LCD Shelf Label IP Allocation for Hybrid Narrowband-Broadband Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high demand for broadband IP addresses in large retail stores with dynamic LCD shelf labels increases device costs and complicates wireless network management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an LCD shelf label system with narrowband and broadband communication modules, allowing dynamic allocation of IP addresses through a narrowband communication path for non-numerical updates and releasing them after use, reducing the need for broadband IP addresses and base stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the store deploys hundreds of dynamic LCD shelf labels with broadband communication, then the communication capability and data transmission speed are improved, but the demand for broadband IP addresses increases, leading to increased device cost and network management complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic IP address allocation where LCD shelf labels switch between narrowband and broadband communication modes based on data transmission needs. The system dynamically assigns broadband IP addresses only when non-numerical data update is required, and releases them after use, transforming the static broadband network into a dynamic hybrid network that adapts to actual communication demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication parameter from always-using broadband to conditionally switching between narrowband and broadband. By monitoring the type of data update (numerical vs. non-numerical), the system adjusts the communication mode and IP address allocation accordingly, optimizing network resource utilization.
2Quantity of substance
If the store adds more wireless Access Points to provide enough broadband IP addresses, then the IP address availability is improved, but the device cost and network management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the narrowband communication infrastructure serve multiple functions: it provides continuous communication for numerical data updates and also serves as the management channel for allocating and releasing broadband IP addresses. This multi-functional use of the narrowband network eliminates the need for additional broadband infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic IP address allocation and release through the narrowband communication channel. When non-numerical data update is detected, the server automatically assigns a broadband IP address to the target LCD shelf label; after data transfer, the IP address is automatically released back to the pool, eliminating manual network management interventions.
3Reliability
If the store uses public broadband network for all LCD shelf labels, then the communication stability is improved, but the demand for broadband base stations increases, leading to increased device cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication traffic into two types: numerical data updates transmitted through the stable narrowband network, and non-numerical data (multimedia files) transmitted through the broadband network. This segmentation allows each communication channel to be optimized for its specific data type, reducing overall broadband infrastructure requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides an LCD shelf label, an LCD shelf label system and a communication method therefor. The communication method includes: sending, by a server, a target IP address and a non-numerical information download address to a narrowband communication module of a first target LCD shelf label through a narrowband base station, so that a broadband communication module of the first target LCD shelf label establishes a broadband communication path with the server through a broadband base station according to the target IP address, and the first target LCD shelf label downloads non-numerical update information from the server through the broadband communication path according to the non-numerical information download address; and the server releases the target IP address into an IP management pool after the non-numerical update information is downloaded. Dynamically allocating limited IP addresses, the present disclosure may reduce the large demand for broadband IP addresses in a store without affecting the normal communication of the LCD shelf label, thereby reducing the demand for broadband base stations, which not only reduces the device cost of the store, but also brings convenience to the daily wireless network management.