JP4912047B2 - Electronic shelf label system and electronic shelf label management program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic shelf label system and an electronic shelf label management program for managing an electronic shelf label that is arranged near a product displayed in a store display case or the like and displays information related to the product.

  Conventionally, an electronic shelf label system in which an electronic shelf label is arranged in the vicinity of a product and information related to the product is displayed has been put into practical use. In this case, if the electronic shelf label cannot be displayed (display change, etc.) due to a communication error or failure of the electronic shelf label, significant damage (price mismatch, service deterioration, credit deterioration, etc.) will occur on the store side. Become. For this reason, various measures have been proposed in the past when a failure occurs in an electronic shelf label (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  The electronic shelf label system described in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of electronic shelf labels and an electronic shelf label server, and the electronic shelf labels are arranged in the vicinity of each product and display information on each product. The electronic shelf label server wirelessly transmits information on each product to the electronic shelf label and receives transmission from the electronic shelf label. When an abnormality in the electronic shelf label is detected, the electronic shelf label having the abnormality is specified and the display screen displays the abnormality.

In addition, the display setting system described in Patent Document 2 is a display setting system used when sorting, picking, or sorting products in a distribution center according to an order from a store. The CPU of the host computer determines whether or not each display device has failed based on the product number reception signal sent from each display device, and the one or more display devices determined to have failed. Information (display ID, location information (zone No.), JAN code and product name) is extracted from the external storage device and displayed on the display as a list. Further, the CPU of the host computer transmits the display ID to the display to be replaced. More specifically, the operator confirms the display of the host computer, selects one failure indicator, and presses the touch panel of the display. Then, the display device determined to be out of order is replaced with a new display device. Next, the operator depresses a setting button provided on the side of the new display that has been replaced. The control unit of the new display device transmits a replacement completion signal to the host computer via the input / output interface when the setting button is pressed. When the CPU of the host computer receives the exchange completion signal transmitted from the new display device, a pop-up message is displayed on the display informing that the display device ID is being set.
JP 2000-250497 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-182821

  However, since the electronic shelf label system of Patent Document 1 only identifies an abnormal electronic shelf label and displays it on the display screen, the subsequent replacement operation of the electronic shelf label or the label-like replacement shelf label There is a problem that the user has to perform all the operations such as creation work manually, and cannot respond immediately in an emergency such as an abnormal electronic shelf label.

  Moreover, in the electronic shelf label system of the above-mentioned patent document 2, in addition to displaying information on the failed display device on the display, the display device ID is transmitted to the replacement display device. Is a manual operation by an operator, and the display cannot be replaced unless the operator operates the host computer or the buttons on the display. Therefore, when such a display device is applied to an electronic shelf label of a store, there is a problem that it is not possible to respond immediately in an emergency such as an abnormality of the electronic shelf label.

  The present invention was devised to solve such a problem, and its purpose is to display the same display data on a spare electronic shelf label when an abnormality such as a failure occurs in an operating electronic shelf label, or By printing shelf labels such as paper, it is possible to respond immediately in an emergency, and even if an abnormality occurs in multiple electronic shelf labels at the same time, the order of transmission to spare electronic shelf labels and the shelf label labels An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic shelf label system and an electronic shelf label management program in consideration of subsequent workability by making it possible to set the printing order.

An electronic shelf label system of the present invention includes a plurality of electronic shelf labels that are arranged in the vicinity of a product and displays information about the product, a shelf label server that has information about the product and transmits the information to the electronic shelf label, The electronic shelf label comprises communication means for communicating with the shelf label server, and display means for displaying display data received by the communication means, wherein the shelf label server includes the electronic shelf label and Communication means for performing communication , storage means for storing product information and identification information of the electronic shelf label in association with each other, and display on the electronic shelf label from the product information stored in the management table a display data generating means for generating display data, wherein a determining means electronic shelf label whether abnormal or not, in the management table further associated with the identification information of the electronic shelf label management Information is stored, the management information includes electronic shelf label status information, and the shelf label server displays the electronic shelf label display data determined to be abnormal by the determination means in the state of the management table. Information is transmitted to a spare electronic shelf label, and the display data is set in the spare electronic shelf label . Further, the shelf label server abnormally sets the status information of the management table of the electronic shelf label determined to be abnormal, and correctly sets the status information of the management table of the electronic shelf label to which the display data is newly set. Set.

In this case, it is good also as a structure further provided with the sort means which rearranges the said some electronic shelf label determined to be abnormal by the said determination means on predetermined conditions. As the predetermined condition, management information of the management table is used. The management information is shelf no. , The person in charge, which contains information such as date. By rearranging such management information as a sort condition, an electronic shelf label determined to be abnormal is assigned a shelf number. Can be summarized by date, person in charge, and date.

In the present invention, the shelf label server, display data of the abnormality determined as the electronic shelf label in the determination means, status information of the management table is transmitted to the electronic shelf label that is the preliminary, the display Data is set in the spare electronic shelf label . Thus, the electronic shelf label of spare outside the electronic shelf label that is determined to be abnormal, the product information of the electronic shelf label is determined abnormal is sent, in the electronic shelf label of spare, goods Display data can be generated from the information and displayed on the display unit .

In the present invention, the apparatus further comprises device-side transmission means for transmitting the display data to a printing device, and the shelf label server is a case where there is no electronic shelf label whose status information in the management table is reserved. , when the printing unit is set as the transmission destination in the management table, sending to the said through the device-side transmission unit display data of the abnormality determined as the electronic shelf label by determining means printing apparatus It is configured to do. Printing device to print the display data transmitted by the shelf label label. In this case, if installing the printing device in the office or the like of the store, the person in charge, go to the shelf electronic shelf labels an abnormality occurs with the printing has been shelf labels label is located, failure the electronic shelf labels and recovered of, Bayoi is paste the shelf tag label in the vicinity of the commodity. As a result, even when a plurality of electronic shelf labels break down, it is possible to respond immediately, and it is possible to avoid the confusion that an erroneous display (or an unintended intention on the store side) is presented to the shoppers forever.

Further, in the present invention, the pre-Symbol display data further includes a terminal side transmitting unit that transmits to the mobile terminal, the shelf label server, there when status information of the management table is not the electronic shelf label that is the preliminary When the mobile terminal is set as the transmission destination in the management table, the display data of the electronic shelf label determined to be abnormal by the determination unit is transmitted to the mobile terminal via the terminal side transmission unit. It is configured to do. The portable terminal can sequentially print the transmitted display data as a shelf label using an internal printing device. Here, as a portable terminal, a handy terminal that can communicate with a store server via a wireless LAN or the like can be exemplified. In many cases, the handy terminal is owned by a person in charge who moves within the store. Therefore, by printing the replacement shelf label with the printing device built in this handy terminal, the person in charge of this will generate an abnormality in the electronic shelf label in his / her zone and replace it. Since it is possible to recognize that the shelf label has been printed for use, it is possible to take emergency measures such as collecting the electronic shelf label in which an abnormality has occurred and replacing it with the printed replacement shelf label.

Or, the person in charge of the handy terminal can take advantage of the characteristics that the handy terminal can easily move without printing the label, and display the product display information about the electronic shelf label that is displayed on the handy terminal and has an abnormality. Based on the management information, you can go to the location (site) where the abnormal electronic shelf label is installed and print the label only when the abnormality cannot be resolved, and cancel the printing if the abnormality can be resolved.
In this case, since the shelf label is printed in the order of sorting, for example, the sorting condition is shelf number. If it is set, the shelf label that replaces the failed electronic shelf label installed on the same shelf will be printed in order, so when replacing with the electronic shelf label judged to be abnormal, the person in charge will sequentially follow the printing order It is only necessary to replace it, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a replacement error as much as possible, and it is possible to efficiently perform the work by eliminating the trouble of searching from a plurality of labels.

The electronic shelf label system of the present invention can be provided as an electronic shelf label management program for causing a computer to execute each of the above means. That is, the electronic shelf label management program of the present invention has an electronic shelf label that is arranged in the vicinity of a product and displays information about the product, and a shelf label server that has information about the product and transmits the information to the electronic shelf label. An electronic shelf label management program for an electronic shelf label system comprising : product information, electronic shelf label identification information, and management information stored in association with each other; Checking the status of the electronic shelf label using the management table including the status information to determine whether the electronic shelf label is normal, and if the determination result in the step is abnormal Transmitting the display data of the electronic shelf label generated from the product information to the electronic shelf label in which the status information of the management table is reserved, and transmitting the transmitted display data to the spare electronic It is configured to include a step of setting a tag, a. Further, the method further includes the step of setting abnormally the status information of the management table of the electronic shelf label determined to be abnormal, and normally setting the status information of the management table of the electronic shelf label in which the display data is newly set. It is out.

According to the present invention, the shelf label server transmits the display data of the electronic shelf label that has been determined to be abnormal by the determination means to the electronic shelf label in which the status information of the management table is reserved, and the display data is reserved. The electronic shelf label is set to be configured. As a result, the product information of the electronic shelf label determined to be abnormal is transmitted to the spare electronic shelf label other than the electronic shelf label determined to be abnormal. Therefore, the spare electronic shelf label displays the display data from the product information. It can be generated and displayed on the display unit .

  Hereinafter, an electronic shelf label system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the electronic shelf label system of the present embodiment.

  The electronic shelf label system 100 according to the present embodiment can be broadly divided into a large number of electronic shelf labels that are arranged in the vicinity of products and display information about the products, and spare electronic shelf labels 1 and 1 that are stored and installed in the office or the like. ,..., And a shelf label server 2 that transmits information about the product to each electronic shelf label 1, and this electronic shelf label system 100 communicates with a POS (Point Of Sales) system 200 installed in the store. Connected via line.

  The POS system 200 includes a store server 6 that manages product information, sales information, order information, etc., a plurality of POS terminals 7, 7,... That perform sales processing for shoppers, and a handy terminal 9 possessed by an employee. It comprises one or a plurality of wireless LAN access points 8 for performing wireless communication with the handy terminal 9, and a printing device (printer) 5. These store server 6, each POS terminal 7, 7, ..., wireless The LAN access point 8 and the printer 5 are connected by a LAN.

  The electronic shelf label system 100 includes a shelf label server 2, a base station 3, which is a repeater, one or a plurality of transceivers 4, 4,..., A printer 5, a wireless LAN access point 8, a handy terminal 9, and a number of electronic shelves. It consists of a bill 1.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the POS system 200 and the electronic shelf label system 100 are configured to share the printer 5 and the handy terminal 9.

  The shelf label server 2 is installed in a store backyard or the like, and is connected to the base station 3 and the printer 5, and the store server 6 and the POS terminal 7 via a LAN.

  The shelf label server 2 obtains information about the product (product name, product code, sales price, unit price, special price information, etc.) from the store server 6 and creates display information to be displayed on the electronic shelf labels 1, 1,. Then, data is transmitted to the electronic shelf labels 1, 1,... Via the base station 3 and the transceiver 4.

  The base station 3 has a function of controlling data between the shelf label server 2 and the transceiver 4 and a function of communicating with the electronic shelf label 1 as a transceiver. The transceiver 4 has a function of transmitting / receiving to / from the electronic shelf label 1. The electronic shelf label 1 receives commands and data from the transceiver 4 and displays product information.

  In the present embodiment, as a communication means between the electronic shelf labels 1, 1,... And the electronic shelf label server 2, wireless communication via a base station and a transceiver is mentioned. Communication is also possible.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the shelf label server 2.

  The shelf label server 2 includes a CPU 21 for controlling the entire server, a memory unit 22 such as a ROM and a RAM for storing a control program, an external storage unit 23 such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a hard disk (HD), and an IC memory, an LCD The display unit 24 includes a mouse, a keyboard, an input unit 25 including a touch panel, a communication unit 26 for performing communication via a LAN, and a power supply unit 27 that supplies power to these units. The power supply unit 27 is excluded. Each unit is connected by a data bus 28. Information relating to the product, identification information (ID) of the electronic shelf label, management information associated with the identification information, and the like are stored in the external storage unit 23. The external storage unit 23 includes a buffer area for temporarily storing information on defective electronic shelf labels in which an abnormality such as a failure has occurred.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the electronic shelf label 1.

  The electronic shelf label 1 includes a battery 11 as a power supply unit, an LCD power supply circuit 12 that generates LCD power, a temperature sensor 13, a control IC 14 that controls the electronic shelf label 1, an antenna 15, a display unit 16, and a cholesteric LCD with a display 16. It comprises a COMMON driver 17, a SEGMENT driver 18 and a button input unit 19 for driving cholesteric liquid crystal (memory liquid crystal).

  The control IC 14 is a CPU 141 for controlling the electronic shelf label 1, a ROM 142 for storing a control program, a data to be displayed on the display unit 16, a RAM 143 used as a communication transmission / reception buffer, etc., and an RTC (time counter). (Real Time Clock) 144, A / D converter (ADC) 145 for detecting the voltage of battery 11 and temperature sensor 13, RF circuit 146 as a wireless communication unit, LCD power supply circuit 12 control signals and LCD drive signals are output. The I / O circuit 147 is configured.

  The battery 11 is supplied to the LCD power circuit 12 and the control IC 14. The temperature sensor 13 is used to detect the temperature around the electronic shelf label and generate an LCD drive signal and an LCD power source according to the temperature. The LCD power supply circuit 12 is a circuit that converts the power supplied from the battery 11 into a power supply for driving the LCD. The power supply voltage suitable for LCD driving is generated based on the voltage of the battery 11 input to the control IC 14 and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 13. In other words, the CPU 141 of the control IC 14 generates a control signal for generating an optimum voltage, and sends the control signal from the I / O circuit 147 to the LCD power supply circuit 12, so that the LCD power supply circuit 12 is suitable for driving the LCD. A power supply voltage is generated.

  The control IC 14 communicates with the shelf label server 2 from the RF circuit 146 via the antenna 15 and the transceiver 4. A plurality of display data (main screen, sub screen) from the shelf label server 2 is stored in the RAM 143, and when an input is generated from the button input unit 19, the main screen is switched to the sub screen or the sub screen is switched to the main screen. Switch the screen display data to. When the current time is measured by the RTC 144 and the predetermined time is reached, the control IC 14 reads out data of a necessary area to be displayed on the cholesteric LCD from the RAM 143, and sends it from the I / O circuit 147 to the COMMON driver 17 and the SEGMENT driver 18. Output. Then, a signal is sent from the COMMON driver 17 and the SEGMENT driver 18 to the cholesteric LCD, and information about the product is displayed on the cholesteric LCD. A cholesteric LCD has a plurality of display areas on opposite glass substrates, and liquid crystals of different display colors are injected into each of the display areas.

  FIG. 4 shows a display example of the electronic shelf label 1.

  The entire front surface of the electronic shelf label 1 is a display screen. On this display screen, the management information (sub-screen: this will be described later) shown in (a) of the figure and the product information (main screen) shown in (b) of the figure can be switched and displayed. This switching is performed each time by pressing a projection (button) 19 provided on the right side of the main body. Normally, when the product is arranged in the vicinity of the product, the product information shown in FIG. When the person in charge wants to confirm the management information of the product, by pressing this button 19, the screen shown in FIG. 5B can be switched to the screen shown in FIG. ing. Then, after the confirmation, when the electronic shelf label 1 is used again as it is, the button 19 may be pushed again. As a result, the screen shown in FIG. 6A is switched again to the screen shown in FIG. Further, it is possible to switch between product information (main screen) and management information (sub-screen) by a control command (command) from the electronic shelf label server, a portable terminal, a remote controller or the like without pressing the button 19.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the handy terminal 9 which is a portable terminal.

  The handy terminal 9 includes a CPU 91 that controls the entire terminal, a memory unit 92 such as a ROM that stores a control program, a bar code scanner unit 93 that reads a bar code attached to a product, a bar code attached to the product, and a shelf label to be described later Store server via a printing unit 94 for printing a label, a display unit 95 including an LCD, a key input unit 96a including a numeric keypad and various function keys, a touch input unit 96b including a touch panel and a touch pen, and a wireless LAN access point 8 6 and a wireless communication unit 97 that communicates with the shelf label server 2, and a battery 98 that supplies power to these units. Each unit except for the battery 98 is connected by a data bus 99.

  FIG. 6 is an external view of the handy terminal 9.

  The handy terminal 9 has an LCD display unit 95 disposed at the upper front portion of the main body, and a key input unit 96a disposed at the lower front portion of the main body. Further, a touch input unit 96b such as a transparent touch panel is disposed on the display unit 95 so as to overlap. Also, the printed matter printed from the built-in printing unit 94 is fed out from the upper part of the main body. This printed matter is a bar code label attached to a commodity similar to the conventional one or a shelf label that is a feature of the present invention.

  FIG. 7 shows a display example of product information and management information displayed on the display unit 95 of the handy terminal 9. In this example, product information (recommended product / Aomori apples / ¥ 160) 95a is displayed on the upper side of the display screen, and management information (shelf No., charge, period (sales period)) 95b is displayed on the lower side. ing. Touch buttons such as a “print” button 96b1 that is a button for printing the display content and a “cancel” button 96b2 for canceling the display content are displayed below the management information 95b. In order to print the displayed product information 95a, the person in charge may touch the “print” button 96b1 displayed on the screen. Thereby, the shelf label of the displayed content is printed.

  FIG. 8 shows the printed shelf label 31. The shelf label 31 is printed in a state in which it is attached to a peeling mount (release paper) 32. The print content is only the product information 95a, and the management information 95b is not printed.

  The shelf label 31 is also printed on the printer 5 installed in an office in the store. FIG. 9 illustrates the shelf label 31 printed by the printer 5. When printing with the printer 5, unlike the case of printing with the handy terminal 9, a plurality of (four in this example) shelf label 31 is attached to one mount (large release paper) 32. Will be printed. In this case, the management information 95b corresponding to each shelf label 31 is also printed on the mount 32 below each shelf label 31 on which the product information 95a is printed. By printing the management information 95b as well, it is possible to easily confirm which shelf label 31 is the shelf label that replaces the electronic shelf label placed on the shelf, and occurrence of a replacement error. Can also be prevented.

  In the present embodiment, an exfoliation mount (release paper) has been described as an example, but there are various other print media such as plain paper, and the print media is not particularly limited.

  FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of the management table T of each electronic shelf label 1 managed by the shelf label server 2.

  This management table T includes electronic shelf label ID, product ID, shelf number. , Catch phrase, product name, normal price, selling price, sales period, person in charge, last electronic shelf label display update date, status, emergency response measures.

  The electronic shelf label ID is given a unique number of about 6 to 7 digits according to the number of types of products displayed in the store. Similarly, the product ID is given a unique number of about 6 to 7 digits according to the number of products to be displayed. Shelf No. Is a number assigned to a large number of shelves arranged according to the area and shape of the store, and in this example is a combination of English letters and numbers. For example, an English character represents one zone when the store is divided into a plurality of stores, and a numeral indicates an arrangement position (arrangement order) from one end of the zone.

  Further, the price stored in the item of selling price is a price displayed on the electronic shelf label only during the sales service period set in the item of the next selling period. Except for this period, the amount stored in the item of normal price is displayed as a selling price on the electronic shelf label.

  In the status item, the current status of the electronic shelf label is set. Normally, “normal” is set like the electronic shelf labels with the electronic shelf label IDs of 000002 and 000003. On the other hand, in the electronic shelf label ID 000001, “Battery voltage drop” is set in the state item, which indicates that the electronic shelf label cannot operate normally due to the battery voltage drop. In this case, “printer printing” is set in the item of the next emergency response measure. That is, for the electronic shelf label with the electronic shelf label ID 000001, it indicates that a replacement shelf label label has already been printed from the printer 5.

  Further, in the electronic shelf label ID000004, “communication error” is set in the status item, which indicates that the electronic shelf label cannot be normally operated due to the communication error. In this case, “portable terminal printing” is set in the item of the next emergency response measure. That is, for the electronic shelf label with the electronic shelf label ID of 000004, it is indicated that a replacement shelf label label has already been printed from the handy terminal 9 which is a portable terminal.

  The electronic shelf labels after the electronic shelf label ID 00500 are spare electronic shelf labels that are used instead when the electronic shelf label in use breaks down, and the status item is set as “reserved”. Yes. In the shelf label server 2, when an abnormality occurs due to a communication error or a voltage drop in the electronic shelf label, an emergency response measure is executed using the spare electronic shelf label.

  Next, in the electronic shelf label system 100 having the above-described configuration, the processing operation of the emergency response measure when an abnormality occurs in the electronic shelf label, the flowchart shown in FIGS. 11 to 16, and the management table shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 This will be described with reference to an example of changing the setting of T.

  The shelf label server 2 first secures a buffer area in the external storage unit 23 (step S1).

  Next, when the electronic shelf label 1 that transmits the display data generated from the product information of an arbitrary product is selected by the display change command input by the user, for example, the shelf label server 2 (step S2), the electronic shelf label 1 is checked (step S3). That is, a confirmation request (confirmation command) is transmitted to the electronic shelf label 1, and it is confirmed whether or not there is a reply from the electronic shelf label 1 to the confirmation request (step S4). As a result, when there is a reply, that is, when an ACK (Acknowledgement) signal is received (when determined Yes in step S4), it is determined that communication is possible, and then the electronic shelf label 1 It is confirmed whether or not the state is normal (step S5). The product information is a catch phrase of the management table T shown in FIG. 10, the product name, the normal price, the selling price, etc., and the display data is a character code or a bit for displaying the product information on the electronic shelf label 1. Data such as maps.

  For example, whether the battery voltage of the electronic shelf label 1 is normal (whether the voltage is not lower than a preset threshold voltage) or whether an error occurs when actually writing to the liquid crystal port is checked. It can be confirmed by whether or not it is confirmed by a checksum. However, it is not limited to such a method.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the state of the electronic shelf label 1 is normal (when it is determined Yes in step S5), the display data is transmitted to the electronic shelf label 1 (step S6). Thereafter, the shelf label server 2 confirms whether information has been normally transmitted to the electronic shelf label 1 based on the presence or absence of a confirmation command from the electronic shelf label 1 (step S7).

  Here, confirmation of whether or not the information has been correctly transmitted can be performed as follows. For example, when the electronic shelf label 1 has confirmed that the size of the information received from the shelf label server 2 is the correct size, has confirmed that the received bitmap data has the correct format, When it can be confirmed that the received information conforms to the command specification, it can be confirmed by transmitting a confirmation command to the shelf label server 2.

  If it is confirmed by such confirmation that the information has been successfully transmitted to the electronic shelf label 1 (when determined Yes in step S7), the shelf label server 2 selects the next electronic shelf label. (Step S8), if selected (if determined Yes in Step S8), the next electronic shelf label is selected (Step S9), the process returns to Step S3, and Step S3 Repeat the process from.

  When the electronic shelf label 1 does not respond to the confirmation request in the repetition of the processing of step S3 to step S9, the state of the electronic shelf label 1 is determined as “No” in step S4. If it is not normal (when it is determined No in step S5), and if the information cannot be normally transmitted to the electronic shelf label 1 (when it is determined No in step S7), the operation proceeds to step S10. The management information (information in the management table T shown in FIG. 10) of the defective electronic shelf label 1 among the electronic shelf labels 1 selected in step S2 is acquired, and the buffer area of the external storage unit 23 is acquired. (Step S11).

  If the shelf label server 2 determines in step S8 that there is no next electronic shelf label 1 (determined No), the shelf label server 2 searches the buffer area of the external storage unit 23 and stores the defective electronic shelf label 1. It is determined whether or not management information is stored (step S12). As a result, if the management information is not stored in the buffer area, the process is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the management information of the defective electronic shelf label 1 is stored in the buffer area (when it is determined Yes in step S12), the sorting condition is next selected (step S13). If the management information stored in the buffer area is only management information for one electronic shelf label, the sorting condition in step S13 is not selected. That is, the process proceeds to step S13 only when management information of a plurality of electronic shelf labels is stored in the buffer area.

  In step S13, one of the order of persons in charge, the order of shelf numbers, the order of dates, and no sort condition is selected as the sort condition. This condition selection may be made each time when the administrator of the shelf label server 2 inputs from the input unit 25, or the sorting condition is set in advance (for example, a predetermined area of the external storage unit 23). It is also possible to select automatically according to the setting contents. In addition, this internal setting may be arbitrarily changed by the administrator.

  Here, when any sort condition is selected, it is next selected whether the selected conditions are arranged in ascending order or descending order (step S14). This selection may also be made each time when the administrator of the shelf label server 2 inputs from the input unit 25, or the ascending order or descending order is set in advance (for example, a predetermined area of the external storage unit 23) It is also possible to select automatically according to the setting contents.

  When the sort condition is selected in this way, the condition setting is stored in, for example, a predetermined area of the external storage unit 23 (step S15), and the operation proceeds to step S16.

  At this time, the shelf label server 2 sets “failure (abnormal)” in the status item of the electronic shelf label 1 in which the abnormality of the management table T has occurred. FIG. 17 shows this state, and illustrates a case where a failure has occurred in the electronic shelf label with the electronic shelf label ID 000002.

  In the next step S16, the product information (display data) of the first defective electronic shelf label 1 is read from the buffer area of the external storage unit 23 according to the condition setting stored in the predetermined area of the external storage unit 23, and the next Then, it is determined whether there is a spare electronic shelf label (step S17). This determination is made based on whether or not there is an electronic shelf label set as “reserved” in the item of the state of the management table T. As a result, when there is a spare electronic shelf label (when determined Yes in step S17), the association between the electronic shelf label ID of the defective electronic shelf label 1 read from the buffer area and the product information is canceled ( In step S18, the electronic shelf label ID of the spare electronic shelf label 1 is newly associated with the released product information (step S19). Next, the shelf label server 2 checks the state of the associated spare electronic shelf label 1 (step S20). That is, a confirmation request (confirmation command) is transmitted to the spare electronic shelf label 1, and it is confirmed whether or not there is a reply from the spare electronic shelf label 1 to the confirmation request (step S21). As a result, when there is a reply, that is, when an ACK signal is received (when it is determined Yes in step S21), it is determined that communication is possible, and then the spare electronic shelf label 1 It is confirmed whether or not the state is normal (step S22).

  For example, whether or not the voltage of the battery 11 of the spare electronic shelf label 1 is normal (whether the voltage is not lower than a preset threshold voltage) or whether the error is actually written in the liquid crystal port is checked. It can be confirmed whether it does not occur or by a checksum. However, it is not limited to such a method.

  As a result, when it is confirmed that the state of the spare electronic shelf label 1 is normal (when determined Yes in step S22), the display data is transmitted to the spare electronic shelf label 1 (step S23). . Thereafter, the shelf label server 2 confirms whether or not the display data can be normally transmitted to the spare electronic shelf label 1 based on the presence or absence of the confirmation command from the spare electronic shelf label 1 (step S24).

  Here, if it is determined in step S21 that there is no reply to the confirmation request from the spare electronic shelf label 1, if it is determined in step S22 that the state of the spare electronic shelf label 1 is abnormal, and step If it is determined in S24 that the display data cannot be normally transmitted to the electronic shelf label 1, "abnormal" is set in the status item of the spare electronic shelf label 1 in the management table T (step S25).

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed by the confirmation of the command from the spare electronic shelf label 1 that the display data has been successfully transmitted to the spare electronic shelf label 1 (when it is determined Yes in step S24), the shelf label. The server 2 acquires management information including the associated product information from the buffer area of the external storage unit 23 (step S26). Then, the other party to which the management information is transmitted is selected (step S27), but the spare electronic shelf label 1 is naturally selected here. That is, the acquired management information is transmitted to the spare electronic shelf label 1 (step S28). Thereafter, the shelf label server 2 confirms whether or not the management information can be normally transmitted to the spare electronic shelf label 1 based on the presence or absence of the confirmation command from the spare electronic shelf label 1 (step S29). As a result, when it is confirmed that the management information has been successfully transmitted to the spare electronic shelf label 1 (when it is determined Yes in step S29), the management information is normally displayed on the display unit 24 of the shelf label server 2. The fact that the transmission was successful is displayed and notified (step S30). In addition to such display, for example, an electronic audio output device is provided, and this electronic audio output device is sounded, an e-mail is transmitted to a preset mobile phone, a mobile terminal (handy terminal or The administrator of the shelf label server 2 may be notified by displaying a message on the POS).

  Further, the shelf label server 2 sets management information in the spare electronic shelf label 1 of the management table T, sets “normal” in the status item (step S31), and sets a defective (abnormal) electronic shelf. In order to leave the history of the tag 1, the ID of the exchanged spare electronic shelf label, for example, the electronic shelf label ID 00500 If it is exchanged, “alternative shelf label ID 00500” is set (step S55), and the process proceeds to step S52. FIG. 18 shows this state. In other words, all the management information set in the defective (abnormal) electronic shelf label ID000002 is set in each item of the spare electronic shelf label ID00500, and the status item indicates “normal”. ”Is set, and the ID of the replaced spare electronic shelf label“ alternative shelf label ID 00500 ”is set in the emergency response measure item of the electronic shelf label ID 000002.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S29 that the management information cannot be normally transmitted to the spare electronic shelf label 1, the display unit 24 of the shelf label server 2 displays that the management information cannot be normally transmitted. (Step S32), “abnormal” is set in the status item of the electronic shelf label ID 00500 which was a spare (step S33), and the process proceeds to step S52.

  On the other hand, when the handy terminal 9 is selected as the transmission destination of the management information in the selection in step S27, the management information and the product information (catch copy, product name, selling price in the management table T) are sent to the handy terminal 9. Etc.) or display data is transmitted (step S34).

  Thereafter, the shelf label server 2 determines whether data such as product information has been normally transmitted to the handy terminal 9 based on the presence or absence of a confirmation command from the handy terminal 9 (step S35). As a result, when it is determined that the data such as the product information has been successfully transmitted to the handy terminal 9 (when it is determined Yes in step S35), the data such as the product information is displayed on the display unit 24 of the shelf label server 2. After displaying and notifying that the transmission was successful (step S36), the process proceeds to step S52. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S35 that the product information or the like has not been successfully transmitted to the handy terminal 9, the product information or the like has not been successfully transmitted to the display unit 24 of the shelf label server 2. Is displayed and notified (step S37), and the process proceeds to step S52. The handy terminal 9 may also be configured to notify the display or buzzer sound that data such as product information has been normally received after transmitting the confirmation command to the shelf label server 2.

  In step S27, the process of selecting a destination to be transmitted is an alternative process. Actually, the process from step S28 to step S33 and the process from step S34 to step S37 are: Usually, it is performed in parallel, and it is rare that only the processing of step S34 to step S37 is performed alone.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S17 that there is no spare electronic shelf label, the operation proceeds to step S38 to determine whether or not to change the transmission destination to the printing apparatus. This determination can be made by, for example, adding a transmission destination item to the management table T shown in FIG. 10 and determining whether or not the transmission destination is set in the transmission destination item. Here, when the transmission destination is not set (when it is determined No in step S38), the display unit 24 of the shelf label server 2 displays that product information cannot be set for the spare electronic shelf label. After the notification (step S39), the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the transmission destination is set (when it is determined Yes in step S38), the management information of the defective (abnormal) electronic shelf label 1 is acquired from the buffer area of the external storage unit 23. (Step S40).

  When acquiring the management information, the shelf label server 2 selects a transmission destination for transmitting the management information (step S41). Here, the selection of the transmission destination may be made manually by the administrator of the shelf label server 2 whenever an abnormality occurs, for example. The shelf label server 2 may be automatically selected by registering a transmission destination in advance in this item.

  When the printer 5 is selected as the transmission destination, the shelf label server 2 transmits the acquired management information and display data to the printer 5 (step S42). Thereafter, the shelf label server 2 determines whether or not there is a confirmation command response from the printer 5 (step S43). If there is a confirmation command response (if Yes in step S43), the shelf label server 2 The normal transmission is displayed and notified on the display unit 24 of the bill server 2 (step S44). In addition to such display, for example, an electronic audio output device is provided, and this electronic audio output device is sounded, an e-mail is transmitted to a preset mobile phone, a mobile terminal (handy terminal or The administrator of the shelf label server 2 may be notified by displaying a message on the POS). Note that the printer 5 may also be configured to notify that the management information has been received normally by display or electronic voice output after transmitting the confirmation command to the shelf label server 2.

  After that, the shelf label server 2 keeps a history of the defective (abnormal) electronic shelf label 1, so as shown in FIG. 19, the corresponding electronic shelf label (currently abnormal) of the management table T is used. If the cause of the abnormality, for example, due to the battery voltage drop is set as the state item in the column of the electronic shelf label ID 000002, “Battery voltage drop” is set, and management information is set in the emergency response measure item. “Printer printing” indicating that printing has been performed by the printer 5 is set (step S45). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S52. If there is no response to the confirmation command from the printer 5 (when No is determined in step S43), the management information could not be normally transmitted to the printer 5 on the display unit 24 of the shelf label server 2. Is displayed and notified (step S46), and then the process proceeds to step S52.

  On the other hand, when the handy terminal (mobile terminal) 9 is selected as the transmission destination, the shelf label server 2 transmits the acquired management information and display data to the handy terminal 9 (step S47). Thereafter, the shelf label server 2 determines whether or not there is a confirmation command response from the handy terminal 9 (step S48), and if there is a confirmation command response (if determined Yes in step S48), The normal transmission is displayed and notified on the display unit 24 of the shelf label server 2 (step S49). In addition to such display, for example, an electronic buzzer or the like may be provided, and the administrator of the shelf label server 2 may be notified by ringing this electronic buzzer. Note that the handy terminal 9 may also be configured to notify that the management information has been normally received by display or a buzzer sound after transmitting the confirmation command to the shelf label server 2.

  Thereafter, the shelf label server 2 keeps a history of the defective (abnormal) electronic shelf label 1, and therefore the electronic shelf label ID 000002 of the corresponding electronic shelf label (currently abnormal) in the management table T. When the cause of the abnormality in the column status item, for example, a communication error is set, for example, “communication error” is set, and management information is printed on the handy terminal 9 in the emergency response measure item. For example, “portable terminal printing” is set (step S50). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S52. If there is no response to the confirmation command from the handy terminal 9 (when No is determined in step S48), the management information cannot be normally transmitted to the handy terminal 9 on the display unit 24 of the shelf label server 2. This is displayed and notified (step S51), and the process proceeds to step S52.

  In step S52, the buffer area of the external storage unit 23 is searched to determine whether the management information of the next defective electronic shelf label 1 is stored. As a result, when the next management information is not stored in the buffer area (when it is determined No in step S52), the display data of the product information is set in the spare electronic shelf label 1, or the shelf label It is notified that the printing of the label 31 has been completed (step S53), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the management information of the next defective electronic shelf label 1 is stored (when it is determined Yes in step S52), the operation proceeds to step S16, and the next defective electronic shelf label 1 is determined according to the sort order. The process starts again from the process of reading the product information (display data) from the buffer area of the external storage unit 23.

  In the emergency response measure processing operation described above, the processing is started (step S2) triggered by the input of the display change command by the user. In addition to the input of the display change command, for example, the shelf label server 2 Periodic (every 1 to 2 hours, etc.) is configured to check the status (status sense) of all electronic shelf labels 1, 1,... That are in operation. You may comprise so that it may perform. In this case, of course, all electronic shelf labels 1, 1,. In the present embodiment, a cholesteric liquid crystal having a memory property is used for the display panel 16. However, when a conventional liquid crystal that disappears when the power is turned off or below a certain voltage is used, the display panel 16 is periodically used. It is particularly effective to carry out the processing operation of the emergency response measure when checking the state.

  Further, the voltage level of the battery 11 is checked by the control IC 14 of the electronic shelf label 1, and the voltage level of the battery 11 is below a certain voltage level (minimum voltage level necessary for driving the display panel 16: threshold voltage). When it becomes, it is set as the structure which transmits an alarm signal with the electronic shelf label ID to the shelf label server 2, and the shelf label server 2 uses the alarm signal from the electronic shelf label 1 as a trigger to process the emergency response measures described above. May be performed. In addition, as a threshold voltage, when a 3V battery is used as the battery 11 of the electronic shelf label 1, if the lower limit of the normal operating voltage of the control IC 14 is about 2400 mV, a slight margin is given to this, What is necessary is just to set to about 2500 mV.

  As described above, according to the electronic shelf label system of the present invention, when an abnormality occurs in the electronic shelf label, the same data is immediately displayed on the spare electronic shelf label 1 to prepare for replacement, or the shelf Since the label 31 is printed, it can be immediately replaced with an electronic shelf label in which an abnormality has occurred, so that a quick response is possible.

  Note that a program for executing the processing flow shown in FIGS. 11 to 16 is stored in a computer-readable storage medium. In the present embodiment, the program is stored in the memory unit 22, but examples of such a storage medium include a semiconductor storage element such as a mask ROM (Read Only Memory) and a flash memory, a hard disk, a flexible disk, and an MO (magneto). -Optic) disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), magneto-optical disk, IC (Integrated Circuit) card, magnetic tape, etc. Further, the program itself may be transmitted by communication and stored in a storage medium.

It is the schematic which shows the whole structure of the electronic shelf label system of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of a shelf label server. It is a functional block diagram of an electronic shelf label. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen display of an electronic shelf label. It is a functional block diagram of the handy terminal which is a portable terminal. It is an external view of a handy terminal. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the display data and management information of an electronic shelf label displayed on the display part of a handy terminal. It is explanatory drawing which shows the printed shelf label. It is explanatory drawing which shows the shelf label label printed with the printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structural example of the management table of each electronic shelf label managed with a shelf label server. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation | movement of the emergency response measure when abnormality arises in an electronic shelf label. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation | movement of the emergency response measure when abnormality arises in an electronic shelf label. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation | movement of the emergency response measure when abnormality arises in an electronic shelf label. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation | movement of the emergency response measure when abnormality arises in an electronic shelf label. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation | movement of the emergency response measure when abnormality arises in an electronic shelf label. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation | movement of the emergency response measure when abnormality arises in an electronic shelf label. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a setting change of the management table of each electronic shelf label managed by a shelf label server. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a setting change of the management table of each electronic shelf label managed by a shelf label server. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a setting change of the management table of each electronic shelf label managed by a shelf label server.

Explanation of symbols

1 Electronic shelf label 2 Shelf label server 3 Base station 4 Transceiver 5 Printer (printing device)
6 Store server 7 POS terminal 8 Wireless LAN access point 9 Handy terminal 11 Battery 12 LCD power supply circuit 13 Temperature sensor 14 Control IC
15 Antenna 16 Display Panel 17 COMMON Driver 18 SEGMENT Driver 19 Input Unit (Button)
21 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 22 Memory part 23 External storage part 24 Display part 25 Input part 26 Communication part 27 Battery 28 Data bus 31 Shelf label 32 Mount 95a Product information 95b Management information 100 Electronic shelf label system 200 POS system

Claims (6)

A plurality of electronic shelf labels that are arranged in the vicinity of the product and display information about the product, and a shelf label server that has information about the product and transmits the information to the electronic shelf label,
The electronic shelf label
Communication means for communicating with the shelf label server;
Display means for displaying display data received by the communication means,
The shelf label server
Communication means for communicating with the electronic shelf label;
Storage means for storing a management table for storing product information and identification information of the electronic shelf label in association with each other;
Display data generating means for generating display data to be displayed on the electronic shelf label from the product information stored in the management table ;
The electronic shelf label and a determining means for determining abnormal or not,
The management table further stores management information associated with the identification information of the electronic shelf label, and the management information includes status information of the electronic shelf label,
The shelf label server transmits display data of an electronic shelf label determined to be abnormal by the determination means to an electronic shelf label whose status information in the management table is reserved, and transmits the display data to the spare An electronic shelf label system which is set to an electronic shelf label. The shelf label server abnormally sets the status information of the management table of the electronic shelf label determined to be abnormal, and normally sets the status information of the management table of the electronic shelf label in which the display data is newly set The electronic shelf label system according to claim 1. An apparatus-side transmission unit that transmits the display data to a printing apparatus;
In the case where there is no electronic shelf label whose status information in the management table is reserved, and the printing apparatus is set as a transmission destination in the management table, the shelf label server is configured to determine the determination unit. 3. The electronic shelf label system according to claim 1 , wherein display data of the electronic shelf label determined to be abnormal is transmitted to the printing apparatus via the apparatus-side transmission unit . Further comprising a terminal side transmission means for transmitting the pre-Symbol display data to the portable terminal,
In the case where there is no electronic shelf label in which the status information of the management table is reserved, and the portable terminal is set as a transmission destination in the management table, the shelf label server is configured to determine the determination unit. 3. The electronic shelf label system according to claim 1, wherein display data of the electronic shelf label determined to be abnormal is transmitted to the portable terminal via the terminal-side transmission unit . Electronic shelf label in an electronic shelf label system comprising an electronic shelf label that is arranged in the vicinity of a product and displays information about the product, and a shelf label server that has information about the product and transmits the information to the electronic shelf label A management program,
Product information, electronic shelf label identification information and management information are stored in association with each other, and the management information includes a management table including electronic shelf label status information.
Checking the state of the electronic shelf label to determine whether the electronic shelf label is normal; and
If the determination result in the step is abnormal, the electronic shelf label display data generated from the product information is transmitted to an electronic shelf label whose status information in the management table is reserved;
Setting the transmitted display data in the spare electronic shelf label;
An electronic shelf label management program for causing a computer of the shelf label server to execute the program. Further executing the steps of setting abnormally the status information of the management table of the electronic shelf label determined to be abnormal, and normally setting the status information of the management table of the electronic shelf label in which the display data is newly set Item 6. The electronic shelf label management program according to Item 5 .

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