Selling assistance device, selling assistance method, terminal device, and recording medium

Abstract

A selling assistance device according to the present invention includes an acquisition means for designating a product group to be purchased by a user and acquiring purchase information including information on a reception point where the user will receive a product, an instruction means for instructing loading of a purchased product corresponding to the product group, to a product transporting drone, on the basis of the purchase information, and a control means for performing control to cause the product transporting drone to travel to the reception point where the user receives the purchased product, on the basis of the purchase information, and cause the product transporting drone to travel to a next destination point when delivery of the purchased product to the user is completed.

Description

Sales support device, sales support method, terminal device, and recording medium

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

[0002] In an area where there are few stores where products can be purchased, etc., a method of selling products to users who have difficulty moving to stores is being considered.

[0003] For example, there is a technology of delivering products purchased by a user using a drone or the like.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a technology of moving a drone to the rightful owner when the rightful owner is authenticated based on the authentication information of the rightful owner of the luggage stored in association with the luggage to be collected or delivered, the state of the location of the collection destination or delivery destination, or the communication content with the terminal.

[0005] International Publication No. 2017 / 115446

[0006] By the way, users who have difficulty moving to stores are, for example, the elderly. The elderly may have difficulty selecting and purchasing products they want to purchase from many products displayed in stores due to unfamiliarity with electronic devices. Also, other users may find it troublesome to select products or may not want to spend time selecting products.

[0007] An example of the object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that facilitates product purchases by users.

[0008] The sales support device in one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that specifies a product group to be purchased by a user and acquires purchase information including information regarding a receiving point where the user receives the product, an instruction unit that gives an instruction to load the purchased products corresponding to the product group onto a product transport drone based on the purchase information, and a control unit that controls the movement of the product transport drone to the receiving point where the user receives the purchased products based on the purchase information, and controls the movement of the product transport drone to the next destination when the delivery of the purchased products to the user is completed.

[0009] A sales support method in one aspect of this disclosure involves specifying a group of products to be purchased by the user, obtaining purchase information including information about the pick-up location where the user will receive the products, issuing instructions to load the purchased products corresponding to the product group onto a product transport drone based on the purchase information, controlling the product transport drone to move to the pick-up location where the user will receive the purchased products based on the purchase information, and, once the delivery of the purchased products to the user is complete, controlling the product transport drone to move to the next destination.

[0010] A program in one aspect of this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following processes: specify a group of products to be purchased by the user; obtain purchase information including information about the pick-up location where the user will receive the products; instruct a product transport drone to load the purchased products corresponding to the product group based on the purchase information; control the product transport drone to move to the pick-up location where the user will receive the purchased products based on the purchase information; and, once the delivery of the purchased products to the user is complete, control the product transport drone to move to the next destination.

[0011] Each program may be stored on a non-temporary storage medium that is readable by the computer.

[0012] One example of the effect of this disclosure is that it can make it easier for users to purchase products.

[0013] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a sales support system including a sales support device. This is a perspective view of a terminal device in the sales support system. This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the sales support device. This is a flowchart showing the operation of the sales support device. This is a block diagram showing another example of the functional configuration of the sales support device. This is a block diagram showing another example of the functional configuration of the sales support device. This is a block diagram showing another example of the functional configuration of the sales support device. This is a block diagram showing another example of the functional configuration of the sales support device. This is a flowchart showing the operation of the sales support device. This is a diagram showing the hardware configuration for implementing the sales support device in this disclosure using a computer and its peripherals.

[0014] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0015] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a sales support system including the sales support device 100 of the present disclosure.

[0016] Sales support system 1 is a system for delivering products purchased by users to users via product transport drones.

[0017] The sales support system 1 comprises a sales support device 100, a terminal device 20a or terminal device 20b for use by the user, a product transport drone 30, and a base terminal 40.

[0018] The sales support device 100 is a device that supports product sales using a product transport drone 30. In Figure 1, the sales support device 100 is implemented by, for example, a server or a cloud computing system, but is not limited to these examples.

[0019] The sales support device 100 is connected to the user's terminal device 20a or terminal device 20b, the product transport drone 30, and the base terminal 40 in a manner that enables communication between them.

[0020] The terminal device 20a or terminal device 20b used by the user is a terminal device used by the user to purchase products in the sales support system 1. In response to the user's operation, terminal device 20a transmits purchase information specifying the product group to be purchased to the sales support system 100.

[0021] Terminal device 20a is an example of a terminal device used by a user. Terminal device 20a may be implemented as, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. For example, terminal device 20a, via a website or application provided by the sales support system 1, outputs a screen for selecting products to purchase to the user and transmits purchase information regarding the purchased products.

[0022] Terminal device 20b is another example of a terminal device used by a user. Terminal device 20b is a terminal device specifically for purchasing goods.

[0023] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a terminal device 20b. In Figure 2, the terminal device 20b includes, for example, a housing 20b-1, physical buttons 20b-2, and a display unit 20b-3. The terminal device 20b also includes a transmission unit (not shown).

[0024] The enclosure 20b-1 is a box that constitutes the terminal device 20b. The shape, structure, dimensions, and material of the enclosure 20b-1 are not particularly limited.

[0025] Physical button 20b-2 is a physical button corresponding to a product group. Unlike buttons that are operated by detecting contact using capacitance or the like on a touch panel, physical buttons are operated by a physical pressing action. Physical buttons can be useful when operating smartphones or tablets, or when touch panel operation, which is difficult to feel tactilely, is difficult or inconvenient. For example, physical buttons can be easy to use for elderly people or users with poor eyesight.

[0026] Note that the physical button 20b-2 is an example of a button on the terminal device 20b, and may be a button using a touch panel as described above.

[0027] The display unit 20b-3 is an example of a display means for displaying product groups corresponding to physical buttons 20b-2. The display unit 20b-3 may be implemented by a display that allows for variable display, or by printing or attaching to the housing 20b-1.

[0028] The transmitting unit is an example of a transmitting means that transmits purchase information specifying the product group corresponding to the physical button 20b-2 in response to the operation of the physical button 20b-2. The transmitting unit may be implemented using known technology.

[0029] For example, when a physical button 20b-2 is pressed by a user, the terminal device 20b transmits to the sales support device 100 via its communication function that the user intends to purchase the product group corresponding to the physical button 20b-2.

[0030] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 1. In the following explanation, the terminal device 20a or terminal device 20b used by the user will be referred to simply as the terminal device.

[0031] The terminal device may be equipped with an output unit. The output unit provided in the terminal device may output information related to purchased goods and goods delivery, which is output from the sales support device 100. The form of output in the terminal device may be a display, sound, light, etc., and is not particularly limited.

[0032] The product transport drone 30 is an unmanned aerial vehicle used to transport products purchased by a user. The product transport drone 30 is controlled, for example, by a sales support device 100.

[0033] The product transport drone 30 has functions for transporting goods, such as holding or storing goods, functions for unmanned flight, and functions for communicating with the sales support device 100, etc. In the following description, the functions for transporting goods, such as holding or storing goods, will be referred to as the product storage unit. The configuration for realizing each function is not particularly limited and may be realized using known technologies.

[0034] The base terminal 40 is a terminal device used at a base where products purchased by users are sold. The base terminal 40 outputs instructions regarding the sale of products output from the sales support device 100 to the employees of the base. Here, the base is a base that sells products in the sales support system and is the source of products delivered by product delivery drones. The base is, for example, a store or a warehouse.

[0035] The base terminal 40 may be implemented as, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or store computer.

[0036] The configuration of the sales support system is not limited to the example of sales support system 1 shown in Figure 1. For example, the sales support device 100 may be included in the product transport drone 30 or in the base terminal 40. Also, the number of user terminal devices 20a or 20b, product transport drones 30, and base terminals 40 that are communicatively connected to the sales support device 100 is not particularly limited.

[0037] Furthermore, the sales support system 1 may include a payment function for the user's product purchase. The payment function may be implemented using known technologies and is not particularly limited. The payment function may be provided, for example, on the user's terminal device 20a or 20b, or on the product transport drone 30, and is not particularly limited.

[0038] Next, the configuration of the sales support device 100 in the embodiment will be described.

[0039] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sales support device 100. Referring to Figure 3, the sales support device 100 comprises an acquisition unit 101, an instruction unit 102, and a control unit 103.

[0040] Next, the configuration of the sales support device 100 in the first embodiment will be described in detail.

[0041] The acquisition unit 101 is an example of an acquisition means that specifies a group of products to be purchased by the user and acquires purchase information including information about the pickup location where the user will receive the products. Here, it is assumed that the user purchases the products over the internet. The store that provides the products purchased by the user may be a physical store or an online store.

[0042] The acquisition unit 101 acquires purchase information from the user's terminal device. Purchase information will be described later.

[0043] Furthermore, for example, the acquisition unit 101 may acquire predetermined information from the user's terminal device and purchase information pre-associated with that predetermined information from a database or the like. In this case, for example, the predetermined information is operation information indicating that a predetermined button on the user's terminal device has been operated. For example, the acquisition unit 101 may acquire operation information indicating that a predetermined button on the terminal device used by the user to purchase a product has been operated, and based on the operation information, acquire purchase information pre-associated with that predetermined button.

[0044] The purchase information is information for specifying the group of products that the user purchases. Further, the purchase information includes information regarding the receiving location where the user receives the products. The information regarding the receiving location where the user receives the products may be information indicating the location of the receiving location, or may be user identification information for identifying the user.

[0045] The user identification information may be, for example, member identification information registered as a member in the sales support system 1, or may be identification information of the user's terminal device. When the user identification information included in the purchase information is identification information of the terminal device, for example, the member identification information of the user is associated with the identification information of the terminal device and stored in a database or the like.

[0046] The product group is a group of products for facilitating the selection of the products to be purchased. The product group may be, for example, a category in which products are classified, or may be a group in which the purpose of use of the products is set.

[0047] The category in which products are classified is, for example, laundry detergent, juice, etc. Each of the categories in which products are classified includes a plurality of products having different sellers, manufacturers, brands, capacities or sizes, detailed performances or components, etc. It is assumed that the product corresponding to the category in which products are classified is one product.

[0048] The group in which the purpose of use of the products is set is, for example, lunch, snacks, etc. Each of the groups in which the purpose of use of the products is set includes a plurality of product categories or a plurality of products suitable for the purpose of use. It is assumed that the products corresponding to the group in which the purpose of use of the products is set are a plurality of products.

[0049] The instruction unit 102 is an example of an instruction means that gives an instruction to load the purchased products corresponding to the product group onto the product transport drone based on the purchase information.

[0050] The loading instruction is, for example, an instruction to an employee at the base, and the instruction unit 102 gives the instruction by outputting the loading instruction to the base terminal. The mode of outputting the loading instruction at the base terminal is not particularly limited.

[0051] Furthermore, the locations to which the instruction unit 102 issues loading instructions may be specified in the purchase information, or they may be determined based on the purchase information. The method for determining locations based on purchase information will be described later.

[0052] The products that correspond to a product group may be pre-defined, or they may be determined as appropriate based on various circumstances.

[0053] If the purchased products corresponding to the product groups are pre-configured, for example, each product group may have a pre-associated product stored in a database or the like. In this case, the instruction unit 102 issues a loading instruction to load the pre-associated purchased products into the product group specified in the purchase information.

[0054] Furthermore, the purchased items corresponding to a product group may be pre-associated and stored for each user attribute, for example. For instance, for a given product group, product A may be associated with male users, and product B with female users, respectively. In this case, the instruction unit 102 may issue a loading instruction for the purchased items among the products associated with the product group specified in the purchase information, specifically those products associated with the user attributes identified from the user information shown in the purchase information.

[0055] Next, when the purchased items corresponding to a product group are determined as appropriate, for example, the purchased items may be determined from among the products included in the product group based on the inventory status of the base or information regarding product transport drones.

[0056] The inventory status of a location refers to information about products that are currently in stock at that location.

[0057] For example, a purchased product corresponding to a product group may be a product with a large inventory level, identified within the product group based on the inventory levels at each location. A product with a large inventory level may be the product with the highest inventory level, or it may be the product with the highest inventory level relative to the sales forecast.

[0058] Furthermore, for example, the purchased items corresponding to a product group may be items with an approaching expiration date, identified within the product group based on the expiration date of the inventory at the location. Items with an approaching expiration date may be items with the closest expiration date, or items with a specified period or less remaining until their expiration date. In this case, it is preferable that the purchased items be identified so that their expiration date is longer than the time it takes to deliver the items to the user.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, a purchased product corresponding to a product group may be a product for which a sales promotion campaign is being conducted within that product group. In this case, whether or not a sales promotion campaign is being conducted should be stored in association with the product information. Here, a sales promotion campaign refers to any campaign conducted to promote the sale of a product, such as advertising, discounts, or additional benefits at the time of purchase.

[0060] Furthermore, the purchased products corresponding to a product group may be high-priority products for sale, determined based on the inventory status of at least one of these locations. For example, the sales priority may be set so that products that the location wants to sell have higher priority.

[0061] Information regarding product transport drones includes, for example, information indicating the characteristics of the goods that the product transport drone can transport. These characteristics may include, for example, the weight, size, and temperature of the goods. The characteristics of the goods that can be transported by a product transport drone may be set for each individual product transport drone. Furthermore, the characteristics of the goods that can be transported by a product transport drone may be set based on the characteristics of other purchased goods that are loaded simultaneously, based on other purchase information.

[0062] For example, the purchased item corresponding to a product group is the item with the lowest weight within that product group. The item with the lowest weight is, for instance, the item with the lightest weight.

[0063] Furthermore, information regarding the product transport drone indicates the products being transported on the drone. For example, if the products transported on the product transport drone are included in a product group, the purchased products corresponding to that product group may also be the products transported on the product transport drone.

[0064] The control unit 103 is an example of a control means that controls the product transport drone based on purchase information. For example, based on the purchase information, the control unit 103 controls the product transport drone to move to a pick-up location where the user can receive the purchased goods, and, once the delivery of the purchased goods to the user is complete, controls the product transport drone to move to the next destination.

[0065] The method for controlling the product transport drone is not particularly limited and can use any known technology. For example, the control unit 103 may directly control the operation of the product transport drone 30, or it may control the product transport drone 30 by outputting information indicating the destination point or an instruction to start moving to the destination point.

[0066] The control unit 103 controls the movement of the product transport drone to the pick-up point where the user can receive the purchased products, at the time when the loading of the products according to the loading instruction is completed.

[0067] The timing of completion of loading may be, for example, the timing when information indicating that the loading of goods has been completed is obtained from the base terminal that issued the loading instruction. In this case, for example, the instruction unit 102 displays a loading instruction screen on the base terminal that includes a button for notifying the sales support device 100 that loading is complete. The acquisition unit 101 acquires the notification of loading completion from the base terminal. Then, the control unit 103 controls the movement of the goods transport drone to the pick-up point where the user will receive the purchased goods, in response to the notification of loading completion.

[0068] Furthermore, for example, the timing of completion of loading may be the timing when a predetermined button on the product transport drone is operated. Here, the predetermined button may be, for example, a button to close the product storage compartment of the product transport drone, or a button to notify that loading of products is complete. In this case, for example, the product transport drone notifies the sales support device 100 that the predetermined button has been pressed. When the control unit 103 receives notification from the product transport drone, it controls the product transport drone to move to the receiving point where the user will pick up the purchased products.

[0069] Furthermore, for example, the timing of completion of loading may be the timing when a camera or sensor installed on the product transport drone detects that the goods have been loaded. The camera may be, for example, a camera capable of filming the actions of employees at the base loading the goods, or a camera capable of filming the inside of the product storage compartment. The sensor may be, for example, a weight sensor. The method for detecting that the goods have been loaded is not particularly limited and can use any known technology. Also, the function for detecting that the goods have been loaded may be installed on the product transport drone or the sales support device 100, or on other devices that are communicatively connected to the product transport drone or the sales support device 100.

[0070] The pick-up location where the user receives the purchased goods may be determined based on the purchase information. As mentioned above, the purchase information includes information about the pick-up location where the user receives the goods.

[0071] For example, purchase information includes user identification information that identifies the user, as information about the pickup location where the user receives the goods. In this case, for example, the control unit 103 controls the movement of the goods transport drone to the pickup location pre-associated with the user identification information.

[0072] Furthermore, for example, purchase information may include information indicating the pickup location where the user receives the goods. This information indicating the pickup location may be information such as the user's address, or it may be location information of the user's terminal device.

[0073] The next destination could be a base station, or it could be a destination where goods loaded onto a product transport drone are delivered. Alternatively, the next destination could be a location where mobile sales are being conducted by other drones. Mobile sales will be discussed later.

[0074] The operation of the sales support device 100 configured as described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 4.

[0075] First, the acquisition unit 101 specifies the product group to be purchased by the user and acquires purchase information including information about the pickup location where the user will receive the products (step S101).

[0076] Next, the instruction unit 102 issues a loading instruction to load the purchased products corresponding to the product group onto the product transport drone, based on the purchase information acquired in step S101 (step S102).

[0077] Next, the control unit 103 controls the product transport drone based on the purchase information acquired in step S101 (step S103).

[0078] With this, the sales support device 100 completes its series of operations.

[0079] The sales support device in the above-described embodiment comprises an acquisition unit, an instruction unit, and a control unit. The acquisition unit specifies the product group to be purchased by the user and acquires purchase information including information about the pickup location where the user will receive the products. Based on the purchase information, the instruction unit issues loading instructions to load the purchased products corresponding to the product group onto the product transport drone. The control unit then controls the product transport drone based on the purchase information.

[0080] With the sales support device in this embodiment, in a product sales service using a product transport drone, users can purchase products by specifying product groups. As a result, the sales support device in this embodiment can facilitate product purchases by users.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, the sales support device in this embodiment allows the user to specify a group of products to purchase. Compared to a case where only one type of product is specified as the product to purchase, this allows the user to select products from multiple products corresponding to the product group. Therefore, the sales support device in this embodiment can reduce the possibility that the relevant product cannot be sold.

[0082] [Modification 1] Next, Modification 1 of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. To the extent that the description of this embodiment does not become unclear, explanations that overlap with the above description will be omitted.

[0083] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sales support device 100A. In Figure 5, the sales support device 100A includes a detection unit 104 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0084] The detection unit 104 is an example of a detection means for detecting conditions related to the timing of controlling the product transport drone. The timing for controlling the product transport drone is, for example, the timing of starting to hand over the product to the user or the timing of finishing the handover of the product. For example, the control unit 103 controls the product transport drone in response to the detection of the start or end of the handover of the product by the detection unit 104.

[0085] For example, the detection unit 104 detects the start or end of communication with the terminal device used by the user to purchase goods. Here, the timing of the start or end of communication with the terminal device used by the user to purchase goods is the timing of the start of handing over the goods to the user, or the timing of the end of handing over the goods, respectively. Communication with the terminal device is, for example, short-range wireless communication. With short-range wireless communication, communication is possible when the terminal device and the goods transport drone are at a certain distance from each other.

[0086] For example, when a user receives a product from a product delivery drone, as the user approaches the drone, the terminal device the user is carrying also approaches the drone, and when it gets closer than a certain distance, communication becomes possible. In this case, it is assumed that the moment short-range wireless communication becomes possible is the timing to start the product handover.

[0087] Furthermore, for example, after a user receives a product from a product delivery drone, the user moves away from the drone, causing the terminal device the user is carrying to move beyond a certain distance and lose communication. In this case, it is assumed that the product handover is complete when short-range wireless communication ends.

[0088] Alternatively, for example, the detection unit 104 may detect the start or end timing of product delivery by the product delivery drone based on images captured by a camera mounted on the product delivery drone, enabling it to photograph the area around the product delivery drone.

[0089] For example, the detection unit 104 may detect, based on the image, that it is time to start the handover of the product when a person approaches. Alternatively, for example, the detection unit 104 may detect, based on the image, that it is time to end the handover of the product when a person moves away.

[0090] Furthermore, for example, the detection unit 104 may detect, based on the image and pre-registered user facial information, that it is time to start the handover of the product when a user authenticated by facial information approaches. Also, for example, the detection unit 104 may detect, based on the image and pre-registered user facial information, that it is time to end the handover of the product when a user authenticated by facial information moves away.

[0091] Furthermore, for example, the detection unit 104 may detect a predetermined action of a person based on the image. The predetermined action is, for example, an action such as raising a hand, and is set in advance. Note that different predetermined actions may be set for the start and end of the product handover. Also, for example, the predetermined action may be an action of taking out the product or an action of making a payment using a payment terminal equipped on the product transport drone. When the action of taking out the product or the action of making a payment using a payment terminal equipped on the product transport drone is performed, it is assumed that the product handover has been completed.

[0092] Furthermore, known methods may be used for authentication using images of people, their actions, or facial information.

[0093] Alternatively, for example, the detection unit 104 may detect a decrease in the weight of the goods to be handed over to the user using a weight sensor provided in the goods storage section of the goods transport drone. In this case, it is assumed that the handover of the goods has been completed.

[0094] Alternatively, for example, the detection unit 104 may detect when payment has been completed using the payment terminal installed on the product transport drone. When payment has been completed using the payment terminal installed on the product transport drone, it is assumed that the delivery of the goods has been completed.

[0095] Multiple situations may be combined to determine the timing for controlling the product transport drone detected by the detection unit 104 described above.

[0096] In response to the detection by the detection unit 104 as described above, the control unit 103 may control the product transport drone.

[0097] When the detection unit 104 detects a situation in which it is expected that the handover of goods will begin, the control unit 103 may, for example, control the goods transport drone to begin the handover of goods. Controlling the goods transport drone to begin the handover of goods may, for example, involve moving the goods transport drone to approach the location of the user's terminal device, or it may involve making the goods storage compartment of the goods transport drone accessible for the removal of goods. Making the goods storage compartment accessible for the removal of goods may, for example, involve unlocking the goods storage compartment, or opening a door or lid of the goods storage compartment.

[0098] When the detection unit 104 detects a situation in which it is assumed that the handover of goods has been completed, the control unit 103 may, for example, control the goods transport drone to complete the handover of goods. Controlling the goods transport drone to complete the handover of goods may, for example, prevent the goods from being taken out of the goods storage compartment of the goods transport drone, or move the goods transport drone to the next destination. Allowing the goods to be taken out of the goods storage compartment may, for example, be done by locking the goods storage compartment, or by closing the opening or closing part of the door or lid of the goods storage compartment.

[0099] Furthermore, the control of the product transport drone is not limited to the timing of detection by the detection unit 104. For example, the opening and closing of the product storage compartment may be performed in response to the pressing of a button provided on the product transport drone.

[0100] Furthermore, the detection unit 104 may be provided on the product transport drone.

[0101] [Modification 2] Next, Modification 2 of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. To the extent that the description of this embodiment does not become unclear, explanations that overlap with the above description will be omitted.

[0102] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sales support device 100B. In Figure 6, the sales support device 100B includes a location determination unit 105 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0103] The location determination unit 105 is an example of a location determination means that determines the supply location that will supply the purchased products corresponding to the product group, based on the purchase information. In other words, this modified example assumes that the sales support device 100B can select multiple locations as the source of the purchased products purchased by the user.

[0104] For example, a supply base is the base closest to the point where the goods are delivered to the user. In this case, for example, the base determination unit 105 determines the base closest to the point where the goods are delivered to the user based on the purchase information, from among a plurality of selectable bases, as the supply base.

[0105] Furthermore, for example, a supply base is a base from which the purchased products corresponding to a product group can be purchased. In this case, for example, the base determination unit 105 may determine the base with the largest inventory of the purchased products from among a plurality of selectable bases as the supply base.

[0106] Furthermore, for example, if the location determination unit 105 cannot supply the purchased products corresponding to the product group at the location closest in distance to the point where the products will be delivered to the user based on the purchase information, it may determine the next closest location, which is capable of supplying the purchased products corresponding to the product group, as the supply location.

[0107] Multiple selectable locations may be pre-configured, or they may be set as appropriate so that the distance to the point where the goods are delivered to the user based on the user's purchase information is less than or equal to a predetermined distance. Here, the predetermined distance may be set to a distance that does not delay the time it takes to deliver the goods, or it may be set to a distance that can be covered by the battery of the goods delivery drone for a round trip.

[0108] Furthermore, the supply locations for purchased products corresponding to product groups may be selected in advance by the user.

[0109] In response to the determination of a supply base by the base determination unit 105 as described above, the instruction unit 102 issues instructions to the base terminal of the supply base. In addition, in response to the determination of a supply base, the control unit 103 controls the product transport drones. For example, if the control unit 103 controls a product transport drone located other than a supply base as a product transport drone to transport goods to a user, it controls the product transport drone to move to the supply base in order to load goods at the supply base. Alternatively, for example, the control unit 103 controls the product transport drone located at the supply base to transport goods from among the product transport drones located at each base. In this case, the control unit 103 may control product transport drones managed by identification information associated with the supply base, or it may control product transport drones located at the supply base based on the location information of the product transport drones.

[0110] [Modification 3] Next, Modification 3 of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. To the extent that the description of this embodiment does not become unclear, explanations that overlap with the above description will be omitted.

[0111] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sales support device 100C. In Figure 7, the sales support device 100C includes an output unit 106 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0112] The output unit 106 is an example of an output means that outputs a notification regarding the user's purchase of a product to a terminal device used by the user.

[0113] Notifications are, for example, notifications corresponding to the stages leading up to the delivery of purchased goods. These stages include, for example, the preparation stage and the transportation stage. Notifications corresponding to the stages leading up to the delivery of purchased goods may be notifications informing the user of the stage, or notifications informing the user of the estimated time until delivery for each stage. Furthermore, notifications corresponding to the stages leading up to the delivery of purchased goods may include notifications informing the user that the product delivery drone has arrived at the user's product pickup location.

[0114] Furthermore, for example, a notification might indicate that it is impossible to deliver the purchased goods based on the purchase information. This could occur, for instance, if there is no stock of the purchased goods corresponding to the product group at the user-specified location, or at multiple locations. Another example of this would be if there are no product delivery drones available capable of delivering the goods within a specified timeframe.

[0115] A notification indicating that delivery of purchased goods based on purchase information is impossible may be given, for example, by display or audio output when the button corresponding to the product group is pressed on the terminal device. Alternatively, it may be given, for example, by deactivating the button corresponding to the product group on the terminal device.

[0116] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. To the extent that the description of this embodiment does not become unclear, explanations that overlap with the above description will be omitted.

[0117] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the product transport drone will not only receive purchase information from the user and transport the purchased products, but will also conduct mobile sales. Here, mobile sales is a sales method in which the product transport drone transports multiple products to a location where mobile sales will be conducted, and the user selects and purchases the products at that location.

[0118] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sales support device. In Figure 8, the sales support device 200 includes an acquisition unit 201, an instruction unit 202, and a control unit 203, replacing the acquisition unit 101, instruction unit 102, and control unit 103 of the sales support device 100. The acquisition unit 201, instruction unit 202, and control unit 203 each perform the functions of the acquisition unit 101, instruction unit 102, and control unit 103, respectively. In addition, in Figure 8, the sales support device 200 includes a mobile sales determination unit 207 in addition to the configuration of the sales support device 100.

[0119] The acquisition unit 201 acquires information related to mobile sales.

[0120] Information related to mobile sales includes, for example, instructions to start mobile sales. For example, an employee at a base station issues a mobile sales start instruction at a base station terminal, and the acquisition unit 201 acquires the mobile sales start instruction from the base station terminal.

[0121] Furthermore, information regarding mobile sales may include, for example, information indicating the current status of mobile sales, information indicating the location where mobile sales will be conducted, information indicating the time when mobile sales will be conducted, information specifying the goods to be transported for sale during mobile sales, and information specifying the drone used for mobile sales. This information may also be specified by employees at the base terminal and acquired by the acquisition unit 201 from the base terminal.

[0122] Information regarding the commencement of mobile sales may also be determined by the mobile sales decision unit 207, which will be described later.

[0123] The instruction unit 202 issues loading instructions for loading the goods to be sold in the mobile sales into the goods transport drone. For example, the instruction unit 202 issues instructions by outputting loading instructions for loading the goods to be sold in the mobile sales into the goods transport drone to the base terminal. The manner in which the loading instructions are output at the base terminal is not particularly limited. If the mobile sales are conducted using multiple goods transport drones, the loading instructions for the mobile sales may include information specifying which goods transport drone will load the goods.

[0124] Furthermore, when a product transport drone is to join another drone-based mobile sales operation, the loading instruction to load the products to be sold in the mobile sales operation onto the product transport drone is the same as the instruction to load additional products to be sold in the mobile sales operation onto the product transport drone. In other words, when a product transport drone is to join another drone-based mobile sales operation, the instruction unit 202 issues a loading instruction to load additional products to be sold in the mobile sales operation onto the product transport drone.

[0125] The products to be added to the mobile sales may be determined based on the products stored in the drone conducting the mobile sales and the inventory of products at the base. The process of determining the products to be added to the mobile sales may be performed by the mobile sales determination unit 207. For example, the products to be added to the mobile sales are products whose quantity in the mobile sales has fallen below a predetermined number. Alternatively, for example, the products to be added to the mobile sales may be products that are not currently being sold in the mobile sales.

[0126] The control unit 203 controls the product transport drone for mobile sales based on information related to mobile sales. Control of the product transport drone for mobile sales includes, for example, controlling the product transport drone to the location where mobile sales will be conducted. Alternatively, for example, when mobile sales are completed, the product transport drone may be moved from the location where mobile sales were conducted to a base or other location.

[0127] Furthermore, the control unit 203 controls the product transport drone to terminate the mobile sales operation, depending on the status of the product transport drone. For example, the status of the product transport drone may be the number of products or types of products the product transport drone is carrying, or the amount of battery power in the product transport drone.

[0128] For example, if the number of products or the number of product types carried by the product transport drone falls below a predetermined number, the control unit 203 may perform control to move the product transport drone back to the base in order to terminate the mobile sales operation.

[0129] Furthermore, for example, if the remaining battery level of the product transport drone falls below a predetermined value, the control unit 203 may perform control to move the product transport drone back to the base station in order to end the mobile sales operation.

[0130] The sales support device 200 executes a process for conducting mobile sales using a product transport drone, for example, when purchase information is not obtained from the user. If purchase information is not obtained from the user, in other words, in a product sales service using a product transport drone, it means that there is no purchase order from the user, or that the user's order has been handled by another product transport drone. Furthermore, conducting mobile sales using a product transport drone may also mean that the product transport drone joins in on mobile sales being conducted by other product transport drones and conducts mobile sales together.

[0131] For example, if purchase information is not acquired, the instruction unit 102 issues a loading instruction to load additional products to be sold by other drones onto the product transport drone. The control unit 203 then controls the product transport drone to move to the location where the mobile sales are taking place.

[0132] Furthermore, the process for conducting mobile sales using a product transport drone may include the process of determining information related to mobile sales. That is, when conducting mobile sales using a product transport drone, the sales support device 200 may be equipped with a mobile sales determination unit 207.

[0133] If purchase information is not obtained, the control unit 203 may control the product transport drone to collect search information for locations to conduct mobile sales. For example, the control unit 203 may control the product transport drone to move to a location range and route for collecting search information, and control the product transport drone to collect the search information.

[0134] Search information is, for example, information about people staying at a certain location. For example, search information is information for counting the number of people staying at a certain location. Also, for example, search information is information for estimating the attributes of people staying at a certain location. Search information is, for example, an image taken at a certain location, but is not limited to this example. Here, "a certain location" may be any location within the range that the product transport drone can move to, or it may be a set of locations where mobile sales are possible. Locations where mobile sales are possible may be, for example, locations with sufficient space for mobile sales, or locations where permission has been obtained from the land or building owner to conduct mobile sales using product transport drones.

[0135] The mobile sales determination unit 207 is an example of a mobile sales determination means that determines information related to mobile sales.

[0136] For example, the mobile sales decision unit 207 may decide, based on information indicating the status of currently ongoing mobile sales, whether to have the product transport drone join the mobile sales or collect search information, depending on whether mobile sales are currently being conducted. Here, joining mobile sales means transporting additional products to a mobile sales operation currently being conducted by another drone, and having the drone participate in the mobile sales together with the other drone.

[0137] Furthermore, for example, the mobile sales determination unit 207 determines locations for mobile sales based on the search information. For example, the mobile sales determination unit 207 determines locations for mobile sales based on the search information, such as locations with a large number of people or locations where there has been a request for mobile sales from people. Here, known techniques can be used to count the number of people based on the image.

[0138] Furthermore, the number of people used to determine the locations for mobile sales may be the number of people who will stay for a predetermined amount of time or longer. This is because people who are only passing by the location are unlikely to make a purchase even if mobile sales are being conducted.

[0139] Furthermore, the number of people used to determine the locations for mobile sales may include not only pedestrians but also people riding in vehicles such as cars and bicycles.

[0140] Furthermore, the mobile sales decision unit 207 may determine the time and location for mobile sales based on the history of search information over a predetermined period. For example, the mobile sales decision unit 207 may determine the time and location for mobile sales based on the history of search information over a predetermined period, where it is estimated that many people will be using mobile sales.

[0141] Furthermore, the mobile sales determination unit 207 may determine, based on the purchase history, that the time period during which there is little purchase information for products to be transported by the product transport drone by the user is the time period for conducting mobile sales.

[0142] Furthermore, the mobile sales decision unit 207 may determine products to be sold via mobile sales based on the attributes of a person estimated from the image, which is the search information. Here, any known method can be used to estimate the attributes of a person based on the image. For example, a person's attributes may be associated in advance with a group of products that a person with those attributes is likely to purchase, and the mobile sales decision unit 207 may determine the products to be sold via mobile sales based on the group of products associated with the person's attributes that have a high proportion at the location where the mobile sales are conducted.

[0143] The operation of the sales support device 200 configured as described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 9.

[0144] First, the acquisition unit 201 specifies the product group to be purchased by the user and determines whether it has acquired purchase information including information about the pickup location where the user will receive the products (step S201). If the acquisition unit 201 has not acquired purchase information in step S201 (step S201: No), the process proceeds to step S204.

[0145] Next, in step S201, if the acquisition unit 201 acquires purchase information specifying the product group to be purchased by the user (step S201: Yes), the instruction unit 202 gives an instruction to load the purchased products corresponding to the product group onto the product transport drone based on the purchase information (step S202).

[0146] Next, the control unit 203 controls the product transport drone based on the purchase information (step S203). When the processing in step S203 is completed, the sales support device 200 may terminate the series of processes. Alternatively, when the processing in step S203 is completed, the device may return to step S201 and repeat the process.

[0147] Next, the mobile sales determination unit 207 determines whether mobile sales are being conducted based on information regarding mobile sales (step S204). In step S204, if mobile sales are being conducted (step S204: Yes), the process proceeds to step S205; if mobile sales are not being conducted (step S204: No), the process proceeds to step S207.

[0148] If it is determined in step S204 that mobile sales are being conducted (step S204: Yes), the control unit 203 issues a loading instruction to load additional goods for the mobile sales (step S205).

[0149] Next, the control unit 203 controls the movement of the product transport drone to the location where the mobile sales are being conducted (step S206). When the process in step S206 is completed, the sales support device 200 may terminate the series of processes. Alternatively, when the process in step S206 is completed, the process may be repeated by returning to step S201.

[0150] If it is determined in step S204 that mobile sales are not being conducted (step S204: No), the control unit 203 controls the product transport drone to collect search information for a location where mobile sales will be conducted (step S207).

[0151] Next, the mobile sales determination unit 207 determines information related to mobile sales based on the search information (step S208). In Figure 9, if the processing in step S208 is completed, the process returns to step S201. Alternatively, if the processing in step S208 is completed, the process may proceed to step S207. Also, if the processing in step S208 is completed, the series of processes of the sales support device 200 may be terminated.

[0152] With this, the sales support device 200 completes its series of operations.

[0153] The sales support device in the above-described embodiment comprises an acquisition unit, an instruction unit, a control unit, and a mobile sales determination unit. The acquisition unit specifies the product group to be purchased by the user and acquires purchase information including information about the pickup location where the user will receive the products. Based on the purchase information, the instruction unit issues loading instructions to load the purchased products corresponding to the product group onto the product transport drone. The control unit then controls the product transport drone based on the purchase information. The mobile sales determination unit determines information related to mobile sales.

[0154] With the sales support device in this embodiment, in a product sales service using a product transport drone, users can purchase products by specifying product groups. As a result, the sales support device in this embodiment can facilitate product purchases by users.

[0155] Furthermore, the sales support device in this embodiment enables mobile sales using product transport drones, allowing users to purchase products during these mobile sales. Mobile sales offer the possibility for users to purchase products at a location closer to their home or more convenient than their nearest store. As a result, the sales support device in this embodiment facilitates product purchases by users.

[0156] [Hardware Configuration] Some or all of the components of each device or system in each embodiment of the present disclosure described above are realized by any combination of an information processing device 1000 and a program, for example, as shown in Figure 10. The information processing device 1000 includes, as an example, the following configuration.

[0157] - CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1001 - ROM (Read Only Memory) 1002 - RAM (Random Access Memory) 1003 - Program 1004 loaded into RAM 1003 - Storage device 1005 that stores the program 1004 - Drive device 1007 that reads and writes to the recording medium 1006 - Communication I / F 1008 that connects to the communication network 1009 - Input / Output I / F 1010 that performs data input and output - Bus 1011 that connects each component Note that I / F is an abbreviation for Interface.

[0158] Each component of each device or system in each embodiment is realized by the CPU 1001 acquiring and executing a program that realizes its function. The program that realizes the function of each component of each device is, for example, stored in advance in the storage device 1005 or RAM 1003 and read by the CPU 1001 as needed. The program 1004 may be supplied to the CPU 1001 via a communication network, or it may be stored in advance in the recording medium 1006 and read by the drive device 1007 and supplied to the CPU 1001.

[0159] There are various variations in how each device is implemented. For example, each device or system may be implemented by any combination of a separate information processing device 1000 and a program for each component. Alternatively, the multiple components of each device may be implemented by any combination of a single information processing device 1000 and a program.

[0160] Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device or system are realized by general-purpose or dedicated circuits, including processors, or combinations thereof. Examples of circuits include CPUs, GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and AI (Artificial Intelligence) processing LSIs (Large Scale Integration). These may consist of a single chip or multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components of each device may be realized by a combination of the aforementioned circuits and programs.

[0161] When some or all of the components of each device or system are implemented by multiple information processing devices or circuits, these multiple information processing devices or circuits may be centrally located or distributed. For example, the information processing devices or circuits may be implemented in a form in which each is connected via a communication network, such as a client-server system or a cloud computing system.

[0162] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments described, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present disclosure can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0163] For example, the sales support device 100 or the sales support device 200 may be modified to include at least one of the detection unit 104, the location determination unit 105, and the output unit 106.

[0164] Furthermore, although multiple operations are described sequentially in flowchart format, the order in which they are described does not limit the order in which the operations must be performed. Therefore, when implementing each embodiment, the order of the operations may be changed to the extent that it does not impair the content.

[0165] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

[0166] [Note 1] A sales support device comprising: acquisition means for obtaining purchase information including information about a pick-up location where the user will receive the products, for specifying a product group to be purchased by the user; instruction means for loading the purchased products corresponding to the product group onto a product transport drone based on the purchase information; and control means for controlling the product transport drone to move to a pick-up location where the user will receive the purchased products, and for controlling the product transport drone to move to the next destination when the delivery of the purchased products to the user is complete.

[0167] [Note 2] The aforementioned product group is the category into which the products are classified, the sales support device described in Note 1.

[0168] [Note 3] The product group is a group in which the purpose of use of the product is defined, as described in Note 1 or 2, for sales support devices.

[0169] [Note 4] The purchased product is a product with a high sales priority among the products included in the product group, and is a sales support device as described in any of Notes 1 to 3.

[0170] [Note 5] The priority is determined according to at least one of the following: the number of items in stock, the expiration date of the items, the presence or absence of a sales promotion plan for the items, and the weight of the items, as described in Note 4 of the sales support device.

[0171] [Note 6] The sales support device according to any one of Notes 1 to 5, wherein the acquisition means acquires operation information indicating that a predetermined button on a terminal device used by the user to purchase a product has been operated, and acquires the purchase information that has been pre-associated with the predetermined button based on the operation information.

[0172] [Appendix 7] The sales support device according to any one of Appendix 1 to 6, further comprising detection means for detecting the circumstances related to the timing of controlling the product transport drone.

[0173] [Note 8] The sales support device according to Note 7, wherein the detection means detects the start or end of communication with the terminal device used by the user to purchase goods, and the control means controls the goods transport drone in response to the start or end of the communication.

[0174] [Note 9] The sales support device according to Note 7 or 8, wherein the detection means detects the start or end of the handover of the user's purchased goods based on images taken by the goods transport drone, and the control means controls the goods transport drone in accordance with the start or end of the handover.

[0175] [Note 10] The sales support device according to any one of Notes 1 to 9, further comprising a base determination means for determining a supply base that supplies the purchased products corresponding to the product group based on the purchase information, wherein the instruction means gives the instruction to the supply base.

[0176] [Note 11] The sales support device according to any one of Notes 1 to 10, further comprising output means for outputting a notification regarding the user's purchase of a product to a terminal device used by the user.

[0177] [Note 12] The aforementioned notification is a notification corresponding to the stage up to the delivery of the purchased goods, as described in Note 11 of the sales support device.

[0178] [Note 13] The sales support device described in Note 11 or 12, wherein the notification indicates that it is impossible to transport the purchased goods based on the purchase information.

[0179] [Note 14] In the event that the purchase information is not obtained, the instruction means gives an instruction to load additional goods to be sold by another drone, and the control means controls the product transport drone to move to the location where the mobile sale is being conducted, as described in any of Notes 1 to 13.

[0180] [Note 15] The sales support device according to Note 14, wherein the control means controls the movement of the product transport drone located at the location where the mobile sales are being conducted to a store that loads products corresponding to the purchase information when the purchase information is acquired.

[0181] [Note 16] In the event that the purchase information is not obtained, the control means controls the product transport drone to collect search information for searching for a location to conduct mobile sales, and the mobile sales determination means further comprises determining a location to conduct mobile sales based on the search information, as described in any of Notes 1 to 15.

[0182] [Note 17] The sales support device according to Note 16, wherein the search information is information about persons staying at a certain location, and the mobile sales determination means determines, based on the search information, a location with a large number of persons, or a location where a request for mobile sales has been made by a person, as a location for conducting the mobile sales.

[0183] [Note 18] A terminal device used by a user to purchase goods transported by a goods transport drone, comprising: a housing; physical buttons operable by the user; display means for displaying product groups corresponding to the physical buttons; and transmission means for transmitting purchase information specifying the product group corresponding to the physical buttons in response to the operation of the physical buttons.

[0184] [Note 19] A sales support method comprising: specifying a group of products to be purchased by a user; obtaining purchase information including information about a pick-up location where the user will receive the products; issuing instructions to load the purchased products corresponding to the product group onto a product transport drone based on the purchase information; controlling the product transport drone to move to the pick-up location where the user will receive the purchased products based on the purchase information; and, once the delivery of the purchased products to the user is complete, controlling the product transport drone to move to the next destination.

[0185] [Note 20] A non-temporary recording medium that stores a program that causes a computer to execute the following processes: specifying a group of products to be purchased by a user, obtaining purchase information including information about a pick-up location where the user will receive the products, issuing instructions to load the purchased products corresponding to the product group onto a product transport drone based on the purchase information, controlling the product transport drone to move to the pick-up location where the user will receive the purchased products based on the purchase information, and, once the delivery of the purchased products to the user is complete, controlling the product transport drone to move to the next destination.

[0186] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Appendices 2 to 18, which are subordinate to Appendice 1 (Sales Support Device) mentioned above, may also be subordinate to Appendice 19 (Sales Support Method) and Appendice 20 (Program) in the same way as those described in Appendices 2 to 18. Moreover, not limited to Appendices 1, 19, and 20, some or all of the configurations described as appendices may also be subordinate to various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems, without departing from the embodiments described above.

[0187] 1 Sales support system 20a Terminal device 20b Terminal device 20b-1 Housing 20b-2 Physical buttons 20b-3 Display unit 30 Product transport drone 40 Base terminal 100 Sales support device 101 Acquisition unit 102 Instruction unit 103 Control unit 100A Sales support device 104 Detection unit 100B Sales support device 105 Base determination unit 100C Sales support device 106 Output unit 200 Sales support device 201 Acquisition unit 202 Instruction unit 203 Control unit 204 Mobile sales determination unit 1000 Information processing device 1001 CPU 1002 ROM 1003 RAM 1004 Program 1005 Storage device 1006 Recording medium 1007 Drive device 1008 Communication I / F 1009 Communication network 1010 Input / Output I / F 1011 Bus

Claims

1. A sales support device comprising: acquisition means for obtaining purchase information including information about a pick-up location where the user will receive the products, and for specifying a product group to be purchased by the user; instruction means for loading the purchased products corresponding to the product group onto a product transport drone based on the purchase information; and control means for controlling the product transport drone to move to the pick-up location where the user will receive the purchased products, and for controlling the product transport drone to move to the next destination when the delivery of the purchased products to the user is complete.

2. The sales support device according to claim 1, wherein the product group is a category into which the products are classified.

3. The sales support device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the product group is a group in which the purpose of use of the product is defined.

4. The sales support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the purchased product is a product with a high sales priority among the products included in the product group.

5. The sales support device according to claim 4, wherein the priority is based on at least one of the following: the number of items in stock, the expiration date of the items, the presence or absence of a sales promotion plan for the items, and the weight of the items.

6. The sales support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the acquisition means acquires operation information indicating that a predetermined button on a terminal device used by the user to purchase a product has been operated, and acquires the purchase information that has been pre-associated with the predetermined button based on the operation information.

7. The sales support device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising detection means for detecting conditions related to the timing of controlling the product transport drone.

8. The sales support device according to claim 7, wherein the detection means detects the start or end of communication with a terminal device used by the user to purchase goods, and the control means controls the goods transport drone in response to the start or end of the communication.

9. The sales support device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the detection means detects the start or end of the handover of the user's purchased goods based on an image taken by the goods transport drone, and the control means controls the goods transport drone in accordance with the start or end of the handover.

10. The sales support device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a base determination means for determining a supply base that supplies purchased products corresponding to the product group based on the purchase information, wherein the instruction means gives the instruction to the supply base.

11. The sales support device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising output means for outputting a notification regarding the user's purchase of a product to a terminal device used by the user.

12. The sales support device according to claim 11, wherein the notification is a notification corresponding to the stage up to the delivery of the purchased goods.

13. The sales support device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the notification is a notification indicating that it is impossible to transport the purchased goods based on the purchase information.

14. The sales support device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, if the purchase information is not obtained, the instruction means gives an instruction to load additional goods to be sold by another drone, and the control means controls the product transport drone to move to the location where the mobile sale is being conducted.

15. The sales support device according to claim 14, wherein the control means controls the movement of the product transport drone located at the location where the mobile sales are being conducted to a store that loads products corresponding to the purchase information when the purchase information is acquired.

16. The sales support device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, if the purchase information is not obtained, the control means controls the product transport drone to collect search information for searching for a location to conduct mobile sales, and the device further comprises a mobile sales determination means for determining a location to conduct mobile sales based on the search information.

17. The sales support device according to claim 16, wherein the search information is information about persons staying at a certain location, and the mobile sales determination means determines, based on the search information, a location with a large number of persons, or a location where a request for mobile sales has been made by a person, as a location for conducting the mobile sales.

18. A terminal device used by a user to purchase goods transported by a goods transport drone, comprising: a housing; physical buttons operable by the user; display means for displaying product groups corresponding to the physical buttons; and transmission means for transmitting purchase information specifying the product group corresponding to the physical buttons in response to the operation of the physical buttons.

19. A sales support method comprising: specifying a group of products to be purchased by a user; obtaining purchase information including information about a pick-up location where the user will receive the products; issuing instructions to load the purchased products corresponding to the product group onto a product transport drone based on the purchase information; controlling the product transport drone to move to the pick-up location where the user will receive the purchased products based on the purchase information; and, once the delivery of the purchased products to the user is complete, controlling the product transport drone to move to the next destination.

20. A non-temporary recording medium that stores a program that causes a computer to execute the following processes: specifying a group of products to be purchased by a user, obtaining purchase information including information about a pick-up location where the user will receive the products, issuing instructions to load the purchased products corresponding to the product group onto a product transport drone based on the purchase information, controlling the product transport drone to move to the pick-up location where the user will receive the purchased products based on the purchase information, and, once the delivery of the purchased products to the user is complete, controlling the product transport drone to move to the next destination.

Images