ESL Flash Survey Mapping for Fast Shelf Label Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retail store systems face challenges in efficiently managing electronic shelf label (ESL) devices due to labor-intensive location determination, high maintenance costs, and environmental waste from paper labels, along with human errors in updating product information.
Innovation Solution
An ESL system utilizing a mobile device equipped with a camera and wireless radio to collect visual and RF data, combined with structure-from-motion techniques, determines the location of ESL devices by instructing them to emit flashes of light, allowing for accurate positioning and mapping within the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If paper labels are used for displaying product information, then initial implementation is simple, but maintenance costs increase and environmental waste occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical paper labels with electronic copies displayed on ESL devices. The server stores digital product information that can be instantly replicated and updated across multiple ESL devices without consuming additional physical materials, thereby eliminating paper waste while maintaining ease of information distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical process of printing, distributing, and manually affixing paper labels with an electronic system. The server transmits digital signals wirelessly to ESL devices, replacing the entire mechanical label management workflow with electronic communication, thus eliminating paper consumption
2Adaptability or versatility
If paper labels are manually updated and replaced, then information changes can be implemented, but labor costs and maintenance time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ESL system enables self-service information updates through automated server communication. When product information changes, the server automatically transmits updated data to the relevant ESL devices without requiring manual intervention. The system also allows consumers to initiate information requests, triggering automatic updates from the server, thereby eliminating labor-intensive manual label replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where ESL devices can request information updates from the server based on consumer interactions or predetermined conditions. The server responds by transmitting updated product information, creating an automated feedback loop that continuously keeps shelf label information current without manual intervention, thus maintaining high adaptability while improving maintenance productivity
3Adaptability or versatility
If ESL devices are deployed across many shelves, then information display capability increases, but location determination becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual location determination methods with automated optical detection. Cameras capture images of ESL devices, and image processing algorithms automatically identify device locations and map them to the store layout. This substitution of mechanical surveying with automated visual recognition dramatically reduces the time required to locate and track ESL devices across numerous shelves
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy or map of the physical store layout by processing camera images. The image processing generates location data that replicates the spatial arrangement of ESL devices, enabling the system to track and manage device locations automatically without physical intervention, thus maintaining comprehensive display coverage while minimizing location determination time
4Device complexity
If manual surveying methods are used to locate ESL devices, then equipment requirements are simple, but measurement precision and automation level remain low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple manual surveying equipment with automated camera-based imaging systems. The cameras capture high-resolution images of ESL devices, and image processing algorithms precisely extract location information including device positions, orientations, and spatial relationships. This substitution significantly enhances measurement precision while the automated nature of the system provides the required automation level
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a precise digital replica of the ESL device locations by processing camera images. The image processing generates accurate coordinate data and spatial mappings that copy the physical arrangement with high precision, enabling reliable location tracking without the imprecision inherent in manual surveying methods
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 efficient and accurate location of ESL devices, reducing labor and waste while enhancing indoor positioning and navigation services in retail environments.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, by the server from a mobile device via the wireless network, visual data collected for the group by a camera during the flash interval
Implementation Method 2
transmitting, by a server to each electronic shelf label (ESL) device in a group of ESL devices deployed within an environment via a wireless network associated with the environment, a command to emit one or more flashes of light over a flash interval associated with the group
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) systems that support positioning of ESL devices. In a first aspect, a method includes: transmitting, to each ESL device in a group of ESL devices deployed within an environment via a wireless network associated with the environment, a command to emit one or more flashes of light over a flash interval associated with the group; receiving, from a mobile device via the wireless network, visual data collected for the group by a camera during the flash interval; detecting, within the visual data, the one or more flashes emitted by each ESL device in the group over the flash interval; and determining a location within the environment of each ESL device in the group based on the one or more flashes emitted by each ESL device in the visual data. Other aspects and features are also claimed and described.