JP2016140368A - Radio display system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radio display system capable of securing a high level of responsiveness of a radio display when necessary while suppressing power consumption of the radio display.SOLUTION: An electronic shelf label system includes a plurality of electronic shelf labels 40, a server, and an access point. The electronic shelf labels are arranged corresponding to each of a plurality of items of merchandise, and display merchandise information regarding the corresponding items of merchandise. The server stores the merchandise information, and the access point transmits the merchandise information stored in the server to the electronic shelf labels. The electronic shelf label includes a battery 45, a light receiving sensor 43, and a control part 44. The control part has, as control modes, an active mode in which a time ratio of a wake-up state in which merchandise information can be received from the access point is a prescribed ratio, and an energy saving mode in which a time ratio of a wake-up state is lower than the active mode, and battery power consumption is small. Based on the result of detection by the light receiving sensor, the control part switches the control modes from the energy saving mode to the active mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless display system, more specifically, a wireless device including a plurality of wireless display devices, a server that stores article information, and a transmission device that transmits the article information stored in the server to the wireless display device. It relates to a display system.

  Conventionally, as in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-168057), a plurality of wireless indicators that are arranged corresponding to each of a plurality of articles and display article information about the corresponding articles, and store the article information There is known a wireless display system that includes a server that performs processing and a transmission device that transmits article information stored in the server to a wireless display.

  In such a wireless display system, when the article information is changed, or when the article associated with the wireless display is changed, the article information is transmitted from the communication device to the wireless display, and the wireless display is performed. The instrument display is updated.

  By the way, in such a wireless display system, a wireless display driven by a battery is generally used. Such a battery-driven wireless display is required to reduce power consumption in order to extend the life of the battery.

  Therefore, the wireless display device is generally configured to alternately perform a wake-up state in which article information can be received and a sleep state in which article information cannot be received but power consumption is low. For example, in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-168057), power consumption is reduced by alternately performing a wake-up state and a sleep state and lengthening the sleep state time when there is no data reception for a certain period of time. Further reduction is disclosed.

  However, although the power consumption can be reduced by increasing the sleep state time in this way, the response time of the wireless display device, for example, when a worker or the like performs work to cause the wireless display device to rewrite article information, etc. In some cases, the work efficiency of workers and the like may be reduced.

  An object of the present invention is a wireless display system including a plurality of wireless display devices, a server that stores article information, and a transmission device that transmits the article information stored in the server to the wireless display device. An object of the present invention is to provide a wireless display system capable of ensuring high responsiveness of a wireless display when necessary while suppressing power consumption of the display.

  A wireless display system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of wireless indicators, a server, and a transmission device. The plurality of wireless indicators are arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of articles, and display article information regarding the corresponding articles. The server stores article information. The transmission device transmits the article information stored in the server to the wireless display. The wireless display device includes a battery that drives the wireless display device, a light receiving sensor, and a control unit. The control unit has a first mode in which the time ratio of the wake-up state in which the article information can be received from the transmission device is a predetermined ratio, the time ratio in the wake-up state is lower than the first mode, and battery power consumption is lower than in the first mode There are few second modes as the control mode of the wireless display. The control unit switches the control mode from the second mode to the first mode based on the detection result of the light receiving sensor.

  In the wireless display system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the wireless display recognizes a state in which work on the wireless display is highly likely to be performed based on the detection result of the light receiving sensor, and wireless display is performed according to the recognition result. The control mode of the vessel is switched from the second mode to the first mode. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the wireless display when the possibility that the article information is transmitted is low, and to secure the high responsiveness of the wireless display when the possibility that the article information is transmitted is high.

  The wireless display system which concerns on the 2nd viewpoint of this invention is a wireless display system which concerns on a 1st viewpoint, Comprising: A wireless display further has a wireless receiver which receives article information from a transmitter.

  In the wireless display system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the light receiving sensor is provided in the wireless display that wirelessly communicates with the transmission device, so that the power consumption of the wireless display is reduced when the possibility that the article information is transmitted is low. It is possible to suppress the high responsiveness of the wireless display device when there is a high possibility that the article information is transmitted.

  The wireless display system which concerns on the 3rd viewpoint of this invention is a wireless display system which concerns on a 1st viewpoint, Comprising: A wireless display has an infrared receiver which receives article information from a transmitter. The infrared receiver also serves as a light receiving sensor.

  In the wireless display system according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the wireless display that performs infrared communication with the transmission device, the infrared receiver also functions as a light receiving sensor. Therefore, there is no need to separately provide a light receiving sensor in the wireless display, and an increase in the cost of the wireless display system can be suppressed.

  A wireless display system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the wireless display system according to the first aspect to the third aspect, wherein the control unit sets the control mode when the light receiving level of the light receiving sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. Switch from the second mode to the first mode.

  In the wireless display system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the control mode is switched from the second mode to the first mode when the light reception level is a predetermined value or more. That is, in the wireless display system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a state in which the light receiving level of the light receiving sensor is high (for example, a state in which the wireless display is placed in a lighted space) is performed on the wireless display. It is recognized that there is a high possibility, and the control mode of the wireless display can be appropriately switched according to the recognition result.

  The wireless display system which concerns on the 5th viewpoint of this invention is a wireless display system which concerns on a 4th viewpoint from the 1st viewpoint, Comprising: A 1st mode contains several submodes from which the time ratio of a wake-up state differs. The power consumption of the battery in the sub mode increases as the time ratio in the wake-up state increases. When the control mode is switched from the second mode to the first mode, the control unit selects one sub-mode based on the detection result of the light receiving sensor.

  In the wireless display system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, by providing the first mode with a plurality of submodes, excessive power consumption is suppressed, and the wireless display responds as necessary depending on the situation. It is possible to have

  A wireless display system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the wireless display system according to the first to fifth aspects, further comprising a scanner. The scanner has a light emitting unit and reads information for linking the wireless display and an article corresponding to the wireless display from the wireless display. An identifier as information read by the scanner is attached to the wireless display in the vicinity of the light receiving sensor. The light receiving sensor detects light emitted from the light emitting unit of the scanner when the scanner reads the identifier.

  In the wireless display system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the identifier of the wireless display is read by the scanner, the light from the light emitting unit of the scanner is detected by the light receiving sensor. When the identifier is read by the scanner, the wireless display and the article are usually linked, and article information reflecting the result of the linkage is transmitted from the transmission device to the wireless display. Therefore, by detecting the light emission of the scanner and using this as a trigger to change the control mode, the wireless display can be highly responsive when the wireless display and the article are linked.

  A wireless display system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of wireless indicators, a server, and a transmission device. The wireless display is arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of articles, and displays article information regarding the corresponding article. The server stores article information. The transmission device transmits the article information stored in the server to the wireless display. The wireless display device includes a battery that drives the wireless display device, short-range communication means, and a control unit. The control unit has a first mode in which the time ratio of the wake-up state in which the article information can be received from the transmission device is a predetermined ratio, the time ratio in the wake-up state is lower than the first mode, and battery power consumption is lower than in the first mode. There are few second modes as the control mode of the wireless display. The control unit switches the control mode from the second mode to the first mode based on the reception result of the signal of the short-range communication means.

  In the wireless display system according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, based on the detection result of the signal of the short-range communication means included in the wireless display, a state in which the work on the wireless display is highly likely to be performed is recognized, and the recognition result Accordingly, the control mode of the wireless display device is switched from the second mode to the first mode. Therefore, high responsiveness of the wireless display device can be ensured while suppressing the power consumption of the wireless display device and when the possibility that the article information is transmitted is high.

  In the wireless display system according to the present invention, it is possible to ensure high responsiveness of the wireless display device while suppressing the power consumption of the wireless display device and when the possibility of transmitting article information is high.

1 is an overall schematic diagram of an electronic shelf label system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which draws the example of arrangement | positioning of the electronic shelf label which the electronic shelf label system of FIG. 1 has. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the electronic shelf label which the electronic shelf label system of FIG. 1 has. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the electronic shelf label which the electronic shelf label system of FIG. 1 has. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the server which the electronic shelf label system of FIG. 1 has. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the switching process of the control mode of the electronic shelf label which the electronic shelf label system of FIG. 1 has. It is an image figure of the change of the control mode of the electronic shelf label which the electronic shelf label system of FIG. 1 has. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the electronic shelf label which the electronic shelf label system which concerns on the modification 1A has. It is a whole schematic diagram of the electronic shelf label system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the electronic shelf label which the electronic shelf label system of FIG. 9 has. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the electronic shelf label which the electronic shelf label system of FIG. 9 has. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the server which the electronic shelf label system of FIG. 9 has. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the switching process of the control mode of the electronic shelf label which the electronic shelf label system of FIG. 9 has.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the wireless display system according to the present invention will be described.

  The following embodiments are merely examples, and the wireless display system according to the present invention is not limited to the contents described below. Other modes can be adopted as long as they do not contradict the gist of the invention.

<First Embodiment>
The electronic shelf label system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

(1) Overall Configuration The electronic shelf label system 1 is an example of a wireless display system according to the present invention. The electronic shelf label system 1 is used in a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic shelf label system 1 mainly includes a plurality of electronic shelf labels 40, 40,..., A server 10, a plurality of access points 30, 30,. And is composed of. The number of electronic shelf labels 40, access points 30, and handy terminals 50 included in the electronic shelf label system 1 is not limited to the number shown in FIG.

  The electronic shelf label 40 is an example of a wireless display. The electronic shelf label 40 is a portable device. The electronic shelf label 40 is a display device arranged corresponding to each of a plurality of products P (an example of an article) handled at a store. The electronic shelf label 40 is disposed in the vicinity of the corresponding product P at the store floor of the store, and displays product information (an example of article information) regarding the corresponding product P (see FIG. 2). The product information is various information related to the product P, and includes, for example, the name of the product P, the selling price, and the like (see FIG. 3).

  The server 10 is a general computer that centrally manages information on a plurality of products P handled at a store. The server 10 is disposed, for example, in a store backyard. The functions of the server 10 include management of product information displayed on the electronic shelf label 40. The server 10 stores product information to be displayed on the electronic shelf label 40. In order to update the product information displayed on the electronic shelf label 40 when the stored product information is updated, the server 10 updates the command to the electronic shelf label 40 (update the displayed product information on the electronic shelf label 40). Command to be executed by the electronic shelf label 40 and transmitted to the electronic shelf label 40. The command includes product information to be displayed on the electronic shelf label 40, more specifically image information of product information to be displayed on the electronic shelf label 40. In addition, the device ID of the electronic shelf label 40 to be executed is added to the command. The server 10 exchanges signals with the electronic shelf label 40 via an access point 30 connected by a network 2 (see FIG. 1) such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The access point 30 is a transmission / reception apparatus that performs radio communication. The access point 30 exchanges various signals with the electronic shelf label 40. Specifically, the access point 30 transmits a signal (including a command) sent from the server 10 to each electronic shelf label 40 using radio waves. The access point 30 transmits a signal called a beacon for notifying the electronic shelf label 40 of whether or not a command is transmitted at a predetermined interval (for example, every 4 seconds). When a command is transmitted to the electronic shelf label 40, the command is transmitted following the beacon. Further, the access point 30 receives a signal transmitted from the electronic shelf label 40 by radio waves and transmits it to the server 10. The access points 30 are attached to the ceiling of a store, for example, with an interval. The installation location and the installation interval of the access point 30 are determined so that the electronic shelf label 40 installed in the store can communicate with any access point 30.

  The handy terminal 50 is a portable data collection terminal. The handy terminal 50 is configured to be able to read identification information unique to each electronic shelf label 40 and each product P. The handy terminal 50 is mainly used for link work for associating the device ID of the electronic shelf label 40 with the product ID of the product P. In the link operation, the device ID of the electronic shelf label 40 and the product ID of the product P are associated with each other and stored in the server 10 so that the product information of the product P corresponding to the electronic shelf label 40 is displayed on each electronic shelf label 40. It is work to let you.

(2) Detailed Configuration The electronic shelf label 40, the server 10, and the handy terminal 50 of the electronic shelf label system 1 will be described in detail below.

(2-1) Electronic shelf label The electronic shelf label 40 is arrange | positioned corresponding to each of several goods P handled at a shop, and displays the merchandise information regarding the corresponding goods P (refer FIG. 2). The product information displayed on the electronic shelf label 40 includes a product name, a unit price per weight, and a sales price (see FIG. 3). However, the product information need not be limited to the product name, unit price per weight, and selling price, and may include other information in addition to or in place of these information. May be.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the electronic shelf label 40 mainly includes a display unit 41, a communication unit 42, a light receiving sensor 43, a control unit 44, and a battery 45.

(2-1-1) Display Unit The display unit 41 displays product information (image information of product information included in a command transmitted from the server 10) stored in a memory 44a of the control unit 44 described later. (Refer to FIG. 3). For example, electronic paper is used for the display unit 41. That is, the display unit 41 is a dot matrix non-volatile display unit including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix. The display unit 41 can hold display contents even when power is not supplied. In addition, the display part 41 does not need to be comprised with electronic paper, for example, may be comprised with the liquid crystal display.

(2-1-2) Communication Unit The communication unit 42 functions to perform wireless communication with the access point 30. Specifically, the communication unit 42 performs radio wave communication with the access point 30. The communication unit 42 receives a command including product information image information from the access point 30 and inputs the received command to the control unit 44. In addition, the communication unit 42 transmits a response signal (ACK) to the server 10. The response signal is a signal transmitted from the communication unit 42 in order to notify the server 10 that the command transmitted to the electronic shelf label 40 having the communication unit 42 has been received.

(2-1-3) Light receiving sensor The light receiving sensor 43 mainly has a light receiving portion (not shown). The light receiving sensor 43 is disposed in the vicinity of the barcode 40a attached to the front surface of the electronic shelf label 40 (the surface on which the display unit 41 is provided). More specifically, the light receiving portion of the light receiving sensor 43 is disposed in the vicinity of the barcode 40a. In this way, by arranging the light receiving unit of the light receiving sensor 43 and the barcode 40a side by side, the light emitted from the handy terminal 50 is emitted when the barcode 40a is read using the handy terminal 50, as will be described later. The light receiving sensor 43 can detect. The light receiving sensor 43 is configured to detect the light receiving level (light quantity) of the light receiving unit. The detection result (light quantity) of the light receiving sensor 43 is input to the control unit 44.

(2-1-4) Control Unit The control unit 44 mainly includes a CPU (not shown), a memory 44a (see FIG. 4), and the like. The control unit 44 is electrically connected to the display unit 41, the communication unit 42, the light receiving sensor 43, and the battery 45 (see FIG. 4).

  The memory 44 a stores a device ID that is a unique identifier of the electronic shelf label 40. In addition, the product information received by the communication unit 42 (image information of product information transmitted from the server 10) is stored in the memory 44a.

  The control unit 44 controls each element of the electronic shelf label 40 by executing a program stored in the memory 44a. Specifically, the control unit 44 performs the following control.

  For example, the control unit 44 controls to switch the state of the communication unit 42 between a sleep state and a wake-up state. The sleep state is a state in which the communication unit 42 cannot receive a signal transmitted from the access point 30. When in the sleep state, the communication unit 42 does not consume the power of the battery 45. On the other hand, the wake-up state is a state where the communication unit 42 can receive a signal transmitted from the access point 30. When in the wake-up state, the communication unit 42 consumes the power of the battery 45. As will be described later, the control unit 44 has an energy saving mode and an active mode as control modes of the electronic shelf label 40, and the ratio between the sleep state time and the wake-up state time according to each control mode. Are configured differently. The control mode will be described in detail later.

  For example, when the communication unit 42 in the wake-up state receives a command from the access point 30 and the received command is input from the communication unit 42 to the control unit 44, the control unit 44 sends the command to It is determined whether or not the electronic shelf label 40 having the control unit 44 is addressed. Specifically, the control unit 44 compares the device ID attached to the command with the unique device ID stored in the memory 44a, and determines that the command is addressed to itself when they match. . When determining that the command is addressed to itself, the control unit 44 stores the image information included in the command in the memory 44a (updates information in the memory 44a). And the control part 44 controls the display part 41, and displays the merchandise information (image information) memorize | stored in the memory 44a on the display part 41. FIG. Further, when determining that the command is addressed to itself, the control unit 44 causes the communication unit 42 to transmit a response signal to the server 10.

(2-1-5) Battery The battery 45 supplies drive power to the display unit 41, the communication unit 42, the light receiving sensor 43, and the control unit 44 of the electronic shelf label 40.

  The communication unit 42 is provided with a switch (not shown) such as an FET. The control unit 44 controls power supply from the battery 45 to the communication unit 42 by controlling the switch. Specifically, when the communication unit 42 is in the sleep state, the control unit 44 turns off the switch so that power is not supplied from the battery 45 to the communication unit 42. On the other hand, when the state of the communication unit 42 is changed to the wake-up state, the control unit 44 turns on the switch so that power is supplied from the battery 45 to the communication unit 42.

(2-2) Server The server 10 is a general computer that centrally manages information on a plurality of products P handled at a store. The server 10 transmits a command including product information to the electronic shelf label 40 via the access point 30.

  The server 10 mainly includes a server communication unit 11, a server display unit 12, a server input unit 13, a server storage unit 14, and a server control unit 15 (see FIG. 5).

(2-2-1) Server Communication Unit The server communication unit 11 is a communication interface for enabling communication between the server 10 and the access point 30, the handy terminal 50, or the like. The server 10 is also configured to be able to communicate with devices outside the electronic shelf label system 1 (for example, a POS system server and store controller installed in the store together with the electronic shelf label system 1) via the server communication unit 11. ing. The command transmitted from the server communication unit 11 to the access point 30 is transmitted from the access point 30 to the electronic shelf label 40.

(2-2-2) Server Display Unit The server display unit 12 is a liquid crystal display. Various information related to the electronic shelf label system 1 can be displayed on the server display unit 12.

(2-2-3) Server Input Unit The server input unit 13 is a mouse and a keyboard. Various commands and various information for the server 10 can be input via the server input unit 13.

(2-2-4) Server storage unit The server storage unit 14 includes a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, and the like. The server storage unit 14 stores various programs executed by the server control unit 15 described later. Various information is stored in the server storage unit 14. The information stored in the server storage unit 14 includes a product master table 14a and an electronic shelf label master table 14b (see FIG. 5).

(2-2-4-1) Product Master Table The product master table 14a is information on the product P handled by the electronic shelf label system 1. The information regarding the product P includes, for example, a product name, a sales price (normal price / sale price), a sales unit price, a discount rate, and the like. Further, the information related to the product P may include information mainly used by store employees such as sales volume and inventory quantity. Product information is stored in the product master table 14a for each product ID (barcode information) of the product P. The contents of the merchandise master table 14a are updated when the server communication unit 11 receives information from an external device (for example, a POS system (not shown)), or when the server input unit 13 receives input of information.

(2-2-4-2) Electronic Shelf Label Master Table The electronic shelf label master table 14b is information that associates the device ID for identifying the electronic shelf label 40 with the product ID of the product P. In the electronic shelf label master table 14b, the device ID and the product ID are stored in association with each other, whereby the electronic shelf label 40 and the product P corresponding to the electronic shelf label 40 are linked. In other words, by storing the device ID and the product ID in association with each other in the electronic shelf label master table 14b, it is specified which product P should be displayed on a certain electronic shelf label 40. The device ID and the product ID are associated by the operator performing a link operation using the handy terminal 50 described later.

(2-2-5) Server Control Unit The server control unit 15 controls each element of the server 10 by executing a program stored in the server storage unit 14. Specifically, the server control unit 15 performs the following control.

  For example, as will be described later, when the server communication unit 11 receives the device ID of the electronic shelf label to be associated and the product ID of the product P transmitted from the handy terminal 50, as described later, The product ID is associated and stored in the electronic shelf label master table 14b.

  Further, for example, the server control unit 15 generates a command including product information when the electronic shelf label system 1 is activated or when the display change of the electronic shelf label 40 is necessary, and the electronic shelf label is transmitted via the access point 30. 40. The time when the display change of the electronic shelf label 40 is necessary is, for example, when the contents of the product master table 14a or the electronic shelf label master table 14b are updated.

  Specifically, the server control unit 15 performs the following processing when transmitting product information to the electronic shelf label 40.

  First, the server control unit 15 refers to the product master table 14a, and generates product information image information to be transmitted to the electronic shelf label 40 for the product P that requires the display change of the electronic shelf label 40. Further, the server control unit 15 refers to the electronic shelf label master table 14b, and uses the device ID of the electronic shelf label 40 linked to the product P that requires the display change of the electronic shelf label 40 as a transmission destination identifier. get.

  Next, the server control unit 15 generates a command including image information of product information with the acquired transmission destination identifier (device ID of the electronic shelf label 40 to be transmitted). Further, the server control unit 15 transmits the generated command to the access point 30. The access point 30 that has received the command transmits the command to the electronic shelf label 40 by radio waves.

  As described above, when receiving the distribution data for itself, the electronic shelf label 40 transmits a response signal to the access point 30. The access point 30 that has received the response signal transmits the response signal to the server communication unit 11 of the server 10 via the network 2. When the server communication unit 11 receives the response signal after transmitting the command, the server control unit 15 determines that the communication with the electronic shelf label 40 is successful, and ends the transmission process of the product information for the electronic shelf label 40. On the other hand, when the access point 30 does not receive a response signal for some reason, the server control unit 15 retransmits the distribution data.

(2-3) Handy Terminal The handy terminal 50 is a data collection terminal having a barcode reading function and a data transmission function. The handy terminal 50 is an example of a scanner.

  The handy terminal 50 mainly includes a light emitting unit 51 such as an LED and a detection unit 52 (see FIG. 1).

  The handy terminal 50 irradiates the barcode (not shown) attached to the product P or the barcode 40a (see FIG. 3) attached to the electronic shelf label 40 with the light emitted from the light emitting unit 51. . The detection unit 52 reads the content of the barcode by detecting light reflected on the surface of the product P with the barcode or the surface of the electronic shelf label 40 with the barcode 40a. The barcode reading result of the handy terminal 50 is transmitted to the server 10.

  The handy terminal 50 is mainly used as follows when linking the electronic shelf label 40 and the product P associated with the electronic shelf label 40 (during linking work).

  The worker displays the device ID of the electronic shelf label 40 attached to the electronic shelf label 40 to be linked (the same device ID as that stored in the memory 44a of the electronic shelf label 40). The barcode 40a (see FIG. 3) is scanned by the handy terminal 50. Subsequently, the operator scans the bar code attached to the product P for which the electronic shelf label 40 is to display product information with the handy terminal 50. The scanned device ID and product ID are transmitted to the server 10 via a communication line (not shown) (for example, a wireless LAN). In the server 10, the transmitted device ID and product ID are associated with each other and stored in the electronic shelf label master table 14b.

(3) Electronic shelf label control mode switching process by control unit The control mode switching process of the electronic shelf label 40 by the control unit 44 will be described.

  First, the control mode of the electronic shelf label 40 will be described. The control mode of the electronic shelf label 40 is roughly divided into two modes, an energy saving mode and an active mode, depending on the time ratio of the rising state (the electronic shelf label 40 can communicate with the access point 30 via the communication unit 42). .

  The energy saving mode is an example of a second mode. The energy-saving mode is a mode in which a wake-up operation in which a wake-up state in which a command including product information transmitted from the access point 30 can be received from the sleep state is performed at relatively long time intervals T1 (for example, 1 hour). The electronic shelf label 40 is in a wake-up state for a predetermined period Δt (for example, 150 milliseconds) in one wake-up operation. During the energy saving mode, the time ratio of the wake-up state is Δt / T1. The beacon transmission timing of the access point 30 and the wake-up operation timing of the electronic shelf label 40 are controlled to be synchronized.

  In the energy saving mode, the time ratio in the wake-up state is short, and the time ratio in the sleep state in which the power of the battery 45 is not supplied to the communication unit 42 is long. Therefore, in the energy saving mode, the power consumption of the battery 45 is relatively small.

  The active mode is an example of the first mode. The active mode is a mode in which the wake-up operation is performed at a relatively short time T2 (<time T1) interval. The predetermined period Δt during which the electronic shelf label 40 is in the wake-up state by one wake-up operation is the same as in the energy saving mode. The time ratio of the wake-up state during the active mode is Δt / T2, which is higher than the time ratio Δt / T1 of the wake-up time during the energy saving mode. Since the active mode has a long activation time, the battery 45 consumes more power than the energy saving mode.

  The active mode has a plurality of submodes having different time ratios in the wake-up state, in other words, different time intervals for performing the wake-up operation. Here, the active mode includes a first active mode and a second active mode as a plurality of sub-modes. The time ratio of the rising state in the second active mode is higher than the time ratio of the rising state in the first active mode. For example, the wake-up operation is performed at intervals of 4 seconds in the second active mode, and the wake-up operation is performed at intervals of 1 minute in the first active mode. In the second active mode, since the time ratio of the wake-up state is higher than that in the first active mode, the power consumption of the battery 45 is larger than that in the first active mode. In any sub-mode, the beacon transmission timing of the access point 30 and the wake-up operation timing of the electronic shelf label 40 are controlled to be synchronized.

  Next, the process of switching the control mode of the electronic shelf label 40 by the control unit 44 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The control mode switching process is always executed while the electronic shelf label 40 is in operation.

  The control unit 44 switches the control mode based on the detection result by the light receiving sensor 43 (the amount of light detected by the light receiving sensor 43).

  In step S <b> 1, based on the input from the light receiving sensor 43, it is determined whether or not the light receiving level (detected light amount) of the light receiving sensor 43 is equal to or higher than a predetermined first reference value. The first reference value is a value that is determined in advance based on, for example, the illuminance of a store that is open / working. That is, in step S1, whether or not the work on the electronic shelf label 40 is performed at a relatively high frequency based on the amount of light (the possibility that the work is performed on the electronic shelf label 40 with lighting turned on in the store). Whether or not the state is high). If it is determined in step S1 that the light amount is smaller than the first reference value (relatively dark), the process proceeds to step S2. If the light amount is determined to be greater than or equal to the first reference value (relatively bright), the process proceeds to step S3. move on.

  In step S2, when the control mode of the electronic shelf label 40 is the active mode, the control unit 44 switches the control mode from the active mode to the energy saving mode. If the control mode is already the energy saving mode, the energy saving mode is continued. After step S2, the process returns to step S1.

  In step S3, based on the input from the light receiving sensor 43, it is determined whether or not the light receiving level (detected light amount) of the light receiving sensor 43 is equal to or greater than a predetermined second reference value. The second reference value is larger than the first reference value. The second reference value is a value determined in advance based on the amount of light when the light receiving sensor 43 detects light emitted from the light emitting unit 51 of the handy terminal 50. That is, in step S3, it is determined whether or not an operation for reading the barcode 40a attached to the electronic shelf label 40 using the handy terminal 50 is performed based on the light amount. If it is determined in step S3 that the light amount is smaller than the second reference value, the process proceeds to step S4. If it is determined in step S3 that the light amount is equal to or greater than the second reference value, the process proceeds to step S5.

  In step S4, when the control mode of the electronic shelf label 40 is the energy saving mode, the control unit 44 switches the control mode from the energy saving mode to the active mode. In particular, in step S4, the control unit 44 selects the first active mode as a sub mode in the active mode. When the control mode is already the first active mode, the first active mode is continued. After step S4 ends, the process returns to step S1.

  In step S5, when the control mode of the electronic shelf label 40 is the energy saving mode, the control unit 44 switches the control mode from the energy saving mode to the active mode. In particular, in step S5, the control unit 44 selects the second active mode as a sub mode in the active mode. In step S5, when the first active mode is selected as the active mode submode, the control unit 44 selects the second active mode as the active mode submode. After step S5 ends, the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S6, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) has elapsed after execution of step S5. Step S6 is processing for continuing the second active mode for a predetermined time. At the timing when the amount of light detected by the light receiving sensor 43 exceeds the second reference value, in other words, at the timing when the barcode 40a of the electronic shelf label 40 is read by the handy terminal 50, the link between the electronic shelf label 40 and the product P is usually provided. The server 10 transmits a command including new product information to be displayed on the electronic shelf label 40. Therefore, the time for executing the second active mode as the control mode in step S6 is a predetermined time at a maximum so that a command from the server 10 that is expected to be transmitted via the access point 30 can be received immediately. Only secured. If it is determined in step S6 that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process returns to step S1. When returning to step S1, the control unit 44 switches the control mode of the electronic shelf label 40 to a mode in which the power consumption of the battery 45 is less than the second active mode (for example, the first active mode). If it is determined in step S6 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S7, after the second active mode is selected in step S5, it is determined whether or not the electronic shelf label 40 has received a command addressed to itself from the server 10. If it is determined that a command addressed to itself is received, the control mode switching process returns to step S1. When returning to step S1, the control unit 44 switches the control mode of the electronic shelf label 40 to a mode in which the power consumption of the battery 45 is less than the second active mode (for example, the first active mode).

  The control mode of the electronic shelf label 40 as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is executed by the control unit 44, so that the control mode of the electronic shelf label 40 is switched as shown in FIG. 7 throughout the day. become.

  Since the light quantity detected by the light receiving sensor 43 is smaller than the first reference value during the time when the store is turned off (for example, at night outside business hours) (see FIG. 7), the control mode of the electronic shelf label 40 is the energy saving mode. It becomes. In general, the frequency of updating the product information displayed on the electronic shelf label 40 is low during the time when the inside of the store is turned off, and it is necessary to rewrite the display of the product information on the electronic shelf label 40 in a short period of time. There are few. Therefore, there is no problem in the responsiveness even if the time ratio of the wake-up state is reduced during the time when the inside of the store is turned off, and the power consumption of the electronic shelf label 40 can be suppressed.

  On the other hand, during the time when the inside of the store is illuminated (for example, during business hours or during work), the light amount detected by the light receiving sensor 43 becomes larger than the first reference value (see FIG. 7), and the control mode of the electronic shelf label 40 Becomes the first active mode. During the time when the store is illuminated, there is a relatively high possibility that the product information displayed on the electronic shelf label 40 is updated, and the display of the product information on the electronic shelf label 40 is relatively short. It is preferable to be rewritten as follows. Therefore, the time ratio of the wake-up state is controlled relatively large during the time when the inside of the store is illuminated.

  Furthermore, at the timing when the amount of light detected by the light receiving sensor 43 exceeds the second reference value, in other words, when the handy terminal 50 reads the barcode 40a of the electronic shelf label 40 (during link work), the electronic shelf label 40 It is very likely that a command for updating the displayed product information is transmitted, and the display of the product information on the electronic shelf label 40 is preferably rewritten in a short time. Therefore, at the timing when the barcode 40a of the electronic shelf label 40 is read by the handy terminal 50, the time ratio of the rising state is controlled to be relatively large.

  The above-described process for switching the control mode of the electronic shelf label 40 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, from the flowchart of FIG. 6 of the switching process of the electronic shelf label 40 control mode, step S7 may be omitted and step S6 may be repeated until it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed. In the flowchart of FIG. 6, when returning from step S6 or step S7 to step S1, the control mode of the electronic shelf label 40 may remain in the second active mode.

(4) Features (4-1)
An electronic shelf label system 1 as an example of a wireless display system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of electronic shelf labels 40, a server 10, and an access point 30 as a transmission device. The electronic shelf label 40 is an example of a wireless display. The plurality of electronic shelf labels 40 are arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of products P (an example of an article), and display product information (an example of the article information) regarding the corresponding product P. The server 10 stores product information. The access point 30 transmits the product information stored in the server 10 to the electronic shelf label 40. The electronic shelf label 40 includes a battery 45 that drives the electronic shelf label 40, a light receiving sensor 43, and a control unit 44. The control unit 44 has an active mode as an example of the first mode, an energy saving mode as an example of the second mode, and a control mode. In the active mode, the time ratio of the wake-up state in which the product information can be received from the access point 30 is a predetermined ratio. In the energy saving mode, the wake-up time ratio is lower than that in the active mode, and the battery 45 consumes less power than in the active mode. Based on the detection result of the light receiving sensor 43, the control unit 44 switches the control mode from the energy saving mode to the active mode.

  Here, the electronic shelf label 40 recognizes a state in which work on the electronic shelf label 40 is highly likely to be performed based on the detection result of the light receiving sensor 43, and the control mode of the electronic shelf label 40 is set according to the recognition result. Switch from energy-saving mode to active mode. Therefore, when the possibility that the product information is transmitted is low, the power consumption of the electronic shelf label 40 is suppressed, and when the possibility that the product information is transmitted is high, the high response of the electronic shelf label 40 can be ensured. .

(4-2)
In the electronic shelf label system 1 according to the present embodiment, the electronic shelf label 40 includes a communication unit 42 as an example of a wireless receiver that receives product information from the access point 30.

  Here, the light receiving sensor 43 is provided in the electronic shelf label 40 that performs wireless communication with the access point 30, so that the power consumption of the electronic shelf label 40 is suppressed when the possibility that the product information is transmitted is low. When the possibility of transmission is high, high responsiveness of the electronic shelf label 40 can be ensured.

(4-3)
In the electronic shelf label system 1 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 44 switches the control mode from the energy saving mode to the active mode when the light receiving level (light quantity) of the light receiving sensor 43 is equal to or higher than the first reference value.

  Here, the control mode is switched from the energy saving mode to the active mode when the amount of light is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. That is, here, a state in which the amount of light is large (for example, a state in which the electronic shelf label 40 is placed in a lighted store) is recognized as a state in which there is a high possibility that work on the electronic shelf label 40 will be performed. The control mode of the electronic shelf label 40 can be appropriately switched according to the result.

(4-4)
In the electronic shelf label system 1 according to the present embodiment, the active mode includes a plurality of submodes having different time ratios in the wake-up state. In particular, here, the sub-mode includes a first active mode and a second active mode. The power consumption of the battery 45 in the sub mode increases as the time ratio in the wake-up state increases. When the control mode is switched from the energy saving mode to the active mode, the control unit 44 selects one sub mode based on the detection result of the light receiving sensor 43.

  Here, by providing the active mode with a plurality of sub-modes, it is possible to give the electronic shelf label 40 responsiveness according to the situation while suppressing excessive power consumption.

(4-5)
The electronic shelf label system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a handy terminal 50 as an example of a scanner. The handy terminal 50 has a light emitting unit 51 and reads information for linking the electronic shelf label 40 and the product P corresponding to the electronic shelf label 40 from the electronic shelf label 40. An identifier (barcode 40 a) as information read by the handy terminal 50 is attached to the electronic shelf label 40 in the vicinity of the light receiving unit of the light receiving sensor 43. The light receiving sensor 43 detects light emitted from the light emitting unit 51 of the handy terminal 50 when the handy terminal 50 reads the barcode 40a.

  Here, when the barcode 40 a of the electronic shelf label 40 is read by the handy terminal 50, the light of the light emitting unit 51 of the handy terminal 50 is detected by the light receiving sensor 43. When the handy terminal 50 reads the barcode 40a, the electronic shelf label 40 and the product P are usually linked, and product information reflecting the result of the link is transmitted from the access point 30 to the electronic shelf label 40. . Therefore, by detecting the light emission of the handy terminal 50 and using this as a trigger to change the control mode, the electronic shelf label 40 can have high responsiveness when the electronic shelf label 40 and the product P are linked. .

(5) Modifications Modifications of the first embodiment will be described below. Note that a plurality of modified examples may be combined as long as they do not contradict each other.

(5-1) Modification 1A
In the electronic shelf label system 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the electronic shelf label 40 is configured to communicate with the access point 30 using radio waves, but is not limited thereto.

  For example, the communication device that transmits a command including product information from the server 10 to the electronic shelf label and the electronic shelf label may be configured to perform communication using infrared rays. As shown in FIG. 8, the communication unit 142 of the electronic shelf label 140 used in this case includes a light receiving unit 142a that receives an infrared signal and a light emitting unit 142b that transmits the infrared signal. The light receiving unit 142a is an example of an infrared receiver that receives product information from a communication device.

  In addition, when comprised in this way, it is preferable that the light receiving part 142a serves as the light receiving sensor which detects light quantity instead of having the light receiving sensor separately in the electronic shelf label 140. As a result, it is possible to reduce the cost of separately installing the light receiving sensor.

(5-2) Modification 1B
In the electronic shelf label system 1 according to the above embodiment, the active mode of the electronic shelf label 40 includes two sub modes, but is not limited thereto.

  For example, the active mode may be configured to include more than two submodes. And the control part 44 may be comprised so that the time ratio of the waking state of the electronic shelf label 40 may become high, so that the light quantity which the light reception sensor 43 detected is large value.

  Further, for example, the active mode may not include the sub mode. For example, only the first active mode described above may be executed as the active mode. However, in order to ensure high responsiveness during link work by the handy terminal 50, the active mode preferably includes a first active mode and a second active mode.

(5-3) Modification 1C
In the electronic shelf label system 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the time ratio of the wake-up time is changed by changing the frequency of the wake-up operation in the energy saving mode and the active mode, or in the first active mode and the second active mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by changing the wake-up time per time, the time ratio of the wake-up time may be different.

  For example, in the first active mode, the communication unit 42 is controlled to be in a wake-up state for a first time (for example, 150 milliseconds) once per minute, and in the second active mode, once per minute. By controlling the communication unit 42 to be in the wake-up state for the second time (for example, 20 seconds), the time ratio of the wake-up time between the first active mode and the second active mode may be different.

(5-4) Modification 1D
In the above embodiment, the electronic shelf label system is shown as an example of the wireless display system according to the present invention. However, the wireless display system according to the present invention is not limited to the electronic shelf label system installed in a store or the like. .

  For example, the wireless display system may be used in a hospital. Specifically, in a hospital, management (preparation of medicine (injection medicine or internal medicine)) for each patient at a dispensing place or the like is stored in a container, and the medicine is transported to a hospital room or the like by the container. In such a case, a wireless display (a wireless display having the same device configuration as the electronic shelf label 40 according to the above embodiment) is attached to each of a plurality of containers (an example of an article), and control of the wireless display The mode may be shifted from a mode with a relatively low wake-up time ratio to a mode with a relatively high wake-up time ratio based on the detection result of the light receiving sensor. The information about the container includes, for example, the name of a patient who uses the medicine contained in the container (to be put), a list of medicine names contained in the container (to be put in), and the like.

  For example, the wireless display system may be used in a warehouse or the like. Specifically, in a warehouse, when objects to be transported are stored in containers and stored / managed in the warehouse for each transport destination, a wireless display (the above embodiment) is provided for each of a plurality of containers (examples of articles). The wireless display device having the same configuration as that of the electronic shelf label 40 is attached, and the control mode of the wireless display device is changed from the mode in which the ratio of the rising time is relatively low based on the detection result of the light receiving sensor. The mode may be shifted to a mode with a relatively high percentage of time. The information related to the container is, for example, the destination of the conveyance object contained in the container, the name of the conveyance object contained in the container, the quantity, and the like.

  Even when a wireless display system is used in a hospital or a warehouse, it is possible to ensure high responsiveness of the wireless display device while suppressing power consumption of the wireless display device and when there is a high possibility that article information will be transmitted. it can.

Second Embodiment
The electronic shelf label system 201 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

  An electronic shelf label system 201 according to the second embodiment is an example of a wireless display system according to the present invention. Since the electronic shelf label system 201 has much in common with the electronic shelf label system 1 according to the first embodiment, the differences will mainly be described.

  In the second embodiment, elements denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the configuration according to the first embodiment mean that the components / functions and the like according to the first embodiment are the same.

(1) Overall Configuration FIG. 9 is an overall schematic diagram of an electronic shelf label system 201 according to the second embodiment.

  The electronic shelf label system 201 is the same as the electronic shelf label system 1 of the first embodiment except for the server 210, the electronic shelf label 240 as an example of a wireless display, and the handy terminal 250. About the whole structure, since the electronic shelf label system 201 is the same as the electronic shelf label system 1 of 1st Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted.

(2) Detailed configuration The electronic shelf label 240, the server 210, and the handy terminal 250 of the electronic shelf label system 201 are the same as the electronic shelf label 40, the server 10, and the handy terminal 50 of the electronic shelf label system 1 of the first embodiment. The details will be described below, focusing on the differences.

(2-1) Electronic shelf label Unlike the electronic shelf label 40 of the first embodiment, the electronic shelf label 240 does not have the light receiving sensor 43 (see FIGS. 10 and 11). Unlike the electronic shelf label 40 of the first embodiment, the electronic shelf label 240 includes a short-range communication unit 246 (see FIG. 11). The short-range communication unit 246 is not supplied with power from the battery 45. Unlike the electronic shelf label 40 of the first embodiment, the electronic shelf label 240 is not attached with a barcode 40a below the display unit 41 (see FIG. 10). Further, the process performed by the control unit 244 of the electronic shelf label 240 is partially different from the process performed by the control unit 44 of the electronic shelf label 40 of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the short-range communication unit 246 and the control unit 244 will be mainly described. About the display part 41, the communication part 42, and the battery 45, since it is the same as that of 1st Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted.

(2-1-1) Near Field Communication Unit The near field communication unit 246 is a passive RF tag (Radio Frequency Tag). Specifically, the short-range communication unit 246 is an RF tag that receives power supply from the short-range communication unit 253 of the handy terminal 250 described later by non-contact power transmission.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the short-range communication unit 246 mainly includes an antenna 246a and an NFC chip (Near Field Communication Chip) 246b.

  The antenna 246a is a loop antenna (coil antenna) used for transmission / reception of signals using radio waves or magnetic fields. The communicable distance between the short-range communication unit 246 and the short-range communication unit 253 of the handy terminal 250 is about several centimeters to several tens of centimeters.

  The NFC chip 246b controls the short-range communication unit 246 in accordance with a signal transmitted from the handy terminal 250. The NFC chip 246b performs various processes using power supplied from the handy terminal 250 to the short-range communication unit 246 by non-contact power transmission. Specifically, when the NFC chip 246b receives a trigger signal to be described later from the short-range communication unit 253 of the handy terminal 250 via the antenna 246a, the NFC chip 246b sends a control mode switching signal to the control unit 244 of the electronic shelf label 240. Is output. Further, when receiving the trigger signal, the NFC chip 246b transmits the device ID of the electronic shelf label 240 stored in the memory 246ba (see FIG. 11) to the near field communication unit 253 via the antenna 246a. The device ID of the electronic shelf label 240 stored in the memory 246ba is the same information as the device ID stored in the memory 44a.

(2-1-2) Control Unit The control unit 244 is mainly configured by a CPU (not shown), a memory 44a, and the like (see FIG. 11). The control unit 244 is electrically connected to the display unit 41, the communication unit 42, the short-range communication unit 246, and the battery 45 (see FIG. 11).

  The memory 44 a stores a device ID that is a unique identifier of the electronic shelf label 40. The device ID stored in the memory 44a and the device ID stored in the memory 246ba of the short-range communication unit 246 are the same information. The memory 44a stores product information (image information) transmitted from the server 210 and received by the communication unit 42.

  The control unit 244 controls each element of the electronic shelf label 240 by executing a program stored in the memory 44a. Specifically, the control unit 244 performs the following control.

  For example, the control unit 244 switches the state of the communication unit 42 between a sleep state and a wake-up state. The definitions of the sleep state and the wake-up state are the same as in the first embodiment. Note that, similarly to the first embodiment, the control unit 244 has an energy saving mode and an active mode as control modes of the electronic shelf label 240, and the sleep mode time and the wake-up time are controlled by each control mode. And is configured to change the ratio. Since the control mode changing process is different from the first embodiment, it will be described in detail later.

  For example, when the communication unit 42 in the wake-up state receives a command from the access point 30 and the received command is input from the communication unit 42 to the control unit 244, the control unit 244 sends the command to itself (that It is determined whether or not the electronic shelf label 240 having the control unit 244 is addressed. Specifically, the control unit compares the device ID added to the command with the unique device ID stored in the memory 44a, and determines that the command is addressed to itself when they match. . When the control unit 244 determines that the command is addressed to itself, the control unit 244 stores the image information included in the command in the memory 44a (updates information in the memory 44a). Then, the control unit 244 controls the display unit 41 to display the product information (image information) stored in the memory 44a on the display unit 41. Further, when determining that the command is addressed to itself, the control unit 244 causes the communication unit 42 to transmit a response signal to the server 210.

(2-2) Server The server 210 is the same as the server 10 of the first embodiment except that the control executed by the server control unit 215 is partially different (see FIG. 12). Here, only the server control unit 215 will be described, and description of other components will be omitted.

(2-2-1) Server Control Unit The server control unit 215 transmits a command including product information (image data) to the electronic shelf label 240 when a link operation is performed by the handy terminal 250, and otherwise. In this case, the command is transmitted to the electronic shelf label 240, and the speed of the command transmission processing to the electronic shelf label 240 is changed, which is different from the server control unit 15 of the first embodiment. The time when the link operation is performed by the handy terminal 250 means the time when the device ID of the electronic shelf label 240 to be associated and the product ID of the product P are transmitted from the handy terminal 250.

  Specifically, the server control unit 215 accesses the normal time (when the link operation is performed by the handy terminal 250 and when a command including product information is transmitted to the electronic shelf label 240). The access point 30 is instructed via the server communication unit 11 to transmit a command following a part of the beacons transmitted at intervals of 20 seconds among the beacons transmitted from the point 30 at intervals of 4 seconds (normal command). Send mode).

  On the other hand, when the link operation is performed by the handy terminal 250, the server control unit 215 transmits the command following the beacon transmitted from the access point 30 at intervals of 4 seconds via the server communication unit 11. Instructs the access point 30 (rapid command transmission mode).

  That is, by using the rapid command transmission mode, the server 210 can shorten the average time until the command transmission is completed.

(2-3) Handy Terminal The handy terminal 250 is a data collection terminal having a barcode reading function, an NFC reader function for reading the device ID of the electronic shelf label 240, and a data transmitting device function. The handy terminal 250 mainly includes a light emitting unit 51, a detection unit 52, and a short-range communication unit 253.

  The handy terminal 250 is configured to be able to read a barcode attached to the product P using the light emitting unit 51 and the detecting unit 52. Since the barcode reading is the same as that of the handy terminal 50 of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  The short-range communication unit 253 is an RF tag reader / writer. The short-range communication unit 253 transmits information to the short-range communication unit 246 of the electronic shelf label 240 from an antenna (not shown) on radio waves or magnetic fields. In addition, the short-range communication unit 253 receives information transmitted from the short-range communication unit 246 of the electronic shelf label 240 on a radio wave or a magnetic field via an antenna (not shown).

  Specifically, the short-range communication unit 253 transmits a trigger signal to the short-range communication unit 246 of the electronic shelf label 240. The short-range communication unit 253 receives information related to the device ID of the electronic shelf label 240 of the communication partner transmitted from the short-range communication unit 246. The trigger signal is a signal that the handy terminal 250 requests the short-range communication unit 246 to transmit the device ID of the electronic shelf label 240. The trigger signal is a signal for notifying the electronic shelf label 240 that a command including product information is transmitted from the server 210 via the access point 30, and the electronic shelf label 240 is prepared to receive a command including product information. It is a signal for

  The handy terminal 250 is mainly used as follows when linking the electronic shelf label 240 and the product P corresponding to the electronic shelf label 240 (when linking).

  An operator brings the handy terminal 250 close to the electronic shelf label 240 to be linked and operates the handy terminal 250 so that a trigger signal is transmitted from the handy terminal 250 to the electronic shelf label 240. The handy terminal 250 receives the device ID transmitted from the electronic shelf label 240 in response to the trigger signal. Subsequently, the operator scans the handy terminal 250 for the barcode attached to the product P whose product information is to be displayed by the electronic shelf label 240 to be linked. The device ID and the scanned product ID transmitted from the electronic shelf label 240 are transmitted to the server 210 via a communication line (not shown) (for example, a wireless LAN). In the server 210, the transmitted device ID and product ID are associated and stored in the electronic shelf label master table 14b.

(3) Control Mode Switching Processing by Electronic Shelf Label Control Unit Control mode switching processing by the control unit 244 of the electronic shelf label 240 will be described.

  First, the control mode of the electronic shelf label 240 in the second embodiment will be described. The control mode of the electronic shelf label 240 can be divided into an energy saving mode and an active mode according to the time ratio of the rising state.

  The energy saving mode is an example of a second mode. The energy saving mode is a mode in which a wake-up operation in which a wake-up state in which a command including product information can be received from the access point 30 is received is performed at relatively long time intervals T3 (for example, 20 seconds). The electronic shelf label 40 is in a wake-up state for a predetermined period Δt (for example, 150 milliseconds) in one wake-up operation. During the energy saving mode, the time ratio of the wake-up state is Δt / T3. The beacon transmission timing of the access point 30 and the wake-up operation timing of the electronic shelf label 240 are controlled to be synchronized. In the energy saving mode, the power consumption of the battery 45 is relatively low because the time ratio of the wake-up state is short.

  The active mode is an example of the first mode. The active mode is a mode in which the wake-up operation is performed at intervals of a relatively short time T4 (<time T3). The time T4 is, for example, 4 seconds. The predetermined period Δt in which the electronic shelf label 240 is in the wake-up state by one wake-up operation is the same as in the energy saving mode. The time ratio of the wake-up state during the active mode is Δt / T4, which is higher than the time ratio Δt / T3 of the wake-up time during the energy saving mode. Since the active mode has a long activation time, the power consumption of the battery 45 is larger than that in the energy saving mode.

  Next, control mode switching processing of the electronic shelf label 240 by the control unit 244 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. The control mode switching process is always executed while the electronic shelf label 240 is in operation.

In the electronic shelf label 240 according to the second embodiment, the control unit 244 switches the control mode based on the reception result of the trigger signal from the short-range communication unit 246. The control mode of the electronic shelf label 240 is an energy saving mode when the electronic shelf label 240 is activated. First, in step S201, whether or not a control mode switching signal is input from the short-range communication unit 246, in other words, short-range communication. It is determined whether the part 246 received the trigger signal. Step S201 is repeatedly executed until it is determined that the short-range communication unit 246 has received the trigger signal. While step S201 is repeated, the control mode of the electronic shelf label 240 is the energy saving mode.

  In step S202, the control unit 244 switches the control mode of the electronic shelf label 240 from the energy saving mode to the active mode. Then, it progresses to step S203.

  In step S203, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) has elapsed after execution of step S202. Step S203 is processing for continuing the active mode for a predetermined time. When a trigger signal is transmitted from the handy terminal 250, product information (command) is normally transmitted from the server 210 in the rapid command transmission mode. When the control mode of the electronic shelf label 240 is changed to the active mode, and the command is transmitted from the server 210 in the rapid command transmission mode, the display of the electronic shelf label 240 is updated in a short time. If it is determined in step S203 that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S204.

  In step S204, the control unit 244 switches the control mode of the electronic shelf label 240 from the active mode to the energy saving mode. Then, it returns to step S201.

  The above control mode switching process is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in the first embodiment, when the electronic shelf label 240 receives a command from the server 210, the process proceeds to step S204 before it is determined in step S203 that a predetermined time has elapsed. May be.

(4) Features An electronic shelf label system 201 as an example of a wireless display system according to the present embodiment includes an electronic shelf label 240 as an example of a plurality of wireless displays, a server 210, and an access point 30 as a transmission device. . The electronic shelf label 240 is arranged corresponding to each of a plurality of products P (an example of an article), and displays product information (an example of article information) regarding the corresponding product P. The server 210 stores product information. The access point 30 transmits the product information stored in the server 210 to the electronic shelf label 240. The electronic shelf label 240 includes a battery 45 that drives the electronic shelf label 240, a near field communication unit 246 as an example of a near field communication unit, and a control unit 244. The control unit 244 has an active mode as an example of the first mode, an energy saving mode as an example of the second mode, and a control mode. In the active mode, the time ratio of the wake-up state in which the product information can be received from the access point 30 is a predetermined ratio. In the energy saving mode, the wake-up time ratio is lower than that in the active mode, and the battery 45 consumes less power than in the active mode. Based on the detection result of the short-range communication unit 246, the control unit 244 switches the control mode from the energy saving mode to the active mode.

  Here, based on the detection result of the trigger signal of the short-range communication unit 246 included in the electronic shelf label 240, a state in which there is a high possibility that work on the electronic shelf label 240 will be performed is recognized. The control mode of the bill 240 is switched from the energy saving mode to the active mode. Therefore, when the possibility that the product information is transmitted is high while suppressing the power consumption of the electronic shelf label 240, the high response of the electronic shelf label 240 can be ensured.

(5) Modifications The contents of the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be combined with each other within a consistent range. For example, the electronic shelf label 240 further includes a light receiving sensor, changes the control mode of the electronic shelf label 240 according to the amount of light received by the light receiving sensor, and also when the short-range communication unit 246 receives a trigger signal. The control mode of the bill 240 may be changed.

  A modification of the second embodiment will be described below. Note that a plurality of modified examples may be combined as long as they do not contradict each other.

(5-1) Modification 2A
In the electronic shelf label system 201 according to the above embodiment, the electronic shelf label 240 is configured to communicate with the access point 30 by radio waves, but is not limited thereto. For example, the communication device that transmits a command including product information from the server 210 to the electronic shelf label and the electronic shelf label may be configured to perform communication using infrared rays.

(5-2) Modification 2B
In the electronic shelf label system 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the time ratio of the wake-up time is changed by changing the frequency of the wake-up operation between the energy saving mode and the active mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by changing the wake-up time per time, the time ratio of the wake-up time may be different.

(5-3) Modification 2C
In the electronic shelf label system 1 according to the above embodiment, the handy terminal 250 includes the short-range communication unit 253, but is not limited thereto. For example, a portable terminal different from the handy terminal 250 such as a smartphone held by the worker may function as the short-range communication means. When configured in this way, also in the second embodiment, the handy terminal 250 may be configured to scan a barcode attached to an electronic shelf label.

(5-4) Modification 2D
In the above embodiment, the electronic shelf label system 201 is shown as an example of the wireless display system according to the present invention. However, the wireless display system according to the present invention is not limited to the electronic shelf label system installed in a store or the like. Absent. As shown in Modification 1D of the first embodiment, the wireless display system may be used in, for example, a hospital or a warehouse.

  In a wireless display system used in a hospital, for example, after a nurse or the like has transported a medicine in a container to a hospital room or a treatment room, the wireless display (similar to the electronic shelf label 240 according to the above embodiment). Using a portable terminal capable of communicating with a short-range communication unit of a wireless display device having a device configuration, the control mode of the wireless display attached to the container that has been carried is switched from the energy saving mode to the active mode. Then, the wireless display device switched to the active mode is configured to transmit a command for instructing to change (delete etc.) information (patient name and the like) displayed on the wireless display device from the server.

  In a wireless display system used in a hospital, for example, when a nurse or the like confirms that the medicine displayed on the wireless display matches the medicine contained in the container, the wireless display Control of a wireless display attached to a container that has been checked using a portable terminal capable of communicating with the short-range communication unit of (a wireless display having the same device configuration as the electronic shelf label 240 according to the above embodiment) It is configured to switch the mode from the energy saving mode to the active mode. Then, the wireless display device switched to the active mode is configured so that image information of characters “Check completed” is transmitted from the server together with a command for instructing additional display of the image.

  In addition, in a wireless display system used in a warehouse, for example, when a worker or the like finishes inspection of an object to be transported in a container, the wireless display (equipment similar to the electronic shelf label 240 according to the above embodiment) is used. The control mode of the wireless display device attached to the container that has been inspected is switched from the energy saving mode to the active mode using a portable terminal that can communicate with the short-range communication unit of the wireless display device having the configuration. Then, the wireless display device switched to the active mode is configured so that image information of characters “inspected” is transmitted from the server together with a command for instructing additional display of the image.

  With this configuration, when there is a high possibility that information (command) is transmitted from the access point to the wireless display while suppressing power consumption of the wireless display, a high response of the wireless display The display of the wireless display can be changed quickly.

  The wireless display system according to the present invention is useful as a wireless display system that can ensure high responsiveness of the wireless display when necessary while suppressing power consumption of the wireless display.

1,201 Electronic shelf label system (wireless display system)
10,210 Server 30 Access point (transmitting device)
40,240 Electronic shelf label (wireless display)
40a Barcode (identifier)
42 Communication unit (wireless receiver)
43 Light receiving sensor 44, 244 Control unit 45 Battery 50, 250 Handy terminal (scanner)
51 Light emitting unit 142 Communication unit (wireless receiver, infrared receiver, light receiving sensor)
246 Near Field Communication Unit (Near Field Communication Means)
P Product (article)

JP 2008-168057 A

Claims (7)

A plurality of wireless indicators arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of articles and displaying article information relating to the corresponding articles;
A server for storing the article information;
A transmitter for transmitting the article information stored in the server to the wireless display;
A wireless display system comprising:
The wireless display has a battery that drives the wireless display, a light receiving sensor, and a control unit,
The controller is
The first mode in which the time ratio of the wake-up state capable of receiving the article information from the transmission device is a predetermined ratio, and the time ratio of the wake-up state is lower than the first mode, and the power consumption of the battery is the first mode. A second mode less than the mode, as a control mode of the wireless display,
Based on the detection result of the light receiving sensor, the control mode is switched from the second mode to the first mode.
Wireless display system. The wireless display further includes a wireless receiver that receives the article information from the transmission device.
The wireless display system according to claim 1. The wireless indicator has an infrared receiver that receives the article information from the transmitter,
The infrared receiver also serves as the light receiving sensor;
The wireless display system according to claim 1. The control unit switches the control mode from the second mode to the first mode when the light receiving level of the light receiving sensor is a predetermined value or more.
The wireless display system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The first mode includes a plurality of submodes having different time ratios in the rising state,
The power consumption of the battery in the sub mode is larger as the time ratio of the wake-up state is higher,
The control unit selects one of the sub modes based on a detection result of the light receiving sensor when the control mode is switched from the second mode to the first mode.
The wireless display system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A scanner having a light-emitting unit and reading information for linking the wireless display and an article corresponding to the wireless display from the wireless display;
In the wireless display, an identifier as information read by the scanner is attached in the vicinity of the light receiving sensor,
The light receiving sensor detects light emitted from the light emitting unit of the scanner when the scanner reads the identifier.
The wireless display system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A plurality of wireless indicators arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of articles and displaying article information relating to the corresponding articles;
A server for storing the article information;
A transmitter for transmitting the article information stored in the server to the wireless display;
A wireless display system comprising:
The wireless display has a battery for driving the wireless display, a short-range communication means, and a control unit,
The controller is
The first mode in which the time ratio of the wake-up state capable of receiving the article information from the transmission device is a predetermined ratio, and the time ratio of the wake-up state is lower than the first mode, and the power consumption of the battery is the first mode. A second mode less than the mode, as a control mode of the wireless display,
Based on the reception result of the signal of the short-range communication means, the control mode is switched from the second mode to the first mode.
Wireless display system.

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