Dynamic Display Control for Electronic Shelf Labels
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Solution Overview
Problem
In facilities like stores and warehouses, existing display apparatuses, such as electronic shelf labels, lack the ability to dynamically change their display patterns based on product stock information, limiting their effectiveness in providing timely and relevant information to users.
Innovation Solution
A display control apparatus and method that acquires product identification and stock information, matches this information with display apparatus identification, and adjusts the display state of the apparatus accordingly, using a stock information acquisition unit, an apparatus information acquisition unit, and a display control unit to update the display content based on stock levels and schedules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If display apparatuses use fixed display patterns, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to stock information changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A display control apparatus is introduced as an intermediary component between the stock information source and the display apparatus. This mediator automatically acquires stock information, determines appropriate display patterns, and controls the display apparatus without requiring complex modifications to either the stock system or display hardware, thus achieving adaptability while managing complexity through a dedicated control layer
Solution Approach 2:
The display pattern is made dynamic by automatically adjusting it based on real-time stock information. The system transitions from static fixed patterns to dynamic patterns that change according to stock status (e.g., displaying 'out of stock' when inventory is zero, or showing promotional information when stock is充足), enabling the display apparatus to adapt to varying conditions without manual intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If display patterns are changed manually, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback by continuously monitoring stock information and automatically adjusting display patterns accordingly. When stock status changes (e.g., inventory depletion or restock), the display control apparatus receives updated information and automatically updates the display, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing time loss through automated real-time response
Solution Approach 2:
The display control apparatus performs preliminary actions by proactively acquiring stock information and preparing appropriate display patterns before actual display updates are needed. The system anticipates stock changes and pre-configures display content, ensuring timely and relevant information is displayed without delays caused by manual response
3Loss of information
If display apparatuses lack real-time stock information integration, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display control apparatus serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between stock information systems and display apparatuses. It automatically acquires stock information from relevant sources, processes this information to determine appropriate display content, and transmits controlled display instructions to the display apparatus, ensuring real-time information integration without requiring direct complex connections between all system components
Solution Approach 2:
The display control apparatus performs multiple functions including stock information acquisition, display pattern determination, and display control within a single integrated system. This multi-functional approach consolidates information integration complexity into one dedicated apparatus rather than distributing it across multiple components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive information availability
Data Source
AI summary
A display control apparatus includes a stock information acquisition unit, an apparatus information acquisition unit, and a display control unit. The stock information acquisition unit acquires product identification information, and stock information of a product associated with the product identification information in a store. The apparatus information acquisition unit uses information stored in an apparatus information storage unit. The apparatus information storage unit stores display apparatus identification information of a display apparatus, and product identification information associated with the display apparatus in association with each other. Further, the apparatus information acquisition unit acquires, from the apparatus information storage unit, display apparatus identification information associated with the acquired product identification information. The display control unit sets the display apparatus associated with the acquired display apparatus identification information to a display state associated with the acquired stock information.