Information processing device, information processing method, and recording medium

Abstract

An information processing device is used together with a display means that moves within a store together with a customer, and a sensor provided to the store. On a commodity shelf of the store, a plurality of identical commodities are arranged so as to form a group. When the customer takes out at least one commodity from the commodity shelf, the sensor generates sensor information with which it is possible to identify a first position, which is the position of the at least one commodity in the group. The information processing device comprises: a position identification means that acquires and processes the sensor information, thereby generating information indicating the first position; and a display control means that performs a process for causing the display means to display information pertaining to an object corresponding to the first position.

Description

Information processing device, information processing method, and recording medium

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a recording medium.

[0002] In recent years, various devices have been proposed for the purpose of managing products placed on store shelves. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a device that detects whether a customer picked up a product from the back or front of the shelf by comparing images taken before and after the customer picked up the product, and generates point information using the detection result. In Patent Document 1, the point information is generated each time a customer visits the store.

[0003] International Publication No. 2020 / 195738

[0004] To reduce product waste, it is preferable to motivate customers to purchase products that are approaching their expiration date, such as a best-by date.

[0005] An information processing device in one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device used in conjunction with a display means that moves around a store together with a customer and a sensor installed in the store, wherein a plurality of identical products are arranged in a group on the store's shelves, and when a customer removes at least one of the products from the shelf, the sensor generates sensor information that can identify a first position, which is the position of the at least one product in the group, and the information processing device comprises: a position identification means that acquires and processes the sensor information to generate information indicating the first position; and a display control means that performs processing to display target information corresponding to the first position on the display means.

[0006] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method performed by a computer used in conjunction with a display means that moves around a store together with a customer and a sensor installed in the store, wherein a plurality of identical products are arranged in groups on the store's shelves, and when a customer removes at least one of the products from the shelves, the sensor generates sensor information capable of identifying a first position, which is the position of the at least one product in the group, and the computer acquires and processes the sensor information to generate information indicating the first position, and performs processing to display target information corresponding to the first position on the display means.

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a recording medium is a recording medium having recorded thereon a program used in a computer used together with a display means that moves around a store together with a customer and a sensor installed in the store, wherein a plurality of identical products are arranged in groups on the shelves of the store, and when a customer removes at least one of the products from the shelf, the sensor generates sensor information that can identify a first position, which is the position of the at least one product in the group, and the program provides the computer with: a position identification means that acquires and processes the sensor information to generate information indicating the first position; and a display control means that performs processing to display target information corresponding to the first position on the display means.

[0008] According to one example of the present disclosure, customers can be motivated to purchase products that are approaching their expiration date, such as a best-by date.

[0009] 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a usage environment of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. A diagram for explaining an example of a usage environment of an example of a functional configuration of an information processing device. A diagram for explaining an example of a first reference position and a second reference position. A diagram for explaining an example of a first reference position and a second reference position. A diagram for explaining an example of a usage environment of an information processing device according to the present disclosure ...

[0010] Hereinafter, in this disclosure, the drawings relate to one or more embodiments. In addition, in all drawings, similar components are given similar reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 10 is used together with a display unit 20 and a sensor 30, and performs processing to motivate customers to purchase products that are approaching their expiration dates, such as expiration dates.

[0012] The display unit 20 moves around the store together with the customer. For example, the display unit 20 may be attached to a container, such as a cart or shopping basket, that holds the product 50 that the customer is about to purchase. The display unit 20 may also be the display and its control unit of a portable communication device carried by the customer. This portable communication device may be a so-called smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0013] The sensor 30 is installed in the store, and when a product 50 placed on a product shelf 40 is taken out, the sensor 30 generates information that can identify the position of the product 50 before the product 50 is taken out. Hereinafter, this information will be referred to as sensor information. The taken-out product 50 is placed in a container such as a card or a shopping cart.

[0014] As an example, the sensor 30 includes an imaging device. In this case, the sensor information is an image. The image may be a plurality of frame images constituting a video, or may be a single still image. The information processing device 10 processes this image to identify the position of the product 50 picked up by the customer.

[0015] If the sensor 30 is an imaging device, the imaging device may capture an image of the product 50 from above and in front of the product shelf 40. In this case, the imaging device may be a surveillance camera installed in a store. The imaging device may also be attached to a container, such as a cart or shopping basket, in which the product 50 that the customer intends to purchase is placed. In this case, the sensor 30 may be incorporated into the same housing as the display unit 20. Note that if the container is a cart, the imaging device as the sensor 30 is attached to the cart so as to include at least the sides of the cart in its imaging range. However, the sensor 30 may have multiple imaging devices facing in different directions.

[0016] As another example, the sensor 30 may include weight sensors or contact sensors arranged in a matrix on the surface of the shelf 40. In this case, the weight sensor or contact sensor on which the product 50 is placed outputs predetermined information. The sensor information is a collection of this information. The information processing device 10 then identifies the position of the product 50 removed by the customer by detecting which weight sensor or contact sensor has stopped outputting the predetermined information.

[0017] A plurality of identical products 50 are arranged in a group on the shelf 40. As an example, the plurality of identical products 50 are repeatedly arranged on the same shelf of the shelf 40 at least in the depth direction, and in many cases also in the width direction. In most cases, there are no other products 50 arranged in this group. The information processing device 10 can then identify the position of the product 50 taken out by the customer in this group by processing the sensor information. Hereinafter, this position will be referred to as the first position.

[0018] In store practice, when products 50 are set with expiration dates such as best-before dates or expiry dates, products 50 with the shortest time remaining from the current date and time are often lined up at the front of the product shelf 40. The purpose of this is to reduce wastage due to expired products 50. In other words, if customers start to prioritize purchasing products at the front of the product shelf 40, wastage of products 50 will decrease.

[0019] The information processing device 10 then performs processing to display information corresponding to the first position on the display unit 20. As an example, if the first position is at the back of the product shelf 40, the information processing device 10 displays on the display unit 20 a message encouraging the customer to pick up the product 50 at the front. As another example, if the first position is at the front of the product shelf 40 (e.g., the front row), the information processing device 10 displays a message expressing gratitude to the customer. This processing is performed by the display control unit 120, which will be described later. Note that the criteria for determining whether the first position is at the front or the back are set in advance. The customer can recognize the information displayed on the display unit 20 immediately after picking up the product 50. This can motivate the customer to purchase products that are close to their expiration date, such as a best-by date.

[0020] The information processing device 10 may be installed in a store that has the sensor 30, or may be installed in a location different from the store. In the latter case, the information processing device 10 communicates with the display unit 20 and the sensor 30 via a public communication network such as the Internet.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2 , the information processing device 10 includes a position identification unit 110 and a display control unit 120, and can use a storage unit 130. The storage unit 130 may be a part of the information processing device 10 or may be located outside the information processing device 10. The storage unit 130 stores various types of information used by the information processing device 10. For example, the storage unit 130 stores multiple pieces of information to be displayed by the information processing device 10 on the display unit 20, linked to conditions for displaying the information. The information processing device 10 uses the information stored in the storage unit 130 to display information corresponding to the first position on the display unit 20.

[0022] The position specifying unit 110 acquires the sensor information generated by the sensor 30 and processes the sensor information to generate information indicating the first position.

[0023] For example, if the sensor 30 includes an imaging device that captures images of the products 50 from above and in front of the product shelf 40, the position identification unit 110 processes the images to identify the positions of the multiple products 50. This process uses, for example, the feature amounts of the products 50. These feature amounts are stored in the storage unit 130, for example, by type of product 50.

[0024] The position of the product 50 may be indicated, for example, by the center position of the product 50 in the image, or by the position of a rectangular frame surrounding the product 50. These positions may be indicated as relative positions with respect to the product shelf 40, or may be indicated by x and y coordinates within the image. The position identifying unit 110 then uses the positions of these multiple products 50 to identify the area of ​​a group consisting of multiple products 50. The position identifying unit 110 then identifies the position of the product 50 taken out by the customer from this group, thereby identifying the first position.

[0025] Furthermore, if the sensor 30 includes an imaging device and this imaging device is attached to a container such as a cart or a shopping basket, this imaging device can capture an image of the product 50 lined up in the front row of the product shelf 40. By processing this image, the position identification unit 110 generates, as the first position, information indicating whether the product 50 picked up by the customer was lined up in the front row.

[0026] The display control unit 120 performs processing to display target information corresponding to the first location on the display unit 20. For example, if the storage unit 130 stores target information for each first location, the display control unit 120 reads out the target information corresponding to the first location from the storage unit 130 and displays the read target information on the display unit 20. Furthermore, if the storage unit 130 stores rules for generating target information for each first location, the display control unit 120 reads out the rules corresponding to the first location, generates target information in accordance with these rules, and displays it on the display unit 20. Note that the time from when the customer picks up the product 50 to when the target information is displayed on the display unit 20 is, for example, within five seconds.

[0027] For example, assume that multiple identical products 50 are lined up in a depth direction, as shown in FIG. 3 . When the first position of the group of multiple products 50 as viewed in the depth direction is further back than a first reference position, which is further back than the front row of the group, the display control unit 120 includes notification information in the target information that encourages the customer to pick up the product 50 located in front of the first reference position. This notification information is, for example, a message containing text information. This text information may include information that changes the customer's awareness, such as, for example, "From the perspective of the SDGs, please pick up the product 50 in the front row." Alternatively, as in the example described below, it may include information indicating that purchasing the product 50 in the front row will be beneficial to the customer. It is preferable that the notification information include text encouraging the customer to pick up the product 50 in the front row.

[0028] In the example shown in the figure, the first reference position is set further back than the center of the product shelf (or the group of products 50) in the depth direction of the product shelf. However, the first reference position may also be located closer to the center, for example, within one-third of the way from the front of the product shelf (or the group of products 50) in the depth direction of the product shelf.

[0029] 3, the display control unit 120 includes in the target information information indicating that an incentive will be given to the customer when the first position, as viewed in the depth direction of the group formed by the multiple products 50, is closer to a second reference position, which is closer to the last row of the group. When both the first reference position and the second reference position are set, the second reference position is located closer to the first reference position. The incentive given to the customer may be, for example, the award of points or a service coupon.

[0030] When providing an incentive to a customer, the information processing device 10 must acquire the customer's identification information, associate information indicating the details of the incentive with the identification information, and store the information in the device that manages incentives. This process involves, for example, acquiring a customer ID (e.g., a membership number for a points member) via a reader when the customer enters a store, and storing the customer ID in the storage unit 130 in association with an image of the customer acquired upon entry. In this case, the information processing device 10 acquires an image of the customer who picked up the product 50 when the product 50 is removed, and by identifying the customer ID corresponding to this image, it is possible to identify the customer who is eligible for the incentive.

[0031] If the sensor 30 is an imaging device attached to a container, such as a cart or shopping basket, in which the product 50 that the customer intends to purchase is placed, the sensor 30 may be linked to a customer ID. The customer ID is acquired, for example, by an acquisition device attached to the container from a card or portable communication device carried by the customer. The information processing device 10 can then identify the customer who is eligible for the incentive by identifying the customer ID corresponding to the sensor 30.

[0032] In the example shown in the figure, the second reference position is set in front of the center of the product shelf (or the group formed by the products 50) in the depth direction of the product shelf. However, the second reference position may be located further back, for example, more than two-thirds of the way from the front of the product shelf in the depth direction of the product shelf (or the group formed by the products 50).

[0033] As shown in Fig. 4, the first reference position may also serve as the second reference position. In this case, as shown in Fig. 5, the first reference position may be between the front product 50 and the next product 50. In this way, the possibility that a customer will take the front product 50 increases.

[0034] If the sensor 30 includes an imaging device and this imaging device is attached to a container such as a cart or shopping basket, the imaging device will capture an image of the front of the product shelf 40. In this case, the first reference position and the second reference position will be as shown in the example in Fig. 5. The position identification unit 110 can then compare the image taken immediately before the customer removes the product 50 with the image taken after the customer removes the product 50, thereby determining whether the position of the removed product 50, i.e., the first position, was located in front of the first reference position.

[0035] For example, if the image taken just before the customer takes out the product 50 is as shown in Figure 6, and if there is no change in the number of products 50 in the front row in the image taken after the customer has taken out the product 50, the position identification unit 110 determines that the first position is further back than the first reference position.

[0036] On the other hand, if the image immediately before the customer removes the products 50 is as shown in FIG. 6 , and the image after the customer removes the products 50 shows fewer products 50 in the front row as shown in FIG. 7 , the position identification unit 110 determines that the first position is closer to the first reference position (i.e., the second reference position). Note that in FIG. 7 , a rectangular frame 52 is attached to the area where the front row product 50 has been removed. Products 50 in the second row or further back are visible in the area enclosed by the frame 52 in FIG. 7 . The size of the area of ​​the image occupied by this product 50 is smaller than the size of the area occupied by the front row products 50.

[0037] 8 shows an example of information displayed on the display unit 20 when the position of the product 50 taken by the customer, i.e., the first position, is further back than the first reference position. In this example, the display control unit 120 includes information on the display unit 20 indicating that the customer will receive an incentive if they take the product 50 located closer to them than the first reference position. In this way, the information processing device 10 can motivate the customer to take the product 50 closer to them.

[0038] The incentive given to the customer may differ depending on the type of product 50. Here, the storage unit 130 may store information to be displayed on the display unit 20, i.e., target information, for each different type of product 50. In this case, the display control unit 120 identifies the type of product 50 by, for example, processing the image generated by the sensor 30, and reads out and uses the target information corresponding to the identified type.

[0039] 9 shows an example of information displayed on the display unit 20 when the position of the product 50 taken by the customer, i.e., the first position, is in front of the second reference position. In this example, the display control unit 120 includes information on the display unit 20 indicating that an incentive has been given to the customer or that an incentive will be given to the customer. In this manner, the information processing device 10 can still motivate the customer to take the product 50 closer to them. Even in this case, the incentive given to the customer may differ depending on the type of product 50.

[0040] The process for granting incentives to customers may be performed by the information processing device 10, or may be performed by a device different from the information processing device 10, such as a management device for incentives such as points. In the latter case, the information processing device 10 transmits information indicating, for example, the customer ID and the type of product 50 that is the target of the incentive to the management device. The management device then performs the incentive granting process, such as the point granting process, using the information acquired from the information processing device 10.

[0041] The information processing apparatus 10 has, as a hardware configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, a bus 1010, a processor 1020, a memory 1030, a storage device 1040, an input / output interface 1050, and a network interface 1060.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The processor 1020 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like.

[0044] The memory 1030 is a main storage device realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

[0045] The storage device 1040 is an auxiliary storage device realized by removable media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, or a read-only memory (ROM), and has a recording medium. The recording medium of the storage device 1040 stores program modules that realize each function of the information processing device 10 (e.g., the position identification unit 110, the display control unit 120, and the storage processing unit 140 described later). The processor 1020 loads each of these program modules into the memory 1030 and executes them, thereby realizing each function corresponding to the program module. Note that the storage device 1040 may also function as the storage unit 130.

[0046] The input / output interface 1050 is an interface for connecting the information processing device 10 to various input / output devices. For example, the information processing device 10 may communicate with the storage unit 130 via the input / output interface 1050.

[0047] The network interface 1060 is an interface for connecting the information processing device 10 to a network. This network is, for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). The network interface 1060 may connect to the network wirelessly or by wire. The information processing device 10 may communicate with at least one of the display unit 20, the sensor 30, and an acquisition unit 70 (described later) via the network interface 1060.

[0048] The information processing device 10 operates, for example, as shown in Fig. 11. When a customer takes out a product 50 from the product shelf 40, the sensor 30 transmits sensor information to the information processing device 10. Note that the sensor 30 may continuously generate and transmit sensor information to the information processing device 10 at all times.

[0049] The position identification unit 110 of the information processing device 10 acquires sensor information when the customer takes out the product 50 (step S10), and processes the sensor information to identify the position of the taken-out product 50, i.e., the first position (step S20). Next, the display control unit 120 of the information processing device 10 identifies target information corresponding to the identified first position (step S30), and executes processing to display the identified target information on the display unit 20, for example, processing to transmit the target information to the display unit 20 (step S40).

[0050] The information processing device 10 may determine whether or not to perform processing to display target information on the display unit 20 depending on the type of product 50, for example, the product category. For example, the position identification unit 110 and the display control unit 120 operate on products 50 in a first category, but at least one of the display control unit 120 and the storage unit 130 does not operate on products 50 in a second category. In this way, the load on the information processing device 10 can be reduced.

[0051] The second category includes, but is not limited to, foods with long expiration dates, such as beverages in plastic bottles or cans, canned goods, and bottled goods. Information specifying the types of products 50 belonging to the first category and information specifying the types of products belonging to the second category are stored in advance in the storage unit 130. In this case, the information processing device 10 uses the information stored in the storage unit 130 to determine whether or not to perform processing for displaying the target information on the display unit 20.

[0052] As described above, when a customer takes out a product 50 from the product shelf 40, the information processing device 10 displays target information corresponding to the position of the product 50 on the display unit 20. This allows the customer to check the target information immediately after taking out the product 50. Therefore, by using the information processing device 10, it is possible to motivate customers to purchase products that are approaching their expiration date, such as a best-by date.

[0053] 12, the information processing device 10 may include a storage processing unit 140. The storage processing unit 140 stores, for each customer, at least one of the number of times and the percentage of times that the first position of the customer was located further back than the first reference position in the storage unit 130. This information is updated every time the customer takes out a product 50 from the product shelf 40.

[0054] In this case, the display control unit 120 includes, in the target information, notification information that prompts the user to pick up the product 50 located closer to the first reference position when at least one of the number of times and the rate stored in the storage unit 130 meets a criterion. The criterion here is, for example, that the number of times or the rate is equal to or greater than a reference value.

[0055] The display control unit 120 may change the notification information using at least one of the number of times and the percentage of times the first position is behind the first reference position. For example, the display control unit 120 may change the text included in the notification information so as to strongly encourage the user to pick up the product 50 located in front of the first reference position as the number of times or the percentage of times the first position is behind the first reference position increases. In this case, the text that may be included in the notification information is stored in advance in the storage unit 130.

[0056] The storage processing unit 140 also stores, for each customer, at least one of the number of times and the percentage of times that the customer's first position was closer to the second reference position in the storage unit 130. In this case, the display control unit 120 performs processing to provide an incentive to the customer when at least one of the number of times and the percentage of times stored in the storage unit 130 meets a criterion. The criterion here may also be, for example, that the number of times or the percentage is equal to or greater than a reference value.

[0057] The display control unit 120 may change the incentive using at least one of the number of times and the percentage of times the first position is closer to the second reference position. For example, the more the number of times or the percentage, the more points per product 50 may be provided, or the coupon may be changed so that at least one of the discount rate and the target product is different.

[0058] The storage process by the storage processing unit 140 and the process by the display control unit 120 may be performed for each category of the product 50 or may be performed regardless of the category of the product 50 .

[0059] 13 , when the display unit 20 is attached to a container 60 such as a cart or shopping basket, the container 60 may include an acquisition unit 70. The acquisition unit 70 is, for example, part of a POS and acquires identification information of the product 50 to be checked out in order to register the product 50 in a product list. The acquisition unit 70 may acquire the identification information of the product 50 by, for example, reading a barcode or two-dimensional code attached to the product 50, or may acquire the identification information of the product 50 by taking an image of the product 50 and processing the image. In the latter case, the image processing may be performed by an external device.

[0060] The acquisition unit 70 transmits information indicating that the product 50 has been added to the product list to the information processing device 10. After acquiring this information, i.e., after the product 50 taken out from the product shelf 40 has been registered in the product list by the acquisition unit 70, the display control unit 120 of the information processing device 10 may perform processing to display the target information on the display unit 20. This reduces the processing load of the information processing device 10. Note that the time from when the customer causes the acquisition unit 70 to acquire the identification information of the product 50 to when the target information is displayed on the display unit 20 is, for example, within 3 seconds, and preferably within 2 seconds.

[0061] Here, the position identification unit 110 may identify the first position after the product 50 is registered in the product list by the acquisition unit 70, or may identify the first position before the product 50 is registered in the product list.

[0062] In addition, at least one of the position identification unit 110 and the display control unit 120 may operate on the condition that the type of product 50 detected by the sensor 30 matches the type of product 50 for which the acquisition unit 70 has acquired identification information.

[0063] The display unit 20 and the acquisition unit 70 may be a portable communication device that a customer brings into the store, such as a so-called smartphone or tablet terminal.

[0064] There are cases where the acquisition unit 70 can acquire the expiration date of the product 50. In this case, the display control unit 120 may use the length of the period from the current date and time to the expiration date instead of the position of the product 50 taken out by the customer, i.e., the first position.

[0065] As one example, if the expiration date of the product 50 is printed on, for example, the exterior of the product 50, the information processing device 10 acquires the expiration date by processing an image of the product 50. As another example, if the product 50 is equipped with a wirelessly communicable IC tag that stores the expiration date, the information processing device 10 acquires the expiration date by communicating with the IC tag. If this period is equal to or greater than a first reference value, the display control unit 120 includes, in the target information, information encouraging the customer to remove the product 50 whose expiration date is approaching. If this period is shorter than a second reference value (but smaller than the first reference value), the display control unit 120 performs processing to provide an incentive to the customer. The first and second reference values ​​are determined for each type of product and are stored in the storage unit 130.

[0066] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0067] 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.

[0068] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as in the following supplementary notes, but are not limited to the following: 1. An information processing device used with a display means that moves around a store together with a customer and a sensor provided in the store, wherein a plurality of identical products are arranged in a group on product shelves in the store, and wherein, when a customer removes at least one of the products from the product shelf, the sensor generates sensor information capable of identifying a first position that is the position of the at least one product in the group, the information processing device comprising: position identification means that generates information indicating the first position by acquiring and processing the sensor information; and display control means that performs processing to cause the display means to display target information corresponding to the first position. 2. In the information processing device described in 1 above, when the first position when viewed in the depth direction of the group is behind a first reference position that is behind the front row of the group, the display control means causes the target information to include notification information that prompts the customer to remove the product located closer to the customer than the first reference position. 3. 3. The information processing device described in 2 above, wherein the notification information includes information indicating that an incentive will be given to the customer if the customer picks up the product located in front of the first reference position. 4. The information processing device described in 2 or 3 above, wherein the information processing device comprises a storage processing means for storing, for each customer, at least one of the number of times and the percentage at which the first position of the customer was behind the first reference position, and the display control means includes the notification information in the target information when at least one of the number of times and the percentage meets a criterion. 5. The information processing device described in 2 or 3 above, wherein the information processing device comprises a storage processing means for storing, for each customer, at least one of the number of times and the percentage at which the first position of the customer was behind the first reference position, and the display control means determines the notification information using at least one of the number of times and the percentage.6. The information processing device described in any one of items 1 to 5 above, wherein the display control means includes in the target information information indicating that an incentive will be given to the customer when the first position when viewed in the depth direction of the group is closer to a second reference position that is closer to the last row of the group. 7. The information processing device described in any one of items 1 to 6 above, wherein the sensor includes imaging means, and the sensor information includes an image generated by the imaging means. 8. The information processing device described in item 7, wherein the imaging means is attached to a cart or shopping basket. 9. The information processing device described in item 8, wherein the cart or shopping basket has acquisition means for acquiring identification information of the product to be checked out in order to register the product in a product list, and the display control means causes the display means to display the target information after the product taken from the product shelf has been registered in the product list by the acquisition means. 10. 11. An information processing device according to any one of items 1 to 9 above, wherein the position identification means and the display control means operate on the products of a first category, and at least one of the position identification means and the display control means does not operate on the products of a second category. 11. An information processing method performed by a computer used with a display means that moves around a store together with a customer and a sensor provided in the store, wherein a plurality of identical products are arranged in a group on product shelves in the store, and when a customer removes at least one of the products from the product shelf, the sensor generates sensor information capable of identifying a first position that is the position of the at least one product in the group, and the computer acquires and processes the sensor information to generate information that indicates the first position, and performs processing to display target information corresponding to the first position on the display means.12. A recording medium having recorded thereon a program used in a computer used together with display means that moves around a store together with a customer and a sensor provided in the store, wherein a plurality of identical products are arranged in groups on product shelves in the store, and when a customer removes at least one of the products from the product shelf, the sensor generates sensor information capable of identifying a first position that is the position of the at least one product in the group, and the program causes the computer to have: position identification means that acquires and processes the sensor information to generate information indicating the first position, and display control means that performs processing to cause the display means to display target information corresponding to the first position. 13. The program described in 12 above.

[0069] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 10, which are dependent on Supplementary Note 1, may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 11 to 13 in the same dependent relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 10. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Notes 1 and Supplementary Notes 11 to 13, some or all of the configurations described as Supplements may be made dependent on various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems, within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0070] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Information processing device 20 Display unit 30 Sensor 40 Product shelf 50 Product 60 Container 70 Acquisition unit 110 Position identification unit 120 Display control unit 130 Storage unit 140 Storage processing unit

Claims

1. An information processing device used together with a display means that moves around a store together with a customer and a sensor installed in the store, wherein a plurality of identical products are arranged in a group on the store's shelves, and when a customer removes at least one of the products from the shelf, the sensor generates sensor information that can identify a first position, which is the position of the at least one product in the group, and the information processing device comprises: a position identification means that acquires and processes the sensor information to generate information indicating the first position; and a display control means that performs processing to cause the display means to display target information corresponding to the first position.

2. An information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the display control means includes notification information in the target information that prompts the user to pick up the product located closer to the user than the first reference position when the first position when viewed in the depth direction of the group is further back than a first reference position that is further back than the front row of the group.

3. An information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the notification information includes information indicating that an incentive will be given to the customer if the customer picks up the product located in front of the first reference position.

4. An information processing device according to claim 2 or 3, comprising a storage processing means for storing in a storage means, for each customer, at least one of the number of times and the percentage at which the first position of the customer was behind the first reference position, and the display control means includes the notification information in the target information when at least one of the number of times and the percentage meets a standard.

5. An information processing device according to claim 2 or 3, comprising a storage processing means for storing, for each customer, at least one of the number of times and the percentage at which the first position of the customer was behind the first reference position, and the display control means determines the notification information using at least one of the number of times and the percentage.

6. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the display control means includes, in the target information, information indicating that an incentive will be given to the customer when the first position when viewed in the depth direction of the group is in front of a second reference position that is in front of the last row of the group.

7. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sensor includes an imaging means, and the sensor information includes an image generated by the imaging means.

8. An information processing device according to claim 7, wherein the imaging means is attached to a cart or a shopping basket.

9. An information processing device according to claim 8, wherein the cart or shopping basket has an acquisition means for acquiring identification information of the product to be checked out in order to register the product in a product list, and the display control means causes the display means to display the target information after the product taken out from the product shelf has been registered in the product list by the acquisition means.

10. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the position identification means and the display control means operate for the products in a first category, and at least one of the position identification means and the display control means does not operate for the products in a second category.

11. An information processing method performed by a computer used in conjunction with a display means that moves around a store together with a customer and a sensor installed in the store, wherein a plurality of identical products are arranged in groups on the store's shelves, and when a customer removes at least one of the products from the shelves, the sensor generates sensor information that can identify a first position, which is the position of the at least one product in the group, and the computer acquires and processes the sensor information to generate information indicating the first position, and performs processing to display target information corresponding to the first position on the display means.

12. A recording medium having recorded thereon a program used in a computer used together with a display means that moves around a store together with a customer and a sensor installed in the store, wherein a plurality of identical products are arranged in groups on the shelves of the store, and when a customer removes at least one of the products from the shelves, the sensor generates sensor information that can identify a first position, which is the position of the at least one product in the group, and the program causes the computer to have: a position identification means that acquires and processes the sensor information to generate information indicating the first position; and a display control means that performs processing to cause the display means to display target information corresponding to the first position.

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