Electronic Shelf Label Positioning Using UWB Shelf Power Anchors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic shelf label systems rely on static anchor points for location determination, which becomes ineffective when shelving units are moved, leading to inaccurate or useless location results if not manually corrected.
Innovation Solution
The method uses dynamic anchor points, such as contactless energy supply devices on shelf edge strips, employing ultra-wideband wireless communication to determine the position of these devices relative to access points, allowing for precise location determination of electronic shelf labels regardless of shelving unit repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If static anchor points (shelf labels) are used for location determination, then the system is simple to implement, but the location accuracy deteriorates when shelving units are moved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static anchor points to dynamic anchor points. The supply devices mounted on movable shelving units serve as dynamic reference points that move with the shelves. This allows the location determination system to automatically adapt to reorganized store layouts without requiring manual repositioning of anchor points, thus maintaining high location accuracy while keeping the system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces supply devices as intermediary elements between the shelving units and the location determination system. These supply devices carry identification data and serve as mediators that enable the access points to determine the location of shelf labels indirectly through the known positions of the supply devices, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and location accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If manual correction of shelf label positions is performed after moving shelving units, then location accuracy can be maintained, but the loss of time increases due to manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling automatic detection and correction of position changes. When shelving units are moved, the supply devices on these units automatically communicate their new positions to the access points through ultra-wideband communication. The system then automatically updates the location data without requiring manual intervention, thus maintaining high location accuracy while eliminating time loss associated with manual corrections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where supply devices continuously report their positions to access points. This real-time feedback allows the system to automatically detect and correct position changes, maintaining location accuracy without manual intervention and eliminating the time loss that would otherwise be required for manual position updates.
3Measurement precision
If individual shelf labels are used as anchor points, then location precision can be high, but the device complexity increases due to reliance on static configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes supply devices universal by equipping them with multiple functions: they serve as both energy supply devices for shelf labels and as dynamic anchor points for location determination. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity because the same hardware component performs multiple roles, eliminating the need for separate static anchor point infrastructure while maintaining high location precision.
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 approach enables efficient and accurate location determination of multiple shelf labels by focusing on the dynamic position of supply devices, allowing for automatic orientation and position narrowing down of shelf labels, even when shelving units are reorganized, thus improving the reliability and speed of the locating process.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic supply device which is located on the shelf edge strip and is designed for contactless energy supply to the at least one shelf label
Implementation Method 2
determining the position of the electronic supply device in relation to the access points of known location using ultra-wideband wireless communication between the access points and the supply device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for locating an electronic shelf label with an unknown location, in particular in the form of an electronic shelf label display, of an electronic shelf labelling system, wherein the system comprises a number of access points with known locations, which are positioned in different positions at a distance from a shelf, wherein the shelf has at least one shelf edge strip and wherein one of the shelf edge strips has at least one electronic shelf label that is designed such that it can be contactlessly supplied with power, and an electronic power supply device located on the shelf edge strip and designed for contactlessly supplying the at least one shelf label with power, wherein the method comprises the following method steps: determining the position of the electronic supply device in relation to the access points with known locations using an ultra-wide-band radio communication between the access points and the power supply device.