JP5953255B2 - Electronic shelf label system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a radio wave type electronic shelf label system that exchanges information with a server via radio waves.

  Conventionally, radio-type electronic shelf label systems have been adopted in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores (for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-148074)). In a radio-type electronic shelf label system, product information is transmitted by radio waves from a server that manages product information to electronic shelf labels installed at sales floors, etc., and the display contents of the electronic shelf label change based on the received product information Is done.

  By the way, when such an electronic shelf label system is used, an operator such as an employee of a store displays a display of a specific electronic shelf label on a normal screen (display for a customer) at a sales floor where the electronic shelf label is installed. It may be necessary to switch from a screen) to a management screen (display screen used by an operator for product management) or to change information stored in a specific electronic shelf label. In such a case, an operator may operate the electronic shelf label at the sales floor where the electronic shelf label is installed using a portable radio remote controller.

  However, when trying to operate a specific electronic shelf label using a radio remote controller, radio waves are generally low in directivity, and other electronic shelf labels that are not subject to operation may be erroneously operated. In particular, electronic shelf labels are often arranged close to each other at store sales floors, and such erroneous operations are likely to occur. In order to suppress the occurrence of erroneous operations, it is necessary to improve the directivity of radio waves transmitted from the remote controller, and the antenna design of the remote controller is not easy.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic shelf label system in which a server and an electronic shelf label communicate with each other by radio waves, so that an operator can operate the electronic shelf label at a place where the electronic shelf label is installed without operating it erroneously. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic shelf label system capable of operating only the target electronic shelf label.

  An electronic shelf label system according to the present invention includes a plurality of electronic shelf labels, a server, a radio wave transmitter, and a portable transmitter. The electronic shelf label is arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of products, and displays product information regarding the corresponding product. The server stores product information. The radio wave transmitter transmits product information stored in the server by radio waves toward a plurality of electronic shelf labels. The portable transmitter transmits individual commands for individual electronic shelf labels by short-range wireless communication. The electronic shelf label includes a first receiving unit, a second receiving unit, and a processing unit. The first receiving unit receives product information transmitted from the radio wave transmitter. The second receiving unit receives an individual command transmitted from the portable transmitter. The processing unit executes processing according to the individual command.

  Here, the electronic shelf label can receive the individual command transmitted by the near field communication (NFC) from the portable transmitter. Therefore, it is easy for an operator to operate only the electronic shelf label to be operated without erroneously operating the electronic shelf label other than the operation target at a sales floor where the electronic shelf label is installed.

  In the electronic shelf label system according to the present invention, it is desirable that the second receiving unit has a memory for storing individual commands. It is desirable that the second receiving unit writes an individual command in the memory using power supplied from the portable transmitter to the second receiving unit by non-contact power transmission.

  Here, since the writing of the individual command to the memory of the second receiving unit of the electronic shelf label is executed by the power supplied by the portable transmitter, the power consumption of the electronic shelf label can be suppressed.

  In the electronic shelf label system according to the present invention, the electronic shelf label preferably further includes a battery for supplying power to the processing unit. It is desirable that the second receiving unit further includes a unit control unit that controls the operation of the second receiving unit. It is desirable that the unit controller does not receive power from the battery.

  Here, in the battery-driven electronic shelf label, the unit control unit of the second receiving unit does not use the battery power. Therefore, compared with the case where a unit control part performs confirmation of the presence or absence of signal transmission from a portable transmitter using the electric power of a battery, the exchange frequency of the battery of an electronic shelf label can be controlled. As a result, the cost of battery replacement (the cost of the battery itself and the labor cost for battery replacement) can be suppressed.

  In the electronic shelf label system according to the present invention, the electronic shelf label preferably further includes a battery for supplying power to the processing unit. The second receiving unit preferably has a signal transmission unit that transmits a signal to the processing unit. It is desirable for the processing unit to have, as operation modes, a standby mode that minimizes power consumption and a startup mode that consumes more power than the standby mode. When the second receiving unit receives the individual command, the signal transmission unit preferably transmits a signal for switching the operation mode to the activation mode to the processing unit in the standby mode.

  Here, in the battery-driven electronic shelf label, the operation mode of the processing unit is switched to the activation mode after the second receiving unit receives the individual command. Therefore, the processing unit does not consume battery power because it waits for the input of an individual command from a portable transmitter that does not know when it will be transmitted. As a result, the battery replacement frequency of the electronic shelf label can be suppressed, and the battery replacement cost can be suppressed.

  Furthermore, in the electronic shelf label system according to the present invention, it is desirable that the second receiving unit is supplied with electric power from the portable transmitter by non-contact electric power transmission. It is desirable that the signal transmission unit transmits a signal to the processing unit using the power supplied from the portable transmitter.

  Here, since the signal transmission unit of the second receiving unit does not consume battery power for signal transmission to the processing unit, the frequency of replacement of the battery of the electronic shelf label can be suppressed, and the cost of battery replacement can be suppressed. it can.

  In the electronic shelf label system according to the present invention, the communicable distance between the second receiving unit and the portable transmitter is preferably 10 cm or less.

  As a result, even when electronic shelf labels are closely installed at a store floor or the like, it is possible to operate only the electronic shelf label to be operated without erroneously operating the electronic shelf label other than the operation target.

  In the electronic shelf label system according to the present invention, the electronic shelf label can receive an individual command transmitted from the portable transmitter by short-range wireless communication. Therefore, it is easy for an operator to operate only the electronic shelf label to be operated without erroneously operating the electronic shelf label other than the operation target at a sales floor where the electronic shelf label is installed.

It is a figure which shows the electronic shelf label system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the electronic shelf label with which the electronic shelf label system which concerns on FIG. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the electronic shelf label with which the electronic shelf label system which concerns on FIG. 1 is provided. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the electronic shelf label with which the electronic shelf label system which concerns on FIG. 1 is provided. In the figure, a configuration connected by a solid line indicates that the components are electrically connected. In the figure, a configuration connected to the control unit by a broken line indicates that driving power is supplied from the battery. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the electronic shelf label server with which the electronic shelf label system which concerns on FIG. 1 is provided. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the control part of the electronic shelf label with which the electronic shelf label system which concerns on FIG. 1 is provided. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the link operation | work performed in the electronic shelf label system which concerns on FIG. It is a figure which shows the electronic shelf label system which concerns on the modification A. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of the link operation | work performed in the electronic shelf label system of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the other example of the link operation | work performed in the electronic shelf label system of FIG.

  Hereinafter, an electronic shelf label system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In addition, the electronic shelf label system 1 which concerns on this embodiment is only the illustration of embodiment of this invention, and the electronic shelf label system which concerns on this invention is not limited to the content described below. Other modes can be adopted as long as they do not contradict the gist of the invention.

(1) Overall Configuration The electronic shelf label system 1 is used in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic shelf label system 1 mainly includes a plurality of electronic shelf labels 40, 40,..., An electronic shelf label server 10, and a plurality of access points 30, 30,. A remote controller 50 and a handy terminal 80 are included. The numbers of electronic shelf labels 40, access points 30, remote controllers 50, and handy terminals 80 included in the electronic shelf label system 1 are not limited to the numbers shown in FIG.

  The electronic shelf label 40 is a portable device, and is a display device arranged corresponding to each of a plurality of products P handled in the store. The electronic shelf label 40 is arranged in the vicinity of the corresponding product P among the plurality of types of products P displayed on the store floor of the store, and displays product information regarding the corresponding product P (see FIG. 2). The merchandise information is various information related to the merchandise P, and includes, for example, a normal sale price, a special sale price, a discount rate, a sales quantity, an inventory quantity, and the like of the merchandise P.

  The electronic shelf label server 10 is a computer that comprehensively controls the electronic shelf label system 1. The functions of the electronic shelf label server 10 include management of product information displayed on the electronic shelf label 40. The product information is stored in the server storage unit 14 of the electronic shelf label server 10 as will be described later. The electronic shelf label server 10 transmits distribution data including product information to the electronic shelf label 40 via the access point 30. Here, the electronic shelf label server 10 transmits the product information to the electronic shelf label 40 as image data (image data displayed on the display unit 41 of the electronic shelf label 40 described later). It is not limited to. For example, the electronic shelf label server 10 may transmit product information such as a normal selling price as numerical data to the electronic shelf label 40.

  The access point 30 is a radio wave transmitter / receiver. The access point 30 exchanges various signals with the electronic shelf label 40 using radio waves. The access points 30 are attached to a ceiling in a store, for example, with a certain interval. The installation location, installation interval, and the like of the access point 30 are determined so that the electronic shelf label 40 installed in the store can communicate with any access point 30. The access point 30 is connected to the electronic shelf label server 10 via a network 2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The access point 30 transmits distribution data (distribution data including product information) transmitted from the electronic shelf label server 10 to the access point 30 via the network 2 to the plurality of electronic shelf labels 40 by radio waves. That is, the access point 30 is an example of a radio wave transmitter. Further, the access point 30 receives a signal transmitted from the electronic shelf label 40 and transmits the received signal to the electronic shelf label server 10 via the network 2.

  The remote controller 50 is a portable transceiver. The remote controller 50 exchanges various signals with each electronic shelf label 40 using near field communication (NFC). Here, short-range wireless communication means communication at a distance of about several centimeters to several tens of centimeters. The remote controller 50 transmits an individual command for the individual electronic shelf label 40 by short-range wireless communication using an electromagnetic field. That is, the remote controller 50 is an example of a portable transmitter.

  As will be described later, the handy terminal 80 is configured to be able to read identification information such as a barcode attached to the electronic shelf label 40 or the product P, and is a portable information terminal mainly used for information collection. . The handy terminal 80 is mainly used for linking the device ID of the electronic shelf label 40 and the product ID of the product P. The link work will be described later.

(2) Detailed Configuration The electronic shelf label 40, the electronic shelf label server 10, and the remote controller 50 of the electronic shelf label system 1 will be described in detail below.

(2-1) Electronic shelf label As described above, the electronic shelf label 40 is arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of products P handled in the store, and displays product information regarding the corresponding product P (see FIG. 2). ). For example, on the electronic shelf label 40, the product name, the unit price per weight, and the sales price of the product P are displayed as product information (see FIG. 3).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the electronic shelf label 40 mainly includes a display unit 41, a control unit 42, a storage unit 43, a battery 44, a first communication unit 60, and a second communication unit 70.

(2-1-1) Display Unit The display unit 41 is a screen for displaying product information stored in the storage unit 43 described later (see FIG. 3). Electronic paper is used for the display unit 41. That is, the display unit 41 is a dot matrix non-volatile display unit including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix. The display unit 41 can hold the display content even when power is not supplied. The display unit 41 is not limited to electronic paper, and for example, a liquid crystal display may be used.

  The screen displayed on the display unit 41 includes a normal screen and a management screen. The normal screen is a screen for customers, and the display unit 41 displays, for example, the product name, the unit price per weight, and the sales price of the product P as product information (see FIG. 3). The management screen is a screen used by a store clerk or the like for product management, and the display unit 41 displays, for example, the number of sales, the number of orders, and the number of inventory of the product P as product information.

  The operator operates the electronic shelf label 40 with the remote controller 50 at the site where the electronic shelf label 40 is installed (by transmitting an individual command from the remote controller 50 to the second communication unit 70). The display of the unit 41 can be switched from the normal screen to the management screen.

(2-1-2) Control Unit The control unit 42 is an example of a processing unit. The control unit 42 is mainly configured by a CPU. The control part 42 is electrically connected to the display part 41, the memory | storage part 43, the 1st communication unit 60, and the 2nd communication unit 70 (refer the continuous line of FIG. 4). The control unit 42 receives supply of driving power from the battery 44 (see the broken line in FIG. 4).

  The control unit 42 controls each unit of the electronic shelf label 40 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 43 described later. For example, the control unit 42 controls the display unit 41 such that product information (image data) received from the electronic shelf label server 10 by the first communication unit 60 described later is displayed on the display unit 41. Further, for example, the control unit 42 controls the operations of the display unit 41, the storage unit 43, and the first communication unit 60 in order to execute processing according to an individual command received by the second communication unit 70 described later.

  The individual command is a command transmitted to the individual electronic shelf label 40 from the remote controller 50 described later. The individual command includes, for example, a command for switching the display on the display unit 41 from the normal screen to the management screen. In addition, for example, the individual command includes a command for controlling the first communication unit 60 so that the distribution data transmitted from the access point 30 can be received.

  The control unit 42 has a sleep mode (standby mode) and a wake-up mode (startup mode) as operation modes.

  The sleep mode is a mode in which power consumption of the electronic shelf label 40 is minimized (consumption of the battery 44 is minimized). In the sleep mode, the control unit 42 controls the display unit 41, the storage unit 43, the first communication unit 60, and the memory 73 of the second communication unit 70 so that power is not supplied from the battery 44. Therefore, in the sleep mode, it is impossible to update the display of the display unit 41, switch the display of the display unit 41 from the normal screen to the management screen, or receive the radio wave by the first communication unit 60.

  In the wake-up mode, various functions of the electronic shelf label 40, for example, display update of the display unit 41, switching of the display of the display unit 41 from the normal screen to the management screen, and reception of radio waves by the first communication unit 60 are performed. Is an operation mode capable of executing. In the wake-up mode, the control unit 42 controls the battery 44 to supply power to the display unit 41, the storage unit 43, the first communication unit 60, and the memory 73 as necessary. For this reason, the power consumption of the electronic shelf label 40 in the wake-up mode is larger than the power consumption of the electronic shelf label 40 in the sleep mode.

  The operation mode of the control unit 42 is long in the sleep mode in order to suppress the consumption of the battery 44 (the ratio of the time in which the operation mode is the sleep mode is high). Then, when one of the following two conditions is satisfied, the operation mode of the control unit 42 is switched from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode.

  The first condition (first condition) is that a predetermined waiting time elapses after the operation mode is switched to the sleep mode. In other words, the first condition is that the control unit 42 having a timer function determines that a predetermined standby time has elapsed since the operation mode was switched to the sleep mode.

  The waiting time is, for example, 1 minute, but is not limited to this. However, if the control unit 42 frequently shifts to the wake-up mode, the battery 44 is likely to be exhausted, so that the reaction time for transmission of product information from the electronic shelf label server 10 is acceptable for the user of the electronic shelf label system 1. It is desirable that the waiting time is as long as possible. The reaction time for the transmission of product information from the electronic shelf label server 10 means the time from when the electronic shelf label server 10 transmits the product information until the content is reflected on the display of the display unit 41. To do.

  When a radio wave type remote controller is used instead of the remote controller 50 of the present embodiment, in order for the electronic shelf label to receive the radio wave of the remote controller, the radio wave receiving unit of the electronic shelf label is previously set (before transmission of radio waves from the remote controller). To be up). In other words, when a radio remote control is used, in order for the electronic shelf label to receive the remote control radio, the operation mode of the control unit of the electronic shelf label needs to be switched to the wake-up mode in advance. . When the electronic shelf label is not very responsive to the individual command transmitted from the remote controller, the waiting time of the worker becomes long and the work efficiency is poor. Therefore, the waiting time needs to be set to a short time (for example, 1 second). There is.

  However, in this embodiment, as will be described later, it is not necessary to switch the operation mode of the control unit 42 from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode in advance in preparation for transmission of an individual command from the remote controller 50, so that the standby time is lengthened. It is possible to take.

  When the first condition is satisfied, the operation mode of the control unit 42 is switched from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode. Then, the control unit 42 controls the first communication unit 60 to be supplied with driving power from the battery 44, and controls the first communication unit 60 to be able to receive distribution data transmitted from the access point 30. To do.

  Then, when the first communication unit 60 receives the distribution data, the control unit 42 determines whether the received distribution data is distribution data transmitted to itself (transmitted to the electronic shelf label 40). Determine whether or not.

  When it is determined that the received distribution data is distribution data transmitted to itself, the control unit 42 continues to execute necessary processing. Specifically, for example, the control unit 42 causes the first communication unit 60 to transmit a signal (ACK signal) indicating that the distribution data transmitted to itself is received to the access point 30. Control. Further, for example, the control unit 42 writes the product information (image data) included in the distribution data transmitted to itself into the storage unit 43 (performs an update process of the product information stored in the storage unit 43). . For example, the control unit 42 controls the display unit 41 so that the display content of the display unit 41 is changed to the product information written in the storage unit 43. When the necessary processing is completed, the operation mode of the control unit 42 is switched to the sleep mode.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the received distribution data is not distribution data transmitted to itself, or when the first communication unit 60 does not receive the distribution data within a predetermined time, the control unit 42 The operation mode is switched to the sleep mode.

  The control unit 42 determines whether or not the distribution data received by the first communication unit 60 has been transmitted to itself as follows.

  As will be described later, the distribution data transmitted from the electronic shelf label server 10 via the access point 30 includes product information and an identifier. The identifier is a device ID (a unique ID assigned to each electronic shelf label 40) of the electronic shelf label 40 that is the transmission target of the product information. The control unit 42 compares the identifier included in the signal received by the first communication unit 60 with its own device ID stored in the storage unit 43 which will be described later. It is determined that the distribution data is transmitted.

  The second condition (second condition) in which the operation mode of the control unit 42 is switched from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode is to control an interrupt signal transmitted by the unit control unit 72 of the second communication unit 70 described later. The part 42 is receiving. When the second condition is satisfied, the operation mode of the control unit 42 is switched from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode. When the second condition is satisfied, the control unit 42 reads out an individual command stored in a memory 73 of the second communication unit 70 described later, and executes a process according to the individual command.

(2-1-3) Storage Unit The storage unit 43 is a storage unit configured by a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a volatile memory such as a RAM may be used for the storage unit 43. However, when a volatile memory is used for the storage unit 43, it is necessary to supply power to hold the stored information even when the control unit 42 is in the sleep mode. The storage unit 43 is preferably a non-volatile memory.

  In the storage unit 43, in addition to a program for the control unit 42 to control each part of the electronic shelf label 40, a device ID that is a unique identifier of the electronic shelf label 40, and a product transmitted from the electronic shelf label server 10 Information (image data) is stored. The product information includes product information for the normal screen and product information for the management screen.

(2-1-4) Battery The battery 44 supplies driving power to the display unit 41 of the electronic shelf label 40, the control unit 42, the storage unit 43, the first communication unit 60, and the memory 73 of the second communication unit 70 described later. Supply (see broken line in FIG. 4). As will be described later, since the second communication unit 70 uses the power supplied from the remote controller 50, the second communication unit 70 does not receive power from the battery 44 except for the memory 73. In other words, the unit controller 72 and the antenna 71 of the second communication unit 70 to be described later are not supplied with power from the battery 44. A memory 73 of the second communication unit 70 to be described later can receive power supply from both the battery 44 and the remote controller 50.

  The display unit 41, the storage unit 43, the memory 73 of the first communication unit 60, and the second communication unit 70 are provided with switches (not shown) such as FETs. The control unit 42 controls the power supply to the display unit 41, the storage unit 43, the first communication unit 60, and the memory 73 by controlling these switches.

  As described above, when the operation mode of the electronic shelf label 40 is switched from the wake-up mode to the sleep mode, the control unit 42 turns off the above-described switch to turn off the display unit 41 and the storage unit 43. Control is performed so that power is not supplied from the battery 44 to the first communication unit 60 and the memory 73.

(2-1-5) First Communication Unit The first communication unit 60 is an example of a first receiving unit. The first communication unit 60 receives distribution data (including distribution data for which another electronic shelf label 40 is to be transmitted) transmitted by radio waves from the access point 30. Further, when the first communication unit 60 receives the distribution data transmitted to itself (the distribution data received by the first communication unit 60 is controlled to be distribution data transmitted to itself). When the unit 42 determines), according to the instruction of the control unit 42, a signal (ACK signal) indicating that the distribution data transmitted to itself is received is transmitted to the access point 30 by radio waves.

(2-1-6) Second Communication Unit The second communication unit 70 receives an individual command transmitted from the remote controller 50. The second communication unit 70 is an example of a second receiving unit.

  The second communication unit 70 is a passive RF tag. That is, the second communication unit 70 is an RF tag that receives power supply from the remote controller 50 by non-contact power transmission. The second communication unit 70 does not receive power supply from the battery 44 except for the memory 73 described later. The second communication unit 70 is an electromagnetic induction type RF tag, but is not limited to this, and for example, a radio wave type RF tag may be used. As shown in FIG. 4, the second communication unit 70 mainly includes an antenna 71, a unit control unit 72, and a memory 73.

(2-1-6-1) Antenna The antenna 71 is a loop antenna (coil antenna) used for transmission / reception of electromagnetic waves. The communicable distance between the second communication unit 70 and the remote controller 50 is 10 cm or less here. The communicable distance is not limited to this, but when the electronic shelf labels 40 are arranged close to each other (for example, two electronic shelf labels 40 depicted on the upper right in FIG. 2) It is desirable that the communicable distance be 10 cm or less so that the remote controller 50 does not mistakenly operate the electronic shelf label 40 that is not a communication target.

(2-1-6-2) Unit Control Unit The unit control unit 72 is an RF communication chip that controls the second communication unit 70 in response to an individual command from the remote controller 50.

  As described above, the unit controller 72 performs various processes using the power supplied from the remote controller 50 to the second communication unit 70 by non-contact power transmission.

  For example, when the unit controller 72 receives an individual command from the remote controller 50 via the antenna 71, the unit controller 72 receives the received individual command using the power supplied from the remote controller 50 to the second communication unit 70 by non-contact power transmission. Is written in the memory 73.

  For example, when the unit controller 72 receives an individual command from the remote controller 50 via the antenna 71, the unit controller 72 uses the power supplied from the remote controller 50 to the second communication unit 70 by non-contact power transmission. An interrupt signal is transmitted to 42. That is, the unit control unit 72 is an example of a signal transmission unit. The interrupt signal is a signal for notifying the control unit 42 that the second communication unit 70 has received the individual command from the remote controller 50. When receiving the interrupt signal, the control unit 42 reads out the individual command (the individual command transmitted from the remote controller 50) stored in the memory 73. Thereafter, the control unit 42 executes processing according to the individual command read from the memory 73. When the control unit 42 is in the sleep mode and the control unit 42 receives an interrupt signal from the unit control unit 72, the operation mode of the control unit 42 is first switched to the wake-up mode, and then the control The unit 42 reads the individual command and executes the read individual command.

  In addition, when the individual command requests transmission of information stored in the memory 73, the unit control unit 72 reads out the information stored in the memory 73 and sends the read information to the remote controller 50. Send to.

(2-1-6-3) Memory The memory 73 is configured by a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM. The memory 73 can receive power supply from both the battery 44 and the remote controller 50.

  Individual commands received from the remote controller 50 by the unit controller 72 via the antenna 71 are written in the memory 73. The memory 73 stores, for example, the device ID of the electronic shelf label. The device ID stored in the memory 73 is the same information as the device ID stored in the storage unit 43.

(2-2) Electronic Shelf Label Server The electronic shelf label server 10 is a computer that manages the electronic shelf label system 1 in an integrated manner. The electronic shelf label server 10 transmits various commands and various information to the electronic shelf label 40 via the access point 30. The information transmitted from the electronic shelf label server 10 to the electronic shelf label 40 includes product information. The electronic shelf label server 10 is disposed in a store backyard or the like.

  The electronic shelf label server 10 includes a server communication unit 11, a server display unit 12, a server input unit 13, a server storage unit 14, and a server control unit 15 as main functional units (see FIG. 5).

(2-2-1) Server Communication Unit The server communication unit 11 is a communication interface for enabling communication between the electronic shelf label server 10, the access point 30, the handy terminal 80, and the like. The server communication unit 11 is also configured to be able to communicate with devices outside the electronic shelf label system 1 (for example, a POS system server and store controller installed in the store together with the electronic shelf label system 1). The distribution data sent from the server communication unit 11 to the access point 30 is further transmitted by radio waves from the access point 30 to the electronic shelf label 40.

(2-2-2) Server Display Unit The server display unit 12 is a liquid crystal display. Various information related to the electronic shelf label system 1 can be displayed on the server display unit 12.

(2-2-3) Server Input Unit The server input unit 13 is a mouse and a keyboard. A user of the electronic shelf label system 1 can input various commands and various information to the electronic shelf label server 10 via the server input unit 13.

(2-2-4) Server storage unit The server storage unit 14 includes a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, and the like. The server storage unit 14 stores various programs executed by the server control unit 15 described later. Various information is stored in the server storage unit 14. The information stored in the server storage unit 14 includes a product master table 14a and an electronic shelf label master table 14b (see FIG. 5).

(2-2-4-1) Product Master Table The product master table 14a stores information (product information) related to products handled by the electronic shelf label system 1. The product information is various information about the product P. For example, the product name, price (normal sales price, special sales price), unit price (normal sales price / special sales price), discount rate, sales volume, inventory of the product P Including quantity. In the product master table 14a, product information is stored for each product ID (barcode information of the product P).

  The contents of the merchandise master table 14a are obtained when the server communication unit 11 receives information from an external device (for example, a POS system (not shown) installed in the store) or the server input unit 13 accepts input of information. It is updated with.

(2-2-4-2) Electronic shelf label master table In the electronic shelf label master table 14b, the device ID for identifying the electronic shelf label 40 and the product ID of the product P are associated (linked) ) Memorized. The device ID of the electronic shelf label 40 and the product ID of the product P are associated by the operator performing a link operation using the handy terminal 80. The handy terminal 80 is configured to be able to read identification information such as a barcode attached to the electronic shelf label 40 or the product P, and is a portable information terminal mainly used for collecting information.

  The link work is performed as follows. The worker displays a device ID of the electronic shelf label 40 (the same device ID stored in the storage unit 43 and the memory 73 of the electronic shelf label 40) attached to one electronic shelf label 40. The code 40a (see FIG. 3) is scanned by the reader of the handy terminal 80. Subsequently, the worker scans the barcode attached to the product P on which the electronic shelf label 40 displays the product information with the reader of the handy terminal 80. The scanned device ID and product ID are transmitted to the electronic shelf label server 10 via a communication line (not shown) (for example, a wireless LAN). The server control unit 15 to be described later links the transmitted device ID of the electronic shelf label 40 and the product ID of the product P, and stores them in the electronic shelf label master table 14b.

(2-2-5) Server Control Unit The server control unit 15 performs various controls based on programs and various information stored in the server storage unit 14.

  For example, when the server communication unit 11 receives the device ID of the electronic shelf label to be linked and the product ID of the product P transmitted from the handy terminal 80, the server control unit 15 stores the information in the electronic shelf label master. The table 14b is linked and stored.

  Further, the server control unit 15 transmits product information to the electronic shelf label 40 via the access point 30 when the electronic shelf label system 1 is activated or when the display change of the electronic shelf label 40 is necessary. When the display change of the electronic shelf label 40 is necessary, for example, when the contents of the product master table 14a are updated, or when the price is changed from the normal selling price to the special selling price during the sale period of the product P, At the end of the special sale period for the product P, the price is changed from the special sale price to the normal sale price.

  Specifically, the server control unit 15 performs the following processing when transmitting the product information to the electronic shelf label 40.

  First, the server control unit 15 refers to the product master table 14a and generates product information (image data) to be transmitted to the electronic shelf label 40 for the product P that needs to be displayed on the electronic shelf label 40. Further, the server control unit 15 refers to the electronic shelf label master table 14b, and acquires, as an identifier, the device ID of the electronic shelf label 40 that is linked to the product P that requires the display change of the electronic shelf label 40. .

  Next, the server control unit 15 generates distribution data including the generated screen information and the acquired identifier (device ID of the electronic shelf label 40 to be transmitted). For example, the distribution data is data obtained by combining a header including an identifier and product information.

  Furthermore, the server control unit 15 transmits the generated distribution data to the access point 30. The access point 30 that has received the distribution data transmits the distribution data to the electronic shelf label 40 by radio waves.

  As described above, when the operation mode of the control unit 42 is switched to the sleep mode, the first communication unit 60 of the electronic shelf label 40, unless the second communication unit 70 receives an individual command from the remote controller 50, The signal cannot be received during the waiting time (here 1 minute). Therefore, in order to avoid a situation where the access point 30 cannot communicate with the electronic shelf label 40, the access point 30 waits until the first communication unit 60 of the electronic shelf label 40 enters the wake-up mode, and then transmits the distribution data.

  As described above, when receiving the distribution data for itself, the electronic shelf label 40 transmits an ACK signal to the access point 30 by radio waves. The access point 30 that has received the ACK signal from the electronic shelf label 40 transmits the ACK signal to the server communication unit 11 of the electronic shelf label server 10 via the network 2. When the server communication unit 11 receives the ACK signal, the server control unit 15 determines that the communication with the electronic shelf label 40 is successful, and ends the transmission process of the product information for the electronic shelf label 40.

  On the other hand, when the access point 30 does not receive the ACK signal for some reason (for example, when the electronic shelf label 40 cannot receive the distribution data for some reason), the server control unit 15 retransmits the distribution data. To do.

(2-3) Remote Controller The remote controller 50 is an RF tag reader / writer that reads and writes information of the second communication unit 70 of the electronic shelf label 40. As described above, the remote controller 50 exchanges various signals with each second communication unit 70 using near field communication (NFC). The remote controller 50 and the second communication unit 70 communicate using an electromagnetic field.

  An operator or the like causes the electronic shelf label 40 to execute various processes by transmitting an individual command to the second communication unit 70 using the remote controller 50.

  For example, the individual command includes a command for switching the display on the display unit 41 of the electronic shelf label 40 from the normal screen to the management screen, or from the management screen to the normal screen. Further, for example, in the individual command, the electronic shelf label 40 is caused to transmit a signal requesting the update of the product information to the electronic shelf label server 10 (via the access point 30). Includes instructions for receiving the latest product information.

(3) Operation | movement of the control part of an electronic shelf label Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the basic operation | movement of the control part 42 of the electronic shelf label 40 is demonstrated. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control unit 42 of the electronic shelf label 40. Here, how the control unit 42 operates when the operation mode of the control unit 42 of the electronic shelf label 40 is in the sleep mode (in the state of step S0 in FIG. 6) will be described.

  In step S <b> 1, the control unit 42 determines whether an interrupt signal has been received from the unit control unit 72 of the second communication unit 70. If an interrupt signal is received, the process proceeds to step S11. If no interrupt signal is received, the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S2, the control unit 42 determines whether or not a predetermined standby time has elapsed after the operation mode is switched to the sleep mode. If it is determined that the standby time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S3. If it is determined that the standby time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S1.

  In step S3, the operation mode of the control unit 42 is switched to the wake-up mode. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S4, the control unit 42 controls the first communication unit 60 to be supplied with driving power from the battery 44, and controls the first communication unit 60 to be able to receive radio waves from the access point 30. .

  In step S <b> 5, the control unit 42 determines whether the first communication unit 60 has received distribution data transmitted from the access point 30. If it is determined that the distribution data has been received, the process proceeds to step S6. If it is determined that the distribution data has not been received, the process proceeds to step S10.

  In step S <b> 6, the control unit 42 compares the identifier of the distribution data received by the first communication unit 60 with its own device ID stored in the storage unit 43, thereby receiving the first communication unit 60. It is determined whether or not the distribution data is distribution data addressed to itself. Specifically, if the identifier of the distribution data received by the first communication unit 60 matches the own device ID stored in the storage unit 43, the control unit 42 determines that the distribution data is addressed to itself. If they do not match, it is determined that the distribution data is not addressed to itself.

  If it is determined that the distribution data received by the first communication unit 60 is addressed to itself, the process proceeds to step S7. When it is determined that the distribution data received by the first communication unit 60 is not addressed to itself, the control unit 42 switches the operation mode to the sleep mode (returns to step S0).

  In step S <b> 7, the control unit 42 controls the first communication unit 60 to transmit an ACK signal to the access point 30. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S8.

  In step S <b> 8, the control unit 42 stores the product information included in the distribution data received by the first communication unit 60 in the storage unit 43 (updates the product information stored in the storage unit 43).

  In step S9, the control unit 42 causes the display unit 41 to display the updated product information (image data). The display unit 41 normally displays a normal screen (when the second communication unit 70 has not received an individual command for switching the display of the display unit 41 from the normal screen to the management screen). . Therefore, when only the product information (image data) related to the management screen is updated in step S8, step S9 may not be performed. After step S9 ends, the control unit 42 switches the operation mode to the sleep mode (returns to step S0).

  In step S10 (when it is determined in step S5 that the distribution data has not been received), the control unit 42 controls the first communication unit 60 so that the distribution data can be received. (That is, after performing step S4), it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If it is determined in step S10 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S5. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S10 that the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 42 switches the operation mode to the sleep mode (returns to step S0).

  Next, when it is determined in step S1 that the control unit 42 has received the interrupt signal, the operation mode of the control unit 42 is switched to the wake-up mode in step S11. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S <b> 12, the control unit 42 reads out the individual command from the memory 73 of the second communication unit 70. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, the control unit 42 performs a process according to the individual command read in step S12. For example, when the individual command is a command for switching the display on the display unit 41 from the normal screen to the management screen, the control unit 42 reads the product information (image data) for the management screen from the storage unit 43 and displays it. The unit 41 controls to display the read product information. Thereafter, the control unit 42 switches the operation mode to the sleep mode (returns to step S0).

  The process in step S13 is not limited to the above content. For example, when a predetermined time elapses after switching the normal screen to the management screen, the control unit 42 may further switch the operation mode to the sleep mode after further executing a process of switching the management screen to the normal screen. Further, in step S13, the control unit 42 causes the first communication unit 60 to transmit a signal requesting the update of the product information to the electronic shelf label server 10 according to the individual command, and further causes the first communication unit 60 to The latest product information may be received from the electronic shelf label server 10.

(4) Link Work Link work in the electronic shelf label system 1 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. The link work is a work for associating (linking) the electronic shelf labels 40 with the products P for which the respective electronic shelf labels 40 display product information. Specifically, this is an operation for associating the device ID of the electronic shelf label 40 with the product ID of the product P for which each electronic shelf label 40 displays product information. The link work is a work required when, for example, displaying a new product on the sales floor.

  In step S101, the operator causes the handy terminal 80 to read the barcode 40a indicating the device ID of the electronic shelf label 40 attached to the electronic shelf label 40. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S102.

  In step S102, the worker causes the handy terminal 80 to read the barcode (product ID) attached to the product P to be associated with the electronic shelf label 40 whose device ID has been read in step S101. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S103, the handy terminal 80 associates the device ID of the electronic shelf label 40 and the electronic shelf label 40 with the server communication unit 11 of the electronic shelf label server 10 via a communication line (not shown) (for example, wireless LAN). The product ID of the product P to be sent is transmitted. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S104.

  In addition, said step S101 to step S103 is an illustration, and is not limited to this. For example, the electronic shelf label system 1 may be designed so that the order in which step S101 and step S102 are performed is reversed. Further, for example, instead of transmitting the device ID and the product ID at the same time in step S103, the transmission of the device ID and the product ID may be executed when each reading is performed.

  In step S <b> 104, the server control unit 15 of the electronic shelf label server 10 links the device ID of the electronic shelf label 40 received by the server communication unit 11 and the product ID of the product P to link the electronic shelf of the server storage unit 14. It is stored in the bill master table 14b. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S105.

  In step S105, the server control unit 15 refers to the product master table 14a in the server storage unit 14 and stores product information (image data) for the product P having the product ID received in step S104 to the electronic shelf label 40. ) Is generated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S106.

  In step S106, the server control unit 15 refers to the electronic shelf label master table 14b of the server storage unit 14, and the device of the electronic shelf label 40 linked to the product P that requires the display change of the electronic shelf label 40. ID (that is, the device ID received in step S104) is acquired as an identifier. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S107.

  Note that step S105 and step S106 do not have to be performed in this order, and the execution order may be reversed. Moreover, step S105 and step S106 may be performed simultaneously.

  In step S107, the server control unit 15 generates distribution data including the product information generated in step S105 and the identifier acquired in step S106. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S108.

  In step S <b> 108, the server control unit 15 controls the server communication unit 11 to transmit the generated distribution data to the access point 30.

  Next, in step S109, the access point 30 that has received the distribution data transmits the distribution data to the electronic shelf label 40 by radio waves.

  Next, in step 110, the first communication unit 60 of the electronic shelf label 40 receives the distribution data transmitted by the access point 30. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S111.

  The operation mode of the control unit 42 of the electronic shelf label 40 (the electronic shelf label 40 attached with the device ID acquired in step S101) that is the transmission target of the distribution data is always set to the wake-up mode as described above. There is no reason. Therefore, in order to avoid a situation where the access point 30 cannot communicate with the electronic shelf label 40, the access point 30 waits until the first communication unit 60 of the electronic shelf label 40 enters the wake-up mode, and then transmits the distribution data.

  In step S <b> 111, the control unit 42 controls the first communication unit 60 and transmits an ACK signal to the access point 30. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S112.

  In step S <b> 112, the control unit 42 writes the product information included in the distribution data received by the first communication unit 60 in the storage unit 43 (updates the product information stored in the storage unit 43). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S113.

  In step S113, the control unit 42 causes the display unit 41 to display the updated product information (image data). In this way, the product information to be displayed by the electronic shelf label 40 is displayed on the display unit 41 of the electronic shelf label 40.

(5) Features (5-1)
The electronic shelf label system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of electronic shelf labels 40, an electronic shelf label server 10, an access point 30 as a radio wave transmitter, and a remote controller 50 as a portable transmitter. The electronic shelf label 40 is arranged corresponding to each of the plurality of products P, and displays product information regarding the corresponding product P. The electronic shelf label server 10 stores product information. The access point 30 transmits the product information stored in the electronic shelf label server 10 to the plurality of electronic shelf labels 40 by radio waves. The remote controller 50 transmits an individual command for the individual electronic shelf label 40 by short-range wireless communication. The electronic shelf label 40 includes a first receiving unit 60, a second communication unit 70, and a control unit 42. The first receiving unit 60 receives product information transmitted from the access point 30. Second communication unit 70 receives an individual command transmitted from remote controller 50. The control part 42 performs the process according to an individual command.

  Here, the electronic shelf label 40 can receive an individual command transmitted from the remote controller 50 by short-range wireless communication. Therefore, it is easy for an operator to operate only the electronic shelf label 40 to be operated without erroneously operating the electronic shelf label 40 other than the operation target at a sales floor where the electronic shelf label 40 is installed.

(5-2)
In the electronic shelf label system 1 according to the present embodiment, the second communication unit 70 includes a memory 73 that stores individual commands. The second communication unit 70 writes an individual command in the memory 73 using the power supplied from the remote controller 50 to the second communication unit 70 by non-contact power transmission.

  Here, since the writing of the individual command to the memory 73 of the second communication unit 70 of the electronic shelf label 40 is executed by the power supplied from the remote controller 50, the power consumption of the electronic shelf label 40 can be suppressed.

(5-3)
In the electronic shelf label system 1 according to the present embodiment, the electronic shelf label 40 includes a battery 44 that supplies power to the control unit 42. The second communication unit 70 has a unit controller 72 that controls the operation of the second communication unit 70. The unit controller 72 does not receive power from the battery 44.

  Here, in the electronic shelf label 40 driven by the battery 44, the unit controller 72 of the second communication unit 70 does not use the battery power. Further, the second communication unit 70 does not receive power supply from the battery 44 except for the memory 73. Therefore, the frequency of replacement of the battery 44 of the electronic shelf label 40 can be suppressed as compared with the case where the second communication unit 70 performs confirmation of the presence or absence of signal transmission from the remote controller 50 using the power of the battery 44. As a result, the cost of battery replacement (the cost of the battery 44 itself and the labor cost for battery replacement) can be suppressed.

  Furthermore, in the electronic shelf label system 1 according to the present embodiment, the unit control unit 72 is an example of a signal transmission unit that transmits a signal to the control unit 42. The control unit 42 has a sleep mode (standby mode) that minimizes power consumption and a wake-up mode (startup mode) that consumes more power than the sleep mode as operation modes. When the second communication unit 70 receives the individual command, the unit control unit 72 transmits an interrupt signal for switching the operation mode to the wake-up mode to the control unit 42 in the sleep mode.

  Here, in the electronic shelf label 40 driven by the battery 44, after the second communication unit 70 receives the individual command, the operation mode of the control unit 42 is switched to the wake-up mode. Therefore, the control unit 42 does not consume the power of the battery 44 because it waits for an input of an individual command from the remote controller 50, which does not know when it will be transmitted. As a result, the replacement frequency of the battery 44 of the electronic shelf label 40 can be suppressed, and the cost of battery replacement can be suppressed.

  Furthermore, in the electronic shelf label system 1 according to the present embodiment, the second communication unit 70 is supplied with power from the remote controller 50 by non-contact power transmission. The unit controller 72 transmits a signal to the controller 42 using the power supplied from the remote controller 50.

  Here, since the unit controller 72 of the second communication unit 70 does not consume the power of the battery 44 for signal transmission to the controller 42, the replacement frequency of the battery 44 of the electronic shelf label 40 can be suppressed, Battery replacement costs can be reduced.

(5-4)
In the electronic shelf label system 1 according to the present embodiment, the communicable distance between the second communication unit 70 and the remote controller 50 is 10 cm or less.

  As a result, even when the electronic shelf label 40 is closely installed in a store floor or the like, only the electronic shelf label 40 to be operated is operated without erroneously operating the electronic shelf label 40 other than the operation target. can do.

(6) Modifications Modifications of the present embodiment will be described below. Note that a plurality of modified examples may be combined as long as they do not contradict each other.

(6-1) Modification A
In the electronic shelf label system 1 according to the embodiment described above, the link operation between the electronic shelf label 40 and the product P is performed by using the handy terminal 80 with the barcode 40a indicating the device ID of the electronic shelf label 40 and the product ID of the product P. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration like the electronic shelf label system 201 shown below may be used.

  A handy terminal 280 of the electronic shelf label system 201 shown in FIG. 8 has an RF tag reader / writer function. The handy terminal 280 acquires the device ID of the electronic shelf label 40 by communicating with the second communication unit 70 of the electronic shelf label 40. In the electronic shelf label system 201, the link operation is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 instead of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step S201, the worker sends a device ID transmission command to the handy terminal 280 to the electronic shelf label 40 (to the second communication unit 70 of the electronic shelf label 40) and the activation of the first communication unit 60. Commands are transmitted as individual commands. That is, the handy terminal 280 is an example of a portable transmitter.

  Next, in step S <b> 202, the unit controller 72 of the second communication unit 70 that has received the individual command writes the activation command for the first communication unit 60 in the memory 73 using the power supplied from the handy terminal 280. Further, the unit control unit 72 transmits an interrupt signal to the control unit 42 using the power supplied from the handy terminal 280. Further, the unit control unit 72 transmits the device ID stored in the memory 73 toward the handy terminal 280 in response to a device ID transmission command. The handy terminal 280 receives the device ID transmitted from the second communication unit 70.

  Next, in step S203, the control unit 42 that has received the interrupt signal in step S202 changes the operation mode to the wake-up mode and reads the individual command (start command for the first communication unit 60) stored in the memory 73. . Further, the control unit 42 executes the read individual command (start command for the first communication unit 60). The start command for the first communication unit 60 is a command for shortening the cycle (standby time) when the operation mode of the control unit 42 is changed from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode. For example, normally, the standby time in the sleep mode is set to 1 minute. However, when the activation command for the first communication unit 60 is executed, the standby time is 1 second. As a result, the first communication unit 60 can prepare for transmission of product information from the access point 30.

  Next, in step S204, the operator causes the handy terminal 280 to read a product ID such as a barcode attached to the product P to be associated with the electronic shelf label 40 that has transmitted the individual command in step S201.

  In step S205, the handy terminal 280 sends the device ID of the electronic shelf label 40 acquired in step S202 to the server communication unit 11 of the electronic shelf label server 10 via the communication line (not shown) (for example, wireless LAN) and the electronic The product ID of the product P desired to be associated with the shelf label 40 (the product ID acquired in step S204) is transmitted. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S206.

  In addition, said step S201 to step S205 is an illustration, and is not limited to this. For example, the electronic shelf label system 201 may be designed so that step S205 is performed first. In addition, for example, instead of transmitting the device ID and the product ID at the same time in step S205, the device ID and the product ID may be transmitted when they are acquired.

  Next, in step S206, the server control unit 15 of the electronic shelf label server 10 links the device ID of the electronic shelf label 40 received by the server communication unit 11 with the product ID of the product P, and the server storage unit 14 Are stored in the electronic shelf label master table 14b. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S207, the server control unit 15 refers to the product master table 14a in the server storage unit 14 and stores product information (image data) for the product P having the product ID received in step S206 to the electronic shelf label 40. ) Is generated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S208.

  In step S208, the server control unit 15 refers to the electronic shelf label master table 14b of the server storage unit 14, and the device of the electronic shelf label 40 linked to the product P that requires the display change of the electronic shelf label 40 is performed. ID (that is, the device ID received in step S206) is acquired as an identifier. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S209.

  Note that step S207 and step S208 do not have to be performed in this order, and the execution order may be reversed. Step S207 and step S208 may be performed simultaneously.

  Steps S209 to S215 are the same as steps S107 to S113 in FIG.

  When the link work is executed according to the flowchart of FIG. 7, even if the product information is transmitted from the access point 30, the operation mode of the control unit 42 is not necessarily the wake-up mode at that time. On the other hand, in this modification, in step S203, the cycle (standby time) in which the operation mode of the control unit 42 becomes the wake-up mode is shortened. As a result, the control unit 42 can prepare for the transmission of the merchandise information from the access point 30 and can receive the distribution data from the electronic shelf label server 10 in a short time.

(6-2) Modification B
Further, in the electronic shelf label system 201, for example, the link work may be performed according to a flowchart as shown in FIG. 10 instead of the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, in step S301, the operator causes the handy terminal 280 to read a product ID such as a barcode attached to the product P. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S302.

  In step S302, the worker causes the handy terminal 280 to transmit a start command for the first communication unit 60 and a link request transmission command to the second communication unit 70 of the electronic shelf label 40 as individual commands. In addition, the handy terminal 280 transmits the product ID read in step S301 to the second communication unit 70 together with the individual command.

  The link request is a request transmitted from the electronic shelf label 40 to the electronic shelf label server 10, and the device ID of the electronic shelf label 40 that transmits the link request to the electronic shelf label server 10 and a certain product P Are linked to the product ID (the product ID transmitted to the second communication unit 70 in step S302), and further, the product information of the product P is requested to be transmitted.

  In step S303, the unit control unit 72 of the second communication unit 70 that has received the individual command uses the power supplied from the handy terminal 280 to execute the individual command (start command for the first communication unit 60 and transmission command for the link request). ) And the product ID received together with the individual command are written in the memory 73. Further, the unit control unit 72 transmits an interrupt signal to the control unit 42 using the power supplied from the handy terminal 280.

  In step S304, the control unit 42 that has received the interrupt signal in step S303 changes the operation mode to the wake-up mode, reads the individual command stored in the memory 73, and executes the content. That is, the control unit 42 shortens a cycle (standby time) in which the operation mode of the control unit 42 is changed from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode. Further, the control unit 42 controls the first communication unit 60 to request a link request to the electronic shelf label server 10 together with the device ID stored in the storage unit 43 and the product ID stored in the memory 73. Send.

  Next, in step S305, the server control unit 15 of the electronic shelf label server 10 links the device ID of the electronic shelf label 40 received via the access point 30 with the product ID of the product P, and the server storage unit 14 electronic shelf label master table 14b. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S306.

  Steps S306 to S314 are the same as steps S207 to S215 in FIG.

  Even when the link work is executed according to the flowchart of FIG. 10, the cycle (standby time) in which the operation mode of the control unit 42 is changed from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode is shortened in step S304. Therefore, when distribution data is transmitted from the access point 30 in step S310, the first communication unit 60 can receive the distribution data in a short time. Therefore, in the electronic shelf label system 201, it is possible to improve the responsiveness of the electronic shelf label 40 at the time of link work compared to the electronic shelf label system 1. In step S310, the time for the access point 30 to transmit the distribution data may also be a short time (for example, 1 second).

  When the link work is performed according to the flowchart of FIG. 10, the handy terminal 280 does not need to communicate with the electronic shelf label server 10 during the link work. Therefore, a communication line for enabling communication between the handy terminal 280 and the electronic shelf label server 10 becomes unnecessary.

(6-3) Modification C
In the above embodiment, the electronic shelf label 40 receives radio waves transmitted from the access point 30 and communicates with the remote controller 50 by short-range wireless communication, but is not limited to this.

  For example, the electronic shelf label may be provided with an infrared transceiver that receives radio waves transmitted from an access point and can communicate with an infrared remote controller. Infrared is more directional than radio waves, so in an electronic shelf label system that communicates with access points using radio waves, an operator misoperates an electronic shelf label other than the operation target at the location where the electronic shelf label is installed. Without operation, it is possible to operate only the electronic shelf label to be operated.

  In addition, when the remote control and the electronic shelf label communicate with each other by infrared rays, the power consumption of the electronic shelf label can be reduced as compared with the case where the remote control and the electronic shelf label communicate with each other by radio waves.

  An electronic shelf label system according to the present invention is an electronic shelf label system in which a server and an electronic shelf label communicate with each other by radio waves. An operator erroneously operates an electronic shelf label other than an operation target at an installation location of the electronic shelf label. Therefore, the present invention is useful as an electronic shelf label system that can operate only the electronic shelf label to be operated.

1 Electronic shelf label system 10 Electronic shelf label server (server)
30 access point (radio wave transmitter)
40 Electronic shelf label 42 Control unit (processing unit)
44 Battery 50 Remote control (portable transmitter)
60 First communication unit (first receiving unit)
70 Second communication unit (second receiving unit)
72 Unit controller (signal transmitter)
73 Memory 280 Handy terminal (portable transmitter)
P product

JP 2001-148074 A

Claims (4)

A plurality of electronic shelf labels arranged corresponding to each of a plurality of products and displaying product information about the corresponding products;
A server for storing the product information;
A radio wave transmitter that transmits the product information stored in the server by radio waves toward a plurality of the electronic shelf labels;
A portable transmitter that transmits an individual command for the individual electronic shelf label by short-range wireless communication;
With
The electronic shelf label includes a first receiving unit that receives the product information transmitted from the radio wave transmitter, a second receiving unit that receives the individual command transmitted from the portable transmitter, and the individual command. a processing unit for executing processing, a possess corresponding to,
The second receiving unit is
A memory for storing the individual commands;
Write the individual command in the memory using power supplied from the portable transmitter to the second receiving unit by contactless power transmission.
Electronic shelf label system. The electronic shelf label further includes a battery for supplying power to the processing unit,
The second receiving unit further includes a unit controller that controls the operation of the second receiving unit,
The unit controller does not receive power from the battery;
The electronic shelf label system according to claim 1. A plurality of electronic shelf labels arranged corresponding to each of a plurality of products and displaying product information about the corresponding products;
A server for storing the product information;
A radio wave transmitter that transmits the product information stored in the server by radio waves toward a plurality of the electronic shelf labels;
A portable transmitter that transmits an individual command for the individual electronic shelf label by short-range wireless communication;
With
The electronic shelf label includes a first receiving unit that receives the product information transmitted from the radio wave transmitter, a second receiving unit that receives the individual command transmitted from the portable transmitter, and the individual command. A processing unit that executes processing according to
The electronic shelf label further includes a battery for supplying power to the processing unit,
The second receiving unit includes a signal transmission unit that transmits a signal to the processing unit,
The processing unit has, as operation modes, a standby mode that minimizes power consumption, and a startup mode that consumes more power than the standby mode.
When the second receiving unit receives the individual command, the signal transmission unit transmits a signal for switching the operation mode to the activation mode to the processing unit in the standby mode,
The second receiving unit is supplied with power from the portable transmitter by contactless power transmission,
The signal transmission unit transmits a signal to the processing unit using power supplied from the portable transmitter.
Electronic shelf label system. The communicable distance between the second receiving unit and the portable transmitter is 10 cm or less.
The electronic shelf label system of any one of Claim 1 to 3 .

Images