JP2010205275A - Information display system, information display device, and server - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appeal, to a customer, an activity about environmental protection executed in a store and a management organization of putting emphasis on safety of foods executed in the store, while considering a lifestyle of putting emphasis on health and sustainability (so-called LOHAS). <P>SOLUTION: This information display system introduced in the store includes information displays and a server. The plurality of information displays is arranged in a sales space, and each thereof includes a measuring part for measuring an environment characteristic and for generating environment characteristic information, based on the result therein. The environment characteristic information generated in each information display is transmitted to the server. The server generates environment characteristic distribution information indicating a distribution state of the environment characteristics in the sale space, based on the collected environment characteristic information and positional information of the respective information displays, and distributes the information and merchandise information including a price of merchandise, to each information display. The information display displays together the price of merchandise and the environment characteristic distribution information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information display system that includes an information display device such as an electronic POP device or an electronic shelf label device that is installed in a store and displays product information such as a price, and an information display device that configures the information display system. Regarding the server.

  Conventionally, an information display system developed from a price display system described in Patent Document 1, an information display device such as an electronic POP device or an electronic shelf label device, and a server and introduced into a store such as a supermarket has been developed. Has been. In this information display system, an information display device is attached to a merchandise display shelf, displays merchandise information (such as a merchandise name and price) transmitted from a server, and is useful for appealing merchandise to customers.

Japanese Patent No. 3560988

In recent years, from the viewpoint of protecting the global environment, it has become important to reduce energy consumption and CO ₂ (carbon dioxide) emissions as an effort to prevent global warming. And as the term “LOHAS (Lifestyle Of Health And Sustainability)” stands for “a lifestyle that emphasizes health and sustainability”, people's interest in health and environmental issues and food safety increases. It is coming. Under such circumstances, energy conservation efforts at stores and high awareness of environmental issues, and food management systems at stores (under what conditions fresh foods and processed foods were stored, etc.) Has become a major concern for customers. For this reason, in store operations, it has become important to reduce power consumption while appropriately adjusting the environment of the sales floor space so as to maintain the freshness of food. And appealing to customers about environmental protection initiatives and food management systems in stores is thought to increase customer satisfaction and increase customer attraction.

  An object of the present invention is to appeal to customers about environmental protection efforts and food management systems that are performed in stores.

  An information display system of the present invention includes a display unit that displays information, a first communication unit that performs communication, and a control unit that controls each unit. The information display system is arranged in a sales space and is specified by a specific code. A server comprising: an information display device; a second communication unit that performs communication; and an information processing unit that performs information processing; and the information processing unit of the server in the sales space where the information display device is disposed. A product information storage unit that generates environmental property distribution information indicating a distribution state of environmental properties of the sales floor space from environmental property information, and further stores the specific code and product information specified by the specific code in association with each other To obtain price information of the product included in the product information corresponding to the specific code, and send the environmental characteristic distribution information and the price information of the product to each of the information display devices to the second communication unit. Sending A means for the control unit of the information display device, characterized by comprising, a means for displaying the first price information environment characteristic distribution information communication unit receives and goods on the display unit.

  An information display device of the present invention is an information display device that is arranged in a sales space and is specified by a specific code, and includes a display unit that displays information, a first communication unit that performs communication, and a control unit that controls each unit. And the control unit displays the environmental characteristic distribution information indicating the distribution state of the environmental characteristic of the sales floor space received by the first communication unit and the price information of the product included in the product information corresponding to the specific code. And a means for displaying on the unit.

  The server according to the present invention includes: a second communication unit that performs communication; an information processing unit that performs information processing; and an environmental characteristic in a sales floor space where the information processing unit is disposed with an information display device that is specified by a specific code Generate environmental characteristic distribution information indicating a distribution state of environmental characteristics of the sales floor space from information, and refer to a product information storage unit that stores the specific code and product information specified by the specific code in association with each other Then, the price information of the product included in the product information corresponding to the specific code is acquired, and the environmental characteristic distribution information and the price information of the product are transmitted to the second communication unit toward the individual information display devices. And means.

  The environmental characteristic information measured by the measurement unit provided in the information display device is, for example, temperature, humidity, and illuminance, and is not limited thereto.

  According to the present invention, the environmental characteristic distribution information indicating the distribution state of the environmental characteristic of the sales floor space is generated from the environmental characteristic information collected by the server, and this environmental characteristic distribution information is distributed and displayed on the information display device. , It is possible to appeal to customers about environmental protection efforts and food management systems in stores.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the outline | summary of an information display system. It is a perspective view of the information display apparatus of the state attached to the goods display shelf. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of an information display system. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of a measurement data recording file. (A) is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of a tag arrangement position file, (b) is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the designation method of the arrangement position in a tag arrangement position file. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of a goods data file. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which switches the display content of an information display apparatus performed in a server and an information display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which produces | generates the environmental characteristic distribution information performed with a server. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which controls the environment adjustment apparatus performed with a server. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the environmental characteristic distribution information displayed on an information display apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the environmental characteristic distribution information displayed on an information display apparatus.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, an application example to an information display system introduced in a supermarket will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the information display system 101. The supermarket 102 is divided into a sales floor space 104 in which products 103 (see FIG. 2) are displayed for customers, and a backyard 105 where store clerk can freely enter and exit. The information display system 101 according to the present embodiment is installed in such a supermarket 102, and includes a server 106, an information display device 107, an environment adjustment device 108, and a wireless access point 110. The environmental adjustment device 108 includes an environmental adjustment device controller 108a, a control circuit 108b, and an environmental adjustment device driver 108c. In the supermarket 102, the information display device 107, the environment adjustment device driving unit 108 c, and the wireless access point 110 are arranged in the sales space 104. The server 106 and the environment adjustment device controller 108 a are arranged in the backyard 105.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the sales space 104, a product display shelf 112 installed along a passage 111 for a customer to pass through and a product 103 (see FIG. 2) that the customer intends to purchase are accounted for. A checkout counter 113 for the customer and a bagging table 114 for the customer to bag the product 103 after the transaction are installed. An information display device 107 is attached to the product display shelf 112, and product information 156 (see FIG. 2) regarding the products 103 displayed on the product display shelf 112 is displayed on the information display device 107. There are a plurality of types of merchandise display shelves 112 installed in the sales floor space 104, one of which is a fresh fish display shelf 115 for displaying seafood and meat. A cooler 116 for adjusting the temperature and humidity in the fresh fish display shelf 115 is attached to the fresh fish display shelf 115. The product display shelf 112 has a showcase 117 for storing ice cream, ice, cake, and the like in a cooled state. On the other hand, a lighting 118 for adjusting the illuminance of the sales space 104 and an air conditioner 119 for adjusting the temperature and humidity of the sales space 104 are attached to the ceiling (not shown) of the sales space 104. The cooler 116, the showcase 117, the illumination 118, and the air conditioner 119 are connected to the environmental adjustment device controller 108a via the control circuit 108b, and are driven under the control of the environmental adjustment device controller 108a. Adjust environmental characteristics (temperature, humidity, illuminance, etc.). That is, the cooler 116, the showcase 117, the illumination 118, and the air conditioner 119 serve as the environmental adjustment device driving unit 108c.

  A server 106 installed in the backyard 105 is a computer device, and includes an input device such as a keyboard 126 and a pointing device 127 and an output device such as a display 128. The server 106 is also equipped with a hard disk 129. Various programs such as an operating system OS, various driver programs DP, and application programs AP are installed in the hard disk 129, and the CPU 160a (see FIG. 3) of the server 106 performs processing according to these various programs. Execute. Various data files including the measurement data recording file F1 are also stored in the hard disk 129 (see FIG. 3 for all).

  The environmental adjustment device controller 108a installed in the backyard 105 is connected to an environmental adjustment device drive unit 108c (such as a cooler 116) installed in the sales floor space 104 via a control circuit 108b. The environmental adjustment device controller 108a is connected to the server 106 via a LAN network 130 (described later), receives a control command transmitted from the server 106, and sends a control signal corresponding to the control command to the control circuit 108b. To control the driving of the environment adjusting device driving unit 108c. In FIG. 1, a part of the connection between the control circuit 108b and the environmental adjustment device driving unit 108c (the cooler 116, the showcase 117, the lighting 118, and the air conditioner 119) is omitted, but all are connected. ing. In addition, the amount of power consumed by the environment adjustment device driving unit 108c monitored by the watt-hour meter 165 is input to the environment adjustment device controller 108a.

  A LAN network 130 is provided in the supermarket 102. The LAN network 130 connects the server 106, the environment adjustment apparatus controller 108a, and the wireless access point 110 to the network so that data communication is possible. When the wireless access point 110 receives display data or a control command transmitted from the server 106, the wireless access point 110 converts it into a wireless signal and outputs it. When this wireless signal is received by the wireless communication unit 154 (see FIG. 3) provided in the information display device 107, the wireless signal is restored in the information display device 107, and the restored display data is displayed or restored. Control based on the control command is performed. In addition, when the wireless access point 110 receives a wireless signal transmitted from the information display device 107, the wireless access point 110 restores the wireless signal and transmits it to the server 106. That is, data communication is freely possible between the server 106 and the information display device 107.

  A router 131 is also connected to the LAN network 130. Therefore, the server 106 can communicate with the headquarter server 133 via the LAN network 130, the router 131, and the WAN network 132.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the information display device 107 in a state of being attached to the merchandise display shelf 112. The information display device 107 includes an electronic paper 151 as a display unit, a frame 152 bordering the electronic paper 151, a hook 153 for attaching the information display device 107 to an attachment groove 112a provided in the product display shelf 112, A wireless communication unit 154 (see FIG. 3) as a first communication unit that realizes wireless communication with the wireless access point 110, a microcomputer 155 (see FIG. 3) as a control unit, and an environmental characteristic measurement tag as a measurement unit 158 (see FIG. 3) and a battery (not shown). The wireless communication unit 154, the microcomputer 155, and the environmental characteristic measurement tag 158 are attached to the back surface of the information display device 107. The environmental characteristic measurement tag 158 senses environmental characteristics (temperature, humidity, illuminance, etc.) and outputs the result as an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal as environmental characteristic information (temperature value, humidity value, illuminance value). , Etc.) and is used for measuring environmental characteristics in the vicinity of the place where the information display device 107 is installed. The information display device 107 having such a configuration is attached to the front surface of the merchandise display shelf 112 by hooking the hook 153 in the mounting groove 112 a of the merchandise display shelf 112. As a result, the electronic paper 151 is directed toward the passage 111 side.

  Returning to the description based on FIG. In the information display system 101 of this embodiment, the server 106 performs overall management of the display performed on the information display device 107. More specifically, the server 106 transmits display data and a control command to the information display device 107. The transmitted display data and control commands reach the wireless communication unit 154 included in the information display device 107 via the LAN network 130 and the wireless access point 110, and are then displayed on the electronic paper 151 or displayed on the information display device 107. The CPU 155a (see FIG. 3) may be a trigger when executing processing according to the control command. The ROM 155b (see FIG. 3) provided in the information display device 107 stores a specific code for specifying each information display device 107. Therefore, by transmitting a specific code together with display data from the server 106, desired display data is displayed on the information display device 107 to which the specific code is assigned, or only the information display device 107 is controlled. Can do. Therefore, the information display device 107 is attached in the vicinity of the product 103 displayed on the product display shelf 112, and the product information 156 (product name, price, promotion information, etc.) regarding the product 103 is associated with the specific code in the server 106. The information display device 107 can display various information related to the product 103.

  What is important in the information display system 101 of the present embodiment is that the information display device 107 is provided with an environmental characteristic measurement tag 158, and the environmental characteristics (temperature, ambient) around the information display device 107 measured by the environmental characteristic measurement tag 158. Environmental characteristic information generated based on the humidity, illuminance, etc. is collected by the server 106, and the server 106 distributes the environmental characteristic distribution state (temperature distribution, humidity distribution, The environmental characteristic distribution information indicating the illuminance distribution and the like is generated, and this environmental characteristic distribution information is distributed to each information display device 107. The distributed environmental characteristic distribution information is displayed on the information display device 107 together with the product information 156 as environmental action information 157 for appealing to the customer that the supermarket 102 is engaged in environmental protection. Will be seen by customers.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the information display system 101. In the information display system 101, the server 106, the environment adjustment device controller 108 a, the wireless access point 110, and the router 131 are connected via a LAN network 130, and the wireless access point 110 and the information display device 107 are wirelessly connected. Connected and configured.

  The information display device 107 includes a microcomputer 155 as a control unit that controls each unit of the information display device 107. The microcomputer 155 includes a CPU 155a, a ROM 155b, and a RAM 155c. The CPU 155a executes arithmetic processing. In the ROM 155b, data including various programs 155ba is fixedly stored in advance. In the program 155ba, the CPU 155a restores the wireless signal received by the wireless communication unit 154 and inputs it to the CPU 155a, the function of storing the input display data in the RAM 155c, and the display data stored in the RAM 155c. A function for realizing a function to be displayed on the paper 151 and a function to execute a process according to the input control command is also included. Further, the program 155ba includes a program for causing the CPU 155a to execute processing to be described later with reference to FIG. The RAM 155c stores variable data in a rewritable manner and functions as a work area for the CPU 155a. The RAM 155c is a non-volatile memory backed up by a battery (not shown), and has a memory capacity enough to store a plurality of display data displayed on the electronic paper 151.

  The microcomputer 155 provided in the information display device 107 is connected to each of the electronic paper 151, the wireless communication unit 154, and the timer circuit 159 via an input / output circuit (not shown). The wireless communication unit 154 includes, for example, a wound coil. A wireless signal from the wireless access point 110 received by the wireless communication unit 154 is input to the microcomputer 155 via an input / output circuit (not shown). The timer circuit 159 measures time and is used to take the timing when the CPU 155a performs processing for switching display data displayed on the electronic paper 151.

  The server 106 includes an information processing unit 160 that executes information processing. The information processing unit 160 includes a CPU 160a, a ROM 160b, and a RAM 160c. The information processing unit 160 is connected to the keyboard 126, the pointing device 127, the display 128, and the LAN interface 161 via an input / output circuit (not shown). The LAN interface 161 functions as a second communication unit that performs communication by connecting the information processing unit 160 to the LAN network 130. Furthermore, the information processing unit 160 is connected to a hard disk 129 that stores and holds a large amount of data. The hard disk 129 includes various programs including an operating system OS, a driver program DP, various application programs AP, a measurement data recording file F1 (see FIG. 4), a tag arrangement position file F2 (see FIG. 5), and a product. Various data files including the data file F3 (see FIG. 6) are stored. The application program AP causes the CPU 160a to realize a function of restoring a radio signal received by the LAN interface 161 and inputting the wireless signal to the CPU 160a, or a function of performing each process described later with reference to FIGS. Is also included.

  The environment adjustment device controller 108 a includes an environment adjustment device control unit 162 and a communication unit 164. The environment adjustment device control unit 162 is connected to the environment adjustment device drive unit 108c via the connection line 163 and the control circuit 108b, and transmits a control signal to the control circuit 108b to drive and control the environment adjustment device drive unit 108c. It has a controller circuit and a non-volatile storage unit for storing data (none is shown). An watt-hour meter 165 that monitors the power consumption of the environment adjusting device driving unit 108c is connected to the environment adjusting device controller 108a. The watt-hour meter 165 inputs the amount of power consumed by each environmental adjustment device driving unit 108 c to the environmental adjustment device control unit 162. The communication unit 164 implements data communication between the environment adjustment apparatus controller 108a and the server 106.

  The router 131 mediates a LAN network 130 disposed in the supermarket 102 and a WAN network 132 constructed outside the supermarket 102, and realizes data communication between the server 106 and the headquarter server 133. The environment adjustment device controller 108 a, the control circuit 108 b, and the environment adjustment device drive unit 108 c constitute an environment adjustment device 108 that adjusts the environmental characteristics of the sales space 104.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the measurement data recording file F1. The measurement data recording file F1 includes an acquisition date and time indicating the time when the environmental characteristic information transmitted from the information display device 107 is input to the CPU 160a, a specific code of the information display device 107 transmitted in association with the environmental characteristic information, It has a structure capable of additionally storing a data record DT composed of measured values (temperature value, humidity value, illuminance value, etc.) of each environmental characteristic indicated by the environmental characteristic information. A data ID that is a unique code is added to the data record DT.

  FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the tag arrangement position file F2. FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a layout position designation method in the tag layout position file F2. The tag arrangement position file F <b> 2 is a structure capable of storing an arrangement position indicating the position in the sales space 104 where the information display apparatus 107 is arranged in association with a specific code assigned to the information display apparatus 107. have. That is, the tag arrangement position file F2 functions as an arrangement position storage unit that stores a specific code and an arrangement position in the sales floor space 104 where the information display device 107 specified by the specific code is associated with each other. Fulfill. As an example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the sales space 104 is divided into predetermined areas A to L in advance, and symbols A to L of the areas A to L to which the information display device 107 belongs are arranged. The position is specified in the tag arrangement position file F2.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the product data file F3. The product data file F3 is associated with a product code for specifying the product 103 sold in the sales floor space 104, the name of the product (hereinafter referred to as “specified product”) specified by the product code, the specified product. When managing the unit price, the specific code of the information display device 107 attached to the product display shelf 112 on which the specified product is displayed, the display data displayed on the information display device 107 related to the specified product, and the specified product It has a structure capable of storing product management information indicating optimum environmental characteristics. As an example, the merchandise management information is an instruction item that should be stored at a temperature not higher than p ° C. suitable for storage specified for each food.

  In the information display system 101 having the above-described configuration, processing described based on FIGS. 7 to 9 is executed.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for switching display contents of the information display device 107 performed in the server 106 and the information display device 107. The CPU 160a of the server 106 executes processing according to the application program AP stored in the hard disk 129 during the activation of the device, inputs a display data switching command for switching display contents of the information display device 107, and information It waits for reception of environmental characteristic information transmitted from the display device 107 (N in step S101 and N in step S105). Here, the display data switching command is made by receiving a control command input from the keyboard 126 or the pointing device 127 or transmitted from the headquarter server 133. When this data switching command is input, it is necessary to input data such as product information to be displayed on the information display device 107 and a specific code of the information display device 107 to switch the display.

  When the input of the display data switching command is not determined (N in Step S101), the CPU 160a of the server 106 advances the process to Step S105. On the other hand, when the input of the display data switching command is determined (Y in step S101), the CPU 160a of the server 106 generates display data based on the input data such as product information (step S102). More specifically, in step S102, the CPU 160a of the server 106 refers to the product data file F3, and acquires display data corresponding to the product code of the product for which product information is to be displayed on the information display device 107 (see FIG. 6). ), The display information to be displayed on the information display device 107 is generated by applying the input product information or the like to the acquired display data. As processing subsequent to step S102, the CPU 160a of the server 106 performs layer synthesis of the display data generated in step S102 on the upper layer of environmental characteristic distribution information (described later based on FIG. 8) stored in the RAM 160c (step S103). The combined display data is transmitted to the information display device 107 together with the specific code of the information display device 107 that is the display data switching target (step S104). In step S104, the CPU 160a of the server 106 transmits display data to the information display device 107 of the specific code input at the time of the data switching command, and sequentially transmits the display data by switching the specific code. You may make it switch the display of all the information display apparatuses 107. FIG.

  As processing subsequent to N in step S104 or step S101, the CPU 160a of the server 106 determines whether or not environmental characteristic information and a specific code transmitted from the information display device 107 have been received (step S105). When the input is not determined (N in Step S105), the CPU 160a of the server 106 returns the process to Step S101. On the other hand, when the input is determined (Y in step S105), the CPU 160a of the server 106 additionally records the input environmental characteristic information and the specific code in the measurement data recording file F1 (step S106), and receives the received environmental characteristic. Using the information and the specific code, an environmental characteristic distribution information creation process (described later based on FIG. 8) is executed (step S106a), and environmental characteristic distribution information generated by this process and stored in the RAM 160c (based on FIG. 8). (To be described later) is combined from the upper layer of the display data (step S107), and the combined display data is transmitted to the information display device 107 together with the specific code of the information display device 107 that is the display data switching target (step S108) The process returns to step S101. In step S108, the display data is transmitted to the information display device 107 having a predetermined specific code, and the display data is transmitted by sequentially switching the specific code to switch the display of all the information display devices 107. May be.

  On the other hand, the CPU 155a of the information display device 107 executes processing according to the program 155ba stored in the ROM 155b during the activation of the device, and either of the environmental characteristic information transmission request command or the display data transmitted from the server 106 is displayed. Waiting for reception (N in step S201 and N in step S204). When the input of the environmental characteristic information transmission request command is not determined (N in step S201), the CPU 155a of the information display device 107 advances the process to step S204. On the other hand, when the input of the environmental characteristic information transmission request command is determined (Y in step S201), the CPU 155a of the information display device 107 receives the environmental characteristic information (temperature value, humidity value, illuminance) from the environmental characteristic measurement tag 158. (Step S202), the acquired environmental characteristic information and the specific code stored in the ROM 155b are transmitted to the server 106 (step S203), and the process proceeds to step S204. In step S201, not only the presence / absence of an input of the environmental characteristic information transmission request command transmitted from the server 106 is determined, but also determination is made at regular intervals (for example, every 10 minutes) by the timer circuit 159. You may make it progress to step S202 from Y.

  As processing subsequent to N in step S201 or step S203, the CPU 155a of the information display device 107 determines whether display data transmitted from the server 106 has been received (step S204). When the reception of display data is not determined (N in Step S204), the CPU 155a of the information display device 107 returns the process to Step S201. On the other hand, when it is determined that the display data is received (Y in step S204), the CPU 155a of the information display device 107 matches the specific code transmitted together with the display data with the specific code stored in its own ROM 155b. In step S205, if it is determined that there is a mismatch (N in step S205), the process returns to step S201. If it is determined that there is a match (Y in step S205), the received display data is converted to electronic data. After displaying on the paper 151 (step S206), the process returns to step S201.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for generating environmental characteristic distribution information performed by the server 106. The CPU 160a of the server 106 executes processing for generating environmental characteristic distribution information according to the description of the application program AP stored in the hard disk 129. This process may be performed by the CPU 160a of the server 106 as a process following step S106 shown in FIG. 7, or may be performed by the CPU 160a of the server 106 at regular intervals (for example, every 15 minutes).

  First, the CPU 160a of the server 106 accesses the measurement data recording file F1 and extracts the environmental characteristic information stored and stored (step S301). In step S301, for example, the CPU 160a of the server 106 refers to the acquisition date and time of the measurement data recording file F1 for each of the areas A to L (see FIG. 5), and the latest environment of each area recorded last. Extract characteristic information (temperature, humidity, illuminance, etc.). As another example, the CPU 160a of the server 106 extracts the latest environmental characteristic information (temperature, humidity, illuminance, etc.) of each area for the past day, and each of the areas A to L (see FIG. 5). Calculate the average for.

  As a subsequent process, the CPU 160a of the server 106 refers to the tag arrangement position file F2 and applies the extracted environmental characteristic information to the areas A to L of the sales floor space 104 (step S302). Based on the result of the application, the sales floor Environmental characteristic distribution information indicating the distribution state of the environmental characteristics in the space 104 is generated (step S303). The CPU 160a of the server 106 stores the generated environmental characteristic distribution information in the RAM 160c. After completing the process in step S303, the CPU 160a of the server 106 ends the series of processes.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for controlling the environment adjustment apparatus 108 performed by the server 106. The CPU 160a of the server 106 executes a process for controlling the environment adjustment apparatus 108 during the activation of the device in accordance with the description of the application program AP stored in the hard disk 129, and is a target for reducing the amount of power transmitted from the headquarter server 133. Waiting for reception (step S401).

  The headquarters server 133 transmits a reduction target for the amount of power allocated to each store toward each store constituting the store chain. When it is determined that the reduction target for the amount of power transmitted from the headquarter server 133 has been received (Y in step S401), the CPU 160a of the server 106 refers to the product data file F3 and the product sold in the sales floor space 104. Product management information corresponding to the product code 103 is acquired (step S402). Subsequently, the CPU 160a of the server 106 refers to the product management information acquired in step S402 and the data stored in the tag arrangement position file F2, and transmits the information to each area A to L in the store from the headquarter server 133. The target of reducing the amount of electric power is reduced, and the target environmental characteristic value (environmental control target value) is calculated for each of the areas A to L (step S403), and the environmental characteristics of the areas A to L achieve this target. As described above, an operation plan for controlling the environmental adjustment device 108 is created (step S404).

  As a subsequent process, the CPU 160a of the server 106 issues a control command for controlling the environment adjustment device controller 108a so that the environment adjustment device 108 is driven so that the operation plan created in step S404 is achieved. It transmits toward 108a (step S405). The environment adjustment device controller 108a transmits a control signal corresponding to the control command received by the communication unit 164 to the control circuit 108b, and each environment adjustment device drive unit 108c (the cooler 116, the showcase 117, the illumination 118, The air conditioner 119) is driven and controlled as planned.

  As processing subsequent to step S405, the CPU 160a of the server 106 monitors the environmental characteristic distribution information stored in the RAM 160c (step S406), and determines whether or not the environmental characteristic of the sales floor space 104 has changed according to the operation plan. (Step S407). When it is determined that the environmental characteristics have not changed according to the operation plan (N in step S407), the CPU 160a of the server 106 drives and controls the environment adjustment device drive unit 108c so as to correct the operation state of the environment adjustment device 108. Is sent to the environmental control device controller 108a (step S408), and the process returns to step S406.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S407 that the environmental characteristics are changing as planned (Y in step S407), the CPU 160a of the server 106 sends the environmental adjustment device 108 from the watt-hour meter 165 to the environmental adjustment device controller. By transmitting a request signal for requesting the server 106 to transmit the power consumption input to the server 108a, and receiving the power consumption transmitted from the environment adjustment device controller 108a constituting the environment adjustment device 108. The power consumption is acquired (step S409). As a subsequent process, the CPU 160a of the server 106 obtains a difference between the power consumption acquired in step S409 and the power consumption when the environment adjustment apparatus 108 is driven without following the control command, and based on this power consumption. The CO ₂ emission reduction amount is calculated (step S410). The power consumption when the environmental adjustment device 108 is driven without following the control command is stored in advance in, for example, a nonvolatile storage unit (not shown) provided in the environmental adjustment device controller 108a. As an example, the amount of power consumed when the environmental adjustment device 108 is driven without following the control command is the same as the environmental adjustment device 108 (not shown) of the environmental adjustment device controller 108a regardless of the control command from the server 106. While the drive unit 108c is being controlled, the controller circuit writes the power consumption input from the watt hour meter 165 into the nonvolatile storage unit. Various methods can be used for calculating the CO ₂ emission reduction amount. As an example, the calculation method presented in the “Guidelines for calculating greenhouse gas emissions from businesses” presented by the Global Warming Countermeasures Division of the Global Environment Bureau of the Ministry of the Environment, A calculation method obtained by multiplying by the carbon dioxide emission coefficient can be used. As processing subsequent to step S410, the CPU 160a of the server 106 transmits the calculated CO ₂ emission reduction amount to the headquarter server 133 and each information display device 107 (step S411). After finishing the process of step S411, CPU160a of the server 106 returns a process to step S401.

When the CPU 155a of the information display device 107 determines that the CO ₂ emission reduction amount transmitted from the server 106 has been received, the CPU 155a performs a process of displaying the received CO ₂ emission reduction amount on the electronic paper 151 as the environmental action information 157. To do. When the information processing unit (not shown) of the headquarter server 133 determines that the CO ₂ emission reduction amount transmitted from the server 106 has been received, the information is received in the database that stores the CO ₂ emission reduction amount for each store. The CO ₂ emission reduction information is stored in association with the store code for each store.

  In the supermarket 102 in which the information display system 101 configured as described above is introduced, a plurality of information display devices 107 are distributed and arranged in the sales space 104. The environmental characteristic measurement tag 158 attached to the information display device 107 measures the environmental characteristics (temperature, humidity, illuminance, etc.) around the information display device 107, and generates environmental characteristic information based on the measurement results. The environmental characteristic information is periodically or together with a specific code for identifying the information display apparatus 107 when the microcomputer 155 of the information display apparatus 107 determines that the environmental characteristic information transmission request command from the server 106 has been received. Sent to the server 106. In the server 106, the collected environmental characteristic information is stored in the measurement data recording file F1. Then, the server 106 refers to the measurement data recording file F1 in which environmental characteristic information is accumulated and stored, and the tag arrangement position file F2 in which the arrangement position where the environmental characteristic measurement tag 158 is arranged is referred to. Environmental characteristic distribution information indicating a distribution state of environmental characteristics (temperature, humidity, illuminance) in the space 104 is generated and stored in the RAM 160c. This environmental characteristic distribution information is displayed on the information display device 107 attached to the merchandise display shelf 112 together with the merchandise information 156 so that it can be noticed by customers who are shopping.

As an example, in FIG. 2, the electronic paper 151 of the information display device 107 displays the message “Sunday special sale, slightly extravagant size for one person, carefully selected summer vegetables, 280 yen (tax included)” as product information 156. In addition, a message “eco temperature 18 ° C. CO ₂ emission reduction 2 tons / day” is displayed as the environmental action information 157. The “current temperature” displayed on the information display device 107 is a part of the environmental characteristic distribution information transmitted from the server 106, and may be an average temperature of the entire sales floor space 104. It may be the temperature around the installed product display shelf 112. Further, "CO ₂ emission reduction amount" displayed on the information display device 107 is a CO ₂ emission reduction amount sent from the server 106. Although not shown, instead of the CO ₂ emission reduction amount, it is also possible to display the reduced power consumption value.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of environmental characteristic distribution information displayed on the information display device 107. As another example, as shown in FIG. 10, product information 156 similar to the above is displayed on the electronic paper 151 of the information display device 107, and along with this, temperature distribution in the sales space 104 is shown as environmental action information 157. A temperature distribution diagram 157a may be displayed. This temperature distribution diagram 157a is an aspect of display data created by the server 106 and transmitted to the information display device 107. Instead of the temperature distribution chart 157a, a distribution chart for various environmental characteristics such as humidity distribution and illuminance distribution in the sales space 104 is created by the server 106, and the created distribution chart is transmitted to the information display device 107. Then, it may be displayed on the information display device 107.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of environmental characteristic distribution information displayed on the information display device 107. As another example, as shown in FIG. 11, product information 156 similar to the above is displayed on the electronic paper 151 of the information display device 107, and is also stored and stored in the measurement data recording file F1 as environmental action information 157. The temperature change graph 157b in the sales floor space 104 may be displayed in which the environmental characteristic information (temperature value in FIG. 11) is extracted and the change with time is represented by a graph. The temperature change graph 157b is one form of display data that is created by the server 106 and transmitted to the information display device 107. The temperature change indicated by the temperature change graph 157b may be the average temperature of the entire sales space 104 or may be the temperature around the product display shelf 112 where the information display device 107 is installed. Further, instead of the temperature change graph 157b, a graph indicating changes in various environmental characteristics such as humidity change and illuminance change in the sales space 104 is created by the server 106, and the created graph is displayed on the information display device 107. It may be transmitted and displayed on the information display device 107.

  Thus, according to the information display system 101 of the present embodiment, environmental characteristic distribution information is generated from various environmental characteristic data such as temperature, humidity, and illuminance of the sales floor space 104 collected in the server 106. Since the environmental characteristic distribution information is distributed and displayed on the information display device 107, it is possible to appeal to customers about the environmental protection efforts and food management systems that are being performed in stores.

  In the information display system 101 of the present embodiment, a control command based on the measurement result of the measured environmental characteristic is transmitted from the server 106 to the environmental adjustment apparatus 108, and the environmental adjustment apparatus 108 has a target whose environmental characteristic is desired. Since the drive control is performed so as to be in a state, it is possible to optimally operate the environmental adjustment device 108 that leads to energy saving in the sales space 104.

Furthermore, in the information display system 101 according to the present embodiment, the measured values and distribution of environmental characteristics (temperature, humidity, illuminance, etc.) themselves, changes over time, and the environment adjusting device 108 performs control according to the environmental characteristics. The result of the reduction in power consumption and the reduction in CO ₂ emission realized in the above is displayed on the information display device 107 together with the product information 156. For this reason, when appealing to customers about environmental protection efforts and food management systems in the supermarket 102, the information display device 107 already introduced in the supermarket 102 can be used. That is, it is not necessary to construct a new sensor network in the supermarket 102. Such appeal of environmental protection and food management system can be said to increase the trust of stores and contribute to the increase in visitors.

  In the information display system 101 of this embodiment, the information display device 107 is arranged near the product 103 displayed on the product display shelf 112 and displays the product information 156 of the product 103. At this time, the information display device 107 is not only located in the vicinity of the product 103 but also distributed in a moderately large number throughout the sales space 104, and the range in which the environmental characteristic measurement tags 158 sense the environmental characteristics is defined as the entire sales space 104. It is desirable to cover the surface.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 ... Information display system, 104 ... Sales space, 106 ... Server, 107 ... Information display apparatus, 108 ... Environmental adjustment apparatus, 151 ... Electronic paper (display part), 154 ... Wireless communication unit (1st communication part), 155 ... Microcomputer (control unit), 157 ... environmental action information (environmental characteristic distribution information), 158 ... environmental characteristic measurement tag (measurement unit), 160 ... information processing unit, 161 ... LAN interface (second communication unit), F2 ... Tag location file (location location storage)

Claims (12)

A plurality of information display devices arranged in a sales space and specified by a specific code, comprising a display unit for displaying information, a first communication unit for performing communication, and a control unit for controlling each unit;
A server comprising: a second communication unit that performs communication; and an information processing unit that performs information processing;
An information processing unit of the server generates environmental characteristic distribution information indicating a distribution state of environmental characteristics of the sales space from environmental characteristic information in the sales space where the information display device is arranged, and further includes the specific code and the specific code By referring to the product information storage unit that stores the product information specified by the specific code in association with each other, the price information of the product included in the product information corresponding to the specific code is acquired, and the environmental characteristic distribution information And means for causing the price information of the product to be transmitted to each of the information display devices to the second communication unit;
Means for causing the display unit to display environmental characteristic distribution information and product price information received by the first communication unit on the display unit;
An information display system comprising: The information display device further includes a measurement unit that measures environmental characteristics and generates environmental characteristic information based on the measurement results,
The control unit of the information display device associates the specific code for specifying the information display device with the environmental characteristic information generated by the measurement unit, and causes the first communication unit to transmit to the server,
The information processing unit of the server refers to an arrangement position storage unit that stores a specific code and an arrangement position in the sales space where the information display device specified by the specific code is arranged, 2. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein environmental characteristic distribution information indicating a distribution state of environmental characteristics in the sales space is generated from the specific code and environmental characteristic information received by the second communication unit.   The information processing unit of the server includes an environment adjustment device that adjusts the environmental characteristic so that the environmental characteristic of the sales space becomes a desired target state based on the specific code and the environmental characteristic information received by the second communication unit. The information display system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a control command for driving control is generated, and the control command is transmitted to the second communication unit toward the environment adjustment device. The information processing unit of the server stores in advance power consumption input from a watt-hour meter that monitors the environmental adjustment device that is driven according to the control command and when the environmental adjustment device is driven without following the control command. Determining the difference from the power consumption stored in the unit, and causing the second communication unit to transmit the CO ₂ emission reduction amount calculated based on the difference to each of the information display devices,
The information display system according to claim 3, wherein the control unit of the information display device causes the display unit to display the CO ₂ emission reduction amount received by the first communication unit. An information display device arranged in a sales space and specified by a specific code,
A display for displaying information;
A first communication unit that performs communication;
A control unit for controlling each unit;
The control unit receives the environmental characteristic distribution information indicating the distribution state of the environmental characteristic of the sales floor space received by the first communication unit and the price information of the product included in the product information corresponding to the specific code on the display unit. Means for displaying;
An information display device comprising: It further includes a measurement unit that measures environmental characteristics and generates environmental characteristic information based on the measurement results,
The information display according to claim 5, wherein the control unit causes the first communication unit to transmit the specific code for specifying the information display device and the environmental characteristic information generated by the measurement unit in association with each other. apparatus. The information display device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display the CO ₂ emission reduction amount received by the first communication unit.   8. The information display device according to claim 5, wherein the information display device is an electronic POP device or an electronic shelf label device. A second communication unit for performing communication;
An information processing unit for executing information processing;
The information processing unit generates environmental characteristic distribution information indicating a distribution state of environmental characteristics of the sales space from environmental characteristic information in the sales space where the information display device specified by the specific code is arranged, and further the specific code And the product information storage unit that stores the product information specified by the specific code in association with each other, obtains price information of the product included in the product information corresponding to the specific code, and Means for transmitting distribution information and product price information to each of the information display devices to the second communication unit;
A server comprising:   The information processing unit refers to an arrangement position storage unit that stores the specific code and an arrangement position in the sales space where the information display device specified by the specific code is arranged, in association with each other. The server according to claim 9, wherein the second communication unit generates environmental characteristic distribution information indicating a distribution state of the environmental characteristics of the sales floor space from the specific code and the environmental characteristic information received from the information display device.   The information processing unit drives and controls an environment adjustment device that adjusts the environmental characteristic so that the environmental characteristic of the sales space becomes a desired target state based on the specific code and the environmental characteristic information received by the second communication unit. The server according to claim 9 or 10, wherein a control command for generating the control command is generated, and the control command is transmitted to the second communication unit toward the environment adjustment device.   The information processing unit stores power consumption input from a watt-hour meter that monitors the environmental adjustment device that is driven according to the control command, and a storage unit in advance when the environmental adjustment device is driven without following the control command. 12. The difference between the stored power consumption amount is obtained, and the CO2 emission reduction amount calculated based on the difference is transmitted to each of the information display devices to the second communication unit. Server described in.

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