JP2007114957A - Merchandise information display system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide, to a guest who has reached out his or her hand for merchandise displayed in a rack or a show space or the like, information related to the merchandise, and specialized in the guest. <P>SOLUTION: Information terminal equipment 144 acquires, from a user who has reached out his or her hand for corresponding merchandise, user identification information for identifying the user in a non-contact status. Then, the acquired user identification information is transmitted with merchandise identification corresponding to the information terminal equipment 144 to a server device 115. The server device 115 stores attribute information relating to the user by associating it with the user identification information of each user. Each time the user identification information and merchandise identification information is received from each piece of the information terminal equipment 144, the user attribute information stored so as to be associated with the user identification information is read, and the user attribute information and merchandise group identification information are associated and processed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a product information display system used in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores, exhibition halls for new products, and the like.

  An electronic shelf label management system is known as a conventional product information display system. This system provides an electronic shelf label device having a display unit corresponding to each of the various products displayed on the product display shelf in the store, and an electronic shelf label management device for managing each electronic shelf label device, Information on products such as product names and prices is transmitted from the electronic shelf label management device to each electronic shelf label device wirelessly or by wire, and this information is received by each electronic shelf label device and displayed on the display unit. It is a thing. Conventionally, in this electronic shelf label management system, each electronic shelf label device has been installed in order to enable a store clerk to perform necessary processing such as ordering, disposal, price change, etc. while confirming the sales performance of the product in front of the display shelf. There was one that made it possible to display the sales performance of each corresponding product (for example, see Patent Document 1).

There is also known a product information distribution system including a center server that manages information about customers and products, and a product information display terminal that is connected to the center server via a network and outputs screen information received from the center server. In this system, the product information display terminal stores product identification reading means for reading product identification information (RFID tag) provided for the product selected by the customer, and a customer information recording medium (IC card) held by the customer. The customer identification reading means for reading the customer identification information, the communication means for transmitting the product identification information read by the product identification reading means and the customer identification information read by the customer identification reading means to the center server, and the received from the center server Output means for outputting screen information. On the other hand, the center server receives customer identification information and customer identification information from a database for storing customer information and screen information consisting of information related to the customer's product selection, and receives the product identification information and customer identification information from the database. Data control means for reading screen information corresponding to both or one of the identification information and transmitting the screen information to the product information display terminal and writing the product identification information in the customer information in the database corresponding to the customer identification information is provided. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent No. 3674538 JP 2004-094589 A

  However, in the product information distribution system described in Patent Document 2, it is necessary to attach a product identification information storage medium such as an RFID tag in advance for each product, which is troublesome. Further, the customer who wants to obtain screen information from the product information display terminal needs to read the customer identification information recorded on the customer information recording medium such as an IC card by the customer identification reading means, and this is also troublesome. It was a thing.

  Also, in the electronic shelf label management system described in Patent Document 1, in order to display the sales performance of the product corresponding to the store clerk on the electronic shelf label device, it is necessary to operate the operation input unit of the electronic shelf label device, The troublesome point was the same.

  The present invention has been made based on such circumstances, and the object of the present invention is that it is not necessary to previously attach a product identification information storage medium such as an RFID tag for each product, and to customers. Provide a product information display system that can provide customer-specific information about products for customers who have reached out to products displayed on shelves, show spaces, etc. It is what.

  The present invention is provided corresponding to various products displayed on a product display shelf, a show space, etc., and a display unit for displaying information related to the corresponding product, and a communication unit for receiving information to be displayed on the display unit A plurality of information terminal devices, and a server device having a function of editing the information displayed on the display unit of each information terminal device for each information terminal device and transmitting the edited information to the corresponding information terminal device. And a product information display system connected by a communication network, wherein each information terminal device acquires user identification information for identifying the user from a user who has reached out to the corresponding product without contact. Means and the acquired user identification information together with the product corresponding to the information terminal device or the product / product group identification information identifying the product group to which the product belongs. Identification information transmission means for transmitting to the server device via the communication network, the server device stores user attribute storage means for storing attribute information related to each user in association with user identification information of each user, and each information terminal Identification information receiving means for receiving user identification information and product / commodity group identification information transmitted from the apparatus via a communication network, and each time the user identification information and product / commodity group identification information are received, Information processing means for reading user attribute information stored in association with each other and processing the user attribute information and product / product group identification information in association with each other is provided.

  Here, the information processing means is associated with the user identification information received simultaneously from the sales promotion information for each user attribute information stored in association with the product / commodity group identification information received from the information terminal device. It is conceivable that the sales promotion information of the user attribute information stored is selected, and the selected sales promotion information is edited as information to be displayed on the display unit of the information terminal device. With such a configuration, for customers who reach out to products displayed on shelves, show spaces, etc., information on sales promotion information that seems to be valid for the customer among some sales promotion information related to the product is displayed on the information terminal. It can be displayed on the display unit of the apparatus.

  The information processing means selects questionnaire information stored in association with the product / commodity group identification information received from the information terminal device, and displays the selected questionnaire information on the display unit of the information terminal device. It is conceivable to edit the information. With such a configuration, questionnaire information regarding the product can be displayed on the display unit of the information terminal device for a customer who reaches for the product displayed on a shelf or a show space.

  In this case, each information terminal device transmits the information input unit and the information input via the information input unit together with the user identification information acquired by the user identification recognition unit from the communication unit to the server device via the communication network. The server apparatus further includes input information transmission means, and the server apparatus receives the input information and user identification information, and receives the input information and user identification information transmitted from each information terminal apparatus via the communication network. Each of the information processing means further includes information counting means for reading the user attribute information stored in association with the user identification information and counting the input information for each user attribute information. By doing so, the questionnaire response results from each user can be aggregated by user attribute information.

  According to the present invention in which such measures are taken, there is no need to previously attach a product identification information storage medium such as an RFID tag for each product, and there is no need to bother the customer. It is possible to provide a product information display system that can provide a customer who reaches for a product displayed in a space or the like with information specific to the customer regarding the product.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
This embodiment is a case where the present invention is applied to an electronic shelf label management system built in a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store.

[First Embodiment]
First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the first embodiment, when a customer shows interest in a product displayed on a product display shelf and reaches out, the sales promotion information most suitable for the customer base of the customer related to the product is obtained. The information is displayed on the display unit of the electronic shelf label device corresponding to the product. At the same time, when questionnaire information is set in relation to the product, the questionnaire information is also displayed. And when a customer answers a questionnaire via the information input part of an electronic shelf label apparatus, the thing which totals and manages the reply result according to the customer segment of a customer is also included. Furthermore, it also includes those that aggregate and manage the approximate number of times the customer has obtained the products displayed on the product display shelf for each product and for each customer segment.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a store system 1 including an electronic shelf label management system according to the present invention. The store system 1 includes a server device 11 as its central part. The server device 11 includes a WEB server 111 specialized for various functions performed on the Internet 2, a network server 112 specialized for data communication with an external system such as the head office system 3 connected by a dedicated network, and product sales. A POS (Point Of Sales) server 113 specialized in information management, a customer management server 114 specialized in information management related to customers, a shelf label management server 115 specialized in information management related to shelf labels, and the like. Each server 111 to 115 is connected by a communication line 116.

  The POS server 113 implements a product master file F1. In the product master file F1, product related information such as a product name, a unit price, a product classification code, and a shelf label number is set in advance corresponding to a product code unique to each product. The shelf label number is a number set in advance for the electronic shelf label device 144 provided at the product display place in the store. Incidentally, an electronic shelf label device 144 is attached to a product display shelf, which is a product display place in the store, for each item of products displayed on the shelf, and the display section of each electronic shelf label device 144 has The product name, price, etc. of the corresponding product are displayed. Each electronic shelf label device 144 is preset with a unique shelf label number, and each electronic shelf label device 144 is identified by this shelf label number. That is, since each electronic shelf label device 144 has a one-to-one correspondence with a product, the shelf label number is product identification information that identifies a product managed by the electronic shelf label device 144 to which the number is set. Function.

  A plurality of POS terminals 122 are connected to the POS server 113 via the communication line 121. Each POS terminal 122 has a function of registering sales data of products purchased by customers. Therefore, the POS server 113 collects each product sales data registered in each POS terminal 122, and totals this sales data by item such as by product, product category, time zone, etc. Sales and inventory are managed centrally.

  The customer management server 114 has a customer master file F2. In the customer master file F2, customer personal information such as the customer's address, name, contact phone number, gender, and age is set in advance in correspondence with the customer code for identifying each customer. Service points are accumulated for each customer. A plurality of ID issuing terminals 132 and ID collection terminals 133 are connected to the customer management server 114 via a communication line 131.

  The ID issuing terminal 132 is an aspect of a user identification issuing device, and an ID as user identification information for identifying a user (customer) carrying the bracelet 4 on the RFID tag 5 attached to the bracelet 4 Has the function of writing code. The ID code is valid data only while the customer as a user is shopping.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the ID issuing terminal 132. The ID issuing terminal 132 includes a communication unit 1321, a display unit 1322, a biometric authentication unit 1323, an ID issue management unit 1324, a control unit 1325 that controls each unit, and the like. The communication unit 1321 manages data communication with the customer management server 114 connected via the communication line 131. The display unit 1322 displays operation guidance and the like for the user 6 who operates the ID issuing terminal 132.

The biometric authentication unit 1323 includes a biometric information storage unit 1326 and a biometric information reading unit 1327. As shown in FIG. 3, the biometric information storage unit 1326 corresponds to the customer code for identifying each customer whose customer personal information is registered in the customer master file F <b> 2. Remember. The biological information reading unit 1327 takes in the biological information of the user 6. The biometric authentication unit 1323 performs personal authentication by comparing the biometric information read by the biometric information reading unit 1327 with the biometric information of each user stored in the biometric information storage unit 1326.
In this embodiment, a fingerprint is used as biometric information. Of course, it goes without saying that biological information such as retina, iris, and palm shape other than the fingerprint may be used.

  The ID issuance management unit 1324 is connected to the RFID reader / writer 1328. Then, a unique ID code is generated in response to an ID issuance request from the control unit 1325, and this ID code is sent to the RFID reader / writer 1328 as write data to the RFID tag 5. The RFID reader / writer 1328 communicates with the RFID tag 5 existing in the communication area of the antenna in a non-contact manner, and writes the ID code in the user memory unit of the RFID tag 5.

  Here, the biometric information storage unit 1326 constitutes a biometric information storage unit, the biometric information reading unit 1327 constitutes a biometric information fetching unit, the biometric authentication unit 1323 constitutes a personal authentication unit, the ID issuance management unit 1324 and The RFID reader / writer 1328 constitutes user identification issuing means.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing main control procedures of the control unit 1325. Control unit 1325 waits for biometric information of user 6 to be read by biometric information reading unit 1327 as ST (step) 1. When detecting that biometric information is read from the information from the biometric authentication unit 1323 as ST2, the biometric authentication unit 1323 is instructed to collate biometric information with ST3.

  As a result, the biometric authentication unit 1323 collates the biometric information read by the biometric information reading unit 1327 with the biometric information stored in the biometric information storage unit 1326 and determines whether there is matching biometric information. . Then, information indicating the determination result is given to the control unit 1325. Note that the biometric authentication unit 1323 detects that the biometric information of the user 6 is read by the biometric information reading unit 1327 instead of the biometric authentication unit 1323 instructing the biometric authentication unit 1323 to check the biometric information. The biometric information read by the information reading unit 1327 and biometric information stored in the biometric information storage unit 1326 may be collated, and the collation result may be notified to the control unit 1325.

  When the control unit 1325 confirms the match of the biometric information based on the information from the biometric authentication unit 1323, the control unit 1325 acquires the customer code stored in association with the biometric information as the ST5 from the biometric information storage unit 1326. Then, in ST6, the customer management server 114 is inquired via the communication unit 1321 for customer demographic information that is user attribute information of the customer specified by the customer code.

  In response to this inquiry, the customer management server 114 searches the customer master file F2, and reads information necessary for customer segment determination stored corresponding to the customer code, that is, sex information and age information. A customer segment is specified by the gender information and the age information, and the customer segment information is transmitted in response to the ID issuing terminal 132 as the inquiry source via the communication line 131.

  When the control unit 1325 confirms that there is a response to customer layer information from the customer management server 114 in ST7, the control unit 1325 instructs the ID issue management unit 1324 to issue an ID issue request in ST8. As a result, the ID issuance management unit 1324 generates a unique ID code and sends it to the RFID reader / writer 1328 as described above. This ID code is also given to the control unit 1325.

  Therefore, when the control unit 1325 obtains the ID code issued from the ID issuance management unit 1324 as ST9, the current ID code, customer code, and customer group information as ST10, the customer of the user (customer) whose biometric information is captured. The management information is transmitted to the customer management server 114 via the communication unit 1321. Thereafter, the control unit 1325 waits for the next user 6 to read the biometric information.

  The ID collection terminal 133 has a function of reading the ID code from the RFID tag 5 attached to the bracelet 4.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the ID collection terminal 133. The ID collection terminal 133 includes an RFID reader / writer 1331, a communication unit 1332, a control unit 1333 that controls each unit, and the like. The RFID reader / writer 1331 communicates with the RFID tag 5 attached to the bracelet 4 accommodated in the bracelet collection box 7 placed at the exit of the store or the like in a non-contact manner, and the user memory unit of the RFID tag 5 After reading the ID code written by the ID issuing terminal 132, the user memory section is cleared. The control unit 1333 controls the operation of the RFID reader / writer 1331. Each time the ID code is read by the RFID reader / writer 1331, the ID code is transmitted to the customer management server 114 via the communication unit 1332.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the customer management server 114 is provided with a customer management table 8 that stores customer management information including ID codes, customer codes, and customer demographic information together with a collected flag. Thus, when the customer management server 114 receives customer management information including the ID code, customer code, and customer layer information from each ID issuing terminal 132 via the communication line 131, the customer management server 114 indicates that the customer management information has not been collected. A state collection flag (for example, “0”) is added and stored in the customer management table 8. In addition, when an ID code is received from each ID collection terminal 133 via the communication line 131, the customer management table 8 is searched, and a collected flag corresponding to the ID code is set to a state (for example, “1”). ). Here, the customer management table 8 functions as user attribute storage means for storing attribute information (customer demographic information) related to each user in association with user identification information (ID code) of each user.

Returning to FIG.
A plurality of shelf label controllers 142 are connected to the shelf label management server 115 via a communication line 141. Each shelf label controller 142 is provided corresponding to a plurality of product display shelves installed in the store. Each shelf label controller 142 is connected to all electronic shelf label devices 144 attached to the product display shelf provided with the controller 142 via a communication line 143. The electronic shelf label device 144 is provided for each item of various products displayed on the product display shelf.

  A front view of the electronic shelf label device 144 is shown in FIG. FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of the main part. As shown in the figure, the electronic shelf label device 144 includes a display unit 1441 for displaying the product name, price, and the like, a plus (+) button, a minus (−) button, and an arrow button on the front side of the label-like housing 1440. An information input unit 1442 including three buttons is provided. Further, an antenna 1444 of the RFID reader / writer 1443 is embedded along the substantially outer periphery of the housing 1440.

  The electronic shelf label device 144 is equipped with a battery 1445 as a drive source. Further, a communication unit 1446 and a nonvolatile storage unit 1447, and a control unit 1448 that controls the display unit 1441, the information input unit 1442, and the RFID reader / writer 1443 are provided. The communication unit 1446 manages data communication performed with the shelf label controller 142 via the communication line 143. The storage unit 1447 stores display data such as product names and prices. Further, the storage unit 1447 stores and holds the shelf label number assigned and set for each shelf label device in order to identify each electronic shelf label device 144. Here, the electronic shelf label device 144 functions as an information terminal device of the present invention.

  In the electronic shelf label device 144 having such a configuration, the directivity of the antenna 1444 is directed to the front side of the housing 1440, and the communication distance is a distance of about several centimeters to several tens of centimeters from the front. By doing so, as shown in FIG. 9, when the user extends the hand 91 to take the product “curry” (shown by hatching in the figure) displayed on the product display shelf 90, it is attached to the wrist of the user. The RFID tag 5 of the obtained bracelet 4 enters the communication area of the antenna 1444 of the electronic shelf label device 144a provided on the product display shelf 90 corresponding to the product. Then, the data, that is, the ID code stored in the memory unit of the RFID tag 5 is read by the RFID reader / writer 1443 of the electronic shelf label device 144a in a non-contact manner. At this time, in the other electronic shelf label devices 144b, 144c, and 144d located in the vicinity of the electronic shelf label device 144a, the RFID tag 5 does not enter the communication area of each antenna 1444, so the ID code is read. There is nothing. Here, the RFID reader / writer 1443 and its antenna 1444 constitute user identification recognition means for acquiring, without contact, user identification information (ID code) for identifying the user from the user who has reached out to the corresponding product. .

Returning to FIG. 1 again.
The shelf label management server 115 has a shelf label information file F3, a sales promotion information file F4, a questionnaire information file F5, and a questionnaire response result file F6.

  In the shelf label information file F3, as shown in FIG. 10, in addition to the product code, product name, and price of the product corresponding to the electronic shelf label device 144 corresponding to the shelf label number of each electronic shelf label device 144, A sales promotion information number for specifying sales promotion information related to the product and a questionnaire number for specifying questionnaire information are set in advance. When there is no sales promotion information for the corresponding product, the sales promotion information number is set to “0”. Similarly, when there is no questionnaire information for the corresponding product, the questionnaire number is set to “0”.

  Accordingly, the shelf label management server 115 edits the product price tag information of the product name and price to be displayed on the display unit 1441 of each electronic shelf label device 144 based on the data of the shelf label information file F3 for each shelf label number. The price tag information has a function of transmitting via the shelf label controller 142 to the electronic shelf label device 144 in which the corresponding shelf label number is set.

  Also, as shown in the figure, in the shelf label information file F3, the number of accesses is counted for each customer segment corresponding to the shelf label number of each electronic shelf label device 144. Here, the number of times of access is the number of times that the customer has reached a product managed by the corresponding electronic shelf label device 144.

  In the sales promotion information file F4, as shown in FIG. 11, sales promotion information for each customer group is set corresponding to one or more continuous sales promotion information numbers. The sales promotion information is, for example, information for notifying the customer of the efficacy, characteristics, other recommended products, etc. of the product for which the corresponding sales promotion information number is set in the shelf label information file F3. Here, the shelf label information file F3 and the sales promotion information file F4 constitute sales promotion information storage means.

  In the questionnaire information file F5, as shown in FIG. 12, corresponding to one or more consecutive questionnaire numbers, questionnaire information and point information given to customers who answered the questionnaire are set. The questionnaire information is a question item or the like that the customer wants to ask about a product for which a corresponding questionnaire number is set in the shelf label information file F3. Here, the shelf label information file F3 and the questionnaire information file F5 constitute questionnaire information storage means.

  In the questionnaire response result file F6, as shown in FIG. 13, the responses from customers to the questionnaire specified by the questionnaire number are tabulated by customer group.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a main procedure of main processing executed by the control unit 1448 of the electronic shelf label device 144. As described above, since the storage unit 1447 of each electronic shelf label device 144 stores the product name and price product price tag information transmitted from the shelf label management server 115 via the shelf label controller 142, First, the control unit 1448 displays the product price tag information on the display unit 1441 as ST11. Next, the reading operation of the RFID tag 5 by the RFID reader / writer 1443 is started as ST12.

  Thus, when the RFID tag 5 enters the communication area of the antenna 1444, the ID code stored in the memory unit of the RFID tag 5 is read by the RFID reader / writer 1443 in a non-contact manner. Therefore, control unit 1448 waits for the ID code to be read as ST13. If it is detected that the ID code has been read, the control unit 1448 temporarily stores the ID code in the storage unit 1447 as ST14, and then temporarily stops the reading operation by the RFID reader / writer 1443. After that, the control unit 1448 edits the shelf label inquiry data with the ID code and the shelf label number stored in the storage unit 1447 as ST15, and transmits it to the shelf label management server 115 via the communication unit 1446.

  This shelf label inquiry data is transmitted to the shelf label management server 115 via the shelf label controller 142. Thereby, in the shelf label management server 115, the processing of ST33 to ST41 in FIG. 15 is executed.

  That is, when the shelf label management server 115 detects that the shelf label inquiry data has been received as ST31, it accesses the customer management server 114 as ST33. Then, the customer code and customer data stored and managed in correspondence with the ID code in the received data are fetched from the customer management table 8 managed by the customer management server 114.

  Next, the shelf label management server 115 searches the shelf label information file F3 by the shelf label number in the received data as ST34. And the questionnaire number and sales promotion information number which were set corresponding to the said shelf label number are acquired.

  Next, the shelf label management server 115 determines whether the questionnaire number acquired as ST35 is 1 or more. Here, in the case of 1 or more, since the questionnaire information exists for the product whose product name, price, etc. are displayed on the display unit 1441 of the electronic shelf label device 144 specified by the shelf label number, The management server 115 acquires the questionnaire information set corresponding to the questionnaire number from the questionnaire information file F5 as ST36, and edits it into display data on the electronic shelf label device 144. In ST37, the display data of the questionnaire information is transmitted to the electronic shelf label device 144 that is the inquiry data transmission source via the shelf label controller 142 via the communication lines 141 and 143 together with the corresponding questionnaire number. If the questionnaire number is 0 in ST35, since there is no questionnaire information for the product, the processes of ST36 and ST37 are not executed.

  Next, the shelf label management server 115 determines whether or not the sales promotion information number acquired as ST38 is 1 or more. Here, in the case of 1 or more, since the sales promotion information exists for the product whose product name, price, etc. are displayed on the display unit 1441 of the electronic shelf label device 144 specified by the shelf label number, The management server 115 searches the sales promotion information file F4 in ST39, and acquires the sales promotion information of the customer demographic data acquired from the customer management table 8 among the sales promotion information classified by customer demographic information corresponding to the sales promotion information number. The display data of the electronic shelf label device 144 is edited. In ST40, the display data of the sales promotion information is transmitted to the electronic shelf label device 144 that is the inquiry data transmission source via the shelf label controller 142 via the communication lines 141 and 143. When the sales promotion information number is 0 in ST38, since there is no sales promotion information for the product, the processes of ST39 and ST40 are not executed.

  Thereafter, the shelf label management server 115 accesses the shelf label information file F3 as ST41, and increases the number of accesses managed by customer segment data acquired from the customer management table 8 by one.

  Therefore, when receiving the questionnaire information display data as ST16, the control unit 1448 of the electronic shelf label device 144 that transmitted the inquiry data causes the display unit 1441 to display the questionnaire information as ST17. In ST18, the information input unit 1442 is operated and a response to the questionnaire is input. Here, after the questionnaire information is displayed as ST19, if no answer is input even after a predetermined time has passed, the process returns to ST11 to display the product name and price again.

  On the other hand, when an answer to the questionnaire is input, the control unit 1448 performs the questionnaire from the ID code stored in the storage unit 1447 as ST20, the questionnaire response result, and the questionnaire number included in the questionnaire information display data. The response data is edited and transmitted to the shelf label management server 115.

  Further, when the display data of the sales promotion information is received as ST21, the control unit 1448 causes the display unit 1441 to display the sales promotion information as ST22. Then, after displaying the sales promotion information as ST23, when a certain time has elapsed, the process returns to ST11, and the product name and price are displayed again.

  The questionnaire response data is transmitted to the shelf label management server 115 via the shelf label controller 142. As a result, the shelf label management server 115 executes the processing of ST42 to ST45 in FIG.

  That is, the shelf label management server 115, when receiving the questionnaire response data as ST32, accesses the customer management server 114 as ST42. Then, the customer code and customer data stored and managed in correspondence with the ID code in the received data are fetched from the customer management table 8. Next, as ST43, the questionnaire response result file F6 is searched with the questionnaire number in the received data. Then, among the answer result information by customer group stored corresponding to the questionnaire number, the answer result information of the customer data acquired from the customer management table 8 is reflected in the questionnaire answer result in the received data.

  Next, as ST44, the questionnaire information file F5 is searched for the questionnaire number in the received data, and the point data set corresponding to the questionnaire number is acquired. In ST45, the customer code acquired from the customer management table 8 and the point data are transmitted to the customer management server 114.

  Thereby, in the customer management server 114, the customer master file F2 is accessed, and the point data is added to the service point stored and managed corresponding to the customer code.

  Here, the electronic shelf label device 144 identifies the product corresponding to the electronic shelf label device 144 based on the user identification information (ID code) acquired through the RFID reader / writer 1443 through the processing of ST12 to ST15 in FIG. An identification information transmission unit that transmits the product identification information (shelf label number) from the communication unit 1446 to the shelf label management server 115 via the communication network is configured.

  On the other hand, the shelf label management server 115 receives user identification information (ID code) and product identification information (shelf label number) transmitted from each electronic shelf label device 144 via the communication network by the processing of ST31 in FIG. Identification information receiving means. Further, each time user identification information (ID code) and product identification information (shelf label number) are received by the processes of ST33 to ST41 in FIG. 15, the user identification information (ID code) is stored in association with each other. Information processing means for reading user attribute information (customer demographic information) and processing the user attribute information (customer demographic information) and product / commodity group identification information (shelf label number) in association with each other is configured.

  In addition, the electronic shelf label device 144 includes a communication unit together with user identification information (ID code) acquired via the RFID reader / writer 1443 through the processing of ST18 to ST20 in FIG. An input information transmission means is configured to transmit from 1446 to the shelf label management server 115 via the communication network.

  The shelf label management server 115 has input information receiving means for receiving input information and user identification information (ID code) transmitted from each electronic shelf label device 144 via the communication network by the process of ST32 in FIG. ing. Further, every time input information and user identification information (ID code) are received by the processing of ST42 to ST43 in FIG. 15 and the questionnaire response result file F6, it is stored in association with the user identification information (ID code). The user attribute information (customer demographic data) is read from the user attribute storage means (customer management table 8), and the information compiling means for compiling the input information for each user attribute information (customer demographic data) is configured.

  In the store where the store system according to the first embodiment configured as described above is constructed, fingerprint data which is biometric information of the customer is acquired in advance for each customer who is a point member, and the biometric information storage unit 1326 stores the fingerprint data. It is stored in association with a customer code for identifying the customer.

  On the other hand, when the customer who has visited the store first receives the bracelet 4 from the store side and puts it into his dominant hand, he approaches the ID issuing terminal 132 and uses the biometric information reading unit 1327 to register the fingerprint of his / her finger registered in the store side in advance. Read with. As a result, when ID authentication is performed at the ID issuing terminal 132 and it is determined that the ID has been established, an ID code that is unique to the customer is generated. Then, the ID code is written in a non-contact manner on the RFID tag 5 provided on the customer's bracelet 4 via the RFID reader / writer 1328. Further, the customer code and customer segment data of the customer are stored and managed on the customer management table 8 in association with the ID code.

  Before receiving the bracelet 4, the ID issuing terminal 132 may read the fingerprint, and the ID issuing terminal 132 may receive the bracelet 4 with the unique ID code written on the RFID tag 5 from the store side.

  Thereafter, the customer makes a purchase in the store. At that time, if there is a product that the user wishes to purchase or is interested in, many customers extend their dominant hand with the bracelet 4 fitted to the product display shelf 90 in order to obtain the product. Then, among the electronic shelf label devices 144 attached to the product display shelf 90, within the communication area of the antenna 1444 provided in the electronic shelf label device 144 displaying the product name, price, etc. of the product, The RFID tag 5 attached to the bracelet 4 fitted in the customer's hand enters. As a result, the ID code stored in the memory unit of the RFID tag 5 is read by the RFID reader / writer 1443 provided in the electronic shelf label device 144. Thus, this ID code is transmitted to the shelf label management server 115 together with the shelf label number unique to the electronic shelf label device 144.

  In the shelf label management server 115, the customer code and customer data stored and managed on the customer management table 8 in association with the received ID code are fetched. Then, among the records corresponding to the respective shelf label numbers stored in the shelf label information file F3, +1 is added to the number of accesses for the customer demographic data of the record corresponding to the received shelf label number.

  A similar process is executed each time an ID code is read from the RFID tag 5 of the bracelet 4 by each electronic shelf label device 144. Therefore, for each product displayed on the product display rack 90, the approximate number of times the customer has obtained the product can be counted and managed for each customer group classified by the sex and age of the customer.

  Further, when a questionnaire number of “1” or more is set in the record corresponding to the received shelf label number in the shelf label information file F3, the shelf label management server 115 corresponds to the questionnaire number from the questionnaire information file F5. The questionnaire information set in this way is read out. Then, the display data of the questionnaire information is edited, transmitted to the electronic shelf label device 144 of the shelf label number, and displayed on the display unit 1441.

  An example of the electronic shelf label device 144 on which the questionnaire information is displayed is shown in FIG. What is shown is a questionnaire regarding the price of the product “AAAA”. A customer who feels that the price is high operates the plus (+) button of the information input unit 1442, and a customer who feels that the price is cheap operates the minus (−) button. Seeking.

  Here, when the customer operates the plus (+) button or the minus (−) button, information indicating the answer result is transmitted to the shelf label management server 115 together with the ID code of the customer. As a result, the shelf label management server 115 takes in the customer code and customer demographic data stored and managed on the customer management table 8 in association with the received ID code. And the questionnaire result information for the customer demographic data of the record corresponding to the number of the questionnaire information among the records corresponding to the questionnaire numbers stored in the questionnaire response result file F6 is updated. Also, the service point data set for the questionnaire information is transmitted to the customer management server 114 together with the customer code, and added to the accumulated points stored and managed corresponding to the customer code.

  A similar process is executed each time the ID code is read from the RFID tag 5 of the bracelet 4 by the electronic shelf label device 144 in which the questionnaire number is set among the electronic shelf label devices 144. Therefore, it is possible to automatically conduct a questionnaire regarding the product to a customer who tries to pick up the product from the product display shelf 90. Then, each customer's answer to the questionnaire can be classified and managed by customer group. Service points can also be provided to customers who answered the questionnaire.

  If a sales promotion information number equal to or greater than “1” is set in the record corresponding to the received shelf label number in the shelf label information file F3, the sales promotion information number is stored in the shelf label management server 115 from the promotion information file F4. The sales promotion information set corresponding to the customer segment data is read out from the sales promotion information set corresponding to. Then, the display data of the sales promotion information is edited, transmitted to the electronic shelf label device 144 having the shelf number, and displayed on the display unit 1441.

  An example of the electronic shelf label device 144 on which the sales promotion information is displayed is shown in FIG. What is shown in the figure is sales promotion information of a recommended product related to the product “AAAA”, and the content thereof differs depending on the customer base of the customer who has the product “AAAA” depending on the setting of the sales promotion information file F4.

  A similar process is executed each time the ID code is read from the RFID tag 5 of the bracelet 4 by the electronic shelf label device 144 in which the sales promotion information number is set among the electronic shelf label devices 144. Therefore, the sales promotion information related to the product, and the information matched with the age and sex of the customer can be provided to the customer who is going to pick up the product from the product display shelf 90 at the very moment. Thus, the convenience of the customer is greatly improved, the sales of the store can be greatly improved, and there is no trouble of attaching an RFID tag to each product, which is very convenient for the store.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to FIG. 1-17 used in 1st Embodiment, and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the second embodiment, a customer who has purchased a plurality of products belonging to a service target group in advance within the service period in a service shop that provides services such as service ticket issuance to a customer. When picking up a product from the product display shelf, information on the service contents of the service target group to which the product belongs and the shortage of points up to the target score of the customer are displayed on the display section of the electronic shelf label device corresponding to the product. It is intended to be displayed.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, for each service number that identifies a service target group, the start date and end date of the service target period, the target number of services provided, and the service content The service management information file 101 in which the information to be shown is set in advance is mounted on the shelf label management server 115, for example.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 19, for each service number, a product code that is an identification code of a product belonging to the service target group specified by the service number, and an electronic device corresponding to a product display shelf on which the product is displayed. The group management information file 102 in which the shelf label number of the shelf label device 144 is set is mounted on the shelf label management server 115, for example. In this embodiment, the same product is prohibited from being set in duplicate in a plurality of service target groups.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 20, a customer-specific service point management table 103 that stores purchase point data for each service number for each customer code of each customer is formed in the customer management server 114, for example.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the main procedure of the main process executed by the control unit 1448 of the electronic shelf label device 14 in the second embodiment. That is, the control unit 1448 causes the display unit 1441 to display the product price tag information of the product name and price as ST51, and then starts the reading operation of the RFID tag 5 by the RFID reader / writer 1443 as ST52. If it is detected that the ID code is read in ST53, the control unit 1448 temporarily stores the ID code in the storage unit 1447 as ST54, and then temporarily stops the reading operation by the RFID reader / writer 1443. . Thereafter, the control unit 1448 edits the shelf label inquiry data with the ID code and the shelf label number stored in the storage unit 1447 as ST55 and transmits the edited data to the shelf label management server 115 via the communication unit 1446.

  This shelf label inquiry data is transmitted to the shelf label management server 115 via the shelf label controller 142. Thereby, in the shelf label management server 115, the processing of ST62 to ST67 of FIG. 22 is executed.

  That is, when the shelf label management server 115 detects that the shelf label inquiry data has been received in ST61, it searches the group management information file 102 in ST62, and stores the shelf number in the received data for the registered service number. Judgment is made.

  As a result, when a service number in which the shelf label number is registered is detected as ST62, the shelf label management server 115 accesses the customer management server 114 as ST63. And the customer code memorize | stored and managed corresponding to ID code in received data is taken in from the customer management table 8 which the customer management server 114 manages. Furthermore, the purchase score Q managed by the customer code and the service number is acquired from the customer-specific service score management table 103 managed by the customer management server 114 as ST64.

  Next, the shelf label management server 115 reads the setting data of the service target period, the target score P, and the service contents corresponding to the service number from the service management information file 101 in ST65. Then, a value obtained by subtracting the purchase score Q from the target score P is calculated as the shortage score R. Thereafter, the shelf label management server 115 edits the service information including the shortage score R until the customer can receive the service in ST66. In ST67, the service information is transmitted to the electronic shelf label device 144 that is the transmission source of the shelf label inquiry data.

  Therefore, when receiving the service information as ST56, the control unit 1448 of the electronic shelf label device 144 that transmitted the inquiry data causes the display unit 1441 to display the service information as ST57. Thereafter, the control unit 1448 waits for a confirmation operation to be performed or for a certain period of time to elapse. Here, when it is detected in ST58 that any button of the information input unit 1442 has been operated, it is considered that a confirmation operation has been performed. And it returns to ST51 and displays a brand name and a price again. Further, when it is detected that a certain time has passed as ST59 without the operation input of the button of the information input unit 1442, the process returns to ST51 to display the product name and the price again.

  An example of the electronic shelf label device 144 on which the service information is displayed is shown in FIG. In this example, the product “AAAA” is a bulk purchase service target product, and the content of the product “AAAA” can be acquired by purchasing P points of a specific product within a predetermined period. The customer who has reached the merchandise display rack 90 in order to obtain the merchandise “AAAA” has a shortage of R points in the target score at the present time. Therefore, necessary service information can be presented to a customer who wants to pick up a product from the product display shelf 90. In addition, since the contents are specific to the current state of the individual customer and increase the customer's willingness to purchase, the effect of sales promotion can be obtained.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to FIG. 1-17 used in 1st Embodiment, and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  This third embodiment is applied to a store with different service points when a specific product is purchased according to a rank determined based on a customer's past sales performance. In particular, in this type of store, when a customer reaches out to take out a specific product from the product display shelf, the service point of the product according to the rank of the customer is determined by the product name, price, etc. It is displayed on the display unit 1441 of the displayed electronic shelf label device 144 so as to increase the customer's willingness to purchase the product.

  That is, in the third embodiment, customer personal information is stored and managed for each customer by the customer master file F2, and the past sales record data of the customer and the customer rank determined based on the sales record are stored. It is managed. The function of managing past sales record data for each customer and the function of determining the customer rank based on the sales record are well-known functions, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  Therefore, the control unit 1328 of the ID issuing terminal 132 controls each unit in substantially the same procedure as in the first embodiment shown in FIG. However, in the third embodiment, the customer management server 114 is inquired of customer rank information as user attribute information of the customer specified by the customer code in ST6. Then, when a response of customer rank information is received (ST7), an ID issue request is made (ST8). When the ID code is acquired (ST9), the customer code, customer rank information and ID code are transmitted to the customer management server 114 as ST10.

  Thus, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, a customer management table 80 for storing customer management information of ID code, customer code and customer rank together with the collected flag is provided in the customer management server 114. ing.

  Further, in the third embodiment, in the sales promotion information file F4 managed by the shelf label management server 115, as shown in FIG. 25, corresponding to one or more continuous sales promotion information numbers, each customer rank is classified. Point information is set. The point information is service point information that is given when a product for which the corresponding promotional information number is set in the shelf label information file F3 is purchased. The higher the customer rank, the larger the point given. It is like that.

  In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, when the shelf label management server 115 detects that the shelf label inquiry data including the shelf label ID and the ID code is received as ST71, the customer management is performed as ST72. Access the server 114. Then, the customer code and customer rank information stored and managed in correspondence with the ID code in the received data are taken from the customer management table 80 managed by the customer management server 114.

  Next, the shelf label management server 115 searches the shelf label information file F3 by the shelf label number in the received data as ST73. And the sales promotion information number set corresponding to the said shelf label number is acquired.

  Next, the shelf label management server 115 determines whether the sales promotion information number acquired as ST74 is 1 or more. Here, in the case of 1 or more, there is point information which is sales promotion information for a product whose product name, price, etc. are displayed on the display unit 1441 of the electronic shelf label device 144 identified by the shelf label number. Therefore, the shelf label management server 115 searches the sales promotion information file F4 in ST75, and sets the customer rank acquired from the customer management table 8 among the customer rank-specific point information set corresponding to the sales promotion information number. The corresponding point information is acquired and edited into display data of the electronic shelf label device 144. In ST76, the display data of the point information is transmitted to the electronic shelf label device 144 that is the inquiry data transmission source via the shelf label controller 142 via the communication lines 141 and 143. If the sales promotion information number is 0 in ST74, there is no sales promotion information for the product, so the processes of ST75 and ST76 are not executed.

  Thus, as shown in FIG. 27, on the display unit 1441 of the electronic shelf label device 144, point information given according to the customer's customer rank when the customer purchases a product whose product name and price are displayed. Is displayed. Therefore, also in the third embodiment, necessary service information can be presented to a customer who wants to pick up a product from the product display shelf 90, and the content is specific to the current state of the customer. As a result, the customer's willingness to purchase is increased and the effect of sales promotion is obtained.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the spirit of the invention in the implementation stage.

  For example, in each of the embodiments described above, the shelf label number of the electronic shelf label device 144 that functions as the information terminal device of the present invention is used as identification information for one item of product whose product name and price are displayed on the display unit 1441. Sales promotion information and questionnaire information may not correspond to one item of product, but may correspond to a product group to which the product belongs. In such a case, apart from the shelf label number, identification information of the product group to which the product displayed on the electronic shelf label device 144 belongs is set in the storage unit 1447 of each electronic shelf label device 144, and this product group. The identification information may be used instead of the shelf label number in each embodiment.

  In the above embodiment, the ID code is valid data only while the customer who is the user is shopping. For example, instead of the point card issued to the point member, the customer code is written in advance. Each embodiment can be realized by distributing the bracelet 4 with the RFID tag 5 and using this customer code as an ID code. In this case, the ID issuing terminal 132 and the ID collection terminal 133 can be omitted from the store system. In addition, by making the ID code valid only while the customer, who is the user, is shopping, the advantage of being able to grasp the customers currently in the store by browsing the data in the customer management tables 8 and 80 There is.

  Further, the RFID tag 5 may be directly attached to a customer's dominant arm, fingertip, palm or the like without using the bracelet 4.

  Further, the present invention is not limited only to the electronic shelf label management system constructed in the store. For example, in an exhibition hall that introduces a new product or the like, there may be a display device that displays the characteristics of the product for each displayed product. This type of display device may be the information terminal device of the present invention. By doing so, it is possible to display a screen that introduces more details about the product that the visitor has reached out with interest and to display a questionnaire screen related to the product. In this case, by issuing a unique ID code to the visiting customer and registering attribute information such as occupation and business type of the customer, it is said that the person belonging to which industry has a lot of interest in the new product Such an important data can be automatically collected.

  In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, the constituent elements over different embodiments may be combined.

The whole block diagram of the store system in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the ID issuing terminal used in the said 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the data memorize | stored in the biometric information storage part of the ID issuing terminal used in the said 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the principal part of the process performed with the ID issuing terminal used in the said 1st Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the ID collection | recovery terminal used in the said 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the data structure of the customer management table used in the said 1st Embodiment. The front view of the electronic shelf label apparatus used in the said 1st Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the electronic shelf label apparatus used in the said 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows one usage example of the electronic shelf label apparatus in the said 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the record memorize | stored in the shelf label information file in the said 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the record memorize | stored in the sales promotion information file in the said 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the record memorize | stored in a questionnaire information file in the said 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the record memorize | stored in a questionnaire reply result file in the said 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the principal part of the process performed with the electronic shelf label apparatus in the said 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the principal part of the process performed with the shelf label management server in the said 1st Embodiment. The top view which shows an example of the questionnaire information displayed on an electronic shelf label apparatus in the said 1st Embodiment. The top view which shows an example of the sales promotion information displayed on an electronic shelf label apparatus in the said 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the record memorize | stored in the service management information file in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the record memorize | stored in the group management information file in the said 2nd Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the data structure of the service point management table classified by customer formed in the said 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the principal part of the process performed with the electronic shelf label apparatus in the said 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the principal part of the process performed with the shelf label management server in the said 2nd Embodiment. The top view which shows an example of the service information displayed on an electronic shelf label apparatus in the said 2nd Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the data structure of the customer management table used in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the record memorize | stored in the sales promotion information file in the said 3rd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the principal part of the process performed with the shelf label management server in the said 3rd Embodiment. The top view which shows an example of the point information displayed on an electronic shelf label apparatus in the said 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  4 ... Bracelet, 5 ... RFID tag, 8,80 ... Customer management table, 11 ... Server device, 113 ... POS server, 114 ... Customer management server, 115 ... Shelf management server, 122 ... POS terminal, 132 ... ID issuing terminal 133 ... ID collection terminal, 142 ... shelf label controller, 144 ... electronic shelf label device, F1 ... merchandise master file, F2 ... customer master file, F3 ... shelf label information file, F4 ... sales promotion information file, F5 ... questionnaire information file , F6 ... Questionnaire response result file.

Claims (9)

A plurality of information terminal devices each provided with a display unit that displays information related to the corresponding product provided for each of the various displayed products, and a communication unit that receives information to be displayed on the display unit; A product information display system in which information displayed on a display unit of a terminal device is edited for each information terminal device, and a server device having a function of transmitting the edited information to the corresponding information terminal device is connected via a communication network. In
Each said information terminal device respond | corresponds to the said information terminal device with the user identification recognition means which acquires the user identification information which identifies the said user from the user who reached the corresponding goods non-contact, and the acquired user identification information Identification information transmission means for transmitting the product or the product group to which the product belongs to together with the product / product group identification information from the communication unit to the server device via the communication network,
The server device includes user attribute storage means for storing attribute information related to each user in association with user identification information of each user, user identification information and products / products transmitted from each information terminal device via the communication network. The identification information receiving means for receiving the group identification information, and each time the user identification information and the product / product group identification information are received, the user attribute information stored in association with the user identification information is read out. A product information display system comprising information processing means for processing information in association with the product / product group identification information. The server device further includes sales promotion information storage means for storing sales promotion information for each user attribute information in association with each product / product group identification information,
The information processing means is associated with the user identification information received simultaneously from the sales promotion information for each user attribute information stored in association with the product / commodity group identification information received from the information terminal device. The product information according to claim 1, wherein the sales promotion information of the stored user attribute information is selected, and the selected sales promotion information is edited as information to be displayed on the display unit of the information terminal device. Display system. Each information terminal device includes an information input unit and information input via the information input unit, together with user identification information acquired by the user identification recognition unit, from the communication unit to the server device via the communication network. Further comprising input information transmission means for transmitting,
The server device receives input information and user identification information transmitted from the information terminal devices via the communication network, and each time the input information and user identification information are received, 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: an information totaling unit that reads out user attribute information stored in association with identification information from the user attribute storage unit and totals the input information for each user attribute information. Product information display system. The server device further comprises questionnaire information storage means for storing questionnaire information in association with each product / product group identification information,
The information processing means selects questionnaire information stored in association with the product / commodity group identification information received from the information terminal device, and displays the selected questionnaire information on a display unit of the information terminal device It is a means of editing processing as information to be
The said information totaling means is a means which totals the input information received from the said information terminal device according to user attribute information as an answer result with respect to the questionnaire information displayed on the display part of the information terminal device. Product information display system described.   5. The user attribute storage unit according to claim 1, wherein the customer attribute information is stored as user attribute information in association with user identification information of each user, based on the user's sex, age, and the like. Product information display system.   5. The product information according to claim 1, wherein the user attribute storage unit stores rank information based on a purchase history of each user in association with user identification information of each user as user attribute information. Display system.   The product information according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information terminal device is an electronic shelf label device that is provided on a product display shelf and displays a price of a product displayed on the shelf. Display system. Biological information storage means for storing biological information of each user registered in advance, biological information capturing means for capturing the biological information of the user, biological information captured by the biological information capturing means, and the biological information storage means The personal authentication means for performing personal authentication by collating the biometric information of each user stored in the above, and the user identification information for the user on the condition that the personal authentication of the user is established by the personal authentication means. Further comprising a user identification issuing device comprising a user identification issuing means for issuing, connecting the user identification issuing device and the server device via a communication network,
The server device collects user identification information issued to each user from the user identification issuing device, and stores attribute information about the user in the user information storage means in association with each user identification information. The product information display system according to claim 1.   9. The user identification issuing means is means for writing user identification information issued to a user in a non-contact communication storage medium carried by the user who has been authenticated by non-contact communication. Product information display system described.

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