JP7575409B2 - Data linkage system and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a data linkage system and a program.

In recent years, display devices known as electronic shelf labels (ESLs) that can display various product information such as model numbers, product names, and sales prices have become widespread. Electronic shelf labels are made up of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) or electronic paper. Electronic shelf labels eliminate the need to manually replace price labels, which can reduce manpower. For this reason, electronic shelf labels have also attracted attention as a way to reform work styles, and they are being introduced primarily in large stores and chain stores.

As an example of an electronic shelf label, a server device has been proposed that analyzes and evaluates the sales status of a product and changes the product display information of the product displayed on the electronic shelf label depending on the evaluation results (see Patent Document 1). With this server device, it is possible to change product display information such as the selling price depending on the sales status.

JP 2013-218707 A

Although the server device described in Patent Document 1 can change product display information according to sales status, there is room for improvement when applied to time sales, which require changing product display information according to time of day.

In the retail industry, time sales are often held in order to increase sales by selling products at a sale price that is different from the regular price during a specific time period. When holding a time sale, it is necessary to affix price tags showing the sale price to price tags showing the regular price at the start of the specific time period. Therefore, the task of affixing price tags occurs not only when preparing to open the store, but also at the start of the time sale, which requires significant human and financial costs for retailers.

In addition, if a time sale is held during business hours, rather than immediately before closing time, the work of attaching price tags occurs not only when preparing to open the store and when the time sale begins, but also when the time sale ends. For this reason, in terms of human and financial costs, it is not easy to hold a time sale in the middle of business hours, and there is a strong demand for electronic shelf labels that make it easy to attach price tags.

The present invention has been made based on this idea, and aims to provide a data linkage system and program that reduces the workload of retailers by making it possible to change product display information displayed on electronic shelf labels according to the time of day.

As a result of extensive research into solving the above problems, the inventors discovered that the above object could be achieved by receiving update content and a scheduled update time for updating the display of an electronic shelf label, and transmitting an update command to the outside to update the display of the electronic shelf label at the scheduled update time according to the update content, and thus completed the present invention. Specifically, the present invention provides the following.

The invention according to a first aspect is a data linking server that includes an update information receiving unit capable of receiving update content and a scheduled update time for updating the display of an electronic shelf label, and an update command unit capable of externally transmitting an update command for updating the display of the electronic shelf label at the scheduled update time according to the update content.

According to the first aspect of the invention, when the scheduled update time arrives, the display of the electronic shelf label can be updated according to the update content. For example, the display of the electronic shelf label can be updated to a first aspect (normal price aspect) at opening time, and updated to a second aspect (limited time sale price aspect) at the start time of the limited time sale period.

In addition, even if a limited-time sale is held during business hours rather than immediately before closing time, the display of the electronic shelf label can be updated to return to the first state (normal price state) at the end of the limited-time sale period.

As a result, according to the first aspect of the invention, a data linking server can be provided that can change the product display information displayed on the electronic shelf label depending on the time of day, significantly reducing the labor (human costs and monetary costs) of retailers.

The second aspect of the invention is the first aspect of the invention, and provides a data linking server further including an update status receiving unit capable of receiving an update status including whether the display of the electronic shelf label has been updated.

According to the second feature of the invention, the update status receiving unit receives the update status including information on whether the display on the electronic shelf label has been updated, and can therefore notify the retailer of whether the display on the electronic shelf label has been updated. Therefore, it is possible to provide a data linking server that can significantly reduce the effort (human cost, monetary cost) of the retailer to check whether the display on the electronic shelf label has been updated at the scheduled update time.

The third aspect of the invention is the second aspect of the invention, and provides a data linking server in which the update status receiving unit can receive group information in which the multiple electronic shelf labels are grouped in addition to the update status.

According to the third feature of the invention, the update status receiving unit receives group information about electronic shelf labels, and can therefore notify retailers of whether the display of the electronic shelf labels corresponding to each group has been updated. Therefore, it is possible to provide a data linking server that can significantly reduce the effort (human cost, monetary cost) of retailers to check whether the display of the electronic shelf labels belonging to each group has been updated at the scheduled update time.

The invention according to the fourth characteristic is the invention according to any one of the first to third characteristics, and provides a data linking server further including a history comparison unit that compares the transmission history of the update command by the update command unit with the reception history of the update command indicating that an external device has received the update command.

According to the invention relating to the fourth feature, the transmission history of the update command by the update command unit is compared with the reception history of the update command indicating that the external device has received the update command, thereby verifying the consistency of the update command between the data linkage server and the external device. Then, the data linkage server can use this verification result to more reliably change the product display information displayed on the electronic shelf label, for example by resending the update command. Therefore, it is possible to provide a data linkage server that can more reliably change the product display information displayed on the electronic shelf label according to the time of day, greatly reducing the labor (human costs and monetary costs) of the retailer.

The invention according to the fifth characteristic is an invention according to any one of the first to fourth characteristics, and provides a data linking server in which the update command unit is capable of sequentially transmitting the update command information linked to approximately the same scheduled update time to the outside at a predetermined time interval.

According to the invention relating to the fifth characteristic, even if multiple update commands cannot be sent simultaneously due to a limited communication bandwidth in communication between the data linking server and the electronic shelf label, the multiple update commands can be sent sequentially to sequentially change the display of the electronic shelf label. Therefore, according to the invention relating to the fifth characteristic, even if multiple pieces of update command information linked to approximately the same scheduled update time cannot be sent simultaneously, it is possible to provide a data linking server that can sequentially change the product display information displayed on the electronic shelf label according to the time period, greatly reducing the labor (human costs and monetary costs) of the retailer.

The invention according to the sixth feature provides a data linkage system including an electronic shelf label capable of displaying product information and a data linkage server according to any one of the first to fifth features, the electronic shelf label having a surrounding information transmission unit capable of transmitting information about the surroundings of the electronic shelf label to the outside, and the data linkage server having a surrounding information receiving unit capable of receiving the surrounding information transmitted from the electronic shelf label.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, a data linking server can be provided that can more flexibly change the display of electronic shelf labels according to the time of day, for example by using surrounding information transmitted from electronic shelf labels to change only the display of electronic shelf labels that transmitted surrounding information that satisfies a predetermined condition during a certain time period, thereby significantly reducing the labor (human costs and monetary costs) of retailers.

The invention relating to the seventh feature is in a different category from the invention relating to the first feature.

The present invention provides a data linking server, system, and program that reduces the workload of retailers by making it possible to change the product display information displayed on electronic shelf labels depending on the time of day.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system 1 using a data linking server 2 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a main flowchart showing an example of the flow of data linking processing using the data linking server 2 of this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow relating to transmission of an update command using the data linkage server 2 of this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the update information table 221. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of updating the display of the electronic shelf label 4 using the data linkage server 2 of this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of a process flow relating to reception of the respondent terminal location using the data link server 2 of this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the respondent terminal table 222. As shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow relating to transmission of a response command using the data linkage server 2 of this embodiment. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of transmission of shelf label identification information. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the shelf label table 223. As shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of selection of respondent terminals within a predetermined range. FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a history comparison of update commands in the first modification. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of sequential transmission of update commands in the second modification. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the system 1 in the third modification. FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of creating a customer distribution in the third modification. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the system 1 in the fourth modification. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow related to transmission of product etc. information in the fifth modification. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow related to transmission of a travel status in the sixth modification.

Below, an example of a preferred embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that this is merely an example, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to this example.

<Data linkage system 1>
1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a data linkage system 1 in this embodiment. The data linkage system 1 includes a data linkage server 2, one or more computers 3, one or more shelf labels 4, and multiple customer terminals 5. The shelf labels 4 are preferably electronic shelf labels because they can reduce the retailer's efforts in updating product display information displayed on the shelf labels for time sales according to time periods. In the following, the shelf labels 4 are described as being electronic shelf labels. The data linkage server 2, the computer 3, the electronic shelf labels 4, and the customer terminal 5 are connected via a network 6. The data linkage server 2 is also configured to be connectable to one or more customer terminals 9 via the network 6.

[Data Collaboration Server 2]
The data link server 2 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the server 2 ) includes a control unit 21 , a storage unit 22 , and a communication unit 23 .

[Control unit 21]
The control unit 21 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and the like.

The control unit 21 reads a specific program and cooperates with the memory unit 22 and/or the communication unit 23 as necessary to realize the update information receiving unit 211, the update command unit 212, the terminal position acquisition unit 213, the call command receiving unit 214, the response command sending unit 215, etc., which are elements of the software configuration in the server 2.

[Memory unit 22]
The memory unit 22 is a device in which data and files are stored, and has a data storage unit such as a hard disk, a semiconductor memory, a recording medium, a memory card, etc. The memory unit 22 stores control programs and the like to be executed by the microcomputer of the control unit 21.

The memory unit 22 stores an update information table 221, a respondent terminal table 222, a shelf tag table 223, etc.

[Communication unit 23]
The communication unit 23 has a device for enabling the server 2 to communicate with other devices. The type of device is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a network card compatible with the Ethernet standard, a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) compatible device compatible with IEEE802.11, a Zigbee compatible device compatible with IEEE802.15.4, or a Bluetooth device compatible with the Bluetooth standard. The communication unit 23 may have a bus such as a general-purpose bus compatible with the USB standard, a serial port such as an RS-232C standard port, or a parallel port such as an interface compatible with IEEE 1284. In order to exchange a large amount of data, it is preferable that the communication unit 23 has a network card compatible with the Ethernet standard. It is also preferable that the communication unit 23 has a device that performs wireless communication, such as a Wi-Fi compatible device, a Zigbee compatible device, or a Bluetooth device. By including a device for wireless communication in the communication unit 23, communication between the server 2 and the electronic shelf label 4 can be performed even if the electronic shelf label 4 is installed in a location without a communication cable.

[Computer 3]
The type of the computer 3 is not particularly limited. The computer 3 may include, for example, a mainframe, a midrange computer, a server, a workstation, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or the like. In terms of processing power, it is preferable that the computer 3 includes a midrange computer or a server. The computer 3 may be configured to execute a program that realizes a core system, an EC (electronic commerce) system, a point of sale (POS) system, or the like. Since the computer 3 is configured to execute these programs, a computer that realizes these systems owned by a retailer such as a department store or a mass merchandiser can be used as the computer 3. The computer 3 may be configured to link and/or integrate the above-mentioned various systems by EAI (Enterprise application integration). Since the computer 3 is configured to link and/or integrate the above-mentioned various systems by EAI, the data linkage system 1 can be realized as one of the systems that are linked and/or integrated by EAI owned by a retailer such as a department store or a mass merchandiser.

[Electronic shelf label 4]
The electronic shelf label 4 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, and a display unit 44. The hardware configuration of the control unit 41 is similar to that of the control unit 21.

[Memory unit 42]
The memory unit 42 is a device in which data and files are stored, and has a data storage unit such as a hard disk, semiconductor memory, recording medium, memory card, etc. The memory unit 42 is preferably a semiconductor memory and/or a memory card, since it is easy to realize a size suitable for incorporation into the electronic shelf label 4. The memory unit 42 stores control programs and the like that are executed by the microcomputer of the control unit 41.

[Communication unit 43]
The communication unit 43 has a device for enabling the electronic shelf label 4 to communicate with other devices, such as a network card compatible with the Ethernet standard, a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) compatible device compatible with IEEE 802.11, a Bluetooth device compatible with the Bluetooth standard, or a near field communication (NFC) device compatible with ISO/IEC 18092 or ISO/IEC 21481. The communication unit 43 may have a bus such as a general-purpose bus compatible with the USB standard, a serial port such as an RS-232C standard port, or a parallel port such as an interface compatible with IEEE 1284. It is preferable that the communication unit 43 has a device that performs wireless communication, such as a Wi-Fi compatible device or a Bluetooth device. By having the communication unit 43 include a device for performing wireless communication, the electronic shelf label 4 can be connected to the network 6 even in a place where there is no communication cable.

[Display unit 44]
The type of the display unit 44 is not particularly limited. Examples of the display unit 44 include electronic paper, a liquid crystal display, and an organic electroluminescence (organic EL). Since the power consumption is small, the display unit 44 is preferably electronic paper. The display unit 44 may also include a light emitting diode (LED). The display unit 44 may also include a speaker device that reproduces sound.

[Respondent Terminal 5]
The type of the attendant terminal 5 is not particularly limited. The attendant terminal 5 may be, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a smart watch, or smart glasses. In view of the balance between processing power, portability, and price, it is particularly preferable that the attendant terminal 5 be a tablet terminal. It is preferable that the attendant terminal 5 be a display unit 54 made of a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence (organic EL), electronic paper, or the like.

[Network 6]
The network 6 connects the server 2, the computer 3, the electronic shelf labels 4, and the attendant terminal 5. The type of the network 6 is not particularly limited, and examples include a personal area network, a local area network, the Internet, a Wi-Fi network, a short-range wireless communication network compatible with the Bluetooth standard, or a network that combines a plurality of networks including these. Since the electronic shelf labels 4 can be connected to the network 6 even in places where there are no communication cables, it is preferable that the network 6 includes a wireless communication network such as a Wi-Fi network or a short-range wireless communication network compatible with the Bluetooth standard.

[Customer terminal 9]
The type of the customer terminal 9 is not particularly limited. The customer terminal 9 may be, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a smart watch, or smart glasses. The customer terminal 9 preferably includes a display unit 94 configured with a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence (organic EL), electronic paper, or the like. A customer terminal application related to the data linkage system 1 is installed in the customer terminal 9.

<Procedure for data linkage using data linkage system 1>
Hereinafter, a data linking procedure for transmitting a response command to the attendant terminal 5 using the data linking system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Main Flowchart]
FIG. 2 is an example of a main flowchart showing a data linking procedure in this embodiment.

[Step S1: Transmission of update command]
First, the control unit 21 performs an update command transmission process (step S1), which will be described later with reference to Fig. 3. The update command transmission process is a process in which the control unit 21 of the server 2 receives update information for the display of the electronic shelf label 4 from the computer 3, stores it in the storage unit 22, and transmits an update command related to the untransmitted update information to the electronic shelf label 4 by referring to the scheduled update time. After completing the update command transmission process, the control unit 21 moves the process to step S2.

[Step S2: Acquisition process of respondent terminal location]
Next, the control unit 21 performs a process of acquiring the respondent terminal location (step S2), which will be described later with reference to Fig. 6. The process of acquiring the respondent terminal location is a process in which the control unit 21 of the server 2 receives the respondent terminal location from the respondent terminal 5 and stores it in the storage unit 22. After completing the process of acquiring the respondent terminal location, the control unit 21 proceeds to step S3.

[Step S3: Response Command Transmission Processing]
Next, the control unit 21 performs a process of transmitting an answering command, which will be described later with reference to Fig. 8 (step S3). The process of transmitting an answering command is a process of receiving a call command, reading out the shelf label position from the storage unit 22, determining whether or not a responder terminal 5 is within a predetermined range from the shelf label position, and transmitting an answering command to a responder terminal 5 that is within the predetermined range from the shelf label position. After performing the process of transmitting an answering command, the control unit 21 returns the process to step S1 and repeats steps S1 to S3.

[Flow of update command transmission process]
3 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for performing the update command transmission process performed in step S1. A preferred procedure for the update command transmission process performed in step S1 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG.

[Step S11: Determine whether update information has been received]
First, the control unit 21 executes the update information receiving unit 211 in cooperation with the storage unit 22 and the communication unit 23, and determines whether or not update information has been received from the computer 3 (step S11). If update information has been received, the control unit 21 proceeds to step S12. If update information has not been received, the control unit 21 proceeds to step S13.

The update information includes update contents for updating the display of the electronic shelf label 4 and a scheduled update time. The update contents are not particularly limited. Examples of update contents include product information, which is information about the product, product prices, which are the prices of the products, diagrams related to the products, turning on and off the light-emitting diodes, and audio related to the products. The update contents preferably include product prices. By including product prices, a time sale can be realized in which the product prices displayed on the electronic shelf label 4 are changed depending on the time of day. The update contents preferably include product information. By including product information, a time sale can be realized using not only prices but also product information. The update contents preferably include diagrams. By including diagrams, a time sale can be realized in which an illustration or icon indicating that a time sale is being held is displayed on the electronic shelf label 4. The update contents preferably include turning on and off the light-emitting diodes. By including turning on and off the light-emitting diodes, the light-emitting diodes can be blinked to indicate that a time sale is being held, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the time sale. The update contents preferably include audio. By including audio, audio announcing the start and end of the limited-time sale can be played on the electronic shelf label 4, enhancing the effectiveness of the limited-time sale.

The format of the update content is not particularly limited. Examples of the format of the update content include various formats of text data, various formats of image data, various formats of audio data, and various formats of multimedia data that are known in the technical field. In addition, it is preferable that the format of the update content includes an interface file that is compatible with the electronic shelf label 4. If the format of the update content includes an interface file that is compatible with the electronic shelf label 4, the functions of the electronic shelf label 4 can be fully utilized. Therefore, time sales using the electronic shelf label 4 can be more effectively realized.

The format of the scheduled update time is not particularly limited. Examples include a character string or data string indicating the date and time of the update, a character string or data string specifying repeated updates at a specific time on a specific day of the week, a character string or data string specifying repeated updates at a specific time during a specific period, and a character string or data string specifying the start time of the update and the end time of the return to the state before the update. If the character string or data string indicates the date and time of the update, the product information can be displayed on the electronic shelf label 4 at the start and end times of a time sale. If the character string or data string specifies repeated updates at a specific time on a specific day of the week, the product information can be displayed on the electronic shelf label 4 at the start and end times of a time sale that is repeated on a specific day of the week. If the character string or data string specifies repeated updates at a specific time during a specific period, the product information can be displayed on the electronic shelf label 4 at the start and end times of a time sale that is repeated during a specific period. If the character string or data string specifies the start time of the update and the end time of the return to the state before the update, the display of the electronic shelf label 4 can be changed to the state of the updated content at the start time, and the display of the electronic shelf label 4 can be returned to the original state at the end time. Being able to specify these various formats makes it possible to realize various time sales using the electronic shelf labels 4. The reference time for the scheduled update time is not particularly limited. Examples of reference times include Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), Japan Standard Time (JST), and the batch date, which is a unique reference time set by the administrator of the system 1. Being able to specify these various reference times makes it possible to realize time sales using the electronic shelf labels 4 regardless of the environment in which the system 1 is used.

[Step S12: Storing update information]
The control unit 21 executes the update information receiving unit 211 in cooperation with the storage unit 22, and stores the update information received in step S11 in the update information table 221 (step S12). The control unit 21 moves the process to step S13.

Figure 4 is an example of the update information table 221. The update information table 221 includes an ID for distinguishing update information, a sent flag indicating whether an update command, described later, has been sent, and the scheduled update time and update content received in step S1. Including the ID allows access to multiple pieces of update information stored in the update information table 221. Including the sent flag makes it possible to distinguish whether update information has been sent and send only unsent update information. Including the scheduled update time allows the display of the electronic shelf label 4 to be updated at the scheduled update time, such as the start or end of a limited-time sale. Including the update content allows the display of the electronic shelf label 4 to be updated according to the update content.

The update information table 221 can also include an update status indicating whether the display of the electronic shelf label 4 has been updated according to the update contents. By including the update status, it is possible to distinguish whether the display of the electronic shelf label 4 has been updated and to send only unupdated update information. This makes it possible to more reliably update the display of the electronic shelf label 4 and reliably hold a time sale using the electronic shelf label 4. Furthermore, by including the update status, it is possible to notify the retailer and the computer 3 of the update status of the display of the electronic shelf label 4. Since the retailer can know the update status without checking the display of the electronic shelf label 4 one by one, it is possible to more smoothly realize a time sale using the electronic shelf label 4. Furthermore, if the computer 3 realizes a POS system, or if it realizes an EAI that links and/or integrates with the POS system, the computer 3 can change the price that the POS system applies at the time of checkout by using whether the display of the electronic shelf label 4 has been updated. Therefore, it is possible to realize a time sale using the electronic shelf label 4 while reducing the burden on the retailer who operates the POS system.

The update information table 221 can also include group information for grouping the electronic shelf labels 4 in addition to the update state. By including the group information, it is possible to update only the display of the electronic shelf labels 4 included in a specific group. Also, it is possible to distinguish whether the display of the electronic shelf labels 4 has been updated for each group and send only the update information of the unupdated group. This makes it possible to more reliably update the display of the grouped electronic shelf labels 4 and reliably hold a time sale using the electronic shelf labels 4. The group information is not particularly limited. For example, the JAN code, EAN code, ITF code, etc., which are assigned to products, can be used as the group information. By using these existing codes as the format of the group information, retailers can set the group information with little effort. It is preferable that the format of the group information is the JAN code. If it is the JAN code written on the barcode of the product, etc., it is easy to link the data link server and the POS system. Therefore, retailers can use the electronic shelf labels 4 effectively with less effort.

The update information table 221 shown in FIG. 4 stores update information for a limited time sale on "USB cable (2 m)" from 13:00 to 15:00 Japan time on April 1, 2020, and update information for a limited time sale on "BD media" from 15:00 Japan time on April 1, 2020. Below, each piece of update information stored in the update information table 221 will be described in detail using the example of FIG. 3. In this example, a limited time sale is realized using two pieces of update information: update information ID: 0001 that changes the display of the electronic shelf label 4 to the limited time sale price, and update information ID: 0002 that changes the display to the normal price. However, the scheduled update time can be configured to include a start time and an end time, and a limited time sale can be held with one piece of update information.

The row of ID:0001 in FIG. 4 shows update information that has already been sent to the electronic shelf label 4 and is scheduled to be updated at 13:00 on April 1, 2020, Japan time. This update information updates the display of the electronic shelf label 4 to a time sale price. The update information of ID:0001 is update information that updates the display of the electronic shelf label 4 to a product name "USB cable (2m)!! Special sale!!" and product price "￥999-" at 13:00 on April 1, 2020, Japan time, and further updates the display to display a diagram containing a design indicating SALE. This allows the electronic shelf label 4 to be updated to a time sale price at 13:00 when the time sale begins. As shown in FIG. 4, the product name can include additional information such as a comment about the time sale in addition to the product name (such as the "!! Special sale!!" part of the product name of ID:0001). By including the additional information, the time sale can be carried out more effectively. The display of the electronic shelf label 4 has already been updated, so the update status is "Updated." The group information stores the JAN code "4912345678904" that corresponds to the product name "USB cable (2 m)." This allows only the display of the electronic shelf label 4 that corresponds to the group information "4912345678904" to be updated.

The row with ID:0002 shows update information that has not yet been sent (not yet sent) to the electronic shelf label 4 and is scheduled to be updated at 15:00 on April 1, 2020, Japan time. This update information updates the display of the electronic shelf label 4 to the normal price. The update information with ID:0002 is update information that updates the display of the electronic shelf label 4 to the product name "USB cable (2m)" and the product price "￥1198-" at 15:00 on April 1, 2020, Japan time, and further updates the display of the electronic shelf label 4 to display a diagram with a design indicating that it is a "standard" product. This allows the electronic shelf label 4 to be updated to the normal price at 15:00 when the limited-time sale ends. In FIG. 4, the display of the electronic shelf label 4 has not yet been updated, so the update status is "not updated." The same JAN code "4912345678904" as that of ID:0001 is stored in the group information. This allows only the display of the electronic shelf label 4 corresponding to the group information "4912345678904" to be updated. In other words, only the display of the electronic shelf label 4 that was updated to the time sale price in the update information for ID: 0001 can be updated to the regular price.

The row with ID: 0003 is update information for a limited time sale on "BD media." Because the JAN code "4998765432104," which is different from the "USB cable (2m)" of IDs: 0001 and 0002, is stored in the group information, the display of the electronic shelf label 4 corresponding to "BD media" is updated only, and a limited time sale can be held, without updating the display of the electronic shelf label 4 corresponding to "USB cable (2m)."

[Step S13: Determine whether there is any unsent update information]
Returning to Fig. 3, the control unit 21 executes the update command unit 212 in cooperation with the storage unit 22, and determines whether or not there is update information in the update information table 221 whose scheduled update time is the same as or earlier than the current time and whose transmission flag is set to "untransmitted" (step S13). If there is such update information, the control unit 21 proceeds to step S14. If there is no such update information, the control unit 21 proceeds to step S2.

It is determined whether there is update information whose scheduled update time is the same as or earlier than the current time and whose sent flag has not yet been sent, so that the process of updating the display of the electronic shelf label 4 can be performed only when there is update information whose scheduled update time corresponding to the start time, end time, etc. of the limited-time sale is the same as or earlier than the current time corrected to correspond to the same reference time as the scheduled update time and which has not yet been sent. This reduces the load on the server 2, making it possible to realize a limited-time sale with less of a burden.

[Step S14: Read unsent update information]
The control unit 21 executes the update command unit 212 in cooperation with the storage unit 22, and reads out one piece of update information whose scheduled update time stored in the update information table 221 is the same as or earlier than the current time and whose transmission flag is set to "not yet transmitted" (step S14). The control unit 21 proceeds to step S15.

Since update information whose scheduled update time is the same as or earlier than the current time and whose sent flag is unsent is read out, processing can be performed to update the display on the electronic shelf label 4 according to update information whose scheduled update time corresponding to the start time or end time of the limited-time sale is the same as or earlier than the current time corrected to correspond to the same reference time as the scheduled update time and which has not yet been sent. Therefore, the display on the electronic shelf label 4 can be updated using update information that needs to be sent in response to the limited-time sale.

[Step S15: Send update command]
The control unit 21 executes the update command unit 212 in cooperation with the storage unit 22, generates an update command using the update information read out in step S14, and transmits the command to the electronic shelf label 4 (step S15). The control unit 21 moves the process to step S16.

The format of the update command is not particularly limited. Examples of display update command formats include various formats of text data, various formats of image data, various formats of audio data, and various formats of multimedia data that are known in the technical field. In addition, it is preferable that the format of the update command includes an interface file that is compatible with the electronic shelf label 4. If an interface file that is compatible with the electronic shelf label 4 is included, the function of the electronic shelf label 4 can be fully exhibited. Therefore, a limited-time sale using the electronic shelf label 4 can be realized more effectively. The update command can also include group information. By including group information, it is possible to update only the display of the electronic shelf label 4 that corresponds to the group information. This allows a more effective limited-time sale to be realized by updating only a portion of the display of multiple electronic shelf labels 4.

When the update command is sent, the electronic shelf label 4 receives the update command and updates the display. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the display update of the electronic shelf label 4 by an update command corresponding to the update information of ID: 0001 and ID: 0002 in FIG. 4. Below, using FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, we will explain how the display update of the electronic shelf label 4 corresponding to the time sale from 13:00 to 15:00 is realized by an update command.

Figure 5 (A) is a diagram showing an example of the display of the regular price format displayed on the display unit 44 of the electronic shelf label 4. The display unit 44 includes a product name display unit 441, a product price display unit 442, and a diagram display unit 443. Figure 5 (A) shows that the product name "USB cable (2m)" is displayed in the product name display unit 441, the regular price "￥1198-" is displayed in the product price display unit 442, and a design indicating "standard" is displayed in the diagram display unit 443.

When the time reaches 13:00, the start time of the limited-time sale, and the update command unit 212 sends an update command corresponding to ID:0001 in FIG. 4 to update the display of the electronic shelf label 4 to the limited-time sale price, the electronic shelf label 4 receives this update command and updates the display on the display unit 44 to the limited-time sale price as shown in FIG. 5(B). FIG. 5(B) shows that the product name display unit 441 displays the product name "USB cable (2m)" and the annotation regarding the limited-time sale "!!Special sale item!!", the product price display unit 442 displays "￥999-", and the graphic display unit 443 displays a design indicating "SALE" regarding the limited-time sale. In this way, by the update command unit 212 sending the update command, the display of the electronic shelf label 4 is updated to the limited-time sale price in which the product price, etc. differs from that shown in FIG. 5(A).

When the time reaches 15:00, which is the end time of the limited-time sale, the update command unit 212 sends an update command corresponding to ID: 0002 in FIG. 4 to update the display of the electronic shelf label 4 to the normal price format. The electronic shelf label 4 receives this update command and updates the display on the display unit 44 to the normal price format shown in FIG. 5(A).

In this way, the update command unit 212 can update the display of the electronic shelf label 4 to the limited-time sale price at the start time of the limited-time sale by sending an update command at the start time of the limited-time sale, and can update the display of the electronic shelf label 4 to the normal price at the end time of the limited-time sale by sending an update command at the end time of the limited-time sale. In other words, a limited-time sale can be realized using the electronic shelf label 4, where the electronic shelf label 4 displays the limited-time sale price only during the limited-time sale period.

[Step S16: Adding a Transmitted Flag]
The control unit 21 cooperates with the storage unit 22 to execute the update command unit 212, and assigns a transmission completion flag to the update information read out in step S14 and stored in the update information table 221 (step S16). The control unit 21 moves the process to step S2.

By adding a sent flag, it is possible to avoid sending an update command only for updated information that has already been sent and does not need to be sent. This reduces the load on Server 2, making it possible to hold a limited-time sale with less of a burden.

The update command unit 212 can also receive an update status from the electronic shelf label 4, indicating whether the display has been updated. By receiving the update status, it is possible to distinguish whether the display of the electronic shelf label 4 has been updated and to send only update information that has not been updated. This makes it possible to more reliably update the display of the electronic shelf label 4, and to reliably hold a time sale using the electronic shelf label 4. The received update status can be stored as an update status in the update information table 221. In addition, by receiving the update status, it is possible to notify the retailer and the computer 3 of the update status of the display of the electronic shelf label 4. Since the retailer can know the update status without checking the display of the electronic shelf label 4 one by one, it is possible to more smoothly realize a time sale using the electronic shelf label 4. In addition, if the computer 3 realizes a POS system, or if it realizes an EAI that links and/or integrates with the POS system, the computer 3 can change the price that the POS system applies at the time of checkout, using whether the display of the electronic shelf label 4 has been updated. Therefore, it is possible to realize a time sale using the electronic shelf label 4 while reducing the burden on the retailer who operates the POS system.

The update command unit 212 can also receive group information in addition to the update status. By receiving the group information, it is possible to distinguish whether the display of the electronic shelf label 4 has been updated for each group. Then, it is possible to transmit only the update information for the unupdated group. This makes it possible to more reliably update the display of the grouped electronic shelf labels 4, and to reliably hold a time sale using the electronic shelf labels 4. The group information is not particularly limited. For example, the JAN code, EAN code, ITF code, etc., that are assigned to the product can be used as the group information. By using the existing codes that are assigned to these products as the format of the group information, retailers can set the group information with little effort. The format of the group information is preferably the JAN code. If the JAN code is written on the barcode of the product, etc., there is no need to newly prepare and assign group information. Therefore, retailers can use the electronic shelf labels effectively with less effort.

The processing procedure of step S1 makes it possible to provide a data linking server that reduces the workload of retailers by making it possible to change the product display information displayed on the electronic shelf label depending on the time of day.

[Flow of process for acquiring the location of the respondent terminal]
6 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for performing the process of acquiring the location of the respondent terminal in step S2. A preferred procedure for the process of acquiring the location of the respondent terminal in step S2 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG.

[Step S21: Determine whether respondent terminal location has been received]
First, the control unit 21 executes the terminal location acquisition unit 213 in cooperation with the storage unit 22 and the communication unit 23 to determine whether or not the respondent terminal location has been received from the respondent terminal 5 (step S21). If the respondent terminal location has been received, the control unit 21 proceeds to step S22. If the respondent terminal location has not been received, the control unit 21 proceeds to step S3.

[Step S22: Storing the location of the respondent terminal]
The control unit 21 executes the terminal location acquisition unit 213 in cooperation with the storage unit 22, and stores the agent terminal location received in step S21 in the agent terminal table 222 (step S22). The control unit 21 moves the process to step S3.

7 is an example of the attendant terminal table 222 that stores information about the attendant terminal 5. The attendant terminal table 222 includes an ID for distinguishing the attendant terminal 5 and an attendant terminal position indicating the position of the attendant terminal 5. By including the ID, information about the multiple attendant terminals stored in the attendant terminal table 222 can be accessed. By including the attendant terminal position indicating the position of the attendant terminal 5, the attendant terminal position received in step S21 can be stored. The attendant terminal table 222 may also include a hands-free state that stores the hands-free state of the attendant assigned to the attendant terminal 5. By including the hands-free state, it can be configured to send an attendant command to an attendant in a hands-free state when sending an attendant command described later. As a result, the attendant terminal table 222 may also include attendant knowledge that stores whether the attendant assigned to the attendant terminal 5 has knowledge about products, etc. By including attendant knowledge, the attendant command, which will be described later, can be configured to be sent to an attendant who has knowledge about the product, etc.

The information on the respondent terminal 5 contained in the respondent terminal table 222 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 7. The row of ID: R0001 stores information on the respondent terminal 5 whose ID for identifying the respondent terminal 5 is R0001. The respondent terminal position stores coordinates indicating the position of the respondent terminal 5. The format of the coordinates is not particularly limited. The format of the coordinates may be geographical coordinates using latitude and longitude, or may be relative coordinates based on the installation positions of the server 2, computer 3, electronic shelf label 4, etc., or may be information indicating which of the areas into which the location where the electronic shelf label 4 is installed is divided. In the example of FIG. 7, (N3m, W6m), which is the relative coordinates with respect to the computer 3, is stored. This shows that the respondent terminal 5 with ID: R0001 is located 3 m north and 6 m west of the computer 3. Since the agent terminal position is stored, when sending an answering command, which will be described later, an answering command can be sent to an agent terminal 5 within a predetermined range from the customer's position. In the free state, it is stored that the agent assigned to the agent terminal 5 with ID: R0001 is free. This makes it clear that the agent assigned to the agent terminal 5 with ID: R0001 is an agent in a free state suitable for sending an answering command, which will be described later. In the agent knowledge, it is stored that the agent assigned to the agent terminal 5 with ID: R0001 has knowledge of products, etc., related to televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, radios, and audio equipment. This makes it clear that the agent assigned to the agent terminal 5 with ID: R0001 is an agent who can explain the products, etc., related to these products, when sending an answering command, which will be described later.

The row with ID: R0003 stores information about the agent terminal 5 with ID R0003, which identifies the agent terminal 5. From the stored information, it can be seen that this agent is busy and therefore unavailable, and that the agent has different knowledge about products, etc., than the agent assigned to the agent terminal 5 with ID: R0001. In this way, since the agent terminal table 222 stores information about the agent terminal 5, it is possible to send an answering command using the position, availability, and agent knowledge of each agent terminal 5.

[Flow of process for acquiring the location of the respondent terminal]
8 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for carrying out the process of transmitting the response command in step S3. A preferred procedure for the process of transmitting the response command in step S3 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG.

[Step S31: Determine whether a call command has been received]
First, the control unit 21 executes the call command receiving unit 214 in cooperation with the storage unit 22 and the communication unit 23 to determine whether or not a call command has been received from a customer (step S31). If a call command has been received, the control unit 21 moves the process to step S32. If a call command has not been received, the control unit 21 returns the process to step S1 and repeats steps S1 to S3.

The call command includes shelf label identification information. By including the shelf label identification information in the call command, the shelf label position of the electronic shelf label 4 relating to the product or the like in which the customer is interested can be read out using the shelf label positions stored in the shelf label table 223 described below. The electronic shelf label 4 relating to the product or the like in which the customer is interested is located in a position visible to the customer, i.e., in the vicinity of the customer's position, so the shelf label identification information is also customer position information relating to the customer's position.

The means for sending and receiving the call command are not particularly limited. Figure 9 shows an example of a means by which a customer can send a call command.

FIG. 9(A) is an example of sending a call command using shelf label identification information displayed in the shelf label identification information display area 444 of the display unit 44 of the electronic shelf label 4. The customer starts a customer terminal application installed in the customer terminal 9 (not shown), photographs the shelf label identification information display area 444 using a camera device provided in the customer terminal 9 to read the shelf label identification information, and sends a call command including the shelf label identification information to the server 2. If the call command is sent using the shelf label identification information display area 444 of the display unit 44 of the electronic shelf label 4, the customer can send the call command by the simple operation of photographing the shelf label identification information display area 444. Furthermore, because the electronic shelf label 4 can display the shelf label identification information in the shelf label identification information display area 444 on the display unit 44, the cost required for sending the call command can be reduced.

9B is an example of sending a call command using a customer terminal application installed in the customer terminal 9. The customer starts the customer terminal application to select a product or the like related to the electronic shelf label 4, and sends a call command including shelf label identification information to the server 2 by tapping or otherwise operating the call command sending area 941 displayed on the display unit 94 of the customer terminal 9. The method of selecting a product or the like is not particularly limited. Examples of the method of selecting a product or the like include a method in which the customer selects from products or the like linked to shelf label identification information stored in the customer terminal application, and a method in which the customer terminal 9 reads shelf label identification information from an RFID (radio frequency identifier) or the like provided on the electronic shelf label 4 via NFC. If the call command is sent using the customer terminal application installed in the customer terminal 9, the customer can select a product or the like and send a call command by simple operations such as selecting from the customer terminal application or reading shelf label identification information using NFC.

FIG. 9(C) is an example of sending a call command using the call command sending unit 46 provided in the electronic shelf label 4. The customer operates the call command sending unit 46 to send a call command including the shelf label identification information 444 to the server 2. If the call command is sent using the call command sending unit 46 provided in the electronic shelf label 4, even a customer who does not have a customer terminal 9 can send the call command.

[Step S32: Reading shelf label position]
Returning to Fig. 8, the control unit 21 executes the call command receiving unit 214 in cooperation with the storage unit 22, and reads out the shelf label position related to the shelf label identification information received in step S31 from the shelf label table 223 (step S32). The control unit 21 moves the process to step S33.

FIG. 10 is an example of a shelf label table 223 that stores information about electronic shelf labels 4. The shelf label table 223 includes an ID for distinguishing between electronic shelf labels 4, shelf label identification information for identifying the electronic shelf label 4, and a shelf label position related to the position of the electronic shelf label 4. Including an ID allows access to information about a plurality of electronic shelf labels 4 stored in the shelf label table 223. Including shelf label identification information allows access to information about the electronic shelf label 4 linked to the shelf label identification information received in step S31. Including a shelf label position allows the position of the electronic shelf label 4 linked to the shelf label identification information received in step S31 to be read out and treated as customer position information related to the position of a customer in the vicinity of the electronic shelf label 4.

The shelf label table 223 may include one or more pieces of group information for grouping a plurality of electronic shelf labels 4. By including the group information, the display contents of the electronic shelf labels 4 can be updated based on the group information. In addition, when sending a response command, which will be described later, a response command can be sent to a responder terminal 5 assigned to a responder who has appropriate product knowledge based on the group information.

The shelf label table 223 may include product information on the products, etc. By including the product information, the product information can be sent to the attendant terminal 5 when sending the response command described later. The attendant can use the product information to provide a more accurate product explanation. The product information is not particularly limited. The product information includes, for example, a product explanation that explains the product, etc., an image related to the product, AR (Augmented Reality) data related to the product, the number of products in stock at the store, information on whether or not verbal explanation is required, etc. Since the product explanation is included, the attendant can provide a more accurate product explanation using the product explanation. Since the image and/or AR data is included, the attendant can provide a more accurate product explanation using the product image and AR data. Since the number of products in stock at the store is included, the attendant can prepare for ordering the product before the response if the product is not in stock at the store, and provide a more accurate product explanation. Since it includes information on whether or not an oral explanation is required, attendants can prepare for products that require an oral explanation beforehand and provide a more accurate explanation.

The information on the electronic shelf label 4 contained in the shelf label table 223 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 10. The row of ID: 0001 stores information on the electronic shelf label 4 whose ID for identifying the electronic shelf label 4 is 0001. In FIG. 10, a two-dimensional code and a character string for identifying the shelf label are stored as the shelf label identification information. Since the shelf label identification information includes a two-dimensional code, information on the electronic shelf label 4 can be read even if the call command sent in step S31 includes the shelf label identification information 444 displayed in the form of a two-dimensional code on the electronic shelf label 4. Since the shelf label identification information includes a character string, information on the electronic shelf label 4 can be read even if the call command sent in step S31 includes the shelf label identification information in the form of a character string. The group information stores 4912345678904, which is the JAN code of the product related to the electronic shelf label 4, and the product classification of small items. Since the group information includes a JAN code, the display content of the electronic shelf label 4 can be updated based on the JAN code assigned to each type of product, etc. By including the product classification in the group information, when sending a response command, which will be described later, a response command can be sent to the responder terminal 5 assigned to a responder who has appropriate product knowledge based on the product classification included in the group information.

The product information includes product descriptions, images of the products, AR data of the products, the number of products in stock at the store, and information on whether an oral explanation is required. The product description includes the name of the product, USB cable (2m), the communication standard that the cable supports, USB 3.0, and the connector shape, Type A male. Therefore, the attendant can provide an accurate explanation using the information included in the product description. The image includes an image of the product, and the AR data includes AR data of the product. Since the image and/or AR data are included, the attendant can provide a more accurate explanation using the product image and AR data. The number of products in stock at the store stores "10", which indicates that there are 10 products in stock at the store. Since the number of products in stock at the store is included, the attendant can provide a more accurate explanation of the product by preparing to order the product before the attendant when there is no stock at the store. The oral explanation includes information on whether an oral explanation is required. This allows attendants to prepare in advance for products that require verbal explanations and provide more accurate product explanations.

[Step S33: Determine whether or not there is a respondent terminal within a predetermined range]
Return to FIG. 8. The control unit 21 executes the response command transmission unit 215 in cooperation with the storage unit 22 and the communication unit 23, and judges whether or not the respondent terminal 5 is within a predetermined range from the shelf label position (step S33). If the respondent terminal 5 is present, the control unit 21 moves the process to step S34. If the respondent terminal 5 is not present, the control unit 21 performs a predetermined exception process, returns the process to step S1, and repeats steps S1 to S3. In order to judge whether or not the respondent terminal is present within the predetermined range, if the respondent terminal 5 is not present within the predetermined range from the shelf label position, a predetermined exception process can be performed to prompt the manager or respondent of the server 2 to respond to the customer. The means for judging whether or not the respondent terminal is within the predetermined range is not particularly limited. As the means for judging whether or not the respondent terminal is within the predetermined range, for example, a judgment means based on whether or not the respondent terminal is within a certain distance from the shelf label position, and a judgment means based on whether or not the respondent terminal can be moved from the shelf label position within a certain time can be cited. The predetermined exception process is not particularly limited. An example of the specified exception process is a process of informing one or more agent terminals 5 and/or managers of the server 2 that there is no agent terminal 5 within a specified range, and urging them to respond to the customer.

Figure 11 is a conceptual diagram showing the process of determining whether or not a respondent terminal 5 is present within a predetermined range from the shelf label position. Figure 11 shows a case in which a customer 821 in a store 800 is interested in a product or the like related to an electronic shelf label 822 and transmits a call command including shelf label identification information linked to the electronic shelf label 822. In addition, the store 800 has respondents 823, 824, and 825.

Figure 11 (A) is an example of a process for determining whether or not the respondent terminal 5 is within a predetermined range from the shelf label position, using a determination means based on whether or not it is within a certain distance from the shelf label position. The range 831 indicating a certain distance from the shelf label position of the electronic shelf label 822 includes the respondent 823. Therefore, the response command sending unit 215 determines that the respondent terminal 5 is within a predetermined range from the shelf label position. By using a determination means based on whether or not it is within a certain distance from the shelf label position, it is possible to determine whether or not the respondent terminal 5 is within a predetermined range from the shelf label position by a simple calculation of the distance between two points.

FIG. 11(B) is an example of a process for determining whether the respondent terminal 5 is within a predetermined range from the shelf label position, using a determination means based on whether it is possible to move from the shelf label position within a certain time. The range 832 indicating the range within which the respondent terminal 5 can be moved from the shelf label position of the electronic shelf label 822 within a certain time can be set taking into consideration obstacles such as walls and display shelves provided in the store 800. The range 832 includes the respondent 824. Therefore, the response command transmission unit 215 determines that the respondent terminal 5 is within a predetermined range from the shelf label position. By using a determination means based on whether it is possible to move from the shelf label position within a certain time, it is possible to determine whether the respondent terminal 5 is within a predetermined range from the shelf label position using criteria that are more closely related to the possibility of prompt response, taking into consideration obstacles such as walls and display shelves provided in the store 800.

[Step S34: Sending response instructions]
Returning to Fig. 8, the control unit 21 executes the service command transmission unit 215 in cooperation with the storage unit 22, and transmits a service command to the attendant terminal 5 located within a predetermined range from the shelf label position (step S32). The control unit 21 returns the process to step S1, and repeats steps S1 to S3. The service command includes the shelf label positions of the electronic shelf labels 4 located around the customer, which are linked to the shelf label identification information. Since the service command is transmitted to the attendant terminal 5 located within a predetermined range from the shelf label position, the attendant can quickly go to the customer at the customer's request and provide an accurate product explanation.

The response command transmission unit 215 may further instruct the customer terminal 9 that sent the call command and/or the electronic shelf label 4 linked to the received shelf label identification information to display and notify the time it will take for the attendant to move to the customer's location. By instructing the customer terminal 9 that sent the call command to display and notify the time it will take for the attendant to move to the customer's location, the customer knows the time until the attendant arrives and can wait with peace of mind. This prevents a customer who feels anxious because he does not know when the attendant will arrive from sending call commands multiple times to call more attendants than necessary. This prevents a situation in which more attendants than necessary are concentrated at one customer's location and the attendant cannot quickly move to other customers. In addition, since the customer knows the time until the attendant arrives, he can effectively use the time until the attendant arrives by looking at other products, etc., and customer satisfaction is increased. Therefore, a system in which a salesperson can quickly move to a customer's location at the customer's request and provide an accurate product explanation can be provided as efficiently as possible from a management perspective.

Using FIG. 11, we will explain the transmission of a response command to a respondent terminal 5 within a specified range from the shelf label position. FIG. 11 shows a case in which a customer 821 in a store 800 is interested in a product or the like related to an electronic shelf label 822 and transmits a call command including shelf label identification information linked to the electronic shelf label 822. In addition, the store 800 has respondents 823, 824, and 825.

Figure 11 (A) shows a case where it is determined whether or not a representative terminal 5 is within a specified range from the shelf label position, using a determination means based on whether or not it is within a certain distance from the customer position. In Figure 11 (A), a representative 823 is within range 831 indicating a certain distance from the shelf label position of an electronic shelf label 822 in the vicinity of a customer 821. The representative command sending unit 215 sends a representative command to the representative terminal 5 assigned to the representative 823. In response to the representative command, the representative 823 swiftly heads to the customer in the vicinity of the position indicated by the shelf label position and provides an accurate product explanation.

Figure 11 (B) shows a case where it is determined whether or not a representative terminal 5 is within a specified range from the shelf label position, using a determination means based on whether or not it is possible to move from the customer position within a certain time. In Figure 11 (B), a representative 824 is within range 832 indicating that it is possible to move within a certain time from the shelf label position of an electronic shelf label 822 located in the vicinity of a customer 821. The response command sending unit 215 sends a response command to the representative terminal 5 assigned to the representative 824. In response to the response command, the representative 824 swiftly heads to the customer in the vicinity of the position indicated by the shelf label position and provides an accurate product explanation.

The response command transmission unit 215 may use the free-hand status stored in the responder terminal table 222 to send a response command to the responder terminal 5 that is free. When a responder who is explaining a product to a certain customer and is not free is instructed to respond in response to a call command from another customer, the responder must choose whether to interrupt the explanation to the certain customer and head to the other customer, or to finish explaining the product to the certain customer and then head to the other customer. In the former case, the customer satisfaction of the certain customer whose explanation of the product is interrupted decreases, and in the latter case, the responder cannot quickly head to the other customer, and the customer satisfaction of the other customer decreases. In other words, when a response command is sent to a responder terminal 5 to which a responder who is not free is assigned, the customer satisfaction of one of the customers decreases even if the responder does his or her best. If a response command is sent to a responder terminal 5 that is free, the responder who is free is instructed to respond and quickly heads to the customer, so that the customer satisfaction of the customer who sent the call command can be increased without decreasing the customer satisfaction of other customers. This allows the system to be provided as efficiently as possible from a management perspective, allowing free sales staff to quickly visit customers upon request and provide accurate product explanations.

The response command sending unit 215 may use the product knowledge stored in the responder terminal table 222 to send a response command to a responder terminal 5 to which a responder with knowledge of the product etc. related to the shelf label identification information is assigned. By sending a response command to a responder terminal 5 to which a responder with knowledge of the product etc. is assigned, the responder with the knowledge the customer needs can respond. This prevents a decrease in customer satisfaction caused by the called responder being unable to provide an accurate product explanation due to a lack of knowledge. Therefore, a system can be provided in which a salesperson with knowledge of the product etc. can quickly go to the customer at the customer's request and provide an accurate product explanation as efficiently as possible from a management perspective.

The data linkage system 1 transmits response instructions to the salesperson terminal 5 using the above-described procedure that realizes steps S2 and S3, and therefore provides a system that enables salespeople to quickly visit customers and provide accurate product explanations in response to their requests as efficiently as possible from a management perspective.

<Example of using the data sharing server>
Next, a usage example of the server 2 in this embodiment will be described.

In this embodiment, the server 2 is configured to be connectable to the computer 3, the electronic shelf label 4, and the attendant terminal 5 via the network 6.

[Send update information]
The retailer transmits update information to the server 2 via the computer 3, for updating the display of the electronic shelf label 4 to the limited time sale price at the start time of the limited time sale. The retailer can also transmit update information for updating the display of the electronic shelf label 4 to the normal price at the end time of the limited time sale.

[Receiving and storing update information]
The server 2 receives the update information sent from the computer 3 and stores it in the update information table 221 .

[Send update command]
When the scheduled update time included in the update information arrives, the server 2 transmits to the electronic shelf labels 4 an update command to update the display of the electronic shelf labels 4. If it is the start time of a limited-time sale, an update command is transmitted to update the display of the electronic shelf labels 4 to the limited-time sale price. If it is the end time of the limited-time sale, an update command is transmitted to update the display of the electronic shelf labels 4 to the normal price.

[Update display]
The electronic shelf label 4 receives the update command and updates the display on the display unit 44 using the update contents included in the update command. If it is the start time of the limited-time sale, the display on the display unit 44 is updated to show the limited-time sale price. If it is the end time of the limited-time sale, the display on the display unit 44 is updated to show the regular price.

According to the server 2 described in this embodiment, the update information receiving unit 221 receives update information including update contents and scheduled update times from the computer 3 and stores the information in the update information table 221. Because the update information includes update contents having product names, product prices, diagrams, etc., it is possible to realize an effective time sale by displaying these various update contents on the electronic shelf label 4. Because the update information includes the scheduled update time, it is possible to realize a time sale by updating the display on the electronic shelf label 4 at the scheduled update times such as the start time and end time of the time sale.

The update information table 221 includes an ID, a sent flag, a scheduled update time, and update contents, so that unsent update information can be read at the scheduled update time and an update command can be reliably sent to change the display of the electronic shelf label 4 according to the update contents.

The update command unit 212 transmits an update command corresponding to the update information at the scheduled update time. At the start time of the limited-time sale, an update command is transmitted to update the display of the electronic shelf label 4 to the limited-time sale price, and at the end time of the limited-time sale, an update command is transmitted to update the display of the electronic shelf label 4 to the normal price. Therefore, the display of the electronic shelf label 4 is updated to the limited-time sale price at the start time of the limited-time sale, and updated to the normal price at the end time. This makes it possible to realize a limited-time sale using the electronic shelf label 4, in which the product display information displayed on the electronic shelf label 4 is changed depending on the time of day.

[Getting the location of the respondent's terminal]
The terminal location acquisition unit 213 acquires the location of the agent terminal 5 and stores it in the agent terminal table 222 .

[Receiving a call command]
A customer who is interested in a product or the like related to the electronic shelf label 4 transmits a call command including shelf label identification information to the server 2 via the customer terminal 9, the call command transmission unit 46 of the electronic shelf label 4, etc. The call command reception unit 214 receives the call command and reads out the shelf label position linked to the shelf label identification information from the shelf label table 223.

[Sending response instructions]
The response command transmission unit 215 determines whether or not there is a respondent terminal 5 within a predetermined range from the shelf label position. If there is a respondent terminal 5 within the predetermined range from the shelf label position, a response command including the shelf label position is transmitted to the respondent terminal 5 within the predetermined range. Then, the respondent to whom the respondent terminal 5 is assigned uses the shelf label position to quickly head to the customer in the vicinity of the electronic shelf label 4 and explain the product. If there is no respondent terminal 5 within the predetermined range from the shelf label position, a predetermined exception process is performed to prompt the administrator or respondent of the server 2 to respond to the customer.

Therefore, according to the server 2 described in this embodiment, it is possible to provide a data linking server that reduces the workload of retailers by making it possible to change the product display information displayed on the electronic shelf label depending on the time of day.

<Modification>
Various modified examples of the invention described in this embodiment will be exemplified below.

[Modification 1] (Comparison of update command history)
In this modified example, a history comparison unit is further provided that compares the transmission history of the update command by the update command unit with the reception history of the update command indicating that the external device has received the update command.

The external device is not particularly limited. Examples of the external device include the electronic shelf label 4, a server device that updates the display of the electronic shelf label 4, a gateway that relays communication between the data link server 2 and the electronic shelf label 4, etc.

Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of a transmission history and a reception history in this modified example, and an example of a comparison between the transmission history and the reception history. Figure 12 (A) is a diagram showing an example of a transmission history of an update command by the update command unit. Figure 12 (B) is a diagram showing an example of a reception history of an update command by the update command unit. Figure 12 (C) is a conceptual diagram showing a comparison between the transmission history and the reception history by the history comparison unit.

The transmission history shown in FIG. 12(A) includes the ID of the update information corresponding to the transmitted update command and the transmission time of the update command. By including the ID, it is possible to easily identify the update information corresponding to the transmission history. Similarly, it is possible to easily identify the transmission history corresponding to the update information. By including the transmission time, it is possible to obtain the time when the update command was transmitted.

The reception history shown in FIG. 12(B) includes the ID of the update information corresponding to the update command received by the external device and the reception time of the update command. By including the ID, it is possible to easily identify the update information corresponding to the reception history. Similarly, it is possible to easily identify the reception history corresponding to the update information. By including the reception time, it is possible to obtain the time when the update command was received.

12(C) shows a comparison between the transmission history shown in FIG. 12(A) and the reception history shown in FIG. 12(B). The transmission history indicates that update commands corresponding to the update information of ID:0001, ID:0002, and ID:0003 have been transmitted, but the reception history indicates that update commands corresponding to the update information of ID:0001 and ID:0003 have been received, and an update command corresponding to the update information of ID:0002 has not been received. In this way, by comparing the transmission history and the reception history, it is possible to identify an update command that has been transmitted by the server 2 but not received by the external device, such as an update command corresponding to the update information of ID:0002. The server 2 can retransmit the update command identified in this way. Therefore, the update command is transmitted more reliably, and the shelf label identification information is displayed more reliably on the electronic shelf label 4. This makes it possible to provide a data linking server that reduces the labor of retailers by making it possible to more reliably change the product display information displayed on the electronic shelf label according to the time period.

In a comparison of the transmission history and reception history of the update command corresponding to the update information of ID: 0003 shown in FIG. 12 (C), the reception time is two minutes behind the transmission time. By comparing the transmission history and reception history, it is possible to identify update commands that took a long time from transmission to reception, such as the update command corresponding to the update information of ID: 0003. The server 2 can notify the retailer, via the computer 3 or the like, of the identified update commands that took a long time from transmission to reception and the difference between the transmission time and the reception time. This allows the retailer to take measures such as reviewing the network 6 of the data linkage system 1, and more reliably display the shelf label identification information on the electronic shelf label 4. Therefore, it is possible to provide a data linkage server that reduces the retailer's workload by making it possible to more reliably change the product display information displayed on the electronic shelf label according to the time of day.

According to this modified example, the consistency of the update commands between the server 2 and the external device can be verified by comparing the update command transmission history by the update command unit with the update command reception history indicating that the external device has received the update command. The server 2 can then use this verification result to more reliably change the product display information displayed on the electronic shelf label 4, for example, by resending the update command. Therefore, it is possible to provide a data linking server 2 that can more reliably change the product display information displayed on the electronic shelf label 4 according to the time of day, greatly reducing the labor (human costs and monetary costs) of the retailer.

[Modification 2] (Sequential transmission of update commands)
In this modified example, the update command unit can sequentially transmit multiple pieces of update command information linked to approximately the same scheduled update time to the outside at predetermined time intervals. By sequentially transmitting multiple pieces of update command information linked to approximately the same scheduled update time to the outside at predetermined time intervals, it is possible to prevent multiple pieces of update command information linked to approximately the same scheduled update time from being transmitted in excess of the upper limit allowed by the communication bandwidth of the network 6, causing congestion collapse due to excessive communication requests on the network 6, or communication failure such as failure to deliver the update command information. Therefore, even if there are multiple pieces of update command information linked to approximately the same scheduled update time, the display of the electronic shelf label 4 is more reliably updated by these multiple update command information.

The specified time interval is preferably 1 second or more, more preferably 5 seconds or more, and most preferably 20 seconds or more. By setting such a specified time interval, the time required for sending a display update command can be secured, and the display information of the electronic shelf label 4 can be updated more reliably. The specified time interval is preferably 10 minutes or less, more preferably 5 minutes or less, and most preferably 3 minutes or less. By setting such a specified time interval, the display of the electronic shelf label 4 can be updated with a sufficiently short delay.

The following describes the data linking procedure for sequentially transmitting multiple pieces of update command information linked to approximately the same scheduled update time to the outside at a specified time interval, with reference to FIG. 13.

[Flowchart for data linkage that sends update commands sequentially]
13 is an example of a flowchart showing a procedure for performing the update command transmission process in step S1 in this modified example. The storage unit 22 in this modified example includes a last transmission time variable that stores the last transmission time.

[Step S11: Determine whether update information has been received]
[Step S12: Storing update information]
Steps S11 and S12 are similar to the process relating to transmission of an update command in the above-described basic embodiment, except that the process proceeds to step S51 instead of step S13.

[Step S51: Determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the last transmission time]
The control unit 21 executes the update command unit 212 in cooperation with the storage unit 22, reads the last transmission time from the last transmission time variable, and judges whether a predetermined time has passed since the last transmission time (step S51). If the predetermined time has passed, the control unit 21 proceeds to step S13. If the predetermined time has not passed, the control unit 21 proceeds to step S2.

By determining whether a predetermined time has passed since the last transmission time, it is possible to prevent multiple pieces of update command information linked to approximately the same scheduled update time from being transmitted in excess of the upper limit allowed by the communication bandwidth of network 6. Therefore, even if the communication bandwidth of network 6 is limited because it is configured using wireless communication, it is possible to prevent the transmission of multiple pieces of update command information at approximately the same time from causing communication failures such as congestion collapse due to excessive communication requests on network 6 or failure to deliver update command information.

[Step S13: Determine whether there is any unsent update information]
[Step S14: Read unsent update information]
[Step S15: Send update command]
Steps S13 to S15 are similar to the process relating to transmission of an update command in the above-mentioned basic embodiment.

[Step S16: Adding a Transmitted Flag]
Step S16 is similar to the process relating to sending an update command in the basic embodiment described above, except that instead of moving the process to step S2, the process moves to step S52.

[Step S52: Update of last transmission time]
The control unit 21 cooperates with the storage unit 22 to execute the update command unit 212, and stores the current time in the last transmission time variable (step S52). The control unit 21 moves the process to step S2.

By storing the current time in the last transmission time variable, it is possible to prevent an update command from being sent before a predetermined time has elapsed since the last transmission time. This prevents multiple transmissions of update command information at approximately the same time from causing communication problems in the network 6, such as congestion collapse due to excessive communication requests or failure to deliver an update command. Since communication problems in the network 6 are prevented, the update command is reliably received by the electronic shelf label 4, and the display on the electronic shelf label 4 is updated.

According to this modified example, even if multiple update commands cannot be sent simultaneously due to a limited communication bandwidth for communication between the server 2 and the electronic shelf label 4, the multiple update commands can be sent sequentially to sequentially change the display on the electronic shelf label 4. Therefore, according to this modified example, even if multiple pieces of update command information linked to approximately the same scheduled update time cannot be sent simultaneously, it is possible to provide a data linking server 2 that can significantly reduce the labor (human costs and monetary costs) of the retailer by sequentially changing the product display information displayed on the electronic shelf label 4 according to the time period.

[Modification 3] (Acquisition of Surrounding Information)
In this modification, at least some of the multiple electronic shelf labels 4 further include a surrounding information acquisition unit 45 capable of detecting and acquiring information on the surrounding situation (surrounding information) and a surrounding information transmission unit 411 capable of transmitting the surrounding information to the outside, and the server 2 further includes a surrounding information receiving unit 216 that receives the surrounding information and creates a customer distribution. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the data linkage system 1 in this modification. In this modification, the computer 3 can also include a display unit 34. By including the display unit 34, the customer distribution can be displayed on the display unit 34.

The surrounding information acquisition unit 45 is not particularly limited. Examples of the surrounding information acquisition unit 45 include a human presence sensor that detects the location of surrounding people using infrared rays, ultrasound, etc., a camera device that captures the surroundings, and a microphone that collects surrounding sounds. It is preferable that the surrounding information acquisition unit 45 includes a human presence sensor that detects the location of surrounding people. By including a human presence sensor, it is possible to reduce the cost of implementing the surrounding information acquisition unit 45, while creating a customer distribution from the location of surrounding people detected by the human presence sensor included in the electronic shelf label 4.

Figure 15 is a conceptual diagram showing the acquisition of surrounding information and the creation of customer distribution in this modified example. Figure 15 (A) is a diagram showing a store 800. Electronic shelf labels 801, 802, 803, and 804 equipped with a surrounding information acquisition unit 45 and a surrounding information transmission unit 411 are installed in the store 800. The electronic shelf label 801 detects that there are three customers 811 around it, and transmits the detected number of customers to the server 2 via the surrounding information transmission unit 411. The surrounding information receiving unit 216 of the server 2 receives this number of customers, and instructs the computer 3 to display this number in the customer distribution display area 341 corresponding to the electronic shelf label 801. Then, information indicating that there are three customers around the electronic shelf label 801 is displayed in the customer distribution display area 341 of the display unit 34 of the computer 3 (Figure 15 (B)). Similarly, electronic shelf labels 802, 803, and 804 also detect and transmit the number of customers in their respective surroundings, and information indicating the number of customers around electronic shelf labels 802, 803, and 804 (2, 1, and 0) is displayed in the corresponding customer distribution display areas 342, 343, and 344 (FIG. 15(B)). In this way, the customer distribution shown in FIG. 15(B) is created from the surrounding information detected and acquired by surrounding information acquisition unit 45, and is displayed on display unit 34.

By creating a customer distribution from the surrounding information in this way, the manager of the store 800 using the computer 3 can instruct the respondent to work around electronic shelf label 801 or electronic shelf label 802, which has a large number of customers, and prepare to serve customers. Alternatively, the surrounding information receiving unit 216 can instruct the respondent terminal 5, rather than the computer 3, to display the customer distribution, and each respondent can move to an area with a large number of customers in preparation for serving customers. Therefore, it is possible to provide a data linkage system that can provide a system in which salespeople can quickly go to customers at their requests and provide accurate product explanations as efficiently as possible from a management perspective.

According to this modified example, it is possible to provide a data linking server 2 that can more flexibly change the display of electronic shelf labels 4 according to the time period, for example by using the surrounding information transmitted from the electronic shelf labels 4 to change only the display of electronic shelf labels 4 that transmitted surrounding information that meets predetermined conditions during a certain time period, thereby significantly reducing the labor (human costs and monetary costs) of the retailer. Furthermore, according to this modified example, the server 2 can receive the surrounding conditions detected by multiple electronic shelf labels 4 and create a customer distribution from the surrounding conditions, so that the attendant can wait to receive a response command in a position based on the customer distribution so that he or she can go to the customer more quickly. Therefore, it is possible to provide a system that enables salespersons to go to customers quickly at the customer's request and provide accurate product explanations as efficiently as possible from a management perspective.

[Modification 4] (Transmission of update command via relay device)
In this modified example, the data linkage system 1 has one or more relay devices 7 that can be connected to the server 2 via a network 6, and the electronic shelf label 4 is configured to be connectable to the relay devices 7 via a network 8 that is different from the network 6.

The relay device 7 is not particularly limited. Examples of the relay device 7 include a server device that transmits a command to update the display to the electronic shelf label 4 in response to receiving an update command, and a gateway that relays the command to update the display to the electronic shelf label 4. The relay device 7 may be capable of converting the update command transmitted by the server 2 into a command in a format suitable for updating the display of the electronic shelf label 4. The electronic shelf labels 4 may have different formats for the update command to update the display depending on the developer or seller. Since the relay device 7 is capable of converting the update command, even if electronic shelf labels 4 with different update command formats are included, the server 2 can update the display of the electronic shelf label 4 without incurring large development costs to accommodate these differences in format. Therefore, a data linking server that reduces the labor of retailers can be provided by making it possible to change the product display information displayed on the electronic shelf label according to the time period using electronic shelf labels 4 with different update command formats.

The network 8 is not particularly limited. Since the electronic shelf labels 4 can be connected to the network 8 even in places where there are no communication cables, it is preferable that the network 8 includes a wireless communication network such as a Wi-Fi network or a short-range wireless communication network compatible with the Bluetooth standard.

The data linkage system 1 includes one or more relay devices 7 that can be connected to the server 2 via the network 6, and the electronic shelf labels 4 are configured to be connectable to the relay devices 7 via a network 8 that is different from the network 6. This allows the network 6 to be configured with the Internet or the like that is suitable for long-distance communication, and the network 8 to be configured with a wireless communication network that has a shorter communication distance but has the advantage of not requiring a communication cable. Therefore, according to this modification, it is possible to install the electronic shelf labels 4 without using a communication cable even in a location far from the server 2, and even for a store that cannot install a server 2 or a communication cable due to space or other reasons, it is possible to provide the data linkage system 1 that reduces the labor of the retailer by making it possible to change the product display information displayed on the electronic shelf labels according to the time of day.

[Modification 5] (Transmission of response instructions using product information, etc.)
In this modified example, the server 2 further includes a display command receiving means capable of receiving a display command for product information regarding products, etc. from the customer terminal 9, and a display command sending unit capable of sending a display command for product information, etc. to the customer terminal 9, and the response command sending unit 215 is configured to be able to send the response command to a responder terminal 5 within a specified range of the customer's location not only when a call command is received, but also when the product information, etc. is specified information.

[Flow of process for acquiring the location of the respondent terminal]
17 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for transmitting information on products, etc., which is executed after step S3 in this modified example. In the following, a preferred procedure for transmitting information on products, etc., will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 17.

[Step S41: Determine whether a display command has been received]
First, the control unit 21 executes the display command transmission unit in cooperation with the storage unit 22 and the communication unit 23, and determines whether or not a display command has been received from the customer terminal 9 (step S41). If a display command has been received, the control unit 21 moves the process to step S42. If a display command has not been received, the control unit 21 returns the process to step S1, and repeats steps S1 to S47.

[Step S42: Reading product information, etc.]
The control unit 21 executes the display command transmission unit in cooperation with the storage unit 22 and the communication unit 23, and reads out the product information stored in the storage unit 22 (step S42). The control unit 21 moves the process to step S43. The product information may be stored in the shelf label table 223, or in a separate table that stores product information.

The product information is not particularly limited. For example, the product information includes a product description that explains the product, images related to the product, AR (Augmented Reality) data related to the product, the number of items in stock at the store, information on whether verbal explanation is required, and the like. By including a product description, the customer can obtain the product description without sending a call command. By including images and/or AR data, the customer can view images and/or AR data related to the product without sending a call command. By including the number of items in stock at the store, the customer can consider whether to send a call command to request the attendant to order the item. By including information on whether verbal explanation is required, the customer can determine whether or not it is necessary to send a call command to call the attendant when making a purchase.

[Step S43: Transmitting product information, etc.]
Returning to Fig. 17, the control unit 21 executes the display command transmission unit in cooperation with the storage unit 22 and the communication unit 23, and transmits the product information read in step S42 to the customer terminal 9 that transmitted the display command received in step S41 (step S43). The control unit 21 moves the process to step S44. Since the product information is transmitted to the customer terminal 9, the customer can obtain the product information, and customer satisfaction is increased.

[Step S44: Determine whether product information is predetermined information]
The control unit 21 executes the response command sending unit 215 in cooperation with the storage unit 22 and the communication unit 23, and judges whether the product information is predetermined information or not (step S44). If the product information is predetermined information, the control unit 21 moves the process to step S45. If the product information is not predetermined information, the control unit 21 returns the process to step S1 and repeats steps S1 to S47. In order to judge whether the product information is predetermined information or not, if the product information is predetermined information, a response command can be sent to instruct the responder to respond.

An example of a case where product information is the specified information will be described using FIG. 10. In ID: 0002 of shelf label table 223 in FIG. 10, the in-store inventory quantity is stored as 0. In such a case, if an attendant is called, customer satisfaction can be increased by explaining to the customer how to order the product and whether or not there is inventory in the warehouse. However, if the customer does not have inventory in the store, the customer does not necessarily send a call command to call the attendant. If the attendant is not called, the customer cannot purchase the product because they cannot be informed of how to order the product or whether there is inventory in the warehouse, and customer satisfaction decreases. If the in-store inventory quantity is used as the specified information and a call command is sent when the in-store inventory quantity is 0, the attendant can quickly go to the customer and provide an accurate explanation of the product, such as how to order the product and whether or not there is inventory in the warehouse.

In the ID: 0003 of the shelf label table 223 in FIG. 10, the fact that an oral explanation is required is stored. In such a case, if a responder is called, the responder can provide the necessary oral explanation and increase customer satisfaction. In this example, the responder can increase customer satisfaction by explaining that the product is second-hand, that the product is damaged, and that the product's delivery area is limited. However, since the customer does not know that an oral explanation is required, he or she will not necessarily send a call command to call the responder. If the responder is not called, these oral explanations will not be provided until the purchase procedure begins. If a customer who is trying to make a purchase does not purchase the product because the product is second-hand, damaged, or not included in the product's delivery area, the customer may feel that a trip was wasted because an accurate explanation was not provided, and customer satisfaction may decrease. If a response command is sent using the fact that an oral explanation is required as the specified information, the responder can quickly go to the customer and provide an accurate product explanation.

[Step S45: Reading shelf label position]
Returning to Fig. 17, step S45 is the same as step S32 described above, except that the control unit 21 advances the process to step S46.

[Step S46: Determine whether there is a respondent terminal within a predetermined range]
Step S46 is the same as step S33 described above, except that if a respondent terminal is within the predetermined range, the control unit 21 advances the process to step S47.

[Step S47: Transmit a response command to a responder terminal within a predetermined range]
Step S47 is the same as step S34 described above.

According to this modification, a display command for product information on products and/or services related to the electronic shelf label 4 is received from the customer terminal 9, and a display command for the product information is sent to the customer terminal 9, so that the product information can be displayed on the customer terminal 9. In other words, useful information other than the display information displayed on the electronic shelf label 4 can be displayed on the customer terminal 9, thereby improving customer satisfaction. This can reduce the frequency of sending call commands for product explanations that can be achieved by displaying the product information. Then, the attendant who has reduced the time spent on product explanations that can be achieved by displaying the product information can spend more time providing accurate explanations of the contents of the products that require the attendant's explanation, thereby improving customer satisfaction. Alternatively, the ratio of the number of attendants to the number of customers can be reduced, improving management efficiency. Therefore, a system in which a salesperson can quickly go to a customer at the customer's request and provide accurate product explanations can be provided as efficiently as possible from a management perspective.

Furthermore, according to this modified example, even if the product information is the specified information, a response command can be sent to the attendant terminal 5 located within a specified range from the customer's location to instruct the attendant to respond. For example, if the attendant is instructed to respond in response to the specified information that the product information is out of stock at the store, the attendant will quickly go to the customer and explain the product that is out of stock at the store but can be ordered, thereby increasing customer satisfaction. Alternatively, if the attendant is instructed to respond in response to the specified information that the product information is a product that cannot be sold without the attendant's explanation, the attendant will quickly go to the customer and explain the product necessary for selling the product, thereby increasing customer satisfaction. Similarly, even if the specified information is other information, the attendant can quickly go to the customer and explain the product accurately. In this way, by sending a response command even when the product information is the specified information, the attendant can quickly go to the customer and explain the product accurately without waiting for the reception of a call command. Therefore, a system in which a salesperson can quickly go to the customer at the customer's request and explain the product accurately can be provided as efficiently as possible from a management perspective.

[Modification 6] (Notification of Travel Status)
In this modified example, the server 2 further includes a movement start information receiving unit capable of receiving movement start information transmitted from the respondent terminal 5 to which the response command is to be sent, and a movement status notification command unit that, when the movement start information is received, commands the customer to be notified that the respondent is heading to the customer's location.

[Flow of the movement status transmission process]
18 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a process for transmitting a travel status that is executed after the procedure of step S3 in this modified example. In the following, a preferred procedure for the process for transmitting a travel status will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[Step S51: Determine whether movement start information has been received]
The control unit 21 executes the movement start information receiving unit in cooperation with the storage unit 22, and judges whether or not movement start information has been received from the agent terminal 5 (step S51). If movement start information has been received, the control unit 21 moves the process to step S52. If movement start information has not been received, the control unit 21 returns the process to step S1, and repeats steps S1 to S52. In order to judge whether or not movement start information has been received, the movement status of the agent can be notified to the customer.

[Step S52: Transmission of travel status]
The control unit 21 executes the movement status notification command unit 212 in cooperation with the storage unit 22, and commands the customer terminal 9 that sent the call command and/or the electronic shelf label 4 linked to the shelf label identification information to notify that a person is heading to the customer's location (step S52). The control unit 21 returns the process to step S1, and repeats steps S1 to S52. Since the control unit 21 commands the customer terminal 9 to notify that a person is heading to the customer's location, the customer knows that a person will come and serve the customer, and can wait with peace of mind until the person arrives. Since the electronic shelf label 4 linked to the shelf label identification information notifies that a person is heading to the customer's location, the customer knows from the display of the electronic shelf label 4 that a person will come and serve the customer, and can wait with peace of mind until the person arrives. Since notification is possible by any one or both of these means, it is possible to notify that a person will come and serve the customer by various means according to the situation of the store, etc., thereby increasing customer satisfaction.

According to this modified example, the movement start information transmitted from the attendant terminal 5 is received and the customer is notified that the attendant is on his way to the customer's location, so the customer knows that the attendant will arrive and can wait with peace of mind until the attendant arrives. This prevents customers who are anxious about whether the attendant will arrive from sending call commands multiple times and calling more attendants than necessary. It also prevents a situation in which more attendants than necessary are concentrated at one customer's location and the attendants are unable to quickly move on to other customers. Therefore, a system can be provided that allows salespeople to quickly move on to customers at their request and provide accurate product explanations as efficiently as possible from a management perspective.

[Modification 7] (Granting of Predetermined Benefits)
In this modified example, at least some of the multiple electronic shelf labels 4 are provided with shelf label identification information that can be read by a customer terminal 9, and the server 2 further includes a read information receiving unit that can receive notification that the shelf label identification information has been read together with customer terminal identification information that identifies the customer terminal 9, and a benefit granting means that can grant a predetermined benefit to one customer terminal when a predetermined number of different shelf label identification information is read from the one customer terminal 9. The storage unit 22 further includes a predetermined benefit association table that stores the customer terminal identification information in association with one or more shelf label identification information.

The reading of shelf label identification information in this modified example will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9(A) is an example of reading shelf label identification information using shelf label identification information displayed in the shelf label identification information display area 444 of the display unit 44 of the electronic shelf label 4. The customer starts a customer terminal application installed in the customer terminal 9 (not shown), photographs and reads the shelf label identification information displayed in the shelf label identification information display area 444 using a camera device provided in the customer terminal 9, and transmits the read shelf label identification information to the server 2. When reading shelf label identification information using the shelf label identification information display area 444 of the display unit 44 of the electronic shelf label 4, the customer can read the shelf label identification information and transmit it together with the terminal identification information by a simple operation of photographing the shelf label identification information display area 444 using a camera device provided in the customer terminal 9. In addition, since the electronic shelf label 4 can display the shelf label identification information in the shelf label identification information display area 444 of the display unit 44, the cost of installing the shelf label identification information can be reduced.

FIG. 9(B) is an example of reading shelf label identification information using a customer terminal application installed on the customer terminal 9. The customer launches the customer terminal application, receives and reads the shelf label identification information from an RFID or the like provided on the electronic shelf label 4 via short-range wireless communication, and transmits the read shelf label identification information to the server 2. When reading shelf label identification information using a customer terminal application installed on the customer terminal 9, the customer can read the shelf label identification information and transmit it together with the terminal identification information through the simple operation of reading the shelf label identification information using short-range wireless communication.

The read information receiving unit receives the shelf label identification information and the terminal identification information, links them together, and stores them in a predetermined profit-related table. The read information receiving unit uses the predetermined profit-related table to determine whether a predetermined number of different shelf label identification information has been received from this customer terminal 9 linked to the terminal identification information. If a predetermined number of different shelf label identification information has been received from this customer terminal 9, i.e., if the customer terminal 9 has read a predetermined number of shelf label identification information, a profit granting means grants a predetermined profit to the customer terminal 9.

According to this modified example, customer satisfaction is increased by providing a predetermined benefit to the customer terminal 9. Furthermore, providing the predetermined benefit encourages customers to read shelf label identification information using the customer terminal 9, so that the electronic shelf label 4 indicating the product and/or service in which the customer is interested is read and received by the server 2. This allows the attendant to know the product or the like in which the customer is interested before receiving a call command from the customer, and to prepare to go to the customer more quickly. Therefore, a system can be provided that enables salespeople to go to the customer quickly at the customer's request and provide an accurate product explanation, as efficiently as possible from a management perspective.

Although the embodiments and various modifications of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and various modifications described above. Furthermore, the effects described in the embodiments and various modifications of the present invention are merely a list of the most favorable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments and various modifications of the present invention.

The above-mentioned embodiment has been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to having all of the configurations described. It is also possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment.

1 Data linkage system 2 Data linkage server 21 Control unit 211 Update information receiving unit 212 Update command unit 213 Terminal position acquisition unit 214 Call command receiving unit 215 Response command transmission unit 216 Surrounding information receiving unit 22 Memory unit 221 Update information table 222 Responder terminal table 223 Shelf label table 23 Communication unit 3 Computer 34 Display unit 341 Customer distribution display area 342 Customer distribution display area 343 Customer distribution display area 344 Customer distribution display area 4 Electronic shelf label 41 Control unit 412 Surrounding information transmission unit 42 Memory unit 43 Communication unit 44 Display unit 441 Product name display area 442 Product price display area 443 Chart display area 444 Shelf label identification information display area 45 Surrounding information acquisition unit 46 Call command transmission unit 5 Responder terminal 54 Display unit 6 Network 7 Relay device 8 Network 9 Customer terminal 94 Display unit 941 Call command transmission area 800 Store 801 Electronic shelf label 802 Electronic shelf label 803 Electronic shelf label 804 Electronic shelf label 811 Customer 812 Customer 813 Customer 821 Customer 822 Electronic shelf label 823 Receptionist 824 Receptionist 825 Receptionist 831 Predetermined range 832 Predetermined range

Claims (2)

an electronic shelf label that is provided in a store and is capable of displaying product information and a shelf label identification information display area ;
a representative terminal for a representative who explains products to customers in the store;
a customer terminal operated by the customer and equipped with a camera device, a data link server connected to the electronic shelf label and the attendant terminal via a network;
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a computer-implemented ...
The electronic shelf label includes a surrounding information transmitting unit capable of transmitting surrounding information of the electronic shelf label to an outside,
The data link server includes:
a storage unit that stores shelf label identification information that identifies the electronic shelf label and a shelf label position of the electronic shelf label associated with the shelf label identification information;
a call command receiving unit that receives a call command that is transmitted from the customer terminal and includes the shelf label identification information when the customer photographs the shelf label identification information display area with the camera device and the customer terminal reads the shelf label identification information, or a call command that is transmitted from a call command transmitting unit included in the electronic shelf label, and that reads out from the storage unit a shelf label position of the electronic shelf label related to the shelf label identification information included in the call command;
a call command sending unit that sends a call command to the responder terminal when it is determined that the responder terminal is within a predetermined range from the shelf label position of the electronic shelf label read by the call command receiving unit ;
a surrounding information receiving unit that receives the surrounding information transmitted from the electronic shelf label and creates a customer distribution within the store;
Equipped with
A data linking system, wherein the surrounding information receiving unit instructs the attendant terminal to display the customer distribution. a data linkage server of a data linkage system including: an electronic shelf label that is provided in a store and capable of displaying product information and a shelf label identification information display area and that has a surrounding information transmission unit that is capable of transmitting surrounding information to an outside; a representative terminal of a representative who explains products to customers in the store; a customer terminal that is operated by the customer and has a camera device; and a data linkage server that is connected to the electronic shelf label and the representative terminal via a network;
storing shelf label identification information that identifies the electronic shelf label and a shelf label position of the electronic shelf label associated with the shelf label identification information;
receiving a call command that is transmitted from the customer terminal and includes the shelf label identification information by the customer photographing the shelf label identification information display area with the camera device and the customer terminal reading the shelf label identification information, or a call command that is transmitted from a call command transmitting unit included in the electronic shelf label, and reading out a shelf label position of the electronic shelf label related to the shelf label identification information included in the call command;
a response command sending step of sending a response command to the responder terminal when it is determined that the responder terminal is within a predetermined range from the shelf label position of the read electronic shelf label;
receiving the surrounding information transmitted from the electronic shelf label and creating a customer distribution within the store;
instructing the attendant terminal to display the customer distribution;
A program for executing.

Images