Display system, control device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

This technology aims to reduce the effort required to configure the display area in shelf signage. [Solution] A display system relating to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a shelf signage, a sensor device, and a control device. The sensor device is configured to detect a physical indication that specifies an area on the screen of the shelf signage. The control device is configured to register the area specified by the physical indication detected by the sensor device as a control area, to determine the settings of the display area on the shelf signage based on the registered control area, and to control the display of information on the shelf signage according to the determined display area settings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display system, a control device, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, digital signage (displays) has been used in various places. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes digital signage used in stores. The digital signage proposed in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of display control devices, a camera, a data analysis unit, an information storage unit, and a control unit. The plurality of display control devices display images on corresponding display screens. The camera captures a predetermined area in front of the plurality of display screens. The data analysis unit analyzes the images captured by the camera. The control unit controls the plurality of display control devices based on the analysis results by the data analysis unit and referring to the information stored in the information storage unit.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Digital signage installed on the top of shelves, at the front of shelves, etc., is also called shelf signage. With shelf signage, arbitrary information such as information about the products displayed on the shelves and presentations to stimulate purchasing behavior can be displayed to customers near the shelves. However, the inventors of this invention have found the following problems with conventional shelf signage. That is, the arrangement of products on the shelves, the types of products displayed, etc., are not always constant and can be changed. When the product arrangement is changed, it may be desirable to also change the area on the shelf signage where information is displayed (hereinafter also referred to as the "display area").

[0005] For example, product information (product name, price, etc.) for a target product may be displayed on shelf signage. In this case, it is desirable that the product information be displayed in the area of ​​the shelf signage installed on the shelf where the target product is placed, near the target product. Therefore, if the placement of the target product changes, it may be desirable to change the display area for the product information as well. If only the type of product to be placed changes and the placement range of the products does not change, it may be sufficient to change only the displayed product information, and the display area for the product information may not need to be changed. On the other hand, if the placement range of the products changes, it may be desirable to change the display area for the product information as well. If the number of types of products displayed on the shelves increases or decreases, the number of display areas for product information may also increase or decrease.

[0006] Furthermore, physical tags may be placed on shelf signage, for example. These physical tags are, for instance, physical price tags. The physical tags are placed in accordance with the arrangement of the products. For example, if the physical tags are physical price tags, they are placed near the corresponding products (i.e., the products with the price indicated on the physical price tag). Areas obscured by physical tags on shelf signage are not visible to customers. Therefore, it is desirable that the information display area be set to at least partially avoid the areas obscured by the physical tags. Similar to the product information display area described above, if the product display is changed, the placement of the physical tags may also change. When the placement of physical tags changes, the areas obscured by the physical tags also change. Therefore, when the placement of physical tags changes, it is desirable to change the information display area as well. If the number of physical tags placed on shelf signage increases or decreases, the number of areas obscured by the physical tags may also increase or decrease. In this case, it may also be desirable to change the information display area.

[0007] Furthermore, the part of the physical tag that covers the shelf signage (such as the main body) may be transparent, and product information and other details may be displayed in accordance with this transparency. In this case as well, as with the examples above, it may be desirable to change the information display area as the placement of the physical tags changes in accordance with changes in the product display.

[0008] In conventional shelf signage, the information display area is set manually. Even when changing the information display area, the display area settings must be updated manually. Therefore, setting the display area in shelf signage is time-consuming. In particular, if the information display area changes frequently, the burden of updating the display area settings increases significantly. This increased burden can become a bottleneck, potentially limiting the use of shelf signage.

[0009] In one respect, this disclosure was made in consideration of these circumstances. One of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide a technology that reduces the effort required to set up the display area in shelf signage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] This disclosure adopts the following configuration to solve the aforementioned problems. Note that the following configurations can be combined as appropriate.

[0011] A display system relating to one aspect of this disclosure comprises a shelf signage, a sensor device, and a control device. The sensor device is configured to detect a physical indication that specifies an area on the screen of the shelf signage. The control device is configured to register the area specified by the physical indication detected by the sensor device as a control area, to determine the settings of the display area on the shelf signage based on the registered control area, and to control the display of information on the shelf signage according to the determined display area settings.

[0012] In this configuration, control areas can be registered by detecting physical indications from a sensor device. Based on the registered control areas, the display area settings are determined. This allows at least a portion of the display area setting process to be automated. Therefore, this configuration is expected to reduce the effort required to set up the display area in shelf signage.

[0013] In the display system relating to the above aspect, the control area may be an area that is physically obscured during operation. Determining the settings of the display area based on the control area may include deciding to display information while avoiding the control area. With this configuration, the display area of ​​information can be controlled to avoid the obscured area.

[0014] In the display system relating to the above aspect, determining the display area settings based on the control area may include setting at least a portion of the area surrounding the control area as a performance area. Controlling the display of information on the shelf signage according to the display area settings may include performing a predetermined performance in the set performance area. With this configuration, the predetermined performance can be executed while avoiding the area that is obstructed. As a result, it can be expected that the predetermined performance will be properly viewed by the customer.

[0015] In the display system relating to the above aspect, a predetermined performance display may include a display that keeps a character in the performance area. With this configuration, character performances can be displayed while avoiding obscured areas. This makes it possible to expect that the display of character performances will be properly viewed by customers.

[0016] In the display system relating to the above aspect, the setting of the display area is determined based on the control area. This may include deciding to display predetermined information in the control area. Controlling the display of information on the shelf signage according to the display area settings may include displaying predetermined information in the control area. With this configuration, the display area for predetermined information can be controlled via the registration of the control area.

[0017] In the display system relating to the above aspect, the predetermined information may be product information of a product that is arranged in a control area. With this configuration, the display area of ​​the product information can be controlled by registering the control area.

[0018] In the display system relating to the above aspect, detecting a physical instruction may include identifying the type of physical instruction. Determining the display area settings based on the control area may include selecting content according to the identified type of physical instruction. Controlling the display of information on the shelf signage according to the display area settings may include displaying the selected content. With this configuration, in addition to the display area, the content to be displayed can also be controlled.

[0019] In the display system relating to the above aspect, the sensor device may be configured to continuously detect physical indications. The control device may further be configured to maintain the registration of the control area while the detection of physical indications continues, and to cancel the registration of the control area when physical indications are no longer detected. With this configuration, the registration of the control area can be maintained by continuing to detect physical indications. The registration of the control area can be canceled by stopping the physical indications. This makes it possible to facilitate the registration and cancellation of control areas.

[0020] In the display system relating to the above aspect, physical indication may be provided by the placement of a magnetic source relative to the shelf signage. The sensor device may include a plurality of magnetic sensors placed on the shelf signage and may be configured to detect the position of the magnetic source using the plurality of magnetic sensors. The control area may be specified according to the position of the magnetic source detected by the plurality of magnetic sensors. With this configuration, the control area can be specified using the magnetic source.

[0021] In the display system according to the above aspect, detecting the position of the magnetic force source may include identifying the type of magnetic pattern from the magnetic force source. Determining the setting of the display area based on the control area may include selecting content according to the type of the identified magnetic pattern. Controlling the display of information on the shelf signage according to the setting of the display area may include displaying the selected content. According to this configuration, the content to be displayed can also be controlled by the magnetic pattern from the magnetic force source.

[0022] In the display system according to the above aspect, the plurality of magnetic sensors may be arranged on the back surface of the shelf signage. The magnetic force source may be provided on the physical tag. The physical tag may include a hook portion for hanging on the shelf signage. The hook portion may have a throat portion arranged on the back side of the shelf signage when the physical tag is hung on the shelf signage. The magnetic force source may be arranged in the throat portion of the hook portion of the physical tag. According to this configuration, by hanging the physical tag on the shelf signage, the control area can be specified.

[0023] In the display system according to the above aspect, the sensor device may include a plurality of contact operators arranged on the shelf signage. The physical instruction may be constituted by an operation involving physical contact with one or more of the plurality of contact operators. The control area may be specified according to the position of the one or more contact operators that are operated. According to this configuration, the control area can be specified using the contact operators.

[0024] In the display system according to the above aspect, the operation involving physical contact may be performed by placing the physical tag on the shelf signage. The physical tag may include a hook portion for hanging on the shelf signage. The plurality of contact operators may be arranged on the outer surface of the shelf signage in a range where the hook portion contacts when the physical tag is hung on the shelf signage. According to this configuration, by hanging the physical tag on the shelf signage, the control area can be specified.

[0025] In the display system according to the above aspect, the sensor device may be disposed on the shelf signage and include a plurality of electric circuits each configured to switch from an off state to an on state by an energization operation. The physical indication may be configured by an energization operation for each of one or more of the plurality of electric circuits. The control area may be specified according to the positions of one or more electric circuits switched to the on state by the energization operation. According to this configuration, the control area can be specified using the electric circuits.

[0026] In the display system according to the above aspect, the energization operation may be performed by arranging a physical tag on the shelf signage. Each of the plurality of electric circuits may include a first electrode and a second electrode arranged with a gap therebetween. The physical tag may include a hook portion for hanging on the shelf signage. The hook portion may have a throat portion that is inserted into the gap between the first electrode and the second electrode when the physical tag is hung on the shelf signage. The throat portion may include a conductive portion that conducts the first electrode and the second electrode when inserted into the gap. The throat portion may be inserted into the gap between the first electrode and the second electrode of each of one or more electric circuits, and the first electrode and the second electrode of each of one or more electric circuits may be switched to the on state by being conducted by the conductive portion. According to this configuration, the control area can be specified by hanging the physical tag on the shelf signage.

[0027] In the display system according to the above aspect, the sensor device may be disposed on the shelf signage and include a plurality of electric circuits each configured to switch from an on state to an off state by a cutoff operation. The physical indication may be configured by a cutoff operation for each of one or more of the plurality of electric circuits. The control area may be specified according to the positions of one or more electric circuits switched to the off state by the cutoff operation. According to this configuration, the control area can be specified using the electric circuits.

[0028] In the display system relating to the above aspect, the disconnection operation may be performed by placing a physical tag on the shelf signage. Each of the multiple electrical circuits may include a first electrode and a second electrode, which are spaced apart from each other, and a conductive member. The physical tag may have a hook portion for hanging on the shelf signage. The hook portion may have a throat portion that is inserted into the gap between the first electrode and the second electrode when the physical tag is hung on the shelf signage. The conductive member may be configured to be switchable between a first position in which it contacts both the first electrode and the second electrode and makes them electrically conductive when the throat portion is not inserted, and a second position in which it is separated from at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode and disconnects them when the throat portion is inserted. Each of the one or more electrical circuits may switch its conductive member to a second position by inserting the throat portion into the gap between the first and second electrodes of each of the one or more electrical circuits, or it may switch to a disconnected state by disconnecting the space between the first and second electrodes of each of the one or more electrical circuits. With this configuration, a control area can be specified by attaching a physical tag to the shelf signage.

[0029] Furthermore, the form of this disclosure is not limited to the display system described above. As another form of the display system relating to each of the above aspects, one aspect of this disclosure may be a control device (information processing device) for configuring the display system relating to any of the above aspects. Also, one aspect of this disclosure may be the above The above configurations may be implemented as information processing methods (control methods), programs, or machine-readable storage media that store such programs. Here, machine-readable storage media may be non-temporary media that store information such as programs by electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical means. Non-temporary storage media may include storage media (CDs, DVDs, semiconductor memory, etc.), auxiliary storage devices of computers, external storage devices connected to computers, etc.

[0030] For example, a control device (information processing device) relating to one aspect of this disclosure may be connected to a shelf signage and a sensor device and may include a control unit. The sensor device may be configured to detect physical indications that specify an area on the screen of the shelf signage. The control unit may be configured to register the area specified by the physical indication detected by the sensor device as a control area, determine the settings for the display area on the shelf signage based on the registered control area, and control the display of information on the shelf signage according to the determined display area settings.

[0031] For example, an information processing method (control method) relating to one aspect of this disclosure is executed by a computer connected to a shelf signage and a sensor device. The sensor device may be configured to detect physical indications that specify an area on the screen of the shelf signage. The information processing method may include registering the area specified by the physical indication detected by the sensor device as a control area, determining the settings for the display area on the shelf signage based on the registered control area, and controlling the display of information on the shelf signage according to the determined display area settings.

[0032] For example, a program relating to one aspect of this disclosure may be a program that causes a computer connected to a shelf signage and a sensor device to execute an information processing method (control method). The sensor device may be configured to detect physical indications that specify an area on the screen of the shelf signage. The information processing method may include registering the area specified by the physical indication detected by the sensor device as a control area, determining the settings for the display area on the shelf signage based on the registered control area, and controlling the display of information on the shelf signage according to the determined display area settings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is expected that the effort required to set the display area in shelf signage can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of a scenario in which this disclosure applies. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A schematically shows an example of setting the display area based on the control area. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B schematically shows an example of setting the display area based on the control area. [Figure 3] Figure 3 schematically shows an example of setting the display area based on the control area. [Figure 4] Figure 4 schematically illustrates an example of a scenario in which the type of physical instruction is identified. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A schematically shows an example of a physical instruction. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is a schematic rear perspective view showing an example of the arrangement of a sensor device (magnetic sensor) when physical indication is determined by the arrangement of magnetic sources. [Figure 5C] Figure 5C is a schematic side view showing an example of the arrangement of a sensor device (magnetic sensor) when physical indication is determined by the arrangement of magnetic sources. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A schematically shows an example of a physical instruction. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a schematic side view showing an example of the arrangement of a sensor device (contact operator) when a physical instruction is performed by an operation involving physical contact with a contact operator. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A schematically shows an example of a physical instruction. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B is a schematic side view (without physical tags attached) illustrating an example of the arrangement of a sensor device (electrical circuit) when physical instructions are provided by energizing operations. [Figure 7C] Figure 7C is a schematic side view (with a physical tag attached) illustrating an example of the arrangement of a sensor device (electrical circuit) when physical instructions are provided by energizing operations. [Figure 7D]Figure 7D schematically shows the surface (first side) on which the first electrode of the electrical circuit is positioned in the insertion groove of the shelf signage shown in Figures 7B and 7C. [Figure 7E] Figure 7E schematically shows the surface (second side) where the second electrode of the electrical circuit is positioned in the insertion groove of the shelf signage shown in Figures 7B and 7C. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A schematically shows an example of a physical instruction. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B is a schematic side view showing an example of the arrangement of a sensor device (electrical circuit) when physical indication is performed by a shut-off operation (a scenario in which no physical tag is attached). [Figure 8C] Figure 8C is a schematic side view (with a physical tag attached) illustrating an example of the arrangement of a sensor device (electrical circuit) when physical indication is performed by a shut-off operation. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A schematically shows an example of a physical instruction. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B is a schematic side view showing an example of the arrangement of a sensor device (electrical circuit) when physical instructions are configured by modification operations (a scenario in which no physical tag is attached). [Figure 9C] Figure 9C is a schematic side view (with a physical tag attached) illustrating an example of the arrangement of a sensor device (electrical circuit) when physical instructions are configured through modification operations. [Figure 10A] Figure 10A schematically shows an example of a physical instruction. [Figure 10B] Figure 10B is a schematic side view showing an example of the arrangement of a sensor device (optical sensor and light source) when physical indication is performed by shielding operation (a scenario in which the physical tag is not attached). [Figure 10C] Figure 10C is a schematic side view (with a physical tag attached) illustrating an example of the arrangement of a sensor device (optical sensor and light source) when physical indication is performed by shielding operations. [Figure 11A] Figure 11A schematically shows an example of a physical instruction. [Figure 11B]Figure 11B is a schematic side view showing an example of the arrangement of a sensor device (optical sensor) when physical indication is performed by irradiation operation (a scene in which a physical tag is not attached). [Figure 11C] Figure 11C is a schematic side view (with a physical tag attached) illustrating an example of the arrangement of a sensor device (optical sensor) when physical indication is performed by irradiation operation. [Figure 12A] Figure 12A schematically shows an example of a physical instruction. [Figure 12B] Figure 12B is a schematic side view (without physical tags attached) illustrating an example of the arrangement of a sensor device (distance sensor) when physical indication is performed by distance change operations. [Figure 12C] Figure 12C is a schematic side view (with a physical tag attached) illustrating an example of the arrangement of a sensor device (distance sensor) when physical indication is performed by distance change operations. [Figure 13A] Figure 13A schematically shows an example of a physical instruction. [Figure 13B] Figure 13B is a schematic rear perspective view showing an example of the arrangement of a sensor device (reader) when physical indication is performed by the placement of RF tags. [Figure 13C] Figure 13C is a schematic side view showing an example of the arrangement of a sensor device (reader) when physical indication is performed by the placement of RF tags. [Figure 14] Figure 14 schematically shows an example of a physical instruction. [Figure 15A] Figure 15A schematically shows an example of a physical instruction. [Figure 15B] Figure 15B is a schematic side view showing an example of the arrangement of a sensor device (weight sensor) when physical indication is performed by weight manipulation. [Figure 16] Figure 16 schematically shows an example of the registration and unregistration of a control area. [Figure 17] Figure 17 schematically shows an example of the hardware configuration of the control device. [Figure 18] Figure 18 schematically shows an example of the software configuration of the control device. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of a control device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments relating to one aspect of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely illustrative in all respects of this disclosure. Various improvements or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In implementing this disclosure, specific configurations may be adopted as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In this embodiment, the data appearing is described in natural language, but more specifically, it is specified in pseudo-language, commands, parameters, machine code, electrical signals, etc., that can be recognized by machines such as computers.

[0036] §1 Examples of Application Figure 1 schematically shows an example of a scenario to which this disclosure applies. The display system SY according to this embodiment comprises a shelf signage D1, a sensor device C1, and a control device 1. The control device 1 may be one or more computers configured to control the display of the shelf signage D1.

[0037] The sensor device C1 according to this embodiment is configured to detect a physical instruction P1 that specifies an area A1 on the screen D10 of the shelf signage D1. The control device 1 according to this embodiment registers the area A1 specified by the physical instruction P1 detected by the sensor device C1 as a control area 20. Based on the registered control area 20, the control device 1 determines the display area setting 30 on the shelf signage D1. The control device 1 controls the display of information 40 on the shelf signage D1 according to the determined display area setting 30.

[0038] In this embodiment, the control area 20 can be registered by detecting a physical instruction P1 by the sensor device C1. Based on the registered control area 20, the display area setting 30 is determined. This makes it possible to automate at least a part of the display area setting work. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the effort required to set the display area 30 in the shelf signage D1.

[0039] [Shelf Signage / Control Device] Shelf signage D1 may be a display installed on a product shelf. Product shelves are used to display products in a store. The configuration of shelf signage D1 and the type of product shelf are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the embodiment. Shelf signage D1 may include, for example, a horizontal display installed on the front end of the shelf board of a product shelf, or a large display installed on top of a product shelf. Shelf signage D1 may consist of a simple display, or it may consist of a computer (tablet terminal, etc.) including a display. Shelf signage D1 may consist of a touch panel display. Shelf signage D1 may be placed in any location in the store other than on a product shelf.

[0040] The control device 1 may consist of one or more computers. The control device 1 may be, for example, a general-purpose server device, a general-purpose PC (Personal Computer), a notebook PC, a terminal device, etc. This is acceptable. Terminal devices may include smartphones, tablet devices, store terminals, etc. The control device 1 may be directly or indirectly connected to the shelf signage D1 and the sensor device C1. Indirect connection may be via another computer (controller, etc.). The control device 1, shelf signage D1, and sensor device C1 may be configured as an integral unit. At least a part of the control device 1, shelf signage D1, and sensor device C1 may be configured separately. Controlling the display of information 40 on the shelf signage D1 may be done by directly controlling the display of the shelf signage D1 with the control device 1, and by giving instructions from the control device 1 to the controller of the shelf signage D1. This may include indirectly controlling the display on shelf signage D1.

[0041] The information 40 to be displayed may be selected arbitrarily. Information 40 may include, for example, promotional information for products, product information, store information, etc. Promotional information may include product advertisements, promotions, etc. Promotional information may include coupons. Coupons may be sales promotion tools that provide benefits to customers when purchasing products. Benefits may include, for example, discounts, prizes, points, etc. Customers may obtain coupons displayed on shelf signage D1 by any method (reading with a terminal device, memorizing a specific sequence of symbols, etc.). Promotional information may include acceptance of applications for product campaigns. For example, promotional information may include a code (such as a QR code) that indicates a link to a website that accepts applications for campaigns. Product information may include any information about the product, such as product name, price, country of origin, contents, and introductory information. Store information may include any information about the store, such as announcements from the store, acceptance of applications for store campaigns, and recommendations for store applications. Announcements from the store may include announcements of time sales, etc. The recommendation of a store's application may include a code (such as a QR code) that indicates a link to the website providing the application. Information 40 may also include character-based presentations.

[0042] The data format of the information 40 is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the embodiment. The information 40 may consist of, for example, images (still images, moving images, etc.), text, etc. In one example, the information 40 may include sound. If a speaker is provided, the output of the information 40 may include sound output. The information 40 may be stored in any storage area. The information 40 may be stored in, for example, the memory resources of the control device 1, an external storage device, etc. The external storage device may include the memory resources of another computer. The external storage device may include NAS (Network Attached Storage), etc. The information 40 may be stored in the storage area in advance or may be acquired dynamically. The information 40 may be acquired appropriately from information existing on the network.

[0043] In one example, the control device 1 may acquire data for information 40 from an arbitrary storage area and output the acquired data for information 40 to the shelf signage D1. In another example, if a controller is provided on the shelf signage D1, the controller may acquire data for information 40 from an arbitrary storage area and output the acquired data for information 40 to the shelf signage D1. Indirectly controlling the display of the shelf signage D1 may include the control device 1 not specifying the information 40 to be displayed, but rather another computer (such as a controller) other than the control device 1 specifying it.

[0044] [Control area] The control area 20 is used to control the area where the information 40 is displayed. The form in which the display area is controlled based on the control area 20 may be appropriately defined depending on the embodiment. In one example, controlling the information display area based on the control area 20 may include at least one of displaying the information while avoiding the control area 20 and displaying the information in the control area 20. That is, the control area 20 may be used to define the range in which the information is to be avoided and to define the range in which the information is to be displayed.

[0045] (1) First form Figures 2A and 2B schematically show an example of a display area setting scene based on the control area 20 according to this embodiment. In one example, the control area 20 (area A1) may be an area that is shielded by a physical presence O1 during operation. The area shielded by the physical presence O1 may be an area on the screen D10 that belongs to the range O5 that is shielded or will be shielded by the physical presence O1. At least a portion of the area within range O5 may be registered as the control area 20. If range O5 is confined to the screen D10, the entire area of ​​range O5 is registered as the control area 20. This may be done. And determining the display area setting 30 based on the control area 20 may include deciding to display the information 40 while avoiding the control area 20. In this case, the area avoiding the control area 20 is an example of a display area. The display position of the information 40 avoiding the control area 20 may be determined as appropriate. The display of the information 40 at the determined display position may be controlled by a known method. Hereinafter, for the sake of explanation, this display format for displaying the information 40 while avoiding the control area 20 will also be referred to as the first format.

[0046] Figure 2A schematically shows the positional relationship between the physical entity O1 and the shelf signage D1 in an exploded perspective view. Figure 2B schematically shows the positional relationship between the physical entity O1 and the shelf signage D1 in a front view view. As illustrated in each figure, the area being obscured by the physical entity O1 may be such that the area (control area 20) is not visible to the viewer during operation. Operation may refer to the time when the shelf signage D1 is used during business hours at the store.

[0047] The physical entity O1 may be any object that physically obstructs an area on the screen D10. In one example, the physical entity O1 may be related to a physical instruction P1. For example, the physical entity O1 may consist of at least a part of an object used to give the physical instruction P1. In another example, the physical entity O1 may be unrelated to the physical instruction P1. In either case, the type of physical entity O1 is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the embodiment. For example, the physical entity O1 may be an object attached to the shelf signage D1, such as a physical tag. The physical tag may be a price tag, POP (Point of Purchase), etc. It may be used for any purpose. Any method may be used to attach the physical tag. The physical tag may be attached by known methods such as hanging, sticking, or suction.

[0048] Displaying information 40 while avoiding the control area 20 may mean displaying the main elements of information 40 in an area other than the control area 20. The main elements may be specific elements that are avoided being obscured by the physical entity O1. In one example, the control area 20 may be treated as an area where information is not displayed (a non-display area). On screen D10, information 40 may be displayed in any area other than the control area 20. Not displaying information may include not displaying any information at all, or it may include displaying the main elements of the information in an area other than the control area 20, and displaying other elements other than the main elements in any area including the control area 20. For example, if information 40 consists of an image including a foreground and a background, and the main element is the foreground, the control device 1 may control the display of information 40 so as to display the foreground in an area other than the control area 20, while displaying the background in any area including the control area 20. The background may be displayed in the control area 20 (i.e., the portion of the background belonging to the control area 20 does not have to be excluded from the display). Furthermore, if visible, the main elements of the information may also be permitted to partially belong to the control area 20. Avoiding the control area 20 may include any form in which the display position of at least some elements of the information is changed to move away from the control area 20. If the display is controlled so that all information is not displayed, the portion of the information belonging to the control area 20 may be excluded from the display or displayed in a position that does not belong to the control area 20. According to one example of this embodiment, the display area of ​​the information 40 can be controlled to avoid the area to be obscured.

[0049] The configuration of the information 40 displayed while avoiding the control area 20 is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the embodiment. In one example, determining the display area setting 30 based on the control area 20 may include setting at least a part of the area A3 surrounding the control area 20 as the performance area 25. The information 40 may include a predetermined performance display 401. Controlling the display of the information 40 on the shelf signage D1 according to the display area setting 30 may include performing the predetermined performance display 401 in the set performance area 25. The performance area 25 is an example of a display area.

[0050] In other words, the control area 20 determines the position (performance area 25) where a predetermined performance display 401 is to be executed. It may be used to define the performance area 25. The setting of the performance area 25 is not particularly limited and may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment, as long as it is possible to execute the predetermined performance display 401 while avoiding the control area 20. In one example, the setting of the performance area 25 may be configured to directly define the range of the performance area 25 by a coordinate range, a section number described later, etc. Alternatively, the setting of the performance area 25 may be configured to indirectly define the range of the performance area 25 by an execution position, a direction to avoid, a displacement amount, etc. In this case, the range of the performance area 25 may be identifiable as a result of executing the predetermined performance display 401 according to the setting.

[0051] The area A3 surrounding the control area 20 may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, the surrounding area A3 may be the area adjacent to the control area 20 (area A1). For example, as illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, if the physical entity O1 completely shields the area vertically, and areas not shielded by the physical entity O1 exist to the left and right of area A1 (control area 20), the surrounding area A3 may consist of at least a portion of the areas to the left and right of area A1. Unlike the example in Figures 2A and 2B, if areas not shielded by the physical entity O1 exist above and below area A1, the surrounding area A3 may include at least a portion of the areas above and below area A1. The size of the performance area 25 may be defined arbitrarily.

[0052] According to one example of this embodiment, a predetermined performance display 401 can be executed while avoiding the area (control area 20) that is shielded by the physical presence O1. This makes it possible to expect that the predetermined performance display 401 will be properly viewed by the customer.

[0053] The predetermined performance display 401 is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the embodiment. In one example, the predetermined performance display 401 may include a display that causes the character 403 to remain in the performance area 25. The performance of the character 403 may be configured arbitrarily. For example, the performance period of the character 403 may include a first period in which the character 403 remains in the performance area 25 and a second period other than that. The second period may be set before the first period or after the first period. The second period may be set both before and after the first period. The number of first and second periods to be set is not limited to one, but may be two or more. The second period may be omitted. The first period may also be called the dwell period. During the first period, the character 403 may be displayed as being present in the performance area 25. During the first period, the character 403 may be moving or stationary. On the other hand, during the second period, character 403 may be located within the performance area 25, or it may be located in an area other than the performance area 25. During the second period, character 403 may also be located within the control area 20.

[0054] As a specific example, character 403 may appear from an arbitrary position, such as the edge of screen D10, and be displayed to move to the performance area 25. Character 403 may pass through the control area 20 before moving to the performance area 25. The period from character 403's appearance to its movement to the performance area 25 is an example of the second period, and the period after moving to the performance area 25 is an example of the first period. If multiple performance areas 25 are set, character 403 may be displayed to move between each performance area 25. Character 403 may be displayed in each performance area 25 in any order. For example, as illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, if the surrounding area A3 consists of areas to the left and right of area A1, performance areas 25 may be provided in each of the areas to the left and right. This allows character 403 to be displayed alternately in the areas to the left and right of the area (control area 20) that is obscured by the physical presence O1. In other words, the performance area 25 may be used to define the position where character 403 remains. If such effects are possible, the settings of the effects area 25 are not particularly limited and may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The character 403 may be displayed to move freely around the control area 20.

[0055] Furthermore, the performance of character 403 may include other actions of character 403, either in conjunction with or instead of the movement of character 403 as described above. For example, if the physical entity O1 is a physical tag, the performance of character 403 may include actions related to the physical tag, such as character 403 appearing around the physical tag and pointing to the physical tag.

[0056] In one example of this embodiment, the character 403 animation can be displayed while avoiding the area (control area 20) that is shielded by the physical presence O1. This makes it possible to expect that the character 403 animation will be properly viewed by the customer. In one example, if the character 403 animation is effective for sales promotion, it can also be expected that viewing the character 403 animation will produce secondary effects such as stimulating purchasing intent.

[0057] Furthermore, the predetermined visual effect 401 is not limited to a visual effect that causes character 403 to remain still. The predetermined visual effect 401 may include other visual effects along with or in place of character 403 remaining still.

[0058] For example, other visual displays may include text displays. The composition of the text to be displayed is not particularly limited and may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. As a specific example, the text to be displayed may include phrases that recommend products, such as "recommended" or "in stock today."

[0059] Furthermore, other visual displays may include the display of images. The displayed images may be moving images or still images. The composition of the displayed images is not particularly limited and may be appropriately defined depending on the embodiment. As a specific example, the displayed images may include sales promotion information such as product advertisements, messages from the store manager, and product supplier information. The displayed images may also include codes that store arbitrary information. The codes may be, for example, two-dimensional codes. The information stored in the codes may include, for example, product information, links to websites that accept applications for campaigns, links to websites that provide store applications, etc.

[0060] If a time-limited sale is being held in the store, the displayed image may include a countdown to the sale. If the physical entity O1 is a physical tag, the displayed image may include an effect to make the physical tag stand out. The effect may be arbitrarily defined (for example, making the area around the physical tag glow).

[0061] If shelf signage D1 is a touch panel display, the displayed images may include images of user interfaces such as software switches. The type of switch may be arbitrarily selected (e.g., push buttons, radio buttons, toggle switches, checkboxes, etc.). The user interface may be used for any purpose. For example, any action may be performed in response to user interface operations such as pressing a button. Actions may include, for example, displaying product information or issuing coupons. The execution of actions may be controlled by control device 1 or by a computer other than control device 1.

[0062] (2)Second form Figure 3 schematically shows an example of another setting scenario for the display area based on the control area 20 according to this embodiment. In one example, information 40 may include predetermined information 410. Determining the display area setting 30 based on the control area 20 (area A1) may include deciding to display the predetermined information 410 in the control area 20. Controlling the display of information 40 on the shelf signage D1 according to the display area setting 30 may include displaying the predetermined information 410 in the control area 20. That is, in one example, the control area 20 may be used to define the display position of the predetermined information 410. In this case, the control area 20 is an example of a display area. The display of the predetermined information 410 at the display position defined by the control area 20 may be controlled by a known method. For the sake of explanation, the display format for displaying this predetermined information 410 in the control area 20 will also be referred to as the second format.

[0063] In a typical example, the second format may be used in situations where there are no obstructions in front of the screen D10 of the shelf signage D1. However, the use of the second format is not limited to such examples. Even in situations where a physical entity (physical entity O1), as illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, is placed in front of the screen D10 during operation, the second format may be used in areas other than those obstructed by the physical entity. Furthermore, if the area on the screen D10 is visible through the physical entity, such as when the part of the physical entity that obstructs the screen D10 (the main body of the physical tag described later) is transparent, the second format may also be used in areas that are obstructed by the physical entity during operation. According to one example of this embodiment, the display area of ​​predetermined information 410 can be controlled via registration of the control area 20.

[0064] The configuration of the predetermined information 410 is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the embodiment. The predetermined information 410 may include any information that may be provided in the store. In one example, the predetermined information 410 may be product information 411 of a product that is arranged in a control area 20. The product information 411 may include any information about the product, such as product name, price, country of origin, contents, and introductory information. That is, in one example, the control area 20 may define the position where the product information 411 will be displayed and be used to provide the product information 411 to the customer in place of a physical presence such as a physical price tag.

[0065] The placement of products in relation to the control area 20 may mean that the products are placed near the control area 20 so that the products that are the subject of the product information 411 displayed in the control area 20 can be identified. For example, the placement of products in relation to the control area 20 may mean that the products are placed in the vicinity of the control area 20. Specifically, the products may be displayed on the top surface of the shelves of the product rack, and the shelf signage D1 may be installed at the front end of the shelves of the product rack. In this case, in the left-right direction, the control area 20 corresponding to the target product may be set within the range in which the target product is displayed. For example, the control area 20 may be set within the range in which the price tag of the target product can be placed at the front end of the shelf. This placement of the target product in relation to the control area 20 is an example of placing products in relation to the control area 20. Accordingly, the product information of the target product may be displayed in the control area 20 corresponding to the target product.

[0066] In one example of this embodiment, the display area of ​​product information 411 can be controlled by registering the control area 20. For example, by setting the control area 20 to correspond to each product displayed on the shelf, the product information 411 for each product can be displayed in an appropriate position (a position corresponding to each product). Note that the predetermined information 410 is not limited to product information 411 and may be appropriately changed depending on the embodiment. The predetermined information 410 may include other information together with or in place of the product information 411. The predetermined information 410 may include, for example, promotional information such as product advertisements and promotions. Thus, the control area 20 may be used to provide promotional information to customers in place of physical POP displays, etc. The predetermined information 410 to be displayed may be fixed or dynamically changed.

[0067] In one example, either the first or second form may be permanently adopted. The first and second forms may be adopted selectively. Also, in one example, when multiple control regions 20 are set, either the first or second form may be adopted for all of the set control regions 20. One of the first or second form may be adopted for some of the set control regions 20, and the other of the first or second form may be adopted for the rest of the set control regions 20.

[0068] When it is possible to select a display format from among several display formats, including the first and second formats, the display format to be adopted may be selected by any method. For example, the control device 1 may accept the selection of a display format by the operator. In this way, the display format to be adopted may be selected manually. In another example, when the type of physical indicator P1, which will be described later, is identified, the control device 1 may select a display format to be adopted according to the identified type.

[0069] Furthermore, the display of information on the shelf signage D1 may be arbitrarily controlled, provided that at least a portion of the information output to the shelf signage D1 can be displayed according to the display area settings 30 determined based on the registered control area 20. In one example, all information output to the shelf signage D1 may be displayed according to the display area settings 30 determined based on the registered control area 20. In another example, some of the output information may be displayed according to the display area settings 30, and the remaining information may be displayed ignoring the display area settings 30. In one example, the shelf signage D1 may have multiple display modes, including a first mode in which information is displayed according to the display area settings 30 and a second mode in which information is displayed ignoring the display area settings 30. Similar to the above display format, the display mode to be adopted may be selected in any way. When the first mode is selected, the control device 1 may be configured to control the display of information 40 on the shelf signage D1 according to the determined display area settings 30.

[0070] [Control area management] Registering a designated area A1 as a control area 20 may be equivalent to storing the designated area A1. The registration of control areas 20 may be managed in any way. For example, as shown in Figure 1, registered control areas 20 may be recorded as control area data 200. The control area data 200 may be configured as appropriate to show a list of registered control areas 20. The control area data 200 may be configured in any data format, such as a table format, as long as the registered control areas 20 can be identified. The number of control areas 20 that can be registered is not particularly limited and may be determined as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0071] [Physical indicators / sensor devices] The physical instruction P1 may consist of a physical operation detectable based on the sensor's observation results. The physical instruction P1 may be given as appropriate to specify the control region 20 (region A1). The type of physical instruction P1 to be given is not particularly limited and may be selected as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, the physical instruction P1 may be given by using one or more tools. One or more tools may be, for example, a magnetic source, a light source, or an RF (Radio Frequency) sensor, as described later. It may be configured as appropriate using physical tags, etc. Physical instruction P1 may be given by the operator's body part (hand, finger, etc.).

[0072] The physical instruction P1 only needs to be provided when specifying the control area 20 (i.e., determining the display area setting 30), and can be handled arbitrarily at any other time. For example, the physical instruction P1 may be configured to be provided continuously not only when specifying the control area 20, but also during operation. Alternatively, the physical instruction P1 may be provided temporarily when specifying the control area 20 and excluded during operation.

[0073] The sensor device C1 may consist of one or more sensors capable of detecting the physical indication P1. The type and number of sensors are not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the embodiment. The sensor device C1 may be appropriately composed of, for example, a magnetic sensor, a contact operator, an electrical circuit, a light sensor, a combination of a light sensor and a light source, a distance sensor, a reader, a combination of an RF tag and a reader, an imaging device, a weight sensor, etc., as described later. Furthermore, the sensor device C1 may be placed at any position where the physical indication P1 to the shelf signage D1 can be observed. In one example, the sensor device C1 may be placed on the shelf signage D1 (front, top surface) (Bottom surface, back surface, grooves, inside the enclosure, etc.). The sensor device C1 may be placed at a location away from the shelf signage D1.

[0074] For example, detecting a physical indicator P1 by sensor device C1 may include the sensing data of sensor device C1 directly indicating the detection result of the physical indicator P1 (i.e., sensor device C1 directly detecting the physical indicator P1). Detecting a physical indicator P1 by sensor device C1 may also include obtaining the detection result of the physical indicator P1 by analyzing the sensing data of sensor device C1 (i.e., sensor device C1 indirectly detecting the physical indicator P1). The processing of analyzing the sensing data may be performed on any computer, including control device 1. For example, control device 1 may acquire sensing data directly or indirectly from sensor device C1. Control device 1 may obtain the detection result of the physical indicator P1 by analyzing the acquired sensing data. Alternatively, for example, the processing of analyzing the sensing data may be performed by another computer. Control device 1 may obtain the calculation result of the analysis process (i.e., the detection result of the physical indicator P1) directly or indirectly from the other computer. The method of analyzing the sensing data may be appropriately selected depending on the embodiment, such as the type of physical indicator P1 and the type of sensor device C1.

[0075] (How to specify the area) On the screen D10 of shelf signage D1, area A1 (control area 20) may be specified in any way. The correspondence between physical instruction P1 and the specified area A1 (i.e., the rule for specifying area A1 by physical instruction P1) may be arbitrarily defined in advance.

[0076] In one example, the range of area A1 on screen D10 may be specified in free form. For example, physical instruction P1 may be configured to specify a range on screen D10, such as specifying the boundary of the target range or specifying the endpoint of the target range. The range specified by physical instruction P1 may be registered as control area 20. According to this example, the range of control area 20 can be flexibly set.

[0077] In one example, screen D10 may be pre-divided into multiple sections. The physical instruction P1 may be configured to specify one or more sections, such as specifying the sections at both ends to specify all sections on either side at once, or specifying sections individually. The one or more specified sections may be registered as a control area 20. If multiple sections are specified, the specified multiple sections may be registered as a single control area 20, or as two or more control areas 20 (for example, one section may be registered as one control area 20). According to this example, the control area 20 can be easily configured.

[0078] (Method of representing the control domain) The range of the control area 20 may be expressed as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, the range of the control area 20 may be expressed directly. For example, the range of the control area 20 may be expressed directly by the coordinate range on the screen D10 of the shelf signage D1. If the screen D10 is divided into multiple sections in advance, each section may be assigned a number in advance. The range of the control area 20 may be expressed directly by the number of the corresponding section. Alternatively, the range of the control area 20 may be expressed indirectly. For example, if the sensor device C1 is composed of multiple sensors, and the position of each sensor is specified, and the position of the sensor that detected the physical indication P1 corresponds to the specified range of area A1, the range of the control area 20 may be expressed indirectly by the sensor identification information. The sensor identification information may be appropriately composed of, for example, a sensor number.

[0079] (Identification of physical indicator P1) In one example, the physical instruction P1 is configured to specify the range of region A1 (control region 20), and the type of physical instruction P1 may be predefined. Detecting a physical indicator P1 may include identifying the type of physical indicator P1. The result of identifying the type of physical indicator P1 may be used for any purpose.

[0080] Figure 4 schematically shows an example of a scenario in which the type of physical instruction P1 is identified according to this embodiment. In one example, detecting the physical instruction P1 may include identifying the type PT of the physical instruction P1. Determining the display area setting 30 based on the control area 20 may include selecting content 450 according to the identified type PT of the physical instruction P1. Controlling the display of information 40 on the shelf signage D1 according to the display area setting 30 may include displaying the selected content 450.

[0081] The type PT of the physical instruction P1 may be appropriately identified depending on the embodiment of the physical instruction P1, sensor device C1, etc. For example, the type PT of the physical instruction P1 may be identified according to the attributes of the physical instruction P1 observed by the sensor device C1. The attributes of the physical instruction P1 may include, for example, the attributes of a tool, the attributes of a body part, etc. The attributes of a body part may include states such as gestures. In addition, the selected content 450 may be a content 45 that corresponds to the type PT of the physical instruction P1 from among a plurality of candidate contents 45 to be displayed. The correspondence between the type PT of the physical instruction P1 and the content 450 may be appropriately defined depending on the embodiment. The selected content 450 is an example of information 40.

[0082] The composition of the content (45, 450) is not particularly limited and may be determined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The content (45, 450) may include, for example, promotional information for products, product information, store information, etc. The content (45, 450) may consist of images, text, etc. The content (45, 450) may be configured to perform actions. The content (45, 450) may be fixed or may be changed dynamically. The content (45, 450) may be prepared in advance (may be stored in any memory area in advance) or may be acquired dynamically. The content (45, 450) may be acquired as appropriate from content existing on the network.

[0083] In one example, content 450 may be displayed in the first format. That is, content 450 may be displayed while avoiding the control area 20. For example, content 450 may be displayed in the area surrounding the control area 20. When displayed in the first format, content 450 may include a predetermined performance display 401. Content 450 may also include a performance of character 403. Alternatively, content 450 may be displayed in the second format. That is, content 450 may be displayed in the control area 20. When displayed in the second format, content 450 may include predetermined information 410. Content 450 may also include product information 411. When multiple control areas 20 are registered, content 450 may be selected for each control area 20, or it may be selected for two or more control areas 20 at once.

[0084] The type PT of physical instruction P1 may be identified at any time. For example, if physical instruction P1 is given temporarily when specifying area A1 (control area 20), the type PT of physical instruction P1 may be identified along with the detection of the specified area A1. If physical instruction P1 is given continuously during operation, the type PT of physical instruction P1 may also be identified during operation. Furthermore, the type PT of physical instruction P1 may be defined statically or dynamically. For example, if the type PT of physical instruction P1 is defined statically and identified during operation, the content 450 displayed on shelf signage D1 may be changed by changing physical instruction P1 during operation. The selected content 450 may be played at any time after the physical instruction P1 has been changed (for example, immediately). This allows for dynamic control of the content 450 displayed during operation. Similarly, if the type PT of physical instruction P1 is defined dynamically and identified during operation, the content 450 displayed on shelf signage D1 may be changed by dynamically changing the type PT of physical instruction P1 during operation. This may be changed. The selected content 450 may be played at any time after the type PT of the physical instruction P1 has been changed.

[0085] According to one example of this embodiment, in addition to setting the display area 30, the content 450 to be displayed can also be controlled. Furthermore, in one example, at least part of the work of selecting the content 450 to be displayed can be automated. This is expected to reduce the effort required to display the content 450. The content 450 to be displayed can be changed by changing the physical indicator P1, or by changing the correspondence between the type PT of the physical indicator P1 and the content 450. This is expected to reduce the effort required to switch the information provided in the store.

[0086] Furthermore, the purpose of using the result of identifying the type PT of the physical instruction P1 is not limited to the selection of the content 450. The result of identifying the type PT of the physical instruction P1 may be used for other purposes together with or in place of the selection of the content 450. For example, the display format of the information 40 (content 450) may be selected according to the type PT of the identified physical instruction P1. For example, either the first format or the second format may be selected according to the type PT of the physical instruction P1 when specifying the control area 20, and the display of the information 40 (content 450) may be controlled by the selected display format.

[0087] [Specific examples of physical indicators / sensor devices] (1) First example Figure 5A schematically shows an example (first example) of a physical indicator P1 according to this embodiment. In one example, the physical indicator P1 may be configured by arranging a magnetic force source PA relative to the shelf signage D1. The sensor device C1 may include a plurality of magnetic sensors CA arranged on the shelf signage D1. The sensor device C1 may be configured to detect the position of the magnetic force source PA using the plurality of magnetic sensors CA. The control region 20 may be specified according to the position of the magnetic force source PA detected by the plurality of magnetic sensors CA.

[0088] The type of magnetic source PA is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the embodiment. The magnetic source PA may consist of any object that emits magnetism (magnetic field), such as one or more magnets. The magnets may include permanent magnets, electromagnets, etc. In one example, the magnetic source PA may consist of one or more permanent magnets.

[0089] The placement of the magnetic source PA relative to the shelf signage D1 may be such that the magnetic source PA is brought close to the magnetic sensor CA within the range that specifies the control area 20. That is, the physical instruction P1 may consist of moving the magnetic source PA to bring it closer to the magnetic sensor CA. In one example, when specifying the control area 20, the magnetic source PA may be moved directly. The magnetic source PA may be attached to any holder (tool) such as a physical tag, and may be moved indirectly through the movement of the holder. The magnetic source PA may be moved manually by an operator, or it may be moved automatically by a device such as a robot.

[0090] Multiple magnetic sensors CA may be appropriately arranged within the range where the control area 20 may be set on screen D10, such that at least one of the multiple magnetic sensors CA can detect the magnetism of the magnetic source PA that is placed to specify area A1 (control area 20). The arrangement of each magnetic sensor CA is not particularly limited and may be appropriately determined according to the embodiment, as long as it is possible to detect the magnetism of the magnetic source PA that constitutes the physical indicator P1.

[0091] In one example, each magnetic sensor CA may be attached to the outer surface of the shelf signage D1 so as to be spaced apart from each other. The outer surface of the shelf signage D1 may include the top, bottom, back, front (including the screen D10), and each side. Each magnetic sensor CA may be attached by adhesive, bonding, or fitting. The magnetic sensors CA may be attached to the outer surface of the shelf signage D1 by known methods such as those shown above. Also, as illustrated in Figure 5A, the shelf signage D1 may be configured to extend in one direction (left-right direction in Figure 5A). In this case, the multiple magnetic sensors CA may be arranged in a line along one direction. For example, the multiple magnetic sensors CA may be arranged in a straight line from near the left end to near the right end of the shelf signage D1. This allows at least one of the multiple magnetic sensors CA to detect the magnetism of the magnetic source PA, which is positioned to specify area A1 within the range from the left end to the right end of the screen D10. However, the arrangement of the magnetic sensors CA is not limited to this example and may be appropriately changed depending on the embodiment. In one example, at least some of the multiple magnetic sensors CA may be arranged off-center from the straight line. The number of rows of magnetic sensors CA is not limited to one row, but may be two or more rows. The multiple magnetic sensors CA may be arranged in a zigzag pattern along one direction.

[0092] Each magnetic sensor CA may be configured as appropriate to measure (detect) the magnetism generated from the magnetic field source PA. The type of magnetic sensor CA is not particularly limited and may be selected as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, the magnetic field strength at the location of each magnetic sensor CA may be measured according to the sensing data (measurement data) of each magnetic sensor CA. The sensing data of each magnetic sensor CA may be processed as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, a processor resource such as a microprocessor may be provided for each magnetic sensor CA. Each provided processor resource may measure the magnetic field strength at the location of the corresponding magnetic sensor CA by processing the sensing data of the corresponding magnetic sensor CA. The sensing data of two or more magnetic sensor CAs may be processed together by a single processor resource. The sensing data of each magnetic sensor CA may be processed by the control device 1.

[0093] The correspondence between the position of the magnetic source PA and the specified range of region A1 (i.e., the rule for specifying the range of region A1 according to the position of the magnetic source PA) may be arbitrarily defined in advance.

[0094] In one example, the position of the magnetic source PA may be estimated based on the magnetic intensity measured by each magnetic sensor CA. The position of the magnetic source PA may be estimated by a known method. The correspondence between the position of the space in which the magnetic source PA is operated and the position or range on the screen D10 may be predetermined. That is, the position or range on the screen D10 indicated by the magnetic source PA may be identifiable according to the estimated position of the magnetic source PA. The position or range indicated by the magnetic source PA may be directly identified from the magnetic intensity measured by each magnetic sensor CA. Based on this, the control area 20 may be specified according to the position of the magnetic source PA estimated from the magnetic intensity measured by each magnetic sensor CA.

[0095] For example, the magnetic source PA may be moved to specify the boundary of region A1. While the magnetic source PA is being moved, the range on screen D10 that is specified by the movement of the magnetic source PA may be specified by repeatedly identifying the position on screen D10 indicated by the magnetic source PA. The specified range of region A1 may consist of this specified range. In this way, the range of region A1 may be specified automatically by the movement of the magnetic source PA.

[0096] Furthermore, for example, if screen D10 is pre-divided into multiple sections, the section indicated by the magnetic source PA may be specified according to the magnetic intensity measured by each magnetic sensor CA. The correspondence between the magnetic intensity measured by each magnetic sensor CA and the section indicated by the magnetic source PA may be defined in advance as appropriate. The range of region A1 (control region 20) may consist of one or more sections specified by the magnetic source PA.

[0097] The number of sections designated as the control area 20 by the magnetic source PA may be arbitrarily selected. Two or more sections may be designated by the magnetic source PA, and the control area 20 may be composed of two or more designated sections. When two or more sections are designated, each section is controlled by the magnetic source PA A may be specified individually by moving it, or it may be specified all at once by using two or more magnetic source PAs simultaneously. Also, when specifying three or more sections, all three or more sections may be specified by being pointed to by the magnetic source PAs. Alternatively, three or more sections may be specified by pointing to only some of the three or more sections with the magnetic source PAs, such as pointing to only the end section. For example, consider a scenario in which the screen D10 of the shelf signage D1 shown in Figure 5A is divided into multiple sections along the left-right direction. In this scenario, when specifying three or more sections, the leftmost section and the rightmost section of the range to be specified may be pointed to by the magnetic source PAs. As a result, three or more sections, including the leftmost section, the rightmost section, and the sections in between, may be specified as the control area 20.

[0098] In one example, based on the sensing data of each magnetic sensor CA, one or more magnetic sensor CAs located close to the magnetic source PA may be identified from among the multiple magnetic sensor CAs arranged on the shelf signage D1. The one or more magnetic sensor CAs located close to the magnetic source PA may be identified by any method, such as threshold determination or comparison of measured values ​​between each magnetic sensor CA. The specified range of area A1 (control area 20) may be defined according to the position of the identified one or more magnetic sensor CAs. That is, specifying the control area 20 according to the position of the magnetic source PA may be configured by specifying the control area 20 according to the position of one or more magnetic sensor CAs located close to the magnetic source PA arranged on the shelf signage D1, from among the multiple magnetic sensor CAs arranged on the shelf signage D1.

[0099] For example, one or more magnetic sensors CA that are close to the magnetic source PA may be identified from the magnetic field strength measured by each magnetic sensor CA. One or more magnetic sensors CA that are close to the magnetic source PA may be identified by any criterion, such as the measured strength exceeding or being greater than a threshold, or having the highest measured strength. Each magnetic sensor CA may be pre-associated with a position on screen D10. The correspondence between each magnetic sensor CA and its position on screen D10 may be arbitrarily defined. In one example, each magnetic sensor CA may be associated with a specific point or range on screen D10. Accordingly, the range of region A1 may be freely specified by bringing the magnetic source PA closer to the magnetic sensor CA corresponding to the specified range, such as moving the magnetic source PA to sequentially approach the magnetic sensor CA corresponding to the boundary of the specified range, or bringing two or more magnetic source PAs closer simultaneously. Also, if screen D10 is pre-divided into multiple sections, each magnetic sensor CA may be associated with a specific section on screen D10. Accordingly, the range of region A1 may be specified by bringing the magnetic source PA closer to the magnetic sensor CA corresponding to the specified range of sections. When specifying two or more sections, each section may be specified individually by moving the magnetic source PA, or it may be specified all at once by using two or more magnetic source PAs simultaneously. When specifying three or more sections, each of the three or more sections may be specified by bringing the magnetic source PA closer. Alternatively, three or more sections may be specified by bringing the magnetic source PA closer to only some of the three or more sections, such as bringing the magnetic source PA closer only to the magnetic sensor CA corresponding to the end section.

[0100] In one example of this embodiment, the control area 20 can be specified using the magnetic force source PA. In one example, the magnetic sensor (magnetic sensor CA) is relatively inexpensive. When a permanent magnet is used in the magnetic force source PA, the permanent magnet is also relatively inexpensive. Therefore, a reduction in the manufacturing cost of the display system SY can be expected. In one example, the magnetic sensor (magnetic sensor CA) is generally small. Therefore, a reduction in the size of the display system SY including the sensor device C1 can be expected. In one example, the sensing data from the magnetic sensor (magnetic sensor CA) can be processed relatively easily. Therefore, a reduction in computation costs (processor resource costs, power consumption, etc.) can be expected.

[0101] (Type identification) For example, detecting the position of the magnetic source PA is related to the type of magnetic pattern from the magnetic source PA. This may include identifying the type of magnetic pattern. The type of magnetic pattern is an example of the type PT of the physical instruction P1 described above. Determining the display area setting 30 based on the control area 20 may include selecting content 450 according to the type of magnetic pattern identified. Controlling the display of information 40 on the shelf signage D1 according to the display area setting 30 may include displaying the selected content 450.

[0102] The type of magnetic pattern may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. For example, the type of magnetic pattern may be defined according to the attributes of the magnetic source PA, such as its size, arrangement, number, magnetic force, and magnetic fluctuations. The correspondence between the type of magnetic pattern and the content 450 may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The type of magnetic pattern may be defined statically or dynamically. In either case, if the type of magnetic pattern is identified during operation, the content 450 displayed on the shelf signage D1 can be changed by changing the type of magnetic pattern during operation. For example, if the magnetic source PA is a permanent magnet or an electromagnet that can be obtained with a constant power, the range of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic source PA is stable when the magnetic source PA is stationary relative to the shelf signage D1. In contrast, when the magnetic source PA is being shaken, the range of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic source PA fluctuates. This fluctuation in the range of the magnetic field is an example of magnetic fluctuation. Therefore, the state in which the magnetic source PA is stationary and the state in which the magnetic source PA is being shaken may be defined as different types. As a specific example, the state in which the magnetic source PA is stopped may be associated with normal displays such as the display of product information. On the other hand, the state in which the magnetic source PA is being shaken may be associated with the display of special actions such as the issuance of coupons. If the type of magnetic pattern is identified during operation, normal displays can be performed by positioning the magnetic source PA in a certain position relative to the shelf signage D1. Special actions can be displayed by shaking the magnetic source PA. For example, the physical tag T1 may be configured to mimic a character, such as by forming the main body of the physical tag T1 in the shape of a character. Special actions can be displayed by stroking this character-shaped physical tag T1. Note that the magnetic fluctuations are not limited to these examples and may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment. In one example, if the magnetic source PA is an electromagnet, the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet can be changed by changing at least one of the magnitude and direction of the current flowing through the electromagnet. This change in the magnetic field is also an example of a magnetic fluctuation. The type of magnetic pattern may be defined according to the attributes (magnitude, direction) of the current flowing through the electromagnet.

[0103] According to one example of this embodiment, the content 450 to be displayed can also be controlled by the magnetic pattern from the magnetic source PA. In one example, at least part of the process of selecting the content 450 to be displayed can be automated. This is expected to reduce the effort required to display the content 450.

[0104] (Specific example of structure) Figures 5B and 5C are a rear perspective view and a side view of a shelf signage D1, schematically showing an example of the arrangement of a sensor device C1 (magnetic sensor CA) when the physical indicator P1 is composed of the arrangement of a magnetic source PA. In one example, when the physical indicator P1 is composed of the arrangement of a magnetic source PA, multiple magnetic sensors CA may be arranged on the rear D15 of the shelf signage D1. The rear D15 may be the side opposite to the front where the screen D10 is provided. The number and arrangement of magnetic sensors CA may be determined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, as shown in Figure 5B, multiple magnetic sensors CA may be arranged along the extending direction of the shelf signage D1. The magnetic source PA may be provided on the physical tag T1. Thus, the arrangement of the magnetic source PA may be done through the arrangement (attachment) of the physical tag T1 to the shelf signage D1.

[0105] The physical tag T1 may have a hook portion T15 for hanging on the shelf signage D1. The hook portion T15 may have a throat portion T152 that is positioned on the back D15 side of the shelf signage D1 when the physical tag T1 is hung on the shelf signage D1. The configuration of the physical tag T1 is not particularly limited as long as the hook portion T15 is included, and may be appropriately determined according to the embodiment. A known configuration such as a commercially available price tag may be used for the configuration of the physical tag T1. Furthermore, the configuration of the hook portion T15 is not particularly limited as long as the throat portion T152 is included, and may be appropriately determined according to the embodiment.

[0106] In one example, the physical tag T1 may further include a main body T10. The main body T10 may be formed in a flat (flat rectangular parallelepiped) shape and may be positioned to cover the front of the shelf signage D1 (including the screen D10). The main body T10 may have a structure for inserting a piece of paper such as a price tag. A known structure such as a tag case structure may be used for the structure for inserting the piece of paper. Alternatively, the main body T10 may be configured to present information by other means, such as directly writing the information on the surface of the main body T10, rather than inserting a piece of paper. This information presentation configuration may be omitted. The hook portion T15 may be configured to extend from the upper end of the main body T10. In one example, the hook portion T15 may further include a gap portion T151. The gap portion T151 may be formed in a flat shape and may be configured to extend rearward from the upper end of the main body T10. The depth of the gap portion T151 may be the same as or slightly greater than the depth of the top surface D12 of the shelf signage D1. This allows the gap portion T151 to be positioned on the top surface D12 of the shelf signage D1 when the hook portion T15 is hung on the shelf signage D1. The throat portion T152 may be formed in a flat shape and may be configured to extend downward from the end of the gap portion T151. This allows the throat portion T152 to be positioned on the tip side of the hook portion T15, so that it is positioned on the back surface D15 side when the hook portion T15 is hung on the shelf signage D1.

[0107] The magnetic source PA may be placed in the throat portion T152 of the hook portion T15 of the physical tag T1. The magnetic source PA may be placed anywhere on the throat portion T152. For example, as illustrated in Figure 5C, the magnetic source PA may be placed on the back surface D15 side of the throat portion T152. The position of the magnetic source PA on the throat portion T152 may be adjusted to the position (height) of each magnetic sensor CA on the back surface D15 so that the magnetic source PA faces the magnetic sensor CA when the physical tag T1 is hung on the shelf signage D1. This makes it easier to bring the magnetic source PA close to the magnetic sensor CA. As a result, proper detection of the magnetic source PA by the magnetic sensor CA can be expected.

[0108] Furthermore, the number of magnetic force sources PA arranged in the throat portion T152 is not particularly limited and may be determined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, as illustrated in Figure 5B, two magnetic force sources PA may be arranged in the throat portion T152 spaced apart in the left-right direction. One of the two magnetic force sources PA may be placed near the left end, and the other near the right end. By causing the corresponding magnetic sensor CA to detect the magnetism of each magnetic force source PA, the range in the width direction (left-right direction) of the physical tag T1 can be designated as region A1 (control region 20). This method of designating a range using two magnetic force sources PA may be just one example of a method of designating a range using two or more magnetic force sources PA simultaneously.

[0109] In one example, the type of magnetic pattern may be identified according to the attributes of the magnetic source PA placed in the throat section T152. The attributes of the magnetic source PA may include the size, arrangement, number, magnetic force, and magnetic fluctuations of the magnetic source PA. The attributes of the magnetic source PA may be determined from the measured values ​​of each magnetic sensor CA. The types of magnetic patterns may be arbitrarily defined in advance according to the attributes of the magnetic source PA. The number of types of magnetic patterns to be defined may be arbitrarily determined.

[0110] For example, by changing at least one of the size, arrangement, and number of magnetic sources PA, the number and arrangement (combinations) of magnetic sensors CA that detect the magnetism of nearby magnetic sources PA can be reduced. Either of these can change. An example of this is shown in Figure 5B. In the example in Figure 5B, we assume a scenario where the magnetic force of the magnetic force source PA is adjusted so that the magnetic sensor CA can detect the magnetism of the magnetic force source PA only when the magnetic force source PA and magnetic sensor CA are in close proximity. In this scenario, the left physical tag T1 has a size that affects one magnetic sensor CA, with the magnetic force sources PA located near each of its left and right ends. Therefore, when using the left physical tag T1, the magnetism of the magnetic force source PA is detected by one magnetic sensor CA near each of its left and right ends. On the other hand, the right physical tag T1 has a size that affects two magnetic sensors CA, with the magnetic force sources PA located near each of its left and right ends. Therefore, when using the right physical tag T1, the magnetism of the magnetic force source PA is detected by two magnetic sensors CA near each of its left and right ends. In other words, in this example in Figure 5B, changing the size of the magnetic force source PA changes the number and arrangement of magnetic sensors CA that detect the magnetism of nearby magnetic force sources PA. Furthermore, the arrangement and number of magnetic sources PA can also change at least one of the number and arrangement of magnetic sensors CA that detect the magnetism of nearby magnetic sources PA. For example, the type of magnetic pattern may be defined according to at least one of the size, arrangement, and number of magnetic sources PA such that at least one of the number and arrangement of magnetic sensors CA that detect the magnetism of nearby magnetic sources PA changes.

[0111] Furthermore, by changing the magnitude of the magnetic force of the magnetic force source PA, for example, by changing the magnetic force of the permanent magnet used or changing the amount of current flowing through the electromagnet, the magnitude of the magnetic force measured by the magnetic sensor CA adjacent to the magnetic force source PA may change. The number of magnetic sensors CA that detect the magnetism of the magnetic force source PA may also change. In one example, the type of magnetic pattern may be defined according to the magnetic force of the magnetic force source PA so that the measurement of the magnetic force changes to an identifiable degree.

[0112] Furthermore, for example, in a stationary state where the physical tag T1 is simply attached to the shelf signage D1, the combination of magnetic sensors CA that detect the magnetism of the nearby magnetic source PA remains constant. On the other hand, in a moving state where the physical tag T1 is shaken, slid, etc., the combination of magnetic sensors CA that detect the magnetism of the nearby magnetic source PA may fluctuate. Depending on the speed of movement, the fluctuation period of the combination of magnetic sensors CA that detect the magnetism of the nearby magnetic source PA may change. In one example, the type of magnetic pattern may be defined according to the fluctuation of the magnetism so that there is a difference in the fluctuation pattern of the combination of magnetic sensors CA that detect the magnetism of the nearby magnetic source PA. As a specific example, as described above, the stationary state and the oscillating state of the physical tag T1 may be defined as different types. The oscillating state is an example of a moving state. If the magnetic source PA is an electromagnet, the combination of magnetic sensors CA that detect the magnetism of the magnetic source PA may change by changing the magnitude of the current flowing through the electromagnet. By changing the direction of the current flowing through the electromagnet, the measured value of the magnetic sensor CA may change. For example, the type of magnetic pattern may be defined according to the fluctuation of the magnetism, so that there is a difference in the measurement pattern of such a magnetic sensor CA. For example, the type of magnetic pattern may be defined by combining the above attributes.

[0113] For example, one or more physical tags T1 may be provided for each type of magnetic pattern. This allows the content 450 to be displayed to be selected by selecting the physical tag T1 to be used. Furthermore, if the magnetic pattern is defined to be dynamically changeable, such as defining different magnetic patterns for the stationary state and the moving state, the content 450 displayed can be changed even with the same physical tag T1.

[0114] In one example of this embodiment, the control area 20 can be specified by attaching the physical tag T1 to the shelf signage D1. In another example, the magnetic source PA may be placed in the throat portion T152, and the magnetic sensor CA may be placed in the back surface D15 of the shelf signage D1. This ensures that when the physical tag T1 is attached to the shelf signage D1, the magnetic source PA is positioned close to the magnetic sensor CA. As a result, accurate detection of the position of the magnetic source PA by the magnetic sensor CA can be expected. In one example, if the main body portion T10 is opaque... In addition, the first format may be used as the display format. This allows the information 40 to be displayed while avoiding the main body T10. Also, in one example, if the main body T10 is transparent (including semi-transparent) or omitted, the second format may be used as the display format. This allows the predetermined information 410 to be displayed within the range of the physical tag T1 (main body T10).

[0115] The configurations in Figures 5B and 5C are merely illustrative examples of the present disclosure in all respects. With respect to each component in Figures 5B and 5C, omissions, modifications, substitutions, and additions may be made as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The shape and dimensions of each component are not limited to the examples in Figures 5B and 5C, and may be modified as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0116] For example, the shape of at least one of the main body T10, the gap portion T151, and the throat portion T152 is not limited to the examples in Figures 5B and 5C, and may be modified as appropriate depending on the embodiment. At least one of the main body T10 and the gap portion T151 may be omitted. The configuration and shape of the physical tag T1 may be modified as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0117] Furthermore, for example, the magnetic sensor CA may be placed in any location other than the rear surface D15. In one example, the magnetic sensor CA may be placed on the top surface D12 or the front surface (bezel portion, etc.). As shown in the example in Figure 7B described later, the shelf signage D1 may be provided with an insertion groove for inserting the throat portion T152. In this case, the magnetic sensor CA may be placed inside the insertion groove (side surface, bottom surface, etc. of the insertion groove). The magnetic sensor CA may be placed inside the housing of the shelf signage D1, as long as it can detect magnetism.

[0118] Furthermore, for example, the number of magnetic source PAs is not limited to two. There may be one magnetic source PA, or there may be three or more.

[0119] Furthermore, for example, the location where the magnetic source PA is placed is not limited to the throat portion T152. The magnetic source PA may be placed together with the throat portion T152, or in place of the throat portion T152, in a location other than the throat portion T152. When the magnetic source PA is provided on the physical tag T1, the magnetic source PA may be placed at any location on the physical tag T1 where magnetism can be detected by the magnetic sensor CA. In one example, the magnetic source PA may be placed on the main body portion T10 or the gap portion T151. The magnetic source PA may be placed on the front or back of the main body portion T10. The magnetic source PA may be placed on either the top surface D12 side or the opposite side of the gap portion T151. In one example, when the magnetic source PA is placed on the gap portion T151, each magnetic sensor CA may be placed on the top surface D12 of the shelf signage D1. When the magnetic source PA is placed on the main body T10, each magnetic sensor CA may be placed on the front of the shelf signage D1. Also, in the example in Figure 5C, the magnetic source PA is placed on the back surface D15 side of the throat section T152, but the placement of the magnetic source PA in the throat section T152 is not limited to this example. In one example, the magnetic source PA may be placed on the side of the throat section T152 opposite to the back surface D15 side.

[0120] (2) Second example Figure 6A schematically shows an example (second example) of a physical instruction P1 according to this embodiment. In one example, the sensor device C1 may be equipped with a plurality of contact operators CB arranged on the shelf signage D1. The physical instruction P1 may consist of an operation PB that involves physical contact with one or more of the plurality of contact operators CB. The control area 20 may be specified according to the position of the one or more operated contact operators CB.

[0121] The type of contact operator CB is not particularly limited as long as it can detect physical contact, and may be appropriately selected depending on the embodiment. Multiple contact operators CB may consist of, for example, multiple push buttons, touch sensors (including touch panels), etc. Contact at multiple points When using a touch sensor capable of detecting contact, each detectable point may be an example of a single contact operator CB. The sensor device C1 may be configured to detect an operation PB involving physical contact at at least one of the multiple contact operators CBs by comprising a plurality of contact operators CBs.

[0122] An operation PB involving physical contact may consist of any operation that makes contact with a contact operator CB and is detectable by the contact operator CB. The type of operation is not particularly limited as long as it is detectable by the contact operator CB, and may be appropriately selected depending on the embodiment. For example, an operation PB involving physical contact may include pressing, touching, placing an object, etc. An operation PB involving physical contact may be performed using a tool such as a physical tag. An operation PB involving physical contact may be performed with a body part such as a hand. An operation PB involving physical contact may be performed manually by an operator or automatically by a device such as a robot.

[0123] The arrangement of the multiple contact control elements CB may be determined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, the multiple contact control elements CB may be attached to the outer surface of the shelf signage D1. When push buttons are used for the contact control elements CB, the multiple contact control elements CB may be arranged spaced apart on at least one of the top surface D12, bottom surface, back surface D15, front surface (bezel portion, etc.), and each side surface of the shelf signage D1. For example, as illustrated in Figure 6A, the multiple contact control elements CB may be arranged in a straight line from near the left end to near the right end on the top surface D12 of the shelf signage D1. However, the arrangement of the contact control elements CB is not limited to this example and may be changed as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, at least some of the multiple contact control elements CB may be arranged off-center from the straight line. The number of rows of contact control elements CB is not limited to one row, but may be two or more rows. The multiple contact control elements CB may be arranged in a zigzag pattern along one direction. Furthermore, when using touch panels for multiple contact operators CB (i.e., using a touch panel display on the shelf signage D1), the multiple contact operators CB (touch panels) may be arranged on the screen D10 in addition to the example arrangement of push buttons.

[0124] The correspondence between the position of the contact operator CB and the specified range of area A1 (i.e., the rule for specifying the range of area A1 according to the position of the contact operator CB) may be arbitrarily defined in advance. For example, when a push button is used for the contact operator CB, each contact operator CB may be pre-associated with a specific point or range on the screen D10. Accordingly, the range of area A1 may be specified by operating the contact operator CB corresponding to the range to be specified. When the screen D10 is pre-divided into multiple sections, each contact operator CB may be associated with a specific section on the screen D10. Accordingly, the range of area A1 may be specified by operating the contact operator CB corresponding to the section of the range to be specified. Also, in an example, when a touch sensor is used for the contact operator CB, the range of area A1 may be specified as appropriate by touching the screen D10. The range of area A1 may be specified in a free form by tracing the boundary of area A1. When the screen D10 is pre-divided into multiple sections, the range of area A1 may be specified by touching the section of the range to be specified. When specifying two or more partitions, each partition may be specified in an individual operation PB, or in a single operation PB. When specifying three or more partitions, all three or more partitions may be specified via an operation PB. Alternatively, three or more partitions may be specified by performing operation PBs on only some of the partitions, such as specifying only the end partition via an operation PB.

[0125] According to one example of this embodiment, the control area 20 can be specified using a contact operator CB. In one example, the contact operator CB can be arranged at a relatively high density, such as by using a touch sensor (including a touch panel). Even when using push buttons, push buttons can be made relatively small and can sometimes be arranged at a high density. Therefore, by using a contact operator CB, high-resolution specification of the range of the control area 20 can be expected. Furthermore, in one example, the contact control element CB is less prone to failure. Therefore, by using the contact control element CB, it is possible to reduce the risk of failure of the display system SY.

[0126] (Type identification) For example, detecting an operation PB involving physical contact may include identifying the type of pattern of the operation PB. The type of pattern of the operation PB is an example of the type PT of the physical instruction P1 described above. Determining the display area setting 30 based on the control area 20 may include selecting content 450 according to the type of pattern of the identified operation PB. Controlling the display of information 40 on the shelf signage D1 according to the display area setting 30 may include displaying the selected content 450.

[0127] The types of operation PB patterns may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. For example, the types of operation PB patterns may be defined according to physical contact attributes such as contact length, number of contacts, contact strength, combination of contact operators CBs to be contacted, and variation patterns of the combination (including operation gestures). Each attribute may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment, such as the type of contact operator CBs. For example, when using touch sensors for multiple contact operators CBs, operation gestures may include tapping, flicking, swiping, pinching in, pinching out, dragging, twisting, etc. The number of contacts may include the number of fingers used for operation.

[0128] The correspondence between the types of patterns of the operation PB and the content 450 may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The types of patterns of the operation PB may be defined statically or dynamically. In either case, if the type of pattern of the operation PB is identified during operation, the content 450 displayed on the shelf signage D1 can be changed by changing the type of pattern of the operation PB during operation.

[0129] According to one example of this embodiment, the content 450 to be displayed can also be controlled by a pattern of operation PB involving physical contact. In one example, at least part of the process of selecting the content 450 to be displayed can be automated. This is expected to reduce the effort required to display the content 450.

[0130] (Specific example of structure) Figure 6B is a schematic side view showing an example of the arrangement of a sensor device C1 (contact operator CB) when the physical instruction P1 is composed of an operation PB involving physical contact with the contact operator CB. In one example, when the physical instruction P1 is composed of an operation PB involving physical contact, the operation PB may be performed by placing a physical tag T1 on the shelf signage D1. That is, the operation PB may be composed of attaching the physical tag T1. Attaching the physical tag T1 may be done by hanging the physical tag T1.

[0131] The physical tag T1 may be equipped with a hook portion T15 for hanging on the shelf signage D1. The configuration of the physical tag T1 is not particularly limited as long as it includes the hook portion T15, and may be appropriately determined depending on the embodiment. A known configuration such as a commercially available price tag may be used for the configuration of the physical tag T1. Also, the configuration of the hook portion T15 is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately determined depending on the embodiment. In one example, the physical tag T1 may be configured in the same way as in the first example above. That is, the physical tag T1 may further be equipped with a main body portion T10. The hook portion T15 may have a gap portion T151 and a throat portion T152.

[0132] In one example, multiple contact operators CB may be arranged on the outer surface of the shelf signage D1 in the area where the hook portion T15 makes contact when the physical tag T1 is attached to the shelf signage D1. In the example shown in Figure 6B, when the physical tag T1 is attached to the shelf signage D1, the hook portion T15 (gape portion T151, throat portion T152) makes contact with the top surface of the shelf signage D1. The contact operators CB can contact D12 and the rear surface D15. Therefore, the multiple contact operators CB may be placed in at least one of the areas on the top surface D12 and the rear surface D15 of the shelf signage D1 where the throat portion T152 is located. In other words, the multiple contact operators CB may be placed in at least one of the top surface D12 and the rear surface D15 of the shelf signage D1 where the hook portion T15 makes contact when the physical tag T1 is attached. The area on the top surface D12 and the rear surface D15 of the shelf signage D1 where the throat portion T152 is located is an example of the area where the hook portion T15 makes contact when the physical tag T1 is attached to the shelf signage D1. The number and range of contact operators CB may be appropriately determined according to the embodiment. For example, the multiple contact operators CB may be arranged on the top surface D12 or the rear surface D15 from near the left end to near the right end. This allows the physical tag T1 to be attached to the shelf signage D1, thereby designating the area of ​​the physical tag T1 in the width direction (left-right direction) as area A1 (control area 20).

[0133] In one example, the type of operation PB pattern may be identified according to the attributes of physical contact with multiple contact operators CB. The attributes of physical contact may include the length of contact, the number of contacts, the strength of contact, the combination of contact operators CBs that make contact, and the variation pattern of the combination (including operation gestures). The attributes of physical contact may be determined from the measured values ​​of each contact operator CB. The types of operation PB patterns may be arbitrarily defined in advance according to the attributes of physical contact. The number of types of patterns to be defined may be arbitrarily determined.

[0134] For example, one or more physical tags T1 may be provided for each type of operation PB pattern. This allows the content 450 to be displayed to be selected by selecting the physical tag T1 to use. Furthermore, if the operation PB pattern is defined to be dynamically changeable, the content 450 displayed can be changed even with the same physical tag T1.

[0135] In one example of this embodiment, the control area 20 can be specified by hanging the physical tag T1 on the shelf signage D1. In another example, the contact operator CB may be positioned within the contact range of the hook portion T15 when the physical tag T1 is attached. This allows the hook portion T15 of the physical tag T1 to make proper contact with the contact operator CB when the physical tag T1 is hung on the shelf signage D1. As a result, proper detection of the operation PB via the physical tag T1 by the contact operator CB can be expected. In another example, if the main body T10 is opaque, the first display format may be used. This allows the information 40 to be displayed while avoiding the main body T10. In yet another example, if the main body T10 is transparent (including semi-transparent) or omitted, the second display format may be used. This allows predetermined information 410 to be displayed within the range of the physical tag T1 (main body T10).

[0136] The configurations in Figures 6A and 6B are merely illustrative examples of the present disclosure in all respects. With respect to each component in Figures 6A and 6B, omissions, modifications, substitutions, and additions may be made as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The shape and dimensions of each component are not limited to the examples in Figures 6A and 6B, and may be modified as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0137] For example, as in the first example, the shape of at least one of the main body T10, the gap portion T151, and the throat portion T152 is not limited to the example in Figure 6B, and may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment. At least one of the main body T10 and the gap portion T151 may be omitted. The configuration and shape of the physical tag T1 may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment.

[0138] Furthermore, for example, the arrangement of the multiple contact operators CB may be appropriately changed depending on the embodiment. In one example, as shown in Figure 7B described later, the shelf signage D1 may be provided with an insertion groove for inserting the throat portion T152. In this case, the multiple contact operators CB may be arranged inside the insertion groove (on the side surface, bottom surface, etc. of the insertion groove).

[0139] (3) Third example In one example, the sensor device C1 may consist of multiple electrical circuits placed on the shelf signage D1. The physical instruction P1 may consist of operations on one or more of the multiple electrical circuits. The control area 20 may be specified according to the location of the one or more electrical circuits that have been operated. Each electrical circuit may be configured as appropriate so that its state is switched by the operation. The operation on an electrical circuit may consist of any operation that switches the state of the electrical circuit. In one example, the operation on an electrical circuit may consist of at least one of three operations: an energizing operation that switches from an interrupted state to an energized state, an interruption operation that switches from an energized state to an interrupted state, and a change operation that changes the current state flowing through the electrical circuit.

[0140] (3-1) Example 3-1 Figure 7A schematically shows an example (Example 3-1) of the physical instruction P1 according to this embodiment. In one example, the sensor device C1 may be placed on the shelf signage D1 and include a plurality of electrical circuits CC each configured to switch from a disconnected state to an energized state by an energization operation PC1. The physical instruction P1 may consist of an energization operation PC1 for one or more of the plurality of electrical circuits CC. The control area 20 may be specified according to the position of one or more electrical circuits CC that have been switched to an energized state by the energization operation PC1.

[0141] The configuration of the electrical circuit CC is not particularly limited, as long as it can be switched between ON (powered on) and OFF (cut off), and may be determined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The sensor device C1 may be equipped with multiple electrical circuits CC, and may be configured to detect the power-on operation PC1 when at least one of the multiple electrical circuits CC switches from a cut-off state to a powered state.

[0142] The power-on operation PC1 may consist of one or more arbitrary operations that switch the target electrical circuit CC from an interrupted state to an energized state. The configuration of the power-on operation PC1 is not particularly limited as long as it is possible to switch from an interrupted state to an energized state, and may be appropriately determined according to the embodiment. In one example, the power-on operation PC1 may be performed using a tool, such as inserting the conductive part of a physical tag. The power-on operation PC1 may be performed with a body part, such as operating a switch with one's hand. The power-on operation PC1 may be performed manually by an operator, or it may be performed automatically by a device such as a robot.

[0143] The arrangement of the multiple electrical circuits CC may be determined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, the multiple electrical circuits CC may be mounted on the outer surface of the shelf signage D1. The outer surface of the shelf signage D1 may include the top, bottom, back, front, and each side. The multiple electrical circuits CC may be arranged inside the enclosure of the shelf signage D1, provided that the power supply operation PC1 can be performed from the outside. Alternatively, for example, as illustrated in Figure 7A, the multiple electrical circuits CC may be arranged in a straight line from near the left end to near the right end of the shelf signage D1. However, the arrangement of the electrical circuits CC is not limited to this example and may be changed as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, at least some of the multiple electrical circuits CC may be arranged off-center from the straight line. The number of rows of electrical circuits CC is not limited to one row, but may be two or more rows. The multiple electrical circuits CC may be arranged in a zigzag pattern along one direction.

[0144] The correspondence between the location of electrical circuit CC and the specified range of area A1 (i.e., the rule for specifying the range of area A1 according to the location of electrical circuit CC) may be arbitrarily defined in advance. For example, each electrical circuit CC may be pre-associated with a specific point or range on screen D10. Accordingly, the range of area A1 may be specified by performing the power supply operation PC1 on the electrical circuit CC corresponding to the specified range. If screen D10 is pre-divided into multiple sections, each electrical circuit CC may be associated with a specific section on screen D10. Accordingly, the specified range The range of area A1 may be specified by performing the power-on operation PC1 on the electrical circuit CC corresponding to the area of ​​the specified section. When specifying two or more sections, each section may be specified with an individual power-on operation PC1, or it may be specified with a single power-on operation PC1. When specifying three or more sections, all three or more sections may be specified via the power-on operation PC1. Alternatively, three or more sections may be specified by performing the power-on operation PC1 on only some of the three or more sections, such as specifying only the end section with the power-on operation PC1.

[0145] In one example of this embodiment, the control area 20 can be specified using an electrical circuit CC. In one example, the electrical circuit CC can be arranged at high density. Therefore, by using the electrical circuit CC, high-resolution specification of the range of the control area 20 can be expected. Also, in one example, the electrical circuit CC may be less prone to failure. Therefore, by using the electrical circuit CC, a reduction in the failure risk of the display system SY can be expected.

[0146] (Type identification) For example, detecting the power-on operation PC1 may include identifying the type of power-on pattern in each electrical circuit CC. The type of power-on pattern is an example of the type PT of the physical instruction P1 described above. Determining the display area setting 30 based on the control area 20 may include selecting content 450 according to the type of power-on pattern identified. Controlling the display of information 40 on the shelf signage D1 according to the display area setting 30 may include displaying the selected content 450.

[0147] The types of energizing patterns may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. For example, the types of energizing patterns may be defined according to the combination of electrical circuits CC to be energized, the variation pattern of the combination, and the energizing attributes of the electrical circuits CC, such as the attributes of the energized state (current value, etc.).

[0148] The correspondence between the types of power supply patterns and the content 450 may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The types of power supply patterns may be defined statically or dynamically. In either case, if the types of power supply patterns are identified during operation, the content 450 displayed on the shelf signage D1 can be changed by changing the types of power supply patterns during operation.

[0149] According to one example of this embodiment, the content 450 to be displayed can also be controlled by the power supply pattern of the power supply operation PC1. In one example, at least part of the work of selecting the content 450 to be displayed can be automated. This is expected to reduce the effort required to display the content 450.

[0150] (Specific example of structure) Figures 7B and 7C are schematic side views showing an example of the arrangement of a sensor device C1 (electrical circuit CC) when a physical instruction P1 is performed by a power-on operation PC1. In one example, when a physical instruction P1 is performed by a power-on operation PC1, the power-on operation PC1 may be performed by placing a physical tag T1 on the shelf signage D1. That is, the power-on operation PC1 may be performed by attaching the physical tag T1.

[0151] Figure 7B shows a scene without the physical tag T1 attached, and Figure 7C shows a scene with the physical tag T1 attached. Each of the multiple electrical circuits CC may have a first electrode CC1 and a second electrode CC2 that are spaced apart from each other. The physical tag T1 may have a hook portion T15 for hanging on the shelf signage D1. The hook portion T15 may have a throat portion T152 that is inserted into the gap between the first electrode CC1 and the second electrode CC2 when the physical tag T1 is hung on the shelf signage D1. The throat portion T152 may have a conductive portion T16 that makes the first electrode CC1 and the second electrode CC2 electrically connected when inserted into the gap. Each of these may be switched to an energized state when the throat portion T152 is inserted into the gap between the first electrode CC1 and the second electrode CC2 of one or more electrical circuits CC, and the first electrode CC1 and the second electrode CC2 of one or more electrical circuits CC become electrically connected by the conductive portion T16.

[0152] The configuration of the physical tag T1 is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately determined depending on the embodiment, as long as it includes a hook portion T15. A known configuration such as a commercially available price tag may be used for the physical tag T1. Furthermore, the configuration of the hook portion T15 is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately determined depending on the embodiment, as long as it includes a throat portion T152 and at least a part of the throat portion T152 is provided with a conductive portion T16. In one example, the physical tag T1 may further include a main body portion T10. The hook portion T15 may further include a gap portion T151. The shelf signage D1 may be provided with an insertion groove D18. The insertion groove D18 may be configured to penetrate from the left side to the right side of the shelf signage D1, be closed on the bottom side, and open on the top surface D12 side. Thus, the insertion groove D18 may include a first side surface D181 located on the front side, a second side surface D182 located on the rear surface D15 side, and a bottom surface. The first electrode CC1 of each electrical circuit CC may be provided on the first side surface D181, and the second electrode CC2 may be provided on the second side surface D182. As a result, the gap between the first electrode CC1 and the second electrode CC2 may be formed by the space between the first side surface D181 and the second side surface D182 of the insertion groove D18. The height at which the first electrode CC1 is provided on the first side surface D181 may or may not be the same as the height at which the second electrode CC2 is provided on the second side surface D182. The depth of the gap portion T151 may be the same as or slightly larger than the depth from the front of the shelf signage D1 to the insertion groove D18. The thickness of the throat portion T152 may be the same as or smaller than the width of the insertion groove D18. The thickness of the throat portion T152 and the width of the insertion groove D18 may be the left-right lengths in Figures 7B and 7C. As a result, the physical tag T1 may be configured to be attachable to the shelf signage D1 with the main body T10 positioned on the front side by inserting the throat portion T152 into the insertion groove D18 from the top surface D12 side. The conductive portion T16 may be made of any conductive material. The conductive portion T16 may be provided in any range of the throat portion T152. The conductive portion T16 may be provided in at least a part of the portion sandwiched between the first electrode CC1 and the second electrode CC2 when the throat portion T152 is inserted into the insertion groove D18, thereby connecting the first electrode CC1 and the second electrode CC2.The portion of the throat portion T152 other than the conductive portion T16 may be made of an insulating material. The portion of the throat portion T152 that is not involved in the energizing operation PC1 may be made of any material. Except for these points, the physical tag T1 may be configured in the same manner as in the first example, etc.

[0153] Each electrical circuit CC may be provided with an ammeter CC9. In each electrical circuit CC, the ammeter CC9 may be placed at any position that allows for the direct or indirect measurement of the current flowing between the first electrode CC1 and the second electrode CC2. Whether each electrical circuit CC is in an interrupted state or an energized state may be determined according to the measurement value of the ammeter CC9. When the control device 1 is directly connected to the sensor device C1, it may identify one or more electrical circuits CC that have been switched to an energized state based on the measurement value of the ammeter CC9 in each electrical circuit CC.

[0154] Figure 7D schematically shows the surface (first side surface D181) on which the first electrode CC1 of the electrical circuit CC is positioned in the insertion groove D18 of the shelf signage D1 shown in Figures 7B and 7C. Figure 7E schematically shows the surface (second side surface D182) on which the second electrode CC2 of the electrical circuit CC is positioned in the insertion groove D18 of the shelf signage D1 shown in Figures 7B and 7C. In one example, the first electrode CC1 may be provided in common to each electrical circuit CC by extending in a straight line from near the left end to near the right end. The first electrode CC1 may be subjected to any voltage (e.g., 5V). On the other hand, the second electrode CC2 may be provided for each electrical circuit CC. Each second electrode CC2 may be spaced apart along a straight line. Each second electrode CC2 may be grounded. In the throat portion T152, the conductive portion T16 may be positioned to correspond to the second electrode CC2. This allows the throat portion T152 to be inserted into the insertion groove D18, between the first electrode CC1 and the second electrode CC2. By placing the conductive part T16 between the first electrode CC1 and the second electrode CC2, electricity can be passed from the first electrode CC1 to the second electrode CC2 (i.e., the circuit can be switched from a disconnected state to a live state). However, the configuration of the first electrode CC1, the second electrode CC2, and the conductive part T16 is not limited to this example. As long as it is possible to switch from a disconnected state to a live state by placing the conductive part T16 between the first electrode CC1 and the second electrode CC2, the configuration of the first electrode CC1, the second electrode CC2, and the conductive part T16 is not particularly limited and may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment.

[0155] The range and number of conductive parts T16 may be determined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, in the throat portion T152, conductive parts T16 may be provided at least in the area near the left end and the area near the right end. This allows the range of the physical tag T1 in the width direction (left-right direction) to be designated as area A1 (control area 20) by attaching the physical tag T1 to the shelf signage D1.

[0156] In one example, the type of energizing pattern may be identified according to the energizing attribute of the electrical circuit CC that switches to an energized state when a physical tag T1 is attached to the shelf signage D1. The attribute of the electrical circuit CC that switches to an energized state may include the combination of electrical circuits CC that switch to an energized state, the variation pattern of the combination, and the attribute of the energized state (current value, etc.). The attribute of the electrical circuit CC may be determined from the measured value of the ammeter CC9. The types of energizing patterns may be arbitrarily defined in advance according to the energizing attribute of the electrical circuit CC. The number of types of energizing patterns to be defined may be arbitrarily determined.

[0157] For example, by changing the range in which the conductive part T16 is provided, the combination of electrical circuits CC that switch from the disconnected state to the energized state can be changed. By changing the number of ranges in which the conductive part T16 is provided, the number of electrical circuits CC that switch to the energized state can be changed. Depending on the arrangement of multiple electrical circuits CC, by changing the positional relationship (spacing, etc.) of the ranges in which the conductive part T16 is provided, the arrangement of electrical circuits CC that switch to the energized state can be changed. In the example in Figure 7E, since three conductive parts T16 are provided in the throat section T152, attaching the physical tag T1 can switch the three electrical circuits CC corresponding to the three conductive parts T16 to the energized state. If the middle conductive part T16 is omitted from the three conductive parts T16, the two electrical circuits CC corresponding to the conductive parts T16 at both ends will switch to the energized state, but the electrical circuit CC corresponding to the middle conductive part T16 will not switch to the energized state. In other words, by omitting the middle conductive part T16 of the three conductive parts T16, the number and arrangement of electrical circuits CC that switch to the energized state can be changed. For example, the type of energizing pattern may be defined according to the combination of electrical circuits CC that switch to the energized state, such that at least one of the number and arrangement of electrical circuits CC that switch to the energized state changes in this way.

[0158] Furthermore, for example, in a stationary state where the physical tag T1 is simply attached to the shelf signage D1, the combination of electrical circuits CC that are switched to the energized state remains constant. On the other hand, when the physical tag T1 is slid left or right, the combination of electrical circuits CC that are switched to the energized state may vary. When the physical tag T1 is slid up or down, the state of the target electrical circuit CC may fluctuate between the disconnected state and the energized state. The period of these fluctuations may change depending on the sliding speed. In one example, the type of energization pattern may be defined according to the fluctuation pattern of the combination of electrical circuits CC that are switched to the energized state, so that there is a difference in such state fluctuations.

[0159] Furthermore, the resistance value of the conductive part T16 can be changed by, for example, the material, dimensions, shape, etc. By changing the resistance value of the conductive part T16, the current value (measured by the ammeter CC9) flowing through the electrical circuit CC when it is switched to a powered state can be changed. In one example, the types of power supply patterns may be defined according to the attributes of the powered state (current value when powered) so that the current value flowing through the electrical circuit CC changes to an identifiable degree. In another example, the types of power supply patterns may be defined by combining the attributes of the electrical circuit CC described above.

[0160] For example, one or more physical tags T1 may be provided for each type of power supply pattern. This allows the content 450 to be displayed to be selected by selecting the physical tag T1 to use. Furthermore, if the power supply pattern is defined to be dynamically changeable, the content 450 displayed can be changed even with the same physical tag T1.

[0161] In one example of this embodiment, the control area 20 can be specified by attaching the physical tag T1 to the shelf signage D1. In one example, if the main body T10 is opaque, the first display format may be used. This allows the information 40 to be displayed while avoiding the main body T10. In another example, if the main body T10 is transparent (including semi-transparent) or omitted, the second display format may be used. This allows the predetermined information 410 to be displayed within the range of the physical tag T1 (main body T10).

[0162] The configurations shown in Figures 7B to 7E are merely illustrative examples of the present disclosure in all respects. With respect to each component in Figures 7B to 7E, omissions, modifications, substitutions, and additions may be made as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The shape and dimensions of each component are not limited to the examples in Figures 7B to 7E and may be modified as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0163] For example, as with the first example, the shape of at least one of the main body T10, the gape T151, and the throat T152 is not limited to the examples in Figures 7B and 7C, and may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment. At least one of the main body T10 and the gape T151 may be omitted. The configuration and shape of the physical tag T1 may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment. The arrangement of the conductive part T16 is not limited to the example in Figure 7E, and may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment, as long as the first electrode CC1 and the second electrode CC2 can be connected.

[0164] Furthermore, for example, the arrangement of each electrical circuit CC is not limited to the examples in Figures 7B to 7E, and may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment. In one example, the electrical circuits CC may be arranged not only in the left-right direction but also in the up-down direction. There may be two or more rows of electrical circuits CC. This allows multiple electrical circuits CC to be configured so that the type of energizing pattern can be defined in the up-down direction as well. In one example, the range of electrical circuits CC that can be switched to an energized state can be defined by the vertical length of the throat portion T152 and the arrangement of the conductive portion T16.

[0165] The insertion groove D18 may be configured to open to the bottom side of the shelf signage D1. The insertion groove D18 does not need to penetrate to the side of the shelf signage D1. Also, the gap between the first electrode CC1 and the second electrode CC2 is not limited to the insertion groove D18 and may be appropriately changed depending on the embodiment. The gap into which the throat portion T152 is inserted may be provided in any location. For example, instead of providing the insertion groove D18 between the front and back surface D15, a wall may be provided behind the back surface D15. One of the electrodes, the first electrode CC1 and the second electrode CC2, may be provided on the back surface D15, and the other electrode may be provided on the surface of the wall facing the back surface D15. In this case, the back surface D15 and the surface of the wall may replace the first side surface D181 and the second side surface D182 of the insertion groove D18. In this case, the gap between the first electrode CC1 and the second electrode CC2 may be formed by the space between the back surface D15 and the wall. The gap portion T151 may be configured in the same manner as in the first example, and when the physical tag T1 is attached to the shelf signage D1, the throat portion T152 may be positioned on the back D15 side so as to be sandwiched between the back D15 and the wall, rather than being inserted into the insertion groove D18. Depending on the arrangement of this throat portion T152, the electrical circuit CC may be switched from an interrupted state to an energized state within the range where the conductive portion T16 is located.

[0166] Furthermore, for example, the configuration of each electrical circuit CC is not limited to the examples in Figures 7B to 7E, and may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment. In one example, the first electrode CC1 and the second electrode CC2 The arrangement may be changed. The first electrode CC1, like the second electrode CC2, may be provided for each electrical circuit CC. Each first electrode CC1 may be spaced apart along a straight line. The configurations of the first electrode CC1 and the second electrode CC2 may be changed. That is, the second electrode CC2 may be applied to any voltage, and the first electrode CC1 may be grounded. In this case, the second electrode CC2 may be provided in common for each electrical circuit CC, or it may be provided for each electrical circuit CC. Furthermore, each electrical circuit CC may be configured to be switchable from an interrupted state to an energized state by an operation other than the insertion of the conductive part T16 by attaching the physical tag T1. The energizing operation PC1 is not limited to the attachment of the physical tag T1, and may consist of other operations. In one example, each electrical circuit CC may be equipped with a switch to switch between an interrupted state and an energized state. Thus, the energizing operation PC1 may consist of operating the switch.

[0167] (3-2) Example 3-2 Figure 8A schematically shows an example (third-second example) of the physical instruction P1 according to this embodiment. In one example, the sensor device C1 may be placed on the shelf signage D1 and comprise a plurality of electrical circuits CD0, each configured to switch from a powered state to a powered state by a power cut-off operation PD. The physical instruction P1 may consist of a power cut-off operation PD for one or more of the plurality of electrical circuits CD0. The control area 20 may be specified according to the position of one or more electrical circuits CD0 that have been switched to a powered state by the power cut-off operation PD.

[0168] The configuration of the electrical circuit CD0 is not particularly limited, as long as it can be switched between on (energized) and off (shut off), and may be determined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The sensor device C1 may be equipped with a plurality of electrical circuits CD0, and may be configured to detect the shut-off operation PD when at least one of the plurality of electrical circuits CD0 switches from an energized state to a shut-off state.

[0169] The disconnection operation PD may consist of one or more arbitrary operations that switch the target electrical circuit CD0 from an energized state to an disconnected state. The configuration of the disconnection operation PD is not particularly limited as long as it is possible to switch from an energized state to an disconnected state, and may be appropriately determined according to the embodiment. In one example, the disconnection operation PD may be performed using a tool, such as inserting the throat portion of a physical tag. The disconnection operation PD may be performed with a body part, such as operating a switch by hand. The disconnection operation PD may be performed manually by an operator, or it may be performed automatically by a device such as a robot.

[0170] The arrangement of the multiple electrical circuits CD0 may be determined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, the multiple electrical circuits CD0 may be mounted on the outer surface of the shelf signage D1. The outer surface of the shelf signage D1 may include the top, bottom, back, front, and each side. The multiple electrical circuits CD0 may be arranged inside the housing of the shelf signage D1, provided that the shut-off operation PD can be performed from the outside. Alternatively, for example, as illustrated in Figure 8A, the multiple electrical circuits CD0 may be arranged in a straight line from near the left end to near the right end of the shelf signage D1. However, the arrangement of the electrical circuits CD0 is not limited to this example and may be changed as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, at least some of the multiple electrical circuits CD0 may be arranged off-center from the straight line. The number of rows of electrical circuits CD0 is not limited to one row, but may be two or more rows. The multiple electrical circuits CD0 may be arranged in a zigzag pattern along one direction.

[0171] The correspondence between the position of electrical circuit CD0 and the specified range of region A1 (i.e., the rule for specifying the range of region A1 according to the position of electrical circuit CD0) may be arbitrarily defined in advance. For example, each electrical circuit CD0 may be pre-associated with a specific point or range on screen D10. Accordingly, the range of region A1 may be specified by performing a cutoff operation PD on the electrical circuit CD0 corresponding to the specified range. If screen D10 is pre-divided into multiple sections, each electrical circuit CD0 may be associated with a specific section on screen D10. Accordingly Alternatively, the range of region A1 may be specified by performing a tripping operation PD on the electrical circuit CD0 corresponding to the specified range of sections. When specifying two or more sections, each section may be specified with an individual tripping operation PD, or with a single tripping operation PD. When specifying three or more sections, all three or more sections may be specified via a tripping operation PD. Alternatively, three or more sections may be specified by performing a tripping operation PD on only some of the three or more sections, such as specifying only the end section with a tripping operation PD.

[0172] In one example of this embodiment, the control area 20 can be specified using the electrical circuit CD0. In one example, the electrical circuits CD0 can be arranged at high density. Therefore, by using the electrical circuits CD0, high-resolution specification of the range of the control area 20 can be expected. Also, in one example, the electrical circuits CD0 may be less prone to failure. Therefore, by using the electrical circuits CD0, a reduction in the failure risk of the display system SY can be expected.

[0173] (Type identification) For example, detecting a tripping operation PD may include identifying the type of tripping pattern in each electrical circuit CD0. The type of tripping pattern is an example of the type PT of the physical instruction P1 described above. Determining the display area setting 30 based on the control area 20 may include selecting content 450 according to the type of tripping pattern identified. Controlling the display of information 40 on the shelf signage D1 according to the display area setting 30 may include displaying the selected content 450.

[0174] The types of interruption patterns may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. For example, the types of interruption patterns may be defined according to the interruption attributes of the electrical circuits CD0, such as the combination of electrical circuits CD0 to be interrupted and the variation patterns of the combinations.

[0175] The correspondence between the types of blocking patterns and the content 450 may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The types of blocking patterns may be defined statically or dynamically. In either case, if the types of blocking patterns are identified during operation, the content 450 displayed on the shelf signage D1 can be changed by changing the types of blocking patterns during operation.

[0176] According to one example of this embodiment, the content 450 to be displayed can also be controlled by the blocking pattern of the blocking operation PD. In one example, at least part of the work of selecting the content 450 to be displayed can be automated. This is expected to reduce the effort required to display the content 450.

[0177] (Specific example of structure) Figures 8B and 8C are schematic side views showing an example of the arrangement of the sensor device C1 (electrical circuit CD0) when the physical indication P1 is composed of a shut-off operation PD. In one example, when the physical indication P1 is composed of a shut-off operation PD, the shut-off operation PD may be performed by placing a physical tag T1 on the shelf signage D1. That is, the shut-off operation PD may be composed of attaching the physical tag T1.

[0178] Figure 8B shows the scene without the physical tag T1 attached, and Figure 8C shows the scene with the physical tag T1 attached. Each of the multiple electrical circuits CD0 may include a first electrode CD1 and a second electrode CD2, and a conductive member CD3, which are spaced apart from each other. The physical tag T1 may include a hook portion T15 for hanging on the shelf signage D1. The hook portion T15 may have a throat portion T152 that is inserted into the gap between the first electrode CD1 and the second electrode CD2 when the physical tag T1 is hung on the shelf signage D1. When the throat portion T152 is not inserted, the conductive member CD3 is in contact with both the first electrode CD1 and the second electrode CD2. The conductive member CD3 may be configured to switch between a first position in which the first electrode CD1 and the second electrode CD2 are electrically connected, and a second position in which, when the throat portion T152 is inserted, the conductive member CD3 is separated from at least one of the first electrode CD1 and the second electrode CD2, thereby blocking the connection between the first electrode CD1 and the second electrode CD2. The position of the conductive member CD3 in Figure 8B is an example of the first position, and the position of the conductive member CD3 in Figure 8C is an example of the second position. Each of the one or more electrical circuits CD0 may switch to a disconnected state when the throat portion T152 is inserted into the gap between the first electrode CD1 and the second electrode CD2 of each of the one or more electrical circuits CD0, thereby switching the conductive member CD3 of each of the one or more electrical circuits CD0 to the second position and blocking the connection between the first electrode CD1 and the second electrode CD2 of each of the one or more electrical circuits CD0.

[0179] The configuration of the physical tag T1 is not particularly limited, as long as it includes the hook portion T15, and may be appropriately determined according to the embodiment. Known configurations such as commercially available price tags may be used for the physical tag T1. Also, the configuration of the hook portion T15 is not particularly limited, as long as it includes the throat portion T152, and may be appropriately determined according to the embodiment. In one example, the physical tag T1 may further include a main body portion T10. The hook portion T15 may further include a gap portion T151. The shelf signage D1 may be provided with an insertion groove D18. The insertion groove D18 may be configured in the same way as in the 3-1 example. That is, the insertion groove D18 may include a first side surface D181 located on the front side, a second side surface D182 located on the rear side D15, and a bottom surface. The first electrode CD1 of each electrical circuit CD0 may be provided on the first side surface D181, and the second electrode CC2 may be provided on the second side surface D182. As a result, the gap between the first electrode CD1 and the second electrode CD2 may be formed by the space between the first side surface D181 and the second side surface D182 of the insertion groove D18. The height at which the first electrode CD1 is provided on the first side surface D181 may or may not coincide with the height at which the second electrode CD2 is provided on the second side surface D182. The gap portion T151 may be configured in the same way as in the 3-1 example. As a result, the physical tag T1 may be configured to be mounted on the shelf signage D1 with the main body portion T10 positioned on the front side by inserting the throat portion T152 into the insertion groove D18 from the top surface D12 side. The throat portion T152 may have a vertical length that reaches the electrical circuit CD0 in the range where the shut-off operation PD is performed and can prevent contact with the conductive member CD3. The first electrode CD1 may be configured in the same way as the first electrode CC1. That is, the first electrode CD1 may be provided in common to each electrical circuit CD0 by extending in a straight line from near the left end to near the right end. The first electrode CD1 may be subjected to any voltage. On the other hand, the second electrode CD2 may be configured in the same way as the second electrode CC2. That is, the second electrode CD2 may be provided for each electrical circuit CD0. Each second electrode CD2 may be spaced apart along a straight line. Each second electrode CD2 may be grounded.

[0180] The conductive member CD3 may be made of any conductive material. A conductive member CD3 may be provided for each electrical circuit CD0. The conductive member CD3 may be configured to take a first position when the throat portion T152 is not inserted, and a second position when the throat portion T152 is inserted. For example, the conductive member CD3 may be fixed to either the first electrode CD1 or the second electrode CD2, and may be configured to contact the other electrode (take the first position) by shape memory when the throat portion T152 is not inserted. The conductive member CD3 may be configured to move away from the other electrode (take the second position) when the throat portion T152 is inserted. Figures 8B and 8C schematically show an example of a scene in which the conductive member CD3 is fixed to the first electrode CD1. In this example, the conductive member CD3 can take the second position by moving away from the second electrode CD2 when the throat portion T152 is inserted. Furthermore, for example, the conductive member CD3 may be configured to contact both the first electrode CD1 and the second electrode CD2 (take a first position) when the throat portion T152 is not inserted, by being biased by an elastic member such as a spring. The conductive member CD3 may be configured to move away from both the first electrode CD1 and the second electrode CD2 (take a second position) when the throat portion T152 is inserted and pushed down toward the bottom surface of the insertion groove D18. It may also be used.

[0181] While the throat portion T152 is inserted, a circuit can be formed passing through the first electrode CD1, the throat portion T152, and the second electrode CD2. If the conductive member CD3 is fixed to either the first electrode CD1 or the second electrode CD2, this circuit can also pass through the conductive member CD3. For example, as illustrated in Figures 8B and 8C, if the conductive member CD3 is fixed to the first electrode CD1, a circuit can be formed passing through the first electrode CD1, the conductive member CD3, the throat portion T152, and the second electrode CD2. In one example, if such a circuit can be formed, an insulating portion that prevents conductivity may be provided in at least a portion of the area of ​​the throat portion T152 in the formed circuit. This makes it possible to appropriately block conductivity between the first electrode CD1 and the second electrode CD2. The insulating portion may be made of any insulating material. If such a circuit is not formed, the throat portion T152 may be made of any material.

[0182] In one example, if the throat portion T152 is formed in a flat plate shape and made of an insulating material, by attaching the physical tag T1 to the shelf signage D1, an interruption operation PD can be performed on the electrical circuit CD0 that exists in the width direction (left-right direction) of the physical tag T1. This allows the width direction of the physical tag T1 to be designated as region A1 (control region 20). However, the interruption operation PD by the throat portion T152 is not limited to this example and may be modified as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, a region may be provided in the throat portion T152 in which the conductivity between the first electrode CD1 and the second electrode CD2 is not interrupted. For example, a conductive portion may be provided in the region of the throat portion T152 in which conductivity is not interrupted, similar to the throat portion T152 in Example 3-1. Even after attaching the physical tag T1 and preventing communication of the conductive member CD3 with the throat portion T152, the conductive portion can maintain conductivity between the first electrode CD1 and the second electrode CD2. Furthermore, for example, a notch may be provided in a range that does not interrupt conductivity in the throat portion T152, and does not hinder the communication of the conductive member CD3. As long as the communication of the conductive member CD3 is not hindered, the shape of the notch is not particularly limited and may be determined as appropriate according to the embodiment. In one example, the notch may have a groove-like shape that extends from the lower end of the throat portion T152 toward the gap portion T151 to the range where the conductive member CD3 is located when attached. As a result, even if the physical tag T1 is attached in the range where the notch is provided, the communication of the conductive member CD3 is not hindered, and conductivity between the first electrode CD1 and the second electrode CD2 can be maintained. In one example, the range in which the interruption operation PD is performed in the throat portion T152 may be adjusted by such conductive parts, notches, etc. Except for these points, the physical tag T1 may be configured in the same manner as in the first example, etc.

[0183] Each electrical circuit CD0 may be equipped with an ammeter CD9, similar to electrical circuit CC. The ammeter CD9 may be placed at any position where it can directly or indirectly measure the current flowing between the first electrode CD1 and the second electrode CD2. Whether each electrical circuit CD0 is energized or disconnected may be determined according to the measurement value of the ammeter CD9. When the control device 1 is directly connected to the sensor device C1, it may identify one or more electrical circuits CD0 that have been switched to the disconnected state based on the measurement value of the ammeter CD9 of each electrical circuit CD0.

[0184] In one example, the type of interruption pattern may be identified according to the interruption attribute of the electrical circuit CD0 that switches to an interrupted state when a physical tag T1 is attached to the shelf signage D1. The attribute of the electrical circuit CD0 that switches to an interrupted state may include combinations of electrical circuits CD0 that switch to an interrupted state, patterns of variation of combinations, etc. The attribute of the electrical circuit CD0 may be determined from the measured value of the ammeter CD9. The types of interruption patterns may be arbitrarily defined in advance according to the interruption attribute of the electrical circuit CD0. The number of types of interruption patterns to be defined may be arbitrarily determined.

[0185] For example, by changing the widthwise length of the throat portion T152, the number of electrical circuits CD0 that switch to the interrupted state can be changed. The conduction of the first electrode CD1 and the second electrode CD2 is not interrupted. By defining a range, the combinations (including the number) of electrical circuits CD0 that switch to the off state can change. Changing the range in which conduction is not interrupted can also change the combinations of electrical circuits CD0 that switch to the off state. In this way, the number and arrangement of electrical circuits CD0 that switch to the off state can be changed. For example, the type of interruption pattern may be defined according to the combinations of electrical circuits CD0 that switch to the off state, such that at least one of the number and arrangement of electrical circuits CD0 that switch to the off state changes.

[0186] Furthermore, for example, in a stationary state where the physical tag T1 is simply attached to the shelf signage D1, the combination of electrical circuits CD0 that switch to the off state remains constant. On the other hand, when the physical tag T1 is slid left or right, the combination of electrical circuits CD0 that switch to the off state can vary. When the physical tag T1 is slid up or down, the state of the target electrical circuit CD0 can vary between a powered state and an off state. The period of these variations can change depending on the sliding speed. In one example, the type of off pattern may be defined according to the variation pattern of the combination of electrical circuits CD0 that switch to the off state, so that there is a difference in such state variations. In one example, the type of off pattern may be defined by combining each attribute of the electrical circuit CD0 described above.

[0187] For example, one or more physical tags T1 may be provided for each type of blocking pattern. This allows the content 450 to be displayed to be selected by selecting the physical tag T1 to use. Furthermore, if the blocking pattern is defined to be dynamically changeable, the content 450 displayed can be changed even with the same physical tag T1.

[0188] In one example of this embodiment, the control area 20 can be specified by attaching the physical tag T1 to the shelf signage D1. In one example, if the main body T10 is opaque, the first display format may be used. This allows the information 40 to be displayed while avoiding the main body T10. In another example, if the main body T10 is transparent (including semi-transparent) or omitted, the second display format may be used. This allows the predetermined information 410 to be displayed within the range of the physical tag T1 (main body T10).

[0189] The configurations in Figures 8B and 8C are merely illustrative examples of the present disclosure in all respects. With respect to each component in Figures 8B and 8C, omissions, modifications, substitutions, and additions may be made as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The shape and dimensions of each component are not limited to the examples in Figures 8B and 8C, and may be modified as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0190] For example, as in the first example, the shape of at least one of the main body T10, the gap portion T151, and the throat portion T152 may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment. At least one of the main body T10 and the gap portion T151 may be omitted. The configuration and shape of the physical tag T1 may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment.

[0191] Furthermore, for example, the arrangement of each electrical circuit CD0 may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment, similar to the example in 3-1. In one example, the electrical circuits CD0 may be arranged not only in the left-right direction but also in the up-down direction. There may be two or more rows of electrical circuits CD0. This allows multiple electrical circuits CD0 to be configured so that the type of interruption pattern can be defined in the up-down direction as well. In one example, the range of electrical circuits CD0 that are switched to the interrupted state can be defined by the vertical length of the throat portion T152 and the arrangement of the range in which conduction is not interrupted.

[0192] Similar to Example 3-1, the insertion groove D18 may be configured to open to the bottom side of the shelf signage D1. The insertion groove D18 does not need to penetrate to the side of the shelf signage D1. Also, the gap between the first electrode CD1 and the second electrode CD2 is not limited to the insertion groove D18 and may be appropriately changed depending on the embodiment. Insert the throat portion T152 The gap may be provided in any location. For example, the configuration in which a wall is provided behind the rear surface D15 may also be adopted in the 3-2 example. One of the electrodes, the first electrode CD1 and the second electrode CD2, may be provided on the rear surface D15, and the other electrode may be provided on the surface of the wall facing the rear surface D15. The gap portion T151 may be configured in the same way as in the 1 example, and when the physical tag T1 is attached to the shelf signage D1, the throat portion T152 may be positioned on the rear surface D15 side so as to be sandwiched between the rear surface D15 and the wall. This arrangement of the throat portion T152 may enable the interruption operation PD to the electrical circuit CD0.

[0193] Furthermore, for example, the configuration of each electrical circuit CD0 is not limited to the examples in Figures 8B and 8C, and may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment. In one example, the arrangement of the first electrode CD1 and the second electrode CD2 may be swapped. The first electrode CD1, like the second electrode CD2, may be provided for each electrical circuit CD0. Each first electrode CD1 may be spaced apart along a straight line. The forms of the first electrode CD1 and the second electrode CD2 may be swapped. That is, the second electrode CD2 may be applied to an arbitrary voltage, and the first electrode CD1 may be grounded. In this case, the second electrode CD2 may be provided in common for each electrical circuit CD0, or it may be provided for each electrical circuit CD0. In addition, each electrical circuit CD0 may be configured to be switchable from an energized state to an interrupted state by an operation other than insertion of the throat portion T152 by attaching the physical tag T1. In one example, each electrical circuit CD0 may be equipped with a switch to switch between an energized state and an interrupted state. Thus, the interruption operation PD may be performed by operating the switch.

[0194] (3-3) Example 3-3 Figure 9A schematically shows an example (third example) of the physical instruction P1 according to this embodiment. In one example, the sensor device C1 is placed on the shelf signage D1 and may include a plurality of electrical circuits CE, each configured to switch from a first energized state to a second energized state by a change operation PE. The physical instruction P1 may consist of a change operation PE for one or more of the plurality of electrical circuits CE. The control area 20 may be specified according to the position of one or more electrical circuits CE that have been switched to the second energized state by the change operation PE.

[0195] The configuration of the electrical circuit CE is not particularly limited, and can be determined as appropriate depending on the embodiment, as long as it is switchable between the first energized state and the second energized state. The sensor device C1 may include a plurality of electrical circuits CE, and may be configured to detect a change operation PE when at least one of the plurality of electrical circuits CE switches from the first energized state to the second energized state.

[0196] The first energized state is the energized state before the modification operation PE is performed, and the second energized state is the energized state after the modification operation PE is performed. The second energized state may be defined as appropriate so that its energization attributes differ from those of the first energized state. The energization attributes may be defined, for example, by the resistance value of the electrical circuit CE, the current value flowing through the electrical circuit CE, etc.

[0197] The change operation PE may consist of one or more arbitrary operations that switch the target electrical circuit CE from a first energized state to a second energized state. For example, the change operation PE may consist of one or more operations that change the resistance value or current value of the electrical circuit CE. The configuration of the change operation PE is not particularly limited and may be determined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, the change operation PE may be performed using a tool, such as inserting the conductive part of a physical tag. The change operation PE may be performed with a body part, such as operating a switch by hand. The change operation PE may be performed manually by an operator or automatically by a device such as a robot.

[0198] The arrangement of the multiple electrical circuits CE may be determined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, the multiple electrical circuits CE may be mounted on the outer surface of the shelf signage D1. The outer surface of the shelf signage D1 may include the top, bottom, back, front, and each side. The multiple electrical circuits CE may be mounted on the housing of the shelf signage D1, provided that the modification operation PE can be performed from the outside. They may be placed inside. Also, for example, as illustrated in Figure 9A, multiple electrical circuits CE may be arranged in a straight line from near the left end to near the right end of the shelf signage D1. However, the arrangement of electrical circuits CE is not limited to this example and may be changed as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, at least some of the multiple electrical circuits CE may be arranged off-center from the straight line. The number of rows of electrical circuits CE is not limited to one row, but may be two or more rows. Multiple electrical circuits CE may be arranged in a zigzag pattern along one direction.

[0199] The correspondence between the location of an electrical circuit CE and the specified range of region A1 (i.e., the rule for specifying the range of region A1 according to the location of the electrical circuit CE) may be arbitrarily defined in advance. For example, each electrical circuit CE may be pre-associated with a specific point or range on screen D10. Accordingly, the range of region A1 may be specified by performing a change operation PE on the electrical circuit CE corresponding to the range to be specified. If screen D10 is pre-divided into multiple sections, each electrical circuit CE may be associated with a specific section on screen D10. Accordingly, the range of region A1 may be specified by performing a change operation PE on the electrical circuit CE corresponding to the section of the range to be specified. When specifying two or more sections, each section may be specified with individual change operations PE, or with a single change operation PE. When specifying three or more sections, all three or more sections may be specified via a change operation PE. Alternatively, three or more sections may be specified by performing a change operation PE on only some of the three or more sections, such as specifying only the end section with a change operation PE.

[0200] In one example of this embodiment, the control area 20 can be specified using an electrical circuit CE. In one example, the electrical circuits CE can be arranged at high density. Therefore, by using the electrical circuits CE, high-resolution specification of the range of the control area 20 can be expected. Also, in one example, the electrical circuits CE may be less prone to failure. Therefore, by using the electrical circuits CE, a reduction in the failure risk of the display system SY can be expected.

[0201] (Type identification) For example, detecting a change operation PE may include identifying the type of change pattern in each electrical circuit CE. The type of change pattern is an example of the type PT of the physical instruction P1 described above. Determining the display area setting 30 based on the control area 20 may include selecting content 450 according to the type of change pattern identified. Controlling the display of information 40 on the shelf signage D1 according to the display area setting 30 may include displaying the selected content 450.

[0202] The types of change patterns may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. For example, the types of change patterns may be defined according to the energization attributes of the electrical circuits CE that are changed to the second energized state, such as the combination of electrical circuits CE that are changed to the second energized state, the variation pattern of the combination, and the energization attributes (current value, etc.).

[0203] The correspondence between the types of change patterns and the content 450 may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The types of change patterns may be defined statically or dynamically. In either case, if the types of change patterns are identified during operation, the content 450 displayed on the shelf signage D1 can be changed by changing the types of change patterns during operation.

[0204] According to one example of this embodiment, the content 450 to be displayed can also be controlled by the change pattern of the change operation PE. In one example, at least part of the work of selecting the content 450 to be displayed can be automated. This is expected to reduce the effort required to display the content 450.

[0205] (Specific example of structure) Figures 9B and 9C are schematic side views showing an example of the arrangement of a sensor device C1 (electrical circuit CE) when a physical indication P1 is composed of a change operation PE. In one example, when a physical indication P1 is composed of a change operation PE, the change operation PE may be performed by placing a physical tag T1 on the shelf signage D1. That is, the change operation PE may be composed of attaching the physical tag T1.

[0206] Figure 9B shows a scene without the physical tag T1 attached, and Figure 9C shows a scene with the physical tag T1 attached. Each of the multiple electrical circuits CE may include a first electrode CE1 and a second electrode CE2, and a conductive member CE3, which are spaced apart from each other. The physical tag T1 may include a hook portion T15 for hanging on the shelf signage D1. The hook portion T15 may have a throat portion T152 that is inserted into the gap between the first electrode CE1 and the second electrode CE2 when the physical tag T1 is hung on the shelf signage D1. The throat portion T152 may include a conductive portion T16 that makes the first electrode CE1 and the second electrode CE2 electrically connected when inserted into the gap. The conductive member CE3 may be configured to be switchable between a first position in which it contacts both the first electrode CE1 and the second electrode CE2 and makes them electrically conductive when the throat portion T152 is not inserted, and a second position in which it is separated from at least one of the first electrode CE1 and the second electrode CE2 and makes them electrically conductive via the conductive portion T16 when the throat portion T152 is inserted. The position of the conductive member CE3 in Figure 9B is an example of the first position, and the position of the conductive member CE3 in Figure 9C is an example of the second position. Each of the one or more electrical circuits CE may switch from a first energized state to a second energized state when the throat portion T152 is inserted into the gap between the first electrode CE1 and the second electrode CE2 of each of the one or more electrical circuits CE, causing the conductive member CE3 of each of the one or more electrical circuits CE to switch to a second position, and when the first electrode CE1 and the second electrode CE2 of each of the one or more electrical circuits CE become conductive through the conductive portion T16.

[0207] The configuration of the physical tag T1 is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately determined depending on the embodiment, as long as it includes the hook portion T15. Known configurations such as commercially available price tags may be used for the physical tag T1. Also, the configuration of the hook portion T15 is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately determined depending on the embodiment, as long as it includes the throat portion T152 and at least a part of the throat portion T152 is provided with a conductive portion T16. In one example, the physical tag T1 may further include a main body portion T10. The hook portion T15 may further include a gap portion T151. The shelf signage D1 may be provided with an insertion groove D18. The insertion groove D18 may be configured in the same manner as in Example 3-1, etc. That is, the insertion groove D18 may include a first side surface D181 located on the front side, a second side surface D182 located on the rear side D15, and a bottom surface. The first electrode CE1 of each electrical circuit CE may be provided on the first side surface D181, and the second electrode CE2 may be provided on the second side surface D182. As a result, the gap between the first electrode CE1 and the second electrode CE2 may be formed by the space between the first side surface D181 and the second side surface D182 of the insertion groove D18. The height at which the first electrode CE1 is provided on the first side surface D181 may or may not coincide with the height at which the second electrode CE2 is provided on the second side surface D182. The gap portion T151 may be configured in the same manner as in the 3-1 example, etc. As a result, the physical tag T1 may be configured to be mounted on the shelf signage D1 with the main body T10 positioned on the front side by inserting the throat portion T152 into the insertion groove D18 from the top surface D12 side. The throat portion T152 may have a vertical length that reaches the electrical circuit CE in the range where the modification operation PE is performed and can obstruct the communication of the conductive member CE3. The first electrode CE1 may be configured in the same way as the first electrode CC1, etc. That is, the first electrode CE1 may be provided in common to each electrical circuit CE by extending in a straight line from near the left end to near the right end. The first electrode CE1 may be subjected to any voltage. On the other hand, the second electrode CE2 may be configured in the same way as the second electrode CC2, etc. That is, the second electrode CE2 may be provided for each electrical circuit CE. Each second electrode CE2 is They may be spaced apart along a straight line. Each second electrode CE2 may be grounded.

[0208] The conductive member CE3 may be configured in the same way as the conductive member CD3. The conductive member CE3 may be made of any conductive material. The conductive member CE3 may be provided for each electrical circuit CE. The conductive member CE3 may be configured to be switchable between a first position and a second position as appropriate. For example, the conductive member CE3 may be fixed to either the first electrode CE1 or the second electrode CE2, and may be configured to contact the other electrode (take the first position) by shape memory when the throat portion T152 is not inserted. The conductive member CE3 may be configured to move away from the other electrode (take the second position) when the throat portion T152 is inserted. Figures 9B and 9C schematically show an example of a scene in which the conductive member CE3 is fixed to the first electrode CE1. Furthermore, for example, the conductive member CE3 may be configured to contact both the first electrode CE1 and the second electrode CE2 (take a first position) when the throat portion T152 is not inserted, by being biased by an elastic member. The conductive member CE3 may also be configured to move away from both the first electrode CE1 and the second electrode CE2 (take a second position) when the throat portion T152 is inserted, by being pushed down toward the bottom surface of the insertion groove D18.

[0209] The conductive portion T16 may be composed of any conductive material. The conductive portion T16 may be provided in any range of the throat portion T152. The range and number of conductive portions T16 may be appropriately determined according to the embodiment. In the throat portion T152, the conductive portion T16 may be arranged to correspond to the second electrode CE2. The conductive portion T16 may be provided in at least a part of the portion sandwiched between the first electrode CE1 and the second electrode CE2 when the throat portion T152 is inserted into the insertion groove D18, thereby connecting the first electrode CE1 and the second electrode CE2. Specifically, while the throat portion T152 is inserted, a circuit can be formed passing through the first electrode CE1, the throat portion T152, and the second electrode CE2. If the conductive member CE3 is fixed to either the first electrode CE1 or the second electrode CE2, this circuit may also pass through the conductive member CE3. For example, when the conductive member CE3 is fixed to the first electrode CE1 as illustrated in Figures 9B and 9C, a circuit can be formed passing through the first electrode CE1, the conductive member CE3, the throat portion T152, and the second electrode CE2. In one example, the conductive portion T16 may be provided on such a circuit within the range where the modification operation PE is performed. The portion of the throat portion T152 other than the conductive portion T16 may be made of an insulating material. The portion of the throat portion T152 that is not involved in the modification operation PE may be made of any material.

[0210] The conductive member CE3 and the conductive part T16 may be configured such that the resistance value between the first electrode CE1 and the second electrode CE2 differs between a first state in which the conductive member CE3 is in a first position and a second state in which the conductive member CE3 is in a second position. The first state may be a state in which the conductive member CE3 is in a first position, causing the first electrode CE1 and the second electrode CE2 to be in contact via the conductive member CE3. The second state may be a state in which the conductive member CE3 is in a second position, causing the first electrode CE1 and the second electrode CE2 to be in contact via the conductive part T16. In a typical example, the conductive part T16 may be configured to have a different resistance value from the conductive member CE3. This makes it possible to differentiate the conduction attributes between the first energized state and the second energized state. The resistance values ​​of the conductive member CE3 and the conductive part T16 may be adjusted as appropriate by the material, dimensions, shape, etc.

[0211] In one example, the throat portion T152 is formed in a flat plate shape, and the conductive portion T16 may be provided at least near the left end and near the right end. In this case, by attaching the physical tag T1 to the shelf signage D1, the modification operation PE can be performed at least near the left end and near the right end of the physical tag T1. This makes it possible to designate the range of the physical tag T1 in the width direction (left-right direction) as area A1 (control area 20). However, the modification operation PE by the throat portion T152 is not limited to this example and may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment. In one example, the first conductive portion in the throat portion T152 In the range where a circuit can be formed between electrode CE1 and second electrode CE2, an insulating portion made of an insulating material may be provided instead of a conductive portion T16. This allows a disconnection operation to be performed in this range, similar to Example 3-2. In one example, a notch may be provided in the range where the modification operation PE is not performed in the throat portion T152, so as not to hinder the communication of the conductive member CE3. The notch may be configured in the same way as in Example 3-2. This ensures that even if the physical tag T1 is attached in the range where the notch is provided, the communication of the conductive member CE3 is not hindered, and thus the conductivity between the first electrode CE1 and second electrode CE2 by the conductive member CE3 can be maintained. In one example, the range in which the modification operation PE is performed in the throat portion T152 may be adjusted by such an insulating portion, notch, etc. Except for these points, the physical tag T1 may be configured in the same way as in Example 1, etc.

[0212] Each electrical circuit CE may be equipped with an ammeter CE9, similar to electrical circuits CC, etc. The ammeter CE9 may be placed at any position that allows for the direct or indirect measurement of the current flowing between the first electrode CE1 and the second electrode CE2. Whether each electrical circuit CE is in the first energized state or the second energized state may be determined according to the measurement value of the ammeter CE9. When the control device 1 is directly connected to the sensor device C1, the control device 1 may identify one or more electrical circuits CE that have been switched from the first energized state to the second energized state based on the measurement value of the ammeter CE9 of each electrical circuit CE.

[0213] In one example, the type of change pattern may be identified according to the energization attribute of the electrical circuit CE that switches to a second energized state when a physical tag T1 is attached to the shelf signage D1. The energization attribute may include the combination of electrical circuits CE that switch to the second energized state, the variation pattern of the combination, and the energization state attribute (current value, etc.). The energization attribute may be determined from the measured value of the ammeter CE9. The types of change patterns may be arbitrarily defined in advance according to the energization attribute of the electrical circuit CE. The number of change pattern types to be defined may be arbitrarily determined.

[0214] For example, by changing the range in which the conductive part T16 is provided, the combination (including the number) of electrical circuits CE that switch from the first energized state to the second energized state can be changed. By providing a range in which the contact of the conductive member CE3 is not obstructed by the notch, the combination of electrical circuits CE that switch to the second energized state can be changed. By changing the range in which the notch is provided, the combination of electrical circuits CE that switch to the second energized state can also be changed. By changing the number of ranges in which the conductive part T16 is provided, the number of electrical circuits CE that switch to the second energized state can be changed. Depending on the arrangement relationship of multiple electrical circuits CE, by changing the positional relationship (spacing, etc.) of the ranges in which the conductive part T16 is provided, the arrangement relationship of the electrical circuits CE that switch to the second energized state can be changed. By changing the widthwise length of the throat part T152, the range in which the modification operation PE is performed can be changed. For example, the types of change patterns may be defined according to the combination of electrical circuits CE that switch from the first energized state to the second energized state, such that at least one of the number and arrangement of electrical circuits CE that switch from the first energized state to the second energized state changes.

[0215] Furthermore, for example, in a stationary state where the physical tag T1 is simply attached to the shelf signage D1, the combination of electrical circuits CE that switch to the second energized state remains constant. On the other hand, when the physical tag T1 is slid left or right, the combination of electrical circuits CE that switch to the second energized state may vary. When the physical tag T1 is slid up or down, the state of the target electrical circuit CE may fluctuate between the first energized state and the second energized state. The period of these fluctuations may change depending on the sliding speed. In one example, the types of change patterns may be defined according to the fluctuation pattern of the combination of electrical circuits CE that switch to the second energized state, so as to create differences in such state fluctuations.

[0216] Furthermore, the resistance value of the conductive part T16 can be changed by, for example, the material, dimensions, and shape of the conductive part T16. By changing the resistance value of the conductive part T16, the current value flowing through the electrical circuit CE (measured by the ammeter CE9) in the second energized state can be changed. In one example, identification The types of modification patterns may be defined according to the attributes of the second energized state, such that the current value flowing through the electrical circuit CE changes to the extent possible in the second energized state. For example, the types of modification patterns may be defined by combining the attributes of the electrical circuit CE described above.

[0217] For example, one or more physical tags T1 may be provided for each type of change pattern. This allows the content 450 to be displayed to be selected by selecting the physical tag T1 to use. Furthermore, if the change patterns are defined to be dynamically changeable, the content 450 displayed can be changed even with the same physical tag T1.

[0218] In one example of this embodiment, the control area 20 can be specified by attaching the physical tag T1 to the shelf signage D1. In one example, if the main body T10 is opaque, the first display format may be used. This allows the information 40 to be displayed while avoiding the main body T10. In another example, if the main body T10 is transparent (including semi-transparent) or omitted, the second display format may be used. This allows the predetermined information 410 to be displayed within the range of the physical tag T1 (main body T10).

[0219] The configurations in Figures 9B and 9C are merely illustrative examples of the present disclosure in all respects. With respect to each component in Figures 9B and 9C, omissions, modifications, substitutions, and additions may be made as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The shape and dimensions of each component are not limited to the examples in Figures 9B and 9C, and may be modified as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0220] For example, as in the first example, the shape of at least one of the main body T10, the gap portion T151, and the throat portion T152 may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment. At least one of the main body T10 and the gap portion T151 may be omitted. The configuration and shape of the physical tag T1 may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment.

[0221] Furthermore, for example, the arrangement of each electrical circuit CE may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment, as in Example 3-1. In one example, the electrical circuits CE may be arranged not only in the left-right direction but also in the up-down direction. There may be two or more rows of electrical circuits CE. This allows multiple electrical circuits CE to be configured so that the types of modification patterns can be defined in the up-down direction as well. In one example, the range of electrical circuits CE to be switched to the second energized state can be defined by the vertical length of the throat portion T152, the arrangement of the conductive portion T16 (including the arrangement of the insulating portion), and the arrangement of the notches.

[0222] Similar to Example 3-1, the insertion groove D18 may be configured to open to the bottom side of the shelf signage D1. The insertion groove D18 does not need to penetrate to the side of the shelf signage D1. Also, the gap between the first electrode CE1 and the second electrode CE2 is not limited to the insertion groove D18 and may be appropriately changed depending on the embodiment. The gap into which the throat portion T152 is inserted may be provided in any location. For example, the configuration in which a wall portion is provided behind the back surface D15 may also be adopted in Example 3-3. One of the electrodes, the first electrode CE1 and the second electrode CE2, may be provided on the back surface D15, and the other electrode may be provided on the surface of the wall portion facing the back surface D15. The gap portion T151 may be configured in the same way as in Example 1, and when the physical tag T1 is attached to the shelf signage D1, the throat portion T152 may be positioned on the back surface D15 side so as to be sandwiched between the back surface D15 and the wall portion. The arrangement of this throat portion T152 allows for modification operations PE on the electrical circuit CE.

[0223] Furthermore, for example, the configuration of each electrical circuit CE is not limited to the examples in Figures 9B and 9C, and may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment. In one example, the arrangement of the first electrode CE1 and the second electrode CE2 may be swapped. The first electrode CE1 may also be provided for each electrical circuit CE, similar to the second electrode CE2. Each first electrode CE1 may be spaced apart along a straight line. The configurations of the first electrode CE1 and the second electrode CE2 may be interchangeable. That is, the second electrode CE2 may be subjected to any voltage, and the first electrode CE1 may be grounded. In this case, the second electrode CE2 may be provided in common to each electrical circuit CE, or it may be provided for each electrical circuit CE. Furthermore, each electrical circuit CE may be configured to be switchable from a first energized state to a second energized state by an operation other than insertion of the throat portion T152 by attaching the physical tag T1. In one example, each electrical circuit CE may be equipped with a switch to switch between the first energized state and the second energized state. Thus, the change operation PE may be performed by operating the switch.

[0224] (4) Fourth example Figure 10A schematically shows an example (fourth example) of the physical instruction P1 according to this embodiment. In one example, the sensor device C1 may include one or more optical sensors CF1 and one or more light sources CF2. The one or more light sources CF2 may be arranged to irradiate light into a monitoring range CF3 corresponding to the screen D10 of the shelf signage D1. Each of the one or more optical sensors CF1 may be arranged to receive light irradiated from at least one of the one or more light sources CF2. That is, the one or more optical sensors CF1 and the one or more light sources CF2 may be arranged to transmit light within the monitoring range CF3 corresponding to the screen D10 of the shelf signage D1. The physical instruction P1 may consist of a shielding operation PF that shields the transmission of light within the monitoring range CF3. The control area 20 may be specified according to the range in which the transmission of light is shielded by the shielding operation PF.

[0225] The type of light sensor CF1 is not particularly limited as long as it can receive light, and may be appropriately selected depending on the embodiment. Known light sensors may be used for the light sensor CF1. The type of light source CF2 is not particularly limited as long as it can emit light, and may be appropriately selected depending on the embodiment. Known light sources such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) may be used for the light source CF2. The sensor device C1 may be configured to detect occlusion operations PF within a monitoring range CF3 formed between the one or more light sensors CF1 and the one or more light sources CF2 corresponding to the screen D10, by comprising one or more light sensors CF1 and one or more light sources CF2. The number of light sensors CF1 and light sources CF2 may be appropriately determined so as to be able to form a monitoring range CF3 corresponding to the screen D10 of the shelf signage D1. In one example, a light source that emits directional light may be used as the light source CF2. In this case, the number of light sensors CF1 and light sources CF2 may be the same. There may be a one-to-one correspondence between the light sensors CF1 and light sources CF2. However, the light source CF2 is not limited to these examples. A light source that emits non-directional light may be used as the light source CF2. The number of light sensors CF1 and light sources CF2 do not have to be the same. Light from one light source CF2 may be received by two or more light sensors CF1. One light sensor CF1 may receive light from two or more light sources CF2.

[0226] The arrangement of the light sensor CF1 and light source CF2 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately determined depending on the embodiment, as long as a monitoring range CF3 can be formed in association with the screen D10 of the shelf signage D1. In one example, at least one of the light sensor CF1 and light source CF2 may be placed on the shelf signage D1. For example, multiple light sensors CF1 may be placed at intervals on the outer surface of the shelf signage D1. The outer surface of the shelf signage D1 may include the top, bottom, back, front, and each side. One or more light sources CF2 may be appropriately arranged to irradiate light toward the multiple light sensors CF1 placed on the outer surface of the shelf signage D1. One or more light sources CF2 may be placed at any location facing the outer surface of the shelf signage D1, such as the surface of a product shelf. Alternatively, for example, multiple light sources CF2 may be placed at intervals on the outer surface of the shelf signage D1. One or more light sensors CF1 may be appropriately positioned to receive light from multiple light sources CF2 arranged on the outer surface of the shelf signage D1. One or more light sensors CF1 may be placed at any location facing the outer surface of the shelf signage D1, such as the surface of a product shelf. In one example, both the light sensors CF1 and the light sources CF2 may be placed at locations other than the outer surface of the shelf signage D1, as long as the range of the screen D10 can be specified.

[0227] The shielding operation PF may consist of any operation that shields the light from the light source CF2. For example, the shielding operation PF may be performed with a body part such as a hand. The shielding operation PF may also be performed using a tool such as a physical tag. The shielding operation PF may be performed manually by an operator or automatically by a device such as a robot. Furthermore, shielding light may include not only completely blocking light from the area of ​​interest, but also creating gaps to allow light to pass through in some areas (including diffraction) and attenuating light. Attenuating light may include allowing light in a specific frequency band to pass through and blocking light in other frequency bands.

[0228] The correspondence between the area shielded by the shielding operation PF and the designated area of ​​region A1 (i.e., the rule for specifying the area of ​​region A1 according to the shielded area) may be arbitrarily defined in advance. The monitoring area CF3 may be the space between the light sensor CF1 and the light source CF2, where an optical path is formed from the light source CF2 to the light sensor CF1. The shielding operation PF performed in this space may affect the light reception of at least one of the one or more light sensors CF1. The correspondence between the area shielded by the shielding operation PF and the designated area of ​​region A1 may be defined appropriately so that the area on screen D10 can be specified according to the degree of this effect. When multiple light sensors CF1 are used, the degree of effect of the shielding operation PF may include the range of the light sensor CF1 affected among the multiple light sensors CF1. Therefore, in one example, the control area 20 may be specified according to the range of the light sensor CF1 affected by the shielding operation PF.

[0229] For example, each light sensor CF1 may be pre-associated with a specific point or range on the screen D10. Accordingly, the range of region A1 may be specified by performing a shielding operation PF such that it affects the light reception of the light sensor CF1 corresponding to the specified range.

[0230] As a specific example, the sensor device C1 may include a plurality of light sensors CF1 and a plurality of directional light sources CF2. Each light sensor CF1 may correspond one-to-one with each light source CF2 and be positioned facing the corresponding light source CF2. One of the light sensors CF1 and light sources CF2 may be positioned on the back surface D15 of the shelf signage D1, and the other may be positioned at any location facing the back surface D15. The combination of light sensors CF1 and light sources CF2 may be positioned to fill an area roughly equivalent to the screen D10. For example, a plurality of light sources CF2 may be arranged on the back surface D15 to fill an area roughly equivalent to the screen D10. Each light sensor CF1 may be positioned appropriately to face the corresponding light source CF2. This allows for intuitive and free-form specification of the area on the screen D10 by performing a shielding operation PF on the back surface D15 of the shelf signage D1.

[0231] However, the arrangement of the light sensors CF1 and light sources CF2 is not limited to this example and may be modified as appropriate depending on the embodiment. For example, multiple light sensors CF1 may be arranged on the back surface D15 to fill an area roughly the same size as the screen D10. In contrast, one or more light sources CF2 may be arranged facing the multiple light sensors CF1 so as to be able to illuminate the area where the light sensors CF1 are arranged. The number of light sources CF2 to be arranged does not have to match the number of light sensors CF1. The light sources CF2 do not have to be directional. Also, for example, the light sensors CF1 and light sources CF2 may be arranged so that an area can be specified by default. As a specific example, one of the light sensors CF1 and light sources CF2 may be arranged on the outer surface (back, bottom, top, front, etc.) of the shelf signage D1, and the other may be arranged at any location facing the outer surface. Multiple light sensors CF1 may be arranged in a straight line on the outer surface of the shelf signage D1 or at any location facing the outer surface of the shelf signage D1, within the range from near the left edge to near the right edge of the shelf signage D1. This allows the range of area A1 to be specified in the left-right direction by performing a shielding operation PF so as to affect the light reception of the light sensors CF1 corresponding to the specified range. The vertical range of area A1 can be predetermined, such as the range from the top to the bottom edge of the screen D10, or the size of the main body of the physical tag to be attached. It may be specified by a predetermined value. The sensor device C1 may be configured such that the range corresponding to each row can be specified by arranging the light sensors CF1 in two or more rows. The light sensors CF1 and light source CF2 may be mounted in known ways.

[0232] Furthermore, for example, if screen D10 is pre-divided into multiple sections, each light sensor CF1 may be associated with a specific section on screen D10. Accordingly, the range of region A1 may be specified by performing a shielding operation PF such that it affects the light reception of the light sensor CF1 corresponding to the specified range of section. When specifying two or more sections, each section may be specified by an individual shielding operation PF, or by a single shielding operation PF. When specifying three or more sections, all three or more sections may be specified via a shielding operation PF. Alternatively, three or more sections may be specified by performing a shielding operation PF on only some of the three or more sections, such as specifying only the end section with a shielding operation PF.

[0233] The effect of the shielding operation PF may be determined appropriately depending on the configuration of the shielding operation PF. For example, if the shielding operation PF completely blocks light, the effect of the shielding operation PF may be that light will no longer reach the area (i.e., light will no longer be received). If the shielding operation PF is configured to allow light to pass through in a certain area by providing a gap, the effect may be that light will be received in the area corresponding to the gap, and light will not be received in the other areas. If the shielding operation PF attenuates light, the effect of the shielding operation PF may be that attenuated light will be received (for example, light in a specific frequency band will be received).

[0234] In one example of this embodiment, the control area 20 can be specified using the optical sensor CF1 and the light source CF2. In one example, the optical sensors CF1 can be arranged at high density. Therefore, by using the optical sensors CF1, high-resolution specification of the range of the control area 20 can be expected. In another example, the optical sensors CF1 and the light source CF2 may be less prone to failure. Therefore, by using the optical sensors CF1 and the light source CF2, a reduction in the failure risk of the display system SY can be expected.

[0235] (Type identification) In one example, detecting a shielding operation PF may include identifying the type of shielding pattern caused by the shielding operation PF. The type of shielding pattern is an example of the type PT of the physical instruction P1 described above. Determining the display area setting 30 based on the control area 20 may include selecting content 450 according to the type of shielding pattern identified. Controlling the display of information 40 on the shelf signage D1 according to the display area setting 30 may include displaying the selected content 450.

[0236] The type of shielding pattern may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. For example, the type of shielding pattern may be defined according to the attributes of shielding, such as the shielding range, variation of the shielding range, and shielding state. The shielding state may include completely blocking or attenuating light. Furthermore, if light is attenuated, the shielding state may include the attributes of the transmitted light (frequency, intensity, etc.).

[0237] The correspondence between the types of shielding patterns and the content 450 may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The types of shielding patterns may be defined statically or dynamically. In either case, if the types of shielding patterns are identified during operation, the content 450 displayed on the shelf signage D1 can be changed by changing the types of shielding patterns during operation.

[0238] According to one example of this embodiment, the content 450 to be displayed can also be controlled by the shielding pattern of the shielding operation PF. In one example, at least part of the work of selecting the content 450 to be displayed can be automated. This allows the display of the content 450 to be controlled. This can be expected to reduce the amount of effort required.

[0239] (Specific example of structure) Figures 10B and 10C are schematic side views showing an example of the arrangement of a sensor device C1 (optical sensor CF1 and light source CF2) when the physical indication P1 is composed of a shielding operation PF. In one example, when the physical indication P1 is composed of a shielding operation PF, the shielding operation PF may be performed by placing a physical tag T1 on the shelf signage D1. That is, the shielding operation PF may be composed of attaching the physical tag T1.

[0240] Figure 10B shows a scene without the physical tag T1 attached, and Figure 10C shows a scene with the physical tag T1 attached. The physical tag T1 may be equipped with a hook portion T15 for hanging on the shelf signage D1. The hook portion T15 may have a throat portion T152 that is positioned on the back D15 side of the shelf signage D1 when the physical tag T1 is hung on the shelf signage D1. The configuration of the physical tag T1 is not particularly limited as long as the hook portion T15 is included, and may be appropriately determined according to the embodiment. Known configurations such as commercially available price tags may be used for the configuration of the physical tag T1. Also, the configuration of the hook portion T15 is not particularly limited as long as the throat portion T152 is included, and may be appropriately determined according to the embodiment. In one example, the physical tag T1 may be configured in the same way as in the first example above. That is, the physical tag T1 may further be equipped with a main body portion T10. The hook portion T15 may further be equipped with a gap portion T151.

[0241] When a physical tag T1 is attached to the shelf signage D1, the hook portion T15 (gape portion T151, throat portion T152) covers an area from the top surface D12 to at least a portion of the back surface D15 of the shelf signage D1. In one example, the sensor device C1 may be equipped with a plurality of light sensors CF1 and a plurality of light sources CF2. One of the light sensors CF1 and the light sources CF2 may be placed in at least one of the areas reachable by the throat portion T152 on the top surface D12 or the back surface D15. The other may be placed in any location opposite to the surface on which the other is placed (e.g., the front end surface of the shelf board of the product shelf, the bottom surface of the shelf board). Figures 10B and 10C schematically show an example of a scenario in which the light sources CF2 are placed within the area reachable by the throat portion T152 on the back surface D15, and the light sensors CF1 are placed in any location opposite to the back surface D15. In this case, the throat portion T152 can block the light from the light source CF2 within the area where the physical tag T1 is attached. Note that the arrangement of the light sensor CF1 and the light source CF2 is not limited to the examples in Figures 10B and 10C. In one example, the light sensor CF1 may be placed on the back surface D15, and the light source CF2 may be placed at any location opposite the back surface D15. Also, in one example, one of the light sensor CF1 and the light source CF2 may be placed on the top surface D12, and the other may be placed at any location opposite the top surface D12. In this case, the gap portion T151 can block the light from the light source CF2 within the area where the physical tag T1 is attached.

[0242] The number and range of the light sensors CF1 and light sources CF2 may be determined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. For example, multiple light sensors CF1 may be arranged in a straight line from near the left end to near the right end of the shelf signage D1. Multiple light sources CF2 may be arranged as appropriate so as to illuminate the range of the multiple light sensors CF1. As a result, by attaching the physical tag T1 to the shelf signage D1, the range in the width direction (left-right direction) of the physical tag T1 can be designated as area A1 (control area 20). However, the arrangement of the light sensors CF1 and light sources CF2 is not limited to this example and may be changed as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, at least some of the multiple light sensors CF1 may be arranged off-center from the straight line. The number of rows of light sensors CF1 is not limited to one row, but may be two or more rows. Multiple light sensors CF1 may be arranged in a zigzag pattern along one direction. Light sources CF2 may be placed at any location opposite to the light sensors CF1.

[0243] Furthermore, the part of the physical tag T1 that shields from light from the light source CF2 is designed to completely block the light. It may be composed of at least either a member that blocks light or a member that attenuates light. For example, when either one of the optical sensor CF1 and the light source CF2 is arranged on the back surface D15, the portion that blocks light in the physical tag T1 may be at least a part of the throat portion T152. When either one of the optical sensor CF1 and the light source CF2 is arranged on the top surface D12, the portion that blocks light in the physical tag T1 may be at least a part of the gap portion T151. Known members may be used for the member that completely blocks light and the member that attenuates light. By forming a part of the portion that blocks light with the member that completely blocks light and the remaining part of the portion that blocks light with the member that attenuates light, the physical physical tag T1 may be configured to completely block light in some ranges and attenuate light in the remaining ranges. The portion that blocks light in the physical tag T1 may be configured to transmit light in some ranges by providing through-holes such as slits and block light in the remaining ranges. The portion that blocks light in the physical tag T1 may be configured to block light in the entire area without providing such through-holes. Other parts of the physical tag T1 may be composed of arbitrary members.

[0244] In one example, the type of the shielding pattern may be identified according to the shielding attribute in the shielding operation PF by attaching the physical tag T1 to the shelf signage D1. The shielding attribute may include the shielding range, the variation of the shielding range, the attributes of the transmitted light (frequency, intensity, etc.), and the like. The shielding attribute may be specified from the measured value of the optical sensor CF1. The control device 1 may be directly or indirectly connected to the optical sensor CF1 and the light source CF2. The control device 1 may control the irradiation of light by the light source CF2 by being connected to the light source CF2. The control device 1 may appropriately acquire the measured value of the optical sensor CF1. The type of the shielding pattern may be arbitrarily defined in advance according to the shielding attribute. The number of types of the defined shielding patterns may be arbitrarily determined.

[0245] For example, by changing at least either the dimension or the shape of the portion that shields the light from the light source CF2 in the physical tag T1, at least either the number or the arrangement relationship of the optical sensors CF1 belonging to the shielding range can be changed. By providing a through-hole in the portion that shields the light and changing the shape of the through-hole, at least either the number or the arrangement relationship of the optical sensors CF1 belonging to the shielding range can also be changed. In one example, the type of shielding pattern may be defined according to the shielding range so that at least either the number or the arrangement relationship of the optical sensors CF1 belonging to the shielding range changes as described above.

[0246] Also, for example, in the stopped state where the physical tag T1 is simply hung on the shelf signage D1, the combination of the optical sensors CF1 belonging to the shielding range is constant. On the other hand, when the physical tag T1 is slid left and right, the combination of the optical sensors CF1 belonging to the shielding range can vary. When the physical tag T1 is slid up and down, the state of the target optical sensor CF1 can vary between a state where the light is shielded and a state where the light is not shielded. These variation periods can change according to the sliding speed. In one example, the type of shielding pattern may be defined according to the variation pattern of the shielding range so that there is a difference in such measurement state variations.

[0247] Also, for example, depending on the member of the portion that shields the light from the light source CF2 in the physical tag T1, it can be selected whether to completely block the light or attenuate the light. Also, when attenuating the light, by changing the member, the attributes of the transmitted light can change, such as changing the frequency of the transmitted light. Due to these, the measured value of the optical sensor CF1 belonging to the shielding range can change. In one example, the type of shielding pattern may be defined according to the shielding state so that the measured value of the optical sensor CF1 belonging to the shielding range changes to a distinguishable extent. In one example, the type of shielding pattern may be defined by combining each of the above shielding attributes.

[0248] In one example, one or more physical tags T1 may be provided for each type of occlusion pattern. This allows you to select the content 450 to display by selecting the physical tag T1 to use. Also, if the occlusion pattern is defined to be dynamically changeable, the same physical tag T Even with setting 1, you can change the content displayed (450 items).

[0249] In one example of this embodiment, the control area 20 can be specified by attaching the physical tag T1 to the shelf signage D1. In one example, if the main body T10 is opaque, the first display format may be used. This allows the information 40 to be displayed while avoiding the main body T10. In another example, if the main body T10 is transparent (including semi-transparent) or omitted, the second display format may be used. This allows the predetermined information 410 to be displayed within the range of the physical tag T1 (main body T10).

[0250] The configurations in Figures 10B and 10C are merely illustrative examples of the present disclosure in all respects. With respect to each component in Figures 10B and 10C, omissions, modifications, substitutions, and additions may be made as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The shape and dimensions of each component are not limited to the examples in Figures 10B and 10C, and may be modified as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0251] For example, as in the first example, the shape of at least one of the main body T10, the gap portion T151, and the throat portion T152 may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment. At least one of the main body T10 and the gap portion T151 may be omitted. The configuration and shape of the physical tag T1 may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment.

[0252] Furthermore, for example, the arrangement of the optical sensor CF1 and the light source CF2 may be appropriately changed depending on the embodiment. In one example, as in Example 3-1, the shelf signage D1 may be provided with an insertion groove. The physical tag T1 may be configured such that its throat portion T152 is inserted into the insertion groove. One of the optical sensor CF1 and the light source CF2 may be provided on the first side surface of the insertion groove, and the other on the second side surface of the insertion groove. The throat portion T152 may have a vertical length that reaches the depth in which the optical sensor CF1 and the light source CF2 are arranged and is capable of shielding the transmission of light between the optical sensor CF1 and the light source CF2. When the combination of the optical sensor CF1 and the light source CF2 is arranged in the vertical direction, the throat portion T152 may have a vertical length that shields the entire vertical range (for example, a length that reaches the bottom surface of the insertion groove), or it may have a vertical length that shields a part of the vertical range.

[0253] (5) Fifth example Figure 11A schematically shows an example (5th example) of the physical instruction P1 according to this embodiment. In one example, the sensor device C1 may be equipped with one or more optical sensors CG. The one or more optical sensors CG may be arranged to receive light irradiated in the monitoring range CG3 corresponding to the screen D10 of the shelf signage D1. The physical instruction P1 may consist of an irradiation operation PG which irradiates at least one of the one or more optical sensors CG with light from one or more light sources PG1 by arranging one or more light sources PG1 in the monitoring range CG3. The control area 20 may be specified according to the range irradiated with light by the irradiation operation PG. That is, in the 4th example, the control area 20 was specified by shielding the transmission of light, whereas in the 5th example, the control area 20 may be specified by irradiating with light.

[0254] The type of light sensor CG is not particularly limited as long as it can receive light, and may be appropriately selected depending on the embodiment. Known light sensors may be used for the light sensor CG. The type of light source PG1 is not particularly limited as long as it can emit light, and may be appropriately selected depending on the embodiment. Known light sources such as LEDs may be used for the light source PG1. The sensor device C1 may be configured to detect irradiation operations PG within the monitoring range CG3 by having one or more light sensors CG. The number of light sensors CG may be appropriately determined so as to be able to form a monitoring range CG3 corresponding to the screen D10 of the shelf signage D1. The number of light sources PG1 used for irradiation operations PG may be arbitrarily determined.

[0255] The arrangement of the light sensor CG is not particularly limited and can be determined as appropriate depending on the embodiment, as long as it is possible to form a monitoring range CG3 in association with the screen D10 of the shelf signage D1. Typically, the light sensor CG may be arranged to observe the area around the shelf signage D1. In one example, the light sensor CG may be placed on the shelf signage D1. For example, multiple light sensors CG may be placed spaced apart on the outer surface of the shelf signage D1. The outer surface of the shelf signage D1 may include the top, bottom, back, front, and each side. The light sensor CG may also be placed at any location opposite to the outer surface of the shelf signage D1, such as the surface of a product shelf.

[0256] The irradiation operation PG may consist of any operation to position one or more light sources PG1. For example, the irradiation operation PG may be performed with a body part such as a hand. For example, the operator may perform the irradiation operation PG by directly holding one or more light sources PG1 in their hand and carrying one or more light sources PG1 by hand. One or more light sources PG1 may be attached to a tool such as a physical tag. Thus, the irradiation operation PG may be performed using a tool. The irradiation operation PG may be performed manually by an operator or automatically by a device such as a robot.

[0257] The correspondence between the area irradiated with light by the irradiation operation PG and the designated area of ​​region A1 (i.e., the rule for specifying the area of ​​region A1 according to the area irradiated with light) may be arbitrarily defined in advance. The monitoring area CG3 may be a space in which light can be observed by the light sensor CG. The irradiation operation PG performed in this space results in the reception of light from the light source PG1 by at least one of the one or more light sensor CGs. The correspondence between the area irradiated with light by the irradiation operation PG and the designated area of ​​region A1 may be defined appropriately so that the area on screen D10 can be specified according to the degree of light reception by this one or more light sensor CGs. When multiple light sensor CGs are used, the degree of light reception may include the range of the light sensor CGs that receive light from one or more of the light sensor CGs from the light source PG1. For example, the control area 20 may be specified according to the range of the light sensor CGs that receive light by the irradiation operation PG.

[0258] For example, each light sensor CG may be pre-associated with a specific point or range on screen D10. Accordingly, the range of region A1 may be specified by performing an illumination operation PG to cause the light sensor CG corresponding to the specified range to receive light.

[0259] As a specific example, the sensor device C1 may be equipped with multiple light sensors CG. The multiple light sensors CG may be arranged on the back surface D15 of the shelf signage D1 so as to fill an area roughly the same size as the screen D10. This allows for intuitive and free-form specification of the area on the screen D10 by performing an illumination operation PG towards the back surface D15, similar to how the area on the screen D10 is specified from the back surface D15 of the shelf signage D11.

[0260] However, the arrangement of the light sensors CG is not limited to this example and may be changed as appropriate depending on the embodiment. For example, multiple light sensors CG may be placed at any location facing the back surface D15. This allows the range on the screen D10 to be specified by performing an illumination operation PG on the back surface D15 side toward a location facing the back surface D15. Alternatively, for example, the light sensors CG may be arranged so that a range can be specified in a simplified manner. As a specific example, multiple light sensors CG may be arranged in a straight line from near the left edge to near the right edge of the shelf signage D1, either on the outer surface of the shelf signage D1 or at any location facing the outer surface of the shelf signage D1. This allows the range of area A1 in the left-right direction to be specified by performing an illumination operation PG to cause the light sensor CG corresponding to the specified range to receive light. The vertical range of area A1 may be specified by predetermined values, such as the range from the top edge to the bottom edge of the screen D10, or the size of the main body of the physical tag to be attached. The sensor device C1 may be configured such that the range corresponding to each row can be specified by arranging the optical sensors CG in two or more rows.

[0261] Furthermore, for example, if screen D10 is pre-divided into multiple sections, each light sensor CG may be associated with a specific section on screen D10. Accordingly, the range of region A1 may be specified by performing an illumination operation PG to cause the light sensor CG corresponding to the section of the specified range to receive light. When specifying two or more sections, each section may be specified with an individual illumination operation PG, or with a single illumination operation PG. When specifying three or more sections, all three or more sections may be specified via an illumination operation PG. Alternatively, three or more sections may be specified by performing an illumination operation PG on only some of the three or more sections, such as specifying only the end section with an illumination operation PG.

[0262] According to an example of this embodiment, the control region 20 can be specified using the optical sensor CG. In one example, the optical sensor CG may be arranged at a high density. Therefore, by using the optical sensor CG, a high-resolution specification of the range of the control region 20 can be expected. Also, in one example, the optical sensor CG may be less likely to fail. Therefore, by using the optical sensor CG, a reduction in the risk of failure of the display system SY can be expected.

[0263] (Identification of type) In one example, detecting the irradiation operation PG may include identifying the type of irradiation pattern by the irradiation operation PG. The type of irradiation pattern is an example of the type PT of the physical instruction P1. Determining the setting 30 of the display area based on the control region 20 may include selecting the content 450 according to the identified type of irradiation pattern. Controlling the display of the information 40 on the shelf signage D1 according to the setting 30 of the display area may include displaying the selected content 450.

[0264] The type of irradiation pattern may be appropriately defined according to the embodiment. In one example, the type of irradiation pattern may be defined according to the attributes of irradiation such as the irradiation range, the variation of the irradiation range, the attributes of the light to be irradiated (intensity, frequency, lighting / flashing, interval of flashing, etc.).

[0265] The correspondence between the type of irradiation pattern and the content 450 may be appropriately specified according to the embodiment. The type of irradiation pattern may be defined statically or dynamically. In either case, when the type of irradiation pattern is identified during operation, the content 450 displayed on the shelf signage D1 can be changed by changing the type of irradiation pattern during operation.

[0266] According to one example of this embodiment, the content 450 to be displayed can also be controlled by the irradiation pattern of the irradiation operation PG. In one example, at least part of the work of selecting the content 450 to be displayed can be automated. This is expected to reduce the effort required to display the content 450.

[0267] (Specific example of structure) Figures 11B and 11C are schematic side views showing an example of the arrangement of a sensor device C1 (optical sensor CG) when a physical instruction P1 is composed of an illumination operation PG. In one example, when a physical instruction P1 is composed of an illumination operation PG, one or more light sources PG1 may be provided on the physical tag T1. The illumination operation PG may be performed by arranging the physical tag T1 on the shelf signage D1. That is, the illumination operation PG may be composed of attaching the physical tag T1. The light sources PG1 may be attached to the physical tag T1 by known methods.

[0268] Figure 11B shows the scene without the physical tag T1 attached, and Figure 11C shows the scene with the physical tag T1 attached. The physical tag T1 may be equipped with a hook portion T15 for hanging on the shelf signage D1. The hook portion T15 is used when the physical tag T1 is hung on the shelf signage D1. The physical tag T1 may have a throat portion T152 located on the rear D15 side of the shelf signage D1. The configuration of the physical tag T1 is not particularly limited as long as it includes a hook portion T15, and may be appropriately determined depending on the embodiment. A known configuration such as a commercially available price tag may be used for the configuration of the physical tag T1. Also, the configuration of the hook portion T15 is not particularly limited as long as it includes a throat portion T152, and may be appropriately determined depending on the embodiment. In one example, the physical tag T1 may be configured in the same way as in the first example above. That is, the physical tag T1 may further include a main body portion T10. The hook portion T15 may further include a gap portion T151.

[0269] When the physical tag T1 is attached to the shelf signage D1, the hook portion T15 (gape portion T151, throat portion T152) covers an area from the top surface D12 to at least a portion of the back surface D15 of the shelf signage D1. The main body portion T10 covers an area of ​​at least a portion of the front surface. In one example, the sensor device C1 may be equipped with multiple light sensors CG. The multiple light sensors CG may be arranged in at least one of the areas covered by the main body portion T10 on the front surface, the top surface D12, or the area reached by the throat portion T152 on the back surface D15. One or more light sources PG1 may be arranged on the inner surface of at least one of the main body portion T10, the gap portion T151, and the throat portion T152. Figures 11B and 11C schematically show an example of a scenario in which a light sensor CG is placed within the reach of the throat portion T152 on the back surface D15, and a light source PG1 is placed on the inner surface of the throat portion T152 of the physical tag T1. In this case, the illumination operation PG by the light source PG1 can be performed by the throat portion T152 within the area where the physical tag T1 is attached. Note that the placement of the light sensor CG and light source PG1 is not limited to the example in Figures 11B and 11C. In one example, the light sensor CG may be placed on the top surface D12, and the light source PG1 may be placed on the inner surface of the gap portion T151. The light sensor CG may be placed on the front surface (bezel portion, etc.), and the light source PG1 may be placed on the inner surface of the main body portion T10. Furthermore, the light sensor CG may be placed at any location facing the back surface D15, and the light source PG1 may be placed on the surface facing outward from the throat portion T152. The light sensor CG may be placed at any location facing the top surface D12, and the light source PG1 may be placed on a surface facing outward from the gap portion T151. The light sensor CG and light source PG1 may be appropriately positioned so that the light from the light source PG1 can be received by the light sensor CG when the physical tag T1 is attached to the shelf signage D1. For example, if the light source PG1 is configured to emit directional light, the light sensor CG and light source PG1 may be positioned so that they face each other when the physical tag T1 is attached. The light sensor CG may be mounted by known methods.

[0270] The number and range of the optical sensors CG may be determined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. For example, multiple optical sensors CG may be arranged in a straight line from near the left edge to near the right edge of the shelf signage D1. This allows the range in the width direction (left-right direction) of the physical tag T1 to be designated as area A1 (control area 20) by attaching the physical tag T1 to the shelf signage D1. However, the arrangement of the optical sensors CG is not limited to this example and may be changed as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, at least some of the multiple optical sensors CG may be arranged off-center from the straight line. The number of rows of optical sensors CG is not limited to one row, but may be two or more rows. Multiple optical sensors CG may be arranged in a zigzag pattern along one direction.

[0271] In one example, the type of illumination pattern may be identified according to the illumination attributes in the illumination operation PG performed by attaching a physical tag T1 to the shelf signage D1. The illumination attributes may include the illumination range, the variation in the illumination range, and the attributes of the illuminated light (intensity, frequency, on / off, blinking interval, etc.). The illumination attributes may be determined from the measured values ​​of the light sensor CG. The control device 1 may be directly or indirectly connected to the light sensor CG. The control device 1 may acquire the measured values ​​of the light sensor CG as appropriate. The types of illumination patterns may be arbitrarily defined in advance according to the illumination attributes. The number of illumination pattern types to be defined may be arbitrarily determined.

[0272] For example, by changing at least one of the number, arrangement range, and irradiation angle of the light source PG1, at least one of the number and arrangement relationship of the optical sensors CG belonging to the irradiation range may change. If the light source PG1 is configured to emit directional light, changing the arrangement relationship of the light source PG1 may change the arrangement relationship of the optical sensors CG belonging to the irradiation range. Changing the number of light source PG1 may change the number of optical sensors CG belonging to the irradiation range. In one example, the type of irradiation pattern may be defined according to the irradiation range such that at least one of the number and arrangement relationship of the optical sensors CG belonging to the irradiation range changes in this way.

[0273] Furthermore, for example, in a stationary state where the physical tag T1 is simply attached to the shelf signage D1, the combination of light sensors CG belonging to the illumination range remains constant. On the other hand, when the physical tag T1 is slid left or right, the combination of light sensors CG belonging to the illumination range may change. When the physical tag T1 is slid up or down, the state of the target light sensor CG may fluctuate between receiving light from the light source PG1 and not receiving light. The period of these fluctuations may change depending on the sliding speed. In one example, the type of illumination pattern may be defined according to the fluctuation pattern of the illumination range so that there is a difference in such fluctuations in the measurement state.

[0274] Furthermore, by changing the attributes of the light emitted from the light source PG1, for example, by changing the intensity of the emitted light, changing the frequency, changing from steady on to blinking, changing from blinking to steady on, or changing the blinking interval, the measured values ​​of the light sensor CG within the illumination range may change. For example, the type of illumination pattern may be defined according to the attributes of the emitted light so that the measured values ​​of the light sensor CG within the illumination range change to an identifiable degree. For example, the type of illumination pattern may be defined by combining the above illumination attributes.

[0275] For example, one or more physical tags T1 may be provided for each type of irradiation pattern. This allows the content 450 to be displayed to be selected by selecting the physical tag T1 to be used. Furthermore, if the irradiation pattern is defined to be dynamically changeable, the content 450 displayed can be changed even with the same physical tag T1.

[0276] For example, one or more light sources PG1 used in the irradiation operation PG may have their light attributes controlled in any way. In one example, one or more light sources PG1 may be configured so that their light attributes are controlled by a switch. In this case, the light attributes emitted from one or more light sources PG1 can be changed by operating the switch. In another example, any computer may be connected to the light sources PG1 to control the irradiation of light by the light sources PG1. In this case, the light attributes emitted from one or more light sources PG1 can be changed by information processing on the computer. The computer may also be the control device 1. By changing the light attributes emitted from one or more light sources PG1 during operation, the irradiation pattern can be dynamically changed.

[0277] In one example of this embodiment, the control area 20 can be specified by attaching the physical tag T1 to the shelf signage D1. In one example, if the main body T10 is opaque, the first display format may be used. This allows the information 40 to be displayed while avoiding the main body T10. In another example, if the main body T10 is transparent (including semi-transparent) or omitted, the second display format may be used. This allows the predetermined information 410 to be displayed within the range of the physical tag T1 (main body T10).

[0278] The configurations in Figures 11B and 11C are merely illustrative examples of the present disclosure in all respects. With respect to each component in Figures 11B and 11C, omissions, modifications, substitutions, and additions may be made as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The shape and dimensions of each component are not limited to the examples in Figures 11B and 11C, and may be modified as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0279] For example, as in the first example, the shape of at least one of the main body T10, the gap portion T151, and the throat portion T152 may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment. At least one of the main body T10 and the gap portion T151 may be omitted. The configuration and shape of the physical tag T1 may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment.

[0280] Furthermore, for example, the arrangement of the light sensor CG may be appropriately changed depending on the embodiment. In one example, as in Example 3-1, the shelf signage D1 may be provided with an insertion groove. The physical tag T1 may be configured so that its throat portion T152 is inserted into the insertion groove. The light sensor CG may be placed on the side of the insertion groove (either the first side or the second side). Accordingly, the light source PG1 may be provided on the side of the throat portion T152 that faces the side where the light sensor CG is located.

[0281] (6) Case 6 Figure 12A schematically shows an example (sixth example) of the physical instruction P1 according to this embodiment. In one example, the sensor device C1 may be equipped with a plurality of distance sensors CH. The plurality of distance sensors CH may be arranged to observe the distance in the monitoring range CH3 corresponding to the screen D10 of the shelf signage D1. The physical instruction P1 may consist of a distance operation PH that changes the distance measured by at least one of the plurality of distance sensors CH. In one example, the distance operation PH may be configured to change the distance measured by at least one of the plurality of distance sensors CH by placing an obstruction in the monitoring range CH3. The control area 20 may be specified according to the range in which the distance measured by the distance operation PH has been changed.

[0282] The type of distance sensor CH is not particularly limited as long as it can measure distance, and may be appropriately selected depending on the embodiment. Known distance sensors may be used for the distance sensor CH. The sensor device C1 may be configured to detect distance operations PH within the monitoring range CH3 by having multiple distance sensors CH. The number of distance sensors CH may be appropriately determined so as to be able to form a monitoring range CH3 corresponding to the screen D10 of the shelf signage D1.

[0283] The arrangement of the distance sensor CH is not particularly limited and can be determined as appropriate depending on the embodiment, as long as it is possible to form a monitoring range CH3 corresponding to the screen D10 of the shelf signage D1. In one example, the distance sensor CH may be arranged to observe the area around the shelf signage D1. For example, multiple distance sensor CHs may be arranged to measure the distance to the outer surface (top, bottom, back, front, etc.) of the shelf signage D1. For example, multiple distance sensor CHs may be arranged to measure the distance to a specific object present around the shelf signage D1. If the distance sensor CH is fixed, it is preferable that the specific object is an object whose relative position to the distance sensor CH does not change (i.e., the measured value of the distance sensor CH is constant), such as the surface of a product shelf. Also, for example, multiple distance sensor CHs may be arranged around the shelf signage D1 to measure the distance to an object that is far away. Being far away may mean at least one of the following: the measured distance (measured distance value) exceeds a threshold, or there is no object in the measurement range (distance cannot be measured). The threshold value used as a reference for distances to distant objects may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. That is, multiple distance sensors CH may be arranged to observe the space around the shelf signage D1. For example, the shelf signage D1 may be placed at the front end of a shelf on a product shelf. In this case, the multiple distance sensors CH may be positioned facing downwards near the front end of the upper shelf on the shelf where the shelf signage D1 is placed or on the bottom surface, so that the monitoring range CH3 includes the space up to the top surface D12, the space behind the back surface D15 (such as the top surface of the shelf on the product shelf), or the space in front of the front of the shelf signage D1.

[0284] The distance manipulation PH may consist of any operation that changes the measured distance by shielding the measurement light from the distance sensor CH. The distance manipulation PH may be performed with a body part such as the hand. Body parts are an example of shielding. Distance manipulation PH may also be performed using tools such as physical tags. Tools are an example of shielding. Distance manipulation PH may be performed manually by an operator or automatically by a device such as a robot.

[0285] The correspondence between the range in which the measured distance is changed by the distance operation PH and the specified range of area A1 (i.e., the rule for specifying the range of area A1 according to the range in which the measured distance is changed) may be arbitrarily defined in advance. The measured distance is the measured value of the distance. The monitoring range CH3 may be a space in which distance can be measured by the distance sensor CH. The distance operation PH performed in this space will result in a change in distance measurement that shortens the distance measured by at least one of the multiple distance sensor CHs due to the arrangement of obstacles. The correspondence between the range in which the measured distance is changed by the distance operation PH and the specified range of area A1 may be defined appropriately so that the range on screen D10 can be specified according to the degree of change in distance measurement in at least one of the multiple distance sensor CHs. In one example, this degree of change in distance measurement may include the range (combination) of the distance sensor CHs in which the measured distance is changed. Therefore, the control area 20 may be specified according to the range of the distance sensor CHs in which the measured distance is changed by the distance operation PH.

[0286] For example, each distance sensor CH may be pre-associated with a specific point or range on screen D10. Accordingly, the range of region A1 may be specified by performing a distance operation PH to change the distance measured by the distance sensor CH corresponding to the specified range.

[0287] As a specific example, multiple distance sensors CH may be distributed over an area roughly the same size as the screen D10 and positioned to measure the distance to the back surface D15 of the shelf signage D1. By performing a distance operation PH on the back surface D15 of the shelf signage D1 to specify an area on the screen D10, the area on the screen D10 can be specified intuitively and in a free format.

[0288] However, the arrangement of the distance sensors CH is not limited to these examples and may be modified as appropriate depending on the embodiment. For example, multiple distance sensors CH may be arranged to measure the distance to the front of the shelf signage D1. Multiple distance sensors CH may be arranged on the outer surface of the shelf signage D1, facing a specific object opposite the shelf signage D1, to measure the distance to that specific object. Also, for example, the distance sensors CH may be arranged so that a range can be specified in a simplified manner. As a specific example, multiple distance sensors CH may be arranged in a straight line on the outer surface of the shelf signage D1 or at any location facing the outer surface of the shelf signage D1, within a range from near the left end to near the right end of the shelf signage D1. For example, multiple distance sensors CH may be arranged in a straight line above the shelf signage D1 to measure the distance from above the shelf signage D1 to the top surface D12 or to observe the space in front of the front. This allows the range of region A1 to be specified in the left-right direction by performing a distance operation PH to change the distance measured by the distance sensor CH corresponding to the specified range. The vertical range of region A1 may be specified by predetermined values, such as the range from the top to the bottom edge of the screen D10, or the size of the main body of the physical tag to be attached. The sensor device C1 may be configured so that the range corresponding to each row can be specified by arranging the distance sensors CH in two or more rows. The distance sensors CH may be attached by known methods.

[0289] Furthermore, for example, if screen D10 is pre-divided into multiple sections, each distance sensor CH may be associated with a specific section on screen D10. Accordingly, the range of region A1 may be specified by performing a distance operation PH to change the distance measured by the distance sensor CH corresponding to the section of the specified range. When specifying two or more sections, each section may be specified with individual distance operation PHs, or with a single distance operation PH. When specifying three or more sections, all three or more sections may be specified via distance operation PHs. Alternatively, only the end section may be specified with a distance operation PH, or some of the three or more sections may be specified. By performing the distance operation PH only, three or more plots may be designated.

[0290] According to one example of this embodiment, the control region 20 can be specified using the distance sensor CH.

[0291] (Type identification) For example, detecting distance operation PH may include identifying the type of distance change pattern caused by distance operation PH. The type of distance change pattern is an example of the type PT of the physical instruction P1 described above. Determining the display area setting 30 based on the control area 20 may include selecting content 450 according to the type of distance change pattern identified. Controlling the display of information 40 on the shelf signage D1 according to the display area setting 30 may include displaying the selected content 450.

[0292] The types of distance change patterns may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. For example, the types of distance change patterns may be defined according to the attributes of the distance change, such as the range in which the measured distance is changed (change range), the variation of the change range, and the measured value of the change range (shape of obstruction, etc.).

[0293] The correspondence between the distance change pattern types and the content 450 may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The distance change pattern types may be defined statically or dynamically. In either case, if the distance change pattern type is identified during operation, the content 450 displayed on the shelf signage D1 can be changed by changing the distance change pattern type during operation.

[0294] According to one example of this embodiment, the content 450 to be displayed can also be controlled by the distance change pattern of the distance operation PH. In one example, at least part of the work of selecting the content 450 to be displayed can be automated. This is expected to reduce the effort required to display the content 450.

[0295] (Specific example of structure) Figures 12B and 12C are schematic side views showing an example of the arrangement of a sensor device C1 (distance sensor CH) when the physical indication P1 is composed of a distance operation PH. In one example, when the physical indication P1 is composed of a distance operation PH, the distance operation PH may be performed by placing a physical tag T1 on the shelf signage D1. That is, the distance operation PH may be performed by attaching a physical tag T1. The physical tag T1 is an example of an obstruction in the distance operation PH. Multiple distance sensors CH may be arranged so that the monitoring range CH3 includes a space where the measured distance is changed by placing (attaching) a physical tag T1 on the shelf signage D1 (the measured distance value changes before and after attaching the physical tag T1).

[0296] Figure 12B shows a scene without the physical tag T1 attached, and Figure 12C shows a scene with the physical tag T1 attached. The physical tag T1 may be equipped with a hook portion T15 for hanging on the shelf signage D1. The configuration of the physical tag T1 is not particularly limited as long as it includes the hook portion T15, and may be appropriately determined according to the embodiment. A known configuration such as a commercially available price tag may be used for the configuration of the physical tag T1. The configuration of the hook portion T15 may be arbitrarily determined. In one example, the physical tag T1 may be configured in the same way as in the first example above. That is, the physical tag T1 may further be equipped with a main body portion T10. The hook portion T15 may have a gap portion T151 and a throat portion T152.

[0297] When the physical tag T1 is attached to the shelf signage D1, the main body T10 is positioned in front of the front of the shelf signage D1 and may cover at least a portion of the front. The front ends of the main body T10 and the gap portion T151 protrude forward from the front of the shelf signage D1. It is permissible to have it protrude. The gap portion T151 may be positioned above the top surface D12. The rear end of the gap portion T151 and the throat portion T152 may protrude rearward from the back surface D15 of the shelf signage D1. The throat portion T152 may be positioned behind the back surface D15 of the shelf signage D1 and may cover at least a portion of the back surface D15. Multiple distance sensors CH may be appropriately arranged so that the monitoring range CH3 includes the range in which the measured distance is changed by them. As illustrated in Figures 12B and 12C, in one example, multiple distance sensors CH may be positioned above the shelf signage D1 with their light-emitting parts facing downward, so as to include the space in front of the front of the shelf signage D1 in the monitoring range CH3. The physical tag T1 (main body T10 and the front end of the gap portion T151) may protrude forward from the front surface of the shelf signage D1. Multiple distance sensors CH may be arranged so that their protruding portions fall within the monitoring range CH3 (i.e., the measurement light hits the protruding portions). Multiple distance sensors CH may be appropriately aligned so that the measurement light from the light emitter hits the protruding portions. Multiple distance sensors CH may be placed above the shelf signage D1 in any way, such as by attaching them to the shelf above the shelf on which the shelf signage D1 is installed. This allows distance operation PH to be performed by the physical tag T1 within the range where the physical tag T1 is attached. Within the range where the physical tag T1 is attached, the distance measured by the distance sensors CH becomes shorter. This arrangement of distance sensors CH is an example of an arrangement for measuring the distance to an object located far away. If there is no physical tag T1, the distance sensors CH will measure the distance to any object located below the shelf signage D1. If there is no object within the measurable range, the distance sensors CH will be unable to measure. Note that the arrangement of multiple distance sensors CH is not limited to the examples in Figures 12B and 12C. In one example, multiple distance sensors CH may be arranged to observe the space behind the top surface D12 or rear surface D15 from above the shelf signage D1. Multiple distance sensors CH may be arranged to observe the front from the front of the shelf signage D1. Multiple distance sensors CH may be arranged to observe the rear surface D15 from behind the shelf signage D1.

[0298] The number and range of distance sensors CH may be determined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. For example, the distance sensors CH may be arranged in a straight line from near the left end to near the right end of the shelf signage D1. This allows the range in the width direction (left-right direction) of the physical tag T1 to be designated as area A1 (control area 20) by attaching the physical tag T1 to the shelf signage D1. However, the arrangement of the distance sensors CH is not limited to this example and may be changed as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, at least some of the distance sensors CH may be arranged off-center from the straight line. The number of rows of distance sensors CH is not limited to one row, but may be two or more rows. Multiple distance sensors CH may be arranged in a zigzag pattern along one direction.

[0299] In one example, the type of distance change pattern may be identified according to the attributes of the distance change in the distance operation PH performed by attaching a physical tag T1 to the shelf signage D1. The attributes of the distance change may include the change range, the variation of the change range, and the measured value of the change range (shape of obstruction, etc.). The attributes of the distance change may be determined from the measured value of the distance sensor CH. The control device 1 may be directly or indirectly connected to the distance sensor CH. The control device 1 may acquire the measured value of the distance sensor CH as appropriate. The types of distance change patterns may be arbitrarily defined in advance according to the attributes of the distance change. The number of types of distance change patterns to be defined may be arbitrarily determined.

[0300] For example, by changing at least one of the dimensions and shape of an obstruction (physical tag T1, body part, etc.), at least one of the number and arrangement of distance sensors CH whose measurement distance changes due to the presence of the obstruction (i.e., belonging to the change range) may change. In one example, the types of distance change patterns may be defined according to the change range such that at least one of the number and arrangement of distance sensors CH belonging to the change range changes in this way.

[0301] Furthermore, for example, in a stationary state where the physical tag T1 is simply attached to the shelf signage D1, the combination of distance sensor CHs belonging to the change range remains constant. On the other hand, when the physical tag T1 is slid left or right, the combination of distance sensor CHs belonging to the change range may change. When the physical tag T1 is slid up or down, the measured values ​​of the distance sensor CHs belonging to the change range may change. The period of these changes may change depending on the speed of the slide. In one example, different types of distance change patterns may be defined according to the pattern of change range variation so that there is a difference in such changes in the measurement state.

[0302] Furthermore, for example, by changing at least one of the shape and dimensions of the measurement direction (up and down in Figures 12B and 12C), the measured value of the distance sensor CH belonging to the modification range may change. For example, in the scenarios of Figures 12B and 12C, increasing the thickness of the gap portion T151 shortens the measured distance of the corresponding distance sensor CH. Decreasing the thickness of the gap portion T151 lengthens the measured distance of the corresponding distance sensor CH. In one example, the type of distance modification pattern may be defined according to the measured value of the modification range, such that the measured value of the distance sensor CH belonging to the modification range changes to an identifiable degree. In one example, the type of distance modification pattern may be defined by combining the attributes of the distance modification described above.

[0303] For example, one or more physical tags T1 may be provided for each type of distance change pattern. This allows the content 450 to be displayed to be selected by selecting the physical tag T1 to use. Furthermore, if the distance change pattern is defined to be dynamically changeable, the content 450 displayed can be changed even with the same physical tag T1.

[0304] For example, consider a scenario where shelf signage D1 is placed at the front end of a shelf on a product shelf, with products displayed on that shelf, and multiple distance sensors CH are arranged as shown in Figures 12B and 12C. In this scenario, distance manipulation PH can be performed not only by attaching a physical tag T1, but also by the customer reaching for the product on the shelf to pick up a product. Generally, customers reach for the products displayed on the shelf from above the shelf signage D1. Therefore, the customer's hand reaching for the product is at a higher position than the physical tag T1 attached to the shelf signage D1. Consequently, the measurement distance of the distance sensors CH within the modification range may be shorter when using distance manipulation PH by reaching for a product compared to distance manipulation PH by attaching a physical tag T1. Therefore, the types of distance modification patterns may be defined such that the distance modification pattern corresponding to distance modification PH by attaching a physical tag T1 and the distance modification pattern corresponding to distance modification PH by reaching for a product are different types. The distance change pattern corresponding to distance operation PH by attaching a physical tag T1 may be associated with normal display content 450, such as the display of product information. On the other hand, the distance change pattern corresponding to distance operation PH by reaching out may be associated with promotional information or content 450 of a reaction to product purchase. Promotional information may be, for example, information on recommended products. A reaction to product purchase may be, for example, the display of a thank you comment. This allows promotional information or a reaction to product purchase to be dynamically displayed on the shelf signage D1 when a customer reaches out for a product.

[0305] In one example of this embodiment, the control area 20 can be specified by attaching the physical tag T1 to the shelf signage D1. In one example, if the main body T10 is opaque, the first display format may be used. This allows the information 40 to be displayed while avoiding the main body T10. In another example, if the main body T10 is transparent (including semi-transparent) or omitted, the second display format may be used. This allows the predetermined information 410 to be displayed within the range of the physical tag T1 (main body T10).

[0306] Note that the configurations in Figures 12B and 12C are merely illustrative examples of the present disclosure in all respects. With respect to each component in Figures 12B and 12C, components may be omitted or modified depending on the embodiment. Furthermore, substitutions and additions may be made as appropriate. The shape and dimensions of each component are not limited to the examples in Figures 12B and 12C, and may be modified as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0307] For example, as in the first example, the shape of at least one of the main body T10, the gap portion T151, and the throat portion T152 may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment. The main body T10 may be omitted. At least one of the gap portion T151 and the throat portion T152 may be omitted. The configuration and shape of the physical tag T1 may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment.

[0308] Furthermore, for example, the arrangement of the distance sensor CH may be appropriately changed depending on the embodiment. In one example, as in Example 3-1, the shelf signage D1 may be provided with an insertion groove. The physical tag T1 may be configured so that its throat portion T152 is inserted into the insertion groove. The distance sensor CH may be placed on the side or bottom surface of the insertion groove. In this case, distance operation PH can be performed by inserting the throat portion T152 into the insertion groove.

[0309] Furthermore, some distance sensors are configured in which a light emitter (transmitter) and a light receiver (receiver) are arranged separately, and the distance from the light emitter to the light receiver is measured. This type of distance sensor may be treated as a fourth example of sensor device C1, which consists of a light sensor and a light source, by considering the light emitter as a light source and the light receiver as a light sensor.

[0310] (7) Case 7 Figure 13A schematically shows an example (7th example) of a physical instruction P1 according to this embodiment. In one example, the physical instruction P1 may be configured by placing an RF tag PI on a shelf signage D1. The sensor device C1 may include a plurality of reader CIs placed on the shelf signage D1. The sensor device C1 may be configured to detect the position of the RF tag PI using the plurality of reader CIs. The control area 20 may be specified according to the position of the RF tag PI detected by the plurality of reader CIs.

[0311] The type of RF tag PI is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the embodiment. Known RF tags may be used as RF tag PIs. RF tag PIs may consist of passive tags, active tags, or semi-active tags. The number of RF tag PIs may be arbitrarily determined. The number of RF tag PIs to be deployed may be one or two or more.

[0312] The placement of the RF tag PI relative to the shelf signage D1 may be by bringing the RF tag PI closer to the reader CI within the range that specifies the control area 20. That is, the physical instruction P1 may consist of moving the RF tag PI closer to the reader CI. In one example, when specifying the control area 20, the RF tag PI may be moved directly. The RF tag PI may be attached to any holder (tool) such as a physical tag, and may be moved indirectly through the movement of the holder. The RF tag PI may be moved manually by an operator, or it may be moved automatically by a device such as a robot.

[0313] Multiple reader CIs may be appropriately arranged within the range where control area 20 may be set on screen D10, such that at least one of the multiple reader CIs can communicate with the RF tag PI that is placed to specify area A1 (control area 20). The arrangement of each reader CI is not particularly limited and may be appropriately determined depending on the embodiment, as long as it can communicate with the RF tag PI that constitutes the physical instruction P1.

[0314] The reader CI may be handled in the same way as the magnetic sensor CA in the first example, and the RF tag PI may be handled in the same way as the magnetic source PA in the first example. In one example, each reader CI may be mounted on the outer surface of the shelf signage D1 so as to be spaced apart from each other. Each reader CI is attached, The reader CIs may be attached to the outer surface of the shelf signage D1 by known methods such as adhesive or fitting. Also, as illustrated in Figure 13A, if the shelf signage D1 is configured to extend in one direction, the multiple reader CIs may be arranged in a straight line from near the left end to near the right end of the shelf signage D1. This allows at least one of the multiple reader CIs to communicate with the RF tag PI that is positioned to specify area A1 within the range from the left end to the right end of the screen D10. However, the arrangement of the reader CIs is not limited to this example and may be appropriately changed depending on the embodiment. In one example, at least some of the multiple reader CIs may be arranged off-center from the straight line. The number of rows of reader CIs is not limited to one row, but may be two or more rows. The multiple reader CIs may be arranged in a zigzag pattern along one direction.

[0315] The reader CI may be configured as appropriate to communicate with the RF tag PI (to read information from the RF tag PI). The type of reader CI is not particularly limited and may be selected as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, the reader CI may be a reader / writer. In addition, the signal strength from the RF tag PI may be measured in each reader CI. When two or more reader CIs are placed in close proximity, at least one of the frequency band, reading timing, and reading range of each adjacent reader CI may be separated.

[0316] The correspondence between the position of the RF tag PI and the specified range of area A1 (i.e., the rule for specifying the range of area A1 according to the position of the RF tag PI) may be arbitrarily defined in advance.

[0317] In one example, the position of the RF tag PI may be estimated based on the signal intensity measured (received) by each reader CI. The position of the RF tag PI may be estimated by a known method. The correspondence between the position of the space in which the RF tag PI is operated and the position or range on screen D10 may be predetermined. That is, the position or range on screen D10 indicated by the RF tag PI may be identifiable depending on the estimated position of the RF tag PI. The position or range indicated by the RF tag PI may be directly identified from the signal intensity measured by each reader CI. Based on this, the control area 20 may be specified according to the position of the RF tag PI estimated from the signal intensity measured by each reader CI.

[0318] For example, the RF tag PI may be moved to specify the boundary of area A1. While the RF tag PI is being moved, the position on screen D10 indicated by the RF tag PI may be repeatedly identified, thereby specifying the range on screen D10 that is designated by the movement of the RF tag PI. The designated range of area A1 may consist of this identified range. Thus, the range of area A1 may be specified in a free form by moving the RF tag PI.

[0319] Furthermore, for example, if screen D10 is pre-divided into multiple sections, the section indicated by the RF tag PI may be specified according to the signal intensity measured by each reader CI. The range of area A1 (control area 20) may consist of one or more sections specified by the RF tag PI. When specifying two or more sections, each section may be specified individually by moving the RF tag PI, or it may be specified all at once by using two or more RF tag PIs simultaneously. When specifying three or more sections, all three or more sections may be specified by indicating them with the RF tag PI. Alternatively, three or more sections may be specified by indicating only some of the three or more sections with the RF tag PI, such as only the end section.

[0320] Furthermore, in one example, one or more reader CIs located close to the RF tag PI may be identified from among multiple reader CIs arranged on the shelf signage D1, based on the signal strength measured by each reader CI. The one or more reader CIs close to the RF tag PI may be identified by any method, such as threshold determination or comparison of the received signal strengths between each reader CI. The specified range of A1 (control area 20) may be defined according to the location of one or more identified reader CIs. That is, specifying the control area 20 according to the location of the RF tag PI may be done by specifying the control area 20 according to the location of one or more reader CIs among the multiple reader CIs placed on the shelf signage D1 that are close to the RF tag PI placed on the shelf signage D1.

[0321] For example, one or more reader CIs close to the RF tag PI may be identified based on the signal intensity measured by each reader CI. One or more reader CIs close to the RF tag PI may be identified by any criterion, such as the measured signal intensity exceeding or being greater than a threshold, or the measured signal intensity being the highest. Each reader CI may be pre-associated with a position on screen D10. The correspondence between each reader CI and its position on screen D10 may be arbitrarily defined. In one example, each reader CI may be associated with a specific point or range on screen D10. Accordingly, the range of area A1 may be freely specified by bringing the RF tag PI closer to the reader CIs corresponding to the specified range, such as moving the RF tag PI sequentially closer to the reader CIs corresponding to the boundary of the specified range, or bringing two or more RF tag PIs closer simultaneously. Also, if screen D10 is pre-divided into multiple sections, each reader CI may be associated with a specific section on screen D10. Accordingly, the area A1 may be specified by bringing the RF tag PI close to the reader CI corresponding to the specified area. Similarly, when specifying two or more areas, each area may be specified individually by moving the RF tag PI, or it may be specified all at once by using two or more RF tag PIs simultaneously. When specifying three or more areas, all three or more areas may be specified by bringing the RF tag PI close to them. Alternatively, three or more areas may be specified by bringing the RF tag PI close to only some of the three or more areas, such as pointing only to the edge areas.

[0322] According to one example of this embodiment, the control area 20 can be specified using the RF tag PI and the reader CI.

[0323] (Type identification) For example, detecting the location of the RF tag PI may include identifying the type of communication pattern from the RF tag PI. The type of communication pattern is an example of the type PT of the physical instruction P1 described above. Determining the display area settings 30 based on the control area 20 may include selecting content 450 according to the type of communication pattern identified. Controlling the display of information 40 on the shelf signage D1 according to the display area settings 30 may include displaying the selected content 450.

[0324] The types of communication patterns may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. For example, the types of communication patterns may be defined according to the communication attributes with the RF tag PI, such as the range (communication range) of the reader CI that communicates with the RF tag PI, the variation in the communication range, the communication profile, and the communication content (information held by the RF tag PI and read by the reader CI). The communication profile may relate to the characteristics of the communication and may include, for example, the signal strength, signal frequency, and communication period in the communication.

[0325] The correspondence between the types of communication patterns and the content 450 may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The types of communication patterns may be defined statically or dynamically. In either case, if the types of communication patterns are identified during operation, the content 450 displayed on the shelf signage D1 can be changed by changing the types of communication patterns during operation.

[0326] According to one example of this embodiment, the content to be displayed is determined by the communication pattern with the RF tag PI. The 450 content can also be controlled. In one example, at least part of the process of selecting the content 450 to display can be automated. This is expected to reduce the effort required to display the content 450.

[0327] (Specific example of structure) Figures 13B and 13C are a rear perspective view and a side view of a shelf signage D1, schematically showing an example of the arrangement of a sensor device C1 (reader CI) when the physical indicator P1 is composed of the arrangement of RF tags PI. In one example, when the physical indicator P1 is composed of the arrangement of RF tags PI, multiple reader CIs may be arranged on the rear D15 of the shelf signage D1. The number and arrangement of reader CIs may be determined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, as shown in Figure 13B, multiple reader CIs may be arranged along the extending direction of the shelf signage D1. The RF tag PI may be provided on the physical tag T1. Thus, the arrangement of the RF tag PI may be performed via the arrangement (attachment) of the physical tag T1 to the shelf signage D1.

[0328] The physical tag T1 may be equipped with a hook portion T15 for hanging on the shelf signage D1. The hook portion T15 may have a throat portion T152 that is positioned on the back D15 side of the shelf signage D1 when the physical tag T1 is hung on the shelf signage D1. The configuration of the physical tag T1 is not particularly limited as long as the hook portion T15 is included, and may be appropriately determined according to the embodiment. A known configuration such as a commercially available price tag may be used for the configuration of the physical tag T1. Also, the configuration of the hook portion T15 is not particularly limited as long as the throat portion T152 is included, and may be appropriately determined according to the embodiment. In one example, the physical tag T1 may be configured in the same way as in the first example above. That is, the physical tag T1 may further be equipped with a main body portion T10. The hook portion T15 may further be equipped with a gap portion T151.

[0329] The RF tag PI may be placed in the throat portion T152 of the hook portion T15 of the physical tag T1. The RF tag PI may be placed anywhere on the throat portion T152. For example, as illustrated in Figure 13C, the RF tag PI may be placed on the back surface D15 side (inner surface) of the throat portion T152. The position of the RF tag PI on the throat portion T152 may be aligned with the position (height) of the reader CI on the back surface D15 so that the RF tag PI faces the reader CI when the physical tag T1 is hung on the shelf signage D1. This makes it easier to bring the RF tag PI close to the reader CI. As a result, proper detection of the RF tag PI by the reader CI can be expected.

[0330] Furthermore, the number of RF tag PIs placed in the throat section T152 is not particularly limited and may be determined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, as illustrated in Figure 13B, two RF tag PIs may be placed in the throat section T152 spaced apart in the left-right direction. One of the two RF tag PIs may be placed near the left end, and the other near the right end. This allows the range in the width direction (left-right direction) of the physical tag T1 to be designated as region A1 (control region 20) by having the corresponding reader CI receive the signal from the RF tag PI. This method of designating a range using two RF tag PIs may be just one example of a method of designating a range using two or more RF tag PIs simultaneously. The number of RF tag PIs can be arbitrarily changed. For example, as illustrated in the right physical tag T1, four RF tag PIs may be placed in the throat section T152. In this arrangement as well, the range in the width direction (left-right direction) of the physical tag T1 can be designated as region A1 (control region 20) by having RF tag PIs placed near the left end and near the right end, respectively.

[0331] In one example, the type of communication pattern may be identified according to the communication attributes with the RF tag PI placed in the throat section T152. The communication attributes with the RF tag PI may include the communication range, variation of the communication range, communication profile, communication content, etc. The communication range is close to the RF tag PI. The communication can be defined by at least one of the number and arrangement of the communicating reader CIs. The communication attributes with the RF tag PI can be determined from the communication results of each reader CI (measured values, received information, etc.). The types of communication patterns can be arbitrarily defined in advance according to the communication attributes. The number of communication pattern types to be defined can be arbitrarily determined.

[0332] For example, changing at least one of the number, arrangement, and size of RF tag PIs can change at least one of the number and arrangement of reader CIs that communicate in close proximity to the RF tag PIs. In the example shown in Figure 13B, we assume a scenario where RF tag PIs and reader CIs are configured to communicate only when they are in close proximity to each other. In this scenario, the left physical tag T1 has two RF tag PIs, so two reader CIs can communicate in close proximity to the RF tag PIs. The right physical tag T1 has four RF tag PIs, so four reader CIs can communicate in close proximity to the RF tag PIs. In other words, in the example in Figure 13B, changing the number of RF tag PIs changes the number and arrangement of reader CIs that communicate in close proximity to the RF tag PIs. In addition, the arrangement and size of the RF tag PIs can also change at least one of the number and arrangement of reader CIs that communicate in close proximity to the RF tag PIs. For example, the type of communication pattern may be defined according to at least one of the number, arrangement, and size of RF tag PIs, such that at least one of the number and arrangement of reader CIs communicating in close proximity to the RF tag PI (i.e., the communication range) changes.

[0333] Furthermore, for example, in a stationary state where the physical tag T1 is simply attached to the shelf signage D1, the combination of reader CIs within the communication range remains constant. On the other hand, when the physical tag T1 is slid left or right, the combination of reader CIs within the communication range may change. When the physical tag T1 is slid up or down, the state of the reader CIs may fluctuate between communicating with the RF tag PI and having communication interrupted. The cycle of these fluctuations may change depending on the sliding speed. In one example, the type of communication pattern may be defined according to the pattern of fluctuation in the communication range so that there is a difference in such fluctuations in the communication state.

[0334] Furthermore, by changing the communication profile of the RF tag PI, for example, by changing the signal strength from the RF tag PI, changing the signal frequency, or changing the communication cycle, the communication status of the reader CIs within the communication range may change. For example, the type of communication pattern may be defined according to the communication profile so that the communication status of the reader CIs within the communication range changes to an identifiable degree.

[0335] Furthermore, for example, by changing the information (identification information, etc.) held by the RF tag PI, the information received by the reader CI within the communication range may change. For example, the type of communication pattern may be defined according to the communication content so that the information received by the reader CI within the communication range changes to an identifiable degree. For example, the type of communication pattern may be defined by combining the various attributes of the above communication.

[0336] For example, one or more physical tags T1 may be provided for each type of communication pattern. This allows the content 450 to be displayed to be selected by selecting the physical tag T1 to use. Furthermore, if the communication pattern is defined to be dynamically changeable, the content 450 displayed can be changed even with the same physical tag T1.

[0337] In one example of this embodiment, the control area 20 can be specified by attaching the physical tag T1 to the shelf signage D1. In another example, the RF tag PI may be placed in the throat section T152, and the reader CI may be placed in the back D15 of the shelf signage D1. This ensures that when the physical tag T1 is attached to the shelf signage D1, the RF tag PI is positioned close to the reader CI. As a result, proper communication between the reader CI and the RF tag PI can be expected. In one example, if the main body T10 is opaque, the display The first format may be used. This allows the information 40 to be displayed while avoiding the main body T10. In one example, if the main body T10 is transparent (including semi-transparent) or omitted, the second format may be used for the display format. This allows the predetermined information 410 to be displayed within the range of the physical tag T1 (main body T10).

[0338] The configurations in Figures 13B and 13C are merely illustrative examples of the present disclosure in all respects. With respect to each component in Figures 13B and 13C, omissions, modifications, substitutions, and additions may be made as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The shape and dimensions of each component are not limited to the examples in Figures 13B and 13C, and may be modified as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0339] For example, as in the first example, the shape of at least one of the main body T10, the gap portion T151, and the throat portion T152 may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment. The main body T10 may be omitted. At least one of the gap portion T151 and the throat portion T152 may be omitted. The configuration and shape of the physical tag T1 may be appropriately modified depending on the embodiment.

[0340] Furthermore, for example, the arrangement of the RF tag PI and the reader CI may be appropriately changed depending on the embodiment. The reader CI may be placed together with the back panel D15, or in place of the back panel D15, at any location other than the back panel D15.

[0341] In one example, the reader CI may be located on the top surface D12, and the RF tag PI may be located on the inner surface of the gap section T151. Alternatively, the reader CI may be located on the front (bezel section, etc.), and the RF tag PI may be located on the inner surface of the main body section T10.

[0342] In one example, similar to Example 3-1, the shelf signage D1 may be provided with an insertion groove. The physical tag T1 may be configured so that its throat portion T152 is inserted into the insertion groove. Multiple reader CIs may be arranged on the side or bottom of the insertion groove. The RF tag PI may be provided on the throat portion T152 of the physical tag T1. In this case, by inserting the throat portion T152 into the insertion groove, the RF tag PI can be brought close to at least one of the multiple reader CIs.

[0343] Furthermore, for example, the arrangement of the RF tag PI and reader CI may be swapped. In one example, the sensor device C1 may be equipped with one or more reader CIs and multiple RF tag PIs placed on the shelf signage D1. The physical instruction P1 may consist of a communication operation in which one or more reader CIs are placed on the shelf signage D1 to read at least one of the multiple RF tag PIs with one or more reader CIs. That is, the physical instruction P1 may consist of an operation (communication operation) that causes at least one of the multiple RF tag PIs to communicate with one or more reader CIs. The control area 20 may be specified according to the position (location of the communication operation) in which at least one of the multiple RF tag PIs is read by one or more reader CIs.

[0344] Multiple RF tag PIs may be positioned so that at least one of them can be read by one or more reader CIs from a monitoring range corresponding to the screen D10 of the shelf signage D1. A communication operation (physical instruction P1) may consist of positioning one or more reader CIs within the monitoring range. Sensor device C1 may be configured to detect a communication operation within the monitoring range corresponding to the screen D10 by comprising one or more reader CIs and multiple RF tag PIs. Detecting a communication operation may involve detecting the position of one or more reader CIs that read at least one of the multiple RF tag PIs.

[0345] One or more reader CIs and multiple RF tag PIs are appropriately arranged so that the location of one or more reader CIs can be detected by placing one or more reader CIs at the positions corresponding to screen D10 and reading at least one of the multiple RF tag PIs with the placed one or more reader CIs. For example, multiple RF tag PIs may be arranged in a straight line on the outer surface of shelf signage D1 (back D15, top D12, front, bottom, etc.) from near the left edge to near the right edge of shelf signage D1. The arrangement of RF tag PIs may be changed as appropriate, similar to the arrangement of reader CIs in the 7th example above. Placing one or more reader CIs on shelf signage D1 may mean bringing one or more reader CIs close to shelf signage D1. One or more reader CIs may be brought close to the outer surface of shelf signage D1 in any way.

[0346] For example, one or more reader CIs may be provided on the physical tag T1 as shown in Figures 13A to 13C. In one example, multiple RF tag PIs may be arranged on the back surface D15 of the shelf signage D1, and one or more reader CIs may be arranged on the throat portion T152 of the physical tag T1. Multiple RF tag PIs may be arranged on the top surface D12 of the shelf signage D1, and one or more reader CIs may be arranged on the gap portion T151 of the physical tag T1. Multiple RF tag PIs may be arranged on the front surface of the shelf signage D1, and one or more reader CIs may be arranged on the main body portion T10 of the physical tag T1.

[0347] A communication operation may be performed so that one or more reader CIs read information from one or more RF tag PIs among multiple RF tag PIs. Based on the information (identification information, etc.) read from the one or more RF tag PIs, the one or more reader CIs can identify each of the one or more RF tag PIs from which information was read. For example, each RF tag PI may be configured to hold different information from one another, such as each RF tag PI holding different identification information. The location of the one or more reader CIs may be determined from the location of each of the identified RF tag PIs. Detecting the location of the one or more reader CIs may include identifying each of the one or more RF tag PIs from which information was read. Specifying the control area 20 according to the location of the communication operation (location of the one or more reader CIs) may be performed by specifying the control area 20 according to the location of each of the identified RF tag PIs.

[0348] In one example, detecting the location of one or more reader CIs may include identifying the type of reading pattern by one or more reader CIs. The type of reading pattern is an example of the type PT of the physical instruction P1 described above. Determining the display area setting 30 based on the control area 20 may include selecting content 450 according to the type of reading pattern identified. Controlling the display of information 40 on the shelf signage D1 according to the display area setting 30 may include displaying the selected content 450. The type of reading pattern may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In one example, the type of reading pattern may be defined according to the attributes of the reader CIs, such as the communication range by one or more reader CIs and variations in the communication range. The communication range may be defined by the number of reader CIs, their arrangement, etc.

[0349] (8) Case No. 8 Figure 14 schematically shows an example (eighth example) of a physical instruction P1 according to this embodiment. In one example, the sensor device C1 may consist of an imaging device CJ positioned to observe the shelf signage D1. The physical instruction P1 may consist of a range specification PJ for the screen D10 of the shelf signage D1. The control area 20 may be specified according to the range specification PJ detected by image analysis of the image captured by the imaging device CJ.

[0350] The type of imaging device CJ is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the embodiment. Known imaging devices such as RGB cameras may be used as imaging devices CJ. The number of imaging devices CJ may be determined arbitrarily. The number of imaging devices CJ arranged may be one or two or more.

[0351] The imaging device CJ may be appropriately positioned to observe the space around the shelf signage D1 where a range-specified projection (PJ) may be performed (i.e., to capture the range-specified projection performed around the shelf signage D1). In one example, as shown in Figure 14, the range-specified projection may be performed on the screen D10. Accordingly, the imaging device CJ may be positioned facing the screen D10 so that the screen D10 is included in the imaging range. In one example, the imaging device CJ may be positioned in any location where the screen D10 of the shelf signage D1 can be observed, such as on a product shelf, wall, or ceiling. The imaging device CJ may be mounted in a known manner. However, the positioning of the imaging device CJ is not limited to this example and may be appropriately changed depending on the embodiment. If the screen D10 of the shelf signage D1 is not to be continuously observed, the imaging device CJ does not need to be fixed and may be positioned temporarily. The imaging device CJ may be composed of an imaging device provided in a terminal such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0352] The range selection project may consist of any operation that specifies a range within screen D10 using a marker. For example, the range selection project may be performed with a body part such as a hand or finger. A body part is an example of a marker. The range selection project may also be performed with hand gestures such as pointing or covering with a hand. The range selection project may be performed using a tool such as a physical tag or a pointer. A tool is an example of a marker. A pointer may include, for example, a pointer stick or a laser pointer. The pointers of pointer sticks and laser pointers are examples of markers. The range selection project may be performed manually by an operator or automatically by a device such as a robot.

[0353] For example, the control device 1 may perform image analysis on the images captured by the imaging device CJ as appropriate. The control device 1 may perform image analysis in any way. The control device 1 may perform image analysis using known methods such as general image analysis methods (edge ​​extraction, pattern matching, etc.) or methods using trained machine learning models. The trained machine learning model may include large-scale generative models such as large-scale visual language models (VLM). Note that the computer performing the image analysis is not limited to the control device 1. Image analysis on the images captured by the imaging device CJ may be performed by a computer other than the control device 1. In this case, the control device 1 may obtain the results of the image analysis from the other computer as appropriate.

[0354] The correspondence between the operation of the range specification project and the specified range of area A1 (i.e., the rules for specifying the range of area A1 according to the range specification project) may be arbitrarily defined in advance.

[0355] In one example, the position on screen D10 may be indicated by a marker, such as pointing with a fingertip or using an indicator. The range selection PJ may be configured to specify the range of region A1 by moving the position indicated by the marker along the boundary of region A1. Image analysis may be performed on the images captured by the imaging device CJ that are continuously obtained while the position indicated by the marker is being moved along the boundary of region A1. As a result of the image analysis, the range specified by the marker may be identified by identifying the position indicated by the marker at each imaging time. The control region 20 may consist of this identified range. Thus, the range of region A1 may be specified in a free form by moving the marker.

[0356] In one example, the range selection project may be configured to indicate a range on screen D10 with a marker, such as by covering the target range with a hand or a physical tag. The range specified by the marker may be identified by performing image analysis on the image captured by the imaging device CJ while the range on screen D10 is being indicated with the marker.

[0357] In another example, if screen D10 is pre-divided into multiple sections, the range selection PJ may be configured to indicate one or more sections on screen D10 with a marker, such as by pointing to the target section with a fingertip, pointing with a pointer, covering the target section with a hand, or covering with a physical tag. The image captured by the imaging device CJ obtained while one or more sections are being pointed to with a marker is then processed. By performing the analysis, one or more sections indicated by the markers may be identified. If the indicated section is changed, the image analysis may be performed repeatedly. The area A1 may consist of one or more sections identified by the image analysis. When specifying two or more sections, each section may be specified individually by moving the markers, or it may be specified all at once by pointing to two or more sections simultaneously with one or more markers. When specifying three or more sections, all three or more sections may be specified by pointing to them with markers. Alternatively, three or more sections may be specified by pointing to only some of the three or more sections with markers, such as pointing to only the end sections.

[0358] According to one example of this embodiment, the control region 20 can be specified using the imaging device CJ.

[0359] (Type identification) In one example, detecting a range-specified PJ may include identifying the type of appearance pattern of the sign. The type of appearance pattern is an example of the type PT of the physical instruction P1 described above. Determining the display area setting 30 based on the control area 20 may include selecting content 450 according to the type of appearance pattern identified. Controlling the display of information 40 on the shelf signage D1 according to the display area setting 30 may include displaying the selected content 450.

[0360] The types of appearance patterns may be defined as appropriate depending on the embodiment. For example, the types of appearance patterns may be defined according to the attributes of the marked object, such as the appearance feature...

Claims

1. Shelf signage, Sensor device, and control device, A display system comprising, The sensor device is configured to detect a physical indication that specifies an area on the screen of the shelf signage. The control device is To register the area specified by the physical instruction detected by the sensor device as a control area. Based on the registered control area, the settings of the display area on the shelf signage are determined, and To control the display of information on the shelf signage according to the determined settings of the display area, It is configured to perform, The aforementioned physical instruction is to place a physical tag on the shelf signage. The control area is an area that is shielded by the physical tag during operation. Determining the settings of the display area based on the control area includes deciding to display the information while avoiding the control area. Display system.

2. Determining the settings of the display area based on the control area includes setting at least a portion of the area surrounding the control area as the performance area. Controlling the display of information on the shelf signage according to the settings of the display area includes performing a predetermined display in the set display area. The display system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned predetermined performance display includes a display that causes the character to remain in the performance area. The display system according to claim 2.

4. Shelf signage, Sensor device, and control device, A display system comprising, The sensor device is configured to detect a physical indication that specifies an area on the screen of the shelf signage. The control device is To register the area specified by the physical instruction detected by the sensor device as a control area. Based on the registered control area, the settings of the display area on the shelf signage are determined, and To control the display of information on the shelf signage according to the determined settings of the display area, It is configured to perform, The aforementioned physical instruction is to place a physical tag on the shelf signage. The control area is an area that is shielded by the physical tag during operation. The main body of the physical tag, which is the part that obstructs the screen of the shelf signage, is transparent. Determining the settings of the display area based on the control area includes deciding to display predetermined information in the control area. Controlling the display of information on the shelf signage according to the settings of the display area includes displaying the predetermined information in the control area. Display system.

5. The predetermined information is product information of the product that is arranged in the control area. The display system according to claim 4.

6. Detecting the physical indicator includes identifying the type of the physical indicator. Determining the settings of the display area based on the control area includes selecting content according to the type of physical instruction identified, Controlling the display of information on the shelf signage according to the settings of the display area includes displaying the selected content. The display system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The sensor device is configured to continuously detect the physical indication, The control device is While the detection of the physical instruction continues, the registration of the control area is maintained, and In response to the fact that the aforementioned physical instruction is no longer detected, the registration of the control area is canceled. It is configured to perform further actions. The display system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. A control device connected to a shelf signage and sensor device, comprising a control unit, The sensor device is configured to detect a physical indication that specifies an area on the screen of the shelf signage. The control unit, To register the area specified by the physical instruction detected by the sensor device as a control area. Based on the registered control area, the settings of the display area on the shelf signage are determined, and The information on the shelf signage will be displayed according to the determined display area settings. To control, It is configured to perform, The aforementioned physical instruction is to place a physical tag on the shelf signage. The control area is an area that is shielded by the physical tag during operation. Determining the settings of the display area based on the control area includes deciding to display the information while avoiding the control area. Control device.

9. A control device connected to a shelf signage and a sensor device, comprising a control unit, The sensor device is configured to detect a physical indication that specifies an area on the screen of the shelf signage. The control unit, To register the area specified by the physical instruction detected by the sensor device as a control area. Based on the registered control area, the settings of the display area on the shelf signage are determined, and To control the display of information on the shelf signage according to the determined settings of the display area, It is configured to perform, The aforementioned physical instruction is to place a physical tag on the shelf signage. The control area is an area that is shielded by the physical tag during operation. The main body of the physical tag, which is the part that obstructs the screen of the shelf signage, is transparent. Determining the settings of the display area based on the control area includes deciding to display predetermined information in the control area. Controlling the display of information on the shelf signage according to the settings of the display area includes displaying the predetermined information in the control area. Control device.

10. An information processing method performed by a computer connected to a shelf signage and sensor device, The sensor device is configured to detect a physical indication that specifies an area on the screen of the shelf signage. The aforementioned information processing method is: To register the area specified by the physical instruction detected by the sensor device as a control area. Based on the registered control area, the settings of the display area on the shelf signage are determined, and To control the display of information on the shelf signage according to the determined settings of the display area, Includes, The aforementioned physical instruction is to place a physical tag on the shelf signage. The control area is an area that is shielded by the physical tag during operation. Determining the settings of the display area based on the control area includes deciding to display the information while avoiding the control area. Information processing methods.

11. An information processing method performed by a computer connected to a shelf signage and a sensor device, The sensor device detects a physical indication that specifies an area on the screen of the shelf signage. It is configured to release, The aforementioned information processing method is: To register the area specified by the physical instruction detected by the sensor device as a control area. Based on the registered control area, the settings of the display area on the shelf signage are determined, and To control the display of information on the shelf signage according to the determined settings of the display area, Includes, The aforementioned physical instruction is to place a physical tag on the shelf signage. The control area is an area that is shielded by the physical tag during operation. The main body of the physical tag, which is the part that obstructs the screen of the shelf signage, is transparent. Determining the settings of the display area based on the control area includes deciding to display predetermined information in the control area. Controlling the display of information on the shelf signage according to the settings of the display area includes displaying the predetermined information in the control area. Information processing methods.

12. A program for causing a computer connected to a shelf signage and sensor device to execute an information processing method, The sensor device is configured to detect a physical indication that specifies an area on the screen of the shelf signage. The aforementioned information processing method is: To register the area specified by the physical instruction detected by the sensor device as a control area. Based on the registered control area, the settings of the display area on the shelf signage are determined, and To control the display of information on the shelf signage according to the determined settings of the display area, Includes, The aforementioned physical instruction is to place a physical tag on the shelf signage. The control area is an area that is shielded by the physical tag during operation. Determining the settings of the display area based on the control area includes deciding to display the information while avoiding the control area. program.

13. A program for causing a computer connected to a shelf signage and a sensor device to execute an information processing method, The sensor device is configured to detect a physical indication that specifies an area on the screen of the shelf signage. The aforementioned information processing method is: To register the area specified by the physical instruction detected by the sensor device as a control area. Based on the registered control area, the settings of the display area on the shelf signage are determined, and To control the display of information on the shelf signage according to the determined settings of the display area, Includes, The aforementioned physical instruction is to place a physical tag on the shelf signage. The control area is an area that is shielded by the physical tag during operation. The main body of the physical tag, which is the part that obstructs the screen of the shelf signage, is transparent. Determining the settings of the display area based on the control area includes deciding to display predetermined information in the control area. Controlling the display of information on the shelf signage according to the settings of the display area includes displaying the predetermined information in the control area. program.

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