JP2022092684A - Electronic shelf label display control system, electronic shelf label display control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an electronic shelf label display control system, an electronic shelf label display control method, and a program, capable of managing an arrangement of an electronic shelf label more smoothly.SOLUTION: An electronic shelf label display control system includes: an association processing part configured to control an association between identification information of an electronic shelf label for displaying a commodity information image of a commodity and identification information of the commodity whose commodity information image is to be displayed at the electronic shelf label; an acquisition part configured to acquire identification-related information related to an identification of the commodity from a storage device outside a shop where the electronic shelf label is provided, according to the identification information; and an image display processing part configured to display the commodity information image generated according to the identification-related information acquired by the acquisition part at the electronic shelf label.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic shelf label display control system, an electronic shelf label display control method, and a program.

In recent years, in stores selling products, the number of stores using electronic shelf labels to display product information of each product is increasing. Guidance information to be displayed on the electronic shelf label is provided by the person in charge of registration in the store. For example, for a new product, guidance information is newly registered in the product master.

For new products, there is no information to be displayed on the electronic shelf label before the guidance information is registered in the product master. For example, in the following Patent Document 1, when a product is associated with an electronic shelf label for displaying information (product information) of the product, the product is registered in the product master based on whether or not the product is registered in the product master. A technique for generating product information to be displayed on an electronic shelf label is disclosed. Specifically, when the product is registered in the product master, the product information is generated based on the product master, and when the product is not registered in the product master, the product information is generated based on the provisional information.

Japanese Patent No. 5372395

However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, provisional information is input by a worker who associates a product with an electronic shelf label. Therefore, if the worker makes a mistake in inputting the temporary information, the wrong product information is generated and displayed on the electronic shelf label. The work of attaching the electronic shelf label to the product shelf is performed based on the product information displayed on the electronic shelf label. Therefore, if incorrect product information is displayed on the electronic shelf label, the electronic shelf label cannot be attached to the correct position on the product shelf, and there is a risk of rework. In addition, the electronic shelf label cannot be attached to the product shelf without registering the temporary information. In such cases, it is not possible to smoothly manage the arrangement of electronic shelf labels.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic shelf label display control system, an electronic shelf label display control method, and a program capable of more smoothly managing the arrangement of electronic shelf labels.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the electronic shelf label display control system according to one aspect of the present invention displays the identification information of the electronic shelf label displaying the product information image of the product and the product information image on the electronic shelf label. Identification related to the identification of the product from the external storage device of the store where the electronic shelf label is provided based on the identification information of the product and the association processing unit that controls the association with the identification information of the displayed product. It includes an acquisition unit for acquiring information, and an image display processing unit for displaying the product information image generated based on the identification-related information acquired by the acquisition unit on the electronic shelf label.

In the electronic shelf label display control method according to one aspect of the present invention, the linking processing unit displays the identification information of the electronic shelf label displaying the product information image of the product and the product information image displayed on the electronic shelf label. Controlling the association with the product identification information, and based on the product identification information, the acquisition unit obtains the identification-related information related to the product identification from the storage device outside the store where the electronic shelf label is provided. The acquisition includes, and the image display processing unit displays the product information image generated based on the identification-related information acquired by the acquisition unit on the electronic shelf label.

The program according to one aspect of the present invention uses a computer to link a computer with identification information of an electronic shelf label that displays a product information image of a product and identification information of the product that displays the product information image on the electronic shelf label. An association processing means for controlling attachment, an acquisition means for acquiring identification-related information related to product identification from a storage device outside the store where the electronic shelf label is provided, and the acquisition means based on the product identification information. It functions as an image display processing means for displaying the product information image generated based on the identification-related information acquired by the electronic shelf label.

The electronic shelf label display control system according to one aspect of the present invention displays a storage unit that stores relevance information indicating the relationship between the product and the shelf on which the product is placed, and a product information image of the product. The relevance information based on the linking processing unit that controls the linking of the identification information of the electronic shelf label and the identification information of the product whose product information image is displayed on the electronic shelf label, and the identification information of the product. Is provided with an acquisition unit that acquires the product from the storage unit, and an image display processing unit that displays the product information image generated based on the relevance information acquired by the acquisition unit on the electronic shelf label.

In the electronic shelf label display control method according to one aspect of the present invention, the storage unit stores the relevance information indicating the relationship between the product and the shelf on which the product is placed, and the linking processing unit Controlling the association between the identification information of the electronic shelf label that displays the product information image of the product and the identification information of the product that displays the product information image on the electronic shelf label, and the acquisition unit controls the association with the product. The relevance information is acquired from the storage unit based on the identification information of the above, and the image display processing unit obtains the product information image generated based on the relevance information acquired by the acquisition unit on the electronic shelf. Including to display on the tag.

The program according to one aspect of the present invention is a computer, a storage means for storing relevance information showing the relationship between a product and a shelf on which the product is placed, and an electronic shelf for displaying a product information image of the product. It is stored by the storage means based on the linking processing means for controlling the linking of the identification information of the tag and the identification information of the product whose product information image is displayed on the electronic shelf label, and the identification information of the product. It functions as an acquisition means for acquiring the relevance information and an image display processing means for displaying the product information image generated based on the relevance information acquired by the acquisition means on the electronic shelf label.

According to the present invention, the arrangement management of electronic shelf labels can be performed more smoothly.

It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the electronic shelf label display control system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the functional structure of the operation terminal which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the functional structure of the electronic shelf label which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the functional structure of the management server which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the product information image generated based on the relevance information which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the product information image generated based on the identification-related information which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the product information image generated based on the product information which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the functional structure of the DB server which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the functional structure of the image conversion server which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the functional structure of the distribution server which concerns on this embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the processing flow when the product information image which concerns on this embodiment can be acquired from a DB server 50. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the processing flow when the product information image which concerns on this embodiment cannot be acquired from DB server 50.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
The electronic shelf label display control system of the present embodiment is a system that controls the display of product information on the electronic shelf label. For example, an image showing product information (hereinafter, also referred to as “product information image”) is displayed on the electronic shelf label. Hereinafter, displaying the product information image on the electronic shelf label is also referred to as "delivery". Further, the data obtained by combining the product information and the product information image of the product information is also referred to as "delivery data". The electronic shelf label display control system is used, for example, in a store (for example, a supermarket, a convenience store, a home appliance mass retailer, etc.), and a product information image of a product sold in the store is displayed on the electronic shelf label. The store (store) in which the electronic shelf label display control system is used is not limited to this example.

The product information image is generated, for example, based on the product information registered by the administrator of the electronic shelf label display control system. The product information includes, for example, information such as a JAN (Japane Article Number) code, a product name, a manufacturer name, a standard, and a price. The JAN code is an example of product identification information, and is information unique to each product.

There are various timings when product information is registered in the electronic shelf label display control system. Examples of such timing include the timing of registering the electronic shelf label, the timing of associating the electronic shelf label with the product, the timing of arranging the electronic shelf label in the store, the timing immediately before the sale of the product starts, and the like. The product information may or may not be registered in the electronic shelf label display control system at these timings. In addition, only some information may be registered.

In the electronic shelf label display control system of the present embodiment, the work of associating the electronic shelf label with the product whose product information image is displayed on the electronic shelf label is performed before the work of arranging the electronic shelf label. .. When the electronic shelf label and the product are linked, the product information image of the product linked to the electronic shelf label is displayed. A worker (an example of a user) who installs an electronic shelf label in a store identifies a place where the electronic shelf label is arranged from a product information image displayed on the electronic shelf label and arranges the electronic shelf label. For example, the worker identifies the product associated with the electronic shelf label from the product name displayed on the product information image, and arranges the electronic shelf label at a position where the product is displayed. In this way, when the product information shown in the product information image contains information that can identify the product, misplacement of the electronic shelf label and return work are reduced, and the worker can smoothly place the electronic shelf label. It can be carried out. Hereinafter, the information related to the identification of the product is also referred to as "identification-related information". The identification-related information is, for example, a product name, a manufacturer name, a model number, or the like. The identification-related information is information that can uniquely identify a product among the information included in the product information.

Further, as described above, the timing at which the product information is registered in the electronic shelf label display control system varies. Therefore, when the electronic shelf label and the product are associated with each other, the product information of the product may not be registered, or even if the product information is registered, the identification-related information may not be included. In this case, the identification-related information is not displayed on the electronic shelf label, which may make it difficult to arrange the electronic shelf label.
For example, it is assumed that only the price of the product is registered in the product information. In this case, only the price of the product is displayed on the electronic shelf label. Since there may be products with the same price among the products in the store, it is difficult to uniquely identify the products only from the prices.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the electronic shelf label and the product are associated with each other, the identification-related information of the product is acquired from an external system of the electronic shelf label display control system based on the JAN code of the product. Then, the electronic shelf label display control system makes the acquired identification-related information available for generating the product information image.
As a result, the electronic shelf label display control system does not register the product information of the product when the electronic shelf label and the product are linked, or the registered product information does not include the identification-related information. Even so, the product information image including the identification-related information can be displayed on the electronic shelf label. Therefore, the worker can smoothly proceed with the work of arranging the electronic shelf labels regardless of the presence or absence of the product information registered by the administrator.

<1. Configuration of electronic shelf label display control system>
The configuration of the electronic shelf label display control system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of an electronic shelf label display control system according to the present embodiment. The electronic shelf label display control system 1 includes an operation terminal 10, an electronic shelf label 20, a relay communication device 30, a management server 40, a DB (Data Base) server 50, an image conversion server 60, and a distribution server 70 as shown in FIG. Will be done. The operation terminal 10, the electronic shelf label 20, and the relay communication device 30 are provided in the store 2.

(1) Operation terminal 10
The operation terminal 10 is a terminal operated by an operator. The operation terminal 10 of the present embodiment is realized by, for example, a PC (Personal Computer). The PC is provided, for example, in the backyard of the store 2. The operation terminal 10 is communicably connected to the management server 40 via the network NW. The operation terminal 10 functions as a client terminal that transmits a request to the management server 40 via the network NW and receives a response according to the request from the management server 40.
For example, the worker operates the operation terminal 10 when performing the management work of the electronic shelf label 20 provided in the store 2. Specifically, the worker inputs to the operation terminal 10 a request for causing the management server 40 to execute the process related to the management of the electronic shelf label 20 provided in the store 2. The processing related to the management of the electronic shelf label 20 includes, for example, registration, reference, editing, and deletion of the electronic shelf label 20, linking the electronic shelf label 20 with the product, and editing the product information image displayed on the electronic shelf label 20. It is a process of. The operation terminal 10 transmits the request input by the operator to the management server 40 via the network NW. The operation terminal 10 receives a response in response to the request from the management server 40 via the network NW. The operation terminal 10 outputs the received response.
The operator accesses the WEB system from, for example, the operation terminal 10 via the WEB browser, and inputs a request on the WEB system. In this case, the operation terminal 10 outputs a response received from, for example, the management server 40 on the WEB browser.

(2) Electronic shelf label 20
The electronic shelf label 20 is a terminal that displays a product information image of a product. The electronic shelf tag 20 is associated with a product and displays a product information image of the associated product.
The electronic shelf label 20 is communicably connected to the distribution server 70 via the relay communication device 30 and the network NW. The electronic shelf label 20 displays a product information image transmitted from the distribution server 70.
The store 2 may be provided with a plurality of electronic shelf labels 20 according to the types of products sold in the store 2. Note that FIG. 1 shows only one electronic shelf label 20 for convenience of explanation.

(3) Relay communication device 30
The relay communication device 30 is a relay device that relays communication between the electronic shelf label 20 and the distribution server 70. A specific example of the relay communication device 30 is an access point. The relay communication device 30 is not limited to this example.
The relay communication device 30 is communicably connected to the distribution server 70 via the network NW. Further, the relay communication device 30 is connected to the electronic shelf label 20 by wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The relay communication device 30 receives the product information image transmitted from the distribution server 70, and transmits the received product information image to the electronic shelf label 20.
One or a plurality of relay communication devices 30 are installed based on the radio wave intensity distribution in the store 2 where the electronic shelf label 20 is provided. The relay communication device 30 is communicably connected to one or a plurality of electronic shelf labels 20.

(4) Management server 40
The management server 40 is a computer such as a server device that executes processing related to management of the electronic shelf label 20.
The management server 40 is communicably connected to the operation terminal 10 via the network NW. The management server 40 executes a process related to management of the electronic shelf label 20 based on the information (request) received from the operation terminal 10. As an example of the processing executed by the management server 40, registration processing, reference processing, editing processing, deletion processing of the electronic shelf label 20, registration confirmation processing of the electronic shelf label 20, and processing of associating the electronic shelf label 20 with the product ( Hereinafter, an execution instruction of (also referred to as "association processing"), an execution instruction of a product information image generation process, and the like can be mentioned. In the present embodiment, the process of associating the electronic shelf label 20 with the product is, that is, the process of associating the electronic shelf label 20 with the product.

Further, the management server 40 is communicably connected to the DB server 50 via the network NW. The management server 40 acquires information necessary for executing various processes from the DB server 50. For example, the management server 40 sends a request for acquisition of necessary information to the DB server 50, and receives a response to the acquisition request. Further, the management server 40 transmits information obtained by executing various processes to the DB server 50 and stores it.

Further, the management server 40 is communicably connected to the image conversion server 60 via the network NW. The management server 40 instructs the image conversion server 60 to generate a product information image corresponding to at least identification-related information among the product information of the products associated with the electronic shelf label 20. For example, when there is identification-related information, the management server 40 instructs to generate a product information image showing the identification-related information. On the other hand, when there is no identification-related information, the management server 40 may instruct the generation of a product information image showing the information (for example, JAN code) corresponding to the identification-related information.

Further, the management server 40 is communicably connected to the distribution server 70 via the network NW. The management server 40 transmits the product information image acquired from the DB server 50 and the distribution instruction for distributing the product information image to the electronic shelf label 20 to the distribution server 70.

Further, the management server 40 is communicably connected to the external system 3 via the network NW. The external system 3 is a system outside the electronic shelf label display control system 1. For example, the external system 3 is a system different from the electronic shelf label display control system 1 provided by a company having the electronic shelf label display control system 1. Further, the external system 3 may be a system provided by a company different from the company having the electronic shelf label display control system 1.
The management server 40 acquires identification-related information from, for example, the external system 3. Specifically, the management server 40 transmits a request indicating the identification-related information to be acquired to the external system 3 via the network NW. The external system 3 transmits the identification-related information according to the request received from the management server 40 to the management server 40 via the network NW. As shown in FIG. 1, the external system 3 includes a storage device 80 (an example of an external storage device). For example, the external system 3 executes a process using the information stored in the storage device 80 in response to a request from the management server 40, and transmits the information output by the process to the management server 40 as identification-related information. do. Further, the external system 3 may transmit the information stored in the storage device 80 to the management server 40 as the identification-related information.

The storage device 80 is an example of a acquisition destination of identification-related information. The storage device 80 is a storage device included in the external system 3 existing outside the electronic shelf label display control system 1. The external system 3 may exist inside the store 2 or may exist outside the store 2. Further, the storage device 80 may exist inside the store 2 or may exist outside the store 2. The electronic shelf label display control system 1 may directly access the storage device 80, or may access the storage device 80 via another device. The storage device 80 may be a storage device that exists alone inside or outside the store 2.

As an example of the storage device 80, there is a storage device in which the DB of the manufacturer of the product is stored. At the time when the store 2 places the electronic shelf label for the product that the store 2 wants to place on the product shelf, even if the storage device in the electronic shelf label display control system 1 of the store 2 does not have the identification-related information of the product, the manufacturer of the product. The identification-related information of the product may exist in the DB of. This is because the store 2 is preparing to sell the product, the development of the product has already been completed, and the product is ready for sale. Therefore, the manufacturer's DB contains the product of the product. Identification-related information may exist.
Examples of the external system 3 having the storage device 80 include a search system having a search engine, a system in which a manufacturer manages products, a system in which a manufacturer name is determined from a JAN code, and product information can be acquired.

(5) DB server 50
The DB server 50 is a computer such as a server device that stores various information used in the electronic shelf label display control system 1. The various information includes electronic shelf label information, product information of the product associated with the electronic shelf label 20, identification-related information acquired from the external system 3, product information image, and the like. The electronic shelf label information is information about the electronic shelf label 20 provided in the store 2. The electronic shelf label information includes information such as identification information of the electronic shelf label 20, product identification information associated with the electronic shelf label 20, date and time of association processing, worker login ID (Identification), floor information, shelf information, and the like. Is included.

Among the information included in the electronic shelf label information described above, the linking processing date and time, the login ID of the worker, the floor information, and the shelf information are examples of the relevance information. The relevance information is information showing the relationship between the product and the shelf on which the product is placed. For example, by displaying the relevance information on the product information image, the worker determines whether or not the relationship between the product displayed on the electronic shelf label 20 and the shelf on which the product is placed is correct. can. The relevance information is acquired when the linking process is executed, and is registered in the electronic shelf label information of the electronic shelf label 20 that is the target of the linking process. For example, the date and time of the linking process and the login ID are acquired by the WEB system that the worker accesses via the WEB browser when the linking process is executed. Further, the floor information and the shelf information are information input to the operation terminal 10 when the worker performs the linking process with the WEB browser.

The linking process date and time indicates the date and time when the linking process was executed. The operator can determine whether or not the information displayed on the electronic shelf label 20 is the latest by using the linking processing date and time displayed on the electronic shelf label 20. For example, when the date and time of the linking process displayed on the electronic shelf label 20 and the scheduled execution date and time of the linking process are different, the worker does not have the latest information on the product linked to the electronic shelf label 20 (wrong). Can be determined. Specifically, when the scheduled execution date and time of the linking process is 6 o'clock today, while the date and time of the linking process displayed on the electronic shelf label 20 is 6 o'clock yesterday, the worker can use the electronic shelf label. It can be determined that the product information displayed in 20 is not the latest. Further, the worker can also determine that the product displayed on the electronic shelf label 20 may not correspond to the product arranged in the vicinity of the position where the electronic shelf label 20 is arranged. .. That is, it can be determined that the position where the electronic shelf label 20 is arranged or the product associated with the electronic shelf label 20 may be incorrect.

The worker login ID is identification information unique to the worker. The login ID registered in the relevance information is the login ID of the worker who executed the association process. The worker can determine whether or not the information of the product associated with the electronic shelf label 20 is correct by using the login ID of the worker displayed on the electronic shelf label 20. For example, when the login ID displayed on the electronic shelf label 20 and the login ID of the person in charge of the product linking process arranged in the vicinity of the position where the electronic shelf label 20 is arranged are different, the worker Can determine that the information of the product associated with the electronic shelf label 20 is incorrect. As a result, the worker can determine that the product displayed on the electronic shelf label 20 and the product arranged in the vicinity of the position where the electronic shelf label 20 is arranged do not correspond to each other. That is, it can be determined that the position where the electronic shelf label 20 is arranged or the product associated with the electronic shelf label 20 is incorrect.

The floor information is information indicating the floor on which the electronic shelf label 20 is arranged. The operator can determine whether or not the position where the electronic shelf label 20 is arranged is correct by using the floor information displayed on the electronic shelf label 20. For example, when the floor displayed on the electronic shelf label 20 and the floor on which the electronic shelf label 20 should be arranged are different, the worker can determine that the position where the electronic shelf label 20 is arranged is incorrect. .. As a result, the worker can determine that the product displayed on the electronic shelf label 20 and the product arranged in the vicinity of the position where the electronic shelf label 20 is arranged do not correspond to each other. That is, it can be determined that the position where the electronic shelf label 20 is arranged or the product associated with the electronic shelf label 20 is incorrect.

The shelf information is information about a shelf on which the electronic shelf tag 20 is arranged. Specifically, the shelf information includes information indicating a shelf on which the electronic shelf tag 20 is arranged, and an arrangement position on the shelf (for example, which stage of the shelf is arranged or which position from the end). Information to be shown is included. The operator can determine whether or not the position where the electronic shelf label 20 is arranged is correct by using the shelf information displayed on the electronic shelf label 20. For example, if the shelf information displayed on the electronic shelf label 20 is different from the position on the shelf or shelf on which the electronic shelf label 20 should be placed, the worker erroneously places the electronic shelf label 20. It can be determined that it is. As a result, the worker can determine that the product displayed on the electronic shelf label 20 and the product arranged in the vicinity of the position where the electronic shelf label 20 is arranged do not correspond to each other. That is, it can be determined that the position where the electronic shelf label 20 is arranged or the product associated with the electronic shelf label 20 is incorrect.

By displaying the relevance information in the product information in this way, it is possible to confirm whether or not the position of the electronic shelf label 20 placed by the worker is correct, and whether or not the product linked to the electronic shelf label 20 is correct. Whether or not it can be easily confirmed. As a result, the worker can smoothly manage the arrangement of the electronic shelf labels as compared with the case where the relevance information is not displayed on the electronic shelf labels 20.

The DB server 50 is communicably connected to the management server 40 via the network NW. The DB server 50 transmits information corresponding to the acquisition request from the management server 40 to the management server. Further, the DB server 50 stores information received from the management server 40.

(6) Image conversion server 60
The image conversion server 60 is a computer such as a server device that generates a product information image.
The image conversion server 60 is communicably connected to the management server 40 via the network NW. The image conversion server 60 generates a product information image based on an instruction received from the management server 40.
Further, the image conversion server 60 is communicably connected to the DB server 50 via the network NW. The image conversion server 60 transmits the generated product information image to the DB server 50.

(7) Distribution server 70
The distribution server 70 is a computer such as a server device that distributes product information images to the electronic shelf label 20.
The distribution server 70 is communicably connected to the management server 40 via the network NW. The distribution server 70 receives the product information image and the distribution instruction of the product information image from the management server 40.

Further, the distribution server 70 is communicably connected to the electronic shelf label 20 via the network NW and the relay communication device 30. When the distribution server 70 receives the product information image and the distribution instruction of the product information image from the management server 40, the distribution server 70 distributes the received product information image to the electronic shelf label 20.

<2. Operation terminal function configuration>
Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 2, the functional configuration of the operation terminal 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the operation terminal 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation terminal 10 includes an input unit 11, a control unit 12, a storage unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a display unit 15.

(1) Input unit 11
The input unit 11 has a function of accepting input by an operator. The input unit 11 outputs the received input to the control unit 12. The input unit 11 is realized by, for example, an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse provided as hardware in the operation terminal 10 or a reading device externally connected to the operation terminal 10.

The operator operates the input unit 11 to input a request for causing the management server 40 to execute a process related to management of the electronic shelf label 20 provided in the store 2. For example, the worker inputs a request for the management server 40 to execute a linking process for linking the electronic shelf label 20 and the product. Here, an example of the work when the worker inputs the request will be described. First, the worker confirms whether or not the electronic shelf label 20 to be linked is registered in the management server 40 as the electronic shelf label 20 provided in the store 2. Specifically, the operator operates the input unit 11 to input the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 to be linked on the WEB browser, and presses the execute button or the like displayed on the WEB browser. do. As a result, the worker causes the management server 40 to execute the registration confirmation process. After the registration confirmation process is executed by the management server 40, the process result is output on the WEB browser. When it can be confirmed from the processing result that the target electronic shelf label 20 is registered, the worker inputs the identification information of the product to be linked to the electronic shelf label 20 on the WEB browser, and on the WEB browser. Press the execute button, etc. displayed in. As a result, the worker causes the management server 40 to execute the linking process.

As the registration state of the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 and the identification information of the product in the management server 40, either the state in which both identification information is already registered or the state in which both identification information is not yet registered. It is possible that only the identification information of is already registered.
For example, when both identification information has not been registered yet, the worker registers each identification information and causes the management server 40 to execute the association process. As a result, the worker can associate the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 with the identification information of the product.
Further, when only the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 is already registered, the worker registers the identification information of the product and causes the management server 40 to execute the linking process. As a result, the worker can associate the product identification information with the registered electronic shelf label 20 identification information.
On the other hand, when only the product identification information is already registered, the worker registers the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 and causes the management server 40 to execute the linking process. As a result, the worker can associate the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 with the identification information of the registered product.

For example, the operator types (manually inputs) the identification information with the keyboard and inputs each identification information. Further, the operator reads a barcode (one-dimensional code or two-dimensional code) indicating the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 and a barcode (one-dimensional code or two-dimensional code) indicating the identification information of the product by the reading device. By doing so, each identification information may be input.

For example, a medium such as paper on which the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 is printed is attached to the electronic shelf label 20. Further, the electronic shelf label 20 can also display its own identification information. The worker causes the reading device to read the identification information printed on the paper medium attached to the electronic shelf tag 20 and the identification information displayed on the electronic shelf tag 20, so that the identification information can be read by the electronic shelf tag 20. You can enter the identification information of. Further, the worker can input the product identification information by having the reading device read the identification information printed on the product package, for example. Further, when there is a list showing the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 and the identification information of the product associated with the electronic shelf label 20, the worker causes the reading device to read each identification information shown in the list. This makes it possible to input the electronic shelf label 20 and the product identification information.

The input unit 11 receives the input of each identification information and outputs it to the control unit 12. The input unit 11 receives an input for executing the linking process, and outputs information indicating that the input has been accepted to the control unit 12.

(2) Control unit 12
The control unit 12 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the operation terminal 10. The control unit 12 is realized, for example, by causing a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided as hardware in the operation terminal 10 to execute a program.

Further, the control unit 12 controls the execution of the process related to the management of the electronic shelf label 20 in the management server 40 in response to the input of the operator. For example, the control unit 12 transmits a request corresponding to an operation input by the operator to the management server 40. For example, when an input regarding the execution of the registration confirmation process is made by an operator, the control unit 12 transmits a request for acquisition of electronic shelf label information to the management server 40 via the communication unit 14. When transmitting the electronic shelf label information acquisition request, the control unit 12 also transmits the electronic shelf label identification information input to the operator to the management server 40.
Further, when the worker inputs the execution of the linking process, the execution request of the linking process is transmitted to the management server 40 via the communication unit 14. When transmitting the linking process execution request, the control unit 12 also transmits the electronic shelf label identification information and the product identification information input by the operator to the management server 40.
The control unit 12 causes the display unit 15 to display the execution results of various processes received from the management server 40.

(3) Storage unit 13
The storage unit 13 has a function of storing various types of information.
The storage unit 13 includes a storage medium provided as hardware in the operation terminal 10, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ReadOnly Memory), a RAM (Random AccessMor), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). Read Only Memory), or any combination of these storage media.

(4) Communication unit 14
The communication unit 14 has a function of transmitting and receiving various information. For example, the communication unit 14 transmits a request to the management server 40 input from the control unit 12 to the management server 40. Further, the communication unit 14 receives the execution results of various processes received from the management server 40 and inputs them to the control unit 12.

(5) Display unit 15
The display unit 15 has a function of displaying various information. For example, the display unit 15 displays the execution result of each process input from the control unit 12.
The display unit 15 is realized by, for example, a display provided as hardware in the operation terminal 10.

<3. Functional configuration of electronic shelf labels>
Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 3, the functional configuration of the electronic shelf label 20 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the electronic shelf label 20 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic shelf label 20 includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, and a display unit 24.

(1) Communication unit 21
The communication unit 21 has a function of transmitting and receiving various information. For example, the communication unit 21 receives the product information image from the distribution server 70 via the network NW. The communication unit 21 inputs the received product information image to the control unit 22.

(2) Control unit 22
The control unit 22 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the electronic shelf label 20. For example, the control unit 22 is realized by, for example, causing a CPU provided as hardware of the electronic shelf label 20 to execute a program.
As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 12 includes an image display processing unit 220.

(2-1) Image display processing unit 220
The image display processing unit 220 controls the display of an image on the electronic shelf label 20. For example, the image display processing unit 220 causes the display unit 24 to display the product information image received from the distribution server 70 via the communication unit 21.

(3) Storage unit 23
The storage unit 23 has a function of storing various types of information. For example, the storage unit 23 stores the product information image received from the distribution server 70.
The storage unit 23 is composed of a storage medium provided as hardware in the electronic shelf label 20, for example, a flash memory, EEPROM, RAM, ROM, or any combination of these storage media.

(4) Display unit 24
The display unit 24 has a function of displaying a product information image. For example, the display unit 24 displays the product information image input from the image display processing unit 220.
The display unit 24 is realized by, for example, a display provided as hardware of the electronic shelf label 20. An example of the display is electronic paper.

<4. Management server function configuration>
Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 4, the functional configuration of the management server 40 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the management server 40 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the management server 40 includes a communication unit 41, a control unit 42, and a storage unit 43.

(1) Communication unit 41
The communication unit 41 has a function of transmitting and receiving various information. For example, the communication unit 41 receives the association processing execution request from the operation terminal 10 via the network NW. Further, the communication unit 41 transmits an electronic shelf label information acquisition request, an electronic shelf label information update request, a distribution data acquisition request, and the like to the DB server 50 via the network NW. Then, the communication unit 41 receives a response to each request from the DB server 50. Further, the communication unit 41 transmits an instruction to generate a product information image to the image conversion server 60 via the network NW. Further, the communication unit 41 transmits a distribution instruction of the product information image to the distribution server 70 via the network NW. Further, the communication unit 41 transmits a request for acquisition of identification-related information to the external system 3 via the network NW. Then, the communication unit 41 receives a response to the request from the external system 3. The communication unit 41 outputs the received information (request) to the control unit 42.

(2) Control unit 42
The control unit 42 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the management server 40. The control unit 42 is realized, for example, by causing a CPU provided as hardware in the management server 40 to execute a program.
As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 42 includes an electronic shelf label information acquisition unit 420, a distribution data acquisition unit 421, an identification-related information acquisition unit 422, a linking processing unit 423, and an image display processing unit 424.

(2-1) Electronic shelf label information acquisition unit 420
The electronic shelf label information acquisition unit 420 has a function of acquiring electronic shelf label information. For example, the electronic shelf label information acquisition unit 420 acquires the electronic shelf label information of the electronic shelf label 20 from the DB server 50 when the electronic shelf label information acquisition request is input. Specifically, the electronic shelf label information acquisition unit 420 transmits the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 input together with the electronic shelf label information acquisition request to the DB server 50, and the electronic shelf label information corresponding to the identification information is stored in the DB. Obtained from the server 50. The electronic shelf label information acquisition unit 420 receives the electronic shelf label information from the DB server 50 via the communication unit 41. When the electronic shelf label information can be acquired, that is, when the electronic shelf label information is registered in the DB server 50, the electronic shelf label information acquisition unit 420 continues the subsequent processing. On the other hand, when the electronic shelf label information cannot be acquired, that is, when the electronic shelf label information is not registered in the DB server 50, the electronic shelf label information acquisition unit 420 has the electronic shelf label 20 to be linked. A message corresponding to the fact that it is not registered is displayed on the operation terminal 10 via the WEB browser. The message is, for example, a message indicating that the electronic shelf label 20 to be linked is not registered, a message prompting the registration of the electronic shelf label 20, and the like. The message is not limited to this example.

Further, the electronic shelf label information acquisition unit 420 has a function of acquiring relevance information. For example, the electronic shelf label information after the linking process is executed includes the relevance information. Therefore, after executing the linking process, the electronic shelf label information acquisition unit 420 transmits to the identification information DB server of the product input when the linking process execution request is input, and transmits the electronic shelf label information corresponding to the identification information. Obtained from the DB server 50. Then, the electronic shelf label information acquisition unit 420 acquires the relevance information from the acquired electronic shelf label information.

(2-2) Distribution data acquisition unit 421
The distribution data acquisition unit 421 has a function of acquiring distribution data. For example, the distribution data acquisition unit 421 acquires the distribution data of the product to be linked from the DB server 50 when the linking process execution request is input. Specifically, the distribution data acquisition unit 421 transmits the product identification information input together with the association processing execution request to the DB server 50, and acquires the distribution data corresponding to the identification information from the DB server 50. The distribution data acquisition unit 421 receives distribution data from the DB server 50 via the communication unit 41. The distribution data acquisition unit 421 outputs the received distribution data to the image display processing unit 424.

(2-3) Identification-related information acquisition unit 422
The identification-related information acquisition unit 422 has a function of acquiring identification-related information. For example, the identification-related information acquisition unit 422 acquires the identification-related information of the product to be linked from the external system 3 when the linking process execution request is input. Specifically, the identification-related information acquisition unit 422 transmits the identification information of the product input together with the identification-related information acquisition request to the external system 3, and acquires the identification-related information corresponding to the identification information from the external system 3. When the identification-related information can be acquired, the identification-related information acquisition unit 422 stores the acquired identification-related information in the storage unit 43. The identification-related information acquisition unit 422 may transmit the acquired identification-related information to the DB server 50 and store it.

(2-4) Tying processing unit 423
The tying processing unit 423 has a function of executing the tying process. For example, the linking processing unit 423 links the electronic shelf label 20 with the product when the linking process execution request is input. Specifically, the linking processing unit 423 links the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 and the product identification information, which are input together with the linking processing execution request. The product to be linked to the electronic shelf label 20 is a product whose product information image is displayed on the electronic shelf label 20. The linking processing unit 423 transmits the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 and the identification information of the product to the DB server 50 via the communication unit 41, and registers the identification information in the electronic shelf label information of the DB server 50.

(2-5) Image display processing unit 424
The image display processing unit 424 has a function of controlling the display of the product information image on the electronic shelf label 20. For example, the image display processing unit 424 causes the electronic shelf label 20 to display the product information image of the product associated with the electronic shelf label 20 when the linking process execution request is input. Specifically, it is assumed that the product information input from the distribution data acquisition unit 421 includes the identification-related information and the product information image showing the identification-related information. In this case, the image display processing unit 424 transmits the product information image and the instruction to distribute the product information image to the electronic shelf label 20 to the distribution server 70 via the communication unit 41. It is assumed that the product information input from the distribution data acquisition unit 421 includes the identification-related information and does not include the product information image showing the identification-related information. In this case, the image display processing unit 424 transmits a product information image generation instruction to the image conversion server 60 so as to generate a product information image based on the identification-related information registered in the DB server 50 via the communication unit 41. do. It is assumed that at least the identification-related information is not included in the product information input from the distribution data acquisition unit 421. In this case, the image display processing unit 424 issues a product information image generation instruction to generate a product information image based on the identification-related information acquired from the external system 3 by the identification-related information acquisition unit 422 via the communication unit 41. It is transmitted to the image conversion server 60. When the image display processing unit 424 transmits the product information image generation instruction to the image conversion server 60, the image display processing unit 424 also transmits identification-related information according to the distribution data acquired by the distribution data acquisition unit 421. As a result, the image conversion server 60 can generate a product information image according to the information transmitted from the image display processing unit 424.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, the types of product information images displayed on the electronic shelf label 20 by the image display processing unit 424 will be described. The product information image of the present embodiment includes a product information image generated based on the relevance information, a product information image generated based on the identification-related information, and a product information image generated based on the product information.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a product information image generated based on the relevance information according to the present embodiment. The product information image generated based on the relevance information is displayed on the display unit 24 of the electronic shelf label 20 shown in FIG. In the area A1 of the product information image, the relevance information of the product associated with the electronic shelf label 20 is displayed. The date and time of the association processing is displayed in the area A1-1. Floor information is displayed in the area A1-2. The name of the person in charge is displayed in the area A2. In the area A2, for example, the name of the person in charge set by the worker, the name of the person in charge associated with the login ID of the person in charge included in the relevance information, and the like are displayed. The login ID of the person in charge included in the relevance information may be displayed in the area A2. In the area A3, the JAN code of the product information associated with the electronic shelf label 20 is displayed. The JAN code displayed on the product information image may be indicated only by a barcode, or may be indicated by both a barcode and a numerical value.

The product information image generated based on the relevance information is mainly an image for a trader who initially introduces the electronic shelf label 20 into the store 2 (hereinafter, also referred to as an "initial introducer"). In addition, in the image generated based on the relevance information, information that is not preferable to be viewed by a person other than the initial introduction company may be displayed. For example, personal information such as the name of the person in charge is displayed. Therefore, it is desirable that an image other than the product information image generated based on the relevance information is displayed after the completion of the work of arranging the electronic shelf label 20 by the initial introduction company.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a product information image generated based on the identification-related information according to the present embodiment. The product information image generated based on the identification-related information is displayed on the display unit 24 of the electronic shelf label 20 shown in FIG. In the area A4 of the product information image, identification-related information of the product associated with the electronic shelf label 20 is displayed. The manufacturer name is displayed in the area A4-1. A product name is displayed in the area A4-2. Standards are displayed in the area A4-3. In the area A5, the JAN code of the product information of the product associated with the electronic shelf label 20 is displayed. In the area A6, a wording that can be arbitrarily set is displayed. The electronic shelf label 20 shown in FIG. 6 is associated with a product before the start of sales. Therefore, for example, by setting "sale to start soon" as the wording displayed in the area A6, it is possible to indicate to the customer that the sale has not started yet.

The image generated based on the identification-related information is mainly an image for employees of the store 2 who performs the work of arranging the electronic shelf labels 20. The work of arranging the electronic shelf labels 20 performed by the employees of the store 2 is, for example, the work of changing the arrangement of the electronic shelf labels 20 due to product replacement or the like. The image generated based on the identification-related information may continue to be displayed even after the work of arranging the electronic shelf label 20 by the employee of the store 2 is completed. However, when the product of the electronic shelf label 20 is started to be sold, it is desirable to switch to the image generated based on the registered product.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a product information image generated based on the product information according to the present embodiment. A product information image generated based on the product information is displayed on the display unit 24 of the electronic shelf label 20 shown in FIG. 7. In the area A7 of the product information image, the product information of the product associated with the electronic shelf label 20 is displayed. The manufacturer name is displayed in the area A7-1. The product name is displayed in the area A7-2. Standards are displayed in the area A7-3. A bar code indicating a JAN code is displayed in the area A7-4. The price is displayed in the area A7-5.

The product information image may be generated based on information in which relevance information, identification-related information, and product information are arbitrarily combined.

The product information image generated based on the product information is mainly an image for customers who visit the store 2 after the start of sales of the product. However, since the image generated based on the product information also displays information that can identify the product, it can also be used for the work of arranging the electronic shelf label 20 by the initial introduction company or the employee of the store 2.

The image display processing unit 424 determines the product information image to be displayed on the electronic shelf label 20 according to the worker who arranges the electronic shelf label 20 in the store 2. For example, the image display processing unit 424 determines the worker who performs the arrangement work of the electronic shelf label 20 based on the association mode set when the association processing is performed. As a result, the image display processing unit 424 causes the electronic shelf label 20 to display a product information image that facilitates the placement work of the electronic shelf label 20 and the confirmation work after the placement of the electronic shelf label 20 for each worker. Therefore, the worker can smoothly arrange the electronic shelf label 20.

Specifically, when the set mode is the mode in which the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 and the identification information of the product are associated for the first time, the worker of the image display processing unit 424 is the initial introduction company. Is determined. Then, the image display processing unit 424 causes the electronic shelf label 20 to display the product information image generated based on the relevance information, which is the product information image for the initial introduction company. As a result, the image display processing unit 424 puts the product information image on the electronic shelf label 20 so that when the initial introduction company arranges the electronic shelf label 20, it is easier for the initial introduction company to perform the arrangement work and the confirmation work after the arrangement. Display. Therefore, the initial introduction company can smoothly arrange the electronic shelf label 20.

Further, when the set mode is a mode for updating the association between the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 and the identification information of the product, the worker of the image display processing unit 424 is an employee of the store 2. Is determined. Then, the image display processing unit 424 causes the electronic shelf label 20 to display the product information image generated based on the identification-related information, which is the product information image for the employees of the store 2, thereby displaying the image display processing unit 424. Displays a product information image on the electronic shelf label 20 that makes it easier for the employee of the store 2 to perform the placement work and the confirmation work after the placement when the employee of the store 2 arranges the electronic shelf label 20. Therefore, the employee of the store 2 can smoothly perform the work of arranging the electronic shelf label 20.

The associating mode may be set by the operator's selection, or may be set by the control unit 42 (for example, the associating processing unit 423) based on a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is, for example, whether or not the product identification information is associated with the electronic shelf label information of the electronic shelf label 20 which is the work target. If the product identification information is not associated with the electronic shelf label information, the mode for performing the association for the first time is set. On the other hand, when the product identification information is associated with the electronic shelf label information, the mode for updating the association is set. The predetermined conditions are not limited to such an example.
Whether or not there is a product information image for the initial introducer, whether or not there is a product information image for employees, whether or not there is a product information image for customers, and the like.

In the image display processing unit 424, when the product information of the product associated with the electronic shelf label 20 is not registered in the DB server 50, or the product information not including the identification-related information (for example, only the JAN code) is registered. If so, the product image information is selected according to the worker. When the product information including the identification-related information is registered, the image display processing unit 424 regardless of whether the worker is an initial introduction company or an employee of the store 2. The product information image generated based on the product information may be displayed on the electronic shelf label 20.

In the image display processing unit 424, the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 input by the operator or the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 input by the reading device is the identification information that has been input in the past. The worker may be determined depending on whether or not it is.
For example, when the input identification information is the input identification information for the first time, the image display processing unit 424 determines that the electronic shelf label 20 having the identification information is the electronic shelf label 20 to be linked for the first time. .. That is, the image display processing unit 424 determines that the electronic shelf label 20 is the electronic shelf label 20 to be initially introduced. Therefore, the image display processing unit 424 determines that the worker is the initial introduction company.
On the other hand, when the input identification information is the identification information that has been input in the past, the image display processing unit 424 may have performed the linking process on the electronic shelf label 20 having the identification information in the past. It is determined that the electronic shelf label 20 is used. That is, the image display processing unit 424 determines that the electronic shelf label 20 is an already placed electronic shelf label 20. Therefore, the image display processing unit 424 determines that the worker is an employee of the store 2.

Further, the image display processing unit 424 may determine the worker based on the login ID of the person in charge who is logged in to the WEB system.

(3) Storage unit 43
The storage unit 43 has a function of storing various types of information. For example, the storage unit 43 stores information received from the operation terminal 10 and information received from each server.
The storage unit 43 is composed of a storage medium provided as hardware in the management server 40, for example, an HDD, a flash memory, an EEPROM, a RAM, a ROM, or any combination of these storage media. For the storage unit 43, for example, a non-volatile memory can be used.

<5. DB server function configuration>
Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 8, the functional configuration of the DB server 50 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the DB server 50 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the DB server 50 includes a communication unit 51, a control unit 52, and a storage unit 53.

(1) Communication unit 51
The communication unit 51 has a function of transmitting and receiving various information. For example, the communication unit 51 receives requests for various processes from the management server 40 via the network NW. The communication unit 51 inputs the received requests for various processes to the control unit 52.
Further, the communication unit 51 receives the product information image from the image conversion server 60 via the network NW. The communication unit 51 inputs the received product information image to the control unit 52 or the storage unit 53.
Further, the communication unit 51 transmits the response to the request for various processes input from the control unit 52 to the management server 40 via the network NW.

(2) Control unit 52
The control unit 52 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the DB server 50. The control unit 52 is realized, for example, by causing a CPU provided as hardware in the DB server 50 to execute a program.

The control unit 52 performs processing based on, for example, a request for each processing input from the communication unit 51.
Specifically, when the electronic shelf label information acquisition request is input, the control unit 52 uses the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 input together with the electronic shelf label information acquisition request as a key, and the electronic shelf label information from the storage unit 53. To get. Then, the control unit 52 causes the communication unit 51 to transmit the acquired electronic shelf label information to the management server 40 as a response to the electronic shelf label information acquisition request.
When the product information image acquisition request is input, the control unit 52 acquires the product information image from the storage unit 53 using the product identification information input together with the product information image acquisition request as a key. Then, the control unit 52 causes the communication unit 51 to transmit the acquired product information image to the management server 40 as a response to the product information image acquisition request.
Further, when the electronic shelf label information update request is input, the control unit 52 acquires the electronic shelf label information from the storage unit 53 using the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 input together with the electronic shelf label information update request as a key. do. Then, the control unit 52 causes the communication unit 51 to transmit the acquired electronic shelf label information to the management server 40 as a response to the electronic shelf label information acquisition request.
When the identification-related information acquisition request is input, the control unit 52 acquires the identification-related information from the storage unit 53 using the product identification information input together with the identification-related information acquisition request as a key. Then, the control unit 52 causes the communication unit 51 to transmit the acquired identification-related information to the management server 40 as a response to the identification-related information acquisition request.
When the product information image is input from the communication unit 51, the control unit 52 stores the input product information image in the storage unit 53.

(3) Storage unit 53
The storage unit 53 has a function of storing various types of information. For example, the storage unit 53 stores information generated by processing in the DB server 50.
The storage unit 53 is composed of a storage medium provided as hardware in the DB server 50, for example, an HDD, a flash memory, EEPROM, RAM, ROM, or any combination of these storage media. For the storage unit 53, for example, a non-volatile memory can be used.

As shown in FIG. 8, the storage unit 53 includes an electronic shelf label information storage unit 530 and a distribution data storage unit 531.

(3-1) Electronic shelf label information storage unit 530
The electronic shelf label information storage unit 530 stores the electronic shelf label information. The electronic shelf label information storage unit 530 contains information such as identification information of the electronic shelf tag 20, product identification information associated with the electronic shelf tag 20, date and time of association processing, worker login ID, floor information, and shelf information. Is stored as electronic shelf label information. The linking processing date and time, the login ID of the worker, the floor information, and the shelf information included in the electronic shelf tag information are relevance information. That is, the electronic shelf label information storage unit 530 is also a storage unit for storing related information.

(3-2) Distribution data storage unit 531
The distribution data storage unit 531 stores distribution data. The distribution data storage unit 531 stores information such as a JAN (Japane Article Number) code, a product name, a manufacturer name, a standard, and a price of a product as product information. Further, the distribution data storage unit 531 stores the product information image corresponding to the stored product information. The product information image may be an image generated by the image conversion server 60.

<6. Image conversion server function configuration>
Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 9, the functional configuration of the image conversion server 60 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image conversion server 60 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the image conversion server 60 includes a communication unit 61, a control unit 62, and a storage unit 63.

(1) Communication unit 61
The communication unit 61 has a function of transmitting and receiving various information. For example, the communication unit 61 receives a product information image generation instruction from the management server 40 via the network NW. The communication unit 51 inputs the received generation instruction to the control unit 62.
Further, the communication unit 61 transmits the product information image input from the control unit 62 to the DB server 50 via the network NW.

(2) Control unit 62
The control unit 62 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the image conversion server 60. The control unit 62 is realized, for example, by causing a CPU provided as hardware in the image conversion server 60 to execute a program.
As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 62 has an image generation unit 620.

(2-1) Image generation unit 620
The image generation unit 620 has a function of generating a product information image. For example, when a product information image generation instruction is input, the image generation unit 620 generates a product information image according to the information input together with the generation instruction.
Specifically, when the relevance information is input, the image generation unit 620 generates a product information image based on the relevance information. Further, when the identification-related information is input, the image generation unit 620 generates a product information image based on the identification-related information. When the product information is input, the image generation unit 620 generates a product information image based on the product information.
The image generation unit 620 transmits the generated product information image to the DB server 50 via the communication unit 61 and stores it.

(3) Storage unit 63
The storage unit 63 has a function of storing various types of information. For example, the storage unit 63 stores information generated by processing in the image conversion server 60.
The storage unit 63 is composed of a storage medium provided as hardware in the image conversion server 60, for example, an HDD, a flash memory, an EEPROM, a RAM, a ROM, or any combination of these storage media. For the storage unit 63, for example, a non-volatile memory can be used.

<7. Distribution server function configuration>
Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 10, the functional configuration of the distribution server 70 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the distribution server 70 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the distribution server 70 includes a communication unit 71, a control unit 72, and a storage unit 73.

(1) Communication unit 71
The communication unit 71 has a function of transmitting and receiving various information. For example, the communication unit 71 receives the product information image and the distribution instruction of the product information image from the management server 40 via the network NW. The communication unit 71 inputs the received product information image and the distribution instruction of the product information image to the control unit 72.
Further, the communication unit 71 transmits the product information image input from the control unit 72 and the display instruction of the product information image to the electronic shelf label 20 via the network NW.

(2) Control unit 72
The control unit 72 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the distribution server 70. The control unit 72 is realized, for example, by causing a CPU provided as hardware in the distribution server 70 to execute a program.
As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 72 has an image display instruction unit 720.

(2-1) Image display instruction unit 720
The image display instruction unit 720 has a function of displaying a product information image on the electronic shelf label 20. For example, when a distribution instruction for a product information image is input, the image display instruction unit 720 identifies the electronic shelf label 20 for displaying the product information image based on the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 input together with the distribution instruction. do. Then, the image display instruction unit 720 transmits the product information image and the display instruction of the product information image to the electronic shelf label 20 via the communication unit 71.

(3) Storage unit 73
The storage unit 73 has a function of storing various types of information. For example, the storage unit 73 stores the product information image transmitted from the management server 40 and the product information image transmitted from the image conversion server 60.
The storage unit 73 is composed of a storage medium provided as hardware in the distribution server 70, for example, an HDD, a flash memory, an EEPROM, a RAM, a ROM, or any combination of these storage media. For the storage unit 73, for example, a non-volatile memory can be used.

<8. Processing flow>
Subsequently, the flow of the process according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

(1) Case where identification-related information is registered in the distribution data First, with reference to FIG. 11, a processing flow when identification-related information is registered in the distribution data will be described. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow when identification-related information is registered in the distribution data according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, in the process flow described with reference to FIG. 11, it is assumed that the product information image showing the identification-related information registered in the distribution data is also registered.

As shown in FIG. 11, first, the user inputs an operation for executing the associating process to the operation terminal 10 (S100).
The operation terminal 10 to which the operation for executing the linking process is input from the user transmits the linking process execution request to the management server 40 (S102).

The management server 40 that has received the linking process execution request transmits the electronic shelf label information acquisition request to the DB server 50 (S104). The DB server 50 that has received the electronic shelf label information acquisition request transmits the electronic shelf label information in response to the request to the management server 40 as a response to the request (S106).

When the response to the electronic shelf label information acquisition request is received from the DB server 50 and it can be confirmed that the electronic shelf label 20 to be linked is registered, the management server 40 sends the distribution data acquisition request to the DB server. It is transmitted to 50 (S108). The DB server 50 that has received the distribution data acquisition request transmits the distribution data in response to the request to the management server 40 as a response to the request (S110).

The management server 40, which has received the response to the distribution data acquisition request from the DB server 50, executes the process of associating the electronic shelf label 20 with the product (S112). The management server 40 sends an electronic shelf label information update request to the DB server 50 so that the electronic shelf label information is updated with the information after the linking process (S114).
Further, the management server 40 transmits a product information image distribution instruction to the distribution server 70 so as to distribute the product information image registered in the DB server 50 to the electronic shelf label 20 (S116).

Upon receiving the product information image distribution instruction from the management server 40, the distribution server 70 transmits the product information image and the display instruction of the product information image to the electronic shelf label 20 so as to display the product information image (S118).
The electronic shelf label 20 that has received the product information image and the display instruction of the product information image displays the received product information image (S120).

(2) When the identification-related information is not registered in the distribution data Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the processing flow when the identification-related information is not registered in the distribution data will be described. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow when identification-related information is not registered in the distribution data according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, in the process flow described with reference to FIG. 12, it is assumed that the product identification-related information associated with the electronic shelf label 20 is not registered in the distribution data and the product information image is not registered.

As shown in FIG. 12, first, the user inputs an operation for executing the associating process to the operation terminal 10 (S200).
The operation terminal 10 to which the operation for executing the linking process is input from the user transmits the linking process execution request to the management server 40 (S202).

The management server 40 that has received the linking process execution request transmits the electronic shelf label information acquisition request to the DB server 50 (S204). The DB server 50 that has received the electronic shelf label information acquisition request transmits the electronic shelf label information in response to the request to the management server 40 as a response to the request (S206).

When the response to the electronic shelf label information acquisition request is received from the DB server 50 and it can be confirmed that the electronic shelf label 20 to be linked is registered, the management server 40 sends the distribution data acquisition request to the DB server. It is transmitted to 50 (S208). The DB server 50 that has received the distribution data acquisition request transmits the distribution data in response to the request to the management server 40 as a response to the request (S210).

Next, the management server 40 transmits an identification-related information acquisition request to the external system 3 (S212). Upon receiving the identification-related information acquisition request, the external system 3 transmits the identification-related information in response to the request to the management server 40 as a response to the request (S214).

The management server 40 that has acquired the identification-related information from the external system 3 executes the process of associating the electronic shelf label 20 with the product (S216). The management server 40 sends an electronic shelf label information update request to the DB server 50 so that the electronic shelf label information is updated with the information after the linking process (S218).
Further, since the management server 40 has confirmed from the acquisition result of the distribution data that the product information image and the identification-related information are not registered in the distribution data, the management server 40 generates the product information image based on the identification-related information received from the external system 3. The product information image generation instruction is transmitted to the image conversion server 60 (S220).

The image conversion server 60, which has received the product information image generation instruction from the management server 40, executes the product information image generation process (S222). After the product information image is generated, the image conversion server 60 transmits the generated product information image to the DB server 50 and stores it (S224). At this time, a notification indicating that the product information image has been registered in the DB server 50 may be transmitted from the DB server 50 or the image conversion server 60 to the management server 40.

The management server 40 transmits a product information image acquisition request to the DB server 50 (S226). The DB server 50 that has received the product information image acquisition request transmits the product information image in response to the request to the management server 40 as a response to the request (S228).
The management server 40, which has received the product information image from the DB server 50, transmits the product information image and the distribution instruction of the product information image to the distribution server 70 so as to distribute the product information image to the electronic shelf label 20 (S230).

The distribution server 70, which has received the product information image and the distribution instruction of the product information image from the management server 40, sends the received product information image and the display instruction of the product information image to the electronic shelf label 20 so as to display the product information image. Send (S232).
The electronic shelf label 20 that has received the product information image and the display instruction of the product information image displays the received product information image (S234).

As described above, the electronic shelf label display control system 1 according to the present embodiment associates the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 with the identification information of the product whose product information image is displayed on the electronic shelf label 20. Control.
The electronic shelf label display control system 1 acquires identification-related information related to product identification from an external storage device 80 of the store 2 provided with the electronic shelf label 20 based on the product identification information.
The electronic shelf label display control system 1 causes the electronic shelf label 20 to display a product information image generated based on the acquired identification-related information.

With this configuration, in the electronic shelf label display control system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the electronic shelf label 20 and the product are associated, the product information to be displayed on the electronic shelf label 20 is in the electronic shelf label display control system 1. Even if it is not registered in the storage device of the above, the product information acquired from the external storage device is displayed on the electronic shelf label 20.
As a result, the user does not have to register the temporary information or the like by himself / herself, so that the product information is not erroneously displayed due to an input error of the temporary information or the like. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of work mistakes in which the user places the electronic shelf label in the wrong position due to the wrong product information, and it is also possible to suppress the occurrence of work rework.
Further, since the amount of information of the product information displayed on the electronic shelf label 20 increases as compared with the case where the temporary information is displayed, it becomes easier for the user to identify the product associated with the electronic shelf label 20. , The electronic shelf label 20 can be smoothly arranged. Further, after the electronic shelf label 20 is arranged, it is possible to smoothly confirm whether or not the arrangement position of the electronic shelf label 20 is correct.

Therefore, the electronic shelf label display control system 1 according to the present embodiment can more smoothly manage the arrangement of the electronic shelf labels.

<9. Modification example>
The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above. Subsequently, a modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In addition, each modification described below may be applied to the embodiment of the present disclosure alone, or may be applied to the embodiment of the present disclosure in combination. Further, each modification may be applied in place of the configuration described in the embodiment of the present disclosure, or may be additionally applied to the configuration described in each embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the operation terminal 10 is a PC has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The operation terminal 10 may be realized by, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a handy terminal, or the like.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which a user inputs a request via a WEB browser displayed on the operation terminal 10 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the operation terminal 10 may have a configuration in which a user can input a request via the screen of an application installed on the own terminal. The request input to the screen of the application is transmitted to the management server 40 via, for example, a Web API (application programming interface). In this case, the operation terminal 10 outputs a response received from, for example, the management server 40 to the application. In the screen of the application, an area in which a request can be input may be displayed by Webview. The application may include a function for reading a barcode and an NFC (Near Field Communication) function.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the operation terminal 10 is provided in the backyard of the store 2 and the user performs the management work of the electronic shelf label in the backyard has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, when the operation terminal 10 is realized by a portable terminal such as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a handy terminal, the user carries the operation terminal 10 to a place other than the backyard in the store and uses it. You may carry it out of the store and use it. As a result, the user can manage the electronic shelf labels in various places both inside and outside the store.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which a device externally connected to the operation terminal 10 is used as the reading device has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. When the operation terminal 10 is realized by a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like, a device mounted inside the operation terminal 10 may be used as a reading device. As an example of the reading device mounted inside the operation terminal 10, an image pickup device such as a camera and a communication device capable of communication by NFC can be mentioned. When the image pickup device is used, the user can have the operation terminal 10 read the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 by, for example, capturing a bar code indicating the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 with the image pickup device. Further, when NFC is used, the user brings the operation terminal 10 closer to the electronic shelf label 20 for which the identification information is to be read, for example. As a result, the operation terminal 10 can read the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 from the electronic shelf label 20 by NFC.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the electronic shelf label display control system 1 includes the relay communication device 30 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the electronic shelf label display control system 1 may not include the relay communication device 30. In this case, the electronic shelf label 20 is directly connected to the distribution server 70 via the network NW so as to be communicable.

In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the product information image is generated by the image conversion server 60 and the generated product information image is transmitted from the distribution server 70 to the electronic shelf label 20 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the product information image may be generated by a device other than the image conversion server 60. As an example, the product information image may be generated by the relay communication device 30, and the generated product information image may be transmitted from the relay communication device 30 to the electronic shelf label 20.

In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the product information image generated by the image conversion server 60 and the distribution instruction of the product information image are transmitted from the management server 40 to the distribution server 70 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the product information image generated by the image conversion server 60 and the distribution instruction of the product information image may be transmitted from the image conversion server 60 to the distribution server 70 via the network NW.

In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the distribution server 70 exists inside the electronic shelf label display control system 1 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the distribution server 70 may be a server existing outside the electronic shelf label display control system 1.

In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the shelf information is information held by the electronic shelf label display control system 1 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the shelf information may be acquired from the external system 3 that manages the shelving allocation.

The modification of the embodiment of the present invention has been described above. The electronic shelf label display control system 1 in the above-described embodiment may be realized by a computer. In that case, a program for realizing this function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read by a computer system and executed. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Further, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, or a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as a hard disk built in a computer system. Further, a "computer-readable recording medium" is a communication line for transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and dynamically holds the program for a short period of time. It may also include a program that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that is a server or a client in that case. Further, the above program may be for realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions, and may be further realized for realizing the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. It may be realized by using a programmable logic device such as FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

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

1 ... Electronic shelf label display control system, 2 ... Store, 10 ... Operation terminal, 11 ... Input section, 12 ... Control section, 13 ... Storage section, 14 ... Communication section, 15 ... Display section, 20 ... Electronic shelf label, 21 ... communication unit, 22 ... control unit, 23 ... storage unit, 24 ... display unit, 30 ... relay communication device, 40 ... management server, 41 ... communication unit, 42 ... control unit, 43 ... storage unit, 50 ... DB server, 51 ... communication unit, 52 ... control unit, 53 ... storage unit, 60 ... image conversion server, 61 ... communication unit, 62 ... control unit, 63 ... storage unit, 70 ... distribution server, 71 ... communication unit, 72 ... control unit , 73 ... Storage unit, 80 ... Storage device, 220 ... Image display processing unit, 420 ... Electronic shelf label information acquisition unit, 421 ... Distribution data acquisition unit, 422 ... Identification related information acquisition unit, 423 ... Linking processing unit, 424 ... Image display processing unit, 530 ... Electronic shelf label information storage unit, 513 ... Distribution data storage unit

Claims (10)

An association processing unit that controls the association between the identification information of the electronic shelf label that displays the product information image of the product and the identification information of the product that displays the product information image on the electronic shelf label.
An acquisition unit that acquires identification-related information related to product identification from a storage device outside the store where the electronic shelf label is provided based on the product identification information.
An image display processing unit that displays the product information image generated based on the identification-related information acquired by the acquisition unit on the electronic shelf label, and an image display processing unit.
Equipped with an electronic shelf label display control system. A storage unit that stores relevance information indicating the relevance between the product and the shelf on which the product is placed, and
An association processing unit that controls the association between the identification information of the electronic shelf label that displays the product information image of the product and the identification information of the product that displays the product information image on the electronic shelf label.
Based on the product identification information, the acquisition unit that acquires the relevance information from the storage unit, and the acquisition unit.
An image display processing unit that displays the product information image generated based on the relevance information acquired by the acquisition unit on the electronic shelf label, and an image display processing unit.
Equipped with an electronic shelf label display control system. A storage unit that stores relevance information indicating the relevance between a product and the shelf on which the product is placed.
Further prepare
The acquisition unit acquires the relevance information from the storage unit based on the identification information of the product.
The image display processing unit causes the electronic shelf label to display the product information image generated based on the relevance information acquired by the acquisition unit.
The electronic shelf label display control system according to claim 1. The image display processing unit responds to a worker who installs the electronic shelf label in a store based on the linking mode set when the identification information of the product and the identification information of the electronic shelf label are linked. Displaying the product information image on the electronic shelf label,
The electronic shelf label display control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. When the mode is the mode in which the identification information of the electronic shelf label and the identification information of the product are associated for the first time.
The image display processing unit displays a product information image generated based on the relevance information on the electronic shelf label.
The electronic shelf label display control system according to claim 4. When the mode is a mode for updating the association between the identification information of the electronic shelf label and the identification information of the product.
The image display processing unit displays the product information image generated based on the identification-related information on the electronic shelf label.
The electronic shelf label display control system according to claim 4 or 5. The linking processing unit controls the linking between the identification information of the electronic shelf label that displays the product information image of the product and the identification information of the product that displays the product information image on the electronic shelf label.
Based on the product identification information, the acquisition unit acquires identification-related information related to product identification from a storage device outside the store where the electronic shelf label is provided.
The image display processing unit displays the product information image generated based on the identification-related information acquired by the acquisition unit on the electronic shelf label.
Electronic shelf label display control method, including. The storage unit stores the relevance information indicating the relevance between the product and the shelf on which the product is placed.
The linking processing unit controls the linking between the identification information of the electronic shelf label that displays the product information image of the product and the identification information of the product that displays the product information image on the electronic shelf label.
The acquisition unit acquires the relevance information from the storage unit based on the identification information of the product.
The image display processing unit displays the product information image generated based on the relevance information acquired by the acquisition unit on the electronic shelf label.
Electronic shelf label display control method, including. Computer,
An association processing means for controlling the association between the identification information of the electronic shelf label that displays the product information image of the product and the identification information of the product that displays the product information image on the electronic shelf label.
An acquisition means for acquiring identification-related information related to product identification from a storage device outside the store where the electronic shelf label is provided based on the product identification information.
An image display processing means for displaying the product information image generated based on the identification-related information acquired by the acquisition means on the electronic shelf label, and an image display processing means.
A program that functions as. Computer,
A storage means for storing relevance information indicating the relevance between the product and the shelf on which the product is placed, and
An association processing means for controlling the association between the identification information of the electronic shelf label that displays the product information image of the product and the identification information of the product that displays the product information image on the electronic shelf label.
An acquisition means for acquiring the relevance information stored by the storage means based on the identification information of the product, and an acquisition means.
An image display processing means for displaying the product information image generated based on the relevance information acquired by the acquisition means on the electronic shelf label, and an image display processing means.
A program that functions as.

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