Digital Showcase Monitoring System

Abstract

The digital showcase monitoring system is arranged in a store sales area, which is a sales floor of a store, and includes one or more showcases each having a built-in freezer built in, and a plurality of showcases connected to separate freezers, which are separate freezers placed separately via refrigerant pipes having a predetermined length, and controls the temperature of the plurality of showcases.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a digital showcase monitoring system that manages the temperature of one or more showcases, each having a built-in freezer built in, and a plurality of showcases connected to separate freezers, which are separate freezers, via refrigerant pipes having a predetermined length, which are arranged in a store sales area. [Background technology]

[0002] Various proposals have been made in the past regarding temperature control technologies for refrigerated showcases, freezer showcases, etc. in which products sold at sales floors in supermarkets, shopping malls, specialty stores, convenience stores, home improvement stores, large-scale stores that handle DIY (Do It Yourself) supplies and household goods, furniture stores, electronics stores, drugstores, department stores, etc. The applicant of the present application has also made the following proposal.

[0003] A showcase alarm system (Patent Document 1) that monitors the temperature of a showcase over time, determines if the refrigeration function of the showcase is malfunctioning based on the temperature, and calculates the expected date and time when the products in the showcase will rise to a specified temperature that is too high for refrigeration or freezing, thereby preventing product loss.

[0004] A digital internal temperature management system for electrical equipment for storing, storing, and preserving goods, which displays the internal temperature of the equipment at a designated location on the equipment where it can be seen from the outside (Patent Document 2).

[0005] A digital display promotion system (Patent Document 3) that displays temperature information, etc., in refrigerated showcases where products for sale are displayed in stores to shoppers visiting the store, thereby contributing to product sales promotion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6344785 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6661137 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 7340885 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention aims to propose a digital showcase monitoring system that manages the temperature of one or more showcases, each having a built-in freezer built in, and a plurality of showcases connected to separate freezers, which are separate freezers, via refrigerant pipes having a predetermined length, which are arranged in a store sales area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention can be exemplified as follows. [1] A digital showcase monitoring system for managing the temperature of one or more showcases, each having a built-in freezer built in, and a plurality of showcases connected to a separate freezer, which is a separate freezer separately placed via a refrigerant pipe having a predetermined length, arranged in a store sales area, the system comprising: a digital temperature detection device that is provided in each of the plurality of showcases, constantly detects the showcase temperature, which is the temperature inside the showcase, and constantly outputs and transmits information relating to the detected showcase temperature as showcase temperature information to a management device via a network; The management device comprises a showcase temperature history information recording processing unit, a showcase temperature fluctuation rate calculation processing unit, a showcase appropriate temperature range determination processing unit, a warning / alert time prediction processing unit, a freezer operation status determination processing unit, a warning information output processing unit, and a case temperature management screen information creation processing unit, the showcase temperature history information recording processing unit records the showcase temperature information acquired from the digital temperature detection device in association with information for identifying each showcase and time information which is information regarding the time when the showcase temperature information was acquired from the digital temperature detection device, and also performs processing to create chronological showcase temperature history information which is history information of the showcase temperature and record it in association with information for identifying each showcase, the showcase temperature fluctuation rate calculation processing unit performs a process of calculating a showcase temperature fluctuation rate representing the magnitude of temperature fluctuation in the showcase temperature in an increasing direction or the magnitude of temperature fluctuation in the showcase temperature in a decreasing direction within a predetermined time period in each of the showcases based on the showcase temperature history information, the showcase appropriate temperature range determination processing unit performs processing to determine whether the showcase temperature indicated by the showcase temperature information is rising in a direction away from the showcase appropriate temperature range or whether the showcase temperature indicated by the showcase temperature information is falling in a direction away from the showcase appropriate temperature range, and whether the showcase temperature indicated by the showcase temperature information is within the showcase appropriate temperature range, based on the showcase temperature information, the showcase temperature history information, the showcase temperature fluctuation rate, and information on the showcase appropriate temperature range, which is information on an appropriate showcase temperature recommended when displaying products in the showcase for which the showcase temperature information, the showcase temperature history information, and the showcase temperature fluctuation rate are known, which are constantly acquired for each of the plurality of showcases, When the showcase appropriate temperature range determination processing unit determines that the showcase temperature indicated by the showcase temperature information is exhibiting temperature behavior such that the temperature rises or falls in a direction that deviates from the showcase appropriate temperature range, the attention / alert time prediction processing unit: a warning prediction time, which is the time when the upper or lower limit of the showcase's appropriate temperature range is predicted to be reached; A predicted caution time is a time when the temperature is predicted to further rise from the point when the temperature has risen to the upper limit of the appropriate temperature range for the showcase to a preset upper limit temperature that requires caution, or when the temperature is predicted to further fall from the point when the temperature has fallen to the lower limit of the appropriate temperature range for the showcase to a preset lower limit temperature that requires caution, and A warning prediction time is a time period during which the temperature is predicted to further rise from the point at which the temperature has risen to the warning upper limit temperature and reach a preset warning upper limit temperature or to further fall from the point at which the temperature has fallen to the warning lower limit temperature and reach a preset warning lower limit temperature. Each of these is calculated, the refrigeration unit operational status determination processing unit performs a process of determining whether or not an abnormal state has occurred in the operational status of the separate-type refrigeration unit based on a relationship between the showcase temperature fluctuation rate in each of the plurality of showcases connected to the same separate-type refrigeration unit via the refrigerant pipe and the length of the refrigerant pipe between the separate-type refrigeration unit and the showcase; The warning information output processing unit a first attention information output / transmission process for outputting / transmitting first attention information to a showcase-related person terminal used by a showcase manager who manages the showcase for which the attention prediction time has been calculated and / or a showcase display merchandise manager who manages the merchandise displayed in the showcase, when the attention / vigilance time prediction processing section calculates the attention prediction time; a second attention-calling information output / transmission process for outputting / transmitting second attention-calling information to a showcase-related person terminal used by a showcase manager who manages the showcase for which the attention-calling predicted time has been calculated and / or a showcase display merchandise manager who manages the merchandise displayed in the showcase, when the attention / vigilance time prediction processing section calculates the attention-requiring predicted time; a third warning information output / transmission process for outputting / transmitting third warning information to a showcase-related person terminal used by a showcase manager who manages the showcase for which the warning-required predicted time has been calculated and / or a showcase display merchandise manager who manages the merchandise displayed in the showcase, when the warning / warning time prediction processing section calculates the warning-required predicted time; When the refrigeration unit operational status determination processing section determines that an abnormal state has occurred, it performs a primary refrigeration unit abnormality occurrence warning information output / transmission process which outputs / transmits primary refrigeration unit abnormality occurrence warning information to a refrigeration unit manager terminal used by a refrigeration unit manager who is in charge of the separate refrigeration unit determined to be in an abnormal state, and a showcase-related person terminal used by a showcase manager who is in charge of the plurality of showcases to which the separate refrigeration unit determined to be in an abnormal state is connected via the refrigerant pipe and / or a showcase display product manager who is in charge of the products displayed in the showcase, The all case temperature management screen information creation processing section a first output and display process for generating all-case temperature management screen information for displaying a list of showcase temperature information, which is a set of showcase temperature information constantly acquired for each of the plurality of showcases, information on the products displayed in the showcases for which the showcase temperature information is known, and information on a recommended showcase temperature, which is an appropriate showcase temperature recommended for displaying the products in the showcase, on a display screen of the management device for all showcases arranged in the sales floor of the store, and outputting and displaying the information on the display screen of the management device; a second output / display process for outputting and displaying, when the attention / alert time prediction processing section calculates the attention prediction time, first attention level occurrence information, which is information indicating that the showcase temperature indicated by the showcase temperature information is exhibiting temperature behavior of rising or falling in a direction deviating from the showcase's appropriate temperature range, for the showcase for which the attention prediction time has been calculated, in the showcase temperature management information in the all-case temperature management screen information; a third output / display process for outputting and displaying, when the attention / alert time prediction processing section calculates the caution predicted time, second caution level occurrence information, which is information indicating that the showcase temperature indicated by the showcase temperature information for the showcase for which the caution predicted time has been calculated is rising to the upper limit of the appropriate showcase temperature range and then further rising toward the caution upper limit temperature, or dropping to the lower limit of the appropriate showcase temperature range and then further dropping toward the caution lower limit temperature, in the showcase temperature control information of the all-case temperature control screen information; a fourth output / display process for outputting and displaying, when the caution / alert time prediction processing section calculates the alert prediction time, third caution level occurrence information, which is information indicating that the showcase temperature indicated by the showcase temperature information for the showcase for which the alert prediction time has been calculated is rising to the caution upper limit temperature and then further rising toward the caution upper limit temperature, or dropping to the caution lower limit temperature and then further dropping toward the alert lower limit temperature, in the showcase temperature management information in the all-case temperature management screen information; a fifth output / display process for outputting and displaying, when the refrigeration unit operating status determination processing unit determines that the abnormal state has occurred, fourth warning level occurrence information, which is information indicating that an abnormal state has occurred in the connected separate-installed refrigeration unit, in the showcase temperature control information in the all-case temperature control screen information for the plurality of showcases connected via the refrigerant pipe to the separate-installed refrigeration unit determined to be in the abnormal state; Do Digital showcase monitoring system.

[0009] [2] The warning information output processing unit When it is determined in the judgment by the freezer operation status judgment processing unit that the severity of the abnormality is higher than the level of the abnormal state at which the warning information output processing unit performs processing to output and transmit the first freezer abnormality warning information, a second freezer abnormality warning information output and transmission processing is performed to the freezer manager terminal and the showcase staff terminal, which is processing to output and transmit second freezer abnormality warning information to call for further attention, When it is determined in the judgment by the freezer operation status judgment processing unit that the severity of the abnormality is higher than the level of the abnormal state at which the warning information output processing unit should perform processing to output and transmit the secondary freezer abnormality warning information, a tertiary freezer abnormality warning information output and transmission processing is performed, which is processing to output and transmit tertiary freezer abnormality warning information to the freezer manager terminal and the showcase related person terminal, to call for further attention. [1] Digital Showcase Monitoring System.

[0010] [3] The all case temperature management screen information creation processing section A sixth output / display process is a process of outputting and displaying appropriate temperature range deviation information, which is information indicating that the showcase is outside the appropriate showcase temperature range, in the showcase temperature management information in the all-case temperature management screen information for the showcase that the showcase appropriate temperature range determination processing unit has determined to be outside the appropriate showcase temperature range. [1] or [2] Digital Showcase Monitoring System.

[0011] [4] The all case temperature management screen information creation processing section When it is determined in the determination by the refrigerator operating status determination processing unit that the severity of the abnormality is higher than the abnormal state at a level at which the warning information output processing unit should perform processing to output and transmit the primary refrigerator abnormality occurrence warning information, perform a seventh output / display process which outputs and displays, in the showcase temperature control information of the all-case temperature control screen information, attention-requiring abnormal state occurrence information which is information indicating that the severity of the abnormality has increased for the plurality of showcases to which the separate-type refrigeration unit in which it has been determined that an abnormal state has occurred is connected via the refrigerant pipe; When it is determined by the refrigerator operating status determination processing unit that the severity of the abnormality is higher than the level of the abnormal state at which the warning information output processing unit should perform processing to output and transmit the secondary refrigerator abnormality occurrence warning information, An eighth output / display process is performed to output and display, in the showcase temperature control information in the all-case temperature control screen information, warning-required abnormal state occurrence information, which is information indicating that the severity of the abnormality has become even higher, for the plurality of showcases to which the separate-type refrigeration unit in which it has been determined that an abnormal state has occurred is connected via the refrigerant pipe. [1], [2] or [3] Digital Showcase Monitoring System.

[0012] [5] a plurality of digital display monitor devices connected to the management device via a network so as to be able to communicate information are arranged at a plurality of predetermined positions in the sales floor of the store; the management device further comprises a showcase temperature information transmission processing unit which constantly outputs and transmits, to one of the plurality of digital display monitor devices on which the showcase temperature information of the showcase is to be displayed and output on the one digital display monitor device, information on the products displayed in the showcase to be output and displayed on the one digital display monitor device, and information on an appropriate showcase temperature range which is information on an appropriate showcase temperature recommended when the products are displayed in the showcase, The digital display monitor device is The display unit is provided with a showcase temperature information display output means for displaying the acquired showcase temperature information on a monitor screen of the digital display monitor device in a temperature display field for each showcase that is displayed with color information that identifies the products displayed and sold in the showcase related to the acquired showcase temperature information. [1], [2], [3] or [4] Digital Showcase Monitoring System.

[0013] [6] a plurality of digital signage devices connected to the management device via a network so as to be able to communicate information are placed at one or more predetermined positions in the sales floor of the store and / or at one or more predetermined positions outside the store; the management device further comprises a product information transmission processing unit that outputs and transmits, to the digital signage via the network, product advertising information that advertises the products handled at the store and two-dimensional barcode information that can transition to a website introducing the products, which are output and displayed on the digital signage; The digital signage includes: The product advertisement information display output means is provided to output and display the acquired product advertisement information and two-dimensional bar code information. [1], [2], [3], [4] or [5] Digital Showcase Monitoring System.

[0014] [7] a battery remaining capacity detection means for detecting the remaining capacity of a battery that supplies power to the digital temperature detection device is provided for each of the digital temperature detection devices; the battery remaining capacity detection means constantly detects the remaining capacity of the battery that supplies power to the attached digital temperature detection device, and outputs and transmits battery remaining capacity information, which is information relating to the detected battery remaining capacity, to the management device via the network; the management device further includes a battery remaining capacity information recording processing unit and a battery remaining capacity determination processing unit; the battery remaining amount information recording processing unit performs a process of recording the battery remaining amount information acquired from the battery remaining amount detection means in association with information identifying the digital temperature detection device equipped with the built-in battery whose battery remaining amount information has been grasped; the battery remaining amount determination processing unit performs processing to determine whether the battery remaining amount indicated by the battery remaining amount information has decreased to a level that requires battery replacement or an external power supply, the battery remaining amount information recording processing unit performs a process of recording the battery remaining amount information acquired from the battery remaining amount detection means in association with information identifying the showcase in which the digital temperature detection device from which the battery remaining amount information is grasped is installed, the battery remaining amount determination processing unit performs processing to determine whether the battery remaining amount indicated by the battery remaining amount information has decreased to a level that requires battery replacement or an external power supply, When the battery remaining amount determination processing unit determines that the remaining battery amount indicated by the remaining battery amount information has dropped to a level that requires battery replacement or external power supply, the warning information output processing unit performs processing to output / transmit remaining battery amount warning information that calls attention to the low remaining battery amount to a showcase-related person terminal used by a showcase manager who manages the showcase in which the digital temperature detection device where the determination has been made is installed and / or a showcase display merchandise manager who manages the merchandise displayed in the showcase, The all-case temperature management screen information creation processing section performs a ninth output / display process for outputting and displaying, in the showcase temperature management information in the all-case temperature management screen information, information calling attention to a decrease in remaining battery power, for the showcase in which the battery remaining power determination processing section has determined that the remaining battery power indicated by the remaining battery power information has decreased to a level that requires battery replacement or external power supply. [1], [2], [3], [4], [5] or [6] Digital Showcase Monitoring System.

[0015] As described above, the power supply to the digital temperature detection devices installed in each of the showcases can be provided by batteries such as lithium ion batteries, or alternatively, power can be supplied from an external AC power source. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to this invention, one or more showcases each having a built-in freezer built in, and a plurality of showcases connected to separate freezers that are separate-type freezers placed separately via refrigerant pipes having a predetermined length, are arranged in a store sales area, which is a sales floor of a store, and a digital showcase monitoring system can be provided that controls the temperature of the plurality of showcases. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the configuration overview of a digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating another example of the configuration outline of the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing operation flow by the digital showcase monitoring system shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating yet another example of the overall configuration of the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating yet another example of the overall configuration of the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network configuration related to the digital showcase monitoring system shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the processing operation flow of the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the processing operation flow of the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating yet another example of the overall configuration of the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a processing operation flow by the digital showcase monitoring system shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of showcase temperature management and control performed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating another example of showcase temperature management and control performed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating yet another example of showcase temperature management and control using the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating yet another example of showcase temperature management and control using the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating yet another example of showcase temperature management and control using the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating yet another example of showcase temperature management and control using the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating yet another example of showcase temperature management and control using the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of detecting remaining battery capacity in the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an all-case temperature management screen output and displayed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a showcase layout screen displaying the layout of showcases in a store sales area where the temperature of the showcases is managed and controlled by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a showcase temperature face table output and displayed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a showcase layout screen displaying the layout of showcases in a store sales area where the temperature of the showcases is managed and controlled by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a showcase temperature face table output and displayed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 24]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing yet another example of a showcase layout screen displaying the layout of showcases in a store sales area where the temperature of the showcases is managed and controlled by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of a showcase temperature face table output and displayed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing yet another example of a showcase layout screen displaying the layout of showcases in a store sales area where the temperature of the showcases is managed and controlled by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of a showcase temperature face table output and displayed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing yet another example of a showcase layout screen displaying the layout of showcases in a store sales area where the temperature of the showcases is managed and controlled by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of a showcase temperature face table output and displayed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing yet another example of a showcase layout screen displaying the layout of showcases in a store sales area where the temperature of the showcases is managed and controlled by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 31] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a refrigerated / freezer showcase, refrigerator and freezer temperature, and power display output and displayed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the temperature management screen for all cases that is output and displayed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the temperature management screen for all cases output and displayed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the temperature management screen for all cases output and displayed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the temperature management screen for all cases output and displayed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 36] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the temperature management screen for all cases output and displayed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the temperature management screen for all cases output and displayed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 38] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the temperature management screen for all cases output and displayed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 39] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the temperature management screen for all cases output and displayed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 40] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the temperature management screen for all cases output and displayed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 41] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the temperature management screen for all cases output and displayed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 42] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the temperature management screen for all cases output and displayed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 43] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the temperature management screen for all cases output and displayed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 44] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the temperature management screen for all cases output and displayed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 45]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the temperature management screen for all cases output and displayed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 46] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the temperature management screen for all cases output and displayed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. [Figure 47] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the temperature management screen for all cases output and displayed by the digital showcase monitoring system according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The digital showcase monitoring system 1 (Figure 1) of this embodiment is configured to manage the temperature of one or more showcases, each having a built-in freezer built in, and a plurality of showcases connected to separate freezers, which are separate freezers, via refrigerant pipes of a predetermined length, which are arranged in a store sales area.

[0019] In Fig. 1, multiple showcases 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i, 6j, 6k, 6l, and 6m are arranged in a sales floor of a store. Showcases 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, and 6e have built-in freezers 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, and 7e built into them, respectively. Meanwhile, showcases 6f, 6g, 6h, and 6i are connected to separate freezers 7f, which are separately placed, via refrigerant pipes 8. Furthermore, showcases 6j, 6k, 6l, and 6m are connected to separate freezers 7g, which are separately placed, via refrigerant pipes 8.

[0020] Hereinafter, in this specification and drawings, the separate refrigerators 7f and 7g may be collectively referred to as the separate refrigerator 7.

[0021] Although Fig. 1 illustrates the above-mentioned arrangement, the digital showcase monitoring system of the present invention is configured to manage the temperature of a plurality of showcases, which are arranged in a store sales area, and each showcase has one or more showcases with a built-in freezer built in, and a plurality of showcases connected to separate freezers via refrigerant pipes having a predetermined length. Therefore, the arrangement is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 1.

[0022] The plurality of showcases 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i, 6j, 6k, 6l, and 6m are each equipped with a digital temperature detection device 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, 9g, 9h, 9i, 9j, 9k, 9l, and 9m.

[0023] Hereinafter, in this specification and drawings, multiple showcases 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i, 6j, 6k, 6l, and 6m may be collectively referred to as showcase 6, and digital temperature detection devices 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, 9g, 9h, 9i, 9j, 9k, 9l, and 9m may be collectively referred to as digital temperature detection device 9.

[0024] The digital temperature detection devices 9 constantly detect the showcase temperature, which is the temperature inside each showcase 6 in which they are installed, and constantly output and transmit information regarding the detected showcase temperature as showcase temperature information to a management device 2 consisting of a computer via a network such as a dedicated line.

[0025] The management device 2, which consists of a computer, is equipped with a showcase temperature history information recording processing unit 30, a showcase temperature fluctuation rate calculation processing unit 31, a showcase optimum temperature range determination processing unit 32, a warning / alert time prediction processing unit 33, a freezer operating status determination processing unit 34, a warning information output processing unit 35, an all-case temperature management screen information creation processing unit 36, a battery remaining amount information recording processing unit 37, a battery remaining amount determination processing unit 38, a showcase temperature information output processing unit 39, a product information transmission processing unit 40, a battery remaining amount information recording processing unit 41, and a battery remaining amount determination processing unit 42.

[0026] In Figure 1, the management device 2 consisting of a computer is described as having a configuration including a database 4 and a display screen 3. However, the management device 2 consisting of a computer may, as an example (not shown), be equipped with a CPU that controls the implementation of various functions of the system of this embodiment in accordance with an operating system or a specific computer program that has been installed or downloaded, a ROM that stores the operating system and various computer programs and serves as a storage unit for storing data necessary for the CPU to execute processes for each control, a RAM or hard disk that stores data necessary for the CPU to execute processes and is also used as a work area where information can be rewritten by the CPU as appropriate, and information input / output units such as a communication interface, all of which are connected by the necessary bus lines, etc.

[0027] The various processing operations described below performed by the showcase temperature history information recording processing unit 30, showcase temperature fluctuation rate calculation processing unit 31, showcase optimum temperature range determination processing unit 32, warning / alert time prediction processing unit 33, freezer operation status determination processing unit 34, warning information output processing unit 35, all-case temperature management screen information creation processing unit 36, battery remaining amount information recording processing unit 37, battery remaining amount determination processing unit 38, showcase temperature information output processing unit 39, product information transmission processing unit 40, battery remaining amount information recording processing unit 41, battery remaining amount determination processing unit 42, etc., which are provided in the management device 2, are executed by such a computer system.

[0028] The database 4 is configured to include a memory section in which data, etc., that the above-mentioned processing sections, etc., refer to when executing the respective processing operations described below are stored and saved, and the display screen 3, which may be an LCD screen, etc., displays information created by the all-case temperature management screen information creation processing section 36 during the output and display processing performed by the all-case temperature management screen information creation processing section 36 described below.

[0029] The storage unit of the database 4 stores the following information:

[0030] Information about multiple showcases 6 whose temperatures are managed by the digital showcase monitoring system 1 (Fig. 1) of this embodiment. For example, whether the showcases each have a built-in freezer, which is a built-in freezer, but are connected to separate freezers 7f, 7g, which are separate freezers, via refrigerant pipes 8 having a predetermined length. In the case of showcases connected to separate freezers 7f, 7g via refrigerant pipes 8, information about the length of the refrigerant pipes 8 from the separate freezers 7f, 7g to each showcase.

[0031] Information regarding the location where each showcase is located in the store sales area and information regarding the showcase number assigned to each showcase, such as C-43, C-44, etc., which is assigned to each showcase to identify each showcase when it is located in the store sales area, as shown in Figures 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30.

[0032] Information about the products displayed in each showcase (e.g., prepared foods, dairy products, meat, fresh fish, vegetables, etc.).

[0033] The all-case temperature management screen information creation processing unit 36, which will be described later, can refer to this information stored in the memory unit and output and display showcase layout information for the sales floor as shown in Figures 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30 on the display screen 3 of the management device 2.

[0034] Information on the appropriate showcase temperature range, which is information on the appropriate showcase temperature recommended for displaying the above-mentioned products displayed in each showcase 6. For example, if the products displayed are fresh fish, the lower limit temperature is 0°C to the upper limit temperature 3°C; if the products displayed are dairy products, the lower limit temperature is 3°C to the upper limit temperature 5°C; if the products displayed are fruits and vegetables, the lower limit temperature is 5°C to the upper limit temperature 7°C, and so on, are stored in the memory unit as information on the appropriate showcase temperature range.

[0035] A showcase appropriate temperature range determination processing unit 32, which will be described later, refers to information about this showcase appropriate temperature range when performing processing, which will be described later.

[0036] When the temperature of the above-mentioned products displayed in each showcase 6 rises or falls outside the above-mentioned appropriate temperature range when displayed in the showcase, the memory unit stores information regarding the caution upper limit temperature, caution lower limit temperature, alert upper limit temperature, and alert lower limit temperature, which the caution / alert time prediction processing unit 33, which will be described later, uses to calculate the caution predicted time and alert predicted time, which will be described later.

[0037] For example, if the products on display are fresh fish, the information stored in the memory unit is as follows: upper temperature limit to be cautious is 4°C, lower temperature limit to be cautious is -2°C, upper temperature limit to be on alert is 5°C, and lower temperature limit to be cautious is -4°C; if the products on display are dairy products, the information stored in the memory unit is as follows: upper temperature limit to be cautious is 6°C, lower temperature limit to be cautious is 1°C, upper temperature limit to be cautious is 7°C, and lower temperature limit to be cautious is 0°C; if the products on display are fruits and vegetables, the information stored in the memory unit is as follows: upper temperature limit to be cautious is 9°C, lower temperature limit to be cautious is 3°C, upper temperature limit to be cautious is 11°C, and lower temperature limit to be cautious is 1°C.

[0038] Information on the past showcase temperature history of each showcase and information on the showcase temperature fluctuation rate.

[0039] When the later-described attention / alert time prediction processing unit 33 performs the later-described processing, the past showcase temperature history information and the information on the showcase temperature fluctuation rate for each showcase stored in the memory unit are referenced.

[0040] In an arrangement in which multiple showcases 9f-9m are connected to the same separate refrigerators 7f, 7g via refrigerant pipes 8, information regarding the past operating status of the separate refrigerators 7f, 7g, showcase temperature information of the showcases 9f-9m during past operation of the separate refrigerators 7f, 7g, and showcase temperature history information is stored in a memory unit.

[0041] The refrigeration unit operation status determination processing unit 34, which will be described later, will refer to this information and information regarding the length of the refrigerant pipes 8 from the separate refrigeration units 7f, 7g to each showcase, and will perform processing to determine whether an abnormal condition has occurred in the operation status of the separate refrigeration units 7f, 7g, as will be described later.

[0042] The memory unit stores information relating to the showcase staff terminals 20a to 20d used by the showcase managers who manage the showcases 6a to 6m, information relating to the showcase staff terminals 21a to 21d used by the showcase display product managers who manage the products displayed in the showcases 6a to 6m, and information relating to the freezer manager terminals 22a to 22d used by the freezer manager who manages the separate freezers 7f and 7g.

[0043] The warning information output processing unit 35, which will be described later, will refer to this information when performing the processing, which will be described later.

[0044] The showcase temperature history information recording processing unit 30 records the showcase temperature information acquired from the digital temperature detection device 9 in association with information identifying each showcase 6 and time information, which is information relating to the time the showcase temperature information was acquired from the digital temperature detection device 9, and also performs processing to create chronological showcase temperature history information, which is history information of the showcase temperatures, and record it in association with information identifying each showcase 6. The recorded information is stored in a database 4 provided in the management device 2.

[0045] The above-mentioned time information is, for example, time information consisting of a date and time, such as Aug. 6, 2025, 13:06, and is referenced when creating the above-mentioned showcase temperature history information.

[0046] The showcase temperature fluctuation rate calculation processing unit 31 performs processing to calculate a showcase temperature fluctuation rate that indicates the degree of temperature fluctuation in the showcase temperature in an upward direction or the degree of temperature fluctuation in the showcase temperature in a downward direction within a predetermined time period for each showcase 6 based on the above-mentioned showcase temperature history information. The predetermined time period here is a predetermined time period and is set to, for example, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or 90 minutes. The showcase temperature fluctuation rate calculated by the showcase temperature fluctuation rate calculation processing unit 31 is also recorded and stored in the database 4 provided in the management device 2 in association with information that identifies each showcase 6.

[0047] The showcase appropriate temperature range determination processing unit 32 performs processing to determine whether the showcase temperature indicated by the showcase temperature information is rising or falling in a direction deviating from the showcase appropriate temperature range, based on the showcase temperature information, the showcase temperature fluctuation rate, the showcase temperature history information constantly acquired for each of the multiple showcases 6, and information on the showcase appropriate temperature range, which is information on an appropriate showcase temperature recommended for displaying products in the showcase 6 for which the showcase temperature information, the showcase temperature fluctuation rate, and the showcase temperature history information are known. It also performs processing to determine whether the showcase temperature indicated by the showcase temperature information is within the showcase appropriate temperature range.

[0048] The attention / alert time prediction processing unit 33 performs processing to calculate an attention prediction time, which will be described below, when the showcase appropriate temperature range determination processing unit 32 determines that the showcase temperature indicated by the showcase temperature information is exhibiting temperature behavior such that the temperature rises or falls in a direction that deviates from the showcase appropriate temperature range. The attention prediction time is the time when it is predicted that the upper or lower limit of the showcase appropriate temperature range will be reached.

[0049] The caution / alert time prediction processing unit 33 also performs the process of calculating the predicted caution-requiring time and the predicted alert-requiring time, which will be described below.

[0050] The predicted time requiring caution is the time when the temperature is predicted to rise further from the point when it has risen to the upper limit of the appropriate temperature range for the showcase to a preset upper limit temperature requiring caution, or when the temperature is predicted to fall further from the point when it has fallen to the lower limit of the appropriate temperature range for the showcase to a preset lower limit temperature requiring caution.

[0051] The predicted warning time is the time when the temperature is predicted to further rise from the point when it has risen to the above-mentioned upper limit temperature to reach the above-mentioned upper limit temperature to reach the preset upper limit temperature to reach the above-mentioned lower limit temperature to reach the above-mentioned lower limit temperature to reach the preset lower limit temperature to reach the above-mentioned ...

[0052] The refrigeration unit operation status determination processing unit 34 performs processing to determine whether an abnormal condition has occurred in the operation status of the separate-type refrigeration units 7f, 7g based on the relationship between the showcase temperature fluctuation rate in each of multiple showcases 9f to 9m connected to the same separate-type refrigeration units 7f, 7g via refrigerant pipes 8 and the length of the refrigerant pipes 8 between the separate-type refrigeration units 7f, 7g and the showcases 9f to 9m.

[0053] In the case of showcases 6f, 6g, 6h, and 6i connected to a separate refrigerator 7f via a refrigerant pipe 8, the length of the refrigerant pipe 8 to the showcase 6f is longer than the length of the refrigerant pipe 8 to the showcases 6g, 6h, and 6i.

[0054] For this reason, even if an abnormality occurs in the separate freezer 7f and causes fluctuations in the showcase temperatures of the showcases 6f, 6g, 6h, and 6i, there will be fluctuations between the showcase temperature fluctuation and showcase temperature fluctuation rate of the showcase 6f and the showcase temperature fluctuation and showcase temperature fluctuation rate of the showcase 6g, the showcase temperature fluctuation and showcase temperature fluctuation rate of the showcase 6h, and the showcase temperature fluctuation and showcase temperature fluctuation rate of the showcase 6i depending on the length of the refrigerant pipes interposed therebetween.

[0055] Therefore, the refrigeration unit operation status determination processing unit 34 determines whether an abnormal condition has occurred in the operation status of the separate-type refrigeration units 7f, 7g based on the relationship between the showcase temperature fluctuation rate in each of the multiple showcases 9f to 9m connected to the same separate-type refrigeration units 7f, 7g via refrigerant pipes 8 and the length of the refrigerant pipes 8 between the separate-type refrigeration units 7f, 7g and the showcases 9f to 9m.

[0056] Data based on past performance to be used for such judgments is stored in the memory section of the database 4, and the refrigeration unit operating status judgment processing section 34 refers to the data and judges whether an abnormal condition has occurred in the operating status of the separate refrigeration units 7f, 7g based on the relationship between the showcase temperature fluctuation rate in each of multiple showcases 9f to 9m connected to the same separate refrigeration units 7f, 7g via refrigerant pipes 8 and the length of the refrigerant pipes 8 between the separate refrigeration units 7f, 7g and the showcases 9f to 9m.

[0057] The warning information output means 33 performs the following processes: outputting and transmitting primary warning information, outputting and transmitting secondary warning information, outputting and transmitting tertiary warning information, and outputting and transmitting refrigerator abnormality occurrence warning information, which will be described below.

[0058] <Output and transmission of first warning information> When the attention / alert time prediction processing unit 33 calculates the above-mentioned attention prediction time, it outputs / transmits primary attention alert information to the showcase-related personnel terminals 20a-21d used by the showcase manager who manages the showcases 6a-6m for which the above-mentioned attention prediction time has been calculated and / or the showcase display product manager who manages the products displayed in the showcases 6a-6m.

[0059] <Output and transmission of secondary warning information> When the attention / alert time prediction processing unit 33 calculates the above-mentioned predicted time requiring attention, it outputs / transmits secondary attention alert information to the showcase related person terminals 20a-21e used by the showcase manager who manages the showcases 6a-6m for which the above-mentioned predicted time requiring attention has been calculated and / or the showcase display product manager who manages the products displayed in the showcases 6a-6m.

[0060] <Output and transmission of third warning information> When the attention / alert time prediction processing unit 33 calculates the above-mentioned predicted time for alert, it outputs / transmits third attention information to the showcase related person terminals 20a-21e used by the showcase manager who manages the showcases 6a-6m for which the above-mentioned predicted time for alert has been calculated and / or the showcase display product manager who manages the products displayed in the showcases 6a-6m.

[0061] <Output and transmission of refrigerator abnormality warning information> When the refrigeration unit operating status determination processing unit 34 determines that an abnormal condition has occurred, it outputs and transmits refrigeration unit abnormality occurrence warning information to alert the refrigeration unit manager terminals 22a to 22d used by the refrigeration unit manager in charge of managing the separate refrigeration units 7f, 7g determined to be in an abnormal condition, and to the showcase personnel terminals 20a to 21d used by the showcase managers in charge of the multiple showcases 6f to 6m to which the separate refrigeration units 7f, 7g determined to be in an abnormal condition are connected via refrigerant pipes 8 and / or the showcase display product managers in charge of the products displayed in the showcases.

[0062] In FIG. 1, the showcase-related person terminals 20a to 20d are terminals used by showcase managers who manage the showcases 6a to 6m.

[0063] The showcase-related person terminals 21a to 21d in FIG. 1 are terminals used by showcase display merchandise managers who manage the merchandise displayed in the showcases 6a to 6m.

[0064] Furthermore, chiller manager terminals 22a to 22d in FIG. 1 are terminals used by chiller managers who manage the separately installed chillers 7f and 7g.

[0065] 1, showcase staff member terminals 20a to 20d, showcase staff member terminals 21a to 21d, and freezer manager terminals 22a to 22d are connected to a management device 2 consisting of a computer via a wired or wireless network 5 such as a dedicated line or the Internet so as to be able to communicate information with each other. The number of showcase staff member terminals used by showcase managers who manage the showcases 6a to 6m, the number of showcase staff member terminals used by showcase display product managers who manage the products displayed in the showcases 6a to 6m, and the number of freezer manager terminals 22a to 22d used by freezer managers who manage the separate freezers 7f, 7g are not limited to those shown in the figure.

[0066] The showcase attendant terminals 20a to 20d, the showcase attendant terminals 21a to 21d, and the freezer manager terminals 22a to 22d are configured by mobile terminals such as smartphones, tablet terminals, and the like.

[0067] These terminals have downloaded thereto application programs and the like necessary for the processing operations executed at the showcase staff terminals 20a to 20d, the showcase staff terminals 21a to 21d, and the freezer management staff terminals 22a to 22d among the various processing operations executed by the digital showcase monitoring system described in this embodiment.

[0068] Hereinafter, in this specification and drawings, the showcase staff terminals 20a to 20d may be collectively referred to as showcase staff terminal 20, the showcase staff terminals 21a to 21d may be collectively referred to as showcase staff terminal 21, and the freezer manager terminals 22a to 22d may be collectively referred to as freezer manager terminal 22.

[0069] The all-case temperature management screen information creation processing unit 36 ​​performs first output / display processing, second output / display processing, third output / display processing, fourth output / display processing, and fifth output / display processing, which will be described below.

[0070] <First output / display process> A first output / display process is performed in which showcase temperature control information, which is a set of the showcase temperature information constantly acquired for each of the plurality of showcases 6, information on the products displayed in the showcases 6 for which the showcase temperature information is known, and information on the recommended showcase temperature, which is an appropriate showcase temperature recommended for displaying the products in the showcases 6, is created to display all case temperature control screen information in a list on the display screen 3 of the management device 2 for all showcases 6 arranged in the sales floor of the store, and is output and displayed on the display screen 3 of the management device 2.

[0071] Figures 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, and 32 to 47 show examples of all-case temperature management screen information that the all-case temperature management screen information creation processing unit 36 ​​outputs and displays on the display screen 3 of the management device 2.

[0072] <Second output / display process> When the attention / alert time prediction processing unit 33 calculates the caution prediction time, it performs a second output / display process which outputs and displays, in the showcase temperature management information in the all-case temperature management screen information, first attention level occurrence information, which is information indicating that the showcase temperature indicated by the showcase temperature information is exhibiting temperature behavior of rising or falling in a direction that deviates from the showcase's appropriate temperature range, for the showcase 6 for which the caution prediction time has been calculated.

[0073] In this second output / display process, for example, in the above-mentioned all-case temperature management screen information, the part of showcase 6 exhibiting the above-mentioned temperature behavior can be displayed in a different color from the other parts, such as light blue, to indicate that a first warning level has occurred.

[0074] <Third output / display processing> When the attention / alert time prediction processing unit 33 calculates the caution predicted time, it performs a third output / display process which outputs and displays, in the showcase temperature management information in the all-case temperature management screen information, second caution level occurrence information, which is information indicating that the showcase temperature indicated by the showcase temperature information for the showcase 6 for which the caution predicted time has been calculated is exhibiting temperature behavior in which the showcase temperature rises to the upper limit of the appropriate showcase temperature range and then further rises toward the caution upper limit temperature, or drops to the lower limit of the appropriate showcase temperature range and then further drops toward the caution lower limit temperature.

[0075] In this third output / display process, for example, in the above-mentioned all-case temperature management screen information, the part of showcase 6 exhibiting the above-mentioned temperature behavior can be displayed in a different color from the other parts, such as dark blue, to serve as information indicating the occurrence of a second warning level.

[0076] <Fourth output / display processing> When the caution / alert time prediction processing unit 33 calculates the predicted alert time, a fourth output / display process is performed in which third alert level occurrence information, which is information indicating that the showcase temperature indicated by the showcase temperature information for the showcase 6 for which the predicted alert time has been calculated, is rising to the caution upper limit temperature and then further rising toward the caution upper limit temperature, or is falling to the caution lower limit temperature and then further falling toward the caution lower limit temperature, is output and displayed in the showcase temperature management information in the all-case temperature management screen information.

[0077] In this fourth output / display process, for example, in the above-mentioned all-case temperature management screen information, the part of showcase 6 exhibiting the above-mentioned temperature behavior can be displayed in a different color from the other parts, such as light yellow, to indicate that a third warning level has occurred.

[0078] <Fifth output / display process> When the refrigeration unit operation status determination processing unit 34 determines that the abnormal state has occurred, it performs a fifth output / display process, which is a process of outputting and displaying fourth warning level occurrence information, which is information indicating that an abnormal state has occurred in the connected separate refrigeration units 7f, 7g, in the showcase temperature control information in the all-case temperature control screen information, for the multiple showcases 6f to 6m connected via refrigerant pipes 8 to the separate refrigeration units 7f, 7g that have been determined to be in the abnormal state.

[0079] In this fifth output / display process, for example, in the all-case temperature management screen information described above, the part of the showcase 6 that is connected via the refrigerant pipe 8 to the separate freezers 7f, 7g that have been determined to have an abnormal condition can be displayed in a different color from the other parts, such as dark yellow, to indicate that a fourth warning level has occurred.

[0080] The above-described warning information output processing unit 35 can be further configured to perform a secondary refrigerator abnormality warning information output / transmission process and a tertiary refrigerator abnormality warning information output / transmission process, which will be described below.

[0081] The secondary freezer abnormality warning information output / transmission process is a process in which, when the freezer operation status determination processing unit 34 determines that the abnormality is more serious than the abnormal state at a level that would cause the warning information output processing unit 35 to perform processing to output / transmit the primary freezer abnormality warning information, the secondary freezer abnormality warning information is output / transmitted to the freezer manager terminal 22 and the showcase personnel terminals 20, 21 to call for further attention.

[0082] The tertiary freezer abnormality warning information output / transmission process is a process in which, when the freezer operation status determination processing unit 34 determines that the abnormality is more serious than the abnormal state at a level that would cause the warning information output processing unit 35 to perform processing to output / transmit the above-mentioned secondary freezer abnormality warning information, the tertiary freezer abnormality warning information is output / transmitted to the freezer manager terminal 22 and the showcase personnel terminals 20, 21 to call for further attention.

[0083] The all-case temperature management screen information creation processing unit 36 ​​can further be configured to perform a sixth output / display process described below.

[0084] The sixth output / display process is a process in which, for a showcase 6 that the showcase appropriate temperature range determination processing unit 32 has determined to be outside the showcase appropriate temperature range, appropriate temperature range deviation information, which is information indicating that the showcase is outside the showcase appropriate temperature range, is output / displayed in the showcase temperature control information in the all-case temperature control screen information.

[0085] In this sixth output / display process, for example, in the above-mentioned all-case temperature management screen information, the part of showcase 6 that is determined to be outside the showcase's optimum temperature range can be displayed in a different color from the other parts, such as pink, to indicate that the showcase is outside the optimum temperature range.

[0086] The all-case temperature management screen information creation processing unit 36 ​​can further be configured to perform seventh and eighth output / display processing, which will be described below.

[0087] The seventh output / display process is a process of outputting and displaying, in the showcase temperature control information in the all-case temperature control screen information, attention-requiring abnormal state occurrence information, which is information indicating that the severity of the abnormality has increased for the multiple showcases 6 to which the separate refrigerator 7 in which it has been determined that an abnormal state has occurred is connected via a refrigerant pipe 8, when the refrigerator operation status determination processing unit 34 determines that the abnormality is more serious than the abnormal state at a level that causes the warning information output processing unit 35 to perform processing to output and transmit the primary refrigerator abnormality occurrence warning information.

[0088] In this seventh output / display process, for example, in the above-mentioned all-case temperature management screen information, the part of the showcase 6 where it has been determined that the severity of the abnormality has increased can be displayed in a different color from the other parts, such as red, to provide information indicating that the severity of the abnormality has increased.

[0089] The eighth output / display process is a process for outputting and displaying, in the showcase temperature control information in the all-case temperature control screen information, warning abnormal state occurrence information, which is information indicating that the severity of the abnormality has become even higher for the multiple showcases 6 to which the separate refrigerator 7 in which it has been determined that an abnormal state has occurred is connected via a refrigerant pipe 8, when the refrigerator operation status determination processing unit 34 determines that the abnormality is more serious than the abnormal state at a level that causes the warning information output processing unit 35 to perform processing to output and transmit the secondary refrigerator abnormality occurrence warning information.

[0090] In this eighth output / display process, for example, in the above-mentioned all-case temperature management screen information, the part of the showcase 6 where the severity of the abnormality has been determined to have increased can be displayed in a different color from the other parts, such as light purple, to indicate that the severity of the abnormality has increased.

[0091] The digital showcase monitoring system of the present embodiment described above can be configured in such a way that a plurality of digital display monitor devices 10, which are connected to the management device 2 so as to be able to communicate information via a dedicated line, a wired or wireless network, are placed at a plurality of predetermined positions in the sales floor of the store. Note that only one digital display monitor device 10 is shown in Fig. 1.

[0092] In this way, when the management device 2 and multiple digital display monitor devices 10 placed in multiple predetermined locations in the store's sales floor are connected via a network so that they can exchange information, the management device 2 can be configured to further include a showcase temperature information transmission processing unit 39.

[0093] The showcase temperature information transmission processing unit 39 constantly outputs and transmits to one digital display monitor device 10 among the multiple digital display monitor devices 10 on which the showcase temperature information of the showcase 6 should be displayed and output, the showcase temperature information of the showcase 6 that should be displayed and output on that one digital display monitor device 10, information about the products displayed in the showcase 6 that should be output and displayed on that one digital display monitor device 10, and information about the showcase optimum temperature range, which is information about the appropriate showcase temperature recommended when the products are displayed in the showcase 6.

[0094] For example, the digital display monitor device 10 located closest to the location where showcase 6a is installed is configured to display and output the showcase temperature information of showcase 6a, and information about the products displayed in showcase 6a, information about the showcase optimum temperature range, which is information about the appropriate showcase temperature recommended when displaying the products in showcase 6a, and the showcase temperature information of showcase 6a are displayed and output on the digital display monitor device 10 located closest to the location where showcase 6a is installed.

[0095] On the other hand, in this case, the digital display monitor device 10 is configured to include a monitor screen such as a liquid crystal screen and showcase temperature information display output means (not shown).

[0096] The showcase temperature information display output means (not shown) performs processing to display the acquired showcase temperature information on the monitor screen of the digital display monitor device 10 in a temperature display column for each showcase, which is displayed using color information that identifies the products displayed and sold in the showcase 6 related to the showcase temperature information acquired via the network.

[0097] A plurality of digital display monitor devices 10 are placed at a plurality of predetermined positions in the sales floor of the store, and by displaying such information, the merchandise manager in the sales floor can check by the position of the digital display monitor device 10 whether the showcase 6 is being maintained within an appropriate temperature range.

[0098] Consumers shopping at the sales floor can be assured that the showcase 6 in which the products are displayed is kept within an appropriate temperature range, allowing them to shop with peace of mind.

[0099] The digital showcase monitoring system of the present embodiment described above can be configured in such a way that a plurality of digital signages 11 connected to the management device 2 so as to be able to communicate information via a dedicated line, a wired or wireless network are placed at one or more predetermined positions in the sales floor of the store and / or at one or more predetermined positions outside the store. Note that only one digital signage 11 is shown in Fig. 1.

[0100] In this way, when digital signage 11 placed at one or more predetermined locations in the sales area of ​​the store and / or at one or more predetermined locations outside the store is connected to the management device 2 via a network so that information can be exchanged, the management device 2 can be configured to further include a product information transmission processing unit 40.

[0101] The product information transmission processing unit 40 performs processing to output and transmit to the digital signage 11 via the network product advertising information that advertises and promotes the products handled at the store and two-dimensional barcode information that can be used to link to a website where the products are introduced, which is output and displayed on the digital signage 11.

[0102] On the other hand, in this case, the digital signage 11 is configured to include a product advertisement information display output means made up of a liquid crystal screen or the like, which outputs and displays the acquired product advertisement information and two-dimensional barcode information.

[0103] Consumers who see the above-mentioned output / display on the digital signage 11 can use the two-dimensional barcode information to access the website of the product provider / seller that provides the product advertising information, and purchase the product via a network such as the Internet.

[0104] The digital showcase monitoring system of the present embodiment described above can be configured such that a battery remaining capacity detection means (not shown) for detecting the remaining capacity of the battery that supplies power to each digital temperature detection device 9 is attached to each digital temperature detection device 9.

[0105] In this case, each of the battery remaining capacity detection means (not shown) constantly detects the remaining capacity of the battery that supplies power to each of the attached digital temperature detection devices 9a to 9m, and outputs and transmits the detected battery remaining capacity information to the management device 2 consisting of a computer via a network such as the dedicated line mentioned above.

[0106] In this case, the management device 2 may further include a battery remaining capacity information recording processor 41 and a battery remaining capacity determination processor .

[0107] The battery remaining capacity information recording processing unit 41 performs a process of recording the battery remaining capacity information acquired from a battery remaining capacity detection means (not shown) in association with information identifying the showcase 6 in which the digital temperature detection device 9 from which the battery remaining capacity information is obtained is installed.

[0108] The battery remaining amount determination processing unit 42 performs processing to determine whether the remaining battery amount indicated by the battery remaining amount information has decreased to a level that requires battery replacement or an external power supply.

[0109] In this case, when the battery remaining capacity determination processing unit 42 determines that the remaining battery capacity indicated by the remaining battery capacity information has dropped to a level that requires battery replacement or external power supply, the warning information output processing unit 35 performs processing to output and transmit remaining battery capacity warning information to alert the showcase-related personnel terminals 20, 21 used by the showcase manager who manages the showcase 6 in which the digital temperature detection device 9 where the determination was made is installed and / or the showcase display product manager who manages the products displayed in the showcase, to warn about the low remaining battery capacity.

[0110] In addition, the all-case temperature management screen information creation processing unit 36 ​​performs a ninth output / display process, which is a process of outputting and displaying information to alert the user about a drop in battery level in the showcase temperature management information in the all-case temperature management screen information, for a showcase 6 equipped with a digital temperature detection device 9 where the battery level determination processing unit 42 has determined that the battery level indicated in the battery level information has dropped to a level that requires battery replacement or external power supply.

[0111] In this ninth output / display process, for example, in the all-case temperature management screen information described above, the part of the showcase 6 in which the digital temperature detection device 9 that has been determined to have low battery power is installed can be displayed in a different color from the other parts, such as dark purple, to indicate that the battery power has been determined to be low.

[0112] Since the digital showcase monitoring system of the present invention is configured as described above, when a plurality of showcases 6a to 6e each having a built-in freezer 7a to 7e built in, and a plurality of showcases 6f to 6m connected to separate freezers 7f, 7g which are separate freezers placed separately via refrigerant pipes 8 having a predetermined length, are arranged in a store sales area, it is possible to perform temperature management of showcase 6 for all showcases 6a to 6m based on the behavior of each showcase temperature.

[0113] Furthermore, with regard to multiple showcases 6f to 6m connected to separate freezers 7f, 7g, which are separate freezers placed separately via refrigerant pipes 8 having a predetermined length, the refrigerator operating status determination processing unit 34 performs processing to determine whether or not an abnormal condition has occurred in the operating status of the separate freezers 7f, 7g based on the relationship between the showcase temperature fluctuation rate in each of multiple showcases 9f to 9m connected to the same separate freezers 7f, 7g via refrigerant pipes 8 and the length of the refrigerant pipes 8 between the separate freezers 7f, 7g and the showcases 9f to 9m, thereby enabling temperature management of the showcases 6f to 6m.

[0114] In the case of an arrangement in which a plurality of showcases 6 are connected to a separate refrigerator 7 via refrigerant pipes 8, if an abnormality occurs in the operating status of the separate refrigerator 7, this will result in a malfunction in the temperature control status of each of the plurality of showcases 6 connected via the refrigerant pipes 8. By adopting the above-described configuration in the present invention, even in such a case, it is possible to prevent the influence of an operational abnormality in one separate refrigerator 7 from extending to all of the plurality of showcases 6.

[0115] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the technical scope that can be grasped from the description of the claims.

[0116] <Features of the system of the present invention> An example of the features of the system of the present invention can be explained as follows. With regard to the sale of various products, the development of digital systems such as IoT and AI has led to a trend towards online shopping, TV shopping, and individual delivery of each product.

[0117] In logistics centers, warehouses, and other physical commercial stores such as supermarkets, malls, specialty stores, convenience stores, drug stores, department stores, and restaurants, takeout stores, etc., the actual sales, showcase display, and storage of products directly affect the quality and freshness of the products, for example, the display temperature of products directly affects the service provided to customers and is an important point of competitiveness.

[0118] For example, refrigerators and freezers in logistics centers, warehouses, commercial facilities, etc., as well as refrigerated and frozen showcases, refrigerators, and freezers in commercial facilities, constantly detect the temperature inside the case and inside the cabinet, and the cooler refrigerates or freezes the product at a temperature range set for each product, and the temperature value is always displayed on the front of the showcase on the aisle side so that customers can see it inside the store.

[0119] Due to product preservation and food-related laws and regulations, those involved in the above-mentioned facilities and stores monitor the set temperatures of each product, case, and storage area in refrigerated and freezer showcases, refrigerators, freezers, etc. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For example, if the temperature rises due to a malfunction or breakdown of the freezer machine or case, a maintenance company will be notified and repairs will be required. During the repair time, the product cannot be displayed, resulting in lost sales opportunities for the product. In addition, the product will have to be moved from the relevant case to another case or refrigerator or freezer, requiring additional manpower to maintain the product, which incurs unnecessary costs and reduces management efficiency. In the case of a chain management, this is an important factor in improving management efficiency.

[0120] Refrigerated showcases, freezer showcases, refrigerators, freezers, etc. are available in separate types, for example, with each case connected to the refrigerator / freezer's freezer by refrigerant pipes for each system. The refrigeration temperatures of these freezers are, for example, 0°C to 8°C, freezing temperatures around -18°C to -26°C, and ultra-low temperatures as low as -60°C. One freezer is usually used to refrigerate and freeze around 3 to 8 showcases, etc.

[0121] Showcases (types with built-in freezers) used to display and sell products in stores are each sold individually, so any malfunctions or breakdowns in the showcases will only affect the temperature of that one unit, so the impact will be limited.

[0122] On the other hand, when the freezers are installed separately, if one freezers malfunctions or breaks down, since one freezers cools around 3 to 8 showcases, etc., the temperature of the 3 to 8 showcases in the system will rise, resulting in a huge loss for the store, for example, in terms of management.

[0123] If a malfunction or abnormality caused by aging or other factors is discovered in a system's freezing units before they break down, and repairs are made, the relevant cases, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers will not break down, and the relevant stores will not lose business opportunities, so it is thought that immediate action is necessary.

[0124] With the development and expansion of the economy and industry, global warming is progressing due to the effects of CO2 emissions and other factors, and temperatures and humidity are increasing at an unprecedented rate throughout the year on both the sea surface and land, with annual maximum temperatures, monthly and 24-hour average temperatures rising. Rising sea surface temperatures are causing more water vapor, and across Japan, for example, temperatures and humidity are increasing earlier from around March to April, and the high temperatures and humidity of the outside air are becoming more noticeable after the rainy season.

[0125] Stores, logistics warehouses, and central kitchen showcases, refrigerated freezers, air conditioning, etc. experience high temperatures and humidity, resulting in high outside air loads, and the operating rates of refrigerated showcases, freezer showcases, refrigerators, freezers, etc., as well as freezers and air conditioning units are often high, resulting in high wear and tear on the relevant cases, freezers and air conditioning units.

[0126] Furthermore, if other factors, such as a breakdown in the distribution board in a store, logistics warehouse, or central kitchen, cause the distribution case, freezer, etc. to stop working and the temperature in the case or refrigerator / freezer rises, and it takes time to determine whether the case, freezer, or distribution board is faulty, this will result in product loss, sales loss, and production loss, resulting in a loss for the business, and immediate improvement is deemed necessary.

[0127] For example, some companies such as stores, logistics warehouses, and central kitchens enter into maintenance contracts with manufacturers and maintenance companies in advance, and carry out monthly maintenance work on cases, refrigerators / freezers, freezers, and air conditioners to check for and address any malfunctions.

[0128] In the summer, high temperatures and humidity lead to high operating rates, which means that the equipment is more likely to malfunction, malfunction, or break down. For example, malfunctions, malfunctions, or breakdowns of the equipment can occur 24 hours a day, and repairs can overlap, placing a heavy burden on maintenance companies who rush to the relevant stores, logistics warehouses, central kitchens, etc. to deal with the issues.

[0129] This results in missed sales and production opportunities for the stores, logistics warehouses, central kitchens, etc., and in order to preserve the refrigerated products, they must be removed from the cases and refrigerator-freezers to cases and refrigerator-freezers where the refrigerated and frozen temperature settings are operating normally, and then once the case and refrigerator-freezer has been repaired, they must be removed back into the case and refrigerator-freezer, which requires a lot of effort and is a huge burden on management.Companies with multiple stores, logistics warehouses, and central kitchens are incurring unnecessary costs and urgently need to improve this situation.

[0130] Air conditioning and ventilation equipment are used in commercial facilities such as malls, supermarkets, drug stores, convenience stores, logistics warehouses, central kitchens, and other facilities, as well as sales floors within buildings, restaurants, kitchens, etc., to provide cooling in the summer, heating in the winter, and cooling, heating, and outdoor air conditioning depending on the outside temperature in the intermediate seasons, thereby maintaining a comfortable temperature in the sales floor.

[0131] For example, in showcases displaying merchandise in commercial malls, supermarkets, drug stores, convenience stores, etc., the aisles where customers select and purchase products are mostly multi-tiered open cases, laid out in a variety of configurations including closed reach-in and flat cases. The open cases in question are equipped with air curtains, but cold air constantly leaks onto the aisles of the case, placing a cooling load on the case refrigeration units. Reach-in cases are equipped with doors, but when customers open the doors to purchase products, cold air leaks from the floor base. Flat cases also have air curtains installed on the top to reduce cold air leakage, but when customers reach into the case to take out or put products in, cold air leaks.

[0132] Showcases in commercial facilities such as malls, supermarkets, drugstores, and convenience stores are set up on the sales floor as described above, and the refrigeration temperatures in the refrigerated and freezer cases are set to various temperature ranges, such as 0°C for fresh fish and meat, 5°C for daily foods, 3-5°C for milk and beverages, 4-5°C for prepared foods, 7°C for vegetables and fruits, 7°C for beverages, and 8°C for alcohol, as well as -18°C or below for frozen meat, frozen fresh fish, and frozen daily foods, and -27-26°C for ice cream.

[0133] With regard to the sale of various products, the development of digital systems such as IoT and AI has expanded the means by which consumers can purchase products, between brick-and-mortar stores and online and TV shopping, making product purchases more competitive and intensifying competition between brick-and-mortar stores and online stores, leading to, for example, a growing trend toward individual product delivery between brick-and-mortar stores and online stores. The actual sales, showcase display, and storage of food products at logistics centers, warehouses, and other brick-and-mortar stores in commercial facilities, such as supermarkets, malls, clothing stores, furniture stores, home appliances, daily necessities stores, specialty stores, convenience stores, drugstores, DIY stores, department stores, as well as restaurants, takeout stores, etc., directly affect the quality of food products. For example, the display temperature of products directly affects the quality and freshness of products, and is an important factor in the service provided to customers and a key point of competitiveness.

[0134] The temperature of refrigerated showcases, freezer showcases, refrigerators, freezers, etc. is set for each product type, and the temperature at which refrigerated and frozen products are cooled is detected based on the set temperature. This system determines whether the showcases and refrigerator freezers are operating normally, maintaining the freshness and quality of the products at the appropriate temperature range and complying with food hygiene laws and regulations, or whether the set temperature has been exceeded due to deterioration over time, etc., causing an abnormality.

[0135] The temperature rise value in the showcase, refrigerator / freezer is detected by seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, 3 months, 6 months, years, the previous year, etc., and the current value of the freezer is detected by seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, 3 months, 6 months, years, the previous year, etc., and when the temperature exceeds a predetermined arbitrarily set product temperature, for example, by 4°C or more, a detection temperature, caution temperature, caution temperature, alarm temperature, etc. is set arbitrarily in advance so that the quality of the product will not deteriorate due to the set temperature of the product, and the detection temperature is detected and monitored before the quality, deformation, deterioration, etc. of the product occurs, and the month, day, hour, minute, second, etc. at which the temperature rise will reach the caution temperature, caution temperature, alarm temperature, etc. is calculated and determined, and alerts are sent to the PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple related parties with the customer name, store name, address, case name, refrigerator / freezer name, detected temperature, etc. by voice, image, numerical value, email, etc.

[0136] The corresponding showcase and refrigerator / freezer are improved, and planned repairs and replacements can be carried out before the freshness and quality of the merchandise change, for example, and a decrease in the number of sales items in the corresponding store due to a loss of sales opportunity to sell the merchandise, a shortage of merchandise in the corresponding showcase, and closure of the corresponding case in the sales floor can be avoided, thereby improving the service of providing merchandise to customers.

[0137] A display such as a tablet is installed on the top outside of the top of the showcase for each type of product, such as fruit and vegetables, fresh fish, meat, prepared foods, daily necessities, beverages, alcohol, frozen foods, ice cream, and special sale corners, in a separate drawing or layout of the sales floor. The detected temperatures and defrosting of the products in the fruit and vegetables, fresh fish, meat, prepared foods, daily necessities, beverages, alcohol, frozen foods, ice cream, and special sale corners are displayed, for example, for about 2 minutes once to several times every hour during business hours that are arbitrarily set in advance, showing the historical temperatures since the start of business hours and the current temperature, thereby informing customers of product temperature management.

[0138] The display is displayed on a display such as a tablet installed on the top outside of each showcase installed in the sales floor, which is divided into different layout types for the sales floor, such as fruit and vegetables, fresh fish, meat, prepared foods, daily necessities, beverages, alcohol, frozen foods, ice cream, and special sale corners. The detected temperatures and defrosting of products in the showcase, such as fruit and vegetables, fresh fish, meat, prepared foods, daily necessities, beverages, alcohol, frozen foods, ice cream, and special sale corners, are displayed for about 2 minutes once to several times per hour during business hours that are arbitrarily set in advance. On the display of each case, during times when the temperature is not displayed, or constantly on a large display throughout the store, information about the company or store, such as bargains on products, cooking methods, usage methods, flavors, product information such as flyers, local events, preparations for abnormal weather, lifestyle information, etc., is distributed to customers by scanning the address of the store, customer service department at headquarters, and a QR code (registered trademark) displayed on the display of the store. Images and videos of the products, flyer information, event lifestyle information, etc. are delivered.

[0139] By scanning the code, customers can use online shopping, making their lives more convenient by using store products without having to visit the store. By scanning, customers can take advantage of useful information such as delicious cooking methods, storage methods, and bargains for products delivered by the store or headquarters. Companies and stores provide store customers and online shoppers with a tool that gives them an advantage over competitors when purchasing products from the company or store, increasing repeat customers. Furthermore, online shoppers who scan a store's QR code (registered trademark) can send information such as the desired product, price, bargain information, and requests to the store to the store's customer service representative, allowing for mutual communication and information exchange between the store and the customer, increasing customer satisfaction.

[0140] Companies and stores can provide products, and stores and customer service departments can provide desired products, pleasing services, and bargains, thereby differentiating themselves from competitors, increasing customer satisfaction, and increasing the chances of becoming the number one store in the area.

[0141] You can also use real stores in commercial facilities such as supermarkets, malls, clothing stores, furniture stores, home appliances, daily necessities stores, specialty stores, convenience stores, drugstores, DIY stores, department stores, as well as restaurants and takeout stores.

[0142] If the temperature inside one showcase or refrigerator / freezer rises, for example, by measuring and detecting a pre-programmed detection temperature, caution temperature, caution temperature, or alarm temperature, the relevant showcase or refrigerator / freezer will be determined to be abnormal or broken, and an alert will be sent to the PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple relevant parties with the customer name, store name, location, case name, refrigerator / freezer name, detected temperature, etc. via voice, image, numerical value, email, etc. If the temperature rises due to frosting, malfunction, or breakdown of the relevant showcase or refrigerator / freezer, for example, planned repairs can be made or repairs can be carried out before the temperature rise causes a change in product freshness or quality.

[0143] If the temperature of one showcase with a built-in freezer rises, for example, if it measures and detects a pre-programmed detection temperature, caution temperature, caution temperature, or alarm temperature, it will determine that the relevant showcase or refrigerator / freezer is abnormal or broken, and will send an alert to the PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple relevant parties with the customer name, store name, location, case name, refrigerator / freezer name, detected temperature, etc. via voice, image, numerical value, email, etc. If a malfunction or breakdown occurs in the relevant showcase or refrigerator / freezer, planned repairs can be made or repairs can be carried out before the temperature rises and, for example, the freshness or quality of products changes.

[0144] The normal scheduled time for repairs of produce display cases, freezers or freezers is approximately 8 hours, with a possible response time of 480 minutes.

[0145] Actual alarm temperature time for maintaining the system's products = (Caution temperature detected year, month, day, hour, minute, 2025 / 02 / 20 23:30 - Caution temperature detected year, month, day, hour, minute, 2025 / 02 / 20 16:30) + (Caution temperature detected year, month, day, hour, minute, 2025 / 02 / 21 4:30 - Caution temperature detected year, month, day, hour, minute, 2025 / 02 / 20 23:30) = 12 hours 720 minutes.

[0146] The product set temperature is 7°C, the detected temperature is 11°C, the warning temperature is detected at 13°C, and the warning temperature is calculated to rise to 14°C 150 minutes and 2.5 hours later. The warning temperature was detected at 11:30 PM on February 20th of the same year, and 420 minutes later, 7.0 hours later. The warning temperature of 7°C rises to the warning temperature of 16°C, which is important for product freshness and quality. The calculation calculates the temperature to rise 420 minutes and 7 hours later. The warning temperature of 16°C rises 300 minutes and 5 hours later at 4:30 AM on February 21st, 2025. The warning temperature of 13°C is detected, displayed on the display, and an alert is sent to relevant parties. The elapsed time until the warning temperature rises to 8°C is (420 minutes until the warning temperature is reached + 300 minutes until the warning temperature is reached) = 720 minutes and 12 hours later. The upper limit temperature of 15°C is calculated in the same way as the multi-tiered showcase described above.

[0147] The system of the present invention installs a display such as a tablet on the top outside of the top of showcases for each category in the layout of the sales floor, for example, for fresh fruit, fresh fish, meat, prepared foods, daily necessities, beverages, alcohol, frozen foods, ice cream, special sale corner, etc. The temperature of the showcases displaying the products such as fresh fruit, fresh fish, meat, prepared foods, daily necessities, beverages, alcohol, frozen foods, ice cream, special sale corner, etc. is displayed on the display.

[0148] Here, the showcase can be either a built-in freezer showcase in which a freezer that performs a freezing function is built in, or a separate freezer showcase in which a freezer that performs a freezing function is placed separately and connected to multiple showcases via refrigerant pipes. Therefore, the present invention is applicable to a configuration in which multiple showcases with built-in freezer units and multiple showcases with separate freezer units are arranged within a sales floor of a store.

[0149] For example, if the time elapsed since the detection of a caution temperature in an ice cream display case, the time elapsed since the detection of a caution temperature, the time elapsed since the detection of an alarm temperature, or the time elapsed since the detection of an upper limit temperature has passed, an alert can be sent to the PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple relevant parties, in the form of audio, images, numbers, email, etc., informing them of the detection of a caution temperature with the customer name, store name, case name with location, and refrigerator name.

[0150] The set temperatures for products are, for example, 7°C for fruits and vegetables, 0°C for fresh fish and meat, 5°C for daily necessities, -18°C for frozen foods, and -25°C for ice cream in showcases, resuscitation cabinets, refrigerators, freezers, etc. In the case where the set temperatures have risen to, for example, a caution temperature, a warning temperature, an upper limit temperature, etc. due to malfunctions or breakdowns caused by aging of the freezers in the showcases, resuscitation cabinets, refrigerators, freezers, etc., the past history, manufacturing date, manufacturing / construction company, product number, maintenance company, etc. are recorded in a database.

[0151] Budget and respond in a planned manner to carry out planned part replacement, gas charging, oil change, freezer fin cleaning, and vent cleaning of the relevant showcases, resuscitation cabinets, refrigerators, freezers, etc. and related freezers, etc. due to deterioration over time, and take measures to prevent sudden breakdowns, damage, malfunctions, etc., such as deterioration in the quality of the relevant products, from causing problems with the display and sale of the relevant products, the closure of the product sales area, or the storage of products in the resuscitation cabinets, refrigerators, freezers, etc.

[0152] For example, the set temperatures for products are 7°C for fruits and vegetables, 0°C for fresh fish and meat, 5°C for daily necessities, -18°C for frozen foods, -25°C for ice cream, etc., and the set temperatures for showcases, resuscitation cabinets, refrigerators, freezers, etc., and the temperatures that have risen to caution temperatures, caution temperatures, alarm temperatures, upper limit temperatures, etc. due to malfunctions or breakdowns caused by aging deterioration of the refrigeration units of showcases, resuscitation cabinets, refrigerators, freezers, etc., and the past history such as minute, hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly reports, the date of manufacture, the date of manufacture, the installation Alerts are sent to multiple parties, such as construction companies, product numbers, and maintenance companies, with information such as the facility name, location, product name, showcase, resuscitation cabinet, refrigerator, freezer, freezer name, and store name, via PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc., and the parties can then repair the relevant showcase, resuscitation cabinet, refrigerator, freezer, or freezer, for example, 8 to 15 hours before the temperature inside the showcase, resuscitation cabinet, refrigerator, or freezer rises and affects the quality of the products, before it reaches a temperature that requires caution, an alarm temperature, or an upper limit temperature, before that happens.

[0153] The aging of showcases, resuscitation cabinets, refrigerators, freezers, and freezers, etc., and the high temperature and humidity caused by global warming, increase the utilization rate of showcases, resuscitation cabinets, refrigerators, freezers, and freezers, accelerating wear and tear on the equipment and increasing the incidence of breakdowns. Repairs are generally frequent, especially during the summer months of May to October, increasing the risk of maintaining the quality of refrigerated and frozen products. Maintenance companies also frequently perform repairs, and in response to the recent work style reforms and aging population, there is a shortage of engineers. The system detects temperature increases and other issues in showcases, resuscitation cabinets, refrigerators, freezers, and freezers in advance of deterioration, malfunctions, and breakdowns of the relevant showcases, resuscitation cabinets, refrigerators, freezers, and freezers, and sends alerts to multiple relevant parties, such as the facility name, location, product name, showcase, resuscitation cabinet, refrigerator, freezer, and freezers name, and store name, to PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc., so that (3) the relevant parties can take planned or proactive repair measures in advance of a breakdown. The system can also send alerts 8 to 12 hours in advance.

[0154] For example, if the set temperature for ice cream is -25°C in a showcase or freezer, the detected temperatures for 1 second, 1 minute, 30 minutes, or N minutes are entered and stored in a database. For example, if the temperature drops by -2°C compared to the set temperature for each product, the detected temperature will be -27°C. For example, the temperature can be measured in units of seconds, minutes, or hours that are set in advance. Or, if the temperature suddenly drops by 1-4-N°C, the detected temperature, caution temperature, caution temperature, alarm temperature, lower limit temperature, etc. can be set in advance to maintain the freshness and quality of the product according to the set temperature for each product. The freezer temperature is programmed, and the month, day, hour, and minute for lowering the temperature to the aforementioned set temperature, detection temperature, caution temperature, caution temperature, alarm temperature, lower limit temperature, etc. are programmed. If the temperature is lower than the set temperature for the product, the month, day, hour, and minute for lowering the temperature to the detection temperature, caution temperature, caution temperature, alarm temperature, lower limit temperature, etc. are programmed. Predetermined periodic reports are sent to the PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple parties concerned via audio, image, numerical value, email, etc. alerts with the customer name, store name, location, case name, refrigerator / freezer name, detected temperature, etc. If a malfunction or breakdown of the relevant showcase or refrigerator / freezer causes the temperature to drop, for example, before the freshness or quality of the product changes, planned repairs can be made or repairs can be carried out before the temperature drops too low.

[0155] For example, the system of the present invention may detect a temperature of -27°C detected at 11:30 on February 20, 2025, even though the product set temperature in an ice cream showcase or freezer is -25°C, as programmed in advance. The system will display this in a face-to-face layout on the display, and send the customer name, store name, and location of the temperature detection requiring caution to the PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple related parties via voice, image, numerical value, and email.

[0156] Temperature changes in the ice cream showcase and refrigerator are programmed, and for example, if the set caution temperature is -25°C, a caution temperature of -28°C is detected 5.0 hours and 300 minutes later at 16:30 on February 20, 2025, and it is calculated and predicted that the temperature will drop to -29°C in 5 hours and 300 minutes, and this is displayed in a face table and layout on the display, and the customer name, store name, location, and caution temperature detection are sent as voice, image, numerical value, and email to the PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple related parties.

[0157] Temperature changes in the ice cream showcase and refrigerator are programmed. For example, if the set temperature for caution is -25°C, a caution temperature of -29°C is detected 7.0 hours later, at 23:30 on February 20, 2025, and the system calculates and predicts that the temperature will drop to the warning temperature of -30°C in 7 hours and 420 minutes. This is displayed in a face chart and layout on the display, and the customer name, store name, location, and the caution temperature detection are sent as voice, images, numbers, and email to the PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple related parties.

[0158] Temperature changes in the ice cream showcase and refrigerator are programmed, and for example, when the alarm temperature is set to -25°C, an alarm temperature of -30°C is detected 5 hours after 300 minutes from 4:30 on February 21, 2025, and the calculation predicts that the temperature will drop to the lower limit of -31°C 5 hours and 300 minutes later, and this is displayed in a face table and layout on the display, and the customer name, store name, relevant case name at the location, and refrigerator / freezer name are sent as voice, image, numerical value, and email to the PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple related parties to notify them of the temperature detection requiring caution.

[0159] Temperature changes in the ice cream showcase and refrigerator are programmed, and for example, a detection temperature of -25°C with a lower limit temperature of -31°C is detected at 9:30 on February 21, 2025, 300 minutes have elapsed, and 5.0 hours later, for a total of 17.0 hours, and this is displayed in a face table and layout on the display, and alerts are sent to the PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple related parties to the detection of temperatures requiring caution, including the customer name, store name, case name at the location, and refrigerator / freezer name, via voice, image, numerical value, email, etc.

[0160] For example, the predetermined time for repairs of an ice cream display case, freezer, or freezer is 480 minutes, so 8 hours is required to complete the repair. The time it takes to reach the actual alarm temperature is 720 minutes, and an alert is sent 12 hours later, leaving enough time for repairs of the relevant display case, freezer, or freezer to be completed.

[0161] The set temperature of the ice cream showcase and freezer is -25°C, but the temperature inside the case and freezer is detected to be the warning temperature of -28°C. The year, month, day, hour and minute are stored and entered into a database, and the alarm temperature of the ice cream showcase and freezer is -30°C. The time required to repair any malfunction or breakdown of the ice cream showcase, refrigerator or freezer in question due to product freshness and quality is set to eight hours, which can be set arbitrarily.

[0162] For example, ice cream showcases and freezers are cooled by a single separate freezer, with multiple showcases (1 to 16 units) connected to the refrigerant pipes of the system, and refrigerated at the set temperature. The resuscitation cabinet is cooled by about one unit, and if one of the showcases or freezers displaying ice cream malfunctions or breaks down, the temperature inside the case will drop for each relevant showcase or refrigerator. For example, the set temperature of -25°C, detection temperature of -27°C, caution temperature of -28°C, caution temperature of -29°C, alarm temperature of -30°C, lower limit temperature of -31°C, etc. are programmed and stored in a database, and the aforementioned month, date, and time when the detection temperature, caution temperature, caution temperature, etc., which have been set in advance, are reached can be recorded. The system stores the hours and minutes, calculates the temperature drop coefficient per minute and the minutes and hours it will take to reach the alarm temperature, and programs the month, day, hour and minute after how many minutes and hours have passed since the temperature inside the showcase or freezer dropped to reach the alarm temperature. For example, if the temperature of a particular showcase or resuscitation cabinet drops as described above due to a drop in the temperature of the showcase or resuscitation cabinet, it determines that there is a problem or malfunction with that showcase or resuscitation cabinet and displays this in a face chart or layout on the display. Alerts are sent to the PCs, tablets, smartphones etc. of multiple people involved using voice, images, numbers, email etc. to indicate the customer name, store name, address, case name and refrigerator / freezer name.

[0163] For example, a showcase or refrigerator for frozen goods is connected to a refrigerant pipe of a system with one separate freezer, and several to 16 showcases, etc. are cooled and refrigerated at a set temperature. For example, several to 16 showcases or resuscitation cabinets of the corresponding freezer are programmed and databased with the following temperatures inside the case at the same time: set temperature -18°C, detection temperature -21°C, caution temperature -22°C, caution temperature -23°C, alarm temperature -24°C, lower limit temperature -25°C. The month, day, hour and minute when the preset detection temperature, caution temperature, caution temperature, etc. are reached are stored, and the temperature drop coefficient per minute is set as the alarm temperature. The program calculates the minutes and hours, month, day, hour and minute after which the temperature inside the showcase or refrigerator will drop and reach the alarm temperature, and if the temperature of several to 16 showcases in the relevant freezer system drops as described above due to the drop in temperature of the showcase or refrigerator, it determines that there is a problem or malfunction with the freezer in the showcase or refrigerator system, and displays this in a face chart or layout on the display, and sends an alert to the PCs, tablets, smartphones etc. of multiple people involved with the customer name, store name, location, relevant case name and refrigerator / freezer name using voice, image, numerical value, email etc.

[0164] The display of the relevant store's showcase and refrigerator are displayed in face-to-face and layout on the office PC display, and the set temperature of the relevant frozen product, -25°C, is considered the normal temperature. If the temperature inside the showcase or refrigerator detects a detected temperature of -27°C, the relevant showcase or freezer is displayed in face-to-face and layout on the display along with the time elapsed since the detected temperature was reached. The destination is set in advance, and an alert is sent to the PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple related parties with the customer name, store name, address, relevant case name, and refrigerator / freezer name via voice, image, numerical value, email, etc.

[0165] The freezers in showcases, resuscitators, refrigerated freezers, etc. that cool to the set temperatures of 7°C for fruits and vegetables, 0°C for fresh fish and meat, 5°C for daily necessities, 9°C for alcohol, etc., and -18°C for frozen meat, frozen fresh fish, frozen foods, and -25°C for ice cream, may, for example, due to deterioration over time, malfunctions, or breakdowns, cause the temperature inside the showcases, resuscitators, refrigerated freezers, etc. to rise above the set temperatures of 7°C for fruits and vegetables, 0°C for fresh fish and meat, 5°C for daily necessities, 9°C for alcohol, etc., and -18°C for frozen meat, frozen fresh fish, frozen foods, and -25°C for ice cream.For example, there are built-in showcases that have freezers built into the showcases.

[0166] There is also a separate freezer type, in which one freezer connects 1 to 16 showcases, resuscitation cabinets, and refrigerated freezers with refrigerant piping, pressurizes the refrigerant gas, and cools the products to the set temperature using a cooler.

[0167] In the case of a separate freezer, if a freezer malfunctions or breaks down, the temperature of the showcase, resuscitation cabinet, and refrigerator-freezer associated with that freezer will rise in proportion to the elapsed time, affecting the freshness and quality of the products in that freezer. On the other hand, in the case of a built-in showcase, if one showcase, resuscitation cabinet, or refrigerator-freezer breaks down, the temperature of that showcase, resuscitation cabinet, or refrigerator-freezer will rise. In the case of a separate freezer, if one freezer breaks down, a temperature rise will be detected in one or more of the related showcases, resuscitation cabinets, and refrigerator-freezers.

[0168] If a freezer breaks down, it can detect a temperature rise in one or more display cases, or in multiple display cases in a resuscitation cabinet or refrigerator / freezer, connected via refrigerant piping and supplying refrigerant and cold air. This can be determined to be a freezer malfunction. For example, a face chart or layout on an office PC display can display the set temperature, detected temperature, caution temperature, warning temperature, alarm temperature, and upper limit temperature for each product, along with the date, hour, and minute of detection, elapsed time, and the calculated predicted time and minute for the temperature rise. Alerts can be sent to multiple relevant parties' PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. via voice, image, numerical value, email, etc., with information such as customer name, store name, location, case name, refrigerator / freezer name, and detected temperature. A malfunction or breakdown in the relevant display case or refrigerator / freezer can cause a temperature rise, allowing repairs to be performed before product freshness or quality is affected.

[0169] For example, if the freezer in one of the beverage and alcohol (hereinafter referred to as beverage) showcases C106-C116 breaks down and the refrigerant pumping force at a greater distance from the freezer decays rapidly, the temperature of showcases C111 and C112, with a beverage set temperature of 9°C, is detected to be 13°C, and the PC display face and sales floor layout will display the detected temperature in yellow, along with the time of detection, 11:30 on February 20, 2025, and the current date, month, day, and minute. For example, the set temperature of showcases C111 and C112, 9°C, rising to a detected temperature of 13°C, is stored in the database.

[0170] In the system of the present invention, the temperatures of the beverage showcases and refrigerators are preset at a preset temperature of 9°C, for example, +4°C detection temperature, +6°C caution temperature, +7°C caution temperature, +8°C alarm temperature, +9°C upper limit temperature, etc. When, for example, C111-C112 of the 11 beverage showcases C106-C116, with a set temperature of 9°C, rises to a detected temperature of 13°C, the detected temperature is displayed in yellow on the PC display face and sales floor layout, along with the time of detection, 11:30 on February 20, 2025, and the current date, month, day, and hour. For example, when the set temperature of the showcases C111-C112 rises from 9°C to a detected temperature of 13°C, the freezer R-1 corresponding to the series of the showcases C111-C112 is recorded in the database as malfunctioning or broken.

[0171] For example, if freezer R-1 in a beverage showcase breaks down, and the refrigerant pumping force is rapidly decaying as it is farther away from the freezer, the temperature of C111 and C112 in the beverage showcase will rise to a warning temperature of 14°C at 11:30 on February 20, 2025, and this will be displayed in light orange on the display face and layout. Beverage showcase C113, which is slightly closer to freezer R-1 and has a lower temperature rise coefficient, will detect a temperature of 13°C and display this in yellow on the display face and layout. Alerts will be sent to the PC displays, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple people involved in the event of a failure of freezer R-1, with audio, image, numerical values, email, etc., and the people involved can then check and take action.

[0172] For example, the system of the present invention displays the time 16:30 on February 20, 2025, when the caution temperature of 14°C rises proportionally with the elapsed time, and beverage showcases C111 and C112 detect the caution temperature of 14°C, and the time 0 minutes has elapsed. The face of the beverage showcase and the sales floor layout are displayed in light orange, and the time 0 minutes has elapsed. Next, the temperature rises proportionally with the elapsed time, and the calculated predicted time for the temperature to rise to 7°C is displayed on the PC display as 2.5 hours, 150 minutes later. Then, the freezer R-1 in question breaks down and the beverage display stops. If food showcases C111 and C112 detect a warning temperature of 14°C at 4:30 pm on February 20, 2025, the face of the beverage showcase and the layout of the sales floor will be colored light orange. When the predicted time for showcases C111 and C112 to reach the warning temperature of 15°C, 2.5 hours or 150 minutes later, an alert will be sent to the PC displays, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple relevant parties via audio, images, numbers, email, etc., and the relevant parties can check and take action.

[0173] The system of the present invention, for example, detects a caution temperature of 15°C in showcases C-111 and C-112 at 11:30 PM on February 20, 2025, and displays this in orange on the display face and layout, while showcases C-113 and C-110 display a caution temperature of 14°C in light orange. Calculating the temperature rise coefficient from the caution temperature to the caution temperature, the system determines the predicted time in 7 hours, 420 minutes, for showcases C-111 and C-112 to rise to the warning temperature of 16°C, and sends an alert of a failure of freezer R-1 to the PC displays, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple relevant parties via voice, image, numerical values, email, etc., allowing the relevant parties to confirm and take action.

[0174] For example, if freezer showcases C89 and C90 in the freezer R-5 system detect an alarm temperature of -17°C at 4:30 AM on February 21, 2025, and display the temperature in red, and C92 and C93 detect a caution temperature of -18°C, the system determines that freezer R-5 is malfunctioning and displays this in the display face and layout. If freezer R-5 malfunctions, and showcases C89 and C90 reach an alarm temperature of -17°C at 4:30 AM on February 21, 2025, and C91 rises to a caution temperature of -18°C, and showcases C89 and C90 reach the upper limit temperature of -15°C, which is the predicted time for calculation, 5.0 hours or 300 minutes later, an alert is sent to the PC displays, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple relevant parties via audio, image, numerical value, email, etc., allowing the relevant parties to check and take action.

[0175] In the system of the present invention, ice cream display cases C89-C90, which are connected to freezer R-5, detect a maximum temperature of -16°C after 5 hours and 300 minutes and display this in violet. C91 detects the warning temperature of -17°C, C92 detects the caution temperature of -18°C, and C93 detects the caution temperature of -19°C, determining that the corresponding freezer R-5 is malfunctioning. This is displayed on the display face and layout, and if freezer R-5 malfunctions, an alert is sent to the PC displays, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple relevant parties via audio, image, numerical values, email, etc., allowing them to check and take action.

[0176] The set temperatures for refrigerated showcases, freezer showcases, resuscitators, refrigerators, freezers, etc. are, for example, 0°C for fresh fish and meat, 5°C for daily necessities, 7°C for fruits and vegetables, 8°C for beverages, and 9°C for alcohol; as well as 18°C ​​or below for frozen meat, frozen fresh fish, and frozen foods, and -25°C for ice cream. The cooling mechanisms for showcases and refrigerated freezers include built-in types in which the freezer is built into the showcase, and separate types in which the refrigerated showcase, freezer showcase, refrigerator, freezer, etc. are connected to the freezer of the refrigerator or freezer by refrigerant pipes for each system. The refrigeration temperatures of the relevant freezers are, for example, 0°C to 9°C, freezing temperatures of -18°C to -26°C, and ultra-low temperatures of around -60°C. It is common for one freezer to refrigerate and freeze one or more showcases, etc. For example, each store's built-in freezer showcases used to display and sell products are individually designed, so a malfunction or breakdown of that showcase will only affect the temperature of that one unit, limiting the impact. In separate-freezer systems, a malfunction or breakdown of a single freezer can cause the temperature of one or more display cases in the system to rise, resulting in significant losses for the store. However, if malfunctions or abnormalities caused by aging or other factors in the showcases, refrigerators, freezers, and other related freezers are identified before they break down and repairs are made in a planned manner, the relevant cases, refrigerators, freezers, and freezers will not break down, preventing the store from experiencing periodic loss of business.

[0177] Refrigerators that cool showcases and refrigerator-freezers can be, for example, a separate type where the refrigerator is installed outdoors and the showcases and refrigerator-freezers are cooled by one or more refrigerators via refrigerant piping depending on the product set temperature, or a built-in type where the refrigerator is installed in the showcase and cooled. Separate and built-in types of showcases and refrigerator-freezers can be distinguished in advance based on, for example, the layout of a store, and separate-type showcases and refrigerator-freezers by refrigerator system and built-in type showcases can be clearly distinguished.

[0178] If the temperature inside one or more showcases or refrigerator-freezers rises, for example by measuring and detecting a pre-programmed detection temperature, caution temperature, caution required temperature, or alarm temperature, the system of the present invention determines that the freezer in the relevant showcase or refrigerator-freezer system is malfunctioning or broken, and sends an alert to the PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple relevant parties with the customer name, store name, location, case name, refrigerator-freezer name, detected temperature, etc. via voice, image, numerical value, email, etc. If it determines that the freezer in the relevant showcase or refrigerator-freezer system is malfunctioning or broken, for example, planned repairs can be made or the temperature can rise, for example, before the freshness or quality of the products changes.

[0179] If the temperature inside one showcase or refrigerator-freezer rises, the system of the present invention measures and detects, for example, a pre-programmed detection temperature, caution temperature, warning temperature, or alarm temperature, it determines that the relevant showcase or refrigerator-freezer is abnormal or broken, and sends an alert to the PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple relevant parties with the customer name, store name, location, case name, refrigerator-freezer name, detected temperature, etc. via voice, image, numerical value, email, etc. If a malfunction or breakdown occurs in the relevant showcase or refrigerator-freezer, planned repairs can be made or repairs can be carried out before the temperature rises and, for example, the freshness or quality of products changes.

[0180] If the system of the present invention measures and detects a rise in the temperature of one of the built-in showcases, for example, a pre-programmed detection temperature, caution temperature, warning temperature, or alarm temperature, it determines that the relevant showcase or refrigerator / freezer is abnormal or broken, and sends an alert to the PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple relevant parties with the customer name, store name, location, case name, refrigerator / freezer name, detected temperature, etc. via voice, image, numerical value, email, etc. If a malfunction or breakdown occurs in the relevant showcase or refrigerator / freezer, planned repairs can be made or repairs can be carried out before the temperature rises and, for example, product freshness or quality changes.

[0181] The system of the present invention operates without frost forming on the cooling function of the relevant showcase, revitalizer, refrigerator / freezer, etc. at set temperatures such as 0°C for fresh fish and meat, 5°C for daily produce, 7°C for fruits and vegetables, 9°C for beverages and alcohol, and -18°C for frozen meat, frozen fresh fish, frozen foods, and -25°C for ice cream. Depending on the set temperature of the product, for example, a defrosting off cycle that stops the cooling function of daily produce, fruits and vegetables, beverages, etc., and a frost prevention heater or the like melts frost, drains water droplets, and cools fresh fish, meat, frozen foods, ice cream, etc., approximately 2 to 6 times a day or 24 hours, and detects the defrosting temperature, defrosting time, draining time, defrost search time, etc., set according to the set temperature of the product using a pre-defined program. For example, the temperature inside a showcase, resuscitation, refrigerator, or freezer may rise above a set temperature due to a malfunction or breakdown of the showcase, resuscitation, refrigerator, freezer, or freezer, and high temperature phenomena may be detected, and it may be determined whether the relevant showcase, resuscitation, refrigerator, freezer, etc. is malfunctioning or in the process of defrosting.

[0182] In the system of the present invention, the number of defrosting times and the duration are predetermined according to the set temperatures for each product in the showcase, resuscitation cabinet, refrigerator, and freezer. The defrosting time is set to a defrosting temperature of 15°C for about 30 minutes, and draining time is set to about 3 minutes. The time for draining the water is programmed, so that the system will not malfunction when a high temperature occurs in the showcase, resuscitation cabinet, refrigerator, or freezer.

[0183] In order for the system of the present invention to maintain a preset temperature of 7°C for product preservation in a produce showcase or resuscitation cabinet, frost on the cooler or refrigerant pipes of the relevant produce showcase or resuscitation cabinet at a preset temperature of 7°C can hinder the cooling of the air. Therefore, the system configures a defrosting time to completely melt the frost, a draining time to evaporate the water droplets, and a defrost search time to remove the frost and evaporate the water droplets, without detecting the temperature until the temperature in the relevant showcase or resuscitation cabinet has dropped to the preset temperature of 7°C. Even if the temperature in the relevant showcase or resuscitation cabinet rises due to the defrosting function, the system determines that the temperature rise is due to a malfunction or breakdown.

[0184] Defrosting of produce showcases and resuscitation cabinets is usually performed about twice a year, during which time they are cooled at a set temperature of 7°C. If the defrosting time is changed from the previously set time to, say, 3:00 PM due to a layout change or a change to the showcase or resuscitation cabinet, the system detects a defrost temperature of 15°C, a defrost time of 30 minutes, a draining time of 3 minutes, and a defrost search time of 10 minutes, and determines that the relevant produce showcase or resuscitation cabinet will be defrosted at 3:00 PM. An alert is sent to the PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple parties, informing them that the defrosting time has been changed to 3:00 PM, along with the customer name, store name, relevant case name with location, and resuscitation cabinet name, via voice, image, numerical value, email, etc.

[0185] In order to cool a showcase or refrigerator with a set temperature of 0°C for fresh fish to the set temperature, the system of the present invention melts frost that has adhered to the showcase or refrigerator's cooler, refrigerant pipes, etc., and activates a predetermined electric heater for defrosting (defrosting) the fresh fish to melt the frost so that the cooling function operates normally. A defrosting time of 30 minutes, a draining time of 3 minutes, a defrost search time without temperature detection of 30 minutes, and four defrosting times are entered into a program database. The defrosting times for the corresponding multi-tiered showcase or refrigerator for meat are input, for example, 1st defrost at 12:30, 2nd defrost at 6:30, 3rd defrost at 12:30, and 4th defrost at 18:30, and even if the temperature of the showcase or refrigerator rises to about 10°C during the corresponding time, the system determines that defrosting and defrosting are necessary.

[0186] Even if the defrost temperature of a showcase or refrigerator with a set temperature of 0°C for meat is changed to a different time period, with a defrost temperature of 10°C, a defrost time of 30 minutes, a draining time of 3 minutes, and a defrost search time of 10 minutes or 43 minutes, the system of the present invention will determine the number of increased detected temperatures and the high temperature time, etc., based on the defrosting program of the showcase or refrigerator with a set temperature of 0°C for fresh fish, and will determine whether this is a malfunction or breakdown of the freezer, etc., and will determine whether this is a showcase, refrigerator, etc. with a set temperature of 0°C for fresh fish, or a breakdown of the freezer, etc.

[0187] The system of the present invention sets the defrost temperature at 10°C, the defrost time at 40 minutes, the drain time at 3 minutes, and the defrost search time at 10 minutes. If the system detects that the defrost time is outside the predetermined time frame for defrosting and cooling / refrigeration, for example, at 1:30, it determines that the defrost time has been changed to 1:30, programs this, and changes the new defrost time for the showcase and refrigerator. The system also displays the customer name, store name, location, case name, and refrigerator / freezer name on the PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple related parties, and sends an alert by voice, image, numerical value, email, etc., informing them that the defrost time has been changed to 1:30.

[0188] The system of the present invention detects a temperature rise of 5 to 10°C, and if there is no 30-minute defrosting time, 3 minutes of draining, etc., and the rising temperature is a caution temperature, a temperature requiring caution, an alarm temperature, or an upper limit temperature, an alert is sent to the PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple related parties in the form of voice, image, numerical value, email, etc., informing them of the temperature detection requiring caution, including the customer name, store name, relevant case name at the location, and refrigerator / freezer name.

[0189] The system of the present invention programs the month, day, hour, and minute for defrosting, and if the start time of defrosting is changed, it sends a predetermined periodic report to the PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple related parties as an alert in the form of voice, image, numerical value, email, etc., with the customer name, store name, case name at the location, and refrigerator / freezer name.

[0190] The system of the present invention performs one defrost from 0:30 to 1:03 and cooling time from 1:04 to 5:29. For example, if the one defrost time is changed to 2:30 due to replacement of the relevant case, the system will detect that the defrost temperature will rise to 10°C at 2:30, and the defrost time will be 30 minutes, with a defrost search time of 10 minutes for draining. If the temperature inside the relevant showcase or refrigerator rises at other times, it will detect this as a rising temperature, calculate it as a caution temperature, caution temperature, alarm temperature, or upper limit temperature, and send an alert.

[0191] In the system of the present invention, in order for a flat-type fresh fish showcase to maintain and preserve merchandise at a set temperature of, for example, 0°C, frost that has formed on the cooler and refrigerant pipes of the relevant fresh fish showcase or refrigerator at a set temperature of 0°C will hinder the generation of cold air. Therefore, the defrosting temperature of the electric heater that melts the frost is set to 15°C, the defrosting time to melt the frost is 40 minutes, the draining time for the frost to melt and the water droplets to drain is 3 minutes, and the defrost search time to cool the temperature inside the multi-tiered showcase or refrigerator that has risen to 15°C to the set temperature of 0°C is 10 minutes. The detected temperature inside the flat-type showcase or refrigerator is input, and no temperature rise alert is issued. The defrosting time is 53 minutes, which is the first defrost cycle. A multi-tiered fresh fish showcase can usually be defrosted 1 to 4 times a day, or about 24 hours.

[0192] In the system of the present invention, for example, the first defrosting is from 0:30 to 1:23, and the cooling time is from 1:24 to 5:39; the second defrosting is from 6:40 to 7:23, and the cooling time is from 7:24 to 12:29; the third defrosting is from 12:40 to 13:23, and the cooling time is from 13:24 to 18:39; the fourth defrosting is from 18:40 to 19:23, and the cooling time is from 19:24 to 0:09.

[0193] The system of the present invention detects that the first defrosting time is changed from 0:30 to 1:23 and the cooling time is from 1:24 to 5:39, and if the first defrosting time is changed to 2:30 due to, for example, replacing the relevant case, the defrost temperature will rise to 15°C at 2:30, the defrosting time will be 40 minutes, the draining time will be 3 minutes, and the defrost search time will be 10 minutes, and it will determine that the first defrosting time has been changed to 2:30.It will then send an alert to the PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple related parties, in the form of voice, image, numerical value, email, etc., with the customer name, store name, location, relevant case name, resuscitation cabinet name, and that the defrosting has been changed to 2:30.

[0194] The system of the present invention detects any temperature rise during the cooling time from 12:30 to 1:23 during the first defrosting time, and from 1:24 to 5:39, and sends an alert to the PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple related parties, for example, based on the caution temperature, caution temperature, alarm temperature, or upper limit temperature, with the customer name, store name, relevant case name at location, resuscitation cabinet name, and an indication that defrosting will be changed to 2:30, via voice, image, numerical value, email, etc.

[0195] The system of the present invention detects set temperatures for refrigerated and frozen showcases, resuscitation cabinets, refrigerators, freezers, etc., such as 0°C for fresh fish and meat, 5°C for daily necessities, 7°C for fruits and vegetables, 8°C for beverages, and 9°C for alcohol, as well as temperatures below 18°C ​​for frozen meat, frozen fresh fish, and frozen foods, and -25°C for ice cream. According to the configuration and flow of the wireless temperature sensor battery level warning system for refrigerated and frozen showcases, resuscitation cabinets, refrigerators, and freezers, the remaining voltage of the temperature sensor power supply is detected, for example, if a cylindrical manganese dioxide lithium battery has a 5-year lifespan and a rated voltage of 3.0V, and the remaining lifespan of batteries 1 to 100 installed in 100 showcases is calculated and determined, for example, as the safe lifespan, caution lifespan, caution required lifespan, and warning lifespan.

[0196] The system of the present invention detects the temperature inside showcases and compartments by installing wireless temperature sensors inside, for example, stand-alone or built-in showcases, refrigeration cabinets, refrigerators, freezers, etc., with preset temperatures such as 0°C for fresh fish and meat, 5°C for daily necessities, 7°C for fruits and vegetables, 9°C for beverages and alcohol, and -18°C for frozen meat, frozen fresh fish, and frozen foods, and -25°C for ice cream. The wireless temperature sensors detect whether the temperature inside the showcase or compartment is within the allowable temperature limits for each product, is too high, or is too low. Due to the advancement of technological systems, for example, to reduce electrical materials, save on on-site labor, and reduce toll costs, the temperature sensors are not connected to the power wiring, and use, for example, lithium batteries or other such batteries to detect the temperature inside the showcase or compartment, such as cylindrical manganese dioxide lithium batteries with a battery rating of 3.0V and a rated service life of 5 years. In this case, for example, the discharge coefficient 0.0 to 0.95, the detected remaining voltage 3.25 to 2.7V, the remaining battery coefficient, the battery life span, and the detected battery capacity category are classified into normal, caution alert, caution alert, warning alert, and lower limit alert.

[0197] The system of the present invention installs wireless temperature sensors in the relevant showcases, resuscitation cabinets, refrigerators, freezers, etc. to set temperatures such as 0°C for fresh fish and meat, 5°C for daily necessities, 7°C for fruits and vegetables, 9°C for beverages and alcohol, -18°C for frozen meat, frozen fresh fish, frozen foods, and -25°C for ice cream.The temperature sensors installed in the showcases and cabinets with refrigerated temperatures of 9°C to 0°C, and frozen temperatures of -18°C and -25°C, etc., are powered by, for example, a lithium battery with a battery rating of 3.0V and a rated service life of 5 years. Discharge etc. due to installation in the refrigerated and freezer temperature cases and warehouses is also considered, and based on the voltage discharge of the battery, for example, for the above-mentioned fresh fish and meat 0°C, daily necessities 5°C, vegetables and fruit 7°C, beverages and alcohol 9°C, etc., and for frozen-related items such as frozen meat, frozen fresh fish, frozen foods -18°C, ice cream -25°C, etc., the number of showcases etc. equipped with temperature sensors and batteries installed, which are installed in one to multiple units in the store, and which detect the refrigerated and freezer temperatures of the showcases, is determined based on, for example, the discharge coefficient, detected remaining voltage V, battery remaining coefficient, remaining battery life, battery detected capacity classification etc., to determine whether the battery can be used normally or is in the normal classification, is a caution detection voltage, is a voltage requiring caution, is an alarm voltage that requires an alarm, or is the lower limit voltage for battery use.

[0198] The system of the present invention determines that the batteries of the temperature sensors that detect the refrigerated / freezer temperatures in the showcases, which may be installed in one or more stores in a given store, have a discharge coefficient of 0.0 to 0.7, a detected remaining voltage of 3.25 to 2.9V, a battery remaining coefficient of 1.0 to 0.3, a remaining battery life of 5.0 to 4.5 years, and a detected battery capacity classification, are normal, and inputs and stores the results into a database in a PC, server, etc.

[0199] The system of the present invention determines, for example, a battery with a discharge coefficient of 0.7 to 0.8 in a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of one or more large refrigerator-freezer units in showcases, logistics centers, warehouses, apartment buildings, offices, laboratories, hospitals, etc., factories, stores, etc., as a battery with a detected remaining voltage of 2.85V, a remaining battery coefficient of 0.2, a remaining battery life of 4.4 years, and a detected battery capacity classification of caution, and inputs and stores the above information into a database on a PC, server, etc., and can periodically report the above information to the PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple related parties in the form of voice, images, numerical values, etc., including the customer name, store name, case name at the location, and refrigerator-freezer name, for example, minutes, hours, business hours, closing hours, days, weeks, months, 3 months, 6 months, or years.

[0200] The system of the present invention detects the temperature of one or more refrigerators and freezers in showcases, large refrigerator freezers in logistics centers and warehouses, factories, stores, etc., and determines that the battery discharge coefficient is 0.7 to 0.8, the detected remaining voltage is 2.85V, the battery remaining coefficient is 0.2, the remaining battery life is 4.4 years, and the detected battery capacity classification is a caution category battery.The system inputs and stores this information into a database on a PC, server, etc., and then detects or periodically reports the remaining battery capacity of the relevant temperature sensor, which requires a caution alert, for example, the number of relevant batteries, the layout showcase name, and location, along with the customer name, store name, and location of the relevant case, as well as audio, images, numerical values, email, etc. to the PCs, tablets, smartphones, etc. of multiple related parties, thereby eliminating the need for manpower and enabling significant labor savings.

Claims

1. A digital showcase monitoring system for managing the temperature of one to a plurality of showcases, each having a built-in freezer built in, and a plurality of showcases connected to a separate freezer, which is a separate freezer separately placed via a refrigerant pipe having a predetermined length, arranged in a store sales area, the system comprising: a digital temperature detection device that is provided in each of the plurality of showcases, constantly detects the showcase temperature, which is the temperature inside the showcase, and constantly outputs and transmits information relating to the detected showcase temperature as showcase temperature information to a management device via a network; The management device comprises a showcase temperature history information recording processing unit, a showcase temperature fluctuation rate calculation processing unit, a showcase appropriate temperature range determination processing unit, a warning / alert time prediction processing unit, a freezer operation status determination processing unit, and a warning information output processing unit, the showcase temperature history information recording processing unit records the showcase temperature information acquired from the digital temperature detection device in association with information for identifying each showcase and time information which is information regarding the time when the showcase temperature information was acquired from the digital temperature detection device, and also performs processing to create chronological showcase temperature history information which is history information of the showcase temperature and record it in association with information for identifying each showcase, the showcase temperature fluctuation rate calculation processing unit performs a process of calculating a showcase temperature fluctuation rate representing the magnitude of temperature fluctuation in the showcase temperature in an increasing direction or the magnitude of temperature fluctuation in the showcase temperature in a decreasing direction within a predetermined time period in each of the showcases based on the showcase temperature history information, the showcase appropriate temperature range determination processing unit performs processing to determine whether the showcase temperature indicated by the showcase temperature information is rising in a direction away from the showcase appropriate temperature range or whether the showcase temperature indicated by the showcase temperature information is falling in a direction away from the showcase appropriate temperature range, and whether the showcase temperature indicated by the showcase temperature information is within the showcase appropriate temperature range, based on the showcase temperature information, the showcase temperature history information, the showcase temperature fluctuation rate, and information on the showcase appropriate temperature range, which is information on an appropriate showcase temperature recommended when displaying products in the showcase for which the showcase temperature information, the showcase temperature history information, and the showcase temperature fluctuation rate are known, which are constantly acquired for each of the plurality of showcases, When the showcase appropriate temperature range determination processing unit determines that the showcase temperature indicated by the showcase temperature information is exhibiting temperature behavior such that the temperature rises or falls in a direction that deviates from the showcase appropriate temperature range, the attention / alert time prediction processing unit: a warning prediction time, which is the time when the upper or lower limit of the showcase's appropriate temperature range is predicted to be reached; A predicted caution time is a time when the temperature is predicted to further rise from the point when the temperature has risen to the upper limit of the appropriate temperature range for the showcase to a preset upper limit temperature that requires caution, or when the temperature is predicted to further fall from the point when the temperature has fallen to the lower limit of the appropriate temperature range for the showcase to a preset lower limit temperature that requires caution, and A warning prediction time is a time period during which the temperature is predicted to further rise from the point at which the temperature has risen to the warning upper limit temperature and reach a preset warning upper limit temperature or to further fall from the point at which the temperature has fallen to the warning lower limit temperature and reach a preset warning lower limit temperature. The process of calculating each of these is performed. the refrigeration unit operational status determination processing unit performs a process of determining whether or not an abnormal state has occurred in the operational status of the separate-type refrigeration unit based on a relationship between the showcase temperature fluctuation rate in each of the plurality of showcases connected to the same separate-type refrigeration unit via the refrigerant pipe and the length of the refrigerant pipe between the separate-type refrigeration unit and the showcase; The warning information output processing unit a first attention-calling information output / transmission process for outputting / transmitting first attention-calling information to a showcase-related person terminal used by a showcase manager who manages the showcase for which the attention-calling predicted time has been calculated and / or a showcase display merchandise manager who manages the merchandise displayed in the showcase, when the attention / alert time prediction processing section calculates the attention-calling predicted time; a second attention-calling information output / transmission process, which is a process of outputting / transmitting second attention-calling information to a showcase-related person terminal used by a showcase manager who manages the showcase for which the attention-calling predicted time has been calculated and / or a showcase display merchandise manager who manages the merchandise displayed in the showcase, when the attention / vigilance time prediction processing unit calculates the attention-requiring predicted time; a third warning information output / transmission process for outputting / transmitting third warning information for calling attention to a showcase-related person terminal used by a showcase manager who manages the showcase for which the warning-required predicted time has been calculated and / or a showcase display merchandise manager who manages the merchandise displayed in the showcase, when the warning / alert time prediction processing section calculates the warning-required predicted time; When the refrigeration unit operating status determination processing unit determines that an abnormal state has occurred, it performs a primary refrigeration unit abnormality occurrence warning information output / transmission process, which is a process of outputting and transmitting primary refrigeration unit abnormality occurrence warning information to a refrigeration unit manager terminal used by a refrigeration unit manager who manages the separate refrigeration unit determined to be in an abnormal state and a showcase-related terminal used by a showcase manager who manages the plurality of showcases to which the separate refrigeration unit determined to be in an abnormal state is connected via the refrigerant pipe and / or a showcase display product manager who manages the products displayed in the showcase. Digital showcase monitoring system.

2. The warning information output processing unit When it is determined in the determination by the freezer operating status determination processing unit that the severity of the abnormality is higher than the level of the abnormal state at which the warning information output processing unit performs processing to output and transmit the first freezer abnormality warning information, a second freezer abnormality warning information output and transmission processing is performed, which is processing to output and transmit second freezer abnormality warning information to the freezer manager terminal and the showcase staff terminal to call for further attention, When it is determined in the determination by the freezer operating status determination processing unit that the severity of the abnormality is higher than the level of the abnormal state at which the warning information output processing unit should perform processing to output and transmit the secondary freezer abnormality warning information, a tertiary freezer abnormality warning information output and transmission processing is performed, which is processing to output and transmit tertiary freezer abnormality warning information to the freezer manager terminal and the showcase-related person terminal, to call for further attention. The digital showcase monitoring system according to claim 1.

3. A plurality of digital display monitor devices connected to the management device via a network so as to be able to communicate information are arranged at a plurality of predetermined positions in the sales floor of the store; the management device further comprises a showcase temperature information transmission processing unit which constantly outputs and transmits, to one of the plurality of digital display monitor devices on which the showcase temperature information of the showcase is to be displayed and output on the one digital display monitor device, information on the products displayed in the showcase to be output and displayed on the one digital display monitor device, and information on an appropriate showcase temperature range which is information on an appropriate showcase temperature recommended when the products are displayed in the showcase, The digital display monitor device is The display unit is provided with a showcase temperature information display output means for displaying the acquired showcase temperature information on a monitor screen of the digital display monitor device in a temperature display field for each showcase that is displayed with color information that identifies the products displayed and sold in the showcase related to the acquired showcase temperature information. The digital showcase monitoring system according to claim 1.

4. A plurality of digital signage devices connected to the management device via a network so as to be able to communicate information are placed at one or more predetermined positions in the sales floor of the store and / or at one or more predetermined positions outside the store; the management device further includes a product information transmission processing unit that outputs and transmits, to the digital signage via the network, product advertising information that advertises the products handled at the store and two-dimensional barcode information that can transition to a website introducing the products, which are output and displayed on the digital signage; The digital signage includes: The product advertisement information display output means is provided to output and display the acquired product advertisement information and two-dimensional bar code information. The digital showcase monitoring system according to claim 1.

5. A battery remaining capacity detection means for detecting the remaining capacity of a battery that supplies power to each of the digital temperature detection devices is attached to each of the digital temperature detection devices, The battery remaining capacity detection means constantly detects the remaining capacity of the battery that supplies power to the attached digital temperature detection device, and outputs and transmits the detected remaining battery capacity information to the management device via the network. The digital showcase monitoring system according to claim 1.

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