Transparent Display Case Tracking Usage Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retail display cases face limitations in additional point-of-sale advertising due to space constraints, and existing solutions do not effectively track or analyze the usage and effectiveness of advertising within these cases.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a CPU, door sensor, and internet/cellular connectivity in display cases to track and analyze usage by storing and transmitting data on image/video displays, allowing for energy efficiency and advertisement effectiveness assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If transparent LCDs are positioned in display cases for additional POS advertising, then advertising effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display case system integrates multiple functions into a single unit: temperature control, advertising display via transparent LCD, usage tracking via door sensors, and data transmission via network connectivity. This allows the system to simultaneously provide refrigeration, marketing, monitoring, and communication functions, resolving the contradiction by making the advertising feature part of a multi-functional system rather than a separate addition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate components such as microcontrollers, sensors, and communication modules that mediate between the transparent LCD and the control system. These intermediaries manage the complexity by providing standardized interfaces and abstraction layers, allowing the advertising function to be integrated without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
2Loss of information
If display cases equip tracking and analysis systems with CPU and network connectivity, then advertisement effectiveness assessment is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic data collection and transmission rather than continuous operation. The CPU and network connectivity are activated at intervals to collect usage data from sensors and transmit it to remote systems, rather than maintaining constant communication and processing. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption while still providing effective usage tracking and advertisement assessment capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The display case system performs self-monitoring and self-reporting of its usage patterns. The integrated sensors and CPU automatically track door openings, temperature variations, and advertising display performance without requiring external monitoring equipment. This self-service capability reduces the need for additional energy-consuming external systems while maintaining comprehensive tracking functionality
3Productivity
If door sensors and network transmission are implemented, then productivity of advertising optimization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback loops where usage data collected by door sensors is analyzed to determine the effectiveness of different advertising displays. This feedback is then used to automatically optimize future advertising content and timing. The network transmission component enables this feedback to be communicated to remote systems for advanced analysis and strategy development, improving advertising optimization productivity through data-driven decision making
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for tracking and analyzing consumption of consumer goods is provided. A transparent electronic display displays advertising content related to nearby consumer goods. A sensor detects whether any of the consumer goods have been selected by a customer. A CPU in electrical communication with the sensor and the transparent electronic display monitors the sensor and stores consumption data regarding the content displayed on the transparent electronic display when the sensor detects that any of the consumer goods have been selected.