Automatic Linking of Electronic Display Units to Products
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method of linking electronic display units to products in shops is time-consuming and resource-intensive, requiring manual scanning of barcodes and manual processing of image data, which is inefficient and prone to errors, especially in large retail environments.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses an image detecting device to generate data linking electronic display units to products, triggered by a signal when the display unit is attached to a mounting structure, allowing for fully automatic linking, reducing human resource requirements and optimizing data processing by focusing on relevant events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual barcode scanning is used to link display units to products, then the linking process can be performed with simple equipment, but the process is time-consuming and binds personnel resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual barcode scanning process with an automated optical detection system. Image detecting devices capture images of display units and products, and processing units automatically identify and link them, eliminating the need for manual barcode scanning while significantly increasing linking speed and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic self-linking of display units to products without human intervention. The automated detection and processing system performs the linking operation independently, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring personnel to manually scan and process barcodes
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring of all display units is implemented, then all linking operations can be detected, but the computing power and network resources required become enormous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having display units automatically generate and transmit their identification information when they are newly installed or activated. This triggers the linking process only when needed, rather than requiring continuous monitoring of all display units, thereby reducing computing power and network resource requirements while maintaining reliable detection
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic action by triggering image capture and processing only at specific events such as when a display unit is newly installed or when status changes occur. This event-driven approach maintains detection reliability while significantly reducing the computational and network resources required compared to continuous monitoring
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
This approach enables quick, automated, and error-free linking of electronic display units to products, significantly reducing the time and resources needed, especially in large-scale retail settings, by focusing computing power on the event of new unit installation and optimizing data processing.
Implementation Method 1
generating image data, which represent an optical depiction of the product and the display unit by means of the image detecting device
Data Source
AI summary
Method for logically linking an electronic display unit to a product by means of a linking device, wherein the display unit and the product are located on a mounting structure in the detection region of an image detecting device, wherein the method comprises the method steps listed below, namely: generating image data, which represent an optical depiction of the product and the display unit by means of the image detecting device and transmitting these image data to the linking device, by means of which the logical link can be established, generating a trigger signal by means of a trigger stage which is assigned to the mounting structure, on which the display unit is mounted, wherein the trigger signal indicates the presence of an unlinked display unit in the detection region, and logically linking the as yet unlinked electronic display unit to the product in accordance with the occurrence of the trigger signal.