Shelf-Edge Imaging Module for Customer-View Shelf Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems for shelves, such as cameras suspended from ceilings, face challenges with power supply wiring, aesthetics, accessibility, and inaccurate image capture that does not reflect customer visibility, leading to high installation and maintenance costs and inefficient image acquisition.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device integrated into a shelf support that includes an optical sensor on its front side, allowing it to capture images from a customer's perspective, powered by the same infrastructure as electronic shelf labels, and easily removable and repositionable, using wireless communication with existing protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If cameras are suspended from ceiling, then imaging coverage is achieved, but power supply wiring becomes complex and aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless power and data transmission system. The imaging device communicates with the external system via wireless signals (WiFi, Bluetooth, or other wireless protocols), eliminating the need for physical power cables and data wires running from the ceiling to the camera. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining imaging coverage while removing the complex wiring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: image capture, wireless communication, power management, and potentially electronic shelf label functionality. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate wiring systems for power and data transmission, as the device handles multiple tasks through wireless protocols, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full imaging coverage.
2Reliability
If cameras are suspended from ceiling, then imaging is performed, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is designed to be dynamically repositionable and reconfigurable. It can be easily moved along the shelf support structure and adjusted to different angles and positions without requiring complex installation procedures. This dynamic design allows maintenance personnel to access and replace devices simply by detaching them from the shelf mount, dramatically reducing installation and maintenance costs while ensuring continuous reliable imaging function.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is segmented into modular components: the imaging device itself, the shelf support structure with receiving section, and the wireless communication interface. This segmentation allows the imaging device to be independently replaced or upgraded without affecting the overall system, reducing maintenance costs and improving ease of manufacture while maintaining reliable imaging functionality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cameras are placed behind pillars or in false ceiling, then customer visibility is improved, but accessibility for maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is positioned in a different spatial dimension compared to traditional ceiling-mounted or pillar-hidden cameras. By mounting the device on the front-facing shelf support structure at customer eye level, the system achieves both aesthetic integration (the device blends with the shelf design) and easy accessibility (the device is readily accessible from the front). This dimensional relocation resolves the contradiction between aesthetic concealment and maintenance accessibility.
4Measurement precision
If generic cameras are used, then imaging is achieved, but images do not match customer perception of shelf layout
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is specifically optimized for shelf imaging with localized quality features: the optical sensor is positioned and angled to capture the exact field of view that matches customer perception of the shelf layout. The device includes adjustable mounting mechanisms and optical parameters tailored to the specific geometry of retail shelves, ensuring high measurement precision for shelf layout documentation without requiring complex multi-camera systems or post-processing corrections.
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
The solution provides accurate customer-facing images, reduces installation and maintenance costs, maintains aesthetic appeal, and simplifies power and data communication, while being easily accessible and adaptable to shelf layouts.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor configured to acquire an image of articles and electronic shelf labels (ESLs) on the shelf
Implementation Method 2
The imaging device is configured to be removable from the shelf support. The imaging device may be activated by a wireless signal received from an external device.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an imaging device for a shelf support on a shelf edge and comprising a receiving section configured to receive electronic labels, the imaging device comprising a back side configured to be removably fitted in the receiving section, a front side opposite to the back side, an optical sensor 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.