Control device, cart control method, and recording medium

Abstract

This control device is provided with a location information acquisition unit, a payment completion information acquisition unit, an input control unit, and a self-propelled mechanism control unit. The location information acquisition unit acquires first location information indicating the location of a shopping cart, and second location information indicating the location of a shopping cart storage area. The payment completion information acquisition unit acquires payment completion information indicating that a charge for a purchased product is paid. The input control unit enables an input unit of the shopping cart in response to the acquisition of the payment completion information. The self-propelled mechanism control unit controls the self-propelled mechanism of the shopping cart using the first location information in response to an operation on the input unit so that the shopping cart moves to the location of the shopping cart storage area indicated by the second location information.

Description

Control device, cart control method, and recording medium

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a cart control method, and a recording medium.

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a system for self-propelling a cart used in a store or the like to a cart parking area. The system in Patent Document 1 below designs a route from the position of the cart to the cart parking area indicated by map data, and controls the cart's movement mechanism based on that route to move the cart to the cart parking area. The system in Patent Document 1 below also controls the movement of the cart in response to a user pressing a return button to instruct the cart to be stored in the cart parking area, or when it detects that the cart has been left unattended for a predetermined period of time.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-129286

[0004] The system described in Patent Document 1, which controls a shopping cart to move itself and return it to a specific shopping cart storage area, has room for improvement in terms of convenience. For example, if a user unintentionally presses the return button, the system may execute control to move the cart to the cart storage area even though the user still wants to use the cart.

[0005] The control device of the present disclosure comprises: a location information acquisition means for acquiring first location information indicating the location of the shopping cart and second location information indicating the location of a shopping cart parking area; a payment completion information acquisition means for acquiring payment completion information indicating that the price of the purchased goods has been paid; an input control means for activating an input unit of the shopping cart in response to acquisition of the payment completion information; and a self-propelled mechanism control means for controlling the self-propelled mechanism of the shopping cart using the first location information in response to operation of the input unit so that the shopping cart moves to the location of the shopping cart parking area indicated by the second location information.

[0006] The cart control method of the present disclosure includes a computer acquiring first location information indicating the location of a shopping cart and second location information indicating the location of a shopping cart parking area, acquiring payment completion information indicating that the price of the purchased item has been paid, enabling an input unit of the shopping cart in response to acquiring the payment completion information, and controlling a self-propelled mechanism of the shopping cart using the first location information in response to operation of the input unit so as to move the shopping cart to the location of the shopping cart parking area indicated by the second location information.

[0007] The recording medium in the present disclosure is a computer-readable recording medium having a specific program recorded thereon. The program, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform operations including: acquiring first location information indicating the location of a shopping cart and second location information indicating the location of a shopping cart storage area; acquiring payment completion information indicating that the price of the purchased items has been paid for; enabling an input unit of the shopping cart in response to acquiring the payment completion information; and controlling a self-propelled mechanism of the shopping cart using the first location information in response to operation of the input unit so that the shopping cart moves to the location of the shopping cart storage area indicated by the second location information.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the convenience of a system that controls a shopping cart to self-propel and return it to a specific shopping cart location is improved.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first example of the functional configuration of a control device in the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the control device in the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of processing executed by the control device in the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a use case of the control device in the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another example of a use case of the control device in the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of information defining predetermined times that are set for each of multiple areas in a location where a shopping cart is used. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the functional configuration of a control device in the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a third example of the functional configuration of a control device in the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of processing executed by the control device in the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third example of the functional configuration of a control device in the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a third example of processing executed by the control device in the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of the functional configuration of a control device in the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the operation of a notification control unit in the present disclosure.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in this disclosure, the drawings relate to one or more embodiments. Furthermore, in all drawings, similar components are given similar reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, in each block diagram, each block represents a functional configuration, not a hardware configuration. Furthermore, when elements such as blocks in a diagram are linked by arrows, the direction of the arrows is merely intended to make the flow of information easier to understand. In this case, unless otherwise specified, the direction of the arrows does not limit the direction of communication (one-way communication / two-way communication).

[0011] In the following description, "acquisition" includes at least one of the following: a device going to retrieve data or information stored in another device or storage medium (active acquisition), and a device inputting data or information output from another device (passive acquisition). Examples of active acquisition include making a request or inquiry to another device and receiving a reply, and accessing and reading information from another device or storage medium. Examples of passive acquisition include receiving information that is distributed (or transmitted, push notification, etc.). Furthermore, "acquisition" may also mean selecting and acquiring data or information from received data or information, or selecting and receiving distributed data or information.

[0012] First Embodiment <Functional Configuration Example> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a first example of the functional configuration of a control device according to the present disclosure. The control device 10 shown in the diagram includes a location information acquisition unit 110, a payment completion information acquisition unit 120, an input control unit 130, and a self-propelled mechanism control unit 140.

[0013] The location information acquisition unit 110 acquires information indicating the location of the shopping cart (hereinafter also referred to as "first location information") and information indicating the location of the shopping cart (hereinafter also referred to as "second location information").

[0014] The payment completion information acquisition unit 120 acquires information indicating that payment for the product purchased by a person using a shopping cart has been completed (hereinafter also referred to as "payment completion information").

[0015] In response to receiving the payment completion information, the input control unit 130 enables a predetermined input unit provided in the shopping cart. Here, the "predetermined input unit" in this disclosure is provided in the shopping cart to start the self-propelled processing of the shopping cart. This "predetermined input unit" is, for example, a hardware device (such as a hardware button or a microphone) provided at any position on the shopping cart. The "predetermined input unit" may also be, for example, a software button on a display provided on the shopping cart. Furthermore, "enabling" in this disclosure means making such an input unit operable, in other words, making it capable of executing a corresponding process in response to the operation of the input unit.

[0016] The self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 controls the self-propelled mechanism of the shopping cart in response to an operation on the enabled input unit so that the shopping cart moves to the location of a target shopping cart parking area. Here, the location of the target shopping cart parking area is indicated by second position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 110. The self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 controls the self-propelled mechanism of the shopping cart using the first position information so that the shopping cart moves to the location of the target shopping cart parking area indicated by the second position information. Here, the "operation" includes, for example, an operation of pressing the above-mentioned hardware button or software button, a voice input operation into a microphone, etc.

[0017] <Hardware Configuration Example> FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the control device according to the present disclosure.

[0018] The computer 1000 illustrated in this figure includes a bus 1010 , a processor 1020 , a memory 1030 , a storage device 1040 , an input / output interface 1050 , and a network interface 1060 .

[0019] The bus 1010 is a data transmission path for transmitting and receiving data among the processor 1020, memory 1030, storage device 1040, input / output interface 1050, and network interface 1060. However, the method of connecting the processor 1020 and the like to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0020] The processor 1020 is a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU).

[0021] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a random access memory (RAM) or the like.

[0022] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, a read only memory (ROM), etc. The storage device 1040 stores at least program modules that realize the functions of the control device 10 described above (the position information acquisition unit 110, the payment completion information acquisition unit 120, the input control unit 130, and the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140).

[0023] The processor 1020 loads a program module read from the storage device 1040 onto the memory 1030 and executes it, thereby realizing the function corresponding to the program module. For example, the processor 1020 reads a program module corresponding to the location information acquisition unit 110 onto the memory 1030 and executes it, thereby realizing the function of the location information acquisition unit 110 described in this disclosure. Similarly, the processor 1020 reads a program module corresponding to the payment completion information acquisition unit 120 onto the memory 1030 and executes it, thereby realizing the function of the payment completion information acquisition unit 120 described in this disclosure. Similarly, the processor 1020 reads a program module corresponding to the input control unit 130 onto the memory 1030 and executes it, thereby realizing the function of the input control unit 130 described in this disclosure. Similarly, the processor 1020 reads a program module corresponding to the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 onto the memory 1030 and executes it, thereby realizing the function of the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 described in this disclosure. The operation of the processor 1020 is common to each embodiment included in this disclosure.

[0024] The above-described program modules may be recorded on a recording medium other than the storage device 1040. The recording medium on which the program modules are recorded may include any non-transitory, tangible medium usable by the computer 1000. The recording medium on which the program modules are recorded may have embedded therein program code that is readable by the computer 1000 (processor 1020).

[0025] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 (control device 10) with various input / output devices. For example, when the control device 10 and a self-propelled mechanism provided in a shopping cart are connected via the input / output interface 1050, the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 can transmit a signal for controlling the self-propelled mechanism of the shopping cart via the input / output interface 1050.

[0026] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the computer 1000 (control device 10) to a network. This network may be, for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). The network interface 1060 supports various wireless and wired communication standards and establishes communication between the computer 1000 (control device 10) and other devices (not shown) on the network. While not particularly limited, the "other devices" may include a self-propelled mechanism provided in the shopping cart, a communication device carried by a store clerk, a server device that stores and manages various information used in store operations, and a communication device carried by a customer using the shopping cart. For example, the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 can transmit a signal to control the self-propelled mechanism of the shopping cart by communicating with the self-propelled mechanism provided in the shopping cart via short-range wireless communication via the network interface 1060.

[0027] The computer 1000 (control device 10) can also be connected to various devices (not shown) via the input / output interface 1050 or the network interface 1060. The "various devices" referred to here are not particularly limited, but include, for example, input devices such as operation buttons, keyboards, touch panels, mice, and microphones, and output devices such as displays and speakers. The computer 1000 (control device 10) accepts various inputs described in this disclosure via the input devices illustrated.

[0028] <Example of Operation of Control Device> An example of operation of the control device in the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of processing executed by the control device according to the present disclosure.

[0030] The location information acquisition unit 110 acquires first location information indicating the location of the shopping cart at any interval (step S102). For example, assume that each shopping cart is equipped with a beacon transmitter, a radio frequency identifier (RFID) tag, or a Wi-Fi receiver. In this case, the location information acquisition unit 110 can acquire information indicating the location of the target shopping cart at any timing using a known positioning technology that uses radio waves from the beacon, RFID, or Wi-Fi. Alternatively, the location information acquisition unit 110 may be configured to acquire video from an imaging device that captures each area where the shopping cart is used, and analyze the video to acquire first location information indicating the location of the shopping cart.

[0031] The payment completion information acquisition unit 120 monitors whether payment completion information has been acquired (step S104). Here, the payment completion information acquisition unit 120 can acquire payment completion information indicating that payment for the product has been completed, for example, via a settlement device (not shown) operated by a cashier or a customer. For example, when an operation to confirm payment for the product is performed on the settlement device, the settlement device outputs arbitrary information to the payment completion information acquisition unit 120. The payment completion information acquisition unit 120 can acquire the information output from the settlement device as payment completion information. Alternatively, if the shopping cart 20 is equipped with a dedicated reading device (not shown), the payment completion information acquisition unit 120 can acquire the payment completion information via the reading device. For example, when a customer holds a code symbol (one-dimensional code or two-dimensional code) printed on a receipt issued after payment for the product over the reading device, the reading device outputs arbitrary information to the payment completion information acquisition unit 120. The payment completion information acquisition unit 120 can acquire the information output from the reading device as payment completion information.

[0032] If the payment completion information has not been acquired (step S104: NO), the payment completion information acquisition unit 120 continues the process of monitoring whether or not the payment completion information has been acquired.

[0033] On the other hand, if payment completion information is acquired (step S104: YES), the payment completion information acquisition unit 120 sends a predetermined notification to the input control unit 130. In response to acquiring the notification, the input control unit 130 executes control to activate the input unit provided in the shopping cart (step S106). The control executed by the input control unit 130 is any control for enabling the input unit, and includes hardware control and software control. As an example of hardware control, the input control unit 130 executes control to unlock a button lock mechanism of a predetermined hardware button provided as an input unit in the shopping cart, in other words, control to make the hardware button pressable. Furthermore, as an example of software control, the input control unit 130 executes control to change a software button on a touch panel display provided as an input unit in the shopping cart from an inactive state (input disabled state) to an active state (input enabled state). Note that these are merely examples and do not limit the control of the input control unit 130 in the present disclosure.

[0034] Thereafter, when the shopping cart user operates the input unit (step S108: YES), the input unit notifies the position information acquisition unit 110 and the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 of information indicating that the operation has been accepted.

[0035] In response to the notification from the input unit, the location information acquisition unit 110 acquires second location information indicating the location of the shopping cart storage area to which the shopping cart should be moved (step S110). Here, the second location information is stored in a storage area accessible to the location information acquisition unit 110, such as the memory 1030, the storage device 1040, or a storage device provided in a server device (not shown). The location information acquisition unit 110 can access this storage area to acquire the second location information indicating the location of the shopping cart storage area.

[0036] Furthermore, the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 starts processing to control the self-propelled mechanism of the shopping cart using the first position information (step S112). The self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 controls the self-propelled mechanism of the shopping cart to move to a destination location, which is the location of the shopping cart parking area indicated by the second position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 110. Here, the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 is configured to control the self-propelled mechanism of the shopping cart using a known control algorithm related to the autonomous driving of objects.

[0037] The self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 then determines whether the shopping cart has arrived at the location of the shopping cart parking area indicated by the second position information by self-propelling the shopping cart (step S114). The self-propelled mechanism control unit 140, for example, compares the location indicated by the first position information acquired at any interval in the processing of step S102 with the location indicated by the second position information. The self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 then determines whether the difference between the two locations is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value (e.g., one meter). If the difference is less than the predetermined reference value, the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 determines that the shopping cart has arrived at the destination location, i.e., the location of the shopping cart parking area indicated by the second position information. If it is determined that the shopping cart has arrived at the location of the shopping cart parking area indicated by the second position information (step S114: YES), the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 terminates the process of controlling the self-propelled mechanism of the shopping cart. On the other hand, if it is determined that the shopping cart has not arrived at the location of the shopping cart parking area indicated by the second location information (step S114: NO), the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 continues to control the shopping cart's self-propelled mechanism using the first location information.

[0038] When the control device of the present disclosure receives information indicating that a customer using a shopping cart has completed payment for merchandise (payment completion information), it activates an input unit that serves as a trigger for starting self-propelled control of the shopping cart. The self-propelled mechanism of the shopping cart is then controlled in response to an operation on the activated input unit, and the shopping cart self-propels to a specific shopping cart parking area.

[0039] Here, when a customer using a shopping cart has completed payment for the products, it is likely that the shopping cart will soon become unnecessary for that user. Therefore, the control device according to the present disclosure enables the user to accept an operation to drive the shopping cart to a shopping cart storage area at a time that is more appropriate for the user. In other words, the control device according to the present disclosure solves the problem of improving the convenience of a system that controls a shopping cart to drive itself back to a specific shopping cart storage area. The present disclosure also provides a cart control method executed by the control device (computer), a program for realizing each function of the control device (computer), and a computer-readable recording medium for recording the program.

[0040] A detailed example of the control device according to the present disclosure will be described below.

[0041] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a use case of the control device according to the present disclosure. In the example shown in the figure, the above-described control device 10 is mounted on a shopping cart 20. As shown in the figure, the shopping cart 20 includes an information acquisition unit 210, an input unit 220, and a self-propelled mechanism 230. The control device 10 is connected to the information acquisition unit 210, the input unit 220, and the self-propelled mechanism 230 via wired or wireless communication so as to be able to communicate with them.

[0042] The information acquisition unit 210 supports, for example, various wireless communication standards, communicates with a payment device operated by a store clerk or a customer, and acquires payment completion information indicating that payment for the product has been completed at the payment device. The information acquisition unit 210 may also have a function for reading code symbols. In this case, the information acquisition unit 210 may acquire (or generate) payment completion information indicating that payment for the product has been completed, for example, by reading a code symbol printed on a receipt issued after payment for the product. The information acquisition unit 210 then transmits the acquired payment completion information to the control device 10 (payment completion information acquisition unit 120).

[0043] The control device 10 (input control unit 130) executes control to activate the input unit 220 in response to acquiring payment completion information transmitted from the information acquisition unit 210. For example, if the input unit 220 is a hardware button, the input control unit 130 unlocks the button lock mechanism of the hardware button to make the button pressable. For example, if the input unit 220 is a microphone, the input control unit 130 activates the microphone to make it ready to accept voice input. For example, if the input unit 220 is a touch panel display, the input control unit 130 controls the software buttons on the display to be activated (operable).

[0044] In response to a user of the shopping cart 20 operating the input unit 220, the input unit 220 transmits information indicating that the operation has been accepted to the control device 10. In response to acquiring information from the input unit 220, the control device 10 (position information acquisition unit 110) acquires second position information indicating the position of the shopping cart parking area 30 from the memory 1030 or the storage device 1040. The control device 10 (self-propelled mechanism control unit 140) also controls the self-propelled mechanism 230 of the shopping cart 20 to move the shopping cart 20 to the position of the shopping cart parking area 30 indicated by the second position information. The control device 10 (position information acquisition unit 110) acquires first position information indicating the position of the shopping cart 20, for example, based on information from various sensors (not shown) provided on the shopping cart 20. The control device 10 (position information acquisition unit 110) then controls the self-propelled mechanism of the shopping cart 20 using the acquired first position information.

[0045] 5 is a diagram showing another example of a use case of the control device according to the present disclosure. In the example shown in this figure, the control device 10 described above is provided as a server device that communicates with one or more shopping carts 20 and controls the self-propelled operation of each shopping cart 20. In the example shown in this figure, each shopping cart 20 includes an information acquisition unit 210, an input unit 220, and a self-propelled mechanism 230, similar to the example shown in FIG. 4.

[0046] 4, the information acquisition unit 210 acquires payment completion information and transmits the payment completion information to the control device 10 (payment completion information acquisition unit 120). In response to acquiring the payment completion information transmitted from the information acquisition unit 210, the control device 10 (input control unit 130) executes control to activate the input unit 220 of the shopping cart 20 that is the sender of the payment completion information.

[0047] 4 , in response to a user of the shopping cart 20 operating the enabled input unit 220, the input unit 220 transmits information indicating that the operation has been accepted to the control device 10. In response to acquiring information from the input unit 220, the control device 10 (position information acquisition unit 110) acquires second position information indicating the position of the shopping cart parking area 30 from the memory 1030 or the storage device 1040. Furthermore, the control device 10 (self-propelled mechanism control unit 140) controls the self-propelled mechanism 230 of the shopping cart 20 that is the sender of the information, and moves the shopping cart 20 to the position of the shopping cart parking area 30 indicated by the second position information.

[0048] <Modification> As an example, the input control unit 130 may be configured to enable the input unit 220 in response to determining that the shopping cart 20 is empty. For example, if the shopping cart 20 is equipped with a weight sensor or an image sensor, the input control unit 130 is configured to acquire information output from these sensors as information indicating the state of the shopping cart 20. The input control unit 130 then determines whether the shopping cart 20 is empty based on the information acquired from the sensors. Specifically, the input control unit 130 can determine whether the shopping cart 20 is empty (whether any products are placed in the shopping cart 20) based on weight information output from the weight sensor. The input control unit 130 can also determine whether the shopping cart 20 is empty (whether any products are placed in the shopping cart 20) based on image information output from the image sensor. The input control unit 130 then executes control to enable the input unit 220 when it is determined that the shopping cart 20 is empty.

[0049] This allows the shopping cart 20 to self-propel to the shopping cart storage area 30 at an appropriate time. For example, customers often continue to use the shopping cart 20 even after payment completion information has been acquired. For example, there may be cases where a customer wishes to continue using the shopping cart 20 after completing payment for the products in order to transport the products to a shopping stand or parking lot. In this case, the shopping cart 20 still contains products, i.e., is not empty. On the other hand, if the customer transfers the products in the shopping cart 20 to another location (such as a shopping bag or the trunk of a vehicle) and the shopping cart 20 becomes empty, the shopping cart 20 is considered to be unnecessary for the customer. Therefore, by activating the input unit 220 in response to determining that the shopping cart 20 is empty, the control device 10 can perform self-propelled control of the shopping cart 20 at an appropriate time.

[0050] Furthermore, while a customer is walking around the store pushing the shopping cart 20, there may be a case where the customer suddenly decides that the shopping cart 20 is no longer needed. In that case, the customer will likely empty the shopping cart 20 by, for example, transferring the items that were in the shopping cart 20 into a hand-held shopping basket. Taking such a case into consideration, the input control unit 130 may be configured to enable the input unit 220 in response to detection that the shopping cart 20 is empty, regardless of whether payment completion information has been acquired. With this configuration, the control device 10 can detect the timing when the user is likely to no longer need the shopping cart 20, and can then perform self-propelled control of the shopping cart 20.

[0051] As another example, the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 may be configured to determine that the shopping cart 20 is no longer needed by the user if the position of the shopping cart 20 remains unchanged for a predetermined period of time. For example, the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 uses the first position information of the shopping cart 20 to determine whether a state in which the change in the position of the shopping cart 20 (the position indicated by the first position information) is less than a reference value has continued for a predetermined period of time. Assume here that it is determined that a state in which the change in the position of the shopping cart 20 is less than the reference value has continued for a predetermined period of time. In this case, the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 controls the self-propelled mechanism 230 of the shopping cart 20 to move to the shopping cart storage area 30, regardless of operation of the input unit 220 provided on the shopping cart 20. With this configuration, the control device 10 can detect a time when the shopping cart 20 is likely no longer needed by the user and execute self-propelled control of the shopping cart 20.

[0052] In the above-described modified example, the predetermined time used by the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 may be set for each of multiple areas in the location where the shopping cart is used. In this case, the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 identifies the current location of the shopping cart based on the first location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 110. Then, the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 acquires, as the predetermined time, the time set for the area corresponding to the identified location, based on a table such as that shown in FIG. 6.

[0053] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of information defining a predetermined time set for each of a plurality of areas in a location where the shopping cart is used. The information shown in Fig. 6 is stored in any storage area accessible to the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140, such as the memory 1030 or the storage device 1040. Based on the information shown in Fig. 6, the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 can identify the area corresponding to the position indicated by the current first position information of the shopping cart 20 and obtain the predetermined time corresponding to that area.

[0054] The self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 then compares the acquired predetermined time (a time set for the target area) with the duration of the state in which the change in the position of the shopping cart 20 is less than the standard. If the comparison shows that the duration of the state in which the change in the position of the shopping cart 20 is less than the standard is equal to or greater than the predetermined time, the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 begins controlling the self-propelled mechanism 230 of the shopping cart 20. With this configuration, the control device 10 can control the shopping cart 20 to self-propel to the shopping cart parking area 30 at the appropriate time.

[0055] Furthermore, if the shopping cart 20 is located in an area where products are bagged or in a parking lot area, there is a high possibility that the shopping cart 20 will soon become unnecessary. By setting a shorter predetermined time for such areas than for areas where products are displayed, the time that the shopping cart 20 remains idle can be reduced. In other words, the waiting time (the time that the shopping cart 20 is left unattended) until the shopping cart 20 begins to move toward the shopping cart storage area 30 can be reduced. Therefore, by setting a predetermined time for each of multiple areas included in the location where the shopping cart 20 is used, it is possible to expect an effect of improving the operating efficiency of the shopping cart 20.

[0056] The control device 10 may further include a time setting receiving unit 142, as illustrated in FIG. 7 . FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the functional configuration of a control device according to the present disclosure. The time setting receiving unit 142 receives input for setting a predetermined time for each of a plurality of areas included in the location where the shopping cart 20 is used. For example, a store manager determines the predetermined time for each area based on information indicating the usage status of the shopping cart 20 in the store and inputs the predetermined time for each area via an input device connected to the input / output interface 1050. The time setting receiving unit 142 generates or updates information such as that illustrated in FIG. 6 based on the received input. The time setting receiving unit 142 then stores the generated or updated information in a predetermined storage area such as the memory 1030 or the storage device 1040. This allows the store manager to adjust the predetermined time for each area to suit the environment in which the shopping cart 20 is actually used.

[0057] Furthermore, in relatively large stores, etc., multiple shopping cart parking areas 30 may be provided. In this case, the second location information stored in a storage area such as memory 1030 or storage device 1040 will include information indicating the location of each of the multiple shopping cart parking areas 30. In this case, when the second location information indicates the locations of multiple shopping cart parking areas 30, the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 is configured to determine an appropriate route for the shopping cart 20 to self-propel, based on the first location information and the second location information.

[0058] For example, the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 operates as follows. First, the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 identifies the current position of the shopping cart 20 based on the first position information. The self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 also identifies the positions of each of the multiple shopping cart parking spaces 30 based on the second position information. The self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 then calculates the travel distance to each shopping cart parking space 30 based on the current position of the shopping cart 20 indicated by the first position information and the positions of each of the multiple shopping cart parking spaces 30 indicated by the second position information. The self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 then determines, as the route along which the shopping cart 20 will travel to the shopping cart parking space 30 with the shortest travel distance, the route along which the shopping cart 20 will travel. Alternatively, the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 may further use information indicating the congestion level of each area to estimate the travel time to each shopping cart parking space 30. In this case, the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 determines, as the route along which the shopping cart 20 will travel, the route along which the shopping cart 20 will travel to the shopping cart parking space 30 with the shortest estimated travel time. In this way, the shopping cart 20 can be quickly moved to the target shopping cart space 30. As a result, the operating efficiency of the shopping cart 20 can be expected to be improved.

[0059] Second Embodiment While the shopping cart 20 is self-propelled, an unexpected problem may occur that makes it difficult for the shopping cart 20 to continue to move. For example, the shopping cart 20 may become unable to move due to a power outage in the power source (battery) installed in the shopping cart 20 or the presence of an obstacle in the surrounding area. The control device exemplified here further includes a function for dealing with such problems.

[0060] 8 is a diagram illustrating a third example of the functional configuration of a control device according to the present disclosure. The control device 10 illustrated in this diagram further includes a first notification unit 150.

[0061] The first notification unit 150 uses the first position information of the shopping cart 20 to determine whether the shopping cart 20 has not moved for a predetermined time or longer while the self-propelled mechanism 230 is being controlled. Here, it is assumed that the first notification unit 150 detects that the shopping cart 20 has not moved for a predetermined time or longer while the self-propelled mechanism 230 is being controlled. In this case, the first notification unit 150 outputs notification information (hereinafter also referred to as "first notification information") indicating an abnormality while the shopping cart 20 is self-propelled to a notification device used by a store clerk.

[0062] 9 is a flowchart showing a second example of a process executed by the control device according to the present disclosure. The process illustrated in this figure is executed, for example, when the process of step S112 in FIG. 3 (the process of self-propelling the shopping cart 20) is being executed.

[0063] First, the first notification unit 150 determines whether the change in the position of the shopping cart 20 indicated by the first position information is greater than or equal to a standard, based on multiple pieces of first position information acquired over time by the position information acquisition unit 110 (step S1121).

[0064] If it is determined that the change in the position of the shopping cart 20 indicated by the first position information is above the standard (step S1121: YES), the first notification unit 150 continues to monitor the change in the position of the shopping cart 20 until the self-propelled processing of step S112 is completed.

[0065] On the other hand, if it is determined that the change in the position of the shopping cart 20 indicated by the first position information is less than the standard (step S1121: YES), the first notification unit 150 further determines whether the duration of the state is greater than or equal to a predetermined time (step S1122).

[0066] If the change in the position of the shopping cart 20 does not continue to be less than the standard for a predetermined period of time or more (step S1122: NO), the first notification unit 150 continues to monitor the change in the position of the shopping cart 20 until the self-propelled processing of step S112 is completed.

[0067] On the other hand, if the change in the position of the shopping cart 20 is less than the reference value and continues for a predetermined time or longer (step S1122: YES), the first notification unit 150 determines that some abnormality has occurred while the shopping cart 20 is self-propelled. In this case, the first notification unit 150 generates first notification information indicating the abnormality while the shopping cart 20 is self-propelled (step S1123). The first notification unit 150 then transmits the generated first notification information to the communication device of a predetermined store clerk (step S1124). Note that address information of the communication device of each store clerk is pre-stored in a predetermined storage area, such as the memory 1030 or the storage device 1040. The first notification unit 150 references the storage area, identifies address information of an arbitrary predetermined communication device, and uses the address information to output the first notification information to the target communication device.

[0068] In this way, if an abnormality is detected while the shopping cart 20 is moving on its own based on the change over time in the position of the shopping cart 20 indicated by the first position information, first notification information indicating the abnormality is sent to the communication device used by the store clerk. This allows the store clerk to notice the existence of a shopping cart 20 that has become difficult to move on its own for some reason, and the store clerk can then take immediate action to address the cause.

[0069] Third Embodiment It may be possible that the location information of the shopping cart 20 cannot be obtained for some reason. For example, if the battery of the sensor for obtaining location information mounted on the shopping cart 20 of a customer runs out, the first location information indicating the location of the shopping cart 20 cannot be obtained. The control device exemplified here further includes a function for dealing with such a problem.

[0070] 10 is a diagram illustrating a third example of the functional configuration of a control device according to the present disclosure. The control device 10 illustrated in this diagram further includes a second notification unit 160.

[0071] The second notification unit 160 monitors whether a state in which the first location information cannot be acquired by the location information acquisition unit 110 has occurred. When the second notification unit 160 detects a state in which the first location information cannot be acquired by the location information acquisition unit 110, the second notification unit 160 identifies the area in which the shopping cart 20 was located based on the first location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 110 immediately before the state in which the first location information cannot be acquired. The second notification unit 160 then outputs notification information (hereinafter also referred to as "second notification information") indicating the area identified based on the first location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 110 immediately before the first location information could no longer be acquired to a notification device used by the store clerk.

[0072] <Operation Example> FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a third example of processing executed by the control device in the present disclosure.

[0073] First, second notification unit 160 determines whether location information acquisition unit 110 has acquired the first location information (step S202). For example, location information acquisition unit 110 notifies second notification unit 160 every time it acquires first location information at a predetermined interval. If notification from location information acquisition unit 110 stops at a certain timing, second notification unit 160 can determine that location information acquisition unit 110 has not acquired the first location information.

[0074] If the location information acquisition unit 110 has acquired the first location information (step S202: YES), the second notification unit 160 continues to determine whether the location information acquisition unit 110 has successfully acquired the first location information.

[0075] On the other hand, if it is determined that the location information acquisition unit 110 was unable to acquire the first location information (step S202: NO), the second notification unit 160 acquires the first location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 110 immediately before that (step S204). Note that the first location information acquired in the processing of step S204 is also referred to as "immediately preceding location information" below. This immediately preceding location information is temporarily stored in, for example, memory 1030. Therefore, the second notification unit 160 can acquire the immediately preceding location information by, for example, referring to memory 1030.

[0076] Then, the second notification unit 160 identifies the area corresponding to the position indicated by the previous position information (step S206). The second notification unit 160 can identify the area corresponding to the previous position information based on, for example, information such as that shown in FIG.

[0077] Then, second notification unit 160 generates second notification information indicating the identified area (step S208). Then, first notification unit 150 transmits the generated second notification information to the communication device of a specific store clerk (step S210). Note that address information for each store clerk's communication device is pre-stored in a specific storage area, such as memory 1030 or storage device 1040. Second notification unit 160 references the storage area, identifies address information for any predetermined communication device, and uses the address information to output the second notification information to the target communication device.

[0078] In this way, when the location information acquisition unit 110 is no longer able to acquire the first location information, second notification information indicating the area identified based on the first location information acquired immediately before that is transmitted to the communication device used by the store clerk. This allows the store clerk to easily determine the location of a shopping cart 20 immediately before the location information for that shopping cart 20 became unavailable. The store clerk can then narrow down the area based on the second notification information to search for the shopping cart 20 where some abnormality has occurred. This is expected to have the effect of reducing the workload of the store clerk.

[0079] Fourth Embodiment It is preferable to have a function to reduce the possibility of the shopping cart coming into contact with customers or store staff while traveling, and the control device exemplified here further has such a function.

[0080] 12 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of the functional configuration of a control device according to the present disclosure. The control device 10 illustrated in this diagram further includes a notification control unit 170.

[0081] While the shopping cart 20 is moving, the notification control unit 170 causes a predetermined notification device 240 provided in the shopping cart 20 to output a notification. Examples of the notification device 240 include, but are not limited to, a speaker, a liquid crystal display, an electronic bulletin board, a lamp, etc.

[0082] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the notification control unit in the present disclosure. As illustrated in this diagram, when the self-propelled mechanism 230 of a shopping cart 20 is controlled by the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140, the notification control unit 170 transmits control data to the notification device 240 provided in the shopping cart 20. For example, if the notification device 240 is a speaker, the notification control unit 170 supplies the notification device 240 with control data for controlling the audio output of a predetermined message, such as "The cart is being moved to the parking area." In this case, the notification device 240 outputs audio based on the control data. For example, if the notification device 240 is an LCD display or an electronic bulletin board, the notification control unit 170 supplies the notification device 240 with control data for displaying a predetermined message, such as "The cart is being moved to the parking area." In this case, the notification device 240 outputs video and text based on the control data. For example, if the notification device 240 is a lamp such as a red light, the notification control unit 170 supplies the notification device 240 with control data for controlling the lighting state of the notification device. In this case, the notification device 240 controls its own lighting state based on the control data.

[0083] In this way, when the self-propelled mechanism 230 of the shopping cart 20 is controlled by the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140, a predetermined notification is output from the notification device 240 provided in the shopping cart 20. This allows people around the self-propelled shopping cart 20 to realize that the shopping cart 20 is self-propelled. This alerts people around the self-propelled shopping cart 20 to be careful, and prevents unexpected accidents such as contact with the self-propelled shopping cart 20 from occurring.

[0084] <Modification> There may also be cases where a customer in a store suddenly needs to use a shopping cart 20 that is self-propelled. Therefore, the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 may be configured to be able to receive a predetermined input to the shopping cart 20 while the shopping cart 20 is self-propelled. The predetermined input here may be, for example, an input operation to the input unit 220 provided on the shopping cart 20 (pressing a hardware button or voice input operation to a microphone). The predetermined input may also be transmitted to the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 from a dedicated application installed on a communication device carried by the customer. When the self-propelled mechanism control unit 140 receives such a predetermined input, it suspends self-propelled control of the shopping cart 20.

[0085] With this configuration, the customer can use the shopping cart 20 while the shopping cart 20 is moving toward the shopping cart storage area 30. This is expected to have the effect of improving the operating efficiency of the shopping cart 20.

[0086] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the description of the embodiments and modifications, the present disclosure is not limited to the description of the above-described embodiments and modifications. Various modifications that can be understood by a person skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the configurations of the embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0087] In addition, although the flowcharts used in the above description show a sequence of steps (processes), the order of steps executed in each embodiment is not limited to the sequence shown in the flowcharts. In each embodiment, the order of steps shown in the diagrams can be changed as long as it does not cause any problems in terms of the content.

[0088] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes: 1. A control device comprising: location information acquisition means for acquiring first location information indicating the location of a shopping cart and second location information indicating the location of a shopping cart space; payment completion information acquisition means for acquiring payment completion information indicating that the price of purchased items has been paid; input control means for enabling an input unit of the shopping cart in response to acquisition of the payment completion information; and self-propelled mechanism control means for controlling the self-propelled mechanism of the shopping cart using the first location information in response to operation of the input unit so as to move the shopping cart to the location of the shopping cart space indicated by the second location information. 2. The control device described in 1., wherein the input control means determines whether the shopping cart is empty based on information indicating the status of the inside of the shopping cart, and enables the input unit when it is determined that the shopping cart is empty. 3. The self-propelled mechanism control means controls the self-propelled mechanism to move the shopping cart to the shopping cart space regardless of operation of the input unit when a state in which the change in position of the shopping cart remains less than a reference value for a predetermined period of time. or 2. The control device according to 3., 4. The predetermined time is set for each of a plurality of areas included in the location where the shopping cart is used, and the self-propelled mechanism control means acquires the time set for the area corresponding to the position indicated by the first position information as the predetermined time. 5. The control device according to 3. or 4., further comprising first notification means that, when it is detected based on the first position information that the shopping cart has not moved for a predetermined time or more while the self-propelled mechanism is being controlled, outputs first notification information indicating an abnormality during self-propelled movement of the shopping cart to a communication device used by a store employee. 6. The control device according to any one of 3. to 5., further comprising time setting receiving means that receives setting input for the predetermined time set for each of a plurality of areas.7. The control device according to any one of 1. to 6., further comprising second notification means for, when the location information acquisition means detects a state in which the first location information cannot be acquired, outputting second notification information indicating an area specified based on the most recently acquired first location information to a communication device used by a store clerk. 8. The control device according to any one of 1. to 7., further comprising notification control means for causing a notification device provided in the shopping cart to output a notification while the shopping cart is self-propelled. 9. The control device according to any one of 1. to 8., wherein the self-propelled mechanism control means suspends self-propelled control of the shopping cart when a predetermined input for the shopping cart is received while the shopping cart is self-propelled. 10. The control device according to any one of 1. to 9., wherein, when the second location information indicates the locations of a plurality of shopping cart parking areas, the self-propelled route of the shopping cart is determined based on the location indicated by the first location information and the locations of each of the plurality of shopping cart parking areas. 11. 11. A cart control method comprising: a computer acquiring first location information indicating the location of a shopping cart and second location information indicating the location of a shopping cart space, acquiring payment completion information indicating that the price of the purchased items has been paid, activating an input unit of the shopping cart in response to acquiring the payment completion information, and controlling a self-propelled mechanism of the shopping cart using the first location information in response to operation of the input unit so that the shopping cart moves to the location of the shopping cart space indicated by the second location information. 12. A cart control method according to 11., comprising: the computer determining whether the shopping cart is empty based on information indicating the status of the contents of the shopping cart, and activating the input unit if it is determined that the shopping cart is empty.13. The cart control method described in 11. or 12., including: when a state in which the change in position of the shopping cart is less than a reference value continues for a predetermined time, the computer controls the self-propelled mechanism to move the shopping cart to the shopping cart storage area regardless of operation of the input unit. 14. The cart control method described in 13., including: the predetermined time is set for each of a plurality of areas included in the location where the shopping cart is used, and the computer acquires as the predetermined time the time set for the area corresponding to the position indicated by the first position information. 15. The cart control method described in 13. or 14., including: when the computer detects based on the first position information that the shopping cart has not moved for a predetermined time or more while controlling the self-propelled mechanism, outputting first notification information indicating an abnormality during self-propelled movement of the shopping cart to a communication device used by a store clerk. 16. The cart control method described in any one of 13. to 15., including: the computer accepts setting input for the predetermined time set for each of a plurality of areas. 17. The cart control method recited in any one of 11. to 16., including: when the computer detects a state in which the first location information cannot be acquired, outputting second notification information indicating an area specified based on the most recently acquired first location information to a communication device used by a store clerk. 18. The cart control method recited in any one of 11. to 17., including: when the computer detects a state in which the first location information cannot be acquired, outputting second notification information indicating an area specified based on the most recently acquired first location information to a communication device used by a store clerk. 19. The cart control method recited in any one of 11. to 18., including: when the computer detects a state in which the first location information cannot be acquired, outputting second notification information indicating an area specified based on the most recently acquired first location information to a communication device used by a store clerk.20. The cart control method described in any one of 11. to 19., including: when the second location information indicates the locations of multiple shopping cart locations, the computer determines a route for the shopping cart to self-propel based on the location indicated by the first location information and the locations of each of the multiple shopping cart locations. 21. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform operations including: acquiring first location information indicating the location of the shopping cart and second location information indicating the locations of the shopping cart locations; acquiring payment completion information indicating that the price of the purchased items has been paid for; enabling an input unit of the shopping cart in response to acquiring the payment completion information; and controlling the self-propelled mechanism of the shopping cart using the first location information in response to operation of the input unit so that the shopping cart moves to the location of the shopping cart location indicated by the second location information. 22. The operations executed by the computer include: determining whether the shopping cart is empty based on information indicating the status of the contents of the shopping cart; and enabling the input unit if it is determined that the shopping cart is empty. 23. The recording medium described in 21. or 22., wherein the operation executed by the computer includes: when a state in which the change in position of the shopping cart is less than a reference value continues for a predetermined time, controlling the self-propelled mechanism to move the shopping cart to the shopping cart storage area regardless of operation of the input unit. 24. The recording medium described in 23., wherein the predetermined time is set for each of a plurality of areas included in the location where the shopping cart is used, and the operation executed by the computer includes obtaining, as the predetermined time, the time set for the area corresponding to the position indicated by the first position information.25. The recording medium described in 23. or 24., wherein the operation executed by the computer includes: when it is detected based on the first position information that the shopping cart has not moved for a predetermined time or more while the self-propelled mechanism is being controlled, outputting first notification information indicating an abnormality during self-propelled driving of the shopping cart to a communication device used by a store clerk. 26. The recording medium described in any one of 23. to 25., wherein the operation executed by the computer includes: accepting setting input regarding the predetermined time to be set for each of a plurality of areas. 27. The recording medium described in any one of 21. to 26., wherein the operation executed by the computer includes: when it is detected that the first position information cannot be obtained, outputting second notification information indicating an area specified based on the first position information obtained immediately before to a communication device used by a store clerk. 28. The recording medium described in any one of 21. to 27., wherein the operation executed by the computer includes: causing an alarm device provided in the shopping cart to output an alarm while the shopping cart is self-propelled. 29. The recording medium described in any one of 21. to 28., wherein the operation executed by the computer includes: suspending self-propelled control of the shopping cart when a predetermined input for the shopping cart is received while the shopping cart is self-propelled. 30. The recording medium described in any one of 21. to 29., wherein the operation executed by the computer includes: when the second position information indicates the positions of multiple shopping cart spaces, determining a route for the shopping cart to self-propel based on the position indicated by the first position information and the positions of each of the multiple shopping cart spaces.

[0089] 10 Control device 1000 Computer 1010 Bus 1020 Processor 1030 Memory 1040 Storage device 1050 Input / output interface 1060 Network interface 110 Position information acquisition unit 120 Payment completion information acquisition unit 130 Input control unit 140 Self-propelled mechanism control unit 142 Time setting reception unit 150 First notification unit 160 Second notification unit 170 Notification control unit 20 Shopping cart 210 Information acquisition unit 220 Input unit 230 Self-propelled mechanism 240 Notification device 30 Shopping cart storage area

Claims

1. A control device comprising: a location information acquisition means for acquiring first location information indicating the location of a shopping cart and second location information indicating the location of a shopping cart parking area; a payment completion information acquisition means for acquiring payment completion information indicating that the price of a purchased item has been paid; an input control means for activating an input unit of the shopping cart in response to acquisition of the payment completion information; and a self-propelled mechanism control means for controlling the self-propelled mechanism of the shopping cart using the first location information in response to operation of the input unit so that the shopping cart moves to the location of the shopping cart parking area indicated by the second location information.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the input control means determines whether the shopping cart is empty based on information indicating the state of the shopping cart, and enables the input unit when it is determined that the shopping cart is empty.

3. A control device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the self-propelled mechanism control means controls the self-propelled mechanism to move the shopping cart to the shopping cart parking area regardless of operation of the input unit when the change in position of the shopping cart remains below a standard for a predetermined period of time.

4. The control device described in claim 3, wherein the specified time is set for each of multiple areas included in the location where the shopping cart is used, and the self-propelled mechanism control means obtains the time set in the area corresponding to the position indicated by the first position information as the specified time.

5. A control device as described in claim 3 or 4, further comprising a first notification means for outputting first notification information indicating an abnormality in the self-propelled shopping cart to a communication device used by a store clerk when it is detected based on the first position information that the shopping cart has not moved for a predetermined period of time while the self-propelled mechanism is being controlled.

6. The control device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising time setting receiving means for receiving setting input regarding the predetermined time set for each of a plurality of areas.

7. A control device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second notification means for outputting, to a communication device used by a store clerk, second notification information indicating an area identified based on the first location information previously acquired, when the location information acquisition means detects a state in which the first location information cannot be acquired.

8. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising notification control means for causing a notification device provided on the shopping cart to output a notification while the shopping cart is self-propelled.

9. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the self-propelled mechanism control means suspends self-propelled control of the shopping cart when a predetermined input to the shopping cart is received while the shopping cart is self-propelled.

10. A control device described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the self-propelled mechanism control means, when the second position information indicates the positions of multiple shopping cart parking areas, determines a route for the shopping cart to self-propel based on the position indicated by the first position information and the positions of each of the multiple shopping cart parking areas.

11. A cart control method including: a computer acquiring first location information indicating the location of a shopping cart and second location information indicating the location of a shopping cart storage area; acquiring payment completion information indicating that the price of the purchased item has been paid for; activating an input unit of the shopping cart in response to acquiring the payment completion information; and controlling the self-propelled mechanism of the shopping cart using the first location information in response to operation of the input unit so that the shopping cart moves to the location of the shopping cart storage area indicated by the second location information.

12. The cart control method according to claim 11, further comprising the steps of: determining whether the shopping cart is empty based on information indicating the state of the shopping cart; and activating the input unit when it is determined that the shopping cart is empty.

13. A cart control method as described in claim 11 or 12, including the computer controlling the self-propelled mechanism to move the shopping cart to the shopping cart storage area, regardless of operation of the input unit, when the change in position of the shopping cart remains less than a reference value for a predetermined period of time.

14. A cart control method as described in claim 13, wherein the specified time is set for each of a plurality of areas included in the location where the shopping cart is used, and the computer acquires as the specified time the time set in the area corresponding to the location indicated by the first location information.

15. A cart control method as described in claim 13 or 14, including the computer outputting first notification information indicating an abnormality in the self-propelled shopping cart when the computer detects, based on the first position information, that the shopping cart has not moved for a predetermined period of time while controlling the self-propelled mechanism, to a communication device used by a store clerk.

16. A cart control method as described in any one of claims 11 to 15, including the computer outputting, when it detects a state in which the first location information cannot be obtained, second notification information indicating an area identified based on the first location information obtained immediately before to a communication device used by a store clerk.

17. A cart control method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, comprising the step of: causing an alarm device provided in the shopping cart to output an alarm while the shopping cart is moving under its own power.

18. A cart control method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, comprising: when the computer receives a predetermined input for the shopping cart while the shopping cart is self-propelled, suspending self-propelled control of the shopping cart.

19. A cart control method as described in any one of claims 11 to 18, comprising the computer: when the second location information indicates the locations of multiple shopping cart parking areas, determining a route for the shopping cart to travel on its own based on the location indicated by the first location information and the locations of each of the multiple shopping cart parking areas.

20. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform operations including: acquiring first location information indicating the location of a shopping cart and second location information indicating the location of a shopping cart storage area; acquiring payment completion information indicating that the price of the purchased items has been paid for; enabling the input unit of the shopping cart in response to acquiring the payment completion information; and controlling the self-propelled mechanism of the shopping cart using the first location information in response to operation of the input unit so that the shopping cart moves to the location of the shopping cart storage area indicated by the second location information.

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