Imaging Device For A Shelf Support And Shelf System Comprising The Imaging Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ceiling-mounted cameras in electronic imaging systems for shelves are aesthetically unpleasing, costly to install and maintain, and provide images that do not accurately reflect customer visibility, as they require extensive wiring and are difficult to access and reposition.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device is designed to be mounted on a shelf edge, equipped with an optical sensor that captures images from a perspective aligned with customer sight, using existing electronic shelf label infrastructure for power and communication, allowing easy replacement and adjustment to accurately depict shelf layouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cameras are suspended from ceilings to monitor shelves, then imaging coverage is achieved, but power supply requires complex wiring and additional electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical wiring-based power supply system with a wireless power transmission system. The imaging device receives power wirelessly through electromagnetic energy transmission, eliminating the need for complex wiring infrastructure, electrical components, and installation work while maintaining reliable power supply for continuous imaging operation.
2Reliability
If cameras are suspended from ceilings, then imaging is performed, but the cameras are not easily accessible for replacement or repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into modular components: the imaging device itself and the shelf support structure. This segmentation allows the imaging device to be independently installed, accessed, replaced, or repositioned without affecting the overall shelf system, significantly improving maintenance accessibility while maintaining imaging reliability.
3Productivity
If suspended cameras are used, then images are captured, but the images do not match actual customer perception of article arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the camera above the shelves looking down (traditional approach), the patent inverts the positioning by placing the imaging device at customer eye level on the shelf support, facing outward toward the articles. This inversion captures images from the customer's actual viewing perspective, accurately representing how customers perceive article arrangement and making images suitable for promotional content and geolocation applications.
4Productivity
If generic cameras are suspended to ceiling, then imaging is achieved, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the imaging device into the existing shelf support structure, which serves multiple functions: structural support for shelves, mounting platform for electronic labels, and now also support for the imaging device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate ceiling mounting infrastructure, reducing installation complexity and costs while maintaining effective image capture capability for monitoring and analysis purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an imaging device for a shelf support on a shelf edge comprising a receiving section configured to receive electronic labels, the imaging device comprising: aback side configured to be removably fitted in the receiving section, a front side (10) opposite to the back side, an optical sensor (15) configured to acquire an image of shelves facing the front side, an actuator configured to rotate the optical sensor around one or more axes of rotation, a memory configured to save the image, a processing unit configured to transmit the image to an image server.