JP7217830B1 - program, method, digital signage - Google Patents

Abstract

Kind Code: A1 To provide a digital signage whose display height can be adjusted without giving a sense of incongruity to the installation environment. SOLUTION: The program comprises a processor and a memory, and is executed by a digital signage that is installed in a retail store and displays images related to products. The processor displays a first display image including a shelf board image that has a sense of unity with the physical shelves arranged around it, and according to an instruction from the user, displays while maintaining a sense of unity with the physical shelves. and a step of switching the display to a second display image in which the number of stages of shelf board images is reduced. [Selection drawing] Fig. 26

Description

The present disclosure relates to programs, methods, and digital signage.

A technology has been proposed in which a display device such as a digital signage is used to provide a product to a consumer at a location where the display device exists, and the consumer purchases the provided product (Patent Document 1 reference).

JP 2014-71578 A

Digital signage is often designed with a relatively high height in order to take up a large display area. Therefore, when a product image is displayed above the digital signage, it may be difficult for users who are not tall to select the displayed product.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a digital signage whose display height can be adjusted without giving a sense of incompatibility to the installation environment.

A program comprising a processor and a memory and executed by a digital signage installed in a retail store to display images related to products. The processor displays a first display image including a shelf board image having a sense of unity with the physical shelves arranged around it, and according to an instruction from the user, displays while maintaining a sense of unity with the physical shelves. and a step of switching the display to a second display image in which the number of stages of shelf board images is reduced.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this indication, the digital signage which can adjust display height can be provided without a sense of incongruity with respect to an installation environment.

1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of system 1; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the digital signage 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a first server 20; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a second server 30; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a third server 40; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the data structure of a content information table 2023 stored by the first server 20. FIG. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the goods information table 3021. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the data structure of a character information table 3022; FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the data structure of a setting information table 4021; FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the data structure of a first log information table 4022; FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the data structure of a second log information table 4023; FIG. It is a block diagram showing an example of composition of system 1 of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of a process in the system 1 of this embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an installation example of a digital signage 10 in a store; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 in setting mode. FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 when one product category is selected; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 when details of news information are displayed. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 when details of products are displayed. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 when posted information is displayed. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 when details of posted information are displayed. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 when moving image information is displayed. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 when moving image information is displayed. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining purchase processing by the second server 30; FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining another example of purchase processing by the second server 30; FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing another display example of the digital signage 10 in the setting mode; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing another example of installation of the digital signage 10 in a store. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 when stuffed animals are displayed according to the surrounding physical shelves. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 when the shelf board is lowered. 29 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 after the icon 14311 is touched by the user in FIG. 28. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 when details of products are displayed. 2 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of computer 90. FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are given the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

<Overview>
A system according to the present embodiment is constructed, for example, in a store where customers can shop. The system displays, for example, products related to a predetermined product category on digital signage. In this embodiment, the product category is a category for classifying products, and includes, for example, the following.
・Character ・Character attributes (type, race, etc.)
・Product type

The system guides the user to an EC site that sells products displayed on the digital signage. When a user purchases a product on an EC site, the system connects the purchase of the product by the user with the store where the digital signage is installed. As a result, the product purchases of users who are guided to the e-commerce site via digital signage are associated with the purchases made at stores where digital signage is installed, increasing the motivation of store managers and employees to use digital signage. It is possible to It should be noted that the store where the digital signage is installed is preferably, for example, a retail store that sells some of the products sold on the EC site.

The digital signage displays images of products in a manner corresponding to the environment in which the digital signage is installed. When the user is short, the digital signage displays the image of the product in a low area while maintaining a sense of unity with the surroundings.

<1 Configuration diagram of the entire system>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of system 1. As shown in FIG. The system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes, for example, a digital signage 10, a first server 20, a second server 30, a third server 40, and a terminal device 50. The first server 20, the second server 30, and the third server 40 are connected for communication via a network 80, for example.

Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the system 1 includes one digital signage 10, the number of digital signages 10 included in the system 1 is not limited to one. One or more digital signages 10 may be included in the system 1 . A plurality of digital signages 10 may be installed in one store, or may be installed one by one in a plurality of stores.

FIG. 1 shows an example in which the system 1 includes one first server 20, one second server 30, and one third server 40. The number of servers 40 is not limited to one. The first server 20, the second server 30, and the third server 40 may be composed of a plurality of servers according to their functions. Also, the first server 20, the second server 30, and the third server 40 may be, for example, an aggregate of a plurality of devices as one server. The method of distributing a plurality of functions required to realize the first server 20, the second server 30, and the third server 40 according to this embodiment with respect to one or a plurality of pieces of hardware depends on the processing capacity of each piece of hardware. And/or it can be appropriately determined in consideration of the specifications required for the first server 20, the second server 30, and the third server 40, and/or the like.

Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the system 1 includes one terminal device 50, the number of terminal devices 50 included in the system 1 is not limited to one. One or more terminal devices 50 may be included in the system 1 .

A digital signage 10 shown in FIG. 1 is, for example, an information processing device that displays a predetermined image related to a product and provides information desired by the user regarding the product. The digital signage 10 includes, for example, a communication IF (Interface), an input device, an output device, a memory, a storage, and a processor. An input device is a device (for example, a touch panel, a touch pad, etc.) for receiving an input operation from a user. An output device is a device (display, speaker, etc.) for presenting information to a user. Digital signage 10 is installed, for example, in a store. More specifically, the digital signage 10 is installed, for example, so as to fit into the wall surface of the store. The digital signage 10 can be used, for example, as a product shelf that introduces products.

The first server 20 is an information processing device that controls display of information on the digital signage 10 . The first server 20 is realized by a computer connected to the network 80, for example. As shown in FIG. 1, the first server 20 includes a communication IF 22, an input/output IF 23, a memory 25, a storage 26, and a processor 29. The input/output IF 23 functions as an interface with an input device for receiving input operations from the user and an output device for presenting information to the user.

The second server 30 is an information processing device that manages various information related to products or characters. The various information includes, for example, information on products, information on news such as products or events, and information on characters. The second server 30 is an information processing device that develops an EC site and provides services related to online shopping.

The second server 30 is implemented by a computer connected to the network 80, for example. The second server 30, for example, similarly to the first server 20, includes a communication IF, an input/output IF, a memory, a storage, and a processor.

The third server 40 is an information processing device that analyzes the effects of display by the digital signage 10 . The third server 40 is realized by a computer connected to the network 80, for example. The third server 40, for example, similarly to the first server 20, includes a communication IF, an input/output IF, a memory, a storage, and a processor.

The terminal device 50 is, for example, an information processing device operated by a customer visiting the store. The terminal device 50 is implemented by, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smart phone or a tablet. The terminal device 50 may be a wearable terminal such as an HMD (Head Mount Display). The terminal device 50 may be owned by the customer or may be lent to the customer by the store. When lending the terminal device 50 from the shop to a customer, the terminal device 50 may be associated with the customer's information at the time of lending.

Each information processing device is composed of a computer having an arithmetic device and a storage device. The basic hardware configuration of the computer and the basic functional configuration of the computer realized by the hardware configuration will be described later. For each of the first server 20, the second server 30, the third server 40, and the terminal device 50, a description that overlaps with the basic hardware configuration of the computer and the basic functional configuration of the computer, which will be described later, will be omitted.

<1.1 Configuration of terminal device>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the digital signage 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the digital signage 10 includes a communication unit 120, an input device 13, an output device 14, an audio processing unit 17, a microphone 171, a speaker 172, a camera 160, and a position information sensor 150. , a storage unit 180 and a control unit 190 . Each block included in the terminal device 50 is electrically connected by, for example, a bus. Note that the audio processing unit 17, the microphone 171, the speaker 172, the camera 160, and the position information sensor 150 may not be essential components.

The communication unit 120 performs processing such as modulation/demodulation processing for the digital signage 10 to communicate with other devices. The communication unit 120 performs transmission processing on the signal generated by the control unit 190 and transmits the signal to the outside (for example, the third server 40). The communication unit 120 performs reception processing on a signal received from the outside (for example, the first server 20 ) and outputs the signal to the control unit 190 .

The input device 13 is a device for a user who operates the digital signage 10 to input instructions or information. The input device 13 is implemented by, for example, a touch-sensitive device 131 or the like that inputs an instruction by touching an operation surface. The input device 13 converts an instruction input by the user into an electric signal and outputs the electric signal to the control unit 190 . Note that the input device 13 may include, for example, a receiving port for receiving an electrical signal input from an external input device.

The output device 14 is a device for presenting information to the user who operates the digital signage 10 . The output device 14 is implemented by, for example, the display 141 or the like. The display 141 displays data under the control of the controller 190 . The display 141 is implemented by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

The audio processing unit 17 performs digital-analog conversion processing of audio signals, for example. The audio processing unit 17 converts the signal supplied from the microphone 171 into a digital signal and supplies the converted signal to the control unit 190 . Also, the audio processing unit 17 provides an audio signal to the speaker 172 . The audio processing unit 17 is realized by, for example, a processor for audio processing. The microphone 171 receives an audio input and provides an audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the audio processing section 17 . The speaker 172 converts the audio signal provided from the audio processing unit 17 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the digital signage 10 .

The camera 160 is a device for receiving light with a light receiving element and outputting it as a photographing signal.

The position information sensor 150 is a sensor that detects the position of the digital signage 10, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. A GPS module is a receiving device used in a satellite positioning system. The satellite positioning system receives signals from at least three or four satellites, and detects the current position of the digital signage 10 equipped with a GPS module based on the received signals. The position information sensor 150 may detect the current position of the digital signage 10 from the position of the wireless base station to which the digital signage 10 connects.

The storage unit 180 is realized by, for example, memory, storage, etc., and stores data and programs used by the digital signage 10 . The storage unit 180 stores identification information 181, setting information 182, and first log information 184, for example.

The identification information 181 includes information for identifying the digital signage 10, for example. The information for identifying the digital signage 10 includes, for example, the identification ID (signage ID) of the digital signage 10, the model number, the manufacturer, the date of manufacture, the date of installation, and the like.

The setting information 182 includes information set for the digital signage 10, for example. The set information includes, for example, information about the store where the digital signage 10 is installed, information about the background of the digital signage 10, information about product categories, information about the type of information to be displayed, and information about information to be actually displayed. , and information about the format of the information to be displayed.

The first log information 184 includes information related to logs of user operations on the digital signage 10 . The information on the operated log includes, for example, information on the image (page) displayed on the digital signage 10 by the user. As a specific example, for example, the information about the operation log includes information specifying information included in the image displayed on the digital signage 10 and the date and time when the image was displayed by the user.

Control unit 190 is implemented by processor 19 reading a program stored in storage unit 180 and executing instructions included in the program. The control unit 190 controls operations of the digital signage 10 . The control unit 190 functions as an operation reception unit 191, a transmission/reception unit 192, and a display control unit 193 by operating according to a program.

The operation reception unit 191 performs processing for receiving instructions or information input from the input device 13 . Specifically, for example, the operation accepting unit 191 accepts an instruction or information input from the touch sensitive device 131 or the like.

Further, the operation accepting unit 191 accepts an image input from the camera 160 . Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives photographed data photographed by the camera 160 .

Further, the operation accepting unit 191 accepts voice information input from the microphone 171 . Specifically, for example, the operation reception unit 191 receives audio data that is input from the microphone 171 and converted into digital data by the audio processing unit 17 .

The transmission/reception unit 192 performs processing for the digital signage 10 to transmit/receive data to/from external devices such as the first server 20 and the third server 40 according to a communication protocol. Specifically, for example, the transmission/reception unit 192 receives information output from the first server 20 . Also, the transmission/reception unit 192 transmits information set for the digital signage 10 , that is, the setting information 182 to the third server 40 . Also, the transmission/reception unit 192 transmits information on the operation of the digital signage 10 by the user to the third server 40 .

The display control unit 193 controls the output device 14 to display a predetermined image for the user. For example, the display control unit 193 causes the display 141 to display an image based on information provided by the first server 20 . More specifically, for example, the display control unit 193 requests the first server 20 for an image related to information specified by the user via the digital signage 10 . The display control unit 193 causes the display 141 to display an image based on information provided by the first server 20 in response to the request.

Moreover, the display control unit 193 may generate an effect according to the identification information of the user. Specifically, for example, the digital signage 10 causes the user to transmit the user's identification information to a predetermined server (eg, the first server 20). The first server 20 is set to generate an effect based on user identification information. The first server 20 transmits information for displaying the generated effect to the digital signage 10 . The display control unit 193 causes the display 141 to display an image based on the information transmitted from the first server 20 .

<1.2 Functional configuration of the first server>
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the first server 20. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3 , the first server 20 functions as a communication section 201 , a storage section 202 and a control section 203 .

The communication unit 201 performs processing for the first server 20 to communicate with an external device.

The storage unit 202 has, for example, a product information table 2021, a character information table 2022, a content information table 2023, a setting information table 2024, and the like.

The product information table 2021 is a table that stores information about products. The product information table 2021 includes, for example, information corresponding to information set for the digital signage 10 among the information stored in the product information table 3021 stored in the second server 30 . The product information table 2021 may store product inventory in the store.

The character information table 2022 is a table that stores information about characters. The character information table 2022 includes, for example, information corresponding to information set for the digital signage 10 among the information stored in the character information table 3022 stored in the second server 30 .

The content information table 2023 is a table that stores information about content. Information about content includes posted information, news information, video information, or at least any combination thereof. Posted information is, for example, information posted by a third party in a predetermined posting service such as Twitter (registered trademark). Posted information includes, for example, information about documents or images. The content information table 2023 stores, for example, posted information related to information set for the digital signage 10 among posted information stored in a server that provides a posting service. Further, the content information table 2023 may store posted information related to information set for the digital signage 10 among the information copied to the second server 30 from the server providing the posting service. .

The news information is, for example, information about news written for products, characters, or the like. News images contain information about documents or images, for example. The content information table 2023 stores, for example, news information related to information set for the digital signage 10 among the news information stored in the second server 30 .

The video information is, for example, information about videos uploaded by a third party in a predetermined video service such as YouTube (registered trademark). The content information table 2023 stores, for example, moving image information related to information set for the digital signage 10 among the moving image information stored in the server that provides the moving image service. Also, in the content information table 2023, among the information copied to the second server 30 from the server providing the video service, the video information related to the information set for the digital signage 10 may be stored. . Details of the content information table 2023 will be described later.

The setting information table 2024 is a table that stores information set for the digital signage 10 managed by the first server 20, for example. The setting information table 2024 includes, for example, information identifying the digital signage 10, information identifying the store, information identifying the background image of the digital signage 10, information representing the product category set for the digital signage 10, setting Information representing the kind of information about the set product category, information representing the details of the information to be displayed about the set product category, and information representing the display format of the information to be displayed about the set product category are stored.

The control unit 203 is implemented by the processor 29 reading a program stored in the storage unit 202 and executing instructions included in the program. The control unit 203 functions as a reception control module 2031, a transmission control module 2032, a setting module 2033, and a display control module 2034 by operating according to programs.

The reception control module 2031 controls the process by which the first server 20 receives signals from an external device according to a communication protocol. Specifically, for example, the reception control module 2031 receives information related to display on the digital signage 10 among the information stored in the second server 30 . The reception control module 2031 may acquire information from the second server 30 using an API (Application Programming Interface). Further, the reception control module 2031 may extract and acquire information related to display on the digital signage 10 in a format corresponding to display on the digital signage 10 by scraping.
Also, for example, the reception control module 2031 may receive information related to display on the digital signage 10 from a server that provides a posting service. Also, for example, the reception control module 2031 may receive information related to display on the digital signage 10 from a server that provides video services.

The transmission control module 2032 controls the process of transmitting a signal from the first server 20 to an external device according to a communication protocol. Specifically, for example, the transmission control module 2032 transmits information related to the image to be displayed to the digital signage 10 .

The setting module 2033 controls processing for setting display content for the digital signage 10 . Specifically, the setting module 2033 presents a display for selecting display content to the administrator of the digital signage 10 . The setting module 2033 sets the display contents of the digital signage 10 based on the selection contents input by the administrator. The setting module 2033 stores information about selections input by the administrator in the setting information table 2024 . The setting module 2033 may associate information about the administrator who has input the selection with information about the selection, and store the information in the setting information table 2024 .

The display control module 2034 controls the digital signage 10 to display a predetermined image on the digital signage 10 . For example, the display control module 2034 creates an image to be displayed on the digital signage 10 based on information stored in the storage unit 202 . Specifically, the display control module 2034 uses information about products, information about characters, and information about contents based on the contents specified by the user of the digital signage 10 and the setting contents stored in the setting information table 2024. Create an image. The display control module 2034 extracts from the product information table 2021 the information about the product corresponding to the content specified by the user, and creates an image using the extracted information. The display control module 2034 extracts from the character information table 2022 the information about the character corresponding to the content specified by the user, and creates an image using the extracted information. The display control module 2034 extracts from the content information table 2023 the information about the content corresponding to the content specified by the user, and creates an image using the extracted information.

Also, the display control module 2034 generates an effect according to predetermined information. Predetermined information is, for example, the following.
・Past product purchase record ・Predetermined date (birthday, anniversary)
・Number of past visits ・Favorite character ・Weather

<1.3 Functional configuration of the second server>
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the second server 30. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4 , the second server 30 functions as a communication section 301 , a storage section 302 and a control section 303 .

The communication unit 301 performs processing for the second server 30 to communicate with an external device.

The storage unit 302 has, for example, a product information table 3021, a character information table 3022, a second log information table 3023, and the like.

The product information table 3021 is a table that stores information on products. Details will be described later.

Character information table 3022 is a table that stores information about characters. Details will be described later.

The second log information table 3023 is a table that stores information related to logs of browsing of EC sites by users. The information related to the log of browsing the EC site includes, for example, information related to products browsed by the user on the EC site. For example, the information about the product browsed by the user on the EC site includes the URL of the page browsed by the user on the EC site and the date and time when the user browsed the page. Further, for example, the information about the product browsed by the user on the EC site may include information specifying the product browsed by the user on the EC site and the date and time when the user browsed the page displaying the product. The information related to the log of viewing the EC site may include, for example, information identifying the digital signage 10 to which the user was guided. The information about the log of viewing the EC site may include, for example, information identifying the product category (character) selected on the digital signage 10 when the user was guided.

The control unit 303 is implemented by the processor reading a program stored in the storage unit 302 and executing instructions included in the program. The control unit 303 functions as a reception control module 3031, a transmission control module 3032, and a purchase processing module 3033 by operating according to programs.

The reception control module 3031 controls the process by which the second server 30 receives signals from an external device according to a communication protocol. Specifically, for example, the reception control module 3031 receives a signal transmitted from the terminal device 50 .

The transmission control module 3032 controls the process of transmitting a signal from the second server 30 to an external device according to a communication protocol. Specifically, for example, the transmission control module 3032 transmits to the first server 20 information for displaying an image related to the content set in the digital signage 10 . Also, for example, the transmission control module 3032 transmits to the third server 40 information about a log of viewing the EC site.

The purchase processing module 3033 controls product purchase processing in electronic commerce. For example, the purchase processing module 3033 accepts payment by a predetermined method for products selected by the user on the EC site. The purchase processing module 3033 notifies the accounting system of the store where the digital signage 10 is installed when the payment by the user is completed.

Also, the purchase processing module 3033 may transmit to the terminal device 50 information indicating that the product has been purchased after being guided to the EC site by the digital signage 10 . Information indicating that a product has been purchased may be transmitted in a format that can be displayed as a predetermined code such as a QR code (registered trademark) or barcode, or in a format that can be transmitted by short-range wireless communication. may be sent. A user possessing the terminal device 50 moves to the checkout counter of the store where the digital signage 10 is installed, and provides information indicating that the product has been purchased to the store clerk. The purchase processing module 3033 transmits information indicating that the product has been purchased to a predetermined ticket issuing machine (which may be an accounting system) installed in the store, and the ticket issuing machine sends out a sheet of paper on which a predetermined code is printed. may be issued. The purchase processing module 3033 may, for example, notify the terminal device 50 that a privilege will be given when information indicating that the product has been purchased is provided to the accounting system.

In addition, the purchase processing module 3033 may approve the purchase of the product selected by the user on the EC site and pay the fee at the actual store. Specifically, when the user who is guided to the EC site via the digital signage 10 acquires the right to purchase the product, the purchase processing module 3033 sends the information about the right to purchase the product to the terminal device 50 operated by the user. Send to Information about the right to purchase the product includes information for paying for the product with the physical store's accounting system. The product charge may include a shipping fee for sending the product to a location desired by the user. The information for paying the product fee in the accounting system of the physical store may be in a format that can be displayed as a predetermined code such as a QR code or bar code, or in a format that can be transmitted by short-range wireless communication. There may be. The cashier system of the physical store reads the information on the right to purchase the product from the terminal device 50 and charges the user for the price based on the read information. When the payment for the product is made, the accounting system of the physical store notifies the second server 30 that the product has been purchased.
<1.4 Functional configuration of the third server>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the third server 40. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5 , the third server 40 functions as a communication section 401 , a storage section 402 and a control section 403 .

The communication unit 401 performs processing for the third server 40 to communicate with an external device.

The storage unit 402 has, for example, a setting information table 4021, a first log information table 4022, a second log information table 4023, and the like.

The setting information table 4021 is a table that stores information set for the digital signage 10 . Details will be described later.

The first log information table 4022 is a table that stores information related to logs of user operations on the digital signage 10 . Details will be described later.

The second log information table 4023 is a table that stores information on logs of browsing of EC sites by users. Details will be described later.

The control unit 403 is implemented by the processor reading a program stored in the storage unit 402 and executing instructions included in the program. The control unit 403 functions as a reception control module 4031, a transmission control module 4032, an analysis module 4033, and a proposal module 4034 by operating according to programs.

The reception control module 4031 controls the process by which the third server 40 receives signals from an external device according to a communication protocol. Specifically, for example, the reception control module 4031 receives, from the digital signage 10 , information regarding a log of user's operation of the digital signage 10 . Also, for example, the reception control module 4031 receives information set for the digital signage 10 from the first server 20 . Also, for example, the reception control module 4031 receives from the second server 30 information related to a log of browsing of the EC site by the user.

The transmission control module 4032 controls processing for transmitting signals from the third server 40 to an external device according to a communication protocol. Specifically, for example, the transmission control module 4032 transmits analysis results regarding the setting of the digital signage 10 to the first server 20 . A store manager or an administrator of the digital signage 10 such as an employee checks the analysis result from a terminal owned by himself or the digital signage 10 . The transmission control module 4032 also transmits recommended settings for the digital signage 10 to the first server 20 . The administrator of the digital signage 10 confirms the recommended settings from his own terminal or from the digital signage 10 .

The analysis module 4033 controls processing for analyzing operation logs. Specifically, for example, the analysis module 4033 analyzes the settings of the digital signage 10 in which the user is interested in the product based on the information related to the log of the user's operation of the digital signage 10 . Also, for example, the analysis module 4033 analyzes the settings of the digital signage 10 in which the user is interested in the product based on the information related to the log of the user viewing the EC site. Also, the analysis module 4033 may analyze the settings of the digital signage 10 in which the user is interested in the product based on the information regarding both logs. The analysis module 4033 may analyze the settings of the digital signage 10 in which the user is interested in the product considering the address where the digital signage 10 is installed.

The suggestion module 4034 controls the process of proposing the setting contents of the digital signage 10 . Specifically, the proposal module 4034 proposes recommended settings for the digital signage 10 based on the analysis result of the analysis module 4033 . The suggestion module 4034 may analyze the settings of the digital signage 10 in which the user is interested in the products given the address where the digital signage 10 is installed.

<2 Data structure>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the content information table 2023 stored by the first server 20. As shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 6 is an example and does not exclude data that is not described. The content information table 2023 shown in FIG. 6 is a table having columns of content data, date and time of creation, creator, tag information, link information, etc., with content ID as a key.

The content ID is an item that stores an identifier for uniquely identifying content. The content ID is assigned such that, for example, posted information, news information, and video information can be identified. Content data is an item that stores details of content. The content data stores, for example, document data and image data included in the content. Content data may store references (paths) to data files stored elsewhere. The date and time of creation is an item for storing the date and time when the content was created. Creator is an item that stores information identifying a person who created content. Tag information is an item that stores information about tags used when classifying content. Tags used for classifying content include, for example, keywords containing hash marks. Information classified by tags includes, for example, areas related to content, products related to content, seasons related to content, holidays related to content, and the like. Link information is an item that stores a link for accessing content. Link information is, for example, the URL of content stored in the server.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of the product information table 3021. As shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 7 is an example and does not exclude data that is not described. The product information table 3021 shown in FIG. 7 is a table having columns such as product name, price, category, release date, scheduled arrival date, related character, image data, link information, inventory quantity, etc., with product ID as a key.

The product ID is an item that stores an identifier for uniquely identifying a product. The product name is an item that stores the name of the product. The price is an item that stores the price of the product. The category is an item for storing product categories. The release date is an item that stores the date on which the product was released. The scheduled delivery date is an item for storing the next scheduled delivery date. A related character is an item that stores information about a character related to a product. Related characters may be included in product categories. Image data is an item that stores an image of a product. Image data may store references (paths) to data files stored elsewhere. Link information is an item that stores a link for accessing a site that introduces products. Link information is, for example, the URL of a site that introduces products. The number of stocks is an item for storing the number of stocks of products. The inventory count stores, for example, the inventory count of the product at the EC site.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the data structure of the character information table 3022. As shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 8 is an example and does not exclude data that is not described. The character information table 3022 shown in FIG. 8 is a table having columns of character data, image data, etc., with a character ID as a key.

Character ID is an item that stores an identifier for uniquely identifying a character. Character data is an item that stores data related to characters. Data related to characters includes, for example, character numbers, character names, character individual information (classification, type, physical information, characteristics, etc.) and the like. Image data is an item that stores an image of a character. Image data may store references (paths) to data files stored elsewhere.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the data structure of the setting information table 4021. As shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 9 is an example, and does not exclude data that is not described. The setting information table 4021 shown in FIG. 9 is a table having columns of store, background, selected character, display information, detailed information, display format, etc., with the signage ID as a key. The setting information table 4021 shown in FIG. 9 may have, in addition to these pieces of information, an item for storing, for example, the position in the store where the signage 10 is installed.

The signage ID is an item that stores an identifier for uniquely identifying the digital signage 10 . Store is an item that stores information for identifying the store. Background is an item that stores information specifying a background image set in the digital signage 10 . The selected character is an item that stores information specifying a character as a product category set for the digital signage 10 . The display information is an item that stores information representing the type of information to be displayed for the set product category (character). The display information stores, for example, any one of "post", "news", and "video". “Post” indicates that the information displayed on the digital signage 10 is posted information. "News" indicates that the information displayed on the digital signage 10 is news information. “Animation” indicates that the information displayed on the digital signage 10 is animation information.

The detailed information is an item for storing information representing details of information to be displayed for the set product category (character). The detailed information stores, for example, information identifying posted information, news information, and video information. The display format is an item that stores information representing the display format of information to be displayed for the set product category (character). As the display format, for example, either "image and text" or "image" is stored. "Image and text" means that information is displayed on the digital signage 10 as an image and text. “Image” indicates that information is displayed on the digital signage 10 only as an image.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the data structure of the first log information table 4022. As shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 10 is an example and does not exclude data that is not described. The first log information table 4022 shown in FIG. 10 is a table having columns of date and time, operation information, etc., with the signage ID as a key.

The date and time is an item that stores the date and time when the user causes the digital signage 10 to display an image (page). The operation information is an item that stores information specifying information included in an image displayed on the digital signage 10 . Information specifying information contained in images displayed on the digital signage 10 includes, for example, identification information of posted information, identification information of news information, identification information of video information, identification information of product categories (characters), and identification of products. including information, etc.

FIG. 11 shows the data structure of the second log information table 4023. As shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 11 is an example and does not exclude data that is not described. The second log information table 4023 shown in FIG. 11 is a table having columns such as date and time, viewing information, and the like, with the signage ID as a key.

The date and time is an item that stores the date and time when the user browsed the EC site page. The browse information is, for example, an item that stores the URL of the page browsed by the user on the EC site. In addition, the browse information may store information specifying products browsed by the user on the EC site. In addition, the browse information may store the fact that a product was purchased at the EC site.

<3 Operation>
The operation of a system for displaying product information on the digital signage 10 and promoting product sales will be described.

(Overall operation)
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the system 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing in the system 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an installation example of the digital signage 10 in a store. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the digital signage 10 is installed so as to fit into the wall of the store. The digital signage 10 is installed, for example, side by side with the product shelf 100, and can be handled like a digital shelf on which products can be displayed.

In step S11, for example, the display contents of the digital signage 10 are set by the store operator, the employee, or the like.

In step S12, the digital signage 10 notifies the first server 20 and the third server 40 of the set contents. The first server 20 stores information about the setting of the digital signage 10 in the setting information table 2024 together with information about the person who set the information. The third server 40 stores the information about the setting of the digital signage 10 in the setting information table 4021 together with the information about the person who set the information.

In step S13, the first server 20 outputs an instruction to the digital signage 10 to display information about the product at a predetermined timing. The first server 20 stores product information and content information provided by the second server 30 . Of the content information, posted information and video information may be obtained from an external server. Based on the setting information, the first server 20 extracts information related to product categories such as characters from stored information, and causes the digital signage 10 to display the information.

In step S14, the digital signage 10 performs display processing. As a specific example, for example, the digital signage 10 displays information related to product categories. A user visiting the store operates the digital signage 10 so that desired information is displayed on the digital signage 10 . When the user designates an individual product, the digital signage 10 reads and displays an image of the product and a link to an EC site that sells the product from the first server 20 . A link to an EC site is represented by, for example, a predetermined code (eg, QR code). The predetermined code includes, for example, the signage ID of the digital signage 10 and the character ID of the character as the product category as parameters.

In step S15, the digital signage 10 notifies the third server 40 of the information operated by the user. The third server 40 stores information about the operation log of the digital signage 10 in the first log information table 4022. FIG.

When purchasing a product displayed on the digital signage 10, the user reads the code displayed on the digital signage 10 with the terminal device 50 and connects to the link indicated by the read code. Accordingly, in step S16, the user uses the terminal device 50 to connect to the second server 30 that develops the EC site. The second server 30 acquires the signage ID attached to the access information. The second server 30 determines through which digital signage 10 the access is made based on the acquired signage ID. Specifically, for example, the second server 30, in addition to individual identification of the digital signage 10, determines in which store it is installed, in what position in the store it is installed, and to whom it is set.

In step S17, the second server 30 performs purchase processing. Specifically, for example, the second server 30 accepts payment for products selected by the user on the EC site. When the payment by the user is completed, the second server 30 stores in the second log information table 3023 the signage ID of the digital signage 10 that guided the user to the EC site and the character ID as the product category in association with the purchase by the user. do.

In addition, the second server 30 notifies the accounting system of the store that installed the digital signage 10 that guided the user to the EC site that the product was purchased. This makes it possible to connect the purchase of the product using the EC site with the purchase of the product at the actual store. In other words, the sales of products using the EC site are linked to the sales of the actual store.

Also, the second server 30 may grant the right to purchase the selected product to the user on the EC site and have the user pay the fee at the actual store. As a result, the purchase of the product using the EC site becomes the purchase at the actual store. In other words, the sales of products using the EC site are linked to the sales of the actual store.

In step S<b>18 , the second server 30 notifies the third server 40 of information regarding the page browsed by the user. In addition, the second server 30 notifies the third server 40 of information indicating that the product has been purchased by the user. The third server 40 stores, in the second log information table 4023, information about the page browsed by the user and information indicating that the product was purchased.

In step S<b>19 , the third server 40 uses the analysis module 4033 to perform analysis processing. As a specific example, for example, the analysis module 4033 analyzes information related to the user's operation log of the plurality of digital signages 10, which is accumulated in the first log information table 4022, and estimating the relevance to the setting of More specifically, for example, the analysis module 4033 estimates settings of the digital signage 10 that tend to result in more user operations on the digital signage 10 . At this time, the analysis module 4033, for example, individually identifies the digital signage 10 for which the user tends to operate more frequently, and also identifies the digital signage 10 for which the user tends to operate more frequently, which store It estimates (determines) whether it is installed in the store, where it is installed in the store, and who it is set to.

Also, for example, the analysis module 4033 analyzes information related to logs of user actions on the EC site, accumulated in the second log information table 4023, and determines the relevance between the actions on the EC site and the settings of the digital signage 10. presume. More specifically, for example, the analysis module 4033 estimates the settings of the digital signage 10 that tend to be viewed more frequently by users. Also, the analysis module 4033 estimates the setting of the digital signage 10 that tends to increase the purchase of products. At this time, the analysis module 4033, for example, individually identifies the digital signage 10 that tends to be viewed more frequently by the user or the digital signage 10 that tends to be purchased more products. The signage 10 estimates (determines) which store it is installed in, where it is installed in the store, and to whom it is set.

The analysis module 4033 may infer the settings of the digital signage 10 that the user is interested in the product based on information about both logs. The analysis may utilize existing statistical techniques.

In step S<b>110 , the third server 40 performs proposal processing by the proposal module 4034 . As a specific example, for example, the proposal module 4034 extracts settings of the digital signage 10 that are presumed to have contributed to product sales based on the analysis result of step S19. The settings of the digital signage 10 presumed to have contributed to product sales in this embodiment are, for example, as follows.
・Setting presumed to be related to the increase in the number of times the digital signage 10 is operated ・Setting presumed to be related to the increase in the operation time per person ・Presumed to be related to the increase in the number of accesses to the EC site・Settings presumed to be related to the increase in the number of pages viewed on the EC site ・Settings presumed to be related to the increase in the number of product purchases on the EC site

The suggestion module 4034 may extract multiple digital signage 10 settings.

The suggestion module 4034 may, for example, evaluate a configurator who discovers a configuration that has contributed to product sales. As a result, it becomes possible to improve the motivation of the setter to devise the setting of the digital signage 10 .

In step S<b>111 , the third server 40 transmits the extracted settings of the digital signage 10 to the first server 20 . At this time, the third server 40 sets the digital signage 10, the signage ID of the digital signage 10 with the setting, the area where the digital signage 10 is installed, the store, the setting person, etc. can be sent to

The first server 20 causes the display control module 2034 to display the settings proposed by the third server 40 on the digital signage 10 when the digital signage 10 is set. At this time, the display control module 2034 causes the digital signage 10 to display the settings of the other digital signage 10 in a predetermined order. For example, the display control module 2034 causes the digital signage 10 to display the settings of the other digital signage 10 in an order according to the degree of contribution of the settings. The set contribution is obtained, for example, based on the above-described contribution to product sales. Further, the display control module 2034 may collectively display the settings of the digital signage 10 set by the same setting person on the digital signage 10 . At this time, the display control module 2034 may cause the digital signage 10 to display the settings of other digital signage 10 in such a manner that the setting person can be identified. Also, the display control module 2034 may cause the digital signage 10 to display the settings of other digital signage 10 in the order of the set date. In addition, the display control module 2034 may collectively display the settings of the digital signage 10 in the same installation area on the digital signage 10 . At this time, the display control module 2034 may cause the digital signage 10 to display the installation area so as to be identifiable with respect to other settings of the digital signage 10 .

Also, the display control module 2034 may display the settings in a manner in which the degree of contribution can be identified. Also, the display control module 2034 may display how much effect is expected by making the settings. The proposal module 4034 estimates, for example, how much the number of operations of the digital signage 10 will increase, how much the sales of the store will increase, etc., based on the contribution to product sales. The proposal module 4034 estimates expected effects using, for example, statistical methods or trained models. Display control module 2034 displays the effects estimated by suggestion module 4034 along with the suggested settings.

(Setting of display contents)
The setting of the display contents in step S11 will be described in detail together with a display example. The digital signage 10 enters the setting mode when, for example, a predetermined area on the display 141 is touched. The predetermined area is, for example, an area that is less touched by the user in normal use, such as an upper left or right area. The digital signage 10 may have a physical button for setting the setting mode, not limited to the area on the display 141 . When entering the setting mode, the control unit 190 may notify the administrator that the setting mode has been entered. As a result, even if a person other than the administrator makes the transition to the setting mode, the administrator can be aware of it.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 in the setting mode.

At the initial stage of the setting mode in the digital signage 10, the digital signage 10 displays areas 1411, 1412, and 1413 in FIG. Area 1411 is an area for displaying a signage ID.

Areas 1412 and 1413 are areas for selecting whether to display product information based on the product category on the digital signage 10 . When "display only background on signage" displayed in area 1412 is selected, display control unit 193 displays only the background without displaying product information. When "Display character information on signage" displayed in area 1413 is selected, display control unit 193 displays information for setting details of information on product categories. In the following example, a case will be described in which display contents are set assuming that the product category is characters.

When “display character information on signage” displayed in area 1413 is selected, display control unit 193 displays areas 1414 , 1415 , and 1416 . Area 1414 is an area for selecting a character. Area 1415 is for selecting a background. Area 1416 is an area for selecting character-related information as a product category. In this embodiment, it is possible to set a plurality of product categories. The example shown in FIG. 15 shows a case where there are six frames in which product categories can be set.

In area 1414, the administrator selects a character to assign to each slot. The administrator selects a desired character from area 14141 where selectable characters are displayed. The character image displayed in area 14141 is an image read from second server 30 and stored in character information table 2022 . The administrator selects a character while operating the slider 14142 . When a character is selected by the administrator, the selected character is displayed in area 14143 .

The administrator selects a background for each frame in area 1415 .

The administrator selects relevant information for each frame in area 1416 . The display control unit 193 displays the area for selecting related information for each frame. Area 14161 is for selecting related information in the first frame. Area 14162 is for selecting related information in the second frame.

The area 14161 has an area 141611, an area 141612, and an area 141613. Area 141611 is for selecting the type of information to be displayed. An area 141612 is an area for selecting information to be actually displayed belonging to the selected type of information. Area 141613 is for selecting a display format.

In area 141611, the administrator selects, for example, "post", "news", or "video". When the type of information is selected, display control section 193 extracts information corresponding to the selected type from content information table 2023 . The display control unit 193 lists and displays the extracted information. That is, when “Post” is selected, display control unit 193 displays posted information stored in content information table 2023 in area 141612 . When “news” is selected, display control unit 193 displays news information stored in content information table 2023 in area 141612 . Also, when “moving image” is selected, display control unit 193 displays moving image information stored in content information table 2023 in area 141612 .

The administrator selects information to be actually displayed on the digital signage 10 in area 141612 . There is no upper limit to the information selected at this time, but which information is selected depends on the sense of the manager.

The administrator selects a display format in area 141613 . The administrator selects either "image and text" or "image only". When "image and text" is selected, the display control unit 193 displays an image and text for the related information. When "image only" is selected, the display control unit 193 displays only the image for the related information.

In area 1416, related information is selected for all frames. Although not shown in FIG. 15, frames 2 to 6 also have areas 141611, 141612, and 141613 like frame 1. FIG.

When the administrator sets the relevant information for frames 1 to 6, the setting is completed.

In the area 141612, when allowing the user to select information to be actually displayed, the display control unit 193 may preferentially display information related to the digital signage 10 being set. For example, the setting module 2033 of the control unit 203 extracts content information suitable for the digital signage 10 from the content information table 2023 based on information for classifying the content information attached to the content information, such as tag information. do.

For example, the setting module 2033 acquires tag information related to the area associated with the digital signage 10 based on the address of the store where the digital signage 10 is installed. The setting module 2033 extracts content information to which tag information related to areas related to the digital signage 10 is attached. Moreover, the setting module 2033 acquires the tag information related to the day or season based on the day or season in which the digital signage 10 is set. The setting module 2033 extracts content information to which tag information related to the relevant day or season is attached. The setting module 2033 controls the digital signage 10 so that the extracted content information is arranged according to a predetermined priority and presented to the administrator. A predetermined priority represents, for example, a priority according to the type of classification. Specifically, it is assumed that area-related content information has a higher priority than day- or season-related content information.

By preferentially proposing the content information related to the area, it becomes easier for the content information specific to the store to be displayed on the digital signage 10 . For this reason, since the difference for each store can be realized, the customer will be motivated to stop by the store. In addition, by preferentially proposing content information related to a day, a season, or the like, it becomes easier for timely information to be displayed on the digital signage 10 .

The setting module 2033 allows the administrator to easily set the display for each product category by selecting the product category including the character. For this reason, for example, an administrator can select a character who played an active role in an animation that was broadcast yesterday and set it on the digital signage 10 the day after the broadcast, so that information about this character can be displayed on the digital signage 10. It becomes possible. In addition, the administrator can display information about the character on the digital signage 10 by selecting a character that has become a hot topic on SNS etc. and setting the digital signage 10 immediately after the character becomes a topic. Become. In other words, timely display changes are possible.

(Display processing)
The display processing in step S14 will be described in detail together with a display example. In the digital signage 10, for example, multiple product categories are set. In the following description, it is assumed that six characters are set as product categories in six frames.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 when one product category is selected. In FIG. 16, Pikachu is selected from the set six characters. The digital signage 10 displays information about the selected Pikachu by the display control unit 193 . Also, in FIG. 16, it is assumed that news information is set as the content information and "image and text" is set as the display format for Pikachu in frame 2. In FIG.

The display control unit 193 may, for example, selectably display six characters as an initial state. For example, the display control unit 193 arranges six icons, each corresponding to a character, in a predetermined order and receives selection from the user. The display control unit 193 may move each icon on the display 141 so that it stands out from the user.

As shown in FIG. 16 , the display control unit 193 displays areas 1421 , 1422 , 1423 , icons 1424 , and 1425 on the display 141 . Area 1421 is an area for displaying information about the character. The area 1421 includes an area 14211 for displaying the image of the character, an area 14212 for displaying the name and classification of the character, and an area 14213 for displaying the description of the character. The display control unit 193 displays the information read and acquired from the character information table 2022 in the area 1421 .

Area 1422 is an area for displaying news information as content information. In area 1422, multiple pieces of news information selected by the administrator are displayed. The news information is attached with tag information related to goods, events, campaigns, and the like, for example. By moving the slider 14221 up and down, the user can display the news information that does not fit in the area 1422 within the area 1422 . The display control unit 193 displays the news information read and acquired from the content information table 2023 in the area 1422 .

Each piece of news information has document information and image information. Corresponding document information and image information are arranged side by side, for example. News information is arranged in a predetermined order. The predetermined order is, for example, the order of date of creation, the order represented by the tag information, the order of requests for detailed information, the order set by the administrator, and the like. The document information includes, for example, news titles.

When the user finds interesting news, he/she touches the area where the news is displayed. When the news display is touched, for example, the control unit 190 requests the details of the corresponding information from the first server 20 . The display control unit 193 causes the display 141 to display an image based on information provided by the first server 20 .

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 when details of news information are displayed. The display control unit 193 causes the display 141 to display the detailed information of the news information selected by the user based on the information provided by the first server 20 . In the example of FIG. 17, the display control unit 193 generates a modal window 14222 and displays detailed information of the news information on the modal window 14222 .

Display control unit 193 displays in area 142221 a code for expanding the news information displayed in modal window 14222 using a predetermined application. When the user wants to read the news information displayed in the modal window 14222 and share it with others using a predetermined application, the terminal device 50 reads the code in the area 142221 and shares the information. Displaying the code in the modal window 14222 makes it easier for the user to share the news information with others.

Returning to the description of FIG. A region 1423 is a region for displaying an image of a product. An area 1423 displays an image of the product associated with the character. The image of the product is based on, for example, the image of the product exhibited on the EC site. By moving the slider 14231 up and down, the user can display in the area 1423 the image of the product that does not fit in the area 1423 . The display control unit 193 displays the image of the product read from the product information table 2021 and acquired in the area 1423 .

The product images are arranged in a predetermined order. For example, the display control unit 193 collectively arranges product images for each product category. In addition, the display control unit 193 arranges the product images in order from the product with the latest release date. In addition, the display control unit 193 arranges the images of popular products in descending order based on the sales data. Note that the display control unit 193 may randomly arrange the product images.

The display control unit 193 may attach a mark to the image of the product that enables identification of whether or not the product is in stock in the store. In addition, the display control unit 193 may attach a mark to the image of the newly released product so that it can be identified as a newly released product.

The display control unit 193 may not display images of products that are in stock at the store. As a result, it is possible to separately display the products in the store and the products that can be purchased on the EC site, thereby making it possible to introduce more products. Moreover, the display control unit 193 may prevent the image of the product currently displayed in the store from being displayed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the products actually displayed in the store from being displayed on the digital signage 10, so that the limited sales floor can be effectively utilized.

When the user finds an item of interest, the user touches the area where the image of the item is displayed. When the product image is touched, for example, the control unit 190 requests the details of the corresponding information from the first server 20 . The display control unit 193 causes the display 141 to display an image based on information provided by the first server 20 .

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 when details of products are displayed. The display control unit 193 causes the display 141 to display detailed information on the product selected by the user based on the information provided by the first server 20 . In the example of FIG. 18 , the display control unit 193 generates a modal window 14232 and displays detailed product information on the modal window 14232 .

The display control unit 193 displays a code (for example, QR code) for accessing the page on the EC site of the product displayed in the modal window 14232 in the area 142321 . This code includes, for example, the signage ID of the digital signage 10 and the character ID of Pikachu.

The user confirms the products displayed in modal window 14232 . When the user wants to purchase on the EC site or to check further information, the user reads the code in the area 142321 with the terminal device 50 and accesses the EC site. Displaying the code on the modal window 14232 makes it easier for the user to obtain information on the desired product and reduces the effort required to purchase the product on the EC site. In addition, since the code attached with the signage ID is read to access the EC site, the second server 30 can easily grasp which digital signage 10 the user is guided to access. In addition, since the code to which the character ID is attached is read to access the EC site, the second server 30 can easily grasp which character guided the user to access.

Returning to the description of FIG. Icon 1424 is an icon prompting to touch the screen. The display control unit 193 may always display the icon 1424 or may display it at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is, for example, the case where the user does not touch the digital signage 10 for a preset period.

Area 1425 is an area for representing the currently displayed character. In this embodiment, there are six frames, and characters set in each frame are displayed. In FIG. 16, information about Pikachu set in frame 2 is displayed, so icon 14252 is displayed larger than other icons.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 when posted information is displayed. In FIG. 19, instead of the area 1422, an area 1426 for displaying posted information is displayed.

Area 1426 displays a plurality of pieces of posted information selected by the administrator. By moving slider 14261 up and down, the user can display posted information that does not fit in area 1426 in area 1426 . Display control unit 193 displays posted information read and acquired from content information table 2023 in area 1426 .

Each post information has document information and image information. Corresponding document information and image information are arranged side by side, for example. Posted information is arranged in a predetermined order. The predetermined order is, for example, the order of posting date, each category represented by tag information, the order of most reposts, the order set by the administrator, and the like. For example, the title of the post is displayed in the document information.

When the user finds a post of interest, the user touches the area where the post is displayed. When the post display is touched, for example, the control unit 190 requests the details of the corresponding information from the first server 20 . The display control unit 193 causes the display 141 to display an image based on information provided by the first server 20 .

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 when details of posted information are displayed. The display control unit 193 causes the display 141 to display the detailed information of the posted information selected by the user based on the information provided by the first server 20 . In the example of FIG. 20 , display control unit 193 generates modal window 14262 and displays detailed information of the posted information in modal window 14262 .

Display control unit 193 displays in area 142621 a code for the user to access posted information displayed in modal window 14262 from terminal device 50 . The user reads the posted information displayed in modal window 14262 . When the user wants to access the posted information from the terminal device 50, the user reads the code of the area 142621 with the terminal device 50 and accesses the posted information. Displaying the code in the modal window 14262 makes it easier for the user to access the posted information.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 when moving image information is displayed. In FIG. 21, instead of the area 1422 in FIG. 16, an area 1427 for displaying moving image information is displayed.

Area 1427 displays a plurality of moving image information selected by the administrator. By moving the slider 14271 up and down, the user can display the moving image information that does not fit in the area 1427 within the area 1427 . The display control unit 193 displays the moving image information read and acquired from the content information table 2023 in the area 1427.

The moving image information is arranged in a predetermined order. The predetermined order is, for example, the order of date of creation, the order represented by the tag information, the order of the number of reproductions, the order set by the administrator, or the like. As for the moving image information, for example, a representative image of the moving image is displayed.

When the user finds a moving image of interest, the user touches the area where the representative image of the moving image is displayed. When the moving image display is touched, for example, the control unit 190 requests the details of the corresponding information from the first server 20 . The display control unit 193 causes the display 141 to display an image based on information provided by the first server 20 .

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 when moving image information is displayed. The display control unit 193 causes the display 141 to display the moving image information selected by the user based on the information provided by the first server 20 . In the example of FIG. 22 , the display control unit 193 generates a modal window 14272 and displays moving image information on the modal window 14272 .

The display control unit 193 displays a code in the area 142721 for the user to access the moving image information displayed in the modal window 14272 from the terminal device 50 . The user sees video information displayed in modal window 14272 . When the user wants to access the moving image information from the terminal device 50, the user reads the code of the area 142721 with the terminal device 50 and accesses the moving image information. Displaying the code in the modal window 14272 makes it easier for the user to access the video information.

(Purchase processing)
The purchase processing in step S17 will be described in detail.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining purchase processing by the second server 30. As shown in FIG. For example, the user reads the code displayed in the area 142321 shown in FIG. 18 using the terminal device 50 and accesses the EC site. The control unit 303 uses the purchase processing module 3033 to determine the digital signage 10 used by the user of the terminal device 50 from the signage ID attached to the access information. Also, the purchase processing module 3033 determines the character displayed on the digital signage 10 from the character ID attached to the access information. A user operates the terminal device 50 and purchases a product on the EC site.

In step S21, when the user instructs to purchase a product, the purchase processing module 3033 accepts a payment procedure for the product selected by the user on the EC site.
In step S22, when the payment by the user is completed, the purchase processing module 3033 stores the content ID of the digital signage 10 used by the user in the second log information table 3023 in association with the purchase of the product. The purchase processing module 3033 also stores the ID of the character (product category) displayed on the digital signage 10 used by the user in the second log information table 3023 in association with the purchase of the product.

In step S23, the purchase processing module 3033 notifies the accounting system to which the store in which the digital signage 10 is installed belongs that the product has been purchased. At this time, the purchase processing module 3033 identifiably notifies the digital signage 10 that has become the starting point of the user's behavior that the product has been purchased.

In step S24, the accounting system identifiably stores in the digital signage 10 that the product has been purchased by the user.

In step S<b>23 , the purchase processing module 3033 may transmit to the terminal device 50 information indicating that the product was purchased at the EC site after being guided by the digital signage 10 . The information indicating that the product has been purchased may be, for example, a predetermined code such as a QR code or barcode, or may be information that can be transmitted by short-range wireless communication. A user possessing the terminal device 50 moves to the checkout counter of the store where the digital signage 10 is installed, and provides the checkout counter clerk with information indicating that the product has been purchased. Devices that provide information are not limited to checkout counters. A device may be installed in the store for receiving information indicating that a product has been purchased.

The accounting system identifiably stores the digital signage 10 used by the user that the product has been purchased by the user. The accounting system, for example, gives a predetermined privilege to the terminal device 50 that has provided the information indicating that the product has been purchased. The predetermined privilege is, for example, information for generating a predetermined effect when the customer visits the store next time.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining another example of purchase processing by the second server 30. As shown in FIG. For example, the user reads the code displayed in the area 142321 shown in FIG. 18 using the terminal device 50 and accesses the EC site. A user operates the terminal device 50 and purchases a product on the EC site.

In step S<b>25 , when the user instructs to purchase the product, the control unit 303 uses the purchase processing module 3033 to give the user the right to purchase the product.
In step S26, the purchase processing module 3033 stores in the second log information table 3023 that the purchase right has been granted. At this time, the payment has not yet been completed.

In step S27, the purchase processing module 3033 transmits information regarding the right to purchase the product to the terminal device 50 operated by the user. Information about the right to purchase a product may be transmitted in a format that can be displayed as a predetermined code such as a QR code or bar code, or in a format that can be transmitted by short-range wireless communication.

In step S<b>28 , the terminal device 50 stores the information transmitted from the second server 30 . After storing the information transmitted from the second server 30, the terminal device 50 displays, for example, an indication for completing the purchase on the display. Specifically, for example, the terminal device 50 presents the received information to the checkout counter and displays on the display that the payment has been completed.

In step S29, the terminal device 50 provides the sales clerk at the checkout counter with information on the purchase right of the product in accordance with the user's instruction.

At step S210, the accounting system accepts payment for the goods. Specifically, for example, the accounting system reads information about the right to purchase a product from the terminal device 50 and requests the user possessing the terminal device 50 to pay the fee based on the read information.

In step S211, the accounting system notifies the second server 30 that the user's payment has been completed.
In step S212, upon receiving the completion of payment by the user, the purchase processing module 3033 records the content ID of the digital signage 10 used by the user in the second log information table 3023 in association with the purchase of the product. The purchase processing module 3033 also records the ID of the character (product category) displayed on the digital signage 10 used by the user in the second log information table 3023 in association with the purchase of the product.

(Suggestion of other settings when setting display contents)
When the setting of another digital signage 10 is proposed by the third server 40 , the first server 20 causes the display control module 2034 to display the proposed setting on the digital signage 10 .

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing another display example of the digital signage 10 in the setting mode.

At the initial stage of the setting mode in the digital signage 10, the digital signage 10 displays areas 1411, 1412, 1413, and 1417 in FIG.

An area 1417 is an area for selecting whether or not to refer to settings of other digital signage 10 . When “use recommended setting” displayed in area 1417 is selected, display control unit 193 displays the content set in other digital signage 10 .

When "use recommended settings" displayed in area 1417 is selected, display control unit 193 displays areas 1418, 1419, and the like. Area 1418 is an area where information about recommended setting 1 is displayed, for example. Area 1419 is an area where information about recommended setting 2 is displayed, for example. If the administrator likes any of the settings displayed in area 1417, he or she selects that setting. This eliminates the need for the administrator to determine the settings of the digital signage 10 from scratch, thereby reducing the administrator's labor. In addition, since the settings of the digital signage 10 whose effects have been proven are adopted, the digital signage 10 can be operated effectively.

The display control unit 193 may display the degree of contribution of the recommended settings. The set contribution is obtained by, for example, the third server 40 based on, for example, contribution to product sales. In addition, the display control unit 193 may display the setter who set the recommended setting. Moreover, the display control unit 193 may display the set date for the recommended setting. In addition, the display control unit 193 may display the area, store, etc. where the digital signage 10 with the recommended settings is installed for the recommended settings. Further, the display control unit 193 may display how much effect is expected by setting the recommended setting.

As described above, in the above-described embodiment, the plurality of digital signages 10 display the first image regarding the product, associate the digital signage 10 with the first image so that the digital signage 10 can be identified, and display the page of the electronic commerce site regarding the product. Display a second image with information to guide. The control unit 303 uses the reception control module 3031 to accept access to the page from the user terminal 50 that has read the second image. The control unit 303 uses the purchase processing module 3033 to determine which digital signage the access is through from the received access. This makes it possible to determine which digital signage 10 the access to the EC site is from the user who saw it. Therefore, it is possible to grasp how much the digital signage 10 installed in the store contributes to the access to the EC site.

Therefore, according to the system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the motivation of the store operator or the employees to use the digital signage, and encourage the effective use of the digital signage.

Further, in the above embodiment, the digital signage 10 displays the first image in association with the product category, and displays the second image so that the product category can be identified. The purchase processing module 3033 determines, from the received access, through which product category in which digital signage the access is made. This makes it possible to determine which product category the access to the EC site is from the user who viewed the information. Therefore, it is possible to grasp how much the setting of the digital signage 10 installed in the store contributes to the access to the EC site.

Further, in the above embodiment, the purchase processing module 3033 accepts the purchase of merchandise from the user terminal 50 on the electronic commerce site. The purchase processing module 3033 associates the information indicating the purchase with the information identifying the digital signage 10 when the product is purchased on the electronic commerce site. As a result, it is possible to link which digital signage 10 guided the purchase of the product by the user on the EC site.

Further, in the above embodiment, the digital signage 10 displays the first image in association with the product category, and displays the second image so that the product category (character) can be identified. The purchase processing module 3033 determines, from the received access, through which product category in which digital signage 10 the access is made. The purchase processing module 3033 accepts purchase of merchandise from the user terminal 50 on the electronic commerce site. When a product is purchased on the electronic commerce site, the purchase processing module 3033 associates the information indicating the purchase with the information identifying the digital signage and the information identifying the product category. As a result, it becomes possible to link which product category display of which digital signage 10 has guided the purchase of the product by the user on the EC site.

Further, in the above embodiment, when a product is purchased on an electronic commerce site, the purchase processing module 3033 sends information indicating that the product has been purchased to the account of the store where the digital signage 10 associated with the information is installed. provide to the system. This makes it possible to reflect the sales of the EC site to the accounting system of the actual store.

Also, in the above embodiment, the purchase processing module 3033 transmits information indicating that the item has been purchased to the accounting system. This makes it possible to directly reflect the sales of the EC site on the accounting system of the actual store.

Further, in the above embodiment, the purchase processing module 3033 transmits information indicating that the purchase has been made to the user terminal 50 and causes the user terminal 50 to provide the information to the accounting system. As a result, it becomes possible to reflect the sales of the EC site to the accounting system of the actual store via the user terminal 50 .

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the purchase processing module 3033 gives a benefit to the user terminal 50 when the information indicating the purchase is provided by the user terminal 50 to the accounting system. As a result, it is possible to motivate the user to provide the accounting system with information indicating that the product has been purchased, so that the sales of the EC site can be reflected in the accounting system with a high probability. In addition, it is possible to encourage users who visit the store to make purchases on the EC site. Moreover, if the privilege is data that can be used at the time of the next visit to the store, it is possible to encourage the user to visit the store next time.

In addition, in the above embodiment, when the right to purchase a product is acquired on the electronic commerce site, the purchase processing module 3033 sends information about the right to purchase the product, and information for paying the fee for the product in the accounting system. is transmitted to the user terminal 50 together with the As a result, it becomes possible to pay for the product for which the purchase right has been acquired on the EC site at the checkout counter of the store. Therefore, it is possible to use the sales of the EC site as the sales of the accounting system of the actual store.

Further, in the above embodiment, the digital signage 10 does not display the first images of products that are in stock at the store, but displays the first images of products that are not in stock at the store but are in stock at the e-commerce site. As a result, products that are in stock at the store are not displayed on the digital signage 10, and only products that are not in stock at the store are displayed on the digital signage 10. - 特許庁Therefore, the digital signage 10 displays products that cannot be purchased at the store but can be purchased at the EC site, so that the digital signage 10 can be used effectively.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the digital signage 10 displays information about store inventory or electronic commerce site inventory together with the first image. Thereby, the user using the digital signage 10 can recognize whether the purchase is possible at the store or at the EC site.

<Other installation examples of digital signage 10>
The example shown in FIG. 14 shows the case where the digital signage 10 is installed so as to fit into the wall of the store, for example, installed side by side with the product shelf 100 . The digital signage 10 may be installed so as to maintain the sense of unity when the surrounding display shelves are installed with a predetermined sense of unity.

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing another example of installation of the digital signage 10-1 and 10-2 in a store. In the example shown in FIG. 26, the digital signages 10-1 and 10-2 are installed so as to fit into the walls of the store. Digital signages 10-1 and 10-2 are sandwiched between physical shelves 101 having, for example, three shelves. The digital signage 10-1 displays, for example, three shelves. In the digital signage 10-1, the distance between the shelves on the display screen and the distance between the shelves on the physical shelf 101 are the same. It is the same as the number of stages of the board. The digital signage 10-2 displays one shelf board. In the digital signage 10-2, the height of the shelf board on the display screen and the height of the shelf board of the physical shelf 101 are the same. The digital signage 10-1, 10-2 displays images of the shelves in such a manner as to maintain the unity of the surrounding shelves, thereby allowing the user to recognize them as part of the shelves. In addition, the digital signages 10-1 and 10-2 maintain a sense of unity of the surrounding physical shelves 101 regardless of whether the three-stage display or the one-stage display is performed. In other words, the user recognizes the display as part of the shelf whether it is displayed in multiple stages or in a single stage.

(Display processing)
Display processing of the digital signage 10 in this installation example will be described in detail together with a display example. In the digital signage 10, for example, product categories associated with products displayed on physical shelves 101 arranged around the digital signage 10 are set. For example, when stuffed animals are displayed on the surrounding physical shelves 101, the digital signage 10 sets stuffed animals as the product category. In the following description, it is assumed that stuffed toys are set as the product category of the digital signage 10 .

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 when stuffed animals are displayed according to the surrounding physical shelves. In FIG. 27, for example, three shelves are displayed in accordance with the surrounding physical shelves 101 . There are cases where the number of stages of the surrounding physical shelves is other than three, and in that case, the number of stages displayed on the digital signage 10 can also be other than three according to the number of the surrounding physical shelves. The digital signage 10 uses the display control unit 193 to display images of a plurality of stuffed animals according to the display positions on the shelf based on the set "stuffed animals".

As shown in FIG. 27 , the display control section 193 displays an area 1431 on the display 141 . An area 1431 is an area for displaying an image (display image) of a stuffed animal, which is a product to be displayed on a shelf. The display control unit 193 displays the image of the stuffed animal read and acquired from the character information table 2022 in the area 1431 so as to be placed on the shelf board. The display control unit 193 may display the product name, the name of the character associated with the stuffed animal, etc. in the area 1431 in association with the image of the stuffed animal. In addition, in FIG. 27, the display control unit 193 schematically displays one stuffed animal for each type side by side. However, the display of stuffed animals is not limited to one stuffed animal for each type. The display control unit 193 may lay out a plurality of images of the same stuffed animal and display a large number of stuffed animals on a shelf. As a result, even when a large number of stuffed animals are displayed on the physical shelf 101 by arranging the same stuffed animals in the depth direction, the display of the stuffed animals on the physical shelf 101 and the display mode of the stuffed animals on the digital signage 10 can be unified. It becomes possible.

The stuffed animal images are arranged in a predetermined order. For example, the display control unit 193 displays images of stuffed animals in the order of their identification numbers. In addition, the display control unit 193 may display the images of the stuffed animals in the order of the names of the stuffed animals. In addition, the display control unit 193 may display the images of stuffed animals in order from the most recent release date. Further, the display control unit 193 may display the images of popular products in descending order based on the sales data. Note that the display control unit 193 may randomly arrange the product images.

The display control unit 193 may attach a mark to the image of the stuffed toy that can be identified as to whether or not the stuffed toy is in stock in the store. In addition, the display control unit 193 may attach a mark to the image of the newly released stuffed toy to identify that it is a newly released product.

The display control unit 193 may not display images of stuffed animals that are in stock at the store. As a result, it is possible to separately display the stuffed animals in the store and the stuffed animals that can be purchased on the EC site, so that more products can be introduced. In addition, the display control unit 193 may not display the image of the stuffed animal currently displayed in the shop. As a result, it is possible to avoid displaying the stuffed animals actually displayed in the store on the digital signage 10, so that the limited sales space can be effectively utilized.

An area 1431 displays an operation UI for switching the displayed stuffed animal. For example, the display control unit 193 displays icons 14311 and 14312 as an operation UI for switching the displayed stuffed animal. Icons 14311 and 14312 are icons for receiving slide instructions from the user. When the icon 14311 is touched by the user, the display control unit 193 switches the display so that the shelf is slid leftward to display the shelf on the right side while maintaining the height of the displayed shelf board. Further, when the icon 14312 is touched by the user, the display control unit 193 switches the display so that the shelf is slid rightward to display the shelf on the left side while maintaining the height of the displayed shelf board. . As a result, the display control unit 193 can display other stuffed animals that cannot be displayed on one screen while maintaining the same arrangement.

The first server 20, for example, uses the display control module 2034 to check the inventory status of products in the store based on the product information table 2021. FIG. The display control module 2034 may, for example, check the product information table 2021 based on an inventory information update operation from the administrator, or may check the product information table 2021 at a preset cycle. The display control module 2034 controls the display of the digital signage 10 so as to change the display content based on the inventory status.

Specifically, for example, the display control unit 193 causes the display 141 to display the image of the stuffed animal when the store runs out of stock of the stuffed animal. Further, the display control unit 193 erases the image of the stuffed animal from the display 141, for example, when stock of a predetermined stuffed animal is restored in the store.

Note that sliding the shelf is not limited to touching the icons 14311 and 14312 . By sliding the hand sideways while touching the surface of the digital signage 10, the display may be switched so as to slide the shelf left and right.

An operation UI for switching display content may be displayed in the area 1431 . For example, the display control unit 193 displays buttons 1432 and 1433 as an operation UI for rearranging products. A button 1432 is a button for rearranging the products in numerical order. When the button 1432 is touched, the display control unit 193 rearranges the products in the order of identification numbers. A button 1433 is a button for rearranging products in order of name. When the button 1433 is touched, the display control unit 193 rearranges the products in order of product name or character name. Note that the operation UI for rearranging products is not limited to the buttons 1432 and 1433 . A button may be provided for each of the various orderings.

Also, for example, the display control unit 193 displays buttons 1434 and 1435 as an operation UI for moving the shelf up and down. Display control unit 193 displays buttons 1434 and 1435 below area 1431 , that is, below display 141 . A button 1434 is a button for raising the shelf board. When the button 1434 is touched while the shelf is lowered, the display control unit 193 switches the display so that the shelf that has been moved downward is returned to its original height. The display control unit 193 may raise the shelf board step by step, or may collectively raise the shelf boards in a plurality of stages. A button 1435 is a button for lowering the shelf board. When the button 1435 is touched with the shelf board raised (original height), the display control unit 193 switches the display so that the upper shelf board moves downward. The display control unit 193 may lower the shelf board step by step, or may collectively lower the shelf boards in a plurality of stages. Buttons 1434 and 1435 are displayed below display 141 . Therefore, even a short user such as a small child can touch the button 1435, and the product displayed above can be moved to a height at which the child can select.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 when the shelf board is lowered. In FIG. 27, when the button 1435 is touched, the shelf board displayed in FIG. will be displayed. At this time, the display control unit 193 erases the image of the stuffed toy group 103 displayed on the middle shelf and the image of the stuffed toy group 104 displayed on the lower shelf. The image of the stuffed toy group 102 displayed on the upper shelf is displayed at a height of, for example, about 1 m. In FIG. 28, icons 14311 and 14312 are displayed as an operation UI for switching the displayed stuffed animal. When the icon 14311 is touched by the user, the display control unit 193 switches the display so that the shelf is slid leftward to display the shelf on the right side while maintaining the height of the displayed shelf board. Further, when the icon 14312 is touched by the user, the display control unit 193 switches the display so that the shelf is slid rightward to display the shelf on the left side while maintaining the height of the displayed shelf board. .

For example, when the user touches the icon 14311 in FIG. 28, the display control unit 193 slides the shelf while maintaining the configuration of the shelf, and displays the image of the stuffed toy group 103 displayed on the middle shelf in FIG. indicate. FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 after the icon 14311 is touched once by the user in FIG. In FIG. 29, when the user touches the icon 14311 while the image of the stuffed animal group 103 is displayed, the display control unit 193 slides the shelf while maintaining the configuration of the shelf, and in FIG. , the image of the stuffed animal group 104 displayed in . When the user touches the icon 14311 while the image of the stuffed toy group 104 is displayed, the display control unit 193 slides the shelf while maintaining the configuration of the shelf, and after the user touches the icon 14311 in FIG. Display the image of the stuffed animal group displayed in . In this way, even when the number of shelves is lowered, by the user touching the icon 14311, the image of the stuffed animal can be displayed in the same way as before the number of shelves is lowered while maintaining the state of the displayed shelf.

Note that FIGS. 28 and 29 describe the case where the number of stuffed animal images displayed on one shelf does not change even when the number of shelves is reduced. However, when reducing the number of shelves, the number of stuffed animal images displayed on one shelf may be changed. For example, the display control unit 193 may increase the number of stuffed animal images displayed in one row by reducing the number of shelves. Specifically, for example, when the display control unit 193 reduces the number of shelves to one in a three-stage display with four animals on each stage, the display control unit 193 sets the number of stuffed animal images to be displayed on one stage to five or more, for example, , may be 6. At this time, the display control unit 193 may, for example, reduce the size of the image of the stuffed animal compared to before the number of shelves is reduced.

The display control unit 193 may display a decoration image different from the stuffed animal image in the area 14313 of FIGS. 28 and 29 . A region 14313 is a region generated by reducing the number of shelves to be displayed. The presence or absence of the decoration image can be appropriately set by the administrator. The decoration image to be displayed can be selected by the administrator. Also, it may be preset according to the decoration of the physical shelf 101 .

Since the area is generated by a short user lowering the number of shelf boards, the area 14313 may not accept touch operations. Also, the area 14313 may serve as a button 1434 for returning the shelves to a plurality of levels. Button 1434 is slightly lower for taller users. Touching the area 14313 restores the number of stages to a plurality of stages, which improves operability for tall users.

When the user touches the button 1433 in FIGS. 28 and 29, the display control unit 193 raises the shelf and returns it to the state shown in FIG. 27, for example.

In FIGS. 27 and 28, when the user finds a stuffed animal that interests him, he touches the area where the image of the stuffed animal is displayed. When the stuffed toy image is touched, for example, the control unit 190 requests the details of the corresponding information from the first server 20 . The display control unit 193 causes the display 141 to display an image based on information provided by the first server 20 .

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of the digital signage 10 when the product details are displayed. The display control unit 193 causes the display 141 to display detailed information on the stuffed animal selected by the user based on the information provided by the first server 20 . In the example of FIG. 30 , the display control unit 193 causes the display 141 to display areas 1436 and 1437 . Area 1436 is an area for displaying an image (detailed image) regarding detailed information about the stuffed animal. An area 1437 is an area for displaying an image related to the selected stuffed animal-related product. At this time, the upper end of the area 1437 is displayed, for example, at a height of about 1 m from the floor surface.

An area 1436 displays an enlarged image of the selected stuffed animal, the product name (or character name), and the price. An icon 14361 is displayed in the area 1436 . An icon 14361 is an icon for selecting an image to be enlarged and displayed from the image 14362 . Images 14362 include, for example, images of stuffed animals viewed from different directions. When icon 14361 is touched by the user, display control unit 193 moves cursor 14363 according to the number of touches, and displays an enlarged image of the image indicated by cursor 14363 in area 1436 .

The display control unit 193 displays in the area 14364 a code (for example, a QR code) for accessing the stuffed animal EC site page displayed in the area 1436 . This code includes, for example, the signage ID of the digital signage 10 and the character ID of Pikachu.

The user confirms the stuffed animal displayed in area 1436 . If the user wishes to purchase on the EC site or to check further information, the user reads the code in the area 14364 with the terminal device 50 and accesses the EC site. Displaying the code in the area 1436 makes it easier for the user to obtain information on the desired product and reduces the effort required to purchase the product on the EC site. In addition, since the code attached with the signage ID is read to access the EC site, the second server 30 can easily grasp which digital signage 10 the user is guided to access. In addition, since the code to which the character ID is attached is read to access the EC site, the second server 30 can easily grasp which character guided the user to access.

An area 1437 displays an image 14372 of a product associated with the character. The image of the product is based on, for example, the image of the product exhibited on the EC site. By moving the slider 14371 up and down, the user can display the image of the product that does not fit in the area 1437 within the area 1437 . The display control unit 193 displays the image of the product read from the product information table 2021 and acquired in the area 1437 . The product images are arranged in a predetermined order.

The display control unit 193 may attach a mark to the image of the product that enables identification of whether or not the product is in stock in the store. In addition, the display control unit 193 may attach a mark to the image of the newly released product so that it can be identified as a newly released product.

The display control unit 193 may not display images of products that are in stock at the store. As a result, it is possible to separately display the products in the store and the products that can be purchased on the EC site, thereby making it possible to introduce more products. Moreover, the display control unit 193 may prevent the image of the product currently displayed in the store from being displayed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the products actually displayed in the store from being displayed on the digital signage 10, so that the limited sales floor can be effectively utilized.

When the user finds an item of interest among the items displayed in area 1437, the user touches the area where the image of the item is displayed. When the product image is touched, for example, the control unit 190 requests the details of the corresponding information from the first server 20 . The display control unit 193 causes the display 141 to display an image based on information provided by the first server 20 .

A button 14373 for inputting an instruction to close the area 1437 is displayed in the area 1437 . When the user touches button 14373 , display control section 193 closes area 1437 . After closing the area 1437, the display control unit 193 may display the area 1436 at the position as it is, or move it downward and display it.

In FIG. 30, button 1438 is displayed. A button 1438 is a button for inputting an instruction to end the detailed display of the product. When the user touches the button 1438, the display control unit 193 terminates the detailed display of the product and returns to the display of the product associated with the physical shelf. After ending the detailed display of the product, the display control unit 193 shifts to the product display using the entire digital signage 10 shown in FIG. 27 .

28 and 29, when the display of product details is shifted from a state in which the number of shelves to be displayed is small, and the detailed display is ended, the display control unit 193 displays the display display in a state in which the number of shelves to be displayed is small. You may make it As a result, when a short user continuously uses the digital signage 10, the user can operate the digital signage 10 without stress.

Even if the button 1438 is not touched, if there is no operation on the digital signage 10 for a predetermined time after displaying the detailed product display, the display control unit 193 ends the detailed display of the product and displays the physical shelf. You may return to the display display of the goods that you ordered.

In FIG. 30 , even when a short user operates, it is possible to input operations to the digital signage 10 up to area 1437 . Also, since the button 1438 is attached to the bottom, it is possible to return to the product display. Therefore, although there is a possibility that the area 1436 is out of reach, the desired operation can be continued.

As described above, the digital signage 10 displays the first display image including the shelf board image having a sense of unity with the physical shelves arranged around. The digital signage 10 switches the display to a second display image in which the number of stages of displayed shelf board images is reduced while maintaining a sense of unity with the physical shelves according to an instruction from the user. As a result, it is possible to change the display of the digital signage so that even a short user can operate it while maintaining a sense of unity with the surrounding physical shelves.

Therefore, according to the digital signage 10 according to the present embodiment, the display height can be adjusted without causing discomfort in the installation environment.

Further, in the above embodiment, the digital signage 10 displays the icon 1435 for switching the display to the second display image below the digital signage 10 when displaying the first display image. This enables a user who is not tall to operate the number of stages displayed on the digital signage 10 .

Further, in the above embodiment, the digital signage 10 switches display from the second display image to the first display image in accordance with an instruction from the user. As a result, the signage 10 can return the height-adjusted display for users who are not tall to the normal display.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the digital signage 10 slides the display in the formation direction of the shelf board image according to the operation of the user searching for the product. As a result, it is possible to check the products as if the physical shelves were continuing. Therefore, the user can recognize the digital signage 10 as part of the physical shelf.

In the above embodiment, the digital signage 10 slides the display in the vertical direction according to the operation of the user who searches for products, and stops the displayed shelf board image at a position consistent with the surrounding physical shelves. As a result, even when the display is slid vertically, it is possible to prevent the unity from being disturbed.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the user touches an image related to a product, the digital signage 10 displays a detailed image including detailed information about the touched product. When displaying the detailed image, the digital signage 10 displays an icon 1438 below the digital signage 10 for switching the display to the first display image or the second display image. Thereby, even a user who is not tall can switch the display from the detailed image to the first display image or the second display image.

Further, in the above embodiment, the digital signage 10 switches the display to the second display image when an instruction is input to the icon 1438 in a state where the display is switched from the second display image to the detailed image. As a result, a user who is not tall can continue the operation without stress.

<Modification>
In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the transition to the setting mode occurs when the administrator touches a predetermined position on the digital signage 10 . However, the transition of the digital signage 10 to the setting mode is not limited to when a predetermined position is touched. For example, the digital signage 10 may automatically transition to configuration mode. For example, the digital signage 10 may transition to the setting mode when changing products to be displayed in the store. Specifically, for example, the digital signage 10 may transition to the setting mode at a preset date and time. Further, the digital signage 10 may transition to the setting mode when a predetermined instruction regarding display change is given.

Further, in the above embodiment, the administrator may set the interval between the shelves, the maximum number of shelves to be displayed, the display position of the shelves, etc. in the setting mode. Also, the administrator may set the presence or absence of the decoration image and the style of the decoration image in the setting mode. This allows the administrator to easily change the display according to the status of adjacent physical shelves.

Further, in the above embodiment, the display when connecting to the EC site is not mentioned. However, the second server 30 may display according to the determined digital signage 10 when the user accesses the EC site. Specifically, for example, when the second server 30 receives access from the digital signage 10 installed in a store in Okinawa, based on the signage ID of the digital signage 10 that guided the user to the EC site, which digital signage 10 is discriminated. In other words, the second server 30 determines, for example, whether the digital signage 10 is installed in a store in Okinawa, the installation position in the store, the setting person, etc., in addition to the individual identification of the digital signage 10 .

The second server 30 displays information linked to the store where the digital signage 10 is installed, such as "Thank you for using the Okinawa store!", on the EC site based on the determined information. As a result, the user can recognize that the EC site is visited from the store visited, and can seamlessly shop from the store to the EC site.

Also, the second server 30 may display information associated with the installation position in the store, the setting person, or the like on the EC site. As a result, for example, when the installation position is characteristic, or when the setter is a celebrity, the interest in connecting to the EC site is improved.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the inventory information of the store is confirmed based on the product information table 2021 . However, confirmation of store inventory information is not limited to confirmation of product information table 2021 only. For example, a sensor may be installed in the store that detects a user's purchase of an item on display. Sensors can be installed, for example, on physical shelves, on ceilings, high on pillars, etc., where it is possible to detect the removal of products from the physical shelves. The sensor detects that a product has been taken out from the physical shelf by the user, and recognizes the product that has been taken out. When all of the products displayed on the physical shelf have been taken out, the display control module 2034 determines, for example, that the store is out of stock of the product. In addition, when the sold-out product is displayed on the physical shelf, the display control module 2034 determines that the stock of the product in the store has recovered, for example. The display control module 2034 controls the display of the digital signage 10 so as to change the display content based on the inventory status.

Further, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 27 to 29, by sliding the screen in the horizontal direction, other products are displayed. However, the sliding direction of display on display 141 is not limited to the horizontal direction. 27 to 29, on both sides of the digital signage 10 there are physical shelves installed with a sense of unity. Therefore, considering the continuity of the shelves, sliding in the lateral direction is less uncomfortable. However, as long as the uniformity of the shelves is maintained, it may be slid in the longitudinal direction (perpendicular direction). For example, the shelves in the digital signage 10 are forcibly stopped at positions corresponding to the surrounding shelves by sliding in the vertical direction. In this way, it is possible to avoid misalignment of the surroundings and the position of the shelf board, and it is possible to avoid disturbing the sense of unity.

<4 Basic hardware configuration of computer>
FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of computer 90. As shown in FIG. The computer 90 includes at least a processor 91, a main storage device 92, an auxiliary storage device 93, and a communication IF 99 (interface). These are electrically connected to each other by a bus.

The processor 91 is hardware for executing an instruction set described in a program. The processor 91 is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, and the like.

The main storage device 92 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by the programs. For example, it is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

The auxiliary storage device 93 is a storage device for storing data and programs. For example, flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, semiconductor memory, and the like.

The communication IF 99 is an interface for inputting/outputting signals for communicating with other computers via a network using a wired or wireless communication standard.

The network is composed of various mobile communication systems constructed by the Internet, LAN, wireless base stations, and the like. For example, networks include 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), wireless networks (for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) that can be connected to the Internet through predetermined access points, and the like. When connecting wirelessly, communication protocols include, for example, Z-Wave (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the like. In the case of wired connection, the network includes direct connection using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like.

It should be noted that the computer 90 can be virtually realized by distributing all or part of each hardware configuration to a plurality of computers 90 and connecting them to each other via a network. Thus, the computer 90 is a concept that includes not only the computer 90 housed in a single housing or case, but also a virtualized computer system.

<Basic Functional Configuration of Computer 90>
A functional configuration of the computer realized by the basic hardware configuration of the computer 90 shown in FIG. 31 will be described. The computer includes at least functional units of a control section, a storage section, and a communication section.

Note that the functional units included in the computer 90 can also be implemented by distributing all or part of each functional unit to a plurality of computers 90 interconnected via a network. The computer 90 is a concept that includes not only a single computer 90 but also a virtualized computer system.

The control unit is implemented by the processor 91 reading out various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 93, developing them in the main storage device 92, and executing processing according to the programs. The control unit can implement functional units that perform various information processing according to the type of program. Thereby, the computer is implemented as an information processing device that performs information processing.

A storage unit is realized by the main storage device 92 and the auxiliary storage device 93 . The storage unit stores data, various programs, and various databases. Further, the processor 91 can secure a storage area corresponding to the storage unit in the main storage device 92 or the auxiliary storage device 93 according to the program. In addition, the control unit can cause the processor 91 to execute addition, update, and deletion processing of data stored in the storage unit according to various programs.

A database refers to a relational database, and is for managing data sets called tables in tabular form, which are structurally defined by rows and columns, in association with each other. In a database, a table is called a table, columns of a table are called columns, and rows of a table are called records. Relational databases allow you to establish and associate relationships between tables.

Each table usually has a key column that uniquely identifies a record, but setting a key to the column is not essential. The control unit can cause the processor 91 to add, delete, and update records in a specific table stored in the storage unit according to various programs.

A communication unit is realized by the communication IF 99 . The communication unit implements a function of communicating with another computer 90 via a network. The communication section can receive information transmitted from another computer 90 and input it to the control section. The control unit can cause the processor 91 to execute information processing on the received information according to various programs. Also, the communication section can transmit information output from the control section to another computer 90 .

Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. It can be performed. These embodiments and their modifications are intended to be included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents as well as included in the scope and gist of the invention.

<Appendix>
The items described in the above embodiments will be added below.
(Appendix 1)
A program comprising a processor and a memory and executed by a digital signage installed in a retail store to display images related to products, wherein the processor stores shelf board images that have a sense of unity with the physical shelves arranged around. and a step of switching the display to a second display image in which the number of displayed shelf board images is reduced while maintaining a sense of unity with the physical shelf according to an instruction from the user; program to run.
(Appendix 2)
The program according to (Appendix 1), wherein, in the step of displaying the first display image, an icon for switching the display to the second display image is displayed below the digital signage.
(Appendix 3)
(Appendix 1) or (Appendix 2).
(Appendix 4)
The program according to any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 3), causing a processor to execute a step of sliding a display in a direction in which a shelf board image is formed according to an operation of a user who searches for products.
(Appendix 5)
Slide the display in the vertical direction according to the operation of the user searching for the product, and stop the displayed shelf board image at a position consistent with the surrounding physical shelves (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 3) program as described.
(Appendix 6)
When the image related to the product is touched by the user, causing the processor to execute the step of displaying the detailed image including the detailed information of the touched product, and in the step of displaying the detailed image, below the digital signage, the first display image or The program according to any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 5), displaying an icon for switching the display to the second display image.
(Appendix 7)
6. The program according to Appendix 6, causing a processor to execute a step of switching display to a second display image when an instruction is input to the icon in a state in which the display is switched from the second display image to the detailed image.
(Appendix 8)
A method, comprising a processor and a memory, implemented in a digital signage installed in a retail store to display images of merchandise, wherein the processor displays shelf imagery consistent with physical shelves arranged around it. and a step of switching the display to a second display image in which the number of displayed shelf board images is reduced while maintaining a sense of unity with the physical shelf according to an instruction from the user. way to execute.
(Appendix 9)
A step of displaying a first display image including a shelf board image having a sense of unity with the physical shelves arranged around, and displaying the shelf board image while maintaining a sense of unity with the physical shelf according to an instruction from a user. and switching the display to a second display image in which the number of stages of the digital signage is reduced.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... System 10... Digital signage 12... Communication IF
120...Communication unit 13...Input device 131...Touch sensitive device 14...Output device 141...Display 150...Position information sensor 160...Camera 17...Audio processing unit 171...Microphone 172...Speaker 180...Storage unit 19...Processor 190... Control unit 20... First server 30... Second server 40... Third server 50... Terminal device

Claims (9)

A program comprising a processor and a memory, and for causing a digital signage installed in a retail store to display images related to products to execute, the program comprising:
a step of displaying a first display image including a shelf board image whose display position can be changed in order to give a sense of unity in the heights of adjacently arranged physical shelves and shelf boards;
and a step of switching display to a second display image in which the number of displayed shelf board images is reduced while maintaining a sense of unity with the physical shelf according to an instruction from a user. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein in the step of displaying the first display image, an icon for switching display to the second display image is displayed below the digital signage. 2. The program according to claim 1, causing the processor to execute a step of switching display from the second display image to the first display image in accordance with an instruction from a user. 2. The program according to claim 1, which causes the processor to execute a step of sliding the display in the forming direction of the shelf board image according to an operation of a user who searches for products. 2. The program according to claim 1, which slides the display in the vertical direction according to the operation of a user who searches for products, and stops the displayed shelf board image at a position where the height of the shelf board and the surrounding physical shelves are uniform. . causing the processor to display a detailed image including detailed information of the touched product when an image related to the product is touched by the user;
2. The program according to claim 1, wherein, in the step of displaying the detailed image, an icon for switching display to the first display image or the second display image is displayed below the digital signage. 7. The program according to claim 6 , causing the processor to execute a step of switching display to the second display image when an instruction is input to the icon in a state in which display is switched from the second display image to the detailed image. . A method, comprising a processor and a memory, performed on a digital signage installed in a retail store for displaying images relating to merchandise, the processor comprising:
a step of displaying a first display image including a shelf board image whose display position can be changed in order to give a sense of unity in the heights of adjacently arranged physical shelves and shelf boards;
and switching the display to a second display image in which the number of stages of the displayed shelf board image is reduced while maintaining a sense of unity with the physical shelf according to an instruction from a user. a step of displaying a first display image including a shelf board image whose display position can be changed in order to give a sense of unity in the heights of adjacently arranged physical shelves and shelf boards;
A digital signage for executing a step of switching display to a second display image in which the number of stages of shelf board images to be displayed is reduced while maintaining a sense of unity with the physical shelf according to an instruction from a user.

Images