Electronic shelf tag management device, electronic shelf tag system, electronic shelf tag management method, and program

Abstract

To provide an electronic shelf tag management device, electronic shelf tag system, electronic shelf tag management method, and program that enable users to easily experience the operation of electronic shelf tags.SOLUTION: In an electronic shelf tag system, a user terminal, a store equipped with electronic shelf tags and a relay communication device are communicatively connected to an electronic shelf tag management server via a network. The electronic shelf tag management server 40 serving as an electronic shelf tag management device includes: a data acquisition unit 435 configured to acquire commodity sales information regarding the sale of a commodity for which an electronic shelf tag is to be installed, which is input to the user terminal by a user and transmitted from the user terminal; a data processing unit 436 configured to generate electronic shelf tag display information to be displayed on the electronic shelf tag regarding the sale of the commodity based on the acquired commodity sales information; and an output control unit 439 configured to display the generated electronic shelf tag display information on the electronic shelf tag.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic shelf label management device, an electronic shelf label system, an electronic shelf label management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, various technologies related to an electronic shelf label (ESL) system have been proposed. For example, a technology has been disclosed in which a POS server that manages product master data and an ESL server that manages electronic shelf labels are linked to display product information on the electronic shelf labels (see Patent Document 1 below).

[0003] For retail distribution companies, the introduction of an electronic shelf label system is expected to reduce the workload. For this reason, there is a very high demand for electronic shelf label systems in the field. However, in order to introduce an electronic shelf label system, it is necessary to develop a system to link it with the core system. For this reason, the high cost of introducing an electronic shelf label system has been a barrier to its introduction for retail distribution companies. As a result, retail distribution companies wanted to try out the use of electronic shelf labels and verify their cost-effectiveness before considering their implementation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-65349 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, even if one wanted to experience using electronic shelf labels, it was necessary to link the electronic shelf label system with a core system, as in the technology of Patent Document 1, and this required system development, which meant that it was not easy to experience using electronic shelf labels.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic shelf label management device, an electronic shelf label system, an electronic shelf label management method, and a program that enable users to easily experience the operation of electronic shelf labels. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an electronic shelf label management device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an electronic shelf label management device that includes a data acquisition unit that acquires product sales information related to the sale of a product for which an electronic shelf label is to be installed, the product sales information being input into a user terminal by a user and transmitted from the user terminal, a data processing unit that generates electronic shelf label display information related to the sale of the product to be displayed on the electronic shelf label based on the acquired product sales information, and an output control unit that displays the generated electronic shelf label display information on the electronic shelf label.

[0008] An electronic shelf label system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a user terminal, an electronic shelf label, and an electronic shelf label management device capable of communicating with the user terminal and the electronic shelf label, wherein the user terminal transmits product sales information related to the sale of a product for which the electronic shelf label is to be installed that is input by a user to the electronic shelf label management device, and the electronic shelf label management device includes a data acquisition unit that acquires the product sales information transmitted from the user terminal, a data processing unit that generates electronic shelf label display information related to the sale of the product to be displayed on the electronic shelf label based on the acquired product sales information, and an output control unit that displays the generated electronic shelf label display information on the electronic shelf label, and the electronic shelf label displays the electronic shelf label display information received from the electronic shelf label management device in response to control by the electronic shelf label management device.

[0009] An electronic shelf label management method according to one aspect of the present invention is an electronic shelf label management method executed by a computer, the method including: a data acquisition process for acquiring product sales information related to the sale of a product for which an electronic shelf label is to be installed, the product sales information being input by a user to a user terminal and transmitted from the user terminal; a data processing process for generating electronic shelf label display information related to the sale of the product to be displayed on the electronic shelf label based on the acquired product sales information; and an output control process for displaying the generated electronic shelf label display information on the electronic shelf label.

[0010] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as: data acquisition means for acquiring product sales information regarding the sale of a product for which an electronic shelf label is to be installed, the product sales information being input into a user terminal by a user and transmitted from the user terminal; data processing means for generating electronic shelf label display information regarding the sale of the product to be displayed on the electronic shelf label based on the acquired product sales information; and output control means for displaying the generated electronic shelf label display information on the electronic shelf label. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily experience the operation of electronic shelf labels. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an electronic shelf label system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an electronic shelf label according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an electronic shelf label management server according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a login process according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a detailed flow of a login process according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a flow up to displaying an electronic shelf label information registration screen in the electronic shelf label information registration process according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a flow up to display on an electronic shelf label in the electronic shelf label information registration process according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a flow up to displaying an electronic shelf label information change screen in the electronic shelf label information change process according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a flow up to displaying a template change screen in the template change process according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a flow up to display update of an electronic shelf label in a template change process according to the embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] <1. Configuration of Electronic Shelf Label System> The configuration of an electronic shelf label system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electronic shelf label system according to this embodiment. The electronic shelf label system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for controlling the display of information on electronic shelf labels. The electronic shelf label system 1 is used, for example, in an area where products of a retail distribution company are sold. The area where products of a retail distribution company are sold is, for example, a permanent store or a temporary sales area. The permanent store is, for example, a supermarket, a convenience store, a drug store, a home appliance retailer, or other store. The temporary sales area is, for example, a sales area used in an event venue, a pop-up store, a mobile sales, or the like, and is not limited to a store. Note that the place where the electronic shelf label system 1 is used is not limited to such an example. Furthermore, the area where products are sold and the place where the electronic shelf label system 1 is used may be either indoors or outdoors.

[0015] The electronic shelf label displays information about the product on which the electronic shelf label is attached. The information displayed on the electronic shelf label (hereinafter also referred to as "electronic shelf label display information") is generated based on information about the sale of the product (hereinafter also referred to as "product sales information"). The product sales information is, for example, product information and sales promotion information. Product information is information about a product, and is information equivalent to a product master. Product information includes, for example, product name, product code, category, manufacturer name, price (cost price, selling price, etc.), product specifications, JAN (Japanese Article Number) code, etc. The JAN code is an example of product identification information, and is information unique to each product. Sales promotion information is information related to sales promotion of a product (such as a sale). Sales promotion information is information including, for example, a discount price, a sales promotion period (start date and end date and time), etc. A user can register a sales promotion by registering sales promotion information before the start of a sales promotion period. By registering a sales promotion, the display on the electronic shelf label 20 switches to a promotional display when the start date and time of the sales promotion period arrives. After that, when the end date and time of the sales promotion period arrives, the display on the electronic shelf label 20 switches to a normal display.

[0016] The electronic shelf label display information is generated as an image (hereinafter also referred to as an "electronic shelf label display image") showing, for example, product information, promotional information, etc., based on product sales information. The electronic shelf label display image displays information such as the product name, manufacturer name, specifications, price, JAN code, etc. Furthermore, if it is within a promotional period, the electronic shelf label display image displayed on the electronic shelf label of the product that is the subject of the promotion may further include information related to the promotion.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic shelf label system 1 includes a user terminal 10, an electronic shelf label 20, a relay communication device 30, and an electronic shelf label management server 40. The network NW may be configured to transmit and receive information using, for example, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a telephone network (mobile phone network, landline telephone network, etc.), a regional Internet Protocol (IP) network, the Internet, etc.

[0018] (1) User terminal 10 The user terminal 10 is a terminal that a user operates to manage the electronic shelf label 20. The user may be, for example, a person involved in the electronic shelf label system 1, a person involved in a retail distribution company, etc. The person involved in the electronic shelf label system 1 may be a system administrator, a support desk, etc. The person involved in the retail distribution company may be a company administrator, an area manager, a store manager, a sales floor manager, a salesperson, a designer, an implementation worker, an installation worker, a maintenance worker, etc. The user terminal 10 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), etc. The user terminal 10 is communicably connected to the electronic shelf label management server 40 via a network NW.

[0019] A screen for managing the electronic shelf labels 20 is displayed on the user terminal 10 by an application (hereinafter also referred to as an "electronic shelf label application") for the user to manage the electronic shelf labels 20. The user can manage the electronic shelf labels 20 by operating the screen displayed on the user terminal 10 by the electronic shelf label application. In managing the electronic shelf labels 20, the user can, for example, display electronic shelf label display information (images) on the electronic shelf labels 20 by registering electronic shelf label information, and change (update) the display of the electronic shelf labels 20 by changing (updating) the electronic shelf label information. The functions of the electronic shelf label application may be provided by installing the electronic shelf label application in the user terminal 10 (i.e., a native application), or may be provided by a Web system (i.e., a Web application). In the case of a Web application, the electronic shelf label application is managed by a server, and the functions are provided via a Web browser.

[0020] For convenience of explanation, FIG. 1 shows an example in which there is one user terminal 10, but the number of user terminals 10 is not particularly limited, and one or a plurality of user terminals 10 may be used.

[0021] (2)Electronic shelf label 20 The electronic shelf label 20 is a terminal that displays electronic shelf label display information. The electronic shelf label 20 is linked to a product and displays electronic shelf label display information related to the linked product. The electronic shelf label 20 is communicably connected to an electronic shelf label management server 40 via a relay communication device 30 and a network NW. In communication with the electronic shelf label management server 40, the electronic shelf label 20 receives electronic shelf label display information.

[0022] The number of electronic shelf labels 20 provided in a sales area is not particularly limited, and one or more electronic shelf labels 20 are provided according to the types of products sold in the target sales area. In the example shown in Fig. 1, as an example, N electronic shelf labels 20-1 to 20-N (N is a natural number) are provided in a store ST. The sales area in the store ST where the electronic shelf labels 20 are to be installed may be the entire store or a limited area. The limited area may be, for example, a limited area for introducing the electronic shelf label system 1 to experience the operation of the electronic shelf labels 20 or a temporary promotional area.

[0023] The electronic shelf label 20 may be a terminal capable of communication by NFC (Near Field Communication). The electronic shelf label 20 transmits, for example, identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 to a terminal (for example, the user terminal 10) that has requested information reading by NFC. The identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 is linked, for example, to identification information (for example, a JAN code) of a product on which the electronic shelf label 20 is to be placed.

[0024] (3) Relay communication device 30 The relay communication device 30 is a relay device that relays communication between the electronic shelf label 20 and the electronic shelf label management server 40. An access point is a specific example of the relay communication device 30. However, the relay communication device 30 is not limited to this example. The relay communication device 30 is communicatively connected to the electronic shelf label management server 40 via the network NW. The relay communication device 30 is also connected to the electronic shelf label 20 by wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The relay communication device 30 receives electronic shelf label display information transmitted from the electronic shelf label management server 40, and transmits the received electronic shelf label display information to the electronic shelf label 20.

[0025] The number of relay communication devices 30 provided in a sales area is not particularly limited, and one or more relay communication devices 30 are provided depending on the radio wave intensity distribution in the sales area where the electronic shelf labels 20 are provided. In the example shown in FIG. 1, M (M is a natural number) relay communication devices 30-1 to 30-M are provided in a store ST. The relay communication device 30-1 relays communication between the electronic shelf label 20-1 and the electronic shelf label 20-2. The relay communication device 30-M relays communication between the electronic shelf label 20-N. In this way, the relay communication device 30 relays communication between one or more electronic shelf labels 20. The sales area in which the relay communication device 30 is installed in the store ST may be the entire store or a limited area nearby.

[0026] (4) Electronic shelf label management server 40 The electronic shelf label management server 40 is a server that manages the electronic shelf labels 20, and is an example of an electronic shelf label management device. The electronic shelf label management server 40 is configured, for example, with one or more servers (for example, cloud servers). The electronic shelf label management server 40 is prepared by a business entity that provides the electronic shelf label system 1. The electronic shelf label management server 40 is communicably connected to the user terminal 10 via the network NW. The electronic shelf label management server 40 is also communicably connected to the electronic shelf labels 20 via the network NW and the relay communication device 30.

[0027] In communication with the electronic shelf label management server 40, the user terminal 10 transmits to the electronic shelf label management server 40 product sales information of the product on which the electronic shelf label 20 is to be attached, which information is input by the user. In communication with the user terminal 10, the electronic shelf label management server 40 receives product sales information. The electronic shelf label management server 40 generates electronic shelf label display information (images) based on the product sales information received from the user terminal 10. In communication with the electronic shelf label 20, the electronic shelf label management server 40 transmits the electronic shelf label display information. The electronic shelf label 20 displays the electronic shelf label display information received from the electronic shelf label management server 40 according to the control of the electronic shelf label management server 40. That is, by inputting necessary information from the user terminal 10, the user can link information necessary for displaying the electronic shelf label 20 to the electronic shelf label system 1, and can control the display of the electronic shelf label 20 provided in the store ST.

[0028] As a result, a user who has a core system that manages product sales information and the like does not need to link the electronic shelf label system 1 with the core system when introducing the electronic shelf label system 1 into a store ST. Also, a user who does not have a core system does not need to prepare a new core system. Therefore, since the user does not need to develop a system for system linkage, the user can easily install the electronic shelf label system 1 and can easily experience the operation of the electronic shelf label 20.

[0029] <2. Functional configuration of user terminal> The configuration of the electronic shelf label system 1 according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, the functional configuration of the user terminal 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 10 includes a communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a storage unit 130, a control unit 140, and an output unit 150.

[0030] (1) Communications Department 110 The communication unit 110 has a function of transmitting and receiving various information. The communication unit 110 communicates with the electronic shelf label management server 40 via the network NW. In communication with the electronic shelf label management server 40, the communication unit 110 transmits a server connection request, selected store information, login information, a session ID, a new registration request, product sales information, a product sales information acquisition request, a template information acquisition request, display information, template information, and the like. In addition, in communication with the electronic shelf label management server 40, the communication unit 110 receives store list information, error information, a session ID, menu information, registration item information, product sales information, template information, and the like.

[0031] The server connection request is a request for the user terminal 10 to connect to the electronic shelf label management server 40 . The selected store information is information indicating a store selected as the store to which the user belongs from among the store list registered in the electronic shelf label system 1. For example, the name of the store is registered in the store list. Note that even if the sales area does not have an actual store entity, such as a temporary sales area, it can be registered in the store list by giving the sales area a name. The login information is information that a user inputs to log in to the electronic shelf label system 1, and is, for example, a user ID and a password. The session ID is information for uniquely identifying a session of a user who has logged in to the electronic shelf label system 1. The session ID is issued by the electronic shelf label management server 40 and transmitted to the user terminal 10. The user terminal 10 transmits the session ID to the electronic shelf label management server 40 when the user registers or changes product sales information. The new registration request is a request for newly registering product sales information in the electronic shelf label management server 40 . The product sales information acquisition request is a request for acquiring product sales information registered in the electronic shelf label management server 40 . The template information acquisition request is a request for acquiring template information registered in the electronic shelf label management server 40 . The template information is information that indicates a template for displaying electronic shelf label display information on the electronic shelf label 20. The display information is information that is displayed as electronic shelf label display information after the template information is changed. The display information is information that is created (input) by the user when the user changes the template information, and includes product sales information such as product information and sales promotion information. The store list information is information that indicates a list of stores registered in the electronic shelf label system 1. The error information is information that indicates the content of an error that occurs due to various operations performed by the user. The menu information is information that indicates a menu that can be used by a user who logs in to the electronic shelf label system 1. The registration item information is information indicating the registration items that can be registered when registering product sales information. The registration items include items that are required to be registered and items that are optional to be registered. Note that the contents of the registration items indicated by the registration item information and whether each registration item is required or optional may differ depending on the authority of the user.

[0032] (2) Input unit 120 The input unit 120 has a function of accepting input. The input unit 120 is, for example, an input device that the user terminal 10 has as hardware, such as a button, a touch panel, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, and the like.

[0033] (3) Storage section 130 The storage unit 130 has a function of storing various information. The function of the storage unit 130 is to store various information such as a storage medium provided as hardware in the user terminal 10, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD). Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable It may be composed of Read Only Memory (RAM), Random Access read / write Memory (RAM), ROM (Read Only Memory), or any combination of these storage media. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 130 includes a server information storage unit 131.

[0034] (3-1) Server information storage unit 131 The server information storage unit 131 has a function of storing server information. The server information is information indicating the electronic shelf label management server 40 that is set as the connection destination of the user terminal 10.

[0035] (4) Control unit 140 The control unit 140 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the user terminal 10. The function of the control unit 140 is realized, for example, by causing a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU), which are provided as hardware in the user terminal 10, to execute a program. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 140 includes an input processing unit 141 and an output processing unit 142.

[0036] (4-1) Input processing unit 141 The input processing unit 141 has a function of accepting a user's operation inputted to the input unit 120 and executing a process according to the operation content. The function of the input processing unit 141 is executed by an electronic shelf label application. The input processing unit 141 executes a server setting process when the input unit 120 accepts a server setting operation. In the server setting process, the input processing unit 141 refers to the server information stored in the server information storage unit 131 to identify the electronic shelf label management server 40 to which the connection is to be made, and transmits a server connection request from the communication unit 110 to the electronic shelf label management server 40. Furthermore, when the input unit 120 accepts a login operation, the input processing unit 141 executes login processing. In the login processing, the input processing unit 141 acquires selected store information and login information, and transmits them from the communication unit 110 to the electronic shelf label management server 40. Furthermore, the input processing unit 141 executes new registration processing when the input unit 120 accepts a new registration operation. In the new registration processing, the input processing unit 141 transmits a new registration request and a session ID from the communication unit 110 to the electronic shelf label management server 40. Furthermore, when the input unit 120 accepts a product sales information input operation, the input processing unit 141 executes a product sales information input process. In the product sales information input process, the input processing unit 141 acquires the product sales information input by the user, and transmits the information from the communication unit 110 to the electronic shelf label management server 40. Furthermore, when the input unit 120 accepts a target selection operation for changing product sales information, the input processing unit 141 executes a target selection process. In the target selection process, the input processing unit 141 transmits a product sales information acquisition request and a session ID from the communication unit 110 to the electronic shelf label management server 40. Furthermore, when the input unit 120 accepts a target selection operation for changing template information, the input processing unit 141 executes a target selection process. In the target selection process, the input processing unit 141 transmits a template information acquisition request and a session ID from the communication unit 110 to the electronic shelf label management server 40. Furthermore, the input processing unit 141 executes a template change process when the input unit 120 accepts a template change operation. In the template change process, the input processing unit 141 transmits the display information and the template information from the communication unit 110 to the electronic shelf label management server 40.

[0037] (4-2) Output processing unit 142 The output processing unit 142 has a function of controlling the output in the output unit 150. The output processing unit 142 causes the output unit 150 to display a screen based on the information received by the communication unit 110 from the electronic shelf label management server 40. For example, the output processing unit 142 causes the output unit 150 to display a login screen, an error screen, a product sales information registration screen, a product sales information change screen, a template change screen, or the like. The login screen is a screen for a user to input login information to log in to the electronic shelf label system 1. The error screen is a screen that displays the details of an error that has occurred during each process. The product sales information registration screen is a screen for a user to register product sales information. The product sales information change screen is a screen for the user to change registered product sales information. The template change screen is a screen for the user to change the registered display information and template information.

[0038] (5) Output unit 150 The output unit 150 has a function of outputting various information. The output unit 150 is, for example, an output device provided in the user terminal 10 as hardware, such as a display device or a touch screen (touch panel), or an audio output device such as a speaker.

[0039] <3. Functional configuration of electronic shelf labels> The functional configuration of the user terminal 10 according to the present embodiment has been described above. Next, the functional configuration of the electronic shelf label 20 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the electronic shelf label 20 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic shelf label 20 includes a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, a control unit 230, and an output unit 240.

[0040] (1) Communications unit 210 The communication unit 210 has a function of transmitting and receiving various information. The communication unit 210 communicates with the electronic shelf label management server 40 via the relay communication device 30 and the network NW. In communication with the electronic shelf label management server 40, the communication unit 210 receives electronic shelf label display information.

[0041] (2) Storage section 220 The storage unit 220 has a function of storing various information, and is configured by a storage medium provided in the electronic shelf label 20 as hardware, such as a HDD, SSD, flash memory, EEPROM, RAM, ROM, or any combination of these storage media. As shown in FIG. 3, the storage unit 220 includes an electronic shelf label display information storage unit 221.

[0042] (2-1) Electronic shelf label display information storage unit 221 The electronic shelf label display information storage unit 221 has a function of storing electronic shelf label display information. The electronic shelf label display information storage unit 221 stores the electronic shelf label display information received by the communication unit 210 from the electronic shelf label management server 40. The electronic shelf label display information stored in the electronic shelf label display information storage unit 221 is used for displaying the electronic shelf labels 20.

[0043] (3) Control unit 230 The control unit 230 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the electronic shelf label 20. The control unit 230 is realized, for example, by causing a CPU or a GPU that the electronic shelf label 20 has as hardware to execute a program. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 230 includes an output processing unit 231.

[0044] (3-1) Output processing unit 231 The output processing unit 231 has a function of performing processing related to output in the electronic shelf label 20. For example, the output processing unit 231 performs a display process of electronic shelf label display information and a lighting process of an LED (Light-Emitting Diode).

[0045] (4) Output unit 240 The output unit 240 has a function of performing various outputs. The output unit 240 performs various outputs based on the control of the output processing unit 231. For example, the output unit 240 displays electronic shelf label display information on a display provided as hardware in the electronic shelf label 20 through display processing by the output processing unit 231. The display is, for example, electronic paper. Furthermore, the output unit 240 lights up an LED provided as hardware in the electronic shelf label 20 through lighting processing by the output processing unit 231.

[0046] <4. Functional configuration of the electronic shelf label management server> The functional configuration of the electronic shelf label 20 according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, the functional configuration of the electronic shelf label management server 40 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the electronic shelf label management server 40 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the electronic shelf label management server 40 includes a communication unit 410, a storage unit 420, and a control unit 430.

[0047] (1) Communications Department 410 The communication unit 410 has a function of transmitting and receiving various information. The electronic shelf label management server 40 communicates with the user terminal 10 via the network NW. In communication with the user terminal 10, the communication unit 410 receives a server connection request, selected store information, login information, session ID, new registration request, product sales information, product sales information acquisition request, template information acquisition request, display information, template information, etc. In communication with the user terminal 10, the communication unit 410 also transmits store list information, error information, session ID, menu information, registration item information, product sales information, template information, etc.

[0048] Furthermore, the electronic shelf label management server 40 communicates with the electronic shelf labels 20 via the relay communication device 30 and the network NW. In communication with the electronic shelf labels 20, the communication unit 410 transmits electronic shelf label display information.

[0049] (2) Storage section 420 The storage unit 420 has a function of storing various information. The storage unit 420 is configured by a storage medium provided in the electronic shelf label management server 40 as hardware, such as a HDD, an SSD, a flash memory, an EEPROM, a RAM, a ROM, or any combination of these storage media. As shown in FIG. 4, the storage unit 420 includes a store list information storage unit 421, a user information storage unit 422, a product information storage unit 423, a sales promotion information storage unit 424, a template information storage unit 425, and an electronic shelf label display information storage unit 426.

[0050] (2-1) Store list information storage unit 421 The store list information storage unit 421 has a function of storing store list information. The store list information is registered in advance by a business entity that provides the electronic shelf label system 1, for example.

[0051] (2-2) User information storage unit 422 The user information storage unit 422 has a function of storing user information. The user information is information including, for example, a user ID, a user name, and an affiliation of the user. The affiliation of the user is information indicating, for example, the company to which the user belongs, the type of job, and the position. The user information storage unit 422 stores the user information registered at the time of user registration. The user information stored in the user information storage unit 422 is used, for example, for login processing.

[0052] (2-3) Product information storage section 423 The product information storage unit 423 has a function of storing product information. The product information storage unit 423 stores the product information included in the product sales information received by the communication unit 410 from the user terminal 10.

[0053] (2-4) Sales promotion information storage unit 424 The sales promotion information storage unit 424 has a function of storing sales promotion information. The sales promotion information storage unit 424 stores the sales promotion information included in the product sales information received by the communication unit 410 from the user terminal 10.

[0054] (2-5) Template information storage unit 425 The template information storage unit 425 has a function of storing template information. The template information storage unit 425 stores the template information that the communication unit 410 receives from the user terminal 10.

[0055] (2-6) Electronic shelf label display information storage unit 426 The electronic shelf label display information storage unit 426 has a function of storing electronic shelf label display information. The electronic shelf label display information storage unit 426 stores the latest electronic shelf label display information generated by the electronic shelf label management server 40 for each electronic shelf label 20.

[0056] (3) Control unit 430 The control unit 430 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the electronic shelf label management server 40. The control unit 430 is realized, for example, by causing a CPU or a GPU provided as hardware in the electronic shelf label management server 40 to execute a program. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 430 includes a connection control unit 431, a login control unit 432, a session management unit 433, an authority management unit 434, a data acquisition unit 435, a data processing unit 436, a linking processing unit 437, a sales promotion management unit 438, and an output control unit 439.

[0057] (3-1) Connection control unit 431 The connection control unit 431 has a function of controlling a connection with the server. When the communication unit 410 receives a server connection request from the user terminal 10, the connection control unit 431 acquires store list information from the store list information storage unit 421 and transmits the store list information from the communication unit 410 to the user terminal 10.

[0058] (3-2) Login control unit 432 The login control unit 432 has a function of controlling user login. When the communication unit 410 receives login information from the user terminal 10, the login control unit 432 executes login processing. In the login process, the login control unit 432 checks the login requirements for the login information entered by the user. If the login information satisfies the login requirements, the login control unit 432 permits the user to log in. On the other hand, if the login information does not satisfy the login requirements, the login control unit 432 does not permit the user to log in. If the login is not permitted, the login control unit 432 transmits error information to the user terminal 10 via the communication unit 410, and causes an error screen regarding the login to be displayed.

[0059] (3-3) Session management unit 433 The session management unit 433 has a function of managing a user's session. When a user logs in to the electronic shelf label system 1, the session management unit 433 issues a session ID for the user. The session management unit 433 checks the session ID when the user performs various processes. If the session ID is valid, the session management unit 433 permits execution of the process. On the other hand, if the session ID is not valid (invalid), the session management unit 433 does not permit execution of the process. If execution of the process is not permitted, the session management unit 433 transmits error information to the user terminal 10 via the communication unit 410, and causes an error screen regarding the session to be displayed.

[0060] (3-4) Authority Management Unit 434 The authority management unit 434 has a function of managing user authority. The authority management unit 434 controls processes that a user can execute according to the user authority. The user authority is set in, for example, three ranges. The first viewpoint is the scope of the company / store. In the scope of the company / store, for example, the authority to belong to different stores is set. For example, the authority to manage the entire chain is set for the headquarters user and the company administrator, and they will belong to all stores of the company to which they belong. In addition, the authority to manage multiple stores is set for the area administrator and the maintenance / installation worker, and they can belong to multiple stores of the company to which they belong, but their work is restricted. In addition, the authority to manage one store is set for the store employee, and they will belong to only one store of the company to which they belong. In addition, the authority to manage all stores of multiple companies is set for users other than customers, such as the system administrator and the help desk, and they can belong to all stores of multiple companies, but their work is restricted. The second viewpoint is the scope of functions and business. In the scope of functions and business, for example, the authority to use the data registration function is set. The third viewpoint is the scope of work processes within a business. In the scope of work processes within a business, for example, authority is set to restrict the functions that can be used among functions such as referencing, registering, editing, and deleting data registration functions, authority to use all functions, and authority to approve. In this embodiment, for example, the authority management unit 434 controls the menus available to the user, the items of product sales information that the user can input, and the like, according to the authority of the user.

[0061] (3-5) Data Acquisition Unit 435 The data acquisition unit 435 has a function of acquiring data. The data acquisition unit 435 acquires various information that is input by the user to the user terminal 10, transmitted from the user terminal 10, and received by the communication unit 410 from the user terminal 10. For example, the data acquisition unit 435 acquires selected store information, login information, product sales information, template information, and the like. The product sales information acquired by the data acquisition unit 435 is information on the product selected as a target by the user, such as product sales information newly input by the user, product sales information changed and input by the user, and the like.

[0062] (3-6) Data processing unit 436 The data processing unit 436 has a function of performing various data processing operations. For example, the data processing unit 436 performs a process of generating electronic shelf label display information based on the product sales information acquired by the data acquisition unit 435.

[0063] In the new registration process of the product sales information, the data processing unit 436 generates new electronic shelf label display information for the product selected by the user based on the newly input product sales information. In the case of new input, the product sales information includes at least the product information of the product. Therefore, the data processing unit 436 generates electronic shelf label display information indicating the product information for the product selected by the user based on the product information input by the user. In addition, in the case of new input, the product sales information may further include product promotion information. In this case, the data processing unit 436 generates electronic shelf label display information indicating the promotion information for the product selected by the user, based on the promotion information input by the user.

[0064] In the process of changing the product sales information, the data processing unit 436 generates new electronic shelf label display information (updates the display information) for the product selected by the user based on the changed and input product sales information. The changed and input product sales information includes product information or product promotion information. If electronic shelf label display information already exists for the product selected by the user, the data processing unit 436 generates new electronic shelf label display information based on at least one of the product information and promotional information input by the user, and updates the existing electronic shelf label display information.

[0065] In the template change process, the data processing unit 436 changes the template used in the existing electronic shelf label display information, changes the display information to match the changed template, etc., based on various information acquired in response to operations performed by the user. Operations performed by the user in the template change process include, for example, a target selection operation, a display item selection operation, a sales promotion template selection operation, a display information creation operation, and a sales promotion template selection operation.

[0066] For example, the data processing unit 436 changes the template used in the existing electronic shelf label display information based on the template information acquired by the data acquisition unit 435. The template is changed, for example, when a product whose electronic shelf label display information is already displayed on the electronic shelf label 20 becomes the target of a sales promotion. In this case, the data processing unit 436 changes the template used in the existing electronic shelf label display information to a promotional template in response to a user operation.

[0067] When changing a template, the user may select multiple products as the target of change. In this case, the data processing unit 436 may change the templates used in the electronic shelf label display information corresponding to each selected product to a common template all at once. A case in which multiple products are selected as the target of change may occur, for example, when multiple products are the target of the same sales promotion. In this case, the data processing unit 436 changes the templates used in the existing electronic shelf label display information for multiple products to a common template for sales promotion all at once in response to a user operation.

[0068] (3-7) Linking Processing Unit 437 The linking processing unit 437 has a function of performing a linking process for linking the electronic shelf label 20 with a product. For example, when the communication unit 410 receives a linking request from the user terminal 10, the linking processing unit 437 executes the linking process. In the linking process, the linking processing unit 437 links the identification information of the electronic shelf label 20 input by the user with the identification information of the product. A product to be linked to an electronic shelf label 20 is a product for which the electronic shelf label 20 is to be installed, that is, a product for which electronic shelf label display information is displayed on the electronic shelf label 20.

[0069] (3-8) Sales Promotion Management Department 438 The sales promotion management unit 438 has a function of managing product sales promotion. For example, the sales promotion management unit 438 controls the display of electronic shelf label display information on the electronic shelf label 20 based on sales promotion information input (set) by the user. As an example, when a promotion period is set in the generated electronic shelf label display information, that is, when the electronic shelf label display information is for sales promotion, the sales promotion management unit 438 controls the electronic shelf label display information to be displayed on the electronic shelf label 20 after the promotion period starts. Note that when the promotion period ends, the sales promotion management unit 438 may return the promotional electronic shelf label display information displayed on the electronic shelf label 20 to normal electronic shelf label display information in which no promotional information is reflected.

[0070] (3-9) Output control unit 439 The output control unit 439 has a function of controlling the output of various information. The output control unit 439 displays the electronic shelf label display information generated by the data processing unit 436 on the electronic shelf label 20. For example, when new electronic shelf label display information is generated by the data processing unit 436 in a new registration process of product sales information, the output control unit 439 displays the newly generated electronic shelf label display information on the electronic shelf label 20. In addition, when new electronic shelf label display information is generated (display information is updated) by the data processing unit 436 in a change process of product sales information, the output control unit 439 updates the display of the electronic shelf label 20 with the newly generated electronic shelf label display information.

[0071] <5. Processing flow> The functional configuration of the electronic shelf label management server 40 according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, the flow of processing according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs.

[0072] (1) Login process flow The flow of the login process will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of the login process according to this embodiment.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 5, first, the user performs a server setting operation on the user terminal 10 (step S101). When the input processing unit 141 of the user terminal 10 accepts a server setting operation from the user, it refers to the server information stored in the server information storage unit 131 (step S102). Next, the input processing unit 141 identifies the electronic shelf label management server 40 to be connected based on the server information (step S103). After the identification, the input processing unit 141 transmits a server connection request to the identified electronic shelf label management server 40 via the communication unit 110 (step S104).

[0074] When the communication unit 410 receives the server connection request from the user terminal 10, the connection control unit 431 of the electronic shelf label management server 40 acquires the store list information from the store list information storage unit 421 (step S105). After obtaining the store list information, the connection control unit 431 transmits the obtained store list information to the user terminal 10 via the communication unit 410 (step S106). When the communication unit 110 receives the store list information from the electronic shelf label management server 40, the output processing unit 142 of the user terminal 10 displays a login screen on the output unit 150 (step S107). At this time, the output processing unit 142 displays the login screen based on the store list information so that the user can select the store to which the user belongs (or the store where the user works).

[0075] After the login screen is displayed, the user performs a login operation on the user terminal 10 (step S108). In the login operation, the user inputs login information and selects a store. When the input processing unit 141 of the user terminal 10 accepts a login operation from the user, the input processing unit 141 transmits the selected store information and the login information to the electronic shelf label management server 40 via the communication unit 110 (step S109).

[0076] The electronic shelf label management server 40 executes a login process when the communication unit 410 receives the selected store information and the login information from the user terminal 10. Details of the login process will be described later with reference to FIG. If an error occurs in the login process (step S111 / YES), the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if no error occurs (step S111 / NO), the process proceeds to step S114.

[0077] When the process proceeds to step S112, the electronic shelf label management server 40 transmits error information output in the login process to the user terminal 10 via the communication unit 410 (step S112). The output processing unit 142 of the user terminal 10 displays, on the output unit 150, an error screen corresponding to the error information received by the communication unit 110 from the electronic shelf label management server 40 (step S113).

[0078] When the process proceeds to step S114, the output control unit 439 of the electronic shelf label management server 40 transmits the session ID issued in the login process and the output menu information to the user terminal 10 via the communication unit 410 (step S113). The output processing unit 142 of the user terminal 10 displays, on the output unit 150, a menu screen according to the menu information received by the communication unit 110 from the electronic shelf label management server 40 (step S115).

[0079] (2) Detailed flow of login process A detailed flow of the login process will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed flow of the login process according to the present embodiment. The flowchart shown in Fig. 6 shows details of the login process (step S110) by the electronic shelf label management server 40 in Fig. 5.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 6, first, the data acquisition unit 435 of the electronic shelf label management server 40 acquires the selected store information and the login information received by the communication unit 410 from the user terminal 10 (step S201). Next, the login control unit 432 checks the login requirements for the login information entered by the user (step S202). If the login information satisfies the login requirements (step S203 / YES), the process proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if the login information does not satisfy the login requirements (step S203 / NO), the process proceeds to step S211.

[0081] When the process proceeds to step S204, the login control unit 432 acquires the user information stored in the user information storage unit 422 (step S204). After the acquisition, the login control unit 432 checks the user's affiliation based on the acquired user information (step S205). If the user belongs to the store indicated by the selected store information (step S206 / YES), the process proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, if the user does not belong to the store indicated by the selected store information (step S206 / NO), the process proceeds to step S211.

[0082] If the process proceeds to step S207, session management section 433 issues a session ID to the logged-in user (step S207). The session management unit 433 stores the session ID in the storage unit 420 (step S208). For example, the session management unit 433 stores the session ID in association with the user information stored in the user information storage unit 422. Next, the authority management unit 434 checks the authority of the user (step S209). After confirming the authority, the output control unit 439 outputs menu information according to the user's authority (step S210), and ends the login process. For example, the output control unit 439 outputs menu information capable of displaying a menu screen on which the function according to the authority can be used.

[0083] When the process proceeds to step S211, the output control unit 439 outputs error information according to the determination result (step S211) and ends the login process. When the process proceeds from step S203 to step S211, the output control unit 439 outputs error information capable of displaying an error screen related to login. When the process proceeds from step S206 to step S211, the output control unit 439 outputs error information capable of displaying an error screen related to the selected store.

[0084] (3) Flow of electronic shelf label information registration process up to display of electronic shelf label information registration screen A flow up to displaying an electronic shelf label information registration screen in the electronic shelf label information registration process will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a flow up to displaying an electronic shelf label information registration screen in the electronic shelf label information registration process according to the present embodiment.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 7, first, the user performs a new registration operation on the user terminal 10 (step S301). When the input processing unit 141 of the user terminal 10 accepts a new registration operation from the user, the input processing unit 141 transmits a new registration request and a session ID to the electronic shelf label management server 40 via the communication unit 110 (step S302).

[0086] When the communication unit 410 receives a new registration request from the user terminal 10, the session management unit 433 of the electronic shelf label management server 40 checks the session ID received together (step S303). If the session is invalid (step S304 / NO), the process proceeds to step S305. On the other hand, if the session is valid (step S304 / YES), the process proceeds to step S307.

[0087] When the process proceeds to step S305, the output control unit 439 transmits error information related to the session to the user terminal 10 via the communication unit 410 (step S305). The output processing unit 142 of the user terminal 10 displays an error screen regarding the session on the output unit 150 based on the error information received by the communication unit 110 from the electronic shelf label management server 40 (step S306).

[0088] When the process proceeds to step S307, the authority management unit 434 of the electronic shelf label management server 40 checks whether the user has the authority to perform new registration (step S307). If the user does not have the authority (step S307 / NO), the process proceeds to step S308. On the other hand, if the user has the authority (step S307 / YES), the process proceeds to step S310.

[0089] When the process proceeds to step S308, the output control unit 439 transmits error information related to the new registration authority to the user terminal 10 via the communication unit 410 (step S308). The output processing unit 142 of the user terminal 10 displays an error screen related to the new registration authority on the output unit 150 based on the error information received by the communication unit 110 from the electronic shelf label management server 40 (step S309).

[0090] When the process proceeds to step S310, data acquisition unit 435 acquires registration item information (step S310). After obtaining the registration item information, the output control unit 439 transmits the registration item information to the user terminal 10 via the communication unit 410 (step S311). The output processing unit 142 of the user terminal 10 displays, on the output unit 150, a product sales information registration screen corresponding to the registration item information received by the communication unit 110 from the electronic shelf label management server 40 (step S312).

[0091] (4) Flow of electronic shelf label information registration process up to display on electronic shelf labels A flow of electronic shelf label information registration processing up to display on an electronic shelf label will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a flow of electronic shelf label information registration processing up to display on an electronic shelf label according to this embodiment.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 8, first, the user performs an operation to input product sales information to the user terminal 10 (step S401). When the input processing unit 141 of the user terminal 10 accepts the product sales information input operation from the user, the input processing unit 141 transmits the product sales information to the electronic shelf label management server 40 via the communication unit 110 (step S402).

[0093] The data acquisition unit 435 of the electronic shelf label management server 40 acquires the product sales information received by the communication unit 410 from the user terminal 10 (step S403). The data processing unit 436 of the electronic shelf label management server 40 checks whether the product sales information acquired by the data acquisition unit 435 has been filled in (step S404). If the required items have not been filled in (step S405 / YES), the process proceeds to step S406. On the other hand, if all the required items have been filled in (step S405 / NO), the process proceeds to step S408.

[0094] When the process proceeds to step S406, the output control unit 439 of the electronic shelf label management server 40 transmits error information regarding the required input to the user terminal 10 via the communication unit 410 (step S406). The output processing unit 142 of the user terminal 10 displays a screen requesting the user to re-enter information based on the error information received by the communication unit 110 from the electronic shelf label management server 40 (step S407).

[0095] When the process proceeds to step S408, the data processing unit 436 of the electronic shelf label management server 40 generates electronic shelf label display information based on the product information or sales promotion information included in the product sales information acquired by the data acquisition unit 435 (step S408). After the generation, the sales promotion management unit 438 checks the sales promotion information included in the product sales information acquired by the data acquisition unit 435 (step S409). If there is a reservation registration for the sales promotion (step S410 / YES), the process proceeds to step S411. On the other hand, if there is no reservation registration for the sales promotion (step S410 / NO), the process proceeds to step S412.

[0096] When the process proceeds to step S411, the sales promotion management unit 438 checks whether the reservation period has started (step S411). If the reservation period has not started (step S411 / NO), the process repeats step S411 until the reservation period starts. On the other hand, if the reservation period has started (step S411 / YES), the process proceeds to step S412.

[0097] When the process proceeds to step S412, the output control unit 439 transmits the electronic shelf label display information to the electronic shelf label 20 via the communication unit 410 and the relay communication device 30 (step S412). The output processing unit 231 of the electronic shelf label 20 displays the electronic shelf label display information received by the communication unit 210 from the electronic shelf label management server 40 on the output unit 240 (step S413).

[0098] (5) Flow of electronic shelf label information change processing up to the display of the electronic shelf label information change screen A flow up to displaying an electronic shelf label information change screen in the electronic shelf label information change process will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a flow up to displaying an electronic shelf label information change screen in the electronic shelf label information change process according to this embodiment.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 9, first, the user performs an object selection operation on the user terminal 10 (step S501). When the input processing unit 141 of the user terminal 10 accepts a target selection operation from the user, the input processing unit 141 transmits a product sales information acquisition request and a session ID to the electronic shelf label management server 40 via the communication unit 110 (step S502).

[0100] The processing from step S503 to step S509 is similar to the processing from step S303 to step S309 shown in FIG. 7, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] When the process proceeds to step S510, the data acquisition unit 435 acquires product sales information from the product information storage unit 423 and the sales promotion information storage unit 424 (step S510). After obtaining the product sales information, the output control unit 439 transmits the product sales information to the user terminal 10 via the communication unit 410 (step S511). The output processing unit 142 of the user terminal 10 displays, on the output unit 150, a product sales information change screen corresponding to the product sales information received by the communication unit 110 from the electronic shelf label management server 40 (step S512).

[0102] (6) Flow of electronic shelf label information change processing up to display on electronic shelf labels The flow up to display on the electronic shelf label in the electronic shelf label information change process is similar to the flow up to display on the electronic shelf label in the electronic shelf label information registration process described with reference to FIG. 8, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0103] (7) Flow of template change processing up to displaying the template change screen A flow up to displaying the template change screen in the template change processing will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a flow up to displaying the template change screen in the template change processing according to this embodiment.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 10, first, the user performs an object selection operation on the user terminal 10 (step S601). When the input processing unit 141 of the user terminal 10 accepts a target selection operation from the user, the input processing unit 141 transmits a template information acquisition request and a session ID to the electronic shelf label management server 40 via the communication unit 110 (step S602).

[0105] The processing from step S603 to step S609 is similar to the processing from step S303 to step S309 shown in FIG. 7, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0106] When the process proceeds to step S610, data acquisition unit 435 acquires template information from template information storage unit 425 (step S610). After obtaining the template information, output control unit 439 transmits the template information to user terminal 10 via communication unit 410 (step S611). The output processing unit 142 of the user terminal 10 displays, on the output unit 150, a template change screen corresponding to the template information received by the communication unit 110 from the electronic shelf label management server 40 (step S612).

[0107] (8) Flow of updating the display of electronic shelf labels in template change processing The flow up to display update of the electronic shelf label in the template change process will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow up to display update of the electronic shelf label in the template change process according to this embodiment.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 11, first, the user performs an object selection operation on the user terminal 10 (step S701). Next, the user performs a display item selection operation on the user terminal 10 (step S702). Next, the user performs a general-purpose template selection operation on the user terminal 10 (step S703). Next, the user performs a display information creation operation on the user terminal 10 (step S704). Next, the user performs a sales promotion template selection operation on the user terminal 10 (step S705). When the input processing unit 141 of the user terminal 10 accepts a target selection operation, a display item selection operation, a promotional template selection operation, a display information creation operation, or a promotional template selection operation from the user, it transmits the display information and template information to the electronic shelf label management server 40 via the communication unit 110 (step S706).

[0109] The data acquisition unit 435 of the electronic shelf label management server 40 acquires the display information and the template information received by the communication unit 410 from the user terminal 10 (step S707). The data processing unit 436 of the electronic shelf label management server 40 generates electronic shelf label display information based on the display information and template information acquired by the data acquisition unit 435 (step S708).

[0110] The processing from step S709 to step S712 is similar to the processing from step S409 to step S412 shown in FIG. 8, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0111] When the process proceeds to step S713, the output processing unit 231 of the electronic shelf label 20 updates the display of the output unit 240 with the electronic shelf label display information received by the communication unit 210 from the electronic shelf label management server 40 (step S713).

[0112] As described above, the electronic shelf label management server 40 (electronic shelf label management device) according to this embodiment includes a data acquisition unit 435 that acquires product sales information related to the sale of products on which electronic shelf labels 20 are to be installed, the product sales information being input by a user to the user terminal 10 and transmitted from the user terminal 10, a data processing unit 436 that generates electronic shelf label display information related to the sale of the products to be displayed on the electronic shelf labels 20 based on the acquired product sales information, and an output control unit 439 that causes the generated electronic shelf label display information to be displayed on the electronic shelf labels 20.

[0113] With this configuration, the user can link product sales information from the user terminal 10 to the electronic shelf label management server 40 and display electronic shelf label display information on the electronic shelf label 20. This eliminates the need for the user to develop a system that links an existing core system that manages product sales information and the like with the electronic shelf label management server 40, or to prepare a new core system and develop a system that links it with the electronic shelf label management server 40. This allows the user to introduce the electronic shelf label system 1 without any special system development, making it easy to introduce the electronic shelf label system 1 on a trial basis and experience operation using the electronic shelf labels 20. Therefore, the electronic shelf label management server 40 (electronic shelf label management device) according to this embodiment makes it possible to easily experience the operation of electronic shelf labels.

[0114] Furthermore, since the electronic shelf label system 1 of this embodiment does not need to be linked to the user's core system, it can be easily introduced even by users who do not have a core system or users who sell in a temporary sales area without using a core system.

[0115] <6. Variations> An embodiment of the present invention has been described. Next, modified examples of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. The modified examples described below may be applied alone to the embodiment of the present invention, or may be applied in combination to the embodiment of the present invention. The modified examples may be applied in place of the configuration described in the embodiment of the present invention, or may be applied in addition to the configuration described in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the data processing unit 436 checks the required input to prevent omissions in input data, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, omissions in the input data may be prevented by improving the generation of electronic shelf label display information by the data processing unit 436. For example, the data processing unit 436 uses information included in the product sales information acquired by the data acquisition unit 435 to assemble data for generating electronic shelf label display information in order of items that must be displayed. In this way, when the data processing unit 436 is unable to assemble data for generating electronic shelf label display information, it can determine that there is an omission in the input data. Thus, the data processing unit 436 can request the user to re-input data, thereby preventing omissions in the input data.

[0117] Furthermore, omissions in the input data may be prevented by improving the output control by the output control unit 439. For example, when the user inputs product sales information and all required fields are input, the output control unit 439 causes the generated electronic shelf label display information to be displayed on the electronic shelf label 20. This allows the user to determine that there is an omission in the input data when the electronic shelf label display information is not displayed on the electronic shelf label 20 despite the input of input data. This allows the user to prevent omissions in the input data.

[0118] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the electronic shelf label system 1 is used in a trial operation to experience operation using the electronic shelf labels 20, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The electronic shelf label system 1 can also be used as a regular operation directly from the trial operation. Note that the regular operation can be used without system linkage as in the trial operation, but can also be used with system linkage. For this reason, the user can try out the same functions as the regular operation except for the system linkage function in the trial operation, and can experience a simulation for the regular operation. Furthermore, by experiencing the trial operation, the user can also advance consideration of improvements to store operations in the operation of electronic shelf labels.

[0119] The above describes the modified embodiment of the present invention. Note that some or all of the functions of the electronic shelf label system 1, the user terminal 10, the electronic shelf label 20, and the electronic shelf label management server 40 in the above-mentioned embodiment may be realized by a computer. In that case, a program for realizing the functions may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded in the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to realize the functions. Note that the term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" may also include a medium that dynamically holds a program for a short period of time, such as a communication line when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and a medium that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that is a server or client in that case. Furthermore, the above program may be for realizing part of the functions described above, or may be capable of realizing the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system, or may be realized using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0120] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes, etc. are possible within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1...electronic shelf label system, 10...user terminal, 20 (20-1 to 20-N)...electronic shelf label, 30 (30-1 to 30-M)...relay communication device, 40...electronic shelf label management server, 110...communication unit, 120...input unit, 130...storage unit, 131...server information storage unit, 140...control unit, 141...input processing unit, 142...output processing unit, 150...output unit, 210...communication unit, 220...storage unit, 221...electronic shelf label display information storage unit, 230...control unit, 231...output processing unit, 240...output unit, 410...communication unit reception unit, 420...storage unit, 421...store list information storage unit, 422...user information storage unit, 423...product information storage unit, 424...sales promotion information storage unit, 425...template information storage unit, 426...electronic shelf label display information storage unit, 430...control unit, 431...connection control unit, 432...login control unit, 433...session management unit, 434...authority management unit, 435...data acquisition unit, 436...data processing unit, 437...linking processing unit, 438...sales promotion management unit, 439...output control unit, NW...network

Claims

1. a data acquisition unit that acquires product sales information related to sales of products on which electronic shelf labels are to be installed, the product sales information being input to a user terminal by a user and transmitted from the user terminal; a data processing unit that generates electronic shelf label display information related to the sale of the product to be displayed on the electronic shelf label based on the acquired product sales information; an output control unit that causes the generated electronic shelf label display information to be displayed on the electronic shelf label; An electronic shelf label management device comprising:

2. The data acquisition unit acquires, from the user terminal, the product sales information newly input by the user for the product selected by the user; the data processing unit newly generates the electronic shelf label display information for the product selected by the user based on the newly input product sales information; the output control unit causes the newly generated electronic shelf label display information to be displayed on the electronic shelf label. The electronic shelf label management device according to claim 1 .

3. The product sales information includes product information of the product, the data processing unit generates the electronic shelf label display information indicating the product information for the product selected by the user, based on the product information input by the user. The electronic shelf label management device according to claim 2 .

4. The product sales information includes promotional information for the product, the data processing unit generates the electronic shelf label display information indicating the sales promotion information for the product selected by the user, based on the sales promotion information input by the user. The electronic shelf label management device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The data acquisition unit acquires, from the user terminal, the product sales information changed and input by the user for the product selected by the user; the data processing unit newly generates the electronic shelf label display information for the product selected by the user based on the changed and input product sales information; the output control unit updates the display of the electronic shelf label with the newly generated electronic shelf label display information. The electronic shelf label management device according to claim 1 .

6. The product sales information includes product information of the product or sales promotion information of the product, when the electronic shelf label display information already exists for the product selected by the user, the data processing unit generates new electronic shelf label display information based on at least one of the product information and the sales promotion information input by the user, and updates the existing electronic shelf label display information. The electronic shelf label management device according to claim 5 .

7. an authority management unit that controls items of the product sales information that can be input by the user according to the authority of the user; The electronic shelf label management device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

8. the data processing unit uses information included in the product sales information acquired by the data acquisition unit to assemble data for generating the electronic shelf label display information in the order of items that must be displayed. The electronic shelf label management device according to claim 1 .

9. the output control unit causes the generated electronic shelf label display information to be displayed on the electronic shelf label when all required input items have been input in the input of the product sales information by the user. The electronic shelf label management device according to claim 1 .

10. a sales promotion management unit that controls the electronic shelf label display information so that the electronic shelf label display information is displayed on the electronic shelf label after the start of the sales promotion period when a sales promotion period is set in the generated electronic shelf label display information; The electronic shelf label management device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

11. the data acquisition unit acquires template information relating to a template for displaying the electronic shelf label display information on the electronic shelf label, the template information being input to the user terminal by the user and transmitted from the user terminal; the data processing unit changes a template used in the existing electronic shelf label display information based on the acquired template information. The electronic shelf label management device according to claim 1 .

12. the data processing unit changes a template used in the existing electronic shelf label display information to a promotional template; The electronic shelf label management device according to claim 11.

13. when a plurality of the products are selected by the user, the data processing unit collectively changes the templates used in the electronic shelf label display information corresponding to the selected products to a common template. The electronic shelf label management device according to claim 11 or 12.

14. A system including a user terminal, an electronic shelf label, and an electronic shelf label management device capable of communicating with the user terminal and the electronic shelf label, the user terminal transmits product sales information, input by a user, related to the sale of the product on which the electronic shelf label is to be installed to the electronic shelf label management device; The electronic shelf label management device includes: a data acquisition unit that acquires the product sales information transmitted from the user terminal; a data processing unit that generates electronic shelf label display information related to the sale of the product to be displayed on the electronic shelf label based on the acquired product sales information; an output control unit that causes the generated electronic shelf label display information to be displayed on the electronic shelf label; Equipped with the electronic shelf label displays the electronic shelf label display information received from the electronic shelf label management device in accordance with control by the electronic shelf label management device. Electronic shelf label system.

15. a data acquisition process for acquiring product sales information related to the sales of products on which electronic shelf labels are to be installed, the product sales information being input by a user to a user terminal and transmitted from the user terminal; a data processing step of generating electronic shelf label display information regarding the sale of the product to be displayed on the electronic shelf label based on the acquired product sales information; an output control process for displaying the generated electronic shelf label display information on the electronic shelf label; 2. A computer-implemented electronic shelf label management method comprising:

16. Computer, a data acquisition means for acquiring product sales information related to the sale of a product on which an electronic shelf label is to be installed, the product sales information being input to a user terminal by a user and transmitted from the user terminal; a data processing means for generating electronic shelf label display information regarding the sale of the product to be displayed on the electronic shelf label based on the acquired product sales information; an output control means for displaying the generated electronic shelf label display information on the electronic shelf label; A program to function as a

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