JP2010179053A - Electronic shelf label system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic shelf label system for giving a sense of safety to a customer even when there is change in a commodity shelf. <P>SOLUTION: An ESL (Electric Shelf Label) server 500 stores into a storage processing part 504 link data 513 in which commodity information data 511 is related with shelf tag data 512. A correspondence release signal is originated to a shelf tag display device related by the link data 513 in response to an invalidating signal for invalidating the link data 513 by a personal digital assistance. Then, the shelf tag display device receives the correspondence release signal, and responds to the correspondence release signal, displays display HY1, ..., HY8 in a display part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic shelf label system that displays information on each product displayed in a store.

In recent years, POS (Point of Sales) systems have been widely used in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores. Recently, in addition to the POS system, an ESL system using an electronic shelf label (ElectricSelf)
Label System (electronic shelf label system) is being adopted.

  If the ESL system using the electronic shelf label is used, the actual sales amount at the POS terminal can be automatically matched with the display amount of the electronic shelf label of each product. As a result, the labor of replacing paper shelf labels in the case of special sales, etc. is eliminated, and there is no difference in the amount due to mistakes in shelf label replacement or the time difference between the sales amount and the displayed amount. There is an advantage that trust can be maintained high. For this reason, various researches and developments have been made on an ESL system using electronic shelf labels every day.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic shelf label system that improves the work efficiency of work related to unlink processing. In the electronic shelf label system described in Patent Literature 1, a server device that transmits product information to the electronic shelf label based on link information indicating correspondence between the product and the electronic shelf label, and the server device may be configured separately. An electronic shelf label system including a portable information acquisition device, wherein the information acquisition device wirelessly transmits hardware identification information to an acquisition unit that acquires hardware identification information unique to the electronic shelf label from the electronic shelf label, and the server device. The server device deletes the link information related to the hardware identification information acquired by the information acquisition device and the reception unit that receives the hardware identification information by wireless communication from the information acquisition device. Deleting means.

JP 2007-190407 A

  For example, in the electronic shelf label system described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to achieve effects on the store side such as enormous time reduction of rearrangement on a product shelf, improvement of work efficiency of an unfamiliar worker, installation mistake on a product shelf, etc. Can do.

  Here, if the electronic shelf label system adopts a handling method that is removable from the product shelf, the electronic shelf label is lost. Therefore, it is preferable that the electronic shelf label that is not used is always fixed to the product shelf. However, in the state where the electronic shelf label remains fixed to the product shelf as shown in FIG. 6 of Patent Document 1 without removing the electronic shelf label that has been processed to delete the link information, Assuming that the electronic shelf label is out of order, there is a risk of causing anxiety about the product in the store.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic shelf label system that can give a sense of security to a customer even when there is a change in a product shelf.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic shelf label system that can prevent loss of an electronic shelf label and give a sense of security to a customer even if there is a change in a commodity shelf.

(1)
An electronic shelf label system according to the present invention distributes product information to a plurality of electronic shelf labels that are arranged on a product shelf and displays product information corresponding to the products displayed on the product shelf. An electronic shelf label system having a server, wherein the server stores link information in which product master information including product information is associated with electronic shelf label identification information for identifying each of the plurality of electronic shelf labels. In response to an invalidation signal for invalidating link information, a storage means for sending a correspondence release signal to the electronic shelf label associated with the link information, the plurality of electronic shelf labels, The receiving means for receiving the correspondence release signal, and the display means for displaying the correspondence release information in response to the correspondence release signal received by the receiving means.

  In the electronic shelf label system according to the present invention, the server stores link information in which the product master information and the electronic shelf label identification information are associated with each other in the storage unit, and responds to the invalidation signal for invalidating the link information by the transmission unit. A correspondence release signal is transmitted to the electronic shelf label associated with the link information. The plurality of electronic shelf labels receive the corresponding cancellation signal by the receiving unit, and display the corresponding cancellation information on the display unit in response to the corresponding cancellation signal. Here, the correspondence cancellation information includes “OFF”, “blank (no display)” store logo mark, a display indicating gratitude, for example, “Thank you every time”, a display that triggers purchase incentives, for example, “Bargain” , “Limited” etc.

  As described above, even when the face of the product shelf is changed, it is not necessary to remove the electronic shelf label from the product shelf, and even when the link information of the electronic shelf label is invalidated, a plurality of Correspondence cancellation information is displayed on the display means of the electronic shelf label. By displaying the correspondence cancellation information, the customer is not suspicious that a plurality of electronic shelf labels are out of order. Thereby, the fall of reliability with respect to a store can be prevented. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to remove the electronic shelf label, it is possible to prevent the electronic shelf label from being lost.

(2)
It is preferable that the server further includes transmission means for transmitting an invalidation signal for invalidating the link information.

  In this case, the server has a transmission means inside and can transmit an invalidation signal for invalidating the link information. As a result, the invalidation signal can be transmitted by providing the server with transmission means that can operate only the store executive.

(3)
It is preferable that the transmission means transmits an invalidation signal according to the product inventory quantity and the product sales quantity included in the product master information.

  In this case, since the transmission means can transmit the invalidation signal according to the product inventory quantity and the product sales quantity included in the product master information, it is not necessary for the operator to check the store shelves in the store. As a result, the number of man-hours for the worker can be reduced, and the occurrence of customer anxiety can be prevented.

(4)
It is preferable that the portable information terminal further includes a portable information terminal that can communicate with the server wirelessly, and the transmission means notifies the portable information terminal that a correspondence release signal is transmitted.

  In this case, since it is notified that the correspondence release signal is transmitted to the portable information terminal, the worker can check the commodity shelf based on information from the portable information terminal in advance.

(5)
Preferably, the portable information terminal further includes a portable information terminal capable of wirelessly communicating with the server, and the portable information terminal further includes portable transmission means for transmitting an invalidation signal for invalidating the link information to the server.

  In this case, an operator circulating in the store can hold the portable information terminal, check the product shelf in the store, and reliably display the corresponding cancellation information on the electronic shelf label. As a result, there is no risk that the customer may have a suspicion that a plurality of electronic shelf labels are out of order. Thereby, the fall of reliability with respect to a store can be prevented. Further, since it is not necessary to remove the electronic shelf label, it is possible to prevent the electronic shelf label from being lost.

(6)
An electronic shelf label comprising: a plurality of electronic shelf labels that display product information corresponding to products that are arranged on the product shelf and displayed on the product shelf; and a server that distributes the product information to the plurality of electronic shelf labels. A first storage unit that stores link information in which product master information including the product information and electronic shelf label identification information for identifying each of the plurality of electronic shelf labels are associated with each other; In response to an invalidation signal for invalidating the link information, second storage means for copying and storing link information of another electronic shelf label adjacent to the one electronic shelf label; In contrast, link information transmitting means for transmitting link information stored in the second storage means instead of link information stored in the first storage means, and the plurality of electronic shelf labels include the link information Receiving means for receiving information and previous In response to the link information received by the receiving means, the electronic shelf label system which comprises a display means for displaying the product information of the other adjacent electronic shelf label, the.

  In the electronic shelf label system according to the present invention, the link information stored in the first storage means is transmitted to the plurality of electronic shelf labels, and the product information included in the product master information from the plurality of electronic shelf labels to the customer And price information is presented. Further, when changing the arrangement of the product shelves, when changing the face of the product shelves, such as when a product of one of the product shelves is missing, it is adjacent based on the link information stored in the second storage means. Product information in the link information of other electronic shelf labels is displayed on one electronic shelf label.

  In this case, even when the face of the product shelf is changed, the electronic shelf label does not need to be removed from the product shelf and the link information of the electronic shelf label is invalidated. The same product information as the electronic shelf label adjacent to the display means is displayed. By displaying the merchandise information, the customer can be prevented from suspecting that a plurality of electronic shelf labels are out of order. Thereby, the fall of reliability with respect to a store can be prevented. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to remove the electronic shelf label, it is possible to prevent the electronic shelf label from being lost.

(7)
An electronic shelf label comprising: a plurality of electronic shelf labels that display product information corresponding to products that are arranged on the product shelf and displayed on the product shelf; and a server that distributes the product information to the plurality of electronic shelf labels. In the system, the plurality of electronic shelf labels include a transmission unit that transmits an adjacent product display signal in response to a switching signal, a reception unit that receives the adjacent product display signal, and the adjacent unit received by the reception unit. An electronic shelf label system comprising: display means for displaying adjacent product information in response to a product display signal.

  In the electronic shelf label system according to the present invention, a plurality of electronic shelf labels transmit an adjacent commodity display signal and receive an adjacent commodity display signal in response to the switching signal. Then, the adjacent product information is displayed according to the adjacent product display signal.

  In this case, adjacent product information, for example, out of stock can be displayed according to the switching signal. Here, the switching signal recognizes the posture by rotating the portable information terminal possessed by the worker, the remote control possessed by the worker, the electronic shelf label switch, and the posture recognition switch for recognizing the posture of the electronic shelf label, for example, the electronic shelf label. However, it is transmitted by a switch or the like that performs output. In this way, the adjacent product information is displayed on the electronic shelf label according to the switching signal. As a result, it is not necessary to remove the electronic shelf label from the product shelf, and the adjacent product information is displayed on the display means of the plurality of electronic shelf labels. By displaying the adjacent merchandise information, it is possible to prevent the customer from having a suspicion that a plurality of electronic shelf labels are out of order. Thereby, the fall of reliability with respect to a store can be prevented. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to remove the electronic shelf label, it is possible to prevent the electronic shelf label from being lost.

(8)
An electronic shelf label comprising: a plurality of electronic shelf labels that display product information corresponding to products that are arranged on the product shelf and displayed on the product shelf; and a server that distributes the product information to the plurality of electronic shelf labels. In the system, the server includes storage means for storing link information in which product master information including the product information and electronic shelf label identification information for identifying each of the plurality of electronic shelf labels are associated with each other. Transmitting means for transmitting an adjacent commodity display signal to the electronic shelf label associated with the link information in response to the commodity signal, wherein the plurality of electronic shelf labels receive the adjacent commodity display signal. An electronic shelf label system, comprising: a receiving unit; and a display unit that displays an out-of-stock item as adjacent product information in response to the adjacent product display signal received by the receiving unit.

  In the electronic shelf label system according to the present invention, the server stores link information in which the product master information and the electronic shelf label identification information are associated with each other in the storage unit, and the adjacent product display signal is associated with the electronic shelf label associated with the link information. To send. Then, the plurality of electronic shelf labels receive the correspondence release signal by the receiving means, and display out of stock on the display means in response to the correspondence release signal.

  Thus, it is not necessary to remove the electronic shelf label from the product shelf, and the out-of-stock is displayed on the display means of the plurality of electronic shelf labels. By displaying out of stock, it is possible to avoid giving the customer a suspicion that a plurality of electronic shelf labels are out of order, and to give a good impression that the product is sold.

Schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an ESL system according to an embodiment of the present invention Schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the ESL server shown in FIG. Schematic block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the electronic shelf label shown in FIG. Schematic diagram showing an example of a state where electronic shelf labels are placed on the product shelf Schematic diagram showing an example of an electronic shelf label The figure which shows an example of merchandise information data Figure showing an example of shelf label data Diagram showing an example of link data Diagram showing an example of link data State diagram with part of link data released The figure which shows the state where the correspondence cancellation code was given to the part of link data Schematic diagram for explaining a specific display example of ESL when the correspondence release code is linked Schematic diagram for explaining a specific display example of ESL when the correspondence release code is linked Schematic diagram for explaining a specific display example of ESL when the correspondence release code is linked Schematic diagram for explaining a specific display example of ESL when the correspondence release code is linked Schematic diagram for explaining a specific display example of ESL when the correspondence release code is linked Schematic diagram for explaining a specific display example of ESL when the correspondence release code is linked Schematic diagram for explaining a specific display example of ESL when the correspondence release code is linked Schematic configuration diagram showing another example of the schematic configuration of the ESL server shown in FIG. Schematic diagram showing another example of the link data shown in FIG. Schematic block diagram which shows the other example of a structure of the electronic shelf label shown in FIG. Schematic diagram showing a specific example of the electronic shelf label shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an electronic shelf label system using an electronic shelf label will be described. In the following, an electronic shelf label is simply referred to as ESL.
(One embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an ESL system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in an ESL system 100 using a plurality of electronic shelf labels, a store controller 200, a POS (Point of sale) system 210, a terminal (hereinafter referred to as TA) 300, a head office 310, and a printer 480. , ESL server 500, transceivers 500a and 500b, shelf label displays (electronic shelf labels, ESL) 600a to 600f, portable information terminal 700, and remote controller 720. The POS system 210 in FIG. 1 includes a product master 211 and a POS register 212.

  In the ESL system 100 using the shelf label displays 600a to 600f in FIG. 1, the store controller 200, the POS system 210, the TA 300, the ESL server 500, and the printer 480 are connected via a LAN (local area network) or the like. . The transceivers 500a and 500b are directly connected to the ESL server 500.

  The transceivers 500a and 500b are provided on the ceiling of the merchandise store so that data can be exchanged with the shelf label displays 600a to 600f of the merchandise store by infrared communication.

A personal digital assistant 700 is formed so that it can be carried by a worker in a merchandise store, and can be transmitted and received by the ESL server 500 or the transceivers 500a and 500b by infrared communication. ing.
The remote controller 720 is formed so that it can be carried by an operator in the merchandise store, and the shelf label display 600a,... Is communicated by infrared communication by being brought close to any of the shelf label displays 600a,. , 600f, so that a display switching instruction can be made.

  Further, in the ESL system 100 of FIG. 1, the store controller 200 and the ESL server 500 are configured by a general computer. The store controller 200 is disposed as the highest control system in the ESL system 100 and has a function capable of being connected to an external network. For example, when the merchandise sales store is an affiliated store, the function can communicate with the computer of the headquarters 310 through the TA 300 connected to the external network.

  Also, the transceivers 500a and 500b and the shelf label displays 600a to 600f shown in FIG. 1 are provided so that mutual communication or one-way communication is possible by communication using light, for example, infrared communication. In the present embodiment, wireless communication is performed by infrared communication. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and communication using visible light, communication using ultraviolet light, or any other non-contact communication may be used.

  In the present embodiment, not only infrared communication but also any other non-contact communication, wireless communication, or the like may be used. Furthermore, although it has been described that the number of ESLs and transceivers is several, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be any other number depending on the size of the merchandise store and the number of merchandise shelves. .

  2 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the ESL server 500 illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, an ESL server 500 includes a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU) 501, a read-only memory (hereinafter referred to as a ROM) 502 that stores basic programs, and a random area that is a work area for arithmetic processing. Access Memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM) 503, a storage processing unit 504 for storing programs and various data files, a display unit 505 including a display, an input unit 506 including a keyboard and a mouse, an interface (hereinafter referred to as I) / F.) 520 and external communication 530 having a data communication function.

  Further, the CPU 501 of the ESL server 500 transmits a communication signal using light from the transceivers 500a and 500b to the shelf label displays 600a to 600f via the I / F 520. The CPU 501 transmits / receives data to / from the store controller 200 and the POS system 210 via the external communication 530. For example, the CPU 501 reads product information from the product master 211 of the POS system 210 via the external communication 530 and reflects the product information in the product information data 511 recorded in the storage processing unit 504. Further, the CPU 501 communicates with the transceivers 500a and 500b and the shelf label displays 600a to 600f via the external communication 530, shelf label data 512 including the shelf label code and location information of the electronic shelf label, and product information data. 511 is linked and recorded as link data 513. Details of the link data 513 will be described later.

  Next, FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the shelf label displays 600a to 600f illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the shelf label displays 600a to 600f mainly have a control unit 670, a display unit 680, a storage unit 681, a transmission unit 691, and a reception unit 692, respectively. The shelf label displays 600a,..., 600f are dot matrix type electronic shelf labels, and can select color display or monochrome display. Although the dot matrix type electronic shelf label is used in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and a segment type electronic shelf label or any other electronic shelf label may be used.

  The control unit 670 stores the information received from the transceivers 500a and 500b via the reception unit 692 in the storage unit 681 and causes the display unit 680 to display the information. For example, the control unit 670 displays product price information, sale price, sale price, discount rate, discount period, manufacturer name, product number, product name, on the display unit 680 of the shelf label displays 600a to 600f. Correspondence cancellation information and various information such as characters, symbols and figures are displayed.

  4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the shelf label displays 600a to 600f are arranged on the commodity shelf 900, and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the shelf label displays 600a to 600f. FIG. The shelf label displays 600a to 600f shown in FIG. 5 are schematic views as viewed from the front when the electronic shelf label display 600a, 600b, and 600c are arranged on the product shelf 900.

  First, as shown in FIG. 4, the product shelf 900 is divided into spaces called faces, products are arranged in the faces A to K, and shelf label indicators 600a to 600f are provided for each of the faces A to K. Is arranged.

  Here, for example, when the rearrangement of goods occurs, the positions and sizes of the faces A to K also change. Specifically, it is conceivable that the product of face A is displayed on face A and face B with face A and face B integrated. In the electronic shelf label system according to the present invention, the positions of the shelf label displays 600a to 600f are fixed and are not moved or removed.

Here, for example, the display section 680 of the shelf label displays 600a to 600f with the location information “03-226” (see FIG. 7) and the face (shelf position information) “A” is as shown in FIG. In addition, “98 yen” is displayed as the display HX1, “Ishida potato chips” is displayed as the display HX2, and “Bar code indicating a product” is displayed as the display HX3.
Further, a barcode 695 indicating the shelf label codes of the shelf label displays 600a,..., 600f is provided on the front surface of the shelf label displays 600a,. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a transmission unit 691 and a reception unit 692 are disposed above the display unit 680.

  Next, the link data 513 will be described with reference to the drawings. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the product information data 511, FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the shelf label data 512, and FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating an example of the link data 513.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the product information data 511, the shelf label data 512, and the link data 513 are all data in a table format.
First, as shown in FIG. 6, the product information data 511 includes a product code, a product name, and price information, which are identification numbers for each product.
In the present embodiment, each of the above information is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, but includes other arbitrary information such as order quantity information, sales quantity, sale period, expiration date, expiry date, etc. But you can.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the shelf label data 512 includes location information and a face (shelf position information) at the sales store, and a shelf label code that is a unique hardware ID of the electronic shelf label.
As shown in FIG. 8, the link data 513 is provided by linking (relating to) the product code of the product information data 511 and the shelf label code of the shelf label data 512. Therefore, by using the link data 513, data 513a shown in FIG. 9 is created.

  Next, the correspondence cancellation of the link data 513 when the ESL server 500 receives the invalidation signal will be described with reference to the drawing. FIG. 10 is a state diagram in which a part of the link data 513 is released from correspondence, and FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a correspondence release code is assigned to a part of the link data 513.

  For example, here, it is assumed that the face of the product having the location information “03-226” and the face “A” in FIG. 4 is abolished. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the ESL server 500 creates data 513b in which the product code “5203026” of the link data 513 and the shelf label code “55555” are separated. That is, as is clear when data 513 and data 513b are compared, the shelf label code corresponding to the product code “5203026” is deleted, and the shelf label code “55555” without the product code is created.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the ESL server 500 creates data 513 c in which a correspondence release code is added to the shelf label code “55555” without a product code.
For example, like the data 513c shown in FIG. 11, the correspondence release code “A-1” is assigned to the shelf label code “55555” without the product code. Details of the correspondence cancellation code will be described later.

  Here, the invalidation signal may be 1) the operator confirms the product shelf, is transmitted by the portable information terminal 700 or the remote controller 720, and is received by the ESL server 500. 2) The store controller 200 is POS. It may be automatically transmitted according to the sales status of the system 210 and the purchase status of the product, and may be received by the ESL server 500. 3) Check and operate the display screen with the authority of the store executive in the store controller 200 Thus, the invalidation signal may be transmitted and received by the ESL server 500.

  Hereinafter, the correspondence cancellation code will be described with reference to the drawings. 12 to 18 are schematic diagrams for explaining specific display examples of the ESLs 600a to 600f when the correspondence release codes are linked.

  The correspondence cancellation code indicates to the customer that the display of the ESLs 600a to 600f is not a failure. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, “OFF” is displayed as the corresponding cancellation code display HY1 on the display unit 680 of the ESLs 600a to 600f. Thereby, it is possible to make the customer assume that the ESL 600a,..., 600f is not turned on.

  As shown in FIG. 13, “OFF” is displayed as the corresponding release code display HY1 and “ESL barcode” is displayed as the corresponding release code display HY2 on the display unit 680 of the ESLs 600a to 600f. As a result, it is possible to make the customer assume that the ESL 600a,..., 600f is not turned on, and further, the barcode information, which is necessary information for the workers in the store, is stored in the ESL 600a,. Can be displayed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, a logo mark is displayed as the corresponding cancellation code display HY3 on the display unit 680 of the ESLs 600a to 600f. Thereby, it can be made to assume that the said ESL600a,-, and 600f are used for the advertisement of a store with respect to a customer.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, “Thank you every time” is displayed on the display section 680 of the ESLs 600 a to 600 f as the corresponding cancellation code display HY <b> 4. Thereby, it can be made to assume that ESL600a,-, and 600f are used with the appreciation from a store with respect to a customer.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 16, “Bargain!” Is displayed on the display unit 680 of the ESLs 600 a to 600 f as the corresponding cancellation code display HY <b> 5. Thereby, it can be made to assume that the said ESL600a,-, and 600f are used for the advertisement of a store with respect to a customer.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 17, “limited product !!” is displayed on the display unit 680 of the ESLs 600a to 600f as the corresponding release code display HY6. Thereby, it can be made to assume that the said ESL600a,-, and 600f are used for the advertisement of a store with respect to a customer.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 18, “out of stock!” Is displayed on the display unit 680 of the ESLs 600a to 600f as the corresponding release code display HY7. Thereby, it can be made to assume that the said ESL600a,-, and 600f are used in order to raise a customer's purchase will.

(Other examples)
19 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another example of the schematic configuration of the ESL server 500 shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the link data shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the ESL server 550 includes a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU) 501, a read-only memory (hereinafter referred to as a ROM) 502 that stores a basic program, and a random area that is a work area for arithmetic processing. Access Memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM) 503, a storage processing unit 504 for storing programs and various data files, a copy recording processing unit 504a for partially copying information recorded in the storage processing unit 504, and a display comprising a display A unit 505, an input unit 506 including a keyboard and a mouse, an interface (hereinafter referred to as I / F) 520, and an external communication 530 having a data communication function.

  Further, the CPU 501 of the ESL server 550 transmits a communication signal using light from the transceivers 500a and 500b to the shelf label displays 600a to 600f via the I / F 520. The CPU 501 transmits / receives data to / from the store controller 200 and the POS system 210 via the external communication 530. For example, the CPU 501 reads product information from the product master 211 of the POS system 210 via the external communication 530 and reflects the product information in the product information data 511 recorded in the storage processing unit 504. Further, the CPU 501 communicates with the transceivers 500a and 500b and the shelf label displays 600a to 600f via the external communication 530, shelf label data 512 including the shelf label code and location information of the electronic shelf label, and product information data. 511 is linked and recorded as link data 513.

  Further, the CPU 501 causes the duplicate storage processing unit 504 a to record the link data 513 recorded in the storage processing unit 504 as the link data 514. The link data 514 individually includes product information data 511 for faces adjacent to the shelf label code 512.

For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the product code “5203026” and the shelf label code “55556” are also recorded in the product code “5203026” and the shelf label code “55555”. That is, the face of the shelf label code “55556” is arranged adjacent to the shelf label code “55555”.
As a result, the link data 514 has the product information data 511 of the adjacent face, so that the product information data 511 of the adjacent face can be displayed on the ESL when the face is changed. .

  Specifically, not only the product with the product code “5203026” but also the product information with the product code “5203027” can be displayed on the display unit of the shelf label code “55555”. Note that the data can be selected. For example, by transmitting a signal from the portable information terminal 700, it is possible to select which data of the adjacent left and right faces is selected. Note that the present invention is not limited to the portable information terminal 700, and the left and right face data may be selected by the remote controller 720 or the store controller 200.

(Still other examples)
21 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another example of the configuration of the shelf label indicators 600a,..., 600f shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 22 shows the shelf label indicators 600a,. It is a schematic diagram which shows the specific example of 600f.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the shelf label displays 600a to 600f mainly include a control unit 670, a display unit 680, a storage unit 681, a transmission unit 691, a reception unit 692, and a sensor 693, respectively. The shelf label displays 600a,..., 600f are dot matrix type electronic shelf labels, and can select color display or monochrome display. Although the dot matrix type electronic shelf label is used in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and a segment type electronic shelf label or any other electronic shelf label may be used.

  The control unit 670 stores the information received from the transceivers 500a and 500b via the reception unit 692 in the storage unit 681 and causes the display unit 680 to display the information. For example, the control unit 670 displays product price information, sale price, sale price, discount rate, discount period, manufacturer name, product number, product name, on the display unit 680 of the shelf label display 600a,. Correspondence cancellation information and various information such as characters, symbols and figures are displayed.

  The sensor 693 is a detection sensor for recognizing the postures of the shelf label displays 600a to 600f. As shown in FIG. 22, the orientation of the shelf label displays 600a to 600f is 180 in the direction of the arrow R1. When the rotation is rotated, the invalidation signal may be transmitted inside the shelf label displays 600a,..., 600f, and the display HY8 of the shelf label displays 600a,.

  In the above embodiment, the shelf label displays 600a,..., 600f are rotated 180 degrees. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be rotated 90 degrees or 270 degrees. You may rotate an angle. Further, when returning to the original state, it may be rotated in the direction opposite to the arrow R1.

As described above, according to the ESL system 100 according to the present embodiment, even when the faces A,..., K of the product shelf 900 are changed, the shelf label displays 600a,. Even if the link data 513 of the shelf label displays 600a,..., 600f is invalidated, the display HY1,. HY8 is displayed. By displaying the displays HY1,..., HY8, it is possible to prevent the customer from suspecting that the shelf label displays 600a,.
Furthermore, an operator circulating in the store holds the portable information terminal 700, confirms the product shelf 900 in the store, and reliably displays the displays HY1,..., HY8 on the shelf label displays 600a,. Can do.
As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in customer reliability with respect to the store. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to remove the shelf label displays 600a,..., 600f, it is possible to prevent the shelf label displays 600a,.

  Further, in the ESL server 500, an invalidation signal can be automatically transmitted according to the product inventory quantity and product sales quantity included in the product information data 511. As a result, the operator does not need to use the portable information terminal 700 to check the store's product shelf 900. As a result, the number of workers can be reduced.

  In the above embodiment, the invalidation signal is transmitted to the ESL server 500 using the portable information terminal 700. However, the present invention is not limited to this. An invalidation signal for invalidating the data 513 may be transmitted.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the case where the link data 513,514 was invalidated (unlinked) with respect to the shelf label display devices 600a to 600f was described, the present invention is not limited to this. Further, link data 513, 514 can be copied and added to the product information data of the adjacent face, or the back screen mode is retained, and a portable terminal device, remote controller, ESL server, etc. are used to display one shelf label The same product information data as the adjacent face shelf label displays 600a to 600f may be displayed on the containers 600a to 600f. In this case, since the link data is not invalidated (unlinked), the display of the shelf label display device can be changed when the face is changed, the link data can be easily restored, and the display of the shelf label display device can also be restored. Can do.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 22, when the shelf label display devices 600a,..., 600f are rotated, they are invalidated (unlinked) by the sensors of the shelf label display devices 600a,. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when one shelf label display 600a to 600f is rotated to the right, the product information data of the adjacent face on the right side is displayed without being invalidated (unlinked). In the case of left rotation, the product information data of the adjacent face on the left side may be displayed without being invalidated (unlinked). In this case, since the link data is not invalidated (unlinked), the display of the shelf label display device can be changed when the face is changed, the link data can be easily restored, and the display of the shelf label display device can also be restored. Can do.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although demonstrated about the case where it invalidates (unlinks) and displays corresponding cancellation | release code display HY1 -... and corresponding | compatible cancellation code display HY8, it is not limited to this, For example, Corresponding cancellation code display HY1, ..., corresponding cancellation code display HY8 may be displayed without invalidation (unlink). In this case, since the link data is not invalidated (unlinked), the display of the shelf label display device can be changed when the face is changed, the link data can be easily restored, and the display of the shelf label display device can also be restored. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, the product shelf 900 corresponds to the product shelf, the product information data 511 corresponds to the product master information, and the shelf label indicators (ESL) 600a to 600f correspond to a plurality of electronic shelf labels. The ESL servers 500 and 550 correspond to servers, the ESL system 100 corresponds to an electronic shelf label system, the shelf label data 512 corresponds to electronic shelf label identification information, the link data 513 corresponds to link information, and storage processing Unit 504 corresponds to a storage unit, a signal transmitted from portable information terminal 700 or a signal transmitted by CPU 501 of ESL servers 500 and 550 corresponds to an invalidation signal, and transceivers 500a and 500b correspond to a transmission unit. The reception unit 692 corresponds to the reception unit, the displays HY1,..., HY8 correspond to the correspondence release information, the display unit 680 corresponds to the display unit, and the mobile unit. The information terminal 700 or the remote controller 720 corresponds to portable information terminals.

  A preferred embodiment of the present invention is as described above, but the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be understood that various other embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, in this embodiment, although the effect | action and effect by the structure of this invention are described, these effect | actions and effects are examples and do not limit this invention.

100 ESL System 200 Store Controller 210 POS System 211 Product Master 310 Headquarters 500 ESL Server 500a, 500b Transceiver 501 CPU
504 Storage processing unit 504a Duplicate recording processing unit 505 Display unit 511 Product information data 512 Shelf label data 513 Link data 680 Display unit 693 Sensor

Claims (5)

An electronic shelf label comprising: a plurality of electronic shelf labels that display product information corresponding to products that are arranged on the product shelf and displayed on the product shelf; and a server that distributes the product information to the plurality of electronic shelf labels. A system,
The server
Storage means for storing link information in which product master information including the product information is associated with electronic shelf label identification information for identifying each of the plurality of electronic shelf labels;
In response to an invalidation signal for invalidating the link information, a transmission means for transmitting a correspondence release signal to the electronic shelf label associated with the link information,
The plurality of electronic shelf labels are:
Receiving means for receiving the correspondence cancellation signal;
An electronic shelf label system comprising: display means for displaying correspondence release information in response to the correspondence release signal received by the receiving means.   The electronic shelf label system according to claim 1, wherein the server further includes a transmission unit that transmits an invalidation signal for invalidating the link information.   3. The electronic shelf label system according to claim 2, wherein the transmission means transmits the invalidation signal according to a product inventory quantity and a product sales quantity included in the product master information. A portable information terminal capable of wirelessly communicating with the server;
4. The electronic shelf label system according to claim 2, wherein the transmitting unit notifies the portable information terminal that the correspondence release signal is transmitted. 5. A portable information terminal capable of wirelessly communicating with the server;
2. The electronic shelf label system according to claim 1, wherein the portable information terminal further includes portable transmission means for transmitting an invalidation signal for invalidating the link information to the server.