Electronic Shelf Label Action Triggering for Incorrect Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic shelf labels (ESLs) in supermarkets can be inadvertently or deliberately removed from their intended positions, leading to incorrect display of product information, causing confusion for customers and personnel.
Innovation Solution
An electronic shelf label system with a detector unit, such as a photodiode, proximity sensor, tilt sensor, or time-of-flight sensor, autonomously detects incorrect positioning and changes the image content without server intervention, using a long-term energy storage device and communication module for wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ESLs continue to display previously defined image content after being moved, then the display function is maintained, but customer confusion and misunderstandings occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the ESL's positioning status before displaying image content. The detector unit checks whether the ESL is correctly positioned on the shelf edge strip before the display unit shows product information. If incorrect positioning is detected, the system prevents display or shows a different indication, thereby avoiding customer confusion before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the detector unit to continuously monitor the ESL's position and provide real-time information to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the display content based on this feedback - showing product information only when correctly positioned, and displaying alternative content or no content when incorrectly positioned, thus maintaining display accuracy and preventing customer confusion.
2Measurement precision
If server intervention is used to detect incorrect positioning, then positioning accuracy can be verified, but system complexity and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by equipping each ESL with an integrated detector unit that autonomously detects its own positioning status. The detector unit, controlled by a control unit within the ESL itself, determines whether the ESL is correctly positioned on the shelf edge strip without requiring external server intervention. This self-detection capability reduces system complexity while maintaining positioning detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the positioning detection function into independent components within each ESL - specifically, a detector unit with light-receiving elements that can independently assess positioning status. This segmentation allows each ESL to operate autonomously in detecting its position, reducing the need for centralized server-based detection and thereby lowering overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ESLs are removed from intended positions, then they can be relocated, but incorrect product information is displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by checking the ESL's positioning status before allowing product information to be displayed. The detector unit verifies correct positioning on the shelf edge strip prior to the display unit showing product information. When an ESL is relocated to an incorrect position, this preliminary check prevents inaccurate product information from being displayed, thereby maintaining information accuracy while preserving relocation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the display content adaptive to the ESL's positioning status. The control unit dynamically adjusts what is displayed based on real-time detection data - showing product information when correctly positioned and alternative content or no content when incorrectly positioned. This dynamic response maintains information accuracy regardless of whether the ESL has been relocated.
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 system effectively and efficiently adjusts the display content to correct positioning issues, reducing customer confusion and energy consumption by autonomously detecting and responding to incorrect placement without requiring continuous server communication.
Implementation Method 1
the detector unit comprises a photodiode
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic shelf label, which comprises:a display unit, which is designed for displaying image content, anda communication module, which is designed for wireless communication for the purpose of receiving image data, which represent the image content, and for transferring the image data to the display unit, whereina detector unit is provided, which is designed for detecting an incorrect positioning, which differs from a desired positioning, of the electronic shelf label, and for outputting an action signal when the incorrect positioning is detected, wherein the detector unit comprises a photodiode, and whereinthe electronic shelf label is designed to change the image content when the action signal is present.