Management method for at least one electronic shelf label and management system for at least one electronic shelf label

Abstract

An embodiment provides a management method for at least one electronic shelf label, the management method comprising the steps of: acquiring related information of a first product; acquiring identification information of a first electronic shelf label; on the basis of a wireless communication method, acquiring information about a first location of an electronic device adjacent to the first electronic shelf label; determining a location of the first electronic shelf label on the basis of the information about the first location of the electronic device; and allocating the first product to the first electronic shelf label by matching at least one of information about the determined first location of the first electronic shelf label and the identification information of the first electronic shelf label with the related information of the first product.

Description

Management method for at least one electronic shelf label and management system for at least one electronic shelf label

[0001] The present invention relates to a management method for at least one electronic shelf label and a management system for at least one electronic shelf label, and more particularly, to a management method for at least one electronic shelf label and a management system for at least one electronic shelf label, which use location information of an electronic shelf label determined based on information about the location of an electronic device in a process of assigning a product to an electronic shelf label using an electronic device.

[0002] Electronic labels are increasingly being used in applications such as displaying product information on store shelves. Also known as electronic shelf labels or electronic tags, electronic labels connect to a server via a gateway, receive product information, and display it on an electronic paper display. Their low-power operation, resulting in longer battery life, and the ability to update information over a communications network, which reduces store management labor costs, are driving their widespread adoption.

[0003] When a new product is placed on the shelf, a process is required to assign the electronic label to display the product's information. Typically, a store manager uses a terminal to read the barcode attached to the electronic label, then scans the product barcode and transmits it to a server. The server then assigns the electronic label to the product, registers it in its database, and transmits the product information to the electronic label, thereby updating the display.

[0004] In addition, after the assignment of electronic labels and products is completed, information regarding the location of the electronic labels assigned to specific products must be secured to easily determine which products are located in which locations, thereby enabling efficient product and electronic label management.

[0005] To this end, a method is known for identifying the location of an electronic label communicating with a reference node based on wireless communication between multiple anchor nodes and a reference node, each with a predetermined location. However, this method is cumbersome because it requires separate wireless communication between multiple anchor nodes and the reference node after the product allocation process. Furthermore, errors exceeding the allowable range may occur during signal transmission and reception between the anchor and reference nodes, resulting in inaccurate electronic label location identification.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for research on a method that can efficiently perform the position of the electronic label to which the product is matched without a separate setting task and minimize the influence of errors that may occur during the wireless communication process to accurately determine the position of the electronic label.

[0007] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, in the process of assigning a product to an electronic shelf label, a management method for at least one electronic shelf label and a management system for at least one electronic shelf label are provided, which utilize information regarding the location of an electronic shelf label determined based on information regarding the location of an electronic device that acquires identification information of the electronic shelf label.

[0008] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a management method for at least one electronic shelf label and a management system for at least one electronic shelf label, which can more accurately obtain information about the location of an electronic shelf label by determining the location of the electronic shelf label based on an image taken of the electronic shelf label using an imaging device included in an electronic device.

[0009] However, the technical problems that the various embodiments of the present disclosure seek to solve are not limited to the technical problems described above, and other technical problems may exist.

[0010] One example is,

[0011] A method for managing at least one electronic shelf label is provided, comprising: a step of obtaining related information of a first product; a step of obtaining identification information of a first electronic shelf label; a step of obtaining information about a first location of an electronic device close to the first electronic shelf label based on a wireless communication method; a step of determining a location of the first electronic shelf label based on the information about the first location of the electronic device; and a step of assigning the first product to the first electronic shelf label by matching at least one of the information about the determined location of the first electronic shelf label and the identification information of the first electronic shelf label to the related information of the first product.

[0012] In another aspect, the wireless communication method may include any one of a WiFi wireless communication method, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) wireless communication method, and an ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless communication method.

[0013] In another aspect, in the step of obtaining identification information of the first electronic shelf label, the identification information of the first electronic shelf label can be obtained based on a wireless communication method between the electronic device and the first electronic shelf label.

[0014] In another aspect, in the step of obtaining related information of the first product, the electronic device can obtain related information of the first product by identifying a unique code displayed on the first product.

[0015] In another aspect, in the step of determining the position of the first electronic shelf label, the first position of the electronic device can be determined as the position of the first electronic shelf label.

[0016] In another aspect, the management method for the at least one electronic shelf label may further include a step of photographing an area where the first electronic shelf label is provided using an imaging device included in the electronic device, and a step of obtaining posture information of the electronic device at the time when the imaging device photographs the area where the first electronic shelf label is provided.

[0017] In another aspect, the step of determining the position of the first electronic shelf label may include the step of obtaining information about internal parameters of the imaging device, the step of determining the position of the first electronic shelf label based on information about the first position of the electronic device, posture information of the electronic device, information about internal parameters of the imaging device, and an image taken of an area where the first electronic shelf label is provided.

[0018] In another aspect, the management method for the at least one electronic shelf label may further include the steps of detecting at least one electronic shelf label from an image taken of an area where the first electronic shelf label is provided, detecting a pattern code displayed by each of the at least one electronic shelf label detected from the image, comparing at least one identification information corresponding to each of the pattern codes displayed by each of the at least one electronic shelf label with the identification information of the first electronic shelf label, and determining a target electronic shelf label displaying a pattern code corresponding to the identification information matching the identification information of the first electronic shelf label.

[0019] In another aspect, in the step of determining the position of the first electronic shelf label, the position of the first electronic shelf label can be determined based on an image of the target electronic shelf label determined based on information about the first position of the electronic device, posture information of the electronic device, information about internal parameters of the imaging device, and an image taken of an area where the first electronic shelf label is provided.

[0020] In another aspect, the management method for the at least one electronic shelf label may further include: a step of generating position error information by calculating a difference between the position of the first electronic shelf label and the first position of the electronic device based on information about the position of the first electronic shelf label and information about the first position of the electronic device; a step of obtaining related information of a second product different from the first product; a step of obtaining identification information of a second electronic shelf label different from the first electronic shelf label; a step of obtaining information about a second position of the electronic device close to the second electronic shelf label based on a wireless communication method; a step of determining a target position calculated by applying the position error information to the information about the second position of the electronic device as the position of the second electronic shelf label; and a step of matching at least one of the information about the determined position of the second electronic shelf label and the identification information of the second electronic shelf label to the related information of the second product to assign the second product to the second electronic shelf label.

[0021] One example is,

[0022] A management system for at least one electronic shelf label is provided, comprising an electronic shelf label displaying product-related information, and an electronic device including at least one memory storing an electronic shelf label management application for performing a management method for the electronic shelf label, and at least one processor for performing a predetermined operation for executing the application.

[0023] In another aspect, the application may obtain relevant information of a first product, obtain identification information of a first electronic shelf label, obtain information about a first location of an electronic device close to the first electronic shelf label based on a wireless communication method, determine a location of the first electronic shelf label based on the information about the first location of the electronic device, and assign the first product to the first electronic shelf label by matching at least one of the information about the determined location of the first electronic shelf label and the identification information of the first electronic shelf label to the relevant information of the first product.

[0024] In another aspect, the application controls an imaging device included in the electronic device to photograph an area where the first electronic shelf label is provided, obtains attitude information of the electronic device at the time when the imaging device photographs the area where the first electronic shelf label is provided, obtains information about internal parameters of the imaging device, and determines the position of the first electronic shelf label based on information about the first position of the electronic device, attitude information of the electronic device, information about internal parameters of the imaging device, and an image photographing the area where the first electronic shelf label is provided.

[0025] In another aspect, the application detects at least one electronic shelf label from an image taken of an area where the first electronic shelf label is provided, detects a pattern code displayed by each of the at least one electronic shelf label detected from the image, compares at least one identification information corresponding to each of the pattern codes displayed by each of the at least one electronic shelf label with identification information of the first electronic shelf label, determines a target electronic shelf label displaying a pattern code corresponding to identification information that matches the identification information of the first electronic shelf label, and determines a position of the first electronic shelf label based on an image of the target electronic shelf label determined based on information about the first position of the electronic device, information about the posture of the electronic device, information about an internal parameter of the imaging device, and an image taken of an area where the first electronic shelf label is provided.

[0026] In another aspect, the application may generate position error information by calculating a difference between the position of the first electronic shelf label and the first position of the electronic device based on information about the position of the first electronic shelf label and information about the first position of the electronic device, obtain related information of a second product different from the first product, obtain identification information of a second electronic shelf label different from the first electronic shelf label, obtain information about a second position of the electronic device close to the second electronic shelf label, determine a target position calculated by applying the position error information to the information about the second position of the electronic device as the position of the second electronic shelf label, and assign the second product to the second electronic shelf label by matching at least one of the information about the determined position of the second electronic shelf label and the identification information of the second electronic shelf label to the related information of the second product.

[0027] In the process of assigning a product to an electronic shelf label according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the product assignment task for the electronic shelf label and the task of identifying the location of the electronic shelf label are performed simultaneously by matching at least one of the information about the location of the electronic shelf label determined based on information about the location of an electronic device that acquires identification information of the electronic shelf label to the relevant information of the product, thereby efficiently performing management of the electronic shelf label.

[0028] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the position of the electronic shelf label can be more precisely determined based on the position of an electronic device including an imaging device that has photographed the electronic shelf label, based on an image of the electronic shelf label.

[0029] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the position of a first electronic shelf label determined based on an image of the first electronic shelf label and the position of an electronic device including an imaging device that photographs the first electronic shelf label are obtained by calculating the difference between the position of the first electronic shelf label and the position of an arbitrary second electronic shelf label that is different from the first electronic shelf label, thereby quickly determining the position.

[0030] However, the effects that can be obtained through various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood from the description below.

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a management system for at least one electronic shelf label according to one embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2 illustrates the configuration of an electronic shelf label according to one embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a server according to one embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a management method for at least one electronic shelf label according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 6 is for explaining a process of obtaining product-related information according to one embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method of obtaining identification information of an electronic shelf label according to one embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a management method for at least one electronic shelf label according to another embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 9 is an image illustrating an area in which an electronic shelf label is provided according to one embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating steps according to one embodiment that may be further included in the method of FIG. 8.

[0041] FIG. 11 is an image illustrating an area in which an electronic shelf label is provided according to another embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating steps according to another embodiment that may be further included in the method of FIG. 8.

[0043] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a method for calculating the difference between the position of an electronic shelf label and the position of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0044] Figure 14 is for explaining a process of obtaining product-related information according to another embodiment.

[0045] Fig. 15 is for explaining a method of obtaining identification information of an electronic shelf label according to another embodiment.

[0046] The present invention is capable of various modifications and embodiments. Therefore, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention, as well as the methods for achieving them, will become clear with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be implemented in various forms. In the following embodiments, the terms "first," "second," etc. are not used in a limiting sense but are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. Furthermore, the singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, terms such as "include" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature or component described in the specification, and do not preemptively exclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added. Furthermore, the sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is shown.

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a management system (1000) for at least one electronic shelf label according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration of an electronic shelf label (100) according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a server (200) according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an electronic device (300) according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a management method (S100) for at least one electronic shelf label according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is for explaining an aspect of obtaining product-related information according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is for explaining an aspect of obtaining identification information of an electronic shelf label according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a management method (S200) for at least one electronic shelf label according to another embodiment. FIG. 9 is for explaining an image captured in an area where an electronic shelf label is provided according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining steps according to an embodiment that may be further included in the method (S200) of FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is for explaining an image taken of an area where an electronic shelf label is provided according to another embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining steps according to another embodiment that may be further included in the method (S200) of FIG. 8. FIG. 13 is for explaining a method for calculating a difference between the position of an electronic shelf label and the position of an electronic device (300) according to one embodiment. FIG. 14 is for explaining a process for obtaining related information of a product according to another embodiment. FIG. 15 is for explaining a process for obtaining identification information of an electronic shelf label according to another embodiment.

[0049] -System (1000)

[0050] A management system (1000) for at least one electronic shelf label according to one embodiment can provide an environment in which a store's field staff can efficiently manage an electronic shelf label (100) by enabling the store's field staff to use an electronic device (300) to assign a product to an electronic shelf label (100) and simultaneously obtain information about the location of the electronic shelf label (100).

[0051] Referring to FIG. 1, the system (1000) may include an electronic shelf label (100) provided on a shelf (30), a server (200), and an electronic device (300). The electronic device (300) may be a user terminal in the form of a portable mobile device.

[0052] The electronic shelf label (100) included in the system (1000) can be linked with the server (200), and the related information of the product displayed on the electronic shelf label (100) can be updated by the server (200).

[0053] Data related to updated product information is transmitted from the server (200) to the electronic shelf label (100), and the electronic shelf label (100) can display the updated product information. In this case, for example, the server (200) can update the product information based on user input via an electronic device (300).

[0054] In detail, to update the relevant information of a product assigned to an electronic shelf label (100), the server (200) can exchange necessary data with the electronic shelf label (100) and the electronic device (300). Accordingly, the server (200) can provide the environment necessary to update the relevant information of a product.

[0055] A shelf (30) may be provided with a plurality of electronic shelf labels (100) and a plurality of products. Each of the plurality of products may be assigned to a respective one of the plurality of electronic shelf labels (100). A first product may be assigned to any first electronic shelf label among the plurality of electronic shelf labels (100), and a second product different from the first product may be assigned to any other second electronic shelf label. The first electronic shelf label and the first product may be provided adjacent to each other, and the second electronic shelf label and the second product may be provided adjacent to each other.

[0056] The server (200) can update related information of multiple products assigned to multiple electronic shelf labels (100). The server (200) can update related information of multiple products in batches and transmit the updated related information of multiple products to multiple electronic shelf labels (100).

[0057] For example, the server (200) may update relevant information for any first product among a plurality of products and transmit the updated relevant information for the first product to the first electronic shelf label to which the first product is assigned. Furthermore, the server (200) may update relevant information for any other second product among the plurality of products and transmit the updated relevant information for the second product to the second electronic shelf label to which the second product is assigned.

[0058] The electronic shelf label (100), the server (200), and the electronic device (300) may be connected to each other via a network (400). Here, the network (400) according to the embodiment may mean a connection structure that enables information exchange between each node, such as the electronic shelf label (100), the server (200), and the electronic device (300).

[0059] For example, the network (400) may include, but is not limited to, a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, a World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX) network, the Internet, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wireless Local Area Network (Wireless LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Personal Area Network (PAN), a Bluetooth network, a satellite broadcasting network, an analog broadcasting network, a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) network, etc.

[0060] The electronic shelf label (100) can be wirelessly connected to the server (200) through a separate gateway (not shown). In this case, data from the server (200) can be transmitted to the electronic shelf label (100) through the gateway.

[0061] However, this is not limited thereto, and the electronic shelf label (100) can be connected to an electronic device (300) via wireless communication. For example, the electronic shelf label (100) can be paired to an electronic device (300) based on a Bluetooth function.

[0062] Hereinafter, the electronic shelf label (100), server (200), and electronic device (300) included in the system (1000) will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0063] -Electronic shelf label (100)

[0064] An electronic shelf label (100) may be an electronic device mounted on a shelf (30) to display information related to products displayed on the shelf (30). For example, the electronic shelf label (100) may display information related to the product, such as the Korean product name, English product name, country of origin, product price, discount information, raw materials, and weight / calories.

[0065] The electronic shelf label (100) may include an electronic paper display (EPD) that maintains a product information display state even when power is not supplied. The electronic paper display is suitable for the electronic shelf label (100) that requires reduced power consumption due to its bistability, which maintains the display state for a long period of time even when power is cut off. Known electronic paper displays include a twist ball type using a hemispherical twist ball charged with electrostatic charge, an electrophoretic display using electrophoresis and microcapsules, and a cholesterol liquid crystal display using cholesterol liquid crystals.

[0066] However, it is not limited thereto, and the electronic shelf label (100) may include any one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, and a 3D display.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 2, an electronic shelf label (100) provided on a shelf (30) may include a display module that displays product-related information provided on one area of ​​the outer surface and an LED (10) provided on another area.

[0068] Here, LED (10) is an abbreviation for 'light emitting device' and may be a light emitting device included in an electronic shelf label (100). A pattern code (PC) based on a signal from a server (200) or an electronic device (300) may be displayed on the display module of the electronic shelf label (100). Here, the pattern code (PC) may be a 2D code. For example, the pattern code (PC) may be a 4x4 2D code, and each of the plurality of pixels included in the pattern code (PC) may be displayed in black or white. Accordingly, the pattern code (PC) may be 65,536 (=2 16 ) can be displayed in different forms. However, it is not limited to this, and the size of the pattern code (PC) can be designed to have various sizes other than 4x4.

[0069] Additionally, the electronic shelf label (100) may include at least one button (1, 2). For example, the electronic shelf label (100) may include a first button (1) and a second button (2). The first button (1) and the second button (2) may be provided on one area of ​​the outer surface of the electronic shelf label (100).

[0070] The LED (10) can be controlled based on a signal from a server (200) or an electronic device (300). In addition, the types of light-emitting colors of the LED (10) can be diverse. For example, the light-emitting colors of the LED (10) can include seven colors: blue, red, green, yellow, sky blue, gray, and white. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the light-emitting colors of the LED (10) can further include various types of colors other than the seven colors listed above.

[0071] A pairing signal may be transmitted from the electronic shelf label (100) to the electronic device (300) based on a user input via the first button (1) and / or the second button (2). Accordingly, the electronic shelf label (100) may be paired with the electronic device (300) based on a Bluetooth method. For example, when a user presses the first button (1) and / or the second button (2), a pairing signal is transmitted from the electronic shelf label (100) to the electronic device (300), and the electronic shelf label (100) may be paired with the electronic device (300) based on a Bluetooth function.

[0072] -Server (200)

[0073] The server (200) can perform a series of processes to provide an environment in which the system (1000) can obtain information about the location of the electronic shelf label (100) while allowing the on-site staff of the store to assign products to the electronic shelf label (100) using an electronic device (300).

[0074] For example, the server (200) can receive data on product-related information acquired by the electronic device (300) and data on identification information of the electronic shelf label (100). In addition, at the same time, the server (200) can determine the location of the electronic shelf label (100) based on information on the location of the electronic device (300).

[0075] The server (200) can match product-related information, identification information of the electronic shelf label (100), and information about the location of the electronic shelf label (100) to each other to assign a product to the electronic shelf label (100), and at the same time manage information about the location of the electronic shelf label (100) to which the product is assigned.

[0076] Additionally, the server (200) can provide an environment in which a user can update product-related information using an electronic device (300). The server (200) can store application programs, data, and / or commands for the product-related information update application to operate, and can transmit data based thereon to the electronic device (300).

[0077] Furthermore, the server (200) may provide a customer code to the electronic device (300). The server (200) may provide a customer code that grants the user the authority to update product-related information provided to the electronic device (300) that has registered for membership through a product-related information editing application. For example, a store customer or on-site employee may receive a product-related information update service by using the electronic device (300) that has received the customer code.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 3, the server (200) may include at least one processor (21) for data processing, a memory (22) for storing application programs, data and / or commands, etc., at least one communication module (23) for data exchange with an external device, a label location information database (24) for storing location information of an electronic shelf label (100), and a label management information database (25) for storing identification information of an electronic shelf label (100) and related information of products assigned thereto.

[0079] In addition, the server (200) may be implemented as a predetermined computing device that performs the functions of a product-related information update unit (26) that updates product-related information, a label position determination unit (27) that determines the position of an electronic shelf label (100) based on data transmitted from an electronic device (300), a label detection unit (28) that detects an electronic shelf label (100) in an image captured by an imaging device included in the electronic device (300), and a pattern code identification unit (29) that identifies a pattern code displayed by an electronic shelf label (100) in an image captured by an imaging device included in the electronic device (300).

[0080] The processor (21) can control the overall operation of components included in the server (200) to provide an environment in which a product-related information editing application and / or an electronic shelf label management application can operate on the electronic device (300).

[0081] The processor (21) may be a system on chip (SOC) including a central processing unit (CPU) and / or a graphics processing unit (GPU), and may execute an operating system (OS) and / or application program stored in memory (22).

[0082] In addition, the processor (21) can communicate internally with each component included in the server (200) via a system bus, and can include one or more predetermined bus structures including a local bus.

[0083] Additionally, the processor (11) may be implemented using at least one of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

[0084] The memory (22) can store one or more of an operating system (OS), various application programs, data, and commands to provide an environment necessary for performing a method of editing product-related information and / or a method of managing electronic shelf labels.

[0085] In addition, the memory (22) may include a program area and a data area. Here, the program area according to the embodiment may be linked between the operating system (OS) that boots the server (200) and functional elements, and the data area may store data generated according to the use of the server (200).

[0086] In one embodiment, the memory (22) may be a variety of storage devices such as ROM, RAM, EPROM, flash drive, hard drive, etc., and may also be web storage that performs storage functions on the Internet. In addition, the memory (22) may be a storage medium that is removable from the server (200).

[0087] The communication module (23) may include various types of communication devices that enable the server (200) to transmit and receive data with external devices. The server (200) may transmit data based on an application program, data, and / or commands for the product-related information editing application and / or the electronic shelf label management application to the electronic device (300) through the communication module (23).

[0088] The label location information database (24) can store location information of electronic shelf labels (100). A plurality of electronic shelf labels (100) can be provided on a shelf (30) to correspond to a plurality of products. These plurality of electronic shelf labels (100) can each be placed at specific locations on the shelf (30), and specific location information for the shelves (30) of the plurality of electronic shelf labels (100) can be stored in the location information database (24).

[0089] For example, among a plurality of electronic shelf labels (100), a first electronic shelf label may be provided in the second floor, third column of the first shelf provided in Zone A among the plurality of zones. In this case, the location information of the first electronic shelf label, 'the second floor, third column of the first shelf in Zone A', may be stored in the location information database (24) as the location information of the first electronic shelf label in correspondence with the unique identification number of the first electronic shelf label.

[0090] However, it is not limited thereto, and the location information of the electronic shelf label (100) may be stored in the label location information database (24) in the form of coordinate information within the store. For example, the location information in the form of coordinate information of the electronic shelf label (100) may be determined by the label location determination unit (27), and the location information in the form of coordinate information of the electronic shelf label (100) determined by the label location determination unit (27) may be stored in the label location information database (24).

[0091] The label management information database (25) can store product allocation information in a form in which the identification information of the electronic shelf label (100) and the related information of the product assigned to the electronic shelf label (100) are matched with each other.

[0092] For example, a plurality of electronic shelf labels (100) may be provided in a store, and first product allocation information in which the identification information of one first electronic shelf label among the plurality of electronic shelf labels (100) and the related information of the first product assigned to the first electronic shelf label are matched, and second product allocation information in which the identification information of one second electronic shelf label other than the first electronic shelf label among the plurality of electronic shelf labels (100) and the related information of the second product assigned to the second electronic shelf label are matched, may be stored in a label management information database (25).

[0093] The product-related information update unit (26) can update product-related information displayed on the electronic shelf label (100). For example, the product-related information update unit (26) can control the electronic shelf label (100) so that product-related information displayed on the electronic shelf label (100) is periodically updated according to the product-related information update rules stored in the memory (22). The product-related information update rules stored in the memory (22) can be predetermined by the user and constantly modified.

[0094] However, it is not limited to this, and the product-related information update unit (26) can also control the electronic shelf label (100) so that the product-related information displayed on the electronic shelf label (100) is updated according to user input for editing the product-related information.

[0095] For example, a product-related information update unit (26) can control an electronic shelf label (100) so that information related to a product updated by user input into an electronic device (300) is displayed on the electronic shelf label (100).

[0096] The label position determination unit (27) can determine the position of the electronic shelf label (100) within the store based on data transmitted from the electronic device (300). For example, the label position determination unit (27) can calculate coordinate information of the electronic shelf label (100) within the store.

[0097] For example, in the process of obtaining identification information of the electronic shelf label (100), the electronic device (300) may be provided in a location close to the electronic shelf label (100). At this time, the electronic device (300) may obtain information about its own location based on a wireless communication method. Information about the location of the electronic device (300) may be transmitted from the electronic device (300) to the server (200), and the label location determination unit (27) may determine the location of the electronic device (300) close to the electronic shelf label (100) as the location of the electronic shelf label (100) based on the information about the location of the electronic device (300). In this way, the location of the electronic device (300) close to the electronic shelf label (100) is regarded as the location of the electronic shelf label (100), and the location of the electronic shelf label (100) may be determined.

[0098] In addition, for example, in the process of obtaining identification information of the electronic shelf label (100), the electronic device (300) can use the imaging device (361) to photograph an area where the electronic shelf label (100) is provided. The electronic device (300) can transmit data of an image of the area where the electronic shelf label (100) is provided to the server (200). At the same time, the electronic device (300) can obtain information on its own posture at the time of photographing the area where the electronic shelf label (100) is provided, and data of information on the posture of the electronic device (300) can be transmitted from the electronic device (300) to the server (200).

[0099] The label position determination unit (27) can determine the position of the electronic shelf label (100) based on information about the position of the electronic device (300), information about the posture of the electronic device (300), information about the internal parameters of the imaging device (361) included in the electronic device (300), and an image taken of the area where the electronic shelf label (100) is provided.

[0100] For example, the label position determination unit (27) can calculate coordinate information of the center point of the electronic shelf label (100) detected in an image taken of an area where the electronic shelf label (100) is provided through a predetermined matrix operation based on information about the position and posture of the electronic device (300). The label position determination unit (27) can calculate coordinate information of the electronic shelf label (100) within the store based on the coordinate information of the center point of the electronic shelf label (100).

[0101] The label detection unit (28) can detect the electronic shelf label (100) from an image taken by the electronic device (300) of the area where the electronic shelf label (100) is provided.

[0102] For example, an electronic device (300) can photograph an area where an electronic shelf label (100) is provided using an imaging device (361), and data of an image of the area where the electronic shelf label (100) is provided can be transmitted from the electronic device (300) to a server (200).

[0103] The label detection unit (28) can detect the electronic shelf label (100) among various objects included in the image in which the area where the electronic shelf label (100) is provided is photographed based on an image extraction algorithm.

[0104] The pattern code identification unit (29) can identify the pattern code displayed by the electronic shelf label (100) detected in the image taken by the electronic device (300) of the area where the electronic shelf label (100) is provided.

[0105] The electronic shelf label (100) can display a unique pattern code, and this pattern code can correspond to unique identification information of the electronic shelf label (100). In this case, identifying the pattern code displayed by the electronic shelf label (100) can mean obtaining unique identification information of the electronic shelf label (100) displaying the pattern code.

[0106] Here, the identification information of the electronic shelf label (100) may be in the form of a string of characters, a string of numbers, and / or a combination thereof. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the identification information of the electronic shelf label (100) may also include a combination of various symbols other than letters and numbers.

[0107] For example, the pattern code identification unit (29) can detect the pattern code displayed on the electronic shelf label (100) detected from the image in which the area where the electronic shelf label (100) is provided is photographed based on an image extraction algorithm.

[0108] The detected pattern code may correspond to the identification information of the electronic shelf label (100). The corresponding pattern code and the identification information of the electronic shelf label (100) may be matched with each other and stored in a pattern code database (not shown). The pattern code identification unit (29) may extract the identification information of the electronic shelf label (100) corresponding to the detected pattern code from the pattern code database.

[0109] In this way, the pattern code identification unit (29) can detect the pattern code displayed by the electronic shelf label (100) based on the data of the image in which the electronic shelf label (100) was photographed, and obtain identification information of the electronic shelf label (100) corresponding to the pattern code.

[0110] In the above description, it has been described that the server (200) according to one embodiment performs the functional operations as described above, but various embodiments are possible, such as, depending on the embodiment, at least a part of the functional operations performed by the server (200) may be performed by an external device (e.g., an electronic device (300)), and at least a part of the functional operations performed by the external device may be further performed by the server (200).

[0111] -Electronic devices (300)

[0112] The electronic device (300) may be a device having a product-related information editing application and / or an electronic shelf label management application installed. The electronic device (300) may include a portable user terminal.

[0113] The electronic device (300) may be used by various users. For example, the user of the electronic device (300) may be a store employee or a customer of the store.

[0114] The electronic device (300) may be implemented as, for example, a computer or portable terminal that can connect to a server (200) via a network (500).

[0115] Here, the computer may include, for example, a laptop, desktop, or VR HMD equipped with a web browser (e.g., HTC VIVE, Oculus Rift, GearVR, DayDream, PSVR, etc.).

[0116] A portable terminal is a wireless communication device that ensures portability and mobility, for example, and may include various devices equipped with communication modules such as smartphones, tablet PCs, wearable devices, and Bluetooth (BLE, Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC, RFID, ultrasonic, infrared, WiFi, and LiFi.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 4, from a functional perspective, the electronic device (300) may include a memory (310), a processor assembly (320), a communication module (330), an interface module (340), an input system (350), a sensor system (360), and a display system (370). These components may be configured to be included within the housing of the electronic device (300).

[0118] In detail, an application (311) may be stored in the memory (310). The application (311) may store one or more of various application programs, data, and commands for providing a product-related information editing service and / or an electronic shelf label management service that manages location information of an electronic shelf label (100), product information assigned to an electronic shelf label (100), and identification information of an electronic shelf label (100).

[0119] In addition, the memory (310) may include a program area and a data area. Here, the program area according to the embodiment may be linked between the operating system (OS) that boots the electronic device (300) and functional elements, and the data area may store data generated according to the use of the electronic device (300).

[0120] Additionally, the memory (310) may include at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and one or more temporary computer-readable storage medium.

[0121] For example, the memory (310) may be a variety of storage devices such as a ROM, EPROM, flash drive, hard drive, etc., and may include web storage that performs the storage function of the memory (310) on the Internet.

[0122] The processor assembly (320) may include at least one processor capable of executing commands of an application (311) stored in the memory (310) to perform various tasks for creating a product-related information editing environment and / or an electronic shelf label management environment.

[0123] In an embodiment, the processor assembly (320) can control the overall operation of components included in the electronic device (300) through an application (311) of the memory (310) to provide a product-related information editing environment and / or an electronic shelf label management environment.

[0124] For example, the processor assembly (320) can control data of identification information of an electronic shelf label (100) received through a communication module (330) and data of product-related information to be transmitted to the server (200) again through the communication module (330).

[0125] Additionally, the processor assembly (320) can control the data of an image captured by the imaging device (361) to be transmitted to the server (200) via the communication module (330).

[0126] The processor assembly (320) may be a system on chip (SOC) suitable for an electronic device (300) including a central processing unit (CPU) and / or a graphics processing unit (GPU), and may execute an operating system (OS) and / or application programs stored in a memory (310) and control each component mounted on the electronic device (300).

[0127] Additionally, the processor assembly (320) may communicate with each component internally via a system bus and may include one or more predetermined bus structures including a local bus.

[0128] Additionally, the processor assembly (320) may be implemented by including at least one of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

[0129] The communication module (330) may include one or more devices for communicating with external devices. The communication module (330) may communicate via a wireless network.

[0130] In detail, the communication module (330) can communicate with a server (200) that stores content sources for implementing a product-related information editing environment and / or an electronic shelf label management environment, and can communicate with various user input components, such as a controller that receives user input.

[0131] In an embodiment, the communication module (330) can transmit and receive various data related to a product-related information editing environment and / or an electronic shelf label management environment to and from other electronic devices and / or external servers.

[0132] These communication modules (330) can wirelessly transmit and receive data with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and an arbitrary server on a mobile communication network constructed through a communication device capable of performing technical standards or communication methods for mobile communication (e.g., LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), 5G NR (New Radio), WIFI) or short-range communication methods.

[0133] Additionally, the communication module (330) may include a barcode reader capable of reading barcodes attached to products. A product barcode containing relevant information about the product may be attached to a product or a shelf (30) on which the product is displayed. When the electronic device (300) approaches the product barcode, the product barcode may be read by the barcode reader included in the communication module (330). Accordingly, the electronic device (300) may obtain relevant information about the product.

[0134] Additionally, the communication module (330) may include a predetermined wireless communication device for obtaining identification information of the electronic shelf label (100). For example, the communication module (330) may include a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) device, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a near field communication (NFC) tag, etc.

[0135] Furthermore, the communication module (330) may include a wireless signal receiver that receives wireless signals from a plurality of beacons placed within the store. A plurality of beacons may be placed at a plurality of fixed locations within the store. The plurality of beacons may transmit wireless signals to an electronic device (300) used by a user within the store, and the electronic device (300) may receive wireless signals from the plurality of beacons through the wireless signal receiver included in the communication module (330).

[0136] Here, the wireless signals transmitted by the plurality of beacons may include at least one of a Wi-Fi signal, a low-power Bluetooth signal, and an ultra-wideband (UWB) signal.

[0137] The interface module (340) can communicatively connect the electronic device (300) to one or more other devices. In detail, the interface module (340) can include wired and / or wireless communication devices compatible with one or more different communication protocols.

[0138] Through this interface module (340), the electronic device (300) can be connected to multiple input / output devices.

[0139] For example, the interface module (340) can be connected to an audio output device such as a headset port or speaker to output audio.

[0140] As an example, the audio output device is described as being connected via an interface module (340), but an embodiment in which it is installed inside an electronic device (300) may also be included.

[0141] Additionally, for example, the interface module (340) may be connected to an input device such as a keyboard and / or mouse to obtain user input.

[0142] Such an interface module (340) may be configured to include at least one of a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device equipped with an identification module, an audio I / O (Input / Output) port, a video I / O (Input / Output) port, an earphone port, a power amplifier, an RF circuit, a transceiver, and other communication circuits.

[0143] The input system (350) can detect user input (e.g., gestures, voice commands, button operation, or other types of input).

[0144] In detail, the input system (350) may include a predetermined button, a touch sensor, and / or an image sensor that receives user motion input.

[0145] Additionally, the input system (350) can be connected to an external controller through an interface module (340) to receive user input.

[0146] The sensor system (360) may include an image device (361), a position sensor (IMU, 363), and an audio sensor (365). In addition, the sensor system (360) may further include various sensors such as a distance sensor, a proximity sensor, and a contact sensor.

[0147] Here, the imaging device (361) can capture images and / or videos of the physical space around the electronic device (300).

[0148] The imaging device (361) can capture an image by photographing the direction in which it is positioned and located on the front or / and back of the electronic device (300), and can capture a physical space through a camera positioned toward the outside of the electronic device (300).

[0149] Such an image device (361) may include an image sensor device and an image processing module. In detail, the image device (361) may process still images or moving images obtained by an image sensor device (e.g., CMOS or CCD).

[0150] The position sensor (IMU, 363) can detect at least one of the movement and acceleration of the electronic device (300). For example, the IMU (363) may be formed by a combination of various position sensors such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer. Such an IMU (363) may be referred to as a motion sensor hereinafter.

[0151] Additionally, the IMU (363) can recognize spatial information about the physical space around the electronic device (300) in conjunction with the GPS of the communication module (330).

[0152] The audio sensor (365) can recognize sounds around the electronic device (300).

[0153] In detail, the audio sensor (365) may include a microphone capable of detecting voice input from a user using the electronic device (300).

[0154] The display system (370) can output various information related to the product-related information editing environment and / or the electronic shelf label management environment as graphic images.

[0155] As an example, the display system (370) can display various user interfaces (as an example, a member registration interface) for a product-related information editing environment and / or an electronic shelf label management environment.

[0156] Such displays may include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display, a 3D display, and an e-ink display.

[0157] The components may be arranged within the housing of such an electronic device (300), and the user interface may include a touch sensor (373) on a display (371) configured to receive user touch input.

[0158] In detail, the display system (370) may include a display (371) that outputs an image and a touch sensor (373) that detects a user's touch input.

[0159] For example, the display (371) may be implemented as a touch screen by forming a mutual layer structure with the touch sensor (373) or forming an integral structure. Such a touch screen may function as a user input unit that provides an input interface between the electronic device (300) and the user, and at the same time, provide an output interface between the electronic device (300) and the user.

[0160] -Management method for electronic shelf labels (S100, S200)

[0161] Hereinafter, a management method (S100, S200) for an electronic shelf label, which allocates product-related information to an electronic shelf label (100) and simultaneously obtains and stores information on the location of the electronic shelf label (100) through an electronic shelf label management application (311) stored in a memory (310) of an electronic device (300) according to various embodiments and executed by a processor assembly (320), will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 15.

[0162] In various embodiments, the processor assembly (320) of the electronic device (300) may execute an electronic shelf label management application (311) stored in the memory (310) or cause it to operate in a background state.

[0163] Certain operations required for the execution of the electronic sunscreen management application (311) may be performed by the processor (21) of the server (200). However, this is not limited thereto, and at least some of the operations required for the execution of the electronic sunscreen management application (311) may be performed by the processor assembly (320) of the electronic device (300), and other some may be performed by the processor (21) of the server (200).

[0164] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the processor (21) of the electronic device (300) is described as performing a predetermined operation for executing the electronic shelf label management application (311) to perform the management method (S100, S200) for the electronic shelf label.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 5, a management method (S100) for an electronic shelf label according to one embodiment may include a step (S101) of obtaining related information of a first product (p1), a step (S103) of obtaining identification information of a first electronic shelf label (101), a step (S105) of obtaining location information of an electronic device (300) close to the first electronic shelf label (101) to determine a first location of the electronic device (300), a step (S107) of determining a location of the first electronic shelf label (101) based on information about the first location of the electronic device (300), and a step (S109) of assigning a first product (p1) to the first electronic shelf label (101) by matching at least one of information about the location of the first electronic shelf label (101) determined in the related information of the first product (p1) and identification information of the first electronic shelf label (101).

[0166] In step (S101), information related to the first product (p1) can be obtained by an electronic device (300) used by the user.

[0167] For example, referring to FIG. 6, a plurality of products (p1, p2, p3) may be displayed on a shelf (30) provided within a store. The first product (p1) may be any one of the plurality of products (p1, p2, p3).

[0168] The electronic device (300) transmits data of information related to the acquired first product (p1) to the server (200), and accordingly, the server (200) can acquire information related to the first product (p1).

[0169] The electronic device (300) can obtain related information about the first product (p1) by identifying a unique code displayed on the first product (p1) or the shelf (30) on which the first product (p1) is displayed.

[0170] For example, referring to FIG. 6, a user can scan a product barcode attached to a first product (p1) or a shelf (30) on which the first product (p1) is displayed using an electronic device (300). Accordingly, the product barcode is read by a barcode reader installed in the electronic device (300), and the electronic device (300) can obtain data of information related to the first product (p1), such as the Korean product name, English product name, product origin, product price, discount information, raw materials, and weight / calories included in the product barcode.

[0171] In step (S103), identification information of the first electronic shelf label (101) can be obtained by an electronic device (300) used by the user.

[0172] For example, referring to FIG. 7, a plurality of electronic shelf labels (101, 102, 103) may be displayed on a shelf (30) provided within a store. In this case, each of the plurality of electronic shelf labels (101, 102, 103) may be displayed in a position close to each of the plurality of products (p1, p2, p3).

[0173] The first electronic shelf label (101) may be any one of a plurality of electronic shelf labels (101, 102, 130).

[0174] For example, the first electronic shelf label (101) may be displayed close to the first product (p1), the second electronic shelf label (102) may be displayed close to the second product (p2), and the third electronic shelf label (103) may be displayed close to the third product (p3).

[0175] The electronic device (300) transmits data of the identification information of the acquired first electronic shelf label (101) to the server (200), and accordingly, the server (200) can acquire the identification information of the first electronic shelf label (101).

[0176] For example, referring to FIG. 7, a user may place an electronic device (300) close to a first electronic shelf label (101) to tag the electronic device (300) to the first electronic shelf label (101). In this case, wireless communication may be achieved through NFC tags installed on each of the first electronic shelf label (101) and the electronic device (300). Based on this wireless communication method between the first electronic shelf label (101) and the electronic device (300), data of identification information of the first electronic shelf label (101) may be transmitted to the electronic device (300).

[0177] However, it is not limited thereto, and data of identification information of the first electronic shelf label (101) may be transmitted to the electronic device (300) based on a low-power Bluetooth device-based wireless communication method or an RFID tag-based wireless communication method between the electronic device (300) and the first electronic shelf label (101).

[0178] In step (S105), the processor (21) of the server (200) can obtain information about the first location of the electronic device (300) close to the first electronic shelf label (101).

[0179] For example, a plurality of beacons may be placed at regular intervals within a store equipped with multiple electronic shelf labels (101, 102, 103). Each of the multiple beacons can transmit a wireless signal in real time in all directions.

[0180] The electronic device (300) can receive wireless signals from multiple beacons. For example, referring to FIG. 7, the electronic device (300) can receive wireless signals from multiple beacons while being positioned at a first location close to the first electronic shelf label (101). The electronic device (300) can transmit data regarding information about the received wireless signals to the server (200).

[0181] The processor (21) of the server (200) can analyze data regarding information about a wireless signal from an electronic device (300) to calculate the strength and direction of the wireless signal. The processor (21) of the server (200) can analyze the strength and direction of the wireless signal to derive information about a first location of the electronic device (300). For example, the processor (21) of the server (200) can derive coordinate information about the first location of the electronic device (300) based on the analysis of the wireless signal.

[0182] However, it is not limited thereto, and the processor assembly (320) of the electronic device (300) that received the wireless signal may also directly calculate coordinate information of the first location of the electronic device (300) based on analysis of the wireless signal.

[0183] Since the method of calculating information about the location of an electronic device (300) that has received a wireless signal based on analysis of the wireless signal is already a known technology, a more detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0184] In step (S107), the processor (21) of the server (200) can determine the position of the first electronic shelf label (101) based on data from the electronic device (300).

[0185] For example, the processor (21) of the server (200) can determine the first location of the electronic device (300) based on analysis of the beacon signal received from the electronic device (300) as the location of the first electronic shelf label (101).

[0186] Since the electronic device (300) is in close proximity to the first electronic shelf label (101) at the first location, the first location of the electronic device (300) can be regarded as the location of the first electronic shelf label (101). Accordingly, the processor (21) of the server (200) can determine the first location of the electronic device (300) in close proximity to the first electronic shelf label (101) as the location of the first electronic shelf label (101).

[0187] In step (S109), the processor (21) of the server (200) may perform a task of assigning the first product (p1) to the first electronic shelf label (101) based on data from the electronic device (300). In this case, the processor (21) of the server (200) may assign the first product (p1) to the first electronic shelf label (101) by matching at least one of the information regarding the location of the first electronic shelf label (101) and the identification information of the first electronic shelf label (101) to the related information of the first product (p1).

[0188] For example, the processor (21) of the server (200) can match the related information of the first product (p1) received from the electronic device (300) with the identification information of the first electronic shelf label (101) to assign the first product (p1) to the first electronic shelf label (101).

[0189] Alternatively, the processor (21) of the server (200) can match the information related to the first product (p1) received from the electronic device (300) with the information regarding the location of the first electronic shelf label (101) to assign the first product (p1) to the first electronic shelf label (101).

[0190] Furthermore, the processor (21) of the server (200) can match the identification information of the first electronic shelf label (101) and the information regarding the location of the first electronic shelf label (101) with the related information of the first product (p1) received from the electronic device (300) to assign the first product (p1) to the first electronic shelf label (101).

[0191] In this way, data of information matching at least one of the information regarding the location of the first electronic shelf label (101) and the identification information of the first electronic shelf label (101) with the related information of the first product (p1) can be stored in the label management information database (25) of the server (200). Accordingly, the location information of the first electronic shelf label (101) to which the first product (p1) is assigned can be stored and managed.

[0192] Referring to FIG. 8, a management method (S200) for an electronic shelf label according to another embodiment includes a step (S201) of obtaining related information of a first product (p1), a step (S203) of obtaining identification information of a first electronic shelf label (101), a step (S205) of obtaining location information of an electronic device (300) close to the first electronic shelf label (101) to determine a first location of the electronic device (300), a step (S207) of photographing an area where the first electronic shelf label (101) is provided using an imaging device (361) included in the electronic device (300), a step (S209) of obtaining posture information of the electronic device (300) at the time of photographing the area where the first electronic shelf label (101) is provided, information on the first location of the electronic device (300), posture information of the electronic device (300), information on internal parameters of the imaging device (361), and a first It may include a step (S211) of determining the location of the first electronic shelf label based on an image taken of an area where an electronic shelf label is provided, and a step (S213) of assigning the first product (p1) to the first electronic shelf label (101) by matching at least one of information on the location of the first electronic shelf label (101) determined in the related information of the first product (p1) and identification information of the first electronic shelf label (101).

[0193] Steps (S201), (S203), (S205), and (S213) included in the method (S200) of FIG. 8 are substantially the same as steps (S101), (S103), (S105), and (S109) included in the method (S100) of FIG. 5, respectively, and therefore, a more detailed description of steps (S201), (S203), (S205), and (S213) is omitted.

[0194] In step (S207), the processor (21) of the server (200) can obtain data of an image in which an area in which a first electronic shelf label (101) is provided is photographed.

[0195] For example, referring to FIG. 7, in the process of the electronic device (300) obtaining identification information of the first electronic shelf label (101), the area where the first electronic shelf label (101) is marked can be photographed by the imaging device (361) included in the electronic device (300). In this case, the user can adjust the position of the electronic device (300) so that the first electronic shelf label (101) is included in the field of view (FOV) of the imaging device (361) included in the electronic device (300).

[0196] Referring to FIG. 9, a first image (Im1) captured by an imaging device (361) included in an electronic device (300) may include a first electronic shelf label (101) and a first product (p1).

[0197] The electronic device (300) can transmit data of the first image (Im1) to the server (200), and accordingly, the server (200) can obtain data of the first image (Im1).

[0198] In step (S209), the processor (21) of the server (200) can obtain the detailed information of the electronic device (300) at the time when the area where the first electronic shelf label (101) is provided is photographed.

[0199] For example, the attitude information of the electronic device (300) at the time when the imaging device (361) of the electronic device (300) photographs the area where the first electronic shelf label (101) is provided can be acquired by the IMU (363) of the electronic device (300). Here, the attitude information of the electronic device (300) can include information about the three-dimensional direction (e.g., roll, pitch, yaw) of the electronic device (300).

[0200] The electronic device (300) can transmit data of the posture information of the electronic device (300) to the server (200), and accordingly, the server (200) can obtain data of the posture information of the electronic device (300).

[0201] In step (S211), the label position determination unit (27) of the server (200) can determine the position of the first electronic shelf label (101) based on information about the first position of the electronic device (300), detailed information of the electronic device (300), and an image taken of an area where the first electronic shelf label (101) is provided.

[0202] In this case, the server (200) can obtain information about the internal parameters of the imaging device (361) included in the electronic device (300) and use this to determine the position of the first electronic shelf label (101).

[0203] Here, the internal parameters of the imaging device (361) may include the focal length of the imaging device (361), the position of the principal point, and the lens distortion coefficient.

[0204] Information regarding internal parameters of the imaging device (361) may be stored in the memory (22) of the server (200). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and information regarding internal parameters of the imaging device (361) stored in the memory (310) of the electronic device (300) may be transmitted to the server (200) via the communication module (330).

[0205] Referring to FIG. 9, the label position determination unit (27) can calculate information regarding the coordinates of the first center point (c1) of the first electronic shelf label (101) on the first image (Im1) that captures the area where the first electronic shelf label (101) is provided.

[0206] For example, a first electronic shelf label (101) can be detected from a first image (Im1) by a label detection unit (28), and a first center point (c1) of the first electronic shelf label (101) can be detected. A label position determination unit (27) can produce information regarding the coordinates of the detected first center point (c1) on the first image (Im1).

[0207] In addition, the label position determining unit (27) can determine the position of the first electronic shelf label (101) by performing a predetermined operation using information about the first position of the electronic device (300), posture information of the electronic device (300), and information about internal parameters of the imaging device (361) included in the electronic device (300) with respect to the coordinates of the first center point (c1) of the first electronic shelf label (101) on the first image (Im1).

[0208] For example, the label position determination unit (27) can produce information about the coordinates of the location of the first electronic shelf label (101) within the store.

[0209] In this way, the label position determination unit (27) can specify the coordinates of the first electronic shelf label (101) within the store based on the position of the electronic device (300).

[0210] Since a predetermined operation for calculating the coordinates of an object in the real world based on the external parameters of the electronic device (300), such as the location information and posture information of the electronic device (300) that captures the image, the internal parameters of the imaging device (361), and the coordinate information of the object on the captured image is a technology already known, a more detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0211] Meanwhile, a method (S100) according to one embodiment may further include additional steps for detecting a first electronic shelf label (101) from an image in which a plurality of electronic shelf labels are included in an image taken of an area in which a first electronic shelf label (101) is provided, and determining a position of the first electronic shelf label (101) based on an image of the detected first electronic shelf label (101).

[0212] For example, referring to FIG. 10, a method (S100) according to one embodiment may further include, prior to step (S211), a step (S2111) of detecting at least one electronic shelf label from an image taken of an area in which a first electronic shelf label (101) is provided, a step (S2113) of detecting a pattern code displayed by each of the at least one electronic shelf label detected in the image, a step (S2115) of comparing at least one identification information corresponding to each of the pattern codes displayed by each of the at least one electronic shelf label and the identification information of the first electronic shelf label (101), and a step (S2113) of determining a target electronic shelf label that displays a pattern code corresponding to the identification information that matches the identification information of the first electronic shelf label (101).

[0213] In step (S2111), the label detection unit (28) of the server (200) can detect at least one electronic shelf label in an image in which an area in which a first electronic shelf label (101) is provided is photographed.

[0214] For example, referring to FIG. 11, a second image (Im2) in which an area where a first electronic shelf label (101) is provided is captured by an imaging device (361) of an electronic device (300), may further include not only a first product (p1) and a first electronic shelf label (101), but also a second product (p2) and a second electronic shelf label (102).

[0215] The label detection unit (28) can detect the first electronic shelf label (101) and the second electronic shelf label (102) in the second image (Im2).

[0216] For example, the label detection unit (28) can detect the first electronic shelf label (101) by generating a first bounding box (b1) surrounding the first electronic shelf label (101) in the second image (Im2), and can detect the second electronic shelf label (102) by generating a second bounding box (b2) surrounding the second electronic shelf label (102).

[0217] In this way, the label detection unit (28) can detect the images of the first electronic shelf label (101) and the second electronic shelf label (102) in the second image (Im2).

[0218] In step (S2113), the pattern code identification unit (29) of the server (200) can detect the pattern code displayed by each of at least one electronic shelf labels detected in the second image (Im2).

[0219] For example, referring to FIG. 11, the first electronic shelf label (101) detected by the pattern code identification unit (29) can display a first pattern code (PC1). In addition, the second electronic shelf label (102) detected by the pattern code identification unit (29) can display a second pattern code (PC2) different from the first pattern code (PC1).

[0220] The pattern code identification unit (29) can detect the first pattern code (PC1) displayed by the first electronic shelf label (101) and the second pattern code (PC2) displayed by the second electronic shelf label (102) in the second image (Im2).

[0221] In step (S2115), the pattern code identification unit (29) of the server (200) can compare the identification information corresponding to each of the detected first pattern code (PC1) and second pattern code (PC2) with the identification information of the first electronic shelf label (101).

[0222] For example, the pattern code identification unit (29) can obtain first identification information corresponding to the first pattern code (PC1) from the pattern code database. In addition, the pattern code identification unit (29) can obtain second identification information corresponding to the second pattern code (PC2) from the pattern code database.

[0223] Thereafter, the pattern code identification unit (29) can compare the first identification information corresponding to the first pattern code (PC1) with the identification information of the first electronic shelf label (101). In addition, the pattern code identification unit (29) can compare the second identification information corresponding to the second pattern code (PC2) with the identification information of the first electronic shelf label (101).

[0224] In step (S2117), the pattern code identification unit (29) of the server (200) can determine the identification information that is identical to the identification information of the first electronic shelf label (101) transmitted from the electronic device (300) among the first identification information corresponding to the first pattern code (PC1) and the second identification information corresponding to the second pattern code (PC2).

[0225] For example, the pattern code identification unit (29) can determine that the first identification information corresponding to the first pattern code (PC1) is identical to the identification information of the first electronic shelf label (101) transmitted from the electronic device (300).

[0226] Thereafter, the pattern code identification unit (29) can determine an electronic shelf label displaying a first pattern code (PC1) corresponding to first identification information that matches the identification information of the first electronic shelf label (101) as the same target electronic shelf label as the first electronic shelf label (101).

[0227] In this way, the pattern code identification unit (29) can determine a target electronic shelf label that matches the first electronic shelf label (101) among at least one electronic shelf label included in the second image (Im2) that captures the area where the first electronic shelf label (101) is provided.

[0228] In this case, in step (S211) of method (S100) according to one embodiment, the label position determination unit (27) of the server (200) can determine the position of the first electronic shelf label (101) based on information about the first position of the electronic device (300), posture information of the electronic device (300), information about internal parameters of the imaging device (361), and an image of a target electronic shelf label determined based on an image taken of an area where the first electronic shelf label (101) is provided.

[0229] Referring to FIG. 11, the label position determination unit (27) can calculate information regarding the coordinates of the first center point (c1) of the first electronic shelf label (101), which is the target electronic shelf label, on the second image (Im2) that captures the area where the first electronic shelf label (101) is provided.

[0230] For example, a first electronic shelf label (101), which is a target electronic shelf label, can be detected from a second image (Im2) by a label detection unit (28), and a first center point (c1) of the first electronic shelf label (101) can be detected. A label position determination unit (27) can produce information regarding the coordinates of the detected first center point (c1) on the second image (Im2).

[0231] In addition, the label position determining unit (27) can determine the position of the first electronic shelf label (101) by performing a predetermined operation using information about the first position of the electronic device (300), posture information of the electronic device (300), and information about internal parameters of the imaging device (361) included in the electronic device (300) with respect to the coordinates of the first center point (c1) of the first electronic shelf label (101) on the second image (Im2).

[0232] In this way, the label position determination unit (27) can specify the coordinates of the first electronic shelf label (101) within the store based on the position of the electronic device (300) based on the image of the first electronic shelf label (101), which is a target electronic shelf label detected from the second image (Im2) containing a plurality of electronic shelf labels.

[0233] Furthermore, the method (S100) according to one embodiment may further include additional steps to improve the efficiency of product allocation and location information acquisition tasks for the first electronic shelf label (101) and the second electronic shelf label (102) that are different from the first electronic shelf label (101) by utilizing data related to information regarding the location of the first electronic shelf label (101).

[0234] For example, referring to FIG. 12, a method (S100) according to an embodiment includes a step (S221) of generating position error information by calculating a difference between the position of the first electronic shelf label (101) and the first position of the electronic device (300) based on information about the position of the first electronic shelf label (101) and information about the first position of the electronic device (300), a step (S223) of obtaining related information of a second product (p2) different from the first product (p1), a step (S225) of obtaining identification information of a second electronic shelf label (102) different from the first electronic shelf label (101), a step (S227) of obtaining information about a second position of the electronic device close to the second electronic shelf label based on a wireless communication method, a step (S229) of determining a target position calculated by applying the position error information to the information about the second position of the electronic device (300) as the position of the second electronic shelf label (102), and a second It may include a step (S231) of assigning a second product (p2) to a second electronic shelf label (102) by matching at least one of the information on the location of the second electronic shelf label (102) determined in the related information of the product (p2) and the identification information of the second electronic shelf label (102).

[0235] Steps (S223), (S225), (S227), and (S231) of FIG. 12 are substantially the same as steps (S101), (S103), (S105), and (S109) included in the method (S100) of FIG. 5, respectively, and therefore, a more detailed description of steps (S223), (S225), (S227), and (S231) is omitted.

[0236] In step (S221), the processor (21) of the server (200) can generate position error information necessary to determine the position of the second electronic shelf label (102) based on the second position of the electronic device (300) close to the second electronic shelf label (102).

[0237] Here, the position error information may refer to the difference in position between the electronic device (300) and the electronic shelf label in proximity to the electronic device (300) when the electronic device (300) is as close as possible to the electronic shelf label to obtain identification information of the electronic shelf label. The difference between these two positions is a concept corresponding to displacement, and may be a concept including a separation distance and a separation direction.

[0238] The processor (21) of the server (200) can generate position error information in advance. The processor (21) of the server (200) can quickly determine the position of the second electronic shelf label (102) by utilizing the pre-generated position error information when determining the position of the second electronic shelf label (102).

[0239] For example, referring to FIG. 13, the processor (21) of the server (200) can generate position error information by calculating the difference between the position of the first electronic shelf label (101) determined in step (S211) and the first position of the electronic device (300) determined in step (S205).

[0240] In step (S223), information related to the second product (p2) can be obtained by the electronic device (300) used by the user.

[0241] For example, referring to FIG. 14, a plurality of products (p1, p2, p3) may be displayed on a shelf (30). The second product (p1) may be any one product among the plurality of products (p1, p2, p3) that is different from the first product (p1).

[0242] The electronic device (300) transmits data of information related to the acquired second product (p2) to the server (200), and accordingly, the server (200) can acquire information related to the second product (p2).

[0243] The electronic device (300) can obtain related information about the second product (p2) by identifying a unique code displayed on the second product (p2) or the shelf (30) on which the second product (p2) is displayed.

[0244] In step (S225), identification information of the second electronic shelf label (102) can be obtained by an electronic device (300) used by the user.

[0245] For example, referring to FIG. 15, a plurality of electronic shelf labels (101, 102, 103) may be displayed on a shelf (30) provided within a store. In this case, each of the plurality of electronic shelf labels (101, 102, 103) may be displayed in a position close to each of the plurality of products (p1, p2, p3).

[0246] The second electronic shelf label (102) may be any one of a plurality of electronic shelf labels (101, 102, 130) that is different from the first electronic shelf label (101). For example, the second electronic shelf label (102) may be displayed close to the second product (p2).

[0247] The electronic device (300) transmits data of the identification information of the acquired second electronic shelf label (102) to the server (200), and accordingly, the server (200) can acquire the identification information of the second electronic shelf label (102).

[0248] In step (S227), the processor (21) of the server (200) can obtain information about the second location of the electronic device (300) close to the second electronic shelf label (101).

[0249] The method for obtaining information about the second location of the electronic device (300) is substantially the same as the method for obtaining information about the second location of the electronic device (300) in step (S105), so a description thereof is omitted here.

[0250] In step (S229), the label position determination unit (27) of the server (200) can calculate the target position by applying the position error information to the information about the second position of the electronic device (300).

[0251] For example, the user can obtain identification information of the second electronic shelf label (102) while positioning the electronic device (300) at a second location. In this case, the label position determination unit (27) can calculate information about the target location by adding up the difference between the first location of the electronic device (300) corresponding to the location error information at the second location and the location of the first electronic shelf label (101).

[0252] For example, the label position determination unit (27) can calculate coordinate information of the target position by adding the position error information for the second position.

[0253] Afterwards, the label position determination unit (27) can determine the target position as the position of the second electronic shelf label (102).

[0254] In this way, the label position determination unit (27) can efficiently obtain information about the position of the second electronic shelf label (102) based on the second position of the electronic device (300) close to the second electronic shelf label (102) by utilizing position error information corresponding to the difference between the position of the first electronic shelf label (101) and the first position of the electronic device (300) without having to perform analysis on an image taken of an area where the second electronic shelf label (102) is provided.

[0255] The embodiments of the present invention described above may be implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed through various computer components and recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium may include program commands, data files, data structures, etc., either singly or in combination. The program commands recorded on the computer-readable recording medium may be specially designed and configured for the present invention or may be known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program commands, such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memories. Examples of program commands include not only machine language codes generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. Hardware devices may be changed into one or more software modules to perform processing according to the present invention, and vice versa.

[0256] The specific implementations described in the present invention are merely exemplary embodiments and do not limit the scope of the present invention in any way. For the sake of brevity, descriptions of conventional electronic components, control systems, software, and other functional aspects of the systems may be omitted. In addition, the lines connecting or connecting members between components depicted in the drawings are merely exemplary functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections, and may be replaced or represented as various additional functional connections, physical connections, or circuit connections in an actual device. In addition, unless specifically mentioned as “essential,” “important,” etc., a component may not be absolutely necessary for the application of the present invention.

[0257] Although the detailed description of the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art or having ordinary knowledge in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and technical scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the contents described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be defined by the claims.

[0258] The present invention has industrial applicability in that it can improve the efficiency of management of electronic shelf labels by acquiring information about the location of an electronic device that acquires identification information of an electronic shelf label in the process of assigning product-related information to an electronic shelf label, and assigning to a product not only the identification information of the electronic shelf label but also the information about the location of the electronic shelf label.

Claims

1. Step of obtaining related information on the first product; Step of obtaining identification information of the first electronic shelf label; A step of obtaining information about a first location of an electronic device in proximity to the first electronic shelf label based on a wireless communication method; A step of determining the position of the first electronic shelf label based on information about the first position of the electronic device; and A management method for at least one electronic shelf label, comprising: a step of assigning the first product to the first electronic shelf label by matching at least one of information regarding the location of the first electronic shelf label determined in the related information of the first product and identification information of the first electronic shelf label; 2. In paragraph 1, A management method for at least one electronic shelf label, wherein the wireless communication method includes any one of a WiFi wireless communication method, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) wireless communication method, and an ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless communication method.

3. In paragraph 1, In the step of obtaining identification information of the first electronic shelf label, A management method for at least one electronic shelf label, wherein identification information of the first electronic shelf label is obtained based on a wireless communication method between the electronic device and the first electronic shelf label.

4. In paragraph 1, In the step of obtaining related information of the above first product, A management method for at least one electronic shelf label, wherein the electronic device identifies a unique code displayed on the first product to obtain relevant information of the first product.

5. In paragraph 1, In the step of determining the position of the first electronic shelf label, A management method for at least one electronic shelf label, wherein the first location of the electronic device is determined as the location of the first electronic shelf label.

6. In paragraph 1, A step of photographing an area where the first electronic shelf label is provided using an imaging device included in the electronic device; and A step of obtaining posture information of the electronic device at the time when the imaging device photographs the area where the first electronic shelf label is provided; further comprising; The step of determining the position of the first electronic shelf label is: A step of obtaining information about internal parameters of the imaging device; A management method for at least one electronic shelf label, comprising: a step of determining a position of the first electronic shelf label based on information about the first position of the electronic device, posture information of the electronic device, information about internal parameters of the imaging device, and an image taken of an area where the first electronic shelf label is provided; 7. In paragraph 6, A step of detecting at least one electronic shelf label from an image taken of an area in which the first electronic shelf label is provided; A step of detecting a pattern code displayed by each of the at least one electronic shelf labels detected in the image; A step of comparing at least one identification information corresponding to each pattern code displayed by each of the at least one electronic shelf label with the identification information of the first electronic shelf label; and A step of determining a target electronic shelf label displaying a pattern code corresponding to identification information matching the identification information of the first electronic shelf label; further comprising; In the step of determining the position of the first electronic shelf label, A management method for at least one electronic shelf label, which determines the position of the first electronic shelf label based on an image of the target electronic shelf label determined based on information about the first position of the electronic device, posture information of the electronic device, information about internal parameters of the imaging device, and an image taken of an area where the first electronic shelf label is provided.

8. In paragraph 6, A step of generating position error information by calculating the difference between the position of the first electronic shelf label and the first position of the electronic device based on information about the position of the first electronic shelf label and information about the first position of the electronic device; A step of obtaining related information of a second product different from the first product; A step of obtaining identification information of a second electronic shelf label that is different from the first electronic shelf label; A step of obtaining information about a second location of the electronic device in proximity to the second electronic shelf label based on a wireless communication method; A step of determining a target position calculated by applying the position error information to information about the second position of the electronic device as the position of the second electronic shelf label; and A management method for at least one electronic shelf label, further comprising: a step of assigning the second product to the second electronic shelf label by matching at least one of information regarding the location of the second electronic shelf label determined in the related information of the second product and identification information of the second electronic shelf label; 9. Electronic shelf labels displaying product-related information; and An electronic device comprising at least one memory storing an electronic shelf label management application for performing a management method for an electronic shelf label and at least one processor for performing a predetermined operation for executing the application; The above application, Obtain relevant information about the first product, Obtain identification information of the first electronic shelf label, Obtaining information about the first location of the electronic device in proximity to the first electronic shelf label based on a wireless communication method, Determine the location of the first electronic shelf label based on information about the first location of the electronic device, A management system for at least one electronic shelf label, which assigns the first product to the first electronic shelf label by matching at least one of information regarding the location of the first electronic shelf label determined above with the related information of the first product and identification information of the first electronic shelf label.

10. In paragraph 9, The above application, Controlling the imaging device included in the electronic device to photograph the area where the first electronic shelf label is provided; The imaging device acquires the posture information of the electronic device at the time when the area where the first electronic shelf label is provided is photographed, Obtain information about the internal parameters of the imaging device, A management system for at least one electronic shelf label, which determines the position of the first electronic shelf label based on information about the first position of the electronic device, posture information of the electronic device, information about internal parameters of the imaging device, and an image taken of an area where the first electronic shelf label is provided.

11. In paragraph 10, The above application, Detecting at least one electronic shelf label from an image taken of an area where the first electronic shelf label is provided, Detecting a pattern code displayed by each of the at least one electronic shelf labels detected in the image, Comparing at least one identification information corresponding to each pattern code displayed by each of the at least one electronic shelf label with the identification information of the first electronic shelf label, Determine a target electronic shelf label that displays a pattern code corresponding to identification information that matches the identification information of the first electronic shelf label, A management system for at least one electronic shelf label, which determines the position of the first electronic shelf label based on an image of the target electronic shelf label determined based on information about the first position of the electronic device, posture information of the electronic device, information about internal parameters of the imaging device, and an image taken of an area where the first electronic shelf label is provided.

12. In paragraph 10, The above application, Based on the information about the position of the first electronic shelf label and the information about the first position of the electronic device, the difference between the position of the first electronic shelf label and the first position of the electronic device is calculated to generate position error information, Obtaining related information on a second product that is different from the first product above, Obtain identification information of a second electronic shelf label that is different from the first electronic shelf label, Obtaining information about a second location of the electronic device in proximity to the second electronic shelf label; The target position calculated by applying the position error information to the information about the second position of the electronic device is determined as the position of the second electronic shelf label, A management system for at least one electronic shelf label, which assigns the second product to the second electronic shelf label by matching at least one of information regarding the location of the second electronic shelf label determined above with the related information of the second product and identification information of the second electronic shelf label.

Images