Product information management system

Abstract

To unitarily manage information on the sales of commodities.SOLUTION: A commodity information management system 200 includes a first setting part 23 for setting plan information to commodity information related to a commodity, a second setting part 23 for setting electronic medium information displayed on an electronic medium related to the commodity to the commodity information, and a display part 13 for displaying the commodity information, the plan information, and the electronic medium information on the same first screen G20 for a predetermined commodity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a product information management system. [Background technology]

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a system is known in which data such as product selling prices received from a management device are electronically displayed on a shelf label display. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-146555 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In this regard, the shelf tag file, which associates product codes with shelf tag identification information, is stored separately from product information and information about special sales plans, making it difficult to centrally check information about product sales, which is cumbersome.

[0005] Therefore, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a product information management system that can centrally manage information related to product sales. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the product information management system of the present invention comprises a first setting unit that sets project information for product information relating to a product, a second setting unit that sets electronic medium information to be displayed on an electronic medium relating to the product for the product information, and a display unit that displays a first screen that simultaneously displays the product information, the project information, and the electronic medium information for a specified product. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a product information management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a functional block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a product information management device included in a product information management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a software configuration of the product information management device. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first example of a screen displayed on the product information management device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of a screen displayed on the product information management device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of a screen displayed on the product information management device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth example of a screen displayed on the product information management device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fifth example of a screen displayed on the product information management device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a sixth example of a screen displayed on the product information management device. [Figure 10] 1A to 1D are diagrams showing (a) a first example, (b) a second example, (c) a third example, and (d) a fourth example of a screen displayed on a handheld terminal equipped with a product information management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fifth example of a screen displayed on the handy terminal. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a sixth example of a screen displayed on the handy terminal. [Figure 13] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing (a) a seventh example, (b) an eighth example, and (c) a ninth example of a screen displayed on a handy terminal provided in a product information management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, a product information management device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. ●Product information management device The product information management device 1 is, for example, a device that manages information displayed on electronic shelf labels in a store, where information such as selling prices is presented by the electronic shelf labels. The product information management device 1 may be, for example, a so-called ESL (Electric Shelf Label) server. The display unit of the ESL may have an appropriate configuration that allows the display to be switched electronically, and may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or electronic paper.

[0009] <Block configuration> The product information management device 1 is connected to, for example, a store controller 50, a printer 60, a POS terminal 51, and a transceiver 70 via a network NW. The product information management device 1 and the store controller 50 may constitute a product information management system 200. The store controller 50 is a device that manages information about each store, and manages various data such as product files, sales record files, etc. The store controller 50 is configured, for example, by installing store controller application software in a general-purpose personal computer.

[0010] The printer 60 is, for example, a device that issues a product information label or the like on which at least part of the information of the product information management device 1 or the store controller 50 is printed.

[0011] The POS terminal 51 (Point of Sales terminal 51) is installed at the checkout area of ​​the sales floor in the store, and registers the products purchased by customers and settles the purchase price by reading the barcodes on the product labels, etc. This product registration and settlement data is compiled in the store controller 50.

[0012] The transceiver 70 is, for example, a device that receives information from the product information management device 1 and transmits the information to the ESL 71. The transceiver 70 transmits information to the ESL 71 by, for example, infrared communication, but the communication mode is arbitrary. The transceiver 70 may be a so-called access point.

[0013] The ESL 71 is an example of an electronic medium, and is a device that receives information from the product information management device 1 via the transceiver 70 and displays data such as product selling prices. The ESL 71 includes, for example, an appropriate ROM, CPU, and RAM. The RAM also stores a shelf label ID that identifies the ESL 71, and the ESL 71 identifies data addressed to itself based on this shelf label ID. The received data is stored in the RAM and displayed on the display unit of the ESL 71. Note that the configuration of the ESL 71 is an example, and other devices such as LED lamps may also be provided. The ESL 71 may also have a product information label or the like affixed to it that displays product information.

[0014] A plurality of transceivers 70 and ESLs 71 are installed in a store. The correspondence between the transceivers 70 and the ESLs 71 may be set in advance. In this case, for example, the transceivers 70 that transmit and receive signals may be associated when the ESLs 71 are installed in the store. Alternatively, the transceivers 70 and the ESLs 71 may be associated with each other by first setting the product shelves to be assigned to the transceivers 70, and then setting the product shelf identification information when the ESLs 71 are installed. Alternatively, instead of setting the associated ESLs 71 in advance, the transceiver 70 may receive a signal from the ESLs 71 and determine the associated ESLs 71 based on the strength of the received signal.

[0015] The handy terminal 100 is a device that transmits and receives information to and from the product information management device 1, and performs functions such as linking the ESLs 71 to products and updating product planning information in response to user operations. The handy terminal 100 may access the product information management device 1 via the transceiver 70, or may access the product information management device 1 directly. The handy terminal 100 also includes a scanner that encodes information about the products and ESLs 71 and reads codes such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes attached to the products and ESLs 71.

[0016] The store controller 50 and the product information management device 1 may be integrated into one unit, and may be realized, for example, by a single hardware configuration. The store controller 50 may also have the functions of the product information management device 1. In this case, the product information management device 1 may operate as a so-called slave that transmits and receives information between the store controller 50 and the ESL 71, the handheld terminal 100, etc. An operation input to the handy terminal 100 may be directly reflected in each piece of data stored in the product information management device 1, or the operation content may be reflected in temporarily stored data in the transceiver 70 and then transmitted from the transceiver 70 to the product information management device 1, and based on the transmitted information, the operation may be reflected in each piece of data stored in the product information management device 1. Furthermore, an operation input to the handy terminal 100, such as project information, may be registered in the store controller 50 and also separately registered in the product information management device 1 from the handy terminal 100.

[0017] <Hardware configuration> 2, the product information management device 1 has, as its hardware configuration, an arithmetic unit such as a CPU 10 (Central Processing Unit 10), and storage devices such as a ROM 11 (Read Only Memory 11) and a RAM 12 (Random Access Memory 12). The product information management device 1 also has a display unit 13, an operation unit 14, a communication unit 15, and a reading unit 16 via appropriate interface circuits.

[0018] The CPU 10 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the product information management device 1 by reading and executing various programs stored in the ROM 11. The ROM 11 is a read-only memory that stores various types of information used by the CPU 10, including programs. The RAM 12 is a readable and writable memory, and stores various registered information and information generated in processing based on the registered information.

[0019] The display unit 13 is a means for displaying various types of information, and is configured, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The operation unit 14 is a means for accepting user operations, and may be, for example, a physical mechanical key or switch, or may be configured together with the display unit 13 as a touch panel display. An operator such as a store clerk can display the display data of the electronic shelf labels on the operation unit 14, edit and check the information, and register or edit sale information.

[0020] The communication unit 15 is a means for communicating with the store controller 50, the POS 51, the printer 60, the transceiver 70, and the handheld terminal 100, and transmitting and receiving information.

[0021] The reading unit 16 is a means for reading various data, and is realized by a scanner or the like that reads codes such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes attached to the products or ESLs 71, in which information about the products or ESLs 71 is coded. The reading unit 16 is equipped with, for example, a light that is turned on when reading a code. The reading unit 16 may be a stationary scanner in which the product is held over a reading surface, or may be a handheld scanner.

[0022] <Software configuration> As shown in FIG. 3, the product information management device 1 mainly includes a storage unit 20, an input receiving unit 21, a display control unit 22, a setting unit 23, and a communication processing unit 24 as software resources. In addition, computer programs for executing the functions of these functional units can be provided by downloading via a network such as the Internet, or by recording them on various computer-readable recording media such as CD-ROMs.

[0023] The storage unit 20 is a storage unit that stores various types of information, and the various types of information include, for example, a product master 201, an ESL information master 202, and a project information master 203. The data stored in the storage unit 20 may be registered on a hard disk, or some or all of the data may be registered on a cloud server configured to be able to communicate via the Internet, or a so-called upper server, to create a so-called thin client environment. In this case, the product information management device 1 may appropriately include an acquisition unit that acquires at least product information from the upper server.

[0024] The product master 201 is composed of information about products. Data items stored in the product master 201 include, for example, a product code composed of a JAN code or the like, a product name, a unit price, a unit weight, etc. The product code is an example of product identification information.

[0025] The ESL information master 202 is a master that stores the display format of electronic media such as ESL. The display format includes, for example, display items. Display items for ESL include, for example, product number (item number), unit price / price, date and time, advertising copy, image, content volume / content volume unit, barcode, product name, etc. The display mode may include information about the print content, such as the display format. The ESL information master 202 may also include information to be displayed on an electronic display that displays appropriate advertising, so-called POP (Point of Purchase) advertising. An electronic display that displays POP advertising may display, for example, the product name, catch phrase, description, price, illustrations, etc. The ESL information master 202 is linked to product information and project information.

[0026] The plan information master 203 is a master that stores plan information such as sales implemented in stores. The plan information includes in-store promotions, i.e., information about plans set up in stores. The plan information includes, for example, plan header information, which is plan identification information, the plan name, and sale information linked to each product. The sale information includes information such as the identification information of the store conducting the sale, the discount rate or amount of the product, and the period during which the sale will be implemented. The plan header information is linked to ESL information, which specifies the display format of the ESL 71 for the product linked to the plan. In other words, by linking the plan header information to the product information, the plan information to be applied to each product is set, and the display format in the ESL 71 for that product is set.

[0027] The input receiving unit 21 is a functional unit that receives input from, for example, a user via the operation unit 14. The input receiving unit 21 receives, for example, product information, project information, and electronic medium information, as well as information on correspondence relationships set for these.

[0028] The display control unit 22 is a functional unit that displays various screens (see FIGS. 4 to 9) on the display unit 13. The display control unit 22 may display various screens via an internet browser, for example. The display control unit 22 also displays various screens (see FIGS. 10 to 13) on the handy terminal 100 via the communication processing unit 24.

[0029] The setting unit 23 is an example of the first setting unit and second setting unit in the claims. The setting unit 23 is a functional unit that sets project information for product information related to the product. The setting unit 23 also sets electronic medium information for the product for the product information. After scanning code information displayed on the product, the setting unit 23 scans appropriate identification information provided in the ESL 71, thereby linking the product to the ESL 71. In other words, the setting unit 23 sets electronic medium information that associates the product information with the project information. The set electronic medium information is stored in the ESL information master 202.

[0030] The setting unit 23 can set multiple pieces of electronic medium information for one product. That is, one product in the product master is associated with multiple pieces of electronic medium information stored in the ESL information master 202. With this configuration, even when multiple electronic media are used to display one product, the information can be managed in a unified manner.

[0031] Furthermore, the setting unit 23 may, for example, read appropriate identification information provided on the ESL 71 using an appropriate reading unit 16 provided in the product information management device 1, and read the product shelf identification information from code information such as a barcode provided on the product shelf, thereby linking the ESL 71 to the product shelf on which it is to be installed. The setting unit 23 may also acquire a shelf selection operation from the user input into the in-store shelf layout displayed on the display unit 13 of the product information management device 1, and link the operation to the identification information of the ESL 71, thereby setting the identification information of the shelf on which the ESL 71 is to be installed. Furthermore, the setting unit 23 may estimate the identification information of the shelf on which the ESL 71 is installed based on the strength of the radio waves from the ESL 71, using the transceiver 70.

[0032] The setting unit 23 may also set the plan information to be linked to a product based on the plan information received via the handheld terminal 100. The setting unit 23 accepts changes to the plan information to be linked to a product, for example, in response to an input to a screen G120 (see FIG. 12) to be described later and displayed on the handheld terminal 100. The setting unit 23 also accepts changes to sale information and new registration of sale information, for example, in response to an input to screens G140 and G150 (see FIGS. 13(b) and 13(c)) to be described later and displayed on the handheld terminal 100.

[0033] The communication processing unit 24 is a functional unit that transmits and receives information to and from appropriate devices that are connected to the product information management device 1 via a wired or wireless connection. The communication processing unit 24 receives appropriate information stored in the store controller 50 from the store controller 50, for example. The communication processing unit 24 also transmits information to be updated to the store controller 50. Furthermore, the communication processing unit 24 transmits information to be displayed on the handy terminal 100 and receives information input to the handy terminal 100. Furthermore, the communication processing unit 24 communicates with the ESL 71 via the transceiver 70 and transmits information to be displayed on the ESL 71.

[0034] ●Example of a screen of the product information management device 1 4 to 9, the screens displayed on the display unit 13 of the product information management device 1 will be described. Note that each of the screens shown in Fig. 4 to 9 may be displayed on the display unit 13, or may be displayed on an appropriate display device connected by wire or wirelessly to the product information management device 1. Note that in the following description, the manner in which the user presses or selects an operator is arbitrary, and the screen may transition in response to a predetermined operation. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a search screen G10 that is displayed with reference to the product master 201. In the search condition input area G11 of the search screen G10, the selection of search conditions, i.e., for example, a store code or a project code, is accepted, and a list of products corresponding to the selected store code or project code is displayed in area G12 on the same screen. The project code is information corresponding to the project header. By selecting an item displayed in area G12, it is possible to narrow down or sort the items.

[0035] 5 shows an example of a product detail information screen G20 that is displayed by selecting a product listed on the search screen G10 shown in FIG. 4, and that simultaneously displays product information, project information, and electronic medium information. The product detail information screen G20 displays, for example, a search condition display area G21, a product information display area G22, an electronic medium information display area G23, a project information display area G24, and a setting change area G25. Each area includes at least a heading display area and an information display area. If no relevant information is available, the information display area may be hidden and only the heading display area may be displayed. This configuration makes it clear at a glance whether or not information is available based on the display format.

[0036] The search condition display area G21 is an area that displays search conditions for products displayed in the product information display area G22, the electronic medium information display area G23, and the project information display area G24. The search condition display area G21 displays, for example, the company name and company code, and the store name and store code, etc., which are the search range.

[0037] The product information display area G22 is an area that displays information about a product, i.e., product information. The product information display area G22 displays product information about the product selected in area G12. The product information includes, for example, a product code, a product name, and a POS selling price. The product information also includes information about the product classification, and may include, for example, a code indicating a major classification, a medium classification, a minor classification, or a class.

[0038] The electronic medium information display area G23 is an area that displays information about the display medium linked to the product displayed in the product information display area G22. The electronic medium information display area G23 displays, for example, the identification information (shelf label ID) of the electronic medium, the type of electronic medium (tag type), the identification information (shelf number) of the shelf on which the electronic medium is arranged, information indicating the response status of the electronic medium, and the last communication date and time when the electronic medium and the product information management device 1, the transceiver 70, or the handheld terminal 100 last communicated, all in association with each other.

[0039] The type of electronic media may be information indicating, for example, size, color display, or monochrome display. The type of electronic media may also be the model number of the electronic media. The shelf identification information field displays information when the electronic media is placed on a shelf, whereas the shelf identification information field is blank when the electronic media is linked to a product but not placed on a shelf. The electronic media information display area G23 may display information that can identify the placement area of ​​the electronic media, etc., to some extent, in addition to the shelf identification information field. For example, the number of the aisle where the electronic media, etc. are placed may be displayed. The aisle number may be a directly input number, or may be an automatically extracted display aisle number based on the classification of the product to which the electronic media, etc. are linked, based on information correlating product classifications with display aisles. In addition, whether it is a bargain corner or a regular sales corner may be displayed in an easily identifiable manner. If it is located in a bargain corner, a number corresponding to the corner may be displayed.

[0040] Furthermore, the location of a shelf associated with the electronic medium may be highlighted on the in-store layout in the electronic medium information display area G23 or in a display area that is displayed by performing an appropriate operation in the electronic medium information display area G23. In this case, for example, when an item for shelf identification information in the electronic medium information display area G23 is selected, the in-store layout and the location of the shelf associated with the electronic medium may be displayed. Note that instead of highlighting a specific shelf, the location of the shelf may be estimated by estimating an approximate location from the strength of radio waves acquired by the transceiver 70, and the estimated location may be displayed on the in-store layout.

[0041] The response status is information indicating whether or not a response has been received from the ESL 71 when information is transmitted from the transceiver 70 to the ESL 71. The transceiver 70 transmits information a predetermined number of times even if no response is received, and waits for a response. The response status field displays, for example, "OK" if a response is received from the ESL 71, and "NG" if no response is received. The response status field allows the user to identify an ESL 71 that is unable to communicate. For example, it is possible to identify that the ESL 71 is outside the communication range. Furthermore, if no response is received, it is possible to infer that the battery of the ESL 71 is dead. This configuration allows for smooth battery replacement. Furthermore, even when an ESL 71 is leased on a subscription basis and the leased unit is replaced instead of the battery, it is easy to identify the unit to be replaced.

[0042] The last communication date and time field displays the date and time when the transceiver 70 attempted transmission. The last communication date and time field may display the date and time of transmission from the transceiver 70, regardless of whether a response was received from the ESL 71. This field allows the user to identify an ESL 71 that is linked to a product but with which communication is not taking place. Note that the electronic medium information display area G23 may display the date and time when a response signal was received, i.e., the date and time when transmission and reception were established, instead of or in addition to the last communication date and time. Furthermore, the ESL 71 may obtain display content from the buffer of the transceiver 70, and the electronic medium information display area G23 may display this as the latest information. In this case, the last communication date and time field may display the date and time when information was obtained from the buffer of the transceiver 70.

[0043] Furthermore, the handy terminal 100 can identify the ESL 71 and update the display content, and the ESL 71 may acquire the display content from the handy terminal 100. In this case, the last communication date and time field may display the date and time when the ESL 71 acquired the information from the handy terminal 100. In addition, an indication is also provided to indicate that the displayed date and time has been changed from the handy terminal 100. This indication may be, for example, an appropriate mark, or the appropriate display style, such as text color or shading, may be different from that when updated from the product information management device 1.

[0044] Furthermore, the electronic medium information display area G23 may identifiably display the entity that set the display content of the ESL 71, etc. In other words, it may identifiably display whether the display content of the ESL 71, etc. was set by a store manager or by an operator of an appropriate upper server connected to the product information management device 1.

[0045] The information that can identify the setting entity is acquired as appropriate by, for example, the setting unit 23. The setting entity may be determined and displayed depending on the type of device that transmitted the setting information, and for example, information from the handy terminal 100 may be determined to indicate that the setting entity is a store. Also, a configuration may be adopted in which information indicating the setting entity is received together with the setting of the display content.

[0046] Furthermore, the electronic medium information display area G23 may also display whether or not project information is applied to the display content of each ESL 71, etc. Electronic medium information with applied project information is information in which product information and project information are associated, and is an example of "first electronic medium information" in the claims. Electronic medium information without applied project information is information based only on product information, and is an example of "second electronic medium information" in the claims. In other words, the electronic medium information display area G23 displays in an identifiable manner whether first electronic medium information or second electronic medium information is set for the electronic medium.

[0047] In the electronic medium information display area G23, if there is a promotion applied to the product displayed on the electronic medium, the promotion information of the promotion may also be displayed. If there is no promotion applied, it may be displayed that the list price of the product is displayed. In FIG. 5, a display information column is displayed for each identification information of the posting medium, and for each posting medium, it is displayed that the applied promotion information or list price is displayed. Note that even if the list price is displayed, if it is a list price after a price change at the store, the display information column may display "List Price (Sale Change)." In addition, the identification information of the person who changed the selling price or the terminal that sent the information on the selling price change may be stored, and the identification information of the person who changed the selling price or the terminal may be displayed in the display information column or a separately provided column.

[0048] In the electronic medium information display area G23, when product details information for a product has one piece of electronic medium information set, that one piece of electronic medium information is displayed, and when product details information for a product has multiple pieces of electronic medium information set, the multiple pieces of electronic medium information are displayed. With this configuration, even for a product with multiple pieces of electronic medium information linked to it, the user can check all of the electronic medium information on the screen G20.

[0049] Furthermore, if the link between the ESL 71 and the product is released, or if a different product is linked to the ESL 71, the ESL 71 is deleted from the electronic medium information display area G23 of the original product and is no longer displayed.

[0050] Furthermore, the electronic media displayed in the electronic medium information display area G23 is not limited to ESL, but may be an electronic display that displays appropriate advertising, such as point-of-purchase advertising (POP advertising). Electronic displays that display POP advertising may display, for example, product names, catch phrases, descriptions, prices, illustrations, etc.

[0051] In addition, the display status of paper POP advertisements may be displayed as another example of display media in the electronic medium information display area G23 or in an appropriate area displayed on the same screen as the electronic medium information display area G23. Also, the display schedule for POP advertisements in electronic and paper media may be displayed. In FIG. 5, "POP" is displayed in the shelf label ID column for POP advertisements. This configuration allows the display status and media of POP advertisements to be checked on the same screen, making it easy to manage POP advertisements. In particular, even if the product is moved to a bargain section or the like and the ESL is temporarily not used, the product details information screen G20 makes the display status of the POP advertisement and the ESL clear at a glance, making it convenient to check the ESL display status in detail.

[0052] The electronic medium information display area G23 may also display the display period for each display medium in the sales area. The display period may include, for example, the display start date and time and the display end date and time. With this configuration, the user can understand the planned use of the electronic medium from the product detail information screen G20. Electronic media may be loaned from an electronic medium lending company on a subscription basis, and a configuration that can accurately grasp the planned use of the electronic media makes it easy to know the number of unnecessary electronic media and to return them. Ultimately, this can also help rationally reduce the electronic media lending costs in stores.

[0053] In the electronic media information display area G23, if there is no electronic media linked to the product, or if the linked electronic media is not installed in the sales area, the information display area may be hidden and only the heading display area may be displayed.

[0054] The electronic medium information display area G23 may display information about a project using each electronic medium. In this case, the identification information of the electronic medium to be used in the project is set during the project setting process. With this configuration, the electronic media to be used in the project are clearly visible on the screen G20, allowing for more precise management of electronic media.

[0055] The plan information display area G24 displays plan information and sale information associated with the product displayed in the product information display area G22. The plan information display area G24 displays, for example, a table containing the plan type, plan information identification information (plan code), sale information identification information (sale code), sale name, sale type, sale start date and time, sale end date and time, plan status, and product price during the plan period, all in association with one another. A plan whose display time falls between the sale start date and end date and time is currently active, and the status column for that plan information displays "Executed." The plan information display area G24 makes it clear at a glance the schedule and content of the plan information and sale information set for the product. Furthermore, even when considering unique sale settings for each store, appropriate price adjustments can be made taking into account future plan status.

[0056] The project information display area G24 may display project information registered from an appropriate upper server connected to the product information management device 1, or may display project information input to the product information management device 1. The project information display area G24 may also display project information registered from the handheld terminal 100. The project information display area G24 may also display the type of device on which the project is registered, or may display project information for each type of device on which the project is registered. Information about the person who registered the project may also be displayed. With this configuration, it is clear who is responsible for the registered project information, making management easier.

[0057] The project information display area G24 may display the last update date and time of each project and the type or identification information of the terminal that performed the update. For example, if a project is updated using the handheld terminal 100, the display may be different from when the project is updated using the operation unit 14 of the product information management device 1, and a predetermined mark may be displayed for projects updated using the handheld terminal 100. The table displayed in the project information display area G24 may also display a column indicating the type or identification information of the terminal that performed the update. If a project is updated using the handheld terminal 100, it is highly likely that the project was urgently set in the sales area of ​​the store. With this configuration, the user can refer to this information to help infer the status of the update.

[0058] Furthermore, the project information display area G24 may identifiably display the entity that set each project information. That is, the entity that set each project information may identifiably display whether the project information was set by the store manager or by an operator of an appropriate host server connected to the product information management device 1. For example, a predetermined mark or symbol may be displayed in the bargain code field for project information set by the store, while no mark or symbol may be displayed for project information set by the host server. This configuration makes the entity that set each project clear at a glance on the product detail information screen G20. Furthermore, when the store manager reviews and considers the project information, if the project information was set by the operator of the host server, the store manager can decide to maintain the project because it was set by a higher-level manager than the store, such as the operations headquarters, while if the project information was set by the store manager, the store manager can decide to further change the settings, which is even more convenient.

[0059] The information that can identify the setting entity is acquired, for example, by the setting unit 23 together with the project information as appropriate. The setting entity may be determined and displayed according to the type of device that transmitted the setting information, and for example, information from the handy terminal 100 may be determined to indicate that the setting entity is a store. Also, the configuration may be such that information indicating the setting entity is received together with the setting of the display content.

[0060] Furthermore, information about the electronic media used in each project may be displayed in the project information display area G24 or in an appropriate area displayed on the same screen as the project information display area G24. The information about the electronic media may be identification information for the electronic media, or the type and quantity of the electronic media, such as size and color. With this configuration, the electronic media used in each project can be clearly identified at a glance.

[0061] The setting change area G25 displays information about screens that can be transitioned from the product detail information screen G20. The product detail information screen G20 can transition to, for example, a promotion list screen G30, a promotion setting screen G40, a sale setting screen G50, a price change screen G60 for changing the selling price of a product, and a search screen G10 for searching for products to display on the product detail information screen G20. The product detail information screen G20 can accept appropriate operations from the user, such as pressing a specific physical key on the keyboard, to change the selling price displayed in the ESL 71 on the screen transitioned from the product detail information screen G20, change the selling price registered in the product master 201, and create and update new promotions such as sales. Furthermore, transition from the product detail information screen G20 to a setting screen for linking the ESL 71 with product information is possible. When transitioning from the product detail information screen G20, the product to be linked has already been identified, so there is no need to read a barcode to identify the product information.

[0062] 6 shows an example of a promotion list screen G30 to which the user transitions when, for example, the user presses the F03 button while the product detail information screen G20 is displayed. The promotion list screen G30 displays a list of products linked to the promotion code selected in the promotion information display area G24. The product list includes, for example, product code, category, product name, sale start date and time, sale end date and time, sale price, etc.

[0063] 7 shows an example of a project setting screen G40 to which the user transitions when, for example, the user presses the F04 button while the product detail information screen G20 is displayed. The project setting screen G40 displays project header information associated with a specific product and accepts new project header registrations and changes.

[0064] The project setting screen G40 displays, for example, a product information display area G41, an additional information input area G42, a project header list display area G43, and a setting change area G44. The product information display area G41 is an area that displays product information specified on the product detail information screen G20. The additional information input area G42 is an area that accepts input of project header information to be newly registered or changed. The project header information associated with the specified product is displayed in a drop-down list, allowing one piece of project header information to be selected and input. In addition, the project header information also accepts settings for the start date and time, end date and time, and project status. The project status is selected, for example, using radio buttons that allow the selection of either execute or delete.

[0065] In addition, at least a part of the project setting screen G40 may be different depending on whether the project information is being changed or newly registered. For example, when changing the project information, "Change" is displayed in the additional information input field G42, and when newly registering the project information, "New" is displayed in the additional information input field G42.

[0066] The project header list display area G43 displays a list of project information linked to the specified product. For example, the project header list display area G43 displays, for each project information, the project information identification information (header information (number)), the project information name (header information (text)), priority, the project start date and end date, and the project status. The setting change area G44 displays information about screens that can be transitioned to from the project setting screen G40.

[0067] FIG. 8 shows an example of a sale setting screen G50 to which the user transitions when, for example, the user presses the F06 button while the product detail information screen G20 is displayed. The user may press any type of operator, and transition to the sale setting screen G50 may be made in response to a predetermined operation. The sale setting screen G50 accepts input for setting sale information linked to project information. The sale setting screen G50 displays the company code, store code, product code, and product name. This information is displayed by carrying over the information displayed on the product detail information screen G20. In this way, a configuration that allows transition from the product detail information screen G20 to the sale setting screen G50 eliminates the need to search for the product again when setting sale information, making it highly convenient.

[0068] The sale setting screen G50 also displays areas for accepting input of the plan name, plan code, sale type, sale price, sale start date and time, and sale end date and time. The plan code is displayed as selectable from a drop-down list. The plan name is displayed based on the item selected in the plan code. The sale type can be selected using radio buttons from options such as sale, period sale, and markdown. Note that the sale type can be selected when registering a new sale setting, but may not be selected when changing an already registered sale setting. Furthermore, when selecting a plan code, a new registration may be performed by selecting a new plan code that does not have a sale type or the like set. When changing the sale setting, the setting change can be input by selecting an already set plan code.

[0069] The input field for the sale price accepts free input of numerical values. The sale start date and sale end date can be changed by free input or by selecting buttons that accept increases or decreases. Furthermore, when the input field for the sale start date and sale end date is selected, a calendar may pop up and allow the user to select the appropriate date from the calendar. The input field for the time, for example, accepts selection from a drop-down list. Furthermore, if a promotion code that has already been registered is selected, the period of that promotion will be automatically entered.

[0070] The sale setting screen G50 may display information about electronic media linked to the product for which the sale setting is set. The sale setting screen G50 may also display information about electronic media to be used during the sale period for the product for which the sale setting is set. The information about the electronic media may be identification information for the electronic media, or information about the type or quantity of the electronic media.

[0071] FIG. 9 is an example of a price change screen G60 to which the user transitions when, for example, the user presses the F07 button while the product detail information screen G20 is displayed. The price change screen G60 accepts input for price changes. The company code, store code, product code, and product name are displayed on the price change screen G60. This information is displayed by carrying over the information that was displayed on the product detail information screen G20. In this way, a configuration that allows transition from the product detail information screen G20 to the price change screen G60 eliminates the need to search for the product again when processing a price change, making it highly convenient.

[0072] The price change screen G60 also displays an area for inputting the POS selling price. The POS selling price input area accepts free input of a numerical value. The selling price before the change is also displayed adjacent to the POS selling price.

[0073] The POS selling price input via the selling price change screen G60 is recorded in the product master 201 of the product information management device 1. The changed POS selling price recorded in the product master 201 is also reflected in the ESL information master 202, and is reflected in the selling price displayed on the ESL 71. The POS selling price is then transmitted to the store controller 50 via the communication processing unit 24. The POS selling price stored in the product master 201 of the product information management device 1 is referenced by the POS terminal 51 when settling the purchase price. In other words, the product information management device 1 can centrally manage POS selling prices.

[0074] The product information management device 1 reflects the changed POS selling price in different orders depending on the increase or decrease in the POS selling price. For example, if the POS selling price is reduced, the change is first reflected in the POS terminal 51, and then in the ESL information master 202. If the POS selling price is reduced, the change may be reflected simultaneously in the POS terminal 51 and the ESL information master 202. On the other hand, if the POS selling price is increased, the change is first reflected in the ESL information master 202, and then in the POS terminal 51. Customers at the store look at the selling price displayed on the ESL 71, add the product to their cart, and then pay at the POS terminal 51. Therefore, if the POS selling price is reduced, and the change is reflected first in the POS terminal 51, even if the price has not yet been reflected in the ESL 71, the selling price at the time of payment will be lower than what the customer noticed, ensuring customer satisfaction. Furthermore, when the POS selling price is increased, by first reflecting the change in the ESL information master 202 and then reflecting the change in the ESL 71, the POS selling price on the POS terminal 51 will be lower than the selling price displayed on the ESL 71, thereby ensuring customer satisfaction. Whether the POS selling price is increased or decreased, the product information management device 1 sets the change in the POS selling price for the POS terminal 51 and the ESL information master 202 after a predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time is set appropriately based on, for example, the average length of stay of customers. By setting a time equal to or longer than the average length of stay, problems caused by price changes can be prevented by changing one POS selling price after the customers staying there have changed and there are no customers who have checked the ESL 71 before the change and are trying to purchase the product.

[0075] The product information management device 1 may also display a screen on the display unit 13 that lists information about the ESLs 71. In this case, for example, the identification information of the ESLs 71, the product information associated with the ESLs 71, and whether the ESLs 71 have been used may be displayed in association with one another. Furthermore, project information associated with the ESLs 71 may also be displayed. This configuration makes it clear at a glance which ESLs 71 are used for which products, providing a high level of convenience. Furthermore, since unused ESLs 71 can be identified at a glance, unnecessary ESLs 71 can be returned when ESLs are being rented on a subscription basis, which can help rationally reduce the rental costs of electronic media in stores. Furthermore, since the type of unused ESLs 71 can be identified, the store manager can be prompted to decide to replace them with a more frequently used type of ESLs 71. Furthermore, letting the store manager know which types of ESLs are used less frequently can serve as an opportunity to encourage the use of ESLs 71.

[0076] ●Example of a handheld terminal 100 screen 10 to 13, we will explain the screens displayed on the handy terminal 100 linked to the product information management device 1. Screens G70 to G150 shown in Fig. 10 to 13 are displayed when the handy terminal 100 accesses the product information management device 1.

[0077] 10(a) is an example of a screen G70 that accepts login information on the handheld terminal 100. This screen accepts input of, for example, company identification information, API identification information, and terminal identification information. If the input login information is appropriate, the screen transitions to screen G80.

[0078] 10(b) is an example of a menu screen G80 that accepts the selection of a menu to be operated on the handheld terminal 100. On the menu screen G80, for example, an operator that accepts the setting of a POP advertisement and an operator that accepts the operation to change the selling price, the plan, etc. are displayed.

[0079] FIG. 10(c) is an example of a screen that can be transitioned to from the menu screen G80, namely, a POP advertisement setting screen G90 that accepts settings related to POP advertisements. The POP advertisement setting screen G90 displays the identification information of the terminal on which the screen G90 is displayed and the posting date of the POP advertisement being set. Screen G90 also displays an area that displays the results of reading a barcode that specifies the identification information of a product. After selecting the call button on screen G90, the product barcode is read using handheld terminal 100, and information corresponding to the read information, such as the product name and barcode number, is displayed in the area. When the product identification information is called on screen G90, a list of the associated POP advertisements and an image of the POP advertisement are displayed, and appropriate print instructions are accepted.

[0080] FIG. 10(d) is an example of a screen that can be transitioned to from the menu screen G80, and is an example of a product information call screen G100. Similar to screen G90, screen G100 displays an area that displays the results of reading a barcode that specifies product identification information. When the call button on screen G100 is selected and the product barcode is read using handheld terminal 100, information corresponding to the read information, such as the product name and barcode number, is displayed in that area. Furthermore, when product identification information is called on screen G100, the screen transitions to setting screen G110 shown in FIG. 11.

[0081] 11 is an example of a setting screen G110 displayed on the handheld terminal 100 and used to accept changes to the selling price or promotion. For example, the setting screen G110 displays product information and promotion information linked to the identification information of the product called up on the screen G100 on the same screen. Examples of product information displayed include the barcode, manufacturer, product name, standard capacity, and POS selling price. Examples of promotion information displayed include the promotion header, the start date and time of the promotion, and the end date and time of the promotion. Furthermore, the promotion information included in the promotion header and linked to the called-up product information displays the sale price, the identification information of the sale promotion, the sale name, the start date and time of the sale, the end date and time of the sale, and the like.

[0082] Also, at the bottom of the settings screen G110, there are displayed a "Back" button to return to the previous screen, a "Plan / Change" button to transition to a plan change screen G120 which accepts operations to change the plan, a "Sale / Change" button to transition to a selling price change screen G130 which accepts operations to change the selling price, a "Special / Change" button to transition to a special sale change screen G140 which accepts operations to change the contents of the special sale plan, and a "Special / New" button to transition to a new special sale registration screen G150 which accepts operations to register a new special sale plan.

[0083] 12 shows an example of a plan change screen G120, which displays a list of plan information set for a specified product along with the product's identification information (barcode number) and product name. Each piece of plan information displays, for example, the priority, plan header, target period, and plan status. The bottom of the screen G120 also displays an area for accepting selection input of the set plan header from a drop-down list, and an area for accepting input to change the start date / time, end date / time, and status of the selected plan information.

[0084] 13(a) is an example of the selling price change screen G130, which automatically displays the POS selling price set for the specified product along with the product's identification information (barcode number) and product name. In addition, below the POS selling price, an area for inputting the changed selling price is displayed.

[0085] FIG. 13(b) shows an example of the sale change screen G140, which allows the identification information (barcode number) and product name of a specified product, along with the plan information set for that product, to be displayed by selecting a plan header from a drop-down list. When a plan header is selected, the sale information linked to the selected plan header, such as the sale plan identification information, sale name, sale price, sale start date and time, and sale end date and time, is displayed below the plan header selection field. Screen G140 also displays an input area for changeable sale information set for the selected plan header. Changeable sale information includes, for example, the sale type, sale price, sale start date and time, and sale end date and time.

[0086] 13(c) is an example of a new sale registration screen G150, which displays the identification information (barcode number) and product name of the identified product, as well as an area for accepting input of information related to registering a new sale for that product. This area includes, for example, a drop-down list for accepting selection input of a project header, a drop-down list for accepting selection input of a sale type, a field for accepting free input of the sale price, and fields for accepting input of the sale start date and time and sale end date and time. By entering information on the new sale registration screen G150, the user can register a new sale from the handheld terminal 100. This configuration provides a high level of convenience, as the user can register a sale while viewing products and display shelves on the sales floor, for example.

[0087] ● Overview of implementation The present invention relates to a product information management system.

[0088] As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-146555, a system is known in which data such as product selling prices received from a management device are electronically displayed on a shelf label display.

[0089] In this regard, the shelf tag file, which associates product codes with shelf tag identification information, is stored separately from product information and information about special sales plans, making it difficult to centrally check information about product sales, which is cumbersome.

[0090] Therefore, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a product information management system that can centrally manage information related to product sales.

[0091] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the product information management system of the present invention comprises a first setting unit that sets project information for product information relating to a product, a second setting unit that sets electronic medium information to be displayed on an electronic medium relating to the product for the product information, and a display unit that displays a first screen that simultaneously displays the product information, the project information, and the electronic medium information for a specified product.

[0092] When a predetermined operation is received while the first screen is being displayed, the screen displayed on the display unit may transition to a second screen for setting the project information for the predetermined product.

[0093] The second setting unit may be capable of setting multiple pieces of electronic medium information for one of the products, and the display unit may display the multiple pieces of electronic medium information on the first screen in the product information of the product for which multiple pieces of electronic medium information have been set.

[0094] The second setting unit may be capable of setting at least first electronic medium information that associates the product information with the project information or second electronic medium information based only on the product information for the product information, and the display unit may be configured to identifiably display on the first screen whether the first electronic medium information or the second electronic medium information has been set for the electronic medium.

[0095] The first setting unit may acquire information that can identify the setting entity that entered the project information to be set, and the display unit may display the setting entity of the project information in an identifiable manner on the first screen.

[0096] The first setting unit may acquire the type of device that sent the project information to be set, and the display unit may display the type of device that sent the project information in an identifiable manner on the first screen.

[0097] According to the present invention, information relating to the sale of products can be managed in a unified manner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1:Product information management device 13: Display section 23: Setting section (first setting section, second setting section) 200: Product information management system G20:Product details screen G30: Project list screen G40: Planning Settings Screen

Claims

1. a first setting unit that sets project information for product information relating to a product; a second setting unit that sets electronic medium information to be displayed on an electronic medium related to the product for the product information; a display unit that displays a first screen that simultaneously displays the product information, the project information, and the electronic medium information for a predetermined product; A product information management system comprising:

2. When a predetermined operation is received while the first screen is being displayed, the screen displayed on the display unit transitions to a second screen for setting the project information of the predetermined product. The product information management system according to claim 1.

3. the second setting unit is capable of setting a plurality of pieces of electronic medium information for one of the products, the display unit displays the plurality of pieces of electronic medium information on the first screen in the product information of the product for which the plurality of pieces of electronic medium information are set. The product information management system according to claim 1.

4. the second setting unit is capable of setting, for the product information, at least, first electronic medium information that associates the product information with the project information or second electronic medium information that is based only on the product information, the display unit displays, on the first screen, whether the first electronic medium information or the second electronic medium information is set for the electronic medium in an identifiable manner. The product information management system according to claim 1.

5. The first setting unit acquires information that can identify a setting entity that inputs the project information to be set, The display unit displays the setting subject of the project information on the first screen in an identifiable manner. The product information management system according to claim 1.

6. The first setting unit acquires a type of a device that has transmitted the project information to be set; the display unit displays, on the first screen, a type of the device that transmitted the project information in an identifiable manner. The product information management system according to claim 1.

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