JP2011096040A - Information display system and management device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow two kinds of display devices, i.e., a large information display device and an information display device to freely perform displaying by linkage. <P>SOLUTION: A handy terminal 6 includes: an input part for receiving the inputs of information for uniquely specifying an electronic bin tag terminal 1 and information for uniquely specifying a large electronic bin tag terminal 2; and a transmission part for transmitting the information for uniquely specifying the electronic bin tag terminal 1 and the information for uniquely specifying the large electronic bin tag terminal 2 to an ESL server 3. The ESL server 3 includes: a management device reception part for receiving the information to be transmitted from the transmission part of the handy terminal 6; and a management device storage part for storing the information for uniquely specifying the electronic bin tag terminal 1 and the information for uniquely specifying the large electronic bin tag terminal 2 by association. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information display system and a management apparatus.

  An electronic shelf that reads a product code attached to a product and a device code attached to an electronic shelf label terminal using a handy terminal and creates a product information file based on the read product code and device coat A bill system is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Also, a plurality of electronic shelf label terminals can be obtained by associating product information describing a specific product with an electronic shelf label terminal disposed at a position where the product is displayed and an electronic shelf label terminal disposed on a bulletin board. There is known an electronic shelf label system that displays the same product information (see Patent Document 2, for example).

  Also, an ESL (Electronic Shelf Label) management server identifies the electronic shelf label terminal and the large electronic shelf label terminal, and displays display data suitable for the electronic shelf label terminal and the large electronic shelf label terminal. It is known that an electronic shelf label terminal and a large electronic shelf label terminal perform display based on the display data transmitted to the terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

JP 2007-222645 A JP 2007-226713 A JP 2003-058948 A

  However, in the above technique, there is a problem that two types of display devices, that is, a large information display device and an information display device, cannot display freely in cooperation.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides an information display system and a management apparatus in which two types of display devices, a large-sized information display device and an information display device, can freely display in cooperation. The purpose is to provide.

  The present invention provides an information display system including an information display device, a large information display device, a management device, and a handy terminal. The handy terminal includes information for uniquely identifying the information display device, and a large information display device. An input unit that accepts input of information that uniquely specifies; a transmission unit that transmits information that uniquely identifies the information display device; and information that uniquely identifies the large information display device to the management device; The management device includes: a management device receiving unit that receives information transmitted from a transmission unit of the handy terminal; information that uniquely identifies the information display device; and information that uniquely identifies the large information display device And a management device storage unit that stores the information in association with each other.

  In the information display system of the present invention, the input unit further accepts input of information for uniquely identifying a product, and the transmission unit includes information for uniquely identifying the information display device, and the large information display Information for uniquely identifying a device and information for uniquely identifying the product are transmitted to the management device, and the management device is configured to transmit information from the transmission unit to uniquely identify the information display device; A management device control unit that determines information stored in the management device storage unit in association with information that uniquely identifies the large information display device and information that uniquely identifies the product; The unit stores the information determined to be stored in association with the management device control unit in association with each other.

  In the information display system of the present invention, the management device control unit associates the product information specified by the information for uniquely specifying the product information with the information for uniquely specifying the product information, and stores the management device in the information display system. The information display device specified by the information that uniquely specifies the information display device stored in the unit, and the management device storage unit stores the information display device in association with the information that uniquely specifies the information display device The large information display device is displayed on the large information display device specified by information uniquely specifying the large information display device.

  In addition, the present invention is a management device included in an information display system including an information display device, a large information display device, a management device, and a handy terminal, wherein the information display device transmitted from the handy terminal is A management device receiving unit that receives information that uniquely identifies, information that uniquely identifies the large information display device, information that uniquely identifies the information display device, and uniquely identifies the large information display device And a management device storage unit that stores information in association with each other.

  Further, the present invention provides information that uniquely identifies the information display device transmitted from the handy terminal, information that uniquely identifies the large information display device, and information that uniquely identifies the product, A management device control unit that determines information stored in association with the management device storage unit is provided, and the management device storage unit stores information determined to be stored in association with the management device control unit in association with each other. It is a management device.

  In the management device of the present invention, the management device control unit associates the product information specified by the information for uniquely specifying the product information with the information for uniquely specifying the product information, and the management device storage unit The information display device that is specified by information that uniquely specifies the information display device that is stored, and the large size that is stored in the management device storage unit in association with information that uniquely specifies the information display device The information display device is displayed on the large information display device specified by information that uniquely specifies the information display device.

  In the information display system of the present invention, the information display device is an electronic shelf label terminal, and the large information display device is a large electronic shelf label terminal.

  According to the present invention, two types of display devices, a large-sized information display device and an information display device, can display freely in cooperation.

It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the store system containing the electronic shelf label system in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the electronic shelf label terminal in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the large sized electronic shelf label terminal in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the ESL server in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the handy terminal in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which showed the external appearance of the shelf in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which showed the data structure of the management information database in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which showed the data structure of the large sized ESL information database in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which showed the merchandise information display screen which the display part of the electronic shelf label terminal in the 1st Embodiment of this invention displays. It is the schematic which showed the recommended goods display screen which the display input part of the large sized electronic shelf label terminal in the 1st Embodiment of this invention displays. In the 1st Embodiment of this invention, it is the flowchart which showed the procedure which associates and memorize | stores large ESL information in ESL information. It is the schematic which showed the data structure of the merchandise information database in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. In the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, it is the flowchart which showed the procedure which links | relates and memorize | stores merchandise information and large sized ESL information in ESL information.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a store system including the electronic shelf label system of the present embodiment. In the illustrated example, the store system includes an electronic shelf label system, a POS (Point of sales) server 7, and a POS register 8. The electronic shelf label system includes an electronic shelf label terminal 1, a large electronic shelf label terminal 2, an ESL (Electronic shelf label) server 3 (management device), an access point 4, and a relay 5- 1-5-3 and the handy terminal 6 are provided. The ESL server 3 and the POS server 7 are installed in the backyard 100. The electronic shelf label terminal 1, the large electronic shelf label terminal 2, the access point 4, the relay devices 5-1 to 5-3, and the POS register 8 are installed in the store 200.

  The ESL server 3, the access point 4, the relay devices 5-1 and 4-2, the POS server 7 and the POS register 8 are connected by a wired network and can perform data communication with each other. The access point 4 is connected to the relay device 5-3 and the handy terminal 6 through a wireless network such as a wireless LAN, and can perform data communication with each other. In addition, the electronic shelf label terminal 1 and the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 and the repeaters 5-1 to 5-3 are connected by a wireless network using a short-range wireless system (for example, IEEE 802.15.4). , Mutual data communication can be performed. Thereby, the electronic shelf label terminal 1, the large-sized electronic shelf label terminal 2, and the ESL server 3 can perform data communication with each other. Further, the ESL server 3 and the handy terminal 6 can perform data communication with each other.

  In addition, the electronic shelf label terminal 1 and the large electronic shelf label are used by using the short-range wireless system in the wireless network between the electronic shelf label terminal 1 and the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 and the relay devices 5-1 to 5-3. The terminal 2 can be downsized and the battery life can be extended, and the communication speed between the electronic shelf label terminal 1 and the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 and the repeaters 5-1 to 5-3 can be increased. .

  The electronic shelf label terminal 1 displays the price and description of the product. The large electronic shelf label terminal 2 includes a large liquid crystal display, a touch panel, and the like, and displays information for sales promotion of products. In addition, since the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 is provided with a large liquid crystal display, a touch panel, etc., a large amount of information such as information on a plurality of products can be displayed at a time.

  The ESL server 3 manages the electronic shelf label terminal 1 and the large electronic shelf label terminal 2. The access point 4 and the relay devices 5-1 to 5-3 relay data communication. The handy terminal 6 receives information input to the ESL server 3 and transmits this information to the ESL server 3. The POS server 7 manages product information, sales information, and the like. The POS register 8 performs a checkout process for products purchased by the customer.

  Next, the configuration of the electronic shelf label terminal 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the electronic shelf label terminal 1 in the present embodiment. In the illustrated example, the electronic shelf label terminal 1 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 12, a storage unit 13, a wireless communication unit 14, and a battery 15.

  The control unit 11 controls each unit included in the electronic shelf label terminal 1. The display unit 12 is a liquid crystal display device or the like, and displays a product name, a product price, and the like. The storage unit 13 temporarily stores data used by each unit of the electronic shelf label terminal 1 during processing. The wireless communication unit 14 transmits / receives data to / from the ESL server 3 via the relay devices 5-1 to 5-3. The battery 15 supplies power to each unit included in the electronic shelf label terminal 1.

  Next, the configuration of the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 in the present embodiment. In the illustrated example, the large-sized electronic shelf label terminal 2 includes a control unit 21, a display input unit 22, a storage unit 23, a wireless communication unit 24, and a battery 25.

  The control unit 21 controls each unit included in the large electronic shelf label terminal 2. The display input unit 22 is a touch panel or the like, displays information for sales promotion of products, and receives input from the operator. The memory | storage part 23 memorize | stores temporarily the data which each part of the large sized electronic shelf label terminal 2 uses in the middle of a process. The wireless communication unit 24 transmits / receives data to / from the ESL server 3 via the relay devices 5-1 to 5-3. The battery 25 supplies power to each unit included in the large electronic shelf label terminal 2.

  Next, the configuration of the ESL server 3 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ESL server 3 in the present embodiment. In the illustrated example, the ESL server 3 includes a management device control unit 31, a management device storage unit 33, and a management device communication unit 34 (management device reception unit).

  The management device control unit 31 controls each unit included in the ESL server 3. The management device storage unit 33 stores a management information database. The management information database will be described later. The management device communication unit 34 transmits / receives data to / from the electronic shelf label terminal 1, the large-sized electronic shelf label terminal 2, and the handy terminal 6 through the relay devices 5-1 to 5-3.

  Next, the configuration of the handy terminal 6 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the handy terminal 6 in the present embodiment. In the illustrated example, the handy terminal 6 includes a control unit 61, a display unit 62, a storage unit 63, a wireless communication unit 64, a battery 65, and an input unit 66.

  The control unit 61 controls each unit included in the handy terminal 6. The display unit 62 is a liquid crystal display device or the like, and displays information received by the input unit 66. The storage unit 63 temporarily stores data used by each unit of the handy terminal 6 during the process. The wireless communication unit 64 transmits / receives data to / from the ESL server 3 via the access point 4. The battery 65 supplies power to each unit included in the handy terminal 6. The input unit 66 includes a barcode reader, an input button, and the like, and receives information to be input to the ESL server 3.

  Next, a shelf on which the electronic shelf label terminal 1 and the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 are installed will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a shelf on which the electronic shelf label terminal 1 and the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 are installed in the present embodiment. In the illustrated example, a shelf 101 and a shelf 102 are shown.

  A large electronic shelf label terminal 2-1 is installed on the shelf 101. A large electronic shelf label terminal 2-2 is installed on the shelf 102. The shelf 101 includes a shelf plate 111 to a shelf plate 114 on which products are arranged in order from the top. On the shelf board 111, electronic shelf label terminals 1-1 to 1-3 are installed in order from the left side. Further, on the shelf board 112, electronic shelf label terminals 1-4 to 1-7 are installed in order from the left side. Moreover, electronic shelf label terminals 1-8 to 1-10 are installed on the shelf board 113 in order from the left side. In addition, on the shelf board 114, electronic shelf label terminals 1-11 to 1-12 are installed in order from the left side.

  The shelf 102 includes shelf plates 115 to 118 on which products are arranged in order from the top. On the shelf board 115, electronic shelf label terminals 1-13 to 1-15 are installed in order from the left side. Further, on the shelf board 116, electronic shelf label terminals 1-16 to 1-19 are installed in order from the left side. Also, on the shelf plate 117, electronic shelf label terminals 1-20 to 1-22 are installed in order from the left side. In addition, on the shelf board 118, electronic shelf label terminals 1-23 to 1-24 are installed in order from the left side.

  Next, a management information database stored in the management device storage unit 33 of the ESL server 3 will be described. The management information database indicates ESL information indicating information on the electronic shelf label terminal 1, product information on products displayed on the electronic shelf label terminal 1 and the large electronic shelf label terminal 2, and information on the large electronic shelf label terminal 2. The large ESL information is stored in association with each other.

  The ESL information is information including “ESL code”, “size”, and “color”. The product information is information including “product code”, “product name”, “production area”, “price”, “explanation 1”, and “explanation 2”. The large ESL information is information including “large ESL code”, “size”, “color”, and “display data”.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data structure of a management information database stored in the management device storage unit 33 of the ESL server 3 in the present embodiment.

  The management information database has a tabular data structure: “ESL code”, “size”, “color”, “product code”, “product name”, “origin”, “price” ”,“ Description 1 ”,“ Description 2 ”,“ Large ESL Code ”,“ Size ”,“ Color ”, and“ Display Data ”. The management information database stores information on each data item in association with each row.

  The “ESL code” is an identifier that uniquely identifies the electronic shelf label terminal 1 included in the electronic shelf label system. “Size” is information indicating the size of the electronic shelf label terminal 1. Specifically, the size “S” indicates that the electronic shelf label terminal 1 is small. The size “M” indicates that the size of the electronic shelf label terminal 1 is medium.

  “Color” is information indicating colors that can be displayed by the display unit 12 included in the electronic shelf label terminal 1. Specifically, the color “color” indicates that the display unit 12 included in the electronic shelf label terminal 1 can perform color display. The color “monochrome” indicates that the display unit 12 included in the electronic shelf label terminal 1 can perform monochrome display.

  The “product code” is an identifier that uniquely identifies the type of product. “Product name” is the name of the product. “Origin” is the origin of the product. “Price” is the price of the product. “Description 1” and “Description 2” are sentences explaining the product. The “large ESL code” is an identifier that uniquely identifies the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 included in the electronic shelf label system. “Size” is information indicating the size of the large electronic shelf label terminal 2. Specifically, the size “L” indicates that the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 is large. The size “LL” indicates that the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 is extra large.

  “Color” is information indicating colors that can be displayed by the display input unit 22 included in the large-sized electronic shelf label terminal 2. Specifically, the color “color” indicates that the display input unit 22 included in the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 can perform color display. The color “monochrome” indicates that the display input unit 22 provided in the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 can perform monochrome display. “Display data” is information for specifying display contents displayed by the display input unit 22 of the large-sized electronic shelf label terminal 2. Specifically, the display data “Description 1” indicates that the display input unit 22 of the large-sized electronic shelf label terminal 2 displays the contents of “Description 1” of the product information. The display data “Description 2” indicates that the display input unit 22 of the large-sized electronic shelf label terminal 2 displays the content of “Description 2” of the product information.

  Next, the contents indicated by each line of the management information will be described. For example, in the example shown in the row 701, the size of the electronic shelf label terminal 1 specified by the ESL code “1001” is “M”, and the color is “monochrome”.

  In addition, the product code of the product displayed by the electronic shelf label terminal 1 identified by the ESL code “1001” is “111”, the product name is “Soka Sendon”, the production area is “Niigata”, and the price is It is “100”, explanation 1 is “use of rice in Niigata prefecture”, and explanation 2 is “speaking of Niigata”. The large ESL code of the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 associated with the electronic shelf label terminal 1 specified by the ESL code “1001” is “101001”, the size is “LL”, and the color is “monochrome”. And the display data is “Description 2”. The contents indicated by other lines are as illustrated.

  Next, a large ESL information database stored in the management device storage unit 33 of the ESL server 3 will be described. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure of a large ESL information database stored in the management device storage unit 33 of the ESL server 3 in the present embodiment. The large ESL information database has a tabular data structure, and has data items of “large ESL code”, “size”, “color”, and “display data”. The large ESL information database stores information of each data item in association with each row.

  The “large ESL code” is an identifier that uniquely identifies the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 included in the electronic shelf label system. “Size” is information indicating the size of the large electronic shelf label terminal 2. “Color” is information indicating colors that can be displayed by the display input unit 22 included in the large-sized electronic shelf label terminal 2. “Display data” is information for specifying display contents displayed by the display input unit 22 of the large-sized electronic shelf label terminal 2.

  Next, the contents indicated by each line of the large ESL information will be described. For example, in the example shown in the row 801, the size of the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 specified by the large ESL code “101001” is “LL”, the color is “monochrome”, and the display data is “Description 2”. It shows that there is. The contents indicated by other lines are as illustrated.

  Next, a screen example displayed on the display unit 12 of the electronic shelf label terminal 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As a method for the display unit 12 of the electronic shelf label terminal 1 to display the screen, the ESL server 3 creates image data for displaying an image including the product name shown in FIG. There is a method in which the display unit 12 of the electronic shelf label terminal 1 displays the image based on the transmitted image data. In addition, the method by which the display unit 12 of the electronic shelf label terminal 1 displays the screen is not limited to this method, and any method may be used. For example, the ESL server 3 transmits various types of information such as product names included in the screen shown in FIG. 9 to the electronic shelf label terminal 1, and the control unit 11 of the electronic shelf label terminal 1 displays the information based on the transmitted information. Alternatively, a method may be used in which image data for displaying an image including the product name shown in FIG. 9 is generated, and the display unit 12 displays an image based on the image data.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a “product information display screen” displayed on the display unit 12 of the electronic shelf label terminal 1 in the present embodiment. A display unit 12 and a barcode 17 are provided on the front surface of the electronic shelf label terminal 1. The bar code 17 is a bar code indicating an ESL code. The product information display screen displays “product name” at the top of the screen, “explanation 1” at the center of the screen, and “price” at the bottom of the screen.

  In the example shown in the figure, the display unit 12 of the electronic shelf label terminal 1 displays “Soka rice cracker” at the top of the screen, “Use of rice from Niigata Prefecture” at the center of the screen, and “100 yen” on the screen. It is displayed at the bottom. This is a display based on the information in the row 701 stored in the management information database.

  Next, a screen example displayed by the display input unit 22 of the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 will be described with reference to FIG. As a method for the display input unit 22 of the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 to display the screen, the ESL server 3 creates image data for displaying an image including the product name shown in FIG. There is a method in which the image is transmitted to the terminal 2 and the display input unit 22 of the large-sized electronic shelf label terminal 2 displays an image based on the transmitted image data. In addition, the method by which the display input unit 22 of the large-sized electronic shelf label terminal 2 displays the screen is not limited to this method, and any method may be used. For example, the ESL server 3 transmits various information such as product names included in the screen shown in FIG. 10 to the large electronic shelf label terminal 2, and the control unit 21 of the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 is based on the transmitted information. Alternatively, a method may be used in which image data for displaying an image including the product name shown in FIG. 10 is generated, and the display input unit 22 displays an image based on the image data.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a “recommended product display screen” displayed by the display input unit 22 of the large-sized electronic shelf label terminal 2 in the present embodiment. A display input unit 22 and a barcode 27 are provided on the front surface of the large electronic shelf label terminal 2. The barcode 27 is a barcode indicating a large ESL code. The recommended product display screen includes a title display area 2201, a product information display area 2202, and a designated information display area 2203.

  The title display area 2201 is an area for displaying a screen title. The product information display area 2202 is an area for displaying product information. The designated information display area 2203 is an area for displaying information designated by display data.

  In the illustrated example, the display input unit 22 of the large-sized electronic shelf label terminal 2 displays “Today's recommended items” in the title display area 2201. In addition, the display input unit 22 displays “Sokasensen Niigata prefecture rice use 100 yen” in the product information display area 2202. In addition, the display input unit 22 displays “Nishigata, Koshi ...” in the designated information display area 2203. This is a display based on the information in the row 701 stored in the management information database.

  Next, the procedure in which the ESL server 3 stores the electronic shelf label terminal 1 and the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 in the management information database in association with each other will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for storing the large ESL information in association with the ESL information stored in the management information database. A mode in which the ESL server 3 operates in this procedure is referred to as a device link mode. In the present embodiment, ESL information and product information are associated with each other and stored in advance in the management information database.

  (Step S101) The operator causes the barcode reader included in the input unit 66 of the handy terminal 6 to read the barcode 27 attached to the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 to be associated. The control unit 61 of the handy terminal 6 acquires the large ESL code of the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 from the read barcode 27. The wireless communication unit 64 of the handy terminal 6 transmits the acquired large ESL code to the ESL server 3. The management device communication unit 34 of the ESL server 3 receives the large ESL code transmitted from the handy terminal 6. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S102.

  (Step S102) The operator causes the barcode reader included in the input unit 66 of the handy terminal 6 to read the barcode 17 attached to the electronic shelf label terminal 1 to be associated. The control unit 61 of the handy terminal 6 acquires the ESL code of the electronic shelf label terminal 1 from the read barcode 17. The wireless communication unit 64 of the handy terminal 6 transmits the acquired ESL code to the ESL server 3. The management device communication unit 34 of the ESL server 3 receives the ESL code transmitted from the handy terminal 6. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S103.

  (Step S103) The operator associates the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 with the barcode 27 read in Step S101 with the electronic shelf label terminal 1 with the barcode 17 read in Step S102. Is executed, the confirmation information is input using an input button provided in the input unit 66 of the handy terminal 6. The wireless communication unit 64 of the handy terminal 6 transmits the input confirmation information to the ESL server 3. Note that the wireless communication unit 64 of the handy terminal 6 does not perform any processing when the input unit 66 does not accept the input of confirmation information. When the confirmation information is transmitted from the handy terminal 6, the management device communication unit 34 of the ESL server 3 receives the confirmation information. The control unit 31 of the ESL server 3 determines whether the confirmation information has been received. When it is determined that the confirmation information has been received, the control unit 31 of the ESL server 3 proceeds to the process of step S104, and otherwise ends the process.

  (Step S104) The control unit 31 of the ESL server 3 reads large ESL information specified by the large ESL code received in step S101 from the large ESL information database stored in the management device storage unit 33. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S105.

  (Step S105) The control unit 31 of the ESL server 3 associates the large-scale ESL information read in step S104 with the ESL code received in step S102, and stores it in the management information database stored in the management device storage unit 23. Thereafter, the process ends.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, based on the barcode 27 attached to the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 read by the handy terminal 6 and the barcode 17 attached to the electronic shelf label terminal 1, The ESL server 3 associates the electronic shelf label terminal 1 with the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 and stores them in the management information database shown in FIG.

  As a result, when the ESL server 3 is operating in the device link mode, the operator attaches the barcode 27 attached to the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 and the electronic shelf label terminal 1 to the handy terminal 6. The electronic shelf label terminal 1 and the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 can be associated with each other simply by reading the existing barcode 17.

  Further, the ESL server 3 performs the electronic shelf label as shown in FIG. 10 based on the electronic shelf label terminal 1, the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 and the product information stored in the management information database shown in FIG. The product information associated with the terminal 1 is displayed on the display input unit 22 of the large electronic shelf label terminal 2.

  In the above-described example, the case where the confirmation information is received in step S103 has been described using the example of proceeding to the process of step S104. For example, the process of step S104 is directly executed after the process of step S102. May be.

  In this case, when the operator mistakenly reads the barcode 27 attached to the different large electronic shelf label terminal 2 in step S101, or in step S102, the operator mistakenly makes the electronic shelf label terminal 1 different. When the attached barcode 17 is read, it is automatically stored in the management information database without the confirmation operation by the operator. However, the correct information is obtained when the operator performs the same process once again. Stored in the management information database. That is, in this case, the ESL server 3 overwrites the management information database on the assumption that the latest input information is correct information.

  In this manner, the electronic shelf label terminal 1 and the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 can be associated with each other without using the confirmation information.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the handy terminal 6 combines the barcode 17 attached to the electronic shelf label terminal 1, the barcode 27 attached to the large electronic shelf label terminal 2, and the barcode attached to the product. Based on the reading order, the ESL server 3 automatically determines whether the electronic shelf label terminal 1 is associated with the product or the electronic shelf label terminal 1 is associated with the large electronic shelf label terminal 2, The determined association process is performed. The bar code attached to the product is a bar code indicating the product code.

  For example, in the present embodiment, when the handy terminal 6 reads the barcode attached to the electronic shelf label terminal 1 and subsequently reads the barcode attached to the product, the ESL server 3 moves to the electronic shelf. It is determined that the bill terminal 1 is associated with the product. Then, the ESL server 3 performs processing for associating the electronic shelf label terminal 1 with the product.

  When the handy terminal 6 reads the barcode attached to the electronic shelf label terminal 1 and subsequently reads the barcode attached to the large electronic shelf label terminal 2, the ESL server 3 reads the electronic shelf label terminal 2. It is determined that the terminal 1 and the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 are associated. Then, the ESL server 3 performs an association process between the electronic shelf label terminal 1 and the large electronic shelf label terminal 2. Further, when the handy terminal 6 reads the barcodes in an order other than the above, the ESL server 3 ends the process (performs an error process).

  Thus, the operator can associate the electronic shelf label terminal 1 with the product and associate the electronic shelf label terminal 1 with the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 without switching the operation mode of the ESL server 3. .

  Note that the configuration of the store system including the electronic shelf label system in the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the store system including the electronic shelf label system in the first embodiment. Further, the configuration of the electronic shelf label terminal 1 in the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the electronic shelf label terminal 1 in the first embodiment. Moreover, the structure of the large sized electronic shelf label terminal 2 in this embodiment is the same structure as the structure of the large sized electronic shelf label terminal 2 in 1st Embodiment. Further, the configuration of the ESL server 3 in the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the ESL server 3 in the first embodiment. Further, the configuration of the handy terminal 6 in the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the handy terminal 6 in the first embodiment. In addition, the appearance of the shelves 101 and 102 in the present embodiment is similar to the appearance of the shelves 101 and 102 in the first embodiment.

  Next, the product information database stored in the POS server 7 will be described. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the product information database stored in the POS server 7 in this embodiment. The product information database has a tabular data structure, and data of “product code”, “product name”, “origin”, “price”, “explanation 1”, and “explanation 2”. Have items. The product information database stores information on each data item in association with each row.

  The “product code” is an identifier that uniquely identifies the type of product. “Product name” is the name of the product. The “production area” is the production area of the product. “Price” is the price of a product. “Description 1” and “Description 2” are sentences explaining the product. The “product code” is associated with “product name”, “origin”, “price”, “description 1”, and “description 2”, and uniquely identifies the “product code”. Then, “product name”, “origin”, “price”, “explanation 1”, and “explanation 2” are uniquely identified.

  Next, the contents indicated by each line of the product information will be described. For example, in the example shown in the row 1001, the product name of the product specified by the product code “111” is “Soka Senchu”, the production area is “Niigata”, the price is “100”, and the explanation 1 is “ “Use of rice in Niigata Prefecture”, and explanation 2 indicates that “Speaking of Niigata, Koshi ...”. The contents indicated by other lines are as illustrated.

  Next, a procedure in which the ESL server 3 associates and stores the electronic shelf label terminal 1 and the product and a procedure in which the electronic shelf label terminal 1 and the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 are associated and stored will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure for storing product information and large-scale ESL information in association with ESL information stored in the management information database.

  (Step S201) The operator causes the barcode reader included in the input unit 66 of the handy terminal 6 to read the barcode 17 attached to the electronic shelf label terminal 1 to be associated. The control unit 61 of the handy terminal 6 acquires the ESL code of the electronic shelf label terminal 1 from the read barcode 17. The wireless communication unit 64 of the handy terminal 6 transmits the acquired ESL code to the ESL server 3. The management device communication unit 34 of the ESL server 3 receives the ESL code transmitted from the handy terminal 6. The management device control unit 31 of the ESL server 3 determines whether or not the management device communication unit 34 has received the ESL code. If the management device communication unit 34 determines that the management device communication unit 34 has received an ESL code, the management device control unit 31 of the ESL server 3 proceeds to the process of step S202, and otherwise ends the process.

  (Step S202) The operator reads the barcode attached to the product to be associated or the barcode 27 attached to the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 to the barcode reader provided in the input unit 66 of the handy terminal 6. Make it. The control unit 61 of the handy terminal 6 acquires the product code or the large ESL code of the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 from the read bar code. The wireless communication unit 64 of the handy terminal 6 transmits the acquired product code or large ESL code to the ESL server 3. The management device communication unit 34 of the ESL server 3 receives the product code or ESL code transmitted from the handy terminal 6. The management device control unit 31 of the ESL server 3 determines whether or not the management device communication unit 34 has received the product code. If the management device communication unit 34 determines that the management device communication unit 34 has received the product code, the management device control unit 31 of the ESL server 3 proceeds to the processing of step S203, and otherwise proceeds to the processing of step S206.

  (Step S203) When the operator executes association between the electronic shelf label terminal 1 attached with the barcode read in Step S201 and the commodity attached with the barcode read in Step S202, the handy terminal The confirmation information is input using the input buttons provided in the input unit 66. The wireless communication unit 64 of the handy terminal 6 transmits the input confirmation information to the ESL server 3. Note that the wireless communication unit 64 of the handy terminal 6 does not perform any processing when the input unit 66 does not accept the input of confirmation information. When the confirmation information is transmitted from the handy terminal 6, the management device communication unit 34 of the ESL server 3 receives the confirmation information. The control unit 31 of the ESL server 3 determines whether the confirmation information has been received. When it is determined that the confirmation information has been received, the control unit 31 of the ESL server 3 proceeds to the process of step S204, and otherwise ends the process.

  (Step S204) The control unit 31 of the ESL server 3 reads the product information specified by the product code received in step S202 from the product information database stored in the POS server 7. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S205.

  (Step S205) The control unit 31 of the ESL server 3 associates the product information read in step S204 with the ESL code received in step S201, and stores the product information in the management information database stored in the management device storage unit 23. Thereafter, the process ends.

  (Step S206) The management device control unit 31 of the ESL server 3 determines whether or not the management device communication unit 34 has received the large ESL code in step S202. When the management device communication unit 31 of the ESL server 3 determines that the management device communication unit 34 has received the large ESL code in step S202, the management device control unit 31 proceeds to the processing of step S207, and otherwise ends the processing.

  (Step S207) The operator associates the electronic shelf label terminal 1 with the barcode 17 read in step S201 with the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 with the barcode 27 read in step S202. Is executed, the confirmation information is input using an input button provided in the input unit 66 of the handy terminal 6. The wireless communication unit 64 of the handy terminal 6 transmits the input confirmation information to the ESL server 3. Note that the wireless communication unit 64 of the handy terminal 6 does not perform any processing when the input unit 66 does not accept the input of confirmation information. When the confirmation information is transmitted from the handy terminal 6, the management device communication unit 34 of the ESL server 3 receives the confirmation information. The control unit 31 of the ESL server 3 determines whether the confirmation information has been received. When it is determined that the confirmation information has been received, the control unit 31 of the ESL server 3 proceeds to the process of step S208, and otherwise ends the process.

  (Step S208) The control unit 31 of the ESL server 3 reads out the large ESL information specified by the large ESL code received in Step S202 from the large ESL information database stored in the management device storage unit 33. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S209.

  (Step S209) The control unit 31 of the ESL server 3 associates the large-scale ESL information read in step S208 with the ESL code received in step S201, and stores it in the management information database stored in the management device storage unit 23. Thereafter, the process ends.

  As described above, the barcodes attached to the electronic shelf label terminal 1, the barcodes attached to the large electronic shelf label terminal 2, and the barcodes attached to the products are read in the order in which the handy terminal 6 has read them. Based on this, the ESL server 3 automatically determines whether the electronic shelf label terminal 1 is associated with the product or whether the electronic shelf label terminal 1 is associated with the large-sized electronic shelf label terminal 2, and the determination is made. Perform the association process. And the management apparatus control part 31 of the ESL server 3 shows the information which performed the correlation with the electronic shelf label terminal 1 and goods, and the correlation with the electronic shelf label terminal 1 and the large-sized electronic shelf label terminal 2 in FIG. The information is stored in the management information database shown.

  Thus, the operator can associate the electronic shelf label terminal 1 with the product and associate the electronic shelf label terminal 1 with the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 without switching the operation mode of the ESL server 3. .

  Further, the ESL server 3 performs the electronic shelf label as shown in FIG. 10 based on the electronic shelf label terminal 1, the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 and the product information stored in the management information database shown in FIG. The product information associated with the terminal 1 is displayed on the display input unit 22 of the large electronic shelf label terminal 2.

  In the above-described example, the case where the confirmation information is received in step S203 has been described by using the example of proceeding to the process of step S204. However, for example, the process of step S204 is directly executed after the process of step S202. May be. Similarly, when the confirmation information is received in step S206, the example of proceeding to the process of step S207 has been described. However, for example, the process of step S208 may be directly executed after the process of step S206.

  In this case, when the operator mistakenly reads the barcode 17 attached to the different electronic shelf label terminal 1 in step S201, or in step S206, the operator mistakenly makes the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 different. When the attached barcode 27 is read, it is automatically stored in the management information database without the confirmation operation by the operator. However, when the operator performs the same process once again, the correct information is obtained. Stored in the management information database. That is, in this case, the ESL server 3 overwrites the management information database on the assumption that the latest input information is correct information.

  As described above, the association between the electronic shelf label terminal 1 and the product and the association between the electronic shelf label terminal 1 and the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 can be performed without using the confirmation information.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the electronic shelf label terminal 1 and the product information are associated, but the information associated with the electronic shelf label terminal 1 is not limited to this. For example, the electronic shelf label terminal 1 may be associated with position information indicating the position where the electronic shelf label terminal 1 is installed. Thereby, by associating the electronic shelf label terminal 1 and the large electronic shelf label terminal 2, it is also possible to associate the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 with the position information.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 has been described using an example in which a large liquid crystal display, a touch panel, and the like are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the large electronic shelf label terminal 2 may be any device that can display a large amount of information at a time, such as information on a plurality of products at a time. Specifically, a device that is not physically large but has a large amount of information that can be displayed, such as a projector or a head mounted display, may be used as the large electronic shelf label terminal 2.

  As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes and the like can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Is possible.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the electronic shelf label system has been described based on an example in which the electronic shelf label system is used in a retail store such as a supermarket or a convenience store. However, the present invention is not limited to the above. For example, in a bank or a warehouse, an electronic shelf label terminal may be used as an information display device that displays various types of information. The configuration of the information display device is the same as that of the electronic shelf label terminal 1.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1-1-1-24 ... Electronic shelf label terminal, 2, 2-1 -2-2 ... Large electronic shelf label terminal, 3 ... ESL server, 4 ... Access point, 5 -1 to 5-3 ... repeater, 6 ... handy terminal, 7 ... POS server, 8 ... POS register, 11, 21, 61 ... control unit, 12, 62 ... Display unit, 13, 23, 63 ... storage unit, 14, 24, 64 ... wireless communication unit, 15, 25, 65 ... battery, 17, 27 ... bar code, 22 ... display Input unit 31 ... Management device control unit 33 ... Management device storage unit 34 ... Management device communication unit 66 ... Input unit 100 ... Backyard 101,102 ... Shelf, 111-118 ... shelf board, 200 ... store

Claims (7)

In an information display system including an information display device, a large information display device, a management device, and a handy terminal,
The handy terminal is
An input unit that receives input of information that uniquely identifies the information display device and information that uniquely identifies the large information display device;
A transmitting unit that transmits information that uniquely identifies the information display device and information that uniquely identifies the large information display device to the management device;
With
The management device
A management device receiver that receives information transmitted from the transmitter of the handy terminal;
A management device storage unit that stores information that uniquely identifies the information display device and information that uniquely identifies the large information display device; and
An information display system characterized by comprising: The input unit further accepts input of information for uniquely identifying a product,
The transmission unit transmits information that uniquely identifies the information display device, information that uniquely identifies the large information display device, and information that uniquely identifies the product to the management device,
The management device
The management device storage unit transmits information that uniquely identifies the information display device, information that uniquely identifies the large information display device, and information that uniquely identifies the product, which is transmitted from the transmission unit. A management device control unit for determining information to be stored in association with each other;
The information display system according to claim 1, wherein the management device storage unit stores information determined to be stored in association with the management device control unit. The management device control unit stores the product information specified by information for uniquely specifying the product information in association with information for uniquely specifying the product information and stored in the management device storage unit Information that uniquely identifies the information display device identified by the information that uniquely identifies the large information display device stored in the management device storage unit in association with the information that uniquely identifies the information display device The information display system according to claim 2, wherein the information is displayed on the large information display device specified by A management device included in an information display system including an information display device, a large information display device, a management device, and a handy terminal,
A management device receiving unit that receives information that uniquely identifies the information display device transmitted from the handy terminal, and information that uniquely identifies the large information display device;
A management device storage unit that stores information that uniquely identifies the information display device and information that uniquely identifies the large information display device; and
A management apparatus comprising: The management device storage unit associates information that uniquely identifies the information display device transmitted from the handy terminal, information that uniquely identifies the large information display device, and information that uniquely identifies the product. A management device control unit for determining information to be stored,
The management device according to claim 4, wherein the management device storage unit stores information that the management device control unit determines to store in association with each other. The management device control unit stores the product information specified by information for uniquely specifying the product information in association with information for uniquely specifying the product information and stored in the management device storage unit Information that uniquely identifies the information display device identified by the information that uniquely identifies the large information display device stored in the management device storage unit in association with the information that uniquely identifies the information display device The management apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the management apparatus displays the information on the large information display apparatus specified by The information display system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the information display device is an electronic shelf label terminal, and the large information display device is a large electronic shelf label terminal.

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