Shelf Edge Bus Interface for Multi-Device Power and Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bus systems are limited to operating with a single type of device, such as electronic displays using low-energy 'electronic ink' technology, and lack flexibility to accommodate a wide range of device types with varying functionalities and requirements.
Innovation Solution
A bus system with a supply device that provides device-type-specific power and communication, allowing identification and communication with multiple device types through a three-line configuration, using a temporary change of supply voltage to signal operating mode changes without additional data lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bus system is designed for a single device type with dedicated communication lines, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and system adaptability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The bus system is designed to support multiple device types (electronic displays, sensors, input units, image-capturing units) using a universal three-line interface. The supply device identifies connected devices and adapts communication protocols accordingly, allowing a single bus system to serve diverse functionalities without requiring dedicated communication lines for each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines power supply and communication functions into a single three-line bus system. The first two lines provide power supply while the third line handles communication, merging previously separate power and data channels into an integrated interface that reduces system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate communication lines are added to support multiple device types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
A single three-line bus interface serves multiple device types by combining power supply and communication functions. The supply device includes an identification unit that detects the connected device type and adapts the communication protocol accordingly, eliminating the need for separate communication lines for different device categories.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus system dynamically adapts its communication protocol based on the identified device type. The supply device switches between different communication modes (synchronized or unsynchronized) depending on whether the connected device is an electronic display, sensor, input unit, or image-capturing unit, allowing flexible operation without increasing physical line complexity.
3Reliability
If synchronized communication protocols are used for all devices, then communication coordination is improved, but energy consumption and device complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The communication protocol is dynamically selected based on device type identification. Electronic displays with low energy requirements can use unsynchronized communication to minimize power consumption, while other device types that require better coordination can use synchronized protocols. This dynamic adaptation allows each device to operate at optimal energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes communication parameters (synchronization state, protocol type) based on the identified device characteristics. The supply device adjusts communication timing and protocol selection according to the energy constraints and functional requirements of the connected device, enabling energy-efficient operation for low-power devices like electronic ink displays.
Data Source
AI summary
A bus system, a shelf edge strip bus system in particular, which comprises a first line for determining an electric reference potential, a second line for providing a supply voltage with a desired value in relation to the reference potential, at least one third line, preferably a single third line, for communication of signals and/or data, a supply device, which is electrically conductively connected to the lines and is designed for electric power supply as well as for communication supply of electronic devices which can be connected to the bus system, wherein the supply device is designed to supply different device types both with electric power and with communication, particularly in a device-type-specific manner.