JP2010194125A - Electronic display system, and server for electronic display system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide technique for correctly predicting the residual life of a battery for driving an electronic display device. <P>SOLUTION: An ESL server for providing information with respect to an electronic shelf label to be driven by the battery achieves: a communication actual result acquiring part 91 and a residual life predicting part 92. The communication actual result acquiring part 91 acquires communication actual result information between the ESL server and the electronic shelf label. The residual life predicting part 92 predicts the residual life of the battery in the electronic shelf label, based on the communication actual result information. Power consumed by the electronic shelf tab in communication is correctly identified when using the communication actual result information, thereby obtaining a highly reliable value as the prediction value of the residual life of the battery. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic display system including an electronic display device driven by a battery and a server that provides information to the electronic display device, and a server for the electronic display system.

  The electronic display system as described above has been conventionally used in various fields. For example, this electronic display system is also used in an “electronic shelf label system” (ESL system / Electronic Shelf Label System) that has been put into practical use in recent years.

  The electronic shelf label system will be briefly described. Generally, in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores, the selling prices of products in the store are managed centrally by a product master stored in a POS system or the like. On the other hand, the selling price is often transmitted to customers (consumers) using paper medium shelf labels placed at the positions of the products. When such a paper medium shelf label is adopted, the management of the shelf label must be relied upon manually, and thus human error such as a mistake in selling price tends to occur. For this reason, there is a possibility that an incorrect selling price different from the selling price at the time of settlement by the register of the POS system is transmitted to the customer.

  The electronic shelf label system is a system that has been put into practical use to solve such problems. The electronic shelf label system includes an “electronic shelf label” that is a kind of electronic display device, and an “information distribution device” that is a server that provides information to each of the electronic shelf labels. The information distribution device transmits a communication signal including information indicating a selling price based on the product master to each electronic shelf label (for example, infrared transmission). The electronic shelf label is arranged corresponding to each product in the store, and displays product information such as the selling price of the corresponding product based on the communication signal received from the information distribution device. When this electronic shelf label system is used, the correct selling price that matches the selling price at the time of settlement is displayed on the electronic shelf label, and the correct selling price is transmitted to the customer.

  By the way, an electronic shelf label used in an electronic shelf label system needs to be portable so that it can cope with a change in the arrangement of products, and therefore, the drive source is often a battery.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically showing the amount of electricity consumed by the electronic shelf label. In a state where communication is not being performed, the electronic shelf label is in a sleep state that requires very little current (for example, about 6 μA) in order to suppress the amount of electricity consumed, and periodically (for example, unit seconds). For about 1/128 seconds), the sleep state transits to wake-up (intermittent operation). When an infrared signal from the information distribution apparatus is detected in the wake-up state, the electronic shelf label starts communication with the information distribution apparatus from that time and continues to maintain the wake-up state until the communication is completed. While communicating with the information distribution apparatus, the electronic shelf label requires a considerable amount of current (for example, about 50 μA). As can be seen from this, the amount of electricity consumed by the electronic shelf label 5 depends on the time of communication with the information distribution device, and the longer the time of communication with the information distribution device is, the longer it is. The amount of electricity consumed by electronic shelf labels increases. That is, the battery that drives the electronic shelf label is consumed violently.

  For example, in a store where special sales are frequently performed, the frequency of rewriting the display contents of the electronic shelf label (that is, the selling price of the product) increases, so that an infrared signal is frequently sent from the information distribution device to the electronic shelf label. That is, the total communication time between the electronic shelf label and the information distribution device becomes long. Therefore, in such a store, the battery for driving the electronic shelf label is very consumed.

  As described above, since the consumption rate of the battery that drives the electronic shelf label varies depending on the operation status of the store where the electronic shelf label system is installed, the remaining life of the battery is accurately calculated by uniform calculation. It cannot be predicted. In addition, if an attempt is made to predict the remaining battery life in advance in consideration of the operation status of the store where the electronic shelf label system is introduced, the calculation process required for the prediction becomes very complicated. In addition, even if the estimated value of the remaining battery life is calculated in consideration of the store operation status, the store operation status may change with time. It is not a reliable value.

  Such a situation is not limited to the electronic display system used in the electronic shelf label system, and similarly applies to all electronic display systems including an electronic display device driven by a battery.

  Because the remaining battery life could not be predicted accurately, if the battery runs out faster than expected, countermeasures such as battery replacement may not be in time, which may hinder system operation. . On the other hand, in preparation for such a situation, if it is attempted to mount a battery having a large battery capacity in an electronic display device so as to withstand all use conditions, an excessive design is required, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of cost.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can accurately predict the remaining life of a battery that drives an electronic display device.

  The invention of claim 1 is an electronic display system comprising an electronic display device driven by a battery and a server for providing information to the electronic display device, wherein the server includes the server and the electronic display device. Communication performance information acquisition means for acquiring communication performance information, which is information related to communication performance between the battery and the remaining life prediction means for predicting the remaining life of the battery based on the communication performance information.

  A second aspect of the present invention is the electronic display system according to the first aspect, wherein the remaining life prediction means specifies a remaining battery capacity that is a battery capacity remaining in the battery at the present time. Means, consumption speed calculation means for calculating a vicinity consumption speed that is a speed at which the electronic display device has consumed electricity in a predetermined period up to the present time based on the communication performance information, and the electronic display device is the vicinity consumption speed. A remaining life predicted value calculating means for calculating a period until the remaining battery capacity is consumed, and obtaining the calculated period as a predicted value of the remaining life of the battery; Is provided.

  A third aspect of the present invention is the electronic display system according to the second aspect, wherein the remaining battery capacity specifying means is based on the communication performance information and the period from the start of use of the battery to the present time. The amount of electricity consumed, which is the amount of electricity consumed by the electronic display device, is calculated, and a value obtained by subtracting the battery capacity before use of the battery and the amount of electricity consumed is obtained as the remaining battery capacity.

  Invention of Claim 4 is the electronic display system of Claim 3, Comprising: The said remaining battery capacity specific | specification means is based on the said communication performance information, The said battery is used in the period from the start of use to the present time. The total time of communication performed between the server and the electronic display device is specified, and the amount of electricity consumed by the electronic display device during the period is calculated based on the specified value of the total time. A communication electricity amount calculating means, wherein the consumed electricity amount includes an electricity amount consumed by the electronic display device during communication from the start of use of the battery to the present time.

  A fifth aspect of the present invention is the electronic display system according to the third or fourth aspect, wherein the remaining battery capacity specifying means is a period from the start of use of the battery to the present time based on the communication performance information. The display change electricity quantity calculating means for specifying the number of times the electronic display device has changed the display in the period and calculating the amount of electricity consumed by the electronic display device for the display change in the period based on the specified number of times The amount of electricity consumed includes the amount of electricity consumed by the electronic display device for display change in the period from the start of use of the battery to the present time.

  The invention of claim 6 is the electronic display system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the server has a remaining life of the battery predicted by the remaining life prediction means smaller than a predetermined value. And a communication frequency adjusting means for reducing the communication frequency between the server and the electronic display device to a predetermined value.

  A seventh aspect of the invention is the electronic display system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the server has a remaining life of the battery predicted by the remaining life prediction means smaller than a predetermined value. And an informing means for informing that the battery is almost exhausted.

  The invention of claim 8 is the electronic display system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the remaining life predicting means periodically performs a process of predicting the remaining life of the battery.

  The invention of claim 9 is the electronic display system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the remaining life predicting means performs a process of predicting the remaining life of the battery according to an instruction from the outside. Execute.

  A tenth aspect of the present invention is the electronic display system according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the electronic display device stores a counter value indicating an amount of electricity consumed by the battery; Counter value clearing means for clearing the counter value in response to a counter clear command, and the server comprises sending means for sending the counter clear command to the electronic display device.

  An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the electronic display system according to the tenth aspect, wherein the transmission unit transmits the counter clear command by unicast.

  The invention according to claim 12 is a server for an electronic display system that provides information to an electronic display device driven by a battery, and is communication related to communication performance between the server and the electronic display device. Communication performance information acquisition means for acquiring performance information, and remaining life prediction means for predicting the remaining life of the battery based on the communication performance information.

  According to the first to twelfth aspects of the present invention, in the electronic display system, the server predicts the remaining life of the battery that drives the electronic display device based on the communication performance information with the electronic display device. According to this configuration, since the remaining life of the battery is predicted in accordance with the actual usage of the electronic display device, it is possible to accurately predict the remaining life of the battery.

  In particular, according to the invention of claim 2, when the electronic display device continues to consume electricity at the same speed as recently, the period until the battery capacity remaining in the battery at the present time is consumed is determined. It is calculated and acquired as a predicted value of the remaining battery life. According to this configuration, even when the speed at which the electronic display device consumes electricity has changed over time, an accurate predicted value reflecting the change can be obtained.

  In particular, according to the invention of claim 3, since the battery capacity remaining in the battery at the present time is specified based on the communication performance information, the battery capacity remaining in the battery at the present time can be specified accurately. As a result, the remaining life of the battery can be accurately predicted.

  In particular, according to the invention of claim 4, the amount of electricity consumed includes the amount of electricity consumed by the electronic display device during communication from the start of use of the battery to the present time. It calculates based on the total time of communication specified based on. According to this configuration, since the amount of electricity consumed by communication can be accurately calculated, the battery capacity remaining in the battery at the present time can be accurately specified. As a result, the remaining life of the battery can be accurately predicted.

  In particular, according to the invention of claim 5, the amount of electricity consumed includes the amount of electricity consumed by the electronic display device for display change in the period from the start of use of the battery to the present time. Calculation is based on the number of display changes specified based on the communication performance information. According to this configuration, the amount of electricity consumed for the display change can be accurately calculated, so that the battery capacity remaining in the battery at the present time can be accurately specified. As a result, the remaining life of the battery can be accurately predicted.

  In particular, according to the invention of claim 6, when the remaining life of the battery predicted by the remaining life prediction means is smaller than a predetermined value, the communication frequency between the server and the electronic display device is reduced to the predetermined value. You can extend the time until it is consumed.

  In particular, according to the invention of claim 7, when the remaining life of the battery predicted by the remaining life predicting means is smaller than a predetermined value, it is notified that the battery is almost exhausted. Measures such as battery replacement can be taken before the battery is exhausted.

  In particular, according to the invention of claim 10, a counter clear command for clearing a counter value indicating the amount of electricity consumed by the battery of the electronic display device is transmitted from the server to the electronic display device. According to this configuration, the server can grasp the state of the counter value of the electronic display device.

  In particular, according to the invention of claim 11, since the counter clear command is transmitted by unicast, the counter clear command is transmitted to an electronic display device that has not been replaced, and the counter value should not be cleared. A situation in which the counter value of the electronic display device is accidentally cleared does not occur.

It is a figure which shows a mode that the electronic shelf label with which an electronic shelf label system is provided is arrange | positioned. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the goods management system containing an electronic shelf label system. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of an order processing terminal. It is a figure which shows the structure of an ESL server. It is a figure which shows the example of a goods file. It is a figure which shows the structure of an electronic shelf label. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a remaining life prediction process part. It is a figure for demonstrating the principle of the process which a remaining life prediction process part performs. It is a figure which shows the flow of the process which a remaining life prediction process part performs. It is a figure for demonstrating the principle of the process which a remaining life prediction process part performs. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the remaining life prediction process part which concerns on a 1st modification. It is a figure which shows typically the mode of the subcell prescribed | regulated in the shop. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the remaining life prediction process part which concerns on a 2nd modification. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the remaining life prediction process part which concerns on a 4th modification. It is a figure which shows the flow of the process which the remaining life prediction process part which concerns on a 4th modification performs. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the remaining life prediction process part etc. which concern on a 5th modification. It is a figure which shows typically the infrared signal transmitted to an electronic shelf label from an ESL server. It is a figure which shows the flow of the process which the remaining life prediction process part which concerns on a 5th modification performs. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the remaining life prediction process part etc. which concern on a 6th modification. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a DMS system. It is a figure which shows typically the electric energy which an electronic shelf label consumes.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, a case where the electronic display system according to the present invention is used in an electronic shelf label system will be described as an example.

<1. Electronic shelf label system>
<1-1. Overview of electronic shelf label system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an electronic shelf label 5 included in the electronic shelf label system 1 is arranged on a product shelf 60 in a store. In the electronic shelf label system 1, a portable electronic shelf label 5 that displays product information related to the product 6 such as a selling price is arranged corresponding to each product 6. Then, a communication signal including information indicating the selling price based on the product master is transmitted from the information distribution device to each electronic shelf label 5, and the selling price is displayed on each electronic shelf label 5. Thus, the correct selling price that matches the selling price at the time of settlement is displayed on the electronic shelf label 5, and the correct selling price is transmitted to the customer.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the product shelf 60 is divided into a space called a face 61, and the same type of products 6 are collected and placed on each face 61. The electronic shelf label 5 is attached to the frame 62 of the product shelf 60 at a position corresponding to each face 61. That is, each electronic shelf label 5 is associated with one product 6 (more precisely, one product type), and a frame 62 in the vicinity of the corresponding product 6 (generally, the lower side of the product 6). Placed in. Each electronic shelf label 5 is provided with a display, on which the selling price of the corresponding product 6 is displayed. The customer (consumer) of the store recognizes the selling price of the product 6 by such display of the electronic shelf label 5.

  The electronic shelf label 5 is a portable device, and can be removed from the frame 62 and rearranged at another position so as to cope with the change in the arrangement of the product 6. In the present embodiment, a plurality of product shelves 60 as shown in FIG. 1 are arranged in a sales space in the store.

<1-2. Product Management System Configuration>
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a commodity management system 100 including the electronic shelf label system 1 applied to a store. As shown in FIG. 2, the merchandise management system 100 includes a store controller 2 and a POS system 3 in addition to the electronic shelf label system 1. The POS server 31 included in the POS system 3 and the ESL server 10 included in the electronic shelf label system 1 are connected to the store controller 2 via the LAN 21. Thereby, data communication is enabled among the store controller 2, the POS system 3, and the electronic shelf label system 1.

<Store controller>
The store controller 2 is composed of a general computer, and functions as a device that comprehensively manages the merchandise management system 100. In addition, the store controller 2 is connected to an external network such as the Internet, and can communicate with a computer such as a server device disposed in a headquarter center that manages the store through the external network.

<POS system>
The POS system 3 is a system that collects and analyzes information related to the sale of the product 6 at the time of sale. It has. The POS server 31 and the register 32 are connected by a dedicated communication cable.

  The POS server 31 is composed of a general computer, and the hard disk stores a product master 301 indicating various information related to the product 6 such as selling price. In each of the plurality of registers 32, the product 6 is settled based on the selling price described in the product master 301.

  Information related to all products 6 in the store is centrally managed by the product master 301. The information described in the product master 301 includes a product code for identifying the product 6, a product name that is the name of the product 6, a normal price that is a normal selling price, a special selling price that is a selling price in a special sale, and a special sale. The period includes a special sales period, the number of sales, the number of stocks, the number of orders that are delivered in one order, and the like.

<Order processing terminal>
Connected to the LAN 21 is an access point (AP) 170 which is a radio wave relay for the wireless LAN. A portable order processing terminal 180 used when ordering the product 6 can be connected to the LAN 21 through the access point 170 and can communicate with the store controller 2, the POS server 31, and the ESL server 10. It is. When a predetermined operation is executed by the store staff, the order processing terminal 180 outputs order instruction information for instructing the order of the product 6 to the store controller 2 using the wireless LAN. The ordering instruction information includes, for example, a product code for identifying the product 6 to be ordered, the number of orders for the product 6, and the like. The store controller 2 also functions as an ordering server that receives an ordering instruction from the ordering processing terminal 180, and notifies the headquarter center of the input ordering instruction information. The headquarter center places an order for the product 6 with respect to the server of the supplier of the ordering party based on the ordering instruction information from each store.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration of the order processing terminal 180. As shown in FIG. 3, the order processing terminal 180 is a portable business terminal called “handy terminal”, and includes a display 181 for displaying various information, a barcode reader 182 for reading barcodes, and store staff. And an operation unit 183 that accepts various operations. The order processing terminal 180 includes a communication unit 184 that performs wireless communication with the access point 170. With the function of the communication unit 184, the order processing terminal 180 can communicate with the store controller 2, the POS server 31, and the ESL server 10 through the access point 170. The order processing terminal 180 is provided with a control unit 185 that comprehensively manages its operation. The control unit 185 includes a CPU, a memory, and the like.

<1-3. Electronic shelf label system>
When switching the display screen of the electronic shelf label 5, the electronic shelf label system 1 switches the plurality of electronic shelf labels 5, the information distribution device 40 that distributes the selling price of the product 6 to be displayed on the electronic shelf label 5, and the like. And a portable remote controller 160 to be used.

<Information distribution device>
The information distribution device 40 includes an ESL server 10 that is a server device that centrally manages the electronic shelf label system 1, a plurality of communication devices 4, and a signal repeater between the ESL server 10 and the plurality of communication devices 4. As a base station 41. The ESL server 10 and the plurality of communication devices 4 can perform data communication with each other through the base station 41. Each communication device 4 performs infrared communication with the electronic shelf label 5. The plurality of communication devices 4 are arranged at substantially constant distances on the ceiling of the sales space 90 so as to be able to communicate with all the electronic shelf labels 5 arranged in the sales space 90.

  The configuration of the ESL server 10 as hardware is the same as that of a general computer. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the ESL server 10. The ESL server 10 includes a CPU 11 that performs various arithmetic processes, a ROM 12 that stores a boot program, a RAM 13 that serves as a work area for the arithmetic processes, a hard disk 14 that stores programs and various data files, a display 15 that performs various displays, and a keyboard. And an input unit 16 including a mouse, a data communication unit 17 having a data communication function via the LAN 21, and an interface 18 for communicating with the base station 41. A signal indicating the selling price to be transmitted to the electronic shelf label 5 is transmitted to the communication device 4 through the interface 18 and the base station 41.

  The hard disk 14 of the ESL server 10 stores an operation program in advance, and various functions as the ESL server 10 are realized by the CPU 11 performing arithmetic processing according to the operation program. The hard disk 14 of the ESL server 10 stores a product file 101 that is a data file indicating various information related to the product 6.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the product file 101. As shown in FIG. 5, the product file 101 has a table format, and each record 102 indicates information related to one product 6. Specifically, for each record 102, a product code, a product name, a normal price, a special sale price, a special sale period, the number of sales, the number of inventory, and the like are registered. These pieces of information are the same information as the product master 301 stored in the POS system 3 described above, and are registered based on the information in the product master 301 through communication between the ESL server 10 and the POS system 3. For this reason, the information in the product file 101 and the information in the product master 301 match.

  Further, in each record 102 of the product file 101, one “device code”, which is a hardware ID unique to each of the plurality of electronic shelf labels 5 included in the electronic shelf label system 1, is registered. Thereby, the product 6 and the electronic shelf label 5 are associated with each other in a one-to-one relationship (linked). By using this device code, the selling price of a certain product 6 is transmitted to the electronic shelf label 5 corresponding to the product 6.

  The ESL server 10 having the above configuration generates transmission data to be transmitted to each electronic shelf label 5 by the CPU 11 and outputs the transmission data to each communication device 4 through the interface 18 and the base station 41. Each communication device 4 outputs a communication signal including the input transmission data to each electronic shelf label 5 with which it can communicate. As a result, the same transmission data is input from the information distribution device 40 to each electronic shelf label 5 arranged in the sales space 90. The transmission data transmitted from the ESL server 10 includes product information such as a normal price and a sale price in the product file 101, a device code, and the like.

  The ESL server 10 has a function of predicting the remaining life of the battery 56 that drives the electronic shelf label 5. This will be described later.

<Electronic shelf label>
Next, the configuration of the electronic shelf label 5 will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the electronic shelf label 5. As shown in FIG. 6, on the front surface of the electronic shelf label 5, a display 51 that displays product information and a communication unit 54 that is responsible for communication with the information distribution device 40 are arranged. A label printed with a character string indicating a device code of the device itself and a barcode is attached to the back surface of the electronic shelf label 5.

  The communication unit 54 receives the infrared light signal from the light emitting unit 52 that outputs an infrared signal, the infrared signal from the communication device 4 and the infrared signal from the remote controller 160, converts it into an electrical signal, and outputs it to the control unit 57 described later. Part 53. The light emitting unit 52 that functions as a transmitting unit that transmits data is configured by, for example, an LED, and the light receiving unit 53 that functions as a receiving unit that receives data is configured by, for example, a photodiode and an amplifier.

  The display 51 is a non-volatile display unit of a dot matrix system, and is composed of, for example, electronic paper. In a non-volatile display unit such as electronic paper, display contents can be held without applying driving power. Since the display 51 is a dot matrix type display unit, it can display not only numerical values indicating the selling price of the product 6 but also characters, symbols, figures, and the like. In addition, the display 51 according to the present embodiment can switch and display a plurality of display screens. For example, the display 51 includes a display screen (front screen) mainly displaying information used by customers who purchase the product such as the selling price of the product, and information (number of sales) used by the store clerk such as the number of products sold. The display screen (back screen) on which product information such as the number of orders, sale period, etc., the device code assigned to itself, etc.) is displayed can be switched.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the front screen includes a product name 51 b and a product code 51 d (specifically, a product code 51 d), which is information that can identify the product, together with the selling price 51 a of the product associated with the device. Bar code indicating the code) is displayed. When only the selling price 51a is displayed on the display 51 without displaying the product specifying information, it is difficult to grasp which product the electronic shelf label 5 is associated with. Is displayed, the electronic shelf label 5 and the product are visually associated with each other. Moreover, the character string 51c which represents the product code of the product 6 with which the own apparatus was matched with a number, and the barcode 51d which shows the said product code may be displayed along with the direction where the said barcode 51d extends.

  Inside the electronic shelf label 5, there are provided a small 56 that supplies power to the electronic shelf label 5 and a control unit 57 that comprehensively controls the operation of the electronic shelf label 5. The control unit 57 includes a CPU, a memory, and the like. In this memory, various information such as the selling price and product name to be displayed on the display 51, and the device code of the device itself are stored. Information such as the selling price included in the infrared signal output from the communication device 4 is received by the communication unit 54 and then input to the control unit 57. The control unit 57 temporarily stores the input information in a memory. Then, the control unit 57 controls the display 51 to display various information in the memory on the display 51. Thus, the control unit 57 functions as a display control unit that controls display on the display 51.

  The controller 57 switches the display on the display 51 according to the infrared signal output from the remote controller 160. As will be described later, the remote controller 160 has an operation button (not shown), and can transmit an infrared signal in accordance with an external operation on the operation button. When the operation button of the remote controller 160 is pressed and an infrared signal from the remote controller 160 is input to the light receiving unit 53, the light receiving unit 53 converts the infrared signal into an electrical signal and inputs it to the control unit 57. Then, the control unit 57 changes the display on the display 51 from, for example, a front screen to a back screen. In this state, when the operation button of the remote controller 160 is pressed again and an infrared signal from the remote controller 160 is input to the light receiving unit 53, the light receiving unit 53 converts the infrared signal into an electrical signal and inputs it to the control unit 57. To do. Then, the control unit 57 changes the display on the display 51 from the back screen to the front screen.

<Remote controller>
The remote controller 160 is a remote control device that transmits a signal for switching the display screen of the electronic shelf label 5. The remote controller 160 includes a light emitting unit that outputs an infrared signal, a control unit that controls the light emitting unit, and an operation button that receives an instruction to transmit an infrared signal (all not shown). When the operation button is pressed, the control unit controls the light emitting unit to output a predetermined infrared signal from the light emitting unit. In the electronic shelf label 5 that has received the infrared signal from the remote controller 160, the display on the display 51 is switched as described above.

<1-4. Basic operation of electronic shelf label system>
Next, the operation of the electronic shelf label system 1 until the selling price is displayed on the electronic shelf label 5 will be described. In the electronic shelf label system 1, the selling price is distributed from the information distribution device 40 to the electronic shelf label 5 when the system is activated and when the selling price displayed on the electronic shelf label 5 is updated. Here, when the selling price is updated, the normal price of the product master 301 is changed, or when the selling price is changed from the normal price to the special selling price in executing the special sale. When the system is activated, the selling price is distributed for all the products 6 in the store. On the other hand, when the selling price is updated, the selling price is distributed only for the target product 6. Thereby, the selling price displayed on the electronic shelf label 5 and the selling price at the time of settlement by the register 32 are always matched. Below, the operation | movement which concerns on distribution of the selling price regarding the one goods 6 is demonstrated. In the following description, the product 6 for which the selling price is to be distributed is referred to as “target product 6”.

  First, in the ESL server 10 of the information distribution device 40, the record 102 related to the target product 6 in the product file 101 is referred to, and the selling price and the device code to be distributed among the normal price and the special sale price are acquired. The device code acquired here is the device code of the electronic shelf label 5 corresponding to the target product 6, and the acquired selling price is the selling price that the electronic shelf label 5 should display. These selling price and device code are transmitted to each communication device 4 through the base station 41 as electrical signals. And the communication apparatus 4 outputs the infrared signal containing the information of a sales price and an apparatus code.

  The infrared signal output from the communication device 4 is received by the communication unit 54 of the electronic shelf label 5 and converted into an electrical signal. The control unit 57 acquires the selling price and the device code from the electrical signal obtained by the communication unit 54.

  Next, the control unit 57 determines whether or not the obtained device code matches the device code of the own device stored in advance in the memory of the control unit 57. When the acquired device code does not match that of its own device, the control unit 57 determines that the received infrared signal is a signal for another electronic shelf label 5 and ends the process. On the other hand, when the acquired device code matches that of the own device, the control unit 57 determines that the received infrared signal is a signal for the own device, and displays the obtained selling price on the display 51, The selling price displayed on the display 51 is updated.

  The selling price is distributed from the information distribution device 40 to the electronic shelf label 5 by the operation as described above.

  When the display unit 51 updates the display 51, the control unit 57 causes the light emitting unit 52 to output an infrared signal including information indicating that the selling price has been normally received. The infrared signal is received by the communication device 4, and information included in the infrared signal is transmitted to the ESL server 10. If the ESL server 10 does not receive the infrared signal from the electronic shelf label 5, it determines that the distributed selling price has not been received normally by the electronic shelf label 5 and receives the infrared signal from the electronic shelf label 5. Processing to repeatedly distribute the selling price (recovery communication). Thereby, the display of the electronic shelf label 5 can be reliably updated, and the reliability of the system can be greatly improved.

<1-5. Prediction of remaining life of battery driving electronic shelf label>
<1-5-1. Functional configuration>
As described above, the ESL server 10 includes a function unit (remaining life prediction processing unit 90) that predicts the remaining life of the battery 56 that drives the electronic shelf label 5. The remaining life prediction processing unit 90 may be realized by the CPU 11 performing arithmetic processing according to an operation program stored in advance in the hard disk 14 of the ESL server 10 or may be realized by dedicated hardware.

  The configuration of the remaining life prediction processing unit 90 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the remaining life prediction processing unit 90. In the following, FIG. 8 will be referred to as appropriate. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the principle of processing performed by the remaining life prediction processing unit 90.

  The remaining life prediction processing unit 90 includes a communication performance acquisition unit 91 and a remaining life prediction unit 92.

<Communication results acquisition department>
The ESL server 10 stores the history of communication performed with the electronic shelf label 5 in the hard disk 14, and the communication result acquisition unit 91 communicates between the ESL server 10 and the electronic shelf label 5 from the communication history. Acquire "communication performance information" that is information related to the performance. The “communication result information” includes communication performed between the ESL server 10 and the electronic shelf label 5 (however, “communication” here includes not only normal communication but also the above-described recovery communication). ) Includes information indicating the time when the communication is performed and the time required for the communication. Therefore, the number of communications performed in a specific period can be specified based on the communication performance information. In addition, the total communication time of communication performed within a specific period can be calculated.

  As described above, the ESL server 10 performs simultaneous transmission to the plurality of electronic shelf labels 5 disposed in the store. Therefore, the time at which the communication included in the communication performance information is executed and the time required for the communication are information common to each of the plurality of electronic shelf labels 5 arranged in the store. Therefore, “the remaining life of the battery 56 that drives the electronic shelf label 5” calculated by the remaining life prediction unit 92 described later based on the information is an arbitrary one of the plurality of electronic shelf labels 5 arranged in the store. This value is applicable to the electronic shelf label 5.

<Remaining life prediction unit>
The remaining life prediction unit 92 is a functional unit that predicts the remaining life of the battery 56 that drives the electronic shelf label 5 based on the communication performance information. The remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921, the consumption rate calculation unit 922, and the remaining life A predicted value calculation unit 923.

<Remaining battery capacity calculation unit>
The remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921 calculates a battery capacity (remaining battery capacity) Q2 remaining in the battery 56 at the current time t (when the calculation process of the remaining life of the battery 56 is executed). Specifically, first, based on the communication result information acquired by the communication result acquisition unit 91, the electronic shelf label 5 is consumed in a period (use period) T from the start of use of the battery 56 to the current time t. The total amount of electricity (amount of electricity consumed) Q1 is calculated. Then, a value obtained by subtracting the consumed electricity amount Q1 from the battery capacity (initial electricity amount) Q0 before use of the battery 56 is obtained as the remaining battery capacity Q2 (that is, “remaining battery capacity Q2 = initial electricity amount). Q0-Electricity consumption Q1 ").

  Here, a method of calculating the consumed electricity amount Q1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 21, the electronic shelf label 5 transitions between a sleep state and a wake-up state. When an infrared signal from the ESL server 10 is detected in the wake-up state, communication with the ESL server 10 is performed. Continue to wake up until completed. That is, the electronic shelf label 5 consumes a relatively large current (communication current) A1 during the time period in which communication with the ESL server 10 is performed, and is relatively small in the time period in which communication with the ESL server 10 is not performed. Current (standby current) A2 is consumed.

  Therefore, the remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921 communicates the amount of electricity (communication amount) Q11 consumed by the electronic shelf label 5 during the usage period T and the electronic shelf label 5 during the usage period T. The amount of electricity consumed in a non-time zone (standby electricity amount) Q12 is calculated, and the value obtained by adding the calculated values is obtained as the amount of electricity consumed Q1 (that is, “consumed electricity amount Q1 = communication” Electricity quantity Q11 + standby electricity quantity Q12 ").

  The remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921 includes a communication electricity amount calculation unit 9211 that is a functional unit that calculates communication electricity amount Q11, and a standby electricity amount calculation unit 9212 that is a function unit that calculates standby electricity amount Q12.

  First, the communication electricity amount calculation unit 9211 first calculates the total time of communication performed between the ESL server 10 and the electronic shelf label 5 during the usage period T based on the communication result information acquired by the communication result acquisition unit 91 ( Total communication time) T1 is calculated. Then, a value obtained by multiplying the value of the obtained total communication time T1 by the value of the current (communication current) A1 required when the electronic shelf label 5 communicates with the ESL server 10 is set as a communication electricity quantity Q11. (That is, “communication electricity amount Q11 = communication current A1 × total communication time T1”).

  First, the standby electricity amount calculation unit 9212 is based on the communication result information acquired by the communication result acquisition unit 91, and the total time during which no communication is performed between the ESL server 10 and the electronic shelf label 5 in the usage period T. (Standby time) T2 is calculated. However, the standby time T2 can be obtained by the difference between the usage period T and the total communication time T1 (that is, “standby time T2 = use period T−total communication time T1”). Then, the value of the standby time T2 obtained is the current required when the electronic shelf label 5 is not communicating with the ESL server 10 (for example, the current required when in the sleep state) (standby current) A2. Is obtained as the standby electricity quantity Q12 (that is, “standby electricity quantity Q12 = standby current A2 × standby time T2”).

<Consumption speed calculator>
Based on the communication performance acquired by the communication performance acquisition section 91, the consumption speed calculation section 922 is the average of the electronic shelf label 5 consuming electricity recently (for a predetermined period up to the current time t (for example, the past one month)). A speed (neighboring consumption speed) K is calculated.

  Here, the calculation method of the vicinity consumption speed K is demonstrated concretely. The consumption speed calculation unit 922 first determines the amount of electricity consumed by the electronic shelf label 5 (neighboring electricity consumption) in a predetermined period (neighboring period) Ti up to the current time t based on the communication achievement information acquired by the communication achievement obtaining unit 91. Amount) Qi is calculated. The calculation method of the nearby electricity consumption Qi is the same as the calculation method of the electricity consumption Q1. That is, the consumption speed calculation unit 922 is based on the communication performance information, and the time when the electronic shelf label 5 does not communicate during the neighborhood period Ti and the amount of electricity consumed by the neighborhood period Ti. The amount of electricity consumed is calculated, and the value obtained by adding the calculated values is obtained as the neighborhood electricity consumption Qi.

  Subsequently, the consumption rate calculation unit 922 calculates the neighborhood consumption rate K based on the obtained neighborhood electricity consumption Qi. Specifically, a value obtained by dividing the neighboring electricity consumption Qi by the neighborhood period Ti is acquired as the neighborhood consumption speed K (ie, “neighbor consumption speed K = neighbor electricity consumption Qi / neighbor period Ti”). .

<Remaining life prediction value calculation unit>
Based on the remaining battery capacity Q2 calculated by the remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921 and the neighboring consumption speed K calculated by the consumption speed calculation unit 922, the remaining life predicted value calculation unit 923 calculates the battery capacity of the battery 56 from the current time t. A value (predicted remaining life value) R predicted as a period until “0” (that is, remaining life of the battery 56) is calculated. Specifically, a value obtained by dividing the remaining battery capacity Q2 by the nearby consumption speed K is acquired as a remaining life prediction value R (that is, “remaining life prediction value R = remaining battery capacity Q2 / neighboring consumption speed K”). That is, when the electronic shelf label 5 continues to consume electricity at the same pace as the recent pace (specifically, the predetermined period Ti up to the current time t) (the phantom line in FIG. 8), the remaining battery of the battery 56 The period until the capacity becomes “0” is calculated and obtained as the remaining life prediction value R.

<1-5-2. Process flow>
Next, the flow of processing executed by the remaining life prediction processing unit 90 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the flow of this process. The following processing is performed when a predetermined instruction is given from the outside (for example, when an operator inputs a predetermined instruction via the input unit 16 of the ESL server 10, or for example, a communication line with the ESL server 10). When a predetermined instruction is sent to the ESL server 10 from the maintenance device connected via the network, the execution is started according to the instruction.

  First, the communication performance acquisition unit 91 acquires the communication performance information between the ESL server 10 and the electronic shelf label 5 from the communication history stored in the hard disk 14 (step S11).

  Subsequently, the remaining life prediction unit 92 predicts the remaining life of the battery 56. Specifically, first, the remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921 calculates the remaining battery capacity Q2 based on the communication performance information acquired in step S11 (step S12). Further, based on the communication performance information acquired in step S11, the consumption speed calculation unit 922 calculates the neighborhood consumption speed K (step S13). Then, based on the acquired remaining battery capacity Q2 and the adjacent consumption speed K, the remaining life prediction value calculation unit 923 calculates the remaining life prediction value R (step S14). Thus, the process for predicting the remaining life of the battery 56 is completed.

  In addition, the value of the estimated remaining life value R calculated by the series of processes is known to the operator by various methods. For example, when the above-described series of processing is executed according to an instruction input via the input unit 16 of the ESL server 10, when the remaining life prediction value R is calculated, the CPU 11 of the ESL server 10 calculates The remaining life prediction value R is displayed on the display 15 of the ESL server 10. Further, for example, when the above-described series of processing is executed in response to an instruction sent from the maintenance device to the ESL server 10 via the communication line, when the remaining life prediction value R is calculated, the CPU 11 of the ESL server 10 The calculated remaining life prediction value R is transmitted to the maintenance device.

<2. effect>
In the ESL server 10 included in the electronic display system 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the remaining life prediction processing unit 90 is based on the communication performance information between the ESL server 10 and the electronic shelf label 5. The remaining life of the battery 56 that drives the battery is predicted. Based on the communication result information, the power consumed by the electronic shelf label 5 by communication can be specified accurately, and therefore, a highly reliable value can be obtained as a predicted value of the remaining life of the battery 56.

  In particular, the consumed electricity amount calculation unit 92 calculates the amount of electricity (communication electricity amount) Q11 consumed by communication during the usage period T based on the communication result information, and based on this, the electronic amount is calculated during the usage period T. The total amount of electricity (amount of electricity consumed) Q1 consumed by the shelf label 5 is specified. Then, based on the obtained electricity consumption Q1, the remaining life prediction value calculation unit 94 calculates the remaining life prediction value R. Based on the communication performance information, the total time (total communication time T1) of communication performed between the ESL server 10 and the electronic shelf label 5 in the usage period T can be accurately calculated. The quantity of electricity Q11 can be specified, and as a result, the remaining life of the battery 56 can be accurately predicted.

  Further, the consumption speed calculation unit 93 calculates the average speed (neighboring consumption speed K) at which the electronic shelf label 5 recently consumes electricity, and the remaining life prediction value calculation unit 94 determines that the electronic shelf label 5 is at the pace. A period until the remaining battery capacity of the battery 56 becomes “0” when the electricity is continuously consumed is acquired as a remaining life prediction value R. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the electronic shelf label 5 consumes electricity at a faster pace, the value of the neighborhood consumption speed K (that is, the slope of the virtual line) increases in accordance with this change. Thus, the remaining life of the battery 56 is calculated to be shortened accordingly. That is, the consumed time of the battery 56 predicted by the remaining life prediction value R1 predicted at a certain time t1 and the remaining life prediction value R2 predicted at a time t2 after the time t1 are different from each other. Of course, the latter value is a more accurate predicted value. As described above, the remaining life prediction processing unit 90 according to the above embodiment accurately determines the remaining life of the battery 56 in consideration of the change even when the actual usage state of the electronic shelf label 5 is changed. Can be predicted.

<3. Modification>
<3-1. First Modification>
In the above-described embodiment, the remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921 determines that the amount of electricity (communication electricity amount) Q11 consumed by the electronic shelf label 5 during the usage period T and the electronic shelf label 5 is that of the usage period T. The amount of electricity consumed in the time zone during which no communication was performed (standby electricity amount) Q12 was calculated, and the value obtained by adding the calculated values was acquired as the amount of electricity consumed Q1, Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which calculates the consumption electric energy Q1 in consideration of the electric energy consumed when the electronic shelf label 5 updated the display of the display 51. FIG.

<3-1-1. Functional configuration>
The configuration of the remaining life prediction processing unit 90a according to this modification will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the remaining life prediction processing unit 90a. In FIG. 11, the same components as those in the above embodiment are indicated by the same reference numerals. In the following, only differences from the above embodiment will be described.

  The remaining life prediction processing unit 90a includes a communication performance acquisition unit 91a and a remaining life prediction unit 92a.

  The communication performance acquisition unit 91a is a functional unit similar to the communication performance acquisition unit 91 according to the above-described embodiment, and acquires communication performance information. However, the communication record information acquired by the communication record acquisition unit 91a includes, for each communication performed between the ESL server 10 and the electronic shelf label 5, a device code included in the transmission data transmitted by the communication. Is included. By referring to this information, it is possible to identify which of the plurality of electronic shelf labels 5 arranged in the store is the electronic shelf label 5 whose display has been updated according to the transmission data. . Therefore, for each of the plurality of electronic shelf labels 5 arranged in the store, the number of times the electronic shelf label 5 has updated the display within a specific period can be specified based on the communication performance information.

  The remaining life prediction unit 92a is a functional unit that predicts the remaining life of the battery 56 that drives the electronic shelf label 5 based on the communication performance information. The remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921a, the consumption rate calculation unit 922, and the remaining life A predicted value calculation unit 923. The functions of the consumption speed calculation unit 922 and the remaining life prediction value calculation unit 923 are as described above.

  The remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921a calculates a battery capacity (remaining battery capacity) Q2 remaining in the battery 56 at the current time t. Specifically, the amount of electricity consumed Q1 of the battery 56 is calculated based on the communication result information acquired by the communication result acquisition unit 91, and the value obtained by subtracting the amount of consumed electricity Q1 from the initial amount of electricity Q0 is the remaining value. Obtained as battery capacity Q2.

  Here, a method of calculating the consumed electricity amount Q1 will be described. The remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921a is the amount of electricity (communication electricity amount) Q11 consumed by the electronic shelf label 5 during communication during the usage period T and the time during which the electronic shelf label 5 is not communicating during the usage period T. Calculating the amount of electricity consumed in the belt (standby electricity amount) Q12 and the amount of electricity consumed when the electronic shelf label 5 updates the display 51 during the period of use T (display changed electricity amount) Q13; A value obtained by adding the calculated values is acquired as the consumed electricity amount Q1 (that is, “consumed electricity amount Q1 = communication electricity amount Q11 + standby electricity amount Q12 + display change electricity amount Q13”).

  The remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921a includes a communication electric amount calculation unit 9211 that is a functional unit that calculates the communication electric amount Q11, a standby electric amount calculation unit 9212 that is a functional unit that calculates the standby electric amount Q12, and a display change electric amount. And a display change electricity quantity calculation unit 9213 that is a functional unit for calculating Q13. The functions of the communication electricity amount calculation unit 9211 and the standby electricity amount calculation unit 9212 are as described above.

  First of all, the display change electricity amount calculation unit 9213 calculates the electronic shelf in the usage period T for each of the plurality of electronic shelf labels 5 arranged in the store based on the communication result information acquired by the communication result acquisition unit 91. The number of times the bill 5 has updated the display is specified. Then, among the plurality of electronic shelf labels 5 arranged in the store, the electronic shelf label 5 having the highest number of updates in the usage period T is specified, and the number of updates of the electronic shelf label 5 is set to “maximum update”. Acquired as “Number N”. Furthermore, the value obtained by multiplying the value of the obtained maximum update count N by the value of the amount of electricity (updated amount of electricity C) consumed when the electronic shelf label 5 updates the display on the display 51 once, It is acquired as the display change electricity quantity Q13 (ie, “display change electricity quantity Q13 = maximum number of updates N × update electricity quantity C”).

<3-1-2. Process flow>
The flow of processing executed by the remaining life prediction processing unit 90a is the same as the flow of processing executed by the above-described remaining life prediction processing unit 90 (see FIG. 9).

<3-1-3. effect>
According to this modification, the remaining life prediction processing unit 90a predicts the remaining life taking into account the amount of electricity consumed when the electronic shelf label 5 updates the display on the display 51. Value can be obtained. In particular, in the display 51 configured by a dot matrix type display device using electronic paper, electricity is greatly consumed when the display is updated, so this modification is effective. On the other hand, when the display is constituted by a display device of a type that hardly changes electricity when updating the display (for example, a segment type display device using liquid crystal), the display device according to the above-described embodiment. It is possible to obtain a sufficiently accurate value of the consumed electricity amount Q1 (and consequently the remaining life prediction value R) by the calculation method.

  In this modification, the amount of electricity consumed Q1 calculated by the remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921a is the electronic device having the largest number of updates during the usage period T among the plurality of electronic shelf labels 5 arranged in the store. The shelf label 5 (that is, the electronic shelf label 5 with the most consumption of electricity) is the total amount of electricity consumed in the usage period T. Therefore, the remaining life prediction value R calculated by the remaining life prediction unit 92 drives the electronic shelf label 5 in which the battery 56 is expected to be consumed most quickly among the plurality of electronic shelf labels 5 arranged in the store. This is a value predicted as the remaining life of the battery 56. That is, according to this configuration, it is possible to accurately predict the earliest time at which any of the electronic shelf labels 5 arranged in the store will run out of batteries.

<3-2. Second Modification>
When the electronic display system 1 is installed in a relatively small store, the ESL server 10 transmits an infrared signal toward the entire area in the store. However, when the electronic display system 1 is introduced into a relatively wide store, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the store is divided into a plurality of areas A, B, and C called subcells, and the ESL server 10 There is a case where infrared rays are individually transmitted to the subcells A, B, and C. That is, the subcells A, B, and C are units for transmitting infrared signals. For example, when transmitting an infrared signal to the electronic shelf label 5 arranged in the area of the subcell A, the ESL server 10 sends the subcell A to the subcell A. Only send the infrared signal.

  When the ESL server 10 transmits an infrared signal in units of subcells, the time during which communication is performed between the ESL server 10 and the electronic shelf label 5 varies depending on the position in the store. Therefore, the amount of electricity consumed by the battery 56 of the electronic shelf label 5 (consumed electricity amount Q1) varies depending on the position where the electronic shelf label 5 is disposed. Therefore, when the ESL server 10 transmits an infrared signal in units of subcells, the remaining life prediction value R may be calculated in the following manner.

<3-2-1. Functional configuration>
The configuration of the remaining life prediction processing unit 90b according to this modification will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the remaining life prediction processing unit 90b. In FIG. 13, the same components as those in the above embodiment are indicated by the same reference numerals. In the following, only differences from the above embodiment will be described.

  The remaining life prediction processing unit 90b includes a communication performance acquisition unit 91b and a remaining life prediction unit 92b.

  The communication performance acquisition unit 91b is a functional unit similar to the communication performance acquisition unit 91 according to the above-described embodiment, and acquires communication performance information. However, the communication result information acquired by the communication result acquisition unit 91b includes, for each communication performed between the ESL server 10 and each electronic shelf label 5, the time when the communication is executed and the time required for the communication. In addition to the information indicating, the information for specifying in which subcell the electronic shelf label 5 to be communicated is arranged (that is, in which subcell the communication is performed) is included. Therefore, the number of communications performed in a specific period can be specified for each subcell based on the communication performance information. Further, the total communication time of communication performed within a specific period can be calculated for each subcell.

  The remaining life prediction unit 92b is a functional unit that predicts the remaining life of the battery 56 that drives the electronic shelf label 5 based on the communication performance information. The remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921b, the consumption rate calculation unit 922, and the remaining life A predicted value calculation unit 923. The functions of the consumption speed calculation unit 922 and the remaining life prediction value calculation unit 923 are as described above.

  The remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921b has a remaining battery capacity (minimum) remaining in the battery 56 of the electronic shelf label 5 that is expected to consume the most battery among the plurality of electronic shelf labels 5 disposed in the store. (Remaining battery capacity) Q2b is calculated. Specifically, based on the communication performance information acquired by the communication performance acquisition unit 91, the amount of electricity consumed by the electronic shelf label 5 that is expected to consume the most electricity during the usage period T (maximum power consumption) Q1b. And the value obtained by subtracting the maximum consumed electricity amount Q1b from the initial electricity amount Q0 is acquired as the minimum remaining battery capacity Q2b.

  A method by which the remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921b calculates the maximum electricity consumption Q1b will be described by taking the subcell arrangement shown in FIG. 12 as an example. In the case of such a subcell arrangement, the electronic shelf label 5 arranged in the region where the two subcells A and B overlap each other is transmitted by the ESL server 10 to the electronic shelf label 5 arranged in the subcell A, Both the transmission performed by the ESL server 10 to the electronic shelf label 5 arranged in the subcell B is received. That is, the total communication time between the electronic shelf label 5 and the ESL server 10 arranged in this overlapping area is the total communication time T1 (A) related to the subcell A and the total communication time T1 (B) related to the subcell B. ) Is added. Similarly, the total communication time between the electronic shelf label 5 and the ESL server 10 arranged in the region where the subcells B and C overlap is related to the total communication time T1 (B) related to the subcell B and the subcell C. The total communication time T1 (C) is added. As described above, the amount of electricity consumed by the electronic shelf label 5 increases as the communication time with the ESL server 10 increases. Therefore, it can be expected that the battery shelf 56 disposed in the overlapping area of the subcells consumes more battery 56 than the electronic shelf label 5 disposed in the other area. Therefore, the remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921b calculates the amount of electricity consumed in the usage period T by the electronic shelf label 5 arranged in the overlapping area of the subcells (the overlapping area where the total communication time is the longest when there are many overlapping areas). Calculate and obtain as the maximum electricity consumption Q1b.

  Specifically, the remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921b first identifies the total communication time associated with each overlapping region of subcells based on the communication result information acquired by the communication result acquisition unit 91. Then, the total communication time of the overlapping region with the longest total communication time is acquired as the maximum total communication time T1b. Subsequently, the remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921b determines that the electronic shelf label 5 placed in the overlap area between the usage period T and the amount of electricity consumed by the communication during the usage period T (communication amount of electricity) Q11b. Calculate the amount of electricity (standby electricity amount) Q12b consumed in the time period when the electronic shelf label 5 is not communicating, and obtain the value obtained by adding the calculated values as the maximum amount of electricity consumed Q1b To do. However, the communication electricity amount Q11b is a value obtained by multiplying the value of the maximum total communication time T1b acquired previously by the value of the communication current A1. The standby electricity quantity Q12b is a value obtained by multiplying the value obtained by subtracting the maximum total communication time T1b from the use period T by the value of the standby current A2.

<3-2-2. Process flow>
The flow of processing executed by the remaining life prediction processing unit 90b is the same as the processing flow executed by the remaining life prediction processing unit 90 described above (see FIG. 9).

<3-2-3. effect>
In this modification, the remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921b consumes the electronic shelf label 5 arranged in the overlapping period of subcells (the overlapping area having the longest total communication time when there are many overlapping areas) during the usage period T. The calculated amount of electricity is calculated and acquired as the maximum amount of electricity consumed Q1b. Therefore, the remaining life prediction value R calculated by the remaining life prediction unit 92 drives the electronic shelf label 5 in which the battery 56 is expected to be consumed most quickly among the plurality of electronic shelf labels 5 arranged in the store. This is a value predicted as the remaining life of the battery 56. That is, according to this configuration, in the configuration in which the ESL server 10 transmits an infrared signal in units of subcells, the earliest time at which any of the electronic shelf labels 5 arranged in the store will run out of battery is accurately predicted. be able to.

<3-3. Third Modification>
In the second modification, the amount of electricity consumed when the electronic shelf label 5 updates the display on the display 51 may be taken into account when calculating the maximum amount of electricity consumed Q1b.

<3-3-1. Functional configuration>
In the case of this modification, the remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921b is first estimated as the amount of electricity consumed by the electronic shelf label 5 during the usage period T for each of the plurality of electronic shelf labels 5 arranged in the store. The maximum value (expected maximum electricity consumption) Q100 is calculated. Then, the expected maximum electricity consumption Q100 of the electronic shelf label 5 having the largest predicted maximum electricity consumption Q100 among the plurality of electronic shelf labels 5 is acquired as the maximum electricity consumption Q1b.

  A method in which the remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921b calculates the expected maximum electricity consumption Q100 of an arbitrary electronic shelf label 5 (hereinafter referred to as “target electronic shelf label 5”) will be described.

  The remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921b communicates the amount of electricity (communication electricity amount) Q111 consumed by the target electronic shelf label 5 during the usage period T and the target electronic shelf label 5 during the usage period T. Calculate the amount of electricity consumed during a non-period (standby electricity amount) Q112 and the amount of electricity consumed when the electronic shelf label 5 updates the display 51 during the usage period T (display changed amount of electricity) Q113. Then, a value obtained by adding the calculated values is obtained as the predicted maximum electricity consumption Q100.

  A method for calculating the communication electricity amount Q111 and the standby electricity amount Q112 will be described. The remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921b first specifies the maximum value (expected maximum communication time) T11 that can be considered as the total communication time of the target electronic shelf label 5. For example, it is assumed that the target electronic shelf label 5 is arranged in the subcell A (see FIG. 12). Here, when the target electronic shelf label 5 is arranged in a non-overlapping area with the subcell B in the subcell A, the total communication time of the target electronic shelf label 5 is the total communication time T1 (A) related to the subcell A. Match. On the other hand, when the target electronic shelf label 5 is arranged in the overlapping area with the subcell B in the subcell A, the total communication time of the target electronic shelf label 5 is the total communication time related to the overlapping area of the subcell A and the subcell B (that is, And the total communication time T1 (A) related to the subcell A and the total communication time T1 (B) related to the subcell B).

  However, the ESL server 10 has information for specifying in which subcell the target electronic shelf label 5 is arranged, but until which region in the subcell the target electronic shelf label 5 is arranged. It can not be identified. Therefore, the remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921b acquires the total communication time in the region with the longest total communication time as the predicted maximum communication time T11 of the target electronic shelf label 5 in the subcell in which the target electronic shelf label 5 is arranged. . For example, in the case of the above example, the total communication time of the overlapping area of subcell A and subcell B is acquired as the expected maximum communication time T11 of the target electronic shelf label 5.

  Subsequently, the remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921b obtains a value obtained by multiplying the value of the estimated maximum communication time T11 obtained by the value of the communication current A1 as the communication electricity amount Q111 of the target electronic shelf label 5. Further, a value obtained by multiplying the value obtained by subtracting the estimated maximum communication time T1m from the usage period T and the value of the standby current A2 is acquired as the standby electricity quantity Q112 of the target electronic shelf label 5.

  A method for calculating the display change electric quantity Q113 will be described. The remaining battery capacity calculation unit 921b first specifies the number of times the target electronic shelf label 5 has updated the display during the usage period T based on the communication result information acquired by the communication result acquisition unit 91. Then, the value obtained by multiplying the value of the obtained number of updates by the value of the amount of electricity (updated amount of electricity C) consumed when the electronic shelf label 5 updates the display 51 once is displayed. Obtained as the quantity of electricity Q113.

<3-3-2. effect>
According to this modification, the same effect as that obtained in the second modification can be obtained, and the remaining life can be predicted by taking into account the amount of electricity consumed when the electronic shelf label 5 updates the display 51. Therefore, an accurate value can be obtained as a predicted value of the remaining life.

<3-4. Fourth Modification>
In the above embodiment, the remaining life prediction value R calculated by the remaining life prediction processing unit 90 is displayed on the display 15 of the ESL server 10 so that the operator is made aware of it. When the remaining life of 56 is low (specifically, when the remaining life prediction value R is smaller than a predetermined value), the operator may be notified of this.

<3-4-1. Functional configuration>
The configuration of the remaining life prediction processing unit 90c according to this modification will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the remaining life prediction processing unit 90d. In the following, the same components as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the following, only differences from the above embodiment will be described.

  The remaining life prediction processing unit 90 c includes a communication performance acquisition unit 91, a remaining life prediction unit 92, and a notification processing unit 93. The functions of the communication performance acquisition unit 91 and the remaining life prediction unit 92 are as described above.

  The notification processing unit 93 notifies the operator that it is almost time to drain the battery 56 when the value of the remaining life prediction value R calculated by the remaining life prediction unit 92 is smaller than a predetermined value (for example, one month). Process. Any specific form of the notification process may be used. For example, a predetermined message (for example, a message that “the battery capacity of the electronic shelf label is very low. Please replace the battery”) may be displayed on the display 15 of the ESL server 10, or the maintenance device. Alternatively, the predetermined message may be transmitted.

<3-4-2. Process flow>
The flow of processing executed by the remaining life prediction processing unit 90c will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the flow of this processing.

  Each process of step S21-step S24 is the same as each process of step S11-step S14 which concerns on said embodiment.

  When the predicted remaining life value R is calculated in step S24, the notification processing unit 93 subsequently determines whether or not the calculated estimated remaining life value R is smaller than a predetermined value (step S25). When it is determined in step S25 that the remaining life prediction value R is smaller than the predetermined value, the notification processing unit 93 performs a process of notifying the operator that it is almost time to drain the battery 56 (step S26). When it is determined in step S24 that the estimated remaining life value R is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the notification processing unit 93 ends the processing without performing the notification processing.

<3-4-3. effect>
According to this modification, when it is almost time for the battery 56 of the electronic shelf label 5 to be exhausted, the operator is notified of this, so the operator may take measures such as battery replacement before the battery 56 is exhausted. it can.

<3-5. Fifth Modification>
The ESL server 10 according to the above embodiment is configured to include a function unit (remaining life prediction processing unit 90) that predicts the remaining life of the battery 56 that drives the electronic shelf label 5. It is good also as a structure provided with the function part (communication frequency adjustment part 81) which adjusts the communication frequency between the ESL server 10 and the electronic shelf label 5 according to a lifetime.

<3-5-1. Functional configuration>
As shown in FIG. 16, the ESL server 10 according to this modification includes a communication frequency adjusting unit 81 and an activation instruction receiving unit 82 in addition to the remaining life prediction processing unit 90 described above. The communication frequency adjusting unit 81 and the activation instruction receiving unit 82 may be realized by the CPU 11 performing arithmetic processing according to an operation program stored in advance in the hard disk 14 of the ESL server 10 or by dedicated hardware. May be.

  The communication frequency adjustment unit 81 determines whether the estimated remaining life R calculated by the remaining life prediction processing unit 90 is smaller than a predetermined value (for example, one month) between the ESL server 10 and the electronic shelf label 5. The communication frequency is reduced to a predetermined value, and the electronic display system 1 is put into a save mode state.

  Here, the save mode state will be described. In the normal state (non-save mode state), the ESL server 10 transmits the information signal to the electronic shelf label 5 as soon as an information signal to be sent to the electronic shelf label 5 is generated. In the save mode state, the ESL server 10 10 does not immediately transmit the generated information signal to the electronic shelf label 5, but stores it on the ESL server 10 side until a predetermined timing. Then, the stored information signals are transmitted to the electronic shelf label 5 at a predetermined timing. The transmission of the accumulated information signal may be performed, for example, every predetermined period, or may be performed when a predetermined amount or more of the information signal is accumulated. Further, as a general rule, it is performed every predetermined cycle, and when the amount of accumulated information exceeds a predetermined amount before the next transmission time, transmission may be performed at that time.

  By setting the electronic display system 1 to the save mode state, the speed at which the electronic shelf label 5 consumes the battery 56 can be reduced. That is, the remaining life of the battery 56 can be extended. The reason is as follows.

  The infrared signal transmitted from the ESL server 10 to the electronic shelf label 5 includes a signal for canceling the intermittent operation in addition to an information signal including information to be transmitted to the electronic shelf label 5 such as product information and a device code. A certain “intermittent operation release signal” is included. The intermittent operation cancel signal is a signal for canceling the intermittent operation (see FIG. 21) of the electronic shelf label 5, and as schematically shown in FIG. 17, a predetermined time (however, intermittent operation is performed prior to the information signal). At a time longer than the period of transition to the wake-up state, for example, about 2 seconds). Therefore, for example, when one information signal having a communication time of 0.1 seconds is transmitted, the communication time between the ESL server 10 and the electronic shelf label 5 is approximately as shown in FIG. 2.1 seconds.

  Here, consider the communication time when five information signals with a communication time of 0.1 seconds are transmitted. When five information signals are sent apart, an intermittent operation release signal must be sent every time transmission is performed, so the communication time between the ESL server 10 and the electronic shelf label 5 is as shown in FIG. As shown in (b), it takes a long time of about 10.5 seconds. On the other hand, when five information signals are sent together, the intermittent operation release signal only needs to be transmitted once, so the communication time between the ESL server 10 and the electronic shelf label 5 is as shown in FIG. As shown, it takes 2.5 seconds. Thus, it is possible to shorten the communication time by collectively transmitting a plurality of information signals to the electronic shelf label 5, and as a result, it is possible to suppress the consumption of the battery 56.

  The activation instruction accepting unit 82 accepts an instruction to select whether or not to activate the communication frequency adjusting unit 81 from the operator. When the operator inputs an instruction to activate the communication frequency adjusting unit 81 via the input unit 16 of the ESL server 10, the activation instruction receiving unit 82 activates the communication frequency adjusting unit 81 according to the instruction. . Then, when the remaining life prediction value R calculated by the remaining life prediction processing unit 90 is smaller than a predetermined value, the electronic display system 1 is put into the save mode state. That is, the communication frequency between the ESL server 10 and the electronic shelf label 5 decreases.

  On the other hand, when the operator inputs an instruction not to activate the communication frequency adjusting unit 81, the activation instruction receiving unit 82 deactivates the communication frequency adjusting unit 81 according to the instruction. Then, even if the remaining life prediction value R calculated by the remaining life prediction processing unit 90 is smaller than a predetermined value, the electronic display system 1 does not enter the save mode state. That is, the ESL server 10 transmits the information signal to the electronic shelf label 5 as soon as an information signal to be sent to the electronic shelf label 5 is generated.

<3-5-2. Process flow>
The flow of processing executed by the remaining life prediction processing unit 90 and the communication frequency adjustment unit 81 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the flow of this processing.

  However, each processing of the following steps S35 to S36 is performed when the communication frequency adjustment unit 81 is activated (specifically, the operator uses the communication frequency adjustment unit via the input unit 16 of the ESL server 10 in advance). This is performed only when an instruction to activate 81 is input and the activation instruction accepting unit 82 accepting the instruction activates the communication frequency adjusting unit 81 according to the instruction).

  Each process of step S31-step S34 is the same as each process of step S11-step S14 which concerns on said embodiment.

  When the estimated remaining life value R is calculated in step S34, the communication frequency adjustment unit 81 determines whether or not the calculated estimated remaining life value R is smaller than a predetermined value (step S35). When it is determined in step S35 that the remaining life prediction value R is smaller than the predetermined value, the communication frequency adjusting unit 81 shifts the electronic display system 1 to the save mode state (step S36). If it is determined in step S34 that the remaining life prediction value R is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the communication frequency adjustment unit 81 does not shift the electronic display system 1 to the save mode state.

<3-5-3. effect>
According to this modification, when the remaining life prediction value R acquired by the remaining life prediction processing unit 90 is smaller than a predetermined value, the electronic display system 1 can be shifted to the save mode state. Since the consumption of the battery 56 is suppressed in the save mode state, the battery 56 of the electronic shelf label 5 can be extended by setting the electronic display system 1 to the save mode state.

  Further, in the save mode, there is a merit that consumption of the battery 56 can be suppressed. On the other hand, since the information signal is accumulated in the ESL server 10 for a certain period, there is a demerit that information transmission timing to the electronic shelf label 5 is delayed. . In this modification, the activation instruction receiving unit 82 activates or deactivates the communication frequency adjusting unit 81 in accordance with an instruction from the operator, so that the operator can use the battery 56 when the remaining life of the battery 56 is low. It is possible to select whether or not to shift the electronic display system 1 to the save mode state. That is, the operator selects whether to give priority to extending the remaining life of the battery 56 with the electronic display system 1 in the save mode state, or to give priority to prompt information transmission to the electronic shelf label 5 without entering the save mode state. be able to.

<3-6. Sixth Modification>
The electronic shelf label 5 according to the above embodiment may be configured to store a counter value indicating the amount of electricity consumed by the battery 56 of its own device in the memory of the control unit 57. The counter value is, for example, a value indicating the number of communications performed by the electronic shelf label 5 with the ESL server 10, and the amount of electricity consumed by the battery 56 can be specified based on this counter value.

  By the way, the counter value stored in the electronic shelf label 5 must be once cleared when the battery 56 of the electronic shelf label 5 is replaced. In the case of a conventional general electronic display system, a dedicated remote control transmitter is used to broadcast a command (counter clear command) for clearing a counter value to a target electronic shelf label (a destination electronic shelf). The transmission value is not specified, and the counter value is cleared for the target electronic shelf label. However, this configuration is problematic from the viewpoint of system management because the ESL server cannot grasp which electronic shelf label has cleared the counter value. In addition, when an electronic shelf label that has not been replaced has received a counter clear command, there is a risk that even such an electronic shelf label may clear the counter value.

  Further, as a counter value clearing method conventionally used, a counter value reset switch is provided on the electronic shelf label, and when the operator replaces the battery, the operator presses the reset switch to A configuration for clearing the counter value has also been devised. However, according to this configuration, since it is necessary to provide a reset switch for each electronic shelf label, the electrical circuit of the electronic shelf label becomes complicated, which is not preferable in terms of cost. In addition, there is a problem that it takes time and labor for the operator.

  Therefore, in the electronic display system 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the ESL server 10 may include a functional unit that manages counter values of the plurality of electronic shelf labels 5 arranged in the store.

<3-6-1. Functional configuration>
As shown in FIG. 19, the ESL server 10 according to this modification includes a command transmission unit 83 and a counter value management unit 84 in addition to the remaining life prediction processing unit 90 described above. The command transmission unit 83 and the counter value management unit 84 may be realized by the CPU 11 performing arithmetic processing according to an operation program stored in advance in the hard disk 14 of the ESL server 10 or may be realized by dedicated hardware. Good.

  The command transmission unit 83 transmits a counter clear command to the plurality of electronic shelf labels 5 arranged in the store. The counter clear command is transmitted via a transceiver, for example.

  The command transmission unit 83 transmits the counter clear command by unicast (transmission method for specifying the transmission destination electronic shelf label 5) or broadcast. For example, when a part of the plurality of electronic shelf labels 5 arranged in the store is replaced with a battery, the command transmission unit 83 should clear the counter value of the electronic shelf label 5 that has been replaced. The electronic shelf label 5 is specified. Then, a counter clear command is transmitted to the electronic shelf label 5 by unicast. On the other hand, when a plurality of electronic shelf labels 5 arranged in the store are replaced at the same time, the command transmission unit 83 broadcasts a counter clear command to the plurality of electronic shelf labels 5 arranged in the store. Send.

  A case where the counter clear command is transmitted by unicast will be specifically described. In this case, the command transmission unit 83 generates an electrical signal including the counter clear command and the device code of the electronic shelf label 5 for which the battery has been replaced, and transmits the electrical signal to each communication device 4 through the base station 41. The communication device 4 outputs an infrared signal including a counter clear command and device code information. The infrared signal output from the communication device 4 is received by the communication unit 54 of the electronic shelf label 5 and converted into an electrical signal. The control unit 57 of the electronic shelf label 5 acquires a counter clear command and a device code from the electrical signal obtained by the communication unit 54.

  Next, the control unit 57 of the electronic shelf label 5 determines whether or not the obtained device code matches the device code of the own device stored in advance in the memory of the control unit 57. When the acquired device code does not match that of its own device, the control unit 57 determines that the received infrared signal is a signal for another electronic shelf label 5 and ends the process. On the other hand, when the acquired device code matches that of the own device, the control unit 57 determines that the received infrared signal is a signal for the own device, and clears the counter value stored in the memory. Further, when the counter value is cleared, the control unit 57 causes the light emitting unit 52 to output an infrared signal (ACK response signal) including information indicating that the counter clear command has been normally received. The infrared signal is received by the communication device 4, and information included in the infrared signal is transmitted to the ESL server 10. Thereby, the ESL server 10 can confirm that the counter value of the electronic shelf label 5 has been cleared.

  The counter value management unit 84 stores the time when the electronic shelf label 5 has cleared the counter value for each of the plurality of electronic shelf labels 5 arranged in the store. Specifically, when the ESL server 10 receives an ACK response signal from any one of the electronic shelf labels 5 arranged in the store, the ACK response signal together with the time when the ESL server 10 receives the ACK response signal. Is stored in the hard disk 14 of the ESL server 10.

<3-6-2. effect>
According to this modification, a counter clear command is transmitted from the ESL server 10 to the electronic shelf label 5, and the electronic shelf label 5 clears the counter value accordingly, so the ESL server 10 is arranged in the store. It is possible to grasp the state of the counter value of each electronic shelf label 5 (whether the counter value has been cleared). Further, according to this configuration, a remote control type transmitter for transmitting a counter clear command to the electronic shelf label 5 is not necessary. In addition, it is not necessary to provide the electronic shelf label 5 with a reset switch for clearing the counter value.

  Further, since the counter clear command can be transmitted from the ESL server 10 to the electronic shelf label 5 by unicast, the counter clear command is transmitted to the electronic shelf label for which the battery is not replaced, and the counter value is changed. There is no situation where the counter value of the electronic shelf label 5 that should not be cleared is accidentally cleared.

  In the above modification, the ESL server 10 is configured to include both the remaining life prediction processing unit 90 and the command transmission unit 83, but may be configured to include only the command transmission unit 83.

<3-7. Other variations>
In the above embodiment, the remaining life prediction value R calculated by the remaining life prediction processing unit 90 is displayed on the display 15 of the ESL server 10 or connected to the ESL server 10 via a communication line. However, a configuration other than that may be used. For example, the calculated value of the estimated remaining life R is normally displayed on the display 15 of the ESL server 10 and is limited to a case where a certain condition is satisfied (for example, when the estimated remaining life R is smaller than a predetermined value). It is good also as a structure which transmits to an external device.

  Further, in the above embodiment, when the operator inputs a predetermined instruction via the input unit 16 of the ESL server 10, the remaining life prediction processing unit 90 calculates the remaining life prediction value R according to the instruction. Although the calculation process is executed, the process may be automatically executed periodically (for example, every two months) with a period set in advance by the operator. In the case of this modification, it is preferable that the estimated remaining life value R output as a result of the processing is transmitted to the store controller 2 or a maintenance device connected via a communication line.

  In the above embodiment, the electronic display system according to the present invention is used in the electronic shelf label system 1, but the electronic display system according to the present invention can also be used in other systems. For example, the present invention is also effective when used in a DMS (dot matrix signage) system 80.

  A configuration example of the DMS system 80 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. The DMS system includes a work display device 85 that is a kind of electronic display device, and a DMS server 86 that is a server that provides information to each of the work display devices 85. The work display device 85 is arranged at a position where the work object exists, and displays information related to work contents for the work object. Further, the DMS server 86 wirelessly transmits information to be displayed on the work display device 85 to each of the work display devices 85 via the access point AP which is a radio wave repeater.

  In the DMS system 80 having such a configuration, the DMS server 86 is provided with a function unit that predicts the remaining life of the battery that drives the work display device 85 (the same function unit as the remaining life prediction processing unit 90 described above). Thus, the remaining life of the battery can be predicted with high reliability.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic shelf label system 5 Electronic shelf label 56 Battery 10 ESL server 81 Communication frequency adjustment part 82 Activation instruction | indication reception part 90 Remaining life prediction process part 91 Communication performance acquisition part 92 Remaining life prediction part 93 Notification process part 9211 Communication electric energy calculation Unit 9212 standby electricity amount calculation unit 9213 display change electricity amount calculation unit

Claims (12)

An electronic display system comprising an electronic display device driven by a battery and a server for providing information to the electronic display device,
The server is
Communication performance information acquisition means for acquiring communication performance information that is information related to communication performance between the server and the electronic display device;
A remaining life prediction means for predicting the remaining life of the battery based on the communication performance information;
An electronic display system comprising: The electronic display system according to claim 1,
The remaining life prediction means
A remaining battery capacity specifying means for specifying a remaining battery capacity which is a battery capacity remaining in the battery at the present time;
Based on the communication performance information, consumption speed calculation means for calculating a proximity consumption speed that is a speed at which the electronic display device has consumed electricity in a predetermined period up to the present time;
When the electronic display device continues to consume electricity at the vicinity consumption speed, a period until the remaining battery capacity is consumed is calculated, and the calculated period is obtained as a predicted value of the remaining life of the battery. A remaining life prediction value calculating means,
An electronic display system comprising: The electronic display system according to claim 2,
The remaining battery capacity specifying means includes:
Based on the communication performance information, the amount of electricity consumed, which is the amount of electricity consumed by the electronic display device in the period from the start of use of the battery to the present time, is calculated, and the battery capacity and the consumption before use of the battery An electronic display system that obtains a value obtained by subtracting the amount of electricity as the remaining battery capacity. The electronic display system according to claim 3,
The remaining battery capacity specifying means includes:
Based on the communication performance information, the total time of communication performed between the server and the electronic display device in the period from the start of use of the battery to the present time is specified, and the total time of the specified A communication electricity amount calculating means for calculating an electricity amount consumed by the electronic display device during the period based on a value;
With
An electronic display system in which the amount of electricity consumed includes the amount of electricity consumed by the electronic display device during communication from the start of use of the battery to the present time. An electronic display system according to claim 3 or 4,
The remaining battery capacity specifying means includes:
Based on the communication performance information, the number of times the electronic display device has changed the display in a period from the start of use of the battery to the present time is specified, and the electronic display is performed in the period based on the specified number of times. Display change electricity amount calculating means for calculating the amount of electricity consumed by the device for the display change;
With
The electronic display system in which the amount of electricity consumed includes the amount of electricity consumed by the electronic display device for display change in a period from the start of use of the battery to the present time. An electronic display system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The server is
A communication frequency adjusting means for reducing the communication frequency between the server and the electronic display device to a predetermined value when the remaining life of the battery predicted by the remaining life predicting means is smaller than a predetermined value;
An electronic display system comprising: The electronic display system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The server is
Informing means for informing that the time when the battery is exhausted is near when the remaining life of the battery predicted by the remaining life prediction means is smaller than a predetermined value;
An electronic display system comprising: An electronic display system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The remaining life prediction means
An electronic display system that periodically performs a process of predicting the remaining life of the battery. An electronic display system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The remaining life prediction means
The electronic display system which performs the process which estimates the remaining lifetime of the said battery according to the instruction | indication from the outside. An electronic display system according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The electronic display device stores a counter value indicating the amount of electricity consumed by the battery;
Counter value clear means for clearing the counter value in response to a predetermined counter clear command;
With
The server is
Transmitting means for transmitting the counter clear command to the electronic display device;
An electronic display system comprising: The electronic display system according to claim 10,
The transmission means is
An electronic display system for transmitting the counter clear command by unicast. A server for an electronic display system that provides information to a battery-driven electronic display device,
Communication performance information acquisition means for acquiring communication performance information that is information related to communication performance between the server and the electronic display device;
A remaining life prediction means for predicting the remaining life of the battery based on the communication performance information;
A server for an electronic display system comprising:

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