LED Shelf Messaging for Retail Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing messaging systems fail to adequately consider the locations of individuals and are inadequate in personalizing messages, and they often rely on costly and effort-intensive GPS-based solutions for location tracking and security access.
Innovation Solution
A light-based messaging system that uses LED units with modulation controllers to broadcast location-specific and personalized messages, incorporating a central server and user interface for message selection and a receiving unit with a light sensor and processor for location tracking and security access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS-based systems are used for location tracking and messaging, then location accuracy is improved, but system cost and implementation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces GPS-based location tracking with an optical messaging system using LEDs and photodetectors. The system uses light-based communication to transmit location information and messages between devices, eliminating the need for GPS hardware and complex positioning algorithms. This substitution reduces system complexity while maintaining location awareness capabilities through optical signal exchange.
2Loss of information
If GPS-based systems are used for location tracking, then location information is obtained, but implementation effort and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional optical messaging system where LEDs serve both as illumination sources and communication transmitters. The same hardware components (LEDs, photodetectors, processors) handle multiple functions including location tracking, message transmission, and security authentication. This universality reduces implementation effort by eliminating the need for separate specialized hardware for each function.
3Reliability
If traditional password or biometric security systems are used, then security access is provided, but system complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a security system where users authenticate by optically receiving and verifying messages transmitted through the optical messaging infrastructure. The system uses the existing optical communication channels for both messaging and security purposes, eliminating the need for separate password managers, biometric scanners, or security tokens. Users simply receive optical messages that serve as their authentication credentials, reducing security system complexity while maintaining reliability.
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 precise location-based messaging, spatial tracking, and enhanced security without the costs and complexities of traditional GPS-based systems, providing effective message targeting and access control.
Implementation Method 1
each including at least one light source (e.g., light-emitting diode or LED)
Implementation Method 2
a messaging/modulation controller coupled to the light sources and configured to turn the light sources on and off so as to broadcast input digital messages
Implementation Method 3
a receiving unit that includes: (i) a light sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an in-store dual-mode communication system in which shelves are disposed within a commercial space. A server is coupled to the Internet and/or a wide-area network and is configured to send and receive communications. Also provided are light-based messaging units that are located on and/or attached to such shelves, each: 1) having a light source, 2) receiving a communication from the server, and 3) in response to receipt of such communication, turning the light source on and off so as to broadcast a digital message that was included within such communication, as a binary-encoded digital signal corresponding to on/off states of the light source. A user device: (i) receives, via its light sensor, and then decodes the binary-encoded digital signal from a light-based messaging unit in order to obtain the digital message that corresponds to it; and also (ii) communicates with the server via its wireless interface.