Electronic shelf label output control system, electronic shelf label output control method, and program

Abstract

To provide an electronic shelf label output control system, electronic shelf label output control method and program, which can improve product appeal.SOLUTION: An electronic shelf label output control system is provided, comprising a sales condition information acquisition unit for acquiring sales condition information indicative of sales conditions for a product subject to sales promotion; an output estimation unit configured to estimate an output for an electronic shelf label to be used for the product, having sales promotion effect according to the sales conditions indicated by the acquired sales condition information; and an output suggestion unit for outputting candidates for the output based on an estimation result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, an increasing number of stores are using electronic shelf labels (ESLs) to display product information for each product. The layout of the ESLs when they are installed in stores, as well as the content and display method of the ESLs, are created according to a format.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for displaying information on an electronic shelf label in accordance with a pre-prepared format. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-44382 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, using a pre-prepared format for displaying electronic shelf labels results in the display becoming uniform. While uniform display makes it easier for consumers to understand the content of the display, if consumers become accustomed to the display, the appeal of the product will be reduced depending on the display method.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic shelf label output control system, an electronic shelf label output control method, and a program that can improve the appeal of products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an electronic shelf label output control system according to one embodiment of the present invention is an electronic shelf label output control system that includes a sales condition information acquisition unit that acquires sales condition information indicating the sales conditions of products that are the subject of a sales promotion, an output estimation unit that estimates an output that will have a sales promotion effect for the output of an electronic shelf label to be used for the product in accordance with the sales conditions indicated by the acquired sales condition information, and an output suggestion unit that outputs candidate outputs based on the estimation result.

[0008] An electronic shelf label output control method according to one aspect of the present invention is an electronic shelf label output control method executed by a computer, including: a sales condition information acquisition process for acquiring sales condition information indicating the sales conditions of products that are the subject of a sales promotion; an output estimation process for estimating, for the output of electronic shelf labels to be used for the products, an output that will have a sales promotion effect in accordance with the sales conditions indicated by the acquired sales condition information; and an output suggestion process for outputting candidate outputs based on the estimation results.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as: a sales condition information acquisition means for acquiring sales condition information indicating the sales conditions of a product that is the subject of a sales promotion; an output estimation means for estimating an output that will have a sales promotion effect in accordance with the sales conditions indicated by the acquired sales condition information, for the output of an electronic shelf label used for the product; and an output suggestion means for outputting candidate outputs based on the estimation results. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the appeal of a product can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an electronic shelf label output control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an electronic shelf label output learning device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3]1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an electronic shelf label output control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an electronic shelf label according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of electronic shelf label display information displayed on the electronic shelf label according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of electronic shelf label display information displayed on the electronic shelf label according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of electronic shelf label display information displayed on the electronic shelf label according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of an electronic shelf label output learning process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of an electronic shelf label output control process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an example in which a user according to the present embodiment is a store staff member. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an example in which a user according to the present embodiment is a person in charge at headquarters. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0013] <1. Configuration of the Electronic Shelf Label Output Control System> The configuration of an electronic shelf label output control system 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 output control system according to this embodiment.

[0014] The electronic shelf label output control system 1 shown in Fig. 1 is a system for controlling the output of electronic shelf labels for products that are the subject of sales promotions. The electronic shelf label output control system 1 estimates the output that will have a promotional effect based on the sales condition information of the product for the output of the electronic shelf label used for the product that is the subject of sales promotions, and outputs output candidates to assist the user in determining the output.

[0015] Sales condition information is information that indicates the sales conditions of a product. Sales condition information includes, for example, sales conditions input as a user's request and sales conditions acquired from real-time sales status. Information indicating sales conditions input as a user's request (hereinafter also referred to as "request information") is information that indicates the user's request for output for sales promotion. In other words, request information is information that is input by a user when the user wants to obtain output that will have a greater sales promotion effect when selling a product under certain sales conditions. Information indicating sales conditions acquired from real-time sales status (hereinafter also referred to as "sales status information") is information that indicates the real-time sales status. In other words, sales status information is information that is input by a user or automatically acquired by a system when the user wants to obtain output that will have a greater sales promotion effect than the real-time sales status.

[0016] The electronic shelf label output control system 1 uses, for example, AI (Artificial Intelligence) to estimate the output based on the results of learning (machine learning) about the relationships between multiple pieces of information that affect the decision on the output. The multiple pieces of information that influence output decisions include, for example, product information, output performance information, and sales performance information. Using this information, AI can learn what kind of output was made on an electronic shelf label for what kind of product, and what kind of sales performance was obtained as a result. For example, AI can analyze the factors that caused sales to increase or decrease depending on the output of an electronic shelf label through learning. This enables AI to propose electronic shelf label outputs that will increase sales, or not propose electronic shelf label outputs that will decrease sales.

[0017] Product information is information about a product. Product information includes, for example, a JAN (Japanese Article Number) code, product name, manufacturer name, specifications, and price. The JAN code is an example of product identification information, and is information unique to each product.

[0018] The output record information is information indicating the past output contents outputted on the electronic shelf label of the product. The output contents are, for example, display-related elements such as the layout of the electronic shelf label display, font type, font size, presence or absence of a mark, mark type, presence or absence of POP (Point of Purchase Advertising), display color, etc.

[0019] The sales performance information indicates the sales status of a product with an electronic shelf label installed, and includes information such as sales environment information, sales performance information, and external factor information.

[0020] The sales environment information is information about the sales environment of a product, and includes, for example, electronic shelf label information, shelf allocation information, and the like.

[0021] The electronic shelf label information is information relating to electronic shelf labels that are installed in stores and display product information about products. The electronic shelf label information includes, for example, identification information of the electronic shelf label, information relating to the installation of the electronic shelf label, and information relating to the display of the electronic shelf label.

[0022] Shelf allocation information is information relating to the allocation of products. The shelf allocation information includes, for example, information such as the location of shelves set in a store, the shelves on which each product is placed, the position of the product on the shelf, and the number of faces of the product. Note that the shelf allocation information may differ depending on the store.

[0023] Sales performance information is information that indicates the sales performance of a product on which an electronic shelf label is installed. Sales performance information includes, for example, sales information, customer attribute information, and inventory information. Sales information is information that indicates the sales of a product. Customer attribute information is information that indicates the attributes of customers who purchase a product. Inventory information is information that indicates changes in product inventory.

[0024] External factor information is information about external factors. For example, external factors are information about events outside the store that affect product sales in the store. Examples of external factors include weather, posts on social networking services (SNS), manufacturer campaigns, media exposure, and listings in electronic flyers.

[0025] By inputting sales condition information to the electronic shelf label output control system 1, the user can obtain estimated output candidate results from the electronic shelf label output control system 1. The user can determine the output of electronic shelf labels for products that are the subject of a sales promotion by simply selecting the output to be used for sales promotion from the output candidates obtained from the electronic shelf label output control system 1. As a result, by using the electronic shelf label output control system 1, even an inexperienced user can easily obtain electronic shelf label output that has a sales promotion effect simply by inputting conditions.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic shelf label output control system 1 includes a manager terminal 10, a user terminal 20, a sales management system 30, an electronic shelf label management system 40, and an external factor system 50. The network NW may be configured to transmit and receive information using, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a telephone network (such as a mobile phone network or a fixed telephone network), a regional IP (Internet Protocol) network, or the Internet.

[0027] (1) Administrator terminal 10 The administrator terminal 10 is a terminal operated by an administrator (business operator) to manage the electronic shelf label output control system 1. The administrator terminal 10 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), a dedicated handheld terminal, etc. The administrator terminal 10 is communicably connected to the sales management system 30, the electronic shelf label management system 40, and the external factor system 50 via the network NW.

[0028] In communication with the sales management system 30, the manager terminal 10 transmits a request for linking learning data. The manager operates the manager terminal 10 to select information to be used as learning data from the information managed by the sales management system 30. After the selection, the manager operates the manager terminal 10 to transmit a linking request to the sales management system 30 to link the selected information to the electronic shelf label management system 40 as learning data.

[0029] In communication with the electronic shelf label management system 40, the manager terminal 10 transmits a request for generating (learning) an output estimation model. The manager operates the manager terminal 10 to transmit to the electronic shelf label output learning device 60 a request for creating learning data settings, a request for learning output estimation, a request for linking the output estimation model, and the like.

[0030] In communication with the external factor system 50, the manager terminal 10 transmits a request for linking learning data. The manager operates the manager terminal 10 to select information to be used as learning data from the information managed by the external factor system 50. After the selection, the manager operates the manager terminal 10 to transmit a linking request to the external factor system 50 to link the selected information to the electronic shelf label management system 40 as learning data.

[0031] Various UIs (User Interfaces) are displayed on the administrator terminal 10 by an application (hereinafter also referred to as an "administrator app") that allows the administrator to manage the electronic shelf label output control system 1. The administrator can manage the electronic shelf label output control system 1 by operating the UI displayed on the administrator terminal 10 by the administrator app. The functions of the administrator app may be provided by installing the administrator app on the administrator terminal 10 (i.e., a native app), or may be provided by a Web system (i.e., a Web app). In the case of a Web app, the administrator app is managed by a server, and its functions are provided via a Web browser.

[0032] (2) User terminal 20 The user terminal 20 is a terminal that a user operates to use the electronic shelf label output control system 1. The user terminal 20 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC, a dedicated handheld terminal, etc. The user terminal 20 is connected to the electronic shelf label management system 40 via the network NW so as to be able to communicate with the electronic shelf label management system 40.

[0033] In communication with the electronic shelf label management system 40, the user terminal 20 transmits sales condition information and receives output information. The user operates the user terminal 20 to input sales condition information and transmit it to the electronic shelf label management system 40. Requests that can be input as sales condition information include, for example, goals and conditions such as, "I want to sell a product that I want to sell because it hasn't sold," "I want to sell a product that I want to sell without changing its position on the shelf," or "I want to appeal to families." The output information is information generated as information indicating output candidates estimated by the electronic shelf label management system 40 based on sales condition information transmitted from the user terminal 20. The estimated output is, for example, the display of the electronic shelf label changed according to the sales conditions. In the display of the electronic shelf label, for example, the layout of the electronic shelf label display, the type of font, the font size, the presence or absence of a mark, the type of mark, the presence or absence of a POP, the display color, etc. can be changed.

[0034] Various UIs are displayed on the user terminal 20 by an application (hereinafter also referred to as a "user app") that enables the user to use the electronic shelf label output control system 1. The user can use the electronic shelf label output control system 1 by operating the UI displayed on the user terminal 20 by the user app. The functions of the user application may be provided by installing the user application on the user terminal 20 (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 user application is managed by a server, and its functions are provided via a Web browser.

[0035] (3) Sales Management System 30 The sales management system 30 is a system that manages sales. Information managed by the sales management system 30 includes, for example, sales performance information (sales performance information). The sales management system 30 is configured with, for example, one or more PCs or server devices (for example, cloud servers). The sales management system 30 is connected to the manager terminal 10 and the electronic shelf label management system 40 via the network NW so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0036] In communication with the administrator terminal 10, the sales management system 30 receives a request for linking the learning data. In communication with the electronic shelf label management system 40, the sales management system 30 transmits sales performance information and the like as learning data.

[0037] (4) Electronic shelf label management system 40 The electronic shelf label management system 40 is a system that manages electronic shelf labels. Information managed by the electronic shelf label management system 40 includes, for example, product information, sales performance information (sales environment information), and output performance information. The electronic shelf label management system 40 is configured by, for example, one or more PCs or server devices (e.g., cloud servers). The electronic shelf label management system 40 is communicably connected to an administrator terminal 10, a user terminal 20, a sales management system 30, and an external factor system 50 via a network NW.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic shelf label management system 40 includes an electronic shelf label output learning device 60, an electronic shelf label output control device 70, and an electronic shelf label 80.

[0039] (4-1) Electronic shelf label output learning device 60 The electronic shelf label output learning device 60 is a device that generates an output estimation model. The electronic shelf label output learning device 60 is configured by, for example, one or more PCs or server devices (for example, cloud servers). The electronic shelf label output learning device 60 is communicably connected to the manager terminal 10, the sales management system 30, and the external factor system 50 via the network NW. The electronic shelf label output learning device 60 is also communicably connected to an electronic shelf label output control device 70 in the electronic shelf label management system 40.

[0040] In communication with the manager terminal 10, the electronic shelf label output learning device 60 receives a request for generating (learning) an output estimation model. In communication with the sales management system 30, the electronic shelf label output learning device 60 receives sales performance information as learning data. In communication with the external factor system 50, the electronic shelf label output learning device 60 receives external factor information as learning data. In communication with the electronic shelf label output control device 70, the electronic shelf label output learning device 60 receives product information, sales environment information, output performance information, and the like as learning data, and transmits an output estimation model.

[0041] (4-2) Electronic shelf label output control device 70 The electronic shelf label output control device 70 is a device that assists a user in deciding how to output electronic shelf labels 80. The electronic shelf label output control device 70 is configured, for example, by one or more PCs or server devices (for example, cloud servers). The electronic shelf label output control device 70 is communicably connected to an administrator terminal 10 and a user terminal 20 via a network NW. The electronic shelf label output control device 70 is also communicably connected to an electronic shelf label output learning device 60 and electronic shelf labels 80 in the electronic shelf label management system 40.

[0042] In communication with the manager terminal 10, the electronic shelf label output control device 70 transmits and receives information for managing the electronic shelf label output control device 70. In communication with the user terminal 20, the electronic shelf label output control device 70 receives sales condition information and transmits output information. In communication with the electronic shelf label output learning device 60, the electronic shelf label output control device 70 transmits product information, sales environment information, output performance information, and the like as learning data, and receives an output estimation model. In communication with the electronic shelf label 80, the electronic shelf label output control device 70 transmits electronic shelf label display information. The electronic shelf label display information is information that is displayed on the electronic shelf label 80. The electronic shelf label display information is generated based on information related to product sales (hereinafter also referred to as "product sales information"). The product sales information is, for example, product information and sales promotion information. The sales promotion information is information related to product sales promotions (such as sales, etc.), including, for example, discount prices, sales promotion periods (start and end dates), etc.

[0043] (4-3)Electronic shelf label 80 The electronic shelf label 80 is a terminal device that displays electronic shelf label display information. The electronic shelf label 80 is associated with a product and displays product sales information of the associated product as electronic shelf label display information. The electronic shelf label 80 is communicably connected to the electronic shelf label output control device 70 in the electronic shelf label management system 40. The electronic shelf label 80 receives the electronic shelf label display information from the electronic shelf label output control device 70. The electronic shelf label 80 is a terminal device that includes a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light-Emitting Diode). Note that the electronic shelf label 80 may also be a terminal device that is capable of communication using NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0044] (5) External Factor System 50 The external factor system 50 is a system that manages external factor information. The external factor system 50 is configured by, for example, one or more PCs or server devices (for example, cloud servers). The external factor system 50 is communicably connected to the manager terminal 10 and the electronic shelf label management system 40 via a network NW.

[0045] The external factor information includes, for example, information about the weather, information about social media, information about manufacturer campaigns, information about media exposure, and information about electronic flyer publication. Information about the weather can be obtained, for example, from the website of the Japan Meteorological Agency. Information about social media can be obtained, for example, from information posted on the social media. Information about manufacturer campaigns can be obtained from the manufacturer's website. Information about media exposure can be obtained from media websites. Information about electronic flyer publication can be obtained from websites where electronic flyers can be viewed or electronic flyer systems owned by businesses. Thus, the external factor system 50 may be one or more systems according to the type of external factor information.

[0046] In communication with the administrator terminal 10, the external factor system 50 receives a request for linking learning data. In communication with the electronic shelf label management system 40, the external factor system 50 transmits external factor information and the like as learning data.

[0047] <2. Functional configuration of the electronic shelf label output learning device> The configuration of the electronic shelf label output control system 1 according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, the functional configuration of the electronic shelf label output learning device 60 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 electronic shelf label output learning device 60 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic shelf label output learning device 60 includes a communication unit 610, a storage unit 620, and a control unit 630.

[0048] (1) Communications Department 610 The communication unit 610 has the function of transmitting and receiving various information. The communication unit 610 is communicably connected to the manager terminal 10, the sales management system 30, and the external factor system 50 via the network NW, and transmits and receives various information. The communication unit 610 is also communicably connected to the electronic shelf label output control device 70 in the electronic shelf label management system 40, and transmits and receives various information.

[0049] (2) Storage section 620 The storage unit 620 has a function of storing various types of information. The storage unit 620 is configured by a storage medium that the electronic shelf label output learning device 60 has as hardware, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a random access read / write memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), or any combination of these storage media. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 620 stores a training dataset DS created by a data processing unit 632 (to be described later), an output estimation model MD generated by a training unit 633 (to be described later), and the like.

[0050] (3) Control unit 630 The control unit 630 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the electronic shelf label output learning device 60. The control unit 630 is realized, for example, by causing a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) that the electronic shelf label output learning device 60 has as hardware to execute a program. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 630 includes a data acquisition unit 631, a data processing unit 632, a learning unit 633, and an output processing unit 634.

[0051] (3-1) Data Acquisition Unit 631 The data acquisition unit 631 has a function of acquiring various data. For example, the data acquisition unit 631 acquires learning data that the communication unit 610 receives from the sales management system 30, the external factor system 50, and the electronic shelf label output control device 70.

[0052] (3-2) Data processing unit 632 The data processing unit 632 has a function of performing various types of data processing. For example, the data processing unit 632 creates a training dataset DS based on the training data acquired by the data acquisition unit 631.

[0053] (3-3) Learning Department 633 The learning unit 633 has a function of generating a trained model through machine learning. For example, the learning unit 633 uses the training dataset DS created by the data processing unit 632 to learn about the relationship between multiple pieces of information that affect the determination of an output. In learning about the relationship, the learning unit 633 learns the relationship between information about a product (product information), past output content (output performance information) output by the electronic shelf label 80 for that product, and the sales status of the product when the electronic shelf label 80 is installed (sales performance information). Through this learning, the learning unit 633 generates an output estimation model MD (trained model) that, when sales condition information is input, can estimate and output an output that satisfies the sales conditions indicated by the sales condition information.

[0054] (3-4) Output processing unit 634 The output processing unit 634 has a function of performing processing related to the output of various information. For example, the output processing unit 634 transmits the output estimation model MD generated by the learning unit 633 from the communication unit 610 to the electronic shelf label output control device 70.

[0055] <3. Functional configuration of the electronic shelf label output control device> The functional configuration of the electronic shelf label output learning device 60 according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, the functional configuration of the electronic shelf label output control device 70 according to this 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 output control device 70 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic shelf label output control device 70 includes a communication unit 710, a storage unit 720, and a control unit 730.

[0056] (1) Communications Unit 710 The communication unit 710 has a function of transmitting and receiving various information. The communication unit 710 is communicably connected to the manager terminal 10 and the user terminal 20 via the network NW, and transmits and receives various information. The communication unit 710 is also communicably connected to the electronic shelf label output learning device 60 and the electronic shelf labels 80 in the electronic shelf label management system 40, and transmits and receives various information.

[0057] (2) Storage section 720 The storage unit 720 has a function of storing various types of information. The storage unit 720 is configured by a storage medium provided as hardware in the electronic shelf label output control device 70, such as an HDD, SSD, flash memory, EEPROM, RAM, ROM, or any combination of these storage media. As shown in FIG. 3, the storage unit 720 stores the output estimation model MD generated by the electronic shelf label output control device 70 and the like.

[0058] (3) Control unit 730 The control unit 730 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the electronic shelf label output control device 70. The control unit 730 is realized, for example, by causing a CPU or GPU provided as hardware in the electronic shelf label output control device 70 to execute a program. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 730 includes a sales condition information acquisition unit 731 , an output estimation unit 732 , an output proposal unit 733 , an electronic shelf label display information generation unit 734 , and an electronic shelf label control unit 735 .

[0059] (3-1) Sales condition information acquisition unit 731 The sales condition information acquisition unit 731 has a function of acquiring sales condition information. The sales condition information acquisition unit 731 acquires, as sales condition information, request information received by the communication unit 710 from the user terminal 20. The sales condition information acquisition unit 731 may also acquire, as sales condition information, sales status information from another device or system via the communication unit 710.

[0060] (3-2) Output Estimation Unit 732 The output estimation unit 732 has a function of estimating an output. The output estimation unit 732 estimates an output that will have a promotional effect on the output of the electronic shelf label 80 used for a product that is the target of a sales promotion, in accordance with the sales conditions indicated by the sales condition information acquired by the sales condition information acquisition unit 731. The output estimation unit 732 estimates the output based on the relationship between product information about the product, past output content output by the electronic shelf label 80 for the product, and the sales status of the product when the electronic shelf label 80 was installed. The output estimation model MD has already learned this relationship. Therefore, the output estimation unit 732 inputs the sales condition information acquired by the sales condition information acquisition unit 731 into the output estimation model MD (trained model) stored in the storage unit 720, and thereby acquires at least one output output from the output estimation model MD as output candidates.

[0061] When the sales condition information acquired by the sales condition information acquisition unit 731 is request information, the output estimation unit 732 estimates an output that satisfies the user request indicated by the request information. For example, the output estimation unit 732 estimates, as output candidates, several patterns in which elements related to the display of the electronic shelf label 80 are changed to provide an output that has a sales promotion effect in response to the user request indicating goals and conditions such as wanting to sell a product that has not sold well, wanting to sell the product without changing its position on the shelf, or wanting to appeal to families.

[0062] When the sales condition information acquired by the sales condition information acquisition unit 731 is sales status information, the output estimation unit 732 estimates an output corresponding to the real-time sales status indicated by the sales status information. For example, when there is a change in sales environment information, sales performance information, external factor information, or the like, which indicate the sales status, the output estimation unit 732 estimates an output corresponding to the change. Examples of changes in each type of information include a change in shelf allocation for sales environment information, an increase or decrease in inventory for sales performance information, and a change in weather or a change in trends on social media for external factor information. In response to these changes in the sales status, the output estimation unit 732 estimates several output patterns in which elements related to the display of the electronic shelf label 80 are changed, as output candidates, so as to produce an output that has a sales promotion effect.

[0063] Changes in elements related to the display of the electronic shelf label 80 include changes in layout, font type, font size, presence or absence of marks, mark type, presence or absence of POP, display color, etc. As an example, the output estimation unit 732 estimates the display of a mark with a sales promotion effect according to the sales conditions indicated by the sales condition information as an output with a sales promotion effect. Types of marks include, for example, a mark indicating that the product is on a rainy day sale, a mark indicating that the product is a recommended product of the store, a mark indicating that the product is a newly released product, a mark indicating that the product is the most popular product, a mark indicating that the product is featured in a flyer, a mark indicating that the product is trending on social media, etc.

[0064] (3-3) Output Proposal Unit 733 The output suggestion unit 733 has a function of proposing an output, and outputs output candidates based on the output estimation result by the output estimation unit 732. The output suggestion unit 733 generates output information indicating output candidates based on the estimation result by the output estimation unit 732. The output suggestion unit 733 transmits the generated output information to the user terminal 20 via the communication unit 710 and causes the user terminal 20 to display the output information.

[0065] (3-4) Electronic shelf label display information generation unit 734 The electronic shelf label display information generation unit 734 has a function of generating electronic shelf label display information. For example, the electronic shelf label display information generation unit 734 generates, as electronic shelf label display information, a screen on which product information, sales promotion information, and the like are arranged in a format for the screen to be displayed on the electronic shelf label 80. The electronic shelf label display information generation unit 734 updates the electronic shelf label display information when the electronic shelf label information is updated or when the user decides to output it.

[0066] (3-5) Electronic shelf label control unit 735 The electronic shelf label control unit 735 has a function of controlling the output of the electronic shelf label 80. For example, the electronic shelf label control unit 735 controls the display of electronic shelf label display information on the electronic shelf label 80. The electronic shelf label control unit 735 transmits the electronic shelf label display information generated by the electronic shelf label display information generation unit 734 from the communication unit 710 to the electronic shelf label 80, and causes the electronic shelf label 80 to display it.

[0067] <4. Functional configuration of electronic shelf labels> The functional configuration of the electronic shelf label output control device 70 according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, the functional configuration of the electronic shelf label 80 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 7. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the electronic shelf label 80 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the electronic shelf label 80 includes a communication unit 810, a storage unit 820, a control unit 830, and an output unit 840.

[0068] (1) Communications Department 810 The communication unit 810 has a function of transmitting and receiving various types of information. For example, the communication unit 810 communicates with the electronic shelf label output control device 70 via the network NW. The communication unit 810 is connected to the electronic shelf label output control device 70 in the electronic shelf label management system 40 so as to be able to communicate with the electronic shelf label output control device 70, and transmits and receives various types of information.

[0069] (2) Storage section 820 The storage unit 820 has a function of storing various types of information. The storage unit 820 is configured by a storage medium provided as hardware in the electronic shelf label 80, such as a flash memory, an EEPROM, a RAM, a ROM, or any combination of these storage media. The storage unit 820 stores, for example, electronic shelf label display information.

[0070] (3) Control unit 830 The control unit 830 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the electronic shelf label 80. For example, the control unit 830 is realized by causing a CPU provided as hardware in the electronic shelf label 80 to execute a program. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 830 includes an output processing unit 831.

[0071] (3-1) Output processing unit 831 The output processing unit 831 has a function of controlling the output of the electronic shelf label 80. For example, the output processing unit 831 displays electronic shelf label display information on the output unit 840. The output processing unit 831 also controls the lighting of light-emitting elements such as LEDs.

[0072] (4) Output unit 840 The output unit 840 has a function of performing various outputs. For example, the output unit 840 displays electronic shelf label display information input under the control of the output processing unit 831. The output unit 840 is realized by, for example, a display that is included as hardware in the electronic shelf label 80. The display is, for example, electronic paper.

[0073] Here, the electronic shelf label display information displayed on the output unit 840 of the electronic shelf label 80 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 7. Fig. 5 to Fig. 7 are diagrams showing an example of electronic shelf label display information displayed on an electronic shelf label according to this embodiment. Note that the electronic shelf label 80 shown in Fig. 5 to Fig. 7 includes a display 840-1 and an LED 840-2 as the output unit 840.

[0074] 5, the display 840-1 displays electronic shelf label display information for the product "canned mackerel." In addition, a mark MK1 indicating that the product is on sale for rainy days is also displayed. 6, the display 840-1 displays electronic shelf label display information for the product "canned mackerel." In addition, a mark MK2 indicating that the product is featured in a flyer is also displayed. 7, the display 840-1 shows electronic shelf label display information for the product "canned mackerel." In addition, a mark MK3 indicating that the product is on sale for rainy days is also displayed. 5 to 7, the product is "canned mackerel," but the type of mark may differ as in Figures 5 and 6, or the entire layout may differ as in Figures 5 and 7. This is because the output estimation unit 732 of the electronic shelf label output control device 70 estimates that the output with a sales promotion effect will differ depending on the situation at the time.

[0075] <5. Processing flow> The functional configuration of the electronic shelf label 80 according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, the flow of processing according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0076] (1) Flow of Electronic Shelf Label Output Learning Process The flow of electronic shelf label output learning processing according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of electronic shelf label output learning processing according to this embodiment.

[0077] 8, first, the sales management system 30 links (transmits) learning data to the electronic shelf label output learning device 60 (step S101). When the sales management system 30 receives a linking request from the manager terminal 10, it transmits, for example, sales performance information as learning data to the electronic shelf label output learning device 60.

[0078] Next, the external factor system 50 cooperates (transmits) the learning data to the electronic shelf label output learning device 60 (step S102). When the external factor system 50 receives a cooperation request from the manager terminal 10, it transmits, for example, external factor information to the electronic shelf label output learning device 60 as learning data.

[0079] Next, the electronic shelf label output control device 70 links (transmits) the learning data to the electronic shelf label output learning device 60 (step S103). When the electronic shelf label output control device 70 receives a linking request from the manager terminal 10, it transmits, for example, product information, sales environment information, output performance information, and the like to the electronic shelf label output learning device 60 as learning data.

[0080] The processing order from step S101 to step S103 is not limited to the order shown in FIG. 8, and may be any order.

[0081] The data acquisition unit 631 of the electronic shelf label output learning device 60 acquires learning data (step S104). The data acquisition unit 631 acquires, as learning data, sales performance information, external factor information, product information, sales environment information, output performance information, and the like linked in steps S101 to S103. Next, the data processing unit 632 of the electronic shelf label output learning device 60 creates a learning data set DS based on the learning data acquired by the data acquisition unit 631 (step S105). Next, the learning unit 633 of the electronic shelf label output learning device 60 learns how to determine the output based on the learning data set DS created by the data processing unit 632 (step S106). Next, the learning unit 633 generates an output estimation model MD based on the learning result (step S107). Next, the learning unit 633 stores the generated output estimation model MD in the storage unit 620 (step S108).

[0082] Next, the output processing unit 634 of the electronic shelf label output learning device 60 links (transmits) the output estimation model MD to the electronic shelf label output control device 70 (step S109). When the communication unit 610 receives a link request from the manager terminal 10, the output processing unit 634 transmits the output estimation model MD stored in the storage unit 620 to the electronic shelf label output control device 70. The electronic shelf label output control device 70 stores the output estimation model MD received by the communication unit 710 from the electronic shelf label output learning device 60 in the storage unit 720 (step S110).

[0083] (2) Electronic shelf label output control process flow The flow of electronic shelf label output control processing according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of electronic shelf label output control processing according to this embodiment.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 9, first, the user inputs the sales conditions into the user terminal 20 (step S201). The user terminal 20 transmits sales condition information indicating the sales conditions input by the user to the electronic shelf label output control device 70 (step S202).

[0085] The sales condition information acquisition unit 731 of the electronic shelf label output control device 70 acquires the sales condition information received by the communication unit 710 from the user terminal 20 (step S203). The output estimation unit 732 of the electronic shelf label output control device 70 estimates the output based on the sales condition information acquired by the sales condition information acquisition unit 731, using the output estimation model MD stored in the storage unit 720 (step S204). The output suggestion unit 733 of the electronic shelf label output control device 70 generates output information based on the estimation result output by the output estimation unit 732 (step S205). The output suggestion unit 733 transmits the generated output information to the user terminal 20 via the communication unit 710 (step S206).

[0086] The user terminal 20 displays output candidates, which are the estimation results, based on the output information received from the electronic shelf label output control device 70 (step S207). The user checks the output candidates displayed on the user terminal 20 (step S208). The user selects an output to be implemented from among the output candidates, thereby determining the output to be reflected in the electronic shelf label 80 (step S209). When an output is selected by the user, the user terminal 20 transmits an output request to the electronic shelf label output control device 70 so that the selected output is reflected in the electronic shelf label 80 (step S210).

[0087] The electronic shelf label display information generating unit 734 of the electronic shelf label output control device 70 generates electronic shelf label display information for the output selected by the user (step S211). The electronic shelf label control unit 735 of the electronic shelf label output control device 70 transmits the generated electronic shelf label display information to the electronic shelf label 80 via the communication unit 710 (step S212). The electronic shelf label 80 displays the electronic shelf label display information received by the communication unit 810 from the electronic shelf label output control device 70 on the output unit 840 (step S213).

[0088] The processing flow according to this embodiment has been described above. As described above, the electronic shelf label output control system 1 according to this embodiment includes a sales condition information acquisition unit 731 that acquires sales condition information indicating the sales conditions of products that are the subject of a sales promotion, an output estimation unit 732 that estimates an output that will have a sales promotion effect in accordance with the sales conditions indicated by the acquired sales condition information for the output of the electronic shelf label 80 to be used for the product, and an output suggestion unit 733 that outputs output candidates based on the estimation result.

[0089] With this configuration, a user can input sales conditions to the electronic shelf label output control system 1 and obtain estimated output candidate results from the electronic shelf label output control system 1. The output is generated to have a sales promotion effect according to the sales conditions input by the user. The fact that the output has a sales promotion effect means that the output also has appeal. Therefore, the electronic shelf label output control system 1 according to this embodiment can improve the appeal of products.

[0090] 6. Examples This concludes the description of this embodiment. Next, an example of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0091] (1) If the user is a store representative A case where the user is a store staff member will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an example where the user according to this embodiment is a store staff member. In the example shown in Fig. 10, it is assumed that electronic shelf labels 80 are installed in the store and the output of the electronic shelf labels 80 is determined.

[0092] 10, the store staff inputs sales conditions into the user terminal 20. The user terminal 20 transmits sales condition information indicating the sales conditions input by the user to the electronic shelf label output control device 70. The electronic shelf label output control device 70 estimates output candidates based on the sales condition information received from the user terminal 20, and transmits output information indicating the estimation results to the user terminal 20.

[0093] The store staff member checks the output information displayed on the user terminal 20 and selects (decides) the output to be reflected on the electronic shelf label 80 from among the output candidates. The user terminal 20 transmits information about the output selected by the store staff member to the electronic shelf label output control device 70. The electronic shelf label output control device 70 generates electronic shelf label display information based on the received information about the output, and displays (reflects) the electronic shelf label display information on the electronic shelf labels 80 installed in the store.

[0094] (2) If the user is a person in charge at headquarters A case where the user is a person in charge at headquarters (headquarters) will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an example where the user according to this embodiment is a person in charge at headquarters. In the example shown in Fig. 11, it is assumed that electronic shelf labels 80 are installed in multiple stores managed by the headquarters, and that output related to the display of the electronic shelf labels 80 is determined.

[0095] 11, the person in charge at the headquarters inputs the sales conditions to the user terminal 20. The user terminal 20 transmits sales condition information indicating the sales conditions input by the user to the electronic shelf label output control device 70. The electronic shelf label output control device 70 estimates output candidates based on the sales condition information received from the user terminal 20, and transmits output information indicating the estimation results to the user terminal 20.

[0096] The person in charge at headquarters checks the output information displayed on the user terminal 20 and selects (decides) the output to be reflected on the electronic shelf label 80 from among the output candidates. The user terminal 20 transmits information about the output selected by the person in charge at the headquarters to the electronic shelf label output control device 70. The electronic shelf label output control device 70 generates electronic shelf label display information based on the received information about the output, and displays (reflects) the electronic shelf label display information on electronic shelf labels 80 installed in multiple stores (store A, store B, ..., store N).

[0097] <7. Variations> An example of the present embodiment has been described above. Next, a modified example of the present embodiment will be described. Note that each modified example described below may be applied to the embodiment alone or in combination with the embodiment. Furthermore, each modified example may be applied in place of the configuration described in the embodiment, or may be applied in addition to the configuration described in the embodiment.

[0098] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the output content of the electronic shelf label 80 is elements related to the display on the output unit 840 of the electronic shelf label 80, such as the display layout of the electronic shelf label 80, the font type, the font size, the presence or absence of a mark, the type of mark, the presence or absence of a POP, and the display color, but the output content is not limited to this example. For example, the output content may be control of the light emission of an LED (light-emitting element) on the output unit 840 of the electronic shelf label 80. In this case, the output estimation unit 732 of the electronic shelf label output control device 70 estimates, as an output that has a sales promotion effect, a light emission pattern of the LED (light-emitting element) corresponding to the sales conditions indicated by the sales condition information. As an example, suppose that a shelf in a store has multiple electronic shelf labels 80 attached, and each electronic shelf label 80 is equipped with an LED. In this case, the output estimation unit 732 estimates an output that causes the LEDs to emit light in a common light emission pattern for each group of products on the shelf. For example, for a shelf where each flavor of candy B and each flavor of candy C from candy manufacturer A are lined up, the LEDs on the electronic shelf labels 80 for each product may be made to flash in the same color and at the same frequency, or the LEDs of multiple electronic shelf labels 80 may be made to flash in a chain, thereby estimating that the products are a group of related products. The output estimation unit 732 may take into consideration battery consumption of the electronic shelf label 80 and estimate the output so that the LED does not emit light all the time, but emits light only during times when an increase in customers is expected (for example, in the evening).

[0099] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the electronic shelf label output control system 1 includes an electronic shelf label output learning device 60 having a learning function for the output of the electronic shelf label 80, and an electronic shelf label output control device 70 having an estimation function for the output of the electronic shelf label 80, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the electronic shelf label output control system 1 may include a single device having both a learning function for the output of the electronic shelf label 80 and a function for estimating the output of the electronic shelf label 80, instead of the electronic shelf label output learning device 60 and the electronic shelf label output control device 70.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which learning data is linked from the sales management system 30, the external factor system 50, and the electronic shelf label output control device 70 to the electronic shelf label output learning device 60, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, learning data may be acquired from each system by an administrator and linked to the electronic shelf label output learning device 60 from the administrator terminal 10.

[0101] The above describes the modified example of this embodiment. It should be noted that the electronic shelf label output control system 1, the administrator terminal 10, the user terminal 20, the sales management system 30, the electronic shelf label management system 40, the external factor system 50, the electronic shelf label output learning device 60, the electronic shelf label output control device 70, and the electronic shelf labels 80 in the above-described embodiment may be partly or entirely implemented by a computer. In this case, a program for implementing this function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be read into and executed by a computer system. It should be noted that the term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Additionally, "computer-readable recording media" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, etc., and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" may also include devices that dynamically store programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, and devices that store programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory within computer systems that serve as servers or clients in such cases. Furthermore, the above program may be one that realizes part of the above-mentioned functions, or may be one that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system, or may be one that is realized using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0102] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various design changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1...electronic shelf label output control system, 10...administrator terminal, 20...user terminal, 30...sales management system, 40...electronic shelf label management system, 50...external factor system, 60...electronic shelf label output learning device, 70...electronic shelf label output control device, 80...electronic shelf label, 610...communication unit, 620...storage unit, 630...control unit, 631...data acquisition unit, 632...data processing unit, 633...learning unit, 634...output processing unit, 710...communication unit, 720...storage unit, 730...control unit, 731...sales condition information acquisition unit, 732...output estimation unit, 733...output suggestion unit, 734...electronic shelf label display information generation unit, 735...electronic shelf label control unit, 810...communication unit, 820...storage unit, 830...control unit, 831...output processing unit, 840...output unit, MD...output estimation model, NW...network

Claims

1. a sales condition information acquisition unit that acquires sales condition information indicating sales conditions for products that are the subject of sales promotion; an output estimation unit that estimates an output of an electronic shelf label used for the product that will have a sales promotion effect in accordance with the sales conditions indicated by the acquired sales condition information; an output suggestion unit that outputs the output candidates based on the estimation result; An electronic shelf label output control system comprising:

2. the output estimation unit estimates, as the output having a sales promotion effect, a display of a mark having a sales promotion effect in accordance with the sales conditions indicated by the sales condition information; The electronic shelf label output control system according to claim 1 .

3. The electronic shelf label includes a light emitter, the output estimation unit estimates, as the output having the sales promotion effect, a light emission pattern of the light-emitting element according to the sales conditions indicated by the sales condition information. The electronic shelf label output control system according to claim 1 .

4. the output estimation unit estimates the output based on a relationship between product information about the product, past output content output by an electronic shelf label for the product, and a sales status of the product in a state where the electronic shelf label was installed. The electronic shelf label output control system according to claim 1 .

5. a storage unit that stores a trained model that has learned the relationship between the product information, the past output content, and the sales situation; Furthermore, The output estimation unit inputs the sales condition information acquired by the sales condition information acquisition unit into the trained model, and acquires at least one or more outputs output from the trained model as candidates for the output. The electronic shelf label output control system according to claim 4.

6. the sales condition information acquisition unit acquires, as the sales condition information, request information indicating a user's request for the output for the sales promotion; the output estimation unit estimates the output that satisfies the user's request indicated by the acquired request information. The electronic shelf label output control system according to claim 1 .

7. the sales condition information acquisition unit acquires sales status information indicating a real-time sales status as the sales condition information; the output estimation unit estimates the output according to the real-time sales situation indicated by the acquired sales situation information. The electronic shelf label output control system according to claim 1 .

8. a sales condition information acquisition step of acquiring sales condition information indicating sales conditions of the product to be promoted; an output estimation step of estimating an output that will have a sales promotion effect in accordance with the sales conditions indicated by the acquired sales condition information, regarding the output of the electronic shelf label used for the product; an output suggestion step of outputting the output candidates based on the estimation result; 2. A computer-implemented electronic shelf label output control method comprising:

9. Computer, a sales condition information acquiring means for acquiring sales condition information indicating the sales conditions of the products to be promoted; an output estimation means for estimating an output that will have a sales promotion effect according to the sales conditions indicated by the acquired sales condition information, regarding the output of the electronic shelf label used for the product; an output suggestion means for outputting the output candidates based on the estimation result; A program to function as a

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