Electronic Shelf Label Location Linking to Reduce Installation Time

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of electronic shelf labels in large facilities is time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the need to link location information with numerous labels.

Innovation Solution

A shelf label management system that includes an acquisition unit to link location and merchandise information, a location identification unit to identify the position of electronic shelf labels, a linking unit to associate shelf label identification with location information, and an output control unit to display merchandise information on the labels based on acquired data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electronic shelf labels are manually linked with location information in large facilities, then each label can be properly associated with its position, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation information linkage accuracyVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic shelf label automatically performs location measurement and transmits its position information to the server without manual intervention. The label uses its own sensors or communication with fixed apparatus to determine its location, eliminating the need for manual linking while ensuring accurate association between label and position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of linking location information is replaced by an automated system using wireless communication and location measurement technology. The server automatically receives location data from the electronic shelf label and performs the association digitally, replacing manual operations with automated electronic processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual linking of electronic shelf labels is performed, then location information can be associated with labels, but the process requires significant labor effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelinkage accuracyVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic shelf label autonomously measures its location and transmits this information to the server, eliminating the need for manual operation. The system performs the entire linking process automatically, making installation as simple as placing the label without requiring labor-intensive manual configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The server acts as an intermediary that automatically receives location information from the electronic shelf label and performs the association. This intermediary system handles the complex linking process, freeing users from manual operations while ensuring accurate data association

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250111805A1Shelf label management system, shelf label management method, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2025.04.03 NEC CORP

AI summary

This shelf label system comprises an acquisition unit, location identification unit, linking unit, and first output control unit. For each location in a facility, the acquisition unit acquires data in which location information representing said location and merchandise information relating to merchandise displayed near the location are linked. Upon receipt of an instruction to link the location of an electronic shelf label, the location identification unit identifies location information representing the location where the electronic shelf label has been arranged in the facility. The linking unit links the identified location information and information identifying the electronic shelf label. The first output control unit causes the electronic shelf label to output merchandise information linked with the identified location information.