Dynamic Projection System for Shelf Labeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Changing labels on shelves associated with physical objects is a long and error-prone process.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic projection system that uses a projector to display information associated with physical objects on shelving units, where an optical scanner decodes a machine-readable element to retrieve and update the displayed information dynamically, and a computing system controls the projector to adjust the displayed content based on location and proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional physical labels are used on shelves, then information can be displayed, but the process of changing labels is long and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses projected images as copies of physical labels. Instead of physically changing labels on shelves, the system projects information displays that can be dynamically updated without touching the physical environment. The projector creates visual copies of label information that can be changed instantly through software updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms static physical labels into dynamic projected images. The information display can be changed in real-time through software control, allowing the label content to be updated dynamically without physical intervention. This enables fast changes in product information, pricing, or inventory status.
2Ease of operation
If physical labels are manually changed, then information updates can be made, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physically changing labels with an optical projection system controlled by software. Instead of manually handling and affixing new labels, the system uses a projector to display updated information, substituting mechanical operations with optical and digital processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service information updates through automated projection control. The computing system can automatically update the projected information based on database changes, eliminating the need for manual intervention in the label updating process.
3Productivity
If dynamic projection is used, then information can be updated instantly, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projector serves multiple functions: it displays product information, pricing, inventory status, and promotional content. The same projection system handles various types of information displays, making it a multi-functional replacement for multiple separate systems (physical labels, digital signs, barcode scanners).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computing system as an intermediary between the database and the projector. This intermediary manages the complexity by handling data retrieval, processing, and projection control, allowing the projection system to focus solely on visual output while the computing system manages system complexity.
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 system streamlines the process of updating labels by automatically retrieving and displaying accurate information about physical objects, improving efficiency and reducing errors.
Implementation Method 1
a projector configured to project an image of a first set of information associated with a set of like physical objects onto a front portion of a shelving unit
Implementation Method 2
an optical scanner configured to scan the projection of the image of the machine-readable element and decode the identifier from the machine-readable element
Data Source
AI summary
Described in detail herein are methods and systems for dynamic projection. The dynamic projection system includes a projector configured to project a first set of information associated with a set of like physical objects onto a front portion of a shelving unit. The first set of information includes an image of a machine-readable element encoded with an identifier associated with the set of like physical objects. An optical scanner can scan and decode the identifier from the image of the machine-readable element. The optical scanner can transmit the identifier or location of the scanner to a computing system. The computing system can further control an output of the projector to dynamically project the second set of information associated with the set of like physical objects onto the front portion of the shelving unit receiving the identifier or location of the optical scanner.