User Manual of ESL (Electronic Shelf Label)

1. What is an Electronic Shelf Label solution?

The 2.4GHz Electronic Shelf Label solution consists of three components: an Electronic Shelf Label management system (ESL Software), a wireless Base Station/AP, and an Electronic Shelf Label. The system integrates with POS, ERP, CRM, or MCR systems of supermarkets. Customer database information is sent to the ESL management system, which then transmits it to the wireless base station via LAN. The base station communicates the content to the Electronic Shelf Label via Bluetooth LE, enabling real-time updates of commodity information.

The system architecture includes ERP/POS/CRM/MCR systems connecting to ESL Software, which facilitates data exchange with multiple shops via a router and Base Stations connected via LAN (PoE). Each Base Station communicates wirelessly with the Electronic Shelf Labels.

ESL Solution Benefits

• Wireless RFID technology for real-time updating of bulk price tags.
• Reduces labor costs and enhances profit growth in supermarkets.
• Minimizes paper waste and protects the environment.
• Improves operational efficiency and saves time.
• Enables timely synchronization of product information across multiple stores, both online and offline.
• Reduces error rates, customer complaints, and merchant compensation.

Key benefits illustrated with icons:

• Real-time update [dollar-sign]
• Cut Costs [money-bag-with-wings]
• Reduce Waste [no-entry-sign]
• High Energy Efficiency [money-bag]
• Online Shops [computer-screen]
• Low Error [check-mark-button]

3.1 Software Introduction

3.1.1 Software Product Matrix

Free test software:

• eDesigner 3.0 (For eRetail 3.0)
• Config Tool 3.0 (For Base Station)

Pay to use software:

• eRetail 3.0 (For multiple stores)
• eShop 3.0 (For single store)

A diagram shows the relationship between Config Tool 3.0, eDesigner 3.0 (free test software), eRetail 3.0, and eShop 3.0 (pay to use software).

3.1.2 Steps to deploy eRetail 3.0

The deployment process involves: Confirm customer data type → Deploy eRetail Software → Design Template → Electronic Label Display.

Data types to confirm include Excel, CSV, Word, XML, TXT, Database, WebAPI, Web Service, and JSON. The data interfacing method also needs to be confirmed.

3.1.3 Multiple Network Architectures Available

Local LAN Advantage: Faster and more secure information transfer. A diagram illustrates a local setup with a router, eRetail server, and multiple tags in Shop 1, connected via VPN to Shop 2.

Cloud Advantage: Product information can be updated anytime and anywhere, making multi-store management more convenient. A diagram shows a cloud-based eRetail system connecting multiple shops.

3.1.4 Advantages of Suny eRetail Server

• Server: Supports .NET 6.0, cross-platform (Windows, Linux, macOS), and Docker deployment.
• Client App: Supports Android 5.0+ and iOS 14.0+.
• Offers 100% customizable interface or UI support.

3.2 Introduction of Base Station

3.2.1 Base station Parameters

A diagram shows the base station with dimensions 190x190x39mm.

3.2.2 Base Station Characteristics

The base station supports:

• OTA (Over-the-Air) firmware upgrade.
• FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) technology to improve anti-interference and ensure 100% label update.
• POE technology for simplified wiring and cost savings.
• On-the-fly encryption for real-time data security.

A diagram illustrates these characteristics: OTA, Secure Transmission, 2.4GHz Frequency, FHSS, and POE.

3.2.3 Working principle and status of the base station:

Working principle:

1. After power on, the ARM processor initializes the network and wireless chips.
2. The Base Station enters a network receiving state, waiting for data from the server.
3. When tag data is available, the server sends it to the Base Station via the network.
4. The Base Station receives the data and transmits it to the corresponding tag wirelessly.

A diagram shows the interaction between Wireless Chip, ARM Processor, Network Module, Power Module, and Cable.

Base station status:

1. Power on: Screen displays "----" after connecting power and network cable.
2. Online: Screen displays "H-01" when the ESL software is running on the computer.
3. Communicating: Screen displays "C--01" while software sends data.
4. Communication completed: Screen returns to "H-01".

3.2.4 Base station control range:

• Connection method: TCP/IP (Private Protocol).
• Control area: Circle with a radius of 13-15m (43-50 ft), covering an area of 530-706m² (5705-7599ft²).

A diagram shows multiple APs (AP1, AP2, AP3, APn) covering a retail shelf area with specified radius and area coverage.

3.3 2.4GHz Electronic Shelf Label

3.3.1 Electronic Shelf Label Sizes & Parameters

Various ESL sizes are displayed with example price tags:

• 1.54inch
• 2.13inch
• 2.66inch
• 2.9inch
• 4.2inch
• 7.5inch
• 5.8inch
• 4.2inch(WF)

Examples include prices like $3.99, $1.99, $29.99, and $2.99, with product names like "NICK HEADPHONES", "ZHSUNY DIGITAL CAMERA", "Alina Wilson SALESMAN", "TRICHIURUS JAPONICUS", and "CREAM ICE CREAM".

3.3.2 2.4GHz Electronic Shelf Label Structure

The ESL comprises a front cover plate, e-ink display, PCBA board, battery, and back cover plate.

• Front cover plate: Made of 4H hardness acrylic, offering good anti-drop and anti-scratch characteristics.
• E-ink display: Features bistable characteristics, allowing information to be displayed after power failure, with low power consumption and clarity without backlight.
• PCBA board: Uses STMicroelectronics chips.
• Battery: High-performance batteries with a lifespan of ≥ 6 years.

Note: The waterproof label back cover plate is welded using ultrasonic machinery, and the battery is not replaceable. The 4.2-inch label is fully waterproof; other sizes are surface waterproof. Customization for full waterproof labels is available upon request.

3.3.3 ESL Characteristics

• Appearance: Thin and light design with an extremely narrow frame for a better visual experience. Bottom labeling design is simpler and more beautiful.
• Function:
• Information display: Supports multiple languages, graphics, text, and symbols.
• Temperature detection: Supports temperature sampling, readable by the system.
• Power detection: Each tag supports power sampling, readable by the system.

An illustration shows an ESL with features like "Edge is thinner", "Display Color: Black/White/Red", "Barcode Supported", "LED Light (7 Color)", "Multilingual, Pictures Supported", and "Unique ID No. At the bottom".

LED indicators support 3-color independent control lights with user-defined blinking frequency and color.

3.3.4 Accessories and Installation

Various accessories are available for installation:

• Desktop Holder
• Degree Clip
• Plastic Rail
• Hanger/Clip
• Ice Insertion
• Hanger Clip

Images show examples of these accessories in use with ESLs on products.

Note: The pictured accessories are regular options. For other needs, please contact the supplier.

FCC Statement

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

FCC Radiation Exposure Statement:

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and your body.