Patent ID: 12236396

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various configurations and embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below. While specific implementations are described, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. Other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

The concepts and embodiments described herein are designed to automate and improve a process for updating information displayed by price labels. In this technology, the price labels include electronic shelf labels (ESL), which are configured to electronically display information such as a product price, product name, product description, and product-related promotional information. Each electronic shelf label may be an autonomous device suitable for attaching or fixing to products or shelfs in retail stores to inform customers about relevant product information and current price. The electronic shelf labels can receive data from and optionally transmit data to a central controller, which is configured to maintain current product information, store layout, and pricing data. The central controller is further configured to cause updating the electronic shelf labels such that they display renewed product information. The central controller can automatically and frequently update the information displayable by the electronic shelf labels in one or more retail stores. For example, the central controller can remotely cause electronic shelf labels associated with a certain product to update displayable information when the central controller determines that a price of the product is changed. Such an update can be performed as frequently as needed, for example, several times per day. Moreover, the central controller can update electronic shelf labels simultaneously in a plurality of retail stores.

According to the embodiments of this disclosure, the central controller is operatively connected to a plurality of electronic shelf labels through one or more optical emitters. The optical emitters are deployed on premises of retail stores such that they are in optical communication with one or more electronic shelf labels. When a price or description information of a certain product is to be changed, the central controller selects those electronic shelf labels which are associated with the product in one or more retail stores. The central controller determines what optical emitters can be in optical communication with the selected electronic shelf labels and causes these optical emitters to establish an optical one-way or two-way communication link to convey product data. Once received, the electronic shelf labels start displaying the product data or a portion thereof. The electronic shelf labels can also send a feedback signal to the optical emitters to inform, for example, that the product data was safely received. In some embodiments, the optical communication link between the optical emitters and electronic shelf labels can be encrypted to ensure that the product data or other information is securely transmitted. In addition, those skilled in the art would appreciate that the use of optical communication link does not require the electronic shelf labels to be wired and does not cause high power consumption by the electronic shelf labels.

The labels and prices may be changed in a dynamic fashion. For example, for a customer using “scan and go” it may be known what items a customer has in their cart. The price for other items the customer purchases may be varied based on what items are already in the cart, e.g. if a customer has tuna fish, they may be offered a different price for mayonnaise. Prices may also be varied in a dynamic manner based on the supply of the product, low supply+high demand=change in price.

For purposes of this disclosure, the terms “price label” and “electronic shelf label” can be used interchangeably and shall be construed to mean an electronic device with a display to display product-related information, including a product price, product description, and/or promotional message. The electronic shelf label is also configured to receive an optical signal and display information conveyed by the optical signal. The electronic shelf label can be attached or fixed on products, shelf edges, peg hooks, bins, hangers, or other places in a retail store.

The term “retail store” shall be construed to mean a store in which any variety of products may be purchased. Some examples of retail stores include, but not limited to, a brick-and-mortar store, supermarket, superstore, shopping mall, shopping plaza, grocery store, convenience market, one-stop shopping store, clothing store, service store, vending machine, kiosk, and the like. The term “product” shall be construed to mean a consumer good or service that can be sold and purchased in a retail store. The terms “product data” shall be construed to mean digital data conveying information associated with one or more products. For example, product data can include a price of a product, a product name, product description, product advertisement, product-related promotional information, and the like. The term “optical emitter” shall be construed to mean an electronic device configured to transmit an optical signal to one or more electronic shelf labels. In some embodiments, the optical emitter can be also configured to receive an optical signal from one or more electronic shelf labels.

Example embodiments and specific implementations are described below in detail as illustrations of the disclosure. While these embodiments and implementations are described, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. Other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. In addition, components, steps, and features described may be removed, added, or combined from the provided examples.

FIG.1illustrates premises of an example retail store100where a system and a method for remote controlling of electronic shelf labels can be employed. Particularly,FIG.1shows an aisle in retail store100with two shelving units105. Each shelving unit105includes a plurality of shelves110or other fixtures for arranging products115such as consumer goods. Products are associated with electronic shelf labels120, which can be attached to shelves110or products115. Electronic shelf labels120can be associated with certain coordinates designating their location at shelving units105or retail store100. For example, each electronic shelf label120can be assigned with a certain planogram location or planogram coordinates.

Further, each electronic shelf label120includes a display for displaying product data associated with a certain product115.FIG.1further shows an optical emitter125which can be arranged above shelving units105. For example, optical emitter125can be secured to a ceiling, walls or any other construction element of retail store100. Optical emitter125can be configured to establish an optical one-way or two-way communication link with one or more of electronic shelf labels120. In certain embodiments, optical emitter125sends data to or exchanges data with one electronic shelf label120selected from a plurality of electronic shelf labels120. The data can be sent using pulsed or modulated light signals within a visible or non-visible spectrum ranges. Thus, optical emitter125causes electronic shelf labels120arranged on shelving units105to update displayable product data by transmitting the optical signals.

FIG.2illustrates an example system architecture200for practicing the methods for remote controlling of electronic shelf labels120. As shown in this drawing, system architecture200includes a central controller205which is directly or indirectly connected to one or more optical emitters125. Central controller205can be coupled to optical emitters125via communications network210. Communications network210can refer to any wired, wireless, or optical network. Each optical emitter125can be in direct communication with one or more electronic shelf labels120via an optical communication link.

According to one example implementation, each electronic shelf label120includes a processor215configured to perform data processing, including processing of product data or optical signals. Further, electronic shelf label120includes a memory220for storing product data and processor-executable codes enabling electronic shelf label120to operate according to the methods of this disclosure. Electronic shelf label120also includes an optical communication module225configured to receive optical signals from optical emitter125. Optical communication module225can include a photodetector, photodiode, an optical receiver, and the like. In certain implementations, however, optical communication module225can be also configured to transmit certain optical signals, such as feedback signals, back to optical emitter125. In these implementations, optical communication module225may also include an optical transmitting device such as a laser, light-emitting diode (LED), and the like.

Electronic shelf label120also includes a display230such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or electronic ink (e-ink) display. Display230is designed to display at least a part of product data received through the optical signal from optical emitter125. Display230displays a renewed or updated product data as soon as it is received from optical emitter125.

Although not shown inFIG.2, electronic shelf label120can also embed one or more additional modules, including, for example, a battery, power supply module, communication bus, an input module, an output module, antenna, a radio module, housing, and so forth.

As illustrated inFIG.2, optical emitter125includes a network interface235configured to obtain product data and certain instructions from central controller205. Network interface can include, for example, Ethernet-type device or modem. Further, optical emitter125includes an optical communication module240configured to generate and transmit optical signals to one or more electronic shelf labels120. The optical signals transmitted between optical emitter125and electronic shelf labels120can include electromagnetic radiation of visible spectrum, infrared (IR) spectrum, or ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. In other words, the optical signals can have a wavelength selected in a range from about 10 nanometers to about 0.1 centimeter. The optical signals can be also modulated, coded, and encrypted, depending on an implementation. Accordingly, optical communication module240can include an optical transmitting device such as a laser, light-emitting diode (LED), and the like. In certain implementations, however, optical communication module240can be also configured to receive certain optical signals, such as the feedback signals, from electronic shelf labels120. In these implementations, optical communication module240may also include a photodetector, photodiode, or optical receiver.

Optical emitter125further includes a steering module245configured to rotate, tilt, steer, orient, or position either the entire optical emitter125or optical communication module240of optical emitter125. For example, steering module245can include one or more servomotors or actuators to cause either optical emitter125or optical communication module240to rotate, tilt, or steer in order to direct an optical signal generated by optical communication module240towards one or more selected electronic shelf labels120. Thus, optical emitter125is designed to establish an optical communication link with certain selected electronic shelf labels120within retail store100such that separate product data packets (signals) can be individually sent to only those electronic shelf labels120which are placed near products115related to the product data packets. Steering module245can be also configured to cause optical emitter125or optical communication module240to rotate, tilt, or steer in order to direct the optical signal towards one selected electronic shelf label120excluding other electronic shelf labels120.

Still referencing toFIG.2, central controller205includes a processor250for processing product data and executing certain steps of the methods disclosed herein. Central controller205further includes a memory255for storing product data and store layout data such as a planogram. Memory255can also include processor-executable codes, which when executed by processor250, cause central controller205to perform certain steps of the methods for controlling electronic shelf labels120. Central controller205can also include a network interface260configured to transmit product data and certain instructions to one or more optical emitters125. Network interface260can include, for example, Ethernet-type device or modem. Overall, central controller205can be implemented as a computer device such as a personal computer, server, network device, or workstation.

Central controller205can be deployed inside or outside of retail store premises. For example, central controller205can be a server located remotely to retail store100and it can be configured to enable users, such as product managers, to remotely control, manage, or otherwise supervise electronic shelf labels120, planograms, and the like. For these ends, central controller205can perform a web service or provide an online platform, such as one available via a website, which the users can access to and program electronic shelf labels120.

FIG.3illustrates a process flow diagram showing an example method300for remote controlling of electronic shelf labels120according to one embodiment. Method300may be performed by processing logic that may comprise hardware (e.g., decision-making logic, dedicated logic, programmable logic, application-specific integrated circuit, and microcode), software (such as software run on a general-purpose computer system or a dedicated machine), or a combination of both. In one example embodiment, the processing logic refers to central controller205as described above. Below recited operations of method300may be implemented in an order different than described and shown in the figure. Moreover, method300may have additional operations not shown herein, but which can be evident for those skilled in the art from the present disclosure. Method300may also have fewer operations than outlined below and shown inFIG.3.

Method300commences at operation305with central controller205receiving store layout data of retail store100and product data associated with retail store100. The store layout data provides information concerning placement or location of products on premises of one or more retail stores100. For example, the store layout data includes one or more planograms. The term “planogram” shall be construed to mean a visual representation of placement, organization, layout, or location of products within a retail store. A planogram can be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional diagram or model showing the placement of products on a fixture. Thus, a planogram describes or is associated with one or more shelving units105and/or one or more shelves110. The product data associated with retail store100includes at least pricing information of at least one product arranged or to be arranged in retail store100according to the store layout data or planogram. The product data can also include a product name, product description, and promotional information. Hence, the product data is associated with the store layout data. In some implementations, the product data can include a new or updated price of one or more certain products.

At operation310, central controller205selects at least one optical emitter125based at least in part on the store layout data, the product data, and a predetermined rule. Further, central controller205causes the selected optical emitter125to generate and emit at least one optical signal towards at least one selected electronic shelf label120based at least in part on the store layout data, the product data, and the predetermined rule. For these ends, central controller205can transmit the product data and instructions to the selected optical emitter125, where the instructions are based on the store layout data or planogram. The instructions direct the selected optical emitter125to generate and send the optical signal to selected electronic shelf labels120. The instructions can further cause steering module245to steer, rotate, tilt, orient, or position the selected optical emitter125or optical communication module240of selected optical emitter125such that the optical signal is sent directly from selected optical emitter125to selected electronic shelf label120excluding other non-selected electronic shelf labels120.

The optical signal can be generated and sent to selected electronic shelf label120on a regular (periodic) or non-regular basis. For example, the optical signal is sent to selected electronic shelf label120in response to central controller205obtaining a new price of a certain product115. In another example, the optical signal is sent to selected electronic shelf label120based on a predetermined time schedule (e.g., hourly, twice a day, daily, weekly, etc.).

When the optical signal is received by electronic shelf label120, the optical signal can be translated, decrypted, interpreted, or otherwise processed to retrieve the product data. Further, electronic shelf label120displays at least a portion of the product data retrieved from the optical signal. For example, electronic shelf label120displays a new price of the product.

In certain embodiments, electronic shelf label120can generate and send a feedback to optical emitter125. The feedback is designed to inform optical emitter125that the optical signal has been successfully received. In addition, the feedback may indicate successful change of displayable information by at least one of electronic shelf labels120. The feedback can be sent as a second optical signal, but not necessarily. Optical emitter125can transform the second optical signal received from electronic shelf label120into an electronic signal or digital data, and send the same to central controller205. Accordingly, at operation315, central controller205obtains the feedback or its derivative from at least one electronic shelf label120and through optical emitter125. In other words, central controller205obtains feedback data from a plurality of electronic shelf labels120.

FIG.4illustrates an example computer system400which can be used to perform the method processing merchandise shipping as disclosed herein. Computer system400can be an instance of at least one of central controller205and optical emitter125. Computing system400includes one or more processors410, one or more memories420, one or more data storages430, one or more input devices440, one or more output devices450, network interface460, one or more optional peripheral devices, and a communication bus470for operatively interconnecting the above-listed elements. Processors410can be configured to implement functionality and/or process instructions for execution within computing system400. For example, processors410may process instructions stored in memory420or instructions stored on data storage430. Such instructions may include components of an operating system or software applications.

Memory420, according to one example, is configured to store information within computing system400during operation. For example, memory420can store instructions to perform the methods for processing merchandise shipping. Memory420, in some example embodiments, may refer to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or a computer-readable storage device. In some examples, memory420is a temporary memory, meaning that a primary purpose of memory420may not be long-term storage. Memory420may also refer to a volatile memory, meaning that memory420does not maintain stored contents when memory420is not receiving power. Examples of volatile memories include RAM, dynamic random access memories (DRAM), static random access memories (SRAM), and other forms of volatile memories known in the art. In some examples, memory420is used to store program instructions for execution by processors410. Memory420, in one example, is used by software applications or mobile applications. Generally, software or mobile applications refer to software applications suitable for implementing at least some operations of the methods as described herein.

Data storage430can also include one or more transitory or non-transitory computer-readable storage media or computer-readable storage devices. For example, data storage430can store instructions for processor410to implement the methods described herein. In some embodiments, data storage430may be configured to store greater amounts of information than memory420. Data storage430may be also configured for long-term storage of information. In some examples, data storage430includes non-volatile storage elements. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, solid-state discs, flash memories, forms of electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable memories, and other forms of non-volatile memories known in the art.

Computing system400may also include one or more input devices440. Input devices440may be configured to receive input from a user through tactile, audio, video, or biometric channels. Examples of input devices440may include a keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball, touchscreen, touchpad, microphone, video camera, image sensor, fingerprint sensor, or any other device capable of detecting an input from a user or other source, and relaying the input to computing system400or components thereof.

Output devices450may be configured to provide output to a user through visual or auditory channels. Output devices450may include a video graphics adapter card, display, such as LCD monitor, LED monitor, or organic LED monitor, sound card, speaker, lighting device, projector, or any other device capable of generating output that may be intelligible to a user. Output devices450may also include a touchscreen, presence-sensitive display, or other input/output capable displays known in the art.

Computing system400can also include network interface460. Network interface460can be utilized to communicate with external devices via one or more communications networks such as data network210or any other wired, wireless, or optical networks. Network interface460may be a network interface card, such as an Ethernet card, an optical transceiver, a radio frequency transceiver, or any other type of device that can send and receive information.

An operating system of computing system400may control one or more functionalities of computing system400or components thereof. For example, the operating system may interact with the software or mobile applications and may facilitate one or more interactions between the software/mobile applications and processors410, memory420, data storages430, input devices440, output devices450, and network interface460. The operating system may interact with or be otherwise coupled to software applications or components thereof. In some embodiments, software or mobile applications may be included in the operating system.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. Various modifications and changes may be made to the principles described herein without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.