JP2009091102A - Electronic bin tag system and its control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and clearly identify a desired bin tab without requiring work in a place allowing the bin tag to be directly reached, in an electronic bin tag system. <P>SOLUTION: When a handy terminal (operation terminal) 20 is moved toward a desired shelf position and operated in a place distant from commodity display shelves 1 and allowing the respective shelf positions 1a, 1b, ... to be viewed, the movement direction detected by an built-in acceleration sensor is transmitted to a server device 30. In the server device 30, a selected shelf position is identified from a coordinate range of the respective shelf positions 1a, 1b, ..., a tier number and an arrangement number stored in an electronic bin tag arrangement master based on a movement direction received from the terminal 20, and a lighting instruction signal of a light emitting device 12 is transmitted to an electronic bin tag 10 of a bin tag ID related to the shelf position. Thereby, a display device 12 of the electronic bin tag 10 located at the shelf position selected by moving and operating the terminal 20 is lit and driven, which is notified to a user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic shelf label system that controls and manages an electronic shelf label that is arranged on a product display shelf and displays a price or the like by a server device, and a control program therefor.

  In the server device of the electronic shelf label system, in order to manage the electronic shelf labels respectively arranged on the many shelves partitioned into the product display shelves and the products displayed on the respective shelves, It is necessary to generate management data in which the product code is associated with the ID (shelf label ID).

  Conventionally, a barcode specifying product information is printed and pasted on the surface of an electronic shelf label, and the product information barcode pasted on the surface of the shelf label and the shelf label information bar previously pasted on the back of the shelf label. A method of associating electronic shelf labels with commodities so as to generate the management data by continuously reading codes with a barcode scanner has been considered (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In order to place an order for a product in the conventional electronic shelf label system, the product to be ordered is selected from the product display shelf, and the product information barcode or shelf label information barcode of the target product is scanned. It is considered that the ordering process is performed by reading (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 2004-265195 A JP 2001-222632 A

  In the conventional electronic shelf label system, whether the management data in which the product code is associated with the shelf label code is generated or the product ordering process is performed, the target shelf label or When a product is specified and its information is read, it is necessary to work in a place where a hand can directly reach the shelf label with the product to be specified.

  For this reason, the larger the number of shelf labels to be specified, the more the management user needs to move, which is troublesome and labor intensive.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an electronic shelf label system that can easily and clearly specify a desired shelf label without requiring work in a place that directly reaches the shelf label. And it aims at providing the control program.

  The electronic shelf label system according to claim 1 is operated by a user at a location apart from the plurality of electronic shelf labels, a server device connected to the plurality of electronic shelf labels so as to be communicable, and the plurality of electronic shelf labels. An electronic shelf label system including an operation terminal having a communication function with the server device, wherein the operation terminal includes movement information detection means for detecting movement information of the operation terminal main body, and the movement information detection means. Movement information transmitting means for transmitting the terminal movement information detected by the server apparatus to the server apparatus, the server apparatus storing shelf label arrangement information storage means for storing arrangement information of each of the plurality of electronic shelf labels, Based on the arrangement information of each electronic shelf label stored by the tag arrangement information storage means, the electronic shelf label corresponding to the terminal movement information of the operation terminal received from the operation terminal is specified. Sub-shelf label specifying means, and specific shelf label notification instruction transmitting means for transmitting a notification operation instruction to the electronic shelf label specified by the electronic shelf label specifying means, the electronic shelf label being the server device It is characterized by having a notifying means for performing a notifying operation in response to an instruction of the notifying operation received from.

  The electronic shelf label system according to claim 2 is the electronic shelf label system according to claim 1, wherein the operation terminal is further acquired by a product information acquisition unit that acquires product information, and the product information acquisition unit. Product information transmitting means for transmitting the product information to the server device, and the server device further includes the electronic shelf label specified by the electronic shelf label specifying means and the product information received from the operation terminal, And a correspondence information storage means for storing the information in association with each other.

  The electronic shelf label system according to claim 3 is the electronic shelf label system according to claim 2, wherein the operation terminal further includes inquiry request transmission means for transmitting an inquiry request for product information to the server device; Product information display means for displaying the product information received from the server device in response to the product information inquiry request by the inquiry request transmission means, and the server device further inquires about the product information from the operation terminal. Product information search means for searching for product information associated with the electronic shelf label specified by the electronic shelf label specifying means and stored by the correspondence information storage means when the request is received, and the product information search The product information transmitting means for transmitting the product information retrieved by the means to the operation terminal is provided.

  An electronic shelf label system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the electronic shelf label system according to the second aspect, wherein the operation terminal is further connected to the electronic shelf label together with the product information acquired by the product information acquisition means. Commodity information correspondence notification instruction transmitting means for transmitting an instruction to perform a notification operation to the server device, and the server device further receives an instruction to perform a notification operation on the electronic shelf label together with the product information from the terminal device. An electronic shelf label search means for searching for an electronic shelf label associated with the received product information and stored by the correspondence information storage means, and an electronic shelf searched by the electronic shelf label search means Search shelf label notification instruction transmission means for transmitting a notification operation instruction to the tag is provided.

  The electronic shelf label system according to claim 5 is the electronic shelf label system according to claim 2, wherein the operation terminal further includes an order quantity input means for inputting an order quantity of goods, and the order quantity input means. Order quantity transmission means for sending the order quantity input by the server device, wherein the server apparatus further determines the order quantity received from the operation terminal by the electronic shelf label identification means. Order quantity storage means for further storing the product information in association with the shelf label and stored in association with the product information stored in the correspondence information storage means.

  The electronic shelf label system according to claim 6 is the electronic shelf label system according to claim 1, wherein the movement information detecting means of the operation terminal is an acceleration sensor, and corresponds to the movement of the operation terminal main body. It is characterized by detecting acceleration information.

  The electronic shelf label system according to claim 7 is the electronic shelf label system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is a light-emitting display unit and responds to a notification operation instruction received from the server device. It is characterized in that it emits light.

  The electronic shelf label system according to claim 8 is the server device of the electronic shelf label system according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the correspondence information storage unit is an electronic device specified by the electronic shelf label specifying unit. The product information received from the shelf label and the operation terminal is stored in association with the stock amount and the appropriate stock amount of the product, and the product stock amount stored by the correspondence information storage unit is compared with the proper stock amount. And further comprising a commodity inventory quantity judging means for judging whether or not the inventory quantity is less than the appropriate inventory quantity, wherein the shelf label notice instruction transmitting means is notified in a different form according to the judgment result by the commodity inventory quantity judging means. An operation instruction is transmitted to the electronic shelf label, and in the electronic shelf label, the notifying unit has a different form according to a notification operation instruction of a different form according to a determination result received from the server device. In notifying operation, it is characterized in that.

  A control program for an electronic shelf label system according to claim 9 includes a plurality of electronic shelf labels, a server device connected to be able to communicate with the plurality of electronic shelf labels, and a place away from the plurality of electronic shelf labels. A program for controlling a computer of an electronic shelf label system configured by an operation terminal that is operated by a user and has a communication function with the server device, the computer of the operation terminal, the movement information of the operation terminal body Movement information detection means for detecting, functioning as movement information transmission means for transmitting terminal movement information detected by the movement information detection means to the server apparatus, and arranging the computer of the server apparatus for each of the plurality of electronic shelf labels The shelf label arrangement information storage means for storing information in the storage device, the arrangement information of each electronic shelf label stored by the shelf label arrangement information storage means Accordingly, the electronic shelf label specifying means for specifying the electronic shelf label corresponding to the terminal movement information of the operation terminal received from the operation terminal, and the electronic shelf label specified by the electronic shelf label specifying means are notified. Function as a specific shelf label notification instruction transmission means for transmitting an operation instruction, and cause the computer of the electronic shelf label to function as a notification means for operating the notification device in response to a notification operation instruction received from the server device, It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic shelf label system and a control program therefor that can easily and clearly specify a desired shelf label without requiring work in a place that directly reaches the shelf label.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an electronic shelf label system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The electronic shelf label system includes a plurality of electronic shelf labels 10,..., A handy terminal (operation terminal) 20, and a server device 30.

  Each of the electronic shelf labels 10,... Is individually installed at each shelf position 1a, 1b, 1c,... Partitioned into, for example, a vertical row and a horizontal row, where each product of the product display shelf (gondola) 1 is displayed. , Which displays product information such as product codes and sales prices, a display unit (display device) 11 and a light emitting unit (light emitting device) 12 are provided on the surface of each electronic shelf label 10,.

  The handy terminal (operation terminal) 20 is used in a place where all the electronic shelf labels 10,... Installed in the respective shelf positions 1 a, 1 b,. An operation for identifying each electronic shelf label 10,... And associating each product (shelf label setting process), an operation for placing an order for a product by identifying the electronic shelf label 10 (order processing), and an item for identifying the electronic shelf label 10. An operation for acquiring and browsing information (product information inquiry process), an operation for finding the position of the electronic shelf label 10 corresponding to a specific product (shelf label position check process), and the like. The terminal 20 itself is moved toward the desired electronic shelf label 10, and which electronic shelf label 10 is selected is caused to cause the display unit 11 of the selected shelf label 10 to emit light. To inform.

  The server device 30 generates and stores information on each electronic shelf label 10,... And information on each product, communicates with the shelf label controller 2 to control each electronic shelf label 10,. The terminal communicates with the handy terminal 20 through the terminal, receives instructions and data corresponding to the various operations, and executes corresponding processes.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic circuit of the electronic shelf label 10 in the electronic shelf label system.

  The electronic shelf label 10 includes a CPU 13.

  The CPU 13 controls the operation of each part of the circuit in accordance with a shelf label control program stored in advance in the memory 14. The CPU 13 includes the display unit (display device) 11, the light emitting unit (light emitting device) 12, and the memory 14. In addition to the connection, a storage device 15 for storing work data and a communication device 16 for communicating with the shelf label controller 2 are connected.

  The light emitting device 12 includes a green LED and a red LED. When the electronic shelf label 10 is selected according to the operation of the handy terminal 20, the light emitting device 12 corresponds to the shelf label 10 according to processing by the server device 30. When the attached product is cracked in stock, the red LED is driven to emit light, and when the stock is not broken, the green LED is driven to emit light.

  The storage device 15 stores product information associated with the shelf label ID of the electronic shelf label 10 according to the association process with the product in the server device 30.

  Product information (product code, product name, sales price, etc.) stored in the storage device 15 is selectively displayed on the display device 11 in accordance with the processing in the server device 30 according to the operation of the handy terminal 20. Is done.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic circuit of the handy terminal (operation terminal) 20 in the electronic shelf label system.

  The handy terminal 20 includes a CPU 21.

  The CPU 21 controls the operation of each part of the circuit in accordance with a terminal control program stored in advance in the memory 22. The CPU 21 is connected to the memory 22, and also includes a storage device 23 for storing work data. An input device 24 having various operation keys and operation buttons, an acceleration sensor 25 for detecting acceleration associated with a movement operation of the terminal 20 body in the vertical and horizontal directions, each shelf position 1a, 1b of the commodity display shelf 1, A scanner 26 that reads a product code described in a shelf table corresponding to 1c,..., A display device 27, a speaker 28 that outputs a confirmation electronic sound or sound (such as a read-out sound of acquired information) accompanying the operation, and the server device 30 Is connected to the communication device 29.

  In the storage device 23, for example, when the one electronic shelf label 10 is specified in accordance with a user operation of the handy terminal 20, the product information 23 a associated with the specified electronic shelf label 10 is stored in the server device. Acquired from 30 and stored.

  The storage device 23 includes an X register 23x and a Y register 23y. In the X register 23x, “1” is detected when the acceleration sensor 25 detects a rightward movement in accordance with the selection operation of the electronic shelf label 10 by the handy terminal 20, and a leftward movement is detected. "-1" is set at this time. In the Y register 23y, "1" is detected when the acceleration sensor 25 detects the upward movement in accordance with the selection operation of the electronic shelf label 10 by the handy terminal 20, and the downward movement is detected. "-1" is set at this time.

  The input device 24 has a menu “MENU” key 24a that is operated when displaying a selection screen for processing types such as the shelf label setting process, the ordering process, the product information inquiry process, and the shelf label position check process, and the product When one of the electronic shelf labels 10 on the display shelf 1 is specified, the server device 30 is operated to start a calibration process for lighting the light emitting device 12 of the electronic shelf label 10 serving as a reference. A calibration “CAR” button 24b, a selection “SEL” key 24c that is operated when the electronic shelf label 10 selected according to the movement operation of the terminal 20 main body is specified (confirmed), and the like are provided.

  The acceleration sensor 25 detects acceleration, inclination, and vibration in a three-dimensional space by dividing the three-axis components of the X, Y, and Z axes, and thereby the acceleration accompanying the movement operation of the terminal 20 body in the vertical and horizontal directions. Is detected, and the CPU 21 acquires data of the moving direction and direction vector data.

  The display device 27 includes product information 23a acquired from the server device 30 and stored in the storage device 23 corresponding to the electronic shelf label 10 selected and specified according to the movement operation of the terminal 20 main body. Is displayed.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic circuit of the server device 30 in the electronic shelf label system.

  The server device 30 includes a CPU 31.

  The CPU 31 controls the operation of each part of the circuit in accordance with a server control program stored in advance in the memory 32. The CPU 31 is connected to the memory 32 and a storage device 33 for storing work data. An input device 34 having various operation keys and operation buttons, a display device 35, and a communication device 36 that communicates with the handy terminal 20 and the shelf label controller 2 are connected.

  In the storage device 33, a merchandise master 33a, an electronic shelf label information master 33b, an electronic shelf label arrangement master 33c, and the like are generated and stored, and a WX register 33d, a WY register 33e, an X register 33f, a Y register 33g, and a W emission color. A register 33h is provided.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the contents of the product master 33 a generated and stored in the server device 30.

  In the product master 33a, the product code, product name, sales unit price, purchase unit price, stock quantity, appropriate stock, and order quantity of all the products displayed on the product display shelf 1 are, for example, the input device 34 or communication. It is input and generated and stored by the device 36.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the contents of the electronic shelf label information master 33b generated and stored in the server device 30. As shown in FIG.

  In the electronic shelf label information master 33b, the product codes whose association has been determined according to the user operation associated with the shelf label setting process of the handy terminal 20 and the shelf label IDs of the electronic shelf labels 10,. Corresponding data is generated and stored.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the contents of the electronic shelf label arrangement master 33c generated and stored in the server device 30. As shown in FIG.

  In the electronic shelf label arrangement master 33c, the display shelf 1 is associated with the shelf label ID of the electronic shelf label 10 corresponding to each shelf position 1a, 1b, 1c,. A gondola NO indicating the number of the lane, a stage NO indicating the number of vertical shelves with “1” as the lowest level, an arrangement NO indicating a horizontal shelf position with “1” as the left end, and the handy terminal 20 A start-up lighting flag for lighting and driving the light-emitting device 12 of the electronic shelf label 10 as a starting reference when the selection operation of the shelf label 10 is performed, and the light-emitting device according to the selection operation of the electronic shelf label 10 by the handy terminal 20 12 is a lighting flag indicating the electronic shelf label 10 that is currently driven to light, X, Y coordinates on the upper left indicating the coordinate range of each shelf position 1a, 1b, 1c,. The lower X and Y coordinates are Is input generated stored by the input device 34 if e.

  In the WX register 33d and the WY register 33e, an arrangement number NO and a stage number at which the light emitting device 12 of the electronic shelf label 10 should be turned on are stored.

  In the X register 33f, “1” is detected when the acceleration sensor 25 detects a rightward movement in accordance with the selection operation of the electronic shelf label 10 by the handy terminal 20, and a leftward movement is detected. At this time, “−1” is received and set.

  In the Y register 33g, “1” is detected when the acceleration sensor 25 detects the upward movement in accordance with the selection operation of the electronic shelf label 10 by the handy terminal 20, and the downward movement is detected. At this time, “−1” is received and set.

  The W emission color register 33h is instructed to turn on the red LED of the display device 11 in the shelf label 10 when the product corresponding to the electronic shelf label 10 selected according to the operation of the handy terminal 20 is broken. Data (red) to be set is set, and data (green) instructing lighting of the green LED in the shelf label 10 is set when the inventory is not broken.

  On the display device 35, an operation corresponding screen according to a user operation of the input device 34, an output screen of processing results, and the like are displayed.

  Next, the operation of the electronic shelf label system having the above configuration will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing operation terminal processing by the handy terminal (operation terminal) 20 of the electronic shelf label system.

  The menu “MENU” key 24a of the input device 24 is operated when a user operates the handy terminal 20 in a place where the electronic shelf labels 10,. Then, a selection screen for processing types such as “shelf label setting”, “ordering”, “product information inquiry”, and “shelf label position check” is displayed on the display device 27 (step S1).

  In this processing type selection screen, first, when “shelf label setting” is selected in order to identify each electronic shelf label 10,... (Step SA).

  This calibration process is executed with the server device 30 that operates in response to the operation of the handy terminal 20, and the light emitting device 12 of the electronic shelf label 10 serving as a reference of the commodity display shelf 1 is driven to light.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a calibration process executed between the handy terminal 20 and the server device 30 of the electronic shelf label system.

  When the calibration “CAR” button 24b of the handy terminal 20 is input in response to a user operation (step A1), an input signal of the “CAR” button 24b is transmitted from the communication device 29 to the server device 30 (step A2). ).

  In the server device 30, when the input signal of the “CAR” button 24 b from the handy terminal 20 is received by the communication device 36, the server device 30 is based on the electronic shelf label arrangement master 33 c (see FIG. 7) stored in the storage device 33. Then, the electronic shelf label 10 where the start lighting flag is set to “1” is searched (step A3), and the step number of the searched shelf label 10 is set in the WY register 33e (step S3). A4), the arrangement number is set in the WX register 33d (step A5).

  Then, according to the searched shelf label ID of the electronic shelf label 10, a lighting instruction signal for the light emitting device (LED) 16 corresponding to the electronic shelf label 10 is transmitted from the communication device 36 to the shelf label controller 2 (step A6). “1” is set to the lighting flag corresponding to the shelf label ID (step A7).

  As a result, when any of the electronic shelf labels 10 on the product display shelf 1 is specified, the light emitting device 12 of the electronic shelf label 10 at the reference shelf position is driven to turn on, and the user of the handy terminal 20 is operated. Informed.

  Here, the end of the shelf label setting process is not performed at the handy terminal 20 (step S2 (N)), and the product code of the target product is associated with the electronic shelf label 10 to be specified this time from the shelf table to the scanner 26. Is read (step S3), the first shelf label selection process (1) (step SB1) in FIG. 10 or the second shelf label selection process (2) (step SB2) in FIG. 11 is started.

  This shelf label selection process ((1) or (2)) is executed with the server device 30 that operates in accordance with the movement operation of the handy terminal 20, and the product code read from the shelf allocation table in step S3. The electronic shelf label 10 is selected and specified so that the light emitting device 12 is turned on.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a first shelf label selection process (1) executed between the handy terminal 20 and the server device 30 of the electronic shelf label system.

  In the first shelf label selection process (1) (SB1), a location where the electronic shelf labels 10,... Of the product display shelf 1 for operating the handy terminal 20 can be visually recognized is displayed in the product display shelf. A direction vector corresponding to the moving operation of the handy terminal 20 is detected from a location that is a predetermined distance away from 1, and the electronic shelf label 10 indicated by the terminal 20 is specified.

  In order to move the lighting drive position to the position of another electronic shelf label 10 from the position of the electronic shelf label 10 that is the reference that is currently informed of the lighting drive by the calibration process (step SA), the product display When the handy terminal 20 directed to the shelf 1 is moved toward the desired electronic shelf label 10, a direction vector corresponding to the movement operation detected by the built-in acceleration sensor 25 is calculated (step B11). It is transmitted from the communication device 29 to the server device 30 (step B12).

  In the server device 30, when the direction vector after the movement operation transmitted from the handy terminal 20 is received by the communication device 36 (step B 13), the received direction vector is stored in the storage device 33. The X and Y coordinate range in the X and Y coordinate range corresponding to each shelf position of the shelf label placement master 33c (see FIG. 7) is compared and determined, and the electronic shelf label (ID) 10 is specified. (Step B14).

  Thus, when the electronic shelf label (ID) 10 to which the handy terminal 20 is directed is specified, the server device 30 proceeds to the inventory confirmation process in FIG. 12 (step BC).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an inventory check process accompanying the server apparatus side process in the shelf label selection process (1) or (2) executed between the handy terminal 20 and the server apparatus 30 of the electronic shelf label system. is there.

  When the inventory check process is started, the storage is performed based on the product code corresponding to the electronic shelf label (ID) 10 specified in step B14 (in this case, the product code read in step S3). The stock quantity of the corresponding product and the appropriate stock quantity are read from the product master 33a stored in the device 33 and compared to determine whether or not the proper stock is broken (step C1).

  Here, when it is determined that the proper inventory crack has not occurred (step C2 (N)), the green emission color data is set in the W emission color register 33h (step C3), and the appropriate inventory. If it is determined that a crack has occurred (step C2 (Y)), red emission color data is set in the W emission color register 33h (step C4).

  Then, a turn-off instruction signal from the communication device 36 to the light emitting device 12 of the electronic shelf label (ID) 10 where “1” is currently set in the lighting flag of the electronic shelf label arrangement master 33c (see FIG. 7). While being transmitted to the shelf label controller 2 (step B15), the lighting flag “1” is deleted (step B16).

  Then, for the light emitting device 12 of the electronic shelf label (ID) 10 specified in the step B14, the lighting instruction signal in the light emission color set in the W light emission color register 33h in the inventory confirmation process (step BC). Is transmitted from the communication device 36 to the shelf label controller 2 (step B17), and “1” is set to the lighting flag of the specified electronic shelf label (ID) 10 (step B18).

  Thereby, the light emitting device (LED) 12 of the electronic shelf label 10 specified according to the movement operation of the handy terminal 20 is “green” when the product corresponding to the shelf label 10 is not cracked. When the proper stock is broken, the light emission is driven in “red” and the user is notified.

  On the other hand, according to the movement operation of the handy terminal 20 by the second shelf label selection process (2) (SB2) instead of the first shelf label selection process (1) (SB1) described with reference to FIG. The operation when the electronic shelf label 10 is specified and the light emitting device (LED) 12 is turned on will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a second shelf label selection process (2) executed between the handy terminal 20 and the server device 30 of the electronic shelf label system.

  In the second shelf label selection process (2) (SB2), when the handy terminal 20 is moved up, down, left, or right in the place where the electronic shelf labels 10,. Is detected and the electronic shelf label 10 designated by the terminal 20 is specified.

  In order to move the lighting drive position to the position of another electronic shelf label 10 from the position of the electronic shelf label 10 that is the reference that is currently informed of the lighting drive by the calibration process (step SA), the product display When the handy terminal 20 facing the shelf 1 is moved in the direction of the desired electronic shelf label 10, the direction corresponding to the moving operation is detected by the built-in acceleration sensor 25 (step B21), and the left and right directions are It is determined whether or not there is a vertical direction (step B22).

  If it is determined that the handy terminal 20 has been swung in the left-right direction, it is further determined whether the handy terminal 20 is moved to the right or left (step B23x).

  If it is determined that the direction is rightward (step B23x (Y)), “1” is set in the X register 23x (initial value “0”) in the storage device 23 (step B23x1). If it is determined that the direction is the left direction (step B23x (N)), "-1" is set in the X register 23x in the storage device 23 (step B23x2).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the handy terminal 20 is swung in the up-down direction, it is further determined whether the handy terminal 20 is in the up-down direction (step B23y).

  If it is determined that the direction is upward (step B23y (Y)), “1” is set in the Y register 23y (initial value “0”) in the storage device 23 (step B23y1). If it is determined that the direction is downward (step B23y (N)), "-1" is set in the Y register 23y in the storage device 23 (step B23y2).

  Then, the data in the direction set in the X register 23x and the Y register 23y in response to one movement operation (one swing) of the handy terminal 20 is transmitted from the communication device 29 to the server device 30 (step B24). .

  In the server device 30, X (horizontal direction) data and Y (vertical direction) data transmitted from the handy terminal 20 are received by the communication device 36 and stored in the X register 33 f and the Y register 33 g in the storage device 33, respectively. Then (step B25), the X data is added to the WX register 33d in which the arrangement number of the electronic shelf label 10 that is currently lit is set (step B26), and the Y data is also being lit and driven. It is added to the WY register 33e in which the stage number of the electronic shelf label 10 is set (step B27).

  Then, based on the stage number in which Y (vertical direction) data is added and set in the WY register 33e and the arrangement number in which X (horizontal direction) data is added and set in the WX register 33d, the user operation of the handy terminal 20 is performed. The electronic shelf label (ID) 10 corresponding to is searched and specified (step B28).

  Thus, when the electronic shelf label (ID) 10 is specified in response to a user operation in the vertical and horizontal directions of the handy terminal 20, the server device 30 continues to select the first shelf label described with reference to FIG. As in the case of the process (1) (SB1), the process proceeds to the inventory confirmation process in FIG. 12, and the designated data of the light emission color corresponding to the inventory quantity of the product corresponding to the specified electronic shelf label (ID) 10 is obtained. It is set in the W emission color register 33h (step BC).

  Then, a turn-off instruction signal from the communication device 36 to the light emitting device 12 of the electronic shelf label (ID) 10 where “1” is currently set in the lighting flag of the electronic shelf label arrangement master 33c (see FIG. 7). While being transmitted to the shelf label controller 2 (step B29), the lighting flag “1” is deleted (step B210).

  Then, with respect to the light emitting device 12 of the electronic shelf label (ID) 10 specified in step B28, the lighting instruction signal in the light emission color set in the W light emission color register 33h in the inventory check process (step BC). Is transmitted from the communication device 36 to the shelf label controller 2 (step B211), and "1" is set to the lighting flag of the specified electronic shelf label (ID) 10 (step B212).

  Thereby, when the light emitting device (LED) 12 of the electronic shelf label 10 specified in accordance with the movement operation of the handy terminal 20 in the up / down / left / right directions, the product corresponding to the shelf label 10 does not have an appropriate inventory crack. In the case of “green”, if the proper stock is broken, the light emission is driven in “red” and the user is notified.

  In accordance with the shelf label selection process (step SB) according to the user operation of the handy terminal 20, the input device is selected and specified and the light emitting device (LED) 12 is lit and driven. When the selection “SEL” key 24c of 24 is operated (step S4 (Y)), the product code read by the scanner 26 in step S3 and the electronic shelf label (ID) 10 selected and specified in step SB are selected. Is transmitted to the server device 30 (step S5).

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing server processing corresponding to “shelf label setting processing”, “ordering processing”, “product information inquiry processing”, and “shelf label position check processing” in the server device 30 of the electronic shelf label system.

  That is, in accordance with the “shelf label setting process” according to the user operation of the handy terminal 20, a signal instructing the association between the product code transmitted from the handy terminal 20 and the electronic shelf label (ID) 10 is received. (Step D1 (Y)), in response to this, management data in which the received product code and electronic shelf label ID are associated with each other is generated for the electronic shelf label information master 33b in the storage device 33. Stored (step D2).

  In accordance with the “shelf label setting process” according to the user operation of the handy terminal 20 as described above, the electronic shelf labels 10,... Installed in the shelf positions 1 a, 1 b,. When the handy terminal 20 performs an operation for ending the shelf label setting in a state where the association with the product code of the product displayed on the electronic device is performed in the electronic shelf label information master 33b of the server device 30 (step S2). (Y)) The processing type selection screen is displayed again on the display device 27 of the terminal 20 (step S1).

  Then, according to this process type selection screen (step S1), when “ordering” for specifying the electronic shelf label 10 and placing an order for a product is selected, the calibration process in FIG. Then, the light emitting device 12 of the electronic shelf label 10 at the reference shelf position is driven to light and notified to the user of the handy terminal 20 (step SA).

  If the ordering process is not finished at the handy terminal 20 (step S6 (N)), the shelf label selection process in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11 is started in the same manner as described above, and the handy terminal 20 is moved. The light-emitting device (LED) 12 of the electronic shelf label 10 specified according to is “green” when the product corresponding to the shelf label 10 is not cracked in the proper stock, and when the stock is cracked in the proper stock Is driven to emit light in “red” and notified to the user (step SB).

  According to the shelf label selection process (step SB) according to the user operation of the handy terminal 20, the electronic shelf label 10 having the ordering target product desired by the user is selected and specified, and the light emitting device (LED) 12 is driven to be lit. When the selection “SEL” key 24c of the input device 24 is operated in this state (step S7 (Y)), a product order quantity input screen is displayed on the display device 27.

  Then, according to the product order quantity input screen, when the order quantity of the corresponding product corresponding to the electronic shelf label 10 where the light emitting device 12 is lit is input by the input device 26 (step S8), Order quantity data is transmitted from the communication device 29 to the server device 30 (step S9).

  In the server device 30, when the order quantity of the specified product transmitted from the handy terminal 20 is received by the communication device 36 (step D3 (Y)), the shelf label selection process (step S3) of FIG. 10 or FIG. For the product corresponding to the electronic shelf label (ID) 10 specified in SB), the order quantity is stored in the product master 33a and the ordering process is performed (step D4).

  Thereafter, when the handy terminal 20 is operated to end the order (step S6 (Y)), the process type selection screen is displayed again on the display device 27 of the terminal 20 (step S1).

  Then, according to this processing type selection screen (step S1), when “product information inquiry” for specifying the electronic shelf label 10 to acquire and browse the product information is selected, first the calibration in FIG. The processing is started, the light emitting device 12 of the electronic shelf label 10 at the reference shelf position is turned on, and the user operating the handy terminal 20 is notified (step SA).

  Here, when the end operation of the merchandise information inquiry process is not performed in the handy terminal 20 (step S10 (N)), the shelf label selection process in FIG. 10 or FIG. The light-emitting device (LED) 12 of the electronic shelf label 10 specified according to the moving operation is “green” when the product corresponding to the shelf label 10 is not cracked in the proper stock, and the proper stock is cracked. In this case, the light emission is driven in “red” and the user is notified (step SB).

  According to the shelf label selection process (step SB) according to the user operation of the handy terminal 20, the electronic shelf label 10 having the product to be inquired by the user is selected and specified, and the light emitting device (LED) 12 is driven to be lit. When the selection “SEL” key 24c of the input device 24 is operated in the state (step S11 (Y)), a signal instructing an inquiry about the product information corresponding to the specified electronic shelf label (ID) 10 Is transmitted from the communication device 29 to the server device 30 (step S12).

  When the server device 30 receives an inquiry instruction signal about the product information of the specified product transmitted from the handy terminal 20 by the communication device 36 (step D5 (Y)), the shelf of FIG. 10 or FIG. A product code corresponding to the electronic shelf label (ID) 10 specified in the tag selection process (step SB) is searched based on the electronic shelf label information master 33b (step D6), and also corresponds to the product code. However, the product information is searched based on the product master 33a (step D7), and this product information is transmitted from the communication device 36 to the handy terminal 20 (step D8).

  Then, in the handy terminal 20, the product information of the currently specified product transmitted from the server device 30 is received and displayed on the display device 27 (step S13).

  Thereafter, when the product information inquiry end operation is performed by the handy terminal 20 (step S10 (Y)), the processing type selection screen is displayed again on the display device 27 of the terminal 20 (step S1).

  Then, according to this process type selection screen (step S1), when “shelf label position check” for finding the position of the electronic shelf label 10 corresponding to the specific product is selected, the process proceeds to the shelf label position check process. The When the end of the shelf label position check process is not performed (step S14 (N)), the product code of the target product for which the position of the electronic shelf label 10 is desired from the shelf allocation table is read by the scanner 26 (step S14). S15) A signal instructing lighting of the display device (LED) 12 of the electronic shelf label 10 corresponding to the product is transmitted to the server device 30 together with the product code of the target product (step S16).

  When the server device 30 receives the product code of the shelf label check target product transmitted from the handy terminal 20 and the lighting instruction signal of the corresponding shelf label display device 12 (step D9 (Y)), the received product code is received. The shelf label ID of the electronic shelf label 10 associated with the product code is searched based on the electronic shelf label information master 33b (step D10).

  Then, with respect to the light emitting device 12 of the electronic shelf label (ID) 10 searched and specified from the target product code, the lighting instruction signal in the light emission color set in the current W light emission color register 33h is transmitted to the communication device 36. To the shelf label controller 2 (step D11).

  Thereby, the light emitting device (LED) 12 of the electronic shelf label 10 corresponding to the target product read from the shelf allocation table by the handy terminal 20 is “green” when the product is not cracked in the proper inventory. When the proper stock is broken, the light emission is driven in “red”, and the shelf position is notified to the user.

  Therefore, according to the electronic shelf label system having the above configuration, the handy terminal (operation terminal) 20 is directed to a desired shelf position in a place where each of the shelf positions 1a, 1b,. When the moving operation is performed, information on the moving direction detected by the acceleration sensor 25 is transmitted to the server device 30. Then, in the server device 30, based on the information of the terminal movement direction received from the handy terminal 20, the coordinate ranges and the step numbers of the shelf positions 1a, 1b,... Stored in advance in the electronic shelf label arrangement master 33c. The selected shelf position is identified from the arrangement number, and a lighting instruction signal for the light emitting device (LED) 12 is transmitted to the electronic shelf label 10 having the shelf label ID associated with the shelf position. As a result, the display device 12 of the electronic shelf label 10 at the shelf position selected by moving the handy terminal 20 is turned on and notified to the user, so that the electronic shelf label 10 can reach directly to a large number of electronic shelf labels 10. Thus, the desired electronic shelf label (shelf position) 10 can be easily and clearly identified and designated from an appropriate distance from which the entire product display shelf 1 can be easily viewed.

  Further, according to the electronic shelf label system having the above-described configuration, in the “shelf label setting process”, the scanner 26 of the handy terminal (operation terminal) 20 reads the product code from the shelf allocation table and the desired electronic shelf label (shelf). When the selection operation of (position) 10 is performed, the server device 30 associates the product code read by the scanner 26 with the electronic shelf label ID specified in accordance with the selection operation of the electronic shelf label (shelf position) 10. Since the electronic shelf label information master 33b is generated and stored, there is no need to repeatedly and directly read and associate both the product code and each shelf label code to generate management data for the product display shelf as in the prior art. The electronic shelf label information master 33b can be easily generated by an operation at an appropriate distance from which the entirety of 1 is easy to see.

  Further, according to the electronic shelf label system having the above-described configuration, in the “product information inquiry process”, the user operates the handy terminal (operation terminal) 20 to select a desired electronic shelf label (shelf position) 10 as well as the product. When an instruction signal for requesting information inquiry is transmitted to the server device 30, the server device 30 performs the electronic shelf label information based on the electronic shelf label ID specified in accordance with the selection operation of the electronic shelf label (shelf position) 10. The product information of the corresponding product code is retrieved from the master 33b and the product master 33a, and a response is transmitted to the handy terminal 20. Thereby, in the handy terminal 20, the product information received from the server device 30 is displayed and inquired by the display device 29, so that the user can easily view the entire product display shelf 1 by an operation at an appropriate distance. It is possible to easily inquire and confirm information on products displayed in association with a desired electronic shelf label (shelf position) 10.

  Further, according to the electronic shelf label system having the above configuration, when a desired product code in the shelf allocation table is read by the scanner 26 of the handy terminal 20 in the “shelf label position check process”, the product code is stored in the server device 30. Sent. Then, in the server device 30, the electronic shelf label ID corresponding to the product code received from the handy terminal 20 is searched based on the electronic shelf label information master 33 b, and the electronic shelf label 10 with the shelf label ID is searched. Then, a lighting instruction signal for the light emitting device (LED) 12 is transmitted. As a result, the display device 12 of the electronic shelf label 10 on which the product of the product code read by the handy terminal 20 is displayed is lighted and the user is notified. By the work at the moment, it is possible to easily confirm and recognize the position of the shelf where the electronic shelf label 10 on which the desired product is displayed.

  Further, according to the electronic shelf label system having the above-described configuration, in the “ordering process”, a selection operation of a desired electronic shelf label (shelf position) 10 is performed by a user operation of the handy terminal (operation terminal) 20 and a corresponding operation is performed. When the product order quantity is input and transmitted to the server device 30, the server device 30 is based on the electronic shelf label ID specified in response to the selection operation of the electronic shelf label (shelf position) 10 and the received product order quantity. Since the order quantity is stored by associating with the products specified from the electronic shelf label information master 33b and the product master 33a and the ordering process is performed, the user can perform the work at an appropriate place where the entire product display shelf 1 is easily viewed Therefore, it is possible to easily perform an ordering operation for a product displayed in association with a desired electronic shelf label (shelf position) 10.

  Furthermore, according to the electronic shelf label system having the above-described configuration, when the display device (LED) 12 of the electronic shelf label 10 selected in accordance with the user operation of the handy terminal (operation terminal) 20 is lit up and notified to the user. In the server device 30, the inventory quantity and the appropriate inventory quantity corresponding to the selected electronic shelf label 10 are read from the article master 33 a and compared. If it is determined that the proper inventory is not broken, the data indicating the lighting of the green LED is set in the W emission color register 33h, and the display device of the electronic shelf label 10 selected in accordance with the user operation is displayed. (LED) 12 is driven to be lit in green, and when it is determined that the proper stock is broken, data for instructing to turn on the red LED is set in the W emission color register 33h, and according to the user's operation. Since the display device (LED) 12 of the electronic shelf label 10 selected in this way is driven to light up in red, it is determined whether or not the product displayed at the shelf position of the electronic shelf label 10 selected by the user is out of stock. Easy to grasp and recognize.

  The electronic shelf label 10, the handy terminal (operation terminal) 20, and the processing method performed by the server device 30 of the electronic shelf label system described in each embodiment, that is, the handy terminal (operation terminal) shown in the flowchart of FIG. Operation terminal processing by 20, calibration processing executed between the handy terminal 20 and the server device 30 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9, executed between the handy terminal 20 and the server device 30 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10. The first shelf label selection process (1), the second shelf label selection process (2) executed between the handy terminal 20 and the server device 30 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11, and the shelf shown in the flowchart of FIG. Stock check processing accompanying server side processing in bill selection processing (1) or (2), shown in the flowchart of FIG. A program that can cause a computer to execute each method such as server processing corresponding to each of “shelf label setting processing”, “ordering processing”, “product information inquiry processing”, and “shelf label position check processing” in the server device 30. As described above, they can be stored and distributed in an external recording medium such as a memory card (ROM card, RAM card, etc.), a magnetic disk (floppy disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), and a semiconductor memory. Then, the computer (CPU 13) of the electronic shelf label 10, the computer (CPU 21) of the handy terminal (operation terminal) 20, and the computer (CPU 31) of the server device 30 each store a program stored in the external recording medium and corresponding storage devices. (Memory 14, 22, 32) is read, and the operation is controlled by the read program, thereby realizing the electronic shelf label control function described in each of the above embodiments and executing the same processing by the method described above. be able to.

  Further, program data for realizing each of the above methods can be transmitted on a communication network (such as the Internet) in the form of a program code, and the above-mentioned data can be transmitted from a computer device (program server) connected to the communication network. It is also possible to implement the electronic shelf label control function described above by fetching the program data and storing it in the corresponding storage devices (memory 14, 22, 32).

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention at the stage of implementation. Further, each of the embodiments includes inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in each embodiment or some constituent elements are combined in different forms, the problems described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention If the effects described in the column “Effects of the Invention” can be obtained, a configuration in which these constituent requirements are deleted or combined can be extracted as an invention.

The figure which shows the whole structure of the electronic shelf label system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the electronic circuit of the electronic shelf label 10 in the said electronic shelf label system. The block diagram which shows the structure of the electronic circuit of the handy terminal (operation terminal) 20 in the said electronic shelf label system. The block diagram which shows the structure of the electronic circuit of the server apparatus 30 in the said electronic shelf label system. The figure which shows the content of the goods master 33a produced | generated and stored in the said server apparatus 30. FIG. The figure which shows the content of the electronic shelf label information master 33b produced | generated and memorize | stored in the said server apparatus. The figure which shows the content of the electronic shelf label arrangement | positioning master 33c produced | generated and memorize | stored in the said server apparatus 30. FIG. The flowchart which shows the operation terminal process by the handy terminal (operation terminal) 20 of the said electronic shelf label system. The flowchart which shows the calibration process performed between the handy terminal 20 and the server apparatus 30 of the said electronic shelf label system. The flowchart which shows the 1st shelf label selection process (1) performed between the handy terminal 20 and the server apparatus 30 of the said electronic shelf label system. The flowchart which shows the 2nd shelf label selection process (2) performed between the handy terminal 20 and the server apparatus 30 of the said electronic shelf label system. The flowchart which shows the inventory confirmation process accompanying the server apparatus side process in the shelf label selection process (1) or (2) performed between the handy terminal 20 and the server apparatus 30 of the electronic shelf label system. The flowchart which shows the server process according to each of "the shelf label setting process", the "ordering process", the "product information inquiry process", and the "shelf label position check process" in the server apparatus 30 of the electronic shelf label system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Merchandise display shelf 1a, 1b, 1c ... Shelf position 2 ... Shelf label controller 3 ... Access point 10 ... Electronic shelf label 11 ... Display apparatus (display part)
12 ... Light emitting device (light emitting part)
13 ... shelf label CPU
14, 22, 32 ... Memory 15, 23, 33 ... Storage device 16 ... Shelf label communication device 20 ... Handy terminal (operation terminal)
21 Terminal CPU
24, 34 ... Input device 24a ... Menu "MENU" key 24b ... Calibration "CAR" button 24c ... Selection "SEL" key 25 ... Acceleration sensor 26 ... Scanner 27, 35 ... Display device 28 ... Speaker 29 ... Terminal communication device 30 ... Server device 31 ... Server CPU
33a ... merchandise master 33b ... electronic shelf label information master 33c ... electronic shelf label placement master 33d ... WX register (shelf label placement NO)
33e ... WY register (shelf label NO)
33f ... X register (operation direction (left / right) data)
33g ... Y register (operation direction (up / down) data)
33h: W emission color register 36: Server communication device

Claims (9)

A plurality of electronic shelf labels, a server device connected to be able to communicate with the plurality of electronic shelf labels, and an operation terminal that is operated by a user at a location apart from the plurality of electronic shelf labels and has a communication function with the server device; An electronic shelf label system comprising:
The operation terminal is
Movement information detecting means for detecting movement information of the operation terminal body;
A movement information transmitting means for transmitting the terminal movement information detected by the movement information detecting means to the server device;
The server device
Shelf label arrangement information storage means for storing arrangement information of each of the plurality of electronic shelf labels;
An electronic shelf label that identifies an electronic shelf label corresponding to the terminal movement information of the operation terminal received from the operation terminal based on the arrangement information of each electronic shelf label stored by the shelf label arrangement information storage means Specific means,
Specific shelf label notification instruction transmitting means for transmitting a notification operation instruction to the electronic shelf label specified by the electronic shelf label specifying means,
The electronic shelf label
Provided with an informing means for performing an informing operation in response to an instruction of an informing operation received from the server device;
An electronic shelf label system characterized by that. The operation terminal further includes:
Product information acquisition means for acquiring product information;
Product information transmitting means for transmitting the product information acquired by the product information acquiring means to the server device,
The server device further includes:
Corresponding information storage means for storing the electronic shelf label specified by the electronic shelf label specifying means and the product information received from the operation terminal in association with each other.
The electronic shelf label system according to claim 1. The operation terminal further includes:
Inquiry request transmission means for transmitting an inquiry request for product information to the server device;
Product information display means for displaying the product information received from the server device in response to the product information inquiry request by the inquiry request transmission means,
The server device further includes:
Product information for searching for product information associated with the electronic shelf label specified by the electronic shelf label specifying means and stored by the correspondence information storage means when a product information inquiry request is received from the operation terminal Search means;
Product information transmitting means for transmitting the product information searched by the product information searching means to the operation terminal,
The electronic shelf label system according to claim 2, wherein: The operation terminal further includes:
Along with the product information acquired by the product information acquisition means, comprising a product information corresponding notification instruction transmission means for transmitting an instruction to the electronic shelf label to perform a notification operation,
The server device further includes:
When an instruction to notify the electronic shelf label together with the product information is received from the terminal device, the electronic shelf label associated with the received product information and stored by the correspondence information storage unit is searched. Electronic shelf label search means to perform,
Search shelf label notification instruction transmission means for transmitting a notification operation instruction to the electronic shelf label searched by the electronic shelf label search means,
The electronic shelf label system according to claim 2, wherein: The operation terminal further includes:
Order quantity input means for entering the order quantity of goods,
Order quantity sending means for sending the order quantity input by the order quantity input means to the server device,
The server device further includes:
Order quantity storage for storing the order quantity received from the operation terminal in association with the product information stored in the correspondence information storage means in association with the electronic shelf label specified by the electronic shelf label specifying means. With means,
The electronic shelf label system according to claim 2, wherein:   The electronic shelf label system according to claim 1, wherein the movement information detecting means of the operation terminal is an acceleration sensor, and detects acceleration information according to movement of the operation terminal main body.   The electronic shelf label system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is a light emission display unit, and performs a light emission operation according to a notification operation instruction received from the server device. In the server device,
The correspondence information storage means stores the electronic shelf label specified by the electronic shelf label specifying means, the product information received from the operation terminal, the inventory amount and the appropriate inventory amount of the product in association with each other,
A product inventory quantity judging means for comparing the inventory quantity of the product stored by the correspondence information storage means with the appropriate inventory quantity and judging whether the inventory quantity is less than the appropriate inventory quantity;
The shelf label notification instruction transmission means transmits a notification operation instruction of a different form to the electronic shelf label according to the determination result by the commodity inventory amount determination means,
In the electronic shelf label,
The notification means performs a notification operation in a different form according to a notification operation instruction in a different form according to a determination result received from the server device.
The electronic shelf label system according to claim 2 or 4, characterized by the above. A plurality of electronic shelf labels, a server device connected to be able to communicate with the plurality of electronic shelf labels, and an operation terminal that is operated by a user at a location apart from the plurality of electronic shelf labels and has a communication function with the server device; A program for controlling a computer of an electronic shelf label system comprising:
A computer of the operation terminal;
Movement information detecting means for detecting movement information of the operation terminal body;
The terminal movement information detected by the movement information detection means functions as a movement information transmission means for transmitting to the server device,
A computer of the server device;
Shelf label arrangement information storage means for storing arrangement information of each of the plurality of electronic shelf labels in a storage device;
An electronic shelf label that identifies an electronic shelf label corresponding to the terminal movement information of the operation terminal received from the operation terminal based on the arrangement information of each electronic shelf label stored by the shelf label arrangement information storage means Specific means,
Function as a specific shelf label notification instruction transmission means for transmitting a notification operation instruction to the electronic shelf label specified by the electronic shelf label specifying means,
The electronic shelf label computer,
Function as notification means for operating the notification device in response to the notification operation instruction received from the server device;
Control program for each computer-readable electronic shelf label system.

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