DISPLAY CONTROL SYSTEM, CENTRE APPARATUS, STORE APPARATUS, PROCESSING METHOD FOR CENTRE APPARATUS, AND PROCESSING METHOD FOR STORE APPARATUS

Abstract

This center device (10) acquires authentication information that includes manufacturer identification information from an external terminal (40) and, if authentication is successful, acquires, from that external terminal (40), control information that includes information designating at least one of display terminals (30) installed in a store and information designating content to be displayed on the designated display terminal (30). The center device (10) then transmits the control information to a prescribed store device (20). The store device (20) causes the display terminal (30) designated by the control information to display the content designated by the control information.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display control system, a center device, a store device, a processing method of the center device, a processing method of the store device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Techniques related to the present invention are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 4.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a printer installed in a retail store prints updated advertising media using update information sent from a manufacturer's server. Patent Documents 2 to 4 disclose technologies related to electronic shelf labels. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-106249 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2001-222632 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2008-123046 A [Patent Document 4] Special Publication No. 2014-519638 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, electronic shelf labels have become display media capable of displaying not only product names and prices but also various other information. Electronic shelf labels are installed for each product. For this reason, many display media capable of displaying various information are being installed in stores. There is a demand for more effective use of such electronic shelf labels, rather than simply using them as display media for displaying information determined by the store.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for effectively utilizing display terminals such as electronic shelf labels installed in stores using an unprecedented method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present invention, an authentication means for acquiring authentication information including manufacturer identification information from an external terminal and performing authentication based on the authentication information; a control information acquiring means for acquiring, from the external terminal, control information including display terminal designation information for designating at least one of the display terminals installed in the store and content information for designating content to be displayed on the designated display terminal, if the authentication is successful; an output means for outputting information indicating the control information in accordance with the control information; A center device having the above configuration is provided.

[0008] Further, according to the present invention, a store acquisition means for acquiring control information including display terminal designation information for designating at least one of the display terminals installed in the store and content information for designating content to be displayed on the designated display terminal from the center device; a display control means for controlling a display of the display terminal installed in the store based on the control information; A point of sale device having the following features is provided.

[0009] Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided a display control system including the center device and the in-store device.

[0010] Further, according to the present invention, The central device Acquires authentication information including manufacturer identification information from an external terminal, and performs authentication based on the authentication information; If the authentication is successful, control information is obtained from the external terminal, the control information including display terminal designation information designating at least one of the display terminals installed in the store and content information designating content to be displayed on the designated display terminal; There is provided a processing method of a center device that outputs information indicating the control information in accordance with the control information.

[0011] Further, according to the present invention, Store equipment, acquiring, from the center device, control information including display terminal designation information designating at least one of the display terminals installed in the store and content information designating content to be displayed on the designated display terminal; A processing method for a store device is provided for controlling the display of the display terminal installed in the store based on the control information.

[0012] Further, according to the present invention, The computer of the central device an authentication means for acquiring authentication information including manufacturer identification information from an external terminal and performing authentication based on the authentication information; a control information acquiring means for acquiring, from the external terminal, control information including display terminal designation information for designating at least one of the display terminals installed in the store and content information for designating content to be displayed on the designated display terminal, if the authentication is successful; an output means for outputting information indicating the control information in accordance with the control information; A program is provided to function as a

[0013] Further, according to the present invention, The computer of the store equipment, a store acquisition means for acquiring control information including display terminal designation information for designating at least one of the display terminals installed in the store and content information for designating content to be displayed on the designated display terminal from the center device; a display control means for controlling a display of the display terminal installed in the store based on the control information; A program is provided to function as a Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, a technique is realized that effectively utilizes display terminals such as electronic shelf labels installed in stores in a novel manner. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overall picture of a display control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a center device according to the present embodiment; [Figure 4] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of information processed by the display control system according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of information processed by the display control system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of information processed by the display control system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow of the center device of the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an example of a functional block diagram of a store device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 4A to 4C are diagrams for explaining a specific example of processing of the display control system of the present embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of a store device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of information processed by the display control system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a center device according to the present embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0017] <First embodiment> "overview" The display control system of this embodiment is used in a retail store that uses display terminals such as electronic shelf labels. The display control system enables manufacturers of products handled (sold) at the retail store to display desired information on display terminals installed in the retail store. The display control system has a configuration that realizes such an effect.

[0018] "The big picture" Next, an overall view of the display control system of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The display control system has a center device 10 and a store device 20. The display control system may further include a display terminal 30. Note that this embodiment is premised on the display terminal 30 being an electronic shelf label, but modified examples will be described below.

[0019] The center device 10 is installed in a headquarters that manages multiple stores. The in-store devices 20 are installed in each of the multiple stores. The display terminals 30 are installed in each of the multiple stores. The display terminals 30 are linked to each product handled in each store and installed in predetermined positions on the display shelves. The external terminals 40 are terminals operated by manufacturers of the products handled in the stores.

[0020] The center device 10 and each of the multiple in-store devices 20 can communicate with each other via wired and / or wireless communication. Also, the in-store devices 20 installed in each store can communicate with each of the multiple display terminals 30 via wired and / or wireless communication. Also, the center device 10 and each of the external terminals 40 of the multiple manufacturers can communicate with each other via wired and / or wireless communication.

[0021] The process realized by these devices is outlined below. First, the manufacturer operates the external terminal 40 to access the center device 10 and transmits authentication information including manufacturer identification information to the center device 10. After the authentication is successful, the manufacturer transmits control information to the center device 10 via the external terminal 40, the control information including display terminal designation information that designates at least one of the display terminals 30 installed in the store and content information that designates the content to be displayed on the designated display terminal 30.

[0022] The center device 10 receives the control information transmitted by the authorized manufacturer who has been successfully authenticated. Then, the center device 10 transmits the received control information to a predetermined in-store device 20. The in-store device 20 that has received the control information causes a predetermined display terminal 30 to display a predetermined content based on the control information.

[0023] "Hardware Configuration" Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the center device 10 and the in-store device 20 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the center device 10 and the in-store device 20. Each functional unit of the center device 10 and the in-store device 20 is realized by any combination of hardware and software, centering on a central processing unit (CPU) of any computer, memory, programs loaded into the memory, a storage unit such as a hard disk for storing the programs (programs stored beforehand at the stage of shipping the device, as well as programs downloaded from storage media such as a compact disc (CD) or a server on the Internet, can be stored), and a network connection interface. Those skilled in the art will understand that there are various variations in the realization method and device.

[0024] 2, each of the center device 10 and the in-store device 20 has a processor 1A, a memory 2A, an input / output interface 3A, a peripheral circuit 4A, and a bus 5A. The peripheral circuit 4A includes various modules. At least one of the center device 10 and the in-store device 20 does not necessarily have to have the peripheral circuit 4A.

[0025] Each of the center device 10 and the in-store device 20 may be composed of multiple devices that are physically and / or logically separated, or may be composed of a single device that is physically and logically integrated. In the former case, each device may have the above hardware configuration.

[0026] The bus 5A is a data transmission path for the processor 1A, memory 2A, peripheral circuit 4A, and input / output interface 3A to transmit and receive data to each other. The processor 1A is an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The memory 2A is a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The input / output interface 3A includes an interface for acquiring information from an input device, an external device, an external server, an external sensor, etc., and an interface for outputting information to an output device, an external device, an external server, etc. Examples of the input device include a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, etc. Examples of the output device include a display, a speaker, a printer, a mailer, etc. The processor 1A can issue commands to each module and perform calculations based on the results of those calculations.

[0027] "Function Configuration" -Center device 10- 3, the center device 10 includes an authentication unit 11, a control information acquisition unit 12, an output unit 13, and a storage unit 14. The center device 10 does not need to include the storage unit 14. In this case, an external device configured to be able to communicate with the center device 10 includes the storage unit 14.

[0028] The authentication unit 11 acquires authentication information including manufacturer identification information from the external terminal 40, and performs authentication based on the authentication information. For the authentication process performed by the authentication unit 11, any conventional authentication technology can be adopted.

[0029] For example, the center device 10 provides a login page to the external terminal 40 that has accessed via the communication network. The external terminal 40 displays the login page on its own display and accepts input of authentication information including manufacturer identification information on the login page. Then, the external terminal 40 transmits the input authentication information to the center device 10. The center device 10 performs authentication processing by comparing the received authentication information with reference information (authentication information of each manufacturer) previously stored in the storage unit 14.

[0030] The manufacturer identification information is information for identifying multiple manufacturers from one another. The authentication information may include, in addition to the manufacturer identification information, a password, a one-time password, biometric information of the manufacturer's personnel (face information, fingerprint information, iris information, voiceprint information, etc.), keywords, etc.

[0031] If the authentication by the authentication unit 11 is successful, the control information acquisition unit 12 acquires, from the external terminal 40, control information for controlling the display of the display terminal 30 installed in the store.

[0032] For example, after the center device 10 has been successfully authenticated by the authentication unit 11, it provides the external terminal 40 with a user page for inputting control information. The external terminal 40 displays the page on its own display and accepts input of control information on the page. Then, the external terminal 40 transmits the input control information to the center device 10.

[0033] The control information includes at least one of store designation information, display terminal designation information, content information, and display conditions.

[0034] "Store designation information" is information that designates a store that is to be subject to display control of the display terminal 30. At least one of a plurality of stores is designated by the store designation information. When the control information does not include such store designation information, all stores may be designated as the target of display control of the display terminal 30. An example of store designation will be described below.

[0035] -Store designation example 1- The store designation information may be information that designates a desired store by store identification information such as a store name, etc. In this case, the manufacturer inputs the store identification information of the desired store into the external terminal 40 as the store designation information.

[0036] -Store designation example 2- In addition, the store designation information may be information that designates a desired store by store attributes, such as, but not limited to, the store location, the surrounding environment of the store, the products handled by the store, and the management type (headquarters-operated store / franchise store).

[0037] In this case, the manufacturer inputs the desired store attribute as store designation information to the external terminal 40. Then, the center device 10 searches for a store that meets the designated store attribute based on the previously generated store information, and specifies the searched store as a target for display control of the display terminal 30. The store information is information indicating the store attribute of each of a plurality of stores, and is stored in the storage unit 14 and / or the storage unit 23 of each store device 20.

[0038] Examples of store attributes specified by manufacturers include conditions such as "stores located in Tokyo", "stores with a station within 100 meters", "stores that sell product A", "stores directly managed by the headquarters", and conditions that combine multiple such conditions with a predetermined logical operator. Note that these examples are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0039] -Store designation example 3- Alternatively, the store designation information may be information that designates all stores. In this case, the manufacturer inputs, to the external terminal 40, the store designation information that designates all stores.

[0040] The "display terminal designation information" is information that designates the display terminal 30 that is the target of display control. At least one of the multiple display terminals 30 installed in the store is designated by the display terminal designation information. If the control information does not include such display terminal designation information, all display terminals 30 or those linked to products of each manufacturer are designated. R All display terminals 30 may be designated as targets for display control. The manufacturer may input the display terminal designation information for each store, or may input the display terminal designation information for multiple stores at once. An example of display terminal designation will be described below.

[0041] -Display device specification example 1- The display terminal designation information may include, for example, information identifying the linked product (product identification information such as product name and product code) as information for designating the display terminal 30. In a store, multiple display terminals 30 are installed linked to multiple products, and each display terminal 30 linked to each product displays information about the linked product (product name, unit price, etc.). Therefore, the display terminal 30 can be designated by the product identification information.

[0042] In this case, the manufacturer inputs the desired product identification information to the external terminal 40 as display terminal designation information. Then, at least one of the center device 10 and the store device 20 specifies the display terminal 30 linked to the display terminal designation information (product identification information) as a target for display control, based on the display terminal attribute information generated in advance. The display terminal attribute information is information indicating a linking relationship between each of the multiple display terminals 30 and the product, as shown in FIG. 4, and is stored in the storage unit 14 and / or the storage unit 23 of each store device 20. The display terminal attribute information is generated for each store. The display terminal attribute information shown in FIG. 4 links the display terminal identification information and the product identification information to each other.

[0043] -Display device specification example 2- In addition, the display terminal designation information may include information indicating an installation position in a store as information for designating the display terminal 30. In this case, the manufacturer inputs a desired installation position to the external terminal 40 as the display terminal designation information. Then, at least one of the center device 10 and the store device 20 specifies the display terminal 30 that matches the display terminal designation information (installation position) as a target for display control based on the display terminal attribute information generated in advance. The display terminal attribute information is information indicating the installation position of each of the multiple display terminals 30 as shown in FIG. 4, and is stored in the storage unit 14 and / or the storage unit 23 of each store device 20. The display terminal attribute information is generated for each store. The display terminal attribute information shown in FIG. 4 links the display terminal identification information and the position information indicating the installation position of each display terminal 30 to each other.

[0044] In the illustrated example, the installation location of the display terminal 30 is indicated by the aisle number, shelf number, and shelf level, but may be indicated by other methods. Although not illustrated, information indicating the attributes of each display shelf and each aisle (in front of the cash register, near the entrance, aisle leading to the cash register, etc.) may also be included.

[0045] Examples of the installation location specified by the manufacturer include conditions such as "the display area on the second shelf from the top," "the display area facing the aisle leading to the cash register," "the display shelf in front of the cash register," "the display shelf near the entrance," and conditions in which multiple such conditions are connected with a predetermined logical operator. Note that this is merely an example and is not limiting.

[0046] -Display device specification example 3- The center device 10 may also transmit an image showing the in-store layout (showing the layout of display shelves) of each store to the external terminal 40 and display it. The manufacturer may then input information specifying a desired installation position (such as input specifying a display shelf or a tier) on the in-store layout.

[0047] -Display device specification example 4- Each manufacturer may be able to specify only the display terminal 30 associated with the product of that manufacturer. In other words, the display terminal specification information input by each manufacturer may be information specifying at least one of the display terminals 30 associated with the product of that manufacturer. In this case, the control information acquisition unit 12 judges whether the display terminal specification information acquired in any of the above display terminal specification examples 1 to 3 satisfies the condition. If the condition is not satisfied, error information is returned to the external terminal 40.

[0048] For example, when product identification information is acquired as the display terminal designation information, the control information acquisition unit 12 judges whether the product identified by the acquired product identification information is a product of that manufacturer based on product information (see FIG. 5) previously stored in the storage unit 14 and / or the storage unit 23 of each in-store device 20. If the product identified by the acquired product identification information is not a product of that manufacturer, error information is returned to the external terminal 40. The product information shown in FIG. 5 includes product identification information, product name, and manufacturer identification information. information and the unit price are linked to each other.

[0049] In addition, for example, when information indicating an installation position in a store is acquired as the display terminal designation information, the control information acquisition unit 12 judges whether the manufacturer's product is displayed at the position designated by the acquired display terminal designation information based on the above-mentioned display terminal attribute information (see FIG. 4) and product information (see FIG. 5). If the manufacturer's product is not displayed at the position designated by the acquired display terminal designation information, error information is returned to the external terminal 40.

[0050] -Display device specification example 5- The display terminal designation information input by the manufacturer may be information designating all display terminals 30 linked to the products of each manufacturer. In this case, the manufacturer inputs to the external terminal 40, as the display terminal designation information, designating all display terminals 30 linked to the products of the manufacturer.

[0051] "Content information" is information that specifies the content to be displayed on the display terminal 30 specified as the target of display control. The content is, for example, advertisements, campaign information, coupons, product-related information, etc. The product-related information may include the URL of a web page (such as a product introduction page) related to the product prepared by the manufacturer. The URL may be displayed as a QR code (registered trademark). Note that the content of product A may be displayed not only on the display terminal 30 linked to product A, but also on display terminals 30 linked to other products.

[0052] The manufacturer may input content information for each store, or may input content information for multiple stores at once. The manufacturer may input content information for each display terminal 30 designated as a display control target, or may input content information for multiple display terminals 30 at once. An example of content designation will be described below.

[0053] -Content specification example 1- The content information may be the content file itself (a still image file, a video file, an audio file, etc.). In this case, the manufacturer prepares (generates) the content itself and transmits (uploads) the content information from the external terminal 40 to the center device 10.

[0054] -Content specification example 2- Alternatively, the content information may be information (such as a file name) that specifies one of the content files previously stored in the storage unit 14. In this case, the manufacturer may transmit (upload) a content file (still image file, video file, audio file, etc.) that the manufacturer has prepared (generated) from the external terminal 40 to the center device 10 in advance and register it in the storage unit 14. Alternatively, a content file previously transmitted to the center device 10 as content information may be stored in the storage unit 14 as it is. The manufacturer may specify one of the content files previously stored in the storage unit 14 in this way, for example.

[0055] The "display condition" is a condition (hereinafter referred to as the "display condition") for displaying the content specified in the content information on the display terminal 30 specified as the target of display control. When the display condition is met, the content is displayed on the display terminal 30.

[0056] The manufacturer may input the display conditions for each store, or may input the display conditions for multiple stores at once. The manufacturer may input the display conditions for each display terminal 30 designated as a target for display control, or may input the display conditions for multiple display terminals 30 at once.

[0057] For example, the display conditions may specify a period during which the content is to be displayed, such as "from March 1, 2020 to March 14, 2020."

[0058] Additionally, the display conditions may include specifying the day of the week on which the content is to be displayed.

[0059] In addition, the display conditions may specify a time period during which the content is to be displayed, such as "from 11:00 to 17:00."

[0060] Other display conditions may include the weather, temperature, and store congestion status on the day the content is to be displayed.

[0061] The control information acquisition unit 12 may store the acquired control information in a group for each manufacturer in the storage unit 14. Fig. 6 shows an example of the control information registered in the storage unit 14. In the example shown, a control information number for identifying each acquired control information, a registration date and time indicating the date and time when each control information was registered in the center device 10, store designation information, display terminal designation information, display conditions, and content information are linked to each other.

[0062] 3, in accordance with the control information, the output unit 13 outputs information indicating the control information to the in-store device 20. For example, the output unit 13 transmits the control information to the in-store device 20 of the store specified by the store specification information included in the control information.

[0063] Next, an example of the flow of processing performed by the center device 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 7. As shown in the figure, the center device 10 acquires control information from the external terminal 40 and registers it in the storage unit 14 (S10). ,So The center device 10 transmits the control information to the in-store device 20 (S11). The center device 10 may obtain the control information from the external terminal 40 and perform the process of S11 in real time in response to the control information being registered in the storage unit 14. Alternatively, the process of S11 may be performed at predetermined time intervals. In this case, the center device 10 transmits to the in-store device 20 all the control information registered in the storage unit 14 between the previous transmission timing and the current transmission timing.

[0064] -Store equipment 20- As shown in the functional block diagram of Fig. 8, the in-store device 20 includes a store acquisition unit 21, a display control unit 22, and a storage unit 23. The in-store device 20 does not need to include the storage unit 23. In this case, an external device configured to be able to communicate with the in-store device 20 includes the storage unit 23.

[0065] The store acquisition unit 21 acquires control information from the center device 10. The store acquisition unit 21 also acquires a content file specified by content information included in the acquired control information from the center device 10. The store device 20 may acquire only the content file specified by the content information from the center device 10, or may acquire all of the content files stored in the storage unit 14 of the center device 10.

[0066] The display control unit 22 controls the display of the display terminal 30 installed in the store based on the control information. That is, the display control unit 22 causes the display terminal 30 specified by the display terminal specification information included in the control information to display the content specified by the content information included in the control information. Furthermore, the display control unit 22 causes the content specified by the content information to be displayed at a timing matching the display conditions included in the control information.

[0067] When there are multiple contents to be displayed on one display terminal 30, the display control unit 22 can determine the contents to be displayed on the display terminal 30 based on a predetermined priority order. A specific example of this process will be described. Note that this is merely an example and is not intended to be limiting.

[0068] In this specific example, the control of the display terminal 30 is classified into five patterns shown in FIG.

[0069] "1. Normal display" is a control pattern for normal times when there is no manufacturer control or temporary control. The content for this control is determined by the retail store headquarters. The manufacturer of each product may also determine the content for this control. During this control, relatively simple content is displayed, including, for example, the product name, unit price, and simple pop-up information for each product, with little or no promotional information. When there is no control based on other control patterns, content is displayed on the display terminal 30 in this normal control pattern.

[0070] "2. Conditional Promotion Display" is one pattern of manufacturer control. The manufacturer specifies a relatively long period and performs this control. The manufacturer decides the content during this control. The manufacturer performs this control by setting various display conditions, for example, as shown in the figure.

[0071] "3. Planned promotional display switching" is one pattern of manufacturer control. The manufacturer specifies a relatively short period of time and performs this control. The manufacturer decides the content during this control. The manufacturer performs this control by setting various display conditions, for example, as shown in the figure.

[0072] "4. Instant manufacturer promotional display" is one pattern of manufacturer control. This control is a control in which the manufacturer instantly changes the content displayed on the display terminal 30. The content during this control is determined by the manufacturer. The manufacturer exercises control to instantly change the content displayed on the display terminal 30 based on, for example, the reasons shown in the figure.

[0073] "5. Instant store promotion display" is a control that allows the manager or clerk of each store, or the retail store headquarters, to instantly change the content displayed on the display terminal 30. For example, the control information may specify multiple options as the content to be displayed on each display terminal 30. The manager or clerk of each store, or the retail store headquarters, may then specify one of the options to display, or change the displayed content to another content (option). The manager or clerk of each store, or the retail store headquarters, may also change the displayed content of a certain control pattern to another control pattern. The input of these controls by the manager or clerk, or the retail store headquarters, may be performed via an input device of the store device 20, may be performed via the display terminal 30, or may be performed via another device.

[0074] In this example, priorities are assigned to the five control patterns as shown in Fig. 9. When there are contents of multiple control patterns as contents to be displayed on one display terminal 30, the display control unit 22 displays the content of the control pattern with the higher priority at that time.

[0075] Next, an example of the flow of processing performed by the in-store device 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 10. As shown in the figure, when the in-store device 20 acquires control information from the center device 10 (S20), the in-store device 20 controls the display of the display terminal 30 based on the control information (S21).

[0076] "Action and effect" According to the display control system of this embodiment, it becomes possible for a manufacturer of a product (item being sold) handled by a retail store to display desired information on a display terminal 30 installed in the retail store. As a result, it becomes possible to effectively utilize the display terminal 30 installed in the store in a manner not previously seen.

[0077] <Second embodiment> The in-store device 20 of this embodiment has a function of notifying a store manager or a store clerk of the display terminal 30 that is displaying the content based on the control information. For example, the in-store device 20 may cause the display terminal 30 that is displaying the content based on the control information to execute an output indicating that fact. For example, the in-store device 20 may turn on or blink a light of the display terminal 30, or turn on / blink in a predetermined color.

[0078] In addition, the store device 20 may cause other output devices to display a list of the display terminals 30 that are displaying content based on the control information. Furthermore, the store device 20 may cause other output devices to display information about the display terminal 30 that started displaying the content based on the control information (the position of the display terminal 30, identification information of the linked product, the manufacturer name, etc.) at the timing when the display of the content based on the control information is started. Furthermore, the store device 20 may cause other output devices to display information about the display terminal 30 that ended displaying the content based on the control information (the position of the display terminal 30, identification information of the linked product, the manufacturer name, etc.).

[0079] Examples of the other output devices include a point of sales (POS) register installed in a store and a computer installed in a store. These devices and the in-store device 20 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via wire and / or wirelessly. The other output devices may be portable devices such as smartphones, tablet terminals, mobile phones, and smart watches. The in-store device 20 may transmit the above information to these devices using email, an app, or the like.

[0080] The other configuration of the display control system is similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0081] According to the display control system of this embodiment, the same action and effect as in the first embodiment is realized. Moreover, according to the display control system of this embodiment, the store manager or the store clerk can know which display terminal 30 is displaying the content under the manufacturer's control.

[0082] <Third embodiment> In the display control system of this embodiment, a manufacturer can change the unit price of its own products and display the changed unit price on the display terminal 30. The manufacturer designates a store and a product (designates the display terminal 30) in the same way as inputting control information, and then designates the unit price of the designated product and transmits control information indicating them to the center device 10. The center device 10 transmits the control information to the store device 20 of the designated store.

[0083] The in-store device 20 updates the product master stored in the storage unit 23 based on the received control information. Specifically, the in-store device 20 changes the unit price of the product specified in the received control information to the unit price specified in the received control information. The in-store device 20 then changes the unit price displayed on the display terminal 30 associated with the product to the changed unit price.

[0084] The other configurations of the display control system are similar to those of the first and second embodiments.

[0085] According to the display control system of this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments are achieved. Moreover, according to the display control system of this embodiment, manufacturers can freely set the unit prices of their own products.

[0086] <Fourth embodiment> The store device 20 of this embodiment can store history information indicating a history of controlling the display of the display terminal 30 based on the control information, for each manufacturer, in the storage unit 23. An example of the history information is shown in Fig. 11. In the example shown, the date and time when the display control (display of content) of the display terminal 30 based on the control information started (control start date and time) and the date and time when the display control ended (control end date and time), a control information number that identifies the control information, display terminal identification information that identifies the display terminal 30 that controlled the display, and a content type that indicates the type of the displayed content are all linked together.

[0087] The content type may be a classification according to the content, such as advertisement, campaign information, product-related information, price change, etc. Alternatively, the content type may indicate the control pattern described with reference to FIG.

[0088] 12, the center device 10 of this embodiment further includes a calculation unit 15. The calculation unit 15 calculates a usage fee for the display terminal 30 to be charged to the manufacturer based on the display control content of the display terminal 30 based on the control information. The manufacturer pays the calculated usage fee to the retail store as compensation for the use of the display terminal 30. The calculation unit 15 can calculate the usage fee based on the history information shown in FIG. 11, for example.

[0089] The calculation unit 15 may calculate the usage fee based on the number of display terminals 30 used. In this case, the more the number, the higher the usage fee. Alternatively, the calculation unit 15 may calculate the usage fee based on the control time of the display terminal 30 (the display time of the content). In this case, the longer the control time, the higher the usage fee. The fee per unit or the fee per hour may correspond to the type of content displayed. In addition, the fee per unit or the fee per hour may differ for each display terminal 30 depending on the installation position of the display terminal 30. For example, the fee per unit or the fee per hour can be higher for a display terminal 30 installed in a position that is easily visible to customers, such as in front of the cash register, near the entrance, or at eye level.

[0090] Alternatively, the calculation unit 15 may calculate the usage fee based on the effect achieved by controlling the display terminal 30. For example, based on the sales performance during normal times (sales amount per unit time, number of items sold, profit margin, etc.) and the sales performance when the display terminal 30 is under manufacturer control, an index (increase, increase rate, etc.) showing how much the sales performance has increased from normal times may be calculated. The calculation unit 15 may then calculate the usage fee based on this index. In this case, the more favorable the effect achieved by controlling the display terminal 30 is (the greater the increase or increase rate), the higher the usage fee will be.

[0091] In addition, when the unit price of the product is changed in the control information, the calculation unit 15 may calculate the usage fee based on the difference between the unit price before and after the change. For example, the calculation unit 15 may calculate the usage fee by multiplying the difference by the number of products sold during that time.

[0092] The calculation unit 15 may also calculate the usage fee based on the number of accesses to the manufacturer's website from the QR code (registered trademark) displayed on the display terminal 30 under manufacturer control. In this case, the more the number of accesses, the higher the usage fee. There are no particular limitations on the means for determining the number of accesses to a specific website, and any technology may be adopted.

[0093] The calculation unit 15 may also calculate the usage fee based on the product purchase record from the manufacturer's site. In this case, the usage fee will be higher as the purchase record (purchase quantity, purchase amount, profit, etc.) increases.

[0094] The calculation unit 15 may also calculate the usage fee based on the usage status of a coupon displayed under manufacturer control on the display terminal 30. In this case, the usage fee increases as the frequency of use of the coupon (number of times of use, etc.) increases.

[0095] The other configurations of the display control system are similar to those of the first to third embodiments.

[0096] The display control system of this embodiment achieves the same effects as those of the first to third embodiments. In addition, the display control system of this embodiment makes it possible to calculate compensation (usage fee) for the manufacturer's use of the display terminal 30. The retail store obtains the usage fee from the manufacturer, so that both the manufacturer and the retail store can obtain profits from the manufacturer's use of the display terminal 30.

[0097] <Modification> Here, a modified example applicable to all the embodiments will be described. In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the display terminal 30 installed in the store is an electronic shelf label. As a modified example, the display terminal 30 may be a device other than an electronic shelf label, for example, a digital shelf (shelf label, a display terminal in the store, etc.). Furthermore, the display terminal 30 may include an electronic shelf label and a device other than an electronic shelf label. In this modified example, the same action and effect are achieved by the same processing as in the above embodiment.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the center device 10 transmits control information to the store device 20, and the store device 20 controls the display of a specific display terminal 30 based on the control information. As a modified example, the center device 10 may control the display of a specific display terminal 30 based on the control information without going through the store device 20. In other words, the center device 10 may transmit a content file to the display terminal 30 without going through the store device 20. The output unit 13 of the center device 10 may have the function of the display control unit 22 of the store device 20 described above.

[0099] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can also be adopted.

[0100] In this specification, "acquisition" includes at least one of the following: "the device itself goes to retrieve data stored in another device or storage medium (active acquisition)" based on user input or based on program instructions, such as receiving data by making a request or inquiry to another device, or accessing another device or storage medium and reading it, and "the device itself inputs data output from another device (passive acquisition)" based on user input or based on program instructions, such as receiving data that is distributed (or transmitted, push notification, etc.), and selecting and acquiring data from among the received data or information, and "editing data (converting it to text, rearranging data, extracting some data, changing the file format, etc.) to generate new data and acquiring the new data."

[0101] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. 1. An authentication means for acquiring authentication information including manufacturer identification information from an external terminal and performing authentication based on the authentication information; a control information acquiring means for acquiring, from the external terminal, control information including display terminal designation information for designating at least one of the display terminals installed in the store and content information for designating content to be displayed on the designated display terminal, if the authentication is successful; an output means for outputting information indicating the control information in accordance with the control information; A center device having the above configuration. 2. The center device according to 1, wherein the control information acquisition means acquires the control information further including store designation information that designates the store in which the content is to be displayed. 3. The center device according to 1 or 2, wherein the control information acquisition means acquires the control information further including a display condition for displaying the content on the display terminal designated by the display terminal designation information. 4. The display terminal is an electronic shelf label; In the store, a plurality of the electronic shelf labels are installed in association with a plurality of products, 4. The center device according to any one of 1 to 3, wherein the display terminal designation information includes information for identifying the linked product as information for designating the display terminal. 5. A center device according to any one of 1 to 4, wherein the display terminal designation information includes information indicating an installation position within the store as information for designating the display terminal. 6. The display terminal is an electronic shelf label; In the store, a plurality of the electronic shelf labels are installed in association with a plurality of products, 6. The center device according to any one of 1 to 5, wherein the display terminal designation information input by each manufacturer is information designating at least one of the display terminals linked to the product of each manufacturer. 7. The center device according to any one of 1 to 6, further comprising a calculation means for calculating a usage fee for the display terminal to be charged to a manufacturer in accordance with the display control content of the display terminal based on the control information. 8. A store acquisition means for acquiring control information including display terminal designation information for designating at least one of the display terminals installed in the store and content information for designating content to be displayed on the designated display terminal from the center device according to any one of 1 to 7; a display control means for controlling a display of the display terminal installed in the store based on the control information; A store device having the above configuration. 9. The store device according to claim 8, wherein when there are multiple contents to be displayed on one of the display terminals, the display control means determines the contents to be displayed on the display terminal based on a predetermined priority order. 10. A display control system having a center device described in any one of 1 to 7 and a store device described in 8 or 9. 11. The central device Acquires authentication information including manufacturer identification information from an external terminal, and performs authentication based on the authentication information; If the authentication is successful, control information is obtained from the external terminal, the control information including display terminal designation information designating at least one of the display terminals installed in the store and content information designating content to be displayed on the designated display terminal; A processing method of a center device that outputs information indicating the control information in accordance with the control information. 12. Store equipment: acquiring control information including display terminal designation information designating at least one of the display terminals installed in the store and content information designating content to be displayed on the designated display terminal from the center device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; A processing method for a store device that controls the display of the display terminal installed in the store based on the control information. 13. The computer of the central device an authentication means for acquiring authentication information including manufacturer identification information from an external terminal and performing authentication based on the authentication information; a control information acquiring means for acquiring, from the external terminal, control information including display terminal designation information for designating at least one of the display terminals installed in the store and content information for designating content to be displayed on the designated display terminal, if the authentication is successful; an output means for outputting information indicating the control information in accordance with the control information; A program that functions as a 14. The computer of the store equipment, a store acquisition means for acquiring control information including display terminal designation information for designating at least one of the display terminals installed in the store and content information for designating content to be displayed on the designated display terminal from the center device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; a display control means for controlling a display of the display terminal installed in the store based on the control information; A program that functions as a

[0102] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-160506, filed on September 25, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 10. Central device 11 Authentication Section 12 Control information acquisition unit 13 Output section 14 Storage section 15 Calculation section 20 Store equipment 21 Store Acquisition Department 22 Display control unit 23 Memory section 30 Display terminal 40 External Terminal

Claims

1. an authentication means for acquiring authentication information including manufacturer identification information from an external terminal and performing authentication based on the authentication information; a control information acquiring means for acquiring, from the external terminal, control information including display terminal designation information for designating at least one of the display terminals installed in the store and content information for designating content to be displayed on the designated display terminal, if the authentication is successful; an output means for outputting information indicating the control information in accordance with the control information; having the display terminal is an electronic shelf label, In the store, a plurality of the electronic shelf labels are installed in association with a plurality of products, The display terminal designation information includes information for identifying the linked product as information for designating the display terminal.

2. 2. The center device according to claim 1, wherein the control information acquiring means acquires the control information further including store designation information that designates the store in which the content is to be displayed.

3. 3. The center device according to claim 1, wherein the control information acquiring means acquires the control information further including a display condition for displaying the content on the display terminal designated by the display terminal designation information.

4. 4. The center device according to claim 1, wherein the display terminal designation information includes information indicating an installation position within the store as information for designating the display terminal.

5. 5. The center device according to claim 1, further comprising a calculation means for calculating a usage fee for said display terminal to be charged to a manufacturer in accordance with a display control content of said display terminal based on said control information.

6. a store acquiring means for acquiring control information including display terminal designation information for designating at least one of display terminals installed in a store and content information for designating content to be displayed on the designated display terminal from the center device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; a display control means for controlling a display of the display terminal installed in the store based on the control information; A store device having the above configuration.

7. A center device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; The store device according to claim 6 ; A display control system having the following:

8. The central device Acquires authentication information including manufacturer identification information from an external terminal, and performs authentication based on the authentication information; If the authentication is successful, control information is obtained from the external terminal, the control information including display terminal designation information designating at least one of the display terminals installed in the store and content information designating content to be displayed on the designated display terminal; outputting information indicating the control information in accordance with the control information; the display terminal is an electronic shelf label, In the store, a plurality of the electronic shelf labels are installed in association with a plurality of products, The display terminal designation information includes information for identifying the linked product as information for designating the display terminal.

9. Store equipment, 6. A method for acquiring control information including display terminal designation information for designating at least one of display terminals installed in a store and content information for designating content to be displayed on the designated display terminal from a center device according to claim 1, A processing method for a store device that controls the display of the display terminal installed in the store based on the control information.

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