Digital price display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional retail pricing systems are labor-intensive, especially in large stores, and require frequent updates due to changing prices and inventory management needs, which can be inefficient and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A digital pricing display system with a central processing unit, display screen, memory, and communication module that allows for wireless updates of product pricing and information, eliminating the need for manual labeling and enabling remote or local changes to prices and barcodes across multiple locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional manual labeling systems are used for product pricing, then each product can be individually labeled with price information, but the labor intensity and time required for updating prices increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprice information availabilityVSAvoidtime for price updates

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses digital copies of price information displayed on electronic screens instead of physical labels. The display shows product images, descriptions, and prices that can be updated remotely, eliminating the need to physically replace labels for every price change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual label application and replacement with an electronic display system controlled by a computer. Prices are updated through software rather than physical intervention, significantly reducing labor time and effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If individual product labeling is implemented, then price information is available at each product location, but the system becomes very labor intensive in large stores

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprice information accessibilityVSAvoidlabor efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal pricing system where a single computer controls multiple displays throughout the store. One operator can update prices across the entire store through one interface, making the system highly efficient for large retail environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows customers to view product information and prices on displays throughout the store without needing staff assistance. The automated display system serves itself by showing updated prices immediately when changed by the computer system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If frequent price updates are made to reflect sales and market variations, then pricing remains accurate and competitive, but the labor intensity increases especially in large stores

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprice flexibilityVSAvoidtime for frequent updates

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic pricing system where prices can be changed in real-time through the computer system. The electronic displays immediately reflect price changes without requiring physical label replacement, allowing frequent updates to respond to sales and market conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a computer system as an intermediary between the retailer and the pricing displays. The computer acts as a central control point that manages all price updates, allowing frequent changes to be made efficiently without direct manual intervention at each display location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If barcode scanning systems are used at checkout, then the checkout process is sped up and inventory data is captured, but manual labeling of shelves and racks remains labor intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecheckout speedVSAvoidlabeling system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pricing display function with the product display structure itself. The electronic displays are integrated into or positioned with the shelving units, eliminating the need for separate physical labels while providing the same information function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11227293B2Digital price display

Publication Date: 2022.01.18 BEST BRANDS CONSUMER PRODUCTS INC

AI summary

A digital pricing display includes a digital display unit having in interoperable communication a central processing unit, a display screen, a memory, a communication module having an antenna associated therewith, and an instruction set hosted on the memory and executable by the central processing unit, the instruction set operational to receive pricing and product information for a product and to display the product pricing and product information on the display screen. An elongate strip is attached to and extends downwardly from the digital display unit. The elongate strip has a plurality of hooks substantially in vertical alignment formed therealong; the purpose of each hook is for receiving thereon a product package corresponding to the product pricing and product information displayed by the digital display unit.