JP5474308B2 - Showcase - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a showcase for displaying products in a store such as a supermarket.

Conventionally, as this type of showcase, a display means capable of displaying a moving image, a sound generation means capable of outputting sound, and a human sensor for detecting surrounding human body movement, the human sensor is approaching the user. Is detected to output information using moving images and sounds using display means and sound generation means (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-165678 A

  However, in the conventional example, a single image and sound information set in advance are output when the human sensor detects the approach of the user. It is difficult to promote the sales of the product such as attracting the user's interest in the product by outputting, and it is difficult to stimulate the user's willingness to purchase.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said situation, The place made into the objective is to provide the showcase which can arouse a user's willingness to purchase.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a human body detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a human body within a predetermined range outside the showcase for each product shelf in a showcase having a plurality of product shelves for displaying products. A distance detection means for detecting the distance between the human body and the product shelf for each product shelf by setting the human body detection range of the human body detection means in different ranges, and the product shelf An antenna for wireless communication with an RFID tag attached to a product on the shelf, a reading unit that detects identification information of the RFID tag using the antenna, and a distance detected by the distance detection unit it outputs the stepwise information, reading means associated with the product to which the RFID tag is attached when it is unable to communicate with the RFID tag after the identification information detection of the RFID tag information And an output information output means, the reading means, based on the distance detected by the distance detecting means for adjusting the radio wave output from the antenna for each commodity shelf.

Thereby, since information according to the distance from the product shelf is output, it is possible to output information such as a product summary step by step based on the distance between the product shelf and the user. In addition, the radio wave output can be adjusted based on the distance between the product shelf and the user.

As described above, according to the present invention, for example, information such as a product summary can be output stepwise based on the distance between the product shelf and the user, so that the user's interest in the product is attracted. And can motivate users to purchase. In addition, since the radio wave output can be adjusted based on the distance between the product shelf and the user, the radio wave consumption can be optimized.

  1 to 6 show an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a showcase, FIG. 2 is a side view of the main part of the showcase, FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the showcase, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of lighting control information, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of output information, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a showcase in information output processing.

  First, the structure of the showcase 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. The showcase 100 includes a plurality of product shelves 101 for displaying the products 10 and a cooling mechanism for cooling the products 10. Since the cooling mechanism is the same as that conventionally known, the description thereof is omitted here. A loop-shaped shelf antenna 134 for wireless communication with the RFID tag 11 attached to the displayed product 10 is provided on the upper surface side of each product shelf 101, and a predetermined product shelf 101 ( In FIG. 1, a display device 140 that displays information about the product 10, an advertisement moving image, and audio information is provided on the product shelf 101) in the second row from the top.

  Further, above each product shelf 101, a fluorescent lamp 102, a first human sensor 123a, a second human sensor 123b, and a third human sensor 123c are provided as shown in FIG. Yes. Each human sensor 123a-123c is comprised so that the range which can detect a human body is different, respectively. In the present embodiment, the detectable ranges of the first human sensor 123a, the second human sensor 123b, and the third human sensor 123c are set to 2 meters, 50 centimeters, and 20 centimeters, respectively. Accordingly, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of a human body within a predetermined range (within 2 meters) and detect the distance between the human body and the commodity shelf 101 in a plurality of stages (in this embodiment, three stages).

  Furthermore, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 103 are provided at the front end of each product shelf 101 so as to cover the front end side of each product shelf 101. In addition, you may comprise a price card rail using each LED103.

  In addition, a unique number for identifying the RFID tag 11 is embedded in the RFID tag 11 attached to the product 10. When the RFID tag 11 is activated by radio waves radiated from the shelf antenna 134, the unique number is displayed. Transmit to the shelf antenna 134.

  FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the showcase 100. Note that FIG. 3 shows only information display processing for simplification of explanation, and omits other components such as a cooling mechanism. As shown in FIG. 3, this showcase 100 includes a control device 110 for controlling the entire showcase 100 and the presence or absence of a human body within a predetermined range (within 2 meters from the showcase 100). A distance detection device 120 that detects the distance between the product shelf 101 and a reader 130 that communicates with the RFID tag 11 attached to the product 10 on each product shelf 101 and detects a unique number of the RFID tag 11. The display device 140 described above is provided.

  The control device 110 includes a communication interface 111 for communicating with the distance detection device 120, the reading device 130, and the display device 140, and a showcase control unit 112.

  The showcase control unit 112 includes a computer including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, and controls the lighting state of the fluorescent lamp 102 and each LED 103 connected to the showcase control unit 112. In addition, in the storage device (not shown) connected to the showcase control unit 112, information indicating the lighting state of the fluorescent lamp 102 and each LED 103 is stored for each of a plurality of event IDs as shown in FIG. .

  The distance detection device 120 includes a communication interface 121 for communicating with the control device 110, the reading device 130, and the display device 140, a sensor control unit 122, and a plurality of sensor units 123 provided for each product shelf 101. I have. Each sensor unit 123 includes the above-described first human sensor 123a, second human sensor 123b, and third human sensor 123c, and each human sensor 123a to 123c is within a detectable range. When a human body is detected, a predetermined detection signal is transmitted to the sensor control unit 122. In the present embodiment, when the first human sensor 123a, the second human sensor 123b, and the third human sensor 123c detect a human body, the first detection signal, the second detection signal, and the third detection signal are detected as sensors. It transmits to the control part 122.

  The sensor control unit 122 includes a computer including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. Upon receiving a detection signal from the sensor unit 123, the sensor control unit 122 detects a shelf number that identifies the product shelf 101 on which the transmission source sensor unit 123 is installed. In addition to being included in the signal, the detection signal is transmitted to each of the devices 110, 130, and 140 via the communication interface 121.

  The reading device 130 is provided for each of the product shelves 101, a communication interface 131 for communicating with the control device 110, the distance detection device 120, and the display device 140, a reading control unit 132 for controlling the reading device 130 as a whole. The plurality of communication control units 133 and the plurality of shelf antennas 134 are provided.

  The reading control unit 132 includes a computer having a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The reading control unit 132 generates a control signal for impedance adjustment and a unique number acquisition signal and transmits them to each communication control unit 133, so The unique number of the RFID tag 11 of the displayed product 10 is sequentially acquired. When the reading control unit 132 receives the unique number of the RFID tag 11 from each communication control unit 133, the reading control unit 132 generates a stock list including the shelf number of the product shelf 101 in which the communication control unit 133 of the transmission source is installed and the unique number. And stored in a storage device (not shown) connected to the reading control unit 132.

  Here, the operation of the reading control unit 132 when communication with the RFID tag 11 is disabled after the unique number of the RFID tag 11 is detected will be described. When the product 10 displayed on the product shelf 101 is taken out and the RFID tag 11 attached to the product 10 moves out of the communication range with the shelf antenna 134, the shelf antenna 134 and the RFID tag 11 As a result, the reading control unit 132 cannot acquire the unique number of the RFID tag 11. In this case, the reading control unit 132 detects the unique number that is not acquired again among the unique numbers already stored in the product list as the unique number of the RFID tag 11 corresponding to the product 10 taken out from the product shelf 101. To do. Then, the reading control unit 132 transmits a tag disappearance signal including the detected unique number to the control device 110 and the display device 140 via the communication interface 131.

  Each communication control unit 133 includes an RF circuit unit 133a and a matching circuit 133b. The RF circuit unit 133a is configured by a known mixer or the like, and transmits a signal obtained by superimposing a control signal for impedance adjustment on the unique number acquisition signal received from the reading control unit 132 to the matching circuit 133b. Further, the RF circuit unit 133a transmits the unique number acquired from the RFID tag 11 to the reading control unit 132 via the shelf antenna 134 and the matching circuit 133b.

  The matching circuit 133b includes one or a plurality of series circuits each including a predetermined impedance element and a switch element such as a transistor or a relay switch. The matching circuit 133b is switched based on an impedance adjustment control signal transmitted from the reading control unit 132. The constant can be switched by switching on and off the element. That is, the radio wave output from the shelf antenna 134 can be adjusted by switching the constant of the matching circuit 133b under the control of the reading control unit 132. The signal output from the matching circuit 133b is radiated to the outside through the shelf antenna 134. For the impedance adjustment method, the technique described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-78874 proposed by the applicant can be used.

  The display device 140 includes a communication interface 141 for communicating with the control device 110, the distance detection device 120, and the reading device 130, a display control unit 142 for controlling the entire display device 140, a storage unit 143, and a display unit. 144, an audio output unit 145, a communication control unit 146, and an antenna 147.

  The display control unit 142 includes a computer including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, and controls each of the devices 143 to 147 based on signals transmitted from the distance detection device 120 and the reading device 130. Further, the display control unit 142 always transmits the above-described unique number acquisition signal via the communication control unit 146 and the antenna 147.

  The storage unit 143 stores information about the product 10 (for example, calories and raw materials) associated with the unique number of the RFID tag 11, an advertisement video, a video image of a store image character, audio information, and the like. These pieces of information are stored in a state associated with each of a plurality of event IDs as shown in FIG.

  The display unit 144 is a known liquid crystal display, and displays moving image and character information under the control of the display control unit 142. The audio output unit 145 is a known speaker, and outputs audio information under the control of the display control unit 142. The communication control unit 146 and the antenna 147 are configured in the same manner as the communication control unit 133 and the shelf antenna 134 of the reading device 130 described above.

  In the showcase 100 configured as described above, information display processing is performed in accordance with a user's product purchase operation. Specifically, when there is no user within 2 meters from the product shelf 101, information display processing corresponding to the first event (event ID = “001”) is performed, and the user is 2 meters from the product shelf 101. When approaching within, information display processing corresponding to the second event (event ID = “002”) is performed.

  Further, when the user further approaches the product shelf 101 (for example, within 50 centimeters from the product shelf), information display processing corresponding to the third event (event ID = “003”) is performed, and the user moves on the product shelf 101. Information display processing corresponding to the fourth event (event ID = “004”) is performed when the hand is extended to take out the product 10 (when the user approaches within 20 centimeters from the product shelf 101) .

  Furthermore, when the user picks up the product 10, information display processing corresponding to the fifth event (event ID = “005”) is performed, and when the user holds the product 10 over the display device 140, the sixth event is displayed. Information display processing corresponding to the event (event ID = “006”) is performed.

  When a plurality of events occur simultaneously, the showcase 100 performs information display processing corresponding to the maximum event ID among the events.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the showcase 100 when the information display process is performed in accordance with the user's product purchase operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the display control unit 142 of the display device 140 determines whether or not the product 10 is held over the display device 140 (step S1). More specifically, the display control unit 142 constantly transmits a unique number acquisition signal to the outside via the communication control unit 146 and the antenna 147. Here, when the user holds the product 10 over the antenna 147 of the display device 140 after taking out the product 10 from the product shelf 101, the display control unit 142 displays the unique number of the RFID tag 11 attached to the product 10. Is acquired via the antenna 147 and the communication control unit 146 to detect the RFID tag 11. When the display control unit 142 detects the RFID tag 11, the display control unit 142 transmits a tag detection signal including the acquired unique number to the control device 110 (step S2).

  Next, the display control unit 142 and the showcase control unit 112 perform information display processing according to the content of the sixth event (event ID = “006”) since the product 10 is held over the display device 140. (Step S3). First, the operation of the display control unit 142 will be described. The display control unit 142 extracts detailed information (for example, calories and raw materials) of the product 10 corresponding to the unique number acquired in step S1 from the storage unit 143 and displays the display unit. In addition, the audio information that recommends the purchase of another product such as “XX is also recommended today” is extracted from the storage unit 143 and output to the audio output unit 145. Further, when the showcase control unit 112 receives the tag detection signal from the display device 140, the showcase control unit 112 turns on the fluorescent lamps 102 provided on the respective product shelves 101, and turns on the respective LEDs 103 while fading in and out. Each LED 103 is controlled.

  Next, when the product 10 is taken out from the product shelf 101 without the user holding the product 10 over the display device 140 (step S4), the reading control unit 132 of the reading device 130 attaches the product 10 to the taken-out product 10. A tag disappearance signal including the unique number of the RFID tag 11 is transmitted to the control device 110 and the display device 140 (step S5).

  On the other hand, the display control unit 142 and the showcase control unit 112 receive the tag disappearance signal from the reading device 130, thereby determining that the product 10 is taken out from the product shelf 101, and the fifth event (event ID = “005”). The information display process according to the content of ")" is performed (step S6). The display control unit 142 extracts summary information (for example, product price and campaign information) of the product 10 corresponding to the unique number included in the tag disappearance signal from the storage unit 143, and displays it on the display unit 144 for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds). In addition to displaying, voice information representing the operation content for displaying the detailed information is extracted from the storage unit 143, such as “You can see the detailed information by holding the product over the display device”, and the voice output unit 145 To output. In addition, the showcase control unit 112 turns on the fluorescent lamps 102 provided in each product shelf 101 and controls the lighting state so that each LED 103 flows from the right side to the left side of each product shelf 101 and lights up. .

  Thus, when the product 10 is taken out from the product shelf 101, that is, when the reader 130 becomes unable to communicate with the RFID tag 11 after detecting the unique number of the RFID tag 11, the RFID tag 11 is attached. Since the information associated with the product 10 is output, more detailed information display processing can be performed according to the purchase operation of the user.

  Next, when the user reaches the product shelf 101 in a state where the product 10 is not taken out from the product shelf 101 (step S7), the third human sensor 123c detects the human body and outputs a third detection signal. It transmits to the sensor control part 122. Further, the sensor control unit 122 transmits the third detection signal received from the third human sensor 123c to the control device 110, the reading device 130, and the display device 140 (step S8).

  On the other hand, the display control unit 142 and the showcase control unit 112 receive the third detection signal from the distance detection device 130, thereby determining that the user has reached the product shelf 101, and the fourth event (event ID). = “004”), information display processing is performed (step S9). The display control unit 142 extracts the moving image of the store image character from the storage unit 143 and displays it on the display unit 144 for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), and also stores audio information such as “Please take the product”. And output to the audio output unit 145. In addition, the showcase control unit 112 turns on the fluorescent lamps 102 provided on the product shelves 101 and turns on the LEDs 103 of the product shelves 101.

  When the reading control unit 132 receives the third detection signal from the distance detection device 120, the reading control unit 132 adjusts the radio wave output from the shelf antenna 134 of the product shelf 101 associated with the shelf number included in the third detection signal ( Step S10). At this time, the reading control unit 132 generates an impedance adjustment control signal so that the communication distance between the RFID tag 11 and the shelf antenna 134 is extended, and the control signal is transmitted to the shelf shelf 101 corresponding to the shelf number. By transmitting to the communication control unit 133, the radio wave output from the shelf antenna 134 is adjusted.

  Next, when the user does not reach the product shelf 101 and the user approaches within 50 centimeters from the product shelf 101 (step S11), the second human sensor 123b detects the human body and performs the second operation. A detection signal is transmitted to the sensor control unit 122. Further, the sensor control unit 122 transmits the second detection signal received from the second human sensor 123b to the control device 110 and the display device 140 (step S12).

  On the other hand, the display control unit 142 and the showcase control unit 112 determine that the user has approached the product shelf 101 within 50 centimeters by receiving the second detection signal from the distance detection device 120, and Information display processing corresponding to the contents of the event (event ID = “003”) is performed (step S13). The display control unit 142 extracts a preset recommended product image from the storage unit 143 and displays the image on the display unit 144 for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), and a voice such as “Today's recommended product is OO”. Information is extracted from the storage unit 143 and output to the audio output unit 145. In addition, the showcase control unit 112 turns on the fluorescent lamps 102 provided in the product shelves 101 and blinks the LEDs 103 of the product shelves 101 at intervals of 0.5 seconds.

  Next, when the user approaches the product shelf 101 to a distance of 51 centimeters to 2 meters (step S14), the first human sensor 123a detects the human body and sends the first detection signal to the sensor control unit 122. Send. Further, the sensor control unit 122 transmits the first detection signal received from the first human sensor 123a to the control device 110 and the display device 140 (step S15).

  On the other hand, the display control unit 142 and the showcase control unit 112 determine that the user has approached the product shelf 101 to a distance of 51 cm or more and 2 meters or less by receiving the first detection signal from the distance detection device 120. Then, an information display process corresponding to the content of the second event (event ID = “002”) is performed (step S16). The display control unit 142 extracts a still image of the store image character from the storage unit 143 and displays the still image on the display unit 144 for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), and extracts voice information such as “I welcome” from the storage unit 143. And output to the audio output unit 145. In addition, the showcase control unit 112 turns on the fluorescent lamps 102 provided in the product shelves 101 and blinks the LEDs 103 of the product shelves 101 at intervals of 1 second.

  When none of the first to third detection signals is transmitted from the distance detection device 120, the display control unit 142 and the showcase control unit 112 are assumed that there is no user within 2 meters from the product shelf 101. It discriminate | determines and performs the information display process according to the content of the 1st event (event ID = "001") (step S17). The display control unit 142 extracts the advertisement moving image from the storage unit 143 and causes the display unit 144 to display the advertisement moving image. In addition, the showcase control unit 112 turns off the fluorescent lamps 102 and the respective LEDs 103 provided in each commodity shelf 101.

  In addition, when none of the first to third detection signals is transmitted from the distance detection device 120, the reading control unit 132 adjusts the radio wave output from the shelf antenna 134 of each product shelf 101 (step S10). At this time, the reading control unit 132 determines that the amount of power used for communication between each shelf antenna 134 and the RFID tags 11 of all the products 10 on the product shelf 101 provided with the shelf antenna 134 is different from that of each RFID tag 11. The radio wave output from the shelf antenna 134 is adjusted so that the minimum amount of power that can be communicated is obtained.

  As described above, according to the showcase 100 according to the present embodiment, the distance detection device 120 that detects the presence of a human body within a predetermined range and detects the distance between the human body and the product shelf 101, and the distance detection device 120 Since the display device 140 that outputs information according to the detected distance is provided, for example, information such as a product summary can be output stepwise based on the distance between the product shelf 101 and the user. Therefore, the user's interest in the product 10 can be attracted, and the user's willingness to purchase can be stimulated.

  The display device 140 includes a reading device 130 that communicates with the RFID tag 11 attached to the product 10 on the product shelf 101 to detect a unique number of the RFID tag 11, and the display device 140 includes the reading device 130 that is unique to the RFID tag 11. When communication with the RFID tag 11 becomes impossible after the number is detected, the information associated with the product 10 with the RFID tag 11 is output, so that more detailed information display processing is performed according to the purchase operation of the user. It is possible to further increase the user's willingness to purchase.

  Further, a shelf antenna 134 for wireless communication with the RFID tag 11 is provided on the product shelf 101, and the distance detection device 120 detects the distance between the human body and the product shelf 101 within a predetermined range for each product shelf 101. Since the reading device 130 adjusts the radio wave output from the shelf antenna 134 for each product shelf 101 based on the distance detected by the distance detection device 120, for example, when there is no user within a predetermined range, the shelf antenna 134. The radio wave output from can be reduced, and the power consumption can be optimized.

  In addition, the said embodiment is only a specific example of this invention, and this invention is not limited only to the said embodiment. For example, it is possible to appropriately change the priority order of the information display processing described in the above embodiment.

The perspective view of the showcase which shows one Embodiment of this invention Side view of the main part of the showcase Functional block diagram of showcase The figure which shows an example of lighting control information Figure showing an example of output information Flow chart explaining the operation of the showcase in the information output process

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Product, 11 ... RFID tag, 100 ... Showcase, 101 ... Product shelf, 120 ... Distance detection device, 123a ... 1st human sensor, 123b ... 2nd human sensor, 123c ... 3rd human sensor, 130 ... Reading device, 134 ... Shelf antenna, 140 ... Display device

Claims (1)

In a showcase with multiple product shelves for displaying products,
Each product shelf has a plurality of human body detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a human body within a predetermined range outside the showcase, and by setting the human body detection range of the human body detection means to different ranges, the human body and the product shelf Distance detecting means for detecting the distance for each product shelf ;
An antenna for wireless communication with an RFID tag provided on each product shelf and attached to the product on the product shelf;
Reading means for detecting identification information of the RFID tag using the antenna;
Information is output stepwise according to the distance detected by the distance detection means , and when the reading means becomes unable to communicate with the RFID tag after detecting the identification information of the RFID tag, the product with the RFID tag is attached. An information output means for outputting the associated information ;
The showcase characterized in that the reading means adjusts the radio wave output from the antenna for each product shelf based on the distance detected by the distance detecting means .

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