DE102012209941A1 - The goods label - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a goods management system, in particular a system for displaying and changing information to goods carriers in stores and warehouses. The system consists essentially of a central computer, an open radio network and at least one electronic goods label, wherein the at least one product label is realized with e-paper. The system also has special electronics with a switch that can receive, process, store and visualize the radio data on the label.

Description

The invention relates to a goods management system, in particular a system for displaying and changing information to goods carriers in stores and warehouses. The system consists essentially of a central computer, an open radio network and at least one electronic goods label, wherein the at least one product label is realized with e-paper. The system also has special electronics with a switch that can receive, process, store and visualize the radio data on the label.

In the field of commodity management, efforts have been made for a long time to provide systems that allow the data of a commodity label attached to a shelf, commodity or other suitable location to be changed from a central computer. Thus, information can be changed at the POS (point-of-sale) without the staff having to change, pasting over or otherwise manipulating the goods label at the respective positions. Since the systems require the most energy-efficient mode of operation, in today's known systems, the commodity labels are put into a sleep state most of the time in which they consume little or no energy. From this sleep state they wake up after a predetermined period of time. Then changes can be made to the display. This sleep phase can take a few seconds to several days.

From the DE 197 30 051 A1 a device and a method for displaying prices and article designations on goods carriers is known in which information can be changed on an electronic label from a control center. For unambiguous assignment of the electronic product label to the product on the shelf, the ID number belonging to the label or the corresponding bar code is adhered to the electronic label or impressed unmistakably and unchangeably in the production of the label in this. The description of the product associated with the label is usually produced by printed paper labels. Electronically changeable are only the price-relevant data of the label. A label is always assigned to a product, when changing the product or the ID number of the product, a new label must be affixed, the old affixed product description must be removed and the new one affixed.

From the EP 1 110 136 B1 is a smart electronic label known with electronic ink. The label consists of a support on which the electronic ink is disposed and one or more activating layers for activating the electronic ink, which include one or more display layers. Furthermore, the label has at least one antenna layer and a processor layer. The label may display information readable by a human or a machine. The transmission of the data to be displayed is carried out by a central computer via an activation module to the electronic label. Transmission from the computer to the activation module may be via a standard cable, wireless network, optical fibers or radio signals.

It is an object of the invention to provide a goods management system in which the product label can be activated immediately at the POS.

This object is achieved by a system according to claim 1.

According to the invention, a system is provided with which current information can be displayed and changed on merchandise labels in stores and warehouses, the system having at least one central computer for inputting, storing, correcting and sending goods-relevant data, and at least one electronic merchandise label which displays information, which are sent to him by the central computer. The data transmission takes place via an open radio network, via which data are transmitted from the central computer to an electronic system. The received radio data can be received, processed, stored by the electronics, and made visible on the at least one merchandise label, wherein the at least one electronic merchandise label is realized with e-paper.

The product label further comprises a switch, preferably a miniature magnet switch, with which it can be woken up by the staff from the sleep phase by means of a magnet, so that information about warehousing, orders, planned price changes or actions, etc. from the central computer accessed and timely, preferably immediately, can be displayed on the product label readable.

To turn on and off the product label a simple permanent magnet can be sufficient. When the permanent magnet is moved over the product label, its magnetic field causes the magnetic switch of the product label, which is in the sleep state or wake-up state, to switch in a timely manner, thereby promptly, preferably immediately, waking the product label and connecting it to the central computer, and vice versa.

In preferred embodiments, the magnetic switch is a multiple switch, that is, to a switch which can be placed in a plurality of switching positions, wherein in each of the switching positions, other information can be retrieved from the central computer.

The multiple switch can be actuated by moving the permanent magnet once, twice or more times across the product label. Thus, a first switching position can be effected by a first movement of the permanent magnet on the product label in which, for example, the inventory is displayed. If the permanent magnet is moved twice over the product label, a second switching position is reached in which, for example, ordering information can be queried. When the permanent magnet is moved three or more times over the product label, for example, information about the delivery time, the manufacturer, the environmental compatibility, alternative products, etc. can be queried.

Since carrying a permanent magnet can disturb other electronic devices, such as mobile phones, or erase electronic data on bank, insurance or other cards, a kind of remote control can be carried instead of the permanent magnet, with an electromagnet, which activates by pressing a button, for example can be. This can for example have the size of a car key. The strength and orientation of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet can be chosen so that the selected magnetic switch, for example, from a distance of 10cm to 50cm can be operated without the same time more goods labels are switched with magnetic switches in the immediate vicinity.

As an alternative to a magnetic switch, a miniature switch can also be provided, which is switched by, for example, ultrasound or light pulses. However, such solutions require a receiver for receiving and processing the switching signals and are therefore less suitable for installation in a product label. In addition, this incurs additional costs, which represents a considerable disadvantage in tens of thousands of product labels per store.

The product labels may be attached to a goods or storage shelf, a product itself or another suitable location. Preferably, the goods label at the POS (point-of-sale) are attached. The labels shall at least indicate the description of the goods, the current price and the EAN code or any other identification code identifying the goods. Additional information, such as the trademark, labeling special offers or other promotions, etc. can also be displayed on the product label. In this case, all information can be made in black and white or white and black or the product label may be suitable for a two or more color representation.

E-paper, for example, consists of a substrate layer with a reflective electrode, lithographically constructed pixel walls and E-ink, consisting of charged, colored or white pigments in a liquid, as well as an upper electrode and a cover layer. When voltage is applied, the pigments change position and dark or white pixels form.

E-paper reflects the light like normal paper. Texts or images are permanently displayed without the need for a sustain voltage. However, the ad can be changed at a later time. Electronic paper can be flexible like ordinary paper. Also versions in glass are available. The electronic paper combines the advantages of computer screen and paper. Compared to conventional screens used for TV and graphics, it offers the following advantages: the image content looks the same from every angle due to the small distance between the imaging elements and the surface; the static display does not cause any flicker; it is very thin, light and possibly flexible; the e-paper can be made in all sizes and shapes; it takes little energy to generate and maintain the display, since only changing the image content (paging) requires a flow of current; it is readable in both normal room light and bright sunshine, since the imaging elements are reflective and the resolution is very high (greater than 100 DPI).

To display the information to be displayed, each product label preferably has an active matrix and an electronics or an electronic module, which is preferably permanently or detachably connected to the product label. The product label thus enables a high-resolution reproduction of the received data.

Instead of each merchandise label each having an electronic module, several merchandise labels can also be jointly controlled and activated by an electronic module. For example, in one department store, one electronic module can be provided per shelf level or, in the case of small shelves, one electronic module per shelf. In the control of more than one product label by an electronic module, the goods label are connected to the electronics via a kind of leased line, for example, a fiber optic cable or a conventional cable, and each product label has a unique identifiable identification. The line can for Example be part of a holding rail for the goods etiquette or be formed by this. In both cases, it must be ensured that the customer who takes a product off the shelf can not touch any conductive part.

From the electronics can then be specifically addressed a single product label, several goods labels can be controlled, for example, sequentially to change information on the product label. Preferably, more than one product label can be controlled simultaneously by an electronic module, particularly preferably all product labels connected to the electronic module can be actuated simultaneously.

The connection between the electronic module and the product label can also be wireless. For example, the electronic modules can pass on the data to the respective product label via a short-range radio network. In this case, the tasks of an electronic module can be taken over in case of total failure of the nearest electronic module or several adjacent electronic modules whose radio range extends to the goods affected by the failure product labels. In this case, the sub-radio networks can be planned from the outset so that a product label always lies at least in the radio range of at least two electronic modules.

In a department store or warehouse, several electronic modules will always form the electronics of the system. Each of the electronic modules is connected or connectable directly or via gateways to the central computer. In addition, the electronic modules can all be interconnected via the open wireless network, so that the individual electronic modules can communicate with each other. Thus, failures of functions of electronic modules can be taken over by intact electronic modules.

By means of the electronic modules, for example, receive data from the central computer, checks the plausibility of the received data (for example, by comparing the target address with an actual address contained in a memory of the electronics or the commodity label) and the received signals for playback on the Goods labels are processed.

After the data has been checked and processed, the electronics or electronic module passes the data on to the product label, at the same time the product label is connected to a power source so that the change can be made on the product label.

After a successful change of the product label, the electronics can receive a confirmation signal from the product label, whereupon the power supply to the product label, or if the product label itself has a power source, for example a battery and / or a photovoltaic panel, is interrupted again in the product label. If the product label does not have its own power source, then it is preferably powered by a power source of the electronic module with the power that is necessary to change the display.

Each of the electronic modules preferably has at least one memory in which at least the data currently reproduced on the product label or the product labels are stored. Furthermore, information may be stored in the memory that allows the information on the goods label (s) to be automatically changed by the central computer without further signals, for example at a specific time or according to a specific time pattern. The latter function can be used, for example, to promote sales, the information for certain products, such as fresh baked goods, at a certain hour, the so-called happy hour, automatically changed.

Advantageously, the electronics control the functionality of the product label and generate an alarm in the central computer if it detects a fault.

Are known electronic modules with a rigid carrier. Preferably, the carriers consist of a flexible, that is, non-bending-resistant material, for example a suitable plastic, to which the electronics are preferably printed. In this case, the electronic modules are preferably smaller than the product label, with smaller width and length, so that the electronics can be mounted in total behind the product label and is not visible to the customer. The thickness of the electronic modules is preferably less than 10 mm, preferably less than 8 mm and particularly preferably less than 6 mm.

The electronic modules may preferably be connected on-site to the product label, for example a garment in which the product label is visible on the outside of the clothing and the electronics module is connected to the product label via at least one needle-shaped connection. In this case, the electronic module can additionally include the function of an alarm generator which triggers an alarm when the item of clothing or another product with the product label is removed from the sales area. That is, when the merchandise label and the electronics module are mobile as a module, the electronic module Further functions, such as the aforementioned alarm function or a function that facilitates the finding of the goods (for example, a flashing or audible signal or in valuable goods passive GPS-Ortbarkeit) take over.

The radio network is preferably an open radio network. The use of open networks according to the ZigBee standard is known. These networks are specifically designed for the use of maintenance-free wireless switches and sensors with limited power supply (eg by battery) in hard-to-reach areas, where the replacement of batteries is very difficult. By means of the network, the central computer and the goods label or electronic modules can be connected in the short-range range (10 to 200 meters).

It is known to those skilled in the art that a significant advantage of an open wireless network according to the ZigBee standard over technologies such as Bluetooth, WLAN, GSM / GPRS / UMTS, Power over LAN and Ethernet for device networking is that the radio network can have numerous nodes be interconnected, so that numerous paths the nodes network with each other (mesh networking)). The connections between the nodes can be dynamically and optimally updated by means of intelligent built-in networking routines, preferably automatically. The ZigBee standard represents a stack of protocols (stack), which according to the OSI model on the in the IEEE 802.14.5 specified OSI sublayers PHY and MAC.

Mesh networks are, by nature, decentralized networks. When nodes drop out of the network, the network topology allows the connection paths of the remaining nodes to be reconfigured based on the network structure. This network topology and instant connectivity feature provides great stability with changing network conditions or individual node failure. In addition to mesh networks, network topologies such as point-to-point and point-to-multipoint can be supported.

The benefits of a ZigBee-standard network include: reliability and self-healing, support for a large number of nodes (up to 65,000), quick and easy network setup, DSSS, very long battery life due to low consumption, low latency , Security of the network (128-bit AES encryption), low cost, the possibility of worldwide deployment, the ability to cooperate with other products and the independence of certain products and suppliers.

In an open radio network both direct and indirect addressing is possible. For direct addressing, a node (electronic module) and an end point (product label) are specified. A node can serve several endpoints. For example, each node provides 255 endpoints, many of which are reserved for specific tasks. For the application logic, the endpoints 1 to 240 are provided. Endpoint 255 is reserved for broadcasts to all endpoints. The endpoints 241 to 254 are reserved for later special tasks, endpoint 0 for administrative tasks.

In indirect addressing, the coordinator (e.g., the central computer) allocates short addresses. When connecting a node to a network, it logs in to the coordinator and receives an address. The coordinator places the short address with the associated MAC address in a table in its memory. If a node wants to communicate with another, a request is first sent to the coordinator, who forwards it to the respective receiver node. This information about the logical connection of nodes is called Binding. The coordinator creates an entry for each logical connection in the binding table. This makes managing the network much easier and more flexible. New device features can be added quickly or replaced by one-time binding.

Preference is given to the use of an ATDSN radio network, as for example in the JP 3170566U is known. ATDSN describes a system for driving commodity labels by radio, in which the system can put the individual commodity label in a sleep state and a wake-up state, and only the commodity label can receive signals that were previously put into the waking state. As a result, less data must be transmitted, which reduces the risk of data collisions. ATDSN avoids the construction of "mesh networks" for throughput and energy saving reasons. If one parent node (router) fails, there are two healing methods. In the first method, the substitute node is predefined according to the ATDSN method and the time-consuming search for a suitable substitute node is eliminated. In the second method, the best receivable network node (router) is selected at the end of each sleep phase, so that any failures of a network node are automatically remedied. It is advantageous that ATDSN consumes even less power than, for example, the above-mentioned ZigBee standard wireless network.

The further reduction of power consumption is achieved by the fact that not all product labels are in a standby mode at all times, waiting for new messages. Instead, the commodity labels are basically kept in a deep sleep state in which they can not receive information from the central computer.

If there is now information that a certain product label should be changed, this is possible as soon as the product label wakes up from the "sleep state" and reports to the computer with a corresponding wake-up message. Also, the commodity label may receive a wake-up signal via the above-described "magnetic switch" or the like, so that it is transferred from the sleep state to the standby state and transmits a corresponding wake-up message to the computer. In the standby state, the product label can receive and / or process information.

This means that it almost can not happen that all product labels are in standby mode at the same time. However, only these commodity labels can receive and / or transmit information while the other commodity labels remain in a non-communicative sleep state. As a result, less information is simultaneously on the wireless network, which makes the wireless network more stable and reduces the power consumption of the individual product label.

In addition, the system may include a portable reader that reads information from the merchandise labels and sends it to the central computer via an open wireless network. This is, for example, a barcode reader or similar device used to read out other information (such as a best before date or a production batch number) that may not be visible to the customer on the product label and send it to the central computer via the wireless network can. In the case of recall actions of a manufacturer, it can be ascertained so quickly whether there is product on the shelf of the relevant production batch which has to be removed from the rack.

The device may also be capable of sending both read (for example barcode) and manually entered data to the central computer. For this purpose, in addition to the scanner, the device has an input device, for example a keyboard as in the case of the telephone, with which numbers or other information can be entered and stored together with the scanned barcode in the computer for the corresponding product. The device is preferably not larger than a modern mobile phone so that it can be easily carried by the staff in the bag. Spontaneous ideas during a tour can be recorded centrally, the inventory can be carried out quickly and efficiently, it can easily be checked whether an outgoing product is still in stock or already ordered, etc. The device can also provide the mobile phone option, so that the user can always make telephone inquiries.

It is advantageous if by means of the device via the wireless network can also be acted directly on the goods label. Direct means here without the detour via the central computer. In this case, the device can preferably connect itself directly to the electronics or the corresponding electronic module, preferably, and the operator can then, for example, directly change information on the label, whereby he sees the change directly and can possibly rectify it. Thus, the operator on site, if he sees that a special item is almost sold out, can change the price to get rid of the rest of the special item. For example, he can extend the term of an ongoing action or write remarks "only today" or "two for the price of one" on the product label if such an action occurs to him during a tour of the store. The changes are then transmitted from the electronics to the central computer, so that a complete logging of all processes takes place and possible price changes are implemented via the central computer promptly or simultaneously in the cash registers.

Instead of the electronics reporting the changes to the central computer, the device can also be connected simultaneously via the corresponding electronic module to the goods label and to the central computer via a radio link. The changes that are input to the electronic module are transmitted at the same time to the central computer. An adjustment between the electronics and the central computer can then take place automatically at a later time.

The reproduction of the information on the product label can be done in black and white or white and black, but preferably the reproduction can be done in two or more colors. The font and graphics can be displayed colorfully and / or the background can appear in different colors. For example, the background for special promotions may be red.

Especially when it comes to highlighting special actions for the consumer, the product label can be switched back and forth between a bright reproduction mode and a darkened reproduction mode by means of the electronics, so that a blinking effect is generated. Alternatively, you can run the display in the manner of a treadmill on the product label.

An electronics module may further include a sound generator that can be used to generate sounds at the POS to attract the attention of the purchaser. Also, under the control of the electronics module, for example, a typical fragrance may be dispensed, for example, at the coffee shelf to encourage the customer to buy.

In the following, the invention will be clarified with reference to an embodiment. The features disclosed in the exemplary embodiment advantageously continue to form, individually or in any combination of features, the subject-matter of the claims and also the embodiments described above. Show it:

1 : a product label made of e-paper,

2 : Block diagram of a product label,

3 : Construction principle of a system according to the invention.

1 shows a product label according to the invention. The product label 1 consists of e-paper and is controlled by an electronic module, not shown. All on the product label 1 The information shown is generated by the electronic module and can therefore be changed independently. This applies to the description of the goods, the quantity, the price, the EAN code and the additional indication that this is an action.

The information on the product label 1 are displayed permanently without the need for an energy supply. Only if information on the product label 1 energy is needed and consumed. This energy can either be supplied by an energy source, for example a battery, that is firmly attached to the product label 1 connected or integrated into this, or the energy can the goods label 1 if required, for example, be supplied from the electronic module. The batteries, especially the batteries, the product label 1 have, during normal use of the product label 1 a lifetime of up to 10 years or more. Empty batteries of the product label 1 or the electronics module can be changed, but at least those in the product label are preferred 1 integrated batteries are not user replaceable, so in this case with an empty battery the whole product label 1 must be replaced.

The representations on the product label 1 can be done in black-white or white-black, but it can also colors are displayed, if this is useful, for example, to highlight a particular action or if a mark must be displayed in colors. If you want to switch from the normal pure white-black or black-and-white reproduction to a colored reproduction, the product label is preferred 1 Exchanged locally, as the cost of a product label 1 with the possibility of color representations are higher. For this purpose, for example, the product label 1 removed from the electronics and another product label 1 be replaced. Instead, a unit of goods label that can not be separated, for example, can also be used 1 and electronics module are exchanged at the POS.

The 2 shows a block diagram of the product label 1 , The product label 1 has a display 2 out of e-paper and comes with the electronics module 3 connected. The electronics module 3 has a battery in the example shown 4 that the electronics module 3 energized and that can also provide the energy needed to display information 2 to change a store 5 in which at least the on display 2 as well as the address of the product label 1 are stored, as well as an antenna 6 , with the product label 1 with the free wireless network 11 connected or connectable to. That is, the electronics module 3 of the 2 can transfer data over the free wireless network 11 receive and send the display 2 power and store and process relevant data. In the electronic module 3 For example, it can be checked whether the target address of the incoming data with the actual address of the commodity label 1 matches. The received data can then be converted and displayed 2 be displayed.

Finally, the product label indicates 1 another switch 12 on, with which it can be awakened directly from a sleep state at the POS. At the switch 12 In the exemplary embodiment, this is a magnetic switch, more precisely a miniature magnetic switch, which is in the circuit of the product label 1 is implemented. The magnetic switch 12 can be switched on and off by the staff directly at the POS with a permanent magnet or a remote control with an electromagnet, by moving the permanent magnet over the product label or the electromagnet generating a magnetic force field, which causes the switching operation. At the switch 12 It can also be a multiple switch, which wakes up first the commodity label and then the query several information from the computer 7 allows.

The product label 1 can by means of the switch 12 are actively returned to the sleep state, preferably, however, it goes automatically to sleep state, if about a certain period, for example five minutes, no information requested and no further switching by means of the switch 12 respectively.

3 shows the construction principle of a system according to the invention for displaying current information on a product label made of e-paper. The system has a central computer 7 and one with the calculator 7 associated or connectable coordinator 8th for the open radio network 11 on. The computer 7 and the coordinator 8th can also be realized in one device. From the coordinator 8th will be in the calculator 7 generated or stored data over the open radio network 11 to one or more routers 9 from where they are sent via the open wireless network 11 , a sub-radio network or another preferably wireless connection to the individual goods label 1 or their not shown electronic module are forwarded. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, a goods shelf 10 hinted at two levels I . II and has two areas A, B in each plane. Each area A, B of each of the levels I . II is ever a router 9 assigned to all of the product labels existing in this level area 1 controls. The router 9 in the area A can eg in case of interference of the router 9 in area B its product label 1 take over and control. This is also possible vice versa. Each of the goods labels 1 in the goods shelf 10 has according to the invention a switch 12 on, in each of the illustrated goods label 1 is indicated by the engraved rectangles.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 The goods label

2

 display

3

 electronic module

4

 battery

5

 Storage

6

 antenna

7

 mainframe

8th

 coordinator

9

 router

10

 goods shelf

11

 Wireless Network

12

 switch

A

Area 1

B

Area 2

I

level 1

II

level 2

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 19730051 A1 [0003]
• EP 1110136 B1 [0004]
• JP 3170566 U [0035]

Cited non-patent literature

• IEEE 802.14.5 [0030]

Claims (10)

A system for displaying up-to-date information on goods carriers in warehouses and warehouses, the system comprising: a) a central computer ( 7 ), which is suitable for entering, storing, correcting and sending goods-relevant data, b) a plurality of electronic goods labels ( 1 ), which displays information that the central computer ( 7 c) an open radio network ( 11 ), through which the electronic goods labels ( 1 ) optionally in a sleep state in which a transmission of data from the central computer ( 7 ) is not possible or a standby state in which the electronic goods label ( 1 ) with the central computer ( 7 ), are displaceable and via which at least data from the central computer ( 7 ) to the electronic goods label ( 1 ), and d) an electronic device which is equipped with the at least one product label ( 1 ) is connected or connectable and receives, processes, stores and displays the radio data on the product label ( 1 ), e) the at least one electronic product label ( 1 ) is realized with e-paper, characterized in that f) the goods label a switch ( 12 ) by means of which it can be woken up from the sleep state by an operator at the POS. The system of claim 1, wherein the switch ( 12 ) is a magnetic switch, which is provided by the operator with an operating device ( 13 ), which has a permanent magnet and / or an electromagnet and a battery, is switchable. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switch ( 12 ) is a multiple switch. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operator information eg on the inventory, delivery periods, batch sizes and other information call and on the product label ( 1 ) can spend. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the product label ( 1 ) has an active matrix in cooperation with the electronics, a high-resolution playback of the received data on a display ( 2 ) of the product label ( 1 ). System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the on the product label ( 1 ) for the customer visibly reproducible data at least include the description of the goods, pricing information, special information, graphics, logos and the EAN code. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises a portable reader, with the aid of which information from the merchandise labels ( 1 ) and via a wireless network to the central computer ( 7 ) are sparked. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronics consist of several electronic modules ( 3 ), each of the electronic modules ( 3 ) directly or via gateways to the central computer ( 7 ) is connected or connectable. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that always at least two electronic modules (routers) are defined as mutual failure protection, and in each case the one or a remaining intact / s electronic module ( 3 ) the tasks of the defective electronic module ( 3 ) takes over. System according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that each product label ( 1 ) one electronic module each ( 3 ) or multiple merchandise labels ( 1 ) together each have an electronic module ( 3 ) assigned.

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