KR102397939B1 - System and method for guiding location of product - Google Patents

Abstract

A shelf life management guidance system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a store including a product to which product identification information is given and a light emitting unit installed at a point corresponding to product location information corresponding to the product identification information; and an expiration date management server that selects a target product based on expiration date information corresponding to the product identification information, wherein the expiration date management server includes a control unit, and the light emitting unit includes a product corresponding to the product identification information. Unit identification information is provided, and the control unit guides the location of the target product by generating a light emission control signal based on the expiration date information and the unit identification information.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GUIDING LOCATION OF PRODUCT

The present invention relates to a shelf life management system and method, and more particularly, to a shelf life management system and method for managing the shelf life of a product using a light emitting unit in a sales space.

In sales spaces such as marts, supermarkets, shopping centers, and convenience stores where products can be purchased, various types of products are displayed and sold. The range of products handled may vary depending on the size of the sales space. In order to minimize business loss for sellers and provide fresh products to consumers, efficient sales and guidance/marketing for the short and long shelf life are required. need.

However, as the types of products become more diversified, there is a limitation in checking the expiration date and/or checking the products to be managed one by one from the standpoint of the manager of the sales space. Checking the expiration date of each product is inefficient and cumbersome.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems, and to provide a shelf life management system and method that can efficiently and systematically manage the expiration dates of various products using a light emitting unit to a manager of a sales space.

A shelf life management guidance system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a store including a product to which product identification information is given and a light emitting unit installed at a point corresponding to product location information corresponding to the product identification information; and an expiration date management server that selects a target product based on expiration date information corresponding to the product identification information, wherein the expiration date management server includes a control unit, and the light emitting unit includes a product corresponding to the product identification information. Unit identification information is provided, and the control unit guides the location of the target product by generating a light emission control signal based on the expiration date information and the unit identification information.

The control unit receives the expiration date information, generates inspection identification information by linking the product identification information and the expiration date information corresponding to the product identification information, and links the unit identification information with the inspection identification information. can

The store further includes a shelf on which the product is displayed, the shelf is provided with shelf identification information for identifying the shelf, the shelf identification information corresponds to the product location information, and the shelf identification information includes the It may be linked with inspection identification information, and the unit identification information may be linked with the stand identification information.

The control unit may calculate the remaining period data from the current time to the expiration date according to the expiration date information, and generate the light emission control signal based on the remaining duration data and the unit identification information.

The control unit selects, as the target product, a product corresponding to a preset criterion for a remaining period according to the remaining period data, and identifies target product identification information provided to the target product and a target unit interlocked with the target product identification information The information may be retrieved to generate the light emission control signal, and the light emission control signal may control the target light emitting unit to operate in a different light emission mode according to the remaining period.

The light emitting unit may include a light emitting unit operating in a predetermined mode according to the light emission control signal.

The light emitting unit further includes a sensing unit for sensing a sensing operation, wherein the light emitting unit operates in a first light emission mode according to the light emission control signal, and the sensing operation through the sensing unit while operating in the first light emission mode is detected, it may operate in a second light emitting mode different from the first light emitting mode.

The first light emitting mode and the second light emitting mode may be different from each other in at least one selected from whether the target light emitting unit emits light, the intensity of the light emitted, and the wavelength (color) of the emitted light.

The light emitting unit may be installed on at least one selected from a floor of the store, a side wall of the store, a ceiling of the store, and the shelf.

The shelf life management server further includes an interface to generate the light emission control signal after receiving an expiration date check mode execution signal through the interface, or to automatically execute the expiration date check mode by the control unit can be characterized.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for managing an expiration date of a product using a light emitting unit provided in a store, the method comprising: receiving expiration date information corresponding to product identification information provided to the product; selecting a target product according to a preset criterion based on the expiration date information; generating a light emission control signal for guiding the location of the target product based on the expiration date information and unit identification information provided to the light emitting unit; and generating guide information in which the selected target light emitting unit operates in a predetermined mode based on the light emission control signal.

The generating of the light emission control signal may include: generating inspection identification information by linking the product identification information and the expiration date information corresponding to the product identification information; and linking the inspection identification information and the unit identification information.

The step of linking may include: providing shelf identification information corresponding to the product identification information to the shelf on which the product is displayed; linking the stand identification information with the inspection identification information; and linking the unit identification information with the stand identification information.

The step of selecting the target product may include: calculating remaining period data from the current time to the expiration date according to the expiration date information; determining whether the remaining period according to the remaining period data corresponds to a preset criterion; and selecting as the target product when the criteria are met.

The generating of the light emission control signal may include: generating target inspection identification information corresponding to the target product; retrieving target unit identification information linked with the target inspection identification information; and selecting a target light emitting unit to which the target unit identification information is assigned.

The generating of the guide information may include: operating the target light emitting unit in a first light emitting mode in response to the light emission control signal; and determining whether the target light emitting unit detects a sensing operation while operating in the first light emitting mode. It may include operating in the second light emitting mode.

In the first light emitting mode and the second light emitting mode, at least one selected from whether the target light emitting unit emits light, the intensity of the light emitted, and the wavelength (color) of the emitted light may be different from each other.

In the step of selecting the target product, a plurality of target products are selected according to the criteria, and the light emission control signal is a light emitting mode in which a target unit corresponding to each target product is different according to the remaining period of each of the plurality of target products. It may be characterized in that it is controlled to operate as

A computer program for executing the expiration date management method according to an embodiment of the present invention described above using a computer may be stored in the medium.

According to embodiments of the present invention, by providing an efficient and systematic shelf life management system and method for various products using a light emitting unit, it is possible to minimize business loss to business owners and provide products with high freshness to consumers There is this.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an expiration date management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a view for explaining a relationship between memories used in the expiration date management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a three-dimensional view for explaining an example of the operation of the expiration date management guide system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a three-dimensional view for explaining another example of the operation of the expiration date management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a perspective view illustrating an arrangement relationship between a stand and a light emitting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for managing an expiration date according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a flowchart for explaining in more detail one step of the method for managing the expiration date according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a flowchart for explaining in more detail another step of the method for managing the expiration date according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Since the present invention can apply various transformations and can have various embodiments, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. Effects and features of the present invention, and a method for achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various forms.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and when described with reference to the drawings, the same or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and the overlapping description thereof will be omitted. .

In the following embodiments, terms such as first, second, etc. are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another, not in a limiting sense. In the following examples, the singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the following embodiments, terms such as include or have means that the features or components described in the specification are present, and the possibility that one or more other features or components will be added is not excluded in advance. In the drawings, the size of the components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of description. For example, since the size and shape of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of description, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the illustrated bar.

Hereinafter, the shelf life management system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIGS. 1 and 2 together. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a shelf life management system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a memory used in the shelf life management system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the two.

The shelf life management system 10 includes the expiration date management server 100 and the store S, and the expiration date management server 100 and the store S are connected through a communication network 400 to communicate with each other.

The store S may include a stand 200 and a light emitting unit 300 on which products handled in the store S are displayed. In the system 10 of the present disclosure, the product, the stand 200 and the light emitting unit 300 may be provided in plurality. Referring to FIG. 2 , product identification information Ip, shelf identification information Is, and unit identification information Ig may be provided to each of the product, the shelf 200 and the light emitting unit 300 . The product may be given expiration date information (Id) corresponding to each product identification information (Ip), and the expiration date information (Id) is linked with the product identification information (Ip) to form the inspection identification information (Ic) there is. The inspection identification information (Ic) and the identification information (Is, Ig) may be stored in the memory of at least one of the expiration date management server 100 , the shelf 200 , and the light emitting unit 300 .

The expiration date management server 100 may select a target product requiring expiration date check based on the expiration date information (Id). The shelf life management server 100 generates a light emission control signal based on the inspection identification information (Ic) and the unit identification information (Ig) to guide the location of the target product, thereby providing an efficient shelf life management service to the user (administrator) can do. Hereinafter, the term 'target product' may refer to a product that has passed or is nearing an expiration date, and the remaining period from the current time to the expiration date corresponds to a preset standard and requires replacement of the product or a change in arrangement.

The communication network 400 is, for example, a wired network such as LANs (Local Area Networks), WANs (Wide Area Networks), MANs (Metropolitan Area Networks), ISDNs (Integrated Service Digital Networks), wireless LANs, CDMA, Bluetooth, satellite It may cover wireless networks such as communication, 3G, 4G, 5G, and LTE, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

The expiration date management server 100 (hereinafter may be referred to as a 'server'), the stand 200 and the light emitting unit 300, respectively, the communication units 110, 210, 310, the control units 120, 220, 320 and The memory 130 , 230 , and 330 may be included, and the server 100 may include an input/output interface 140 .

For convenience of description, the memories 130 , 230 , and 330 will be described first. Hereinafter, the memory of each of the shelf life management server 100 , the shelf 200 , and the light emitting unit 300 will be referred to as a first memory 130 , a second memory 230 , and a third memory 330 in order.

The memories 130 , 230 , and 330 perform a function of temporarily or permanently storing data processed by the servers or components 100 , 200 , 300 having each memory. The memories 130 , 230 , and 330 may store identification information and expiration date information of the product, the shelf 200 and the light emitting unit 300 of the present disclosure, and use the information to provide a shelf life management service to the user. . The memories 130 , 230 , and 330 may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and permanent mass storage devices such as disk drives, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. It is not limited.

The first memory 130 may store inspection identification information (Ic), shelf identification information (Is), and unit identification information (Ig) to be described later, and the inspection identification information (Ic) includes product identification information (Ip) and this Corresponding expiration date information (Id) may be included.

Each of the plurality of products may be provided with product identification information Ip for identifying the corresponding product, and the product identification information Ip may be paired with product location information corresponding thereto. The light emitting unit 300 may be installed at a point corresponding to the product location information.

The product identification information (Ip) may be printed or attached to the outer surface of the product in the form of a barcode, QR code, electronic code, etc., but the type and provided form of the product identification information (Ip) is not limited thereto. The product identification information Ip may be provided to each of a plurality of products, and further may be information provided to different individual products of the same type.

The expiration date information (Id) is information about the expiration date of each product having different product identification information (Ip), and is linked to each product identification information (Ip) in the first memory 130 to check identification information (Ic) can be stored as

The stand identification information Is may be stored in the second memory 230 .

Each of the plurality of stands 200 may be provided with stand identification information Is for identifying the corresponding stand 200 . In this case, the shelf identification information Is corresponds to the above-described product location information, and the shelf identification information Is may be linked with the inspection identification information Ic. Hereinafter, 'interlocking' means that identification information having the same serial number corresponds to each other, and calls can be made to each other using a server or configuration 100, 200, or 300 in which each identification information is stored.

For example, the inspection identification information (Ic) includes the first to n-th inspection identification information (Ic-1, ..., Ic-n) (n is a natural number greater than 1), the stand identification information (Is) is the first to It is assumed that the nth stand identification information (Is-1, ..., Is-n) (n is a natural number greater than 1) is included. In this case, the ith stand identification information Is-i may be linked with the ith inspection identification information Ic-i (i is a natural number less than or equal to n). Therefore, when the ith inspection identification information (Ic-i) stored in the first memory 130 is selected by the expiration date management server 100 , the shelf 200 is linked to the ith inspection identification information (Ic-i) It is possible to transmit a signal calling the i-th stand identification information Is-i.

The stand identification information Is may be provided in units of separate stands 200, different floors on which products are displayed in a single stand 200, or in units of different cells on the same floor. there is. However, the unit to which the stand identification information Is is provided is not necessarily limited thereto, and may be set in various ways within a range that distinguishes different spaces in which products are displayed.

The third memory 330 may store unit identification information Ig.

Unit identification information Ig for identifying the light emitting unit 300 may be provided to each of the plurality of light emitting units 300 . In this case, the unit identification information (Ig) may be linked with the stand identification information (Is).

For example, it is assumed that, like the shelf identification information Is, the unit identification information Ig includes the first to nth unit identification information Ig-1, ..., Ig-n (n is a natural number greater than 1). . In this case, the ith unit identification information (Ig-i) may be linked with the ith stand identification information (Is-i) (i is a natural number less than or equal to n), and accordingly, the ith unit identification information (Is-i) ) may also be linked with the i-th product identification information (Ip-i) linked to the . Therefore, when the ith inspection identification information (Ic-i) stored in the first memory 130 is selected by the expiration date management server 100 , the light emitting unit 300 stores the ith inspection identification information (Ic-i) in the A signal for calling the linked i-th unit identification information Ig-i may be transmitted.

The unit identification information (Ig) may be provided in units of light emitting units 300 separated from each other, adjacent to a preset number of light emitting units 300 units, or a plurality of light emitting units 300 spaced apart according to a preset rule. may be given as However, the unit to which the unit identification information Ig is assigned is not necessarily limited thereto, and may be variously set within a range for distinguishing different light emitting units Ig from each other.

The communication units 110 , 210 , and 310 may be connected by the above-described communication network 400 according to various types of communication methods to exchange data with and communicate with various types of external devices and servers.

The controllers 120 , 220 , and 320 may include all kinds of devices capable of processing data, such as a processor. The controllers 120, 220, and 320 use various programs stored in the memories 130, 230, and 330 using a processor and each server or configuration 100, 200, and 300 having each of the controllers 120, 220, and 320. ) to control overall control.

A 'processor' may refer to a data processing device embedded in hardware, for example, having a physically structured circuit to perform a function expressed as code or instructions included in a program. For example, the processor includes a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a processor core, a multiprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). ) may include a processing device such as, but not limited to.

The control unit 120 of the shelf life management server 100 generates a light emission control signal based on the inspection identification information (Ic) and the unit identification information (Ig) including the aforementioned expiration date information (Id) to position the target product can guide you. The operation of the controller 120 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 to be described later.

In the present disclosure, the communication unit 210 and the control unit 220 of the stand 200 may be omitted. In the case of the embodiment in which the stand 200 includes a stand sensor to be described later, the communication unit 210 and the control unit 220 may perform the respective functions described above.

The light emitting unit 300 may further include a light emitting unit 340 and a sensing unit 350 . The light emitting unit 340 may operate in a predetermined mode according to the light emission control signal, and the sensing unit 350 may detect a sensing operation by an external stimulus such as a user's direct or indirect operation.

The sensing unit 350 may employ various sensors within a range capable of detecting a sensing operation by an external stimulus to change the light emission mode, such as an approach detection sensor such as a PIR sensor and an infrared sensor, and a pressure sensor.

The light emitting unit 300 may operate in the first light emitting mode according to the light emission control signal. If the sensing operation is sensed through the sensing unit 350 while the light emitting unit 300 operates in the first light emitting mode, the light emitting unit 300 may operate in a second light emitting mode different from the first light emitting mode.

Hereinafter, an operation mode of the light emitting unit 340 will be described.

The first light emitting mode and the second light emitting mode may be different in at least one selected from whether the target light emitting unit emits light, the intensity of the light emitted, the wavelength (color) of the emitted light, and the flashing period (frequency). . For example, in the first light emitting mode, the light emitting unit 300 emits light to be turned on, and in the second light emitting mode, the light emitting unit 300 is turned off. Alternatively, the intensity of the light emitted in the first light emitting mode may be stronger or weaker than the intensity of the second light emitting mode. Alternatively, the color of the light emitted in the first light emitting mode may be red and the color of the second light emitting mode may be blue, but is not limited thereto and may be various colors from white light to visible light.

Assuming that the first light emitting mode is an operation of emitting light, the first light emitting mode may include an operation of emitting light in various visible ray regions such as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and white, and the second light emitting mode may be an extinction mode in which light emission of the first light emission mode, which emits light of various colors as described above, is stopped. The extinction mode may be an operation for implementing a state in which brightness is reduced and/or a state in which no light is emitted at all compared to the light-emitting operation.

The operational aspects of the first and second light emitting modes are not limited to the above description, and various modifications may be made, such as appropriately combining the different operational aspects described above within a range capable of distinguishing different light emitting modes. The number of different light emitting modes is also not limited to two, and the number of different light emitting modes may be switched according to the type of sensing operation and the sensing time.

The expiration date management server 100 may further include an input/output interface 140 (hereinafter referred to as an 'interface 140').

The interface 140 may be a means for an interface with an input/output device (not shown). In this case, the input device may include a device such as a keyboard or a mouse, and the output device may include a device such as a display for displaying an image/video. As another example, the input/output interface 140 may be a means for an interface with a device in which functions for input and output are integrated into one, such as a touch screen. According to this, as an example, the user may input expiration date information (Id) for each product to which product identification information (Ip) is given through an input/output device connected to the interface, and the control unit 120 of the server 100 provides two pieces of information ( By combining Ip and Id), it is possible to generate the inspection identification information (Ic).

The user may input expiration date information Id corresponding to each product identification information Ip through the interface 140 , and the server 100 may receive expiration date information Id. According to an embodiment, the expiration date information Id may be provided from an external server or an external database through the communication unit 110 without being input by the user.

3 is a three-dimensional view for explaining an example of the operation of the expiration date management system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, it can be described in terms of the operation of the control unit 120 of the expiration date management server 100 .

Referring to FIG. 3 , a system 10 including a store S equipped with a shelf 200 and a light emitting unit 300 and an expiration date management server 100 is shown. The expiration date management server 100 may be provided in the store (S) or may be provided outside the store (S). In the embodiment of FIG. 3 , the light emitting unit 300 is in the form of a light emitting tile on the floor of the store S, and it is illustrated that one to four are installed for each stand 200 , but the store S of the light emitting unit 300 . ) and the corresponding relationship (position, number, etc.) with the position in the stand 200 is not limited to the bar shown in FIG. 3 . The light emitting unit 300 may be uniformly disposed over the entire floor of the store S in the form of a light emitting tile so as to cover the entire floor of the store S. Various embodiments of the installation position of the light emitting unit 300 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 5 to be described later.

The control unit 120 of the server 100 receives the expiration date information (Id) corresponding to each of the plurality of product identification information (Ip), and the distribution corresponding to the product identification information (Ip) and the corresponding product identification information (Ip) Inspection identification information (Ic) may be generated by linking the deadline information (Id). The controller 120 may link the unit identification information Ig with the inspection identification information Ic.

Meanwhile, the shelf identification information Is corresponds to the above-described product location information, and the control unit 120 may link the shelf identification information Is with the inspection identification information Ic and unit identification information Ig. It can be linked with the stand identification information (Is). In other words, the unit identification information (Ig) may be linked with the check identification information (Ic) via the stand identification information (Is).

Accordingly, when the target inspection identification information Ic-t of the target product is selected by the control unit 120, the target light emitting unit 300t corresponding to the target inspection identification information Ic-t operates in a preset mode. can A target unit identification number (Ig-t) is assigned to the target light emitting unit 300t, and the Ig-t corresponds to a target stand identification number (Is-t) assigned to the target stand 200t on which the target product is displayed. . Hereinafter, operation control of the light emitting unit 300t using the control unit 120 will be described in more detail.

The controller 120 may calculate the remaining period data from the current time to the expiration date according to the expiration date information Id. Thereafter, a light emission control signal may be generated based on the remaining period data and the unit identification information Ig.

More specifically, the controller 120 may select, as the target product, a product corresponding to a preset criterion for a remaining period (hereinafter simply referred to as a 'remaining period') according to the remaining period data. The preset criterion may indicate a classification section set according to the remaining period. For example, the classification section is divided by a specific value as a boundary, and the control unit 120 selects the target product when the remaining period is shorter than or equal to the specific value, and does not select the target product when it is longer than the specific value. It can be classified dichotomously. For example, assuming that the specific value is set to 2 days, the controller 120 may select a product with a remaining period shorter than or equal to 2 days as the target product. The specific value and the classification section according thereto are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes are possible within a range that can efficiently manage the expiration date.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the user M selects the target inspection identification number Ic-t corresponding to the target product from the inspection identification number Ic according to the light emission control signal by the control unit 120, and the corresponding The target light emitting unit 300t to which the target unit identification number Ig-t is assigned may respond. Then, the user M can check and manage the expiration date of the product displayed at the corresponding position through a visual guide using the target light emitting unit 300t operating in a preset mode.

Hereinafter, 'examination check/management' may mean including an external stimulus such as a series of processing operations for the target product of the user M, and the external stimulus is one of the shelf 200 and the light emitting unit 300 . It can affect at least one. As an example, 'examination check/management' is an operation of changing the arrangement of the target product according to the remaining period of the target product by the user M, or disposing of the expired product and replacing the product. may include As the product with a shorter remaining period of which the expiration date is imminent, the arrangement may be changed to the front of the stand 200t, and a newly stocked product with a relatively long remaining period may be placed at the rear of the stand 200t. The operation related to 'examination check/management of the expiration date' is not limited to the above example, and various operations within the range that can provide products with high freshness to consumers or consumers in the store (S) and minimize the amount of inventory over the expiration date This is possible.

The external stimulus included in the above-described 'examination check/management' may correspond to the 'sensing operation' sensed by the above-described sensing unit 350 .

Meanwhile, the expiration date management server 100 may include the interface 140 as described above. Hereinafter, the term 'the expiration date check mode' may mean encompassing the operation of the control unit 120 of the server 100 described above. The server 100 may generate the light emission control signal after receiving the expiration date check mode execution signal through the interface 140 . For example, the server 100 may receive the execution signal through stimulation of a user (administrator) with respect to an input/output device (not shown) electrically connected to the interface 140 .

According to an embodiment, the expiration date check mode may be automatically executed by the control unit 120 . For example, a first time control signal may be preset in the control unit 120, and the first time control signal may control the server 100 to execute the expiration date check mode at predetermined intervals. . For example, the expiration date check mode may be executed after a certain period of time after the store (S) is closed.

The execution method of the expiration date check mode of the above-described server 100 is not limited to the above-described example, and various types of expiration dates can be efficiently managed and/or checked within the store S. method is possible.

When the expiration date inspection mode is executed by the controller 120 , the controller 120 may generate target inspection identification information Ic-t. The controller 120 may generate a light emission control signal based on the target inspection identification information Ic-t. The light emission control signal searches the target unit identification information (Ig-t) corresponding to the target inspection identification information (Ic-t), and selects the target light emitting unit 300t to which the target unit identification information (Ig-t) is given. there is.

In more detail, when the expiration date management server 100 generates the target inspection identification information (Ic-t), the control unit 120 through the light emission control signal the target shelf corresponding to the target inspection identification information (Ic-t) The identification information Ip-t may be searched, and the target unit identification information Ig-t corresponding to the target stand identification information Ip-t may be searched. Finally, as for the emission control signal, the target light emitting unit 300t to which the target unit identification information Ig-t is assigned may operate in the first light emission mode. In FIG. 3 , identification information provided to each of the target stand 200t and the target light emitting unit 300t is indicated in parentheses. In this case, the first light emitting mode may be an operation in which the light emitting unit 300 emits light.

Although not shown in the drawings, when the target light emitting unit 300t detects a sensing operation through the sensing unit 350 (refer to FIG. 1 ), the target light emitting unit 300t operates in a second light emitting mode different from the first light emitting mode. ) may be subject to change. The sensing operation may be various operations that the user M takes with respect to the target product to manage the expiration date. For example, when the user M steps on the target light emitting unit 300t, the sensing unit 350 is the user The pressure by (M) can be sensed.

As another example of the sensing operation, assuming that each of the stands 200 is provided with stand sensors such as a pressure sensor, a weight sensor, and a contact sensor, the user M provides target product identification information (Is) to the stand sensor. It may be an operation of displaying the target product to which -t) has been assigned. Here, the sensing operation may be understood as an operation for the stand 200 rather than an operation for the light emitting unit 300 . In this case, the shelf sensor may sense pressure, weight, etc. by the target product. The stand sensor is not limited to the above-described example, and various types of sensors may be employed within a range capable of detecting a change in motion.

As described above, according to the present disclosure, by using the light emitting unit 300 to provide a user with a visual guide for a target product requiring expiration date management, effective shelf life management is possible. Specifically, by linking the identification information of the product, the shelf 200 and the light emitting unit 300 with each other, an efficient shelf life management service can be provided to the manager through a visual guide using the target light emitting unit corresponding to the target product. there is.

4 is a three-dimensional view for explaining another example of the operation of the expiration date management system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the system 10 according to FIG. 4 , a plurality of stands and a plurality of light emitting units installed at points corresponding to the stands are shown, but the target stands 200t-1, 200t-2, 200t-3, and 200t-4 are shown. and the light emitting units 300t-1, 300t-2, 300t-3, and 300t-4 are denoted by reference numerals.

In the system 10 according to FIG. 4 , the expiration date management server 100 may generate a plurality of target inspection identification information Ic-t1, Ic-t2, Ic-t3, Ic-t4; Ic-t. . Hereinafter, an example including four pieces of inspection identification information will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The controller 120 may generate a light emission control signal based on the plurality of target inspection identification information Ic-t. The light emission control signal searches for target unit identification information (Ig-t1, Ig-t2, Ig-t3, Ig-t4; Ig-t) corresponding to each of the plurality of target inspection identification information (Ic-t), and each The target light emitting units 300t-1, 300t-2, 300t-3, and 300t-4 (300t) to which the target unit identification information Ig-t is assigned may be selected.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 4 , the classification section for the above-described target product is divided by a plurality of specific values as a boundary, and the control unit 120 selects the target product but classifies it as a target product corresponding to each of the plurality of classification sections so you can choose For example, the plurality of specific values are 6 days, 3 days, and 0 days, and the classification section according to this includes a first section with 4 to 6 days remaining, a second section with 1 to 3 days, a third section with 0 days, and a remaining period. It may be classified as a fourth section whose shelf life has elapsed in less than 0 days. Accordingly, the controller 120 sets the product corresponding to the first section for the remaining period to the first target product, the product corresponding to the second section to the second target product, and the product corresponding to the third section to the third target product, the second A product corresponding to the fourth section may be selected as the fourth target product.

In relation to the light emitting mode of the target light emitting unit 300t, the first to fourth sections according to the above-described remaining period will be described as an example. The fourth target product classified into the fourth section is a product whose expiration date has passed, and the first light emitting mode of the fourth target light emitting unit corresponding to the fourth target product is more useful to the user than other target products for which the expiration date has not passed. It can be set to provide a visually accentuated effect. For example, the first light emitting mode of the fourth target light emitting unit may be an operation in which red light emits light (on) or red light flashes by repeating light emission (on)/non-light emission (off) operations in a preset cycle. .

The third target product classified into the third section is a product with an imminent expiration date, and the first light emitting mode of the third target light emitting unit corresponding to the third target product is more user-friendly than other target products whose expiration date has passed or is not imminent. can be set to provide a visually accentuated effect to the For example, the first light emitting mode of the third target light emitting unit may be the same as the first light emitting mode of the above-described fourth target light emitting unit, and according to an embodiment, a different color in the first light emitting mode of the fourth target light emitting unit It may be an operation to which a light of , for example, an orange light is applied.

In addition, the first light emitting mode of the first and second target light emitting units corresponding to the first and second target products classified into the first and second sections, respectively, may be an operation of emitting light of different colors.

The first to fourth target light emitting units described above may be any one of the target light emitting units 300t shown in FIG. 4 .

The specific value and the classification section according thereto are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes are possible within a range that can efficiently manage the expiration date.

As described above, the target products classified into different sections and selected may have their expiration dates managed by visual guide information generated by different light emission control signals.

Meanwhile, the controller 120 may calculate distance data between the user's initial location MO and the plurality of target light emitting units 300t to which each of the plurality of target unit identification information Ig-t is provided. Specifically, the plurality of distance data includes a distance from the user's initial location M0 to each of the plurality of target light emitting units 300t, and a distance between different target light emitting units 300t among the plurality of target light emitting units 300t. may include at least one of The plurality of distance data is not limited to the above-described embodiment and may include various distances required to generate an optimal path.

Then, the controller 120 generates optimal route data for the user M to check the expiration date of the target product based on the plurality of distance data, and based on the 'optimal route' calculated by the optimal route data, It is possible to guide the locations of a plurality of target products. An order among a plurality of target light emitting units operating in response to a light emission control signal may be determined based on the optimal path data. Each of the plurality of target light emitting units 300t may be a point on an optimal path.

An example of a method for generating the optimal path data will be described.

The controller 120 may calculate distance data from the initial position MO to each of the plurality of target light emitting units 300t. A minimum value among the plurality of distance data may be determined as the first route data d1 which is the first route data. In FIG. 4 , d1 may represent distance data from M0 to the first target light emitting unit 300t - 1 .

Thereafter, after calculating distance data from the first target light emitting unit 300t-1 to each of the remaining target light emitting units 300t-2, 300t-3, and 300t-4, the minimum value among them is again set to the second path data ( d2) can be determined. In FIG. 4 , d2 may represent distance data between the first and second target light emitting units 300t - 1 and 300t - 2 .

Thereafter, the third and fourth path data d3 and d4 may be determined by applying the same principle as described above to the remaining target light emitting units 300t - 3 and 300t - 4 . The above-described first to fourth route data (d1, d2, d3, d4) are combined to generate optimal route data, and accordingly, an optimal route (d1 → d2 → d3 → d4) for shelf life management can be determined .

The controller 120 may generate a second time control signal for the target light emitting unit 300t based on the optimal path data. Hereinafter, an example of an operation sequence of the target light emitting unit 300t on an optimal path will be described.

The first target light emitting unit 300t - 1 on the optimal path of FIG. 4 may operate in the first light emitting mode according to the second time control signal. When a sensing operation is sensed through the sensing unit 350 (refer to FIG. 1 ) while the first target light emitting unit 300t-1 operates in the first light emitting mode, the first target light emitting unit 300t-1 operates The mode may be changed to operate in the second light emitting mode, and the next target light emitting unit on the optimal path (the second target light emitting unit 300t - 2 in FIG. 4 ) may operate in the first light emitting mode.

The above-described plurality of distance data includes not only the initial position MO, the straight-line distance between the target light emitting units 300-t, but also the space where the stand 200 is installed on the floor of the store S, that is, the space where the user ( M) may represent a distance in a movable area.

The method for generating the optimal route data is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the maximum value for the plurality of distance data described above may be set as the initial route data. It can be variously changed within the possible range.

In FIG. 4 , the light emitting units 300 are installed spaced apart from each other at positions corresponding to the plurality of stand 200 , and it has been described that an optimal path is formed by a combination of each target light emitting units 300t. S) The light emitting unit 300 may be uniformly disposed on the entire floor to form an optimal path so that the light emitting units between the target light emitting units 300t also operate in the light emitting mode.

The optimal route data provides an optimal route for managing the expiration date of various products to the user M, regardless of the order in which the expiration date of the target products is imminent. It has the advantage of being able to manage quickly.

As described above, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide the user with detailed visual expiration date guide information for each remaining period by using a light emitting unit operating in various light emitting modes preset with respect to a target product having a different remaining period. Furthermore, by providing the user with route information between a plurality of target products, there is an advantage in that it is possible to more efficiently and quickly manage the shelf life of various products.

5 is a perspective view illustrating an arrangement relationship between a stand and a light emitting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the stand 200 configured in three layers and the light emitting unit 300 installed therein are illustrated. The light emitting unit 300 may be installed on at least one selected from a floor, a side wall, a ceiling, and a stand 200 of the store (S). The light emitting units 300 installed on the floor, side walls, ceiling, and stand 200 of the store S are denoted by reference numerals 300f, 300s, 300h, and 300m. In each light emitting unit 300f, 300s, 300h, 300m, unit identification information linked with the inspection identification information Ic displayed on the stand 200 (or a specific position within the stand 200) corresponding to the light emitting unit ( Ig) may be given.

In FIG. 5, all of the light emitting units 300 installed in different positions are shown, but this is for convenience of description, and only any one of the light emitting units 300f, 300s, 300h, and 300m may be installed, and effective shelf life management It may be installed in a combination of at least two for

The light emitting unit 300 may be a light emitting display that operates in different light emitting modes as described above, and is provided in a dot matrix form to provide inspection identification information Ic (expiry date information, remaining period data, etc.) or product location information (For example, stand identification information Is) may be displayed in text format. However, the type of the light emitting unit 300 is not limited thereto, and various types of displays may be employed within the range in which the position of the product can be visually recognized.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for managing an expiration date according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The method for managing the expiration date according to an embodiment may include steps to be described later.

The shelf life management server 100 may receive expiration date information Id corresponding to product identification information Ip given to products handled in the store S (S100). In this case, the server 100 may receive the expiration date information Id through the interface 140 and/or the communication unit 110 .

The controller 120 may select a target product to be inspected for the expiration date according to a preset criterion based on the expiration date information Id (S200). The step S200 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 7 .

Thereafter, the controller 120 may generate a light emission control signal for guiding the location of the target product based on the expiration date information Id and the unit identification information Ig provided to the light emitting unit 300 ( S300 ). The generating of the light emission control signal ( S300 ) may include steps to be described later.

The controller 120 may generate the inspection identification information Ic by linking the product identification information Is and the expiration date information Id corresponding to the product identification information Is. Thereafter, the inspection identification information (Ic) and the aforementioned unit identification information (Ig) may be linked.

Linking the unit identification information (Ig) to the inspection identification information (Ic) may include steps to be described later.

The product identification information Ip and corresponding shelf identification information Is may be provided to the shelf 200 on which the product is displayed by using the controller 120 . Thereafter, the stand identification information (Is) may be linked with the inspection identification information (Ic), and the unit identification information (Ig) may be linked with the stand identification information (Is). Finally, the unit identification information (Ig) is linked with the inspection identification information (Ic) including the product identification information (Ip), when the target product identification information that requires the expiration date inspection is searched / called, the target corresponding to the target product As the light emitting unit 300t reacts and operates in a predetermined light emitting mode, expiration date guide information may be provided to the user.

In step S300 , the controller 120 may generate target inspection identification information Ic-t corresponding to the target product selected according to step S200 . Thereafter, the target unit identification information (Ig-t) linked with the target product identification information (Ic-t) may be searched using the control unit 120, and the target unit identification information (Ig-t) may be retrieved. A target light emitting unit 300t may be selected.

Thereafter, the controller 120 may generate guide information in which the selected target light emitting unit 300t operates in a predetermined mode based on the light emission control signal (S400). The step S400 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 8 to be described later.

7 is a flowchart for explaining in more detail step S200 of the method for managing the expiration date according to an embodiment of the present invention. Selecting a target product (S200) may include steps to be described later.

The controller 120 may calculate the remaining period data from the current time until the expiration date according to the expiration date information Id (S210).

Thereafter, the controller 120 may determine whether the remaining period according to the remaining period data corresponds to a preset criterion ( S220 ). If it meets the preset criteria (YES), it can be selected as a target product that needs to be checked by the expiration date (S230), and when it does not (NO), it can be classified as a target product not applicable, that is, it can not be selected as a target product (S225) ).

8 is a flowchart for explaining in more detail step S400 of the method for managing the expiration date according to an embodiment of the present invention. The step of generating the guide information ( S400 ) may include steps to be described later.

The target light emitting unit 300t may operate in the first light emitting mode in response to the light emission control signal (S410).

It may be determined whether a sensing operation is sensed through the sensing unit 350 while the target light emitting unit 300t operates in the first light emitting mode (S420).

When the target light emitting unit 300t detects the sensing operation (YES), the target light emitting unit 300t may operate in a second light emitting mode different from the first light emitting mode (S430), and if not detected (NO) ), the operation of the first light emitting mode may be maintained as it is.

Hereinafter, a method for managing the expiration date according to another embodiment of the present invention according to the embodiment of FIG. 4 will be described. It will be described with reference to FIG. 4 together.

The expiration date management server 100 may generate a plurality of target inspection identification information (Ic-t), the control unit 120 is target unit identification information corresponding to each of the plurality of target inspection identification information (Ic-t) You can search for (Ig-t).

Thereafter, the control unit 120 may generate expiration date management guide information, and generating the guide information may include the following steps.

Distance data between the user's initial location MO and the plurality of target light emitting units 300t to which each of the plurality of target unit identification information Ig-t are provided may be calculated. Thereafter, the location of the plurality of target products may be guided using the optimal route data generated based on the plurality of distance data. An order among a plurality of target light emitting units operating in response to a light emission control signal may be determined based on the optimal path data.

The step of guiding the locations of the plurality of target products may include the following steps.

A second time control signal for the target light emitting unit 300t may be generated based on the optimal path data. The first target light emitting unit 300t - 1 on the optimal path determined by the optimal path data may operate in the first light emitting mode according to the second time control signal.

Like step S420 of FIG. 8 , it may be determined whether a sensing operation is sensed while the first target light emitting unit 300t - 1 operates in the first light emitting mode. When the sensing operation is detected in the determining step, the first target light emitting unit 300t - 1 may operate in the second light emitting mode, and the next target light emitting unit on the optimal path may operate in the first light emitting mode.

The above-described embodiment according to the present invention may be implemented in the form of a computer program that can be executed through various components on a computer, and such a computer program may be recorded in a computer-readable medium. In this case, the medium may be to store a program executable by a computer. Examples of the medium include a hard disk, a magnetic medium such as a floppy disk and a magnetic tape, an optical recording medium such as CD-ROM and DVD, a magneto-optical medium such as a floppy disk, and those configured to store program instructions, including ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like.

Meanwhile, the computer program may be specially designed and configured for the present invention, or may be known and used by those skilled in the computer software field. Examples of the computer program may include not only machine code generated by a compiler, but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like.

In addition, although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and the technical field to which the present invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims In addition, various modifications are possible by those of ordinary skill in the art, and these modifications should not be individually understood from the technical spirit or perspective of the present invention.

Therefore, the spirit of the present invention should not be limited to the above-described embodiments, and not only the claims described below, but also all scopes equivalent to or changed from these claims are the scope of the spirit of the present invention. would be said to belong to the category.

100: expiration date management server
S: store
200: stand
300: light emitting unit
IP: Product identification information
Id: Expiration date information
Ic: check identification information
Is: stand identification information
Ig: unit identification information
200t: target stand
300t: target light emitting unit

Claims (19)

a store including a product to which product identification information is given and a light emitting unit installed at a point corresponding to product location information corresponding to the product identification information; and
and an expiration date management server that selects a target product based on expiration date information corresponding to the product identification information, wherein the expiration date management server includes a control unit,
The light emitting unit is given unit identification information corresponding to the product identification information,
The control unit guides the location of the target product by generating a light emission control signal based on the expiration date information and the unit identification information,
The control unit is
Select a plurality of target products according to preset criteria based on the expiration date information,
Calculate a plurality of distance data between the target light emitting unit corresponding to each of the plurality of target products from the user's initial location,
A shelf life management system for guiding the location of the target product by generating optimal route data for checking the expiration date of the plurality of target products based on the plurality of distance data. According to claim 1,
The control unit is
Receive the expiration date information,
generating inspection identification information by linking the product identification information and the expiration date information corresponding to the product identification information;
A shelf life management system that links the unit identification information with the inspection identification information. 3. The method of claim 2,
The store further includes a stand on which the product is displayed,
The stand is provided with stand identification information for identifying the stand,
The shelf identification information corresponds to the product location information, and the shelf identification information is linked with the inspection identification information;
The unit identification information is linked to the shelf identification information, shelf life management system. 3. The method of claim 2,
The control unit is
Calculate the remaining period data from the current time to the expiration date according to the expiration date information,
and generating the light emission control signal based on the remaining period data and the unit identification information. 5. The method of claim 4,
The control unit is
Selecting, as the target product, a product corresponding to a preset criterion for a remaining period according to the remaining period data;
Search for target product identification information given to the target product and target unit identification information linked with the target product identification information to generate the light emission control signal,
and the light emission control signal controls the target light emitting unit to operate in a different light emission mode according to the remaining period. 6. The method of claim 5,
The light emitting unit includes a light emitting unit operating in a predetermined mode according to the light emission control signal. 7. The method of claim 6,
The light emitting unit further includes a sensing unit for sensing a sensing operation,
The light emitting unit,
Operates in the first light emission mode by the light emission control signal,
When the sensing operation is sensed through the sensing unit while operating in the first light emitting mode, the system operates in a second light emitting mode different from the first light emitting mode. 8. The method of claim 7,
The first light emitting mode and the second light emitting mode,
At least one selected from whether the target light emitting unit emits light, the intensity of the light emitted, and the wavelength (color) of the emitted light are different from each other, the shelf life management system. 4. The method of claim 3,
The light emitting unit,
The shelf life management system is installed on at least one selected from the floor of the store, the side wall of the store, the ceiling of the store, and the shelf. 6. The method of claim 5,
The expiration date management server,
Further comprising an interface, after receiving the expiration date check mode execution signal through the interface to generate the light emission control signal,
The shelf life management system, characterized in that the shelf life check mode is automatically executed by the control unit. In the method of managing the expiration date of a product using a light emitting unit provided in a store,
receiving expiration date information corresponding to product identification information provided to the product;
selecting a target product according to a preset criterion based on the expiration date information;
generating a light emission control signal for guiding the location of the target product based on the expiration date information and unit identification information provided to the light emitting unit; and
generating guide information in which a target light emitting unit selected based on the light emission control signal operates in a predetermined mode;
including,
In the step of selecting the target product, a plurality of target products are selected according to a preset criterion based on the expiration date information,
The generating of the light emission control signal comprises:
calculating a plurality of distance data between target light emitting units corresponding to each of the plurality of target products from the user's initial location; and
Generating optimal route data for checking the expiration dates of the plurality of target products based on the plurality of distance data and guiding the location of the target products; including; shelf life management method. 12. The method of claim 11,
The generating of the light emission control signal comprises:
generating inspection identification information by linking the product identification information and the expiration date information corresponding to the product identification information; and
linking the inspection identification information and the unit identification information;
Further comprising, the shelf life management method. 13. The method of claim 12,
The interlocking step is
providing shelf identification information corresponding to the product identification information to the shelf on which the product is displayed;
linking the stand identification information with the inspection identification information; and
linking the unit identification information with the stand identification information;
Including, shelf life management method. 12. The method of claim 11,
The step of selecting the target product,
calculating remaining period data from the current time until the expiration date according to the expiration date information;
determining whether the remaining period according to the remaining period data corresponds to a preset criterion; and
selecting the target product if it meets the criteria;
Including, shelf life management method. 15. The method of claim 14,
The generating of the light emission control signal comprises:
generating target inspection identification information corresponding to the target product;
retrieving target unit identification information linked with the target inspection identification information; and
selecting a target light emitting unit to which the target unit identification information is assigned;
Including, shelf life management method. 16. The method of claim 15,
The step of generating the guide information includes:
operating the target light emitting unit in a first light emission mode in response to the light emission control signal; and
determining whether the target light emitting unit detects a sensing operation while operating in the first light emitting mode;
When the sensing operation is detected,
operating the target light emitting unit in a second light emitting mode different from the first light emitting mode;
Including, shelf life management method. 17. The method of claim 16,
The first light emitting mode and the second light emitting mode,
At least one selected from whether the target light emitting unit emits light, the intensity of the light emitted, and the wavelength (color) of the emitted light are different from each other, the shelf life management method. 16. The method of claim 15,
The light emission control signal is
The expiration date management method, characterized in that the target unit corresponding to each target product is controlled to operate in a different light emitting mode according to the remaining period of each of the plurality of target products. A computer program stored in a medium for executing the method of any one of claims 11 to 18 using a computer.

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