Bistable E-Paper Product Label With NB-IoT Remote Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product labeling methods are inefficient in managing price changes and user interaction across multiple locations, as they require manual updates and lack seamless integration with digital technologies for real-time information dissemination.
Innovation Solution
A product label with a bistable e-paper display and NB-IoT radio element connected to a central labeling server via low-energy networks, enabling remote data updates and user interaction through mobile devices, utilizing a beacon for location tracking and displaying additional product information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual labeling methods are used, then implementation is simple, but efficiency of managing price changes and updates is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical labeling operations with an automated electronic system. Product labels with displays and radio elements communicate with a labeling server, enabling remote and automated update of product information without manual intervention. This substitution of mechanical manual processes with electronic automation directly improves labeling efficiency and eliminates time losses associated with manual updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The product labels are equipped with radio elements that enable them to autonomously communicate with the labeling server. The system allows self-service updates where labels automatically receive and display updated information from the server without requiring manual relabeling. This autonomous communication capability enables the system to service itself, improving productivity while minimizing time loss.
2Ease of operation
If digital displays are used for product labels, then information can be updated remotely, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by using bistable e-paper displays that maintain their visual state without continuous power supply. The display updates information periodically when triggered by the radio element receiving commands from the labeling server, rather than requiring continuous energy consumption. This periodic update mechanism enables remote update capability while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuously powered displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by transitioning to bistable display technology that changes its operational state based on update requirements. The display alternates between powered update states and passive maintenance states, changing its energy consumption parameter from continuous to event-driven. This parameter change enables remote updates while optimizing energy usage by only consuming power when information needs to be changed.
3Area of stationary object
If small display area is used for product labels, then space is saved, but information capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by separating the display area from the information storage capacity. The small display area serves only for visual presentation, while the labeling server stores comprehensive product information. When users need detailed information, the system provides access to additional data sources such as mobile devices or information servers, effectively adding another dimension (external information access) to compensate for the limited physical display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the labeling server and information servers that bridge the gap between the small display area and comprehensive information needs. The intermediary stores and manages extensive product information, allowing the small display to show only essential information while users can access detailed data through the intermediary system via mobile devices or other interfaces, thus preventing information loss despite limited display space.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a product label comprising a display, a radio element for wireless communication with a labeling server, and a power source. Disclosed is also a method for labeling a product with such a product label. To simplify the labeling process, it is proposed that the radio element be connected to the labeling server via a cellular frequency in a low-energy network.