Display Control Apparatus for Shelf Information Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customers face difficulty in easily accessing product information in stores due to the limited size of shelf labels, making it hard to recognize details like product names and prices without approaching the label.
Innovation Solution
A display control apparatus that captures images of store shelves, processes them to identify shelf information, and connects to storage units to retrieve and display associated product information, allowing customers to view product details on a display unit, such as a mobile terminal, without needing to physically approach the shelf.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If shelf labels are made larger to improve product information visibility, then product information becomes easier to read, but shelf space becomes insufficient and label placement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions product information display from the two-dimensional shelf label surface to the three-dimensional space of mobile terminal screens. By capturing images of shelf labels and displaying them on mobile devices, the system effectively moves the display medium to a different dimension where size constraints of physical shelves no longer apply, allowing large, clear display of product information without occupying additional shelf space.
2Illumination intensity
If customers approach shelf labels closely to read product information, then product information becomes visible, but customer convenience deteriorates and shopping efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile terminal and image processing system as an intermediary between the shelf label and the customer's vision. Instead of requiring direct visual contact with the small shelf label, the system captures the label image, processes it to enhance readability, and presents it on the mobile terminal screen, thereby mediating the information delivery and eliminating the need for customers to physically approach the shelf.
3Quantity of substance
If shelf labels are made smaller to optimize shelf utilization, then shelf capacity increases, but product information readability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the shelf label content and displays it on a mobile terminal screen. This copying process allows the original physical shelf label to remain small (preserving shelf capacity) while the replicated digital version provides enlarged, readable product information. The mobile terminal acts as a canvas that reproduces the label information at a size suitable for easy reading.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelf information acquisition unit (122) acquires shelf identification information. The shelf identification information is information acquired by processing an image being generated by capturing an image of inside of a store and including a product shelf, and is information identifying the product shelf. A product identification information acquisition unit (130) acquires, from an identification information storage unit (160), a plurality of pieces of product identification information being related to the shelf identification information acquired by the shelf information acquisition unit (122). A display control unit (140) performs display processing for acquiring, from a product information storage unit (170), product information being related to the product identification information acquired by the product identification information acquisition unit (130), and causing a display unit (150) to display the product information.