JPH03286714A - Managing device for exhibition of commodity such as video type - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To execute labor saving of the work, to prevent the miss of management, etc., and to simplify the stocktaking work by connecting a communication controller to an exhibition shelf controller through a data writing device and a Cheapenet LAN by connecting it to a POS device, or without connecting it thereto, and displaying lending, etc., on a display panel placed in an exhibition shelf. CONSTITUTION:A customer goes to a counter by carrying a display panel 6 of a tape to which he desires to receive landing. In the counter, confirmation of a member, etc., are executed by a membership card, and thereafter, by looking at a shelf number label of the display panel 6 carried by a salesclerk and drawing out a lending tape from a backyard, a lending operation by a POS device 2 is executed. After the lending work is finished, when the display panel 6 is returned to an exhibition shelf 7 at a suitable time, a pilot lamp 9 of lending is turned on immediately. That is, when it is informed to a communication controller 1 that lending is executed by a command from the POS device 2, the communication controller saves temporarily its information, and after waiting for a fact that the display panel 6 is installed in the exhibition shelf 7, the pilot lamp 9 for showing a fact that the display panel is being lent can be turned on.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION <Industrial Application Field> The present invention relates to a product management device for video tapes and the like for saving labor and streamlining rental tags at rental stores.

<Conventional Technology> Conventionally, rental stores display only the outer packaging of tapes, etc., and the tapes themselves are packed away.

At such stores, a customer usually brings the outer box of the tape he or she wants to borrow to the cash register. Therefore, the clerk recognizes the storage location in the backyard storage from the machine number etc. pasted on the outer box and searches for the tape from the same storage. Thereafter, for example, a computer system, which is a management system for renting and returning video tapes, and a PO8 device (hereinafter simply referred to as PO8 device) perform a lending operation to lend the tape to a customer.

The store clerk then wrote the following on the outer box of the tape that the customer brought to the register.
A tag indicating ``On loan'' will be affixed to the item, and it will be returned to the display shelf at an appropriate time.

When the customer returns to the store and the tape is returned, the store clerk calls the P.O.
The return operation is carried out using eight devices, and the tape is returned to its original backyard. At the same time, the corresponding loaned tag is searched from the display shelf and the tag is collected. This makes it possible to rent it out again to the next customer. Conventional video rental shops operate by repeating this system.

<Problems to be Solved by the Invention> However, the following major drawbacks and problems have been strongly pointed out in the systems belonging to these conventional techniques.

In other words, after the return operation is completed using the PO8 device, the clerk searches for the corresponding title (outer box) on the display shelf in order to collect the corresponding loan tag, but this is a difficult task in practice, and Since the information is not always in its original location, it is often time-consuming and prone to errors. Additionally, since many customers generally rent tapes on Saturdays and Sundays, returns tend to be concentrated on Sundays and Mondays. When collecting tags indicating that the item is on loan from an empty box, if the item cannot be returned within the same day, the customer loses the opportunity to lend the item to the next customer, which greatly reduces management efficiency. Furthermore, the amount of inventory work that is done once or twice a year (large stores hold over 20,000 video tapes and CDs) is enormous and must be done in a short amount of time. However, this inventory work was by no means an easy task.

The present invention corrects all of the shortcomings and problems of the prior art, and uses communication instead of tags to save labor, prevent mistakes in management, etc., and simplify inventory work. The aim is to provide a system that achieves this goal.

That is, in the present invention, specifically, when a tape is lent to a customer, a large number of terminals called display panels that are linked (or unlinked) with the operation of the PO8 device and connected by communication circuits. Of,
The corresponding item lights up an indicator light indicating that it is ``on loan.'' Also, when a tape is returned, the indicator light on the corresponding display panel is turned off.
These efforts save labor and prevent mistakes.

Furthermore, in the product display management device for video tapes, etc. according to the present invention, the invention is explained using one component called the video tape, but the present invention is by no means limited to video tapes. It includes all products that can be managed by communication such as product management and customer management using a rental system, and includes not only video tapes and radar discs, but also various books, M magazines, and This also applies to music-related products such as CDs and records.

<Means for solving the problems> The product management and display device for video tapes and the like according to the present invention has the following features:
Connect the communication control device to the PO8 device or computer system, or connect it to the data writing device and the CheapNet local area network (hereinafter referred to as
The system is connected to an exhibition shelf controller via a Cheap Net LAN (simply referred to as Cheap Net LAN), and displays rental information on a display panel installed in the exhibition shelf.

Hereinafter, the present invention having such characteristics will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The PO8 system W (2) shown in Figure 1 is responsible for product sales and rental management, product management, money management, customer management, etc. More specifically, who borrows what, when to buy it, and when to return it. The PO3 device (2), which has such functions, is not an essential requirement for the present invention. The reason is that the indicator light (
The lighting and extinguishing of 9) is caused by the communication 11J control device (1).

Next, the communication control device M (1) is connected to the PO8 device M (2), or is not connected and the other is the data writing device (
This is a device that is connected to and controls a plurality of display shelf controllers (5 units) via a 3-channel unit, etc.

This communication control device (1) can be used as a personal computer as is, and transmits commands from the higher-level PO8 device (2) to multiple lower-level display shelf controllers (2).
5), and also transmits the information from each display shelf controller (5) to the PO8 device (2>) as necessary.The other function is system diagnosis, which starts the system diagnosis program. Based on this, it is determined which display shelf (A) or display panel (6) has an abnormality.

Furthermore, it also controls the function of searching for where the display panel (6) is located on the product display shelf (7), the communication with the controller PO8 device (2) that writes shelf numbers, and the reservation function. In addition, this communication control device!(,1) also functions as a product management function to check and manage whether or not lent products have been returned to the store.

Next, the data writing device (3) is the display shelf controller (5).
) In addition to having the same function as the display panel (6), it also has the function of writing a unique address or display data to the display panel (6) when starting operation at the store. This is used when initializing the . That is, in order to match the numbers on the product display shelves (7) and the back stock, the numbers are determined in advance and the shelf numbers are written on the display panel (6).

Then, when processing tapes for lending to customers, PO8 device (2)
The indicator light (9) on the display panel (6) can be turned on,
). Therefore, it is efficient if this data writing device (3) is installed near the cash register where the PO3H1f (2) is installed and operated by a cashier clerk as needed.

This data writing device (3) and the display shelf controller (5)
) is connected to Cheapanet LAN (4). Which display shelf is the Cheap Net LAN (4) located on?
〉 indicates the communication sent from the communication control device (1). The exhibition shelf controller (5) works together with the communication control device M (2) and has the function of issuing a command to turn on or off the display panel (6).The exhibition shelf controller (5) The display shelf controller (5) is equipped with a Cheapanet LAN (4) connector for connection to the electrical layer device and other controllers, and a connector for connection to the electrode module (17) at the rear. Display shelf (7
) and at the same time, the Cheap Net L
Communication control device via AN (4)! (1).

Next, there are two types of exhibits 1ff (7) used in the present invention: a wall type (19) and an island type (20) (see FIG. 1). One of the exhibition shelf controllers (5) built into these exhibition shelves (7) is connected to the electrode module (17) placed on the exhibition Ill (7), and the other is connected to the Cheap Net LAN <4). be done.

Next, the display panel (6) shown in FIG. 2 will be explained. The display panel (6) has a function of displaying whether or not an item is being lent out in response to a command from the display shelf controller (5).

The internal structure of the display panel (6) according to the present invention will be explained. First, remove the printed material (8) containing the title and photos showing the contents, which is inserted into the outer box of the video foot, and remove the transparent plastic member in the center (8).
10). Indicator lights (9) and (18) are provided at the top to indicate that the device is being rented, reserved, and charging, and at the bottom are electrodes (11) that serve as contacts for power supply and communication. The size of the display panel (6) is made thinner than a conventional video tape outer box for convenient portability. A microcomputer with a communication function is installed inside the display panel (6), and communicates with the display shelf controller (5) through the electrodes (11). To explain the internal structure of (6), the covers (12) and (13) from both sides are made of transparent plastic such as acrylic resin, and the panel body (
14) has a structure that sandwiches the circuit board <15). The circuit board (15) includes, for example, a 4-bit microcomputer (21) and its peripheral circuits, as well as an indicator light (9) at the top indicating that the item is being rented or reserved, e.g. red, and a power supply (charging). A green indicator light (18) is attached to indicate the panel (6).
The connecting part with the electrode (11) at the bottom of the unit communicates with the display shelf controller (5), which is the master unit, and causes the indicator light (9) to blink to indicate that the item is being rented or reserved.
This panel (6) has a built-in battery (22) that provides backup when the power supply stops. (25) is a bent spacer which intervenes and protects the wiring cable (23). (24) is a stopper for loading and unloading the printed matter (8).

Referring to FIG. 4, which shows an example of exhibit 1t(7) in the present invention, the electrode module (17) includes a pair (
2) or more electrodes (16) are attached. The structure is such that two electrodes are in contact with the display panel (6) no matter which way the display panel (6) is tilted forward or backward, and through these electrodes (16),
It supplies power (11) to the display panel (6). Furthermore, through this electrode, the display panel (6) and its parent display shelf controller (5) are connected.
It also performs communication between Using this communication line, the display shelf controller (5) turns on or off the indicator light (9) indicating that the display is on loan or reserved. Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of the display shelf (7). It shows.

The electrode module (26) is attached at different heights, one at the front and one at the rear, and the display panel (6) is held tilted toward the right side. Unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the display panel (6) is tilted to either side without pivoting back and forth, so that sufficient pressure on the electrode portions can be ensured.'

Next, an actual embodiment according to the present invention will be described.

First, at the store, the newly purchased tape is opened, the printed matter (8) is removed from the outer box, and the tape is inserted into the display panel (6) according to the present invention.

Then, the tape inside the box and the display panel (6
), assign a shelf number with the same number, attach a number label to the tape, and store the tape in the back yard. The same number as the storage bin,
The display panel (6
〉, set the display panel (6) to the data writing device (3), and connect the communication system m+ device (1
Enter the storage bin from , and perform the address write operation. Once these preparations are completed, the display panel (6) can be placed on a suitable exhibit II (7), and subsequent management will be performed automatically in conjunction with the PoS device (2).

On the other hand, the customer's first step is to move the display panels (6) displayed on the display shelf (7) forward one by one and look at the titles, photos, etc. in order to find the software of their choice.
This will be the work. The customer goes to the counter with the display panel (6) of the tape he/she wishes to borrow.

At this time, the customer usually presents a membership card with a magnetic stripe or barcode attached. At the counter, after confirming the membership with the membership card, the clerk looks at the #1 label on the display panel (6), pulls out the rental tape from the back yard, and uses the regular PoS device. The lending operation in (2) is performed.

After the lending work is completed, display and
When the panel (6) is returned to the display shelf (7>), the lending indicator light (9) lights up immediately.

In other words, when the communication W device (1) is notified that the loan has been made in response to a command from PO31i1 (2>), the communication
The 11111 device temporarily stores the information, waits for the display panel (6) to be attached to the exhibit 111 (7), and then displays whether the display panel (6) is currently on loan.
The indicator light (9) shown can be turned on.

When the customer returns the tape, the PO8 device (
The return process is performed at step 2), but of course at this time the display panel (6) has been returned to the display shelf <7>, so the communication control device (1> The tape number and the fact that it has been returned are transmitted to each exhibition shelf controller (5) via Commands the lamps being lent to be turned off.

The confirmation response for turning off the light is returned to the communication control device (1), and if there is an abnormality in the response, the communication control device F (1) issues an alarm.

<Effects of the Invention> As a result of the above-mentioned structural requirements, the present invention solves all the serious drawbacks and problems associated with store management that the prior art had.

In other words, in a conventional video rental shop, after the return operation is completed using the PO3 device, the clerk first searches for the corresponding title (outer box) on the display shelf in order to collect the corresponding rental tag, but this is not a practical problem. This was a difficult task, and because the boxes were not necessarily in their original locations, it was often time-consuming and prone to mistakes. Additionally, since many customers generally rent tapes on Saturdays and Sundays, the return dates tended to be concentrated.
When collecting a tag indicating that the item is on loan from an empty box, if the tag could not be returned to the display shelf within the same day, the opportunity to lend the item to the next customer was lost, which greatly reduced business efficiency. Furthermore, the amount of work involved in inventory taking, which is done once or twice a year, is enormous and must be done in a short amount of time, which is by no means an easy task. As a result of the present invention having the above-mentioned constituent elements, that is, by using communication instead of tags as the basic principle, it is possible to save labor, prevent mistakes in management, etc., and simplify inventory work. This made it possible.

That is, specifically, when the tape is lent to the customer,
Among the many terminals called display panels that may or may not be linked to the operation of the PoS device and are connected by communication circuits, the display panel will display a message indicating that the device is on loan. In addition, when the tape is returned, the indicator light on the corresponding display panel can be turned off, which can save energy and prevent mistakes. This invention exhibits a very remarkable effect compared to the prior art and can fully achieve the above-mentioned object of the present invention.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of the system configuration according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a display panel, and FIG.
The figure is an exploded view of the display panel according to FIG. 2, and FIGS. 4 and 5 are explanatory views showing the display panel displayed on display shelves of different formats. (1)...Communication control device, (2)...PO8 device,
(3)...Data writing device, (4)...Chibanent LAN, (5)...Display shelf controller, (6)...
・Display panel, <7)...Display shelf, (8)
...Printed matter, (9) (18) ...Indicator light, (10)
...Plastic member, (11) (16) ... Electrode, (12) (13> ... Cover (14) ... Panel body, (15) ... Circuit board, (17) (26 )・
... Electrode module, (19) ... Wall type, (2
0)... Island type, (21)... Microcomputer, (22) - Battery, (23) Wiring cable, (24) (25) - Spacer/stopper

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. Connect the communication control device (1) to the POS device (2) or computer system, or connect it to the display shelf controller (5) via the data writing device (3) and Qipanet LAN (4). Connect it to the display shelf (7
A product display management device for video tapes, etc., characterized in that rental information is displayed on a display panel (6) installed in a display panel (6).