Product placement location display system and server for the product placement location display system

Abstract

We provide a product location display system that is helpful when searching for desired products. [Solution] This product placement location display system 1 guides the user to the product shelf 101 where the desired product G is located. When the store clerk terminal 5 reads the product order card 107 containing product code 103 information, designated information 102 including product code 103 is formed and sent to the product management server 2. The product management server 2 sends an action instruction 105 to the electronic shelf label 4 on the product shelf 101 where product G, associated with the product code 103 included in the designated information 102, is located, to perform an active operation. The electronic shelf label 4 performs an active operation based on the action instruction 105. The active operation is an operation to make the electronic shelf label 4 stand out and includes an operation to emit light in a specified color. Within a predetermined range determined based on the position of the store clerk terminal 5, the colors of light emitted by multiple electronic shelf labels 4 performing the active operation are specified to be different.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a product placement position display system for guiding to a product shelf where a desired product is placed.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, it has been increasing that prices, product names, models, etc. of products placed on product shelves in stores are displayed using electronic shelf labels. An electronic shelf label has an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display panel, and when information of the product is input by wireless communication or the like, prices, product names, etc. are displayed on the display panel. As an invention related to an electronic shelf label, for example, a price tag system described in Patent Document 1 below is known. This price tag system is configured such that the display of an electronic price tag device corresponding to an electronic shelf label is switched according to a received display command (see "Means for Solving the Problem" in Patent Document 1).

[0003] The electronic shelf labels installed on the product shelves in stores are subject to installation space limitations, and small-sized ones are often used. Also, multiple electronic shelf labels of the same model are often used. Then, on the product shelf, a large number of electronic shelf labels with a small display area and the same form are installed. When looking for a desired product among the products lined up on the product shelf, it is necessary to check a large number of small and similar-shaped electronic shelf labels, and it may take time until the product is picked up.

[0004] To alleviate this situation, a product pickup system described in Patent Document 2 and an electronic shelf label system described in Patent Document 3 have been proposed, which allow users to easily find the electronic shelf label corresponding to the desired product from among multiple electronic shelf labels. In the product pickup system, when a user has an indicator device acquire a product code, the indicator device number and product code of the indicator device are transmitted to the shelf label management device. The shelf label management device stores the indicator device number and notification color in association, and illuminates the shelf label device associated with the product code with the notification color corresponding to the received indicator device number (see paragraphs

[0019] ,

[0027] ,

[0033] ,

[0037] , etc. of Patent Document 2). On the other hand, in the electronic shelf label system, when a customer launches a shopping app on their mobile terminal and searches for a product they wish to purchase, the customer's mobile terminal is associated with the electronic shelf label of the searched product, and the LED of that electronic shelf label is illuminated. Then, image data of that electronic shelf label is transmitted to the mobile terminal (see paragraphs

[0062] to

[0070] of Patent Document 3). In this way, the electronic shelf label corresponding to the desired product is illuminated from among multiple electronic shelf labels, making it easier to find. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 1-297789 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-217341 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-101405 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, in the product pickup system described in Patent Document 2, the indicator device that obtains product codes and the notification color that illuminates the shelf label device are associated with each other, so the number of users that can use the system simultaneously is limited by the number of indicator devices. Furthermore, if the number of indicator devices is increased to increase the number of users that can use the system simultaneously, some indicator devices will go unused when there are few users, resulting in waste. Thus, the association between the notification colors of the indicator device and the shelf label device makes it difficult to operate the system flexibly according to the number of users at any given time. In addition, in the electronic shelf label system described in Patent Document 3, it is assumed that there is an upper limit to the number of LED colors of the electronic shelf label that a user can identify, so if many users use the system simultaneously in a store, there may be situations where the LEDs of multiple electronic shelf labels within a user's field of view emit the same color. In such cases, users may become confused about which electronic shelf label to go to, potentially causing confusion.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and the object of this invention is to provide a product location display system that is useful when searching for a desired product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve this problem, the invention described in claim 1 is a product placement location display system that guides users to the product shelf where the desired product is located. server And, The information is sent from a mobile device that is either a store employee's terminal or a customer's terminal. A designated product receiving unit that receives designated information including a product code, and a unit that sends the said designated information The aforementioned mobile information terminal The system comprises a terminal location information receiving unit that receives the current location information of the terminal, a shelf label instruction unit that sends an operation instruction to the electronic shelf label of the product shelf where the product linked to the product code included in the specified information received by the specified product receiving unit is located, and a shelf label operation screen that displays the content of the active operation for the electronic shelf label. The aforementioned mobile information terminalThe system includes an operation screen providing unit that provides the shelf label operation screen configured for the user, and the active operation is an operation to make the electronic shelf label stand out, and the electronic shelf label is displayed in at least the colors specified by the operation instruction. Flashing This includes the action of making it emit light. The shelf label operation screen includes a color image that displays the colors that cause the electronic shelf label to flash and a photographic image of the product associated with the product code, and the flashing display of the color image is configured to be synchronized with the flashing pattern of the electronic shelf label's flashing light. The shelf label indicator unit The aforementioned mobile information terminal Location Set within 5 meters Within a specified range If the electronic shelf label is present, the operation instruction is sent toward the electronic shelf label, and if there is an overlap between the first range which is within the predetermined range from the position of the first mobile information terminal and the second range which is within the predetermined range from the position of the second mobile information terminal, then within the range including the first range and the second range, the color of the light emitted by the first electronic shelf label that performs the active operation based on the designated information sent from the first mobile information terminal and the color of the light emitted by the second electronic shelf label that performs the active operation based on the designated information sent from the second mobile information terminal are It is characterized by being specified differently.

[0009] The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 1, it comprises an image analysis unit that identifies the product code by image analysis of a product image, and when the designated information received by the designated product receiving unit includes the product image, the image analysis unit performs the image analysis on the product image included in the designated information to identify the product code, and the shelf label instruction unit sends the operation instruction to the electronic shelf label corresponding to the product associated with the identified product code.

[0010] The invention according to claim 3, in addition to the configuration described in claim 1 or 2, includes a shelf label location information storage unit that stores installation location information of the electronic shelf labels, The aforementioned mobile information terminal The system includes an in-store layout screen providing unit that provides an in-store layout screen that displays the positional relationship of the electronic shelf labels, and is calculated based on the current location information and the installation location information. The aforementioned mobile information terminal If the distance between the electronic shelf label and the designated product receiving unit is less than a predetermined switching distance, when the designated product receiving unit receives the designated information, the shelf label instruction unit sends the operation instruction toward the electronic shelf label, and the operation screen providing unit displays the shelf label operation screen. The aforementioned mobile information terminal It is set to send towards, The aforementioned mobile information terminal If the distance between the electronic shelf label and the electronic shelf label is greater than or equal to the switching distance, even if the designated product receiving unit receives the designated information, the operation instruction will not be sent from the shelf label instruction unit, and the shelf label operation screen will not be sent from the operation screen providing unit. Instead, the in-store layout screen providing unit will send the in-store layout screen. The aforementioned mobile information terminal It is configured to send to the designated product receiving unit, and once the designated product receiving unit has received the designated information, The aforementioned mobile information terminal When the distance to the electronic shelf label switches from being greater than or equal to the switching distance to less than the switching distance, the transmission of the in-store layout screen ends, and the operation switches to start transmitting the operation instruction to the electronic shelf label and transmitting it to the shelf label operation screen. The aforementioned mobile information terminal It is characterized in that the operation switches as described above.

[0011] The invention according to claim 4, in addition to the configuration according to claim 1 or 2, in the active operation, in addition to the operation of emitting light in the designated color of the electronic shelf label, The aforementioned flashing it includes either the operation of Lights up or the operation of generating sound from the electronic shelf label.

[0012] The invention according to claim 5, in addition to the configuration according to claim 1 or 2, the active operation automatically stops after a predetermined operation time has elapsed. In the first half of the predetermined operation time, the electronic shelf label The aforementioned flashes Luminous in the designated color, and then, in the second half of the predetermined operation time, it lights up in the designated color Luminous or, in the first half of the predetermined operation time, the electronic shelf label lights up in the designated color Luminous and then, in the second half of the predetermined operation time, it The aforementioned flashes Luminous in the designated color.

[0013] The invention according to claim 6, in addition to the configuration according to claim 3, The aforementioned mobile information terminal it includes an active operation transition notification sending unit that generates a notification sound or The aforementioned mobile information terminal sends an active operation transition notification that causes The aforementioned mobile information terminal to vibrate. When the distance to the electronic shelf label switches from being greater than or equal to the switching distance to less than the switching distance, the active operation transition notification sending unit The aforementioned mobile information terminal sends the active operation transition notification towards The invention described in claim 7 is a product placement location display system for guiding users to a product shelf where a desired product is located, wherein the server comprises: a designated product receiving unit that receives designated information including a product code sent from a mobile information terminal which is a store employee terminal or a customer terminal; a terminal location information receiving unit that receives the current location information of the mobile information terminal that sent the designated information; a shelf label instruction unit that sends an operation instruction to cause an active operation to be performed on the electronic shelf label of the product shelf where the product linked to the product code included in the designated information received by the designated product receiving unit is located; and an operation screen providing unit that configures a shelf label operation screen that displays the content of the active operation on the electronic shelf label and provides the configured shelf label operation screen to the mobile information terminal, wherein the mobile information terminal comprises: an imaging unit that takes an image including the product code of the product; a designated product information sending unit that sends the designated information configured to include the product code from the captured image to the server; an operation screen receiving unit that receives the shelf label operation screen provided by the server; and a mobile information terminal display unit that displays the received shelf label operation screen, and the The sub-shelf label comprises an operation instruction receiving unit that receives the operation instruction sent from the server, and an electronic shelf label light-emitting unit that emits light according to the active operation based on the received operation instruction, the active operation being an operation to make the electronic shelf label stand out, and including an operation to make the electronic shelf label flash and emit light in at least the color specified by the operation instruction, the shelf label operation screen includes a color image that displays the color that makes the electronic shelf label flash and a photographic image of the product associated with the product code, and the flashing display of the color image corresponds to the flashing light of the electronic shelf label The shelf label instruction unit is configured to synchronize with the flashing pattern, and when the electronic shelf label is located within a predetermined range set to be within 5 meters from the position of the mobile device, it sends the operation instruction to the electronic shelf label. When there is an overlap between the first range, which is within the predetermined range from the position of the first mobile device, and the second range, which is within the predetermined range from the position of the second mobile device, the color of the light emitted by the first electronic shelf label that performs the active operation based on the specified information sent from the first mobile device is set within the range including the first range and the second range.The second electronic shelf label, which performs the active operation based on the specified information transmitted from the second portable information terminal, is characterized in that its color of illumination is specified to be different from that of the specified information transmitted from the second portable information terminal. The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 7, the server includes an image analysis unit that identifies the product code by image analysis of a product image, and when the designated information received by the designated product receiving unit includes the product image, the image analysis unit performs the image analysis on the product image included in the designated information to identify the product code, and the shelf label instruction unit sends the operation instruction to the electronic shelf label corresponding to the product associated with the identified product code. The invention according to claim 9, in addition to the configuration described in claim 7 or 8, comprises a shelf tag location information storage unit that stores installation location information of the electronic shelf tag, and an in-store layout screen providing unit that provides an in-store layout screen that displays the positional relationship between the mobile information terminal and the electronic shelf tag, wherein when the distance between the mobile information terminal and the electronic shelf tag calculated based on the current location information and the installation location information is less than a predetermined switching distance, the designated product receiving unit receives the designated information, the shelf tag instruction unit sends the operation instruction toward the electronic shelf tag, and the operation screen providing unit sends the shelf tag operation screen toward the mobile information terminal, and the distance between the mobile information terminal and the electronic shelf tag If the distance is greater than or equal to the switching distance, even if the designated product receiving unit receives the designated information, the operation instruction is not sent from the shelf label instruction unit, and the shelf label operation screen is not sent from the operation screen providing unit. Instead, the store layout screen providing unit sends the store layout screen to the mobile information terminal. When the distance between the mobile information terminal and the electronic shelf label changes from greater than or equal to the switching distance to less than the switching distance while the designated product receiving unit has received the designated information, the sending of the store layout screen ends, and the operation switches to start sending the operation instruction to the electronic shelf label and the shelf label operation screen to the mobile information terminal. The invention according to claim 10 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 7 or 8, the active operation includes either the operation of the electronic shelf label flashing and emitting light in a specified color, the operation of lighting and emitting light, or the operation of generating sound from the electronic shelf label. The invention according to claim 11 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 7 or 8, the active operation automatically stops after a predetermined operating time has elapsed, and in the first half of the predetermined operating time the electronic shelf label flashes and emits light in a specified color, and then in the second half of the predetermined operating time it lights up and emits light in a specified color, or in the first half of the predetermined operating time the electronic shelf label lights up and emits light in a specified color, and then in the second half of the predetermined operating time it flashes and emits light in a specified color. The invention according to claim 12 is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration described in claim 9, it comprises an active operation transition notification sending unit that sends an active operation transition notification to the mobile information terminal, which generates a notification sound or vibrates the mobile information terminal, and when the distance between the mobile information terminal and the electronic shelf label switches from above the switching distance to below the switching distance, the active operation transition notification sending unit sends the active operation transition notification toward the mobile information terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] Claim 1 and 7 According to this invention, the electronic shelf label on the shelf where the desired product is located becomes active, making it more conspicuous than other electronic shelf labels, allowing the user to quickly find and pick up the product they are looking for. Furthermore, a shelf label operation screen displaying the details of the active operation is shown on the terminal, so the user only needs to aim for the electronic shelf label that is performing the active operation that matches the display on the terminal, allowing them to easily and accurately find the desired product. In other words, since the status of the active electronic shelf labels can be checked on the user's terminal, even if multiple electronic shelf labels are active, the user can correctly identify the correct electronic shelf label by checking the shelf label operation screen displayed on the terminal.

[0015] Furthermore, the active operation includes the electronic shelf label emitting light in a specified color, and within a predetermined range determined based on the terminal's position, the colors of light emitted by multiple electronic shelf labels performing the active operation are specified to be different. As a result, the frequency of multiple electronic shelf labels at a distance within the field of view emitting light in the same color is reduced, making it less likely for users to be confused about which electronic shelf label to approach if they are emitting the same color. In this way, it is extremely helpful when searching for a desired product among a large number of products.

[0016] Furthermore, each time a terminal sends specified information, a correspondence is formed between the terminal and the electronic shelf label that performs the active operation. This system does not limit the number of terminals that can be used and allows for flexible operation according to the number of users at any given time.

[0017] Claim 2 and 8According to this invention, a product image is analyzed to identify the desired product, and an electronic shelf label on the shelf where that product is located is activated. For example, if a product image printed on a flyer distributed in a store is captured, the electronic shelf label will activate, allowing the user to immediately go to the shelf where that product is located. Since it is sufficient to capture a product image without inputting a product code or reading a barcode on which a product code is recorded, users can form an image of the product through the product image, enabling intuitive use.

[0018] Claim 3 and 9 According to this invention, when the distance between the terminal and the electronic shelf label is short and less than a predetermined switching distance, the electronic shelf label is activated, and its operating status is displayed on the terminal, allowing the product to be found immediately. On the other hand, when the distance between the terminal and the electronic shelf label is greater than or equal to the switching distance, it is assumed that the electronic shelf label will not be recognized even if it is activated. Therefore, the electronic shelf label is not activated, and instead, a store layout screen showing the positional relationship between the terminal and the electronic shelf label is displayed on the terminal. The user can refer to the store layout screen to confirm the location of the desired product and proceed to that location. When the distance between the terminal and the electronic shelf label changes from greater than or equal to the switching distance to less than the switching distance, the display of the store layout screen ends, the electronic shelf label starts its active operation, and its operating status is displayed on the terminal. In this way, the operation of the electronic shelf label and the screen displayed on the terminal are switched appropriately, and the user is smoothly guided to the location of the desired product.

[0019] Claim 4 and 10 According to this invention, the active operation is performed not only by emitting light in a specified color, but also by flashing light or emitting sound, making it easier to find the electronic shelf label that is in active operation. Furthermore, by providing multiple different colors of light, flashing patterns, and sound patterns, it becomes possible to distinguish between many electronic shelf labels even when they are in active operation simultaneously.

[0020] Claim 5 and 11According to this invention, the active operation automatically stops after a predetermined operating time has elapsed. During the first half of the predetermined operating time, the electronic shelf label flashes in a specified color, and then during the second half of the predetermined operating time, it lights up in a specified color. Flashing makes it more noticeable, which helps in finding the target electronic shelf label. Also, because it switches to a steady light in the second half, it is possible to recognize that the active operation is about to stop. Furthermore, if the active operation lights up in the first half of the predetermined operating time and flashes in the second half, the transition from a steady light state to a flashing state allows for confirmation that the active operation is about to stop.

[0021] Claim 6 and 12 According to this invention, when the distance between the terminal and the electronic shelf label changes from above the switching distance to below the switching distance, the terminal emits a notification sound or vibrates, which serves as an opportunity for the user to pay attention to the terminal. Before and after this operation, the terminal screen switches from the store layout screen to a display showing the active operation status of the electronic shelf label, indicating that the user is near the desired product. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] This is a schematic block diagram of the product placement location display system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic functional block diagram of the product management server according to the same embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an example of a screen displayed on a store employee terminal or customer terminal according to the same embodiment, where (a) is the product code scanning screen and (b) is the shelf label operation screen showing the operating status of the electronic shelf label. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of how the electronic shelf labels according to the embodiment are installed on a product shelf. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a store layout screen displayed on a customer terminal according to the same embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic functional block diagram of the electronic shelf label according to the same embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic functional block diagram of the employee terminal according to the same embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic functional block diagram of a customer terminal according to the same embodiment. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the process in the product placement location display system according to the same embodiment, from the reading of the product order card by the store clerk's terminal to the activation of the electronic shelf label. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates the process in the product placement location display system according to the same embodiment, from the reading of product images by the customer terminal to the display of the in-store layout screen on the customer terminal, and then to the activation of the electronic shelf labels. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Embodiments of this invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10.

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a product placement location display system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This product placement location display system 1 includes a product management server 2 that manages products G within a store 100, and electronic shelf labels 41, 42, ... 4 installed on product shelves 101 where products G are placed. m (Hereinafter, this will be referred to as electronic shelf label 4, with the designation 4), staff terminals 51, 52, ... 5 held by staff members. k (Hereinafter, this will be referred to as employee terminal 5, with the designation 5) Customer terminals 61, 62, ... 6 held by customers purchasing product G n (Hereinafter referred to as customer terminal 6, with the designation 6) Multiple beacon terminals 71, 72, ... 7 installed within the store 100 that transmit beacon signals with location information via wireless communication. j The configuration involves a beacon terminal (hereinafter referred to as the beacon terminal 7, with the designation 7) and an administrator terminal 8 being connected via a communication line 9 such as the Internet.

[0025] Depending on the size of the store 100, approximately 100 beacon terminals 7 are often installed within the store 100. When a customer carrying a customer terminal 6 enters the store 100, the customer terminal 6 receives a beacon signal transmitted from the beacon terminal 7 and acquires location information. By acquiring this location information, the customer terminal 6 can read the name of the store 100 it entered and its current location within that store floor.

[0026] The administrator terminal 8 comprises an administrator terminal control unit 80, a product management information input unit 81, a shelf label location information input unit 82, and a communication unit 85.

[0027] When the administrator inputs product information, product inventory information, product placement location information, store layout information, and electronic shelf label management information into the administrator terminal 8, this information is sent from the product management information input unit 81 to the product management server 2 and stored in the product management server 2. The product information includes product code 103, product name 108, manufacturer, price, and association information between product code 103 and product G. The store layout information includes floor map, floor coordinate information, sales area name, sales area product categories, and product shelf location information. The electronic shelf label management information includes electronic shelf label display information, association information between product G and electronic shelf label 4, and association information between product shelf 101 and electronic shelf label 4.

[0028] Furthermore, when the administrator inputs the installation location information 120 of the electronic shelf label 4 into the administrator terminal 8, this information is sent from the shelf label location information input unit 82 to the product management server 2 and stored in the product management server 2.

[0029] When a customer hands an order card 107 to a cashier operating a cash register to purchase product G, the cashier selects product G corresponding to the order card from the product shelf 101 located behind them, hands it to the customer, and processes the payment. In this product placement display system 1, when the cashier takes a picture of the received order card 107 with the cashier terminal 5, the electronic shelf label 4 on the product shelf 101 where product G is located is activated to make it more visible.

[0030] Furthermore, when a customer takes a picture of product G printed on a flyer distributed at store 100 or a product order card 107 with their customer terminal 6, the electronic shelf label 4 on the product shelf 101 in the sales area where product G is located (as indicated by the photographed picture or product order card 107) becomes active, or a store layout screen 130 showing the location of that electronic shelf label 4 is displayed on the customer terminal 6.

[0031] Thus, both store employees possessing store employee terminal 5 and customers possessing customer terminal 6 can become users of this product placement location display system 1.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic functional block diagram of the product management server 2. This product management server 2 manages the inventory of product G within store 100, the placement of product G, the product shelves 101 on which product G is placed, and the electronic shelf labels 4 installed on the product shelves 101.

[0033] The product management server 2 is configured to include a server control unit 20, a product management information storage unit 21, a shelf tag location information storage unit 22, a designated product reception unit 24, an image analysis unit 25, a shelf tag instruction unit 27, an operation screen provision unit 28, a terminal location information reception unit 30, a store layout screen provision unit 32, an active operation transition notification transmission unit 33, and a communication unit 34, and a server device or a PC (Personal Computer) may be used.

[0034] The server control unit 20 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), a non-volatile storage device (auxiliary storage), and a volatile memory (RAM, Random Access Memory). The CPU performs program execution, arithmetic processing, and controls each element that makes up this product management server 2. The auxiliary storage device stores programs executed by the CPU and registration data, and uses HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) or SSDs (Solid State Drives). RAM is used as a work area for program execution and arithmetic processing by the CPU.

[0035] The product management information storage unit 21 stores product information, product inventory information, product placement location information, in-store layout information, and electronic shelf label management information. This information is entered from the administrator terminal 8.

[0036] The product information includes product code 103 that uniquely identifies product G, product name 108, manufacturer, price, and information relating product code 103 to product G.

[0037] Product inventory information includes the stock quantity, order information, and delivery schedule information for product G. Product location information includes the location information of product G within store 100 where it is located.

[0038] The in-store layout information includes a floor map of store 100, floor coordinate information that associates the floor map with location information within the floor, the name of the sales area, the product categories handled in the sales area, and product shelf location information which consists of information indicating the location and orientation of product shelves 101 and external dimensions indicating the width, height, and depth of product shelves 101.

[0039] The electronic shelf label management information includes display information of the electronic shelf label 4, such as the product name 108 and price displayed on the electronic shelf label 4, association information between product G and the electronic shelf label 4, and association information between product shelf 101 and the electronic shelf label 4.

[0040] The shelf label location information storage unit 22 stores the installation location information 120 of the electronic shelf labels 4 installed on the product shelves 101. This installation location information 120 of the electronic shelf labels 4 is input from the administrator terminal 8. If the electronic shelf labels 4 have a function to receive beacon signals and read location information, the installation location information 120 of the electronic shelf labels 4 may be automatically transmitted from the electronic shelf labels 4 to the product management server 2 and stored in the shelf label location information storage unit 22.

[0041] The designated product reception unit 24 receives designated information 102, which includes a product code 103 that is linked one-to-one with product G. The designated information 102 is sent from the store clerk terminal 5 or the customer terminal 6.

[0042] For example, when the barcode B or QR code of the product order card 107 used in exchange for product G is photographed using the store clerk terminal 5 or customer terminal 6, the product code 103 is detected from the photographed barcode B or QR code and transmitted to the product management server 2 as specified information 102.

[0043] Figure 3(a) is an example of a screen (product code scan screen 110) used by a store clerk terminal 5 or customer terminal 6 to photograph a product order card 107. In Figure 3(a), the "Inquiry Card" is the product order card 107, with the product name 108 displayed below the "Inquiry Card" label at the top, and the product image 104 printed below that. A barcode B, which records the product code 103 information, is also printed at the bottom of the order card 107. By simply photographing the product order card 107 containing the product code 103, the specified information 102 is automatically generated and sent from the store clerk terminal 5 or customer terminal 6.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, the image analysis unit 25 analyzes the product image 104 to identify the product code 103. The designated product information 102 received by the designated product reception unit 24 may include not only the product code 103 as a sequence of specific characters, numbers, or symbols, but also the product image 104. When the designated information 102 includes the product image 104, the image analysis unit 25 uses image processing such as image recognition or optical character recognition (OCR) technology to identify the product G and detect the product code 103 associated with that product G.

[0045] For example, even if a customer takes a picture of a flyer distributed at store 100 with a customer terminal 6, and the specified information 102, including the product image 104 printed on the flyer, is received by the specified product reception unit 24, the product code 103 corresponding to product G on the flyer will be identified. In addition, as shown in the example of the product code scan screen 110 in Figure 3(a), the image analysis unit 25 can also analyze the product name 108 and product image 104 of the image of the photographed product order card 107 to identify the product code 103.

[0046] The shelf label instruction unit 27 sends an operation instruction 105 to the electronic shelf label 4 on the product shelf 101 where product G, which is associated with product code 103 included in the specified information 102, is located, to perform an active operation.

[0047] Active actions are actions that make the electronic shelf label 4 stand out, and are performed by illuminating the electronic shelf label 4 in a specified color, changing the color of the illumination of the electronic shelf label 4, making the illumination of the electronic shelf label 4 blink, or emitting sound from the electronic shelf label 4. It is desirable that multiple colors can be specified for the illumination of the electronic shelf label 4, and it may be possible to specify six colors: red, green, blue, magenta, cyan, and yellow. The illumination of the electronic shelf label 4 includes both steady illumination and blinking. A large number of active action patterns can be constructed by combining the illumination color and the modes of illumination and blinking.

[0048] Furthermore, the operation instruction 105 also allows setting the operation time for the active operation; for example, it can be set to automatically stop after a predetermined operation time of 30 seconds. The operation of the electronic shelf label 4 may be changed within the predetermined operation time so that it blinks in a specified color during the first half of the predetermined operation time, and then lights up in a specified color during the second half of the predetermined operation time. Of course, the electronic shelf label 4 may also light up in the first half of the predetermined operation time, and then blink during the second half of the predetermined operation time.

[0049] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of how the electronic shelf label 4 is installed on the product shelf 101. Product G is placed on the product shelf 101, and the electronic shelf label 4, which displays the product name, price, etc., is installed in front of product G.

[0050] When the employee terminal 5 or customer terminal 6 reads the product order card 107, the product code 103 is detected from the product order card 107, and the specified information 102, including the detected product code 103, is sent to the product management server 2. The shelf label instruction unit 27 of the product management server 2 sends an operation instruction 105 to the electronic shelf label 4 of product G corresponding to product code 103, causing the electronic shelf label 4 to perform an active operation.

[0051] When the electronic shelf label 4 is to emit light in a specified color as an active operation, the shelf label instruction unit 27 sends an operation instruction 105 to the electronic shelf label 4, and within a predetermined range determined based on the position of the employee terminal 5 or customer terminal 6 that sent the specification information 102 to the product management server 2, the colors of the emission of multiple electronic shelf labels 4 performing the active operation are specified to be different.

[0052] For example, when the first employee terminal 5A or the first customer terminal 6A reads the product order card 107, a set width W is set along the product shelf 101 as a "predetermined range" centered on the position of the first employee terminal 5A or the first customer terminal 6A, and the electronic shelf labels 4 installed within this first set width Wa are activated and illuminate in a first color. The set width W can be a width such as 3 meters or 5 meters. If there is no electronic shelf label 4 for product G corresponding to the product code 103 of the read product order card 107 within this first set width Wa, the shelf label instruction unit 27 does not send an operation instruction 105, and instead displays the relationship between the position of the target electronic shelf label 4 and the position of the first employee terminal 5A or the first customer terminal 6A on the screen of terminal 5A or terminal 6A.

[0053] Next, when the second employee terminal 5B or the second customer terminal 6B reads another product order card 107, a set width W is set as a "predetermined range" centered on the position of the second employee terminal 5B or the second customer terminal 6B, and the electronic shelf labels 4 installed within this second set width Wb become active and emit light in a second color. At this time, a second color different from the first color is specified within this second set width Wb so that multiple electronic shelf labels 4 do not emit the same color.

[0054] Furthermore, if there is an overlap between the range of the first set width Wa and the second set width Wb, the electronic shelf label 4 may be specified to emit light in a second color different from the first color within the range of both the first set width Wa and the second set width Wb where the overlap occurs.

[0055] In this example, the set width W was set along the product shelf 101, but a circle with a set radius R centered on the position of the employee terminal 5 or customer terminal 6 that reads the product order card 107 may be defined as a "predetermined range," and the colors of the illumination of multiple electronic shelf labels 4 that perform active operations within this circle with a set radius R may be specified to be different.

[0056] The operation screen providing unit 28 shown in Figure 2 provides a shelf label operation screen 111, which displays the content of the active operation for the electronic shelf label 4, to the terminal (store clerk terminal 5 or customer terminal 6) that sent the specified information 102.

[0057] If the active operation instructed for the electronic shelf label 4 is to make it emit light in a specified color, that color may be displayed on the shelf label operation screen 111. Also, if the active operation is performed by making the electronic shelf label 4 blink, the shelf label operation screen 111 may be displayed blinking at the same frequency as the blinking pattern of the electronic shelf label 4. Furthermore, the blinking pattern of the electronic shelf label 4 and the blinking display on the shelf label operation screen 111 may be synchronized.

[0058] When the electronic shelf label 4 generates sound through active operation, for example, if the electronic shelf label 4 is set to generate the sound of numbers such as "one (1)", "two (2)", or "three (3)", the shelf label operation screen 111 may be configured to display those numbers.

[0059] Figure 3(b) is an example of a shelf label operation screen 111 that shows the operating status of the electronic shelf label 4 displayed on the employee terminal 5 or customer terminal 6. The shelf label operation screen 111 displays a photo of product G, product name 108, price, model number, manufacturer name, etc. The shelf label status display area 113 also displays the active operating status of the electronic shelf label 4. By referring to the shelf label status display area 113, for example, confirming that the electronic shelf label 4 is emitting a "cyan" color, and then finding another electronic shelf label 4 emitting the same "cyan" color, product G can be found in a short amount of time.

[0060] Additionally, if store 100 does not have the item in stock, the shelf label operation screen 111 will display that it is out of stock.

[0061] When the "Relight" button 112 on the shelf label operation screen 111 is pressed, the active operation of the electronic shelf label 4, which had automatically stopped after a predetermined operating time, resumes.

[0062] The terminal location information receiving unit 30 shown in Figure 2 receives the current location information 124 of the customer terminal 6. The store 100 is equipped with a beacon terminal 7 that emits a beacon signal to which location information is attached. When the customer terminal 6 receives this beacon signal, its current location is measured, and the measured current location information 124 of the customer terminal 6 is received by the terminal location information receiving unit 30. Alternatively, the current location information 124 of the customer terminal 6 may be measured by receiving a GPS signal with a GPS (Global Positioning System) module (not shown) built into the customer terminal 6.

[0063] The store layout screen providing unit 32 provides the customer terminal 6 with a store layout screen 130 that displays the positional relationship between the customer terminal 6 and the electronic shelf labels 4.

[0064] Figure 5 shows an example of a store layout screen 130 displayed on the customer terminal 6. This store layout screen 130 displays the customer terminal's current location 125, which indicates the customer terminal 6, and the electronic shelf label location 121, which indicates the electronic shelf label 4 of the desired product G. The customer can refer to this store layout screen 130 to find the location where product G is located.

[0065] The installation location information 120 of the electronic shelf label 4 associated with product G corresponding to product code 103 included in the specified information 102 sent from the customer terminal 6 to the product management server 2 can be retrieved from the shelf label location information storage unit 22 of the product management server 2. If the distance between the customer terminal 6 and the electronic shelf label 4, calculated based on the current location information 124 of the customer terminal 6 received by the terminal location information receiving unit 30 and the installation location information 120 of the electronic shelf label 4 retrieved from the shelf label location information storage unit 22, is less than a predetermined switching distance 140, such as 3 meters or 5 meters, then when the specified product receiving unit 24 receives the specified information 102, an operation instruction 105 is sent to the electronic shelf label 4 of product G associated with the specified product code 103, and the electronic shelf label 4 becomes active. At the same time, a shelf label operation screen 111 showing the operating status of the electronic shelf label 4 is provided and displayed to the customer terminal 6.

[0066] Furthermore, if the distance between the customer terminal 6 and the electronic shelf label 4 is 140 or more, when the designated product reception unit 24 receives the designated information 102, the store layout screen provision unit 32 sends the store layout screen 130 to the customer terminal 6 and displays it on the customer terminal 6. When the distance is 140 or more, it is assumed that even if the electronic shelf label 4 is activated, it will be difficult for the customer to notice. For this reason, even if the designated product reception unit 24 receives the designated information 102, the shelf label instruction unit 27 does not send an operation instruction 105 to the electronic shelf label 4, nor does the operation screen provision unit 28 send the shelf label operation screen 111 to the customer terminal 6.

[0067] When the designated product receiving unit 24 has received the designated information 102, and the customer terminal 6 approaches the target electronic shelf label 4, and the switching distance changes from 140 or more to less than 140, the sending of the in-store layout screen 130 ends, and instead, the operation switches to start sending the operation instruction 105 to the electronic shelf label 4 and the shelf label operation screen 111 to the customer terminal 6.

[0068] The active operation transition notification sending unit 33 shown in Figure 2 sends an active operation transition notification to the customer terminal 6 when the distance between the customer terminal 6 and the electronic shelf label 4 changes from a switching distance of 140 or more to a switching distance of less than 140. When the customer terminal 6 receives this notification, it notifies the customer that the display of the in-store layout screen 130 will end due to the occurrence of sound and vibration, the electronic shelf label 4 will start active operation and the shelf label operation screen 111 will be displayed. In other words, it notifies the customer holding the customer terminal 6 that they have approached the electronic shelf label 4 of the desired product G.

[0069] The communication unit 34 transmits and receives data to and from the outside via the communication line 9.

[0070] Figure 6 is a schematic functional block diagram of the electronic shelf label 4. This electronic shelf label 4 is configured to include a shelf label control unit 40, a storage unit 41, a display unit 42, a light-emitting unit 43, a sound generation unit 44, an operation instruction receiving unit 45, and a communication unit 48. The electronic shelf label 4 can use commercially available devices.

[0071] The shelf label control unit 40 is configured to include a CPU (not shown), non-volatile memory such as flash memory, and RAM. The CPU controls each element that makes up the electronic shelf label 4.

[0072] The memory unit 41 stores information such as the product name 108, model number, price, and other display content instructions that are sent from the product management server 2.

[0073] The display unit 42 displays the product name 108, price, etc., based on the display content information stored in the memory unit 41. A display device such as a color LCD is used for this display unit 42.

[0074] The light-emitting unit 43 is also used as a display unit 42, which is composed of a color LCD or the like, and can light up or blink in a specified color. When an operation instruction 105 is sent from the product management server 2, the light-emitting unit 43 lights up or blinks in the specified color according to the content of the instructed active operation. The light-emitting unit 43 may use a light-emitting element such as an LED in addition to the display unit 42.

[0075] The voice generation unit 44 functions as a speaker and generates sound. When an operation instruction 105 is sent from the product management server 2, the voice generation unit 44 emits sound according to the content of the instructed active operation.

[0076] The operation instruction receiving unit 45 receives an operation instruction 105 for active operation.

[0077] The communication unit 48 communicates with the product management server 2.

[0078] The electronic shelf label 4 may be equipped with a wireless module such as Bluetooth® that receives beacon signals, and may receive beacon signals transmitted from a beacon terminal 7 installed in the store 100 to obtain installation location information 120 of the electronic shelf label 4. The installation location information 120 of the electronic shelf label 4 measured in this way may be sent from the communication unit 48 to the product management server 2 and stored in the shelf label location information storage unit 22.

[0079] Figure 7 is a schematic functional block diagram of the employee terminal 5. This employee terminal 5 is a terminal carried by an employee. The employee receives a product order card 107 from a customer who has brought it to the checkout counter where the cash register is installed to purchase a product. The employee then picks up the product G corresponding to the order card 107 from the product shelf 101 located behind the checkout counter and hands it to the customer, and also processes the payment for the product G. When the employee takes a picture of the product package they hand to the customer with the employee terminal 5, that information is sent to the product management server 2 and reflected in the inventory management information.

[0080] This employee terminal 5 is configured to include an employee terminal control unit 50, an imaging unit 51, an input unit 52, a display unit 53, a specified product information transmission unit 54, an operation screen reception unit 55, and a communication unit 57, and a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone is used.

[0081] The employee terminal control unit 50 is configured to include a CPU (not shown), non-volatile memory such as flash memory, and RAM. The CPU performs tasks such as program execution, arithmetic processing, and control of each element that makes up the employee terminal 5.

[0082] The imaging unit 51 performs the function of a camera and captures images. The image sensor of this imaging unit 51 may be a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) area sensor or a CCD (Charged-Coupled Device) area sensor, etc.

[0083] The input unit 52 is used for inputting characters, numbers, and symbols. The display unit 53 displays screens such as the product code scan screen 110 (see Figure 3(a)) and the shelf label operation screen 111 (see Figure 3(b)). Display devices such as a touch panel LCD or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) are used in this display unit 53. The input unit 52 is composed of the touch panel of this touch panel LCD, etc.

[0084] The designated product information transmission unit 54 transmits designated information 102, including the product code 103 of the desired product G, to the product management server 2. When the imaging unit 51 photographs a product order card 107, etc., on which a barcode B or two-dimensional code is printed and on which the product code 103 is recorded (see product code scan screen 110 (Figure 3(a))), the product code 103 is read from the image of the captured barcode B, etc., and designated information 102 is constructed.

[0085] The operation screen reception unit 55 receives the shelf label operation screen 111 (see Figure 3(b)) sent from the product management server 2. The status of the active electronic shelf labels 4 can be confirmed through the shelf label operation screen 111.

[0086] The communications unit 57 transmits and receives data to and from the outside via the communications line 9.

[0087] Furthermore, the employee terminal 5 may be equipped with a function to measure location information by receiving beacon signals transmitted from the beacon terminal 7 or by receiving GPS signals.

[0088] Figure 8 is a schematic functional block diagram of the customer terminal 6. This customer terminal 6 is configured to include a customer terminal control unit 60, an input unit 61, an imaging unit 62, a display unit 63, a specified product information transmission unit 65, a location information measurement unit 66, a location information transmission unit 67, an operation screen reception unit 68, a store layout screen reception unit 69, an active operation transition notification reception unit 70, a voice generation unit 71, a vibration generation unit 72, and a communication unit 73. A mobile information terminal such as a smartphone is used as the customer terminal 6.

[0089] The customer terminal control unit 60 is configured to include a CPU, flash memory, and RAM (not shown). The CPU performs tasks such as executing programs and controlling each element that makes up the customer terminal 6.

[0090] The input unit 61 is used for inputting characters, numbers, and symbols. The imaging unit 62 uses a CMOS area sensor or the like and is used for capturing images. The display unit 63 displays screens such as the product code scan screen 110 (see Figure 3(a)), the shelf label operation screen 111 (see Figure 3(b)), and the store layout screen 130 (see Figure 5). This display unit 63 uses an LCD with a touch panel or the like. The input unit 61 is composed of the touch panel of this LCD with a touch panel or the like.

[0091] The designated product information transmission unit 65 transmits designated information 102, including the product code 103 of the desired product G, to the product management server 2. When a product order card 107 or the like is photographed by the imaging unit 62 (see product code scan screen 110 (Figure 3(a))), the product code 103 is read from the image to form the designated information 102. Alternatively, a product image 104, which is a photograph of product G printed on a flyer or the like, can be used as the designated information 102. This product image 104 included in the designated information 102 is analyzed by the product management server 2 to identify product G and detect its product code 103.

[0092] The location information measurement unit 66 measures the current location information 124 of the customer terminal 6. The current location information 124 may be measured using a beacon signal containing location information transmitted from a beacon terminal 7 installed in the store 100, or it may be measured using location information measured by a GPS module (not shown) built into the customer terminal 6. A wireless module such as Bluetooth® is used to receive the beacon signal.

[0093] The location information transmission unit 67 transmits the current location information 124 of the customer terminal 6 to the product management server 2.

[0094] The operation screen reception unit 68 receives the shelf label operation screen 111 (see Figure 3(b)) sent from the product management server 2. This shelf label operation screen 111 allows confirmation of the status of the active electronic shelf labels 4.

[0095] The store layout screen reception unit 69 receives the store layout screen 130 (see Figure 5) sent from the product management server 2. This store layout screen 130 allows the customer to confirm the current location of their terminal 125 and the location of the electronic shelf label 4 for the desired product G on a map of the store 100.

[0096] The active operation transition notification receiving unit 70 receives active operation transition notifications sent from the product management server 2.

[0097] The sound generation unit 71 functions as a speaker and generates sound. The vibration generation unit 72 vibrates the customer terminal 6.

[0098] When the Active Operation Transition Notification Receiving Unit 70 receives an Active Operation Transition Notification, it notifies the system that the Active Operation Transition Notification has been received by using a notification sound emitted from the Voice Generation Unit 71 and vibrations from the Vibration Generation Unit 72.

[0099] The communications unit 73 transmits and receives data to and from the outside via the communications line 9.

[0100] Next, the operation of the product placement location display system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0101] Figure 9 illustrates the process in this product placement location display system 1, from the reading of the product order card 107 by the store clerk terminal 5 to the activation of the electronic shelf label 4.

[0102] When a store clerk receives a product order card 107 from a customer and reads the order card 107 with the clerk terminal 5 (step S1) (see product code scan screen 110 shown in Figure 3(a)), the product code 103 is detected from the barcode B portion included in the image of the order card 107. The clerk terminal 5 then composes the specified information 102, which includes this product code 103, and sends it to the product management server 2.

[0103] When the product management server 2 receives the specified information 102 (step S2), it refers to the association information between product code 103 and product G in the product information stored in the product management information storage unit 21 to identify product G associated with product code 103 included in the specified information 102 (step S3). It also refers to the association information between product G and electronic shelf label 4 in the electronic shelf label management information stored in the product management information storage unit 21 to identify the electronic shelf label 4 installed on the product shelf 101 where product G is located (step S4). Then, the product management server 2 sends an operation instruction 105 to perform an active operation toward the identified electronic shelf label 4 (step S5).

[0104] When the electronic shelf label 4 receives this operation instruction 105 (step S6), it starts an active operation based on the instruction 105 (step S7). This active operation automatically stops after a predetermined operating time, such as 30 seconds, has elapsed (step S8).

[0105] When the product management server 2 sends an operation instruction 105 to the electronic shelf label 4 (step S5), it configures a shelf label operation screen 111 that shows the operating status of the electronic shelf label 4 due to active operation (step S9), and provides the screen 111 to the store employee terminal 5 (step S10).

[0106] When the store clerk terminal 5 receives the shelf label operation screen 111 (step S11), it displays it on the display unit 53 (step S12) (see shelf label operation screen 111 shown in Figure 3(b)).

[0107] Figure 10 illustrates the process from the reading of the product image 104 by the customer terminal 6, to the display of the store layout screen 130 on the customer terminal 6, and then to the activation of the electronic shelf label 4.

[0108] When a customer inside store 100 uses customer terminal 6 to capture and import a product image 104 printed on a flyer (step S21), specified information 102 including the product image 104 is sent to product management server 2.

[0109] When the product management server 2 receives the specified information 102 (step S22), it performs image analysis on the product image 104 included in the specified information 102 (step S23), identifies the product G indicated by the product image 104, and obtains the product code 103 of the product G indicated by the product image 104 by referring to the association information between the product code 103 and product G in the product information stored in the product management information storage unit 21 (step S24). It also identifies the electronic shelf label 4 installed on the product shelf 101 where the product G is located by referring to the association information between the product G and the electronic shelf label 4 in the electronic shelf label management information stored in the product management information storage unit 21 (step S25).

[0110] In step S21, after the customer terminal 6 captures a product image 104 and sends the specified information 102 to the product management server 2, the customer terminal 6's current location information 124 is subsequently sent from the customer terminal 6 to the product management server 2 (step S26).

[0111] The product management server 2 calculates the distance between the customer terminal's current location 125, indicated by the customer terminal's current location information 124, and the electronic shelf label location 121 of the electronic shelf label 4 for product G, indicated by the product image 104, and determines whether this distance is greater than or equal to a predetermined switching distance 140 (step S27).

[0112] If the distance between the customer terminal's current location 125 and the electronic shelf label location 121 is less than the switching distance 140 (No. in step S27), the product management server 2 sends an operation instruction 105 to the electronic shelf label 4 for product G indicated by the product image 104 (step S36), causing the electronic shelf label 4 to perform an active operation.

[0113] If the distance between the customer terminal's current location 125 and the electronic shelf label location 121 is greater than or equal to the switching distance 140 (Yes in step S27), the product management server 2 configures a store layout screen 130 that displays the customer terminal's current location 125 and the electronic shelf label location 121 (step S28), and sends the configured store layout screen 130 to the customer terminal 6 (step S29).

[0114] When customer terminal 6 receives this in-store layout screen 130, it displays it on the screen (step S30).

[0115] The customer terminal 6 continues to send current location information 124 (step S31), and the product management server 2 determines whether the distance between the customer terminal's current location 125 and the electronic shelf label location 121 is greater than or equal to the switching distance 140 (step S32).

[0116] While the switching distance is 140 or more (Yes in step S32), the configuration of the in-store layout screen 130 (step S28) and sending to the customer terminal 6 (step S29) are repeated.

[0117] When the distance between the customer terminal's current location 125 and the electronic shelf label location 121 becomes less than the switching distance of 140 (No. in step S32), the product management server 2 sends an active operation transition notification to the customer terminal 6 (step S33). When the customer terminal 6 receives this active operation transition notification (step S34), it performs an action in response to the active operation transition notification, such as a notification sound or vibration, to inform the customer that the notification has been received (step S35).

[0118] Subsequently, the product management server 2 sends an operation instruction 105 to the target electronic shelf label 4 (step S36). When the electronic shelf label 4 receives this operation instruction 105 (step S39), it starts an active operation based on the content of the operation instruction 105 (step S40). This active operation automatically stops after a predetermined operating time has elapsed (step S41).

[0119] The product management server 2 configures a shelf label operation screen 111 that shows the operating status of the electronic shelf label 4 in active operation (step S37) and sends it to the customer terminal 6 (step S38). When the customer terminal 6 receives this shelf label operation screen 111 (step S42), it is displayed on the screen (step S43).

[0120] Next, the effects of the embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0121] According to this embodiment, the electronic shelf label 4 on the shelf 101 where the desired product G is located becomes active, making that electronic shelf label 4 more conspicuous than other electronic shelf labels 4, allowing the customer to quickly find and pick up the product G they are looking for. Furthermore, since the shelf label operation screen 111, which displays the details of the active operation, is displayed on the terminal (employee terminal 5 or customer terminal 6), the customer only needs to aim for the electronic shelf label 4 that is performing the active operation that matches the display on the terminal, allowing them to easily and accurately find the desired product G. In other words, since the status of the active electronic shelf label 4 can be confirmed on the customer's terminal (employee terminal 5 or customer terminal 6), even if multiple electronic shelf labels 4 are performing active operations, the customer can correctly identify the electronic shelf label 4 by checking the shelf label operation screen 111 displayed on the terminal.

[0122] Furthermore, the active operation includes the electronic shelf label 4 emitting light in a specified color, and within a predetermined range determined based on the position of the terminal (employee terminal 5 or customer terminal 6), the colors of light emitted by multiple electronic shelf labels 4 performing the active operation are specified to be different. As a result, the frequency of multiple electronic shelf labels 4 at a distance from each other in the field of view emitting light in the same color is reduced, making it less likely for the user to be confused about which electronic shelf label 4 to approach if they are all emitting the same color. In this way, it is extremely useful when searching for a desired product G from among many products G.

[0123] Furthermore, each time a terminal (employee terminal 5 or customer terminal 6) sends out the specified information 102, a correspondence is formed between the terminal and the active electronic shelf label 4. This system does not limit the number of terminals that can be used and allows for flexible operation according to the number of employees or customers at any given time.

[0124] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the desired product G is identified by analyzing the product image 104, and the electronic shelf label 4 on the product shelf 101 where the product G is located is activated. For example, if a product image 104 printed on a flyer distributed in the store 100 is captured, the electronic shelf label 4 is activated, allowing the user to immediately go to the product shelf 101 where the product G is located. Since it is sufficient to capture the product image 104 without inputting the product code 103 or reading the barcode B on which the product code 103 is recorded, customers can form an image of the product G through the product image 104, enabling intuitive use.

[0125] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if the distance between the customer terminal 6 and the electronic shelf label 4 is close and less than a predetermined switching distance of 140, the electronic shelf label 4 is activated, and its operating status is displayed on the customer terminal 6, allowing the customer to quickly find product G. On the other hand, if the distance between the customer terminal 6 and the electronic shelf label 4 is 140 or more, it is assumed that the electronic shelf label 4 will not be recognized even if it is activated. Therefore, the electronic shelf label 4 is not activated, and instead, a store layout screen 130 showing the positional relationship between the customer terminal 6 and the electronic shelf label 4 is displayed on the customer terminal 6. The customer can refer to the store layout screen 130 to confirm the location of the desired product G and go to that location. When the distance between the customer terminal 6 and the electronic shelf label 4 changes from 140 or more to less than 140, the display of the store layout screen 130 ends, the electronic shelf label 4 starts its active operation, and its operating status is displayed on the customer terminal 6. In this way, the operation of the electronic shelf label 4 and the screen displayed on the customer terminal 6 switch appropriately, and the customer is smoothly guided to the location of the desired product G.

[0126] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the active operation is performed not only by emitting light in a specified color, but also by flashing light or emitting sound, making it easier to find the electronic shelf label 4 that is in active operation. In addition, by providing multiple different colors of light, flashing patterns of light, and sound patterns, it becomes possible to distinguish between them even when many electronic shelf labels 4 are in active operation simultaneously.

[0127] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the active operation automatically stops after a predetermined operating time has elapsed. In the first half of the predetermined operating time, the electronic shelf label 4 flashes in a specified color, and then in the second half of the predetermined operating time, it lights up in a specified color. Flashing makes it more noticeable, which helps in finding the target electronic shelf label 4. Also, since it switches to lighting up in the second half, it is possible to recognize that the active operation is about to stop. In addition, if the active operation lights up in the first half of the predetermined operating time and flashes in the second half, the transition from the lit state to the flashing state allows for confirmation that the active operation is about to stop.

[0128] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the distance between the customer terminal 6 and the electronic shelf label 4 changes from a switching distance of 140 or more to a switching distance of less than 140, the customer terminal 6 emits a notification sound or vibrates, which serves as an opportunity for the customer to pay attention to the customer terminal 6. Before and after this operation, the terminal screen switches from the in-store layout screen 130 to a display showing the active operation status of the electronic shelf label 4, indicating that the customer is near the desired product G.

[0129] It should be noted that the above embodiments do not limit the present invention, and each component can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0130] Furthermore, while the present invention was applied to the sales of product G in store 100 in this embodiment, other applications are also possible, for example, to parts management in a factory. In this case, product G should be replaced with parts, and product shelf 101 should be replaced with parts shelf. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0131] 1…Product placement location display system, 2…Product management server, 4,41,42,···4 m …Electronic shelf label, 5,5A,5B,51,52,...5 k ...Shop staff terminal, 6, 6A, 6B, 61, 62, ...6 n ...Customer terminals, 7, 71, 72, ...7 j ...beacon terminal, 8...administrator terminal, 9...communication line, 20...server control unit, 21...product management information storage unit, 22...shelf tag location information storage unit, 24...specified product reception unit, 25...image analysis unit, 27...shelf tag instruction unit, 28...operation screen provision unit, 30...terminal location information reception unit, 32...in-store layout screen provision unit, 33...active operation transition notification transmission unit, 34...communication unit, 40...shelf tag control unit, 41...storage unit, 42...display unit, 43...Light-emitting unit, 44...Sound generation unit, 45...Operation instruction reception unit, 48...Communication unit, 50...Store clerk terminal control unit, 51...Image capture unit, 52...Input unit, 53...Display unit, 54...Specified product information transmission unit, 55...Operation screen reception unit, 57...Communication unit, 60...Customer terminal control unit, 61...Input unit, 62...Image capture unit, 63...Display unit, 65...Specified product information transmission unit, 66...Location information measurement unit, 67...Location information transmission unit, 68...Operation screen reception unit, 69 ...Store layout screen reception unit, 70...Active operation transition notification reception unit, 71...Voice generation unit, 72...Vibration generation unit, 73...Communication unit, 80...Administrator terminal control unit, 81...Product management information input unit, 82...Shelf tag location information input unit, 85...Communication unit, 100...Store, 101...Product shelf, 102...Specified information, 103...Product code, 104...Product image, 105...Operation instruction, 107...Product order card, 108...Product name, 11 0...Product code scan screen, 111...Shelf label operation screen, 112..."Relight" button, 113...Shelf label status display area, 120...Electronic shelf label installation location information, 121...Electronic shelf label location, 124...Customer terminal current location information, 125...Customer terminal current location, 130...Store layout screen, 140...Switching distance, B...Barcode, G...Product, W...Set width, Wa...First set width, Wb...Second set width, R...Set radius

Claims

1. A server for a product placement location display system that guides users to the product shelf where the desired product is located, A designated product reception unit that receives designated information including a product code transmitted from a mobile information terminal, which is either a store employee terminal or a customer terminal, A terminal location information receiving unit that receives the current location information of the mobile information terminal that sent the specified information, A shelf label instruction unit sends an operation instruction to the electronic shelf label of the product shelf where the product linked to the product code included in the designated information received by the designated product reception unit is located, causing it to perform an active operation. The system includes a shelf label operation screen that displays the content of the active operation for the electronic shelf label, and an operation screen providing unit that provides the configured shelf label operation screen to the portable information terminal, The active operation is an operation to make the electronic shelf label stand out, and includes an operation to make the electronic shelf label flash and light up in at least the color specified by the operation instruction, The shelf label operation screen includes a color image that displays the colors that cause the electronic shelf label to flash and a photographic image of the product associated with the product code, and the flashing display of the color image is configured to synchronize with the flashing pattern of the electronic shelf label's flashing light. The shelf label instruction unit is configured to send the operation instruction to the electronic shelf label if the electronic shelf label is located within a predetermined range set to be within 5 meters from the location of the portable information terminal. A server for a product placement location display system, characterized in that, when there is an overlap between a first range which is within the predetermined range from the position of the first mobile information terminal and a second range which is within the predetermined range from the position of the second mobile information terminal, the color of the light emitted by the first electronic shelf label that performs the active operation based on the designated information transmitted from the first mobile information terminal and the color of the light emitted by the second electronic shelf label that performs the active operation based on the designated information transmitted from the second mobile information terminal are specified to be different within the range including the first range and the second range.

2. The system includes an image analysis unit that identifies the product code by performing image analysis on the product image. If the designated information received by the designated product reception department includes the product image, The aforementioned image analysis unit, The product code is identified by performing the image analysis on the product image included in the specified information. The shelf label indicator unit is, A server for the product placement location display system according to claim 1, characterized in that it sends the operation instruction to the electronic shelf label corresponding to the product linked to the identified product code.

3. A shelf label location information storage unit stores the installation location information of the aforementioned electronic shelf labels, The system includes a store layout screen providing unit that provides a store layout screen displaying the positional relationship between the aforementioned mobile information terminal and the aforementioned electronic shelf labels. If the distance between the mobile information terminal and the electronic shelf label, calculated based on the current location information and the installation location information, is less than a predetermined switching distance, When the designated product receiving unit receives the designated information, The shelf label instruction unit sends the operation instruction toward the electronic shelf label, The aforementioned operation screen providing unit sends the shelf label operation screen to the mobile information terminal. If the distance between the portable information terminal and the electronic shelf label is greater than or equal to the switching distance, Even if the designated product receiving unit receives the designated information, The operation instruction is not sent from the shelf label instruction unit, and the shelf label operation screen is not sent from the operation screen provision unit. Instead, the store layout screen providing unit sends the store layout screen to the mobile information terminal. The server for the product placement location display system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the designated product receiving unit has received the designated information, and the distance between the mobile information terminal and the electronic shelf label changes from above the switching distance to below the switching distance, the transmission of the in-store layout screen ends, and the transmission of the operation instructions to the electronic shelf label and the transmission of the shelf label operation screen to the mobile information terminal begins.

4. The server for the product placement location display system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the active operation includes, in addition to the operation of the electronic shelf label flashing and emitting light in a specified color, either the operation of illuminating light or the operation of generating sound from the electronic shelf label.

5. The aforementioned active operation is designed to automatically stop after a predetermined operating time has elapsed. During the first half of the predetermined operating time, the electronic shelf label flashes in a specified color, and then during the second half of the predetermined operating time, it lights up in a specified color. Alternatively, the server for the product placement location display system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electronic shelf label lights up in a specified color during the first half of the predetermined operating time, and then flashes in a specified color during the second half of the predetermined operating time.

6. The mobile information terminal is equipped with an active operation transition notification sending unit that sends an active operation transition notification that generates a notification sound or vibrates the mobile information terminal, The server for the product placement location display system according to claim 3, characterized in that when the distance between the mobile information terminal and the electronic shelf label switches from being greater than or equal to the switching distance to being less than the switching distance, the active operation transition notification sending unit sends the active operation transition notification to the mobile information terminal.

7. A product placement location display system that guides users to the product shelf where the desired product is located, The server is A designated product reception unit that receives designated information including a product code transmitted from a mobile information terminal, which is either a store employee terminal or a customer terminal, A terminal location information receiving unit that receives the current location information of the mobile information terminal that sent the specified information, A shelf label instruction unit sends an operation instruction to the electronic shelf label of the product shelf where the product linked to the product code included in the designated information received by the designated product reception unit is located, causing it to perform an active operation. The system includes a shelf label operation screen that displays the content of the active operation for the electronic shelf label, and an operation screen providing unit that provides the configured shelf label operation screen to the portable information terminal, The aforementioned mobile information terminal is An imaging unit that captures an image containing the product code of the aforementioned product, A designated product information transmission unit transmits the designated information, which is configured to include the product code, from the captured image to the server, An operation screen receiving unit that receives the shelf label operation screen provided from the server, It includes a portable information terminal display unit that displays the shelf tag operation screen that has been received, The aforementioned electronic shelf labels are An operation instruction receiving unit that receives the operation instructions sent from the server, The system includes an electronic shelf label light-emitting unit that emits light in accordance with the active operation based on the received operation instruction, The active operation is an operation to make the electronic shelf label stand out, and includes an operation to make the electronic shelf label flash and light up in at least the color specified by the operation instruction, The shelf label operation screen includes a color image that displays the colors that cause the electronic shelf label to flash and a photographic image of the product associated with the product code, and the flashing display of the color image is configured to synchronize with the flashing pattern of the electronic shelf label's flashing light. The shelf label instruction unit is configured to send the operation instruction to the electronic shelf label if the electronic shelf label is located within a predetermined range set to be within 5 meters from the location of the portable information terminal. A product placement location display system characterized in that, when there is an overlap between a first range which is within the predetermined range from the position of the first mobile information terminal and a second range which is within the predetermined range from the position of the second mobile information terminal, the color of the light emitted by the first electronic shelf label which performs the active operation based on the designated information transmitted from the first mobile information terminal and the color of the light emitted by the second electronic shelf label which performs the active operation based on the designated information transmitted from the second mobile information terminal are specified to be different within the range including the first range and the second range.

8. The server comprises an image analysis unit that identifies the product code by performing image analysis on the product image, If the designated information received by the designated product reception department includes the product image, The aforementioned image analysis unit, The product code is identified by performing the image analysis on the product image included in the specified information. The shelf label indicator unit is, The product placement location display system according to claim 7, characterized in that it sends the operation instruction to the electronic shelf label corresponding to the product linked to the identified product code.

9. The server is A shelf label location information storage unit stores the installation location information of the aforementioned electronic shelf labels, The system includes a store layout screen providing unit that provides a store layout screen displaying the positional relationship between the aforementioned mobile information terminal and the aforementioned electronic shelf labels. If the distance between the mobile information terminal and the electronic shelf label, calculated based on the current location information and the installation location information, is less than a predetermined switching distance, When the designated product receiving unit receives the designated information, The shelf label instruction unit sends the operation instruction toward the electronic shelf label, The aforementioned operation screen providing unit sends the shelf label operation screen to the mobile information terminal. If the distance between the portable information terminal and the electronic shelf label is greater than or equal to the switching distance, Even if the designated product receiving unit receives the designated information, The operation instruction is not sent from the shelf label instruction unit, and the shelf label operation screen is not sent from the operation screen provision unit. Instead, the store layout screen providing unit sends the store layout screen to the mobile information terminal. The product placement location display system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, when the designated product receiving unit has received the designated information, and the distance between the mobile information terminal and the electronic shelf label changes from greater than or equal to the switching distance to less than the switching distance, the transmission of the in-store layout screen ends, and the transmission of the operation instructions to the electronic shelf label and the transmission of the shelf label operation screen to the mobile information terminal begin.

10. The product placement location display system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the active operation includes either the operation of the electronic shelf label flashing in a specified color, the operation of illuminating, or the operation of generating sound from the electronic shelf label.

11. The aforementioned active operation is designed to automatically stop after a predetermined operating time has elapsed. During the first half of the predetermined operating time, the electronic shelf label flashes in a specified color, and then during the second half of the predetermined operating time, it lights up in a specified color. Alternatively, the product placement location display system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the electronic shelf label lights up in a specified color during the first half of the predetermined operating time, and then flashes in a specified color during the second half of the predetermined operating time.

12. The mobile information terminal is equipped with an active operation transition notification sending unit that sends an active operation transition notification that generates a notification sound or vibrates the mobile information terminal, The product placement location display system according to claim 9, characterized in that when the distance between the mobile information terminal and the electronic shelf label switches from being greater than or equal to the switching distance to being less than the switching distance, the active operation transition notification sending unit sends the active operation transition notification to the mobile information terminal.

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