Various types of Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) have their own functions and advantages. One of them is the e-paper ESL, which uses electronic paper technology to display.

E-paper ESL displays data such as prices, product names, barcodes, and even QR codes. This is also directly connected to the store's data center wirelessly, allowing for automatic updates of price changes, discounts, and new promotions from a distance.

This article explains e-paper ESL, starting with its definition, operations, and examples of applications.

What is E-paper ESL?

E-paper ESL is a type that uses electronic paper technology to display product price information. The labels display text and images without requiring electricity continuously, making them energy-efficient. Power is only used when there is a change in information.

Its paper-like appearance makes this type the most widely used in various retail stores. It is typically placed on everyday production shelves, including those for packaged foods, beverages, and household necessities. Its appearance is also pleasing to the eye and can be read clearly even in bright lighting or from an oblique angle.

How do They Work?

E-paper ESL works by using paper screen technology to display price information that is updated wirelessly from a control center. To produce the display, e-paper controls the movement of negatively charged black and white ink particles inside microcapsules using an electric field.

The particles move up or down inside the microcapsule when an electric field is applied. To display white, the white particles are transferred to the surface. To display black, the black particles are pushed to the surface.

The movement of these particles creates text and image patterns that resemble those found on printed paper. ESL does require electrical energy, but only when the information changes. The images displayed do not require power, as the screen is reflective.

The device enables wireless data updates via radio frequency (RF) technology, including Bluetooth, NFC, and WiFi. Data will be converted from the store's central network. Information converted from the server will be sent to the relevant ESLs. That way, data throughout the store will change automatically.

The Examples of Applications

Its ability to display prices automatically and quickly makes ESL e-paper a valuable tool in many sectors. Here are some examples of its use:

• Retail market: used to display product prices directly on shelves.
• Gas stations: Display fuel prices dynamically and quickly by adjusting to market changes.
• Logistics tracking: Monitor goods in real-time, providing good visibility and transparency.
• Pharmacies: Offering special treatment prices and product information more flexibly.

The Advantages

Here are the main advantages of ESL e-paper:

• Low power consumption: only uses power when there is a change in information.
• Readable even in sunlight: The screen is reflective, unlike LCD screens, which emit light.
• Wide viewing angle: The screen can be read from various angles without distortion.
• Paper-like display: Similar to paper with a more comfortable display that does not cause eye strain.
• Stays on even when the power is off: The screen remains on, independent of control, even when the power is off.

That's a brief overview of e-paper ESL, covering its definition, operations, and an example of application. This device will clearly provide benefits, including automatic price change, flexibility of use, and increased efficiency.