Electronic shelf labels, systems, and programs

Abstract

To reduce the workload of a clerk.SOLUTION: An electronic shelf tag is capable of displaying article identification information that identifies articles. The electronic shelf tag includes acquisition means and change means. The acquisition means acquires a change instruction to change a display mode from a normal display to a display for store clerks. The change means changes the display mode of a part of the article identification information to the display for store clerks, which is different from the display mode in the normal display, when the change instruction is acquired by the acquisition means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic shelf label, a system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, product identification information for identifying products, such as barcodes and numbers (readable characters), has been described on product packaging. Also, in stores, when selling products, shelf labels with prices and the like of the products are placed on the product shelves where the products are stored. Shelf labels include not only ordinary paper-based shelf labels but also electronic shelf labels whose displayed prices and the like can be changed remotely. The same product identification information as that attached to the product stored in the product shelf is displayed on the electronic shelf label (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Thereby, when a product on the product shelf runs out, a store clerk can use a predetermined device such as a handy terminal to read the product identification information and order the product indicated by the product identification information.

[0003] When the products on the product shelf become scarce, replenishment work is performed by the store clerk. In the replenishment work, the store clerk may confirm the numerical part of the product identification information attached to the product and perform replenishment of the product. The reason the store clerk checks the numerical part is to prevent replenishing a product that does not match the product indicated by the electronic shelf label because even products of the same brand may have different product identification information if their contents are different.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, with conventional technology, during replenishment work, it was sometimes difficult for store employees to determine whether the product identification information attached to the product matched the product identification information attached to the electronic shelf label, which could increase the workload for the employees.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that can reduce the workload of store employees. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems, an electronic shelf label according to one aspect of the present invention is an electronic shelf label capable of displaying product identification information for identifying a product, comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring a change instruction to change from a normal display to a display for store staff; and a change means for changing at least a portion of the product identification information to a display for store staff that is a display configuration different from the display configuration in the normal display, upon acquisition of the change instruction by the acquisition means.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a system comprising an electronic shelf label capable of displaying product identification information and an external device connectable to the electronic shelf label, wherein the external device transmits a change instruction to change from a normal display to a display for store staff, and the electronic shelf label comprises an acquisition means for acquiring the change instruction transmitted from the external device, and a change means for changing at least a portion of the product identification information to a display for store staff that is a different display from the display in the normal display, upon acquisition of the change instruction by the acquisition means.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer used in an electronic shelf label capable of displaying product identification information to function as an acquisition means for acquiring a change instruction to change from a normal display to a display for store staff, and a change means for changing at least a portion of the product identification information to a display for store staff that is a different display from the display in the normal display, upon acquisition of the change instruction by the acquisition means. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing the network configuration of the shelf label management system 1 according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows an example of the hardware configuration of the electronic shelf label 130. [Figure 3] This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the shelf label management system 1. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing examples of the normal display and the display for store staff that can be seen on the electronic shelf label 130. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the change time DB101. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of the display change process performed by the electronic shelf label 130. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the handheld terminal device 120. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example 1 of the normal display and the display for store staff shown on the electronic shelf label 130. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example 2 of the normal display and the display for store staff shown on the electronic shelf label 130. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example 3 in which the display is switched between a normal display and a display for store staff depending on the installation direction of the electronic shelf label 130. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (Embodiment) (Network configuration of shelf label management system 1) Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the network configuration of the shelf label management system 1 according to an embodiment. The shelf label management system 1 (an example of a system) can be installed in various stores St such as supermarkets, home centers, convenience stores, and general merchandise stores.

[0012] In Figure 1, the shelf label management system 1 includes a shelf label management server 100, a store controller 110, a handheld terminal device 120, and electronic shelf labels 130. Each device is connected to the others via a network 140 for communication. Of these devices, the store controller 110, the handheld terminal device 120, and the electronic shelf labels 130 are located in the store St. Each device is a computer device equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a communication unit, etc.

[0013] The shelf label management server 100 includes a shelf label management DB (database) 101 (see Figure 5), which will be described later. The shelf label management server 100 manages the electronic shelf labels 130 placed on the product shelves for each store St. The shelf label management server 100 may be located within the store St, or it may be located in a different location from the store St. The shelf label management server 100 may also be a device located above each device located within the store St. The device located above may, for example, be a headquarters server located at the headquarters that oversees the chain of stores if the store St is a chain of stores. The device located above may also be an external cloud server.

[0014] The store controller 110 stores various types of information necessary for transactions such as the product master. The product master is a file that stores product information such as product identification information (e.g., JAN (Japanese Article Number) code), product name, selling price, and weight of each product. The JAN code is represented by, for example, 13 digits. Also, the product master includes product identification information of products that require weighing (weighing target products), product names, unit prices of weighing target products, etc. In addition to the product master, the store controller 110 manages the display content of the electronic shelf label 130 and also stores the inventory status of various products, the deposit and withdrawal records of the POS (Point Of Sales) terminal device, and the sales history based on the deposit and withdrawal records, etc. The store controller 110 receives inputs regarding various setting contents of the electronic shelf label 130 and transmits them to the shelf label management server 100. Thereby, the shelf label management server 100 can manage the shelf label 130 for each store St.

[0015] The handy terminal device 120 is a portable terminal device carried by store clerks. The handy terminal device 120 is used for product ordering operations and inventory checks. In the product ordering operation, the handy terminal device 120 can read the product identification information (barcode or two-dimensional code) attached to the electronic shelf label or the like and place an order for the product. In the inventory check operation, the handy terminal device 120 totals the inventory quantity, etc. In addition, the handy terminal device 120 also performs a selling price check to collate the selling price information of the POS terminal device with the in-store selling price and determine the presence or absence of errors, and issues seals for price discounts, etc.

[0016] Also, the handy terminal device 120 can also register products in place of the POS terminal device. For example, in this case, the handy terminal device 120 issues a two-dimensional code indicating the registration information indicating the registered product on a paper medium. By having the POS terminal device read this two-dimensional code, it is possible to perform settlement at the POS terminal device.

[0017] The electronic shelf label 130 is arranged on the commodity shelf corresponding to each commodity in the store, and displays commodity information (such as commodity name, price, commodity identification information, etc.) corresponding to the commodity based on instructions from external devices (shelf label management server 100, store controller 110, handy terminal device 120). In addition to the electronic shelf label, normal shelf labels with commodity information printed on paper media may also be arranged on the commodity shelf.

[0018] (Hardware configuration of the electronic shelf label 130) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the electronic shelf label 130. In FIG. 2, the electronic shelf label 130 includes a CPU 201, a memory 202, a communication I / F (interface) 203, and a display 204. Each component is connected by a bus 220.

[0019] The CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the electronic shelf label 130. The memory 202 has, for example, a ROM, a RAM, and a flash ROM. For example, the flash ROM and the ROM store various programs. The various programs include the display change program according to the present embodiment. The RAM is used as the work area of the CPU 201. The programs stored in the memory 202 are loaded into the CPU 201 to cause the CPU 201 to execute the coded processing.

[0020] The communication I / F 203 is connected to a network 140 such as the Internet through a communication line and is connected to other devices (such as the shelf label management server 100, the store controller 110, the handy terminal device 120, etc.) via the network 140. In addition, the communication I / F 203 can also be connected to the handy terminal device 120 by short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC (Near field communication). The communication I / F 203 serves as an interface between the network 140 and the internal of the device itself, and controls the input and output of data from other devices. The display 204 displays various information (such as price, commodity identification information, etc.) related to the commodity.

[0021] (Regarding replenishing products on the shelves) In store St, when the shelves are running low on stock, store staff replenish the shelves. During replenishment, staff may check the legible characters (number portion) of the product identification information attached to the products before replenishing them. This is because even for products of the same brand, if the contents differ, the product identification information will also differ. This prevents the replenishment of products that do not match the products indicated on the electronic shelf labels 130.

[0022] In this case, during replenishment work, it can be difficult for store employees to determine whether the product identification information attached to the product matches the product identification information attached to the electronic shelf label 130, which can increase the workload for the employees. Therefore, the shelf label management system 1 according to this embodiment allows store employees to easily determine whether the product identification information attached to the product matches the product identification information attached to the electronic shelf label 130. The functional configuration of the shelf label management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 3 to 5.

[0023] (An example of the functional configuration of shelf label management system 1) Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the shelf label management system 1. In the shelf label management system 1, the electronic shelf label 130 comprises an acquisition unit 301, a modification unit 302, and a display 204. The acquisition unit 301 and the modification unit 302 are realized by the CPU 201 of the electronic shelf label 130. That is, the CPU 201 realizes the functions of the acquisition unit 301 and the modification unit 302 by executing a display modification program stored in the memory 202.

[0024] The electronic shelf label 130 can display product identification information to identify products. Product identification information is represented by a product code and legible characters. The product code is, for example, a barcode, but may also be a two-dimensional code. Legible characters are, for example, numbers. However, legible characters may also include alphabets and symbols. In addition to product identification information, the display 204 also displays the product name, price (price excluding tax and price including tax), and characters indicating that it is a sale item.

[0025] The acquisition unit 301 acquires a change instruction to change from the normal display (hereinafter referred to as "normal display") to the display for store staff (hereinafter referred to as "store staff display"). The normal display is the display for customers. The change instruction is transmitted, for example, from the transmission unit 310 of the handheld terminal device 120.

[0026] Specifically, when the handheld terminal 120 reads the shelf ID 405 (see Figure 4) of the electronic shelf label 130 to be changed to a staff-only display, it controls the transmission unit 310 to send a change instruction to the electronic shelf label 130 with that shelf ID via the network 140. The communication interface 203 of the electronic shelf label 130 receives the change instruction sent from the transmission unit 310. The acquisition unit 301 then acquires the change instruction via the communication interface 203. This allows a single staff member to perform both the task of changing to a staff-only display 410 and the task of replenishment.

[0027] In this embodiment, change instructions based on predetermined operations from the operator are made by the handheld terminal device 120, but they may also be made by the store controller 110. That is, the store controller 110 may receive predetermined operations related to change instructions from the operator and then transmit change instructions to the electronic shelf labels 130. For example, the store controller 110 can receive the selection of multiple electronic shelf labels 130 to be changed to employee displays and issue change instructions to the selected multiple electronic shelf labels 130. This allows multiple electronic shelf labels 130 to be changed to employee displays all at once. The change instructions may be sent directly from the store controller 110 to the electronic shelf labels 130, or they may be sent via the shelf label management server 100. In this way, by changing multiple electronic shelf labels 130 all at once, the store staff on the sales floor can easily change them to employee displays 410 without having to perform the work of changing them to employee displays 410 themselves.

[0028] Here, we will explain the normal display and the display for store staff that are shown on the electronic shelf label 130 using Figure 4. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing examples of normal display and staff display shown on the electronic shelf label 130. Figure 4(A) shows an example of normal display 400. In Figure 4(A), the display 204 of the electronic shelf label 130 shows the product name 401, the base price 402, the tax-inclusive price 403, the product code 404, and the shelf label code 405.

[0029] Product name 401 indicates the name of the product to be placed on the shelf where the electronic shelf label 130 is located. Base price 402 indicates the price of the product before consumption tax is applied. Tax-inclusive price 403 indicates the price shown in base price 402 plus consumption tax. Product code 404 is the coded product identification information (JAN code) of the product. Shelf label code 405 is the coded identification information (shelf label ID) of the electronic shelf label 130. The modification unit 302 changes from the normal display 400 to the display for store staff when the modification instruction is acquired by the acquisition unit 301.

[0030] Figure 4(B) shows an example of a staff display 410. The staff display 410 is a display in which some of the product identification information is displayed in a different manner than the display in the normal display 400. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4(B), the staff display 410 displays readable characters 414 instead of product code 404. Readable characters 414 are the JAN code (numbers) indicated by product code 404.

[0031] (Regarding the change to the staff display 410 during the change time) The acquisition unit 301 acquires a change instruction when it is time to change the display for store staff 410. The change instruction is sent, for example, from the transmission unit 320 of the shelf label management server 100. Specifically, the shelf label management server 100 refers to the change time DB 101 and, when it is time to change the electronic shelf label 130, controls the transmission unit 310 to send the change instruction to the electronic shelf label 130 via the network 140. The communication interface 203 of the electronic shelf label 130 receives the change instruction sent from the transmission unit 320. As a result, the acquisition unit 301 acquires the change instruction via the communication interface 203. The change unit 302 changes from the normal display 400 to the staff display 410 when the change instruction is received by the acquisition unit 301.

[0032] Next, we will explain the change time DB101 using Figure 5. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the Change Time DB101. The Change Time DB101 includes the following items: "Store", "Sales Floor", "Shelf Tag ID", "Shelf ID", "JAN Code", and "Change Time". "Store" refers to the name of each store on each store street. The term "sales area" refers to the area where electronic shelf labels 130 are placed for each type of product, and specifically, it refers to the area where replenishment and inventory work are carried out collectively. The "shelf label ID" indicates the identification information of the electronic shelf label 130. The "shelf ID" indicates the identification information of the shelf where the electronic shelf label 130 is placed. The "JAN code" indicates the JAN code of the product stored on the shelf indicated by the shelf ID. "Change time" refers to the time it takes to change the display on the electronic shelf labels 130 from the normal display 400 to the employee display 410 for each sales area.

[0033] For example, regarding the bread sales area in store A, since the bread is delivered to store St in the early morning, replenishment work is carried out in the early morning. For this reason, the change time on the electronic shelf labels 130 in the bread sales area is set to 7:00 AM.

[0034] The "sales floor" and "change time" shown in the change time DB101 can be set and changed as appropriate in response to a request from the store St (store controller 110). In this embodiment, change instructions based on the change time are made by the shelf label management server 100, but they may also be made by the store controller 110. That is, the store controller 110 may refer to the change time DB101 and send a change instruction to the electronic shelf label 130 when the change time arrives. In this case, the store controller 110 may send the change instruction to the electronic shelf label 130 via the shelf label management server 100. Furthermore, the change time DB101 is not limited to being provided in the device that issues change instructions (shelf label management server 100), but may be provided in a different device from the device that issues change instructions.

[0035] (Regarding returning to the normal display of 400) The change unit 302 switches from the employee display 410 to the normal display 400 at a predetermined timing (hereinafter referred to as the "return timing"). The predetermined return timing is, for example, the timing at which the handheld terminal device 120 receives an instruction to return to the normal display 400 (hereinafter referred to as the "return instruction"). The return instruction is transmitted, for example, from the transmission unit 310 of the handheld terminal device 120.

[0036] Specifically, when the handheld terminal 120 identifies the shelf ID of the electronic shelf label 130 to be returned to the normal display 400, it controls the transmission unit 310 to send a return instruction to the electronic shelf label 130 with that shelf ID via the network 140. The communication interface 203 of the electronic shelf label 130 receives the return instruction sent from the transmission unit 310. As a result, the acquisition unit 301 acquires the return instruction via the communication interface 203. The change unit 302 returns from the employee display 410 to the normal display 400 upon receiving the change instruction from the acquisition unit 301.

[0037] In this embodiment, the return instruction based on a predetermined operation from the operator is performed by the handheld terminal device 120, but it may also be performed by the store controller 110. That is, the store controller 110 may receive a predetermined operation related to the return instruction from the operator and then transmit the return instruction to the electronic shelf label 130.

[0038] Furthermore, the predetermined return timing is not limited to the timing when a predetermined operation is received from the operator, but may also be, for example, the elapsed time. Specifically, the change unit 302 may return to the normal display 400 after a predetermined time has elapsed following the receipt of the change instruction. This predetermined time is a time that takes into account replenishment work and inventory work for each product, and is, for example, 5 minutes. This predetermined time may also be changeable. Furthermore, the predetermined return timing may be changeable from the timing when a predetermined operation is received from the operator to the timing after a predetermined time has elapsed. Furthermore, the predetermined return timing may be the timing when either the timing when a predetermined operation is received from the operator or the timing after a predetermined time has elapsed is met.

[0039] (Display change processing performed by the electronic shelf label 130) Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the display change process performed by the electronic shelf label 130. The process shown in Figure 6 is performed by the electronic shelf label 130 at short intervals at all times. In Figure 6, the electronic shelf label 130 determines whether or not it has received a change instruction from an external device (handheld terminal device 120 or shelf label management server 100) via the communication I / F 203 (step S601). If no change instruction is received (step S601: NO), the electronic shelf label 130 proceeds to step S603. If a change instruction is received (step S601: YES), the electronic shelf label 130 controls the display 204 to change from the normal display 400 to the employee display 410 (step S602).

[0040] Next, the electronic shelf label 130 determines whether or not it is the predetermined return timing (step S603). If it is not the predetermined return timing (step S603: NO), the electronic shelf label 130 terminates the series of processes. If it is the predetermined return timing (step S603: YES), the electronic shelf label 130 controls the display 204 to return from the employee display 410 to the normal display 400 (step S604), and terminates the series of processes.

[0041] (An example of a screen displayed on the handheld terminal device 120) Next, an example of a screen displayed on the handheld terminal device 120 will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the handheld terminal device 120. Figure 7(A) shows the top screen 700 displayed on the display of the handheld terminal device 120. The top screen 700 includes buttons 701 (701a to 701e) that accept various operations. The replenishment button 701a is a button that accepts the start of the product replenishment work. The order button 701b is a button that accepts the order of a product. The order of a product is made by reading the product code 404. The ESL (Electronic Shelf Label) creation button 701c is a button that accepts the creation of an electronic shelf label 130. The design change button 701d is a button that accepts the change of the design of the electronic shelf label 130. The ESL delete button 701e is a button that accepts the deletion (disabling) of the electronic shelf label 130. When the replenishment button 701a is pressed on the top screen 700, the screen transitions to the replenishment screen 710 shown in Figure 7(B).

[0042] The replenishment screen 710 includes a display direction switching button 711, a JAN code input field 712, a shelf label ID input field 713, and a shelf ID input field 714. The display direction switching button 711, as will be described in detail later, is a button that accepts the setting of the installation direction (vertical or horizontal) of the electronic shelf label 130. The JAN code input field 712 is an area that accepts the input of a JAN code. The shelf label ID input field 713 is an area that accepts the input of a shelf label ID (shelf label code). The shelf ID input field 714 is a button that accepts the input of a shelf ID. When the JAN code input field 712 is selected on the replenishment screen 710, the screen transitions to the JAN code input screen 720.

[0043] The JAN code input screen 720 accepts input of a JAN code. The JAN code can be entered manually, but it can also be entered by scanning the product code 404 (or shelf label code 405) with the scanner provided by the handheld terminal device 120.

[0044] When a JAN code is entered into the handheld terminal 120 and the change button 715 is pressed, the terminal identifies the shelf tag ID associated with the entered JAN code and issues a change instruction to the electronic shelf tag 130 indicated by the identified shelf tag ID. As a result, the electronic shelf tag 130 changes from the normal display 400 to the employee display 410. The return button 716 accepts a return from the employee display 410 to the normal display 400. The top screen transition button 717 accepts a return to the top screen 700.

[0045] As described above, the electronic shelf label 130 according to this embodiment changes the display mode of a portion of the product identification information to a store employee display 410, which is a different display mode from the normal display 400, upon receiving a change instruction. This allows store employees to easily determine whether the product identification information attached to the product matches the product identification information attached to the electronic shelf label 130 during replenishment work. Therefore, the workload of store employees involved in replenishment work can be reduced.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electronic shelf label 130 converts all product identification information indicated by the product code 404 into readable characters 414 (digits) on the employee display 410. This allows the employee display 410 to display readable characters 414 even if the display 204 of the electronic shelf label 130 is small and it is not possible to display both the barcode and readable characters simultaneously on the normal display 400. Therefore, even if the display 204 is small, during replenishment work, employees can easily determine whether the product identification information attached to the product matches the product identification information attached to the electronic shelf label 130.

[0047] Furthermore, the electronic shelf label 130 according to this embodiment changes to the employee display 410 when it is time to change to the employee display 410. This allows the employee display 410 to be changed according to a pre-set schedule (change time) for each store St, thereby improving the efficiency of replenishment work.

[0048] (Modified examples of the embodiment) Modifications of the embodiments are described below. Note that in the following modifications, explanations of the contents described in the embodiments above will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the embodiments described above with the following modifications as appropriate.

[0049] (Variation 1) First, let's describe a modification 1 of the embodiment. In the embodiment described above, we described a configuration in which all of the product identification information indicated by the product code 404 in the normal display 400 is converted into readable characters 414 in the display for store staff 410. In modification 1, we will describe a configuration in which a portion of the product identification information indicated by the product code 404 in the normal display 400 is converted into readable characters 414 in the display for store staff 810.

[0050] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example 1 of the normal display and the display for store staff shown on the electronic shelf label 130. Figure 8(A) shows a display similar to the normal display 400 shown in Figure 4(A). Figure 8(B) shows the display for store staff 810 related to modified example 1. The display for store staff 810 is a display in which part of the product identification information is displayed in a different manner than the display manner in the normal display 400. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8(B), in the display for store staff 810, part of the 13-digit product identification information (JAN code) indicated by the product code 404 is displayed in readable characters 814.

[0051] Part of the product identification information indicated by readable character 814 is, for example, the last three digits of the JAN code. Note that part of the product identification information indicated by readable character 814 may be the upper digits, not just the lower digits. Furthermore, the number of digits displayed is set at three to minimize the likelihood of duplication with other products during replenishment. However, the number of digits displayed is not limited to three; it can be four or five digits. Also, the readable character 814 shown in Figure 8(B) may be displayed in a larger size (for example, larger than the characters for the tax-inclusive price of 403), as shown in Modification Example 2 described later.

[0052] According to Modification 1, during replenishment work, store employees can easily determine whether the last three readable digits 814 match the last three readable digits 814 indicated by the product identification information attached to the product. Therefore, the workload of store employees involved in replenishment work can be further reduced.

[0053] (Modification 2) Next, a modified example of the embodiment 2 will be described. In the embodiment described above, a configuration was described in which the product code 404 in the normal display 400 is changed to readable characters 414 in the display for store staff 410. In modified example 2, a configuration will be described in which a part of the readable characters 414 in the display for store staff 910 is changed to a larger size.

[0054] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example 2 of the normal display and the display for store staff shown on the electronic shelf label 130. The normal display 900 shown in Figure 9(A) differs from the normal display 400 shown in Figure 4(A) in that it displays readable characters 414 (JAN code). Figure 9(B) shows the display for store staff 910 related to modified example 2. The display for store staff 910 is a display in which some of the characters 914 of the readable characters 414 are displayed in a different manner than in the normal display 900. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9(B), in the display for store staff 810, some of the characters 914 of the readable characters 414 are displayed in a larger size.

[0055] Some of the characters 914 are the last three digits of the product identification information indicated by product code 404. However, if there is sufficient display area, such as with a larger display 204, some of the characters 914 may represent the last four digits or even all digits. In the illustrated example, the legible characters 414 and some of the characters 914 are displayed in separate areas, but this is not the only option; some of the characters 914 may be displayed in the same area as the legible characters 414. Specifically, for example, some of the characters 914 may be displayed in the area below product code 404, similar to the legible characters 414. Note that because some of the characters 914 are large, they may not fit in the area below product code 404. In this case, product code 404 may be displayed in a reduced size.

[0056] In addition, in the normal display 900 and the staff display 910 of Modified Example 2, the product code 404 does not need to be displayed. That is, in Modified Example 2, regardless of whether the product code 404 is displayed or not, it is sufficient that some of the characters 914 of the legible characters 414 are displayed in a large size in the staff display 910.

[0057] According to Modification 2, during replenishment work, store employees can easily determine whether the last three legible characters match the last three legible characters indicated by the product identification information attached to the product. Therefore, the workload of store employees involved in replenishment work can be further reduced.

[0058] (Variation 3) Next, a third modification of the embodiment will be described. In the embodiment described above, the acquisition unit 301 was configured to change the employee display 410 based on change instructions based on the operation of the handheld terminal device 120 or the store controller 110 by a store employee, or on change instructions for each sales area transmitted from the shelf label management server 100 at the time of change. In the third modification, a configuration in which the employee display 410 is changed by a method other than those described above will be described. Six embodiments of the third modification will be illustrated below. Changes can be made by pressing a button. • Changes depending on the installation direction. Changes made outside of business hours. • Changes made by scanning the employee code. • Modification using short-range wireless communication. • Changes based on the image capture results from in-store cameras.

[0059] (Regarding changes to the display made by using the Change Request button) First, let's explain the change made by pressing a button. In the modified example 3, the electronic shelf label 130 may be equipped with a change request button. The change request button is a button that accepts a change between the normal display 400 and the staff display 410. When the change request button is pressed, the electronic shelf label 130 takes this as an instruction to change and changes from the normal display 400 to the staff display 410. The electronic shelf label 130 may then take the change request button being pressed again as an instruction to return and return to the normal display 400.

[0060] (Regarding switching between landscape and portrait orientation) Next, we will explain the changes depending on the installation direction of the electronic shelf label 130 using Figure 10. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example 3 in which the electronic shelf label 130 switches between a normal display and a staff-only display depending on the installation direction. In modified example 3, the electronic shelf label 130 is equipped with a gyro sensor. The gyro sensor detects whether the electronic shelf label 130 is placed horizontally or vertically. For example, suppose that the horizontal orientation is the normal display 400 and the vertical orientation is the staff-only display 1010. The electronic shelf label 130 can switch between the normal display 400 and the staff-only display 1010 according to the detection result of the gyro sensor. Specifically, the acquisition unit 301 acquires a change instruction when the gyro sensor detects the vertical orientation. The acquisition unit 301 also acquires a return instruction when the gyro sensor detects the horizontal orientation.

[0061] Figure 10(A) shows a display similar to the normal display 400 shown in Figure 4(A). Figure 10(B) shows the display 1010 for store staff according to the third modification. In the display 1010 for store staff, the legible characters 414 (JAN code) are displayed instead of the product code 404. When the store staff places the electronic shelf label 130 horizontally, it returns to the normal display 400.

[0062] (Regarding the use of the staff-only sign 410 outside of business hours) Next, we will explain the changes made outside of business hours. In Modification Example 3, all electronic shelf labels 130 may be changed to employee display 410 at a predetermined time. The predetermined time is outside of business hours. The predetermined time is set for each store St and may be stored in the change time DB. When it is outside of business hours, the electronic shelf labels 130 change to employee display 410 upon receiving a change instruction from the shelf label management server 100. When it is back to business hours, they return to normal display 400 upon receiving a return instruction from the shelf label management server 100.

[0063] Furthermore, all electronic shelf labels 130 may be configured to switch between a normal display 400 and a staff display 410 in response to an operation by a store employee. Specifically, the store controller 110 should be configured to accept an operation indicating that it is outside of business hours (an operation to change all electronic shelf labels 130 to the staff display 410). When the store controller 110 receives this operation, it sends a change instruction to all electronic shelf labels 130. As a result, all electronic shelf labels 130 are changed to the staff display 410.

[0064] Furthermore, the store controller 110 should be configured to accept an operation indicating business hours (an operation to change all electronic shelf labels 130 back to the normal display 400). Upon receiving this operation, the store controller 110 sends a return instruction to all electronic shelf labels 130. As a result, all electronic shelf labels 130 return to the normal display 400.

[0065] This makes it easier to switch from the standard display (400) to the staff display (410) when outside of business hours. Therefore, it is possible to improve the efficiency of replenishment work performed outside of business hours.

[0066] (Regarding the display switching by obtaining the employee code) Next, we will explain the change made by reading the employee code. In the modified example 3, the electronic shelf label 130 may be equipped with a receiver that reads an IC tag embedded in the employee's name tag. The IC tag stores, for example, an employee code. When the receiver of the electronic shelf label 130 comes into close proximity to the employee's name tag, it reads the employee code. The electronic shelf label 130 can authenticate whether the read employee code is a pre-set employee code and switch between the normal display 400 and the employee display 410. Specifically, upon successful authentication, the electronic shelf label 130 receives a change instruction and changes from the normal display 400 to the employee display 410. Then, at a predetermined return timing, the electronic shelf label 130 may read the employee code again, and upon successful authentication, receive a return instruction and return from the employee display 410 to the normal display 400.

[0067] (Regarding changes to displays due to short-range wireless communication) Next, a change using short-range wireless communication will be described. In Modification 3, the handheld terminal device 120 and the electronic shelf label 130 may be configured to communicate via short-range wireless communication. The handheld terminal device 120 transmits a change instruction to the electronic shelf label 130 via short-range wireless communication. Upon receiving the change instruction, the electronic shelf label 130 switches from the normal display 400 to the employee display 410. The handheld terminal device 120 may also transmit a return instruction to the electronic shelf label 130 via short-range wireless communication. Upon receiving the return instruction, the electronic shelf label 130 may return to the normal display 400.

[0068] (Regarding changes based on the images captured by in-store cameras) Next, we will explain the modification using short-range wireless communication. In Modification Example 3, if a camera is placed inside the store St, it is possible to determine whether or not the shelves need to be restocked for each product using the imaging results from the camera. The entity that makes this determination is, for example, the store controller 110. The store controller 110 analyzes the imaging results and, if it determines that restocking is necessary, sends a change instruction to the electronic shelf label 130 corresponding to the product in question. The electronic shelf label 130 that receives the change instruction changes to the employee display 410.

[0069] In each of the embodiments listed in Modification Example 3, it is possible to more easily change from the normal display 400 to the display for store staff 410. Therefore, the work efficiency related to replenishment can be improved.

[0070] (Modification 4) Next, a fourth modified example of the embodiment will be described. In this fourth modified example, a configuration in which the electronic shelf label 130 is illuminated in the employee display 410 will be described.

[0071] In modified example 4, the electronic shelf label 130 is equipped with an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that indicates that it is a staff indicator 410. The electronic shelf label 130 does not emit light in a predetermined lighting pattern when displaying a normal sign, but emits light in a predetermined lighting pattern when displaying a staff indicator 410.

[0072] The store controller 110 accepts the selection of multiple electronic shelf labels 130 to be changed to employee-only displays and issues change instructions to the selected electronic shelf labels 130. This changes the multiple electronic shelf labels 130 to employee-only displays all at once, causing the LEDs to illuminate in a predetermined pattern. Then, the employee performing the restocking work begins restocking. In this restocking process, the employee can easily determine which shelves need to be restocked simply by checking the LED illumination pattern.

[0073] (Variation 5) Next, a fifth modification of the embodiment will be described. In the fifth modification, a configuration will be described in which the display of the employee display 410 can be changed in addition to the part where the product identification information is displayed.

[0074] Depending on the size of the display 204, the electronic shelf label 130 may not have enough space. In light of this, the space for displaying the readable characters 414 may not be limited to the position corresponding to the product code 404, but may be any available space. Also, the readable characters 414 may be displayed in another display area (for example, the area showing the tax-inclusive price 403). In this case, the characters showing the tax-inclusive price 403 may be hidden, reduced in size, or moved.

[0075] According to Modification 5, even if the display 204 is small, the readable characters 414 can be displayed efficiently. Therefore, it is possible to make the readable characters 414 more recognizable to the store clerk performing the restocking, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0076] (Experimental variation 6) Next, we will describe Modification 6. Modification 6 describes a configuration in which both vertical and horizontal orientations are used in the normal display. This is done because, depending on the size and shape of the product, the product stored on the shelf may become difficult for customers to see due to the electronic shelf labels 130, and this configuration avoids that problem.

[0077] In Modification 6, the handheld terminal 120 may accept a change in the installation orientation setting via the display direction switching button 711 (see Figure 7). Upon receiving the setting change, the handheld terminal 120 transmits the received installation orientation information to the electronic shelf label 130. The electronic shelf label 130 displays various information in the installation orientation (display direction) accepted by the handheld terminal 120. The store clerk installs the electronic shelf label 130 in the orientation corresponding to the display direction of the electronic shelf label 130.

[0078] Furthermore, in Modification 6, the store controller 110 may accept a change in the orientation of the electronic shelf label 130. When the store controller 110 accepts a change in orientation, it instructs the store clerk to change the orientation of the electronic shelf label 130. This instruction may be transmitted to a store clerk terminal device such as a handheld terminal device 120, and the store clerk terminal device may notify the store clerk. If the electronic shelf label 130 is equipped with an LED, this instruction may also be transmitted to the electronic shelf label 130. The electronic shelf label 130 can notify the store clerk to change the orientation by illuminating the LED in a predetermined lighting pattern.

[0079] Furthermore, the electronic shelf label 130 may be equipped with a gyro sensor. The gyro sensor detects whether the electronic shelf label 130 is placed horizontally or vertically. The electronic shelf label 130 transmits the detection result from the gyro sensor to the store controller 110. The store controller 110 manages the installation orientation of the electronic shelf label 130. Specifically, the store controller 110 compares the installation orientation set by the store clerk with the installation orientation detected by the gyro sensor. If the two are different, the store controller 110 instructs the store clerk on the sales floor to change the installation orientation of the electronic shelf label 130. If the electronic shelf label 130 is equipped with an LED, the store controller 110 may notify the store clerk to change the installation orientation by illuminating the electronic shelf label 130 in a predetermined lighting pattern when the two are different. This allows the store clerk on the sales floor to be prompted to change the installation orientation of the electronic shelf label 130.

[0080] In variation 6, the electronic shelf label 130 can also switch between a normal display and a display for store staff. Specifically, when the electronic shelf label 130 is placed horizontally, it is possible to switch between a normal display and a display for store staff in that position. Similarly, when the electronic shelf label 130 is placed vertically, it is possible to switch between a normal display and a display for store staff in that position.

[0081] According to Modification 6, when changing the orientation of the electronic shelf label 130 in normal display, store staff can be efficiently encouraged to change the orientation. Therefore, the electronic shelf label 130 can be installed in the appropriate orientation.

[0082] The following is a summary of the embodiments. [Title of Invention] Electronic shelf labels, system, and program [Technical field] This invention relates to electronic shelf labels, systems, and programs. [Background technology] Traditionally, product packaging has been marked with product identification information, such as barcodes or numbers (readable characters). In stores, shelf labels with prices and other information are placed on the shelves where products are stored. These shelf labels include not only standard paper labels but also electronic shelf labels whose displayed prices and other information can be changed remotely. Electronic shelf labels display product identification information similar to that attached to the products stored on the shelves (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This allows store employees to read the product identification information using a designated device such as a handheld terminal when an item runs out of stock, and then order the corresponding product. When the shelves are running low on stock, store employees replenish them. During this process, employees sometimes check the numerical portion of the product identification information attached to each item before replenishing it. This is because even for products of the same brand, differences in content volume, etc., can result in different product identification information and prices. This is to prevent replenishing products that do not match the items indicated on the electronic shelf labels. [Prior art document] [Patent] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-32257 [Overview of the prefecture] [Problems the invention aims to solve] However, with conventional technology, during replenishment work, it was sometimes difficult for store employees to determine whether the product identification information attached to the product matched the product identification information attached to the electronic shelf label, which could increase the workload for the employees. This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that can reduce the workload of store employees.

[0083] [Means for solving the problem] (1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an electronic shelf label according to one aspect of the present invention is an electronic shelf label capable of displaying product identification information for identifying products, comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring a change instruction to change from a normal display to a display for store staff; and a change means for changing at least a portion of the product identification information to a display for store staff that is a display configuration different from the display configuration in the normal display, upon acquisition of the change instruction by the acquisition means. With the above configuration, during replenishment work, store employees can easily determine whether the product identification information attached to the product matches the product identification information attached to the electronic shelf label 130. Therefore, the workload of store employees involved in replenishment work can be reduced.

[0084] (2) In the configuration of (1) above, the product identification information includes a product code, and the modification means may make at least a portion of the product identification information indicated by the product code into readable characters in the display for the store staff. According to the above configuration, even if the display 204 of the electronic shelf label 130 is small and it is not possible to display both the barcode and readable characters simultaneously on the normal display 400, the readable characters 414 can still be displayed on the employee display 410. Therefore, even if the display 204 is small, during replenishment work, employees can easily determine whether the product identification information attached to the product matches the product identification information attached to the electronic shelf label 130.

[0085] (3) In the configuration of (1) or (2) above, the display for the store staff includes readable characters that the store staff can recognize, and the modification means may make at least a portion of the readable characters in the display for the store staff larger in size. With the above configuration, during replenishment work, store employees can easily determine, for example, whether the last three digits of a product's identification information match the last three digits of the product identification information attached to the product. Therefore, the workload of store employees involved in replenishment work can be reduced.

[0086] (4) In any of the configurations described in (1) to (3) above, the acquisition means may acquire the change instruction when it is time to change the display for the store staff. According to the above configuration, the staff display 410 can be changed according to the pre-set schedule (change time) for each store St, thereby improving the efficiency of replenishment work.

[0087] (5) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a system comprising an electronic shelf label capable of displaying product identification information and an external device connectable to the electronic shelf label, wherein the external device transmits a change instruction to change from a normal display to a display for store staff, and the electronic shelf label comprises an acquisition means for acquiring the change instruction transmitted from the external device, and a change means for changing at least a portion of the product identification information to a display for store staff that is a different display from the display in the normal display, upon acquisition of the change instruction by the acquisition means. With the above configuration, during replenishment work, store employees can easily determine whether the product identification information attached to the product matches the product identification information attached to the electronic shelf label 130. Therefore, the workload of store employees involved in replenishment work can be reduced.

[0088] (6) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer used in an electronic shelf label capable of displaying product identification information to identify a product to function as an acquisition means for acquiring a change instruction to change from a normal display to a display for store staff, and a change means for changing at least a portion of the product identification information to a display for store staff that is a different display from the display in the normal display, upon acquisition of the change instruction by the acquisition means. With the above configuration, during replenishment work, store employees can easily determine whether the product identification information attached to the product matches the product identification information attached to the electronic shelf label 130. Therefore, the workload of store employees involved in replenishment work can be reduced.

[0089] Furthermore, all or part of the functions (input / output, storage, processing (including judgment)) of the electronic shelf label 130 described above may be implemented in a device other than the device described as the entity that executes the said function.

[0090] Specifically, the above description described a configuration in which the electronic shelf label 130 comprises an acquisition unit 301 and a modification unit 302. The acquisition unit 301 and the modification unit 302, in whole or in part, may be provided on other computer devices. For example, the acquisition unit 301 and the modification unit 302, in whole or in part, may be provided on the shelf label management server 100, on the store controller 110, or on other computer devices. Furthermore, the computer device equipped with the acquisition unit 301 and the modification unit 302 may consist of multiple units or just one unit.

[0091] In relation to the above, the electronic shelf label 130 may function as a so-called thin client specializing in the input / output interface portion for displaying a list of display media. That is, the electronic shelf label 130 may accept various inputs (operation by an operator, detection by a device such as a scanner), transmit input information (operation information, etc.) to the store controller 110, receive the processing results of the store controller 110 based on the input information (updated screen information, device control information, etc.), and perform various outputs (display on the display unit, device control).

[0092] Furthermore, the program for implementing the shelf label management system 1 and electronic shelf labels 130 described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. "Computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Moreover, "computer-readable recording medium" also includes volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that acts as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, which retains the program for a certain period of time. Furthermore, the above program may be transmitted from the computer system that stores the program in a storage device, etc., to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Furthermore, the above program may be for implementing only a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, the aforementioned functions may be implemented in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system, such as so-called differential files (differential programs). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 1...Shelf label management system, 100...Shelf label management server, 101...Change time DB, 110...Store controller, 120...Handheld terminal device, 130...Electronic shelf label, 201...CPU, 202...Memory, 203...Communication I / F, 204...Display, 301...Acquisition unit, 302...Change unit

Claims

1. A display means for displaying product identification information that identifies a product, A means for obtaining a change instruction to change from a normal display to a display for store staff, The acquisition means acquires the change instruction, and the change means changes at least a portion of the product identification information to a display for store staff that is different from the display format in the normal display, Equipped with, The aforementioned product identification information includes product code information and readable character information corresponding to the code information. The display means, in the normal display, displays all of the readable character information at a first size, The modification means changes at least a portion of the readable character information in the display for the store staff to a second size that is larger than the first size and easily visible to the store staff. Electronic shelf labels characterized by the following features.

2. The display means displays all of the readable character information at a first position near the code information in the normal display, The modification means changes the display position of the readable character information, which is displayed in the second size, to a second position different from the first position in the display for the store clerk. The electronic shelf label according to feature 1.

3. The acquisition means acquires the change instruction when the change time corresponding to the product that corresponds to the product identification information displayed on the display means arrives. The electronic shelf label according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A system comprising an electronic shelf label and an external device connectable to the electronic shelf label, The aforementioned external device transmits a change instruction to change the display from the normal display to a display for store staff. The aforementioned electronic shelf labels are A display means for displaying product identification information that identifies a product, An acquisition means for acquiring the change instruction transmitted from the external device, The acquisition means acquires the change instruction, and the change means changes at least a portion of the product identification information to a display for store staff that is different from the display format in the normal display, Equipped with, The aforementioned product identification information includes product code information and readable character information corresponding to the code information. The display means, in the normal display, displays all of the readable character information at a first size, The modification means changes at least a portion of the readable character information in the display for the store staff to a second size that is larger than the first size and easily visible to the store staff. A system characterized by the following features.

5. The computer for the electronic shelf label, A display means for displaying product identification information that identifies a product, A means for obtaining a change instruction to change from a normal display to a display for store staff. The acquisition means acquires the change instruction, and the change means changes at least a portion of the product identification information to a display for store staff that is different from the display format in the normal display. To make it function as, The aforementioned product identification information includes product code information and readable character information corresponding to the code information. The display means, in the normal display, displays all of the readable character information at a first size, The modification means changes at least a portion of the readable character information in the display for the store staff to a second size that is larger than the first size and easily visible to the store staff. A program characterized by the following features.

Images