JP5128899B2 - Product display device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a commodity display device including a tag reader that reads information stored in an electronic tag using electromagnetic waves.

  Conventionally, there has been a product movement status monitoring system that allows a shopper to investigate a shopper's trend with respect to a product that a shopper has picked up from a display shelf (product display section) at a product sales store. An IC tag (electronic tag) is attached to the display shelf, and an IC tag reader is provided on the display shelf on which the product is displayed. The information stored in the IC tag of the product is read by the IC tag reader of the display shelf, and the read information The information is converted into information relating to the movement of the product indicating when it was taken from the display shelf or returned to the display shelf, and transmitted to the management server (management computer) via the network (for example, see Patent Document 1). ).

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-328985 (pages 7, 8 and 2)

  However, in the commodity movement status monitoring system described in Patent Document 1, even if the commodity is picked up by the shopper from the display shelf (commodity display section), the commodity exists in the readable range of the tag reader. In this case, if the merchandise cannot be grasped by the shopper and the merchandise is immediately returned to the same display shelf, the management server (management computer) will collect accurate information on the shopper's trends. There is a problem that it becomes impossible to do.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and provides a product display device that allows a management computer to immediately grasp that a product has been picked up by a customer from the product display section. For the purpose.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a product display device according to claim 1 of the present invention provides:
A plurality of products, a product display unit for displaying the products, a plurality of electronic tags for display units attached to the product display unit, and a tag reader for reading information stored in the electronic tag for display units using electromagnetic waves A product display device comprising: a management computer to which the information is input from the tag reader; and a disturbing unit for blocking the electromagnetic wave,
When the product is arranged in the product display unit, the blocking unit is close to at least one display unit electronic tag among the plurality of display unit electronic tags, and the display unit is close to the blocking unit. When the information on the electronic tag cannot be read using the tag reader and the product placed in the product display unit is removed, the management computer newly displays the electronic tag for the display unit using the tag reader. It is characterized by the fact that the following information is input.
According to this feature, when the product is arranged in the product display unit, the tag reader cannot read the information on the electronic tag for the display unit due to the obstruction of the obstruction unit, and the customer holds the product in hand. Then, the disturbing unit is separated from the electronic tag for the display unit, and the tag reader can read the information of the electronic tag for the display unit. Therefore, regardless of the readable range of the tag reader, the management computer It is possible to immediately grasp whether or not it has been taken by the customer.

The product display device according to claim 2 of the present invention is the product display device according to claim 1,
The management computer has a clock that counts the current time, and a storage unit that stores the time information measured by the clock and the newly read information on the electronic tag for the display unit in association with each other. It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, the display state of the product in the product display unit can be managed together with the time information, and the management computer can grasp when the product is removed from the product display unit.

The product display device according to claim 3 of the present invention is the product display device according to claim 1 or 2,
The display unit electronic tag stores display unit tag ID information that corresponds to the product display unit and is uniquely given to each display unit electronic tag.
According to this feature, even if a plurality of product display units are provided by storing the display unit tag ID information corresponding to the product display unit directly in the electronic tag for the display unit, the display unit By simply reading the display part tag ID information stored in the electronic tag, it is possible to determine which product display part has the product arranged, without separately referring to a database such as a management computer. It becomes possible to manage the products arranged in the product display section.

A product display device according to claim 4 of the present invention is the product display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The display unit electronic tag stores attachment position information to which the display unit electronic tag is attached.
According to this feature, the attachment position information is directly stored in the electronic tag for the display unit, and based on the readable attachment position information, no product is arranged at the attachment position. Based on the attachment position information that can be grasped and cannot be read, it is possible to grasp that the product is arranged at the attachment position, and by simply reading the electronic tag for the display unit, a database such as a management computer is separately provided. Even without reference, it becomes possible to manage the products arranged in the product display section.

The product display device according to claim 5 of the present invention is the product display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The merchandise display section has a planar shape, and virtual lines connecting the plurality of display section electronic tags are arranged in a grid pattern on the merchandise display section.
According to this feature, if a plurality of display unit electronic tags are arranged in a grid, the product placement position can be easily determined based on the placement position of the display unit electronic tag in the flat product display unit. Can be recognized.

The product display device according to claim 6 of the present invention is the product display device according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
It is characterized by comprising notifying means that operates on condition that information of a predetermined number of the newly read display unit electronic tags is input to the management computer within a predetermined time.
According to this feature, the management computer can grasp an abnormal situation such as shoplifting in which a predetermined number of products, that is, a large amount of products are removed from the product display unit at a time within a predetermined time. It can be operated to prevent shoplifting.

  The best mode for carrying out the commodity display device according to the present invention will be described below based on the embodiments.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a product display shelf in Example 1, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal side view showing a shelf plate of the product display shelf. 3 is a cross-sectional plan view showing a shelf plate of a merchandise display shelf, FIG. 4 (a) is a perspective view showing an electronic tag for display section, and FIG. 4 (b) is an electronic tag for display section. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a product electronic tag, and FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing a state in which the product is placed on the display unit electronic tag. 6 (b) is a perspective view showing a state in which the product on the display unit electronic tag is removed, FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the product display device, and FIG. 8 is a display unit table. 9 is a diagram showing a product table, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a current state table, and FIG. Is a diagram showing a history table, FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a management screen of the product display shelf, Figure 13 is a flowchart of the update process performed by the management control circuit. In the following description, the left side of FIG. 2 is the front side (front side) of the product display shelf, and the lower side of FIG. 3 is the front side (front side) of the product display shelf.

  The code | symbol 1 of FIG. 1 is the goods display shelf 1 and the management computer 2 which comprise the goods display apparatus of this invention. The merchandise display shelf 1 and the management computer 2 are installed mainly in merchandise stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores, and the management computer 2 determines whether or not there is a merchandise 3 such as processed food or fresh food displayed on the merchandise display shelf 1. It comes to manage using.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the product display shelf 1 is provided with a shelf plate 4 as a product display section in the present embodiment having a plurality of stages (5 in this embodiment). It is formed of a metal member such as a metal article. In addition, the side plate 5 arrange | positioned at the right and left of the shelf board 4 is also formed of the metal member.

  A plurality of products 3 are displayed on the upper surface of the shelf board 4. A plurality of display unit electronic tags 6 (RFID tags) are affixed to the upper surface of the shelf plate 4, and the products 3 are arranged on the upper surface of the shelf plate 4 of the display unit electronic tag 6. It is attached corresponding to the position. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the electronic tag 6a (RFID tag) for goods as a disturbance part in a present Example is affixed on the bottom face of each goods 3. As shown in FIG. The product electronic tag 6a is used for distribution management at the time of distribution from a factory to a store, accounting management performed at a cash register, or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, tag readers 8 are provided inside the back plate 7 of the merchandise display shelf 1 corresponding to each shelf plate 4. The tag reader 8 can communicate with the display unit electronic tag 6 attached to the shelf plate 4 and the product electronic tag 6 a attached to the product 3 using electromagnetic waves (radio waves). Since the shelf plate 4 and the side plate 5 are made of metal members, the electromagnetic wave diffusion range of one tag reader 8, that is, the readable range of the tag reader 8 is a range only on the upper surface side of one shelf plate 4. .

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in this embodiment, a shoplifting prevention surveillance camera 17 installed in a store is connected to the management computer 2 via a connection cable 18. In addition, a monitor 19 as notification means in the present embodiment for displaying a video taken by the monitoring camera 17 is installed at the upper end portion of the back plate 7 of the commodity display shelf 1.

  A shelf control circuit 9 for controlling each tag reader 8 is provided inside the bottom shelf 4. Further, the tag reader 8 and the shelf control circuit 9 are connected via a connection cable 10, and a control signal is transmitted to the tag reader 8 and electric power is supplied via the connection cable 10. .

  As shown in FIG. 1, the shelf control circuit 9 is connected to the management computer 2 via a connection cable 11 that extends outward from the commodity display shelf 1 and indoors via a power cable 12. Power is supplied from an external power source such as an outlet.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the display unit electronic tags 6 arranged on the substantially flat shelf plate 4 are arranged such that virtual lines α connecting the display unit electronic tags 6 have a lattice shape in plan view. Are arranged side by side in the row direction and the column direction. The attachment position of the display unit electronic tag 6 corresponds to the arrangement position of the product 3, and one product 3 is placed (displayed) on one display unit electronic tag 6 from above. .

  The attachment position (arrangement position) of the display unit electronic tag 6 is specified by the coordinates in the row direction and the column direction, and these coordinates are included in the coordinate items of the display unit table and the history table, which will be described later. Registration is made (see FIGS. 8 and 11).

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the display unit electronic tag 6 transmits and receives information stored in the IC chip 14 and information stored in the IC chip 14 using electromagnetic waves. The electronic tag main body 16 having a substantially sheet shape having a coil antenna 15 is provided, and the electronic tag main body 16 and the tag reader 8 can communicate with each other using electromagnetic waves.

  The IC chip 14 of the display unit electronic tag 6 has a display unit tag ID uniquely assigned to the corresponding display unit electronic tag 6 and the shelf board 4 to which the display unit electronic tag 6 is attached. As described later, product position information relating to the product 3 such as the product name of the product 3 placed on the display unit electronic tag 6 is stored.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the merchandise electronic tag 6 a transmits and receives the IC chip 14 storing information and the information stored in the IC chip 14 using electromagnetic waves, like the electronic tag 6 for display section. And an electronic tag main body 16 having a substantially sheet shape.

  The IC chip 14 of the product electronic tag 6a has a product tag ID uniquely assigned to the corresponding product electronic tag 6a and a product name such as the product name of the product 3 to which the corresponding product electronic tag 6a is attached. 3 is stored.

  More specifically, in the electronic tag 6 for display section and the electronic tag 6a for goods, the coil antenna 15 generates power by electromagnetic induction by the electromagnetic wave irradiated from the tag reader 8, operates the IC chip 14, and the coil antenna 15 A passive electronic tag main body 16 (RFID tag) that reads information from the IC chip 14 by the non-contact method (wireless method) by the tag reader 8 is used. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the product 3 is placed on the shelf board 4, so that the product electronic tag 6 a attached to the bottom surface of the product 3 and the display unit attached to the shelf board 4. The electronic tag 6 is in contact (close proximity) with each other. When the electronic tags 6 and 6a are brought close to each other, a phenomenon that communication between the electronic tags 6 and 6a and the tag reader 8 cannot be performed occurs, and electromagnetic waves are generated between the electronic tags 6 and 6a and the tag reader 8. Communication using is impossible.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the product 3 is removed from the shelf 4, so that the product electronic tag 6 a attached to the bottom surface of the product 3 and the display unit electronic tag attached to the shelf 4. 6 are separated from each other. When the electronic tags 6 and 6a are separated from each other, communication using electromagnetic waves becomes possible between the electronic tags 6 and 6a and the tag reader 8.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4, the electronic tag 6 for display parts is affixed on the shelf board 4 via the magnetic sheet 22 as a magnetic member in a present Example. In general, when an RFID tag is affixed to a metal article, magnetic lines of force output from the tag reader 8 cause an eddy current inside the metal article, and this eddy current disables communication between the RFID tag and the tag reader 8. End up.

  However, in this embodiment, the magnetic sheet 22 is arranged between the display unit electronic tag 6 and the shelf plate 4 as a metal article, so that the magnetic lines of force output from the tag reader 8 are shielded by the magnetic sheet 22. It is possible to prevent the eddy current due to the magnetic lines of force from being generated inside the shelf plate 4. Therefore, even if the electronic tag 6 for display part is affixed on the shelf board 4, communication with the electronic tag 6 for display part and the tag reader 8 becomes possible, and the electronic tag 6 for display part is affixed on the shelf board 4 and used. Can do.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the electronic tag 6a for goods is affixed on the goods 3 through the magnetic sheet 22 as a magnetic member in a present Example similarly to the electronic tag 6 for display parts. Therefore, even if the product 3 is formed of a metal article such as a canned or canned beverage, the product electronic tag 6a and the tag reader 8 can communicate with each other, and the product electronic tag 6a is made of metal. It can be used by being affixed to a product 3 formed of articles.

  In addition, the electronic tag main body 16 of the electronic tag 6 for display part and the electronic tag 6a for goods in a present Example makes square shape by planar view, and the magnetic sheet 22 also has the same shape as the electronic tag main body 16, and this magnetic The size of the sheet 22 is slightly larger than the size of the electronic tag main body 16.

  A system configuration of the commodity display device in the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the management computer 2 includes a display unit 23 having a management screen for displaying a current product management state, an input unit 24 for an administrator to perform an input operation on the management computer 2, It has a storage unit 25 in which various databases are stored, an RTC 26 (real time clock) for measuring the current time, and a management control circuit 27 for controlling the devices inside the management computer 2. The management computer 2 is connected to a monitoring camera 17 for monitoring the state of the merchandise display shelf 1 in the store.

  The merchandise display shelf 1 includes a plurality of display unit electronic tags 6 attached to the upper surface of each shelf plate 4, a tag reader 8 that reads information stored in the display unit electronic tags 6 of each shelf plate 4, A shelf control circuit 9 for controlling the tag reader 8 and a monitor 19 installed at the upper end of the back plate 7 of the commodity display shelf 1 are provided.

  Further, the shelf control circuit 9 operates the tag reader 8 at predetermined time intervals so that information is repeatedly read from the display unit electronic tag 6 and the product electronic tag 6 a arranged on the shelf plate 4. Each time the tag reader 8 is operated, the shelf control circuit 9 transmits information read from the display unit electronic tag 6 and the commodity electronic tag 6a using the tag reader 8 to the management computer 2 as read information. Yes.

  The management computer 2 is connected to the shelf control circuit 9 of the merchandise display shelf 1 via the connection cable 11 and is supplied with power from an external power source such as an indoor outlet via the power cable 13. The storage unit 25 of the management computer 2 has a display unit table in which information on the display unit electronic tag 6 shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 is registered, and a product table in which information on the product electronic tag 6a is registered. A database is stored that includes a current state table in which information on the current state of the shelf board 4 is registered, and a history table in which information such as an update time about the current state of the shelf board 4 is registered.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the display unit table, the product display shelf 1 to which the corresponding display unit electronic tag 6 is attached in association with the display unit tag ID uniquely assigned to the display unit electronic tag 6 , The number of steps of the shelf plate 4 in the product display shelf 1, the coordinate position of the shelf plate 4 to which the display section electronic tag 6 is attached, and the product name of the product 3 placed on the corresponding shelf plate 4 And a reading state indicating whether or not the corresponding display unit electronic tag 6 can be read by the tag reader 8, and an update time item indicating the time when the reading state has changed. In the reading state item, the ON state is registered when the information stored in the display unit electronic tag 6 using the tag reader 8 can be read, and the OFF state is registered when the information cannot be read. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the product table, the product name of the product 3 to which the corresponding product electronic tag 6a is attached in association with the product tag ID uniquely assigned to the product electronic tag 6a, and the corresponding There are provided a reading state indicating whether or not the product electronic tag 6a to be read can be read by the tag reader 8, and an update time indicating the time when the reading state has changed. In the reading state item, the ON state is registered when the information stored in the electronic tag 6a for merchandise using the tag reader 8 can be read, and the OFF state is registered when the information cannot be read. .

  The tag reader 8 arranged for each shelf board 4 includes a display unit electronic tag 6 attached to the corresponding shelf board 4 and a product electronic attached to the product 3 placed on the relevant shelf board 4. Since only the information of the tag 6 a is read, the read information read from the corresponding tag reader 8 corresponds to each stage of the shelf plate 4 in the commodity display shelf 1.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the current state table, a product attached to the product 3 placed on the corresponding display unit electronic tag 6 in association with the display unit tag ID of the display unit electronic tag 6 The product tag ID of the electronic tag 6a for use is registered, and the current state indicating whether or not the product 3 is placed on the display unit electronic tag 6 is registered.

  In the item of the current state in the current state table, when the product 3 is placed on the display unit electronic tag 6, “placement” is registered, and the product 3 is displayed from the display unit electronic tag 6. When it is removed, “free” is registered. Furthermore, in the item of the product tag ID in the current state table, the product tag ID of the product electronic tag 6a of the product 3 arranged on the display unit electronic tag 6 is registered. When the product 3 is removed, the product tag ID of the product electronic tag 6a of the product 3 arranged immediately before the removal is registered.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the display unit electronic tag 6 of the display unit tag ID whose current state has changed is attached to the history table in association with the update time indicating the time when the current state has changed in the current state table. The number of the product display shelf 1, the number of stages of the shelf plate 4 in the product display shelf 1, the coordinate position where the display unit electronic tag 6 is attached to the shelf plate 4, and the corresponding shelf plate 4. The product name of the product 3 and the current state indicating whether or not the product 3 is placed at the corresponding coordinate position are registered.

  In the current state item in the history table, as in the current state table described above, when the product 3 is placed at the corresponding coordinate position, “placement” is registered, and the product from the corresponding coordinate position is registered. When 3 is removed, “empty” is registered.

  As shown in FIG. 12, a management screen created based on the display section table and the current state table is displayed on the display section 23 of the management computer 2. On this management screen, for each level of the shelf 4 of each product display shelf 1, the number of levels of the shelf 4 and the product name of the product 3 placed on the shelf 4 are displayed, and the shelf 4 The coordinate position (placement position) of the product 3 is displayed by dividing the figure to be shown in a grid shape, and whether or not the product 3 is placed at each corresponding coordinate position is displayed.

  When the product 3 is placed at the coordinate position of each shelf board 4, the information on the display unit electronic tag 6 attached to the coordinate position of the corresponding shelf board 4 cannot be read using the tag reader 8. Therefore, the corresponding coordinate position on the management screen is colored and displayed. Further, when the product 3 is not placed at the coordinate position of each shelf board 4, the information of the display unit electronic tag 6 attached to the coordinate position of the corresponding shelf board 4 can be read using the tag reader 8. Since it is in a state, the corresponding coordinate position on the management screen is displayed in white. In this way, on the management screen, the manager can visually recognize how much of the product 3 is placed on each shelf board 4.

  In the present embodiment, the product electronic tag 6a is attached to the product 3 when the product 3 is shipped from the factory. At the time of shipment from the factory, product information on the product 3 such as a product tag ID and a product name is stored in the product electronic tag 6a. When the product 3 is displayed on the product display shelf 1 of the store, the information stored in the product electronic tag 6a is read using the tag reader 8 and automatically displayed in the product table of the management computer 2 installed in the store. Product information can be registered. Therefore, the product information is registered in the product table by an input operation of the store manager, or the product information is stored in the management computer 2 installed in the store with reference to a database such as a management computer (not shown) installed in the factory. No need to register.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electronic tag 6 for display section is attached to the shelf board 4 when the merchandise display shelf 1 is shipped from the factory. At the time of shipment from the factory, the display portion tag ID, the attachment position information on the attachment position on the shelf plate 4 to which the corresponding display portion electronic tag 6 is attached, and the like are stored. When the product display shelf 1 is installed in the store, if the product display shelf 1 and the management computer 2 are connected, the tag reader 8 reads the information stored in the display unit electronic tag 6 and is installed in the store. Mounting position information and the like can be automatically registered in the display section table of the management computer 2. Therefore, it is attached to the management computer 2 installed in the store with reference to a database such as a management computer (not shown) installed in the factory by registering the installation position information in the display table by an input operation of the store manager. No need to register location information.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the item of product name in the display unit table automatically acquires product information including the product name from the product electronic tag 6a in the update process executed by the management computer 2 described later. Registration is based on product information.

  Next, update processing of the display section table, the product table, the current state table, and the history table executed by the management control circuit 27 of the management computer 2 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the update process of each table in the management computer 2, first, in step Sa01, the management control circuit 27 displays the display unit read by the shelf control circuit 9 of the product display shelf 1 using the tag reader 8. The reading information of the electronic tag 6 for goods and the electronic tag 6a for goods is received. The read information includes the display unit tag ID, the product information, and the mounting position information stored in the IC chip 14 of the display unit electronic tag 6 and the product electronic tag 6a.

  The management control circuit 27 that has received the read information compares the received read information with the display unit table and the product table, and if there is a display unit tag ID and a product tag ID whose reading state has newly changed, Based on the read information, the display unit table ID corresponding to the corresponding display unit tag ID and the product tag ID and the item of the reading state of the product table are updated, the updated current time is counted by the RTC 26, and the display unit table and Update the item of update time in the product table.

  More specifically, the display state of the predetermined display unit tag ID and the product tag ID in the display unit table and the product table is ON, and the corresponding display unit tag ID and product tag ID included in the received read information are read. If the state is the OFF state, the reading state of the corresponding display unit tag ID and product tag ID in the display unit table and the product table is set to the ON state, assuming that the reading state has newly changed.

  In addition, the reading state of the predetermined display unit tag ID and the product tag ID in the display unit table and the product table is in an OFF state, and the reading state of the corresponding display unit tag ID and the product tag ID included in the received read information is If it is in the ON state, the reading state of the corresponding display unit tag ID and product tag ID in the display unit table and the product table is set to the OFF state, assuming that the reading state has newly changed.

  Then, the process proceeds to step Sa02, and the management control circuit 27 compares the update time of the display unit table with the update time of the product table, and the display unit tag whose reading time is ON at the same update time. It is determined whether there is an ID and a product tag ID, and if there is a display tag ID and a product tag ID whose reading time is ON at the same update time, the process proceeds to step Sa06, and the update time However, if there is no display part tag ID and product tag ID whose reading state is ON at the same time, the process proceeds to step Sa03.

  In step Sa03, the management control circuit 27 compares the update time of the display unit table with the update time of the product table, and displays the display unit tag ID and the product whose reading state is OFF at the same update time. It is determined whether or not there is a tag ID. If there is a display tag ID and a product tag ID whose reading time is OFF at the same update time, the process proceeds to step Sa04 and the update time is the same time. If there is no display part tag ID and product tag ID whose reading state is in the OFF state, the process ends.

  In step Sa04, the management control circuit 27 determines that there are two or more display unit tag IDs whose reading time is OFF at the same time in the display unit table, and the update time is the same time in the product table. When there are two or more product tag IDs in which the reading state is in the OFF state, the processing is terminated, and the display unit tag ID and the product tag ID in which the reading state is in the OFF state at the same time are 1 each. If it continues, the process proceeds to step Sa05.

  In the step of Sa05, the current state table is updated by associating the display unit tag ID and the product tag ID whose reading state is OFF at the same time, and the corresponding display unit tag ID and product tag ID in the current state table are updated. “Arrangement” is registered in the item of the current state corresponding to.

  In step Sa05, the management control circuit 27 additionally registers the update time in the history table, refers to the display unit table and the product table, and displays the display unit tag ID whose reading state is OFF at the same time. Register the number of the product display shelf 1 associated with the product tag ID, the number of stages of the shelf 4, the coordinate position of the electronic tag 6 for the display unit on the corresponding shelf 4, and the product name. Register “arrangement” in the item of the current state in the table.

  In the present embodiment, when the product 3 is placed on the shelf plate 4, the product electronic tag 6 a attached to the bottom surface of the product 3, and the display unit electronic tag 6 attached to the top surface of the shelf plate 4 , Contact each other (close proximity), and communication using electromagnetic waves becomes impossible between the electronic tags 6 and 6a and the tag reader 8 (see FIG. 6A). Therefore, in the step of Sa05, the electronic tags 6 and 6a to which the display unit tag ID and the product tag ID are assigned are mutually connected based on the display unit tag ID and the product tag ID whose reading state is in the OFF state at the same time. The current state table and the history table are updated by grasping that the coordinate position of the corresponding electronic tag 6 for display unit is in the “arranged” state by being touched.

  In the step of Sa04, when there are two or more display part tag IDs and product tag IDs whose reading states are turned off at the same time, two products 3 are placed on the shelf board 4 at the same time. In this case, since it is not possible to know which product 3 is placed on which display unit electronic tag 6 in this case, the process ends without performing the update process of the current state table and the history table. . At this time, it may be displayed on the display unit 23 of the management computer 2 to indicate to the administrator that the current state table and the history table need to be manually corrected.

  In step Sa06, the management control circuit 27 determines that there are two or more display unit tag IDs whose reading state is ON at the same update time in the display unit table, and the update time is the same time in the product table. If there are two or more product tag IDs whose reading state is ON, the process proceeds to step Sa09, and the display tag ID and product tag ID whose reading state is ON at the same update time are respectively If it is one, the process proceeds to step Sa07.

  In step Sa07, the current state table is updated by associating the display unit tag ID and the product tag ID whose reading state is ON at the same time, and the corresponding display unit tag ID and product tag ID in the current state table are updated. “Free” is registered in the item of the current state corresponding to.

  In step Sa07, the management control circuit 27 additionally registers the update time in the history table, refers to the display unit table and the product table, and displays the display unit tag ID whose reading state is ON at the same time. Register the number of the product display shelf 1 associated with the product tag ID, the number of stages of the shelf 4, the coordinate position of the electronic tag 6 for the display unit on the corresponding shelf 4, and the product name. “Free” is registered in the item of the current state in the table.

  In this embodiment, when the product 3 placed on the shelf plate 4 is removed, the product electronic tag 6a attached to the bottom surface of the product 3 and the display unit electronic tag attached to the top surface of the shelf plate 4 are used. 6 are separated from each other, and communication using electromagnetic waves becomes possible between the electronic tags 6 and 6a and the tag reader 8 (see FIG. 6B). Therefore, in the step of Sa07, the electronic tags 6 and 6a to which the display unit tag ID and the product tag ID are assigned are mutually connected based on the display unit tag ID and the product tag ID whose reading state is ON at the same time. The current state table and the history table are updated by grasping that the coordinate position of the corresponding display unit electronic tag 6 is in the “free” state after being separated.

  In the step of Sa06, when there are two or more display section tag IDs and product tag IDs whose reading state is ON at the same time, two products 3 are simultaneously removed from the shelf board 4 Therefore, it is not possible to know which product 3 has been removed from which display unit electronic tag 6, and in this case, the process proceeds to step Sa <b> 09 without updating the current state table and history table. At this time, it may be displayed on the display unit 23 of the management computer 2 to indicate to the administrator that the current state table and the history table need to be manually corrected.

  In the steps of Sa05 and Sa07, in the display unit table, the product name as the product information associated with the display unit tag ID is the product tag ID in which the corresponding display unit tag ID is associated with the current state table. May be updated so as to have the same product name as the product name associated in the product table. Furthermore, the product name as the product information may be rewritten on the IC chip 14 of the display unit electronic tag 6 using the tag reader 8 with the update of the display unit table. By doing in this way, the merchandise information corresponding to each shelf 4 stored in the display unit electronic tag 6 can be automatically rewritten according to the merchandise 3 placed on the shelf 4, for example, Even if the shelf plate 4 is removed and reattached to a different product display shelf 1, the product information stored in the display unit electronic tag 6 is automatically rewritten according to the product 3 to be placed.

  In step Sa08, the management control circuit 27 refers to the history table, determines whether there are five or more histories in which the item of the current state is “free” within 3 seconds, and becomes “free”. If there are 5 or more histories within 3 seconds, the process proceeds to step Sa09. If there are no more than 5 histories within 3 seconds, the process ends.

  In step Sa09, the management control circuit 27 activates the monitor 19 installed on the merchandise display shelf 1, and displays on the monitor 19 a video image of the merchandise display shelf 1 taken in the store by the monitoring camera 17. , The message “monitoring camera is operating” is displayed on the monitor 19 and the process is terminated. The monitor 19 is automatically stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of operation.

  When it is determined in the step of Sa06 that two or more products 3 have been removed from the shelf 4 at the same time, or in the step of Sa08, when five or more “empty” histories occur within 3 seconds, that is, 3 When it is determined that five or more products 3 have been removed from the shelf 4 within a second, the shoplifting action may be performed, unlike a customer generally removing the product 3 from the shelf 4 Is expensive. In such a case, by operating the monitor 19 in step Sa09, a warning can be given to the customer, which is a deterrent to shoplifting. Note that a buzzer or the like may be built in the monitor 19, and a buzzer sound may be sounded to notify the customer when the operation of the monitor 19 starts. Furthermore, the administrator can refer to the time zone in which the monitor 19 is operated, and can confirm the video taken by the monitoring camera 17 in the corresponding time zone.

  As described above, in the merchandise display device according to the present embodiment, when the merchandise 3 is arranged on the shelf board 4, the merchandise electronic tag 6 a as the obstructing section is for at least one display section among the plurality of display section electronic tags 6. When the information on the display unit electronic tag 6 that is close to the electronic tag 6 and is close to the electronic tag for product 6a cannot be read using the tag reader 8 and the product 3 arranged on the shelf board 4 is removed, When the information on the electronic tag 6 for display unit newly read using the tag reader 8 is input to the management computer 2, when the product 3 is arranged on the shelf plate 4, When the tag reader 8 cannot read the information on the display unit electronic tag 6 due to the obstruction of the product electronic tag 6a, and the customer picks up the product 3, the product electronic tag 6a is displayed on the display unit electronic tag. Away from 6 Since the tag reader 8 can read the information of the display unit electronic tag 6, the management computer 2 determines whether or not the product 3 has been picked up from the shelf 4 by the customer regardless of the readable range of the tag reader 8. It is possible to grasp immediately.

  The management computer 2 includes an RTC 26 (clock) that measures the current time, and a storage unit 25 that stores the time information measured by the RTC 26 in association with the newly read information on the display unit electronic tag 6. By having it, the display status of the product 3 on the shelf board 4 can be managed together with the time information, and the management computer 2 can grasp when the product 3 has been removed from the shelf board 4.

  In addition, the display unit electronic tag 6 stores display unit tag ID information corresponding to the shelf plate 4 and uniquely given to each display unit electronic tag 6. Even if a plurality of shelves 4 are provided by storing display tag ID information corresponding to the shelves 4 directly in the tags 6, the display unit electronic tags 6 using the tag reader 8. It is possible to determine whether or not the product 3 is arranged on any shelf board 4 simply by reading the data, and separately refer to a database such as a management computer (not shown) installed in the manufacturing factory of the product display shelf 1 Even if it does not do, management of the goods 3 arrange | positioned on the shelf board 4 can be performed now. Separately, information stored in the display unit electronic tag 6 can be read and managed by a handy terminal for the electronic tag.

  In addition, since the display portion electronic tag 6 stores the attachment position information to which the display portion electronic tag 6 is attached, the attachment position information is based on the readable attachment position information. 3 can be grasped that the product 3 is not disposed and based on the unreadable reading position information, it can be grasped that the product 3 is disposed at the attachment position, and the tag reader 8 is used to display the electronic tag for the display unit. 6 can be managed separately without referring to a database such as a management computer (not shown) or the like installed in the manufacturing factory of the product display shelf 1 only by reading 6. Become.

  Moreover, the shelf board 4 has a planar shape, and the virtual lines α connecting the plurality of display unit electronic tags 6 are arranged in a grid pattern on the shelf board 4, so that the plurality of display unit electronic tags 6 are arranged. Are arranged in a lattice shape, the arrangement position of the product 3 is set as the coordinate position in the row direction and the column direction on the shelf board 4 based on the arrangement position of the display unit electronic tag 6 on the shelf board 4 having a planar shape. It can be easily recognized.

  In addition, the management computer is provided with a monitor 19 as notification means that operates on condition that information on a predetermined number of newly read display unit electronic tags 6 is input to the management computer 2 within a predetermined time. 2 is capable of grasping an abnormal situation such as shoplifting in which a predetermined number of products 3 are removed from the shelf 4 within a predetermined time, that is, shoplifting by operating the monitor 19 when the abnormal situation occurs. Can be prevented.

  Next, a commodity display device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. It should be noted that the same components as those shown in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant description is omitted. FIG. 14 is a longitudinal side view showing a shelf board of a product display shelf in Example 2, FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the product display device, and FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a current state table. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a history table, FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the update process performed by the management control circuit, and FIG. 19A shows a product on the electronic tag for the display unit in the second embodiment. FIG. 19B is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the product on the display unit electronic tag is removed.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the product display shelf 1 in the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the product electronic tag 6 a is not attached to the bottom surface of the product 3, and instead, on the bottom surface of each product 3, A metal seal 20 as a disturbing portion in the present embodiment, which is configured by a metal member that shields electromagnetic waves, is attached.

  As shown in FIG. 19A, the product 3 is placed on the shelf plate 4, so that the metal seal 20 attached to the bottom surface of the product 3 and the display unit electronic tag attached to the shelf plate 4 are displayed. 6 are in contact with (close to) each other. When the display unit electronic tag 6 and the metal seal 20 are brought into contact with each other, electromagnetic waves are shielded by the metal seal 20, and communication using the electromagnetic waves is not performed between the display unit electronic tag 6 and the tag reader 8. It becomes possible.

  As shown in FIG. 19B, immediately before the product 3 is placed on the shelf board 4 or immediately after the product 3 is removed from the shelf board 4, the metal seal 20 of the product 3 is used for the display section. Communication between the electronic tag 6 for display part and the tag reader 8 is possible using the electromagnetic wave.

  A system configuration of the commodity display device in the second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, the management computer 2 includes a display unit 23 having a management screen for displaying a current product management state and the like, and an input unit 24 for an administrator to perform an input operation on the management computer 2. A storage unit 25 in which various databases are stored, an RTC 26 (real-time clock) for measuring the current time, and a management control circuit 27 for controlling the devices in the management computer 2 are provided.

  The merchandise display shelf 1 includes a plurality of display unit electronic tags 6 attached to the upper surface of each shelf plate 4, a tag reader 8 that reads information stored in the display unit electronic tags 6 of each shelf plate 4, and A shelf control circuit 9 for controlling each tag reader 8.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the storage unit 25 of the management computer 2 has a current state table for registering the current state of the display unit electronic tags 6 arranged on the shelf plate 4 and which shelf plate. A history table for registering whether the product 3 displayed in 4 has been picked up is stored.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the current state table includes a display unit attached to the corresponding shelf board 4 in association with the number of each product display shelf 1 and each stage of the shelf board 4 in the product display shelf 1. The display part tag ID of the electronic tag 6 for use and the item of the reading state which shows whether the information memorize | stored in the electronic tag 6 for applicable display parts can be read using a tag reader are provided.

  In addition, since the tag reader 8 arranged for each shelf plate 4 reads only the information of the display unit electronic tag 6 attached to the corresponding shelf plate 4, the information is read from the corresponding tag reader 8. The read information is associated with each stage of the shelf 4 in the commodity display shelf 1. In the reading state item, the ON state is registered when the information stored in the display unit electronic tag 6 using the corresponding tag reader 8 can be read, and the OFF state is registered when the information cannot be read. It has become.

  A management screen created based on the current state table is displayed on the display unit 23 of the management computer 2 (see FIG. 12 of the first embodiment). On this management screen, for each level of the shelf 4 of each product display shelf 1, the number of levels of the shelf 4 and the product name of the product 3 placed on the shelf 4 are displayed, and the shelf 4 The placement position of the product 3 is displayed by dividing the figure to be shown in a grid shape, and whether or not the product 3 is placed at each corresponding placement position is displayed.

  When the product 3 is placed at the placement position of each shelf board 4, the information of the display unit electronic tag 6 attached to the placement position of the corresponding shelf board 4 cannot be read using the tag reader 8. Since it is in the OFF state, the corresponding placement position on the management screen is colored and displayed. Further, when the product 3 is not placed at the placement position of each shelf board 4, information on the display unit electronic tag 6 attached to the placement position of the corresponding shelf board 4 is obtained using the tag reader 8. Since it can be read, the corresponding placement position on the management screen is displayed in white. In this way, on the management screen, the manager can visually recognize how much of the product 3 is placed on each shelf board 4.

  As shown in FIG. 17, in the history table, the product taken in the customer's hand in association with the update time indicating the time when the product 3 was taken from the shelf 4 in each product display shelf 1 by the customer's hand. 3 product name, the number of the product display shelf 1, the number of stages of the shelf board 4, and the display part tag ID for indicating from which mounting position of the corresponding shelf board 4 the customer has taken it. Items to be registered are provided.

  The product name of the product 3 placed on each shelf board 4 is written in advance as product information on the IC chip 14 of the display unit electronic tag 6 so that the product name is read using the tag reader 8. It is registered in the history table.

  Next, update processing of the current state table and history table executed by the management control circuit 27 of the management computer 2 in the present embodiment will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 18, in the update process of the current state table and history table, first, in step Sb01, the management control circuit 27 uses the tag reader 8 of the display unit electronic tag 6 read by the shelf control circuit 9. Read information is received. The read information includes a display unit tag ID, product information, and attachment position information stored in the IC chip 14 of the display unit electronic tag 6.

  In step Sb02, the management control circuit 27 compares the display unit tag ID read by the tag reader 8 with the display unit tag ID registered in the current state table. Then, it is determined whether or not the reading state of the display unit tag ID is newly ON. If the reading state of the display unit tag ID is newly ON, the process proceeds to step Sb04 and is newly If the display state of the display unit tag ID is not ON, the process proceeds to step Sb03.

  In step Sb04, the management control circuit 27 measures the update time by the RTC 26 and registers it in the history table, and in association with this update time, the electronic tag for the display unit whose reading state is newly turned on 6 of the display unit tag ID, the product display shelf 1 on which the corresponding display unit electronic tag 6 is arranged, the shelf board 4, and the product 3 included in the read information read from the display unit electronic tag 6. Register the product name and the history table.

  The administrator can grasp which product 3 was picked up by the customer by displaying the history table directly on the display unit 23 of the management computer 2. By referring to this history table, it is possible to investigate the time zone in which a given product 3 is best sold, or to investigate the turnover rate of each product 3, and the administrator grasps the trend of the product 3 be able to.

  In step Sb03, the reading state of the current state table is updated based on the received reading information. At this time, if it is the same as the reading state of the current state table immediately before the update, the same reading state is overwritten on the current state table. In addition, if the received reading information includes a display part tag ID that has been changed from the ON state to the OFF state, the corresponding display part tag ID is updated to be rewritten from the ON state to the OFF state, and the received reading information is added to the received reading information. If the display part tag ID that has been changed from the OFF state to the ON state is included, an update is performed to rewrite the corresponding display part tag ID from the OFF state to the ON state, and the update process ends.

  Next, a commodity display device according to Example 3 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same structure as the said Example 2 and the overlapping structure are abbreviate | omitted. FIG. 20A is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a product is placed on the display unit electronic tag according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 20B is a diagram in which the product on the display unit electronic tag is removed. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 20 (a), the product 3 '' in the third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the obstructing portion is not attached to the bottom surface of the product 3 '. On the upper surface side, the disturbing portion 21 in this embodiment made of a metal member that shields electromagnetic waves is swingably provided.

  As shown in FIG. 20A, the product 3 ″ is placed on the display unit electronic tag 6 from above the disturbing unit 21, so that the disturbing unit 21 is swung. . At this time, the disturbing part 21 comes into contact (close proximity) with the display unit electronic tag 6, and the electromagnetic wave is shielded by the disturbing part 21, and the electromagnetic wave is used between the display unit electronic tag 6 and the tag reader 8. Communication becomes impossible.

  As shown in FIG. 20 (b), immediately before the product 3 '' is placed on the shelf board 4 or immediately after the product 3 '' is removed from the shelf board 4, the obstruction part 21 is displayed. Communication using electromagnetic waves between the display unit electronic tag 6 and the tag reader 8 by swinging in a direction away from the electronic tag 6 and separating the blocking unit 21 and the display unit electronic tag 6 from each other. Is possible.

  By doing in this way, even if it does not provide the goods electronic tag 6a, the metal seal | sticker 20, etc. with respect to each goods 3 '', according to placement of the goods 3 '', the display part electronic tags 6 and Electromagnetic waves used for communication with the tag reader 8 are obstructed, so that the number of electronic tags to be used can be reduced and the metal sticker 20 need not be attached.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and modifications and additions within the scope of the present invention are included in the present invention. It is.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the display unit electronic tag 6 is attached corresponding to the position where the product 3 is arranged on the top surface of the shelf board 4. It is not necessary to correspond to the arrangement position of 3, and when one product 3 is arranged on the shelf board 4, the one product 3 is simultaneously placed (closed) on the plurality of display unit electronic tags 6, The plurality of display unit electronic tags 6 may not be able to communicate with the tag reader 8, and in this case, a plurality of display unit electronic tags 6 on which one product 3 is placed in the current state table. The item of the coordinate position specified by may be provided, and the coordinate position and the product tag ID may be registered in association with each other.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the electronic tag 6a for goods and the metal seal | sticker 20 as a metal member are comprised as an obstruction part, an obstruction part does not necessarily need to be an electronic tag and a metal member, and it communicates with the tag reader 8. Any material may be used as long as it interferes with the electromagnetic wave used in the case of, for example, a coil member that cancels the magnetic field by the electromagnetic induction effect.

  Moreover, in the said Example 1, although the electronic tag 6a for goods used for the distribution management at the time of distribution from a factory to a store, the accounting management performed at a cash register etc. was used as an obstruction part, the crime prevention tag for shoplifting prevention (RFID tag or the like) may be attached to the bottom surface of the product 3 as a disturbing portion.

It is a perspective view which shows the goods display shelf in Example 1. FIG. It is a vertical side view which shows the shelf board of a goods display shelf. It is a cross-sectional top view which shows the shelf board of a goods display shelf. (A) is a perspective view which shows the electronic tag for display parts, (b) is a side view which shows the electronic tag for display parts. It is a perspective view which shows the electronic tag for goods. (A) is a perspective view which shows the state by which the goods were mounted on the electronic tag for display parts, (b) is a perspective view which shows the state from which the goods on the electronic tag for display parts were removed. . It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of a goods display apparatus. It is a figure which shows a display part table. It is a figure which shows a goods table. It is a figure which shows a present state table. It is a figure which shows a history table. It is a figure which shows the management screen of a merchandise display shelf. It is a flowchart of the update process performed in a management control circuit. It is a vertical side view which shows the shelf board of the goods display shelf in Example 2. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of a goods display apparatus. It is a figure which shows a present state table. It is a figure which shows a history table. It is a flowchart of the update process performed in a management control circuit. (A) is a perspective view which shows the state by which the goods were mounted on the electronic tag for display parts in Example 2, (b) shows the state from which the goods on the electronic tag for display parts were removed. It is a perspective view. (A) is a perspective view which shows the state by which the goods were mounted on the electronic tag for display parts in Example 3, (b) shows the state from which the goods on the electronic tag for display parts were removed. It is a perspective view.

Explanation of symbols

1 Product Display Shelf 2 Management Computer 3, 3 ', 3''Product 4 Shelf (Product Display, Metal Article, Metal Member)
6 Electronic tag for display (electronic tag)
6a Product electronic tags (electronic tags, obstructions)
8 Tag reader 16 Electronic tag body 19 Monitor (notification means)
20 Metal seal (interference part, metal member)
21 obstruction part 22 magnetic sheet (magnetic member)
25 Storage Unit 26 RTC (Clock)

Claims (6)

A plurality of products, a product display unit for displaying the products, a plurality of electronic tags for display units attached to the product display unit, and a tag reader for reading information stored in the electronic tag for display units using electromagnetic waves A product display device comprising: a management computer to which the information is input from the tag reader; and a disturbing unit for blocking the electromagnetic wave,
When the product is arranged in the product display unit, the blocking unit is close to at least one display unit electronic tag among the plurality of display unit electronic tags, and the display unit is close to the blocking unit. When the information on the electronic tag cannot be read using the tag reader and the product placed in the product display unit is removed, the management computer newly displays the electronic tag for the display unit using the tag reader. The product display device characterized by the fact that the information is input.   The management computer has a clock that counts the current time, and a storage unit that stores the time information measured by the clock and the newly read information on the electronic tag for the display unit in association with each other. The product display device according to claim 1, wherein:   2. The display part tag ID information corresponding to the product display part and uniquely given to each display part electronic tag is stored in the display part electronic tag. 2. The product display device according to 2.   The product display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display portion electronic tag stores attachment position information to which the display portion electronic tag is attached.   5. The product display unit according to claim 1, wherein the product display unit has a planar shape, and virtual lines connecting the plurality of display unit electronic tags are arranged in a lattice pattern on the product display unit. Product display device according to crab.   6. An informing means that operates on condition that information of a predetermined number of the newly read display unit electronic tags within a predetermined time is input to the management computer is provided. The product display device according to any one of the above.

Images