Electronic Price Label Near Field Command Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic price label systems face challenges with labor-intensive manual updates, potential for errors, and limitations in wireless systems due to power-saving modes and complex wirings.
Innovation Solution
The method involves reading the identifier of an electronic price label using a near field communication, allowing for simultaneous alignment and command transmission, reducing alignment time and ensuring immediate command delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual updating of price labels is used, then price information can be changed, but the process is labor-intensive and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (physically removing and attaching paper labels) with an automated electronic system. The electronic price label system allows central control units to remotely update price information on electronic displays, eliminating the need for manual label handling while maintaining operational simplicity through centralized management.
2Reliability
If wireline connections are used for electronic displays, then data transfer is reliable, but the system becomes complex and placement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the physical conductor connections from the electronic display system by implementing wireless communication. The electronic price labels use wireless data transfer to receive price information from central control units, eliminating the need for complex wiring infrastructure while maintaining reliable communication through wireless protocols.
3Device complexity
If wireless systems with transmitter-receivers are used, then wiring complexity is reduced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic communication cycles where electronic price labels wake up at predetermined intervals to receive price information from central control units, then return to sleep mode. This periodic activation pattern allows the system to maintain wireless connectivity and simplicity while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.
4Use of energy by moving object
If electronic price labels operate in power-saving mode, then energy consumption is minimized, but command delivery is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a periodic wake-up schedule where electronic price labels activate at predetermined intervals before potential price changes are needed. This preliminary action ensures that labels are awake and ready to receive commands at the right moments, minimizing delivery delays while maintaining low average power consumption through extended sleep periods between wake-up cycles.
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
This solution enables faster and more accurate transmission of commands to electronic price labels, reducing the time required for updates and minimizing errors, while also optimizing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
reading the identifier of an electronic price label by means of a near field, wherein a command is sent to the electronic price label by means of a near field
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic price label system, an apparatus and a method for managing an electronic price label, which electronic price label (103) comprises a display (102) and communication means. In the method, the identifier (101) in an electronic price label is read and, based on the read identifier, a command is sent to the electronic price label by means of a near field. The command can be an emptying command and/or extinguishing command for an electronic price label or it can be a command containing a new state and/or price.