JP2016024497A - Shopping support system and shopping support program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a shopping support system capable of supporting a shopper by providing useful information in addition to display information on an electronic shelf terminal.SOLUTION: The shopping support system includes plural electronic shelf terminals and portable information terminals. The electronic shelf terminal includes: communication means capable of performing data communication with the information terminal in a wireless manner; and storage means that stores a piece of information related to a commodity. When data communication is established by the communication means with the information terminal, the information of the related commodity stored in the storage means is transmitted to the information terminal. When receiving the information of the related commodity transmitted from the electronic shelf terminal, the information terminal identifies the position of the commodity shelf of the electronic shelf terminal which displays the shelf information of the related commodity based on the received information and notifies the position of the identified commodity shelf.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a shopping support system that uses an electronic shelf label terminal and a portable information terminal.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an electronic shelf label system that is widely used in retail stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores includes a plurality of electronic shelf label terminals and a server that is a host device. Each electronic shelf label terminal is attached to the product shelf with the display surface facing outward. The server distributes data such as the names and prices of the products displayed on the product shelf to which the terminal is attached to each electronic shelf label terminal using wired or wireless. Each electronic shelf label terminal displays the data received from the server on the display surface. Therefore, the shopper can know the name, price, etc. of the product displayed on the product shelf corresponding to the electronic shelf label terminal by the data displayed on the display surface of the electronic shelf label terminal.

  However, in the conventional electronic shelf label system, the information that the shopper can know from the electronic shelf label terminal is limited to the information displayed on the display surface of the terminal. There is a demand for the construction of a system that supports shopping by providing information other than the information displayed on the display surface to the shopper from the electronic shelf label terminal.

JP 2011-129093 A

  The problem to be solved by the embodiment of the present invention is to support shopping by providing useful information other than display information to a shopper from an electronic shelf label terminal.

  In one embodiment, the shopping support system includes a plurality of electronic shelf label terminals and a portable information terminal. The electronic shelf label terminal includes a communication unit capable of wireless data communication with an information terminal, a storage unit that stores information on a product related to the corresponding product, and a communication unit between the information terminal and the information terminal. When wireless data communication is established, the information processing apparatus includes a transmission unit that transmits information on related products stored in the storage unit to the information terminal. When the information terminal receives the information of the related product transmitted from the electronic shelf label terminal by the transmission means, the position of the product shelf provided with the electronic shelf label terminal for displaying the shelf label information of the related product by the received information And specifying means for notifying the position of the product shelf specified by the specifying means.

The block diagram which shows the outline of the shopping assistance system which is one Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the data record preserve | saved at a goods database. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the data record preserve | saved at a sales promotion database. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the data record preserve | saved at a shelf label database. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of a server. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of shelf label data. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the information processing which CPU of a server performs according to a data delivery program. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of an electronic shelf label terminal. The schematic diagram which shows the example of a screen display of an electronic shelf label terminal. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the information processing which CPU of an electronic shelf label terminal performs according to a shelf label processing program. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of an information terminal. The schematic diagram which shows the data structure installed in an information terminal. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the information processing which CPU of an information terminal performs according to a shopping assistance program. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the map image which displayed the present location mark. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the map image which displayed the message without related information. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the map image which displayed the location mark of the sales promotion product. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the map image when a location mark is selected.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a shopping support system using an electronic shelf label terminal and a portable information terminal will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a shopping support system 1 according to this embodiment. The shopping support system 1 includes a plurality of electronic shelf label terminals 10 and a portable information terminal 20. The shopping support system 1 also includes a server 30 that manages each electronic shelf label terminal 10 and a relay device 40 that relays data communication between the server 30 and each electronic shelf label terminal 10. The relay device 40 connects the server 30 and the relay device 40 with a wired line. The relay device 40 connects each electronic shelf label terminal 10 and the relay device 40 with a wireless line. The server 30 and the relay device 40 may be connected by a wireless line, and each electronic shelf label terminal 10 and the relay device 40 may be connected by a wired line. Alternatively, the server 30 and the relay device 40, and the relay device 40 and each electronic shelf label terminal 10 may all be connected by a wired line, or may all be connected by a wireless line.

  Each electronic shelf label terminal 10 is an electronic device which is made of, for example, a rectangular plate-shaped member and has a screen arranged on the front thereof. Each electronic shelf label terminal 10 is attached to a product shelf installed in a store. The same type of products are displayed together on the product shelf, and one electronic shelf label terminal 10 is assigned to one type of product. Each electronic shelf label terminal 10 displays, for example, a product name and a price on the screen as shelf label information of the corresponding product.

  The information terminal 20 is a portable electronic device such as a smartphone or a tablet PC (Personal Computer), and is used while being carried by a user such as a shopper at a store. The information terminal 20 can wirelessly communicate with each electronic shelf label terminal 10 and processes information received from each electronic shelf label terminal 10.

  The server 30 manages each of the product database 31, the sales promotion database 32, and the shelf label database 33. The product database 31 stores information regarding each product. The sales promotion database 32 stores information related to product sales promotion. The shelf label database 33 stores information regarding each electronic shelf label terminal 10. Each database 31, 32, 33 may be formed in a storage device built in the server 30, or may be formed in an external storage device connected to the server 30 via a network.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a data record 31D stored in the product database 31. As shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the data record 31D includes items such as a product code, a product name, a price, and an address. The product code is a unique code set for each product in order to identify each product individually. The product name is a unique name of a product specified by the corresponding product code (hereinafter referred to as the product). The price is a selling price per point of the product. The address is information that specifies the position in the store of the product shelf on which the product is displayed. The product database 31 stores a data record 31D created for each product. The product database 31 stores a data record 31D created for each product.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the data record 32D stored in the sales promotion database 32. As shown in FIG. As illustrated, the data record 32D includes items such as a product code, a sales promotion product code, and an attribute. The sales promotion product code is a product code of the sales promotion product set for the product specified by the corresponding product code. The attribute is information for identifying whether the sales promotion product is a related product or a special sale product. The related product is a product recommended for a customer who has purchased the product because it is related to the purchased product. A special sale item is a product at a special sale price recommended for customers who have purchased the product. The sales promotion product code and the attribute are a pair. The sales promotion database 32 stores a data record 32D created for each product for which a sales promotion product is set.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the data record 33D stored in the shelf label database 33. As shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the data record 33D includes items such as a shelf label ID and an address. The shelf label ID is a unique code assigned to each electronic shelf label terminal 10 in order to identify each electronic shelf label terminal 10 individually. The address is information for specifying the location of the electronic shelf label terminal 10 specified by the shelf label ID. The location is represented by (X, Y) coordinates, for example, by regarding the floor of the store as an XY plane. In the shelf label database 33, a data record 33D created for each electronic shelf label terminal 10 is stored.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the server 30. The server 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, an auxiliary storage device 304, a relay interface 305, a device interface 306, and a network interface 307. Are connected by a bus line 308 such as an address bus or a data bus.

  The CPU 301 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 301 controls each unit to implement various functions as the server 30 according to the operating system and application programs.

  The ROM 302 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The ROM 302 stores the above operating system and application programs. The ROM 302 may store data necessary for the CPU 301 to execute processing for controlling each unit.

  A RAM 303 corresponds to a main storage portion of the computer. The RAM 303 stores data necessary for the CPU 301 to execute processing. The RAM 303 is also used as a work area where information is appropriately rewritten by the CPU 301.

  The auxiliary storage device 304 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage device 304 is, for example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary storage device 304 stores data used when the CPU 301 performs various processes and data generated by the processes performed by the CPU 301. The auxiliary storage device 304 may store the above application program.

  The repeater interface 305 connects the repeater 40 via a wired or wireless communication line. The relay interface 305 controls data communication performed wirelessly with each electronic shelf label terminal 10 via the relay 40.

  The device interface 306 detachably connects an input device 311 and a display device 312 that are external devices of the server 30. The device interface 306 captures data input via the input device 311. As the input device 311, a keyboard, a mouse, or the like is used. The device interface 306 controls the screen display of the display device 312. A liquid crystal display or the like is used as the display device 312.

  The network interface 307 controls data communication with other servers connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) (not shown). Other servers include, for example, a POS (Point Of Sales) system server that manages data related to merchandise sales, and an order system server that manages data related to ordering and delivery.

  The server 30 creates the shelf label data for each electronic shelf label terminal 10 by referring to the databases 31, 32, and 33, and distributes the shelf label data to each electronic shelf label terminal 10 via the relay device 40. It has the function to do.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of shelf label data. The shelf label data includes shelf label data 51 having a pattern shown in FIG. 6A and shelf label data 52 having a pattern shown in FIG. 6B. The shelf label data 51 is distributed to the electronic shelf label terminal 10 of a product for which no sales promotion product is set. The shelf label data 51 includes items of shelf label ID, own address, product name, price, and sales promotion flag. The shelf label ID is unique information that identifies the electronic shelf label terminal 10. The own address is information for specifying the location of the electronic shelf label terminal 10. The product name and price are information on the product assigned to the electronic shelf label terminal 10. The sales promotion flag is information for identifying whether or not a sales promotion product is set for the product assigned to the electronic shelf label terminal 10. In the case of the shelf label data 51, since the sales promotion product is not set, the sales promotion flag is “0”.

  The shelf label data 52 is distributed to the electronic shelf label terminal 10 of the product for which the sales promotion product is set. In the shelf label data 52, in addition to each item of shelf label ID, own address, product name, price, and promotion flag, n (n is 1 or more) sales promotion product name, promotion product price, attribute, and promotion address. Each item is included. The shelf label ID, own address, product name, and price are the same as the shelf label data 51. However, in the case of the sales promotion data 52, since the sales promotion product is set, the sales promotion flag is “1”. The sales promotion product name, the sales promotion product price, and the sales promotion address are the name, price, and address set in the data record 31D of the sales promotion product.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an information processing procedure executed by the CPU 301 of the server 30 in accordance with the data distribution program. The data distribution program is an application program for causing the CPU 301 to realize processing for creating shelf label data and distributing it to each electronic shelf label terminal 10. The data distribution program is stored in the ROM 302 or the auxiliary storage device 304, for example. Note that the contents of the process shown in FIG. 7 and described below are merely examples, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be used as appropriate.

  When the data distribution time set in advance is reached or the start of the data distribution operation is instructed via the input device 311, the data distribution program is activated. When the data distribution program is activated, the CPU 301 reads the data record 33D from the shelf label database 33 (Act1). Then, the CPU 301 acquires an address from the data record 33D (Act2).

  If the address can be acquired, the CPU 301 searches the product database 31 (Act 3). Then, the CPU 301 determines whether or not there is a data record 31D including the address acquired in the process of Act2 (Act4). When the corresponding data record 31D cannot be detected from the product database 31 (NO in Act 4), the CPU 301 proceeds to the process of Act 11.

  When the corresponding data record 31D can be detected from the product database 31 (YES in Act4), the CPU 301 reads the data record 31D from the product database 31 (Act5). Next, the CPU 301 detects a product code from the data record 31D, and searches the sales promotion database 32 with this product code (Act 6). And CPU301 determines the presence or absence of the data record 32D containing the said product code (Act7). When the corresponding data record 32D cannot be detected from the sales promotion database 32 (NO in Act 7), the CPU 301 proceeds to the process of Act 10.

  If the corresponding data record 32D can be detected from the sales promotion database 32 (YES in Act 7), the CPU 301 reads the data record 32D from the sales promotion database 32 (Act 8). Next, the CPU 301 searches the product database 31 with all the promotional product codes included in the data record 32D. Then, the CPU 301 reads from the product database 31 all the data records 31D in which the sales promotion product code is set as the product code (Act 9). Thereafter, the CPU 301 proceeds to the process of Act10.

  The Act 10 process differs depending on whether the determination is “NO” in Act 7 or “YES”. That is, when the data record 32D having the same product code does not exist in the sales promotion database 32 (NO in Act 7), the CPU 301 stores the shelf label ID and address (own address) of the data record 33D read in the process of Act 1, The shelf label data 51 is generated from the product name and price of the data record 31D read in Act5 processing and the sales promotion flag “0”. On the other hand, if the data record 32D having the same product code exists in the sales promotion database 32 (YES in Act 7), the CPU 301 determines the shelf label ID and address (own address) of the data record 33D read in the process of Act1. ), The product name and price of the data record 31D read in the process of Act5, the sales promotion flag “1”, the product name (promotional product name) and the price of the data records 32D and 31D read in the processes of Act8 and 9 The shelf label data 52 is generated from the (promotion product price), the attribute, and the address (promotion address).

If the shelf label data 51 or 52 is generated, the CPU 301 proceeds to the process of Act10.
In Act 10, the CPU 301 confirms whether or not an unprocessed data record 33D exists in the shelf label database 33. If it exists (YES in Act 10), the CPU 301 reads the unprocessed data record 33D from the shelf label database 33 (Act 1). Thereafter, the CPU 301 executes the processes of Act2 to Act11 again.

  Thus, if the processing of Act2 to Act11 is executed for all the data records 33D registered in the shelf label database 33 (NO in Act11), the CPU 301 stores the shelf label data 51, 52 generated in the processing of Act10. Is distributed to each electronic shelf label terminal 10 via the relay device 40 using wireless communication (Act 12). This completes the information processing according to the data distribution program.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the electronic shelf label terminal 10. The electronic shelf label terminal 10 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, an NFC unit 104, a display device 105, and a wireless device 106, which are connected by a bus line 107 such as an address bus and a data bus.

  The CPU 101 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 101 controls each unit to implement various functions as the electronic shelf label terminal 10 according to the operating system and application programs.

  The ROM 102 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The ROM 102 stores the above operating system and application programs. The ROM 102 may store data necessary for the CPU 101 to execute processing for controlling each unit. The ROM 102 stores a shelf label ID that is a unique identification code assigned to the electronic shelf label terminal 10. The ROM 102 may be a flash ROM capable of electrically rewriting data.

  The RAM 103 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The RAM 103 stores data necessary for the CPU 101 to execute processing. The RAM 103 is also used as a work area where information is appropriately rewritten by the CPU 101. The work area includes a display buffer B1 and a communication buffer B2. Applications of the display buffer B1 and the communication buffer B2 will be described later.

  The NFC unit 104 performs data communication according to the NFC standard with an NFC compatible device placed on the electronic shelf label terminal 10. As will be described later, the information terminal 20 is an NFC-compatible device. Therefore, the NFC unit 104 constitutes a communication means capable of wireless data communication with the information terminal 20.

  The wireless device 106 performs wireless data communication with the repeater 40 using a predetermined wireless frequency.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the display device 105 includes a rectangular screen 10A, and displays characters, numbers, and the like on the screen 10A. As the display device 105, a color LCD (liquid crystal display), a segment display, electronic paper, or the like can be used.

  FIG. 9 is a display example of the screen 10A. As illustrated, the product name and the price are displayed in the drawing 10A. Further, the related product mark M1 and the special sale product mark M22 can be selectively displayed. The related product mark M1 and the special product mark M22 will be described later.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an information processing procedure executed by the CPU 101 of the electronic shelf label terminal 10 in accordance with the shelf label processing program. The shelf label processing program displays shelf label information (product name, price) on the screen 10A based on the shelf label data 51 and 52 distributed from the server 30, and the information terminal 20 that is deceived as an electronic shelf label terminal. This is an application program for causing the CPU 101 to execute processing for transmitting information related to shopping support. The shelf label processing program is resident in the ROM 102. Note that the contents of the process illustrated in FIG. 10 and described below are merely examples, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be used as appropriate.

  When the shelf label processing program is activated, the CPU 101 confirms whether or not the shelf label data 51 and 52 has been received (Act 21). When the shelf label data 51 and 52 have not been received (NO in Act 21), the CPU 101 confirms whether or not the NFC unit 104 has started wireless communication according to the NFC standard (hereinafter referred to as NFC communication) (Act 22). ). When NFC communication is not started (NO in Act 22), the CPU 121 returns to the process of Act 21.

  When the shelf label data 51 and 52 is received via the wireless device 106 (YES in Act 21), the CPU 101 matches the shelf label ID of the shelf label data 51 and 52 with the shelf label ID stored in the ROM 102. It is confirmed whether or not to perform (Act23). If the shelf label IDs do not match (NO in Act 23), the CPU 101 discards the received shelf label data 51 and 52. Then, the CPU 101 returns to the process of Act21. Therefore, the CPU 121 waits for the receipt of the shelf label data 51 and 52 in which its own shelf label ID is set or the start of NFC communication.

  When the shelf label data 51, 52 in which the own shelf label ID is set is received (YES in Act 23), the CPU 101 transmits the data of the item “own address” included in the shelf label data 51, 52 to the communication buffer B2. (Act24). Further, the CPU 101 stores the data of the items “product name” and “price” included in the shelf label data 51 and 52 in the display buffer B1 (Act 25). Note that the order of the processing of Act 24 and Act 25 may be reversed.

  The CPU 101 confirms the data of the item “promotion flag” included in the shelf label data 51 and 52 (Act 26). When the data is “1”, that is, the shelf label data 52, the data of the sales promotion product is included in this data. In this case (YES in Act 26), the CPU 101 determines the sales promotion data from the shelf label data 52 (promotional product name 1, promotional product price 1, attribute, promotional address 1,..., Promotional product name n, promotional product price n, attribute. , The sales promotion address n) is extracted and this data is stored in the communication buffer B2 (Act27: storage means).

  The CPU 101 confirms whether or not the attribute added when the sales promotion product is a related product exists in the sales promotion product data (Act 28). When this attribute exists (YES in Act 28), the CPU 101 sets data of a guidance mark (related product mark M1) indicating that there is a related product as a sales promotion product in the display buffer B1 (Act 29). If the attribute attached when the promotional product is a related product does not exist (NO in Act 28), the CPU 101 does not execute the process of Act 29.

  The CPU 101 confirms whether or not the attribute added when the promotional product is a special sale item exists in the promotional product data (Act 30). When this attribute exists (YES in Act 30), the CPU 101 sets data of a guide mark (sale item mark M2) indicating that there is a sale item as a promotional item in the display buffer B1 (Act 31). If the attribute attached when the sales promotion product is a special sale item does not exist (NO in Act 30), the CPU 101 does not execute the process of Act 31. Note that the order of the processing of Act 28 and Act 29 and the processing of Act 30 and Act 31 may be reversed.

  The CPU 101 displays the product name and price shelf label information on the screen 10A of the display device 312 in accordance with the data in the display buffer B1 (Act 32). At this time, if the data of the related product mark M1 is set in the display buffer B1 in the process of Act 29, the related product mark M1 is displayed on the screen 10A. Similarly, when the data of the special sale item mark M2 is set in the display buffer B1 in the process of Act31, the special sale item mark M2 is displayed on the screen 10A. Thereafter, the CPU 101 returns to the processing of Act 21.

  On the other hand, when the data of the item “promotion flag” is “0”, that is, the shelf label data 51 (NO in Act 26), the CPU 101 sets data indicating no related information in the communication buffer B2 (Act 33). The CPU 101 displays the product name and price shelf label information on the screen 10A of the display device 312 in accordance with the data in the display buffer B1 (Act 32). After the display, the CPU 101 returns to the Act 21 process.

  When NFC communication is started (YES in Act 22), the CPU 121 transmits data stored in the communication buffer B2 by NFC communication (Act 34). In other words, the electronic shelf label terminal 10 that has received the shelf label data 52 transmits the own address stored in the process of Act 24 and the promotional merchandise data stored in the process of Act 27 (transmission means). The electronic shelf label terminal 10 that has received the shelf label data 51 transmits its own address stored in the Act 24 process and data indicating no related information stored in the Act 33 process. After transmitting the data, the CPU 101 returns to the processing of Act 21.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the information terminal 20. The information terminal 20 includes a CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, auxiliary storage device 204, NFC unit 205, touch panel 206, and communication device 207, which are connected by a bus line 208 such as an address bus and a data bus.

  The CPU 201 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 201 controls each unit to implement various functions as the information terminal 20 in accordance with the operating system and application programs.

  The ROM 202 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The ROM 202 stores the above operating system and application programs. The ROM 202 may store data necessary for the CPU 201 to execute processing for controlling each unit. The ROM 202 may be a flash ROM capable of electrically rewriting data.

  The RAM 203 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The RAM 203 stores data necessary for the CPU 201 to execute processing. The RAM 203 is also used as a work area where information is appropriately rewritten by the CPU 201.

  The auxiliary storage device 204 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage device 204 is, for example, a memory card such as an SD card, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary storage device 204 stores data used when the CPU 201 performs various types of processing and data generated by the processing performed by the CPU 201. The auxiliary storage device 204 may store the above application program.

  The NFC unit 205 performs data communication according to the NFC standard with an NFC-compatible device in the vicinity of the information terminal 20.

  The touch panel 206 includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device displays an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen. As the display device, for example, a known device such as a color LCD can be used. The touch sensor is disposed so as to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the touch position of the user on the display surface of the display device, and sends the position information to the CPU 201.

  The communication device 207 performs data communication through a network such as the Internet (not shown).

  The information terminal 20 is carried by the shopper. As shown in FIG. 12, a shopping support program 21, a store-specific map file 22, and a store-specific address conversion table 23 associated with each map file 22 are installed in the information terminal 20. The shopping support program 21, the map file 22, and the address conversion table 23 can be installed from a dedicated WEB site through the Internet.

  The map file 22 stores map data of each store for each store that implements the shopping support service by the shopping support program 21. The information terminal can display the in-store map image representing the layout of the product shelf in the store on the touch panel 206 by expanding the map data.

  The address conversion table 23 converts the address of the data record 31D stored in the product database 31 of the store for each store that performs the shopping support service into (X, Y) coordinates on the map image indicating the store. Store data for

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an information processing procedure executed by the CPU 201 of the information terminal 20 in accordance with the shopping support program 21. The shopping support program 21 is an application program used when a shopper who is the owner of the information terminal 20 receives a shopping support service at a store. Note that the contents of the process shown in FIG. 13 and described below are merely examples, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be used as appropriate.

  When a shopper carrying the information terminal 20 goes to a store and wants to receive a shopping support service, the shopper first starts the shopping support program 21.

  When the shopping support program 21 is activated, the CPU 201 receives an input of a store that implements the shopping support service (Act 41). For example, the CPU 201 causes the touch panel 206 to display a list of stores that can perform the shopping support service, and waits for a store to be selected and input from this list. The shopper operates the touch panel 206 to input a store for shopping.

  If the store is input (YES in Act 41), CPU 201 reads the map data of the store from map file 22. Then, the CPU 201 develops the map data on the image buffer and displays the map image on the touch panel 206 (Act 42). In this state, the CPU 201 waits for the NFC unit 205 to start NFC communication (Act 43).

  For example, when a shopper picks up a product from a product shelf, the shopper places the information terminal 20 on the electronic shelf label terminal 10 on which the shelf label information (product name, price, etc.) of the product is displayed. When the information terminal 20 is placed on the electronic shelf label terminal 10, NFC communication is started between the NFC unit 104 of the electronic shelf label terminal 10 and the NFC unit 205 of the information terminal 20. As a result, data stored in the communication buffer B2 of the electronic shelf label terminal 10 is transmitted from the electronic shelf label terminal 10 to the information terminal 20 to the information terminal 20 by NFC communication.

  When NFC communication is started (YES in Act 43), the CPU 201 stores the data received from the electronic shelf label terminal 10 in the RAM 203 (Act 44). The received data differs depending on whether the sales promotion product is set for the product corresponding to the electronic shelf label terminal 10 or not. In the case of a product for which a sales promotion product is set, the received data includes an address associated with the shelf label ID of the electronic shelf label terminal 10, a so-called own address, and sales promotion product data (product name, price, attribute, sales promotion address). ). In the case of a product for which no sales promotion product is set, the received data includes its own address and data indicating no related information.

  The CPU 201 detects its own address from the received data. Then, the CPU 201 refers to the address conversion table 23 of the store that has received the input in the process of Act 41, and converts this address into (X, Y) coordinates on the map image (Act 45). The CPU 201 displays a mark indicating the current location, that is, a so-called current location mark M3 at a point of (X, Y) coordinates (Act 46: notification means).

  FIG. 14 shows an example of a map image displaying the current location mark M3. The shopper can easily grasp the location in the store from the map image.

  The CPU 201 displaying the current location mark M3 confirms whether the received data includes sales promotion product data or data indicating no related information (Act 47). When data indicating no related information is included (NO in Act 47), the CPU 201 displays a message informing the shopper that there is no related product information in the vicinity of the current location mark M3 (Act 48). .

  FIG. 15 shows an example of a map image displaying a message with no related information. From this map image, the shopper can easily grasp that the product whose shelf label information is displayed by the electronic shelf label terminal 10 with the information terminal 20 on it does not have information related to promotional products such as related products and specials. it can.

  The CPU 201 that has displayed the message returns to the process of Act43. That is, the CPU 201 waits for a new NFC communication to be started.

  If the received data includes sales promotion product data (YES in Act 47), CPU 201 detects a sales promotion address from the sales promotion product data. At this time, if there are a plurality of sales promotion product data, the CPU 201 detects a sales promotion address from all the sales promotion product data.

  If the sales promotion address is detected, the CPU 201 refers to the address conversion table 23 of the store that received the input in the process of Act 41, and converts this sales promotion address into (X, Y) coordinates on the map image (Act 49). : Specific means). The CPU 201 displays a mark indicating the location of the sales promotion product at the point of the (X, Y) coordinates (Act 50: notification means).

  FIG. 16 shows an example of a map image displaying the location marks M4 and M5 of the sales promotion products. The location mark M4 is a mark indicating the location of the sales promotion product whose attribute is the related product. The location mark M5 is a mark indicating the location of the promotional product whose attribute is a special sale item. From this map image, the shopper can easily recognize the location of the merchandise shelf related to the merchandise whose shelf label information is displayed on the electronic shelf label terminal 10 with the information terminal 20 displayed or the merchandise shelves where the special sale items are displayed. it can.

  The CPU 201 displaying the location marks M4 and M5 waits for the location marks M4 and M5 to be selected (Act 51) or to start a new NFC communication (Act 52).

  Location mark M4. A shopper who wants to confirm the promotional items displayed at the place where M5 is displayed displays the location mark M4. Touch M5. The CPU 201 detects the location mark M4. When it is detected that M5 is touched, the location mark M4. It is determined that M5 has been selected (YES in Act 51). The CPU 201 displays the product name and price of the promotional product data including the promotional address corresponding to the selected location mark M4, M5 in the vicinity of the selected location mark M4, M5 on the map image (Act53: Notification) means).

  FIG. 17 shows an example of a map image when the location mark M4 is selected. From this map image, the shopper can easily grasp the name and price of the promotional product displayed at the location of the location mark M4. A shopper who knows the name and price of the promotional product performs confirmation input by touching a map image, for example.

  The CPU 201 displaying the product name and price of the promotional product waits for confirmation input (Act 54). If confirmation input is accepted from touch panel 206 (YES in Act 54), CPU 201 deletes the information on the promotional product (Act 55). Thereafter, the CPU 201 waits for new location marks M4 and M5 to be selected (Act 51) or NFC communication to start (Act 52).

  When NFC communication is started (YES in Act 52), the CPU 201 returns to the process of Act 44. That is, the CPU 201 stores the data received from the electronic shelf label terminal 10 in the RAM 203 and displays a new current location mark M3 on the map image.

  Thus, the shopper carrying the information terminal 20 that has activated the shopping support program 21 displays the shelf label information on the electronic shelf label terminal 10 by putting the information terminal 20 on the electronic shelf label terminal 10. It is possible to easily grasp the existence of a product related to the product being sold or a product set as a sale item, and the sales location of the related product or sale item. In addition, the names and prices of related products or specials can be easily confirmed. Further, since the present location can be grasped, the shopper can easily know what route should be taken from the current location to the sales location of the related product or the special sale item.

  In addition, since the related item mark M1 or the special item mark M2 is displayed on the electronic shelf label terminal 10 that displays the shelf label information of the item for which the related item or the item for sale is set, the shopper Alternatively, it can be easily known whether or not a special sale item is set.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
In the embodiment, the map image of the store is displayed on the touch panel 206 of the information terminal 20, and the mark M4 or the mark M5 is displayed on the image, thereby notifying the location of the related product or the special sale item. It is not limited to this. In short, it suffices to be able to notify the shopper of the location of related products or specials.

  The transfer of the shopping support program can be performed by recording it on a removable recording medium or by communication via a network. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store a program such as a CD-ROM or a memory card and can be read by the apparatus. Further, the function obtained by installing or downloading the program may be realized in cooperation with an OS (operating system) in the apparatus.

  In addition, although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Electronic shelf label terminal, 20 ... Information terminal, 30 ... Server, 31 ... Product database, 32 ... Promotion database, 33 ... Shelf label database, 40 ... Relay machine, 51, 52 ... Shelf label data, 101, 201, 301 ... CPU, 102, 202, 302 ... ROM, 103, 203, 303 ... RAM, 104, 205 ... NFC unit, 105, 312 ... display device, 106 ... wireless device, 204, 304 ... auxiliary storage device, 206 ... touch panel.

Claims (6)

A plurality of electronic shelf label terminals that are provided in the product shelf corresponding to each product displayed on the product shelf and display shelf label information of the corresponding product, and a portable information terminal,
The electronic shelf label terminal is
A communication means capable of wireless data communication with the information terminal;
Storage means for storing product information related to the corresponding product;
When wireless communication is established with the information terminal by the communication means, transmission means for transmitting information on related products stored in the storage means to the information terminal;
Comprising
The information terminal
The product shelf provided with the electronic shelf label terminal that displays the shelf label information of the related product according to the received information when the information of the related product transmitted from the electronic shelf label terminal is received by the transmission means A specifying means for specifying the position of
An informing means for informing the position of the product shelf specified by the specifying means;
A shopping support system characterized by comprising:   The informing means informs by displaying a location mark indicating the position of the product shelf on which the electronic shelf label terminal specified by the specifying means is provided on a map representing the layout of the product shelf, The shopping support system according to claim 1, wherein:   The said notification means further displays the present location mark which shows the position of the said goods shelf in which the said electronic shelf label terminal which is the transmission origin of the said received information is provided on the said map. 2. Shopping support system according to 2.   4. The notification unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the notification unit receives selection of the location mark and, when the location mark is selected, notifies information on a product existing at a position represented by the location mark. The shopping support system described.   5. The electronic shelf label terminal displays a guide mark informing that the information on the related product is stored by the storage means together with the shelf label information. The shopping support system according to item 1. A portable information terminal that is provided on the product shelf corresponding to each product displayed on the product shelf and capable of wireless data communication with a plurality of electronic shelf label terminals that display shelf label information of the corresponding product. In the computer to be embedded,
When receiving the information of the related product transmitted from the electronic shelf label terminal wirelessly, the product shelf of the product shelf provided with the electronic shelf label terminal that displays the shelf label information of the related product according to the received information. A function to identify the position,
A function of notifying the position of the specified product shelf;
Shopping support program to realize

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