Order reception device, order reception system, order reception method, and recording medium

Abstract

This order reception device comprises: an information acquisition means for acquiring information about the position of a customer and information about traffic around the position, a prescribed time before reception time in a store of goods for which an order has been received; a determination means for determining whether or not the customer is heading to the store on the basis of the position information and the traffic information; and a cancellation means for cancelling the order when it is determined that the customer is not heading to the store.

Description

Order receiving device, order receiving system, order receiving method, and recording medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an order receiving device, an order receiving system, an order receiving method, and a recording medium.

[0002] There are services available that allow customers to efficiently pick up products that they have pre-ordered online at a store.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that preparation information regarding the preparation of a reserved product is output based on location information of a terminal device carried by a customer.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-104158

[0005] However, there are cases where a customer is unable to arrive at the store at the reserved time, and if the customer is unable to receive the reserved item, the time it took the store clerk to prepare the item is wasted.

[0006] An example of an objective of the present disclosure is to provide an order receiving device that can save store staff the trouble of preparing products when there is a possibility that a customer will not come to pick up the products.

[0007] An order receiving device in one aspect of the present disclosure includes an information acquisition means that acquires customer location information and traffic information around the location information a predetermined time before the time for receiving the ordered product at the store, a determination means that determines whether the customer is heading to the store based on the location information and traffic information, and a cancellation means that cancels the order if it is determined that the customer is not heading to the store.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a determination method involves a computer acquiring a customer's location information and traffic information around the location information a predetermined time before the time for the ordered product to be picked up at the store, determining whether the customer is heading to the store based on the location information and traffic information, and canceling the order if it is determined that the customer is not heading to the store.

[0009] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a recording medium acquires the customer's location information and traffic information around the location information a predetermined time before the pickup time of the ordered product at the store, determines whether the customer is heading to the store based on the location information and traffic information, and cancels the order if it determines that the customer is not heading to the store.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, an order receiving device is provided that can save a store clerk the trouble of preparing a product when there is a possibility that a customer will not come to pick up the product.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an order reception system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration in which an order reception device according to the present disclosure is realized by a computer device and its peripheral devices. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of order reception according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an order reception system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is an example of a message screen for confirming whether or not an order has been canceled according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of order reception according to the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an order reception system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of order reception according to the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an order reception system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is an example of a message screen for changing the receiving method according to the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of order reception according to the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an order reception system according to the present disclosure.

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

[0013] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration including an order receiving device 100 according to the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1, the order receiving system 10 is a system that enables a customer to receive products that have been ordered in advance online at a store. In the order receiving system 10, the order receiving device 100 is connected to a customer terminal device 200 and a store terminal device 300 via a network.

[0014] The store may be any store where reserved products can be picked up, such as a supermarket, home improvement store, convenience store, shopping mall, or various supply stores. The pick-up location at the store may be inside the store building or in the parking lot. When picking up inside the store building, the pick-up location is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a product pick-up locker or a product pick-up counter. When picking up in the parking lot, the product may be picked up using a service such as curbside pickup, where a store employee brings the product to the designated parking spot.

[0015] The order receiving device 100 is a device that receives order details placed by a customer via the customer terminal device 200. In the present disclosure, it is assumed that the order receiving device 100 already stores order details received from the customer's customer terminal device 200. The order details include at least customer identification information that identifies the customer, the product name reserved by the customer, the pickup time, and the pickup method. The customer identification information is, for example, a customer ID or biometric information. The biometric information may be any biometric authentication information that can authenticate the customer, such as facial authentication information, iris authentication information, fingerprint authentication information, or vein authentication information. As for the pickup method, it is assumed that the customer can select pickup at a locker, pickup at a counter, or curbside pickup. The order receiving device 100 may receive the received order details via a communication interface 508 for network connection, which will be described later.

[0016] The customer terminal device 200 is, for example, a mobile information terminal carried by a user. The mobile information terminal is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet computer. The customer terminal device 200 may also be configured as an in-vehicle terminal installed in a vehicle in which the customer rides. The in-vehicle terminal is, for example, a car navigation device.

[0017] The store terminal device 300 is, for example, a mobile information terminal carried by a store clerk or a display terminal installed in the back room of the store.

[0018] Returning to FIG. 1 , the order receiving device 100 includes an information acquisition unit 101, a determination unit 102, and a cancellation unit 103. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration in which the order receiving device 100 according to the present disclosure is realized by a computer device 500 including a processor. As shown in FIG. 3 , the order receiving device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 502 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 503, a storage device 505 such as a hard disk for storing a program 504, a communication interface 508 for network connection, and an input / output interface 509 for inputting and outputting data. The order receiving device 100 is also connected to each component via a bus 510. The order receiving device 100 shown in FIG. 1 can also be configured using cloud computing or the like.

[0019] The CPU 501 runs an operating system to control the entire order receiving device 100 according to the present disclosure. The CPU 501 also reads programs and data into memory from a recording medium 506 mounted in, for example, a drive device 507. The CPU 501 also functions as the information acquisition unit 101, the determination unit 102, and the cancellation unit 103 according to the present disclosure, or as part of these, and executes processing or commands in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, which will be described later, based on the program.

[0020] The recording medium 506 is, for example, an optical disk, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, an external hard disk, or a semiconductor memory. The semiconductor memory or the like that is part of the recording medium is a non-volatile storage device that stores the program. The program may also be downloaded from an external computer (not shown) that is connected to a communication network.

[0021] As described above, the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 is realized by the computer hardware shown in Fig. 2. However, the means for realizing each component of the order receiving device 100 in Fig. 1 is not limited to the configuration described above. The order receiving device 100 may be realized by a single physically coupled device, or may be realized by a system consisting of two or more physically separate devices connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0022] The information acquisition unit 101 is a means for acquiring customer location information and traffic information around the location information a predetermined time before the time when the ordered product is to be picked up at the store. The predetermined time before may be set appropriately based on, for example, the timing when it can be confirmed whether the customer is on their way to pick up the ordered product or the time required to prepare the ordered product.

[0023] The information acquisition unit 101 acquires location information from a GPS (Global Positioning System: registered trademark) provided in the customer terminal device 200 or from input from the customer terminal device 200. The information acquisition unit 101 acquires traffic information, such as information on congestion and traffic restrictions around the customer's current location (for example, within a few kilometers), from VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System: registered trademark) information. The information acquisition unit 101 inputs the acquired location information and traffic information to the determination unit 102.

[0024] The determination unit 102 is a means for determining whether a customer is heading to a store based on location information and traffic information. More specifically, the determination unit 102 determines that the customer is not heading to a store, for example, if the customer's current location is a predetermined distance from the store and there are no circumstances such as traffic congestion or traffic restrictions around the current location. Here, "a predetermined distance" is determined appropriately depending on the time required to reach the store, etc. Furthermore, the determination unit 102 determines that the customer is not heading to a store if the customer's current location is significantly away from the store and their home or workplace and there are no circumstances such as traffic congestion or traffic restrictions around the current location. However, the determination unit 102 may determine that the customer is not heading to a store if there are circumstances that allow it to be determined that the customer is not heading to a store using other methods.

[0025] On the other hand, the determination unit 102 determines that the customer is heading to the store if the customer's current location is farther than a predetermined distance from the store, or if the customer's current location is far from the store and the customer's home or workplace, but there is congestion or traffic restrictions around the customer's current location and it is predicted that it will take longer than usual to travel there.

[0026] The cancellation unit 103 is a means for canceling an order when it is determined that the customer is not heading to the store. The cancellation unit 103 deletes the order details stored in the order receiving device 100.

[0027] 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the order receiving device 100 according to the present disclosure. Note that the processing according to this flowchart may be executed based on program control by the processor described above. The order receiving device 100 may start the flow according to this flowchart, for example, a predetermined time before the time when the ordered product is to be picked up at the store.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3 , first, the information acquisition unit 101 acquires the customer's location information and traffic information around the location information a predetermined time before the pickup time of the ordered product at the store (step S101). Next, the determination unit 102 determines whether the customer is heading to the store based on the location information and traffic information (step S102). If the determination unit 102 determines that the customer is not heading to the store (S103; NO), the cancellation unit 103 cancels the order. On the other hand, if the determination unit 102 determines that the customer is heading to the store (S103; YES), the flow ends. The order receiving device 100 then ends the flow.

[0029] In the order receiving device 100 of this embodiment, the determination unit 102 determines whether the customer is heading to the store based on location information and traffic information. If the determination unit 102 determines that the customer is not heading to the store, the cancellation unit 103 cancels the order. This saves the store clerk the trouble of preparing the product when there is a possibility that the customer will not come to pick up the product.

[0030] [Variation 1 of the First Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an order receiving system 11 according to the present disclosure. In the order receiving system 11, similar to the order receiving system 10, an order receiving device 110 is connected to a customer terminal device 210 and a store terminal device 310 via a network.

[0031] In the following, to the extent that the description of this embodiment is not unclear, the description of the same content as the above description will be omitted. As with the computer device shown in Figure 2, the functions of each component in each embodiment of the present disclosure can be realized not only by hardware but also by a computer device or software based on program control.

[0032] 4, the order receiving device 110 includes an information acquisition unit 111, a determination unit 112, a first transmission unit 113, and a cancellation unit 114. The information acquisition unit 111 and the determination unit 112 are similar to the corresponding components in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0033] The first transmission unit 113 is a means for transmitting a message screen to confirm whether or not to cancel the order when it is determined that the customer is not heading to the store. The first transmission unit 113 transmits a message screen to the customer terminal device 210 to accept whether or not to cancel the order. FIG. 5 is an example of a message screen for confirming whether or not to cancel the order in the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, the message screen allows the customer to select whether or not to cancel the order. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, if the order is not canceled, a request to change the pickup time may be accepted. In the example of FIG. 5, by selecting "Cancel order" and touching "Confirm," a request to cancel the order is sent to the order receiving device 110. On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 5, by selecting "Not cancel order," inputting a pickup time, and touching "Confirm," a request to change the pickup time is sent to the order receiving device 110.

[0034] The cancellation unit 114 cancels the order when it receives a request to cancel the order from the customer. On the other hand, the cancellation unit 114 changes the pickup time when it receives a request to change the pickup time from the customer terminal device 210. Specifically, the cancellation unit 114 changes the pickup time included in the order details stored in the order receiving device 110.

[0035] 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the order receiving device 110 according to the present disclosure. Note that the processing according to this flowchart may be executed based on program control by the processor described above.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 6 , first, the information acquisition unit 111 acquires the customer's location information and traffic information around the location information a predetermined time before the pickup time of the ordered product at the store (step S111). Next, the determination unit 112 determines whether the customer is heading to the store based on the location information and traffic information (step S112). Next, if it is determined that the customer is not heading to the store (step S113; NO), the first transmission unit 113 transmits a message screen asking whether the order should be canceled (step S114). Next, if the cancellation unit 114 receives a request to cancel the order from the customer (step S115; YES), it cancels the order (step S116). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S113 that the customer is heading to the store (step S113; YES) or if a request to cancel the order from the customer is not received in step S115 (step S115; NO), the flow ends. The order receiving device 110 then ends the flow.

[0037] In the order receiving device 110 of this embodiment, when it is determined that the customer is not heading to the store, the first transmission unit 113 transmits a message screen to confirm whether or not the order should be canceled. Then, when the cancellation unit 114 receives a request to cancel the order from the customer, it cancels the order. Therefore, it is possible to confirm with the customer whether or not to cancel the order before canceling it, and it is possible to avoid canceling the order by mistake.

[0038] [Variation 2 of the First Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an order receiving system 12 according to the present disclosure. In the order receiving system 11, similar to the order receiving system 10, an order receiving device 120 is connected to a customer terminal device 220 and a store terminal device 320 via a network.

[0039] In the following, to the extent that the description of this embodiment is not unclear, the description of the same content as the above description will be omitted. As with the computer device shown in Figure 2, the functions of each component in each embodiment of the present disclosure can be realized not only by hardware but also by a computer device or software based on program control.

[0040] 7, the order receiving device 120 includes an information acquisition unit 121, a first prediction unit 122, a determination unit 123, and a cancellation unit 124. The information acquisition unit 121 and the cancellation unit 124 are similar to the corresponding components in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0041] The first prediction unit 122 is a means for predicting the customer's arrival time at the store based on location information and traffic information. The first prediction unit 122 predicts the customer's arrival time at the store from their current location based on various publicly known methods. The first prediction unit 122 predicts the arrival time based on, for example, the distance from the customer's current location to the store and the presence or absence of traffic congestion or other information. The first prediction unit 122 outputs the predicted arrival time to the determination unit 123.

[0042] If the predicted arrival time is more than a predetermined time later than the pickup time, the determination unit 123 determines whether the customer is heading to the store based on the customer's location information and traffic information. The predetermined time is set appropriately based on, for example, the possibility that the customer will cancel pickup of the ordered item. The method by which the determination unit 123 determines whether the customer is heading to the store is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0043] 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the order receiving device 120 according to the present disclosure. Note that the processing according to this flowchart may be executed based on program control by the processor described above.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 8 , the information acquisition unit 121 first acquires the customer's location information and traffic information for the area surrounding the location information a predetermined time before the pickup time of the ordered item at the store (step S121). The first prediction unit 122 predicts the customer's arrival time at the store based on the location information and traffic information (step S122). Next, if the predicted arrival time is more than a predetermined time later than the pickup time (YES in S123), the determination unit 123 determines whether the customer is heading to the store based on the location information and traffic information (step S124). If the determination unit 123 determines that the customer is not heading to the store (NO in S125), the cancellation unit 124 cancels the order (step S126). On the other hand, if the predicted arrival time is not more than a predetermined time later than the pickup time in step S123 (NO in S123) or if the determination unit 123 determines that the customer is heading to the store (YES in S125), the flow ends. The order receiving device 120 then ends the flow.

[0045] In the order receiving device 120 of this embodiment, the first prediction unit 122 predicts the customer's arrival time at the store based on location information and traffic information. Then, if the predicted arrival time is more than a predetermined time later than the pickup time, the determination unit 123 determines whether the customer is on their way to the store based on the location information and traffic information. Therefore, for example, only if the customer is more than a predetermined time later than the pickup time, it is determined whether the order needs to be canceled, and if the customer is not more than the predetermined time later, the customer can receive the product as ordered.

[0046] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing an order receiving system 13 according to the present disclosure. In the order receiving system 13, an order receiving device 130 is connected to a customer terminal device 230 and a store terminal device 330 via a network. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a customer is determined to be heading to a store.

[0047] In the following, to the extent that the description of this embodiment is not unclear, the description of the same content as the above description will be omitted. As with the computer device shown in Figure 2, the functions of each component in each embodiment of the present disclosure can be realized not only by hardware but also by a computer device or software based on program control.

[0048] 9, the order receiving device 130 includes an information acquisition unit 131, a determination unit 132, a second prediction unit 133, a second transmission unit 134, a decision unit 135, an output unit 136, and a cancellation unit 137. The information acquisition unit 131, the determination unit 132, and the cancellation unit 137 are similar to the corresponding components in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the determination unit 132 determines that the customer is heading to the store.

[0049] The second prediction unit 133 is a means for predicting the arrival time at the store based on the customer's location information and traffic information when it is determined that the customer is heading to the store. The method of predicting the arrival time at the store by the second prediction unit 133 is the same as that by the first prediction unit. The second prediction unit 133 outputs the predicted arrival time to the second transmission unit 134 and the determination unit 135.

[0050] The second transmission unit 134 transmits a message screen for changing the pickup method according to the predicted arrival time. The second transmission unit 134 transmits a message screen for accepting a change of pickup method to the customer terminal device 230. FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a message screen for changing the pickup method in the present disclosure. In the example of FIG. 10, it is assumed that parking lot pickup (curbside pickup) was previously selected as the pickup method. As shown in FIG. 10, the message screen allows the customer to select whether to change the pickup method and, if changing the pickup method, to change the pickup location to a locker or counter. In the example of FIG. 10, after selecting to change the pickup method, the customer selects either a locker or counter and touches "OK," a request to change the pickup method is sent to the order receiving device 130. As in the example of FIG. 10, by having the customer change the pickup method from parking lot pickup to locker or counter pickup, the store clerk does not need to wait for the customer to arrive.

[0051] The determination unit 135 is a means for determining a schedule for the store clerk to hand over the product based on the predicted arrival time. When the determination unit 135 receives a request to change the receiving method from the customer terminal device 230, the determination unit 135 determines a schedule for handing over the product based on the changed receiving method.

[0052] Here, a method for determining a schedule for a store clerk to deliver the items will be described. The determination unit 135 calculates the time required to pick up the ordered items from the shelves and carry them to the pickup location. The determination unit 135 calculates the number of ordered items, the location where the ordered items are displayed, and the time required to travel to the pickup location using known technology. The determination unit 135 then determines a schedule so that the ordered items can be delivered to the pickup location by the pickup time. Note that, if the pickup method is pickup in a parking lot, the determination unit 135 determines a schedule so that the ordered items can be delivered to a pre-designated parking location a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes) before the pickup time. The determination unit 135 may determine the store clerk who will prepare the ordered items based on the availability of each store clerk. Furthermore, the store clerk who picks up the ordered items and the store clerk who carries the ordered items to the pickup location may be the same store clerk or different store clerks.

[0053] The output unit 136 is a means for transmitting the determined schedule. For example, the output unit 136 transmits the determined schedule to a display device in the backroom or to a store terminal device 330 carried by a store clerk preparing merchandise.

[0054] 11 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the order receiving device 130 according to the present disclosure. Note that the processing according to this flowchart may be executed based on program control by the processor described above.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 11 , the information acquisition unit 131 first acquires the customer's location information and traffic information for the area surrounding the location information a predetermined time before the customer is to receive the ordered item at the store (step S201). The determination unit 132 then determines whether the customer is heading to the store based on the location information and traffic information (step S202). If the determination unit 132 determines that the customer is heading to the store (step S203; YES), the second prediction unit 133 predicts the customer's arrival time at the store based on the location information and traffic information (step S204). The second transmission unit 134 then transmits a message screen prompting the customer to change the delivery method in accordance with the predicted arrival time (step S205). If the determination unit 135 receives a request to change the delivery method from the customer terminal device 230 (step S206; YES), the determination unit 135 determines a delivery schedule for the item based on the changed delivery method (step S207). If the determination unit 135 has not received a request to change the receiving method from the customer terminal device 230 (S206; NO), the determination unit 135 determines a schedule for the store clerk to hand over the product based on the predicted arrival time (step S208). Next, the output unit 136 transmits the determined schedule (step S209).

[0056] On the other hand, if the determination unit 132 determines in step S203 that the customer is heading to the store (S203; NO), the cancellation unit 137 cancels the order (step S210). With this, the order receiving device 130 ends the flow.

[0057] In the order receiving device 130 of this embodiment, when the determination unit 132 determines that a customer is heading to the store, the second prediction unit 133 predicts the customer's arrival time at the store based on the location information and traffic information. Then, the determination unit 135 determines a schedule for the store staff to hand over the product based on the predicted arrival time. Therefore, for example, it is possible to accurately determine a schedule for handing over the product to the customer based on the predicted arrival time.

[0058] In addition, in the order receiving device 130, the second transmission unit 134 transmits a message screen for changing the receiving method according to the predicted arrival time. Then, when the determination unit 135 receives a request to change the receiving method from the customer terminal device 230, it determines a schedule for delivering the product based on the changed receiving method. Therefore, for example, it is possible to determine a schedule for delivering the product to the customer in accordance with the receiving method changed due to the customer's convenience.

[0059] [Variation of the Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing an order reception system 14 according to the present disclosure. In the order reception system 14, an order reception device 140 is connected to a customer terminal device 240, a store terminal device 340, and a mobile robot 440 via a network. In this variation, the delivery of ordered items is performed not by a store clerk but by a mobile robot 440 that can move around the store.

[0060] The order receiving device 140 in this modification differs from the order receiving device 130 in that it further includes a control unit 148. The control unit 148 is a means for controlling the movement of the mobile robot 440 based on the determined schedule. For example, the control unit 148 generates control signals for moving the mobile robot 440 using known technology so as to conform to the determined schedule, and transmits the control signals to the mobile robot 440.

[0061] The mobile robot 440 includes at least a control unit 441 that controls movement to the receiving location, a product storage unit 442 that stores the products, and a detection unit 443 that detects whether the products have been received. The mobile robot 440 may also include a product acquisition unit 444 that picks up the ordered products from the product shelves.

[0062] The shape of the mobile robot 440 is not particularly limited, and even if it is a bipedal robot, it may have a shape similar to a typical shopping cart and may be provided with casters for movement.

[0063] The control unit 441 controls, for example, the casters of the mobile robot 440 to move the mobile robot 440 along a movement path. The control unit 441 moves the mobile robot 440 based on a control signal received from the order receiving device 140. The control unit 441 may also acquire position information of the mobile robot 440 and transmit the information to the store terminal device 340. The position of the mobile robot 440 may be identified by an imaging device installed in the store, or may be identified by radio wave intensity via wireless communication between the mobile robot 440 and communication equipment installed in the store using short-range wireless communication.

[0064] The product storage section 442 is a means for storing ordered products. The product storage section 442 is not particularly limited as long as it has a structure capable of storing products, and may be a frame on which a shopping basket can be placed.

[0065] The detection unit 443 is a means for detecting whether or not a product has been received. The detection unit 443 is configured with a weight sensor provided in the product storage unit 442, and detects whether or not a product has been received when the weight of the product is no longer detected. The detection unit 443 may be configured with a sensor other than a weight sensor, such as an image sensor or an infrared sensor.

[0066] The product acquisition unit 444 picks up the ordered products from the product shelves. The product acquisition unit 444 is configured, for example, with an arm that can grasp the products. The product acquisition unit 444 may have an extendable structure so that it can pick up products that are displayed at a high position. The product acquisition unit 444 may place the acquired products in the product storage unit 442.

[0067] In the order receiving device 140 of this embodiment, the control unit 148 controls the movement of the mobile robot 440 based on the determined schedule. This eliminates the need for a store clerk to carry the product to the pickup location, thereby reducing the workload of the store clerk.

[0068] In the following, the description of the present embodiment will be omitted to the extent that the description thereof does not become unclear. The functions of each component in each embodiment of the present disclosure can be realized not only by hardware but also by a computer device or software under program control, similar to the computer device shown in FIG.

[0069] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to various embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. The configuration and details of each of the present disclosures may include embodiments to which various modifications have been made that would be understood and acquired by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure may also include embodiments in which the details described herein are appropriately combined or substituted as necessary. For example, details described using a particular embodiment may also be applied to other embodiments to the extent that no contradiction occurs. For example, although multiple operations are described in sequence in the form of a flowchart, the order of description does not limit the order in which the multiple operations are performed. Therefore, when implementing each embodiment, the order of the multiple operations may be changed as long as it does not interfere with the content.

[0070] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as follows: However, some or all of the above-described embodiments are not limited to the following.

[0071] (Supplementary Note 1) An order receiving device comprising: an information acquisition means for acquiring customer location information and traffic information around the location information a predetermined time before the time for receiving an ordered product at a store; a determination means for determining whether the customer is heading to the store based on the location information and the traffic information; and a cancellation means for canceling the order if it is determined that the customer is not heading to the store.

[0072] (Supplementary Note 2) An order receiving device comprising: an information acquisition means for acquiring customer location information and traffic information around the location information a predetermined time before the time at which the ordered product is to be picked up at the store; a determination means for determining whether the customer is heading to the store based on the location information and the traffic information; a first transmission means for transmitting a message screen to confirm whether or not the order should be canceled when it is determined that the customer is not heading to the store; and a cancellation means for canceling the order when a request to cancel the order is received from the customer.

[0073] (Supplementary Note 3) The order receiving device according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2 further comprises a first prediction means for predicting the customer's arrival time at the store based on the location information and the traffic information, wherein the determination means determines whether the customer is heading to the store if the predicted arrival time is more than a predetermined time later than the pickup time.

[0074] (Supplementary Note 4) The order receiving device described in Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2 further comprises: a second prediction means for predicting the arrival time at the store based on the customer's location information and traffic information when it is determined that the customer is heading to the store; and a determination means for determining a schedule for delivering the product based on the predicted arrival time.

[0075] (Appendix 5) An order receiving device as described in Appendix 4, which includes a second sending means for sending a message screen to change the receiving method according to the predicted arrival time, and the determining means for determining a schedule for delivering the product based on the changed receiving method.

[0076] (Supplementary Note 6) The order receiving device according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the second transmission means transmits a message screen for changing the product pickup location from a store parking lot to pickup at a locker or at a counter.

[0077] (Supplementary Note 7) The order receiving device according to Supplementary Note 4 or Supplementary Note 5, further comprising a control means for controlling a mobile robot that delivers the product to the receiving location based on the schedule.

[0078] (Supplementary Note 8) The order receiving device according to Supplementary Note 7, further comprising a detection means for detecting whether or not the product has been received by a sensor provided on the mobile robot after the mobile robot has arrived at the receiving location.

[0079] (Supplementary Note 9) The order receiving device according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein the sensor is a weight sensor.

[0080] (Supplementary Note 10) An order receiving system comprising the order receiving device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9 and a mobile robot that carries the product to a receiving location.

[0081] (Supplementary Note 11) An order acceptance method in which a computer acquires customer location information and traffic information around the location information a predetermined time before the pick-up time of the ordered product at the store, determines whether the customer is heading to the store based on the location information and the traffic information, and cancels the order if it is determined that the customer is not heading to the store.

[0082] (Supplementary Note 12) An order acceptance method in which a computer acquires customer location information and traffic information around the location information a predetermined time before the time for receiving the ordered product at the store, determines whether the customer is heading to the store based on the location information and the traffic information, sends a message screen to confirm whether the order should be canceled if it is determined that the customer is not heading to the store, and cancels the order if a request to cancel the order is received from the customer.

[0083] (Appendix 13) The order acceptance method described in Appendix 11 or Appendix 12 further includes predicting the customer's arrival time at the store based on the location information and the traffic information, and determining whether the customer is heading to the store if the predicted arrival time is more than a predetermined time later than the pickup time.

[0084] (Appendix 14) The order acceptance method described in Appendix 11 or Appendix 12 further includes, when it is determined that the customer is heading to the store, predicting the arrival time at the store based on the customer's location information and traffic information, and determining a schedule for handing over the product based on the predicted arrival time.

[0085] (Supplementary Note 15) The order receiving method according to Supplementary Note 14 further includes sending a message screen to change the receiving method according to the predicted arrival time, and determining a schedule for delivering the product based on the changed receiving method.

[0086] (Supplementary Note 16) The order receiving method according to Supplementary Note 15, further comprising transmitting a message screen for changing the location for receiving the product from a parking lot of the store to a locker or a counter.

[0087] (Supplementary Note 17) The order receiving method according to Supplementary Note 14 or Supplementary Note 15, further comprising controlling a mobile robot that delivers the product to the receiving location based on the schedule.

[0088] (Supplementary Note 18) The order receiving method according to Supplementary Note 17, further comprising detecting whether or not the product has been received by a sensor provided on the mobile robot after the mobile robot arrives at the receiving location.

[0089] (Supplementary Note 19) The order receiving method according to Supplementary Note 18, wherein the sensor is a weight sensor.

[0090] (Appendix 20) A recording medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute the following process: acquire customer location information and traffic information around the location information a predetermined time before the time for receiving an ordered product at a store; determine whether the customer is heading to the store based on the location information and the traffic information; and cancel the order if it is determined that the customer is not heading to the store.

[0091] Some or all of the configurations described in Supplements 2 to 9 that are dependent on Supplement 1 described above are also dependent on Supplement 11 and Supplement 20 in the same dependent relationship as Supplements 2 to 9. Not limited to Supplements 1, 11, and 20, some or all of the configurations described as Supplements may be made dependent on various hardware, software, various recording devices for recording software, or systems, within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0092] 10, 11 Order receiving system 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 Order receiving device 101, 111, 121, 131, 141 Information acquisition unit 102, 112, 123, 132, 142 Determination unit 103, 114, 124, 137, 147 Cancellation unit 113 First transmission unit 122 First prediction unit 133, 143 Second prediction unit 134, 144 Second transmission unit 135, 145 Determination unit 136, 146 Output unit 148 Control unit 200, 210, 220, 230, 240 Customer terminal device 300, 310, 320, 330, 340 Store terminal device 440 Mobile robot 441 Control unit 442 Product storage unit 443 Detection unit 444 Product acquisition unit 500 Computer device 501 CPU 502 ROM 503 RAM 504 Program 505 Storage device 506 Recording medium 507 Drive device 508 Communication interface 509 Input / output interface 510 Bus

Claims

1. An order receiving device comprising: an information acquisition means for acquiring customer location information and traffic information around the location information a predetermined time before the time for receiving an ordered item at a store; a determination means for determining whether the customer is heading to the store based on the location information and the traffic information; and a cancellation means for canceling the order if it is determined that the customer is not heading to the store.

2. An order receiving device comprising: an information acquisition means for acquiring customer location information and traffic information around said location information a predetermined time before the time of pickup of the ordered product at the store; a determination means for determining whether or not the customer is heading to the store based on said location information and said traffic information; a first transmission means for transmitting a message screen to confirm whether or not the order should be canceled if it is determined that the customer is not heading to the store; and a cancellation means for canceling the order when a request to cancel the order is received from the customer.

3. An order receiving device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a first prediction means for predicting the customer's arrival time at the store based on the location information and the traffic information, wherein the determination means determines whether the customer is heading to the store if the predicted arrival time is more than a predetermined time later than the pickup time.

4. An order receiving device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: a second prediction means for predicting the arrival time at the store based on the customer's location information and traffic information when it is determined that the customer is heading to the store; and a determination means for determining a schedule for delivering the product based on the predicted arrival time.

5. An order receiving device as described in claim 4, wherein a second sending means sends a message screen to change the receiving method according to the predicted arrival time, and the determining means determines a schedule for delivering the product based on the changed receiving method.

6. The order receiving device according to claim 5, wherein the second transmission means transmits a message screen for changing the product pickup location from the store parking lot to pickup at a locker or counter.

7. The order receiving device according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a control means for controlling a mobile robot that delivers products to a receiving location based on said schedule.

8. The order receiving device according to claim 7, further comprising a detection means for detecting whether or not the product has been received by a sensor provided on the mobile robot after the mobile robot has arrived at the receiving location.

9. The order receiving device according to claim 8, wherein the sensor is a weight sensor.

10. An order receiving system comprising the order receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a mobile robot that transports the product to a receiving location.

11. An order acceptance method in which a computer acquires customer location information and traffic information around said location information a predetermined time before the time for receiving the ordered product at the store, determines whether or not said customer is heading to the store based on said location information and said traffic information, and cancels said order if it is determined that said customer is not heading to the store.

12. An order acceptance method in which a computer acquires customer location information and traffic information around said location information a specified time before the time for receiving the ordered product at the store, determines whether or not the customer is heading to the store based on said location information and said traffic information, and if it determines that the customer is not heading to the store, sends a message screen to confirm whether or not the order should be canceled, and if a request to cancel the order is received from the customer, cancels the order.

13. An order receiving method as described in claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising predicting the customer's arrival time at the store based on the location information and the traffic information, and determining whether the customer is on their way to the store if the predicted arrival time is more than a predetermined time later than the pickup time.

14. An order receiving method as described in claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising, when it is determined that the customer is heading to the store, predicting the customer's arrival time at the store based on the customer's location information and traffic information, and determining a schedule for delivering the product based on the predicted arrival time.

15. The order receiving method according to claim 14, further comprising sending a message screen to change the receiving method according to the predicted arrival time, and determining a schedule for handing over the product based on the changed receiving method.

16. The order acceptance method according to claim 15, further comprising transmitting a message screen to change the pickup location of the product from the store parking lot to a locker or counter.

17. The order receiving method according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising controlling a mobile robot that delivers the product to a receiving location based on the schedule.

18. The order receiving method according to claim 17, further comprising detecting whether or not the product has been received by a sensor provided on the mobile robot after the mobile robot arrives at the receiving location.

19. The order receiving method according to claim 18, wherein the sensor is a weight sensor.

20. A recording medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute a process of acquiring a customer's location information and traffic information around said location information a specified time before the time for receiving an ordered item at a store, determining whether said customer is heading to the store based on said location information and said traffic information, and canceling said order if it is determined that said customer is not heading to the store.

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