JP6735992B2 - Wireless display system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a wireless display system, more specifically, a wireless display system including a wireless display terminal capable of displaying three or more colors and a server wirelessly transmitting data for displaying an image on the wireless display terminal. Regarding

A wireless display system including a wireless display terminal and a server that wirelessly transmits data for displaying an image on the wireless display terminal is known. For example, in Patent Document 1 (JP 2005-335004 A), which is a wireless display system used in a factory or the like, a wireless display terminal attached to a work target displays information transmitted from a server. A wireless display system is disclosed.

In such a wireless display system, conventionally, a two-color display wireless display terminal has been widely used. On the other hand, in recent years, for the purpose of improving the visibility and the like, the use of wireless display terminals capable of displaying three colors or more in the wireless display system has been increasing.

By the way, in a wireless display terminal, when one data is received in order to display an image including three or more display colors on the display unit and the image is displayed on the display unit based on the received data, the display color has two colors. The power consumption of the wireless display terminal required for the series of processes becomes large as compared with the case of receiving one data for displaying the image on the display unit and displaying the image on the display unit based on the received data. Therefore, in a wireless display system in which a wireless display terminal including a display unit capable of displaying three or more colors is used, there is a problem that power consumption of the wireless display terminal tends to increase.

An object of the present invention is a wireless display system including a wireless display terminal capable of displaying three or more colors and a server wirelessly transmitting data for displaying an image on the wireless display terminal. It is to provide a wireless display system capable of suppressing power consumption.

A wireless display system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a wireless display terminal and a server. The wireless display terminal has a display unit capable of displaying three colors. The server wirelessly transmits data for displaying an image on the display unit to the wireless display terminal. The server indicates the display position of the first color in the first image as the data for displaying the first image having the three display colors including the first color and the second color in the display color. The display data of No. 1 and the second display data indicating the display position of the second color in the first image are transmitted to the wireless display terminal. The wireless display terminal causes the display unit to display the first image based on the first display data and the second display data.

In the wireless display system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the data for displaying the first image (the image including the first color and the second color in the display colors and the three display colors) on the display unit is: The first display data indicating the display position of the first color and the second display data indicating the display position of the second color in the first image are separately transmitted to the wireless display terminal. Therefore, compared to a case where information regarding display colors of three or more colors for the first image is transmitted to the wireless display terminal as a single piece of data, the power consumption of the wireless display terminal required for processing until the image is displayed on the display unit is reduced. Can be suppressed.

A wireless display system according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a wireless display terminal and a server. The wireless display terminal has a display unit capable of displaying N colors (N is an integer of 3 or more). The server wirelessly transmits data for displaying an image on the display unit to the wireless display terminal. The server includes (K-1) pieces of the display color of the first image as the data for displaying the first image of the K color (K is an integer of 3 or more and N or less) on the display unit. For each of the colors, (K-1) pieces of display data indicating the display positions of the colors in the first image are transmitted to the wireless display terminal. The wireless display terminal causes the display unit to display the first image based on the (K-1) pieces of display data.

In the wireless display system according to the second aspect of the present invention, (K-1) colors included in the display color of the first image are used as data for displaying the first image having the K color in the display unit. (K-1) pieces of display data indicating the display positions in the respective first images of are transmitted to the wireless display terminal. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the wireless display terminal required for the processing until the image is displayed on the display unit, as compared with the case where the information about the K display color of the first image is transmitted as single data.

A wireless display system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the wireless display system according to the second aspect, wherein the server has a minimum data amount of (K-1) pieces of display data transmitted to the wireless display terminal. Then, (K-1) color combinations are determined, and (K-1) display data for the (K-1) colors included in the determined combination are transmitted to the wireless display terminal.

In the wireless display system according to the third aspect of the present invention, for the (K-1) colors included in the color combination that minimizes the amount of display data transmitted from the server, (K-1) displays are displayed. Since the data is transmitted to the wireless display terminal, the power consumption of the wireless display terminal when receiving the data can be suppressed.

A wireless display system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the wireless display system according to the second aspect or the third aspect, wherein at least a part of the (K-1) pieces of display data is data-compressed.

In the wireless display system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, at least a part of the display data is data-compressed, so that the amount of data transmitted from the server can be particularly suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to particularly suppress the power consumption of the wireless display terminal when receiving data.

A wireless display system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the wireless display system according to the fourth aspect, wherein data compression is performed using a run length method.

In the wireless display system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since each display data is information indicating the display position of one color in the first image, generally, the run length method can be used for efficient data compression. Since the display data that has been efficiently data-compressed is transmitted to the wireless display terminal, the power consumption of the wireless display terminal during data reception can be particularly suppressed.

In addition, since the run-length method is a relatively simple data compression method, the processing load of the wireless display terminal that receives the display data can be suppressed, and the wireless display terminal that is required for the processing until the image is displayed on the display unit. Power consumption can be suppressed.

Further, since the run-length method is a relatively simple data compression method, the wireless display terminal does not need high processing capacity, and the price of the wireless display terminal included in the wireless display system can be suppressed.

A wireless display system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the wireless display system according to any of the first to fifth aspects, and the display unit is electronic paper.

In the wireless display system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the need for power to hold the display content of the display unit, and it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the wireless display terminal.

A wireless display system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the wireless display system according to the sixth aspect, wherein the display section can display three colors or four colors.

In the wireless display system according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the display color of the display unit is relatively small, the data for displaying the first image on the display unit is not a single data including information about a plurality of colors. However, the effect of suppressing the power consumption of the wireless display terminal is high when the plurality of pieces of display data indicating the display position of one color in the first image are transmitted separately.

A wireless display system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the wireless display system according to the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, wherein the data amount of display data is reduced by data compression as compared with that before data compression. Only if the data is compressed.

In the wireless display system according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, not all display data is uniformly compressed, but only display data whose data amount is reduced due to data compression is compressed. Therefore, the amount of data transmitted from the server to the wireless display terminal can be suppressed, and the power consumption of the wireless display terminal when receiving data can be particularly suppressed.

A wireless display system according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the wireless display system according to the first to eighth aspects, and the wireless display terminal is an electronic shelf label.

With the wireless display system according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of electronic shelf labels used in stores such as supermarkets.

In the wireless display system according to the present invention, the data for displaying the first image (the image including the first color and the second color in the display colors and the three display colors) on the display unit is the data in the first image. , The first display data indicating the display position of the first color and the second display data indicating the display position of the second color are separately transmitted to the wireless display terminal. Therefore, compared with the case where the first image is transmitted to the wireless display terminal as a single data including information about a plurality of colors, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the wireless display terminal required for the process of displaying the image on the display unit. ..

1 is an overall schematic diagram of a wireless display system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is an example of a display on a display unit of a wireless display terminal included in the wireless display system of FIG. 1. A state in which an example of the first image is displayed on the display unit is drawn. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the server which the wireless display system of FIG. 1 has. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the wireless display terminal which the wireless display system of FIG. 1 has. It is an example of an image displayed on the display unit when it is assumed that an image in which the color C1 is represented by black is displayed on the display unit based on the display data indicating the display position of the color C1 in the first image of FIG. .. It is an example of an image displayed on the display unit when it is assumed that an image in which the color C2 is represented by black is displayed on the display unit based on display data indicating a display position of the color C2 in the first image of FIG. .. It is an example of an image displayed on the display unit when it is assumed that an image in which the color C3 is represented by black is displayed on the display unit based on display data indicating the display position of the color C3 in the first image of FIG. .. 4 is an example of a flowchart of command generation/transmission processing by the server of FIG. 3. It is the whole schematic diagram of the electronic shelf label system concerning other embodiments of the present invention. It is an example of the installation state of the electronic shelf label in the electronic shelf label system of FIG. It is an example of a display of the display part of the electronic shelf label which the electronic shelf label system of FIG. 7 has.

(1) Overall Configuration A wireless display system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

The wireless display system 100 is a system used in a factory. However, the use place of the wireless display system 100 is not limited to the factory, and may be used in, for example, a distribution facility or a hospital.

As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless display system 100 mainly includes a server 10, a plurality of access points 30, 30,..., A plurality of wireless display terminals 40, 40,. , Is provided. The server 10 and the access point 30 are connected via a network 20 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) (see FIG. 1). The network 20 may be wired or wireless.

One wireless display terminal 40 is attached to each container 50 in which the product P manufactured in the factory is housed. Here, the product P contained in the container 50 does not mean only a finished product (a product in which all the processing to be performed in the factory has been completed), but a product (before the processing It includes products that have not been applied or that have been partially processed (semi-finished products). Further, in FIG. 1, one article is stored as the product P in the container 50, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an article group including a plurality of articles is stored as the product P in the container 50. Good.

Each wireless display terminal 40 has a display unit 41 capable of displaying three colors of color C1, color C2, and color C3 (see FIG. 2). On the display unit 41 of each wireless display terminal 40, an image regarding the product P stored in the container 50 to which the wireless display terminal 40 is attached is displayed. Specifically, the display unit 41 displays an image of product information of the product P in the container 50 to which the wireless display terminal 40 is attached. In the product information, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the lot number of the product P, the destination of the product P (the name of the processing operation to be performed next for the product P, the name of the place where the product P should be carried, etc.) ), the serial number of the product P, the order number of the product P, and special notes about the product P (information indicating that it is necessary to urgently manufacture the product P). However, the product information is not limited to such information. Further, in FIG. 2, the image of the character representing the product information is displayed on the display unit 41, but the product information does not need to be displayed in the character and may be displayed in the form of an image such as a figure or a symbol. The display content of the display unit 41 is rewritten based on a command wirelessly transmitted from the server 10 to the wireless display terminal 40, as described later.

The server 10 is a general computer that centrally manages information on products P manufactured in a factory. Functions of the server 10 include management of images displayed on the display unit 41 of the wireless display terminal 40.

The server 10 stores information about product information displayed on the display unit 41 of the wireless display terminal 40. The server 10 generates a command for rewriting the display on the display unit 41 of the wireless display terminal 40 as a command, and transmits the command to the wireless display terminal 40. The command generated by the server 10 includes image display data generated using the information stored in the server 10. The image display data is data for displaying an image of product information on the display unit 41 of the wireless display terminal 40. The command transmitted from the server 10 is attached with the terminal ID of the wireless display terminal 40 to which the command is executed (the display of the display unit 41 is rewritten). The server 10 wirelessly transmits a command to the wireless display terminal 40 via the access point 30 connected by the network 20.

The access point 30 is a communication device that performs wireless communication with the wireless display terminal 40. For example, the access point 30 and the wireless display terminal 40 perform wireless communication by radio waves. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the access point 30 and the wireless display terminal 40 may perform infrared wireless communication.

The access points 30 are mounted, for example, on the ceiling of a factory with a space. The number of installed access points 30 and the installation positions are determined so that the wireless display terminal 40 in the factory can communicate with any of the access points 30, for example.

The access point 30 exchanges various signals with the wireless display terminal 40. For example, the access point 30 wirelessly transmits the command sent from the server 10 to the wireless display terminal 40. In other words, the access point 30 wirelessly transmits the image display data sent from the server 10 to the wireless display terminal 40. The access point 30 also receives a signal wirelessly transmitted from the wireless display terminal 40 and transmits the received signal to the server 10.

The mobile terminal 60 is a portable terminal used by a worker who works in a factory. The mobile terminal 60 is, for example, a data collection terminal (handy terminal) equipped with a barcode scanner. The mobile terminal 60 is configured to be communicable with the server 10 by, for example, a wireless LAN.

The mobile terminal 60 is used for linking/unlinking the wireless display terminal 40 and the product P. The linking operation is an operation of associating the terminal ID of each wireless display terminal 40 with the product ID of the product P housed in the container 50 in which the wireless display terminal 40 is attached and storing it in the server 10. The linking work is executed, for example, when the unprocessed product P is stored in the container 50 to which the wireless display terminal 40 is attached. On the contrary, the link releasing operation is an operation of deleting the terminal ID and the product ID stored in association with each other from the server 10. The link releasing operation is performed, for example, when the finished product P, which has undergone all processing, is taken out from the container 50 to which the wireless display terminal 40 is attached. The terminal ID is a unique identification code attached to each wireless display terminal 40. The product ID is a unique identification code attached to each product P.

At the time of linking work, the mobile terminal 60 acquires the terminal ID by reading the barcode attached to each wireless display terminal 40. The mobile terminal 60 subsequently acquires the product ID by reading the barcode attached to each product P. Then, the terminal ID and the product ID are transmitted from the mobile terminal 60 to the server 10, so that the server 10 stores the terminal ID and the product ID in association with each other.

(2) Detailed Configuration The server 10 and the wireless display terminal 40 of the wireless display system 100 will be described in detail below.

(2-1) Server The server 10 is a general computer that centrally manages the information of the products P handled in the factory. The server 10 transmits a command including image display data to the wireless display terminal 40 via the access point 30.

The server 10 mainly includes a server communication unit 11, a server display unit 12, a server input unit 13, a server storage unit 14, and a server control unit 15 (see FIG. 3 ).

(2-1-1) Server Communication Unit The server communication unit 11 is a communication interface for enabling communication between the server 10 and the access point 30. The command transmitted from the server 10 to the access point 30 is wirelessly transmitted from the access point 30 to the wireless display terminal 40.

(2-1-2) Server Display Unit The server display unit 12 is a liquid crystal display. Various information regarding the wireless display system 100 can be displayed on the server display unit 12.

(2-1-3) Server Input Unit The server input unit 13 is a mouse and a keyboard. Various commands and various information to the server 10 can be input via the server input unit 13.

(2-1-4) Server Storage Unit The server storage unit 14 is composed of a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, and the like. The server storage unit 14 stores various programs executed by the server control unit 15 described later. Further, the server storage unit 14 stores various kinds of information.

The server storage unit 14 has a product-related information storage area 14a, a link information storage area 14b, and a format storage area 14c as information storage areas (see FIG. 3).

(2-1-4-1) Product Related Information Storage Area The product related information storage area 14a stores information about the product P manufactured in the factory. The product-related information storage area 14a stores, for each product ID, the lot number of the product P, the content of all processing work to be performed on the product P, the content of processing work to be performed next on the product P, and the product P. The place to be carried next, the manufacturing number of the product P, the order number of the product P, special notes regarding the product P (information indicating that the manufacturing of the product P is particularly urgent, etc.) are stored.

The content of the product-related information storage area 14a is changed by receiving information from an external device (not shown) or by the server input unit 13 receiving an input of information. Further, as will be described later, the content of the product-related information storage area 14a is also changed when the server 10 receives a signal transmitted from the wireless display terminal 40 indicating that the input unit 42 has input.

(2-1-4-2) Link Information Storage Area The link information storage area 14b stores the result of the linking work performed between the wireless display terminal 40 and the product P using the mobile terminal 60. Specifically, in the link information storage area 14b, the terminal ID of each wireless display terminal 40 and the product ID of the product P housed in the container 50 to which the wireless display terminal 40 is attached are stored in association with each other. ing.

(2-1-4-3) Format Storage Area A format for image display is stored in the format storage area 14c. The format for displaying an image is such that when displaying an image of the product information of the product P on the display unit 41, which information in the product information is to be arranged at which position on the display unit 41 and how much size the information is. Or information about which color to display the information. The information stored in the format storage area 14c is changed, for example, when the server input unit 13 receives an input of information.

(2-1-5) Server Control Unit The server control unit 15 executes various programs by executing the programs stored in the server storage unit 14. Specifically, the server control unit 15 performs the following processing.

For example, when the server 10 receives a signal (a signal will be described later) indicating that there is an input to the input unit 42, which is transmitted from a certain wireless display terminal 40, the server control unit 15 causes the link information storage area 14b to be displayed. With reference to, the product P associated with the wireless display terminal 40 having the terminal ID included in the signal is specified. Then, the server control unit 15 changes the content of the processing work to be performed next regarding the product P, which is stored in the product-related information storage area 14a, to the content of the new processing work.

Further, for example, the server control unit 15 generates a command for instructing the wireless display terminal 40 to rewrite the display of the display unit 41 when the display of the display unit 41 of the certain wireless display terminal 40 needs to be changed. , Wirelessly transmits to the wireless display terminal 40 via the access point 30. The command includes image display data. When it is necessary to change the display of the wireless display terminal 40, for example, a link operation between a certain wireless display terminal 40 and a certain product P is performed, and the terminal ID of the wireless display terminal 40 is stored in the link information storage area 14b. , When the product ID of the product P is associated and stored. On the contrary, when the display of the wireless display terminal 40 needs to be changed, the operation of releasing the link between a certain wireless display terminal 40 and a certain product P is performed and stored in the link information storage area 14b in association with each other. It is when the terminal ID of the wireless display terminal 40 and the product ID of the product P are deleted. When the display of the wireless display terminal 40 needs to be changed, for example, the server 10 receives a signal transmitted from a certain wireless display terminal 40 indicating that there is an input to the input unit 42, and the product related information storage This is when the content of the processing work to be performed next on the product P stored in the area 14a is changed.

The server control unit 15 specifically performs the following processing when generating/transmitting a command to the wireless display terminal 40.

First, the server control unit 15 refers to the product-related information storage area 14a, and displays an image (image of product information) on the display unit 41 of the wireless display terminal 40 for the product P for which the display change of the wireless display terminal 40 is necessary. In order to do so, image display data is generated. The image display data is generated by an image display data generation unit 15a, which is a functional unit of the server control unit 15 described later. In addition, the server control unit 15 refers to the link information storage area 14b to acquire the terminal ID of the wireless display terminal 40 linked to the product P that needs the display change of the wireless display terminal 40.

Next, the server control unit 15 includes a command including the image display data with the acquired terminal ID of the wireless display terminal 40 to be transmitted (command for requesting the wireless display terminal 40 to rewrite the display of the display unit 41). To generate. Furthermore, the server control unit 15 transmits the generated command to the access point 30. Upon receiving the command, the access point 30 wirelessly transmits the command to the wireless display terminal 40 by radio waves.

As will be described later, when the wireless display terminal 40 receives a command for itself, it transmits a response signal to the access point 30. The access point 30 receiving the response signal transmits the response signal to the server 10 via the network 20. When the server 10 receives the response signal after transmitting the command, the server control unit 15 determines that the communication with the wireless display terminal 40 has succeeded, and ends the command transmission process to the wireless display terminal 40. On the other hand, if the access point 30 does not receive the response signal for some reason, the server control unit 15 retransmits the command.

The image display data generation unit 15a, which is a functional unit of the server control unit 15, will be described below.

(2-1-5-1) Image Display Data Generation Unit The image display data generation unit 15a displays an image (image of product information) on the display unit 41 of the wireless display terminal 40 to which the server 10 transmits a command. Image display data for display is generated. The image display data constitutes a part of the command.

One image display data includes two display data. The display data is data for each color, and is data indicating a display position of a certain color in the image when the image of certain product information is displayed on the display unit 41 of the wireless display terminal 40.

The image display data generation unit 15a generates image display data as follows.

First, when it is necessary to rewrite the display of the display unit 41 of the wireless display terminal 40, the server control unit 15 associates with the terminal ID of the wireless display terminal 40 stored in the product-related information storage area 14a, for example. With respect to the obtained product ID, the lot number of the product P, the contents of the processing work to be performed next on the product P, the serial number of the product P, the instruction number of the product P, special notes regarding the product P, etc. are displayed on the display unit 41. The information of the item determined to be displayed is read out, and this is determined as the content (product information) to be displayed on the display unit 41.

The image display data generation unit 15a displays the product information image on the display unit 41 of the wireless display terminal 40 based on the product information to be displayed on the display unit 41 and the format stored in the format storage area 14c. Display data indicating the display position of each color in the image is generated.

The image display data generation unit 15a causes the display unit 41 of the wireless display terminal 40 to display an image including three colors C1, C2, and C3 as display colors (hereinafter, color C1, color C2, and color C3). When an image including the three colors as display colors is referred to as a first image), display data indicating a display position of each color in the first image is generated for each of the colors C1, C2, and C3. That is, the image display data generation unit 15a generates three display data when displaying the first image on the display unit 41 of the wireless display terminal 40.

The image display data generation unit is exemplified by a case where the display unit 41 of the wireless display terminal 40 is about to display the first image Ga including the colors C1, C2, and C3 as display colors as shown in FIG. Generation of display data by 15a will be specifically described.

When displaying the first image Ga on the display unit 41, the image display data generation unit 15a generates each of the colors C1, C2, and C3, that is, three display data in total.

The display data indicating the display position of the color C1 in the first image Ga is, for example, “1” in the portion displayed in the color C1 for all the pixels of the display unit 41, and other than the color C1 (in the color C2 or the color C3). This is binary data in which the displayed portion is represented by "0". If the pixel represented by “1” is displayed in black and the pixel represented by “0” is displayed in white based on the display data indicating the display position of the color C1, it is assumed that the display unit 41 is displayed. For example, the image G1 shown in FIG. 5A is obtained.

The display data indicating the display position of the color C2 in the first image Ga is, for example, “1” in the portion displayed in the color C2 for all the pixels of the display unit 41, and other than the color C2 (in the color C1 or the color C3). This is binary data in which the displayed portion is represented by "0". If the pixel represented by “1” is displayed in black and the pixel represented by “0” is displayed in white based on the display data indicating the display position of the color C2, it is assumed that the pixel is displayed on the display unit 41. For example, the image G2 shown in FIG. 5B is obtained.

The display data indicating the display position of the color C3 in the first image Ga is, for example, “1” in the portion displayed in the color C3 for all the pixels of the display unit 41, and other than the color C3 (in the color C1 or the color C2). This is binary data in which the displayed portion is represented by "0". If the pixel represented by "1" is displayed in black and the pixel represented by "0" is displayed in white based on the display data indicating the display position of the color C3, it is assumed that the pixel is displayed on the display unit 41. For example, the image G3 shown in FIG. 5C is obtained.

The display data generated by the image display data generating unit 15a is data-compressed in principle. More specifically, the display data generated by the image display data generation unit 15a is data-compressed in principle by using the run length method.

However, the image display data generation unit 15a generates display data that is not data-compressed when the data amount is increased due to the data compression as compared to before the data compression. In other words, the image display data generating unit 15a generates the display data that has been compressed only when the data amount is reduced by performing the data compression as compared with that before the data compression. It should be noted that the data-compressed display data and the data-uncompressed display data are simply referred to as display data here, without being particularly called.

When the image display data generation unit 15a generates the display data indicating the display position of each color in the first image for each of the color C1, the color C2, and the color C3, the display data of two colors is selected from the generated display data. The image display data for displaying the first image is determined. Specifically, the image display data generation unit 15a determines a combination of two colors that minimizes the data amount of the two display data, and displays the display data of the two colors included in the determined combination. Is determined as the image display data to be transmitted to the wireless display terminal 40 (as a part of the command).

A specific example will be described. For example, assuming that the display data of the color C1 (based on the display data, the pixels represented by “1” are displayed in black and the pixels represented by “0” are displayed in white, are displayed on the display unit 41. It is assumed that the data amount of the display data (image G1 as shown in FIG. 5A) is 848 bytes. Display data for the color C2 (if the pixels represented by “1” are displayed in black and the pixels represented by “0” are displayed in white on the basis of the display data, the display portion 41 is displayed. It is assumed that the amount of display data (image data G2 such as 5B) is 2061 bytes. Display data for the color C3 (if the pixels represented by “1” are displayed in black and the pixels represented by “0” are displayed in white based on the display data, the display portion 41 is displayed as follows. It is assumed that the data amount of the display data which can obtain the image G3 like 5C) is 1375 bytes. In this case, the image display data generation unit 15a uses the colors C1 and C3 as a combination of the two colors that minimizes the data amount of the two pieces of display data transmitted as image display data to the wireless display terminal 40. The combination is determined, and the display data of these colors is determined as the image display data.

In addition to the image display data, the command transmitted by the server control unit 15 also includes information for specifying which color each of the two display data included in the image display data is. That is, the wireless display terminal 40 that has received the command can identify what color each of the two display data of the image display data included in the command is.

(2-2) Wireless Display Terminal The wireless display terminal 40 is attached to each container 50 in which the product P is housed (see FIG. 1), and the corresponding product P (into the container 50 to which the wireless display terminal 40 is attached is housed. The product information of the selected product P) is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 4, each wireless display terminal 40 mainly has a display unit 41, an input unit 42, a communication unit 43, a battery 44, a storage unit 46, and a control unit 47.

(2-2-1) Display Unit The display unit 41 displays product information of the product P. The display unit 41 can display three colors of color C1, color C2, and color C3 (see FIG. 2). Here, the color C1 is white, the color C2 is black, and the color C3 is red, but the colors are not limited to these, and may be other colors. Note that, in FIG. 2, a region which is not shown in black and is not hatched indicates that the display color of the pixel is the color C1. The area shown in black in FIG. 2 indicates that the display color of the pixel is the color C2. The hatched area in FIG. 2 indicates that the display color of the pixel is the color C3.

The display of the display unit 41 is rewritten based on the image display data transmitted from the server 10. That is, when the first image including the three colors C1, C2, and C3 in the display color is displayed on the display unit 41, the display on the display unit 41 is displayed by the two images transmitted from the server 10. It is rewritten based on the display data.

For the display unit 41, for example, electronic paper is used. That is, the display unit 41 is a dot matrix type non-volatile display unit configured by a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix. The display unit 41 can hold the display content even if power is not supplied.

For the display unit 41, specifically, electrophoretic electronic paper is used. More specifically, an electrophoretic so-called microcup type electronic paper is used for the display unit 41. In the display unit 41, a large number of extremely small cup-shaped cells (this cell is called a microcup) are arranged in a plane over the entire display surface (the surface on which an image is displayed). Each cell of the display unit 41 corresponds to each pixel of the display unit 41. Inside each cell, for example, a plurality of positively charged particles of the color C1, a plurality of negatively charged particles of the color C2, and a plurality of similarly negatively charged particles of the color C3 are housed. There is.

The display of the display unit 41 is rewritten by the display rewriting unit 41a capable of applying a voltage to each cell independently of the other cells. Specifically, the display rewriting unit 41a sets the display surface side of each cell to a positive voltage or a negative voltage, and also determines how the voltage is applied to each cell (for example, the applied voltage or the voltage application time). Or the like) to move any of the particles of color C1, the particles of color C2, or the particles of color C3 to the display surface side of the display unit 41. As a result, the display color of the pixel corresponding to each cell becomes the color C1, the color C2, or the color C3. The operation of the display rewriting unit 41a is controlled by the control unit 47.

In the display section 41, the display color of all pixels is once rewritten to the color C1 when the display is rewritten due to its characteristics. Then, after that, the display color of each pixel is rewritten to a desired color. For example, in the display unit 41, the display color of all pixels is once rewritten to the color C1, and the display color of the pixel that should display the color C2 is first rewritten to the color C2. Further, thereafter, among the pixels having the display color of color C1, the display color of the pixel for displaying the color C3 is rewritten to the color C3.

(2-2-2) Input Unit The input unit 42 is a switch, for example, a push button switch, which receives an input from a worker who works in the factory.

For example, when the name of the processing work to be performed next (provisionally, the first processing work) is displayed as product information on the display unit 41 of the wireless display terminal 40, the worker displays the wireless display terminal 40. When the first processing operation is completed for the product P stored in the container 50 to which is attached, the push button switch as the input unit 42 is pressed. How such an input to the input unit 42 at the end of the working operation is used will be described later.

(2-2-3) Communication Unit The communication unit 43 performs wireless communication with the access point 30. In other words, the communication unit 43 performs wireless communication with the server 10 via the access point 30.

The communication unit 43 receives a command from the server 10 via the access point 30 as a command to rewrite the display on the display unit 41. The command includes image display data, that is, two pieces of display data.

The communication unit 43 transmits a response signal (ACK) to the access point 30, in other words, to the server 10 according to an instruction from the control unit 47 described later. The response signal is a signal transmitted from the communication unit 43 in order to notify the server 10 that the wireless display terminal 40 has received the command transmitted to the wireless display terminal 40 and the like.

Further, when there is an input in the input unit 42, the communication unit 43 transmits a signal to the access point 30, in other words, to the server 10, informing the input unit 42 that there is an input. The signal notifying that there is an input to the input unit 42 includes information on the terminal ID stored in the storage unit 46 described later.

(2-2-4) Battery The battery 44 supplies power to each unit of the wireless display terminal 40. The battery 44 supplies power to, for example, the display rewriting unit 41a that rewrites the display of the display unit 41, the input unit 42, the communication unit 43, the storage unit 46, the control unit 47, and the like.

(2-2-5) Storage Unit The storage unit 46 has a ROM, a RAM, and the like (not shown).

The storage unit 46 stores various programs executed by the control unit 47.

Further, the storage unit 46 stores various kinds of information. For example, the storage unit 46 stores the terminal ID of the wireless display terminal 40 having the storage unit 46 (own terminal ID). Further, the storage unit 46 stores the image display data included in the command received by the communication unit 43. In other words, the storage unit 46 stores the two pieces of display data included in the command received by the communication unit 43. Note that the storage unit 46 stores the two display data included in the command received by the communication unit 43 together with information about what color each display data is.

(2-2-6) Control Unit The control unit 47 mainly has a CPU (not shown). The control unit 47 is electrically connected to the display rewriting unit 41a, the input unit 42, the communication unit 43, the battery 44, and the storage unit 46 (see FIG. 4).

The control unit 47 controls each element of the wireless display terminal 40 by executing the program stored in the storage unit 46.

Specifically, the control unit 47 performs the following control.

When the communication unit 43 receives the command transmitted from the access point 30, the control unit 47 determines that the terminal ID attached to the command is the same as the terminal ID stored in the storage unit 46 (own terminal ID). Or not. When it is determined that they are not the same, the control unit 47 does not execute the command received by the communication unit 43.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the terminal ID attached to the command is the same as the terminal ID stored in the storage unit 46 (hereinafter, referred to as the same determination time), the control unit 47 causes the communication unit 43 to It instructs the access point 30 to transmit a response signal (ACK). The response signal here is a signal for informing the server 10 that the wireless display terminal 40 has received the command transmitted to the wireless display terminal 40. When the same determination is made, the image display data included in the command is stored in the storage unit 46.

When the same determination is made, the control unit 47 causes the display rewriting unit to display the image of the product information specified by the image display data on the display unit 41 based on the image display data stored in the storage unit 46. The display of the display unit 41 is rewritten by controlling 41a. Specifically, the control unit 47 grasps the display positions of the color C1, the color C2, and the color C3 in the first image to be displayed, from the two display data forming the image display data. Then, the control unit 47 controls the display rewriting unit 41a to temporarily set the display color of all the pixels to the color C1, and then uses the information about the display positions of the colors C2 and C3 to display on the display unit 41, for example. The image as shown in FIG. 2 is displayed.

(3) Command Generation/Transmission Processing by Server An example of command generation/transmission processing by the server 10 for instructing the wireless display terminal 40 to rewrite the display unit 41 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. ..

Note that when the server 10 rewrites the display unit 41 on the wireless display terminal 40, the display unit 41 may be rewritten to a single color (for example, color C1) or may be rewritten to a two-color display image on the display unit 41. Here, only the case of displaying an image (first image) including three display colors on the display unit 41, which is a main application of the wireless display terminal 40, will be described.

First, the server control unit 15 determines the content to be displayed on the display unit 41 when the display of the display unit 41 of a certain wireless display terminal 40 needs to be rewritten (step S1).

When the display of the display unit 41 of the wireless display terminal 40 needs to be rewritten, for example, a link operation is performed, and the terminal ID of the wireless display terminal 40 and the product ID are associated and stored in the link information storage area 14b. It was time to be done. When the display of the display unit 41 of the wireless display terminal 40 needs to be rewritten, for example, the server 10 receives a signal transmitted from the wireless display terminal 40 indicating that the input unit 42 has input. However, it is when the content of the processing work to be performed next regarding the product P having the product ID associated with the terminal ID of the wireless display terminal 40 stored in the product-related information storage area 14a is changed.

When the display of the display unit 41 of a certain wireless display terminal 40 needs to be rewritten, the server control unit 15 is associated with, for example, the terminal ID of the wireless display terminal 40 stored in the product-related information storage area 14a. Displayed on the display unit 41 regarding the product ID, the lot number of the product P, the content of the processing work to be performed next on the product P, the serial number of the product P, the instruction number of the product P, and special notes about the product P. The information of the item that is decided to be read is read, and this is determined as the content (product information) to be displayed on the display unit 41.

Next, in step S2, the image display data generation unit 15a performs wireless display based on the product information to be displayed on the display unit 41 determined in step S1 and the format stored in the format storage area 14c. When the first image of the product information is displayed on the display unit 41 of the terminal 40, the display data indicating the display position of each color in the first image is generated.

Next, in step S3, the image display data generation unit 15a determines a combination of two pieces of display data that minimizes the total amount of display data, from the three pieces of display data (of each color). In other words, the image display data generation unit 15a determines the combination of the two colors that minimizes the data amount of the two display data transmitted as the image display data to the wireless display terminal 40.

Next, the server control unit 15 generates a command for causing the wireless display terminal 40 to rewrite the display on the display unit 41 (step S4). The command includes image display data. The image display data includes display data for the two colors included in the combination determined in step S3. The command includes information for identifying the color of the two pieces of display data included in the command. In addition, the terminal ID of the wireless display terminal 40 that is the target of executing the command is added to the command.

Next, in step S5, the server 10 wirelessly transmits a command to the wireless display terminal 40 via the network 20 and the access point 30.

That is, the server 10 displays the first image having the three display colors including the first color and the second color as the display colors on the display unit 41 of the wireless display terminal 40 as the data in the first image. The first display data indicating the display position of the first color and the second display data indicating the display position of the second color in the first image are transmitted to the wireless display terminal 40.

In other words, the first image is an image having three display colors, and the server 10 uses the first color and the second color as data for displaying the first image on the display unit 41 of the wireless display terminal 40. Two pieces of display data indicating the display position of the color in the first image for each of the two colors are transmitted to the wireless display terminal 40.

(4) Features (4-1)
The wireless display system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a wireless display terminal 40 and a server 10. The wireless display terminal 40 has a display unit 41 capable of displaying three colors. The server 10 wirelessly transmits data (image display data) for displaying an image on the display unit 41 to the wireless display terminal 40. The server 10 uses the display position of the first color in the first image as the data for displaying the first image having the three display colors including the first color and the second color in the display color on the display unit 41. The first display data shown and the second display data showing the display position of the second color in the first image are transmitted to the wireless display terminal 40. The wireless display terminal 40 causes the display unit 41 to display the first image based on the first display data and the second display data.

Here, the data for displaying the first image (the image including the first color and the second color in the display colors and having the three display colors) is the data of the first color in the first image. The first display data indicating the display position and the second display data indicating the display position of the second color are separately transmitted to the wireless display terminal 40. Therefore, as compared with the case where the information about the three display colors of the first image is transmitted to the wireless display terminal 40 as a single data, the consumption of the wireless display terminal 40 required for the processing until the image is displayed on the display unit 41 is consumed. Power can be suppressed.

For example, since each display data is binary data regarding a display position of a single color, compared to a case where the first image includes a single data including information regarding a plurality of colors (here, three colors), The process executed by the control unit 47 of the wireless display terminal 40 may be a simple process, and the power consumption of the wireless display terminal 40 is easily suppressed.

(4-2)
In the wireless display system 100 according to the present embodiment, the server 10 determines a combination of two colors that minimizes the data amount of the two display data transmitted to the wireless display terminal 40, and includes the combination of the two colors. The two display data for the two displayed colors are transmitted to the wireless display terminal 40.

Here, since two pieces of display data are transmitted to the wireless display terminal 40 for the two colors included in the color combination that minimizes the amount of data transmitted from the server 10, the wireless display terminal at the time of data reception. The power consumption of 40 can be suppressed.

(4-3)
In the wireless display system 100 according to the present embodiment, two pieces of display data transmitted from the server 10 as image display data are usually data-compressed.

Here, since the display data is usually data-compressed, the amount of data transmitted from the server 10 can be particularly suppressed. Therefore, the data reception time is shortened, and the power consumption of the wireless display terminal 40 during data reception can be particularly suppressed.

In the wireless display system 100 according to the present embodiment, the display data is data-compressed only when the data compression reduces the data amount compared to before the data compression.

That is, here, not all the display data are uniformly compressed, but only the display data whose data amount is reduced due to the data compression is compressed. Therefore, the amount of data transmitted from the server 10 to the wireless display terminal 40 can be suppressed, and the power consumption of the wireless display terminal 40 when receiving data can be particularly suppressed.

(4-4)
In the wireless display system 100 according to this embodiment, data compression is performed using the run length method.

Here, since each display data is information indicating the display position of one color in the first image, generally, the run length method can be used to efficiently compress the data. Since the display data that has been efficiently data-compressed is transmitted to the wireless display terminal 40, the data reception time is shortened, and the power consumption of the wireless display terminal 40 during data reception can be particularly suppressed.

Further, since the run length method is a relatively simple data compression method, the processing load of the wireless display terminal 40 that receives the display data can be suppressed, and the wireless display required for the processing until the image is displayed on the display unit 41. The power consumption of the terminal 40 can be suppressed.

Furthermore, since the run length method is a relatively simple data compression method, the wireless display terminal 40 does not need high processing capacity, and the price of the wireless display terminal 40 that constitutes the wireless display system 100 can be suppressed.

(4-5)
In the wireless display system 100 according to this embodiment, the display unit 41 is electronic paper.

Here, it is possible to eliminate the need for power to hold the display content of the display unit 41, and it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the wireless display terminal 40.

(4-6)
In the wireless display system 100 according to this embodiment, the display unit 41 can display three colors.

Here, since the display color of the display unit 41 is relatively small, the data for displaying the first image on the display unit 41 is not a single data including information about a plurality of colors but a plurality of first images. The effect of suppressing the power consumption of the wireless display terminal 40 is high when the data is divided into the display data indicating the display position of color 1 and transmitted.

(5) Modified Example A modified example of the above embodiment will be described below. It should be noted that a plurality of modified examples may be combined within a range that does not contradict.

(5-1) Modification A
In the above embodiment, the display unit 41 of the wireless display terminal 40 can display three colors, but the display unit 41 is not limited to this.

Even when the display unit 41 can display N colors (N is an integer of 3 or more) and displays K colors (K is an integer of 3 or more and N or less) on the display unit, the wireless display system 100 is also used. With the same configuration as that of the embodiment, the power consumption of the wireless display terminal 40 can be suppressed.

That is, the wireless display system 100 includes the wireless display terminal 40 having the display unit 41 capable of displaying N colors (N is an integer of 3 or more) and the server 10, and the server 10 displays the K color ( K is an integer of 3 or more and N or less) as the data for displaying the first image on the display unit 41, for each of the (K-1) colors included in the display color of the first image. The (K-1) pieces of display data indicating the display positions of the colors in the image may be transmitted to the wireless display terminal. At this time, the wireless display terminal may be configured to cause the display unit to display the first image based on the (K-1) pieces of display data.

Here, as the data for displaying the first image with the display color of K (3≦K≦N) on the display unit 41, the display position in each of the first images of (K−1) colors is shown. (K-1) pieces of display data are transmitted to the wireless display terminal 40. Therefore, power consumption of the wireless display terminal required for the process of displaying the image on the display unit 41 can be suppressed as compared with the case where the information about the K display color of the first image is transmitted as a single data.

It is more preferable that N is 3 or 4. In other words, K is preferably 3 or 4. For example, as in the above-described embodiment, it is preferable that the display unit 41 is capable of displaying three colors, and the first image having three display colors is displayed on the display unit 41. Further, it is preferable that the display unit 41 is capable of four-color display, and the first image having three or four display colors is displayed on the display unit 41.

When the display color of the display unit 41 is relatively small as described above, the data for displaying the first image on the display unit 41 is not a single data including information about a plurality of colors but a plurality of The effect of suppressing the power consumption of the wireless display terminal 40 is high when the display data indicating the display position of one color in one image is transmitted separately.

Even when configured as in the modified example A, it is preferable that the wireless display system 100 has the same features as those of the above embodiment.

For example, the server 10 determines the (K-1) color combination that minimizes the data amount of the (K-1) display data, and (K-1) colors included in the determined combination. With respect to, it is preferable to transmit (K-1) pieces of display data to the wireless display terminal 40.

Further, for example, it is preferable that at least a part of the (K-1) pieces of display data transmitted to the wireless display terminal 40 is data-compressed.

(5-2) Modification B
In the wireless display system 100 according to the above embodiment, the display unit 41 of the wireless display terminal 40 is an electrophoretic microcup-type electronic paper, but is not limited to this. The display unit 41 only needs to be capable of displaying three or more colors, and different types of display units may be adopted.

(5-3) Modification C
In the wireless display system 100 according to the above-described embodiment, the run length method is used for data compression, but the data compression method is not limited to this, and other widely used data compression methods may be adopted. .. However, by using a simple compression method such as the run length method, it is possible to reduce the processing load of the control unit 47 of the wireless display terminal 40.

<Other Embodiments>
(1) Overall Configuration An electronic shelf label system 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

The electronic shelf label system 300 is an example of the wireless display system according to the present invention. The electronic shelf label system 300 is used, for example, in a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store.

As shown in FIG. 7, the electronic shelf label system 300 mainly includes a server 310, a plurality of electronic shelf labels 340, 340,..., A plurality of access points 30, 30,. It consists of and. The numbers of the electronic shelf labels 340 and the access points 30 included in the electronic shelf label system 300 are not limited to the numbers shown in FIG. 7.

The electronic shelf label 340 is an example of a wireless display terminal. The electronic shelf label 340 also has a display unit 41 capable of displaying three colors of color C1, color C2, and color C3 (see FIG. 9). The electronic shelf label 340 is a portable device. The electronic shelf label 340 is a display device arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of products A handled in the store in which the electronic shelf label system 300 is installed (see FIG. 8 ). The electronic shelf label 340 displays information about the corresponding product A at the store floor (see FIG. 9). The product information displayed on the electronic shelf label 340 includes a product name, a selling price, and a selling unit price (selling price per weight) (see FIG. 9). However, the product information does not have to be limited to the product name, selling price, and selling unit price, and may include other information in addition to these information or in place of some or all of this information. Good. The electronic shelf label 340 is the same as the wireless display terminal 40 of the above-described embodiment except for the display content, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

Further, the server 310 is a general computer that centrally manages information on a plurality of products A handled in the store, and is the same as the server 10 of the wireless display system 100 of the above embodiment except that the information to be handled is different. , Description is omitted.

Further, the access point 30, the network 20, and the mobile terminal 60 are also the same as those of the wireless display system 100 of the above-mentioned embodiment, and therefore the description thereof is omitted.

In the present electronic shelf label system 300 as well, by configuring the electronic shelf label 340 and the server 310 to have the same configurations as the wireless display terminal 40 and the server 10 of the above-described embodiment, the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment can be obtained. ..

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is widely applicable and useful to a wireless display system including a wireless display terminal capable of displaying three or more colors and a server wirelessly transmitting data for displaying an image on the wireless display terminal. ..

10,310 Server 40 Wireless display terminal 340 Electronic shelf label (wireless display terminal)
41 display unit 100 wireless display system 300 electronic shelf label system (wireless display system)

JP, 2005-335004, A

Claims (7)

A wireless display terminal having a display unit capable of displaying N colors (N is an integer of 3 or more);
A server for wirelessly transmitting data for displaying an image on the display unit to the wireless display terminal;
Equipped with
The server includes the first image having a K display color (K is an integer of 3 or more and N or less) in the display color of the first image as data for displaying the first image on the display unit (K -1) For each of the (K-1) pieces of color, when displaying the (K-1) pieces of display data indicating the display position of the color in the first image, the data of the (K-1) pieces of display data. The (K-1) color combination having the smallest amount is determined, and the (K-1) display data is wirelessly displayed for the (K-1) colors included in the determined combination. Send to the terminal,
The wireless display terminal causes the display unit to display the first image based on the (K-1) pieces of display data.
Wireless display system. At least a part of the (K-1) pieces of display data is data-compressed,
The wireless display system according to claim 1 . The data compression is performed using a run length method,
The wireless display system according to claim 2 . The display unit is electronic paper,
The wireless display system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The display unit can display three colors or four colors,
The wireless display system according to claim 4 . The display data is data-compressed only when the data amount is reduced by performing the data compression as compared to before the data compression.
Wireless display system according to claim 2 or 3. The wireless display terminal is an electronic shelf label,
Wireless display system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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