Transaction Media Networks Files Patent for New Technology Enabling Instant Display of Manufacturer Promotions on Electronic Shelf Labels

Transaction Media Networks Inc. (headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Atsushi Okada; hereinafter "TMN"), a provider of electronic payment services, has filed a patent for a new technology that enables instant display of promotional information from manufacturers and others on electronic shelf labels installed in retail stores.

This technology allows manufacturers to instantly display promotional content such as discount offers and coupons sponsored by the manufacturer, based on situations like "approaching expiration dates" or "excess inventory," all within the rules defined by the retailer.

By maintaining retailers' control and management while reducing their operational burden, this innovation enables agile, manufacturer-led promotions, contributing to reducing food waste and expanding sales opportunities.

Background: Preventing Food Waste Through Timely Promotions

Labor shortages in the retail industry have accelerated the adoption and use of electronic shelf labels as retail media. However, manufacturers have faced challenges in promptly and flexibly displaying promotional content such as price discounts or coupons when products near expiration or when surplus inventory exists, as they must go through the retailer's systems and operations.

This new technology addresses these challenges by enabling manufacturers to drive timely demand while maintaining control by the retailer.

Features and Mechanism of the New Technology

1. Displaying manufacturer promotions on electronic shelf labels based on retailer-defined rules

Within pre-set rules established by the retailer, promotions such as "special manufacturer-sponsored discounts" or "manufacturer-funded coupons available" can be instantly displayed. The system automatically verifies whether changes fall within permitted ranges, preventing inappropriate display updates.

2. Dynamic promotions based on real-time conditions

Promotional displays can be tailored not only to inventory levels and expiration dates but also to external factors such as weather (e.g., temperature), communication data between electronic shelf labels and customers' mobile devices (e.g., store apps), purchase history, and language settings. For example, coupons can be displayed in response to customer behaviors such as repeated examination of the same product or comparison of multiple items.

Expected Benefits (Win-Win-Win)

Manufacturers: Reduce food waste and product returns; improve revenue through timely, situation-based promotions.

Retailers: Enhance the cost-effectiveness of electronic shelf label deployment by using them as touchpoints for manufacturer promotions.

Consumers: Receive timely, valuable offers at the shelf, leading to more satisfying purchasing experiences.

Future Outlook

TMN is advancing its information processing business by integrating payments and marketing, and expanding its data utilization infrastructure. This technology will serve as a new connection point linking in-store product information, purchase data, customer behavior, external environmental data, and manufacturer promotions, contributing to solving challenges in retail distribution and enhancing consumer shopping experiences.

【Patent Application Overview】

Application Number: Toku-Gan 2026-089241

Title of Invention: Electronic Shelf Label System, Control Method for Electronic Shelf Label System, Control Program for Electronic Shelf Label System

Applicant: Transaction Media Networks Inc.

About Transaction Media Networks

Transaction Media Networks is a company that supports distribution through data utilization, built on a payment infrastructure. Since launching Japan's first cloud-based electronic payment service, TMN has developed a gateway business that integrates diverse payment methods—including electronic money, credit cards, and QR/barcode payments—around a core electronic money platform. The service is now deployed across supermarkets, drugstores, and other retail formats, connecting over 1.2 million terminals and supporting approximately 5.5 trillion yen in annual transaction volume.

Leveraging this payment network, TMN is advancing its "Information Processing Business" by collecting, integrating, and analyzing purchase data via cloud-based POS systems and private prepaid programs, supporting retailers in optimizing promotions and improving profitability.

<Company Overview>

Transaction Media Networks Inc.

Representative: CEO Atsushi Okada (Growth Market: 5258)

Head Office: 18F, Taiyo Life Nihonbashi Building, 2-11-2 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Business Activities: Development and provision of electronic payment services Development and provision of information processing services

Founded: March 2008

Capital: 6.1663 billion yen (as of March 2026)

URL: https://www.tm-nets.com/

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