System and method for managing display device of one or more items at site level

Abstract

Disclosed is a system for managing an electronic shelf label (ESL) of one or more products on basis of remote control. The system according to embodiments manages a plurality of ESL devices in a first site, and comprises: a central server including a table including first information about one or more products provided in the first site and second information about one or more ESL devices corresponding to the one or more products; and an event watching unit provided in a first server provided in the first site and periodically checking the table to monitor whether the first information or the second information is changed.

Description

A system and method for managing display devices for one or more items at the field level

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for managing price tags of one or more products based on remote control. Specifically, the present invention relates to a system equipped with an internal communication network based on Zigbee wireless communication for integrally controlling price tags (ESL, Electronic Shelf Label) matched to one or more products, and an external communication network configured to access a first server of the internal communication network to control one or more price tags.

[0002] With the rapid advancement of information technology (IT), continuous attempts are being made to achieve corporate management innovation by applying it to overall business operations. This includes efficiently managing tasks, minimizing the burden on field workers, and maximizing the utilization of on-site resources.

[0003] A representative information technology solution among these attempts is the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. As a solution capable of processing business-related activities across all areas of a company by integrating information technology, this system integrates and manages information regarding all business operations across the entire enterprise and enables rapid decision-making based on management data.

[0004] Through this, companies can integrate and manage their overall business operations in real time, such as human resources, sales, purchasing, outsourcing, accounting, logistics, and production, enabling them to manage human and material resources in an optimal state.

[0005] Meanwhile, as industrial structures become more complex and diversified, the human and material resources that must be managed within companies are becoming more diverse and numerous. Furthermore, team compositions are becoming more complex, and inter-team relationships are becoming organically interconnected. Consequently, companies need to efficiently manage material and human resources and systematically distribute and manage access rights for each user. As such, the necessity to systematically manage various sites, on-site materials, and workers has recently emerged, and this can even determine the success of business operations.

[0006] In this regard, there is prior art Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2024-0066736 (May 16, 2024).

[0007] The present invention provides a system and method for managing price tags of one or more products based on remote control.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned problem, a system for managing a plurality of Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) devices at a first site comprises: a central server including a table including first information regarding one or more products provided at the first site and second information regarding one or more ESL devices corresponding to said one or more products; and an event watching unit provided at the first server provided at the first site, which periodically checks the table to monitor whether the first information or the second information has changed; wherein the event watching unit controls at least one of the plurality of ESL devices based on the changed first information or the second information when a change in the first information or the second information is detected.

[0009] Herein, the ESL management system according to the embodiments further comprises a terminal device of a manager communicating with the central server; and the central server may be characterized by receiving a first request from the terminal device of the manager and modifying a first information or a second information in the table in response to the first request.

[0010] Furthermore, the central server according to the embodiments may be characterized by transmitting a notification packet to the event watching unit in response to the first request.

[0011] Furthermore, the first request according to the embodiments may be based on a first communication protocol, and the event watching unit monitors whether the first information or the second information is changed based on a second communication protocol and controls at least one of the plurality of ESL devices, and the second communication protocol may be characterized as being different from the first communication protocol.

[0012] Meanwhile, the table according to the embodiments is stored in a database provided in the central server, and the first information regarding one or more products and the second information regarding one or more ESL devices corresponding to the one or more products are recorded as a single record together with a unique identification key associated with the first site, and the event watching unit may be characterized by periodically checking only at least a portion of the table based on the unique identification key associated with the first site.

[0013] Additionally, the event watching unit according to the embodiments can identify at least one ESL device among the plurality of ESL devices that requires a change in the displayed screen based on the first information and the second information, and can transmit a command signal including information related to the change in the screen to one or more gateways linked with the identified at least one ESL device.

[0014] Furthermore, the table according to the embodiments includes a first record containing information about a first product and information about a plurality of ESL devices corresponding to the first product, and the event watching unit can control the plurality of ESL devices in response to a change in the first record.

[0015] In addition, the table according to the embodiments includes a second record containing information about the second and third products and information about one or more ESL devices corresponding to the second and third products, and the event watching unit can control the one or more ESL devices in response to a change in the second record.

[0016] The system according to the embodiments can be utilized as an inventory management system with this configuration, efficiently manage physical resources within the enterprise, and track changes in physical resources to promote stable inventory / item management within enterprise sites.

[0017] The system according to the embodiments can be utilized in an inventory management system and has a user interface designed simply so that the user can easily identify the status of resources at the site and take necessary measures.

[0018] The system according to the embodiments can be utilized in ESL systems equipped in large supermarkets or convenience stores, and with this configuration, it is possible to easily access or change inventory information.

[0019] The system according to the embodiments enables integrated management of multiple sites and provides the ability to control product information and the status of ESL devices in real time. In addition, it maximizes management efficiency by automatically detecting and processing changes through an event watching unit.

[0020] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a system for managing storage devices and ESL (Electronic Shelf Label) devices provided at various sites (hereinafter, a system according to embodiments).

[0021] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the specific operation of a system that manages storage devices and ESL devices provided at various sites.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing how a system according to embodiments controls and manages a plurality of ESLs.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method in which a system according to embodiments collectively controls and manages multiple ESLs associated with one or more products using a table provided on a central server.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method in which a system according to embodiments collectively controls and manages multiple ESLs associated with one or more products.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of a method in which a system according to embodiments collectively controls and manages multiple ESLs associated with one or more products.

[0026] FIG. 7 is an example of a configuration diagram of a system or server according to embodiments.

[0027] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and may have various embodiments; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Similar reference numerals have been used for similar components in the description of each drawing.

[0028] Terms such as first, second, A, B, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by these terms. The terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described items or any of the multiple related described items.

[0029] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0030] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0032] The present invention relates to a system comprising a central server that stores and manages information on a plurality of material resources (e.g., products) provided at a site and ESL (Electronic Shelf Label) linked thereto, and a field server that monitors the central server in real time to manage and control the ESLs. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method and a system for performing collective management of each material resource (e.g., products for sale, inventory, tools, experimental tools, equipment, instruments, etc.) that must be managed at various sites within a company (e.g., supermarkets, factories, offices, construction sites, affiliated research institutes, etc.).

[0033] In Figures 1 to 7 below, the configuration and operation flow of the ESL management system will be explained in detail.

[0034] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a system for managing storage devices and ESL (Electronic Shelf Label) devices provided at various sites (hereinafter, a system according to embodiments).

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, the system according to the embodiments includes a central server (100), an event watching unit (101), and a field control unit (102).

[0036] The central server (100) communicates remotely with the terminal of the user (10) and changes one or more databases included in the central server (100) in response to a request received from the user (10).

[0037] Meanwhile, the event watching unit (101) periodically checks data stored in one or more databases of the central server (100). The event watching unit (101) may not communicate bidirectionally with the central server (100) and periodically checks for changes in data stored in a predetermined database of the central server (100).

[0038] For example, the event watching unit (101) periodically sends a query to a predetermined database of the central server (100) and checks for changes by comparing the response to the query with the existing response. If there are changes, the event watching unit (101) checks for changes and can check the corresponding hardware device (103b) or ESL device (104).

[0039] For example, the event watching unit (101) can check the record of changes to data stored in a predetermined database of the central server (100). In other words, the central server (100) can record the content changed by the user (10) as log data whenever the content is changed, and the event watching unit (101) can periodically check the log data. If new log data exists, the event watching unit (101) can acquire the new log data and check the changed content to identify the corresponding hardware device (103b) or ESL device (104).

[0040] The system according to the embodiments includes a field management unit (103) configured to manage various hardware devices (103b) in conjunction with a field database (103a). At this time, the system manages the hardware devices (103b) provided in the field using a central server (100), an event watching unit (101), and a field control unit (102).

[0041] Here, the hardware device (103b) may include, for example, storage for storing physical resources, industrial equipment and / or door gates, etc. Specifically, one example of the hardware device (103b) may be storage for storing physical resources used within the site. That is, each storage may refer to a storage device or locking device equipped to store one or more physical resources or to allow them to be retrieved only by verified users. Here, each hardware (103b) may refer to a storage device or locking device designed to be controlled only by said unique control device, which is equipped with a unique control device (e.g., a tablet device with a unique key value assigned) that holds a key value assigned by the central server (100) according to the embodiments.

[0042] The system according to the embodiments can manage multiple ESL devices (104) provided at the site. The system according to the embodiments uses a central server (100), an event watching unit (101), and a site control unit (102) to determine and control whether to display the display screens of multiple ESL devices (104) provided at the site and whether to expose information.

[0043] At this time, the event watching unit (101) can check the changes confirmed by the central server (100) and generate a control command that specifies the device(s) to be controlled. The event watching unit (101) can transmit the generated control command to the field control unit (102), and the field control unit can parse the control command, transmit it to the device to be controlled, and check whether the control was performed correctly.

[0044] At this time, the event watching unit (101) may be hardware or software included in a server provided at the site, and the site control unit (102) may be a gateway that transmits to various hardware devices (103b) and / or ESL devices (104) provided at the site based on the control command.

[0045] The system according to the embodiments can be utilized as an inventory management system with this configuration, efficiently manage physical resources within the enterprise, and track changes in physical resources to promote stable inventory / item management within enterprise sites.

[0046] The system according to the embodiments can be utilized in an inventory management system and has a user interface designed simply so that the user can easily identify the status of resources at the site and take necessary measures.

[0047] The system according to the embodiments can be utilized in ESL systems equipped in large supermarkets or convenience stores, and with this configuration, it is possible to easily access or change inventory information.

[0048] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the specific operation of a system that manages storage devices and ESL devices provided at various sites.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 2, the system according to the embodiments includes a central server (100), an event watching unit (101a, 101b), a field information database unit (100b), a material resource database unit (100a), a processor (100c), a communication unit (100d), and hardware devices (103-1, 103-2) and ESL devices (104-1, 104-2, 104-3) included in each field (10a, 10b).

[0050] The central server (100) includes a database for managing information of each site (10a, 10b) in an integrated manner, and the site information database section (100b) stores information of the site based on an identification key for each site. The material resource database section (100a) includes mapping information between material resources (e.g., inventory, goods, etc.) provided at the site (e.g., warehouse, mart, etc.) and one or more ESL devices corresponding to the goods, and may be a database that is periodically checked by the event watching section (101a, 101b).

[0051] Event watching units (101a, 101b) are provided at each site (10a, 10b) and can periodically query data stored in the site information database unit (100b) and / or material resource database unit (100a) provided in the central server (100). At this time, the event watching units (101a, 101b) need to primarily check data regarding the site (10a, 10b) where they are located.

[0052] Accordingly, the material resource database section (100a) may have a table having columns of identification information for identifying a site (e.g., the identification key), 2) information about the material resource (e.g., the name, model name, quantity, storage status, information on whether it has been taken out, information on the movement history of each material resource), and 3) identification information for identifying the ESL (Electronic Shelf Label) device(s) linked to the material resource.

[0053] The event watching unit (101a, 101b) can extract only the changed data for the site (10a, 10b) where it is located from the table. At this time, if the changed data for the site where it is located is confirmed, the event watching unit (101a, 101b) generates a command signal that can control the corresponding ESL device (104-1, 104-2, 104-3) according to the changed information. This command signal is transmitted to the hardware device (103-1, 103-2) and ESL device of each site.

[0054] For example, if the price of product A changes at the site (10a), the event watching unit (101a) periodically queries the material resource database unit (100a) to check for changes. When a change is detected, the event watching unit (101a) generates and transmits a command signal containing new price information to the ESL devices (104-1, 104-2) mapped to the changed product A. The ESL devices update their display screens based on the received command signal.

[0055] The central server (100) communicates remotely with a user terminal (not shown) through a communication unit (100d) to perform reading and writing operations of data in the field information database unit (100b) and the material resource database unit (100a). For example, when an administrator modifies product information through a user terminal, the processor (100c) of the central server (100) reflects the information in the material resource database unit (100a). Subsequently, the event watching unit (101a, 101b) detects the changed data and controls the ESL device based on it.

[0056] The processor (100c) controls the overall operation of the central server and performs database access, processing of communication requests, and data exchange with the event watching unit. The communication unit (100d) is responsible for network connections with user terminals and field servers and transmits command signals and data to each field.

[0057] The event watching unit (103a, 103b) of the site (10a, 10b) transmits a generated command signal to one or more physically equipped hardware devices (103a-1) or ESL devices (104a-1, 104a-2) via the site management unit (e.g., a gateway device). One or more hardware devices (103a-1) or ESL devices (104a-1, 104a-2) are controlled based on the received command signal. Each ESL device displays product information through a display screen and updates the content of the screen in real time according to the received command signal.

[0058] The system according to the embodiments enables integrated management of multiple sites and provides the ability to control product information and the status of ESL devices in real time. In addition, it maximizes management efficiency by automatically detecting and processing changes through an event watching unit.

[0059] At this time, referring to FIG. 2, each hardware (103a-1) has a unique key value, and the ESL devices (104a-1, 104a-2) may or may not have a unique key value. The key value may be stored in a unique control device (e.g., a tablet device capable of controlling the operation of the hardware (103a-1)) connected to each hardware (103a-1) and / or the ESL devices (104a-1, 104a-2).

[0060] For example, when a manager places hardware (103a-1) on-site, the manager can register the hardware with the central server (100). At this time, the central server (100) issues a unique key value corresponding to the hardware (103a-1). The manager stores the key value in a unique control device linked to the registered hardware. Subsequently, the manager can link the unique control device to the registered hardware.

[0061] With this configuration, the hardware (103a-1) is linked with a unique control device that holds a unique key value corresponding to the hardware. The hardware then communicates remotely with the central server (100) through the unique control device. For example, a user who will use the hardware can control the hardware (e.g., taking out or bringing in physical resources, controlling the operation of the hardware, etc.) using the unique control device. At this time, the unique control device may perform a verification procedure to verify the user. For example, it verifies whether the user can control (take out or bring in) physical resources by checking the user's identification information (ID and / or Password, etc.) from the user and communicating through the communication unit (100b) within the central server (100).

[0062] The unique control device communicates (100b) with the central server (100) using a unique key value (105a-1). When the central server (100) receives commander information and command information from the unique control device(s), it queries the unique key value (105a-1) received together to verify whether normal data has been received.

[0063] As such, the system according to the embodiments can enhance security by assigning a unique key value to each piece of hardware and systematically managing resource access rights based thereon, thereby preventing unauthorized users from accessing resources and preventing security issues such as resource misuse and data leakage.

[0064] Meanwhile, the site information database section (100b) according to the embodiments may be a database that stores information about each site. The site information database section (100b) stores information about multiple sites and one or more storage facilities provided within each site. In addition, the material resource database section (100a) may be a database that stores information about the material resources of the company, and may further store information indicating access rights for user groups (e.g., may be configured in the form of a class or a list of classes) that can access each material resource, in addition to information about multiple material resources (i.e., the table may further include a column indicating access rights).

[0065] Meanwhile, the central server (100) according to the embodiments may communicate with a manager's terminal device (not shown) to additionally perform logistics management and inventory management within the sites. For example, based on a command received from the manager's terminal device (not shown), the central server (100) may check information regarding multiple material resources provided at the first site (10a), move a specific material resource to the second site (10b), dispose of a specific material resource, or set permissions to allow or prevent specific workers from accessing a specific material resource.

[0066] For example, the central server (100) according to the embodiments can calculate the optimal path or optimal cost for moving a material resource provided at the first site (10a) to a material resource provided at the second site (10b) based on a command for 'moving a specific material resource from the first site to the second site' received from the administrator's terminal device (10).

[0067] For example, the central server (100) according to the embodiments may, based on a command to 'restrict access to the first physical resource to the first worker' received from a manager's terminal device (not shown), control one or more hardware so that the first worker cannot access the hardware (103a-1) equipped with the first physical resource, or transmit a specific command to other workers in the site. In this case, for example, the central server (100) may 1) identify one or more hardware (103a-1) that the first worker can access, 2) check whether the first material resource is in each of the hardware, 3) identify the hardware (103a-1) in which the first material resource is provided as a result of the identification, 4) order another worker (second worker) who can access the identified hardware (103a-1) to take out the first material resource from the identified hardware, 5) order the first material resource taken out to the hardware (103a-1) that the first worker cannot access.

[0068] For example, the central server (100) according to the embodiments may proactively recognize that the first material resource is insufficient at the first site (10a). For example, the central server (100) may periodically update status information of one or more material resources provided at the first site (e.g., the number of each material resource, the degree of wear of each material resource, the identification number of the hardware on which each material resource is provided, the demand information for each material resource, etc.). Subsequently, if the number of the material resource is insufficient or the degree of wear is high compared to the demand for the material resource, the central server (100) may replenish the material resource. At this time, the central server (100) may check whether the first material resource is present in other sites (e.g., the second site, etc.) and may calculate the time and cost required to transport the first material resource from the site(s) where the first material resource is present, and to move and bring it into the first site. Subsequently, the central server (100) can recommend whether to take out the first material resource from a site by comparing the calculated required time and cost. In addition, the central server (100) can recommend to the manager that the first material resource be newly ordered or procured and supplied, even if the number of the material resource is insufficient or the wear rate is high despite the high demand for the material resource, if the first material resource is not available at another site or the demand for the first material resource at another site is high.

[0069] Meanwhile, the event watching unit (101a, 101b) according to the embodiments receives a command, commander information, and a key value (105a-1, 105a-2) corresponding to each hardware / ESL device from the hardware / ESL devices (103a-1, 104a-1, 104a-2) provided within each site (10a, 10b). For example, when a user of a specific hardware / ESL device gives a control command to the first hardware (104a-1) in site #1 through a unique control device, the event watching unit (101a, 101b) may receive the key #1 (105a-1) value together with the control command information and information about the commander (user). The event watching unit (101a, 101b) according to the embodiments first performs hardware verification based on the received key value (e.g., verifying whether it is hardware managed in site #1).

[0070] Subsequently, the event watching unit (101a, 101b) according to the embodiments transmits the commander information and / or command to the central server (100). The central server (100) performs a second verification of the command status by querying whether the command content and the commander are legitimate to control the corresponding site (10a) and the hardware (103a-1) within the site in conjunction with the field information database unit (100b). If the result of querying the field information database unit (100b) determines that the commander and command are legitimate, the event watching unit (101a) determines whether to control the hardware according to the command based on the information regarding the query result (e.g., corresponding to the legitimate commander and command). Based on the result, the event watching unit (101a) generates a control command signal to control the corresponding hardware (103a-1) and transmits it to the corresponding hardware (103a-1).

[0071] As such, the field resource management system according to the embodiments can centrally manage resources distributed across multiple sites, monitor the status of each hardware in real time, and systematically manage user access rights. This enables efficient resource allocation, strengthens security, and improves the efficiency of inventory management, thereby promoting the stability of corporate operations.

[0072] The system according to the embodiments can efficiently manage physical and human resources within the enterprise with this configuration, and enables stable inventory / item management within enterprise sites by tracking the supply and demand of physical resources.

[0073] The system according to the embodiments can efficiently manage physical and human resources within the enterprise with this configuration, and enables stable inventory / item management within enterprise sites by tracking the supply and demand of physical resources.

[0074] The system according to the embodiments tracks the demand and supply of physical and human resources within the company with this configuration, enabling the easy movement or supply of insufficient physical resources without the burden of unnecessary costs.

[0075] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing how a system according to embodiments controls and manages a plurality of ESLs.

[0076] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method in which a system according to embodiments controls and manages a plurality of Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) devices. The system according to embodiments controls one or more ESL devices (104) using a central server (100) and an event watching unit (101), and thereby reflects changed material resource information in real time on the display of the ESL device.

[0077] Specifically, in step 300, the system according to the embodiments has an event watching unit (101) periodically check a table stored in the central server (100) to detect whether there is a change in first information regarding one or more products provided at the first site and second information regarding one or more ESL devices corresponding to the products. Step 300 is performed by the event watching unit (101), and the event watching unit (101) communicates with the central server (100) to query the table data.

[0078] Subsequently, in step 301, if a change in the first information or the second information is detected, the event watching unit (101) controls at least one of the plurality of ESL devices (104) based on the changed first information or the second information. In this process, the event watching unit (101) generates a command signal to update the display screen of the ESL device (104) based on the changed data and transmits it to the ESL device (or field control unit).

[0079] The central server (100) modifies information within a table in accordance with a request received from a user terminal. For example, if an administrator changes the price of product A using the administrator's terminal device, the first information is changed in the table data stored in the central server (100). When such a change occurs, the event watching unit (101) detects the change in the table of the central server (100). Subsequently, the event watching unit (101) can check the information regarding the changed product A and generate a command signal to update the display screens of the ESL devices (104) mapped to product A.

[0080] Specifically, the event watching unit (101) identifies at least one ESL device among a plurality of ESL devices that requires a change in the display screen based on the first information and the second information. Then, it updates the content of the screen by transmitting a command signal through a gateway (102) linked to the identified ESL device.

[0081] Meanwhile, depending on the case, the central server (100) may transmit the information modified as described above to the event watching unit (101) in the form of a notification packet. At this time, the event watching unit (101) may detect this, verify information about the changed product A, and generate a command signal to update the display screens of the ESL devices (104) mapped to the product A.

[0082] Afterwards, the event watching unit (101) transmits the command signal to the ESL device or the field control unit (gateway, etc.), and the ESL device updates the content of the display screen with the changed price information.

[0083] The system according to the embodiments can maintain real-time synchronization between product information and ESL devices, thereby maximizing management efficiency and accuracy. In addition, by automatically detecting and processing changed information, it enables the system to operate autonomously without separate intervention by the administrator.

[0084] At this time, the protocol through which the central server (100) communicates with the user's terminal device may differ from the protocol through which communication is conducted between the event watching unit and hardware devices (and / or ESL devices) provided within the site. That is, the network within the site may communicate differently from the network outside the site, so that the system can be configured to maintain security so that the network within the site cannot communicate with the outside. In other words, communication between the central server (100) and the user terminal is performed based on a first communication protocol and / or a first operating system (Android, etc.), and communication between the event watching unit (101), the site control unit(s), ESL devices, and hardware devices may be performed based on a second communication protocol (Zigbee communication protocol, LoRa communication protocol).

[0085] Meanwhile, the table according to the embodiments may further include, in addition to mapping information between each material resource and an ESL device, 1) unique identification information for an accessible site (site identification key), and 2) unique identification information for a hardware device or an ESL device (device identification key). The event watching unit (101) can use the site identification key and / or device identification key to query only the information required for the site, and, if necessary, can efficiently search for and process data associated with a specific product or ESL device.

[0086] The system according to the embodiments synchronizes information changes between multiple products and ESL devices in real time, thereby minimizing errors that may occur during the information update process. In addition, through integration with an administrator's terminal, it provides the effect of enabling rapid and accurate transmission of data modification and control commands.

[0087] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method in which a system according to embodiments collectively controls and manages multiple ESLs associated with one or more products using a table provided on a central server.

[0088] Specifically, FIG. 4(A) shows a structure in which each product (400a, 400b, 400c) is mapped to an individual ESL device (401a, 401b, 401c) through a table (40) provided in a central server (100). Referring to FIG. 4(A), the central server (100) stores information of the ESL device corresponding to each product in the table (40).

[0089] FIG. 4(A) illustrates an example where one product corresponds to one ESL device. That is, FIG. 4(A) illustrates an example where one product and the ESL device associated with that product are recorded in a single record within a table (40) in the system's database. If information regarding the product (e.g., price, stock status, etc.) changes, the event watching unit (101) detects the record that has changed as described above and transmits a command signal to the corresponding ESL device. For example, if the price of the product (400a) changes, the event watching unit (101) generates a command signal to update the display screen of the ESL device (401a) based on the change.

[0090] However, there are cases where multiple ESLs must be controlled simultaneously not merely to display information about physical resources stored in a warehouse, but to guide their route. Additionally, there are instances where multiple ESLs are required because the stored resources are very large or contain extensive detailed information. In such cases, it is necessary to control the ESL devices linked to those resources all at once. Furthermore, this system can be utilized when the same product is sold at multiple locations or when the same information needs to be displayed on multiple ESL devices.

[0091] Accordingly, FIG. 4(B) shows a structure in which a single product (410a) is mapped to multiple ESL devices (411a, 411b, 411c). Referring to FIG. 4(B), when product information changes, the event watching unit (101) transmits a command signal to all ESL devices connected to the product (410a), and the display screens of all ESL devices are synchronized based on the changed information.

[0092] In another embodiment, there are cases where information on multiple products must be displayed sequentially or managed integrally on a single ESL device. Furthermore, there are cases where various physical resources are displayed or stored together within an area managed by a single ESL device.

[0093] Accordingly, FIG. 4(C) illustrates a structure in which multiple products (420a, 420b, 420c) are mapped to a single ESL device (421a). An event watching unit (101) detects changes in each product and generates a command signal to reflect the changed information in the single ESL device (421a). For example, if the information of a product (420a) is changed, the event watching unit (101) transmits a command signal to update the screen of the ESL device (421a) based on this.

[0094] The system according to the embodiments efficiently manages data between products and ESL devices through these various mapping structures and ensures that changes to product information are reflected in real time.

[0095] This system enhances management efficiency through real-time product information updates and operations that minimize errors, enabling effective information management even in large-scale store and logistics environments.

[0096] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method in which a system according to embodiments collectively controls and manages multiple ESLs associated with one or more products.

[0097] Specifically, FIG. 5(A) illustrates a method of controlling multiple material resource storage zones (51) within a specific site (50) and ESL devices for managing them. The site (50) is a place for storing or selling material resources, each material resource is located in a specific zone (51), and each zone is managed or displayed externally through a main ESL device (52a) and an auxiliary ESL device (52b) associated with the material resource.

[0098] If a user sends a request to the central server (100) using a user terminal (not shown) to find the first product (51a), the central server (100) temporarily updates a table stored in a database (e.g., information indicating whether the LED device equipped in the ESL device is controlled). At this time, the event watching unit in the field (50) checks the data changed in the table and checks the ESL devices mapped to the information about the first product (51a).

[0099] Here, the ESL device includes a main ESL device (52a) and an auxiliary ESL device (52b). The main ESL device (52a) may be an ESL device that indicates the exact location within the area where the first product (51a) is located or directly points to information about the first product (51a), and the auxiliary ESL device (52b) may be an ESL device that provides an instruction signal indicating the direction or path the user should access within the site, or provides additional information together with the main ESL device (52a).

[0100] The event watching unit generates a control command signal to control the main ESL device (52a) and auxiliary ESL device (52b) associated with the first product (51a). For example, when a user sends a function to search for the first product (51a) to the central server (100), the central server (100) changes a column in the table related to this (for example, changing the value of the route guidance activation column from False to True). In this case, the event watching unit, which watches the table in real time, checks the change to identify the main ESL device (52a) and auxiliary ESL device (52b) associated with the first product (51a), and generates a control command signal to the main ESL device (52a) and auxiliary ESL device (52b). For example, referring to FIG. 5(A), the event watching unit may generate a first command to command the main ESL device (52a) to display information about the first product on the display, and at the same time, command the LED equipped in the main ESL device (52a) to emit light. At the same time, the event watching unit may generate a second command to command the LED equipped in the auxiliary ESL device (52b) to emit light. Subsequently, the event watching unit may transmit the generated commands to the field management unit or the ESL devices.

[0101] As a result, in FIG. 5(A), the auxiliary ESL device (52b) can guide the user to the left direction at the site entrance (50a), and the main ESL device (52a) can indicate the left section (3rd compartment) where the first product (51a) is located.

[0102] Likewise, referring to FIG. 5(B), a motion flow for searching for a first product (51a) within a specific site (50) is applied. The structure of the site (50) consists of a plurality of material resource storage zones (51), and each zone is managed through a main ESL device (52a) and auxiliary ESL devices (52b-1, 52b-2).

[0103] When a user sends a request to the central server (100) using a user terminal (not shown) to find the first product (51a), the central server (100) updates the data in the table to activate the search mode. The event watching unit checks the data in real time, identifies the ESL devices mapped to the first product (51a), namely the main ESL device (52a) and auxiliary ESL devices (52b-1, 52b-2), and generates a control command signal.

[0104] Specifically, the auxiliary ESL device (52b-1) is controlled to guide the user to move to the right from the entrance (50a) of the site. Then, the auxiliary ESL device (52b-2) guides the user to a specific row (3rd row) to move to, and the main ESL device (52a) accurately indicates the column (2nd column) where the first product (51a) is located within that row.

[0105] The event watching unit generates control commands for each ESL device and, for example, can generate control signals that command LEDs equipped in auxiliary ESL devices (52b-1) and 52b-2 to emit light. At the same time, it generates control signals that display information of the first product (51a) to the main ESL device (52a) and command the corresponding LED to emit light.

[0106] Subsequently, the event watching unit transmits the generated control command signal to the field management unit or the corresponding ESL devices. As a result, in the example of FIG. 5(B), the auxiliary ESL device (52b-1) guides the user to move to the right from the field entrance (50a), the auxiliary ESL device (52b-2) displays the third row, and the main ESL device (52a) displays the exact location of the first product (51a) (the second column of the third row).

[0107] The embodiment according to FIG. 5(B) provides a clear and step-by-step search path to the user in the field, enabling them to efficiently find specific products. This embodiment is particularly useful in large-scale stores or logistics environments and can maximize user convenience and search efficiency.

[0108] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of a method in which a system according to embodiments collectively controls and manages multiple ESLs associated with one or more products.

[0109] Specifically, FIG. 6 illustrates a method for a user to search for and display the location of a desired product using multiple ESL devices (52a) when a system according to embodiments includes multiple products (product A, product B, product C, product D) in one area (51a).

[0110] Specifically, in FIG. 6, the site (50) includes a plurality of material resource storage zones (51), each zone being managed through one or more ESL devices (52a). A specific zone (51a) is a space where a plurality of products (51a-1: Product A, 51a-2: Product B, 51a-3: Product C, 51a-4: Product D) are stored together.

[0111] When a user sends a search request to a central server (100) via a user terminal (not shown) to find a specific product (e.g., Product A), the central server (100) updates a table in the database to reflect the search information. The event watching unit checks the changed table data in real time, searches for related ESL devices including the main ESL device (52a) associated with Product A, and generates a control command signal.

[0112] The main ESL device (52a) specifically indicates the exact location of product A (51a-1) within the zone (51a). For example, the main ESL device (52a) outputs specific location information such as “Product A is in the top left corner of zone 51a” through a display, or guides the user to easily find product A through an LED or arrow display.

[0113] Additionally, the event watching unit commands the main ESL device (52a) to highlight product A in order to clearly distinguish it from other products in the area. This highlighting can be implemented by changing the color of the LED, flashing the screen, or outputting a separate warning message.

[0114] As a result, the user can accurately identify the location of product A through the display of the main ESL device (52a) within the zone (51a) and prevent confusion with other products. This embodiment enables the user to quickly and efficiently search for desired products in a complex storage environment.

[0115] FIG. 7 is an example of a configuration diagram of a system or server according to embodiments.

[0116] The operations shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 can be configured in the form of a server as illustrated in FIG. 7. Specifically, the central server (100) shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 can be implemented as a component of FIG. 7. In addition, each site may be equipped with a site server (not shown), and the site server may be configured in the form of a server as illustrated in FIG. 7, and the site server may perform some or all of the operations of the event watching unit and / or site management unit shown in FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 7, the server (700) includes an input unit (710), an output unit (720), a control unit (730), a storage unit (740), and a communication unit (750).

[0118] The input unit (710) receives commands or information from the manager. The input unit (710) may include one or more of a microphone and a key input unit for receiving audio signals.

[0119] The output unit (720) outputs command processing results or various information to the administrator. For example, the output unit (720) outputs the planning direction of live content determined based on real-time viewer participation information. To this end, the output unit (720) may include a display, a speaker, a haptic output unit (720), and a light output unit (720), although these are not shown in the drawings. The display may be provided in a flat panel display, a flexible display, an opaque display, a transparent display, electronic paper (E-paper), or any form well known in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. A touch pad may be laminated on the display to form a touch screen, and a touch key may be implemented through such a touch screen. In addition to the display and speaker, the output unit (720) may be configured to include any form of output means well known in the technical field to which the present invention belongs.

[0120] The control unit (730) connects and controls the components within the server (700). For example, it controls each component so that results or user interfaces related to field resource management according to the embodiments can be output through the output unit (720). For another example, when judgment information is input by a manager, the control unit (730) generates a response signal containing the judgment information. The control unit (730) may be configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processor Unit), MCU (Micro Controller Unit), GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), or any type of processor well known in the art of the present invention.

[0121] The storage unit (740) stores data, programs, and applications necessary for the server (700) to operate. This storage unit (740) may include non-volatile memory, volatile memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or any type of computer-readable recording medium well known in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0122] The communication unit (750) communicates with the field resource management system or other systems according to the embodiments based on real-time viewer participation information through a wired or wireless network.

[0123] The embodiments of the present invention disclosed in this specification and drawings are provided merely as specific examples to facilitate the explanation of the technical content of the present invention and to aid in understanding the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that other variations based on the technical concept of the present invention are possible in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0124] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims.

[0125] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims.

[0126] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims.

Claims

1. In a system for managing multiple ESL (Electronic Shelf Label) devices at a first site, A central server comprising a table including first information regarding one or more products provided at a first site and second information regarding one or more ESL devices corresponding to said one or more products; and It includes an event watching unit provided on a first server provided at the first site, which periodically checks the table to monitor whether the first information or the second information has changed; The above event watching unit is, Characterized by controlling at least one of the plurality of ESL devices based on the changed first information or the second information when a change in the first information or the second information is detected. ESL Management System.

2. In paragraph 1, the ESL management system Further comprising a manager's terminal device communicating with the central server; and The above central server is, Characterized by receiving a first request from the terminal device of the above-mentioned manager and modifying the first information or the second information within the table in response to the first request. ESL Management System.

3. In paragraph 2, the central server above, Characterized by transmitting a notification packet to the event watching unit in response to the first request above. ESL Management System.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above first request is based on a first communication protocol, and The above event watching unit is, Based on a second communication protocol, monitoring whether the first information or the second information is changed and controlling at least one of the plurality of ESL devices, The above second communication protocol is characterized by being different from the above first communication protocol, ESL Management System.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above table is stored in a database provided on the central server, and The first information regarding one or more of the above products and the second information regarding one or more ESL devices corresponding to the one or more of the above products are recorded as a single record together with a unique identification key associated with the first site, and The above event watching unit is characterized by periodically checking only at least a portion of the table based on a unique identification key associated with the first site, ESL Management System.

6. In paragraph 1, the event watching unit is, Based on the first information and the second information above, identify at least one ESL device among the plurality of ESL devices that requires a change in the displayed screen, and Transmitting a command signal containing information related to changing the screen to one or more gateways linked with at least one identified ESL device, ESL Management System.

7. In Paragraph 4, The above table includes a first record including information about a first product and information about a plurality of ESL devices corresponding to the first product, and The above event watching unit controls the plurality of ESL devices in response to a change in the first record, ESL Management System.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above table includes a second record comprising information on a second product and a third product, and information on one or more ESL devices corresponding to the second product and the third product. The above event watching unit controls the one or more ESL devices in response to a change in the second record, ESL Management System.

9. A method for managing a plurality of ESL (Electronic Shelf Label) devices equipped at a first site, A step of periodically checking whether there is a change in first information regarding one or more products provided at a first site within a table stored in the central server, and second information regarding one or more ESL devices corresponding to the one or more products; and A step comprising: controlling at least one of the plurality of ESL devices based on the changed first information or the second information when a change in the first information or the second information is detected; ESL device management method.

10. In paragraph 9, the controlling step is, Based on the first information and the second information, a step of identifying at least one ESL device among the plurality of ESL devices that requires a change in the displayed screen; The step of transmitting a command signal containing information related to changing the screen to one or more gateways linked with at least one identified ESL device; comprising ESL device management method.

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