Electronic Shelf Label Distance Sensor Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electronic shelf label systems require manual and time-consuming procedures for assigning or re-assigning labels, which are costly and inefficient, especially when dealing with thousands or tens of thousands of labels.
Innovation Solution
The system automates the initial assignment or re-assignment of electronic shelf labels by using a distance sensor to detect changes in product placement, activating a wireless tag reader to acquire product identification information, and requesting label changes through a server when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual barcode reading and assignment procedures are used for electronic shelf labels, then product information can be assigned to labels, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming when dealing with thousands or tens of thousands of labels
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic shelf label autonomously detects product information through its sensor and automatically performs assignment processing with the management server without requiring manual barcode reading. The label measures distance to products, activates the tag reader when distance changes occur, and autonomously requests label changes, enabling self-service operation that eliminates manual intervention and significantly improves processing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of barcode reading and data entry with an automated sensor-based detection system. The distance sensor and wireless tag reader automatically detect product information and transmit it to the management server, substituting human operators with electronic sensing and communication systems to achieve faster, more efficient label assignment
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the electronic shelf label operates at low power to ensure long battery life, then battery duration is extended, but the ability to detect and respond to product changes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic shelf label employs periodic distance measurement using the distance sensor to detect product changes. The sensor periodically measures the distance to products, and when distance changes are detected, the wireless tag reader is activated to read product information. This periodic detection approach enables the label to monitor product changes while consuming minimal power, as the high-power tag reader is activated only when necessary rather than continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces continuous high-power operation with sensor-based detection that triggers selective activation of components. The distance sensor continuously monitors product position with low power consumption, and only activates the wireless tag reader when actual product changes are detected, substituting continuous operation with event-driven operation to maintain detection capability while extending battery life
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 automation significantly reduces labor costs and time required for managing displayed products, while maintaining the battery life of the electronic shelf labels and ensuring accurate and timely product information updates.
Implementation Method 1
an output from a distance sensor to a controller, upon detection of a change in the distance to the displayed product
Implementation Method 2
activating a wireless tag reader. When product identification information acquired by the wireless tag reader
Implementation Method 3
the distance measured by the distance may be reflected in adjusting the transmission power of a radio frequency identification (RFID)
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a computing technology for controlling information display of an electronic shelf label that is connected to a management server via a network and displays electronic information. The electronic shelf label measures a distance to at least one product arranged behind the electronic shelf label, and when a change in the distance occurs, activates a wireless tag reader. When product identification information acquired by the wireless tag reader is different from currently displayed product identification information, the electronic shelf labels request a label change registration to a server. Changed product information is received according to the label change registration, and the changed product information is reflected in displayed product information.