JP5191123B2 - Electronic shelf label system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic shelf label system using an electronic shelf label that is provided near a product displayed in a store and displays product information related to the product.

  In stores such as supermarkets and retail stores, it is necessary to display product information such as the name and price of products to be sold, and the work of displaying this product information on products has been performed manually by hand, It was a problem in terms of work efficiency and work cost.

  Therefore, an electronic shelf label system that electronically displays product information for this product has been proposed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). The system described in Patent Literature 1 is a kind of electronic shelf label system called a wireless shelf label display change system, and a plurality of electronic shelf labels and a server provided in the vicinity of a product displayed in a store include: It is a system configured by connecting with a wireless communication line.

In this system, product information such as product names and prices is transmitted from the server to the electronic shelf label, and this product information is displayed on the electronic shelf label. Further, even after the product information is once transmitted to the electronic shelf label, it may be changed by a time service, a discount just before closing, or the like. Therefore, in general, after the product is once transmitted from the server to the electronic shelf label, the product information is updated as necessary. When the product information is updated, the updated new product information is stored in the electronic shelf label. Is displayed.
JP 2000-250497 A

  By the way, in a supermarket or the like equipped with an electronic shelf label system using radio as described above, a large number of products are displayed, and each product information is wirelessly transmitted from the server to a large number of electronic shelf labels displaying these product information. Need to be sent in. In addition, merchandise is displayed in a large area of supermarkets, and many customers visit the store.

  Therefore, the wireless communication between the server and the electronic shelf label is performed wirelessly, for example, when the store customer covers the electronic shelf label depending on the display position and display method of the product or the position or movement of the visitor. A failure on the communication path may occur, and wireless communication between the server and the electronic shelf label may be interrupted. In addition, disruption of wireless communication can occur due to a visitor's mischief moving the electronic shelf label to another location, taking it out of the store, or failure of the wireless communication device.

  In such an electronic shelf label system using wireless communication, if such wireless communication is interrupted, there is a risk that product information will not be updated from the server to the electronic shelf label. Normally, when such wireless communication disruption occurs, the server detects this wireless communication disruption and displays it, so it is possible for the person in charge who sees this display to take measures against the wireless communication disruption. It is. However, since the person in charge may not be aware of the disruption of the wireless communication or may not be able to cope with it immediately, appropriate measures are not necessarily performed for all the disruptions of the wireless communication.

  In such a case, there is a case where there is no problem even if the display of the product information displayed when the wireless communication is interrupted is continued as it is in the case of a product for which the product information does not need to be updated. However, in the case of time service products, etc., it may be necessary to display updated product information depending on the passage of time, and the product information such as price displayed on the electronic shelf label is different from the correct information that should be originally intended. Things can happen. When such a situation occurs, a situation where the trust of the customer is lost occurs.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and in an electronic shelf label system configured by connecting a shelf label server and a plurality of electronic shelf labels through a communication line such as a radio. When the communication between the server and the electronic shelf label is interrupted, the product information displayed on the electronic shelf label is changed to a display that does not cause the customer's trust to be lost depending on the product. This is to provide an electronic shelf label system capable of automatically.

  The electronic shelf label system of the present invention is configured by connecting a shelf label server and a plurality of electronic shelf labels through a communication line, and the electronic shelf label is a communication using a communication line with the shelf label server. It is an electronic shelf label system that displays at least a part of shelf label data acquired by communication as display data.

In this electronic shelf label system, the shelf label data includes first display data related to product names, second display data related to prices, alternative display data used for display replacement, and display replacement deleted from the display data. The electronic shelf label includes at least a part of the display data and displays the alternative display data on the condition that the communication interruption that the shelf label communication is interrupted is detected. There line display change processing, the display change processing on the basis of the display alternative target segmental display of the second display data is deleted, the alternate display data is characterized in that it is displayed.

According to the above electronic shelf label system, the electronic shelf label automatically includes at least the display data being displayed when the communication interruption occurs when the communication interruption occurs. It is possible to delete a part and display alternative display data instead. Therefore, for example, by deleting the price of the product and changing it to a display such as “Please contact the store clerk” instead, the product information such as the price displayed on the electronic shelf label should be originally A situation different from the correct information can be avoided, and a situation in which the trust of the visitor is lost can be prevented. In addition, the electronic shelf label obtains the display substitution target classification information and substitution display data from the shelf label data transmitted by the shelf label communication from the shelf label server. Changes can be easily made on the shelf label server. Therefore, the display of the electronic shelf label for communication interruption can be flexibly handled according to each product, the sales situation, and the like.

  In the above electronic shelf label system, the electronic shelf label may perform display change processing only by detecting communication interruption as the above condition. In this case, when the electronic shelf label detects a communication interruption, the display change process is unconditionally performed.

  In this way, when the display content related to the product cannot be updated due to communication interruption, the display content that needs to be updated in a timely manner is changed to a display content that is not directly related to the product. Is possible. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid the state where the electronic shelf label is not displaying the correct information that should be originally displayed, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which the customer's trust is lost.

  In the electronic shelf label system described above, the electronic shelf label performs display change processing on the condition that, in addition to the above-described conditions, the detection time point of communication interruption does not exist within a predetermined display period. You may make it perform. The above display period is a period during which display by display data that the electronic shelf label has for display should be originally performed. For example, when the contents of the display data of the electronic shelf label are information related to the time service, and the time period from 16:00 to 18:00 is the time service is performed, the display period is set to 16:00 to 18:00. And

  In the above case using an additional condition, if the electronic shelf label detects communication interruption and the detection point of communication interruption is within a predetermined display period, the electronic shelf label is not subjected to display change processing. When the communication interruption is detected and the detection point of the communication interruption does not exist within a predetermined display period, display change processing is performed.

  For example, when the display period is the time service period as in the above example, the display content related to the product displayed on the electronic shelf label at the time of communication interruption is the price for the time service, etc. Even if the display content related to the product cannot be updated by instructions from the host due to communication interruption, the display content displayed at the time of communication interruption is displayed as it is during the time service period. There is no problem if you continue.

  Therefore, when such a communication interruption detection point exists within a predetermined display period, the display change process is not performed, and the communication interruption detection point exists within a predetermined display period. If the display change process is performed when there is not, the display of the electronic shelf label with respect to the communication interruption can be optimally performed according to each product or each sales situation.

  In the above electronic shelf label system that detects a communication interruption and performs a display change process when the communication interruption detection point does not exist within a predetermined display period, the electronic shelf label is a communication interruption detection point. However, when it exists within a predetermined display period, the display change process may be performed on the condition that it has reached the point of time when the display period has been exceeded after detection of the communication interruption.

  In this case, even if the display change process is not performed because the detection time of communication interruption is within a predetermined display period, the display period is detected due to the passage of time after detection of communication interruption. When the time point is reached, display change processing is performed.

  For example, in the above example, if the communication interruption occurs within the display period, that is, during the time service period, the display of the display content displayed at the time of the communication interruption detection is continued and the time When the display period, that is, the time point outside the time service period is reached, the display change process is performed.

  In this way, even if the display change processing is not performed because the communication interruption detection point exists within a predetermined display period, the display period is detected as time elapses after the communication interruption is detected. When the display change process is performed when the point of departure is reached, the display of the electronic shelf label with respect to the communication interruption can be optimally performed according to each product or each sales situation.

  In the above electronic shelf label system that performs display change processing when it reaches the time when it is out of the display period due to the passage of time, the electronic shelf label detects the cancellation of communication interruption before it reaches the point of time outside the display period. The display change process may not be performed on the condition that this is done.

  For example, in the above example, when the communication interruption occurs within the display period, that is, during the time service period, and the display of the display content displayed at the time of detection of the communication interruption is continued as it is, If it is detected that the communication interruption has been resolved before the display period has ended, i.e., before the time service period has ended, the electronic shelf label can subsequently update the display content related to the product. There is no need to perform display change processing as a countermeasure. Therefore, in such a case, the display change process is not performed.

  In this way, even if the display change processing is not performed because the communication interruption detection point exists within a predetermined display period, the display period is detected as time elapses after the communication interruption is detected. When the display change process is performed when the point is reached, the display change process is not performed if the cancellation of the communication interruption is detected before the display period is over, thereby displaying the electronic shelf label for the communication interruption. On the other hand, useless display change processing can be eliminated, and display of an electronic shelf label for communication interruption can be optimally performed according to each product, each sales situation, and the like.

  In the above-described electronic shelf label system that uses the display period as a condition determination element, the display period information is included in the shelf label data transmitted from the shelf label server to the electronic shelf label. The condition may be determined based on the display period information.

  In this way, the electronic shelf label obtains the display period information from the shelf label data transmitted by the shelf label communication from the shelf label server, and the display period information can be easily changed by the shelf label server. Can be performed. Therefore, the display of the electronic shelf label for communication interruption can be flexibly handled according to each product or each sales situation.

  Further, in the above-described electronic shelf label system that uses the above display period as a condition determination element, the electronic shelf label is a predetermined constant from the time when the display change process is performed even after the display change process is performed. On the condition that the cancellation of communication interruption is not detected within the period, display re-change processing for displaying alternative display data having contents different from the already-displayed alternative display data may be performed.

  By doing so, for example, even when the communication interruption continues for a long time, the electronic shelf label can be displayed optimally.

  In the above electronic shelf label system that uses the above-mentioned fixed period as a condition determination factor, the shelf label data includes information on the fixed period, and the electronic shelf label is based on the information on the fixed period. You may make it judge.

  In this way, the electronic shelf label obtains information for a certain period from the shelf label data transmitted from the shelf label server through the shelf label communication, and the display period information can be easily changed by the shelf label server. Can be performed. Therefore, the display of the electronic shelf label for communication interruption can be flexibly handled according to each product or each sales situation.

  In addition, in the electronic shelf label system that performs the display change process on the condition that at least the communication interruption at which the shelf label communication is interrupted is detected, the electronic shelf label is prohibited from the display change process in addition to this condition. The display change process may be performed on the condition that there is not.

  In this case, if the display change process is prohibited, the electronic shelf label does not change the display at all even if a communication interruption is detected. By doing in this way, it is also possible to adopt as an option that display change is not performed as the display change process, and it is possible to optimally display the electronic shelf label for each communication breakage.

  Further, in all the electronic shelf label systems described above, the shelf label data includes information on the mode for defining the condition, and the electronic shelf label performs the condition determination based on the information on the mode. It may be.

  In this case, the electronic shelf label acquires the mode information from the shelf label data transmitted from the shelf label server to the electronic shelf label through the shelf label communication. The mode provided by this mode information plays a role of defining the above-described conditions for performing the display change processing of the electronic shelf label when the communication interruption is detected. Therefore, when this mode is changed, this condition also changes.

  Therefore, the conditions for the display change processing of the electronic shelf label when the communication interruption is detected can be determined by the mode to be put on the shelf label data transmitted from the shelf label server to the electronic shelf label by the shelf label communication. This mode change can be easily performed by the shelf label server. Therefore, the display of the electronic shelf label for communication interruption can be flexibly handled according to each product or each sales situation.

Further, in all of the electronic shelf label system described above, electronic shelf label may be performed to delete is limited to display alternative target.

  As described above, when data relating to a price is used as a display replacement target, the electronic shelf label does not change the display for data not related to the price of the product. By doing so, it is possible to change only the display of the data related to the price of the product, which is a display content that is likely to lose the trust of the customer in the event of communication interruption, resulting in a situation of losing the trust of the customer As a result, it is possible to optimally display the electronic shelf label against communication interruption.

The electronic shelf label system according to the present invention is configured by connecting a shelf label server and a plurality of electronic shelf labels via a communication line, and the electronic shelf label communicates with the shelf label server using the communication line. An electronic shelf label system that displays at least part of the shelf label data acquired by the shelf label communication as display data, wherein the shelf label data includes first display data relating to a product name and second display data relating to a price. Alternative display data used for display substitution, and a display substitution target category that preliminarily defines a display substitution target to be deleted from the display data, and the electronic shelf label has a communication disruption in which the shelf label communication is disrupted. On the condition that the display data is detected, at least a part of the display data is deleted and a display change process for displaying the alternative display data is performed. Based on the display of the first display data and said second display data is deleted, the alternate display data, characterized in that it is displayed.

According to this configuration, when it is not possible to update the display content related to the product due to communication interruption, for products that require timely update of the display content, such as `` Please contact the store clerk for the product '', etc. It is possible to change the display contents not directly related to the product or the like. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid the state where the electronic shelf label is not displaying the correct information that should be originally displayed, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which the customer's trust is lost.

  In all the electronic shelf label systems described above, when the electronic shelf label detects the cancellation of the communication interruption after the detection of the communication interruption, the electronic shelf label may provide information on the state of the electronic shelf label to the shelf label server. Good.

  By doing so, it is possible to provide information related to the display change of the electronic shelf label due to the communication interruption to the shelf label server that manages and supervises the electronic shelf label system, and the shelf label server recovers the electronic shelf label. Can be performed optimally.

  In all the electronic shelf label systems described above, it is preferable to use a wireless communication line as the communication line.

  According to the electronic shelf label system of the present invention, the electronic shelf label automatically includes at least the display data being displayed when the communication interruption occurs when the communication interruption occurs. It is possible to delete a part and display alternative display data instead. Therefore, for example, by deleting the price of the product and changing it to a display such as “Please contact the sales clerk” instead, the product information such as the price displayed on the electronic shelf label should be originally A situation different from the correct information can be avoided, and a situation in which the trust of the visitor is lost can be prevented.

  In addition, when the display content related to the product cannot be updated due to the communication interruption, it is possible to change the display content that does not directly relate to the product etc. to the product that needs to be updated in a timely manner. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid the state where the electronic shelf label is not displaying the correct information that should be originally displayed, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which the customer's trust is lost.

  In addition, when the detection point of communication interruption exists within a predetermined display period, display change processing is not performed, and when the detection point of communication interruption does not exist within a predetermined display period. By performing the display change process, it is possible to optimally display the electronic shelf label with respect to the communication interruption in accordance with each product or each sales situation.

  In addition, even if the display change processing is not performed because the detection time of communication interruption is within a predetermined display period, the display period may be overdue due to the passage of time after detection of communication interruption. By performing the display change process when the point of time is reached, it is possible to optimally display the electronic shelf label with respect to the communication interruption in accordance with each product or each sales situation.

  In addition, in the above case, if the cancellation of communication interruption is detected before the display period is over, display change processing is not performed, so that unnecessary display change processing is performed for display of the electronic shelf label for communication interruption. The electronic shelf label can be optimally displayed for each product, each sales situation, and the like.

  In addition, even after the electronic shelf label performs the display change process, it differs from the alternative display data on the condition that the cancellation of the communication interruption is not detected within a predetermined period from the time when the display change process is performed. By performing the display re-changing process for displaying the alternative display data, for example, even when the communication interruption continues for a long time, the electronic shelf label can be displayed optimally.

  In addition, by performing the display change process on the condition that the display change process is not prohibited, it is also possible to adopt as an option that the display change is not performed as the display change process. The shelf label can be displayed optimally for each product.

  In addition, the shelf label data includes information on the mode that defines the condition, and the electronic shelf label makes a judgment of the condition based on the information on this mode, so that communication interruption is detected. In this case, the conditions for the display change processing of the electronic shelf label can be determined by the mode to be put on the shelf label data transmitted from the shelf label server to the electronic shelf label by the shelf label communication. This can be easily done with a bill server. Therefore, the display of the electronic shelf label for communication interruption can be flexibly handled according to each product or each sales situation.

  Further, when the electronic shelf label detects the cancellation of the communication interruption after the detection of the communication interruption, the electronic shelf label system manages the electronic shelf label system by providing information on the state of the electronic shelf label to the shelf label server. Information relating to the display change of the electronic shelf label due to the communication interruption can be provided to the central shelf label server, and recovery of the electronic shelf label by the shelf label server can be optimally performed.

  Hereinafter, an electronic shelf label system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the electronic shelf label system in the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the electronic shelf label system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of electronic shelf labels 1 and a shelf label server 2. The electronic shelf label 1 and the shelf label server 2 are connected by a wireless communication line. This electronic shelf label system is a system installed in a store such as a supermarket or a retail store. In this electronic shelf label system, shelf label data including product information is transmitted from the shelf label server 2 to the electronic shelf label 1 via a wireless communication line, and a part of the shelf label data received by the electronic shelf label 1 is displayed. It is a structure to display as.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the shelf label server 2. In FIG. 2, the shelf label server 2 includes a CPU 21, a memory 22, an HDD 23, a wireless communication unit 24, a display unit 25, and an operation unit 26 as hardware. These units are connected to each other via a control line 27 including a data bus and an address bus connected to the CPU 21. The CPU 21 is composed of a microprocessor, and the memory 22 is composed of RAM, flash memory, or the like. The HDD 23 stores software such as an OS necessary for controlling the shelf label server 2 and various processing programs. The CPU 21 uses the software installed in the HDD 23 to store the shelf label server 2. Various processes in are performed. The wireless communication unit 24 performs wireless communication with the electronic shelf label 1.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic shelf label 1. In FIG. 3, the electronic shelf label 1 includes a CPU 11, a memory 12, a wireless communication unit 13, and a display unit 14 as hardware. These units are connected to each other via a control line 15 including a data bus and an address bus connected to the CPU 11.

  In FIG. 3, the CPU 11 is constituted by a microprocessor. The memory 12 includes a flash memory, a RAM, and the like, and stores software such as an OS and various processing programs necessary to control the electronic shelf label 1. The CPU 11 performs various processes using software installed in the memory 12. Further, the CPU 11 has a timekeeping and calendar function, and can acquire the date and time at an arbitrary time. The wireless communication unit 13 includes an antenna 13 a and transmits / receives various information to / from the shelf label server 2. The display unit 14 is composed of an LCD and displays the product name, quantity, unit price, and the like.

  As the LCD used in the display unit 14, a memory liquid crystal (cholesteric liquid crystal) may be used. Since this memory liquid crystal can display the data even after the data is once displayed on the liquid crystal even if the memory liquid crystal is turned off, the memory liquid crystal is used for the electronic shelf label 1. There is an advantage from the viewpoint of power consumption. However, since the display may be deteriorated due to ultraviolet rays or temperature changes, it is recommended to automatically turn on the power periodically to refresh the display data even when the memory liquid crystal is turned off. The

  FIG. 4 is an external view showing the external appearance of the electronic shelf label 1. On the surface of the electronic shelf label 1, a display unit 14 composed of an LCD is formed. An antenna 13 a is formed on the upper portion of the display unit 14.

  Next, the operation function of the electronic shelf label system in the present embodiment will be described. In the electronic shelf label system according to the present embodiment, as described above with reference to FIG. 1, the electronic shelf label 1 and the shelf label server 2 are connected by a wireless communication line. Wireless communication between the shelf label server 2 and the electronic shelf label 1 performed via the wireless communication line is referred to as shelf label communication.

  This shelf label communication system is a wireless communication system such as a kind of wireless LAN system, and the shelf label server 2 is provided with an access point. A beacon is broadcast from the access point to the electronic shelf label 1.

  This beacon is a packet transmitted from the access point at a constant time interval in order to synchronize the wireless LAN network. By receiving this beacon, the electronic shelf label 1 acquires information necessary for communicating with the shelf label server 2 and establishes communication with the shelf label server 2. Therefore, in order for the electronic shelf label 1 to communicate with the shelf label server 2, reception of this beacon is indispensable. Therefore, the electronic shelf label 1 monitors the reception of this beacon, and determines that the shelf label communication with the shelf label server 2 has been interrupted if the reception of this beacon continues for a certain period. This disruption of shelf label communication is referred to as communication disruption. A specific communication interruption determination method for determining whether or not this communication interruption has occurred will be described later.

  When the shelf label communication between the shelf label server 2 and the electronic shelf label 1 is established, the shelf label server 2 sends the shelf label data related to the product assigned to the electronic shelf label 1 to the electronic shelf label 1. It is transmitted and received by the electronic shelf label 1. The received shelf label data is stored in a shelf label data storage area provided in the memory 12 of the electronic shelf label 1. The contents of the shelf label data will be described later.

  The electronic shelf label 1 displays a part of the shelf label data received by the shelf label communication on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1 as display data. In addition, when the shelf label communication is interrupted, the electronic shelf label 1 automatically deletes at least a part of the displayed display data and displays the alternative display data instead. To do. When the shelf label communication is interrupted, the process of automatically deleting at least part of the display data being displayed and displaying the alternative display data instead is referred to as “display change”.

  FIG. 5 is a shelf label data configuration diagram showing a configuration of shelf label data acquired by the electronic shelf label 1 through shelf label communication. As shown in FIG. 5, the shelf label data includes the shelf label number, the product number, the first display data (D1), the second display data (D2), the display change mode (M), the display period, and the interruption reference duration. , Display substitution target classification (K), first substitution display data (D3), and second substitution display data (D4).

  Among these, the shelf label number is a number assigned to the electronic shelf label 1 in order to identify the electronic shelf label 1. The product number is a number assigned to the product in order to identify the product displayed by the electronic shelf label 1. The first display data (D1) is display data that does not relate to the price, and corresponds to the product name in the present embodiment. The second display data (D2) is display data related to the price, and corresponds to the price and catch phrase in the present embodiment. Examples of the catch phrase include “time service”, “today's sale”, “advertisement”, and the like.

  These shelf label numbers, product numbers, first display data (D1), and second display data (D2) are set by the shelf label server 2 with the most suitable contents for the products displayed on the electronic shelf label 1. Is done. The electronic shelf label 1 normally displays the first display data (D1) and the second display data (D2) on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1. That is, in the shelf label data, the display data used for display on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1 is the first display data (D1) and the second display data (D2).

  In the shelf label data shown in FIG. 5, in the display change mode (M), when the communication interruption occurs, at least a part of the display data displayed on the electronic shelf label 1 is deleted. In this mode, conditions for determining whether or not to change display for displaying data are defined. FIG. 6 is a display change mode list table showing the mode types of the display change mode (M). As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, four types of modes, M = A, M = B, M = C, and M = D, are defined as the display change mode (M). Of these four modes, the most suitable mode for the product displayed on the electronic shelf label 1 is selected and set by the shelf label server 2.

  In FIG. 6, when the display change mode (M) is M = A, the display is immediately changed unconditionally when communication is interrupted. Which part of the shelf label data is deleted and the display data for replacement is displayed on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1, that is, the display change range is a display replacement target described later included in the shelf label data. Follow category (K). In addition, as display data for replacement used for display replacement, first replacement display data (D3) described later included in the shelf label data is used.

  In M = B, when communication interruption occurs, display change is not performed when the communication interruption time is within the display period, but when the communication interruption time is not within the display period, or communication interruption occurs. After that, the display is changed when the display period is exceeded due to the passage of time. However, if the communication interruption is resolved before the display period is over, the display is not changed. The range of the display change follows the display substitution target classification (K) included in the shelf label data, similarly to M = A. Further, as the substitute data used for the display substitute, the first substitute display data (D3) included in the shelf label data is used similarly to M = A. The display period is the display period described above that constitutes the shelf label data.

  In M = C, in addition to the processing content in M = B, if the communication interruption is not resolved even after a predetermined time has elapsed after performing the above-mentioned display change, the content differs from the display change already made. Change the display again. However, if the communication interruption is resolved before the predetermined time elapses after the above display change, the redisplay change is not performed. This redisplay change deletes all the display contents that have been displayed so far, and uses the second alternative display data (D4) included in the shelf label data as display data for replacement. The predetermined time corresponds to the above-described disruption reference duration, which is information constituting shelf label data.

  When M = D, the display is not changed even if communication is interrupted. That is, at M = D, even if communication is interrupted, the display on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1 displayed when the communication is interrupted is maintained as it is.

  In the shelf label data shown in FIG. 5, the display substitution target classification (K) indicates that when the communication interruption occurs, the electronic shelf label 1 deletes which part of the shelf label data and the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1. The alternative display is performed, that is, the range of display change is shown. FIG. 7 is a list table of display substitution target sections showing the types of display substitution target sections (K). As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, three types of divisions K = 1, K = 2, and K = 3 are defined as display substitution target divisions (K). Of these three types of categories, the category most suitable for the product displayed on the electronic shelf label 1 is selected and set by the shelf label server 2. However, this display substitution target classification (K) is not used when the display change mode (M) is M = D.

  The above K = 1 is only the second display data (D2) which is the display data regarding the price among the first display data (D1) and the second display data (D2) which are the display data included in the shelf label data. This is a category for deleting and performing alternative display on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1. K = 2 is a classification in which the display data included in the shelf label data is deleted and the alternative display is performed on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1. That is, when K = 2, the first display data (D1) and the second display data (D2) are deleted, and the alternative display on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1 is performed. K = 3 is a section in which all the data other than the data for replacement necessary for the replacement display is deleted from the shelf label data and the replacement display on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1 is performed.

  In the shelf label data shown in FIG. 5, the first alternative display data (D3) and the second alternative display data (D4) are initially displayed in order to change the display on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1. This is alternative display data used to delete the displayed information and display it instead of the deleted display. The first alternative display data (D3) is not used when M = D in the display change mode (M). The second alternative display data (D4) is used only when M = C in the display change mode (M). FIG. 8 is a list table of substitute display data showing an example of substitute display data used for the first substitute display data (D3) and the second substitute display data (D4). The first alternative display data (D3) and the second alternative display data (D4) are the alternative display data most suitable for the commodity displayed on the electronic shelf label 1 from the alternative display data shown in FIG. It is selected and set in the shelf label server 2.

  In the electronic shelf label system according to the present embodiment, the electronic shelf label 1 has a shelf label status (TS) and a beacon reception status (BS) in order to realize the operation function of the electronic shelf label system. I have. Each of these statuses is stored and held in the memory 12 of the electronic shelf label 1.

  The beacon reception status (BS) is a status indicating the reception state of the beacon described above. FIG. 9 is a beacon reception status list table showing the types of beacon reception status (BS). As shown in FIG. 9, as the beacon reception status (BS), there are four stages of statuses BS = 0 to BS = 3.

  Since this beacon reception status is related to the communication interruption determination method, the communication interruption determination method will be described. In the electronic shelf label system according to the present embodiment, the electronic shelf label 1 receives a beacon from an access point, but when a predetermined number of consecutive occurrences of no beacon occur within a certain time since the previous beacon reception. It is determined that a communication interruption has occurred. Conversely, if no beacon is received within a certain period of time since the previous beacon reception has not occurred for a predetermined number of times, it is determined that no communication interruption has occurred.

  In the above-described beacon reception status (BS) shown in FIG. 9, BS = 0 represents a state where no beacon is received. BS = 1 represents a state in which no communication interruption occurs. That is, it is a state in which a beacon is received at least once and a predetermined number of times that a beacon is not received continuously within a certain time since the previous beacon reception. BS = 2 represents a state in which communication interruption occurs. That is, a state in which a beacon is not received within a certain period of time since the previous beacon reception occurs continuously a predetermined number of times. BS = 3 represents a state in which the communication interruption is resolved after BS = 2 occurs.

  The shelf label status (TS) is a status indicating the state of the electronic shelf label 1 itself related to the display change state on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1. FIG. 10 is a shelf label status list table showing the types of the shelf label status (TS). As shown in FIG. 10, there are 9 levels of shelf label status (TS), TS = 0 to TS = 8.

  Among these, TS = 0 represents the initial processing end state of the electronic shelf label 1. This initial processing end state is a state in which the electronic shelf label 1 is turned on and the electronic shelf label 1 has completed the initial processing. That is, TS = 0 indicates that the hardware and software of the electronic shelf label 1 are normal.

  TS = 1 represents a state in which normal display data relating to a product displayed by the electronic shelf label 1 is displayed on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1. That is, the first display data (D1) and the second display data (D2) of the shelf label data are displayed on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1.

  TS = 2 represents a state in which the communication is interrupted and the display is changed unconditionally when M = A. Since M = A is a mode in which the display change is immediately performed unconditionally when communication interruption occurs, when M = A, the display change is immediately performed when communication interruption occurs, and TS = 2. Become.

  TS = 3 represents a state in which communication is interrupted when M = B, but the display is not changed because the current time is within the display period. TS = 4 represents a state in which a communication change has occurred when M = B and the display is changed because the current time is out of the display period.

  TS = 5 represents a state in which communication is interrupted when M = C, but the display is not changed because the current time is within the display period. TS = 6 represents a state in which the communication is interrupted when M = C and the display is changed because the current time is out of the display period. Also, TS = 7 represents a state in which re-display change is performed because, when M = C, the communication interruption is not resolved even if the interruption reference continuation time elapses after the display change is performed.

  TS = 8 represents a state where a communication interruption has occurred when M = D, but the display has not been changed. This is because M = D is a mode in which the display is not changed even if communication is interrupted.

  Next, the operation of the electronic shelf label 1 will be described. FIGS. 11 to 19 are flowcharts showing the operation of the electronic shelf label 1. 11 is a flowchart showing the beacon reception monitoring process of the electronic shelf label 1, and FIGS. 12 to 19 are flowcharts showing the shelf label display process of the electronic shelf label 1. These beacon reception monitoring processing (FIG. 11) and shelf label display processing (FIGS. 12 to 19) are multitask processing, and are simultaneously processed in parallel by the CPU 11 of the electronic shelf label 1. Synchronization is achieved between each other.

  First, the beacon reception monitoring process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 will be described. In this beacon reception monitoring process, a beacon monitoring counter (CT) and a beacon monitoring timer (TM) configured by software are used to execute the process. In FIG. 11, the beacon reception status (BS) is abbreviated as BS, the beacon monitoring counter (CT) is abbreviated as CT, and the beacon monitoring timer (TM) is abbreviated as TM.

  Whether the above-described beacon monitoring counter (CT) and beacon monitoring timer (TM) continuously receive a beacon within a predetermined time from the reception of the previous beacon in a state of BS = 1. Used to check That is, the predetermined time is set as the time-up time of the beacon monitoring timer (TM), and the predetermined number of times is set as the count-up number N of the beacon monitoring counter (CT). For example, 1 second is used as the predetermined time, and 120 times is used as the predetermined number N, for example.

  In the flowchart of the beacon reception monitoring process shown in FIG. 11, since the electronic shelf label 1 has not received any beacons at the time of power-on, the above-described beacon reception status (BS) is set to BS = 0. (S1). Next, the electronic shelf label 1 checks whether or not a beacon is received from the access point, and waits until it is received (S2). That is, since no beacon is received in the state of BS = 0, if the electronic shelf label 1 is in a malfunctioning state and it is found that BS = 0, the cause of the malfunctioning is It turns out that it is in the function of beacon reception.

  When a beacon from the access point is received in S2, the beacon reception status (BS) is set to BS = 1 (S3). Next, the beacon monitoring counter (CT) is cleared (S4), the beacon monitoring timer (TM) is set to the predetermined time (S5), and the beacon monitoring timer (TM) is started (S6). ).

  Next, it is checked whether or not a beacon is received from the shelf label server 2 in the electronic shelf label 1 (S7). When a beacon is received, the process returns to S4, and the processes after S4 are repeated. If a beacon is not received in S7 (S7), then it is checked whether the beacon monitoring timer (TM) has timed up (S8). If the time has not expired, the process returns to S7 to repeat the processing from S7 onward. .

  If the beacon monitoring timer (TM) has expired in S8, the beacon monitoring counter (CT) is incremented (S9). Then, it is checked whether or not the beacon monitoring counter (CT) has reached the predetermined number (S10). If the predetermined number has not been reached, the process returns to S5 and repeats the processes after S5.

  If the beacon monitoring counter (CT) has reached the predetermined number in S10, the beacon reception status (BS) is set to BS = 2 (S11), and the process proceeds to S12.

  As described above, in the beacon reception status (BS), BS = 2 represents a state in which communication is interrupted. Therefore, in BS11, when BS = 2, it can be understood that communication is interrupted. That is, by checking whether or not the beacon reception status (BS) is BS = 2, it is possible to know whether or not a communication interruption has occurred. This check is used in S31 of the shelf label display process shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.

  In S12, the electronic shelf label 1 is checked again for beacon reception from the access point. When a beacon is received, this indicates that the communication interruption has been eliminated, so the beacon reception status (BS) is changed to BS = 3 (S13), the beacon reception monitoring process is terminated. That is, by checking whether the beacon reception status (BS) is BS = 3, it is possible to know whether or not the communication interruption has been resolved. This check is used in various parts of the shelf label display process shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.

  Therefore, in the beacon reception monitoring process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11, as described above, occurrence of communication interruption in the electronic shelf label 1 and cancellation of this communication interruption are detected.

  Next, the shelf label display processing of the electronic shelf label 1 shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 12 to 19 will be described. 12 to 19, the shelf label status (TS) is abbreviated as TS, the beacon reception status (BS) is abbreviated as BS, and the display change mode (M) is abbreviated as M.

  First, in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the initial process of the electronic shelf label 1 is first performed (S21), and when this is completed (S22), the shelf label status (TS) is set to TS = 0 (S23). Next, when the beacon reception status (BS) is BS = 1 (performed in S3 of the beacon reception monitoring process (FIG. 11)) (S24), communication between the electronic shelf label 1 and the shelf label server is performed. Since it is in the established state, the shelf label status (TS) is transmitted to the shelf label server 2 (S25).

  Then, the shelf label server 2 can confirm that the hardware and software of the electronic shelf label 1 are normal by receiving the shelf label status (TS) = 0 of the electronic shelf label 1. 1 to transmit the shelf label data for the electronic shelf label 1. Therefore, the electronic shelf label 1 checks whether or not shelf label data has been received from this shelf label server (S26), and if it has been received (S27), performs a normal display process (S28). In the normal display process, the electronic shelf label 1 displays the first display data (D1) and the second display data (D2) of the shelf label data on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1. Then, the shelf label status (TS) is set to TS = 1 (S29), the shelf label status (TS) is transmitted to the shelf label server 2 (S30), and the process proceeds to S31.

  In S31, it is checked whether the beacon reception status (BS) is BS = 2 (performed in S11 of the beacon reception monitoring process (FIG. 11)) (S31). As described above, in the beacon reception status (BS), BS = 2 represents a state in which communication interruption has occurred. Therefore, as long as the beacon reception status (BS) does not become BS = 2 in the check of S31, communication is not interrupted, so that the display by the normal display process performed in S28 is maintained as it is. That is, the state where the normal display data regarding the product displayed by the electronic shelf label 1 is displayed on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1 is continued.

  If the beacon reception status (BS) becomes BS = 2 in the check of S31, communication is interrupted. Next, the data is stored in the shelf label data storage area provided in the memory 12 of the electronic shelf label 1. The display change mode (M) in the shelf label data being checked is checked (S32 to S35).

  When the display change mode (M) is checked, if M = A (S32), processing for mode A is performed (S50), if M = B (S33), processing for mode B is performed (S60), If M = C (S34), mode C processing is performed (S70), and if M = D (S35), mode D processing is performed (S90). When any of these processes is completed, the shelf label status (TS) is transmitted to the shelf label server 2 (S36), and the shelf label display process is terminated.

  Next, processing for each of these display change modes will be described. First, the mode A process (S50) will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mode A process (S50). The mode A process (S50) is a process when M = A. When M = A, when the communication is interrupted, the display is immediately changed unconditionally. Therefore, in FIG. 14, first, the abnormal display first process is performed (S100). When this abnormal display first process ends, the shelf label status (TS) is set to TS = 2 (S51), and the process proceeds to S52. In S52, it is checked whether the beacon reception status (BS) is BS = 3 (performed in S13 of the beacon reception monitoring process (FIG. 11)). If BS = 3, the process for mode A ( S50) is terminated.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the abnormal display first process (S100). In the abnormal display first process (S100), in FIG. 18, first, it is checked whether the display substitution target classification (K) in the shelf label data is K = 1 (S101). In addition, only the second display data (D2) which is display data relating to the price in the shelf label data is deleted (S102), and the first alternative display data in the shelf label data is substituted for the deleted second display data (D2). (D3) is displayed on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1 (S103), and the abnormal display first process (S100) is terminated. In this case, the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1 displays the first display data (D1) and the first alternative display data (D3) in the shelf label data.

  If the display substitution target category (K) is not K = 1 in S101, then it is checked whether the display substitution target category (K) is K = 2 (S104). In addition, the first display data (D1) and the second display data (D2), which are display data in the shelf label data, are deleted (S105), and the deleted first display data (D1) and second Instead of the display data (D2), the first alternative display data (D3) in the shelf label data is displayed on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1 (S106), and the abnormal display first process (S100) is terminated. In this case, only the first alternative display data (D3) in the shelf label data is displayed on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1.

  If the display substitution target category (K) is not K = 2 in S104, it is next checked whether the display substitution target category (K) is K = 3 (S107). If K = 3, then, All the data except for the first alternative display data (D3) and the second alternative display data (D4) in the shelf label data is deleted (S108), and the first alternative in the shelf label data is replaced with the deleted data. The alternative display data (D3) is displayed on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1 (S109), and the abnormal display first process (S100) is terminated. In this case, only the first alternative display data (D3) in the shelf label data is displayed on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1.

  When the display substitution target classification (K) is K = 2 and K = 3, the range of data to be deleted is different, and the data displayed on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1 is both Only the first alternative display data (D3) in the shelf label data. If K = 3 in S107, nothing is done and the abnormal display first process (S100) is terminated. A specific example of the above-described first abnormal display process (S100) will be described later.

  Next, the mode B process (S60) will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mode B process (S60). The mode B process (S60) is a process when M = B, and when M = B, when a communication interruption occurs, the display is changed when the time when the communication interruption occurs is within the display period. However, the display is changed when the point of time when communication is interrupted is not within the display period, or when the communication is interrupted and the display period is exceeded due to the passage of time. However, if the communication interruption is resolved before the display period is over, the display is not changed.

  Therefore, in FIG. 15, first, the current date and time are acquired by using the timekeeping and calendar function of the CPU 11 of the electronic shelf label 1 (S61), and the acquired date and time are stored in the shelf label data. It is checked whether it exists within the display period at (S62). The date and time at this time are substantially the same as the date and time when the beacon reception status (BS) that caused the need for the mode B processing (S60) becomes BS = 2. In other words, the acquisition of the date and time can be regarded as the acquisition of the date and time when the communication interruption occurs. Therefore, checking whether or not the acquired date and time is within the display period in the shelf label data is substantially synonymous with checking whether or not the point of time when communication is lost is within the display period. It is.

  If the acquired date and time does not exist within the display period in the check of whether or not the acquired date and time are within the display period in the shelf label data in S62 (S63), this state is This corresponds to the time when the communication interruption occurred is not within the display period. In this case, since the display needs to be changed, the above-described abnormal display first process (S100) is performed. When this abnormal display first process (S100) is completed, the shelf label status (TS) is set to TS = 4 (S66), and the process proceeds to S67. In S67, it is checked whether the beacon reception status (BS) is BS = 3 (performed in S13 of the beacon reception monitoring process (FIG. 11)). If BS = 3 (S67), mode B The process (S60) is terminated.

  In the check in S62, if the acquired date and time are within the display period in the check of whether or not the acquired date and time are within the display period in the shelf label data (S63), this state is This corresponds to the time when the communication interruption occurs within the display period. In this case, since there is no need to change the display, the shelf label status (TS) is set to TS = 3 (S64), and the process proceeds to S65.

  In S65, it is checked whether the beacon reception status (BS) is BS = 3 (performed in S13 of the beacon reception monitoring process (FIG. 11)). If this beacon reception status (BS) is a check as to whether BS = 3 or not, if BS = 3, the process returns to S61, and the processes after S61 are repeated. In this case, unless the beacon reception status (BS) becomes BS = 3, that is, unless the communication interruption is resolved, the process returns to S61 to acquire the current date and time (S61). And whether or not the time is within the display period in the shelf label data is checked (S62), and as long as the acquired date and time are within the display period (S63), the routines from S61 to S65 are executed. Repeatedly.

  Therefore, in the routine from S61 to S65, before the communication interruption is resolved (S65), it is obtained by checking whether or not the acquired date and time are within the display period in the shelf label data in S62. If the date and time are no longer within the display period (S63), the above-described display change needs to be performed, and the above-described abnormal display first process (S100) is performed. This state corresponds to a case where the display period is lost due to the passage of time after the communication interruption.

  Also, in the routine of S61 to S65, the acquired date and time are checked in S62 to determine whether or not the acquired date and time are within the display period in the shelf label data. If the communication interruption is resolved before it does not exist (S63) (S65), the mode B processing (S60) is terminated as it is. In this case, the above-described first abnormal display processing (S100) Is not done. That is, the display is not changed. This state corresponds to the case where the communication interruption is resolved before the display period is over.

  Next, the mode C process (S70) will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mode C processing (S70). The process for mode C (S70) is a process when M = C. In M = C, in addition to the processing contents at M = B, the display change by the above-described first abnormal display process (S100) was performed. Thereafter, when the communication interruption is not resolved even after a predetermined time has elapsed, a redisplay change of contents different from the display change already made is performed. However, if the communication interruption is resolved before the predetermined time elapses after the display change by the abnormal display first process (S100), the redisplay change is not performed.

  Therefore, in the process for mode C (S70), the process in M = B, that is, the same process as the process for mode B (S60) described above is performed, and the process related to the redisplay change is performed. Accordingly, in FIG. 16, S71 to S76 are substantially the same as S61 to S66 in the mode B process (S60), including the first abnormal display process (S100), and are different from the processes of S61 to S66. S74 for S64 changes the shelf label status (TS) from TS = 3 to TS = 5, and S76 for S66 changes the shelf label status (TS) from TS = 4 to TS = 6. Only. However, in the mode C process (S70), when the date and time at which the abnormal display first process (S100) was performed are acquired, they are stored in the memory 12 of the electronic shelf label 1.

  As described above, the process for mode C (S70) is different from the process in M = B in the process related to the redisplay change. Therefore, the mode C process (S70) will be described after S77 in FIG. 16 showing the operation related to the redisplay change related process.

  S77 in FIG. 16 is a process after the above-described first abnormal display process (S100) and the process of setting the shelf label status (TS) to TS = 6 (S76). In S77, it is checked whether the beacon reception status (BS) is BS = 3 (performed in S13 of the beacon reception monitoring process (FIG. 11)). If BS = 3, the communication interruption is resolved. Therefore, the process for mode C (S70) is terminated, and if BS = 3, the process proceeds to S78.

  In S78, the date and time at this time are acquired by using the timekeeping and calendar function provided in the CPU 11 of the electronic shelf label 1 (S78), and at the time of the acquired date and time, the above-mentioned abnormal display status is displayed. It is checked whether or not the disruption reference duration in the shelf label data has elapsed since the time when the display was changed by one process (S100) (S79). At the time of the acquired date and time, if it is determined whether or not the disruption standard duration has elapsed in the shelf label data since the time when the display was changed, and if the disruption standard duration has not elapsed, S77 Returning to step S77, the processes after S77 are repeated. When the discontinuation reference duration has elapsed, as described above, the redisplay change is performed. Specifically, the abnormal display second process (S200) is performed.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the second abnormal display process (S200). In the abnormal display second process (S200), in FIG. 19, first, the second alternative display data (D4) of the shelf label data stored in the shelf label data storage area provided in the memory 12 of the electronic shelf label 1 is used. All the stored data such as product information except for the data is deleted (S201), and the second alternative display data (D4) in the shelf label data is displayed on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1 in place of the deleted data. In step S202, the abnormal display second process (S200) ends. In this case, only the second alternative display data (D4) in the shelf label data is displayed on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1. A specific example of the abnormal display second process (S200) will be described later.

  If the beacon reception status (BS) does not become BS = 3 in the check of whether or not the beacon reception status (BS) is BS = 3 in S77, the process proceeds to S78 unless the communication interruption is resolved. Go back and acquire the date and time at this time, and check whether the disruption standard duration in the shelf label data has elapsed since the display was changed at the time of the acquired date and time. This is done (S79), and in this check, unless the interruption reference duration in the shelf label data has elapsed since the time when the display was changed (S80), the process returns to S77, so the routine from S77 to S80 is repeated. .

  Therefore, before the communication interruption is resolved in the routine from S77 to S80 (S77), the interruption reference duration in the shelf label data from the time when the communication interruption occurred at the acquired date and time in S79. In the check of whether or not the time has elapsed, when the discontinuation reference duration elapses from the time when the display is changed at the acquired date and time (S80), the abnormal display second process (S200) is performed. This state corresponds to the case where the communication interruption is not resolved even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the display change by the abnormal display first process (S100).

  Also, in the routine from S77 to S80, at the time of the acquired date and time in S79, check whether or not the discontinuation reference duration in the shelf label data has elapsed since the time when the display was changed. At the time of acquisition date and time, before the disruption standard duration elapses from the time when the display is changed (S80), if the communication disruption is resolved (S77), the mode C is used as it is. Since the process (S70) is ended, in this case, the above-described abnormal display second process (S200) is not performed. That is, no redisplay change is performed. This state corresponds to the case where the communication interruption is resolved before a predetermined time elapses after the display change by the abnormal display first process (S100).

  When the second abnormal display process (S200) is completed, the shelf label status (TS) is set to TS = 7 (S81), and the process proceeds to S82. In S82, it is checked whether the beacon reception status (BS) is BS = 3 (performed in S13 of the beacon reception monitoring process (FIG. 11)), and if BS = 3, the communication interruption is resolved. Therefore, the mode C processing (S70) is terminated.

  Next, the mode D process (S90) will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mode D process (S90). The mode D processing (S90) does not change the display even if communication is interrupted. That is, at M = D, even if communication is interrupted, the display on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1 displayed when the communication is interrupted is maintained as it is.

  Therefore, in FIG. 17, first, as the redrawing process in the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1, the same normal display process as that performed in S28 of the shelf label display process (FIG. 12) of the electronic shelf label 1 is performed (S91). Next, the shelf label status (TS) is set to TS = 8 (S92), and the process proceeds to S93. In S93, it is checked whether the beacon reception status (BS) is BS = 3 (performed in S13 of the beacon reception monitoring process (FIG. 11)), and if BS = 3, the communication interruption is resolved. Therefore, the mode D process (S90) is terminated.

  In the shelf label display process described above, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 13, when one of the process for mode A (S50) to the process for mode D (S90) ends and reaches S36, the beacon reception status is displayed. Since (BS) is BS = 3, the communication interruption is eliminated. Therefore, since the electronic shelf label 1 can transmit the shelf label status (TS) to the shelf label server 2, the process of transmitting the shelf label status (TS) to the shelf label server 2 in S36 can be performed. it can.

  By transmitting the shelf label status (TS) to the shelf label server 2, the shelf label server 2 displays the status of the display change due to the communication interruption occurring in the electronic shelf label 1 from the electronic shelf label 1. It can be known from the status (TS). Therefore, the shelf label server 2 can instruct the electronic shelf label 1 to perform processing such as recovery based on the transmitted shelf label status (TS).

  Next, in the above-described shelf label display processing (FIGS. 13 to 19), the shelf label data when the display change mode (M) is M = A, M = B, M = C, and M = D. And the display on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1 will be described using Examples 1 to 5 below.

  First, FIG. 20 shows shelf label data in Example 1, in which the display change mode (M) is M = A and the display replacement target category (K) is K = 1. In this case, the display on the display unit 14 by the normal display process of S28 in the shelf label display process is as shown in FIG.

  Further, since M = A is a mode in which the display is changed immediately unconditionally when a communication interruption occurs, the first abnormal display process (S100) in the mode A process (S50) when the communication interruption occurs. The display on the display unit 14 is as shown in FIG. In this case, since the display substitution target category (K) is K = 1, the price “¥ 130” and the catch phrase “2” of the second display data (D2), which is display data related to the price displayed by the normal display process, are displayed. “Time service” is deleted, and “Please contact the sales clerk for price” of the first alternative display data (D3) is displayed instead.

  FIG. 23 shows the shelf label data in Example 2. The display change mode (M) is M = A, and the display replacement target category (K) is K = 2. In this case, the display substitution target classification (K) is the same as the above except that K = 2. Accordingly, the display on the display unit 14 by the normal display process of S28 in the shelf label display process is as shown in FIG. 24 and is the same as FIG.

  On the other hand, the display by the abnormal display first process (S100) in the process for mode A (S50) is as shown in FIG. 25 because the display substitution target classification (K) is K = 2. That is, the product name “apple”, price “¥ 130”, and catch phrase “time service” in the first display data (D1) and the second display data (D2), which are display data displayed by the normal display process. Are all deleted, and instead of the first substitute display data (D3), “Please contact the store clerk for the product” is displayed.

  As described above, when the display substitution target category (K) is K = 2 and K = 3, only the range of data to be deleted is different, and the data displayed on the display unit 14 is Both are only the first alternative display data (D3) in the shelf label data. Therefore, in Example 2, when the display substitution target classification (K) is set to K = 3, the display on the display unit 14 is exactly the same as in the case of K = 2.

  FIG. 26 shows shelf label data in Example 3, in which the display change mode (M) is M = B and the display replacement target category (K) is K = 1. In this case, the display by the normal display process of S28 in the shelf label display process is as shown in FIG. In M = B, when communication interruption occurs, display change is not performed when the communication interruption time is within the display period, but when the communication interruption time is not within the display period, or The point in time at which the communication interruption occurred is within the display period, but after that, the display is changed when the display period is out of the display period. However, if the communication interruption is resolved before the display period is over, the display is not changed.

  As can be seen from FIG. 26, the display period in this example 3 is January 9th 17: 00 to January 9th 19:00, so if the communication interruption occurs within the display period (S63), That is, when the communication interruption occurs within the period from 17:00 on January 9 to 19:00 on January 9, the display on the display unit 14 does not change and is the same as FIG.

  On the other hand, when the communication interruption occurred is not within the display period (S63), or when the communication interruption occurred within the display period, and thereafter the display period is out of the display period (S63), That is, when the communication interruption occurs within the period from 17:00 on January 9 to 19:00 on January 9, or when the communication interruption occurs on January 9, 17:00 to January. Although it is within the period of 19:00 on the 9th, the display is changed when the time is not within the period of 19:00 on January 9th to 19:00 on January 9th. That is, the display is changed by the abnormal display first process (S100) in the mode B process (S60), and the display on the display unit 14 is as shown in FIG. However, if the communication interruption is resolved before the period from January 9th 17:00 to January 9th 19:00, the display on the display unit 14 does not change and is the same as FIG.

  In the abnormal display first process (S100) in the above-described mode B process (S60), since the display substitution target category (K) is K = 1, it is display data relating to the price displayed by the normal display process. The price “¥ 120” in the second display data (D2) and the catch phrase “Today's sale” are deleted. Instead, as shown in FIG. 28, the “price is up to the clerk” in the first alternative display data (D3) Please contact us "is displayed.

  FIG. 29 shows shelf label data in Example 4, in which the display change mode (M) is M = C, and the display replacement target category (K) is K = 1. In this case, the display on the display unit 14 by the normal display process of S28 in the shelf label display process is as shown in FIG.

Point addition, the M = C, as in the case of M = B, if the signal disruption through occurs, when the time of communication interruption has occurred is within the display period is not displayed changes, the communication interruption has occurred Is not within the display period, or the point in time at which the communication interruption occurred is within the display period, but thereafter, the display is changed when the display period is out of the display period. However, if the communication interruption is resolved before the display period is over, the display is not changed. In addition to this, when M = C, if the communication interruption is not resolved even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the display change by the abnormal display first process (S100), it is different from the display change already made. Change the content redisplay. However, if the communication interruption is resolved before the predetermined time elapses after the display change by the abnormal display first process (S100), the redisplay change is not performed.

  As can be seen from FIG. 29, the display period in this example 4 is from January 10th 5:00 to January 11th 5:00, so when the communication interruption occurs within the display period (S73), That is, when the communication interruption occurs in the period from January 10th 5:00:00 to January 11th 5:00, the display on the display unit 14 does not change and is the same as FIG.

  On the other hand, when the communication interruption occurred is not within the display period (S73), or when the communication interruption occurred within the display period, but subsequently deviates from the display period over time (S73), In other words, when the communication interruption is not within the period from 5:00 to January 11 at 5:00 on January 10, or when the communication interruption occurs at 5:00 to January on January 10. If it is within the period of 5:00 on the 11th, but is out of the period of 5:00 on January 10 to 5:00 on the 11th of January after the passage of time, the display is changed and mode C The display on the display unit 14 in the first abnormal display process (S100) in the process (S70) is as shown in FIG. However, when the communication interruption is resolved before the period from January 10th 5:00 to January 11th 5:00, the display on the display unit 14 does not change and is the same as FIG.

  Further, since the interruption reference continuation time in this example 4 is 24 hours, communication is performed even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the display change by the abnormal display first process (S100) in the mode C process (S70). If the interruption is not resolved (S80), that is, if the communication interruption is not eliminated even after 24 hours have elapsed after the display change in the abnormal display first process (S100) in the mode C process (S70), The display is changed again by the abnormal display second process (S200) in the C process (S70). The display by the abnormal display second process (S200) is as shown in FIG. However, if the communication interruption is resolved before 24 hours have elapsed after the display change in the first abnormal display process (S100), the redisplay change is not performed in the second abnormal display process (S200). The display of 14 remains as in FIG.

  In the abnormal display second process (S200) in the mode C process (S70), the shelf label data storage area is displayed when the display unit 14 is displayed in the abnormal display first process (S100) in the mode C process (S70). All the data other than the second alternative display data (D4) of the shelf label data stored in is deleted (S201), and instead of the deleted data, the second alternative display data (D4 in the shelf label data) is deleted. ) Is displayed (S202). That is, the product name “apple” of the first display data (D1) displayed on the display unit 14 by the abnormal display first processing (S100) and the “substitute price” of the first alternative display data (D3) "Please" is deleted, and instead, "Thank you for coming to the store" of the second alternative display data (D4) is displayed on the display unit 14, as shown above, as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 33 shows the shelf label data in Example 5, and the display change mode (M) is set since M = D and when M = D, the display substitution target classification (K) is not used. Absent. In this case, the display on the display unit 14 by the normal display process of S28 in the shelf label display process is as shown in FIG. Further, M = D is a mode in which the display is not changed even when communication is interrupted. Therefore, the display on the display unit 14 when the communication is interrupted is the same as FIG.

  According to the electronic shelf label system in the present embodiment described above, the electronic shelf label 1 automatically at least part of the display data being displayed when the communication interruption occurs when the communication interruption occurs. Can be deleted and alternative display data can be displayed instead. Therefore, as described above, the product information such as the price displayed on the electronic shelf label 1 can be obtained by deleting the price of the product and changing to a display such as “Please contact the store clerk for price” instead. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation that is different from the correct information that should originally be, and to prevent a situation in which the customer's trust is lost.

  In addition, as described above, if you cannot update the display content of the product due to disruption of communication, such as "Please contact the store clerk for the product" as described above, etc. In addition, it is possible to change the display contents not directly related to the product or the like. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid the state where the electronic shelf label 1 does not display the correct information that should be originally displayed, and it is possible to prevent the situation where the customer's trust is lost.

  In addition, when the occurrence time of communication interruption exists within a predetermined display period, the display is not changed, and when the occurrence time of communication interruption does not exist within a predetermined display period, By changing the display, it is possible to optimally display the electronic shelf label 1 with respect to communication interruption in accordance with each product, each sales situation, or the like.

  In addition, even when the display change is not performed because the point of occurrence of communication interruption is within a predetermined display period, the display period has been exceeded due to the passage of time after the occurrence of communication interruption. Since the display is changed when the point in time is reached, the display of the electronic shelf label 1 against the communication interruption can be optimally performed according to each product, each sales situation, and the like.

In addition, in the above case, if the cancellation of communication interruption is detected before the display period is over, the display change is not performed. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the useless display change with respect to the display of the electronic shelf label 1 for the communication interruption. In addition, the display of the electronic shelf label 1 for communication interruption can be optimally performed according to each product, each sales situation, and the like.

  Further, even after the electronic shelf label 1 changes the display, if the communication interruption is not resolved within a predetermined period from when the display is changed, the alternative display data different from the alternative display data is displayed. Since the display re-changing process is performed, for example, even when communication interruption continues for a long time, the electronic shelf label 1 can be optimally displayed.

  In addition, by changing the display on the condition that the display change is not prohibited, it is possible to adopt the option of not changing the display as a display change. It can be performed optimally for each product.

  In addition, since the shelf label data includes the display change mode (M), the electronic shelf label 1 can judge the condition based on the information of the mode, and constitutes a flexible electronic shelf label system. can do. In other words, the display change mode (M) for placing the conditions for changing the display of the electronic shelf label 1 when the communication is interrupted on the shelf label data transmitted from the shelf label server 2 to the electronic shelf label 1 by the shelf label communication. ) And the mode change can be easily performed by the shelf label server 2, so that the display of the electronic shelf label 1 with respect to the communication interruption can be flexibly adapted to each product or each sales situation. Can respond.

  When the communication interruption is resolved after the communication interruption is detected, the electronic shelf label 1 can provide the shelf label server 2 with a shelf label status (TS) that is information relating to the state of the electronic shelf label 1. Therefore, the recovery etc. with respect to the electronic shelf label 1 by the shelf label server 2 can be performed optimally.

  In the above electronic shelf label system, the catch phrase is provided in the second display data (D2) that is the display data relating to the price. However, since there may be a catch phrase that is not related to the price, the catch phrase is not related to the price. It is also possible to display the set catch phrase by providing only one catch phrase as well as providing the first display data (D1) as the display data. Alternatively, both may be set and both may be displayed.

  In the above electronic shelf label system, when the display substitution target classification (K) of the shelf label data is K = 2, the first display data (D1) and the second display data (D2) are deleted, An alternative display is performed on the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1. As the data used for this alternative display, the first alternative display data (D3) of shelf label data such as “please contact the store clerk for the price” as shown in FIG. 8 is used.

  In this case, for example, in the first display data (D1) and the second display data (D2), as the product information for the time service, the product name, the price for the time service, and the catch phrase “time service” ”And the method of setting the above-mentioned product name, price for normal sales, and catch phrase“ recommended product ”as the product information for normal sales in the first alternative display data (D3). It is done.

  In this case, the first display data (D1) and the second display data (D2) are displayed as the display of the display unit 14 by the normal display process. When communication is interrupted, the abnormal display first process The first alternative display data (D3) can be displayed by deleting the first display data (D1) and the second display data (D2). In this way, the price can be displayed by both the normal display process and the abnormal display first process. In this case, the area of the first alternative display data (D3) may be divided into two as in the case of the first display data (D1) and the second display data (D2).

  In the above electronic shelf label system, the display period, which is the data constituting the shelf label data, is expressed by using the date and time. Instead, only the date and time are used. May be expressed.

  In the above electronic shelf label system, four types of modes M = A, M = B, M = C, and M = D are used as the display change mode (M). Only M = D may be used, and either one may be set in the shelf label data of the electronic shelf label 1. In this case, if the display change mode (M) is M = A, the display is changed when communication is interrupted. If the display change mode (M) is M = D, the communication is interrupted. The display is not changed.

  In the above electronic shelf label system, the display change mode (M) is included in the shelf label data of the electronic shelf label 1 and the display change mode (M) is set to M = A, M = B, M = C, One of the four modes M = D is set in the shelf label data of the electronic shelf label 1. However, instead of using such a plurality of display change modes (M), only one of the modes is used, and the one type of mode is not included in the shelf label data of the electronic shelf label 1. A system can also be configured.

  For example, only M = A is set as the display change mode (M), and this display change mode (M) is deleted from the shelf label data of the electronic shelf label 1, and instead the display change mode (M) is set to M = Only the processing function in the case of A is installed in the software of the electronic shelf label 1.

  Similarly, the electronic shelf label 1 is provided with only a processing function when the display change mode (M) is M = B or only a processing function when the display change mode (M) is M = C. The system can be configured.

  The electronic shelf label system is configured by connecting the shelf label server 2 and the plurality of electronic shelf labels 1 via a wireless communication line, and wireless communication performed via the wireless communication line is interrupted. In this case, the system has a feature in a coping method with respect to the display of the electronic shelf label 1. However, even in an electronic shelf label system in which a shelf label server and a plurality of electronic shelf labels are connected by a wired communication line, it is possible that wired communication performed via the wired communication line is interrupted. Thus, the mechanism of the electronic shelf label system described above can also be used for an electronic shelf label system configured by connecting a shelf label server and a plurality of electronic shelf labels through a wired communication line.

  Further, in the above electronic shelf label system, when a memory type liquid crystal (cholesteric liquid crystal) is used for the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1, the memory type liquid crystal is displayed by ultraviolet rays, temperature changes, etc. as described above. May deteriorate. Therefore, the shelf label server 2 checks the display state of the display unit 14 of the electronic shelf label 1 and refreshes the display data of the display unit 14 from the shelf label server 2 to the electronic shelf label 1 when necessary. You may make it indicate.

  In the case of such a system, when communication interruption occurs, it is difficult to give a refresh instruction from the shelf label server 2, so that when the shelf label status (TS) is TS = 2 to TS = 8. The electronic shelf label 1 may be configured to automatically refresh the display data on the display unit 14 periodically.

It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the electronic shelf label system in this Embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the shelf label server in this Embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the electronic shelf label in this Embodiment. It is the external view which showed the external appearance of the electronic shelf label in this Embodiment. It is a shelf label data block diagram which showed the structure of the shelf label data in this Embodiment. It is a list table of display change mode of shelf label data in this embodiment. It is a list table of display substitution target classification of shelf label data in this embodiment. It is a list table of alternative display data of shelf label data in the present embodiment. It is a list table of the shelf label status of the electronic shelf label in the present embodiment. It is a list table of the beacon reception status of the electronic shelf label in the present embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the beacon reception monitoring process of the electronic shelf label in this Embodiment. It is the flowchart (the 1) which showed the shelf label display process of the electronic shelf label in this Embodiment. It is the flowchart (the 2) which showed the shelf label display process of the electronic shelf label in this Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the process for mode A of the electronic shelf label in this Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the process for mode B of the electronic shelf label in this Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the process for mode C of the electronic shelf label in this Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the process for mode D of the electronic shelf label in this Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the abnormal display 1st process of the electronic shelf label in this Embodiment. It is the flowchart which showed the abnormal display 2nd process of the electronic shelf label in this Embodiment. It is a shelf label data block diagram of Example 1 in this embodiment. It is a display figure (the 1) of the display part of the electronic shelf label of Example 1 in this Embodiment. It is a display figure (the 2) of the display part of the electronic shelf label of Example 1 in this Embodiment. It is a shelf label data block diagram of Example 2 in this embodiment. It is a display figure (the 1) of the display part of the electronic shelf label of Example 2 in this Embodiment. It is a display figure (the 2) of the display part of the electronic shelf label of Example 2 in this Embodiment. It is a shelf label data block diagram of Example 3 in this embodiment. It is a display figure (the 1) of the display part of the electronic shelf label of Example 3 in this Embodiment. It is a display figure (the 2) of the display part of the electronic shelf label of Example 3 in this Embodiment. It is a shelf label data block diagram of Example 4 in this embodiment. It is a display figure (the 1) of the display part of the electronic shelf label of Example 4 in this Embodiment. It is a display figure (the 2) of the display part of the electronic shelf label of Example 4 in this Embodiment. It is a display figure (the 3) of the display part of the electronic shelf label of Example 4 in this Embodiment. It is a shelf label data block diagram of Example 5 in this embodiment. It is a display figure of the display part of the electronic shelf label of Example 5 in this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Electronic shelf label 2 Shelf label server 11 CPU
12 Memory 13 Wireless Communication Unit 13a Antenna 14 Display Unit 15 Control Line 21 CPU
22 Memory 23 HDD
24 wireless communication unit 25 display unit 26 operation unit 27 control line

Claims (14)

A shelf label server and a plurality of electronic shelf labels are connected by a communication line, and the electronic shelf label is acquired by shelf label communication that is communication using the communication line with the shelf label server. An electronic shelf label system that displays at least part of data as display data,
The shelf label data is
First display data relating to the product name;
Second display data on price,
Alternative display data used for display alternatives;
A display replacement target section that predefines a display replacement target to be deleted from the display data,
The electronic shelf label, the condition that the front Kitanasatsu communication detects a communication interruption to disruption, have rows display change processing for displaying the representative display data is deleted at least a portion of said display data,
In the display change process, the display of the second display data is deleted and the alternative display data is displayed based on the display substitution target classification . A shelf label server and a plurality of electronic shelf labels are connected by a communication line, and the electronic shelf label is acquired by shelf label communication that is communication using the communication line with the shelf label server. An electronic shelf label system that displays at least part of data as display data,
The shelf label data is
First display data relating to the product name;
Second display data on price,
Alternative display data used for display alternatives;
A display replacement target section that predefines a display replacement target to be deleted from the display data,
The electronic shelf label performs a display change process that deletes at least a part of the display data and displays the alternative display data on the condition that the communication interruption in which the shelf label communication is interrupted is detected,
In the display change process, the display of the first display data and the second display data is deleted and the alternative display data is displayed based on the display substitution target classification.
Electronic shelf label system characterized by. The electronic shelf label system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electronic shelf label performs the display change process only by detecting the communication interruption as the condition. The electronic shelf label, in addition to the conditions, detection time of the communication interruption is a condition that does not exist in a predetermined display period, the claim 1 or claim performing display change process 2 electronic shelf label system according to. The electronic shelf label, when the communication interruption detection time is present within the predetermined display period, has reached that the display period has been reached after detection of the communication interruption. The electronic shelf label system according to claim 4 , wherein the display change process is performed. 6. The electronic shelf label system according to claim 5 , wherein the electronic shelf label does not perform the display change process on condition that the cancellation of the communication interruption is detected before reaching the time point outside the display period. Information of the display period, the conjunction is included in the shelf label data, the electronic shelf label based on the information of the display period, any of claims 4 to claim 6 for determining the condition The electronic shelf label system according to item 1. The electronic shelf label is subject to the replacement on the condition that the cancellation of the communication interruption is not detected within a predetermined period from the time when the display change process is performed even after the display change process is performed. The electronic shelf label system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein display re-changing processing for displaying alternative display data different from display data is performed. The electronic shelf label system according to claim 8, wherein the shelf label data includes the information for the certain period, and the electronic shelf label determines the condition based on the information for the certain period. The electronic shelf label system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electronic shelf label performs the display change process on condition that the display change process is not prohibited in addition to the condition. The shelf tag data, along with the contained information mode defining the condition, the electronic shelf label based on the information of the mode, of claims 1 to 10 for determination of the condition The electronic shelf label system of any one of Claims. Before Symbol electronic shelf label, an electronic shelf label system according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for the deletion is limited to the display alternative target. The electronic shelf label, when detecting the cancellation of the communication interruption after detection of the communication interruption, the information about the state of the electronic shelf labels, claim 1 to provide the shelf label server to Claim 12 1 Electronic shelf label system according to item. The electronic shelf label system according to any one of claims 1 to 13 , wherein the communication line is a wireless communication line.

Images