area, the delivery location determination unit 207 determines the parking location as the delivery location. In other words, the user does not need to move the vehicle. Therefore, by the delivery location notification unit 208 notifying the user terminal 93 that there is no need to move the vehicle, the user can understand that there is no need to move the vehicle.

[0102] If the parking location is outside a predetermined range from the dedicated product delivery area, the delivery location notification unit 208 may notify the user terminal 93 of the need to move the vehicle along with information about the delivery location. If the parking location is outside a predetermined range from the dedicated product delivery area, the delivery location determination unit 207 determines the dedicated product delivery area as the delivery location. Therefore, the user needs to move the vehicle to the delivery location. Therefore, the delivery location notification unit 208 notifies the user terminal 93 of the need to move the vehicle.

[0103] Referring to Figure 8, an example of notification by the delivery location notification unit 208 when the delivery location is outside a predetermined range from the dedicated product delivery area will be described. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for notifying information about the delivery location. Figure 8 is an example of a screen on which a notification of information about the delivery location is displayed on the user terminal 93. Referring to Figure 8, the information about the delivery location indicates that receiving port 4 in the dedicated product delivery area is the delivery location. The screen also indicates that the vehicle needs to be moved. The screen for notifying information about the delivery location is an example and is not limited to this. The screen does not necessarily need to indicate that the vehicle needs to be moved. The screen may also display details of the product ordered by the user.

[0104] In the case of immediate pickup, the delivery location notification unit 208 notifies the target store terminal 92 of information regarding the delivery location. The delivery location notification unit 208 may also notify the user terminal 93 of information regarding the delivery location.

[0105] The delivery location determination unit 207 may determine the receiving port where the user's vehicle is parked as the delivery location. At this time, the delivery location notification unit 208 notifies the target store terminal 92 of information regarding the delivery location. The delivery location notification unit 208 may also notify the user terminal 93 of information regarding the delivery location. In other words, the delivery location notification unit 208 may notify the user that the ordered items can be picked up at the receiving port where the user parked their vehicle.

[0106] The delivery location determination unit 207 may determine, as the delivery location, a receiving port where no other user's vehicle is parked. In this case, the delivery location notification unit 208 may notify the target store terminal 92 and the user terminal 93 of information regarding the delivery location. The delivery location notification unit 208 may also notify a display terminal (not shown) installed at the entrance to the parking lot of information regarding the delivery location. The display terminal is installed in a position where it can be seen by users of vehicles entering the parking lot. The display terminal that receives the information regarding the delivery location displays the information regarding the delivery location on its screen, for example. Then, the user can check the display on the display terminal to understand the delivery location. The display terminal and the product delivery support device 20 are connected via a wired or wireless network.

[0107] Here, the target store terminal 92 to which the delivery location is to be notified may be identified in the same manner as the target store terminal 92 to which the preparation start instruction unit 303 sends the delivery preparation start instruction is identified. Furthermore, the delivery location notifying unit 208 may notify information about the delivery location to a target store terminal 92 different from the target store terminal 92 to which the preparation start instruction was sent. For example, if delivery preparation and transportation of the ordered items are performed by different store staff, the destination to which the preparation start instruction is sent and the destination to which the information about the delivery location is notified may be different.

[0108] Information about the delivery location may be included in the preparation start instruction transmitted by the preparation start instruction unit 203. In other words, information about the delivery location to which the prepared ordered products are to be delivered may be included in the preparation start instruction transmitted by the preparation start instruction unit 203.

[0109] 9, the operation of the commodity delivery support device 20 will be described, which includes an entry detection unit 201, a selection reception unit 202, a preparation start instruction unit 203, a selection request transmission unit 204, a timing specification unit 205, a parking location specification unit 206, a delivery location determination unit 207, and a delivery location notification unit 208. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the commodity delivery support device 20.

[0110] In step S201, the entry detection unit 201 detects the entry of a vehicle of a user who has come to pick up their ordered items. Then, in step S202, the selection receiving unit 202 receives a selection of whether the user will pick up the ordered items immediately. If the answer is Yes in step S202, the selection receiving unit 202 receives a selection of whether the user will pick up the ordered items immediately. If the answer is No in step S202, the selection receiving unit 202 receives a selection of whether the user will pick up the ordered items after visiting another store. In other words, the selection receiving unit 202 receives a selection of whether the user will pick up the ordered items immediately or after visiting another store.

[0111] If the selection receiving unit 202 receives a selection to immediately receive the ordered items (Yes in step S102), in step S203, the preparation start instruction unit 203 sends an instruction to start preparation for delivery of the ordered items. Then, in step S204, the delivery location determination unit 207 determines the delivery location. As an example of a method for determining the delivery location, the parking location identification unit 206 may identify a receiving port where the user's vehicle is located, and the delivery location determination unit 207 may determine the identified receiving port as the delivery location. As another example of a method for determining the delivery location, the parking location identification unit 206 may identify whether or not a vehicle is parked at the receiving port. Then, the delivery location determination unit 207 may determine the receiving port identified as having no parked vehicles as the delivery location.

[0112] In step S205, the delivery location notifying unit 208 notifies the information about the delivery location to the user terminal and the target store terminal 92. Then, the product delivery support device 20 ends its operation.

[0113] Here, the order of step S203, step S204, and step S205 is not limited to this. That is, the operation of the product delivery support device 20 may be in the order of step S204, step S205, and step S203. Furthermore, step S203, step S204, and step S205 may be performed in parallel.

[0114] If the selection receiving unit 202 receives a selection to receive the ordered items after using another store (No in step S202), the timing specifying unit 205 specifies the end timing of the use of the other store in step S206. Then, in step S207, the preparation start command unit 203 sends a command to start preparation for delivery of the ordered items at the end timing of the use.

[0115] In step S208, the parking location identification unit 206 identifies the parking location of the vehicle. Then, in step S209, the delivery location determination unit 207 determines the delivery location based on the parking location. In step S210, the delivery location notification unit 208 notifies the user terminal 93 and the target store terminal 92 of information regarding the delivery location. Then, the product delivery support device 20 ends its operation.

[0116] Here, the order of steps S206 and S207 and steps S208 to S20 is not limited to this. That is, the operation of the product delivery support device 20 may be in the order of steps S208, S209, S210, S206, and S207. Furthermore, steps S206 and S207 and steps S208 to S20 may be performed in parallel.

[0117] In this embodiment, the product delivery support device 20 includes an entry detection unit 201 that detects the entry of a vehicle of a user who has come to pick up an ordered item; a selection acceptance unit 202 that accepts a selection from the user whether to pick up the ordered item immediately or to pick up the ordered item after visiting another store that shares a parking lot with the target store where the ordered item was placed; and a preparation start instruction unit 103 that, when the selection of picking up the ordered item immediately is accepted, sends an instruction to start preparation for delivery of the ordered item to a target store terminal used in the target store, and when the selection of picking up the ordered item after visiting the other store is accepted, sends an instruction to start preparation for delivery to the target store terminal at a predetermined timing after visiting the other store. A user may stop by the other store before picking up a previously ordered item. Therefore, a store clerk needs to prepare for delivery at a timing appropriate for whether the user will pick up the ordered item immediately or after visiting the other store. Therefore, with the above configuration, the store clerk can start preparation for delivery at a timing appropriate for the user's behavior. Furthermore, the user can pick up the ordered item at a timing appropriate for their own behavior. Therefore, the above configuration enables efficient product delivery.

[0118] For example, when a customer picks up an ordered item after visiting another store, if the store clerk starts preparing for delivery too early, the ordered item may not be delivered until the customer finishes visiting the other store. In other words, the store clerk must wait until the customer finishes visiting the other store before delivering the ordered item. On the other hand, if the store clerk starts preparing for delivery too late, the customer may have to wait to receive the ordered item. Therefore, the configuration of the product delivery support device 20 can prevent the store clerk or the customer from having to wait for the delivery of the ordered item. Therefore, the delivery of the ordered item can be carried out efficiently. Furthermore, preventing the customer from having to wait for the delivery of the ordered item improves convenience.

[0119] In this embodiment, the product delivery support device 20 further includes a timing identification unit 205 that identifies the end of use timing for the end of use at the other store, and the preparation start instruction unit 203 sends a delivery preparation start instruction at the end of use timing. When a user visits the other store and then comes to pick up the ordered product, delivery preparation needs to start at a timing that corresponds to the user's behavior. For example, delivery preparation starts when the user finishes using the other store and heads to the target store to pick up the ordered product. Therefore, the timing identification unit 205 identifies the end of use timing for the other store. Then, the preparation start instruction unit 203 sends a delivery preparation start instruction at the end of use timing, thereby enabling delivery preparation to start at a timing that corresponds to the user's behavior. In other words, the above configuration improves the work efficiency of the store staff at the target store. Furthermore, the user can pick up the ordered product at an appropriate timing after visiting the other store. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0120] In this embodiment, the timing identification unit 205 of the product delivery support device 20 predicts the end time of an event at another store and identifies the end time as the usage end timing. An event at another store may include, for example, a service provided by the other store that allows the other store or the user to estimate the required time. Therefore, the timing identification unit 205 predicts the end time of the event at the other store and identifies the end time as the usage end timing. Then, the preparation start instruction unit 203 sends an instruction to start delivery preparation at the usage end timing. As a result, a store clerk at the target store can start delivery preparation when the user finishes using the other store. In other words, delivery preparation can be made more efficient.

[0121] In this embodiment, the timing identification unit 205 of the product delivery support device 20 receives, for example, an end notification indicating the end of an event at another store, and identifies the timing at which the end notification was received as the end of use.The preparation start instruction unit 203 then transmits an instruction to start delivery preparation at the end of use.As a result, the store staff of the target store can start delivery preparation when the user finishes using the other store.In other words, delivery preparation can be made more efficient.

[0122] In this embodiment, an example of the end notification is a notification indicating that the user has left the other store. In other words, the end notification is a notification indicating the timing when the user may leave the other store and start heading to the target store to pick up the ordered items. This configuration enables delivery preparation to begin in accordance with the user's behavior. In other words, delivery preparation for the ordered items can be efficiently carried out. Another example of the end notification is a notification indicating that the user's payment at the other store has been completed. When the user's payment has been completed, the user may head to the target store to pick up the ordered items. Therefore, the timing identification unit 205 identifies the timing of receiving a notification indicating that the user's payment at the other store has been completed as the end of use timing. Then, the preparation start instruction unit 203 sends an instruction to start delivery preparation. As a result, the store staff can start delivery preparation in accordance with the user's behavior. In other words, delivery preparation for the ordered items can be efficiently carried out. Another example of the end notification is a notification indicating that the user has prepaid for parking fees. When the user finishes using the other store and heads to the target store to pick up the ordered items, the user may prepay for parking fees. Therefore, the timing specifying unit 205 receives a notification indicating that the user has completed advance payment of the parking fee as the completion notification, thereby enabling the start of delivery preparation according to the user's actions. In other words, delivery preparation of the ordered product can be carried out efficiently.

[0123] In this embodiment, the product delivery support device 20 further includes a parking location identification unit 206 that identifies the parking location of the vehicle, a delivery location determination unit 207 that determines the delivery location of the ordered product in the parking lot based on the parking location, and a delivery location notification unit 208 that notifies the user terminal used by the user and the target store terminal 92 of information regarding the delivery location. When a user uses another store, the user may park the vehicle in a parking space other than the dedicated product delivery area. In this case, the delivery location determination unit 207 determines the delivery location of the ordered product based on the user's parking location. This configuration can improve user convenience while preventing an increase in the workload of store staff.

[0124] For example, when a user picks up an ordered item after using another store, the delivery location determination unit 207 determines the parking location as the delivery location if the parking location is within a predetermined range from a dedicated product delivery area set up in advance in the parking lot. In other words, if the user parks in a parking space close to the dedicated product delivery area, there is no need to move the vehicle to pick up the ordered item. This improves convenience for the user. In addition, the effort required to transport the ordered item from the target store is not significantly different compared to when the vehicle is parked in the dedicated product delivery area. In other words, it is possible to prevent an increase in the workload of store staff.

[0125] Furthermore, when a customer receives an ordered item after using another store, if the parking location is outside a predetermined range from a dedicated product delivery area set up in the parking lot, the delivery location determination unit 207 determines the dedicated product delivery area as the delivery location, and the delivery location notification unit 208 further notifies the user terminal 93 of an instruction to move to the delivery location. If the parking location is far from the dedicated product delivery area, having a store clerk transport the ordered item to the parking location increases the store clerk's transportation workload. Therefore, by determining the dedicated product delivery area as the delivery location when the parking location is outside a predetermined range from the dedicated product delivery area, it is possible to prevent the store clerk from having to transport the ordered item.

[0126] In this embodiment, the delivery location notifying unit 208 of the product delivery support device 20 further notifies the store terminal of the parking location. A store clerk at the target store may transport the ordered product to the delivery location. Therefore, the delivery location notifying unit 208 notifies the target store terminal 92 of the delivery location determined by the delivery location determining unit 207. The store clerk can check the notification of the delivery location displayed on the screen of the target store terminal 92.

[0127] In this embodiment, the selection receiving unit 202 of the product delivery support device 20 receives a selection through advance registration by a user. When ordering a product, the user may have decided to visit another store and then pick up the ordered product. Therefore, the selection receiving unit 202 can receive a selection through advance registration by the user. By having the user register in advance, it is possible to reduce the amount of work that the user must do after arriving at the target store.

[0128] In the product delivery support device 20 according to this embodiment, the parking lot has separate lanes for when an ordered product is to be picked up immediately and when the ordered product is to be picked up after visiting another store, and the selection receiving unit 202 receives the selection by detecting a vehicle passing through at least one of the lanes. The parking lot lanes are different for when an ordered product is to be picked up immediately and when the ordered product is to be picked up after visiting another store. Therefore, the user drives in the lane according to their schedule. The user can make a selection by simply driving their vehicle in the lane according to their schedule. In other words, the user can reduce the number of operations, such as using a terminal after entering the parking lot, which improves user convenience.

[0129] In this embodiment, the product delivery support device 20 further includes a selection request sending unit 204 that sends a selection request to the user terminal 93 used by the user, asking whether the user wants to receive the ordered products immediately or after visiting another store that shares a parking lot with the target store where the ordered products were placed, and the selection receiving unit 202 receives a response to the selection request. When the user's vehicle enters the parking lot, the selection request sending unit 204 sends a selection request to the user terminal 93. The user can then respond to the selection via the user terminal 93. Depending on how the user feels when they come to pick up the ordered products, the user may choose to receive the ordered products immediately or after visiting another store. Therefore, the user can send a response in response to the selection request sent by the selection request sending unit 204. This improves user convenience.

[0130] [Modification] A modification of the present embodiment will be described below. Below, the description of the modification will be omitted to the extent that it does not become unclear.

[0131] In the above explanation, the parking lot is a flat parking lot, but the parking lot may be a multi-story parking lot. In this case, the product delivery area may be provided on multiple floors or on one floor.

[0132] The parking location identification unit 206 needs to identify the floor on which the vehicle is parked as the parking location. Furthermore, the delivery location determination unit 207 needs to determine the delivery location based on the floor on which the vehicle is parked. In the case of picking up after using another store, the delivery location differs depending on whether the parking location is within a predetermined range. In this case, the predetermined range may be set to a parking lot on the same floor as the target store. Alternatively, the predetermined range may be a parking lot on a different floor from the target store, but close to a means of moving between floors. The means of moving between floors is, for example, an elevator. In the case of a multi-story parking lot, the target store can set the predetermined range taking into account floor movement. Then, the delivery location notification unit 208 notifies the target store terminal 92 and the user terminal 93 of information regarding the delivery location, including floor information.

[0133] [Third Embodiment] A third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Below, the description of the third embodiment will be omitted to the extent that it does not make the description of the present embodiment unclear.

[0134] The configuration of the product delivery support device 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the product delivery support device 30. The product delivery support device 30 includes an entry detection unit 301, a selection reception unit 302, a preparation start instruction unit 303, a selection request transmission unit 304, a timing specification unit 305, a parking location specification unit 306, a delivery location determination unit 307, a delivery location notification unit 308, and a preparation start confirmation unit 309. The entry detection unit 301, the selection reception unit 302, the preparation start instruction unit 303, the selection request transmission unit 304, the timing specification unit 305, the parking location specification unit 306, the delivery location determination unit 307, and the delivery location notification unit 308 have the same configurations as those in the embodiment already described.

[0135] Comparing the commodity delivery support device 20 and the commodity delivery support device 30, the commodity delivery support device 30 includes a preparation start confirmation unit 309 in addition to the configuration of the commodity delivery support device 20.

[0136] The preparation start confirmation unit 309 is one aspect of a preparation start confirmation means that, at the usage end timing, transmits a selection request as to whether to start delivery preparation to the user terminal 93 used by the user and receives a selection from the user terminal. The preparation start confirmation unit 309 transmits a selection request as to whether to start delivery preparation to the user terminal 93. The user terminal 93 that receives the selection request displays the selection request on its screen. The user terminal 93 may also display a notification indicating that it has received the selection request. The user then inputs a selection as to whether to start preparation using the user terminal 93. The user terminal 93 transmits the input selection to the preparation start confirmation unit 309. The preparation start confirmation unit 309 receives the selection from the user terminal 93. Here, the usage end timing is identified by the timing identification unit 305.

[0137] Then, when the preparation start confirmation unit 309 receives a selection to start delivery preparation, the preparation start instruction unit 303 transmits a delivery preparation start instruction at a predetermined timing after the use of the other store. The predetermined timing at which the preparation start instruction unit 303 transmits the delivery preparation start instruction is when the preparation start confirmation unit 309 receives a selection to start delivery preparation from the user terminal 93. In other words, when the preparation start confirmation unit 309 receives a selection to start delivery preparation, the preparation start instruction unit 303 transmits a delivery preparation start instruction.

[0138] When the preparation start confirmation unit 309 receives a selection not to start delivery preparation, the preparation start confirmation unit 309 again sends a selection request as to whether to start delivery preparation. When the user selects not to start delivery preparation, the user may want to use the restroom before receiving the ordered items. Also, when there are multiple other stores, the user may visit one other store and then visit a second other store. Therefore, the preparation start confirmation unit 309 again sends a selection request as to whether to start delivery preparation.

[0139] The timing for retransmitting the selection request is, for example, a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the preparation start confirmation unit 309 received a selection not to start delivery preparation. The predetermined time is the time required to run an errand at a second other store or to use the restroom, etc. The predetermined time is set in advance by the target store.

[0140] The predetermined time may be set to be shorter each time the preparation start confirmation unit 309 resends the selection request. In other words, when the preparation start confirmation unit 309 repeatedly receives a selection not to start delivery preparation, the preparation start confirmation unit 309 may gradually shorten the predetermined time until the selection request is resent.

[0141] The timing for retransmitting the selection request may also be the end of use timing when the use is transferred to the second other store. The end of use timing is specified by the timing specifying unit 305.

[0142] The selection of whether to start delivery preparation will be described with reference to FIG. 11 . FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen on which the user can select whether to start delivery preparation. This is an example of a case where a selection request for starting delivery preparation is displayed on the user terminal 93. Referring to FIG. 11 , a text requesting the selection of whether to start delivery preparation and "Yes" and "No" buttons are displayed on the screen. When the user presses the "Yes" button, the user terminal 93 transmits a selection to start delivery preparation to the preparation start confirmation unit 309. On the other hand, when the user presses the "No" button, the user terminal 93 transmits a selection not to start delivery preparation to the preparation start confirmation unit 309. The screen in FIG. 11 is an example and is not limited to this. The screen on which the user can select whether to start delivery preparation may also display other items ordered by the user.

[0143] 12 , the operation of the product delivery support device 30 will be described, which includes an entry detection unit 301, a selection reception unit 302, a preparation start instruction unit 303, a selection request transmission unit 304, a timing specification unit 305, a parking location specification unit 306, a delivery location determination unit 307, a delivery location notification unit 308, and a preparation start confirmation unit 309. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the product delivery support device 30.

[0144] Steps S301 to S305 are the same as steps S201 to S205 in Fig. 9. That is, the entry detection unit 201 detects the entry of a vehicle of a user who has come to pick up an ordered item (step S301), and the selection receiving unit 302 receives a selection of whether the user wants to pick up the ordered item immediately (step S302). When the selection receiving unit 302 receives a selection of whether to pick up the ordered item immediately, the operation of the product delivery support device 30 is the same as that of the product delivery support device 20 (steps S303 to S305).

[0145] If the selection receiving unit 302 receives a selection to receive the ordered items after visiting another store (No in step S302), in step S306, the timing identifying unit 305 identifies the end timing of the visit to the other store. In step S307, the preparation start confirmation unit 309 transmits a selection request for starting delivery preparation. Then, if the preparation start confirmation unit 309 receives a selection to start delivery preparation (Yes in step S307), in step S308, the preparation start instruction unit 303 transmits an instruction to start delivery preparation. Then, steps S309 to S311 are the same as steps S208 to S210 in FIG. 9 .

[0146] When the preparation start confirmation unit 309 receives a selection not to start delivery preparation (No in step S307), the preparation start confirmation unit 309 transmits again a selection request as to whether to start delivery preparation (step S307). The preparation start confirmation unit 309 transmits again a selection request as to whether to start delivery preparation, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0147] In the product delivery support device 30, the order of the process related to sending the delivery preparation start instruction and the process related to the delivery location is not limited to the above. That is, the order of steps S203, S204, and S205 is not limited to the above. Furthermore, the order of steps S206 to S208 and steps S209 to S211 is not limited to the above.

[0148] In this embodiment, the product delivery support device 30 further includes a timing identification unit 305 that identifies the end-of-use timing for the end of use at the other store, and a preparation start confirmation unit 309 that, at the end-of-use timing, transmits a selection request for starting delivery preparation to the user terminal 93 used by the user and receives the selection from the user terminal. The product delivery support device 30 then transmits a delivery preparation start instruction when the preparation start instruction unit 303 receives the selection to start delivery preparation. For example, if there are multiple other stores, the user may visit a second other store before picking up the ordered product. Furthermore, the user may go to the restroom after visiting another store. Therefore, the preparation start confirmation unit 309 transmits a selection request for starting delivery preparation. The user can then select whether to start delivery preparation depending on the situation when the user terminal 93 receives the selection request. This enables efficient delivery of ordered products.

[0149] In this embodiment, when the preparation start instruction unit 303 of the product delivery support device 30 receives a selection not to start delivery preparation, the preparation start instruction unit 303 again transmits a selection request as to whether to start delivery preparation after a predetermined time has elapsed. As described above, the user may visit a second other store or use the restroom before receiving the ordered product. Therefore, by again transmitting the selection request as to whether to start delivery preparation, the preparation start instruction unit 303 can transmit an instruction to start delivery preparation at a timing appropriate to the user's situation.

[0150] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the product delivery support device 40 according to the present disclosure. The product delivery support device 40 is realized by a computer. The product delivery support device 40 is an example in which each of the product delivery support device 10, the product delivery support device 20, and the product delivery support device 30 is realized by a computer.

[0151] The product delivery support device 40 includes a processor 401, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 402, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 403, a storage device 404 such as a hard disk for storing programs, an input / output interface 405 for inputting and outputting data, and a communication interface 406 for network connection. Each component is connected via a bus 407.

[0152] The processor 401 runs an operating system to control the entire computer. Examples of the processor 401 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor 401 loads programs stored in, for example, the ROM 402 or the storage device 404. The processor 401 then executes each process coded in the program. The processor 401 may execute processes or instructions in the illustrated flowchart based on the program.

[0153] The ROM 402 stores application programs, programs according to the embodiments, etc. The RAM 403 is used as a work area for the processor 401.

[0154] Examples of the storage device 404 include a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc. The storage device 404 stores, for example, an operating system (OS) program, application programs, and programs according to each embodiment.

[0155] The input / output interface 405 is connected to peripheral devices (not shown) via a wired network or a wireless network.

[0156] The communication interface 406 is connected to a communication network (not shown), such as a LAN (Local Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network), via a wireless or wired network. The communication network may be configured with multiple communication networks. This allows the computer to be connected to an external device via the communication network. The product delivery support device 40 may have components other than those shown in FIG. 13. For example, the product delivery support device 40 may have a drive device or the like. For example, the processor 401 may be attached to a drive device or the like and read programs and data stored in a non-transitory tangible recording medium into the RAM 403.

[0157] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0158] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0159] (Supplementary Note 1) A product delivery support device comprising: an entry detection means for detecting the entry of a vehicle of a user who has come to pick up an ordered product; a selection acceptance means for accepting a selection from the user as to whether to pick up the ordered product immediately or to pick up the ordered product after using another store that shares a parking lot with the target store where the ordered product was placed; and a preparation start instruction means for, when the selection to pick up the ordered product immediately is accepted, sending an instruction to start preparations for delivery of the ordered product to a target store terminal used at the target store, and, when the selection to pick up the ordered product after using the other store is accepted, sending the instruction to start preparations for delivery to the target store terminal at a predetermined timing after using the other store.

[0160] (Supplementary Note 2) The product delivery support device according to Supplementary Note 1, further comprising a timing specification means for specifying a usage end timing regarding the end of usage of the other store, wherein the preparation start instruction means transmits an instruction to start delivery preparation at the usage end timing.

[0161] (Supplementary Note 3) The product delivery support device described in Supplementary Note 1 further comprises: a timing identification means for identifying the timing of end of use regarding the end of use of the other store; and a preparation start confirmation means for sending a selection request as to whether to start the delivery preparation to a user terminal used by the user at the timing of end of use, and receiving a selection from the user terminal, wherein the preparation start instruction means sends an instruction to start the delivery preparation when it receives a selection to start the delivery preparation.

[0162] (Supplementary Note 4) The product delivery support device according to Supplementary Note 2 or 3, wherein the timing specifying means predicts an end time of an event at the other store and specifies the end time as the usage end timing.

[0163] (Supplementary Note 5) The product delivery support device according to Supplementary Note 2 or 3, wherein the timing specifying means receives an end notification indicating an end of the event at the other store, and specifies the timing at which the end notification is received as the usage end timing.

[0164] (Supplementary Note 6) The product delivery support device according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the end notification is a notification indicating that the user has left the other store.

[0165] (Supplementary Note 7) The product delivery support device according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the completion notification is a notification indicating that the payment by the user at the other store has been completed.

[0166] (Supplementary Note 8) The product delivery support device according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the completion notification is a notification indicating that the user has completed advance payment of the parking fee.

[0167] (Appendix 9) A product delivery support device as described in any one of Appendices 1 to 8, further comprising: a parking location identification means for identifying the parking location of the vehicle; a delivery location determination means for determining the delivery location of the ordered product in the parking lot based on the parking location; and a delivery location notification means for notifying the user terminal used by the user and the target store terminal of information regarding the delivery location.

[0168] (Appendix 10) The product delivery support device described in Appendix 9, wherein the delivery location determination means determines the parking location as the delivery location when the ordered product is received after using the other store and the parking location is within a predetermined range from a dedicated product delivery area previously set up within the parking lot.

[0169] (Appendix 11) The product delivery support device described in Appendix 9, wherein when the ordered product is received after using the other store, if the parking location is outside a predetermined range from a dedicated product delivery area previously set up within the parking lot, the delivery location determination means determines the dedicated product delivery area as the delivery location, and the delivery location notification means further notifies the user terminal of an instruction to move to the delivery location.

[0170] (Supplementary Note 12) The product delivery support device according to Supplementary Note 11, wherein the delivery location notifying means further notifies the target store terminal of the parking location.

[0171] (Supplementary Note 13) The product delivery support device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 12, wherein the selection receiving means receives the selection through advance registration by the user.

[0172] (Appendix 14) The parking lot has separate lanes for when the ordered items are to be picked up immediately and when the ordered items are to be picked up after using the other store, and the selection receiving means receives the selection by detecting a vehicle passing through at least one of the lanes. (Appendix 14) The product delivery support device described in any one of Appendices 1 to 13.

[0173] (Appendix 15) The product delivery support device described in any one of Appendices 1 to 14 further comprises a selection request sending means for sending a selection request to the user terminal used by the user as to whether to receive the ordered product immediately or to receive the ordered product after using another store that shares a parking lot with the target store where the ordered product was ordered, and the selection receiving means receives a response to the selection request.

[0174] (Supplementary Note 16) The product delivery support device according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the preparation start instruction means, when receiving a selection not to start the delivery preparation, transmits a selection request for whether to start the delivery preparation again after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0175] (Supplementary Note 17) The product delivery support device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 16, wherein the entry detection means detects the entry of the vehicle based on the license plate number of the vehicle.

[0176] (Supplementary Note 18) The product delivery support device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 17, wherein the parking location identification means identifies the parking location based on a license plate number of the vehicle.

[0177] (Supplementary Note 19) A product delivery support method comprising: detecting the entry of a vehicle of a user who has come to pick up an ordered product; accepting a choice from the user whether to pick up the ordered product immediately or to pick up the ordered product after visiting another store that shares a parking lot with the target store where the ordered product was placed; if the choice to pick up the ordered product immediately is accepted, sending an instruction to a target store terminal used in the target store to start preparations for delivery of the ordered product; and if the choice to pick up the ordered product after visiting the other store is accepted, sending an instruction to a target store terminal used in the target store to start preparations for delivery of the ordered product at a predetermined time after visiting the other store.

[0178] (Appendix 20) A recording medium storing a product delivery support program that causes a computer to execute the following processes: detect the entry of a vehicle of a user who has come to pick up an ordered item; accept a choice from the user whether to pick up the ordered item immediately or to pick up the ordered item after visiting another store that shares a parking lot with the target store where the ordered item was placed; if the choice to pick up the ordered item immediately is accepted, send an instruction to start preparing for delivery of the ordered item to a target store terminal used at the target store; if the choice to pick up the ordered item after visiting the other store is accepted, send an instruction to start preparing for delivery of the ordered item to a target store terminal used at the target store at a predetermined time after visiting the other store.

[0179] (Appendix 21) A product delivery support program that causes a computer to perform the following processes: detect the entry of a vehicle of a user who has come to pick up an ordered product; accept a choice from the user whether to pick up the ordered product immediately or to pick up the ordered product after visiting another store that shares a parking lot with the target store where the ordered product was placed; if the choice to pick up the ordered product immediately is accepted, send an instruction to start preparing for delivery of the ordered product to a target store terminal used at the target store; if the choice to pick up the ordered product after visiting the other store is accepted, send an instruction to start preparing for delivery of the ordered product to the target store terminal used at the target store at a predetermined timing.

[0180] Some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2-8, which are dependent on Supplementary Note 1, may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 9-10 in the same dependent relationship as Supplementary Notes 2-8. Not limited to Supplementary Notes 1, 9-10, but also to various hardware, software, various recording devices for recording software, or systems, some or all of the configurations described as Supplements may be made dependent on each other within the scope of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0181] 10, 20, 30, 40 Product delivery support device 101, 201, 301 Entry detection unit 102, 202, 302 Selection reception unit 103, 203, 303 Preparation start instruction unit 204, 304 Selection request transmission unit 205, 305 Timing identification unit 206, 306 Parking location identification unit 207, 307 Delivery location determination unit 208, 308 Delivery location notification unit 309 Preparation start confirmation unit 401 Processor 402 ROM 403 RAM 404 Storage device 405 Input / output interface 406 Communication interface 407 Bus 90 Database 91 Camera 92 Target store terminal 93 User terminal 94 Other store server

Claims

1. A product delivery support device comprising: an entry detection means for detecting the entry of a vehicle of a user who has come to pick up an ordered product; a selection acceptance means for accepting a selection from the user whether to pick up the ordered product immediately or to pick up the ordered product after visiting another store that shares a parking lot with the target store where the ordered product was placed; and a preparation start instruction means for, when the selection to pick up the ordered product immediately is accepted, sending an instruction to start preparations for delivery of the ordered product to a target store terminal used at the target store, and, when the selection to pick up the ordered product after visiting the other store is accepted, sending the instruction to start preparations for delivery to the target store terminal at a predetermined time after visiting the other store.

2. The product delivery support device of claim 1, further comprising a timing determination means for determining the timing of end of use regarding the end of use of the other store, wherein the preparation start instruction means sends an instruction to start delivery preparation at the timing of end of use.

3. A product delivery support device as described in claim 1, further comprising: a timing determination means for determining the timing of end of use regarding the end of use of the other store; and a preparation start confirmation means for sending a selection request as to whether to start the delivery preparation to a user terminal used by the user at the timing of end of use and receiving a selection from the user terminal, wherein the preparation start instruction means sends an instruction to start the delivery preparation when it receives a selection to start the delivery preparation.

4. The product delivery support device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the timing specification means predicts the end time of the event at the other store and specifies the end time as the usage end timing.

5. The product delivery support device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the timing determination means receives an end notification indicating the end of the event at the other store, and determines the timing at which the end notification is received as the usage end timing.

6. The product delivery support device according to claim 5, wherein the end notification is a notification indicating that the user has left the other store.

7. The product delivery support device according to claim 5, wherein the completion notification is a notification indicating that the user's payment at the other store has been completed.

8. The product delivery support device according to claim 5, wherein the completion notification is a notification indicating that the user has completed advance payment of the parking fee.

9. A product delivery support device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a parking location identification means for identifying the parking location of the vehicle; and a delivery location determination means for determining the delivery location of the ordered product in the parking lot based on the parking location.

10. The product delivery support device described in claim 9, wherein the delivery location determination means determines the parking location as the delivery location when the ordered product is received after using the other store and the parking location is within a predetermined range from a dedicated product delivery area previously set up within the parking lot.

11. The product delivery support device according to claim 9, further comprising a delivery location notification means for notifying the user terminal used by the user and the target store terminal of information relating to the delivery location.

12. The product delivery support device described in claim 11, wherein when the ordered product is received after using the other store, if the parking location is outside a specified range from a dedicated product delivery area previously established within the parking lot, the delivery location determination means determines the dedicated product delivery area as the delivery location, and the delivery location notification means further notifies the user terminal of an instruction to move to the delivery location.

13. A product delivery support device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the selection receiving means receives the selection through advance registration by the user.

14. A product delivery support device as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the parking lot has separate lanes for when the ordered product is to be picked up immediately and when the ordered product is to be picked up after using the other store, and the selection acceptance means accepts the selection by detecting a vehicle passing through at least one of the lanes.

15. A product delivery support device as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a selection request sending means for sending a selection request to the user terminal used by the user as to whether to receive the ordered product immediately or to receive the ordered product after using another store that shares a parking lot with the target store where the ordered product was ordered, wherein the selection receiving means receives a response to the selection request.

16. The product delivery support device according to claim 3, wherein the preparation start instruction means, when receiving a selection not to start delivery preparation, transmits a selection request again as to whether to start delivery preparation after a predetermined time has elapsed.

17. A product delivery support device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the entry detection means detects the entry of the vehicle based on the vehicle number.

18. The product delivery support device according to claim 9, wherein the parking location identification means identifies the parking location based on the license plate number of the vehicle.

19. A product delivery support method which detects the entry of a vehicle of a user who has come to pick up an ordered product, accepts a choice from the user whether to pick up the ordered product immediately or to pick up the ordered product after visiting another store that shares a parking lot with the target store where the ordered product was placed, and if the choice to pick up the ordered product immediately is accepted, sends an instruction to a target store terminal used in the target store to start preparations for delivery of the ordered product, and if the choice to pick up the ordered product after visiting the other store is accepted, sends an instruction to a target store terminal used in the target store to start preparations for delivery of the ordered product at a predetermined time after visiting the other store.

20. A recording medium storing a product delivery support program that causes a computer to execute the following processes: detect the entry of a vehicle of a user who has come to pick up an ordered item; accept a choice from the user whether to pick up the ordered item immediately or to pick up the ordered item after visiting another store that shares a parking lot with the target store where the ordered item was placed; if the choice to pick up the ordered item immediately is accepted, send an instruction to start preparing for delivery of the ordered item to a target store terminal used at the target store; if the choice to pick up the ordered item after visiting the other store is accepted, send an instruction to start preparing for delivery of the ordered item to a target store terminal used at the target store at a predetermined time after visiting the other store.

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