JP5106327B2 - Product information providing system, product information providing method, and product information providing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a merchandise information providing system, a merchandise information providing method, and a merchandise information providing program. Specifically, merchandise information such as a discount price at a store and the number of remaining merchandise can be quickly sent to a customer's home according to customer needs. It relates to technology that can be provided.

Of the products that are sold in stores, those that are nearing their expiration date are often sold at a discounted price. In response to this situation, the following technologies have been proposed to obtain information on the expiration date and quantity from the electronic tag of the product and display the discount price calculated based on that information on the display terminal of the sales floor. . For example, in stores, factories, etc., by performing the minimum necessary information transmission with a simple device configuration, it was an issue to realize the provision form and provision contents of information according to user attributes and inquiry contents, A plurality of attribute information prepared in advance, an input means for inputting the attribute information selected by the user, an information storage means having a usage information library for each attribute information, and the usage according to the attribute information An information providing system comprising: output means for providing usage information from an information library; and control means for selecting the usage information from the usage information library corresponding to the attribute information input to the input means (See Patent Document 1).
JP 2006-48517 A

  In the prior art, since the discount rate is automatically calculated from the merchandise information and displayed in the store, the work of store employees such as pricing and price tag resetting operations can be reduced, and the work efficiency can be improved. However, since the scope of information provision is limited within the store, it was necessary for the customer to always be in the store in order to know the discount price and the number of remaining items. Therefore, it cannot be said that sufficient customer service can be provided.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a technology that can quickly provide product information such as a discount price at a store and the number of remaining products to a customer's home according to customer needs. And

  The product information providing system of the present invention is a storage means (such as a hard disk drive) for storing a product information database storing product expiration date and price data and a customer information database storing customer terminal location information in the power transmission system. A non-volatile storage device). In addition, this product information providing system is a product display case for executing power line communication by a slave side power line communication modem (PLC slave station) via a power line communication path formed by a power line in a seller facility (eg, store). A power line communication modem (PLC master station). Furthermore, the customer side power line communication modem (PLC master station and slave station) of the power line communication path formed by the distribution line path and the service line section between the customer buildings is accessed through a wide-area transmission line that is a long-distance communication line such as an optical line. ) To provide communication means for communicating with the customer terminal.

  Such a merchandise information providing system communicates with the merchandise display case by the power line communication modem, acquires read information of the merchandise IC tag with an IC tag reader provided in the merchandise display case, and corresponds to a merchandise ID included in the read information. A data specifying unit is provided for specifying the expiration date and price data of the product to be stored in the product information database.

  In addition, the product information providing system calculates a grace period from a predetermined date and time until reaching the specified expiration date, and if the grace period is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value, the predetermined price is multiplied by the specified price. Price calculation means for calculating the discount price and storing it in the storage means.

  Further, the product information providing system receives a product information request including a product ID from the customer terminal via the communication unit, and executes a search for discount price data corresponding to the corresponding product ID in the storage unit. A price search means is provided.

  Further, the product information providing system specifies the location information of the customer terminal in the customer information database, communicates with the customer side power line communication modem of the power line communication path corresponding to the location information by the communication means, and performs the search. A price notification means for returning the discount price data obtained by the above to the customer terminal.

  Power Line Communications (PLC) is a technology that uses power lines as communication lines. By installing a communication adapter (power line communication modem = PLC modem) in an electrical outlet and connecting a terminal, Data communication of Mbps to several hundred Mbps is possible. Since the electrical wiring is originally stretched around the store building where the product display case is installed, the power line communication path can be constructed without installing a new communication cable if the PLC is adopted. Moreover, if the power company's distribution network is used for the PLC, the power network can be used as it is as a communication infrastructure. As a communication path used in the present invention, a communication path in a distributed power transfer interruption system (network for a distributed power transfer interruption system) can be used. This distributed power supply transfer cut-off system cuts off power transmission from the distribution substation 60 when an accident such as a ground fault occurs in a distribution system under a substation where a large number of distributed power supplies 1 are arranged in parallel. At the same time, the distributed power source 1 is disconnected from the power distribution system (by the switch 3) by remote control of the transfer interruption device 2 by a transfer interruption signal.

  In the above system, the position information of the distributed power source and the switch state information in the distribution system are repeatedly acquired and stored while being updated to the newly acquired information. The distribution line of the substation 60 is individually identified. The customer terminal in the present invention is installed in a customer building and receives power supply from the distribution line via the transformer 65. Therefore, if the distributed power source is installed in each customer's building, the location information of the distributed power source, that is, the location information of the customer terminal is stored in the customer information database. Each distributed power source has a system parallel switch and a lead-in wire in parallel with the power distribution system.

  In the customer information database, the location information of the customer terminal in the power transmission system includes information on the distribution line and the service line that supplies power to the customer building in which the customer terminal is stored, the information on the substation 60 to which the distribution line belongs, and the corresponding customer. A correspondence relationship with the customer side power line communication modem (parent side) associated with the transformer 65 when the building receives power from the distribution line is defined. The customer terminal uses a power line communication modem (child side) and communicates with the communication means of the product information providing system via the customer side power line communication modem (parent side).

  Also, between a wide-area transmission line that is a long-distance communication line such as an optical line, and a power line communication path formed by a distribution line and a service line section between customer buildings, or between the communication means and the wide-area transmission line Since the communication media are different, it can be assumed that a media converter is installed between the wide-area transmission line and the power line communication line. A media converter is a device (optical / electrical signal conversion device) that connects different transmission media (for example, optical fiber and copper cable) and converts signals to each other.

  Further, in the product information providing system, the data specifying means communicates with the product display case by the power line communication modem, and acquires reading information of the product IC tag with an IC tag reader provided in the product display case, Count the number of the same type of product IDs included in the read information (eg, a predetermined character or value for each product type is set at the beginning or end of the product ID, and the same setting is counted) The remaining product number of the products displayed in the product display case may be calculated. In this case, the price calculation means compares the remaining product number with a predetermined reference value, extracts price data from the product information database for a product whose remaining product number is equal to or less than the predetermined reference value, The discount price is calculated by multiplying the discount rate and stored in the storage means.

  By executing such processing, it is possible to apply the discount to the customer whose side the remaining number of displayed products is small and present it to the customer side. In other words, it is possible to expect an effect of further increasing the sales pace of the product by presenting the discount price to the customer side for the product with a small remaining number. Alternatively, if the predetermined reference value is a negative value, a discount can be applied to a product with a large remaining number of displayed products, that is, a product that is easily unsold, and presented to the customer side. In other words, an effect of improving the sales pace of the product can be expected by presenting the discount price to the customer side for the product with a large remaining number.

  In the product information providing system, the customer information database in the storage unit may store location information of customer terminals and customer refrigeration facilities in a power transmission system. As the customer refrigeration facility, for example, a large refrigerated building provided in a factory or the like such as a refrigerator provided in a home can be assumed. The communication means accesses a wide-area transmission line and communicates with a customer refrigeration facility via a customer-side power line communication modem of a power line communication path formed by a distribution line and a service line section between customer buildings. And

  In this case, the product information providing system identifies the location information of the customer refrigeration facility in the customer information database, and the customer refrigeration facility and the customer via the customer side power line communication modem of the power line communication path corresponding to the location information. Communicating with the communication means, obtaining the read information of the product IC tag with the IC tag reader provided in the customer refrigeration facility, counting the number of the same kind of product IDs included in the read information, and storing in the customer refrigeration facility Refrigeration number calculation means is provided for calculating the remaining number of refrigerated products.

  On the other hand, the price search means compares the remaining number of refrigerated products with a predetermined reference value, and searches for discount price data corresponding to the corresponding product for the product whose remaining product number is not more than a predetermined reference value in the storage means. Execute. In addition, the price notification means specifies the location information of the customer terminal associated with the customer refrigeration facility in the customer information database, and the customer side power line communication modem of the power line communication path corresponding to the location information and the communication means The discount price data obtained by the search is transmitted to the customer terminal.

  In the product information providing system, the power line communication modem may communicate with a cash register apparatus that performs power line communication by the child power line communication modem via a power line communication path in the seller facility. At this time, the data specifying means waits for the elapse of a predetermined time from the time when the read information is acquired from the product display case, and sends a sales result request for the product corresponding to the product ID included in the read information to the power line communication. The cashier is notified to the cashier device, and when the sales result data of the corresponding merchandise ID can be acquired from the cashier device, the expiration date and price data of the corresponding merchandise are specified in the merchandise information database.

  In the product information providing system, the storage unit may store a display database storing a correspondence relationship between a product display case and a product ID of the displayed product. At this time, the price search means counts the number of received product information requests including the same type of product ID, detects that the counted number of received is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, and displays the corresponding product A case is specified in the display database, and a message display instruction indicating that the product is a target of attention of an outside store customer is transmitted to the corresponding product display case via the power line communication modem.

  The product information providing system includes an IC tag reader that performs a reading operation on an IC tag attached to a display product, a slave side power line communication modem that communicates with the power line communication modem via a power line communication path in a seller facility, and the IC tag reader. The product display case may include a communication control unit that obtains reading information of the IC tag from the terminal and transmits the information to the power line communication modem by the slave side power line communication modem.

  Further, the product information providing system includes a customer-side power line communication modem of a power line communication path formed by a distribution line path and a service line section between customer buildings, and the customer-side power line communication modem accesses a wide-area transmission path to perform the communication. A customer terminal including a communication control unit that manages communication with the unit, an input interface that receives an input instruction from a customer, and an output interface that performs data output may be included.

  Further, in the product information providing method of the present invention, the computer stores a product information database that stores product expiration date and price data, and a customer information database that stores customer terminal location information in the power transmission system. And the power line communication modem that communicates with the product display case that performs power line communication by the slave power line communication modem via the power line communication path in the seller facility, and the access line between the distribution line and the customer building that accesses the wide area transmission line Communication means for communicating with the customer terminal via the customer side power line communication modem of the power line communication path formed by the section is provided, and the following processing is executed.

  That is, the computer communicates with the product display case by the power line communication modem, acquires the read information of the product IC tag with the IC tag reader included in the product display case, and the product corresponding to the product ID included in the read information The processing for specifying the expiration date and price data of the product information database is executed.

  Further, the computer calculates a grace period from a predetermined date and time until the specified expiration date, and if the grace period is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value, the computer calculates a discount price by multiplying the specified price by a predetermined discount rate. A process of calculating and storing in the storage means is executed.

  Further, the computer receives a product information request including a product ID from the customer terminal via the communication unit, and executes a process of executing a search for discount price data corresponding to the corresponding product ID in the storage unit.

  Further, the computer specifies the location information of the customer terminal in the customer information database, communicates with the customer side power line communication modem of the power line communication path corresponding to the location information, and obtained by the search. A process of returning discount price data to the customer terminal is executed.

  Further, the product information providing program of the present invention includes a product information database storing product expiration date and price data, a customer information database storing customer terminal location information in the power transmission system, and a sales unit. The power line communication modem that communicates with the product display case that performs power line communication by the child power line communication modem via the power line communication path in the person's facility, and the access line section between the distribution line and the customer building, This is a program that causes a computer that includes communication means for communicating with a customer terminal via a customer-side power line communication modem of the formed power line communication path to execute the following steps.

  That is, the step communicates with the product display case by the power line communication modem, acquires the read information of the product IC tag with the IC tag reader provided in the product display case, and corresponds to the product ID included in the read information. A step of specifying the product expiration date and price data in the product information database, a grace period from a predetermined date and time until the specified expiration date is calculated, and if the grace period is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value The discount rate is multiplied by the specified price to calculate a discount price and stored in the storage means, and a product information request including the product ID is received from the customer terminal via the communication means, Executing a search for corresponding discount price data in the storage means; and position information of the customer terminal as the customer information database. And communicating with the customer-side power line communication modem of the power line communication path corresponding to the position information by the communication means, and returning the discount price data obtained by the search to the customer terminal. Including.

  In addition, the problems disclosed by the present application and the solutions thereof will be clarified by the embodiments of the present invention and the drawings.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, merchandise information, such as a discount price in a store and the number of goods remaining, can be rapidly provided to a customer house according to customer needs.

--- System configuration ---
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram including a product information providing system 10 in the present embodiment. A product information providing system 10 (hereinafter, system 10) in the present embodiment is a computer system that can quickly provide product information such as discount prices at stores and the number of remaining products to customer homes according to customer needs. . In this embodiment, the server 100 that mainly executes the product information providing method, the product display case 200, the sales office server 300, the customer terminal 400, the customer refrigeration facility 500, A situation where the system 10 is configured from the cash register apparatus 600 is assumed as an example.

  The product display case 200 is a device responsible for product display in a store (seller facility), and includes, for example, a cold storage case including a pump or other cold storage mechanism that operates by receiving power supply from the wired power line 21 in the store. Etc. can be assumed. However, as shown in FIG. 2, the product display case 200 in the present embodiment is different from the conventional cold storage case, in addition to the normal cold storage mechanism 220, an IC tag reader that performs a reading operation on the IC tag 5 attached to the display product. 210 and a PLC slave station (child power line communication modem) 209 that communicates with a PLC master station (power line communication modem) 108 used by the server 100 via a power line communication path 30 formed by the power line 21. . The IC tag reader 210 performs a reading operation on the product (the IC tag 5) being displayed in the display area 221 of the cold insulation mechanism 220.

  The server 100 and the product display case 200 are devices that use power lines connected to the same switchboard, and on the same network that can use a power line communication path constructed by a power line communication modem of a master station and a slave station. It becomes the device of. Further, the product display case 200 includes communication control means 211 that acquires the read information of the IC tag 5 from the IC tag reader 210 and transmits the information to the PLC master station 108 by the PLC slave station 209.

  The product display case 200 includes a computer, and the communication control unit 211 is realized in the form of a program. The merchandise display case 200 includes storage means 201 (stores a program), a program 202, a memory 203, a CPU 204, an input interface 205, and an output interface 206, which should be provided as a computer. Therefore, the CPU 204 reads out the program 202 corresponding to the communication control unit 211 to the memory 203 and executes it.

  On the other hand, the customer terminal 400 includes a PLC slave station 409 (customer side power line communication modem) of the power line communication path 31 formed by the distribution line 23 and the service line section 24 between the customer buildings, the PLC slave station 409 and the PLC. This is a terminal provided with communication control means 410 for managing communication with the communication means 107 of the server 100 by accessing the wide-area transmission line 22 by the master station 408 (included in the concept of the customer side power line communication modem).

  The customer terminal 400 can be assumed to be a television provided with a computer device, for example. Such a customer terminal 400 implements the communication control means 410 in the form of a program. As shown in FIG. 3, the customer terminal 400 should be equipped as a computer with storage means 401 (stores a program), a program 402, a memory 403, a CPU 404, an input interface 405 for receiving instructions from the customer, and an output for outputting data. An interface 406 is provided. Therefore, the CPU 404 reads out the program 402 corresponding to the communication control means 410 to the memory 403 and executes it.

  On the other hand, the customer refrigeration facility 500 can be assumed to be a large refrigerated building provided in a factory or the like, for example, a refrigerator provided in a home. Naturally, a pump or other cold insulation mechanism 520 that operates by receiving power supply from the wired power line 25 in the customer building is provided. In addition, unlike a conventional refrigeration facility, as shown in FIG. 4, an IC tag reader 510 that performs a reading operation on the IC tag 6 attached to the stored product is provided. The IC tag reader 510 performs a reading operation on the product (the IC tag 6) that is being kept cold in the storage area 521 of the cold holding mechanism 520.

  The customer refrigeration facility 500 includes a PLC slave station 509 (customer side power line communication modem) of the power line communication path 31 formed by the distribution line 23 and the service line section 24 between the customer buildings, the PLC slave station 509, and A communication control unit 511 that accesses the wide-area transmission line 22 by the PLC master station 408 (included in the concept of the customer-side power line communication modem) and manages communication with the communication unit 107 of the server 100 is provided.

  The customer refrigeration facility 500 includes a computer device, and realizes the communication control means 511 in the form of a program. As shown in FIG. 4, the customer refrigeration facility 500 is provided with a storage means 501 (stores a program), a program 502, a memory 503, a CPU 504, an input interface 505 that receives instructions from a customer, and data output. An output interface 506 is provided. Therefore, the CPU 504 reads the program 502 corresponding to the communication control unit 511 into the memory 503 and executes it.

  On the other hand, the server 100 that constitutes the system 10 together with the product display case 200, the customer terminal 400, the customer refrigeration facility 500, and the like stores a storage unit 101 such as a nonvolatile memory in order to realize a function of executing a product information providing method. Is read into the memory 103 and is executed by the CPU 104 which is an arithmetic unit. The server 100 also includes an input interface 105 as input means such as various buttons and a keyboard generally provided in a computer device, and an output interface 106 as output means such as an LED and a display. Further, a PLC master station (power line) that communicates with a product display case 200 that executes power line communication by the PLC slave station 209 via a power line communication path 30 formed by a power line 21 in a seller facility (eg, a store). Communication modem) 108. Further, the PLC master station 408 and the slave station 409 of the power line communication path 31 formed by the distribution line path 23 and the service line section 24 between the customer buildings are accessed by accessing the wide-area transmission path 22 which is a long-distance communication line such as an optical line. The communication means 107 for performing communication with the customer terminal 400 is provided.

  Next, the means that the server 100 configures and holds based on the program 102 will be described. Each unit may be provided integrally in one server device or the like, but is distributed in a group of computers (including the server device corresponding to the server 100) arranged on the network, and one of the server devices (server 100) is distributed. An example of collaborating under initiative may be envisaged. The server 100 stores a product information database 125, a customer information database 126, and a display database 127, which will be described later, in the storage unit 101.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the server according to the present embodiment. The server 100 communicates with the product display case 200 by the PLC master station 108 to acquire the read information of the product IC tag 5 by the IC tag reader 210 included in the product display case 200, and the read information includes Data specifying means 110 is provided for specifying the expiration date and price data of the product corresponding to the product ID in the product information database 125.

  In addition, the server 100 calculates a grace period from a predetermined date and time until reaching the specified expiration date, and if the grace period is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value (prestored in the storage unit 101), a predetermined discount rate ( A price calculation unit 111 is provided which calculates a discount price by multiplying the specified price by a value stored in the storage unit 101 in advance and stores the discount price in the storage unit 101 (or memory 103).

  Further, the server 100 receives a product information request including a product ID from the customer terminal 400 via the communication unit 107, and searches the storage unit 101 (or memory) for a search for discount price data corresponding to the product ID. 103) Price search means 112 is executed.

  In addition, about the said merchandise information request, the condition where a customer acquires required information from the said server 100 in advance via the internet 50 with the personal computer 40 can also be assumed. This is the case when the customer does not recognize the product ID or name. In such a case, the personal computer 40 transmits a product search request to the server 100. The server 100 receives the product search request and executes a search in the product information database 125 using information specified in the product search request as a key. Then, information such as the ID and name of the product obtained by this search is returned to the personal computer 40.

  The personal computer 40 displays information such as the ID and name of the product obtained from the server 100 in response to the product search request on a display device or the like for use by the customer. On the other hand, the customer recognizes product information displayed on the personal computer 40 and inputs this information as a product information request at the input interface 405 of the customer terminal 400.

  In addition, the server 100 specifies the location information of the customer terminal 400 in the customer information database 126, and the PLC master station 408 of the power line communication path 31 corresponding to the location information (final via the PLC master station 408). The price notification unit 113 communicates with the PLC slave station 409) by the communication unit 107 and returns the discount price data obtained by the search to the customer terminal 400. The customer terminal 400 uses a PLC slave station 409 to communicate with the communication means 107 of the server 100 via the PLC master station 408.

  For communication between the server 100 and the customer terminal 400, a wide-area transmission line 22 which is a long-distance communication line such as an optical line, and a power line formed by a distribution line 23 and a service line section 24 between customer buildings. Since the communication medium (optical fiber and copper wire cable) is different from the communication path 31, a media converter 415 is installed between them. Similarly, since the communication means 107 and the wide area transmission line 22 are different in communication medium, a media converter 315 is installed on the network 20 between them. The media converter 315 is provided in the sales office server 300.

  The sales office server 300 is a server device that absorbs the difference in format between the customer information database 126 held by the server 100 and the customer information held by the power company. Therefore, an information conversion database 311 that is a correspondence table between the data format in the customer information database 126 and the data format of the customer information on the electric power company side is provided, and communication data between the server 100 and the customer terminal 400 is stored. Conversion is performed (information conversion means 310). In the sales office server 300, the CPU reads the program corresponding to the information conversion means 310 into the memory and executes it.

  Further, the data specifying means 110 of the server 100 communicates with the product display case 200 through the PLC master station 108 and acquires information read from the product IC tag 5 by the IC tag reader 210 provided in the product display case 200. Then, the number of the same type of product IDs included in the read information is counted (for example, a predetermined character or value for each product type is set at the beginning or end of the product ID, and the same setting is counted. ) And the remaining number of products displayed in the product display case may be calculated. In this case, the price calculation unit 111 compares the remaining product number with a predetermined reference value (stored in the storage unit 101 in advance), and the product information database 125 determines the price of the product whose remaining product number is equal to or less than the predetermined reference value. Data is extracted, and a discount price is calculated by multiplying this price by a predetermined discount rate (stored in the storage means 101 in advance) and stored in the storage means 101 (or memory 103).

  By executing such processing, it is possible to apply the discount to the customer whose side the remaining number of displayed products is small and present it to the customer side. In other words, it is possible to expect an effect of further increasing the sales pace of the product by presenting the discount price to the customer side for the product with a small remaining number. Alternatively, if the predetermined reference value is a negative value, a discount can be applied to a product with a large remaining number of displayed products, that is, a product that is easily unsold, and presented to the customer side. In other words, an effect of improving the sales pace of the product can be expected by presenting the discount price to the customer side for the product with a large remaining number.

  Further, the customer information database 126 in the storage unit 101 of the server 100 may store position information of the customer terminal 400 and the customer refrigeration facility 500 in the power transmission system. The customer refrigeration facility 500 may be a large refrigerated building provided in a factory or the like such as a refrigerator in a home. Further, the communication means 107 accesses the wide area transmission line 22 and via the PLC master station 408 and the PLC slave station 509 of the power line communication path 31 formed by the distribution line 23 and the service line section 24 between the customer buildings. It is assumed that communication with the customer refrigeration facility 500 is performed.

  In this case, the server 100 specifies the location information of the customer refrigeration facility 500 in the customer information database 126 and transmits the location information via the PLC master station 408 and the PLC slave station 509 of the power line communication path 31 corresponding to the location information. The communication means 107 communicates with the customer refrigeration facility 500 to acquire the read information of the product IC tag 6 by the IC tag reader 510 provided in the customer refrigeration facility 500, and the number of the same kind of product IDs included in the read information is obtained. Refrigeration number calculation means 114 is provided for counting and calculating the remaining number of refrigerated products stored in the customer refrigeration facility 500.

  On the other hand, the price search means 112 compares the remaining number of refrigerated goods with a predetermined reference value (stored in the storage means 101 in advance), and for a product whose remaining product number is equal to or less than the predetermined reference value, a discount corresponding to the corresponding product. The search of price data is executed by the storage means 101 (or memory 103). Further, the price notification means 113 specifies the location information of the customer terminal 400 associated with the customer refrigeration facility 500 in the customer information database 126, and the PLC master station 408 of the power line communication path 31 corresponding to the location information. Then, the communication with the PLC slave station 509 is performed by the communication means 107, and the discount price data obtained by the search is transmitted to the customer terminal 400.

  In the server 100, the PLC master station 108 may communicate with the cash register apparatus 600 that performs power line communication by the PLC slave station 609 via the power line communication path 30 in the seller facility. The cash register device 600 is a device that performs a settlement process on a displayed product taken out by the customer from the product display case 200. Therefore, a normal cash register such as a POS terminal, a cash receipt mechanism, a receipt printing mechanism, or a sales record database 611 (stored in a non-volatile storage device) that stores payment data (= sales record data) for a product ID for which payment has been completed. It has the mechanisms and functions that the device should have. The cash register apparatus 600 according to the present embodiment includes the PLC slave station 609 in addition to these normal mechanisms and functions. And the communication control means 610 which acquires sales performance data from the said memory | storage means, and transmits to the said PLC master station 108 by the said PLC slave station 609 is provided.

  The cash register apparatus 600 includes a computer, and realizes the communication control means 610 in the form of a program. The cash register apparatus 600 includes storage means (stores a program), a program, a memory, a CPU, an input interface, and an output interface that should be provided as a computer. Therefore, the CPU reads the program corresponding to the communication control means 610 into the memory and executes it.

  On the other hand, the data specifying unit 110 measures the progress of a predetermined time (prestored in the storage unit 101) from the time when the read information is acquired from the product display case 200, for example, with a clock function provided as a computer device. Then, the PLC master station 108 notifies the cash register apparatus 600 of a sales result request for the product corresponding to the product ID included in the read information. When the sales result data of the corresponding product ID can be acquired from the cash register apparatus 600, the product information database 125 identifies the expiration date and price data of the corresponding product.

  In the server 100, the storage unit 101 may store a display database 127 that stores the correspondence between the product display case 200 and the product ID of the displayed product. At this time, the price search unit 112 counts the number of received product information requests including the same type of product ID, detects that the counted number of received is greater than a predetermined number, and displays the corresponding product The display case 200 is specified by the display database 127. Then, a message display instruction is sent to the corresponding product display case 200 via the PLC master station 108 to the effect that the product is the target of attention of the customer outside the store.

  Note that the units 110 to 114, 21, 310, 410, 511, and 610 in each device constituting the system 10 described so far may be realized as hardware, a memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like. ) Etc. may be realized as a program stored in an appropriate storage means. In this case, the CPU of each device constituting the system 10 reads the corresponding program from the storage means into the memory in accordance with the execution of the program and executes it.

--- Database structure example ---
Next, the structure of the database used by the system 10 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing examples of data structures of (a) product information database 125, (b) customer information database 126, and (c) display database 127 of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of each data structure of (a) sales record database 611 and (b) information conversion database 311 of this embodiment.

  The product information database 125 is a database that stores the expiration date and price data of products handled at the store where the product display case 200 is installed. The product information database 125 is, for example, a collection of records in which store ID and product ID are associated with data such as product type, product name, expiration date, and price.

  The customer information database 126 is a database that stores the location information of the customer terminal 400 and the customer refrigeration facility 500 in the power transmission system. The customer information database 126 includes, for example, the ID of the customer terminal 400 and the customer refrigeration facility 500, the ID of the customer building in which the customer terminal 400 and the customer refrigeration facility 500 are stored, the distribution line 23 that supplies power to the customer building, and A set of records in which the information about the service line 24 and the substation 60 to which the distribution line 23 belongs is associated with information such as the PLC master station 408 associated with the transformer 65 when the customer building receives power from the distribution line 23 It is a body.

  The display database 127 is a database that stores the correspondence between the product display case 200 and the product ID of the displayed product. The display database 127 includes, for example, a collection of records in which data such as an ID of the display case 200, an ID of a store in which the display case 200 is installed, and an ID of a display product displayed in the display case 200 are associated with each other. It has become.

  The sales record database 611 is a database that stores settlement data (= sales record data) for a product ID for which payment has been completed at the cash register apparatus 600 for each store. The sales performance database 611 is a collection of records in which data such as settlement date / time, settlement product ID, settlement amount, and processing cash register ID are associated with each other.

  The information conversion database 311 is a database representing a correspondence between the data format in the customer information database 126 (managed on the store side) and the data format of customer information on the electric power company side. The information conversion database 311 includes, for example, the ID of the customer terminal 400 and the customer refrigeration facility 500, and the ID of the customer building in which the customer terminal 400 and the customer refrigeration facility 500 are stored (customer information managed on the store side). The distribution line 23 and the lead-in line 24 for supplying power to the customer building, the information on the substation 60 to which the distribution line 23 belongs, and the PLC associated with the transformer 65 when the customer building is supplied with power from the distribution line 23 It is an aggregate of records in which information such as the master station 408 (customer information managed on the electric power company side) is associated. In the present embodiment, since the customer information database 126 covers the customer information format on the electric power company side from the beginning, there is no need to use it.

--- Processing example 1 ---
Hereinafter, the actual procedure of the product information providing method in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Various operations corresponding to the product information providing method described below are realized by a program that is read into a memory and executed by devices constituting the system 10. And this program is comprised from the code | cord | chord for performing the various operation | movement demonstrated below.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure example 1 of the product information providing method of the present embodiment. Here, first, the store-installed merchandise display case 200 performs a reading operation by the IC tag reader 210 on the merchandise being displayed in the display area 221 of the cold insulation mechanism 220 (s100). This process is executed by the communication control means 211 of the product display case 200 notifying the IC tag reader 210 of a reading instruction. The timing for notifying the reading instruction may be, for example, every predetermined time.

  The IC tag reader 210 that has received the reading instruction transmits a radio wave for reading toward the display area 221. On the other hand, in response to this, the merchandise IC tag 5 of the displayed merchandise reads and returns a merchandise ID (also referred to as a tag ID) stored in its storage area. Of course, a product that does not exist in the display area 221 cannot respond to such a product ID. Accordingly, it may be recognized that the product that responds to the radio wave for reading from the IC tag reader 210 exists in the display area 221.

  Information read by the IC tag reader 210 is transmitted to the PLC master station 108 via the PLC slave station 209 of the product display case 200, and further from the PLC master station 108 to the server 100 (s101). At this time, the data specifying unit 110 of the server 100 acquires the reading information of the product IC tag 5 from the PLC master station 108, and searches the product information database 125 using the product ID included in the read information as a key. Is executed (s102). By this search, the data specifying unit 110 specifies the expiration date and price data of the product corresponding to the product ID and stores it in the memory 103 (s103).

  Subsequently, the price calculation unit 111 of the server 100 calculates a grace period from the predetermined date and time stored in advance in the storage unit 101 to the specified expiration date (s104). For example, if the expiration date specified in step s103 is “8/31/19: 00” and the predetermined date is “8/31/15: 00”, the grace period is “4 hours”. It can be calculated that there is.

  The price calculation means 111 compares the grace period with a predetermined reference value (stored in the storage means 101 in advance), and if the grace period is equal to or less than the reference value (s105: NG), a predetermined discount rate (storage means) The discount price is calculated by multiplying the above-specified price by “prestored in 101” and stored in the price column (or memory 103) in the product information database 125 of the storage means 101 (s106). On the other hand, if the grace period is equal to or greater than the reference value (s105: OK), the process returns to step s102.

  For example, when the grace period is “4 hours” and the predetermined reference value is “6 hours”, both are compared to determine that the grace period is equal to or less than the reference value. When the discount rate is “30%” and the specified price is “130 yen”, 130 yen × 0.7 = 91 yen can be calculated as a discount price of 3 discounts of 130 yen. In this way, a discount price can be set for a display product whose expiration date is approaching.

  On the other hand, there are many customers who want to purchase products that are close to their expiration date at discount prices. For example, such a customer browses the product information site of the server 100 via the Internet 50 by operating the personal computer 40 provided at home. On the product information site, a product search request input field is provided. Therefore, the customer operates the input interface such as the keyboard of the personal computer 40 to input information on the product to be searched.

  The personal computer 40 transmits a product search request including the input product information to the server 100 through the product information site (s107). The product information included in the product search request includes product type information (e.g., vegetables, beef, pork, chicken, fresh fish, prepared dishes, frozen foods, confectionery, dried food, seedlings) and a specific product name ( For example, information such as radish, beef fillet, saury) and sales store information (eg, supermarket name, location area, etc.) are assumed.

  The server 100 receives the product search request and executes a search in the product information database 125 using the information specified in the product search request as a key (s108). Then, information such as the product ID and name obtained by this search is returned to the personal computer 40 (s109).

  The personal computer 40 displays information such as the ID and name of the product obtained from the server 100 in response to the product search request on a display device or the like (s110) for use by the customer. The customer recognizes product information displayed on the personal computer 40 and inputs this information as a product information request at the input interface 405 of the customer terminal 400.

  The customer terminal 400 transmits the product information request to the server 100 via the PLC slave station 409 (s111). Here, the PLC slave station 409 receives the product information request and delivers it to the PLC master station 408 via the power line communication path 31. The PLC master station 408 sends the product information request to the communication unit 107 of the server 100 via the media converter 415 via the wide-area transmission path 22 and the network 20. Note that when the customer knows information about the product to be specified in the product information request from the beginning, the processing of steps s107 to s110 is not necessary.

  Meanwhile, the price search unit 112 of the server 100 receives a product information request including a product ID from the customer terminal 400 via the communication unit 107, and stores the search for discount price data corresponding to the product ID. It is executed by means 101 (or memory 103) (s112). When the product ID included in the product information request is “0001”, the price search unit 112 searches the product information database 125 for the product name “lettuce 1” corresponding to the product ID “0001”. "Tama (Nagano)", price "91 yen" is obtained.

  Further, the price notification means 113 of the server 100 specifies the location information (customer building, distribution route, service line, substation, transformer, PLC master station information) of the customer terminal 400 in the customer information database 126. The communication unit 107 communicates with the PLC master station 408 (finally the PLC slave station 409 via the PLC master station 408) of the power line communication path 31 corresponding to the position information, and the discount obtained by the search The price data is returned to the customer terminal 400 (s113).

  The customer terminal 400 receives the discount price data, displays it on the output interface 406 such as a display device (s114), and ends the process. The customer can browse the discount price data and know that the corresponding product has a discount price. Of course, it will lead to a subsequent increase in purchasing motivation.

--- Processing example 2 ---
Next, a discount price setting process according to the remaining number of displayed products will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure example 2 of the product information providing method of the present embodiment. Even in this case, similarly to the processing example 1 described above, the data specifying unit 110 of the server 100 communicates with the product display case 200 by the PLC master station 108, and the IC tag reader 210 provided in the product display case 200 Read information of the product IC tag 5 is acquired (s200).

  Then, the number of the same type of product IDs included in the read information is counted (for example, predetermined characters and values for each product type are set at the beginning or end of the product ID, and the same setting is counted. Then, the remaining product number of the product displayed in the product display case is calculated (s201).

  For example, suppose that the read information received from the product display case 200 includes five items including the product ID “2202”. The data specifying unit 110 counts the number of the product ID “2202” as “5” and recognizes the remaining number of products as “5”.

  Subsequently, the price calculation unit 111 compares the remaining product number “5” with a predetermined reference value, for example, “7” (s202). In the case of the above example, since the remaining product number “5” is equal to or less than the predetermined reference value “7” (s202: NG), the price calculation unit 111 uses the product information database 125 for the product “2202”. The price data is extracted from the price, the discount price is calculated by multiplying the price by a predetermined discount rate, and the price column of the product information database 125 is updated (s203). If the initial price of the product “2202” is “450 yen”, the price calculation unit 111 extracts the price data “450 yen” from the product information database 125 for the product “2202”, and sets this price as the predetermined price. To discount the discount rate “30%”, the discount price “315 yen” is calculated by multiplying “0.7”.

  On the other hand, when the number of remaining merchandise exceeds a predetermined reference value (s202: OK), the process returns to step s200.

  The process of setting the discount price according to the remaining number of displayed products may be incorporated in the process of setting the discount price according to the grace period until the expiration date of the process example 1 described above. For example, it can be assumed that the discount price is set when the remaining number is equal to or less than the reference value and the grace period is equal to or less than the reference value.

--- Processing example 3 ---
Next, a process for notifying a discount price according to the remaining number of products stored on the customer side will be described. The customer includes a customer refrigeration facility 500 such as a refrigerator in the customer building. The customer refrigeration facility 500 stores products in a storage area 521 provided in the cold insulation mechanism 520, and can perform a product ID reading operation by the IC tag reader 510. Of course, a product stored in the storage area 521 has a product IC tag 6 attached thereto.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure example 3 of the merchandise information providing method of the present embodiment. In this case, the refrigeration number calculation means 114 of the server 100 uses the customer information database 126 to store the location information of the customer refrigeration facility 500 (data of customer building, distribution line, service line, substation, transformer, PLC master station). Specify (s300).

  The customer refrigeration facility 500 communicates with the customer refrigeration facility 500 via the PLC master station 408 and PLC slave station 509 of the power line communication path 31 corresponding to the position information, and the customer refrigeration facility 500 includes an IC tag reader 510. The read information of the product IC tag 6 is acquired (s301).

  In addition, the refrigeration number calculating means 114 counts the number of the same type of product IDs included in the read information (similar to the above processing example 2), and the remaining refrigerated products stored in the customer refrigeration facility 500 are counted. The number is calculated (s302). For example, it is assumed that the remaining number can be counted as “2” for “1411” in the product ID included in the read information.

  On the other hand, the price search means 112 compares the remaining refrigerated product number “2” with a predetermined reference value “2” (s303). In the above example, since the remaining refrigerated product number “2” is equal to or smaller than the predetermined reference value “2” (s303: NG), the corresponding discount price data is searched for the corresponding product “1411”. The process is executed in the information database 125 (s304). In the case of the product “1411”, the product name “milk” and the price “321 yen” can be searched from the product information database 125. On the other hand, if the remaining product number is not less than or equal to the predetermined reference value (s303: OK), the process returns to step s301.

  Subsequently, the price notification unit 113 specifies the location information of the customer terminal 400 associated with the customer refrigeration facility 500 in the customer information database 126 (s305), and the PLC of the power line communication path 31 corresponding to the location information. The communication unit 107 communicates with the master station 408 and the PLC slave station 509 and transmits the data of the product name “milk” and the discount price “321 yen” obtained by the search to the customer terminal 400 ( s306).

  The customer terminal 400 receives the discount price data and displays it on the output interface 406 (s307). The customer can browse the discount price and know the discount price of the milk together with the fact that the milk remaining in the refrigerator is small. It can be estimated that a customer who knows that a discount price is set for a product with a small reserve will increase the willingness to purchase.

--- Processing example 4 ---
Next, a situation will be described in which processing is performed not only when a displayed product is taken out of the product display case 200 but also when it is surely settled. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure example 4 of the product information providing method of the present embodiment. In this case, the data specifying unit 110 of the server 100 measures a predetermined time (stored in the storage unit 101 in advance) from the time when the read information is acquired from the product display case 200 by, for example, a clock function provided as a computer device. To wait (s400). This standby is assumed to be, for example, waiting for a time from the product display case 200 until the customer goes to the cash register device with the product in hand and the payment process is completed.

  The data specifying unit 110 detects the elapse of the predetermined time (s401), and notifies the cash register apparatus 600 of a sales result request for a product corresponding to the product ID included in the read information by the PLC master station 108. (S402). For example, when the product ID included in the read information is “2202”, the register device 600 is inquired whether there is a sales record for the product “2202”.

  The cash register apparatus 600 receives the sales record request and executes a search using the product ID “2202” in the sales record database 611 as a key (s403). In the example of FIG. 7A, since three sales record data are stored for the product ID “2202”, the cash register apparatus 600 obtains these three data as search results. Then, these data are returned to the server 100 (s404). If the sales record data could not be retrieved, it is returned as no result.

  The data specifying unit 110 specifies the expiration date and price data of the corresponding product in the product information database 125 when the sales result data of the corresponding product ID can be acquired from the cash register device 600 (s405: OK). (S406). When the sales result data of the corresponding product ID could not be acquired (s405: NG), it is recognized that “the corresponding product is taken out from the display case 200, but it is still undecided whether it has been sold or not” The process returns to step s400.

  If the process shown in the process example 4 is executed in accordance with step s102 in the process example 1 and step s201 in the process example 2, "the corresponding product is taken out from the display case 200 and is certainly sold. Since it is possible to proceed with the process after confirming that it has been done, "this is preferable.

--- Other examples ---
In addition to the above example, for example, the price search unit 112 of the server 100 counts the number of received product information requests including the same type of product ID, and detects that the counted number of received is greater than or equal to a predetermined number. Then, the product display case 200 for displaying the corresponding product may be specified in the display database 127. Then, the price search means 112 transmits a message display instruction to the corresponding product display case 200 via the PLC master station 108 to the effect that the product is a target of attention of an outside store customer. If such a process is performed, as a customer in the store, many customers outside the store are currently paying attention to a certain product, and if they do not purchase it early, they will miss the purchase opportunity. It becomes possible to cultivate. Therefore, if the in-store customer purchases the corresponding product, the remaining number of products on display continues to decline, and if the grace period until the expiration date falls below the standard value after a while, the discount price is set. The notification is made again to customers outside the store. In other words, by providing information to customers in the store, the degree of attention and willingness to purchase the product is increased, and as a result, discount prices can be presented to customers outside the store to provide further sales opportunities. .

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, product information such as a discount price at a store and the number of remaining products can be quickly provided to a customer's home according to customer needs.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described concretely based on the embodiment, it is not limited to this and can be variously changed in the range which does not deviate from the summary.

It is a network block diagram including the merchandise information provision system of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the goods display case of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the customer terminal of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the customer refrigeration facility of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware structural example of the server of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows each data structure example of (a) merchandise information database, (b) customer information database, and (c) display database of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows each data structure example of (a) sales performance database and (b) information conversion database of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows process sequence example 1 of the merchandise information provision method of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows process sequence example 2 of the merchandise information provision method of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows process sequence example 3 of the merchandise information provision method of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows process sequence example 4 of the merchandise information provision method of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

5, 6 IC tag 10 Product information providing system 20 Network 21, 25 Power line 22 Wide-area transmission line (network for transfer block system for distributed power supply)
23 Distribution line 24 Service line section 30, 31 Power line communication path 40 Personal computer 50 Internet 60 Substation 65 Transformer 100 Server 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 Storage means 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602 Program 103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603 Memory 104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604 CPU
105, 205, 305, 405, 505, 605 Input interface 106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606 Output interface 107 Communication means 108 PLC master station (power line communication modem)
209, 609 PLC slave station (slave side power line communication modem)
110 Data specifying means 111 Price calculating means 112 Price searching means 113 Price notifying means 114 Refrigeration number calculating means 125 Product information database 126 Customer information database 127 Display database 200 Product display case 210, 510 IC tag readers 211, 410, 511, 610 Communication control Means 220, 520 Cooling mechanism 221 Display area 300 Sales office server 310 Information conversion means 311 Information conversion database 315, 415 Media converter 400 Customer terminal 408 PLC master station (one of customer side power line communication modems)
409, 509, 609 PLC slave station (one of customer side power line communication modems)
500 Customer refrigeration facility 521 Storage area 600 Cash register 611 Sales performance database

Claims (8)

Storage means for storing a product information database storing product expiration date and price data, and a customer information database storing location information of customer terminals in the power transmission system;
A power line communication modem that communicates with a product display case that performs power line communication by a child power line communication modem via a power line communication path in a seller facility;
A communication means for accessing a wide-area transmission line and communicating with a customer terminal via a customer-side power line communication modem of a power line communication path formed by a distribution line path and a service line section between customer buildings;
The power line communication modem communicates with the product display case, acquires the read information of the product IC tag with the IC tag reader included in the product display case, and the expiration date and price of the product corresponding to the product ID included in the read information Data specifying means for specifying the data in the product information database;
Calculate a grace period from a predetermined date and time until reaching the specified expiration date, and if the grace period is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value, calculate a discount price by multiplying the specified price by the specified discount rate in the storage means Storing price calculation means;
A price search unit that receives a product information request including a product ID from the customer terminal via the communication unit, and executes a search for discount price data corresponding to the corresponding product ID in the storage unit;
The location information of the customer terminal is specified in the customer information database, communicated with the customer side power line communication modem of the power line communication path corresponding to the location information by the communication means, and the discount price data obtained by the search is A price notification means for replying to the customer terminal;
A product information providing system comprising: The data specifying means communicates with the product display case by the power line communication modem to acquire the read information of the product IC tag with an IC tag reader provided in the product display case, and the same kind of product IDs included in the read information Count the number of items, and calculate the remaining number of products displayed in the product display case,
The price calculation means compares the remaining number of products with a predetermined reference value, extracts price data from the product information database for products whose remaining product number is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value, and sets a predetermined discount rate for the price. Multiply to calculate the discount price and store it in the storage means.
The product information providing system according to claim 1. The customer information database in the storage means stores location information of customer terminals and customer refrigeration facilities in the power transmission system,
The communication means accesses a wide-area transmission line and communicates with a customer refrigeration facility via a customer-side power line communication modem of a power line communication path formed by a distribution line and a service line section between customer buildings. ,
The customer refrigeration facility location information is specified in the customer information database, and the customer refrigeration facility communicates with the customer refrigeration facility via the customer side power line communication modem of the power line communication path corresponding to the location information, and the customer refrigeration facility The product IC tag read information is acquired by the IC tag reader provided in the product, and the number of the same type of product IDs included in the read information is counted to calculate the remaining number of refrigerated products stored in the customer refrigeration facility. Equipped with refrigeration number calculation means
The price search means compares the remaining number of refrigerated goods with a predetermined reference value, and executes a search for discount price data corresponding to the corresponding product with respect to a product whose remaining product number is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value. Is,
The price notification means specifies the position information of the customer terminal associated with the customer refrigeration facility in the customer information database, and communicates with the customer side power line communication modem of the power line communication path corresponding to the position information by the communication means. And sending the discount price data obtained by the search to the customer terminal,
The product information providing system according to claim 1, wherein the product information providing system is a product information providing system. The power line communication modem communicates with a cash register apparatus that performs power line communication by the child power line communication modem via the power line communication path in the seller facility,
The data specifying means waits for a predetermined time from the time when the read information is acquired from the product display case, and sends a sales result request for the product corresponding to the product ID included in the read information by the power line communication modem. Notifying the cash register device, when the sales result data of the corresponding product ID can be acquired from the cash register device, the expiration date and price data of the corresponding product is specified in the product information database,
The product information providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The storage means stores a display database storing a correspondence relationship between the product display case and the product ID of the displayed product;
The price search means counts the number of received product information requests including the same type of product ID, detects that the counted received number is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, and displays a product display case for displaying the product Specifying a display database and sending a message display instruction to the corresponding product display case to the effect that the product is the target of attention from an outside store via the power line communication modem;
The product information providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. An IC tag reader that performs a reading operation on an IC tag attached to a display product, a child power line communication modem that communicates with the power line communication modem via a power line communication path in a seller facility, and obtains reading information of the IC tag from the IC tag reader A product display case comprising communication control means for transmitting to the power line communication modem by the slave side power line communication modem;
A customer-side power line communication modem of a power line communication path formed by a distribution line and a service line section between customer buildings, and a communication control for managing communication with the communication means by accessing a wide-area transmission line by the customer-side power line communication modem A customer terminal comprising means, an input interface for receiving an input instruction from a customer, and an output interface for outputting data;
The product information providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein Computer
Storage means for storing a product information database storing product expiration date and price data, and a customer information database storing location information of customer terminals in the power transmission system;
A power line communication modem that communicates with a product display case that performs power line communication by a child power line communication modem via a power line communication path in a seller facility;
A communication means for accessing a wide-area transmission line and communicating with a customer terminal via a customer-side power line communication modem of a power line communication path formed by a distribution line path and a service line section between customer buildings;
The power line communication modem communicates with the product display case, acquires the read information of the product IC tag with the IC tag reader included in the product display case, and the expiration date and price of the product corresponding to the product ID included in the read information Processing for identifying the data in the product information database;
Calculate a grace period from a predetermined date and time until reaching the specified expiration date, and if the grace period is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value, calculate a discount price by multiplying the specified price by the specified discount rate in the storage means Processing to store,
Processing for receiving a product information request including a product ID from the customer terminal via the communication unit, and executing a search for discount price data corresponding to the product ID in the storage unit;
The location information of the customer terminal is specified in the customer information database, communicated with the customer side power line communication modem of the power line communication path corresponding to the location information by the communication means, and the discount price data obtained by the search is Processing to reply to the customer terminal,
Product information providing method characterized by executing Storage means for storing a product information database storing product expiration date and price data, and a customer information database storing location information of customer terminals in the power transmission system;
A power line communication modem that communicates with a product display case that performs power line communication by a child power line communication modem via a power line communication path in a seller facility;
A communication means for accessing a wide-area transmission line and communicating with a customer terminal via a customer-side power line communication modem of a power line communication path formed by a distribution line path and a service line section between customer buildings. ,
The power line communication modem communicates with the product display case, acquires the read information of the product IC tag with the IC tag reader included in the product display case, and the expiration date and price of the product corresponding to the product ID included in the read information Identifying the data in the product information database;
Calculate a grace period from a predetermined date and time until reaching the specified expiration date, and if the grace period is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value, calculate a discount price by multiplying the specified price by the specified discount rate in the storage means Storing, and
Receiving a product information request including a product ID from the customer terminal via the communication unit, and executing a search for discount price data corresponding to the product ID in the storage unit;
The location information of the customer terminal is specified in the customer information database, communicated with the customer side power line communication modem of the power line communication path corresponding to the location information by the communication means, and the discount price data obtained by the search is Replying to the customer terminal,
Product information providing program characterized by causing

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