Electronic Label Segmentation and Mode Switching for Retail Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic label systems for price displays in retail environments are inflexible and unable to accommodate the increasing complexity and volume of information, limiting their ability to adapt to various situations and maintain clear visibility of items for customers.
Innovation Solution
A system of electronic labels with a central station and distributed wireless communication, each label equipped with a microcontroller, memory, and a liquid crystal display capable of operating in digital, alphanumeric, or open display modes, allowing for flexible information presentation and adaptation through firmware-controlled operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If electronic label systems display increasingly numerous and complex information to meet customer needs, then information completeness improves, but label size and display surface must increase which reduces item visibility and accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The label is divided into multiple functional zones including a first display zone for primary price information, a second display zone for additional information, and a third display zone for promotional content. This segmentation allows comprehensive information display while maintaining a compact overall label structure that does not obstruct item visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The label utilizes temporal dimension through sequential display modes, switching between different information presentations at different times. This allows multiple pieces of information to be displayed over time rather than all simultaneously, reducing spatial requirements while maintaining information completeness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic label systems are designed to be flexible and adaptable to different situations, then system versatility improves, but system complexity increases making manufacture and operation more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic label system incorporates multiple display modes (numeric, alphanumeric, graphical) and multiple functional zones that can be independently configured. A single label design serves multiple purposes - displaying prices, promotions, product information, and warnings - eliminating the need for different specialized labels for different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The label includes controllable elements such as illuminatable zones and switchable display modes that can be dynamically adjusted based on operational requirements. The system can transition between different states (e.g., normal operation, promotion mode, warning mode) providing adaptability without requiring physical reconfiguration.
3Illumination intensity
If electronic labels use larger display surfaces to show more information, then information visibility improves, but item visibility and accessibility to customers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The label employs selective illumination of specific zones rather than illuminating the entire label surface. This allows important information to be highlighted and made highly visible while keeping the overall label compact and positioned to maintain item accessibility. The illuminated areas are concentrated in key information zones rather than distributed across a large surface.
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
Enables enhanced display possibilities while maintaining simplicity and cost-effectiveness, allowing for efficient management of price displays and promotional information, improving customer visibility and adaptability to changing retail needs.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal display comprising at least one display area
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electronic label system, in particular for displaying prices in a shop, said system including a central station and a series of distributed electronic labels, as well as a communication means, particularly a wireless one, for transmitting information from the central station to the labels, each electronic label including a microcontroller for implementing a firmware (1) and connected to a memory comprising a series of registers and to a liquid crystal display (100; 200; 300) having at least one display area, each label including a flag having a value enabling the operation thereof in an exclusively digital, alphanumeric, or open display mode.