Dynamic Terminal Lane Display With LED Status Light Strips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional checkout lane indicators for self-service terminals (SSTs) are limited in functionality, confusing to both customers and retail associates, occupy valuable physical space, and often lead to misinterpretation due to reliance on color codes that need to be learned.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic display terminal lane indicator device with two synchronized or independent displays and status light strips, controlled by the SST, offering customizable media and clear status messaging, including promotional content, and can be wirelessly or wiredly connected to the SST.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional three-color light code indicators are used, then the indicator device is simple and occupies minimal space, but the status messaging is confusing and requires learning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color changes in LED light strips to indicate different SST statuses (e.g., green for open, red for closed, yellow for in-use). This visual color-coding system provides intuitive status indication without requiring customers to learn complex codes, directly addressing the ease of understanding status while maintaining relatively simple indicator functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator device is segmented into multiple independent LED light strips, each responsible for displaying a specific status. This segmentation allows the system to convey multiple pieces of information simultaneously through different colored lights, improving status communication clarity while keeping each individual light strip simple and manageable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lane indicators are used, then the physical space required is minimal, but the functionality is limited and restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator device incorporates multiple LED light strips that can display various statuses including open, closed, in-use, and maintenance modes. The system can also display promotional content and directional information, making it a multi-functional device that adapts to different operational needs while occupying a compact space above the SST.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator device uses dynamic LED light strips that can change colors and patterns based on real-time SST status. The lights can transition between different states (e.g., from green to yellow to red) and display different sequences to convey various meanings, providing adaptable functionality within a fixed physical installation.
3Productivity
If color code-based indicators are used, then the indicator device is simple, but misinterpretation occurs and customer flow is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs distinct color changes in LED light strips to represent different SST statuses, creating an intuitive visual language that reduces misinterpretation. For example, green indicates open availability, red indicates closed status, and yellow indicates in-use conditions. This color-coding system enhances status interpretation accuracy and helps maintain customer flow by providing clear, unambiguous information.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator device provides real-time visual feedback to customers about SST availability and status. The LED light strips immediately reflect changes in SST state, giving customers accurate information to make informed decisions about which terminals to use, thereby reducing misinterpretation and optimizing customer flow to available resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal indicator device is provided as a peripheral of a self-service terminal (SST). The indicator device includes two separate displays back-to-back or a single contiguous display having a display surface area of greater than 180 degrees and up to 360 degrees. The indicator device includes a host port for connecting to the SST and one or more status light ports for connecting to one or more status lights. The indicator device is affixed to an apparatus situated above the SST. The apparatus includes the one or more status light strips. The SST controls colors and/or effects of the status light strips and media played on the two displays or the contiguous display. In an embodiment, a server controls the status light strips and the media played on the two or more displays or the contiguous display via the SST or via a wireless transceiver of the indicator device.