WO2014142022A1

WO2014142022A1 - Display device

Info

Publication number: WO2014142022A1
Application number: PCT/JP2014/055947
Authority: WO
Inventors: 佳範永田; 伸樹橋口; 昌宏前田
Original assignee: 株式会社イシダ
Priority date: 2013-03-14
Filing date: 2014-03-07
Publication date: 2014-09-18
Also published as: CN205092043U; JP3183675U; DE212014000069U1

Abstract

Provided is a display device whereby it is possible to easily determine that the device is disposed in an inappropriate environment. A display device (40) is provided with a display unit (42), a control device (46), and a temperature sensor (45). The display unit is formed from electronic paper and displays product information. The control device controls a display mode for information on the display unit. The temperature sensor is a sensor for measuring ambient temperature. The control device has a temperature acquisition unit (62d) and a display mode control unit (62f). The temperature acquisition unit acquires a value for ambient temperature. The ambient temperature is a temperature measured by the temperature sensor. The display mode control unit controls the display mode of the display unit to either a first display mode or a second display mode on the basis of the value for ambient temperature. The first display mode is a display mode that displays information normally. The second display mode is a display mode that suggests the possibility that information may not be displayed normally.

Description

Display device

The present invention relates to a display device.

Conventionally, in a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-265196), a display system is employed. In the display system, information (product information) about a plurality of products handled at a store is centrally managed by a server. In the store, a display device associated with each of the plurality of products is arranged. The display device displays the product information of the associated product. In the display system, when the product information managed by the server is updated, a command including product information is sent from the server to the display device in order to reflect the update on the display device. When the display device receives the command, the display device updates the display content of the display device based on the command.

By the way, in recent years, in order to satisfy the demand for energy saving, electronic paper may be adopted as a display medium. Since electronic paper does not require electric power to hold display content, energy saving can be realized. Here, in order to exhibit the display function of the electronic paper without any problem, it is required to be used in a predetermined environment for the structural reason of the electronic paper. However, since the display device is arranged in association with the product, the display device may be moved to an inappropriate environment that does not satisfy the environmental conditions as the product is moved. As a result, product information is not suitably displayed on the display device, and the reliability of the display device may be reduced.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a display device that makes it easy to determine that it is placed in an inappropriate environment.

The display device according to the present invention includes a display unit, a control device, and a temperature sensor. The display unit is made of electronic paper and displays product information. The control device controls the display mode of information on the display unit. The temperature sensor is a sensor for measuring the ambient temperature. The control device includes a temperature value acquisition unit and a display mode control unit. The temperature value acquisition unit acquires a value related to the ambient temperature. Ambient temperature is the temperature measured by a temperature sensor. The display mode control unit controls the display mode on the display unit to one of the first display mode and the second display mode based on the value related to the ambient temperature. The first display mode is a display mode in which information is normally displayed. The second display mode is a display mode that suggests the possibility of normal display of information.

In the display device according to the present invention, the display mode of the display unit is controlled to one of the first display mode and the second display mode based on the ambient temperature measured by the temperature sensor. In the first display mode, information is displayed normally. In the second display mode, there is a possibility that information cannot be normally displayed. Thereby, it is possible to notify the user that there is a possibility that normal display cannot be performed.

Moreover, it is preferable that the control device further includes a determination unit. The determination unit compares a value related to the ambient temperature with a predetermined temperature threshold value, and determines whether information can be normally displayed. Moreover, it is preferable that a display mode control part controls the display mode in a display part to any one of a 1st display mode and a 2nd display mode based on the determination result by a determination part. Thereby, merchandise information can be suitably displayed in a display device.

The determination unit determines whether the value related to the ambient temperature is outside a predetermined temperature threshold that is a temperature range in which normal display is possible, and the display mode control unit determines that the value related to the ambient temperature is determined by the determination unit. When it is determined that the temperature is outside the predetermined temperature threshold, it is preferable to control the display mode on the display unit to the second display mode. This makes it possible for the user to notice that the user has moved to an inappropriate environment.

Moreover, it is preferable that the control device further includes a reception unit. The reception unit receives information. In the first display mode, the display mode control unit displays information received by the reception unit on the display unit, and in the second display mode, displays a character string that suggests the possibility of normal display of information. It is preferable to display the information on the display section or clear the information displayed on the display section. As a result, the user can be surely noticed that the user has moved to an inappropriate environment.

In addition, the temperature value acquisition unit acquires a value related to the ambient temperature at a predetermined time interval, and the determination unit compares the value related to the ambient temperature with a predetermined temperature threshold at a predetermined time interval, so that information is normal. It is preferable to determine whether or not display is possible. In addition, after the display mode control unit controls the display mode of the display unit to the second display mode, when the determination unit determines that normal display of information is possible, the display mode of the display unit is changed to the first display mode. It is preferable to return to the display mode. Thereby, the electronic shelf label can be continuously used by moving to an appropriate environment.

Further, it is preferable that the control device further has a storage area. The storage area stores the latest information received by the receiving unit. In addition, the reception unit receives information regardless of the ambient temperature, and the display mode control unit, as the first display mode, determines that the display unit is the latest when the determination unit determines that normal display of information is possible. It is preferable to display information. As a result, even if the environment is temporarily moved to an inappropriate environment, the latest information can be displayed on the electronic shelf label when the environment is moved to an appropriate environment.

The display device according to the present invention includes a display unit, a control device, and a temperature sensor. The display unit is made of electronic paper and displays product information. The control device controls the display mode of information on the display unit. The temperature sensor is a sensor for measuring the ambient temperature. The control device includes a temperature value acquisition unit, a reception unit, a response signal transmission unit, and a transmission function control unit. The temperature value acquisition unit acquires a value related to the ambient temperature. Ambient temperature is the temperature measured by a temperature sensor. The reception unit receives information. When the information is received by the receiving unit, the response signal transmitting unit transmits a response signal indicating that the information has been received. The transmission function control unit controls the transmission function of the response signal by the response signal transmission unit to one of the first function state and the second function state based on the value related to the ambient temperature. The first function state permits transmission of a response signal. In the second function state, transmission of a response signal is not permitted.

The display device according to the present invention makes it easy to determine that it is placed in an inappropriate environment.

It is a figure which shows the electronic shelf label system using ESL (electronic shelf label) as a display apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of ESL. Moreover, the product information as a 1st display mode is displayed on the display part. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of ESL. It is a figure which shows the example of the warning image displayed on the display part of a 2nd display mode. It is a figure which shows the example of the warning image displayed on the display part of a 2nd display mode. It is a figure which shows the flow of the process which concerns on display mode control. It is a figure which shows the example of the warning image which concerns on the modification A. It is a figure which shows ESL which concerns on the modification C. It is a figure which shows ESL which concerns on the modification D. It is a figure which shows ESL which concerns on the modification F. It is a figure which shows ESL which concerns on the modification F.

Hereinafter, a system (electronic shelf label system) 1 using a display device (electronic shelf label) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1) Overall Configuration FIG. 1 shows an electronic shelf label system 1 according to the present invention. The electronic shelf label system 1 is a system that collectively manages data relating to product ordering, production, sales, price, and the like in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores.

As shown in FIG. 1, an electronic shelf label system 1 mainly includes a plurality of ESL (electronic shelf labels) 40, 40,... As display devices, an ESL server 10, a base station 20, and a plurality of transceivers. 30, 30,... The numbers of ESLs 40, base stations 20, and transceivers 30 included in the electronic shelf label system 1 are not limited to the numbers shown in FIG.

The ESL 40 is a display device arranged in association with each of a plurality of products handled in the store. ESL40 is arrange | positioned in the vicinity of the matched goods among the several goods displayed at the sales floor of a store, and displays the merchandise information which concerns on the matched goods (refer FIG. 2).

The ESL server 10 is a device in which software for controlling the electronic shelf label system 1 is installed in a computer such as a workstation or a personal computer. The ESL server 10 centrally manages information on a plurality of products handled at the store. That is, the ESL server 10 stores various information (product information, ESL information, etc.) related to all products handled in the store. The product information is basic information about the product and includes a product name, product ID, unit price, price, expiration date, and the like. The ESL information is basic information about the ESL 40, and includes a device ID, a product ID, a product name, and the like. The ESL server 10 is disposed in a store backyard or the like.

The ESL server 10 manages display contents of a plurality of ESLs 40. Specifically, when the product information to be managed is updated, the ESL server 10 generates a command for instructing the display of the product information or the update of the product information, etc., to all the ESLs 40 in the store or any of the ESLs 40. The command is transmitted. The command is a signal that instructs the ESL 40 to execute various processes. The command includes information necessary for processing to be executed by the ESL 40. For example, the information included in the command includes product information (for example, image information) to be displayed on the ESL 40 screen. In addition, an identifier of an ESL (target ESL) that is a target for executing the command is added to the command. The ESL 40 and the ESL server 10 exchange signals via the base station 20 and the transceiver 30.

The base station 20 has a function of relaying between the ESL server 10 and the transceiver 30. The base station 20 is connected to the ESL server 10 and the transceiver 30 via a dedicated communication cable 2. The transceiver 30 is a transceiver. Specifically, the transceiver 30 has both a transmission function to the ESL 40 and a reception function of a response signal sent from the ESL 40. More specifically, the transceiver 30 transmits a signal transmitted from the ESL server 10 to each ESL 40 by radio using infrared rays or the like. That is, the transceiver 30 transmits an infrared signal including product information to the ESL 40. Further, the transceiver 30 receives a response signal sent from the ESL 40 and sends it to the ESL server 10. For example, the transceiver 30 is attached to each section in the store (for example, the ceiling) at a certain interval. Each transceiver 30 forms a communication area.

When the ESL server 10 generates a command, the ESL server 10 transmits the command to the ESL 40 via the base station 20 and the transceiver 30. When each ESL 40 detects a command transmitted from the ESL server 10, the ESL 40 compares an identifier added to the command (additional identifier) with a unique identifier (unique identifier) that each ESL 40 has. Each ESL 40 receives a command when the additional identifier and the unique identifier are the same, and updates the product information displayed on the screen based on the command. That is, the ESL 40 updates or changes the display content in accordance with the command sent from the ESL server 10.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the ESL 40 will be described in detail.

(2) ESL
ESL40 is a terminal for displaying merchandise information, as shown in FIG. As described above, the ESL 40 is arranged in association with each of a plurality of products handled at the store, and displays product information related to the associated products. ESL40 is arrange | positioned in the vicinity of the matched goods. The product information displayed on the ESL 40 includes a product name, a unit price, a price, a barcode, and the like as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the ESL 40 mainly includes a communication unit 41, a display unit 42, a battery 43, a capacitor 44, a temperature sensor 45, and a control device 46.

(2-1) Communication Unit The communication unit 41 enables communication with the transceiver 30 and an external terminal (for example, a mobile terminal (not shown)). Specifically, the communication unit 41 functions as a receiving unit that receives an infrared ray transmitted from the transceiver 30 and a signal transmitted from an external terminal when the ESL server 10 transmits a command.

The communication unit 41 also functions as a transmission unit that transmits infrared rays related to the response signal to the ESL server 10. Here, the response signal is a signal for notifying reception of a command sent from the ESL server 10, and is transmitted by a response signal transmission unit 62c described later. That is, the response signal transmitted by the response signal transmission unit 62 c is sent to the transceiver 30 via the communication unit 41.

In addition, the communication part 41 is provided in the frame 40a of ESL40, as shown in FIG.

(2-2) Display Unit The display unit 42 constitutes a screen that displays information related to the product. The display unit 42 is made of dot matrix type electronic paper. That is, the display unit 42 is a non-volatile display unit including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix. The display unit 42 does not require driving power to maintain display contents.

The display unit 42 displays product information based on a command sent from the ESL server 10. Further, the content displayed on the display unit 42 is updated based on the command.

In addition, the display part 42 shall exhibit a display function reliably under a predetermined environmental condition. In the present embodiment, the predetermined environmental condition is that the ambient temperature is in the range of 0 ° C. to 35 ° C.

(2-3) Battery and Capacitor The battery 43 is a power source for the ESL 40. The battery 43 is provided inside the frame body 40a. The capacitor 44 stores the power supplied from the battery 43. The capacitor 44 stores electric power boosted by a booster circuit provided in the control device 46 described later.

(2-4) Temperature sensor The temperature sensor 45 measures the ambient temperature. The temperature sensor 45 is attached to the inside of the frame body 40a or the frame body 40a. The temperature sensor 45 measures the ambient temperature regardless of the environmental conditions of the display unit 42. In other words, the temperature sensor 45 functions in a temperature range wider than the temperature range in which the display unit 42 normally functions. For example, the temperature sensor 45 can measure the ambient temperature in the range of −30 ° C. to 60 ° C.

(2-5) Control Device The control device 46 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The control device 46 is also driven regardless of the environmental conditions of the display unit 42. In other words, the control device 46 also functions in a temperature range wider than the temperature range in which the display unit 42 normally functions. The control device 46 is provided with a booster circuit, a charging circuit, etc. (not shown). The control device 46 mainly functions as the storage unit 61 and the control unit 62.

(2-5-1) Storage Unit The storage unit 61 stores, in addition to a program for managing the screen of the ESL 40, an identifier (device ID) unique to each ESL 40, a program necessary for determination processing described later, a temperature threshold value, and the like. Remember. In the storage unit 61, a command storage area 61a, a sensor value storage area 61b, and a warning image storage area 61c are mainly secured.

(A) Command storage area The command storage area 61a stores the latest command received by a command receiving unit 62b described later. In other words, the command storage area 61a stores the latest command among the commands transmitted from the ESL server 10. Specifically, the latest command includes an image related to the product information displayed on the display unit 42 described above. Note that the display mode control unit 62f described later controls information to be displayed on the display unit 42 based on the image stored in the command storage area 61a.

(B) Sensor value storage area The sensor value storage area 61b stores the latest sensor value acquired by a sensor value acquisition unit 62d described later. In other words, the latest ambient temperature detected by the temperature sensor 45 is stored in the sensor value storage area 61b.

(C) Warning image storage area A warning image is stored in the warning image storage area 61c. The warning image is an image for prompting the user to give a warning. Specifically, the warning image is an image for displaying a character string that suggests that the product information cannot be normally displayed to the user. More specifically, the warning image includes a character string that suggests that there is a possibility that the product information may not be correctly displayed on the screen because the ESL 40 is arranged in an environment that is out of predetermined environmental conditions. In the present embodiment, a plurality of warning images are stored in the warning image storage area 61c.

The plurality of warning images include a first warning image (see FIG. 4) and a second warning image (see FIG. 5). The first warning image and the second warning image include character strings relating to the fact that the ESL 40 is arranged “out of the usable temperature range” and the countermeasures to be taken. Here, in the first warning image, a character string that prompts the user to move to a location of 0 ° C. or higher is included as a character string related to the countermeasure to be taken. On the other hand, in the second warning image, a character string that prompts the user to move to a place of 35 ° C. or lower is included as a character string related to the countermeasure to be taken.

The warning image stored in the warning image storage area 61c is used when the display mode on the display unit 42 is controlled to the second display mode by the display mode control unit 62f described later.

(2-5-2) Control Unit The control unit 62 is based on a program stored in a ROM, a RAM, etc., and a mode setting unit 62a, a command receiving unit (receiving unit) 62b, a response signal transmitting unit 62c, and sensor value acquisition. Functions as a unit (temperature value acquisition unit) 62d, an environmental condition determination unit (determination unit) 62e, and a display mode control unit 62f.

(A) Mode setting unit The mode setting unit 62a switches the operation mode of the ESL 40 at a predetermined time interval (for example, every second). Here, the operation mode includes an active mode and a sleep mode. That is, the mode setting unit 62a switches between the sleep mode and the active mode at a predetermined time interval. Here, the active mode is a mode in which a command from the ESL server 10 can be received. That is, when the active mode is set by the mode setting unit 62a, the ESL 40 can receive an infrared signal transmitted from the transceiver 30. The sleep mode is a mode in which a command from the ESL server 10 cannot be received. That is, when the sleep mode is set by the mode setting unit 62a, the ESL 40 cannot receive the infrared signal transmitted from the transceiver 30. The ESL 40 is in the active mode when receiving a command from the ESL server 10 and when updating the display content according to the command, and stands by in the sleep mode otherwise.

(B) Command Accepting Unit The command accepting unit 62b accepts a command sent from the ESL server 10 via the communication unit 41. Specifically, the command receiving unit 62b detects an infrared signal (wake-up signal) sent from the transceiver 30 in the active mode. When the wakeup signal is detected by the command receiving unit 62b, the ESL 40 stands by in the active mode. Thereafter, the command receiving unit 62 b compares the identifier (addition identifier) added to the update command transmitted from the transceiver 30 with the identifier (unique identifier) unique to each ESL 40 stored in the control device 46. Here, only when the additional identifier matches the unique identifier, the command receiving unit 62b receives the update command. Thereafter, the command receiving unit 62b stores information (image information) included in the update command in the command storage area 61a.

(C) Response signal transmission unit The response signal transmission unit 62c transmits a response signal (Ack) to the ESL server 10 when an update command is received by the command reception unit 62b. The response signal is a signal indicating that an update command has been accepted. The response signal transmitted by the response signal transmission unit 62 c is transmitted to the transceiver 30 by infrared rays via the communication unit 41, and then transmitted to the ESL server 10 via the transceiver 30.

(D) Sensor value acquisition unit The sensor value acquisition unit 62d acquires information about the ambient temperature measured by the temperature sensor 45 at predetermined time intervals (for example, every second). Information (ambient temperature value) related to the ambient temperature acquired by the sensor value acquisition unit 62d is stored in the sensor value storage area 61b described above.

(E) Environmental condition determination unit The environmental condition determination unit 62e performs a process (determination process) for determining whether or not there is a problem in the environment where the ESL 40 is installed at a predetermined time interval (for example, every second). ). Specifically, the environmental condition determination unit 62e compares the environment (installation environment) in which the ESL 40 is installed with the temperature threshold value stored in the storage unit 61 at a predetermined time interval. It is determined whether or not it matches. Here, the temperature threshold is a value that defines a range of ambient temperature in which normal display is possible on the display unit 42. In other words, the temperature threshold is a value that defines a range of the ambient temperature at which the display unit 42 can reliably perform the display function. Specifically, the temperature threshold value defines a range of 0 ° C. to 35 ° C. (0 ° C. ≦ x ≦ 35 ° C.).

That is, the environmental condition determination unit 62e compares the ambient temperature value with a predetermined temperature value (temperature threshold value), and determines whether information can be normally displayed. Specifically, the environmental condition determination unit 62e determines whether or not the latest ambient temperature value stored in the sensor value storage area 61b is 0 ° C. or higher and 35 ° C. or lower. Here, when the latest ambient temperature is 0 ° C. or higher and 35 ° C. or lower, it is determined that the installation environment matches the environmental conditions. On the other hand, when the latest ambient temperature is lower than 0 ° C., the environmental condition determination unit 62e determines that the ESL 40 is disposed in the first warning environment. Further, when the latest ambient temperature is higher than 35 ° C., the environmental condition determination unit 62e determines that the ESL 40 is disposed in the second warning environment. The determination result by the environmental condition determination unit 62e is stored in the storage unit 61.

(F) Display mode control unit The display mode control unit 62f controls the display mode of the display unit 42 based on the determination result by the environmental condition determination unit 62e. Here, the display mode means a display state of the display unit 42 including contents displayed on the display unit 42 and display / non-display of information on the display unit 42.

Specifically, the display mode control unit 62f controls the display mode of the display unit 42 to one of the first display mode and the second display mode based on the determination result by the environmental condition determination unit 62e. In other words, the display mode control unit 62f changes the display mode of the display unit 42 from the first display mode and the first display mode based on the comparison result between the ambient temperature value stored in the sensor value storage area 61b and the predetermined temperature threshold value. Control to one of two display modes. Specifically, the display mode control unit 62f changes the display mode in the display unit 42 to the first display mode when the environmental condition determination unit 62e determines that the ambient temperature value is within a predetermined temperature threshold range. To control. On the other hand, when the environmental condition determination unit 62e determines that the ambient temperature value is out of the predetermined temperature threshold range, the display mode control unit 62f changes the display mode in the display unit 42 to the second display mode. To control.

Here, the first display mode is a display mode in which information is normally displayed. That is, in the first display mode, the display mode control unit 62f updates (changes) the content displayed on the display unit (screen) 42 based on the command received by the command receiving unit 62b. Specifically, the display mode control unit 62f updates the display content based on the image information stored in the command storage area 61a. That is, the display mode control unit 62f clears the old image information previously displayed on the screen based on the latest image information. In the first display mode, the image information related to the latest product information transmitted from the ESL server 10 is displayed on the display unit 42.

On the other hand, the second display mode is a state in which the display content is updated based on the warning image stored in the warning image storage area 61c. In other words, in the second display mode, a character string suggesting the possibility that information cannot be normally displayed is displayed on the display unit 42. That is, in the second display mode, one of the first warning image and the second warning image is displayed on the display unit 42 based on the determination result by the environmental condition determination unit 62e. Specifically, when the environmental condition determination unit 62e determines that the ESL 40 is disposed in the first warning environment, the first warning image is displayed on the display unit 42. On the other hand, when the environmental condition determination unit 62e determines that the ESL 40 is disposed in the second warning environment, the display unit 42 displays the second warning image. In the second display mode, the image information related to the latest product information transmitted from the ESL server 10 is not displayed on the display unit 42, but warning information is displayed.

(3) Process in ESL Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the flow of a process related to display mode control in the ESL 40 will be described.

In step S11, information (ambient temperature value) related to the ambient temperature measured by the temperature sensor 45 is acquired by the sensor value acquisition unit 62d. The ambient temperature value acquired by the sensor value acquisition unit 62d is stored in the sensor value storage area 61b. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the environmental condition determination unit 62e performs a determination process to determine whether or not there is a problem in the environment where the ESL 40 is installed. Specifically, the environmental condition determination unit 62e compares the ambient temperature value stored in the sensor value storage area 61b with the temperature threshold value stored in the storage unit 61, and the installation environment of the ESL 40 matches the environmental condition. It is determined whether or not. If it is determined in step S12 that the ambient temperature value stored in the sensor value storage area 61b is outside the predetermined temperature threshold range, the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the ambient temperature value stored in the sensor value storage area 61b is within a predetermined temperature threshold range, the process proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, it is determined whether a warning image is displayed. If it is determined in step S13 that no warning image is displayed, the process returns to step S11. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that a warning image is displayed, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, the display mode control unit 62f controls the display mode on the display unit 42 to the first display mode. That is, the display mode control unit 62f displays image information related to the latest product information on the display unit 42. Specifically, the display mode control unit 62f clears the warning image and displays the product information on the display unit 42 based on the image information included in the latest command stored in the command storage area 61a. Then, it returns to step S11.

On the other hand, in step S12, it is determined that the ambient temperature value stored in the sensor value storage area 61b is outside the predetermined temperature threshold range. When the process proceeds to step S15, the ambient condition determination unit 62e It is determined whether the temperature value is lower than a lower limit value. That is, in step S15, the environmental condition determination unit 62e determines whether or not the ambient temperature value is lower than 0 ° C. If it is determined in step S15 that the ambient temperature value is lower than 0 ° C., the process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S15 that the ambient temperature value is 0 ° C. or higher, the process proceeds to step S17. That is, when the ambient temperature value is higher than 35 ° C. in step S15, the process proceeds to step S17.

In step S16, the first warning image is displayed on the display unit 42 by the display mode control unit 62f. Then, it returns to step S11.

In Step S17, the display mode control unit 62f displays the second warning image on the display unit 42. Then, it returns to step S11.

(4) Features (4-1)
The ESL (display device) 40 according to the embodiment includes a display unit 42 made of electronic paper. Information about the product is displayed on the display unit 42. The ESL 40 measures the ambient temperature with the temperature sensor 45. The control device 46 controls the display mode of the display unit 42 to one of the first display mode and the second display mode based on the value (ambient temperature value) related to the ambient temperature measured by the temperature sensor 45. . Here, the first display mode is a display mode in which the product information is normally displayed. The second display mode is a display mode that suggests the possibility that the product information cannot be normally displayed. That is, ESL40 which concerns on the said embodiment is based on the ambient temperature value obtained by a temperature sensor, the aspect of the display part 42, the aspect in which merchandise information is normally displayed on the display part 42, and the normality of merchandise information on a display part Switch to one of the modes that suggest the possibility of a difficult display. Thereby, it is possible to notify the user that there is a possibility that normal display cannot be performed.

The ESL is arranged in the store in association with the product in the vicinity of the product. Information on the associated product is displayed on the display section of the ESL. Here, when electronic paper is adopted for the display portion of the ESL, it is necessary to satisfy the environmental conditions of the electronic paper in order to display the display function without any problem. However, the ESL can be moved anywhere in the store. For this reason, there is a case where the product is moved to an inappropriate environment that does not satisfy the environmental conditions of ESL. As a result, product information is not suitably displayed on the ESL, and the reliability of the ESL may be reduced.

In addition, ESL does not require power to hold information once displayed on the display unit. That is, even when a problem occurs in the display function of the display unit and the product information displayed on the display unit cannot be updated, the screen of the display unit does not change. In other words, even if there is a problem with the display function of the display unit, the product information that has been displayed earlier is displayed on the display unit, so it is difficult for the operator to detect an ESL abnormality at an early stage. It is.

Therefore, the ESL 40 according to the above embodiment measures the ambient temperature with a temperature sensor and determines whether or not the ESL 40 is in a place that does not satisfy the environmental conditions. Thereafter, the ESL 40 controls the display mode of the display unit 42 according to the determination result. When the ESL 40 is installed in a place that does not satisfy the environmental conditions, a display different from the normal display is performed, so that the operator can know early that the normal display cannot be performed. As a result, the ESL 40 can be moved to an appropriate installation environment at an early stage, and the reliability of information displayed on the ESL 40 can be maintained.

(4-2)
In ESL40 concerning the above-mentioned embodiment, the ambient temperature value memorized by sensor value storage field 61b is compared with the predetermined temperature threshold (temperature range) memorized by storage part 61, and normal display of goods information Is determined. Further, based on the determination result by the environmental condition determination unit 62e, the display mode control unit 62f controls the display mode on the display unit 42 to one of the first display mode and the second display mode. If there is a possibility that the display function of the display unit 42 cannot be exhibited by storing a predetermined temperature threshold value corresponding to the environmental condition in which the display unit 42 performs the display function, the display mode of the display unit 42 is changed. It can be changed. Thereby, in ESL40, merchandise information can be displayed suitably.

(4-3)
Furthermore, in ESL40 which concerns on the said embodiment, whether the ambient temperature value memorize | stored in the sensor value storage area 61b by the environmental condition determination part 62e is outside the predetermined temperature threshold value which is a temperature range in which a normal display is possible. Is determined. In addition, when the environmental condition determination unit 62e determines that the ambient temperature value is outside the predetermined temperature threshold, the display mode control unit 62f controls the display mode on the display unit 42 to the second display mode. The ambient temperature value is acquired at a predetermined time interval (for example, every second) by the sensor value acquisition unit 62d and stored in the sensor value storage area 61b. This makes it possible for the operator to quickly notice that the user has moved to an inappropriate environment.

(4-4)
Further, when the ESL 40 according to the above-described embodiment is disposed at a location that matches the environmental conditions, the display mode of the display unit 42 is controlled to the first display mode. In the first display mode, the product information received by the command receiving unit 62b is displayed on the display unit 42. In addition, when the ESL 40 according to the above-described embodiment is disposed at a location that does not match the environmental conditions, the display mode of the display unit 42 is controlled to the second display mode. In the second display mode, a character string that suggests the possibility that the product information cannot be normally displayed is displayed on the display unit 42. As a result, even an operator who is not familiar with the environmental conditions of the ESL 40 can be surely noticed that the operator has been moved to an inappropriate environment.

(4-5)
In ESL40 concerning the above-mentioned embodiment, sensor value acquisition part 62d acquires a value about ambient temperature at a predetermined time interval, and environmental condition judgment part 62e has a value about ambient temperature at a predetermined time interval, It is compared with a predetermined temperature threshold value to determine whether information can be normally displayed. The display mode control unit 62f controls the display mode of the display unit 42 to the second display mode, and then determines that the normal display of information is possible by the environmental condition determination unit 62e. The display mode is returned to the first display mode. Thereby, ESL can be continuously used by moving to an appropriate environment.

The ambient temperature value is acquired at a predetermined time interval (for example, every second) by the sensor value acquisition unit 62d and stored in the sensor value storage area 61b. Whether the installation environment of the ESL 40 matches the environmental conditions is also determined by the environmental condition determination unit 62e at predetermined time intervals. Therefore, the operator can grasp | ascertain timely whether ESL40 is arrange | positioned in the preferable installation environment.

(4-6)
In the ESL 40 according to the above embodiment, the latest command received by the command receiving unit 62b is stored in the command storage area 61a. The latest command includes image information related to the latest product information. That is, image information related to the latest product information is stored in the command storage area 61a. The command receiving unit 62b receives a command including product information regardless of the ambient temperature. In other words, the command receiving unit 62b receives a command regardless of the environmental conditions of the display unit 42. Further, when the environmental condition determination unit 62e determines that the normal display of the product information is possible, the display mode control unit 62f displays the latest product information on the display unit 42 as the first display mode.

The control device 46 according to the above embodiment can operate in a temperature range wider than the environmental conditions of the display unit 42. That is, the command receiving unit 62b can receive a command from the ESL server 10 even when the ESL 40 is moved to a place outside the environmental conditions necessary for the display unit 42. When receiving a new command transmitted from the ESL server 10, the command receiving unit 62b stores the new command in the command storage area 61a. Therefore, when the environmental condition determination unit 62e determines that the installation environment matches the environmental condition, the display mode control unit 62f quickly switches the display mode of the display unit 42 to the first display mode. That is, when the installation environment of the ESL 40 matches the environmental conditions, the product information is displayed on the display unit 42 based on the image information included in the new command. As a result, the latest product information can be displayed on the display unit 42 immediately after the ESL 40 is moved to an appropriate installation environment.

(5) Modification (5-1) Modification A
In ESL40 which concerns on the said embodiment, the image for displaying the character string which suggests the possibility that normal display of information cannot be performed was memorize | stored in the warning image storage area 61c as a warning image.

Here, the warning image stored in the warning image storage area 61c may indicate a character string other than the character string exemplified in the above embodiment.

Further, the warning image stored in the warning image storage area 61c is not limited to the character string described in the above embodiment. For example, as the warning image, as shown in FIG. 7, image information such that a large x mark is displayed on the display unit 42 may be stored.

That is, as the second display mode, if the display environment of the display unit 42 can be changed to a mode different from the normal display mode when the installation environment does not match the environmental conditions, the warning image is in any mode. Also good. Thereby, the operator can be made aware of the improvement of the installation environment.

(5-2) Modification B
In ESL40 which concerns on the said embodiment, when it determines with the installation environment of ESL40 not matching environmental conditions, a warning image is displayed on the display part 42. FIG.

Here, when it is determined that the installation environment of the ESL 40 does not match the environmental conditions, the content displayed on the display unit 42 may be cleared.

If the ESL 40 is moved to a location that does not meet the environmental conditions, the display unit 42 may not function normally. That is, the display unit 42 may not display the image information included in the latest command received by the command receiving unit 62b, and may still display the old image information. The display unit 42 of the ESL 40 according to the embodiment is configured by electronic paper. That is, even when new image information is not displayed on the display unit 42, the old image information remains on the display unit 42. As a result, the operator may not be aware of the ESL 40 abnormality.

However, when it is determined that the installation environment of the ESL 40 does not match the environmental conditions, the contents displayed on the display unit 42 are configured to be cleared. You can tell that something is wrong.

(5-3) Modification C
Moreover, in ESL40 which concerns on the said embodiment, when it determines with the installation environment of ESL40 not matching environmental conditions, the display aspect of the display part 42 is controlled, The structure which controls the display aspect of the display part 42 Instead, the response signal transmission unit 62c may be configured not to transmit the response signal.

Specifically, instead of the ESL 40 according to the above embodiment, an ESL 140 may be employed as shown in FIG. ESL140 is provided with the control part 162 which has the transmission function control part 62g instead of the display mode control part 62f which concerns on the said embodiment. Here, the ESL 140 may not have the warning image storage area 61 c in the storage unit 161.

The transmission function control unit 62g controls the response signal transmission function by the response signal transmission unit 62c to one of the first function state and the second function state. The first function state permits transmission of a response signal. In the second function state, transmission of a response signal is not permitted. That is, when the transmission function control unit 62g controls the transmission function of the response signal transmission unit 62c to the first functional state, even if the command reception unit 62b receives a command, the response signal transmission unit 62c Do not send. When the transmission function control unit 62g controls the transmission function of the response signal transmission unit 62c to the second function state, the response signal transmission unit 62c transmits a response signal when the command reception unit 62b receives the command. To do. Based on the sensor value (value related to the ambient temperature) stored in the sensor value storage area 61b, the transmission function control unit 62g determines the transmission function of the response signal by the response signal transmission unit 62c as the first function state and the second function state. Control either one of them.

Thereby, in the ESL server 10, it is possible to grasp that an abnormality has occurred in the ESL 140. As a result, the operator goes to the location where the ESL 140 is placed in order to confirm the abnormality of the ESL 140, and thus can determine that the ESL 140 is placed in an inappropriate environment.

(5-4) Modification D
Moreover, you may employ | adopt ESL240 which has the function of both ESL40 and 140 as described in the modification B and the modification C. Specifically, when it is determined that the installation environment of the ESL 240 does not match the environmental conditions, the content displayed on the display unit 42 is cleared and the response signal transmission unit 62c does not transmit a response signal. It may be configured.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the ESL 240 has a control unit 262. The control unit 262 is configured such that the control unit 62 according to the embodiment further functions as a transmission function control unit 62g. The transmission function control unit 62g functions in the same manner as the transmission function control unit 62g described in Modification C. That is, even if the ESL 240 receives a command from the ESL server 10, if it is determined that the installation environment of the ESL 240 does not match the environmental conditions, nothing is displayed on the display unit 42, and The response signal is not transmitted to the ESL server 10. As a result, it is possible to notify an operator in the vicinity of the ESL 240 that the ESL 240 is placed in an inappropriate environment, and the ESL server 10 can also grasp that an abnormality has occurred in the ESL 240. can do.

(5-5) Modification E
In ESL40 which concerns on the said embodiment, the environmental condition determination part 62e determines whether the environment where ESL40 is installed corresponds to environmental conditions based on the temperature threshold value corresponding to the environmental condition of the display part 42. FIG. .

Here, the temperature threshold to be compared with the installation environment (ambient temperature value) may be set to a value with a margin with respect to the environmental conditions. For example, in the ESL 40 according to the embodiment, the temperature threshold value may be set to 0.5 ° C. ≦ x ≦ 34.5 ° C. Thereby, while the display function of the display part 42 can be ensured reliably, the operator can be urged to improve the installation environment in advance.

(5-6) Modification F
In the ESL 40 according to the above embodiment, when it is determined that the installation environment of the ESL 40 does not match the environmental conditions, a warning image is displayed on the display unit 42.

Here, the ESL 40 may be configured so that it can be determined by the part other than the display unit 42 that the installation environment does not match the environmental conditions. For example, by using a special material or paint that changes its color when outside a predetermined temperature range for the whole or a part of the frame body 40a of the ESL 40, the installation environment of the ESL 40 is in a place outside the environmental conditions. This may be made distinguishable (see FIG. 10).

Further, instead of the configuration in which the color of the whole or a part of the frame body 40a changes according to the ambient temperature, the color of the material of the display unit 42, the paint, or the film to be attached to the display unit 42 is changed. It may be present (see FIG. 11). For example, a material that changes to be opaque when it is outside a predetermined temperature range is used for the display unit 42, or a paint or film that changes to be opaque when it is outside the predetermined temperature range is added to the display surface of the display unit 42. Even in this case, the operator can grasp that the installation environment of the ESL 40 is in a place outside the environmental conditions. In addition, since the display surface changes to opaque, even when inappropriate information is displayed on the display unit 42, the information can be changed to an indistinguishable state.

1 Electronic shelf label system 10 ESL server 20 Base station 30 Transceiver 40 ESL (electronic shelf label) (display device)
41 Communication Unit 42 Display Unit 43 Battery 44 Capacitor 45 Temperature Sensor 46 Control Device 61 Storage Unit 61a Command Storage Area (Storage Area)
61b Sensor value storage area 61c Warning image storage area 62 Control unit 62a Mode setting unit 62b Command receiving unit (receiving unit)
62c Response signal transmission unit 62d Sensor value acquisition unit (temperature value acquisition unit)
62e Environmental condition determination unit (determination unit)
62f Display mode control unit

JP 2004-265196 A

Claims

A display unit made of electronic paper and displaying product information;
A control device for controlling a display mode of the information in the display unit;
A temperature sensor for measuring the ambient temperature;
With
The controller is
A temperature value acquisition unit for acquiring a value related to the ambient temperature measured by the temperature sensor;
Based on the value related to the ambient temperature, the display mode in the display unit is suggested as the first display mode that is the display mode in which the information is normally displayed, and the possibility that the information cannot be normally displayed. A display mode control unit that controls to any one of the second display modes that are the display modes of
Having
Display device.
The controller is
A determination unit that compares the value related to the ambient temperature with a predetermined temperature threshold value and determines whether the normal display of the information is possible;
Further comprising
The display mode control unit controls the display mode in the display unit to one of the first display mode and the second display mode based on a determination result by the determination unit.
The display device according to claim 1.
The determination unit determines whether a value related to the ambient temperature is outside the predetermined temperature threshold that is a temperature range in which the normal display is possible,
The display mode control unit controls the display mode in the display unit to the second display mode when the determination unit determines that the value related to the ambient temperature is out of the predetermined temperature threshold. ,
The display device according to claim 2.
The controller is
A reception unit for receiving the information;
The display mode control unit
In the first display mode, the information received by the receiving unit is displayed on the display unit,
In the second display mode, a character string suggesting the possibility that the information cannot be normally displayed is displayed on the display unit, or the information displayed on the display unit is cleared.
The display device according to claim 2 or 3.
The temperature value acquisition unit acquires a value related to the ambient temperature at a predetermined time interval,
The determination unit compares the value related to the ambient temperature with the predetermined temperature threshold at the predetermined time interval, determines whether the normal display of the information is possible,
The display mode control unit controls the display mode of the display unit to the second display mode and then determines that the normal display of the information is possible by the determination unit. Returning the display mode to the first display mode;
The display device according to claim 2.
The controller is
A storage area for storing the latest information received by the reception unit;
The reception unit receives the information regardless of the ambient temperature,
The display mode control unit causes the display unit to display the latest information as the first display mode when the determination unit determines that the normal display of the information is possible.
The display device according to claim 4.
A display unit made of electronic paper and displaying product information;
A control device for controlling a display mode of the information in the display unit;
A temperature sensor for measuring the ambient temperature;
With
The controller is
A temperature value acquisition unit for acquiring a value related to the ambient temperature measured by the temperature sensor;
A reception unit for receiving the information;
When the information is received by the receiving unit, a response signal transmitting unit that transmits a response signal indicating that the information is received;
Based on the value related to the ambient temperature, the function of transmitting the response signal by the response signal transmission unit includes a first function state that permits transmission of the response signal, and a second function state that does not permit transmission of the response signal. A transmission function control unit that controls either of
Having
Display device.