Display device and storage medium

Abstract

Disclosed is a display device and a storage medium that can provide added value beyond display of product information. The display device includes a display control section, a detection section, and an output section. The display control section displays first information related to a product. The detection section detects a portable terminal within a range of a predetermined distance from the device. The output section outputs second information associated with the first information when the portable terminal detected by the detection section stays within the range for a set time or more.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese Application No. JP 2020-160101 filed September 24, 2020, and the contents of the above application are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present application relate to a display device and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0003] In the past, in a retail store such as a supermarket, information related to a product is displayed on a display device due to a sales promotion or the like. Further, the display device increases the purchase desire of a customer by informing the customer of the value of the product.

[0004] However, since the time of the customer is consumed, it is sought that the display device not only displays product information but also provides further added value. SUMMARY

[0005] In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present application to provide a display device and a storage medium that can provide added value beyond the display of product information.

[0006] An embodiment of the present application provides a display device including a display control section, a detection section, and an output section. The display control section displays first information related to a product. The detection section detects a portable terminal within a range of a predetermined distance from the display device. The output section outputs second information associated with the first information when a stay time of the portable terminal detected by the detection section within the range is equal to or longer than a predetermined time.

[0007] According to the above display device, a display device that can provide added value beyond the display of product information can be provided.

[0008] In the above display device, the detection section detects the portable terminal by near field wireless communication.

[0009] According to the above display device, by detecting the portable terminal by near field wireless communication, a plurality of portable terminals can be detected at once.

[0010] In the above display device, a recording section that records a behavior history of a customer who possesses the portable terminal and a transmission section that transmits the behavior history are further included.

[0011] According to the above display device, the behavior of a customer who stays within a predetermined range from the display device can be managed.

[0012] In the above display device, the display control section changes the first information displayed in accordance with the behavior history.

[0013] According to the display device described above, it is possible to display an image that a customer is interested in.

[0014] In the display device described above, the output section outputs the second information including the identification information of the portable terminal for determining the detection by the detection section.

[0015] According to the display device described above, it is possible to provide added value to a portable terminal that stays within a prescribed range from the display device.

[0016] In the display device described above, the output section outputs the second information including the identification information in the form of a code symbol.

[0017] According to the display device described above, it is possible to easily read the identification information and the added value by a reading device.

[0018] In the display device described above, the display control section changes the display time of the same first information according to the action history.

[0019] According to the display device described above, it is possible to set the display time of an image that a customer is interested in.

[0020] In the display device described above, the display control section changes the second information along with the change in the display time.

[0021] According to the display device described above, it is possible to provide added value in conjunction with the display time of the first information.

[0022] In the display device described above, the output section is a printing section that prints the second information on label paper.

[0023] According to the display device described above, it is possible to print added value on label paper.

[0024] Another aspect of the present application is a storage medium that stores a program for causing a computer to function as a display control section that displays first information related to a product, a detection section that detects a portable terminal within a range of a prescribed distance from the device, and an output section that outputs second information associated with the first information in a case where a stay time of the portable terminal detected by the detection section within the range is equal to or longer than a set time.

[0025] According to the storage medium described above, it is possible to provide a computer with a function that can provide added value beyond the display of product information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a diagram showing one example of a coupon providing system of the present embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a portable terminal.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the display device according to this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the main image data file.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of an action record table.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating the characteristic functional structure of the various devices in a coupon provision system.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the display processing performed by the display device of this embodiment.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0034] 1. Coupon Provision System

[0035] 10 Portable Terminals

[0036] 20 Signage Terminals

[0037] 30 Management Server

[0038] 211 Image Data Main File

[0039] 212 Action Record Sheet

[0040] 1001 Notification Control Department

[0041] 2001 Communications Control Department

[0042] 2002 Inspection and Control Department

[0043] 2003 Action Records Department

[0044] 2004 Display Control Department

[0045] 2005 Discount Distribution Department

[0046] 2006 Operations Notification Department Detailed Implementation

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the display device and storage medium will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments described below are only one embodiment of the display device and storage medium and are not intended to limit its structure or specifications.

[0048] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates an example of the coupon providing system 1 according to this embodiment. The coupon providing system 1 is a system that provides coupons and other discounts to customers. The coupon providing system 1 includes a portable terminal 10, a display device 20, and a management server 30. In this embodiment, the display device 20 is a sign terminal with a printing unit. In the following description, the display device 20 will be referred to as sign terminal 20. It should be noted that the display device may also be a digital sign or the like. Furthermore, the display device may be a larger than the size of a typical adult, installed on a building wall or similar surface.

[0049] The portable terminal 10 and the signage terminal 20 can communicate via short-range wireless communication. Additionally, the signage terminal 20 and the management server 30 can be connected in a communicative manner.

[0050] Portable terminal 10 refers to a terminal that customers can carry, such as a smartphone or tablet. It should be noted that portable terminal 10 is not limited to terminals owned by customers; it can also be a trolley-type POS (Point of Sales) terminal with a tablet installed on a shopping cart in a store.

[0051] The signage terminal 20 is a terminal that displays first information related to the product. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the first information is image data. Furthermore, the signage terminal 20 detects the portable terminal 10 within a detection range defined as a distance from the signage terminal 20 to a predetermined distance. This range may be, for example, a radius of 3 meters from the signage terminal 20. The predetermined distance is preferably a distance from which the content of the display unit 205 can be recognized. Moreover, if a set time has elapsed since the portable terminal 10 was detected, the signage terminal 20 issues promotional information as second information. Here, the promotional information (second information) is information indicating a discount offered to the customer. For example, the promotional information may be a product coupon, store promotion information, dish recipes, information about similar products, etc.

[0052] In addition, the signage terminal 20 records the actions of customers holding the portable terminal 10 by detecting the portable terminal 10. For example, the signage terminal 20 records the time and duration of the customer's stay around the signage terminal 20. Furthermore, the signage terminal 20 sends the records of the customer's actions to the management server 30.

[0053] Management server 30 is an information processing device such as a personal computer or server. Management server 30 manages the coupon provision system 1. For example, management server 30 measures the effect of displaying first information related to the product on signage terminal 20 based on records of customer actions received from signage terminal 20.

[0054] Next, the hardware structure of the various devices in the coupon provision system 1 will be explained.

[0055] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a portable terminal 10. The portable terminal 10 includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, a communication unit 103, a near-field wireless communication unit 104, a display unit 105, an operation unit 106, and a camera unit 107. These units are interconnected via system buses 108, such as data buses and address buses.

[0056] The control unit 101 is a computer that controls the overall operation of the portable terminal 10 and implements the various functions of the portable terminal 10. The control unit 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU controls the overall operation of the portable terminal 10. ROM is a storage medium for storing various programs and data. RAM is a storage medium for temporarily storing various programs and data. Furthermore, the CPU uses RAM as its working area (operating area) to execute programs stored in ROM or the storage unit 102, etc.

[0057] Storage unit 102 is a storage device such as flash memory. Storage unit 102 stores control program 109. Control program 109 is a program for performing the functions of the operating system and portable terminal 10. Control program 109 includes programs that perform the characteristic functions of this embodiment.

[0058] The communication unit 103 is an interface for communicating with other devices via a network. For example, the communication unit 103 is an interface for communicating with the management server 30.

[0059] The near-field wireless communication unit 104 is an interface for performing near-field wireless communication. For example, the near-field wireless communication unit 104 performs near-field wireless communication via communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). It should be noted that the near-field wireless communication unit 104 is not limited to performing near-field wireless communication via Bluetooth (registered trademark); it can also perform near-field wireless communication via Wi-Fi, NFC (Near Field Communication), or other communication standards.

[0060] The display unit 105 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). The operation unit 106 is an input device such as a touchpad that accepts various operations by detecting touch points on the screen of the display unit 105. It should be noted that the operation unit 106 may also be a hardware button or the like.

[0061] The imaging unit 107 is a camera equipped with imaging elements such as CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) and CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The imaging unit 107 reads the product code used to identify the product by reading barcodes and other code symbols attached to the product.

[0062] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a signage terminal 20 (display device). The signage terminal 20 includes a control unit 201, a storage unit 202, a communication unit 203, a short-range wireless communication unit 204, a display unit 205, an operation unit 206, a printing unit 207, and a battery 208. These units are interconnected via system buses 209, such as data buses and address buses.

[0063] The control unit 201 is a computer that controls the overall operation of the signage terminal 20 and implements the various functions of the signage terminal 20. The control unit 201 includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU controls the overall operation of the signage terminal 20. The ROM is a storage medium for storing various programs and data. The RAM is a storage medium for temporarily storing various programs and data. Furthermore, the CPU uses the RAM as its working area (operating area) to execute programs stored in the ROM or the storage unit 202, etc.

[0064] Storage unit 202 is a storage device such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). Storage unit 202 stores control program 210, image data master file 211, and action log sheet 212. Image data master file 211 and action log sheet 212 are not limited to being stored in signage terminal 20, but can also be stored in other devices. In addition, image data master file 211 and action log sheet 212 are not limited to being stored in one device, but can also be distributed and stored in multiple devices.

[0065] Control program 210 is a program used to perform the functions of the operating system and signage terminal 20. For example, the operating system is a real-time operating system such as Linux (registered trademark). In addition, control program 210 includes programs that perform the characteristic functions of this embodiment.

[0066] The main image data file 211 is a collection of information containing the image data displayed by the signage terminal 20. Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the image data master file 211. The image data master file 211 associates image data, promotional information, and product codes. Image data is the information displayed by the signage terminal 20. For example, image data may be video (moving images), one or more still images, etc. For example, image data may be first information related to a product identified by the associated product code. Promotional information (second information) may be coupons or similar offers for the product associated with the image data (first information). Furthermore, promotional information is not limited to coupons; it may also include information about other products from the same manufacturer as the product identified by the product code, similar products, recipes, promotions, etc. The product code is identification information used to identify the product.

[0067] For example, image data could be video data showcasing popular clothing items, or photo data showcasing discounted ingredients (fresh food, etc.). Additionally, discount information could be data representing discount rates (e.g., 30% off) using text, or symbolic data representing discounts using barcodes, QR codes, etc. The different data formats of discount information relate to the output methods described later. When printing coupons as discount information onto label paper, it's difficult to directly affix them to fresh food (e.g., vegetables). Therefore, data is stored in the discount information corresponding to the image data of the fresh food. Furthermore, the data based on the data is printed onto the label paper. By presenting the coupon with the printed data at checkout, the cashier can easily identify the discount rate. On the other hand, with clothing, it's easy to directly affix coupons. Therefore, symbolic data is stored corresponding to the image data of the clothing. Furthermore, barcodes or other codes based on the symbolic data are printed onto the label. By affixing the coupon with the printed code to the clothing, the cashier can read the code using a reader at checkout. Store clerks can easily input discount information. Thus, by varying the data format (mark data, symbol data, etc.) of the discount information to correspond with the image data displayed on display unit 205, printing can be performed accordingly for the product. Coupons corresponding to the product can be printed.

[0068] Action record sheet 212 is an information sheet that records the actions of customers with portable terminal 10 who enter the detection range, which is defined as the range from sign terminal 20 to a specified distance. Figure 5This is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of Action Record Table 212. Action Record Table 212 associates portable terminal code, dwell time, dwell time, and issuance mark. The portable terminal code is identification information used to identify portable terminal 10. That is, the portable terminal code indicates that portable terminal 10 has entered the detection range. The dwell time indicates the elapsed time that portable terminal 10, identified by the associated portable terminal code, has remained within the detection range. The dwell time indicates the moment when a customer with portable terminal 10, identified by the associated portable terminal code, entered the detection range. The issuance mark indicates whether a discount is issued based on the customer with portable terminal 10, identified by the associated portable terminal code, remaining within the detection range for a set time or longer.

[0069] Communication unit 203 is an interface used for communicating with other devices via a network. For example, communication unit 203 is a network card that connects to a network via wired or wireless means.

[0070] The near-field wireless communication unit 204 is an interface for performing near-field wireless communication. For example, the near-field wireless communication unit 204 performs near-field wireless communication via communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). It should be noted that the near-field wireless communication unit 204 is not limited to performing near-field wireless communication via Bluetooth (registered trademark); it can also perform near-field wireless communication via Wi-Fi, NFC, or other communication standards.

[0071] The display unit 205 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). Preferably, it is an input device such as a touchpad that accepts various operations by detecting touch points on the screen of the display unit 205. It should be noted that the operation unit 206 may also be a hardware button or the like.

[0072] Printing unit 207 is a printer that prints various types of information onto printing media. For example, printing unit 207 prints coupons based on discount information.

[0073] Furthermore, the printing unit 207 includes, for example, a thermal recording printhead for printing onto label paper disposed on a roll of paper. It also includes a cutting mechanism that automatically cuts the roll of paper between label sheets, depending on the need. Additionally, the printing unit 207 has a high-speed printing mode that prioritizes the feed speed and a high-quality printing mode that slows down the feed speed compared to the high-speed printing mode.

[0074] Battery 208 is a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion battery. Battery 208 receives power from the charging terminal 20.

[0075] Next, the characteristic functions of each device in the coupon provision system 1 will be explained. Here, Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing the characteristic functional structure of the various devices in the coupon provision system 1.

[0076] The control unit 201 of the signage terminal 20 generates various functional units in RAM by expanding the control program 210 stored in the storage unit 202 and performing actions according to the control program 210. Specifically, the control unit 201 of the signage terminal 20 includes a communication control unit 2001, a detection control unit 2002, an action recording unit 2003, a display control unit 2004, a discount disbursement unit 2005, and an action notification unit 2006 as functional units.

[0077] The communication control unit 2001 controls the communication unit 203 to perform communication with the management server 30. For example, the communication control unit 2001 sends the action record form 212 to the management server 30. The communication control unit 2001 is an example of a sending unit.

[0078] The detection control unit 2002 detects the portable terminal 10 within a detection range defined as the distance from the label terminal 20 (which serves as the device) to a predetermined distance. The detection control unit 2002 is an example of a detection unit. For example, the detection control unit 2002 detects the portable terminal 10 via short-range wireless communication. That is, the detection control unit 2002 detects the portable terminal 10 by controlling the short-range wireless communication unit 204 to perform short-range wireless communication with the portable terminal 10 within the detection range. Specifically, the detection control unit 2002 detects the portable terminal 10 by receiving a portable terminal code used to identify the portable terminal 10 via short-range wireless communication.

[0079] It should be noted that the detection control unit 2002 is not limited to detecting the portable terminal 10 through near-field wireless communication, but can also detect the portable terminal 10 through other methods. For example, the detection control unit 2002 can also detect that the portable terminal 10 is within the detection range by obtaining location information indicating the location of the portable terminal 10 from GPS (Global Positioning System), or by detecting whether the portable terminal 10 is included in the image captured by a camera (capturing unit) located at a predetermined position, or by other methods.

[0080] Detecting that the portable terminal 10 is within the detection range means that a customer at a specified distance from this device has been detected.

[0081] It should be noted that the detection control unit 2002 detects the customer's portable terminal 10 in order to determine the customer's level of attention to the image data displayed on the display unit 205 of the signage terminal 20. Therefore, customers can also be detected using components other than the portable terminal 10.

[0082] For example, a camera is installed in the signage terminal 20. Customers are detected within a predetermined distance from the signage terminal 20 using the captured data. If a person is detected within the captured data, the detection control unit 2002 determines that a customer is present within the predetermined distance from the device.

[0083] The Action Recording Department 2003 records the action history of the customer holding the portable terminal 10. The Action Recording Department 2003 is an example of a recording department. That is, the Action Recording Department 2003 records the customer's action history in the Action Record Table 212.

[0084] More specifically, when the detection control unit 2002 receives a portable terminal code, the action recording unit 2003 begins measuring the time a customer spends within the detection range, which is defined as the distance from the signage terminal 20 to a predetermined distance. Here, the detection control unit 2002 periodically receives portable terminal codes. During the period when the detection control unit 2002 receives a portable terminal code, the action recording unit 2003 determines that a customer with the portable terminal code has stayed. On the other hand, when the detection control unit 2002 no longer receives a portable terminal code, the action recording unit 2003 determines that the customer has moved out of the predetermined distance from the signage terminal 20 and ends the measurement of the stay time.

[0085] Furthermore, the Action Recording Unit 2003 stores the portable terminal code and dwell time received by the Detection and Control Unit 2002 in the Action Recording Table 212. Additionally, the Action Recording Unit 2003 stores any moment in the Action Recording Table 212 as the dwell time, whether the Detection and Control Unit 2002 receives the portable terminal code, ceases receiving the portable terminal code, or is during the period of receiving the portable terminal code. Moreover, when the Discount Distribution Unit 2005 distributes discount information, the Action Recording Unit 2003 changes the distribution flag to indicate that discount information has been distributed.

[0086] The display control unit 2004 controls the display unit 205 to display first information related to the product. The display control unit 2004 is an example of a display control method. More specifically, the display control unit 2004 displays information such as image data contained in the image data master file 211 on the display unit 205. Furthermore, the display control unit 2004 changes the displayed image data according to the action record table 212. That is, when the action records of multiple customers accumulated in the action record table 212 meet preset change conditions, the display control unit 2004 selects image data from the image data master file 211. Then, the display control unit 2004 displays the selected image data. Here, the change conditions are thresholds that quantify the actions of multiple customers. For example, the change conditions are thresholds for the average dwell time, thresholds for the number of detections by the portable terminal 10 per unit time, etc.

[0087] If the average dwell time of multiple customers is less than a threshold set as a change condition, customers may show low interest in the image data displayed on the display unit 205 of the signage terminal 20. Therefore, the display control unit 2004 changes the image data displayed on the display unit 205. Furthermore, the display control unit 2004 repeatedly performs image data changes until the average dwell time reaches or exceeds the threshold indicated by the change condition. That is, the display control unit 2004 repeatedly performs image data changes until image data that attracts high customer attention is displayed. Thus, because the display control unit 2004 displays image data that attracts high customer attention, it is possible to increase the desire to purchase.

[0088] Alternatively, the display control unit 2004 can also change the display time of the image data. Here, customers may not watch the image data because of its long display time. Therefore, the display control unit 2004 can also change the display time of the same image data. Furthermore, the display control unit 2004 can also change the discount information associated with the image data in the image data master file 211 along with the change in display time. For example, if the display time is shortened, the discount rate in the discount information is changed to a lower value. Thus, the display control unit 2004 can enable the discount disbursement unit 2005 to disburse discount information suitable for the display time of the image data. Alternatively, the display control unit 2004 can also change the volume of the same image data.

[0089] Alternatively, the display control unit 2004 may control the operation unit 206 to accept an operation to select a product displayed on the display unit 205. In this case, the display control unit 2004 displays image data associated with the product code of the selected product in the image data master file 211. Furthermore, the display control unit 2004 may accept an operation to select a product's location based on product display information indicating the product layout at the sales area in a retail store. In this case, the display control unit 2004 displays image data associated with the product code of the product displayed in the location determined by the accepted operation in the image data master file 211.

[0090] If the portable terminal 10, as detected by the detection control unit 2002, remains within the detection range for a period exceeding a set time, the discount distribution unit 2005 outputs discount information indicating a discount. The discount distribution unit 2005 is an example of an output unit (output means). Here, the set time is arbitrarily set by the administrator of the signage terminal 20. For example, if the image data is video, the set time is the video playback time.

[0091] The discount distribution unit 2005, for example, controls the printing unit 207 to print coupons displaying discount information. More specifically, the discount distribution unit 2005 can also print coupons showing the discount amount, discount percentage, etc., on label paper. Customers can then affix the printed coupons to the products. Therefore, even during checkout processing handled by store clerks, the discount distribution unit 2005 can apply discounts to product prices.

[0092] It should be noted that the discount distribution unit 2005 is not limited to distributing discount information by printing coupons; it can also distribute discount information through other methods. For example, the discount distribution unit 2005 can also send discount information to the portable terminal 10 via near-field wireless communication, or it can distribute discount information through other methods.

[0093] Here, when the discount coupon shown in the discount information is only applied to customers who view image data, the discount disbursement unit 2005 outputs discount information containing the portable terminal code of the portable terminal 10 detected by the detection control unit 2002. For example, the discount disbursement unit 2005 outputs the discount information containing the portable terminal code as a code symbol (QR code, etc.). The checkout device, which performs the checkout process, checks the portable terminal code contained in the discount information obtained by reading the code symbol and the portable terminal code obtained by reading the code symbol representing the portable terminal code of the portable terminal 10 displayed on the display unit 105, etc., of the portable terminal 10. If the two portable terminal codes match, the checkout device applies the discount information. On the other hand, if the two portable terminal codes do not match, the checkout device does not apply the discount information. Thus, the discount disbursement unit 2005 is limited to disbursing discount information only to customers who view image data. By reading the code symbol output by the discount disbursement unit 2005, the portable terminal code and discount information can be input uniformly.

[0094] Furthermore, if the detection control unit 2002 detects multiple portable terminals 10, and each portable terminal 10 remains occupied for a set period of time or more, the discount distribution unit 2005 distributes discount information accordingly. In this case, it is necessary to be able to identify which customer the discount information belongs to. Therefore, the discount distribution unit 2005 distributes discount information displaying the target portable terminal code or other information used to identify the customer.

[0095] It should be noted that when printing promotional information (e.g., coupons) for multiple customers, after printing the promotional information onto label paper, a cutting tool is used to cut the paper, thus printing coupons corresponding to the number of customers. This allows for the rapid printing of coupons for multiple customers. Compared to printing one coupon at a time and then printing another after the customer takes it, coupon printing is completed much faster.

[0096] When the notification conditions are met, the action notification unit 2006 instructs the communication control unit 2001 to send the action record table 212 to the management server 30. Here, the notification conditions are a set time, a set fixed time, etc. That is, at each set time or fixed time, the action notification unit 2006 instructs the communication control unit 2001 to send the action record table 212 to the management server 30. As a result, the management server 30 can output the number of customers who received promotional information from within the detection range. Furthermore, the management server 30 can output the number of promotional information distributed for each time period.

[0097] The control unit 101 of the portable terminal 10 generates various functional units in RAM by expanding the control program 109 stored in the storage unit 102 and performing operations according to the control program 109. Specifically, the control unit 101 of the portable terminal 10 includes a notification control unit 1001 as a functional unit.

[0098] Upon entering the detection range, the notification control unit 1001 notifies the portable terminal code of this device. More specifically, when the short-range wireless communication unit 104 establishes short-range wireless communication with the signage terminal 20, the notification control unit 1001 notifies the portable terminal code.

[0099] Next, the operation of the coupon provision system 1 in this embodiment will be explained. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the display processing performed by the sign terminal 20 (display device) of this embodiment.

[0100] The display control unit 2004 displays the image data selected from the multiple image data contained in the image data master file 211 on the display unit 205 (step S1).

[0101] The detection control unit 2002 determines whether the portable terminal 10 has entered the detection range (step S2).

[0102] If the portable terminal 10 is detected (step S2; Yes), the action recording unit 2003 measures the dwell time of the portable terminal 10 within the detection range (step S3). Furthermore, if the portable terminal 10 is no longer detected within a predetermined distance from the signage terminal 20, the action recording unit 2003 stops measuring the dwell time.

[0103] The discount distribution unit 2005 determines whether the stay time has exceeded the set time (step S4). If the stay time has not exceeded the set time (step S4; no), the discount distribution unit 2005 proceeds to step S1.

[0104] If the dwell time exceeds the set time (step S4; Yes), the discount distribution unit 2005 issues discount information (step S5). Then, the signage terminal 20 proceeds to step S1.

[0105] In step S2, if the portable terminal 10 is not detected (step S2; no), the display control unit 2004 determines whether the change conditions for modifying the image data displayed on the display unit 205 are met (step S6). If the change conditions are not met (step S6; no), the signage terminal 20 proceeds to step S1.

[0106] If the change conditions are met (step S6; Yes), the display control unit 2004 changes the image data displayed on the display unit 205 based on the action log table 212 (step S7). That is, the display control unit 2004 selects the image data to be displayed on the display unit 205 from the image data master file 211 based on the action log table 212. Then, the signage terminal 20 proceeds to step S1.

[0107] The above completes the display processing for signage terminal 20.

[0108] As described above, the signage terminal 20 of this embodiment displays the image data selected from the image data master file 211 on the display unit 205. The signage terminal 20 detects the portable terminal 10 within its detection range. Furthermore, if the portable terminal 10 remains within the detection range for a set time or longer, the signage terminal 20 determines that a customer holding the portable terminal 10 has viewed the image data and issues discount information such as coupons. That is, the signage terminal 20 issues coupons to customers who have viewed the image data displayed on this device. Therefore, the signage terminal 20 can provide added value beyond simply displaying product information.

[0109] It should be noted that when printing promotional information (such as coupons) via the printing unit 207, a print control unit capable of changing the print mode can also be included. For example, when printing marking data, high-speed printing mode can be used. When printing symbol data, high-quality printing mode can be used. Printing can be performed according to the promotional information. Since high-quality printing takes time, using it in conjunction with high-speed printing mode can reduce power consumption. Specifically, print mode information (print mode information) is stored corresponding to the promotional information in the image data master file 211. High-speed printing mode is "1", high-quality mode is "0", etc. The print control unit operates the printing unit according to the print mode information stored corresponding to the promotional information, using different print modes (high-speed printing mode or high-quality mode). Generally, for printing promotional information such as coupons, it is not necessary to change the print mode; this is a characteristic process.

[0110] Furthermore, the printing control unit can also change the printing mode based on the image data displayed on the display. For example, when displaying image data related to the day's special offer, it is preferable to issue coupons that can be used for the day's special offer to customers as early as possible. Conversely, when displaying image data introducing related stores, coupons that can be used at those related stores are not urgently needed. Specifically, printing mode information (printing mode information) is stored corresponding to the image data (information displayed on the display) in the main image data file 211. Thus, controlling the operation of the printing unit 207 based on the content displayed on the signage terminal 20 is a characteristic process (different from the process of switching between high-speed printing mode and high-quality printing mode based on the different forms of data being printed (mark data, symbol data, etc.)). It should be noted that when printing symbol data in high-speed printing mode, it is conceivable that the symbol data cannot be read correctly. For example, in the case of a barcode, as long as the numbers are printed along with the barcode, coupon information can be entered by inputting those numbers.

[0111] In summary, the display device (signage terminal 20) comprises: a display control unit that displays image data related to the product on a display unit; a detection unit that detects customers within a predetermined distance from the device; a printing unit that prints promotional information associated with the image data when the customer's dwell time detected by the detection unit is more than a predetermined time; and a printing control unit that causes the printing unit to operate in different printing modes. This enables the printing unit to operate efficiently.

[0112] The print control unit uses stored print mode information corresponding to the promotional information to instruct the print unit to operate in different print modes. This reduces power consumption when printing promotional information.

[0113] Furthermore, the print control unit, based on print mode information stored corresponding to the image data, causes the print unit to operate in different print modes. This enables appropriate printing in conjunction with the image data displayed on the display unit.

[0114] In addition, the promotional information printed by the printing department is in the form of coupons, and based on this, coupons can be printed in different formats.

[0115] While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are all included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims and its equivalents.

[0116] In the devices described in the above embodiments and variations, the programs executed are provided by pre-embedding the storage medium (ROM or storage unit) of each device, but this is not a limitation. For example, the devices may be configured to use files in an installable or executable form recorded on computer-readable recording media such as CD-ROM, floppy disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Furthermore, the storage medium is not limited to media independent of the computer or embedded system, but also includes storage media that download and store or temporarily store programs transmitted via LAN, the Internet, etc.

[0117] Alternatively, the program executed in each device of the above-described embodiments and modifications may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network, or it may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that, have: The testing department tests portable terminals within a specified distance from this device; The recording unit records the dwell time of the portable terminal within the range as detected by the detection unit; The display control unit displays the display time corresponding to the dwell time and first information related to the product; as well as The output unit outputs discount information that is associated with the first information and represents the discount rate corresponding to the display time when the dwell time is more than a set time.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The detection unit detects the portable terminal via short-range wireless communication.

3. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, It also has: The sending unit transmits the dwell time.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, If the average dwell time is less than a threshold, the display control unit displays the newly selected first information.

5. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The output unit outputs the preferential information, which includes information used to determine the identification information of the portable terminal detected by the detection unit.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, The output unit outputs the discount information containing the identification information in the form of code symbols.

7. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The output section is the printing section that prints the discount information onto label paper.

8. A storage medium, characterized in that, It stores programs that enable the computer to function as the following: The testing department tests portable terminals within a specified distance from this device; The recording unit records the dwell time of the portable terminal within the range as detected by the detection unit; The display control unit displays the display time corresponding to the dwell time and first information related to the product; as well as The output unit outputs discount information that is associated with the first information and represents the discount rate corresponding to the display time when the dwell time is more than a set time.

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