JP4515611B2 - Product and customer information linkage system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system capable of appropriately changing information such as a product price presented to a customer by providing an electronic shelf label on a product display shelf in a store.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in some stores such as supermarkets, a method of setting two prices, a general price and a member price, for the same product and selling the product has been adopted. In addition, we have introduced a point card system for the purpose of securing customers, giving customers points according to product prices, etc., and also knowing sales methods that offer products at a price lower than the general price according to the degree of points earned. It has been.
[0003]
By the way, in recent years, an electronic shelf label system in which an electronic shelf label having a display function is installed on a display shelf of each commodity and the commodity price is displayed on the electronic shelf label is being put into practical use. In this system, each electronic shelf label is connected to a computer wirelessly or via a wired line, and the product price is distributed from the computer to each electronic shelf label. And can be easily changed.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional point card system, a customer who selects a product to be purchased in the product display shelf cannot know the price set according to the degree of his / her point acquisition. In other words, even if a customer has a very large purchase price, the acquired points stored in the point card are read and taken into account only when the merchandise is settled. Also, the points that can be obtained by purchasing the product cannot be known.
[0005]
Also in the electronic shelf label system, the product price cannot be actively changed according to the degree of contribution (sales) of the customer to the retail store and presented to the customer.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and information relating to a product can be actively changed according to a customer and presented. It is an object of the present invention to provide a system that promotes purchase by presenting conditions (price, points) that are easier to purchase to customers who make a purchase (excellent).
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, it is described in claim 1.inventionIs a product / customer information linking system comprising at least one electronic shelf label installed corresponding to each product and a customer information card in the product sales floor, wherein the customer information card contains the customer information The customer who uses the cardIncluding the number of product points earned by purchasing products in the past (for example, data indicating how much the customer has purchased in the past by the accumulated amount or accumulated points),Means for storing information relating to a customer, and means for transmitting the information relating to the stored customer to the electronic shelf label by wireless communication, wherein the electronic shelf label relates to the customer transmitted from the customer information card. Means for receiving information, product information storage means for storing information relating to the product corresponding to the electronic shelf label, and the stored productIncluding priceWhen product information presenting means for presenting information about products to a customer and information about the customer are received,Based on the number of product points acquired by the customer, the price of the product is newly set (for example, set to a price that is easier to purchase), and the price of the product is presented to the product information presenting means.Product information setting means.
[0008]
  According to the invention configured as described above, when information about a customer is transmitted from a customer information card to an electronic shelf label by communication (for example, communication using microwaves or shortwaves), the information about the customer is transmitted to the electronic shelf label. The information regarding the product corresponding to is set, and such information is presented to the customer. Therefore, the information regarding the goods according to the customer can be presented on the electronic shelf label.In addition, the price of the product displayed on the electronic shelf label can be actively changed according to the customer and presented. Furthermore, the price of the product displayed on the electronic shelf label can be actively changed and presented according to the number of product points acquired by the customer. Note that the information about the customer may include the accumulated amount of the product purchased by the customer in the past, and the price of the product may be newly set based on it.
[0009]
  The invention described in claim 2In the product / customer information linking system including electronic shelf labels installed in the product sales floor corresponding to each product and customer information card, the customer information card is the customer information card customer in the past Means for storing customer-related information, including the number of product points acquired by purchasing a product, means for transmitting the stored customer-related information to the electronic shelf label by wireless communication, and the electronic shelf label Means for receiving information relating to the transmitted product and product information presenting means for presenting information relating to the product including the price of the received product to a customer, wherein the electronic shelf label is transmitted from the customer information card Means for receiving information relating to the customer, means for storing information relating to the product corresponding to the electronic shelf label, and information relating to the customer Product information setting means for setting the price of the product based on the number of product points acquired by the customer, means for transmitting the information related to the set product to the customer information card by wireless communication, and the product Product information presenting means for presenting information to the customer.
[0010]
  According to the invention configured as described above, when information about a customer is transmitted from the customer information card to the electronic shelf label by wireless communication, information about the product corresponding to the information about the customer is set in the electronic shelf label. Is done. Then, information related to the set customer is transmitted from the electronic shelf label to the customer information card, which is presented to the customer in the customer information card. Therefore, the information regarding the goods according to the customer can be presented on the customer information card. Moreover, the price of the goods according to a customer can be shown on a customer information card. Furthermore, the price of the product according to the number of product points acquired by the customer can be presented on the customer information card. Note that the information about the customer may include the accumulated amount of the product purchased by the customer in the past, and the price of the product may be newly set based on it.
[0011]
  The invention according to claim 3Product and customer information linkage system comprising at least one or more electronic shelf labels installed in the product sales floor corresponding to each product, a customer information card, and a cash register for clearing the product desired by the customer The customer information card includes means for storing information about a customer who uses the customer information card, means for transmitting the stored information about the customer to the electronic shelf label by wireless communication, and the electronic shelf label. Means for receiving and storing information related to the product transmitted from, access information indicating the stored information about the customer, and the time when the information was transmitted between the electronic shelf label and the customer information card Information about the product including the customer / product information transmission means for transmitting to the cash register by communication, the electronic shelf label to the customer transmitted from the customer information card And means for receiving information,
Product information storage means for storing information related to the product corresponding to the electronic shelf label, and when the information related to the customer is received, the stored information related to the product is transmitted to the customer information card by wireless communication Means for receiving the information about the customer transmitted from the customer information card and the information about the product, and the access time received is within a predetermined time zone. It is determined whether or not there is, and when it is determined that it is within a predetermined time zone, a clearing means for clearing at a special commodity price in the predetermined time zone is provided..
[0012]
According to the invention configured as described above, when information about the customer is transmitted from the customer information card to the electronic shelf label by wireless communication, information about the product is transmitted from the electronic shelf label to the customer information card by wireless communication. It is transmitted and stored in the customer information card. Then, at the time of liquidation of the product, information about the product and information about the customer are transmitted from the customer information card to the cash register by wireless communication. At the cash register, the product is settled based on the information about the customer and the information about the product. Therefore, the information transmitted from the electronic shelf label to the customer information card can be reflected at the time of settlement when the customer selects a product. Furthermore, for example, if the customer accesses the electronic shelf label with the customer information card during the time service time period when the price of the product is reduced, the customer will be able to use the time service time even if the time service time period has passed at the time of liquidation. Products can be purchased at prices in the band.
[0013]
  The invention according to claim 4 further comprises a store computer comprising storage means for storing information related to the product and information related to the customer in the system for linking the product and customer information according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The electronic shelf label includes means for transmitting the received information about the customer and its own identification number to the store computer via communication means, and the store computer is transmitted from the electronic shelf label. And a means for receiving the identification number and the identification number, and storing the identification number and the information about the customer in the storage means in association with the received time. Therefore, at the store, it is possible to grasp the time when the customer accessed the electronic shelf label using the customer information card.
[0014]
  The invention according to claim 5 is the system for linking the product and customer information according to claim 4,
The store computer includes means for transmitting information stored in the storage means to the cash register via communication means, and the cash register receives information sent from the store computer and stores the information in the information. Based on this, the product is configured to be liquidated. Therefore, at the cash register, it is possible to perform the liquidation reflecting the time when the customer accessed the electronic shelf label with the customer information card.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0023]
First, the configuration and function of the customer information cooperation system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a product / customer information link system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 1, the product / customer information linkage system 100 is roughly divided into an electronic shelf label 1, a customer information card 2, a cash register (hereinafter referred to as “POS cash register”) 3, and a store computer 4. Consists of including. The store computer 4 is connected to the POS register 3 and the transceiver 5 by a dedicated cable or a wireless LAN. Further, the microwave transceiver 6 and the scanner 7 are connected to the POS register 3 by a dedicated cable. The store computer 4 also includes a management database 4a. In this embodiment, the IC card 2 is applied to the customer information card 2. However, any card can be applied as long as it can store and transmit information.
[0025]
The electronic shelf label 1 has a thin plate shape, and is detachable from an upper shelf of a product display shelf installed in the store floor or an electronic shelf label receiving portion (installed for each product) installed in a lower frame. Installed and used. Each electronic shelf label 1 has a unique communication address set in advance. FIG. 2 (A) shows an example of a surface external view of the electronic shelf label 1. As shown in FIG. 2 (A), a display unit 15 is provided at a substantially central portion of the surface of the electronic shelf label 1, an infrared transmission / reception unit 16 is provided on the right side of the display unit 15, and a lower side of the infrared transmission / reception unit 16 is provided. A microwave transmission / reception unit 17 is provided. A solar battery 18 is mounted on the right side of the infrared transmitter / receiver 16 and serves as a drive source for the electronic shelf label 1 together with a thin battery (not shown) provided inside the electronic shelf label 1 (for example, a thin alkaline battery). Yes. In addition, the lower side of the display unit 15 is an area for attaching a sticker 19 on which a product name or the like is printed.
[0026]
The display unit 15 presents (displays) the product price, member price, and customer service information to the customer. The product price includes a normal price and a discount price. The normal price is a price initially set in the store. The discount price is a price set lower than the normal price of the product. For example, during a discount period in which advertisements are posted, or in a specific time zone in the morning or evening (hereinafter referred to as “time service time zone”) ) Is the price offered. The member price is a discount price set for a customer who is a member who uses the IC card 2. For example, the number of product points acquired by the customer who has purchased a product in the past (hereinafter referred to as "acquired product point number") It is set according to “ The number of acquired product points is the total number of product points of products purchased within a certain period. Further, the number of product points is set in advance for each product, for example, in accordance with the price of the product. Therefore, the degree of discount is higher for customers who have acquired more product points. The service information for customers includes the number of product points and character information. For the display unit 15, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display can be used.
[0027]
Further, the product price displayed on the display unit 15 and the service information for the customer are changed by data transmission from the store computer 4. The infrared transmitter / receiver 16 receives the product price and customer service information distributed from the store computer 4 and transmitted from the transceiver 5 by wireless communication (for example, infrared communication, the same applies hereinafter). A plurality of such transceivers 5 are installed at positions where they can communicate with the infrared transmission / reception unit 16 such as a ceiling of a store. The microwave transmission / reception unit 17 receives information about the customer (hereinafter referred to as “customer information”) transmitted from the IC card 2 by wireless communication (for example, microwave communication and the like hereinafter) and also transmits the information to the IC card 2 by microwave communication. , Information related to the product (hereinafter referred to as “product information”) is transmitted. Here, the customer information includes information such as the identification number of the IC card 2 and the number of acquired product points. The product information includes information such as the management number of the product corresponding to the electronic shelf label 1. The management number is a number for identifying a product and is different for each product. Further, the infrared transmission / reception unit 16 can transmit customer information and product information to the store computer 4 via the transceiver 5 by infrared communication. Thereby, the store computer 4 can grasp | ascertain the communication condition of the electronic shelf label 1 and IC card 2 sequentially.
[0028]
FIG. 2B shows an example of a schematic internal configuration of the electronic shelf label 1. As shown in FIG. 2B, the electronic shelf label 1 includes a CPU 20, a ROM 21, and a RAM 22 in addition to the display unit 15, the infrared transmission / reception unit 16, the microwave transmission / reception unit 17, the solar cell 18, and the like. Yes. The ROM 21 stores program data for controlling each component of the electronic shelf label 1, and the CPU 20 controls each component based on the program data. The RAM 22 stores a communication address, product price, and customer service information set for itself. The RAM 22 stores the product price received by the infrared transmitter / receiver 16 and output to the bus 26 via the I / O 24 and the service information for the customer based on an instruction from the CPU 20. Further, the RAM 22 stores customer information received by the microwave transmission / reception unit 17 and output to the bus 26 via the I / O 25 based on an instruction from the CPU 20. Based on the information stored in the RAM 22, the CPU 20 causes the display unit 15 to display the product price and customer service information.
[0029]
In addition, when customer information is transmitted from the IC card 2, the CPU 20 calculates a member price based on the customer information. For example, the member price is calculated based on the product price displayed on the display unit 15 of the electronic shelf label 1 (the product price stored in the RAM 22) and the number of acquired product points included in the customer information. Note that the customer price may include the accumulated amount of products purchased by the customer in the past, and the member price may be calculated based on the accumulated amount. In addition, the number of product points displayed on the display unit 15 of the electronic shelf label 1 can be increased according to the number of acquired product points. The member price and the like are displayed on the display 15 for a certain period of time or while the electronic shelf label 1 and the IC card 2 are connected by microwaves.
[0030]
The IC card 2 is used when a customer selects a product to be purchased at a store sales area, or when the product is cleared at the POS register 3. As the IC card 2 according to the present embodiment, a non-contact IC card with a display function is used. The IC card 2 has a clock function. FIG. 3A shows an example of a surface external view of the IC card 2. As shown in FIG. 3A, the IC card 2 has a card shape, and a display unit 32 is provided at the lower part of the surface, and a microwave transmission / reception unit 31 is provided at the center part at the right end. In addition, a thin battery (for example, a thin alkaline battery) 30 as a drive source that does not appear on the surface of the IC card 2 is built in the upper left end.
[0031]
For example, the display unit 32 presents (displays) product information transmitted from the electronic shelf label 1 to a customer. Note that the display unit 32 may be configured to receive and display the member price from the electronic shelf label 1 via the microwave transmission / reception unit 31. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent other customers from seeing the member price. The microwave transmission / reception unit 31 transmits customer information to the electronic shelf label 1 through microwave communication, and receives product information transmitted from the electronic shelf label 1 through microwave communication. Further, the microwave transceiver 31 can perform data communication with the microwave transceiver 6 connected to the POS register 3.
[0032]
FIG. 3B shows an example of a schematic internal configuration of the IC card 2. As shown in FIG. 3B, the IC card 2 includes a CPU 35, a ROM 36, and a RAM 37 in addition to the display unit 32, the microwave transmission / reception unit 31, and the like. The ROM 36 stores program data for controlling each component of the IC card 2, and the CPU 35 controls each component based on the program data. The RAM 37 stores customer information. The RAM 37 stores product information received by the microwave transmission / reception unit 31 and output to the bus 40 via the I / O 39 based on an instruction from the CPU 35. The CPU 35 displays the product information on the display unit 32 based on the information stored in the RAM 37.
[0033]
Further, the CPU 35 is the time when the data exchange between the electronic shelf label 1 and the IC card 2, that is, the time when the customer brings the IC card 2 closer to the electronic shelf label 1 of the desired product (hereinafter referred to as “access time”). Is stored in the RAM 37 in association with the product information. For example, it is stored as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 4, the management numbers and access times of five products are stored. That is, the customer has accessed the electronic shelf label 1 of five types of products from the IC card 2. This access time can be obtained by the clock function of the IC card 2, but instead of providing the clock function in the IC card 2, the clock function is provided in the electronic shelf label 1, and the microwave transmitting / receiving unit 31 is connected to the electronic shelf label 1. You may comprise so that it may acquire via.
[0034]
The POS cash register 3 is used for, for example, clearing the products that the customer has put in the shopping cart. The microwave transmitter / receiver 6 connected to the POS register 3 receives customer information, product information, and the like from the IC card 2 when the product is cleared. The product information includes information shown in FIG. As a result, the POS register 3 can recognize when the customer accessed the electronic shelf label 1 at what time, minutes, and seconds. The scanner 7 connected to the POS register 3 reads a barcode attached to the product. The bar code includes information such as a product management number.
[0035]
These pieces of information are temporarily stored in a RAM (not shown) in the POS register 3. The CPU (not shown) provided in the POS register 3 collates the management number included in the barcode with the management number transmitted from the microwave receiver 6. As a result of the collation, a product whose management number included in the barcode and the management number transmitted from the microwave receiver 6 are the same is settled at the member price. That is, when the product placed in the shopping basket is accessed from the IC card 2 to the electronic shelf label 1 of the product, the member price calculated based on the number of acquired product points acquired by the customer is used. It will be liquidated. Further, the CPU refers to the information distributed from the store computer 4 and, for example, if the access time shown in FIG. 4 is within the time service time zone described later, the discount price in the time service time zone is considered. To calculate. Accordingly, even when the customer passes the time service time zone and clears at the POS cash register 3, it can be settled at a discount price in the time service time zone.
[0036]
Further, the CPU of the POS cash register 3 determines the number of product points of the product that the customer has put in the shopping basket at the time of settlement and has accessed the electronic shelf label 1 from the IC card 2 by the customer. Add to the number of points to calculate the number of newly acquired product points. The number of new product purchase points is transmitted to the customer's IC card 2 via the microwave transceiver 6 connected to the POS register 3. As a result, the customer is provided with a service from the store according to the number of new product purchase points in the subsequent shopping. Information handled at the POS cash register 3, such as customer information (including the number of new product purchase points), product information (including access time), and settlement results, is transferred from the POS cash register 3 to the store computer 4. Sent.
[0037]
The store computer 4 manages and operates the system 100. Further, the store computer 4 stores and manages information including the above-described product information and customer information in the management database 4a as shown in FIGS. For example, if the operator of the store computer 4 sets the discount price 55 and the time service time zone 56 shown in FIG. 5 in advance, when the time service start time is reached, the store computer 4 displays the electronic shelf of the corresponding product. By designating the communication address 52 of the bill 1, the discount price 55 and the character information 57 are distributed via the transceiver 5. When the time service end time is reached, the store computer 4 designates the communication address 52 of the electronic shelf label 1 of the corresponding product and distributes the normal price 54 via the transceiver 5.
[0038]
In the store computer 4, as shown in FIG. 6, information about customers who own the IC card 2 is stored in the management database 4 a for each identification number 60 of the IC card 2. In addition to the information shown in FIG. 6, in the management database 4a, for example, the record of the communication between the electronic shelf label 1 and the IC card 2 and the details such as the cleared amount and date correspond to the identification number 60. It is remembered. Thereby, on the store side, it is possible to grasp how many customers have purchased the products.
[0039]
These pieces of information (for example, the information shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) are updated by the store computer 4 based on the information transmitted from the POS register 3 at the time of settlement. Further, the information shown in FIG. 5 is transmitted at any time in response to a request from the POS register 3.
[0040]
Further, the store computer 4 associates, for each product, the number of products placed on the sales floor of the product, the number of products in the backyard, and the number of products cleared at the POS cash register 3. It is stored and managed in the management database 4a. The store computer 4 also stores and manages information on products that need to be sold quickly (for example, products that are about to expire or that want to sell quickly) in the management database 4a. Then, the store computer 4 determines that the product that needs to be sold quickly is the liquidation at the POS cash register 3 from the total number of the product placed in the product sales floor and the number of the stock of the product. Based on the number obtained by subtracting the number of products, a special price is calculated by lowering the price of the product and is provided to the customer.
[0041]
Next, the operation of the system 100 until the customer selects a product at the store sales floor and settles at the POS cash register 3 in the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0042]
First, based on the information stored in the management database 4a, the store computer 4 sends the product price and customer service information via the transceiver 5 to the top frame or the bottom of the product display shelf installed at the store floor. Delivered to each electronic shelf label 1 installed in the frame. Each electronic shelf label 1 receives the information by the infrared receiving unit 16, stores it in the RAM 22, and displays it on the display unit 15.
[0043]
FIG. 7 shows processing executed when a customer accesses the electronic shelf label 1 from the IC card 2 and acquires product information. First, when the customer confirms the price of the product on the store floor using the electronic shelf label 1 and brings the IC card 2 close to the electronic shelf label 1 of the desired product, the microwave transmitting / receiving unit 31 of the IC card 2 instructs the CPU 35 to Accordingly, the customer information stored in the RAM 36 is transmitted to the electronic shelf label 1 (S1). The transmitted customer information is received by the microwave transmitting / receiving unit 17 of the electronic shelf label 1. Next, the CPU 20 of the electronic shelf label 1 stores the received customer information in the RAM 22 and calculates a member price based on the number of acquired product points included in the customer information (S2). For example, the product price displayed on the display unit 15 of the electronic shelf label 1 (price stored in the RAM 22) is multiplied by the reciprocal of the number of acquired product points (multiplied by a predetermined correction amount) to obtain the member price. calculate. Further, the CPU 20 calculates a member product point number from the acquired product point number included in the customer information and the product point number displayed on the display unit 15 of the electronic shelf label 1. Then, the CPU 20 displays the calculated member price and the number of product points on the display unit 15 (S3).
[0044]
In this way, as shown in FIG. 8, the display of the product price (FIG. 8A) initially displayed is changed to the display of the member price (FIG. 8B). The display changed in this way leads to an advertising effect for another customer. That is, another customer who sees the changed and displayed product price recognizes that the product price will be reduced if he / she becomes a member, so the store can induce the customer to become a member.
[0045]
Next, the CPU 20 of the electronic shelf label 1 transmits product information (for example, a management number) of the product to the IC card 2 via the microwave transmission / reception unit 17 (S4). The transmitted product is received by the microwave transmitting / receiving unit 31 of the IC card 2. Next, the CPU 35 of the IC card 2 stores the received management number and access time of the product in the RAM 37 (S5). Thus, whenever the customer brings the IC card 2 close to the electronic shelf label 1 of various types of products, for example, product information as shown in FIG. 4 is accumulated in the RAM 37. At this time, the products that the customer has decided to purchase are put in the shopping basket.
[0046]
As described above, by interlocking the electronic shelf label 1 and the IC card 2, active information corresponding to the customer information can be appropriately presented to the customer.
[0047]
FIG. 9 shows the processing of the POS cash register 3 when the customer clears the merchandise. First, the customer places a shopping basket around the POS register 3 and gives his IC card 2 to the store clerk. When the store clerk passes the microwave transmitter / receiver 31 of the IC card 2 passed to the microwave transmitter / receiver 6, the customer information stored in the RAM 37 of the IC card 2 and the product information shown in FIG. Is transmitted. The CPU of the POS register 3 receives this and stores it in the RAM of the POS register 3 (S11). Further, the CPU of the POS register 3 acquires the information shown in FIG. 5 from the management database 4a provided in the store computer 4, and stores it in the RAM.
[0048]
Next, the store clerk takes out the product in the shopping basket and reads the barcode attached to the product with the scanner 7. The barcode read by the scanner 7 includes information such as a product management number and a product price, and these information are stored in the RAM of the POS register 3 (S12). The CPU of the POS register 3 collates the management number read from the barcode with the management number transmitted from the microwave transceiver 6 (S13). As a result of the collation, if the management number included in the barcode is in the management number transmitted from the microwave receiver 6, the member price is calculated based on the number of product points acquired by the customer (S14). That is, when the product placed in the shopping basket is accessed from the IC card 2 to the electronic shelf label 1 of the product, the member price calculated according to the number of acquired product points acquired by the customer is used. It will be liquidated. On the other hand, if the management number included in the barcode is not included in the management number transmitted from the microwave receiver 6 as a result of the collation in step S13, it is settled at the normal price (S15). Further, the CPU of the POS register 3 refers to the access time transmitted from the IC card 2 and determines whether or not the time is in the time service time zone (S16). If it is determined that it is in the term sale time zone, the amount is further discounted from the calculated member price and cleared (S17). Accordingly, even when the customer passes the time service time zone and clears at the POS cash register 3, it can be settled at a discount price in the time service time zone. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that it is not in the term sale time zone, the member price calculated in step S14 is settled (S18).
[0049]
When the settlement of all the products is completed and the store clerk presses a predetermined key of the POS register 3, the CPU of the POS register 3 receives this (S19), ends the settlement, and proceeds to step S20. If the predetermined key of the POS register 3 is not pressed, the next product bar code input waits.
[0050]
When the settlement of all the products is completed in this way, the CPU of the POS register 3 calculates a new number of acquired product points based on the settlement result and the number of acquired product points of the customer (S20). The calculated number of acquired product points is transmitted to the IC card 2 of the customer via the microwave transceiver 6 connected to the POS register 3 (S21). Further, the number of acquired product points is transmitted from the POS cash register 3 to the store computer 4 together with information such as product information, customer information, and settlement results transmitted from the IC card (S22). In this way, the information transmitted from each POS register 3 is collectively managed by the store computer 4.
[0051]
In this way, the customer can receive a service specific to the customer based on the presented information. Furthermore, by linking the electronic shelf label 1 and the store computer 4, a wider range of active information can be presented according to the customer as appropriate. Thereby, the store can acquire more customers.
[0052]
FIG. 10 shows an embodiment when the function of the customer information cooperation system 100 is expanded. In the example of FIG. 10, the product information / customer information cooperation system 100 includes a printer 8, a large display 9, a distribution server 10, and a notification display 11 in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1. Are connected to the store computer 4. The printer 8 is installed, for example, around the POS cash register 3, and performs hard copy or soft copy of information related to products purchased by the customer. For example, when the product purchased by the customer is an ingredient or a seasoning, the store computer 4 uses the information transmitted in step S22 to obtain information such as a recipe for the dish using the ingredient or the seasoning. From the printer 8 to the customer.
[0053]
The large display 9 is installed, for example, at an arbitrary place on the commodity display shelf, and displays information related to the commodity on the electronic shelf label 1 accessed by the customer using the IC card 2. For example, when the customer brings the IC card 2 close to the electronic shelf label 1 for ingredients and seasonings and data communication is performed, the electronic shelf label 1 is transferred to the store computer 4 via the transceiver 5 by the infrared transmission / reception unit 16. The self identification number (for example, communication address) is transmitted. In response to this, the store computer 4 searches the management database 4a, and finds the ingredients corresponding to the communication address, the recipe of the dish using the seasoning, the other ingredients used for the dish, and the seasoning. Information such as a sales floor is acquired, and the information is displayed on the large display 9. Thereby, the customer side can easily find a desired product. Further, by sequentially providing information related to the product that the customer has shown interest in, the store side can promote purchase of the product more. In addition, if the product is clothing, it is possible to provide information on not only clothes, but also accessories, shoes, other accessories, and even hairstyles.
[0054]
Further, the distribution server 10 provides product service information in the form of an e-mail, for example, via the Internet to a terminal owned by a customer who is a member in accordance with an instruction from the store computer 4. The customer can obtain the latest product information of the store at home.
[0055]
In addition, the notice display 11 informs customers in the store or outside the store of the special price information of the product calculated by the store computer 4 that needs to be sold quickly. For example, when the store computer 4 receives the number of products that need to be sold early transmitted from the POS cash register 3 in step S22, the number of the products placed on the sales floor of the products and the number of the stock of the products. Based on the number obtained by subtracting the number of products sent from the POS cash register 3, the special price is calculated by reducing the price of the product (for example, as the number of stocks decreases, a certain percentage The price of the product is successively reduced), and the special price is displayed on the notification display 11 inside and outside the store together with the product name and the number of stocks. Thereby, the customer's willingness to purchase can be aroused.
[0056]
In the above embodiment, the product information transmitted from the electronic shelf label 1 to the IC card 2 includes the management information of the product. The merchandise price may be transmitted to the POS register 3 as merchandise information shown in FIG. With this configuration, the product price transmitted from the electronic shelf label 1 to the IC card 2 is the one at the time of transmission (if the discount price is displayed, the price), for example, within the time service time In addition, it is not necessary to determine whether the customer has accessed the electronic shelf label 1 based on the access time. Therefore, in this case, the electronic shelf label 1 and the IC card 2 do not have to have a clock function.
[0057]
Further, a communication record between the electronic shelf label 1 and the IC card 2 is collected by the store computer 4, and at the time of settlement, the POS register 3 refers to the communication record, so that the customer can register the electronic shelf label within the time service time. It may be configured to determine whether or not the tag 1 has been accessed. For example, the electronic shelf label 1 transmits customer information transmitted from the IC card 2 to the electronic shelf label 1 to the store computer 4 via the transceiver 5. The store computer 4 associates the transmitted customer information with the product information and the time at that time and stores it in the management database 4a. Then, at the time of liquidation, the POS register 3 acquires the information from the store computer 4 and determines whether or not the customer has accessed the electronic shelf label 1. Therefore, also in this case, the electronic shelf label 1 and the IC card 2 do not have to have a clock function.
[0058]
In the above embodiment, information is transmitted between the electronic shelf label 1 and the IC card 2 by microwave communication. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a short wave band of 13.5 MHz is used. Communication, infrared communication, or optical communication.
[0059]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the display part 15 and the display part 32 were provided as a means to show information to a customer, the speaker which outputs an audio | voice other than this is provided, and information is shown to a customer. It may be configured.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, active information corresponding to customer information is appropriately presented to the customer by interlocking the electronic shelf label and the IC card, so that the customer can store at the store. The customer can feel the merit of purchasing and become a fixed customer, and the store can purchase more products from the customer. Further, by linking the electronic shelf label and the store computer, a wider range of active information can be presented according to the customer. The customer can receive a service based on the presentation, that is, a service specific to each customer.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a product and customer information link system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of an external view of the surface of an electronic shelf label. (B) is a figure which shows an example of schematic internal structure of an electronic shelf label.
FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of an external appearance view of an IC card. (B) is a figure which shows an example of schematic internal structure of an IC card.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of product information stored in a RAM of an IC card by access to an electronic shelf label.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of information about products managed in a management database of a store computer.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of information about a customer managed in a management database of a store computer.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing executed when a customer accesses an electronic shelf label from an IC card and acquires product information.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing how the display unit of the electronic shelf label changes when customer information is transmitted from the IC card to the electronic shelf label.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a POS register process when a customer clears a product.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a product / customer information linkage system when the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is expanded;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Electronic shelf label
2 ... IC card
3 ... POS register
4 ... Store computer
4a ... Management database
5. Transceiver
6 ... Microwave receiver
7 ... Scanner
8 ... Printer
9 ... Large display
10: Distribution server
11 ... Notification display
15 ... Display section
16 ... Infrared transceiver
17 ... Microwave transceiver
18 ... Solar cell
19 ... Seal
20 ... CPU
21 ... ROM
22 ... RAM
23, 24, 25 ... I / O
30 ... Thin battery
31 ... Microwave transceiver
32 ... Display section
35 ... CPU
36 ... ROM
37 ... RAM
38,39 ... I / O

Claims (5)

In the product / customer information linkage system comprising at least one electronic shelf label installed in the product sales floor corresponding to each product and a customer information card,
The customer information card is
Means for storing information about the customer , including the number of product points earned by the customer using the customer information card in the past purchasing the product ;
Means for transmitting the stored customer-related information to the electronic shelf label by wireless communication,
The electronic shelf label
Means for receiving information about the customer transmitted from the customer information card;
Product information storage means for storing information relating to the product corresponding to the electronic shelf label;
Product information presenting means for presenting the stored information about the product including the price of the product to the customer;
Product information setting for newly setting the price of the product based on the number of product points acquired by the customer and causing the product information presenting unit to present the price of the product when information about the customer is received And a product information and customer information linkage system. In the product / customer information linkage system, which includes electronic shelf labels installed for each product and a customer information card in the product sales floor,
The customer information card is
Means for storing information about the customer including the number of product points acquired by the customer of the customer information card in the past,
Means for transmitting information about the stored customer to the electronic shelf label by wireless communication;
Means for receiving information about the product transmitted from the electronic shelf label;
Product information presenting means for presenting information about the product including the price of the received product to a customer,
The electronic shelf label
Means for receiving information about the customer transmitted from the customer information card;
Means for storing information relating to the product corresponding to the electronic shelf label;
When information about the customer is received, product information setting means for setting the price of the product based on the number of product points acquired by the customer;
Means for transmitting information about the set product to the customer information card by wireless communication;
A product information presentation unit for presenting information related to the product to a customer ; Product and customer information linkage system comprising at least one or more electronic shelf labels installed in the product sales floor corresponding to each product, a customer information card, and a cash register for clearing the product desired by the customer In
The customer information card is
Means for storing information about customers using the customer information card;
Means for transmitting information about the stored customer to the electronic shelf label by wireless communication;
Means for receiving and storing information about the product transmitted from the electronic shelf label;
Information about the stored customer and information about the product including an access time indicating a time when the information was transmitted between the electronic shelf label and the customer information card are transmitted to the cash register by communication. Customer / product information transmission means,
The electronic shelf label
Means for receiving information about the customer transmitted from the customer information card;
Product information storage means for storing information relating to the product corresponding to the electronic shelf label;
Means for transmitting information about the stored product to the customer information card by wireless communication when information about the customer is received;
The cash register
Means for receiving information relating to the customer transmitted from the customer information card and information relating to the product;
It is determined whether or not the received access time is within a predetermined time zone. If it is determined that the access time is within the predetermined time zone, the liquidation is performed at a special product price in the predetermined time zone. A product and customer information linkage system, comprising: A store computer having storage means for storing information about the product and information about the customer;
The electronic shelf label comprises means for transmitting the received information about the customer and its own identification number to the store computer via communication means,
The store computer receives the information about the customer transmitted from the electronic shelf label and the identification number, and stores the identification number and the information about the customer in the storage unit in association with the received time; The product and customer information link system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The store computer includes means for transmitting information stored in the storage means to the cash register via communication means,
5. The product / customer information cooperation system according to claim 4, wherein the cash register receives information transmitted from the store computer and performs settlement of the product based on the information .

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