Electronic Shelf Label Remote Controller Bidirectional Data Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic shelf label systems lack bidirectional data interaction between remote controllers and electronic shelf labels, as well as between remote controllers and access points, limiting their functionality and efficiency in managing and updating price information and inventory levels.
Innovation Solution
An electronic shelf label information processing system that includes an access point, an electronic shelf label, and a remote controller, utilizing a 2.4G wireless communication protocol for bidirectional data interaction, allowing the remote controller to acquire and transmit information to the access point and background server, enabling real-time updates and management of display information, inventory, and price modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the remote controller uses only infrared transmission to control the electronic shelf label, then the control function is simple and reliable, but bidirectional data interaction between the remote controller and the electronic shelf label cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The remote controller is designed to support multiple communication protocols (infrared and 2.4G wireless) within a single device, enabling it to perform both traditional control functions and new data interaction functions. The electronic shelf label similarly integrates both infrared reception and 2.4G communication capabilities, allowing it to respond to traditional control signals while also engaging in bidirectional data exchange with the remote controller and access point.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point serves as an intermediary device that facilitates communication between the remote controller and the background server. It receives 2.4G signals from the remote controller, extracts the embedded electronic shelf label identity and operation type, and forwards this information to the server for processing, enabling indirect but efficient data interaction.
2Productivity
If the electronic shelf label system uses traditional unidirectional control, then the system structure is simple, but real-time information feedback and management efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the remote controller can acquire information from the electronic shelf label (such as display content and identity) and transmit it to the access point and background server. The server can then process this information and send updated commands back to the electronic shelf label, creating a closed-loop feedback system that enables real-time monitoring and management.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote controller is pre-configured with multiple operation types (price modification, inventory query, goods replenishment, inspection) that can be selectively activated. The magnetic control switch allows for preliminary selection of the desired operation before the actual control action is executed, enabling more efficient and targeted management operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the remote controller acquires information from the electronic shelf label using magnetic control switch and 2.4G protocol, then bidirectional interaction is achieved, but the complexity of the control mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic shelf label automatically responds to the remote controller's inquiry signals by transmitting its identity and display information back to the remote controller. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual configuration or setup, as the label provides the necessary information autonomously when triggered by the remote controller's magnetic control switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the magnetic control switch triggering mechanism with the 2.4G wireless communication protocol in a unified control flow. The magnetic control switch activation simultaneously initiates the information acquisition process and selects the operation type, merging multiple control functions into a single integrated operation that simplifies the user interface.
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
Facilitates efficient data exchange and management, enhancing operational efficiency in retail environments by enabling real-time updates, automatic inventory tracking, and streamlined processes for goods replenishment, inspection, and price modifications, reducing manual errors and improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic control switch, after being triggered by the remote controller, triggers the MCU to acquire the electronic shelf label related information
Implementation Method 2
the MCU provide the electronic shelf label related information to the remote controller through the communication module by using a 2.4G wireless communication protocol
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an electronic shelf label information processing system and method, wherein the system comprises: an access point (AP), an electronic shelf label, a remote controller and a background server; the AP is configured to receive electronic shelf label display information provided by the background server, and transmit the electronic shelf label display information to the electronic shelf label; the electronic shelf label is configured to display according to the electronic shelf label display information; the remote controller is configured to acquire electronic shelf label related information from the electronic shelf label, and provide the electronic shelf label related information to the AP; the AP is further configured to transmit the electronic shelf label related information to the background server; and the background server is configured to process the electronic shelf label related information. This solution realizes the data interaction between the remote controller and the AP, and the data interaction between the remote controller and the electronic shelf label.