Electronic Shelf Labels Dual RF Power Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic shelf label systems face limitations due to the high number of connections to Wi-Fi access points, leading to network overload, performance degradation, and interference, making it impractical to connect a large number of labels simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The system employs electronic shelf labels with dual radiofrequency communication modules operating at different power levels, allowing them to communicate with a central computing system at a higher power level for data transmission and with each other at a lower power level, reducing network congestion and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large number of electronic shelf labels connect to Wi-Fi access points simultaneously, then data transmission capability is improved, but network overload and performance degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces master electronic shelf labels as intermediary devices that relay data between slave labels and the central computing system. Instead of all labels connecting directly to Wi-Fi access points, slave labels communicate with master labels via RF communication, and master labels handle the Wi-Fi connections. This intermediary structure reduces the number of simultaneous Wi-Fi connections while maintaining data transmission capability across the entire label network.
2Area of stationary object
If electronic shelf labels transmit data at high power levels, then communication range is improved, but network interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements different communication modes with different power levels for different communication scenarios. Slave labels use low-power RF communication for local communication with master labels, while master labels use higher-power Wi-Fi communication for long-range communication with the central computing system. This local quality differentiation allows each communication link to operate at the appropriate power level, extending effective communication range while minimizing unnecessary network interference.
3Speed
If electronic shelf labels remain continuously active, then communication responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a periodic activation mechanism where slave labels transition between active and sleep modes. Slave labels periodically wake up to check for messages from master labels and then return to sleep mode. This periodic action allows the system to maintain communication responsiveness when needed while dramatically reducing power consumption during idle periods when no communication is required.
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 approach reduces the number of labels connected to Wi-Fi access points at any given time, minimizing network overload and interference, ensuring reliable communication and efficient data transmission while minimizing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
Each electronic shelf label can include a processor and one or more radiofrequency communication modules configured to transmit data at different power levels to control a range of communication of the one or more radiofrequency communication modules
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic shelf label system comprising a plurality of electronic shelf labels is provided.