Product management system for distribution store

Abstract

The present invention comprises: an electronic price indicator corresponding to a product displayed on a sales stand; and a product management server communicating with the electronic price indicator. The product management server comprises: a product information registration unit for registering product information of a product; an identification information registration unit for registering identification information of the electronic price indicator; and a location information registration unit for registering location information of the electronic price indicator. Thus, the present invention enables easy and accurate management of products for a single distribution store or multiple distribution stores.

Description

Product management system for distribution stores

[0001] The present invention relates to a product management system for a distribution store, and more specifically, to a product management system for a distribution store that can easily and accurately manage a large number of products.

[0002] Recently, offline retailers have faced intensifying competition from online retailers. Consequently, offline retailers are adopting various marketing techniques, one of which is offering the lowest prices. Due to this situation, product prices can fluctuate several times a day.

[0003]

[0004] Traditionally, paper price tags were placed on each product. Consequently, these tags had to be constantly updated to reflect product price fluctuations. These updates were performed manually by employees. Ultimately, this increased workload for employees, leading to higher labor costs and a decline in profits. Therefore, offline retailers are increasingly seeking ways to reduce labor costs.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a product management system for a distribution store that can easily and accurately manage products in the distribution store.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, a product management system of a distribution store according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electronic price tag corresponding to a product displayed on a sales counter, and a product management server communicating with the electronic price tag, wherein the product management server is characterized by including a product information registration unit for registering product information of a product, an identification information registration unit for registering identification information of the electronic price tag, and a location information registration unit for registering location information of the electronic price tag.

[0007]

[0008] Additionally, location information is characterized as being three-dimensional spatial information.

[0009]

[0010] In addition, the electronic price tag includes a battery, and the product management server further includes a monitoring unit that monitors the battery charge level, and the monitoring unit is characterized by matching the identification information of the electronic price tag, the battery charge level of which is below a preset value, to location information.

[0011]

[0012] In addition, the product management server further includes a product display management unit that sets the display location of products on a sales counter, and the product display management unit includes category information that classifies products by category and is characterized by receiving location information from a location information registration unit.

[0013]

[0014] In addition, the product management server further includes an event management unit that sets up events for distribution stores for marketing purposes, and the events include information on display props and display products, and the event management unit is characterized by receiving location information from a location information registration unit.

[0015]

[0016] In addition, the product management server further includes a display that is placed in a distribution store and displays advertisements, and the product management server further includes a content management unit that sets advertisement content displayed on the display, and the content management unit is characterized in that it receives location information from a location information registration unit.

[0017]

[0018] In addition, the system further includes a kiosk that is placed in a distribution store and provides information about the distribution store, and the location information registration unit is characterized by providing location information to the kiosk.

[0019] According to the present invention, products for at least one distribution store can be easily and accurately managed.

[0020]

[0021] Additionally, product display, event, and advertising content are set based on product information and location information, so marketing and sales effectiveness can be maximized.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a product management system of a distribution store according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic drawing of a distribution store according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing illustrating one embodiment of the sales counter illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0025] Figure 4 is a drawing for explaining the location of products in the distribution store shown in Figure 2.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the product management system of the distribution store illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0028] Throughout the specification, identical reference numbers refer to substantially identical components. In the following description, detailed descriptions of components and functions not related to the core components of the present invention and those known in the art may be omitted. The meanings of terms used in this specification should be understood as follows.

[0029] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided solely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined solely by the scope of the claims.

[0030] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining embodiments of the present invention are illustrative and are not limited to the details depicted. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known technologies will be omitted if they are deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention.

[0031] In this specification, when the terms "includes," "has," and "consists of," are used, other parts may be added, unless "only" is used. When a component is expressed in the singular, it includes the plural unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0032] When interpreting a component, it is interpreted as including the error range even if there is no separate explicit description.

[0033] The individual features of the various embodiments of the present invention can be partially or wholly combined or combined with each other, and various technical linkages and operations are possible, and each embodiment can be implemented independently of each other or implemented together in a related relationship.

[0034]

[0035] Hereinafter, a product management system (1) for a distribution store according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a drawing schematically illustrating an embodiment of a product management system (1) of a distribution store according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a drawing schematically illustrating a distribution store according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a drawing schematically illustrating an embodiment of a sales stand (211) illustrated in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the location of products in the distribution store illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0037]

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a product management system (1) for a distribution store according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electronic price tag (10) and a product management server (20). The electronic price tag (10) refers to an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL). The electronic price tag (10) may include a display driven by electronic ink (e-paper) and a battery for supplying power. The product management server (20) may communicate with the electronic price tag (10) to transmit and receive information.

[0039]

[0040] The product management server (20) includes a product information registration unit (200), an identification information registration unit (210), and a location information registration unit (220). The product information registration unit (200) registers product information. The product information includes product name, price, capacity, quantity, etc. The identification information registration unit (210) registers identification information of an electronic price tag (10). The identification information includes a unique code that identifies the electronic price tag (10). The location information registration unit (220) registers location information of the electronic price tag (10). The location information of the electronic price tag (10) is three-dimensional spatial information. The location information can be updated through inventory checks, etc.

[0041]

[0042] The product management server (20) matches product information based on the location information of the electronic price tags (10). The location information of multiple electronic price tags (10) spaced apart from each other may be matched with the same product name. In addition, the location information of multiple electronic price tags (10) spaced apart from each other may be matched with the same or different quantities. For example, the location information of multiple electronic price tags (10) spaced apart from each other on multiple sales stands (211) may be matched with the same product name. In addition, the location information of multiple electronic price tags (10) spaced apart from each other on multiple sales stands (211) may be matched with the same or different quantities. In another embodiment, the location information of the electronic price tags (10) placed on the sales stands (211) and the electronic price tags (10) placed at the event venue (212) may be matched with the same product name. Additionally, the location information of the electronic price tags (10) placed on the sales counter (211) and the electronic price tags (10) placed at the event venue (212) can be matched in the same or different quantities. This allows for clear management of identical products and their inventory placed in different locations. Furthermore, inventory can be easily checked even if products are placed in different locations.

[0043]

[0044] The space of a distribution store can be classified into floors, zones, parts, sales counters (211), sales counter sections (2110), sales counters (2111), and sales counter rows (2112). A floor refers to a floor in a building that corresponds to a distribution store. For example, the first floor may be a fresh food or processed food store. A zone refers to a spatial area of ​​a distribution store. For example, a zone may be divided into a sales floor (211A), an event hall (212), and a warehouse (213). A part refers to an area in which a sales floor (211A) is divided according to the category of products. For example, a part may be divided into agricultural products, livestock products, fisheries products, processed foods, daily necessities, and non-food products. Here, the category may include a first category, a second category which is a subcategory of the first category, a third category which is a subcategory of the second category, and a fourth category which is a subcategory of the third category. Therefore, parts can be classified according to the first category.

[0045]

[0046] The sales counter (211) is subordinate to the part and can be classified according to the second category. For example, the sales counter (211) can be classified into fruits, vegetables, grains, etc., which belong to agricultural products. The sales counter section (2110) is subordinate to the sales counter (211) and can be classified according to the third category. For example, the sales counter section (2110) can be classified into apples, pears, etc., which belong to fruits. The sales counter (2111) is subordinate to the sales counter section (2110) and can be classified according to the fourth category. For example, the sales counter (2111) can include an adverb belonging to apples. The sales counter row (2112) is subordinate to the sales counter (2111) and is the final product location in the order of products displayed on the sales counter (2111).

[0047]

[0048] The sales counter (211) may have a length in the first direction (X) and a height in the second direction (Y). In addition, the sales counter (211) may have a width in the third direction (Z). The sales counter sections (2110) may be arranged in multiple directions along the first direction (X). The sales counter rows (2111) may be arranged in multiple directions along the second direction (Y). In addition, the sales counter rows (2112) may be regions that divide the sales counter (2111) into multiple areas along the first direction (X).

[0049]

[0050] The location information of the electronic shelf label (10) includes sales counter space information, sales counter information, and sales counter row information. The sales counter space information corresponds to a sales counter space (2001). The sales counter information corresponds to a sales counter (2111). The sales counter row information corresponds to a sales counter (2112). The sales counter space (2110) is subordinate to the sales counter (211), and the sales counter (211) can be identified by product information. Therefore, the locations of the electronic shelf label (10) and the product can be specified using the sales counter space information, sales counter information, and sales counter row information. In addition, based on the sales counter space information, the three-dimensional spatial information of the product can be determined through the sales counter and sales counter row. In addition, the location information of the electronic shelf label (10) may further include location information corresponding to a floor, a zone, a part, and a sales counter.

[0051]

[0052] The product management server (20) may further include a monitoring unit (230). The monitoring unit (230) may monitor the battery charge level of the electronic price tag (20). The monitoring unit (230) may match the identification information of at least one of a plurality of electronic price tags (10) to the location information of the electronic price tag (10). For example, if the battery charge level corresponds to a low battery level below a preset value, the monitoring unit (230) may match the identification information of the electronic price tag (10) having the low battery level to the location information. The monitoring unit (230) may provide the location information of the electronic price tag (10) having the low battery level as an alarm.

[0053]

[0054] The battery of an electronic price tag (10) has a lifespan of approximately 5 to 7 years. The lifespan of the battery may vary depending on the communication environment. When the battery is installed for more than 3 years, a low battery symptom occurs. In the conventional case, only the identification information of an electronic price tag (10) with a low battery can be confirmed. That is, since the location information is not confirmed, the electronic price tag (10) must be individually checked and the battery replaced. Therefore, it is difficult to individually check and replace the battery of an electronic price tag (10) corresponding to a large number of products. However, in the case of the present invention, the monitoring unit (230) matches the identification information of an electronic price tag (10) with a low battery to the location information, so the battery of the electronic price tag (10) can be easily replaced.

[0055]

[0056] Figure 5 is a schematic drawing of a device (2) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a product management system (1) for a distribution store according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a device (2). The device (2) includes a PDA and a smart phone. The device (2) may communicate with a product management server (20). Through the device (2), the product management server (20) may receive product information, identification information, and location information. The device (2) may be used for initial information registration or information registration during inventory checks. The device (2) may include a recognition unit (21), a sales counter input unit (22), a sales counter unit input unit (23), a sales counter row input unit (24), a quantity input unit (25), and an identification information input unit (26). The recognition unit (21) may recognize a barcode, QR code, etc. of a product and confirm the product code. The device (2) may receive at least a part of the product name and location information from the product management server (20) through the product code. At least some of the location information may be zones, parts, and sales outlets.

[0058]

[0059] As an example, the device (2) may provide location information including sales counter information, sales counter unit information, and sales counter row information for a product identified through barcode recognition to the location information registration unit (220). To this end, the device (2) may include a sales counter input unit (22), a sales counter input unit (23), and a sales counter row input unit (24).

[0060]

[0061] In addition, the device (2) can provide the identification information of the electronic price tag (10) to the identification information registration unit (210) through the identification information input unit (26). Accordingly, the device (2) can provide the location information and identification information for the product to the product management server (20), and the product management server (20) can match and register the location information and identification information for the product. Meanwhile, the quantity input unit (25) can input the quantity for the product. The quantity input unit (25) can provide the quantity of the product to the product management server (20). The quantity input unit (25) can be used for inventory checks.

[0062]

[0063] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the product management system (1) of the distribution store illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the product management server (20) may further include a product display management unit (240). The product display management unit (240) may set the display position of products on the sales counter (211). The product display management unit (240) may include category information that classifies products by category and may receive location information from the location information registration unit (220). The product display management unit (240) may set the display position of products based on the category information and location information. Accordingly, the location information of products according to category may be confirmed. In addition, location information updated according to inventory surveys, etc. may be used when setting the display position of products. In other words, even if the display position of products is changed from the initial position in multiple distribution stores, the actual display status of the distribution stores may be reflected with the updated location information. In addition, the display position of products may be managed and set three-dimensionally.

[0065]

[0066] Category information may include a first category, a second category, a third category, and a fourth category. The first category is a parent category consisting of multiple products. For example, the first category may be agricultural products. The second category is a subcategory of the first category. The second category may be fruits. The third category is a subcategory of the second category. The third category may be apples. The fourth category is a subcategory of the third category. The fourth category may be an adverb.

[0067]

[0068] The product management server (20) may further include an event management unit (250). The event management unit (250) may set up events for distribution stores for marketing purposes. Events may include event venue location information, display prop information, and display product information. The event venue location information includes the location of the event venue where the display props and display products will be displayed. The display prop information includes the props displayed for the display. The display product information includes the products displayed at the event venue (212) for the display. For example, the display prop information may include Christmas trees, banners, etc., and the display product information may include food, Christmas decorations, etc. An electronic price tag (10) may be placed at the event venue (212). The electronic price tag (10) placed at the event venue (212) may display the prices of the display products placed at the event venue (212). A sales stand (211) may be placed at the event venue (212). The electronic price tag (10) may include location information corresponding to the sales stand (211). The location information of the electronic price tag (10) placed at the event venue (212) is provided to the location information registration unit (220).

[0069]

[0070] The event management unit (250) can receive location information from the location information registration unit (220). This allows Christmas event props and products, for example, to be produced and arranged appropriately for each retail store's event venue. Furthermore, the location information of the electronic price tags (10) placed at the event venue allows for a three-dimensional event setup for the event venue. Furthermore, the electronic price tags (10) placed at the event venue (212) can display the prices of products registered in the product information registration unit (200). The location information can be updated through inventory checks, etc.

[0071]

[0072] Additionally, the product management server (20) may further include an event venue information registration unit (not shown). The event venue information registration unit may register event venue information, including the size, shape, and form of the event venue, through a device (2), etc. The event venue information registration unit may provide event venue information to the event management unit (250).

[0073]

[0074] A product management system (1) for a distribution store according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a display (40) and a kiosk (50). Furthermore, the product management server (20) may further include a content management unit (260) and an inventory control unit (270). The display (40) is placed in the distribution store to deliver advertisements and information. The display (40) may include a digital signage, an LCD, a PDP, an LED monitor, etc.

[0075]

[0076] The content management unit (260) can set advertising content to be displayed on the display (40). The content management unit (260) can receive location information from the location information registration unit (220). The content management unit (260) can display advertising content on the display (40) based on the location information. In other words, it can provide advertisements and information corresponding to product information placed at a desired location, such as around the display (40).

[0077]

[0078] Meanwhile, a kiosk (50) is placed in a retail store and can provide information about the retail store. Here, the location information registration unit (220) can provide location information to the kiosk (50). The kiosk (50) can display a map corresponding to the retail store as an image. The kiosk (50) can provide a three-dimensional image of the location of a product in response to the location information.

[0079]

[0080] The inventory check unit (270) contains inventory information on products. The inventory check unit (270) can provide the inventory information to the electronic shelf label (10). Accordingly, the electronic shelf label (10) can display the inventory information. The inventory information can include the quantity corresponding to the product. In the case of an inventory check, a person first checks the inventory of the product using a PDA or manually. A person then checks the inventory results from the first inventory check. In this case, the method of having a person check the quantity in the second check and compare it with the first inventory check results is very cumbersome. In the case of the present invention, the inventory check unit (270) provides the inventory information checked in the first check to the electronic shelf label (10), and the electronic shelf label (10) displays the inventory information, making the second inventory check very easy.

[0081]

[0082] The inventory check unit may include an inventory judgment unit and an inventory reception unit. The inventory judgment unit receives inventory images captured by the inventory check robot and analyzes the inventory images to determine inventory information (quantity). In other words, the inventory judgment unit can determine (extract) inventory information based on the inventory images. The inventory images can be analyzed using an image processing algorithm. The inventory reception unit can receive inventory information from a store employee's device (2). The inventory information from the device (2) can generally be received through a regular inventory check. The inventory judgment unit can quickly perform a primary inventory check. The inventory information analyzed by the inventory judgment unit through the images can be provided to an electronic price tag (10). The store employee can perform a secondary inventory check by comparing the inventory information of products displayed on a sales counter (211), etc., with the corresponding inventory information displayed on the electronic price tag (10). This allows the inventory check to be performed quickly, easily, and accurately.

[0083]

[0084] Additionally, the inventory judgment unit may further include a machine learning unit. The machine learning unit may learn based on inventory images transmitted from the inventory check robot and inventory information received from the device (2). The accuracy of the inventory information judgment of the inventory judgment unit may be improved by the machine learning unit. Here, the inventory image serves as input (or feature), and the inventory information received from the device (2) serves as a label. Since the inventory information may be updated regularly, the performance of the inventory judgment unit may be enhanced by the machine learning unit.

[0085]

[0086] Meanwhile, the inventory assessment unit can generate an alarm based on specific conditions when determining inventory information through inventory images. These specific conditions can be generated using a preset algorithm. For example, these specific conditions can be preset as numerical values ​​for the difficulty or error rate of image processing. The inventory assessment unit can generate an alarm and provide location information of the electronic price tag (10) corresponding to the alarm generation. Store staff can perform an inventory check on the product corresponding to the location information of the electronic price tag (10) for which the alarm was generated. Therefore, inventory checks can be performed very easily and quickly.

[0087]

[0088] An inventory check robot may include a body, a sliding part disposed on the body, a reader disposed on the sliding part, a length adjustment part disposed on the sliding part, and a camera disposed on the length adjustment part. The body may be movable via casters. The body may extend in a first direction corresponding to the length of a sales stand (211). The sliding part is connected to the body so as to be slidable in the first direction. The reader may communicate with an NFC chipset disposed on an electronic price tag (10) as an NFC reader. That is, product information and location information regarding inventory images may be confirmed through the reader. The length adjustment part may be adjusted in length in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Accordingly, the position of the camera may be adjusted by the length adjustment part according to the depth of the sales stand (211) in the second direction. The camera may capture inventory images of products. The inventory check robot may capture multiple inventory images at different locations in the second direction through the length adjustment part. The inventory check robot may provide the multiple inventory images to an inventory determination unit. By this, the accuracy of inventory information judgment through inventory image analysis can be improved. The inventory check robot can sequentially capture inventory images in the longitudinal direction of the sales counter (211) by sliding the sliding unit in the first direction. At this time, the reader can communicate with the electronic price tags (10) sequentially arranged, so that product information and location information can be confirmed. In addition, the inventory check robot can further include a sensor arranged in the length adjustment unit. The sensor can detect the depth of the sales counter (211) with respect to the second direction. By this, multiple inventory images at different locations can be acquired based on the depth of the sales counter (211). In addition, since product information and location information for the inventory images are acquired by the reader, product information and location information according to the alarm are provided together, so that store staff can check them.

[0089]

[0090] Meanwhile, each of a plurality of partitions (not shown) may be placed between sales counters (2112). At least one sales counter (2112) may be placed between a pair of partitions. The partitions may distinguish products placed on the sales counters (2112). Products placed between a pair of partitions may be photographed and analyzed by an inventory check robot. The partitions may have a partition identification code. The partition identification code may be recognized by a camera. The inventory determination unit may process (analyze) images of products placed between a pair of partitions using the partition identification code.

[0091]

[0092] Although the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described according to the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. Electronic price tags corresponding to products displayed on the sales counter; and Includes a product management server that communicates with an electronic price tag, The product management server is Product information registration book that registers product information; An identification information registration section for registering identification information of electronic price tags; and A product management system for a distribution store that includes a location information registration section that registers the location information of electronic price tags.

2. In paragraph 1, Location information is a three-dimensional spatial information for a distribution store's product management system.

3. In paragraph 1, Electronic price tags contain batteries, The product management server further includes a monitoring unit that monitors the battery charge level. The monitoring department, A product management system in a distribution store that matches the identification information of electronic price tags with battery charge levels below a preset value to location information.

4. In paragraph 1, The product management server further includes a product display management unit that sets the display location of products on the sales counter. The product display management department is a product management system of a distribution store that includes category information that classifies products by category and receives location information from the location information registration department.

5. In paragraph 1, The product management server further includes an event management unit that sets up events for distribution stores for marketing purposes. The event includes information on exhibition props and exhibition products. The event management department is a product management system of a distribution store that receives location information from the location information registration department.

6. In paragraph 5, It is placed in a distribution store and further includes a display that displays advertisements. The product management server further includes a content management unit that sets the advertising content displayed on the display. The content management department is a product management system of a distribution store that receives location information from the location information registration department.

7. In paragraph 1, The product management server further includes an inventory check section that contains inventory information. The inventory check department is a product management system in a distribution store that determines inventory information based on inventory images captured by an inventory check robot.

Images