A communication scheduling method, apparatus, device, and medium

Abstract

The application discloses a communication scheduling method and device, equipment and medium, and relates to the technical field of electronic price tags, and comprises the following steps: for each time period, determining a target communication module according to the communication duration type, the communication module identifier and the communication object in the time period; sending a communication instruction to the target communication module, so that the target communication module responds to the communication instruction, communicates with the communication object corresponding to the target communication module, and determines the communication object in a future time period according to the data type of the communication data; determining the communication duration type and the communication module identifier in the future time period according to the communication module identifier and the communication object in the future time period received from the target communication module, and making the target communication module and the communication object corresponding to the target communication module terminate communication, the application can perform wireless communication with a server, improves the deployment efficiency of a digital price tag system, and improves the efficiency and stability of data transmission in the communication process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic price tag technology, and in particular to a communication scheduling method, apparatus, device, and medium. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional retailers' digital price tag systems, the server and the electronic price tag controller are connected via a network, enabling data transmission between the backend server and the price tag controller; the electronic price tag and the electronic price tag controller are connected via radio frequency, enabling data transmission between the electronic price tag and the electronic price tag controller.

[0003] In existing technologies, electronic shelf label controllers communicate with servers via wired networks and with electronic shelf labels via radio frequency communication. However, for small and micro-sized stores, adopting existing technologies for new retail digitization requires the pre-deployment of wired networks, resulting in high labor and time costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a communication scheduling method, apparatus, device, and medium to improve the efficiency and stability of data transmission.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a communication scheduling method, comprising:

[0006] For each time period, a target communication module is selected from the price tag communication module and the server communication module based on the communication duration type, communication module identifier, and communication object within the time period; the communication mode of the server communication module is wireless communication mode.

[0007] A communication command is sent to the target communication module to cause the target communication module to perform the following steps: in response to the communication command, it communicates with the communication object corresponding to the target communication module, and determines the communication object in the future time period based on the data type of the communication data; the future time period is after the time period and adjacent to the time period; the communication object corresponding to the price tag communication module is the electronic price tag; the communication object corresponding to the server communication module is the server.

[0008] Based on the communication module identifier and the communication object in the future time period received from the target communication module, determine the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period, and send a communication termination instruction to the target communication module so that the target communication module performs the following steps: in response to the communication termination instruction, the communication object corresponding to the target communication module terminates communication.

[0009] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides a communication scheduling device, comprising:

[0010] The selection module is used to select a target communication module from the price tag communication module and the server communication module for each time period, based on the communication duration type, communication module identifier, and communication object in the time period; the communication mode of the server communication module is wireless communication mode.

[0011] The instruction sending module is used to send communication instructions to the target communication module so that the target communication module performs the following steps: in response to the communication instructions, it communicates with the communication object corresponding to the target communication module, and determines the communication object in the future time period according to the data type of the communication data; the future time period is after the time period and adjacent to the time period.

[0012] The identifier determination module is used to determine the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period based on the communication module identifier and the communication object in the future time period received from the target communication module, and send a communication termination instruction to the target communication module so that the target communication module performs the following steps: in response to the communication termination instruction, the communication object corresponding to the target communication module terminates communication.

[0013] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a communication scheduling device, comprising:

[0014] At least one processor; and

[0015] A memory that is communicatively connected to at least one processor; wherein

[0016] The memory stores instructions that can be executed by at least one processor, which enables the at least one processor to perform the communication scheduling method provided in any embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Fourthly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that are used to cause a processor to implement the communication scheduling method of any embodiment of the present invention when executed.

[0018] Fifthly, embodiments of the present invention also provide an electronic price tag control, wherein the electronic price tag controller includes a scheduling module, a price tag communication module, and a server communication module; the scheduling module includes the communication scheduling device provided in the fourth aspect; the scheduling module is communicatively connected to the price tag communication module; and the scheduling module is communicatively connected to the server communication module.

[0019] The price tag communication module is used to communicate with electronic price tags;

[0020] The server communication module is used to communicate with the server.

[0021] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of the present invention also provide an electronic price tag system, the system including an electronic price tag, a server, and an electronic price tag controller as provided in the fifth aspect; the electronic price tag is communicatively connected to the electronic price tag controller; the server is communicatively connected to the electronic price tag controller.

[0022] The technical solution of this invention enables wireless communication with the server. Compared with the prior art of connecting to the server through a wired network, this reduces the deployment cost of the digital price tag system and improves its deployment efficiency. Furthermore, it can determine the target communication module for each time period based on the communication duration type, communication module identifier, and communication object within that time period, and enable the target communication module to communicate with its corresponding communication object during that time period. This achieves periodic communication between the price tag communication module and the server communication module, avoiding data transmission interference caused by the server communication module communicating with the server while the price tag communication module is communicating with the electronic price tag. This improves the efficiency and stability of data transmission during the communication process.

[0023] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a communication scheduling method provided according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a communication scheduling method provided according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a communication scheduling method provided according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication scheduling device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device that implements the communication scheduling method of this invention.

[0030] Figure 6A This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic price tag controller according to Embodiment Six of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6B This is a flowchart of a communication scheduling method provided in Embodiment Six of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic price tag system provided in Embodiment 7 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0035] In the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the acquisition, storage and application of communication duration type, communication module identifier and communication object, etc., all comply with the provisions of relevant laws and regulations and do not violate public order and good morals.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a communication scheduling method provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This embodiment is applicable to communication scheduling between electronic price tags and servers. The method can be executed by a communication scheduling device, which can be implemented in hardware and / or software and specifically configured in an electronic device, such as an electronic price tag controller.

[0038] See Figure 1 The communication scheduling method shown includes:

[0039] S101. For each time period, select the target communication module from the price tag communication module and the server communication module according to the communication duration type, communication module identifier and communication object in the time period; the communication mode of the server communication module is wireless communication mode.

[0040] In this embodiment, the communication duration type can refer to the duration of a time period. The communication module identifier can be used to uniquely identify the communication module; the communication module can include, but is not limited to, the price tag communication module identifier and the server communication module identifier. Correspondingly, the communication module identifier can include, but is not limited to, the price tag communication module identifier and the server communication module identifier; the price tag communication module identifier is used to uniquely identify the price tag communication module; the server communication module identifier is used to uniquely identify the server communication module identifier. The price tag communication module can be used to communicate with electronic price tags; the server communication module can be used to communicate with a server. The communication objects can include, but are not limited to, electronic price tags and servers.

[0041] In one alternative implementation, the communication mode of the price tag communication module is different from that of the server communication module; for example, the communication mode of the price tag communication module may be RF (Radio Frequency) mode; and the communication mode of the server communication module may be WIFI (Wireless Network Communication Technology) mode.

[0042] Specifically, a certain algorithm is used to select the target communication module from the price tag communication module and the server communication module for each time period, based on the communication duration type, communication module identifier, and communication object in that time period.

[0043] S102. Send a communication instruction to the target communication module so that the target communication module performs the following steps: in response to the communication instruction, communicate with the communication object corresponding to the target communication module, and determine the communication object in the future time period according to the data type of the communication data; the future time period is after the time period and adjacent to the time period; the communication object corresponding to the price tag communication module is the electronic price tag; the communication object corresponding to the server communication module is the server.

[0044] In this embodiment, communication instructions can be used to instruct the target communication module to communicate with its corresponding communication object. Specifically, the communication object corresponding to the price tag communication module is an electronic price tag; the communication object corresponding to the server communication module is a server. It should be noted that the communication object of the target communication module and the communication object in the time period can be the same or different. Communication data can be data transmitted between the target communication module and its corresponding communication object.

[0045] In an optional embodiment, if the target communication module is a price tag communication module, then during this time period, the price tag communication module communicates with the electronic price tag; the price tag communication module detects the data type of the communication data during the communication process with the electronic price tag; if the communication data contains the heartbeat data or price tag task response data of the electronic price tag, that is, if the data type of the communication data includes the price tag heartbeat type or price tag task response type, then the server is determined as the communication object in the future time period; wherein, the price tag task response data can refer to the response data generated by the electronic price tag after executing the price tag task; the price tag task can include, but is not limited to, price tag networking, price tag query, price tag flashing light, price tag positioning, price tag data update, price tag firmware upgrade, and price tag heartbeat channel configuration, etc., which are not limited in this invention.

[0046] In another optional embodiment, if the target communication module is a server communication module, then during this time period, the server communication module communicates with the server; the server communication module detects the data type of the communication data during the communication with the server; if the server communication module does not detect task receiving request data during the communication process, that is, the data type of the communication data does not include the data type of the price tag task receiving request, then the communication object in this time period is determined as the communication object in the future time period.

[0047] In another optional embodiment, if the target communication module is a server communication module, then during the time period, the server communication module communicates with the server; during the communication with the server, the server communication module detects the data type of the communication data; if the server communication module detects task receiving request data during the communication process, that is, the data type of the communication data includes the data type of the price tag task receiving request, then the communication duration type of the time period is changed to a variable duration type, and the electronic price tag is determined as the communication object in the future time period.

[0048] S103. Based on the communication module identifier in the time period and the communication object in the future time period received from the target communication module, determine the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period, and send a communication termination instruction to the target communication module so that the target communication module performs the following steps: in response to the communication termination instruction, the communication object corresponding to the target communication module terminates communication.

[0049] In this embodiment, the communication termination instruction is used to instruct the target communication module to stop communicating with its corresponding communication object. Specifically, a certain algorithm is used to determine the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period based on the communication module identifier in the time period and the communication object received from the target communication module in the future time period. At the end of the time period, a communication termination instruction is sent to the target communication module. In response to the communication termination instruction, the target communication module terminates communication with its corresponding communication object at the end of the time period.

[0050] The technical solution of this invention enables wireless communication with the server. Compared with the prior art of connecting to the server through a wired network, this reduces the deployment cost of the digital price tag system and improves its deployment efficiency. Furthermore, it can determine the target communication module for each time period based on the communication duration type, communication module identifier, and communication object within that time period, and enable the target communication module to communicate with its corresponding communication object during that time period. This achieves periodic communication between the price tag communication module and the server communication module, avoiding data transmission interference caused by the server communication module communicating with the server while the price tag communication module is communicating with the electronic price tag. This improves the efficiency and stability of data transmission during the communication process.

[0051] Example 2

[0052] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a communication scheduling method provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Based on the technical solution of the above embodiments, the present invention optimizes and improves the operation of determining the target communication module.

[0053] Furthermore, the step of "selecting a target communication module from the price tag communication module and the server communication module based on the communication duration type, communication module identifier, and communication object in the time period" is refined to "if the communication duration type in the time period is a fixed duration type, then select the communication module that matches the communication module identifier in the time period from the price tag communication module and the server communication module as the target communication module; if the communication duration type in the time period is a variable duration type, then select the communication module that matches the communication object in the time period from the price tag communication module and the server communication module as the target communication module," in order to improve the adjustment operation of the normal position change area.

[0054] It should be noted that for any parts not described in detail in the embodiments of the present invention, please refer to the description in the foregoing embodiments.

[0055] See Figure 2 The communication scheduling method shown includes:

[0056] S201. For each time period, if the communication duration type in the time period is a fixed duration type, then select the communication module that matches the communication module identifier in the time period from the price tag communication module and the server communication module as the target communication module; the communication mode of the server communication module is wireless communication mode.

[0057] In this embodiment, the fixed duration type can indicate that the length of the time period is a fixed duration; it should be noted that the fixed duration corresponding to the fixed duration type can be set independently by technicians according to actual needs or practical experience, and the present invention does not limit this.

[0058] Optionally, from the price tag communication module and the server communication module, a communication module that matches the communication module identifier in the time period is selected as the target communication module, including: if the communication module identifier in the time period is the price tag communication module identifier, then the price tag communication module is determined as the target communication module; if the communication module identifier in the time period is the server communication module identifier, then the server communication module is determined as the target communication module.

[0059] It is understandable that by adopting the above technical solution, the communication module identified by the communication module identifier in the known time period can be determined as the target communication module. The complexity of the target communication module determination process is low, which can improve the accuracy of selecting the target communication module.

[0060] In a specific implementation example, the communication duration type can be represented by a non-preemptive time slice type, the fixed duration type can be specifically represented as a static time slice, and the variable duration type can be specifically represented as a dynamic time slice.

[0061] S202. If the communication duration type in the time period is a variable duration type, then select the communication module that matches the communication object in the time period from the price tag communication module and the server communication module as the target communication module.

[0062] In this embodiment, the variable duration type can indicate that the length of the time period is flexible and variable. In one specific implementation, the duration of the time period of the variable duration type can be controlled by the target communication module; for example, the time period ends after the target communication module and its corresponding communication object complete data transmission; there is no limit to the data transmission duration between the target communication module and its corresponding communication object.

[0063] In one specific implementation, if the communication duration type is variable duration, the target communication module sends a scheduling request after completing data transmission with its corresponding communication object. Upon receiving the scheduling request, a communication termination command is sent to the target communication module, ending the current time period and starting a future time period.

[0064] Optionally, from the price tag communication module and the server communication module, a communication module that matches the communication object in the time period is selected as the target communication module, including: if the communication object in the time period is an electronic price tag, then the price tag communication module is determined as the target communication module; if the communication object in the time period is a server, then the server communication module is determined as the target communication module.

[0065] It is understandable that by adopting the above technical solution, the communication module corresponding to the communication object in the known time period can be determined as the target communication module. The complexity of the target communication module determination process is low, which can improve the accuracy of selecting the target communication module.

[0066] S203. Send a communication instruction to the target communication module so that the target communication module performs the following steps: in response to the communication instruction, communicate with the communication object corresponding to the target communication module, and determine the communication object in the future time period according to the data type of the communication data; the future time period is after the time period and adjacent to the time period; the communication object corresponding to the price tag communication module is the electronic price tag; the communication object corresponding to the server communication module is the server.

[0067] S204. Based on the communication module identifier in the time period and the communication object in the future time period received from the target communication module, determine the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period, and send a communication termination instruction to the target communication module so that the target communication module performs the following steps: in response to the communication termination instruction, the communication object corresponding to the target communication module terminates communication.

[0068] In one optional embodiment, if the communication duration type in the time period is a variable duration type and the communication object in the time period is empty, then the fixed duration type is determined as the communication duration type in the future time period, the price tag communication module identifier is determined as the communication module identifier in the future time period, and the communication object in the time period is determined as the communication object in the future time period; if the communication duration type in the time period is a fixed duration type and the communication module identifier in the time period is empty, then the fixed duration type is determined as the communication duration type in the future time period, the price tag module identifier is determined as the communication module identifier in the future time period, and the communication object in the time period is determined as the communication object in the future time period.

[0069] Specifically, if the communication duration type in a time period is variable duration and the communication object in the time period is empty, then the target communication module in the time period is determined to be empty, meaning no communication with the server or electronic price tag occurs during the time period. If the communication duration type in a time period is fixed duration and the communication module identifier in the time period is empty, then the target communication module in the time period is determined to be empty, meaning no communication module is activated during the time period. The fixed duration type is determined as the communication duration type for future time periods, the price tag communication module identifier is determined as the communication module identifier for future time periods, and the communication object in the current time period is determined as the communication object for future time periods. If the communication duration type in a time period is variable duration and the target communication module in the time period is determined to be empty, then after determining the fixed duration type as the communication duration type for future time periods, the price tag communication module identifier as the communication module identifier for future time periods, and the communication object in the current time period as the communication object for future time periods, the current time period ends.

[0070] Understandably, by adopting the above technical solution, when the target communication module cannot be determined at a specific time, the fixed duration type can be determined as the communication duration type in the future time period, the price tag communication module identifier can be determined as the communication module identifier in the future time period, and the communication object in the time period can be determined as the communication object in the future time period. This allows the price tag communication module to be identified as the target communication module in the future time period, enabling the price tag communication module to communicate with the electronic price tag, and determining whether the electronic price tag is functioning properly based on the heartbeat data of the electronic price tag.

[0071] In an optional embodiment, before the first time period, a fixed duration type can be determined as the communication duration type in the first time period, and the price tag communication module identifier can be determined as the communication module identifier in the first future time period. Thus, in the first time period, the price tag communication module communicates with the electronic price tag, and the operating status of the electronic price tag is detected based on the heartbeat data of the electronic price tag.

[0072] In the technical solution of this invention embodiment, when the communication duration type in the time period is a fixed duration type, the communication module that matches the communication module identifier in the time period is taken as the target communication module, which reduces the complexity of determining the target communication module and improves the efficiency of determining the target communication module; when the communication duration type in the time period is a variable duration type, the communication module that matches the communication object in the time period is taken as the target communication module, thereby prioritizing the completion of price tag data interaction with the communication object in the communication period, thus ensuring the stability and integrity of data transmission.

[0073] Example 3

[0074] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a communication scheduling method provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Based on the technical solution of the above embodiments, the present invention optimizes and improves the operation of determining the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period.

[0075] Furthermore, the process of "determining the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period based on the communication module identifier in the time period and the communication object in the future time period" is refined into "verifying whether the communication module identifier in the time period matches the communication object in the future time period and obtaining the verification result; determining the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period based on the verification result and the communication module identifier in the time period", in order to improve the operation of determining the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period.

[0076] It should be noted that for any parts not described in detail in the embodiments of the present invention, please refer to the description in the foregoing embodiments.

[0077] See Figure 3 The communication scheduling method shown includes:

[0078] S301. For each time period, select the target communication module from the price tag communication module and the server communication module according to the communication duration type, communication module identifier and communication object in the time period; the communication mode of the server communication module is wireless communication mode.

[0079] S302. Send a communication instruction to the target communication module so that the target communication module performs the following steps: in response to the communication instruction, communicate with the communication object corresponding to the target communication module, and determine the communication object in the future time period according to the data type of the communication data; the future time period is after the time period and adjacent to the time period; the communication object corresponding to the price tag communication module is the electronic price tag; the communication object corresponding to the server communication module is the server.

[0080] S303. Verify whether the communication module identifier in the verification time period matches the communication object in the future time period, and obtain the verification result.

[0081] Specifically, if the communication module identifier in the time period is the price tag communication module identifier, and the communication target in the future time period is an electronic price tag, then the verification result is a match; if the communication module identifier in the time period is the server communication module identifier, and the communication target in the future time period is a server, then the verification result is a match; if the communication module identifier in the time period is the price tag communication module identifier, and the communication target in the future time period is a server, then the verification result is a mismatch; if the communication module identifier in the time period is the server communication module identifier, and the communication target in the future time period is an electronic price tag, then the verification result is a mismatch.

[0082] S304. Based on the verification results and the communication module identifier in the time period, determine the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period.

[0083] Specifically, a certain algorithm is used to determine the communication duration type and communication module identifier in future time periods based on the verification results and the communication module identifier in the time period.

[0084] Optionally, based on the verification result and the communication module identifier in the time period, the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period are determined, including: if the verification result is a mismatch, the variable duration type is determined as the communication duration type in the future time period, and the communication module identifier in the time period is determined as the communication module identifier in the future time period; if the verification result is a match, the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period are determined based on the communication module identifier.

[0085] Specifically, if the verification result is a match, a certain algorithm is used to determine the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period based on the communication module identifier.

[0086] It is understandable that by adopting the above technical solution, in the case that the communication duration type is variable duration in the future time period, the target communication module that matches the communication object can be selected as the target communication module. In the time period, if the communication object and the communication module identifier do not match, that is, in the future time period, a target communication module different from the time period can be selected, thereby realizing alternating communication with electronic price tags and servers, ensuring smooth data transmission and avoiding data accumulation on one side.

[0087] Optionally, based on the communication module identifier, the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period are determined, including: determining the fixed duration type as the communication duration type in the future time period; if the communication module identifier in the time period is the price tag communication module identifier, then the server communication module identifier is determined as the communication module identifier in the future time period; if the communication module identifier in the time period is the server communication module identifier, then the price tag communication module identifier is determined as the communication module identifier in the future time period.

[0088] Understandably, by adopting the above technical solution, if the communication module identifier in the current time period matches the communication object in the future time period, it indicates that there is no time-consuming data transmission in the future time period. The fixed duration type is then determined as the communication duration type in the future time period to reduce the duration of the future time period and improve communication efficiency. If the communication module identifier in the current time period is the price tag communication module identifier, then the server communication module identifier is determined as the communication module identifier in the future time period. Similarly, if the communication module identifier in the current time period is the server communication module identifier, then the price tag communication module identifier is determined as the communication module identifier in the future time period. This enables alternating communication with both the electronic price tag and the server, ensuring smooth data transmission and preventing data accumulation on one side.

[0089] S305. Send a communication abort instruction to the target communication module so that the target communication module performs the following steps: In response to the communication abort instruction, the communication object corresponding to the target communication module terminates communication.

[0090] This invention provides a verification result by checking whether the communication module identifier in the current time period matches the communication object in the future time period. Based on the verification result and the communication module identifier in the current time period, the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period are determined. This allows for flexible determination of the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period based on the verification result, facilitating alternating communication with electronic price tags and servers, thereby ensuring smooth data transmission and preventing data accumulation on one side.

[0091] Example 4

[0092] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a communication scheduling device provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. This embodiment is applicable to communication scheduling with electronic price tags and servers. The device can execute a communication scheduling method and can be implemented in hardware and / or software. The device can be configured in an electronic device.

[0093] See Figure 4 The communication scheduling device shown includes a selection module 401, an instruction sending module 402, and an identifier determination module 403, wherein...

[0094] Module 401 is used to select a target communication module from the price tag communication module and the server communication module for each time period, based on the communication duration type, communication module identifier, and communication object in the time period; the communication mode of the server communication module is wireless communication mode.

[0095] The instruction sending module 402 is used to send a communication instruction to the target communication module so that the target communication module performs the following steps: in response to the communication instruction, it communicates with the communication object corresponding to the target communication module, and determines the communication object in the future time period according to the data type of the communication data; the future time period is after the time period and adjacent to the time period.

[0096] The identifier determination module 403 is used to determine the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period based on the communication module identifier in the time period and the communication object in the future time period received from the target communication module, and send a communication termination instruction to the target communication module so that the target communication module performs the following steps: in response to the communication termination instruction, the communication object corresponding to the target communication module terminates communication.

[0097] The technical solution of this invention enables wireless communication with the server. Compared with the prior art of connecting to the server through a wired network, this reduces the deployment cost of the digital price tag system and improves its deployment efficiency. Furthermore, it can determine the target communication module for each time period based on the communication duration type, communication module identifier, and communication object within that time period, and enable the target communication module to communicate with its corresponding communication object during that time period. This achieves periodic communication between the price tag communication module and the server communication module, avoiding data transmission interference caused by the server communication module communicating with the server while the price tag communication module is communicating with the electronic price tag. This improves the efficiency and stability of data transmission during the communication process.

[0098] Optionally, module 401 is selected, including:

[0099] The first selection unit is used to select, if the communication duration type in the time period is a fixed duration type, the communication module that matches the communication module identifier in the time period from the price tag communication module and the server communication module as the target communication module.

[0100] The second selection unit is used to select, from the price tag communication module and the server communication module, a communication module that matches the communication object in the time period as the target communication module if the communication duration type in the time period is a variable duration type.

[0101] Optionally, the first selection unit is specifically used for:

[0102] If the communication module identifier in the time period is the price tag communication module identifier, then the price tag communication module is determined as the target communication module;

[0103] If the communication module identifier in the time period is the server communication module identifier, then the server communication module is determined as the target communication module.

[0104] Optional, the second selection unit is specifically used for:

[0105] If the communication object in the time period is an electronic price tag, then the price tag communication module is determined as the target communication module;

[0106] If the communication object in the time period is a server, then the server communication module is determined as the target communication module.

[0107] Optionally, the device may also include:

[0108] The first determining module is used to determine the fixed duration type as the communication duration type in the future time period, the price tag communication module identifier as the communication module identifier in the future time period, and the communication object in the time period as the communication object in the future time period if the communication duration type in the time period is a variable duration type and the communication object in the time period is empty.

[0109] The second determining module is used to determine the fixed duration type as the communication duration type in the future time period, the price tag module identifier as the communication module identifier in the future time period, and the communication object in the future time period as the communication object in the future time period if the communication duration type in the time period is a fixed duration type and the communication module identifier in the time period is empty.

[0110] Optionally, the identifier determination module 403 includes:

[0111] The verification unit is used to verify whether the communication module identifier in the time period matches the communication object in the future time period, and obtain the verification result.

[0112] The identifier determination unit is used to determine the communication duration type and communication module identifier in future time periods based on the verification result and the communication module identifier in the time period.

[0113] Optionally, the identifier determination unit includes:

[0114] The first identifier determination subunit is used to determine the variable duration type as the communication duration type in the future time period if the verification result is a mismatch, and to determine the communication module identifier in the time period as the communication module identifier in the future time period.

[0115] The second identifier determination subunit is used to determine the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period based on the communication module identifier if the verification result is a match.

[0116] Optionally, the second identifier identifies the sub-unit, specifically used for:

[0117] Define the fixed duration type as the communication duration type in future time periods;

[0118] If the communication module identifier in the time period is the price tag communication module identifier, then the server communication module identifier will be determined as the communication module identifier in the future time period.

[0119] If the communication module identifier in the time period is the server communication module identifier, then the price tag communication module identifier will be determined as the communication module identifier in the future time period.

[0120] The communication scheduling device provided in the embodiments of the present invention can execute the communication scheduling method provided in any embodiment of the present invention, and has the corresponding functional modules and beneficial effects for executing the communication scheduling method.

[0121] Example 5

[0122] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an electronic device 500 that can be used to implement embodiments of the present invention is shown. The electronic device is intended to represent various forms of digital computers, such as laptop computers, desktop computers, workstations, personal digital assistants, servers, blade servers, mainframe computers, and other suitable computers. The electronic device can also represent various forms of mobile devices, such as personal digital processors, cellular phones, smartphones, wearable devices (e.g., helmets, glasses, watches, etc.), and other similar computing devices. The components shown herein, their connections and relationships, and their functions are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the implementation of the invention described and / or claimed herein.

[0123] like Figure 5As shown, the electronic device 500 includes at least one processor 501 and a memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM) 502 or a random access memory (RAM) 503, communicatively connected to the at least one processor 501. The memory stores computer programs executable by the at least one processor. The processor 501 can perform various appropriate actions and processes based on the computer program stored in the ROM 502 or loaded into the RAM 503 from storage unit 508. The RAM 503 can also store various programs and data required for the operation of the electronic device 500. The processor 501, ROM 502, and RAM 503 are interconnected via a bus 504. An input / output (I / O) interface 505 is also connected to the bus 504.

[0124] Multiple components in electronic device 500 are connected to I / O interface 505, including: input unit 506, such as keyboard, mouse, etc.; output unit 507, such as various types of monitors, speakers, etc.; storage unit 508, such as disk, optical disk, etc.; and communication unit 509, such as network card, modem, wireless transceiver, etc. Communication unit 509 allows electronic device 500 to exchange information / data with other devices through computer networks such as the Internet and / or various telecommunications networks.

[0125] Processor 501 can be a variety of general-purpose and / or special-purpose processing components with processing and computing capabilities. Some examples of processor 501 include, but are not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), various special-purpose artificial intelligence (AI) computing chips, various processors running machine learning model algorithms, a digital signal processor (DSP), and any suitable processor, controller, microcontroller, etc. Processor 501 performs the various methods and processes described above, such as communication scheduling methods.

[0126] In some embodiments, the communication scheduling method may be implemented as a computer program tangibly contained in a computer-readable storage medium, such as storage unit 508. In some embodiments, part or all of the computer program may be loaded and / or installed on electronic device 500 via ROM 502 and / or communication unit 509. When the computer program is loaded into RAM 503 and executed by processor 501, one or more steps of the communication scheduling method described above may be performed. Alternatively, in other embodiments, processor 501 may be configured to execute the communication scheduling method by any other suitable means (e.g., by means of firmware).

[0127] Various embodiments of the systems and techniques described above herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuit systems, integrated circuit systems, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application-specific standard products (ASSPs), systems-on-a-chip (SoCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various embodiments may include implementations in one or more computer programs that can be executed and / or interpreted on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be a dedicated or general-purpose programmable processor, capable of receiving data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and transmitting data and instructions to the storage system, the at least one input device, and the at least one output device.

[0128] Computer programs used to implement the methods of the present invention can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These computer programs can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable communication scheduling device, such that when executed by the processor, the computer programs cause the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The computer programs can be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, as a standalone software package partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0129] In the context of this invention, a computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible medium that may contain or store a computer program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. A computer-readable storage medium may include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. Alternatively, a computer-readable storage medium may be a machine-readable signal medium. More specific examples of machine-readable storage media include electrical connections based on one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0130] To provide interaction with a user, the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented on an electronic device having: a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor) for displaying information to the user; and a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) through which the user provides input to the electronic device. Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback); and input from the user can be received in any form (including sound input, voice input, or tactile input).

[0131] The systems and technologies described herein can be implemented in computing systems that include backend components (e.g., as data servers), or computing systems that include middleware components (e.g., application servers), or computing systems that include frontend components (e.g., user computers with graphical user interfaces or web browsers through which users can interact with implementations of the systems and technologies described herein), or any combination of such backend, middleware, or frontend components. The components of the system can be interconnected via digital data communication of any form or medium (e.g., communication networks). Examples of communication networks include local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), blockchain networks, and the Internet.

[0132] A computing system can include clients and servers. Clients and servers are generally geographically separated and typically interact via communication networks. The client-server relationship is created by computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship with each other. The server can be a cloud server, also known as a cloud computing server or cloud host, which is a hosting product within the cloud computing service system. It addresses the shortcomings of traditional physical hosts and VPS (Virtual Private Server) services, such as high management difficulty and weak business scalability.

[0133] Example 6

[0134] Figure 6A This is a schematic diagram of an electronic shelf label controller provided in Embodiment Six of the present invention. This embodiment of the present invention can be used for scheduling communication between electronic shelf labels and a server.

[0135] See also Figure 6AThe electronic shelf label controller shown includes a scheduling module 601, a shelf label communication module 602, and a server communication module 603; the scheduling module 601 is communicatively connected to the shelf label communication module 602; the scheduling module 601 is also communicatively connected to the server communication module 603. The shelf label communication module 602 is used to communicate with the electronic shelf label; the server communication module 603 is used to communicate with the server.

[0136] The scheduling module 601 is used to select a target communication module from the price tag communication module and the server communication module for each time period, based on the communication duration type, communication module identifier, and communication object in the time period; send a communication instruction to the target communication module so that the target communication module performs the following steps: in response to the communication instruction, communicate with the communication object corresponding to the target communication module, and determine the communication object in the future time period based on the data type of the communication data; the future time period is after the time period and adjacent to the time period; the communication object corresponding to the price tag communication module is an electronic price tag; the communication object corresponding to the server communication module is a server; based on the communication module identifier in the time period and the communication object in the future time period received from the target communication module, determine the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period, and send a communication termination instruction to the target communication module so that the target communication module performs the following steps: in response to the communication termination instruction, terminate communication with the communication object corresponding to the target communication module.

[0137] The price tag communication module 602 can be used to establish communication with the electronic price tag in response to the communication command sent by the scheduling module 601; send price tag tasks to the electronic price tag; receive heartbeat data and price tag task response data from the electronic price tag; and terminate communication with the electronic price tag in response to the communication termination command sent by the scheduling module 601.

[0138] The server communication module 603 can be used to establish communication with the server in response to the communication command sent by the scheduling module 601; send the heartbeat data and price tag task response data of the electronic price tag to the server; receive price tag tasks sent by the server; and terminate the communication with the server in response to the communication termination command sent by the scheduling module 601.

[0139] Optional, Figure 6B This is a flowchart of a communication scheduling method. For example... Figure 6BAs shown, before scheduling begins, neither the price tag communication module 602 nor the server communication module 603 communicates. The communication duration type is initialized to a fixed duration type, and the communication module identifier is initialized to the price tag communication module identifier. If the communication duration type is determined to be a fixed duration type, the price tag communication module 602 activates its wireless radio frequency and connects to the electronic price tag. If the price tag communication module 602 does not receive heartbeat data from the electronic price tag, it maintains the original communication object and does not change it. If the price tag communication module 602 receives heartbeat data from the electronic price tag, it changes the communication object to the server (by activating the server's uplink connection flag). The scheduling module 601 determines whether the communication object is a server. If it is a server, the communication duration type is set to a variable duration type. If it is not a server, the communication module identifier is set to the server communication module identifier.

[0140] Assuming the price tag communication module 602 receives heartbeat data from the electronic price tag, it changes the communication target to the server. The scheduling module 601, determining the communication target is the server, sets the communication duration type to variable duration. Step "1" begins the loop, terminating communication between the price tag communication module 602 and the electronic price tag. If the communication duration type is not fixed and the communication target is the server, the server communication module 603 communicates with the server, sending the electronic price tag's heartbeat data to the server. The server sends a price tag task to the server communication module 603. After receiving the price tag task, the server communication module 603 changes the communication target back to the electronic price tag. The scheduling module 601, determining the communication target is the electronic price tag, sets the communication duration type to variable duration. Step "2" begins, terminating communication between the server communication module 603 and the server, and the next time cycle begins. It should be noted that... Figure 6B The communication scheduling methods shown have many branches, and the above content is only a part of the communication scheduling methods.

[0141] The technical solution of this invention enables wireless communication with the server. Compared with the prior art of connecting to the server through a wired network, this reduces the deployment cost of the digital price tag system and improves its deployment efficiency. Furthermore, it can determine the target communication module for each time period based on the communication duration type, communication module identifier, and communication object within that time period, and enable the target communication module to communicate with its corresponding communication object during that time period. This achieves periodic communication between the price tag communication module and the server communication module, avoiding data transmission interference caused by the server communication module communicating with the server while the price tag communication module is communicating with the electronic price tag. This improves the efficiency and stability of data transmission during the communication process.

[0142] Example 7

[0143] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic shelf label system provided in Embodiment Six of the present invention. This embodiment of the present invention can be used for scheduling communication between electronic shelf labels and a server.

[0144] See Figure 7 The electronic shelf label system 700 shown includes an electronic shelf label controller 600, electronic shelf labels 701, and a server 702. Electronic shelf labels 701 are communicatively connected to the electronic shelf label controller 600; the server 702 is communicatively connected to the electronic shelf label controller 600.

[0145] Electronic price tag 701 can be used to send heartbeat data of electronic price tag 701 to electronic price tag controller 600; process price tag tasks forwarded by electronic price tag controller 600 and generate price tag task response data; and send price tag task response data to electronic price tag controller 600.

[0146] Server 702 can be used to process the heartbeat data and price tag task response data of electronic price tag 701; and send price tag tasks to electronic price tag controller 600.

[0147] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used, with steps reordered, added, or deleted. For example, the steps described in this invention can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution of this invention can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0148] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A communication scheduling method, characterized in that, The method includes: For each time period, a target communication module is selected from the price tag communication module and the server communication module based on the communication duration type, communication module identifier, and communication object in the time period; the communication mode of the server communication module is wireless communication mode. A communication instruction is sent to the target communication module to cause the target communication module to perform the following steps: in response to the communication instruction, communicating with the communication object corresponding to the target communication module, and determining the communication object in a future time period based on the data type of the communication data; the future time period is after the time period and adjacent to the time period; the communication object corresponding to the price tag communication module is an electronic price tag; the communication object corresponding to the server communication module is a server; Based on the communication module identifier in the time period and the communication object in the future time period received from the target communication module, the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period are determined, and a communication termination instruction is sent to the target communication module so that the target communication module performs the following steps: in response to the communication termination instruction, the communication object corresponding to the target communication module terminates communication.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of selecting a target communication module from the price tag communication module and the server communication module based on the communication duration type, communication module identifier, and communication object within the time period includes: If the communication duration type in the time period is a fixed duration type, then the communication module that matches the communication module identifier in the time period is selected from the price tag communication module and the server communication module as the target communication module. If the communication duration type in the time period is a variable duration type, then the communication module that matches the communication object in the time period is selected from the price tag communication module and the server communication module as the target communication module.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of selecting the communication module that matches the communication module identifier in the time period from the price tag communication module and the server communication module as the target communication module includes: If the communication module identifier in the time period is the price tag communication module identifier, then the price tag communication module is identified as the target communication module; If the communication module identifier in the time period is the server communication module identifier, then the server communication module is determined as the target communication module.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of selecting a communication module that matches the communication object in the time period from the price tag communication module and the server communication module as the target communication module includes: If the communication object in the time period is an electronic price tag, then the price tag communication module is identified as the target communication module; If the communication object in the time period is a server, then the server communication module is determined as the target communication module.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the communication duration type in the time period is a variable duration type and the communication object in the time period is empty, then the fixed duration type is determined as the communication duration type in the future time period, the price tag communication module identifier is determined as the communication module identifier in the future time period, and the communication object in the time period is determined as the communication object in the future time period. If the communication duration type in the time period is a fixed duration type and the communication module identifier in the time period is empty, then the fixed duration type is determined as the communication duration type in the future time period, the price tag module identifier is determined as the communication module identifier in the future time period, and the communication object in the time period is determined as the communication object in the future time period.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Based on the communication module identifier in the time period and the communication object in the future time period, determine the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period, including: Verify whether the communication module identifier in the time period matches the communication object in the future time period, and obtain the verification result; Based on the verification result and the communication module identifier in the time period, the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period are determined.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The step of determining the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period based on the verification result and the communication module identifier in the time period includes: If the verification result is a mismatch, then the variable duration type is determined as the communication duration type in the future time period, and the communication module identifier in the time period is determined as the communication module identifier in the future time period. If the verification result is a match, then the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period are determined based on the communication module identifier.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The step of determining the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period based on the communication module identifier includes: The fixed duration type is determined as the communication duration type in the future time period; If the communication module identifier in the time period is the price tag communication module identifier, then the server communication module identifier will be determined as the communication module identifier in the future time period. If the communication module identifier in the time period is the server communication module identifier, then the price tag communication module identifier will be determined as the communication module identifier in the future time period.

9. A communication scheduling device, characterized in that, The device includes: The selection module is used to select a target communication module from the price tag communication module and the server communication module for each time period, based on the communication duration type, communication module identifier, and communication object in the time period; the communication mode of the server communication module is wireless communication mode. The instruction sending module is used to send a communication instruction to the target communication module so that the target communication module performs the following steps: in response to the communication instruction, communicating with the communication object corresponding to the target communication module, and determining the communication object in a future time period according to the data type of the communication data; the future time period is after the time period and adjacent to the time period. The identifier determination module is used to determine the communication duration type and communication module identifier in the future time period based on the communication module identifier in the time period and the communication object in the future time period received from the target communication module, and send a communication termination instruction to the target communication module so that the target communication module performs the following steps: in response to the communication termination instruction, the communication object corresponding to the target communication module terminates communication.

10. A communication scheduling device, characterized in that, The device includes: At least one processor; and A memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein, The memory stores a computer program that can be executed by the at least one processor, the computer program being executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the communication scheduling method according to any one of claims 1-8.

11. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the method for generating display information of the electronic price tag according to any one of claims 1-8.

12. An electronic price tag controller, characterized in that, The electronic price tag controller includes a scheduling module, a price tag communication module, and a server communication module; the scheduling module includes the communication scheduling device as described in claim 10; the scheduling module is communicatively connected to the price tag communication module; the scheduling module is communicatively connected to the server communication module; The price tag communication module is used to communicate with electronic price tags; The server communication module is used to communicate with the server.

13. An electronic price tag system, characterized in that, The system includes electronic price tags, a server, and an electronic price tag controller as described in claim 12; the electronic price tags are communicatively connected to the electronic price tag controller; the server is communicatively connected to the electronic price tag controller.

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