JP2008073081A - Electronic price tag system, and electronic price tag apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic price tag system and an electronic price tag apparatus which can be built up at a low cost. <P>SOLUTION: This electronic price tag system SY keeps this electronic price tag apparatus 1 having a plurality of electronic price tag units 2 connected with an ESL server 7 which provides commodity information to the plurality of electronic price tag units 2. The plurality of electronic price tag units 2 are installed in a display case or a display rack for a commodity, and display the commodity information including a selling price. The electronic price tag apparatus 1 has one master unit 2a loading a communication means 21 with the electronic price tag system SY, and at least one slave unit 2b which functions as the electronic price tag unit 2, and acquires the commodity information through the master machine 2a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic price tag system and an electronic price tag device having a plurality of electronic price tag units that display product information including selling prices and a host device that provides product information to the plurality of electronic price tag units.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electronic price tag system having a plurality of electronic price tag (electronic shelf label) units having a display for displaying product information including a selling price, and a host device (ESL server) that controls the plurality of electronic price tag units in an integrated manner. Is known (see Patent Document 1). This type of electronic price tag system transmits product information such as selling prices determined based on the product master from the host device to each electronic price tag unit via infrared communication or wireless communication via a plurality of transceivers installed in the store. To do. Therefore, when the product master is changed, the product information to be displayed on each electronic price tag unit can be changed immediately, which is useful for price change in time service or the like. Further, if the product information includes the product name, it is possible to deal with various products with one electronic price tag unit, which is convenient for displaying the price of daily products. Against this background, in recent years, the number of retail stores that introduce electronic price tag systems has increased rapidly.
JP 2006-092121 A

  On the other hand, this type of electronic price tag system requires a large amount of money for its construction. Therefore, in a small-scale store, it is a reality that introduction is difficult while recognizing the usefulness of the electronic price tag system as described above. For this reason, in the retail industry, realization of an electronic price tag system that can be constructed at low cost is strongly desired.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic price tag system and an electronic price tag device that can be constructed at low cost.

  An electronic price tag system of the present invention is provided in a display case or display shelf of a product, and has electronic price tag devices having a plurality of electronic price tag units that display product information including selling prices, and provides product information to the plurality of electronic price tag units. An electronic price tag system to which a host device is connected, wherein the electronic price tag device functions as an electronic price tag unit with one master device having communication means with the host device, and product information via the master device. And one or more slave units that acquire the above.

  According to this configuration, product information can be provided from the host device to each slave unit that functions as an electronic price tag unit using the communication unit of the master unit. In other words, since there is no need to install communication means in each slave unit, the number of parts and assembly man-hours of the electronic price tag unit can be reduced, and thus the construction cost of the electronic price tag system can be reduced. Needless to say, the more the number of electronic price tag units installed in the electronic price tag device, the more the manufacturing cost per electronic price tag unit can be reduced.

  In the electronic price tag system, the master unit preferably functions as one of a plurality of electronic price tag units.

  According to this configuration, since not only the slave unit but also the master unit functions as an electronic price tag unit, if a slave unit equipped with communication means is used as the master unit, the components of the electronic price tag unit are shared. In addition, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  In the above electronic price tag system, it is preferable that the parent device and the host device are wirelessly connected, and the parent device and the child device are connected by wire.

  According to this configuration, since the parent device and the host device are wirelessly connected, the arrangement and movement are easy, and wiring is unnecessary, so that the appearance around the display case is not impaired. In addition, since the parent device and the child device are connected by wire, the cost required for connection and the occurrence of communication failure can be suppressed.

  In the above electronic price tag system, the host device needs to newly set or rewrite the product information to be displayed on the electronic price tag unit and the base unit-slave unit correspondence storage means for storing the correspondence between the base unit and the slave unit. If this occurs, the master unit to which the electronic price tag unit is connected is identified by referring to the base unit-slave unit correspondence storage means, and an identifier for identifying the electronic price tag unit is assigned and specified. Product information transmitting means for transmitting to the parent device, the parent device receiving product information receiving means for receiving the product information, and product information transfer for transferring the received product information to the corresponding electronic price tag unit based on the identifier And means.

  According to this configuration, when there is a need to newly set or rewrite product information to be displayed on the electronic price tag unit, the host device sends a plurality of product information to be provided to the plurality of electronic price tag units to the parent device. Since batch transmission is possible, the number of transmissions can be reduced compared to the case where product information is individually transmitted to each electronic price tag unit, thereby reducing the control load. The product information transfer means transfers the product information to a plurality of electronic price tag units including its own device when the parent device also functions as the electronic price tag unit.

  In the above electronic price tag system, the master unit stores corresponding identifier storage means for storing the identifier of the slave unit mounted on the same electronic price tag device, and the product code of the corresponding product via the external device for each electronic price tag unit. The product code acquisition means for acquiring the information and the corresponding identifier storage means, the acquired product code is associated with the identifier of the corresponding electronic price tag unit, and the product code correspondence information comprising these product code and identifier is stored in the host device. It is preferable to further have a product code corresponding information transmitting means for transmitting to

  According to this configuration, the product code corresponding to each electronic price tag unit is transmitted (registered) to the host device by inputting the product code of the product corresponding to each of the plurality of electronic price tag units to the master unit. be able to. That is, since it is not necessary to individually input the product code to each electronic price tag unit, the input operation can be performed quickly and easily.

  In the above electronic price tag system, the electronic price tag device has a holding plate for holding a plurality of electronic price tag units at a predetermined interval, and the holding plate has a plurality of connectors for connecting each electronic price tag unit and the product information transfer means. Is preferably disposed.

  According to this configuration, since the plurality of electronic price tag units are held by the holding plate, it is possible to prevent positional displacement and rattling of the electronic price tag units. In addition, since the holding plate is provided with a plurality of connectors for connecting each electronic price tag unit and the product information transfer means, the appearance of the electronic price tag device is not impaired by wiring or the like.

  In the above electronic price tag system, it is preferable that the holding plate has more than the maximum number of electronic price tag units that can be managed by the master unit, and is configured to be able to move the holding position of each electronic price tag unit.

  According to this configuration, the holding position in the lateral direction of the electronic price tag unit can be made variable by the connectors having the maximum number of electronic price tag units that can be managed by the master unit. That is, since the position of the electronic price tag unit can be moved in the horizontal direction according to the arrangement of the products, the degree of freedom of the product arrangement can be increased.

  In the above electronic price tag system, the electronic price tag device contains a plurality of electronic price tag units so as to be visible from the outside, and further has a price tag case containing the plurality of electronic price tag units and a holding plate. It is preferable that an end cap capable of taking out a plurality of electronic price tag units and a holding plate is provided so as to be freely opened and closed.

  According to this configuration, the electronic price tag unit can be protected by the price tag case, and the customer can visually recognize the electronic price tag unit from the outside of the price tag case. Moreover, maintenance and replacement of the electronic price tag unit and the holding plate can be easily performed by opening and closing the end cap.

  The electronic price tag device of the present invention is applied to the above electronic price tag system.

  By using this electronic price tag device, it is possible to realize an electronic price tag system that can be constructed at low cost.

  Hereinafter, an electronic price tag system (ESL system / Electronic Shelf Label System) and an electronic price tag device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an electronic price tag system SY of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the electronic price tag system SY includes a plurality of electronic price tag devices 1 (only two are shown) installed in a product display case 21 (see FIG. 2), and a plurality of electronic price tag devices 1 and wireless A plurality of transceivers 5 for communication (only two are shown), a base station 6 connected to the plurality of transceivers 5, and an ESL server (host) connected to the base station 6 and a POS (Point Of Sales) server 10 Device) 7 and a LAN 8 for connecting the base station 6, the POS server 10 and the ESL server 7 to each other.

  The electronic price tag device 1 has a plurality of electronic price tag units 2 that display product information such as selling prices. The illustrated example shows a case where four electronic price tag units 2 are mounted on each electronic price tag device 1. The plurality of electronic price tag units 2 are classified into a parent device 2a and a child device 2b according to their functions.

  The base unit 2a is mounted on one electronic price tag device 1 and has an antenna 21 for communicating with the transceiver 5 and the handy data terminal (external device) 15. The handy data terminal 15 can read a barcode (not shown) attached to or printed on a product and register the reading result. Further, the read result is used for inventory (inventory) management and warehouse management. In the present embodiment, the handy data terminal 15 is used for the purpose of registering the product code in the electronic price tag system SY (corresponding to the electronic price tag unit 2 and the product).

  One or more slave units 2b are mounted on one electronic price tag device 1 (three in the illustrated example), and the number thereof is arbitrary. Each slave unit 2b is substantially the same as the master unit 2a in appearance such as a chassis size, but does not have a communication function with the transceiver 5 and the handy data terminal 15, and is connected to the master unit 2a only by wire. . Therefore, the product information for displaying the selling price or the like is obtained via the parent device 2a.

  The transceivers 5 are installed at substantially equal intervals on the ceiling of the sales area in the store, and perform infrared communication with the electronic price tag device 1 in the corresponding area. Specifically, it has a function of transmitting product information provided from the ESL server 7 to each electronic price tag device 1 and a function of receiving a product code input to each electronic price tag device 1 (master unit 2a). Yes.

  The base station 6 is wired or wirelessly connected to the ESL server 7 and the plurality of transceivers 5 and functions as an access point (relay machine) between them.

  The ESL server 7 is generally arranged in a backyard in the store, and manages the electronic price tag system SY in an integrated manner. Further, the POS server 10 and a store controller (not shown) that collectively manages various kinds of information (sales information, inventory management information, etc.) in the store are used in a LAN connection. In the present embodiment, it is particularly necessary to detect a change in the product master D2 managed in the POS server 10, update the ESL management data D1, which is management data of the electronic price tag system SY, and newly register or change the display contents. Product information is provided to the electronic price tag unit 2. Further, by providing the product information, the display contents of each electronic price tag unit 2 can be controlled in real time.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2 thru | or FIG. 4, the installation condition and external appearance structure of the electronic price tag apparatus 1 are demonstrated. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the display case 21 in which the electronic price tag device 1 is installed. Here, the display case (refrigerated showcase) 21 for refrigerated goods is illustrated. The display case 21 includes a case main body 22 having a cooling coil therein and a heat insulating material, and a plurality of shelf plates 23 provided horizontally on the case main body 22. The case body 22 is provided with a main cold air outlet (not shown), a downward slit-shaped cold air outlet 24 in the upper front portion, and an upward slit disposed in the lower front portion corresponding to the cold air outlet 24. A cold air inlet 25 is provided. The cold air of the downflow blown out from the cold air outlet 24 constitutes an air curtain and is sucked into the cold air inlet 25. An electronic price tag device 1 having a plurality of electronic price tag units 2 disposed in correspondence with the display merchandise 26 is installed on the front surface of each shelf board 23.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the electronic price tag device 1. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the electronic price tag device 1 holds the four electronic price tag units 2 and the four electronic price tag units 2 so that they can be aligned with the corresponding display products 26, respectively. Holding plate 13, a price tag case 14 that accommodates four electronic price tag units 2 together with the holding plate 13, and a pair of each connected to each electronic price tag unit 2 through both ends of the price tag case 14, a total of four sets Wire 16. The price tag case 14 is preferably made of a transparent resin, such as acrylic or polycarbonate, at least partially or entirely on the front side so that the electronic price tag unit 2 can be seen. Furthermore, since the price tag case 14 is a generally manufactured cylindrical shape, the manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

  The price tag case 14 is formed substantially the same length as the width of the shelf plate 23 (see FIG. 2), and a pair of ends that hermetically seal the cylindrical price tag case body 41 and both ends of the price tag case body 41. Part caps 42, 42. The price tag case main body 41 is made of a translucent material such as acrylic or glass so that the customer can visually recognize the liquid crystal display 12 of the electronic price tag unit 2 from the outside of the price tag case 14. The pair of end caps 42 and 42 are formed with wire openings 43 through which a plurality of wires 16 are bundled (in the present embodiment, four each, hereinafter referred to as “one set”). Yes. Further, a power line opening 44 through which the power line 31 is inserted is further formed in the front end cap 42 on the right side. In this case, the wire opening 43 and the power line opening 44 are sealed with sealing rubber (not shown), and the wire 16 and the power line 31 are provided so as to penetrate the sealing rubber.

  The holding plate 13 includes a plurality of connectors 33 for connecting the parent device 2a (product information transfer means) and each child device 2b, and a plurality of clasps 37, 38 for holding each electronic price tag unit 2. Is formed.

  The connectors 33 are connected to a connection interface 35 formed on the right side of each electronic price tag unit 2 and are arranged side by side by a number equal to or greater than the maximum number of electronic price tag units 2 that can be managed by the master unit 2a. ing. That is, more connectors 33 are provided than the number of electronic price tag units 2 that can be attached to one electronic price tag device 1. Thereby, the position in the horizontal direction of the electronic price tag unit 2 can be made variable. Each slave unit 2b can acquire product information from the master unit 2a via these connectors 33.

  The clasps 37 and 38 include a wide upper clasp 37 that holds the upper central portion of each electronic price tag unit 2 at one location, and a lower clasp 38 that holds the lower side of each electronic price tag unit 2 at two locations. . Each clasp 37, 38 is formed in a crank shape in cross section, and the bent end (pressing piece) bent to the electronic price tag unit 2 side holds the electronic price tag unit 2 so that it does not fall off the holding plate 13. Yes. Further, the bottom stopper 38 is provided with a gap somewhat narrower than the width of the electronic price tag unit 2. Thereby, the holding position of the electronic price tag unit 2 can be moved in the horizontal direction in accordance with the arrangement of the products.

  In addition, it is preferable to provide a cushion member (not shown) between the upper and lower clasps 37 and 38 for filling the gap between the above-described bent end portion and the electronic price tag unit 2. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the electronic price tag unit 2 from rattling at the time of relocation, and to stabilize the attitude of the electronic price tag unit 2. Further, the electronic price tag unit 2 can be moved while being braked by appropriate friction of the cushion member, and overrun or the like can be prevented. In addition, this makes it possible to accurately move the electronic price tag unit 2 to a desired position using only the wire 16 in the moving direction.

  One set of wires 16 is connected to both side surfaces of each electronic price tag unit 2 and extends through the wire opening 43 formed in the end cap 42 to the outside of the price tag case 14. At this time, since the four electronic price tag units 2 are held side by side on the holding plate 13, one set of wires 16 connected to each electronic price tag unit 2 is positioned in the extending direction of the wires 16. It is configured to reach the wire opening 43 through the back side of the other electronic price tag unit 2. That is, each electronic price tag unit 2 is held by the clasps 37 and 38 in a state where three wires (3 sets) connected to the other electronic price tag unit 2 are sandwiched between the back surface and the holding plate 13. Has been.

  In this embodiment, the wire 16 is configured to extend to the outside of the price tag case 14 through the back surface of the other electronic price tag unit 2, but the wire 16 is inserted into the side surface of the electronic price tag unit 2. It is good also as a structure which forms a through-opening and the wire 16 of the other electronic price tag unit 2 extends outside the price tag case 14 through this through-opening. Further, the electronic price tag unit 2 may be fixed to a part of one wire 16 instead of connecting the wires 16 (two) to both ends of each electronic price tag unit 2.

  When the electronic price tag unit 2 is to be moved, the wire 16 extending from the end of the price tag case 14 is picked and pulled, and the electronic price tag is placed along a plurality of upper and lower clasps 37 and 38 arranged side by side. Slide unit 2 laterally. In this way, the position of each electronic price tag unit 2 is individually adjusted with respect to the display product 26.

  Each wire 16 is preferably attached with a tag (not shown) for associating the electronic price tag unit 2 with the wire 16. According to this configuration, the user can select the wire 16 connected to the desired electronic price tag unit 2 by looking at the tag from the outside.

  Further, when the electronic price tag device 1 is used in the display case 21 for refrigerated goods as in the present embodiment, a heater (in order to maintain the ambient temperature of the electronic price tag unit 2 at the operation guaranteed temperature of the electronic price tag unit 2) It is preferable that a fan (not shown) that circulates heat air from the heater in the price tag case 14 (not shown) is provided in the price tag case 14. According to this configuration, there is a problem when the electronic price tag device 1 is used at a low temperature such as a display case of a refrigerated / refrigerated product (the liquid crystal panel becomes dark due to cold air, and the contrast between the displayed character and the background is deteriorated. And the problem that the operation speed of the electronic particles is extremely reduced and the switching of the display is hindered).

  Moreover, it is preferable to provide a heat insulating material (not shown) inside the price tag case 14. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the temperature in the price tag case 14 from acting (temperature rising) on the display case 21 for refrigerated goods. On the contrary, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the display case 21 for refrigerated goods from acting (cooling) on the price tag case 14. Moreover, when providing a heater as mentioned above, the drive frequency of a heater can be reduced and energy consumption can be suppressed.

  Moreover, the electric power of the electronic price tag unit 2 may be supplied not by the power line 31 but by attaching a button battery such as a lithium battery inside, or by supplying a solar battery to the surface. Good.

  FIG. 4 is a front view of the electronic price tag unit 2. As shown in the figure, in common to both the base unit 2a and the handset 2b, the main body 11 of each electronic price tag unit 2 is provided with a liquid crystal display 12 for displaying a selling price or the like on the front surface thereof. Further, a product label 13 indicating which product corresponds to the electronic price tag unit 2 is pasted above the liquid crystal display 12. Further, the wires 16 are connected to both ends of each electronic price tag unit 2.

  The liquid crystal display 12 includes a selling price display unit 55 that displays a selling price, a discount rate display unit 56 that displays a discount rate (discount rate) of a product, and a normal price display unit 57 that displays a normal price of the product. ing. In addition, characters such as “selling price”, “discount rate”, and “regular price” are printed on the main body 11 so that the customer can grasp the display contents of the display units 55, 56, and 57. Note that the display 13 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and may display an image with electronic paper or electronic powder particles.

  The product label 13 is created by a label printer (not shown), and a product name 51 and a JAN code 52 are printed thereon. Since the product label 13 can be replaced, it is naturally possible to use one electronic price tag unit 2 as a price tag for another product. However, in this case, it is necessary to change the association between the electronic price tag unit 2 and the corresponding product. The association between the electronic price tag unit 2 and the product will be described later.

  Next, the control configuration of the electronic price tag system SY will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the ESL server 7. The ESL server 7 has the same configuration as a general computer, and includes a display unit 71, an input unit 72, a communication unit 73, a CPU 74, a ROM 75, a RAM 76, and a hard disk (HDD) 77.

  The display unit 71 is for confirming the content of input by the input unit 72, error display, and the content of ESL management data D1 (see FIG. 6) described later. The input unit 72 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. The communication unit 73 is connected to the LAN 8 and specifically transmits product information provided to each electronic price tag unit 2 and receives a product code transmitted from the electronic price tag device 1 (master unit 2a). Do.

  The CPU 74 is a central control device that controls the entire ESL server 7. The ROM 75 stores a basic program for the CPU 74 to perform various controls, and the RAM 76 is used as a work area. The hard disk 77 stores ESL management data D1 for managing the electronic price tag system SY in addition to various control programs (master unit-slave unit correspondence storage means). The content of the ESL management data D1 is updated in synchronization with the product master stored in the POS server 10 (see FIG. 1).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the ESL management data D1. The ESL management data D1 is in a table format, and each record corresponding to the row direction of the table indicates information on each product and the electronic price tag unit 2 corresponding thereto. Each record stores “product code”, “product name”, “apparatus ID”, “transmission address ID”, and “product information” in association with each other, and the figure shows only four records in the ESL management data D1. (Only information related to the four electronic price tag units 2 mounted on the same electronic price tag device 1).

  The “product code” is specified by a bar code (not shown) attached or printed on the product, and the “product name” is a name for distinguishing each product. The “device ID” is a unique identifier assigned to identify the electronic price tag unit 2. The “transmission address ID” indicates the correspondence between the parent device 2a and the child device 2b. That is, if the transmission address ID is the same, it means that it is mounted on the same electronic price tag device 1 (the relationship between the parent device 2a and the child device 2b). In addition, as “product information”, “sale price”, “regular price”, and “price price” to be displayed on the selling price display unit 55, the normal price display unit 57, and the discount rate display unit 56 of the liquid crystal display 12, respectively Stores “discount rate”. Of the above pieces of information, “product code”, “product name”, and “product information” are information provided from the product master D2.

  The “device ID” is expressed by, for example, five-digit alphanumeric characters, and the electronic price tag device 1 is specified by the first four digits, and each electronic price tag unit 2 is specified by the lower one digit. Further, when the last digit is “0”, it indicates that the parent device 2 a is used, and when “1 to 9” is used, the child device 2 b is used. Further, the first four digits of “device ID” are “transmission address ID”. That is, for the product with the device ID having the same first three digits, the product information is transmitted to the parent device 2a specified by the “transmission address ID”. Further, when it is necessary to rewrite product information regarding a plurality of products having the same “transmission address ID”, the product information is collectively transmitted to the parent device 2a. It should be noted that the transmission address ID and the device ID are completely separated (the device ID is an independent and unique multi-digit alphanumeric string), the transmission address ID is added as the attribution destination, and the total ID is assigned to the parent device 2a and the ESL. A method of managing by the server 7 may be used.

  In this way, in the ESL management data D1, for example, as shown in the top record, the product “A company orange juice” with the product code “123456” is displayed on the price tag by the electronic price tag unit 2 with the device ID “A1350”. At the same time, when there is a need to newly set or rewrite product information to be displayed on the electronic price tag unit 2 with the device ID “A1350”, this means that the product information is transmitted to the transmission address ID “A135”.

  Next, FIG. 7 is a control block diagram of the electronic price tag device 1. As described above, the electronic price tag apparatus 1 is equipped with two types of electronic price tag units 2, that is, one master unit 2 a and one or more slave units 2 b. The electronic price tag unit 2 of the parent device 2a includes a display control unit 81, a liquid crystal display 12, an infrared communication unit 82, a wired communication unit 83, a storage unit 84, and a central control unit 85 that controls these units.

  The display control unit 81 controls display on the liquid crystal display 12 (display on the selling price display unit 55, the discount rate display unit 56, and the normal price display unit 57, see FIG. 4) based on the received product information.

  The infrared communication unit 82 is for performing infrared communication with the handy data terminal 15 and the transceiver 5, and the antenna 21 (see FIG. 1) constitutes a main part thereof. The communication destination is determined by operating a dip switch (not shown) provided in the parent device 2a or by sending a command from the handy data terminal 15.

  The wired communication unit 83 is used for communication between the parent device 2a and the child device 2b, and is connected to the connector 33 formed on the holding plate 13 by a connection interface 35 (see FIG. 3B). The main part is composed.

  The storage unit 82 stores a control program D3, which is a basic program for the central control unit 85 to perform various controls, and a device ID correspondence list (corresponding identifier storage unit) D4 in which device IDs of the electronic price tag units 2 are recorded. is doing.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the device ID correspondence list D4 stores the device IDs of the electronic price tag unit 2 in the order of the IDs. This corresponds to the order of product codes input by the handy data terminal 15. That is, in the state where the main unit 2a is set to the local mode (mode for communicating with the handy data terminal 15), the handy data terminal 15 sequentially reads the product bar codes (product codes) of the four products, When transmitted to the parent device 2a, the parent device 2a associates each product code with the device ID according to the input order. Thereafter, when the base unit 2a is set to the remote mode (mode for communicating with the ESL server 7), information in which the product code is associated with the device ID is transmitted to the ESL server 7 as product code correspondence information. . If there is an electronic price tag unit 2 that does not register a product code among the four electronic price tag units 2, that is, if there is an electronic price tag unit 2 that is not used, a predetermined barcode indicating that fact is read. By responding.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The central control unit 85 performs various controls based on the control program D3 stored in the storage unit 82. Specifically, according to the setting of the communication mode by the user, the communication destination of the infrared communication unit 82 is switched, and product information and product code correspondence information are input / output. Further, the received product information is output to the display control unit 81 or the wired communication unit 83 with reference to the device ID correspondence list D4.

  On the other hand, the electronic price tag unit 2 of the slave unit 2 b includes a wired communication unit 93, a display control unit 91, and a liquid crystal display 12. That is, it has a simple configuration in which the infrared communication unit 82, the storage unit 84, and the central control unit 85 are omitted from the base unit 2a. Note that the function of each unit is substantially the same as that of the base unit 2a, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the merchandise information transmission process of the ESL server 7 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is executed, for example, when the selling price is changed by a time service. When detecting the change of the product master D2 in the POS server 10 (S11: Yes), the ESL server 7 updates the ESL management data D1 according to the change content (S12). Then, a device ID is assigned to the product information included in the changed record, and the information is transmitted to the corresponding electronic price tag unit 2 (master unit 2a) based on the transmission destination address ID (S13, product information). Transmission means)). The product information and the device ID may be transmitted for each product, or a plurality of products associated with the same transmission address ID may be transmitted collectively.

  Thereafter, when a device reception confirmation command indicating that the electronic price tag device 1 has received the product information is received from the electronic price tag device 1 (master unit 2a) (S14: Yes), the change of the product information is completed (for example, A message such as “The display content of the device ID XXX has been changed” is displayed on the display unit 71 (see FIG. 5) (S15). If the device reception confirmation command is not received within a predetermined time from the transmission (S14: No), an error is displayed on the display unit 71 (S16). Note that the product information may be transmitted a plurality of times before displaying an error.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the merchandise information receiving process of the electronic price tag unit 2 (master unit 2a) will be described. This process is a process that is executed with the transmission of the merchandise information by the merchandise information transmission process described above. When receiving the product information and the device ID from the ESL server 7 via the base station 6 and the transceiver 5 (S21: Yes, product information receiving means), the base unit 2a first transmits a device reception confirmation command (S22). Further, based on the device ID, the product information is transferred to the corresponding electronic price tag unit 2 (S23, product information transfer means). When the device ID indicates the own device, the product information is transferred to the display control unit 81 in the own device.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the product code input process of the electronic price tag unit 2 (master unit 2a) will be described. This process is executed when the correspondence between the electronic price tag unit 2 and the product is changed due to the rearrangement of the product. When a product code (decoding result of product bar code) is input using the handy data terminal 15 in a state where the parent device 2a is set to the local mode (S31: Yes, input means), the device ID correspondence list D4 Referring to FIG. 8 (S32), the product code is associated with the device ID (S33). This association is based on the input order of the product codes as described above. Then, the four product codes assigned with different device IDs according to the input order are transmitted to the ESL server 7 as product code correspondence information (S34, product code correspondence information transmission means).

  Thereafter, when a server reception confirmation command indicating that the ESL server 7 has received the product code is received from the ESL server 7 (S35), the product code input process is terminated. If the server reception confirmation command is not received within a predetermined time from the transmission (S35: No), the product code correspondence information is transmitted again. Instead of retransmitting the product code correspondence information, an error display (for example, blinking of display characters) may be performed on the liquid crystal display 12.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the product information can be provided from the ESL server 7 to each slave unit 2b mounted on the same electronic price tag device 1 using the infrared communication unit 82 of the master unit 2a. That is, since it is not necessary to mount communication means for communicating with the ESL server 7 in each slave unit 2b, the number of parts and assembly man-hours of the electronic price tag unit 2 can be reduced, and consequently the construction cost of the electronic price tag system SY can be reduced. .

  Further, in the electronic price tag device 1 of the present embodiment, not only the slave unit 2b but also the master unit 2a functions as the electronic price tag unit 2, so that the parts of the electronic price tag unit 2 of the master unit 2a and the slave unit 2b are shared. Manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  In addition, when there is a need to newly set or rewrite product information to be displayed on the electronic price tag unit 2, the ESL server 7 provides a plurality of electronic price tag units 2 mounted on the same electronic price tag device 1. Product information can be sent in a batch. For this reason, compared with the case where merchandise information is transmitted to each electronic price tag unit 2 individually, the number of transmissions can be reduced, thereby reducing the control load.

  Further, the product codes of the products corresponding to each of the plurality of electronic price tag units 2 can be collectively input to the base unit 2a, and the product code corresponding information corresponding to each electronic price tag unit 2 is collectively collected accordingly. It can be transmitted (registered) to the ESL server 7. For this reason, the input operation of the product code can be performed quickly and easily.

  In the above example, both the parent device 2a and the child device 2b function as the electronic price tag unit 2, but only the child device 2b may function as the electronic price tag unit 2. In this case, the base unit 2a only needs to include the infrared communication unit 82, the wired communication unit 83, the storage unit 84, and the central control unit 85 (see FIG. 7), and is configured by a wireless IC tag such as an RFID.

  Moreover, although the main | base station 2a, the transceiver 5, and the main | base station 2a and the handy data terminal 15 shall all perform infrared communication, you may employ | adopt other radio systems, such as Bluetooth.

  In the above example, the product code is registered using the handy data terminal 15. However, the product code may be registered by direct input to the ESL management data D1 or the product master D2. .

  It is also possible to provide each component (each function) of the electronic price tag device 1 and the ESL server 7 shown in the above example as a program. Further, the program can be provided by being stored in various recording media (CD-ROM, flash ROM, memory card, etc.). That is, these programs and recording media are also included in the scope of rights of the present invention.

  In addition, the device configuration and processing steps of the electronic price tag device 1 can be appropriately changed without departing from the present invention, regardless of the above embodiment.

It is a system configuration figure of an electronic price tag system concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the display case in which the electronic price tag apparatus was installed. It is a perspective view of an electronic price tag device. It is a front view of an electronic price tag unit. It is a control block diagram of an ESL server. It is a figure which shows an example of ESL management data. It is a control block diagram of an electronic price tag device. It is a figure which shows an example of an apparatus ID corresponding list. It is a flowchart which shows the merchandise information transmission process of an ESL server. It is a flowchart which shows the merchandise information reception process of an electronic price tag unit. It is a flowchart which shows the merchandise code input process of an electronic price tag unit.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic price tag apparatus 2 ... Electronic price tag unit 7 ... ESL server 13 ... Holding plate 14 ... Price tag case 15 ... Handy data terminal 21 ... Display case D1 ... ESL management data D2 ... Merchandise master D3 ... Control program D4 ... Device ID correspondence list

Claims (9)

An electronic price tag device having a plurality of electronic price tag units which are provided in a display case or display shelf of products and display product information including selling prices;
A host device that provides the product information to the plurality of electronic price tag units, and an electronic price tag system connected to the electronic price tag system,
The electronic price tag device includes: one master unit having communication means with the host device; and one or more slave units functioning as the electronic price tag unit and acquiring the product information via the master unit. An electronic price tag system comprising:   The electronic price tag system according to claim 1, wherein the base unit functions as one of the plurality of electronic price tag units. The base unit and the host device are wirelessly connected,
The electronic price tag system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the parent device and the child device are connected by wire. The host device is
A base unit-slave unit correspondence storage means for storing a correspondence relationship between the base unit and the slave unit;
When the product information to be displayed on the electronic price tag unit needs to be newly set or rewritten, the master unit to which the electronic price tag unit is connected is identified by referring to the base unit-slave unit correspondence storage unit And having an identifier for identifying the electronic price tag unit, and having a product information transmitting means for transmitting to the identified master unit,
The base unit is
Product information receiving means for receiving the product information;
The electronic price tag system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: product information transfer means for transferring received product information to the corresponding electronic price tag unit based on the identifier. . The base unit is
Corresponding identifier storage means for storing the identifier of the slave unit mounted on the same electronic price tag device;
Product code acquisition means for acquiring the product code of the corresponding product via an external device for each electronic price tag unit;
A product code that refers to the correspondence identifier storage means, associates the obtained product code with the identifier of the corresponding electronic price tag unit, and transmits product code correspondence information including the product code and the identifier to the host device. 5. The electronic price tag system according to claim 4, further comprising correspondence information transmitting means. The electronic price tag device has a holding plate for holding the plurality of electronic price tag units at a predetermined interval,
6. The electronic price tag according to claim 1, wherein the holding plate is provided with a plurality of connectors for connecting the electronic price tag units and the product information transfer means. system.   The said holding plate has a connector more than the maximum number of the said electronic price tag unit which the said main | base station can manage, It is comprised so that the holding position of each said electronic price tag unit can be moved. The electronic price tag system described. The electronic price tag device accommodates the plurality of electronic price tag units so as to be visible from the outside, and further includes a price tag case for accommodating the plurality of electronic price tag units and the holding plate,
8. The electronic price tag system according to claim 6, wherein the price tag case is provided with an end cap that allows the plurality of electronic price tag units and the holding plate to be removed.   9. An electronic price tag device, which is applied to the electronic price tag system according to claim 1.

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