Product divider display unit for POS systems in a robust plastic housing and an energy-saving, full-color E-Ink display.

Abstract

Housing concept for product dividers, characterized by a resistant plastic housing that includes a 2 mm thick cover glass, which serves to increase the mechanical impact resistance (at least corresponding to impact resistance class IK03 to IK04).

Description

[0001] An innovative solution for merchandise organization at retail checkouts, featuring an energy-efficient e-ink display for sustainable advertising with remote access and targeted customer communication on the conveyor belt. This invention describes a novel product divider for separating the goods of different customers on the conveyor belt in the checkout area.

[0002] Conventional product dividers on the market are square or triangular in shape, while innovative dividers can be fitted with advertising materials that are printed and affixed to the backing in a rigid plastic film. German patent DE 10 2019 109 252 A1 describes a product divider with an electronic display based on well-known display technologies (LCD, TFT, LED, or OLED). These displays have high power consumption, requiring an external power supply. Except for OLED, LCD displays are constructed with heavy glass (two glass panels plus a protective glass per LCD), which contributes to increased weight and makes them difficult to handle. Many display technologies are now considered mature, including LCD, LED, and OLED displays.Unlike e-paper / e-ink displays, none of these standard display technologies are intended as a true replacement for paper; this distinguishes the present invention from other electronic displays. Another special feature is the extremely long operating life of the e-ink display, up to four (4) years without an external power supply, with up to two (2) image changes per week.

[0003] Due to the higher power consumption of conventional electronic displays, an additional power supply is required which is difficult, very complex and expensive to implement during operation due to mobile handling (see "induction charging").

[0004] The present invention aims to address the challenges associated with conventional product dividers featuring electronic displays and charging systems. Compared to these conventional dividers, this sustainable solution offers not only clear product separation but also the possibility of wireless advertising, including the display of information for customers. Wireless communication in this solution is based on the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) standard. Advertising / information is displayed via an energy-efficient E-Ink / Electronic Paper Display. Despite its long operating life of approximately four years, the device is equipped with an energy storage element.It is important to note that the e-paper display requires no further power consumption after the content (text, image) has been displayed, due to the bi-stability of the e-paper technology (only the CPU unit has a very low power consumption in standby mode). This technology and the integrated battery enable reliable and continuous use of the display unit, even during power outages, and offer largely independent operation. The invention comprises a product divider with an electronic display device and a charging system. The display unit is controlled wirelessly via a power-saving BLE Bluetooth connection (BLE = Bluetooth Low Energy), in contrast to a conventional and power-intensive WLAN connection.

[0005] The electronic display device features an integrated control unit, which in turn includes a data storage unit and a CPU. This combination enables the storage of diverse display data (e.g., images and / or text) directly on the device. This data can then be retrieved and displayed as needed. The communication unit of the electronic display device can be customized. The invention utilizes the aforementioned energy-efficient BLE Bluetooth connection (BLE = Bluetooth Low Energy). This allows for simple and cost-effective connection to a data network or particularly fast data transmission, depending on the specific requirements and environmental conditions.

[0006] Advantages over conventional product dividers: • Increased efficiency and time savings in retail advertising through the transmission of advertising / information content via a BLE-Bluetooth connection (BLE=Bluetooth Low Energy). • Appealing level of innovation / attractiveness of the advertising to customers (color presentation). • The mechanical dimensions allow for direct use in retail environments and can also be customized to specific customer requirements. This design facilitates quick and easy integration into retail settings. • The solution combines innovation and sustainability and supports companies in achieving their digitalization goals. • In harmony with the environment, avoiding plastic and paper promotes environmentally friendly behavior and accordingly generates a positive external effect for companies. • In addition, the “E-Paper” display technology enables extremely low energy consumption: • E-paper displays are revolutionizing display technology through high readability and low energy consumption. • They reflect light, similar to paper, making them ideal for electronic advertising and information. • Its “bi-stability” allows images to be held without power, which increases energy efficiency. • The operating life is approximately 4 years without an external power supply, with 2 image changes per week. • Also novel is the display and mixing of 6 colors (full color) in contrast to conventional black / white displays (E-Paper displays).

[0007] Drawing sheet “Figure A” (perspective drawing, explanations) (1) The product divider is made of durable plastic. The two 7.3" E-Ink displays (1) on the front and back are arranged in a triangular shape to maximize readability. The circuit board is mounted inside the device (CPU, BLE Bluetooth, USB-C interface). (2) The two displays (1) are E-ink displays with a diagonal screen size of 7.3 inches. (3) For the “rough” use at the checkout areas / belts, a plastic cover glass with a thickness of 2mm is permanently mounted on the displays (impact resistance class IK3-4). (4) Rubberized pads (2) are attached to the impact edges to ensure mechanical protection during operation (the product dividers are pushed to the end of the guide rail within the rails and are therefore subject to mechanical stress). The impact pads (2) attached to both sides are mounted (glued) around the perimeter. For external battery charging, the USB-C interface (3) is equipped with a movable cover (dust protection). An LED indicator (4) is integrated to monitor the battery charge level. The display content can be reset via the software or via an integrated reset button on the underside (5). Each product divider is addressed by software using an individual MAC address. The address is displayed on the screen, among other places, on the underside (6). (5) The lithium-ion polymer (LiP) battery installed in the display instrument has a capacity of 1800mAh to ensure an operating time of approximately 4 years without an external power source (with 2 image changes per week). (7) The socket contains a CPU communication interface which communicates with the shop (retailer) via a power-saving BLE Bluetooth connection. (8) Product dimensions: Height: 128.00 mm B Base depth: 35.00 mm C Width: 186.20 mm

[0008] In summary, the advantages over conventional product dividers are: • Sustainable: Reduces environmental impact through: - Energy-saving E-ink display technology. - the elimination of paper and plastic, as well as the effort involved in producing the printing templates (advertising content). • Cost-efficient: Eliminates battery costs and reduces maintenance. • Flexible: Allows content to be adapted to the needs of the retailer via remote access. • User-friendly: Easy operation and maintenance. • Increased attention: - The eye-catching displays specifically draw customers' attention to the posted offers. - Analog display on paper (no reflections, optically matte surface) • Improved customer loyalty: - Added value for the customer through informative and entertaining content. • Increase in impulse purchases: Targeted advertising at the point of sale encourages spontaneous purchasing decisions.

[0009] The present invention offers an innovative and sustainable solution for product dividers with an electronic and energy-saving e-ink display, boasting an operating life of approximately 4 years without an external power supply. It solves the problems of conventional solutions and offers retailers a multitude of the aforementioned advantages. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2019 109 252 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Housing concept product divider, characterized by a durable plastic housing that includes a 2 mm thick cover glass, which serves to increase mechanical impact resistance (at least corresponding to impact resistance class IK03 to IK04). [2] Integration of a full-color e-ink display product divider, characterized by the integration of a full-color e-paper display and the associated low power consumption, which enables an operating time of approximately four years with an image change rate of two changes per week. [3] Minimum base depth for easy integration of product dividers, characterized by a base depth of a maximum of 35 mm, which allows direct integration into conventional rail systems of checkout areas in common markets without modifications to the existing rail system. [4] Triangular arrangement of the E-Ink displays product dividers, characterized byTwo E-Ink displays positioned in a triangular arrangement on the front and back to maximize readability for the user and / or cashier during operation. [5] Energy-saving Bluetooth communication product divider, characterized in that the display unit for controlling the image information uses a wireless connection via the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) standard, as opposed to a conventional WLAN connection, thereby achieving significant energy savings during operation.

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