Retail Display System Using Mirror Sensor Rerouting for Tablet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retail product displays are expensive, time-consuming to customize, and inefficient, often requiring bulky security devices that can be damaged or stolen, and do not provide a seamless augmented reality experience for consumers, limiting their interaction with products.
Innovation Solution
A computerized product display system using a movable display device, such as a tablet or smartphone, secured to a track that allows horizontal, vertical, or outward motion, equipped with sensors to recognize triggers on product cards, providing information and augmented reality renderings of products in real-time, allowing consumers to interact with products without the need for additional devices or complex software setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional security devices are used to secure products to displays, then product theft and damage are prevented, but the display becomes bulky, expensive, and difficult to customize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for physical security devices by extracting the security function into a digital/visual domain. The display shows security information and product details without requiring physical tethers, locks, or security apparatuses, thereby eliminating the bulk and complexity while maintaining security through monitoring and information display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copies and visual representations of product information on the display rather than physical security mechanisms. The display creates a virtual representation of the product and its security status, replacing the need for physical security devices with information-based security management.
2Reliability
If products are tethered to displays with security apparatuses, then product loss is reduced, but consumer interaction and mobility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tethering systems with a digital information system. Instead of using physical restraints to keep products with consumers, the system uses displays showing product information, pricing, and availability to manage product retention while allowing full consumer mobility and interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The display acts as an intermediary between the product and the consumer, providing information about product availability and security status without requiring physical connection. This mediator enables consumer interaction while maintaining product retention through information management rather than physical restraint.
3Reliability
If expensive security devices are installed to protect sensitive equipment, then theft and damage are prevented, but the cost and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, durable security devices with simpler, lower-cost display systems that provide security through information presentation. The display system is more economical to install and replace, providing adequate protection through monitoring and information display rather than expensive physical security apparatuses.
4Reliability
If traditional product displays are used, then products are securely displayed, but customization and reconstruction are time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic display system where product information, pricing, and security status can be changed electronically without physical reconstruction. The display adapts to different products and security requirements through software changes rather than physical reconfiguration, enabling rapid customization while maintaining security through the same hardware infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for use with a tablet computer type electronic device including a frontside having a touchscreen electronic display and a backside having a sensor that can be used to capture data from product cards or products positioned at one or more places on a display stand. The apparatus includes a frame to hold the tablet computer type electronic device. A first mirror is coupled to the frame at a first location adjacent to the sensor on the backside of the touchscreen electronic display when the frame is holding the tablet computer type electronic device. A second mirror is coupled to the frame at a second location offset from the first location. The first mirror and second mirror enable the sensor on the backside of the touchscreen electronic display to capture data from product cards or products when the data is adjacent to the second mirror.