Capacitive Container Interaction System for POS Engagement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers are distracted by numerous products in shops, and existing technologies like barcodes, infrared PDAs, NFC, and RFID fail to effectively engage consumers, prevent shoplifting, and provide relevant information about products, leading to increased shoplifting and missed sales opportunities.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a controller, frequency generator, electrodes, electronic circuitry, and a media unit to create a contactless, battery-free interaction with containers, enabling communication of product information through a communication network, with features like capacitive coupling, real-time e-field strength measurement, and user identification, to display and share media data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If barcodes, infrared PDAs, NFC, or RFID are used for product interaction, then consumers can access product information, but consumers do not engage with products at POS and use smart devices to compare prices elsewhere instead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical scanning systems (barcodes, infrared PDAs) with a capacitive sensing system that detects changes in electrical field strength. This substitution enables direct interaction at the point of sale by measuring capacitance changes when consumers touch or approach the container, eliminating the need for separate scanning devices and encouraging in-store engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic system with electrodes and controllers that mediates between the consumer and product information. This intermediary layer processes capacitive signals and communicates product details through displays or mobile devices, creating an engaging interaction bridge that keeps consumers at the POS rather than immediately leaving to compare prices.
2Reliability
If RFID tags are used for logistic and product safety, then logistic and product safety are easier and more affordable, but RFID tags are easy to temper and increase shoplifting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by integrating capacitive sensing electrodes directly into the container structure itself rather than using separate RFID tags. This integration makes tampering more difficult as the sensing capability becomes part of the container's inherent structure, while still providing reliable detection of consumer interaction and product status for security purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes RFID electromagnetic field-based identification with a capacitive sensing system that detects physical interaction through capacitance changes. This substitution provides more reliable security by detecting actual consumer handling and product status, making it harder to use for shoplifting compared to easily clonable RFID tags.
3Loss of information
If digital signage with advertising clips is placed on electronic displays at POS, then product information is provided, but consumers are annoyed by repeated advertising and messages are prepared for subconscious desire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by triggering product information display only when capacitive sensors detect consumer presence or interaction with the container. This on-demand information delivery replaces continuous advertising loops with relevant, timely information presentation, reducing consumer annoyance while ensuring product information is delivered when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors capacitive sensor input and adjusts information display accordingly. When consumers interact with or approach the container, the system provides relevant product information through displays or mobile devices, creating a responsive interaction loop that delivers information without being intrusive or annoying.
4Ease of operation
If self-scanning is implemented with barcodes and infrared PDAs, then consumers are involved and more information or pricing is provided, but consumers do not scan products and use smart devices to compare prices elsewhere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling consumers to interact with product information through direct capacitive contact with the container itself. The container's integrated electrodes detect consumer presence and automatically provide product information, eliminating the need for consumers to manually scan barcodes or use separate scanning devices, thus improving efficiency while maintaining engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the manual barcode scanning process with an automatic capacitive sensing system. The electrodes detect consumer interaction through capacitance changes and automatically trigger information delivery, replacing the multi-step manual scanning process with a simple touch-based interaction that improves both ease of operation and information access efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively engages consumers, prevents shoplifting, and provides personalized product information, keeping them focused on the container while allowing dynamic pricing and inventory management without queuing, enhancing the shopping experience.
Implementation Method 1
The frequency generator provides a modulated alternating electric field with variable frequency. The conducting surface is connected to the frequency generator and further facilitates the charges from the electric field to couple with other surfaces (electrodes) in reach.
Implementation Method 2
The e-field strength meter measures changes in the alternating charges on the container.
Implementation Method 3
The convertor converts alternating charges into DC energy received from the first electrode.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for interacting with one or more containers placed near a conducting surface. The system sends the information of content inside the container in relation to an action caused by a user over the communication network. The system includes a controller; a frequency generator; a first electrode; an electronic circuitry including a convertor, an e-filed strength meter, an I/O interface and a bi-directional communication unit; a second electrode and a media unit. The controller generates a unique identification code for each container. The controller communicates through the communication network. The frequency generator provides a modulated alternating electric with variable frequency. The first electrode floats in the air inside the container and mirrors charges received from the frequency generator through the conducting surface and the content. The convertor converts alternating charges into DC energy received from the first electrode. The e-filed strength meter measures changes in the alternating charges on the container. The I/O interface generates input and output signals on receiving the change in the alternating charges from e-field strength meter and the bi-directional communication unit to communicate the changes in the electric field strength from the e-field strength meter to the controller. The second electrode is coupled to the converter and is attached to the cap of the container and further floats against the ground. The media unit stores and communicates media data related to the container over the communication network on receiving the field strength signal along with the unique ID number from the controller.