CA2207631A1 - Electronic price information system - Google Patents
Electronic price information systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA2207631A1 CA2207631A1 CA 2207631 CA2207631A CA2207631A1 CA 2207631 A1 CA2207631 A1 CA 2207631A1 CA 2207631 CA2207631 CA 2207631 CA 2207631 A CA2207631 A CA 2207631A CA 2207631 A1 CA2207631 A1 CA 2207631A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- display
- data
- transmission
- labels
- price
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
- G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K17/00—Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
- G06K17/0022—Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations arrangements or provisious for transferring data to distant stations, e.g. from a sensing device
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
- Development Economics (AREA)
- Finance (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Strategic Management (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
- Marketing (AREA)
- General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Economics (AREA)
- Game Theory and Decision Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Control Of Indicators Other Than Cathode Ray Tubes (AREA)
- Cash Registers Or Receiving Machines (AREA)
- Display Racks (AREA)
Abstract
The invention concerns an arrangement for displaying product and price data by means of electronic display labels (3), the arrangement comprising: a computer (9) with a memory for storing the product and price data in conjunction with the address of the display label (3) associated with the product; at least one input unit for inputting the product and price data; a plurality of display labels (3) with an electronically controllable display area, a transceiver unit for transmitting data, and solar cells for the power supply; a transmission unit (5) which transmits the product and price data from the central computer (9) to the transceiver units of the display labels (3) and receives confirmation signals for logging the transmission of data; and at least one price-output unit, in particular an electronic cash register (10). In order to synchronize and segment the data communication, the arrangement is provided with further additional transmission units (5) each comprising a local computer with a local data memory.
Description
~ ~ CA 02207631 1997-06-12 ELECTRONIC P~ICE INFORMATION SYSTEM
Field of the Invention This invention relates to a sysl:em for displaying product and price data~ and more particularly to a computerized electrol~ic price information system for displaying product and 5 price data using individually addressable electronic display labels in communication with a central computer in which data representing the product and price information is stored.
Background of the Invention Known computerized electronic price information systems typically use a central computer 10 having a data memory for storing product and price data of individual products in conjunction with the address of the display label associated with that product. This central computer works in connection with a plurality of display labels, each of which typically has at least an electronically controllable display area, a transceiver for receiving and sending data transmissions using electromagnetic signals, and solar cells as a power supply.
A tr~n.~mi.c.~ion unit transrnits and receives electromagnetic signals between the central computer and the display labels. The tr~n.smi~sion urlit typically has a unit for transmitting the product and price data from the central computer to the transceivers of the display labels and a unit for receiving col~llalion signals and for logging the data tr~n.~mi.~sion. Typical computerized price information systems also generally include at least one input unit for entering 20 product and price data in the central computer, and at least one price output unit, such as an electronic cash register. An example of a computerized electronic price information system of this type is disclosed, for example, in Gerrnan Patent Application DE 40 34 193 A1.
- ~=
~ CA 02207631 1997-06-12 Computerized electronic price information systems of this type are especially suited for displaying price and product information in large supermarkets or warehouses, in which more than 10,000 di~le--~ articles may be offered. Such price information systems ensure that the prices associated with the individual products on the sales racks are identical to the prices calculated at 5 the cash register. When the products are marked with paper labels, this is or~y possible at considerable expense, and frequently the information available to the cashiers is not, or is no longer, the same as the price information on the price label.
In the computer-controlled price information system described above, when a product price is r.h~nge~, it is merely necessary to enter the corresponding information in the central 10 computer using the input unit, which transmits the il~.,laLion through the tr~n.cmi.ccion unit to' the transceivers of the individual display labels, which then display the corrected price. At the same time, the price output units, for example the cash registers, calculate the updated price so that a~er the product-related data is entered (by a keypad or by a bar code reader for example) at the cash register, the price displayed at the point where the goods are located is called up from the 15 central computer and calculated by the cashier. This avoids unpleasantness and irritation on the part of customers when the price on the label turns out to be too low.
The term "central computer" in this context may include any suitable electronic data processing unit, and is not limited exclusively to any individual computer unit. Thus the central computer can be formed, for example, of a network consisting of several computers that can act 20 as a data processing unit to access the components of all the computers.
During the last ten years, several patent applications have been filed for various developments related to computer-controlled price information systems, (~_, e.g., EP 0 604 382 I ~ CA 02207631 1997-06-12 A2, DE 35 34 652 Al, and DE 37 31 852 Al). As mentioned above, an example of a computerized electronic price information systems is disclosed, for exarnple, in German Patent Application DE 40 34 193 Al. In addition to the generally provided components of a computer, an input unit, a tr~n~mic.~ion unit, and display labels having transceivers for communication with S the tr~n~mi~cion unit, as well as a price output unit (cash register), this application discloses a price information system in which the display labels are provided with solar cells. The solar cells convert ambient light, for example the light from illl~min~tion in the store, into electrical energy to operate the display labels. As a result, no batteries are need to be replaced in the display labels or recharged by connecting them to power lines, resulting in a considerable labor savings. With 10,000 di~elent display labels within a price inforrnation system, even with a battery lifetime of more than one year, more than 25 batteries must be replaced on the average each day. The use of solar cells allows this battery replacement to be completely avoided.
In electronic price information systems, as a rule, the price and product data are tr~n.~mitted to the display labels while the supermarket or warehouse is closed. At this time, individual logging inquiries test the display labels for their functionability. With 10,000 display labels for 10,000 di~èlelll products, if a communication time of about 5 seconds per display label is required, the total time required will be approximately 50,000 seconds, or almost 14 hours. In particular, if complications occur or if the central computer is required for other applications (bookkeeping, stoclct~kin~, etc.), temporary problems may occur in communicating with the 20 display labels. In addition, communication can be impeded by poor radio contact between the tr~n.~mi.~sion unit and individual display labels located at a distance. Error-free signal tr~n.~mission is ensured by concl-1ctin~ a complete radio log, but poor tr~n.~mi.ssion quality can considerably ~ r CA 02207631 1997-06-12 prolong tr~n.~mi~.cion times.
Accordingly, it would be nice to have a system for displaying product and price data by means of mdividually addressable electronic display labels, in which the reliability of the tr~n.~mis.cion of the data to the display labels is increased and the amount of time required for data 5 tran.~mi.s~ion is reduced.
SUMMARY OF 1~ INYENTION
According to one aspect of this invention, an electronic price information system includes tr~n.cmic~ion units which serve to establish data communication with a subgroup of display labels 10 within a locally limited section. Each ofthe tr~n~mi~ion units transmits and receives electromagnetic signals using di~lellL frequencies. Preferably, each ofthe tr~n.smic~ion units also includes a local computer with a local data memory to thereby form an "intelligent" tran.cmi~.sion unit.
When a plurality of intelligent tr~n.cmicsion units is provided, each of which has a local 15 computer with a local data memory, the computing time of the central computer required for tr~n.cmitting the data to the display labels is considerably reduced. The tr~n.emi.~sion units are connected directly to the central computer, as a rule through a computer network (LAN = Local Area Network), so that data tr~n~miscion from the central computer to the tranemi.s~ion units can be performed at a very high tran.cmi.~sion rate. The considerably slower radio data tr~n.cmi.~.sions to 20 the transceivers of the display labels as well as the logging of the data tr~n.cmi.~.~ions is thus performed in parallel by the computers in the various tr~n.cmiscion units. During this time, the computing power of the central computer can be utilized for other tasks, as required.
-J ~ CA 02207631 1997-06-12 In order for data tr~nemie.eion through the tr~nemi.e.eion units to occur in parallel, each tran.qmi.e.sion unit transrnits signals on di~lellL frequencies that do not interfere with one another.
Each tr~n.emi.e.eion unit is deeigned to communicate with a subgroup of display labels within a locally limited section, so that there are no excessively long distances between the transceivers of 5 the display labels and the associated tr~n.emi.e.eion units. By limiting the tr~n.emie.sion distance and benefitting from the associated increase in reception quality, the time required for data communication with all of the display labels is reduced as well.
Preferably, data communication with the display labels also takes place while the store is open. In this case, the tr~n.emi.q.eion power of the tr~nqmiesion units should be reduced so that they 10 produce only weak electromagnetic fields and the customers who are in the store are subjected to only a slight amount of radiation from these fields (electro-smog).
Bar code readers are especially suitable for entering product data into the central computer because bar code readers pick up product information ple~ Led on the product packages in the form of bar codes. Bar code readers can be used both when the product data and 15 price data are initially entered into the central computer and also for repeated output of product and price data at the cash register.
In addition, a manual input device, comprising for example a portable keyboard with an LCD screen, can be provided with which m~ml~lly-entered data can be tr~nsmitte~ through one of the tr~nemi.eeion units to the central computer. A manual input device of this kind makes it 20 possible to transmit numerical data for taking inventory, for example, indicating the numbers of products on the shelves.
In addition, at least one manual input device can be provided with which data can be ~ ~ CA 02207631 1997-06-12 tr~n.qmitted to the display labels on the spot, in other words directly at the shelves and tables.
Thus, an employee can enter price changes not only at the central computer but also on the sales floor as well. These revised price data are then picl~ed up by the tr~n.qmiq.eion unit during data communication between the tr~n.qmiqqion unit and the transceiver ofthe display label and then 5 tr~n.~mitte~ to the central computer.
In one advantageous embodiment of the display labels, solar cells are located behind the display area, which mainly includes an LCD display that is lldns~al el.L to light. In this case, an additional area for locating the LCD display can be ~limin~ted and the display label can be made very compact. These display labels with a sandwich design have proven to be extremely handy and 10 advantageous, not only for use in price information systems.
The price il~lnl~lion system can be provided with a variety of display labels whose signal tr~nqmic.qion frequencies each correspond to the signal tr~n.smiq.qion frequency of a given tr~n.qmi.s.sion unit. Alternatively, unii~orm display labels with adjustable signal tr~n.qmis.qion frequencies can be provided, with the frequency of the associated tr~n.qmi.q.qion unit being set for 15 each display label.
In order to ensure that the display labels remain functional even if they are not exposed to light, each display label should be provided with a rechargeable energy storage device in which the electrical energy produced by the solar cells is stored. The energy storage device should be as stable over time as possible, in other words it should have a long lifetime. An especially suitable 20 energy storage device is a c~pacitor with a very high capacitance, like those sold for example under the name "Gold Caps," with c~pacit~nces of up to one farad.
, ' ~ CA 02207631 1997-06-12 BRrEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The pl ef~ed embodiments of the present invention will now be described more specifically with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 shows a s~hem~tic side view of one embodiment of the system according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of the embodiment of the system shown in Fig. 1;
and Figure 3 is a top view of a salesroom in which the system in which the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 1 is used.
DESCRIPIION OF l~ Pl~EFERRED EMl~ODIMENTS
As shown in Figure 1, racks 1 for products are each provided with three shelves 2 stacked one above the other, however the number of shelves in each rack may vary upon the particular application and on the desires of the store owner. Display labels 3 for displaying the individual product data and product prices are fastened to the fronts of shelves 2.
Above the ceiling 4 of the salesroom, a plurality of tr~n.smis.~ion units 5 are shown, each of which includes a computer with a database and a transceiver for data communicatlon. An ant~nn~
6 is connected to each of the transceivers of tr~n~mi.~.sion unit 5, the antçnn~ being covered by a shell-shaped covering 7.
The tr~n.cmi.~.~ion units 5 shown in Figure 1 are connected via coaxial cable 8 with central computer 9 of the price i~ lion system. However, any other known tr~n.~mi.c.sion cables or data links for LANs (Local Area Networks) are also suitable for data tr~n.cmi~sion between the ~ CA 02207631 1997-06-12 computers of tr~n.~mi.c.sion units 5. ~oreover, a cash register 10 is connected with the central computer 9 by the coaxial cable 8.
A plurality of display labels 3 are located within the tr~n.cmi~.sion patterns of antennas 6 of tr~n.~mi.~.cion units 5, indicated by the dashed lines. Each display label 3 has an individual address S so that data tr~n.~mi.s.cion from the central computer 9 via tr~n.smi.~.cion units 5 can be conducted individually with each display label 3. However, it is also possible, for example by entering a group address, to address all of display labels 3 in a tr~n.cmi.~.cion unit 5 or all of display labels 3 associated with the electronic price information system if necessary.
The individual components of the electronic price illro~ ion system shown in Figure 1 can be seen in the diagram in Figure 2. The central computer 9 is connected by a computer networlc (LAN) 8 with a plurality of tr~n.cmi.~.~ion units 5, each of which likewise include a computer, as well as with a plurality of cash registers 10, only one of which is shown.
Communication between the central computer 9 and display labels 3 of the price information system takes place via radio signals tran~mitted by ~n~nn~.c 6.
Display labels 3 each comprise a transceiver (not shown) for communication with individual tr~n.~mi~.~ion units 5. Additional components of these display labels 3 include an electronically controllable display area 11, preferably an LCD display, as well as a plurality of solar cells 12 to supply power to the display labels.
The illustrated price information system functions as follows:
(1) data groups are entered into a database in central computer 9, which contains at least the following information: product data; price data; address of display label; address of associated tran~mi.~sion unit.
' ~ CA 02207631 1997-06-12 (2) The data is tr~n.cmitted to the computers of tran.cmi~.sion units 5, and each tr~n~mi.~.~ion unit 5 transmits the appropriate price and product data to display labels 3 with the corresponding addresses. The display labels 3 send back confirmation signals to the tr~n.cmi.csion units, for example, using an asynchronous protocol. Both the original tr~n.cmi~ion to the display labels 3 5 and the confirmation signals are logged by the computer of tr~n.~mi~.~ion units 5.
Field of the Invention This invention relates to a sysl:em for displaying product and price data~ and more particularly to a computerized electrol~ic price information system for displaying product and 5 price data using individually addressable electronic display labels in communication with a central computer in which data representing the product and price information is stored.
Background of the Invention Known computerized electronic price information systems typically use a central computer 10 having a data memory for storing product and price data of individual products in conjunction with the address of the display label associated with that product. This central computer works in connection with a plurality of display labels, each of which typically has at least an electronically controllable display area, a transceiver for receiving and sending data transmissions using electromagnetic signals, and solar cells as a power supply.
A tr~n.~mi.c.~ion unit transrnits and receives electromagnetic signals between the central computer and the display labels. The tr~n.smi~sion urlit typically has a unit for transmitting the product and price data from the central computer to the transceivers of the display labels and a unit for receiving col~llalion signals and for logging the data tr~n.~mi.~sion. Typical computerized price information systems also generally include at least one input unit for entering 20 product and price data in the central computer, and at least one price output unit, such as an electronic cash register. An example of a computerized electronic price information system of this type is disclosed, for example, in Gerrnan Patent Application DE 40 34 193 A1.
- ~=
~ CA 02207631 1997-06-12 Computerized electronic price information systems of this type are especially suited for displaying price and product information in large supermarkets or warehouses, in which more than 10,000 di~le--~ articles may be offered. Such price information systems ensure that the prices associated with the individual products on the sales racks are identical to the prices calculated at 5 the cash register. When the products are marked with paper labels, this is or~y possible at considerable expense, and frequently the information available to the cashiers is not, or is no longer, the same as the price information on the price label.
In the computer-controlled price information system described above, when a product price is r.h~nge~, it is merely necessary to enter the corresponding information in the central 10 computer using the input unit, which transmits the il~.,laLion through the tr~n.cmi.ccion unit to' the transceivers of the individual display labels, which then display the corrected price. At the same time, the price output units, for example the cash registers, calculate the updated price so that a~er the product-related data is entered (by a keypad or by a bar code reader for example) at the cash register, the price displayed at the point where the goods are located is called up from the 15 central computer and calculated by the cashier. This avoids unpleasantness and irritation on the part of customers when the price on the label turns out to be too low.
The term "central computer" in this context may include any suitable electronic data processing unit, and is not limited exclusively to any individual computer unit. Thus the central computer can be formed, for example, of a network consisting of several computers that can act 20 as a data processing unit to access the components of all the computers.
During the last ten years, several patent applications have been filed for various developments related to computer-controlled price information systems, (~_, e.g., EP 0 604 382 I ~ CA 02207631 1997-06-12 A2, DE 35 34 652 Al, and DE 37 31 852 Al). As mentioned above, an example of a computerized electronic price information systems is disclosed, for exarnple, in German Patent Application DE 40 34 193 Al. In addition to the generally provided components of a computer, an input unit, a tr~n~mic.~ion unit, and display labels having transceivers for communication with S the tr~n~mi~cion unit, as well as a price output unit (cash register), this application discloses a price information system in which the display labels are provided with solar cells. The solar cells convert ambient light, for example the light from illl~min~tion in the store, into electrical energy to operate the display labels. As a result, no batteries are need to be replaced in the display labels or recharged by connecting them to power lines, resulting in a considerable labor savings. With 10,000 di~elent display labels within a price inforrnation system, even with a battery lifetime of more than one year, more than 25 batteries must be replaced on the average each day. The use of solar cells allows this battery replacement to be completely avoided.
In electronic price information systems, as a rule, the price and product data are tr~n.~mitted to the display labels while the supermarket or warehouse is closed. At this time, individual logging inquiries test the display labels for their functionability. With 10,000 display labels for 10,000 di~èlelll products, if a communication time of about 5 seconds per display label is required, the total time required will be approximately 50,000 seconds, or almost 14 hours. In particular, if complications occur or if the central computer is required for other applications (bookkeeping, stoclct~kin~, etc.), temporary problems may occur in communicating with the 20 display labels. In addition, communication can be impeded by poor radio contact between the tr~n.~mi.~sion unit and individual display labels located at a distance. Error-free signal tr~n.~mission is ensured by concl-1ctin~ a complete radio log, but poor tr~n.~mi.ssion quality can considerably ~ r CA 02207631 1997-06-12 prolong tr~n.~mi~.cion times.
Accordingly, it would be nice to have a system for displaying product and price data by means of mdividually addressable electronic display labels, in which the reliability of the tr~n.~mis.cion of the data to the display labels is increased and the amount of time required for data 5 tran.~mi.s~ion is reduced.
SUMMARY OF 1~ INYENTION
According to one aspect of this invention, an electronic price information system includes tr~n.cmic~ion units which serve to establish data communication with a subgroup of display labels 10 within a locally limited section. Each ofthe tr~n~mi~ion units transmits and receives electromagnetic signals using di~lellL frequencies. Preferably, each ofthe tr~n.smic~ion units also includes a local computer with a local data memory to thereby form an "intelligent" tran.cmi~.sion unit.
When a plurality of intelligent tr~n.cmicsion units is provided, each of which has a local 15 computer with a local data memory, the computing time of the central computer required for tr~n.cmitting the data to the display labels is considerably reduced. The tr~n.emi.~sion units are connected directly to the central computer, as a rule through a computer network (LAN = Local Area Network), so that data tr~n~miscion from the central computer to the tranemi.s~ion units can be performed at a very high tran.cmi.~sion rate. The considerably slower radio data tr~n.cmi.~.sions to 20 the transceivers of the display labels as well as the logging of the data tr~n.cmi.~.~ions is thus performed in parallel by the computers in the various tr~n.cmiscion units. During this time, the computing power of the central computer can be utilized for other tasks, as required.
-J ~ CA 02207631 1997-06-12 In order for data tr~nemie.eion through the tr~nemi.e.eion units to occur in parallel, each tran.qmi.e.sion unit transrnits signals on di~lellL frequencies that do not interfere with one another.
Each tr~n.emi.e.eion unit is deeigned to communicate with a subgroup of display labels within a locally limited section, so that there are no excessively long distances between the transceivers of 5 the display labels and the associated tr~n.emi.e.eion units. By limiting the tr~n.emie.sion distance and benefitting from the associated increase in reception quality, the time required for data communication with all of the display labels is reduced as well.
Preferably, data communication with the display labels also takes place while the store is open. In this case, the tr~n.emi.q.eion power of the tr~nqmiesion units should be reduced so that they 10 produce only weak electromagnetic fields and the customers who are in the store are subjected to only a slight amount of radiation from these fields (electro-smog).
Bar code readers are especially suitable for entering product data into the central computer because bar code readers pick up product information ple~ Led on the product packages in the form of bar codes. Bar code readers can be used both when the product data and 15 price data are initially entered into the central computer and also for repeated output of product and price data at the cash register.
In addition, a manual input device, comprising for example a portable keyboard with an LCD screen, can be provided with which m~ml~lly-entered data can be tr~nsmitte~ through one of the tr~nemi.eeion units to the central computer. A manual input device of this kind makes it 20 possible to transmit numerical data for taking inventory, for example, indicating the numbers of products on the shelves.
In addition, at least one manual input device can be provided with which data can be ~ ~ CA 02207631 1997-06-12 tr~n.qmitted to the display labels on the spot, in other words directly at the shelves and tables.
Thus, an employee can enter price changes not only at the central computer but also on the sales floor as well. These revised price data are then picl~ed up by the tr~n.qmiq.eion unit during data communication between the tr~n.qmiqqion unit and the transceiver ofthe display label and then 5 tr~n.~mitte~ to the central computer.
In one advantageous embodiment of the display labels, solar cells are located behind the display area, which mainly includes an LCD display that is lldns~al el.L to light. In this case, an additional area for locating the LCD display can be ~limin~ted and the display label can be made very compact. These display labels with a sandwich design have proven to be extremely handy and 10 advantageous, not only for use in price information systems.
The price il~lnl~lion system can be provided with a variety of display labels whose signal tr~nqmic.qion frequencies each correspond to the signal tr~n.smiq.qion frequency of a given tr~n.qmi.s.sion unit. Alternatively, unii~orm display labels with adjustable signal tr~n.qmis.qion frequencies can be provided, with the frequency of the associated tr~n.qmi.q.qion unit being set for 15 each display label.
In order to ensure that the display labels remain functional even if they are not exposed to light, each display label should be provided with a rechargeable energy storage device in which the electrical energy produced by the solar cells is stored. The energy storage device should be as stable over time as possible, in other words it should have a long lifetime. An especially suitable 20 energy storage device is a c~pacitor with a very high capacitance, like those sold for example under the name "Gold Caps," with c~pacit~nces of up to one farad.
, ' ~ CA 02207631 1997-06-12 BRrEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The pl ef~ed embodiments of the present invention will now be described more specifically with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 shows a s~hem~tic side view of one embodiment of the system according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of the embodiment of the system shown in Fig. 1;
and Figure 3 is a top view of a salesroom in which the system in which the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 1 is used.
DESCRIPIION OF l~ Pl~EFERRED EMl~ODIMENTS
As shown in Figure 1, racks 1 for products are each provided with three shelves 2 stacked one above the other, however the number of shelves in each rack may vary upon the particular application and on the desires of the store owner. Display labels 3 for displaying the individual product data and product prices are fastened to the fronts of shelves 2.
Above the ceiling 4 of the salesroom, a plurality of tr~n.smis.~ion units 5 are shown, each of which includes a computer with a database and a transceiver for data communicatlon. An ant~nn~
6 is connected to each of the transceivers of tr~n~mi.~.sion unit 5, the antçnn~ being covered by a shell-shaped covering 7.
The tr~n.cmi.~.~ion units 5 shown in Figure 1 are connected via coaxial cable 8 with central computer 9 of the price i~ lion system. However, any other known tr~n.~mi.c.sion cables or data links for LANs (Local Area Networks) are also suitable for data tr~n.cmi~sion between the ~ CA 02207631 1997-06-12 computers of tr~n.~mi.c.sion units 5. ~oreover, a cash register 10 is connected with the central computer 9 by the coaxial cable 8.
A plurality of display labels 3 are located within the tr~n.cmi~.sion patterns of antennas 6 of tr~n.~mi.~.cion units 5, indicated by the dashed lines. Each display label 3 has an individual address S so that data tr~n.~mi.s.cion from the central computer 9 via tr~n.smi.~.cion units 5 can be conducted individually with each display label 3. However, it is also possible, for example by entering a group address, to address all of display labels 3 in a tr~n.cmi.~.cion unit 5 or all of display labels 3 associated with the electronic price information system if necessary.
The individual components of the electronic price illro~ ion system shown in Figure 1 can be seen in the diagram in Figure 2. The central computer 9 is connected by a computer networlc (LAN) 8 with a plurality of tr~n.cmi.~.~ion units 5, each of which likewise include a computer, as well as with a plurality of cash registers 10, only one of which is shown.
Communication between the central computer 9 and display labels 3 of the price information system takes place via radio signals tran~mitted by ~n~nn~.c 6.
Display labels 3 each comprise a transceiver (not shown) for communication with individual tr~n.~mi~.~ion units 5. Additional components of these display labels 3 include an electronically controllable display area 11, preferably an LCD display, as well as a plurality of solar cells 12 to supply power to the display labels.
The illustrated price information system functions as follows:
(1) data groups are entered into a database in central computer 9, which contains at least the following information: product data; price data; address of display label; address of associated tran~mi.~sion unit.
' ~ CA 02207631 1997-06-12 (2) The data is tr~n.cmitted to the computers of tran.cmi~.sion units 5, and each tr~n~mi.~.~ion unit 5 transmits the appropriate price and product data to display labels 3 with the corresponding addresses. The display labels 3 send back confirmation signals to the tr~n.cmi.csion units, for example, using an asynchronous protocol. Both the original tr~n.cmi~ion to the display labels 3 5 and the confirmation signals are logged by the computer of tr~n.~mi~.~ion units 5.
(3) Each tr~n.cmi.q.~ion unit 5 transmits to the central computer 9 a complete log of data tr~n~mi.s.~ions which have taken place to and from its associated display labels 3. This log may include possible error messages or a lack of confirmation signals due to a failure of a display label 3.
From the local area associated with the tr~n.~mi~.cion unit that has reported a m~lfilnction of a display label 3, the apploxil.,ate location of the defective display label 3 within the salesroom can be determined. On the basis of the address of display label 3, its position can be determined exactly so that the defective display label 3 can be rapidly replaced in the event of a m~lfimction.
Figure 3 is an overhead view of a sample salesroom in which the price information system 15 according to an embodiment of the invention is used. The dot-dashed lines indicate the di~el ellL
local sections, each of which is associated with a tr~n~mi.~.sion unit 5. It is clear that the tr~n.cmi.~.sion patterns of the ~nt~nn~.~ of tr~n.~mi.csion units 5 expand in oval fashion. For this purpose, ant~nn~ 6 are selected to have a corresponding radiation characteristic. Several antennas 6 may be provided on a tr~n.cmi~sion unit 5 for signal tr~n.cmi~sion to display labels 3.
20 Alternatively, the.local sections can be further subdivided by using additional tr~n.~mi.ssion units 5, to guarantee reliable and rapid communication with all parts of the salesroom.
In addition to the normal display labels 3 shown in Figure 1, whose display area 11 ' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 measures approximately 50-200 cm2, it is possible to use considerably larger labels, for example, for special applications such as special offers at sales tables 13. These special-offer display labels (not shown) can also be provided with visually striking displays, illllmin~te~l displays for example, and possibly can have picture areas for advertising graphics. Such display labels can use a supplemental external power supply provided, for example, with a power cable. Information other than price and product data can also be displayed on the display areas of the display labels. Thus, in the display system according to the invention, display labels for desired data and information, advertising slogans, information on store opening times, etc. can be integrated for example.
Additionally, acoustic advertising information from the central computer of the display system can also be used to control suitable loudspeaker systems. In this manner, the reproduction of information in any form is controlled by the central computer of the display system by using suitable reproduction systems, provided the information can be stored in electronic form.
It is understood that various other modifications will be appare~ to and can be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention.
Accordingly, it is not intentle~l that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to the description as set forth herein, but rather that the claims be construed as encompassing all the features of patentable novelty that reside in the present invention, including all features that would be treated as equivalents thereof by those skilled in the art which this invention pertains.
This application claims priority from German Application N~o. 195 38 115.7 and PCT
application PCT/EP96.04469, the content of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
-' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 Speci~ication:
ELECTRONIC PRIC~ I~IFORMATION SYSTEM
The invention relates to a system for displaying product and price data by means of individually addressable eiectronic display labels, with - a c2ntral computer, comprising a data memory for storing the product and price data of individual produc~s in conjunction with the address of the display label associated with that product, - at least one input unit for entering product and price data in the c~ntral computer, - a plurality of display labeis comprising at least an electronically controllable display area, a transceiver for data transmission by means of electromagne~ic signals, and sol~r c211s for a power supply, - a transmission unit that transmits and receives electromagnetic signals, said unit transmitting the product and pric~ data from the central computer to the transceivers of the display labels and recsiving con~irmation signals ~or ~ 11 --' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 iogging the data transmission, said signals being transmitted by the transceiver to the display labels, and - at least one price output unit, especially an eles~ronic cash register.
Systems of this kind, also called pricP information systems, are especi~lly suited for displaying price and product information in a large supermarket or warehouse, in which more than 10,ûO0 different articies are frequently offered. Such price information systems ensure that the pric~s associated with the individual produc~s on the sales racks are identical to the prices calculated at the cash register. When the products are marked with paper labels, this is only possible at considerable expense, and frequently the in~ormation availahlQ to the cashiers is not, or is no longer, the same as the pric2 information on the price label.
In the computer-controlled price information system described above, when a product price is changed, it is merely necessary to enter the corresponding i..ror.nalion in the central computer using the input unit, which transmits the ir-for~ldlion through the transmission unit to the transceivers of the individual display labels, which then display the corrected price. At the same time, the price output units, at the cash register for example, calcs~late the indicated price so that after the product--' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 related data is ente~ed ~by a keypad or by a barcode reader for example~ in the cash register, the price displayed at the point where the goods are located is called up from the central computer and calculated by the cashier. This avoids unpleasantness and irritation on the part of customers when the price on the label turns out to be too low.
The term "contral compute~' includes any suitable electronic data processing unit, and not exclusively an individual computer uni~ Thus the central computer can be composed for example of a network consisting of several computers that can act as a data procPssing unit to access the components of all the computers.
During the last ten ye~rs, patent applications have been fiied for a number of developments related to computer-controlled price information systems (EP 0 604 382 A2, DE 35 34 6~2 At, and DE 37 31 852 A1, for exampie~. A
price information system that includes all of the features of the system described above is disciosed in DE 40 34193 A1. In addition to the ~enerally provided components of a computer, an input unit, a transmission unit, and display labels with a transceiver for communication with the t~ansmission unit, as well as a pricP output unit (cash register), this application discloses a price informa$ion system in which the display labels are provided with solar cells. The solar cells convert ambient light, 1~--' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 for example the light from the illumination in the store, into electrical energy that operates the display labels. As a result, no batteries need to be replaced in the display labels or recharged by connecting them to the power line, resulting in a c~nsiderable labor savings. With 10,000 di~Ferent dlsplay labels within a price information system, even with a battery lifetime of more than one year, more than 25 batteries must be replaced on the average each day. The use of solar cells allows this battery replacsment to be completely avoided.
In the price information system, as a rule the pricP and product data are transmitted to the display labels while the supermarket or warehouse is closed. At this time, individual logging inquiries test the display labels for their functional ability. With 10,000 display labels for 10,000 different products, a communication tlme of about ~ seconds per dispiay label is required when the store is open for ten hours. In partic1Jlar, if compiications occur or i~ the central computer is re~uired for other applications (book3ceeping, stocktaking, etc.), temporary problems may occur in communicating with the display labels. In addition, communication can be impeded by poor radio contact between the transmission unit and individual display labels located at a distance. ~rror-free signal transmission is ensured by conducting a complete radio log, -' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 but po~r transmission quality can considerably prolong transmission times.
The goal of the invention is to provide a system for displaying product and price data by means of individually addressable electronic display labels, in which the reliability of the transmission of the data to the display labels is increased and the duration of these data transmissions is reducsd.
This goal is achieved ac~ording to the invent;on by virtue of the ~act that the prics information system comprises ~urther additional transmission units which - serve to establish data communication with a subgroup of display labels within a locally limited section, - transmit and recsive eiectromagnetic signals whose frequencies are di~erent from the fre~uencies of the signals assigned to the other transmission units, - have a local computer with a local data memoly.
When a plurality of "intelligent" transmission units is provided, each of which has a local computer with a local data memory, the computing time of the cPntral computer required for transmitting the data to the display labels is considerably reduced. The transmission units are connected ' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 direc~ly to the central computer, as a rule through a c~mputer ne~work ~LAN = Local Area Network), so that data transmission from the cPntral computer to the transmission units can be performed at a very high transmission rate. The considerably slower radio data transmissions to the transcPivers of the display labels as well as the logging of the data transmissions is performed by the computers in the various transmission units. During this time, the computing power of the central computer can be utilized for other tasks as re~uired.
In order ~or data transmission through the transmission units to occur in parallel, eactl transmission unit transmits signals on di~ferent ~requencies that do not inte~ere with one another. Each transmission unit is designed to communicate with a subgroup o~ display labels within a locally limited section, so that there are no excessively long distances between the transceivers of the display labels and the associated transmission units. By limiting the transmission dis~ance and benefiting from the associated increase in reception quality, the time re~uired for data communication with all of the display labels is reducPd as well.
Pre~erably, data communication with the display labels also takes plac2 while the store is open. In this case, the transmission power o~ the transmission units s~ould be reduc~d so that they producP only weak ~ ~ 6 -~ CA 02207631 1997-06-12 eiectromagnetic fields and the customefs who are in the store are subjected to only a s3ight amount of radiation from these fields (electro-smog3.
Barcode feaders are especially suitable for entering product data into the csntral computer, said reade~s picking up the product information printed on the product pac~ages in the form of barco~es Barcode readers can be used both when the product data are initially entered to!Jall.er with the product price into the central computef and also for repeated input of product data at the cash register.
~n addition, a manual input device, comprising for example a portable 3ceyboard with an LCD screen, can be provided with which manually-entered data can be transmitted throu~h one of the transmission units to the central computer. A manual input device of this kind makes it possible to transmit numerical data for taking inventory, for example, indicating the numbers of products on the shelves.
In addition, at least one manual input device can be provided with which data can be transmitted to the display labels on the spot, in othef words direc~ly at the shelves and tables. Thus, an employee can enter price changes not only at the central computer but on the sales floor as well.
' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 These revised price data are then pic~ed up by the transmission unit during data communication be~ween the transmission unit and the transc~iver of the display label and then transmitted to the central computer.
In one advantageous embodiment of the display labeis, solar c~lls are IQcated ~ehind the display area, which consists of an LCD display that is transparent to light for the most part In this case, an additional area for locating the LCI~ display can be eliminated and the display label can be made very compac~ These display labels with a sandwich design have proven to be extremely handy and advantageous, not only for use in pricP
information systems.
The prics information system can be provided with a variety of display labels whose signal transmission fre~uencies each correspond to the signa1 transmission fre~uency of a given transmission unit.
Alternatively, uniform display labels with adjustable signai transmission fre~uencies can be provided, with the fr2quency o~ the associated transmission unit being set for each display label.
-' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 In order to ensure ~hat the display labels remain functional even i~ they are not exposed to light, each display label should be provided with a rechargeable energy storage device in which the electrical ener~y produced by the solar c~lls Is stored. The energy storage device should be as stable over time as possibie, in other words it should have a long li~etime. An especially suitable energy storage device is a capacitor with a ve~y high capacitance, like those sold for example under the name "G~ld Caps," with capacitances up to one farad.
Further advantages and ~eatwres of the invention will follow from the description of the drawin~ helow.
The drawings show the following:
Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of the system according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of the system; and Figure 3 is a top view o~ a salesroom in which t~ae system acc~rding to the invention is used.
Racks 1 for products are shown s~hematically in Figure 1, each rack having three shelves 2 staciced one above the other. Display labels 3 for \ 9 ~
' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 displaying the individual produc~ data and product prices are fastened to the fronts of shelves 2.
Ab~ve the ceiling 4 of the salesroom, a plurality of transmission units 5 is shown, each consisting of a computer with a dat~as~ and a transceiver for data communication. An antenna 6 is connected to each of the transceivers of transmission unit ~, said antenna being covered by a shell-shaped c~vering 7.
The transmission units 5 shown in Figure 1 are connected by a co~Y;~I
cable 8 with central computer 9 of the pric2 information system. Ho~ever, any other known transmission cables or data links for LANs (Local Area Ne~wor~s) are also suitable for data transmission be~ween the compute~s of transmission units ~. Moreover, a cash register 10 is connected with central computer 9 by co~YiAI cable 8.
A plurality of display labels 3 is located within the transmission patterns of antennas 6 of transmission units 5, indicated by the dashed lines,. E~ch display label 3 has an individual address, so that data transmission from central computer 9 via transmission units 5 can be conduc~ed individually with each display label 3. However, it is also p~ssible, for example by entering a group address, to address all of display labels 3 in a ' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 transmission unit ~ or all of display labels 3 associated with the price information sys~em if nec~ssary.
~he individual cs~mponents of the price information system shown in Figure 1 can be seen in the diagram in Figure 2. Central computer 9 ;s connec~ed by a computer network (LAN) with a plurality of transmission units 5, which likewise include a computer, as well as a plurality of cash registers 10, of which only one is shown. Communication ~e ~reen c2ntral computer 9 and display labels 3 of the prfc~ information system bkes plac2 via radio signals transmitted by antenna 6. Display labels 3 each comprfse a transceiver, not shown, for communication with individual transmission units ~.
Additional components o~ these display labels include an electronically c~ntrollable display area 11, pre~erably an LCI:) display, as well as a plurality of solar c~ls 12 for the power supply to the display labels The pric~3 information system shown ~unctions as follows:
- data groups are entered into a database in cPntral computer 1, and contain the following information:
- produc~ data - pric~ data ~ _ z~_ ' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 - address of display label - address o~ associated transmission uni~
- The data are transmitted to the compute~s of transmission unit 5 in question. Each transmission unit ~ transmits the price and product data to display labels 3 with the corresponding address, with said display labels 3 sendin~ back c~nfirmation signals for logging the data t~ansmission, using an asynchronous protocol for example;
- each transmission unit ~ transmits a complete log of data transmissions to display labels 3 ~ssoci~ted with it, including possible error messages or a lac~c of confirmation signals due to a failure of a display label 3, back to central computer 9.
From the local area associated with the transmission unit that has reported a malfunction of a display label 3, the approximate location of the defective display label 3 within the salesroom can be dete~nined. On the basis of the address of display label 3, its position can be determined exactly so that defective display label 3 can be rapidly replac2d in the event of a malfunction.
Figure 3 is an overhead view of a sample salesroom in which the pric~
information system according to the invention is used. The dot-dashed ._ Z~ _ , ' ~ CA 02207631 1997-06-12 lines indicate the diKerent lacal sections, each of which is associated with a transmission unit ~. It is clear that the transmission patterns of ti?e an~ennas of transmission units 5 expand in an oval fashion. For this purpose, antennas 6 are used that have a corresponding radiation characteristic. Several antennas 6 may be provided on a transmission unit ~ for signal transmission to display labels 3. Alternatively, the local sections can be further subdivided by using additional transmission units ~, so that reiiable and rapid communication with a11 parts of the salesroom is guaranteed.
In addition to the normal display labels 3 shown in Figure 1, whose display area 11 measures approximately ~O-~û cm2, for special applications such as special offe~s at sales tables 13, considerably larger display labels can be used. These special-offer display labels (not shown) can also be provided with visually striking displays, illuminated displays for example, and possibly can have picture areas for advertisins ~raphics. Such display labels can use an external power supply provided with a power cable.
Information other than pricP and product data can also be displayed on the display areas of the dis~lay labels. Thus, in the display system according to the invention, display labels for desired data and information, advertising slogans, information on store opening times, etc. can be integrated for example. In another stage of expansion, acoustic advertising r CA 02207631 1997-06-12 information from the centra} computer of the display system can also be controlled by suitable loudspeakef systems. Basically, the reproduc~ion of information in any form is controlled by the cPntral computer of the display system according to the invention by means of suitable repr~duction systems, provided the information can be stored in elec~ronic form.
Reference numeral list:
sales rack shelf 3 display label 4 ceiling 5 transmission unit 6 antenna 7 covering 8 coaxial cable 9 central computer 10 cash re~3ister 11 display area 12 solar c~ll 13 sales table ~ L
,
From the local area associated with the tr~n.~mi~.cion unit that has reported a m~lfilnction of a display label 3, the apploxil.,ate location of the defective display label 3 within the salesroom can be determined. On the basis of the address of display label 3, its position can be determined exactly so that the defective display label 3 can be rapidly replaced in the event of a m~lfimction.
Figure 3 is an overhead view of a sample salesroom in which the price information system 15 according to an embodiment of the invention is used. The dot-dashed lines indicate the di~el ellL
local sections, each of which is associated with a tr~n~mi.~.sion unit 5. It is clear that the tr~n.cmi.~.sion patterns of the ~nt~nn~.~ of tr~n.~mi.csion units 5 expand in oval fashion. For this purpose, ant~nn~ 6 are selected to have a corresponding radiation characteristic. Several antennas 6 may be provided on a tr~n.cmi~sion unit 5 for signal tr~n.cmi~sion to display labels 3.
20 Alternatively, the.local sections can be further subdivided by using additional tr~n.~mi.ssion units 5, to guarantee reliable and rapid communication with all parts of the salesroom.
In addition to the normal display labels 3 shown in Figure 1, whose display area 11 ' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 measures approximately 50-200 cm2, it is possible to use considerably larger labels, for example, for special applications such as special offers at sales tables 13. These special-offer display labels (not shown) can also be provided with visually striking displays, illllmin~te~l displays for example, and possibly can have picture areas for advertising graphics. Such display labels can use a supplemental external power supply provided, for example, with a power cable. Information other than price and product data can also be displayed on the display areas of the display labels. Thus, in the display system according to the invention, display labels for desired data and information, advertising slogans, information on store opening times, etc. can be integrated for example.
Additionally, acoustic advertising information from the central computer of the display system can also be used to control suitable loudspeaker systems. In this manner, the reproduction of information in any form is controlled by the central computer of the display system by using suitable reproduction systems, provided the information can be stored in electronic form.
It is understood that various other modifications will be appare~ to and can be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention.
Accordingly, it is not intentle~l that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to the description as set forth herein, but rather that the claims be construed as encompassing all the features of patentable novelty that reside in the present invention, including all features that would be treated as equivalents thereof by those skilled in the art which this invention pertains.
This application claims priority from German Application N~o. 195 38 115.7 and PCT
application PCT/EP96.04469, the content of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
-' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 Speci~ication:
ELECTRONIC PRIC~ I~IFORMATION SYSTEM
The invention relates to a system for displaying product and price data by means of individually addressable eiectronic display labels, with - a c2ntral computer, comprising a data memory for storing the product and price data of individual produc~s in conjunction with the address of the display label associated with that product, - at least one input unit for entering product and price data in the c~ntral computer, - a plurality of display labeis comprising at least an electronically controllable display area, a transceiver for data transmission by means of electromagne~ic signals, and sol~r c211s for a power supply, - a transmission unit that transmits and receives electromagnetic signals, said unit transmitting the product and pric~ data from the central computer to the transceivers of the display labels and recsiving con~irmation signals ~or ~ 11 --' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 iogging the data transmission, said signals being transmitted by the transceiver to the display labels, and - at least one price output unit, especially an eles~ronic cash register.
Systems of this kind, also called pricP information systems, are especi~lly suited for displaying price and product information in a large supermarket or warehouse, in which more than 10,ûO0 different articies are frequently offered. Such price information systems ensure that the pric~s associated with the individual produc~s on the sales racks are identical to the prices calculated at the cash register. When the products are marked with paper labels, this is only possible at considerable expense, and frequently the in~ormation availahlQ to the cashiers is not, or is no longer, the same as the pric2 information on the price label.
In the computer-controlled price information system described above, when a product price is changed, it is merely necessary to enter the corresponding i..ror.nalion in the central computer using the input unit, which transmits the ir-for~ldlion through the transmission unit to the transceivers of the individual display labels, which then display the corrected price. At the same time, the price output units, at the cash register for example, calcs~late the indicated price so that after the product--' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 related data is ente~ed ~by a keypad or by a barcode reader for example~ in the cash register, the price displayed at the point where the goods are located is called up from the central computer and calculated by the cashier. This avoids unpleasantness and irritation on the part of customers when the price on the label turns out to be too low.
The term "contral compute~' includes any suitable electronic data processing unit, and not exclusively an individual computer uni~ Thus the central computer can be composed for example of a network consisting of several computers that can act as a data procPssing unit to access the components of all the computers.
During the last ten ye~rs, patent applications have been fiied for a number of developments related to computer-controlled price information systems (EP 0 604 382 A2, DE 35 34 6~2 At, and DE 37 31 852 A1, for exampie~. A
price information system that includes all of the features of the system described above is disciosed in DE 40 34193 A1. In addition to the ~enerally provided components of a computer, an input unit, a transmission unit, and display labels with a transceiver for communication with the t~ansmission unit, as well as a pricP output unit (cash register), this application discloses a price informa$ion system in which the display labels are provided with solar cells. The solar cells convert ambient light, 1~--' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 for example the light from the illumination in the store, into electrical energy that operates the display labels. As a result, no batteries need to be replaced in the display labels or recharged by connecting them to the power line, resulting in a c~nsiderable labor savings. With 10,000 di~Ferent dlsplay labels within a price information system, even with a battery lifetime of more than one year, more than 25 batteries must be replaced on the average each day. The use of solar cells allows this battery replacsment to be completely avoided.
In the price information system, as a rule the pricP and product data are transmitted to the display labels while the supermarket or warehouse is closed. At this time, individual logging inquiries test the display labels for their functional ability. With 10,000 display labels for 10,000 different products, a communication tlme of about ~ seconds per dispiay label is required when the store is open for ten hours. In partic1Jlar, if compiications occur or i~ the central computer is re~uired for other applications (book3ceeping, stocktaking, etc.), temporary problems may occur in communicating with the display labels. In addition, communication can be impeded by poor radio contact between the transmission unit and individual display labels located at a distance. ~rror-free signal transmission is ensured by conducting a complete radio log, -' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 but po~r transmission quality can considerably prolong transmission times.
The goal of the invention is to provide a system for displaying product and price data by means of individually addressable electronic display labels, in which the reliability of the transmission of the data to the display labels is increased and the duration of these data transmissions is reducsd.
This goal is achieved ac~ording to the invent;on by virtue of the ~act that the prics information system comprises ~urther additional transmission units which - serve to establish data communication with a subgroup of display labels within a locally limited section, - transmit and recsive eiectromagnetic signals whose frequencies are di~erent from the fre~uencies of the signals assigned to the other transmission units, - have a local computer with a local data memoly.
When a plurality of "intelligent" transmission units is provided, each of which has a local computer with a local data memory, the computing time of the cPntral computer required for transmitting the data to the display labels is considerably reduced. The transmission units are connected ' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 direc~ly to the central computer, as a rule through a c~mputer ne~work ~LAN = Local Area Network), so that data transmission from the cPntral computer to the transmission units can be performed at a very high transmission rate. The considerably slower radio data transmissions to the transcPivers of the display labels as well as the logging of the data transmissions is performed by the computers in the various transmission units. During this time, the computing power of the central computer can be utilized for other tasks as re~uired.
In order ~or data transmission through the transmission units to occur in parallel, eactl transmission unit transmits signals on di~ferent ~requencies that do not inte~ere with one another. Each transmission unit is designed to communicate with a subgroup o~ display labels within a locally limited section, so that there are no excessively long distances between the transceivers of the display labels and the associated transmission units. By limiting the transmission dis~ance and benefiting from the associated increase in reception quality, the time re~uired for data communication with all of the display labels is reducPd as well.
Pre~erably, data communication with the display labels also takes plac2 while the store is open. In this case, the transmission power o~ the transmission units s~ould be reduc~d so that they producP only weak ~ ~ 6 -~ CA 02207631 1997-06-12 eiectromagnetic fields and the customefs who are in the store are subjected to only a s3ight amount of radiation from these fields (electro-smog3.
Barcode feaders are especially suitable for entering product data into the csntral computer, said reade~s picking up the product information printed on the product pac~ages in the form of barco~es Barcode readers can be used both when the product data are initially entered to!Jall.er with the product price into the central computef and also for repeated input of product data at the cash register.
~n addition, a manual input device, comprising for example a portable 3ceyboard with an LCD screen, can be provided with which manually-entered data can be transmitted throu~h one of the transmission units to the central computer. A manual input device of this kind makes it possible to transmit numerical data for taking inventory, for example, indicating the numbers of products on the shelves.
In addition, at least one manual input device can be provided with which data can be transmitted to the display labels on the spot, in othef words direc~ly at the shelves and tables. Thus, an employee can enter price changes not only at the central computer but on the sales floor as well.
' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 These revised price data are then pic~ed up by the transmission unit during data communication be~ween the transmission unit and the transc~iver of the display label and then transmitted to the central computer.
In one advantageous embodiment of the display labeis, solar c~lls are IQcated ~ehind the display area, which consists of an LCD display that is transparent to light for the most part In this case, an additional area for locating the LCI~ display can be eliminated and the display label can be made very compac~ These display labels with a sandwich design have proven to be extremely handy and advantageous, not only for use in pricP
information systems.
The prics information system can be provided with a variety of display labels whose signal transmission fre~uencies each correspond to the signa1 transmission fre~uency of a given transmission unit.
Alternatively, uniform display labels with adjustable signai transmission fre~uencies can be provided, with the fr2quency o~ the associated transmission unit being set for each display label.
-' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 In order to ensure ~hat the display labels remain functional even i~ they are not exposed to light, each display label should be provided with a rechargeable energy storage device in which the electrical ener~y produced by the solar c~lls Is stored. The energy storage device should be as stable over time as possibie, in other words it should have a long li~etime. An especially suitable energy storage device is a capacitor with a ve~y high capacitance, like those sold for example under the name "G~ld Caps," with capacitances up to one farad.
Further advantages and ~eatwres of the invention will follow from the description of the drawin~ helow.
The drawings show the following:
Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of the system according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of the system; and Figure 3 is a top view o~ a salesroom in which t~ae system acc~rding to the invention is used.
Racks 1 for products are shown s~hematically in Figure 1, each rack having three shelves 2 staciced one above the other. Display labels 3 for \ 9 ~
' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 displaying the individual produc~ data and product prices are fastened to the fronts of shelves 2.
Ab~ve the ceiling 4 of the salesroom, a plurality of transmission units 5 is shown, each consisting of a computer with a dat~as~ and a transceiver for data communication. An antenna 6 is connected to each of the transceivers of transmission unit ~, said antenna being covered by a shell-shaped c~vering 7.
The transmission units 5 shown in Figure 1 are connected by a co~Y;~I
cable 8 with central computer 9 of the pric2 information system. Ho~ever, any other known transmission cables or data links for LANs (Local Area Ne~wor~s) are also suitable for data transmission be~ween the compute~s of transmission units ~. Moreover, a cash register 10 is connected with central computer 9 by co~YiAI cable 8.
A plurality of display labels 3 is located within the transmission patterns of antennas 6 of transmission units 5, indicated by the dashed lines,. E~ch display label 3 has an individual address, so that data transmission from central computer 9 via transmission units 5 can be conduc~ed individually with each display label 3. However, it is also p~ssible, for example by entering a group address, to address all of display labels 3 in a ' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 transmission unit ~ or all of display labels 3 associated with the price information sys~em if nec~ssary.
~he individual cs~mponents of the price information system shown in Figure 1 can be seen in the diagram in Figure 2. Central computer 9 ;s connec~ed by a computer network (LAN) with a plurality of transmission units 5, which likewise include a computer, as well as a plurality of cash registers 10, of which only one is shown. Communication ~e ~reen c2ntral computer 9 and display labels 3 of the prfc~ information system bkes plac2 via radio signals transmitted by antenna 6. Display labels 3 each comprfse a transceiver, not shown, for communication with individual transmission units ~.
Additional components o~ these display labels include an electronically c~ntrollable display area 11, pre~erably an LCI:) display, as well as a plurality of solar c~ls 12 for the power supply to the display labels The pric~3 information system shown ~unctions as follows:
- data groups are entered into a database in cPntral computer 1, and contain the following information:
- produc~ data - pric~ data ~ _ z~_ ' CA 02207631 1997-06-12 - address of display label - address o~ associated transmission uni~
- The data are transmitted to the compute~s of transmission unit 5 in question. Each transmission unit ~ transmits the price and product data to display labels 3 with the corresponding address, with said display labels 3 sendin~ back c~nfirmation signals for logging the data t~ansmission, using an asynchronous protocol for example;
- each transmission unit ~ transmits a complete log of data transmissions to display labels 3 ~ssoci~ted with it, including possible error messages or a lac~c of confirmation signals due to a failure of a display label 3, back to central computer 9.
From the local area associated with the transmission unit that has reported a malfunction of a display label 3, the approximate location of the defective display label 3 within the salesroom can be dete~nined. On the basis of the address of display label 3, its position can be determined exactly so that defective display label 3 can be rapidly replac2d in the event of a malfunction.
Figure 3 is an overhead view of a sample salesroom in which the pric~
information system according to the invention is used. The dot-dashed ._ Z~ _ , ' ~ CA 02207631 1997-06-12 lines indicate the diKerent lacal sections, each of which is associated with a transmission unit ~. It is clear that the transmission patterns of ti?e an~ennas of transmission units 5 expand in an oval fashion. For this purpose, antennas 6 are used that have a corresponding radiation characteristic. Several antennas 6 may be provided on a transmission unit ~ for signal transmission to display labels 3. Alternatively, the local sections can be further subdivided by using additional transmission units ~, so that reiiable and rapid communication with a11 parts of the salesroom is guaranteed.
In addition to the normal display labels 3 shown in Figure 1, whose display area 11 measures approximately ~O-~û cm2, for special applications such as special offe~s at sales tables 13, considerably larger display labels can be used. These special-offer display labels (not shown) can also be provided with visually striking displays, illuminated displays for example, and possibly can have picture areas for advertisins ~raphics. Such display labels can use an external power supply provided with a power cable.
Information other than pricP and product data can also be displayed on the display areas of the dis~lay labels. Thus, in the display system according to the invention, display labels for desired data and information, advertising slogans, information on store opening times, etc. can be integrated for example. In another stage of expansion, acoustic advertising r CA 02207631 1997-06-12 information from the centra} computer of the display system can also be controlled by suitable loudspeakef systems. Basically, the reproduc~ion of information in any form is controlled by the cPntral computer of the display system according to the invention by means of suitable repr~duction systems, provided the information can be stored in elec~ronic form.
Reference numeral list:
sales rack shelf 3 display label 4 ceiling 5 transmission unit 6 antenna 7 covering 8 coaxial cable 9 central computer 10 cash re~3ister 11 display area 12 solar c~ll 13 sales table ~ L
,
Claims (26)
1. A system for displaying product and price data, comprising:
a central computer having a data storage memory for storing product and price data for individual products in conjunction with addresses of the display labels associated with the products;
at least one input unit for entering the product and price data in the central computer;
a plurality of display labels which include at least one electronically controllable display area, and a transceiver for data transmission by means of electromagnetic signals;
a plurality of transmission units each comprising a local computer and local data storage memory, each said transmission unit being adapted to communicate with a subgroup of display labels located within a geographically limited area, said transmission units being capable of transmitting electromagnetic signals and being configured to transmit product and price data from the central computer to transceivers of display labels within said subgroups.
a central computer having a data storage memory for storing product and price data for individual products in conjunction with addresses of the display labels associated with the products;
at least one input unit for entering the product and price data in the central computer;
a plurality of display labels which include at least one electronically controllable display area, and a transceiver for data transmission by means of electromagnetic signals;
a plurality of transmission units each comprising a local computer and local data storage memory, each said transmission unit being adapted to communicate with a subgroup of display labels located within a geographically limited area, said transmission units being capable of transmitting electromagnetic signals and being configured to transmit product and price data from the central computer to transceivers of display labels within said subgroups.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of display labels each include a solar cell as a power supply.
3 . The system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of transmission units has a unique transmission frequency different from transmission frequencies of other transmission units.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein each of said transmission units is further configured to receive electromagnetic confirmation signals from transceivers of display labels within said subgroups.
5. The system according to claim 4, wherein each of said transmission units is further configured to log said confirmation signals.
6. A system according to Claim 1, further comprising a timing circuit that reduces the transmitting power of transmission units while the store is open.
7. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a bar code reader connected to at least one of the central computer and a cash register.
8. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a manual input device having a transceiver for transmitting data to the central computer using electromagnetic signals output from a transmission unit.
9. A system according to claim 2, further comprising a manual input device with a transceiver for transmitting data via one of cable and electromagnetic signals to display labels.
10. A system according to claim 1, wherein a display area of the display labels is formed by an LCD display and the solar cells of the display labels are located behind said LCD display.
11. A system according to claim 3, further comprising at least two types of display labels each of which has transmission and reception frequencies corresponding to the transmission and reception frequencies of the associated transmission units.
12. A system according to claim 4, comprising uniform display labels with adjustable transmission and reception frequencies.
13. A system according to claim 1, wherein each display label comprises a rechargeable energy storage device.
14. A system according to claim 1, further comprising an initialization unit located outside the salesroom for transmission of initial data comprising price and product data to display labels, said initialization unit being provided with a data storage unit containing all the product and price data, and the addresses of display labels.
15. A display label for displaying information such as price and product data in a store, with a display area designed as an LCD display and with solar cells as a power supply, wherein the solar cells of the display labels are located behind the LCD display.
16, System for displaying product and price data by means of individually addressable electronic display labels (3) with - a central computer (9) that includes a data storage memory for storing product and price data for individual products in conjunction with the address of the display label (3) associated with that product;
- at least one input unit for entering product and price data in central computer (9);
- a plurality of display labels (3) that include at least one electronically controllable display area (11), a transceiver for data transmission by means of electromagnetic signals, and solar cells (12) for the power supply;
- a transmission unit (5) that transmits and receives electromagnetic signals, said unit transmitting product and price data from central computer (9) to the transceivers of display labels (3), and receiving confirmation signals for logging data transmissions, said signals being transmitted by the transceiver of each display label (3), and at least one price output unit, especially an electronic cash register (10), characterized in that it comprises further additional transmission units (5) each of which:
- serves for data communication with a subgroup of display labels (3) located within a locally limited section, - transmits and receives electromagnetic signals whose frequency differs from the frequencies of the signals associated with the other transmission units (5); and - has a local computer with a local data storage memory.
- at least one input unit for entering product and price data in central computer (9);
- a plurality of display labels (3) that include at least one electronically controllable display area (11), a transceiver for data transmission by means of electromagnetic signals, and solar cells (12) for the power supply;
- a transmission unit (5) that transmits and receives electromagnetic signals, said unit transmitting product and price data from central computer (9) to the transceivers of display labels (3), and receiving confirmation signals for logging data transmissions, said signals being transmitted by the transceiver of each display label (3), and at least one price output unit, especially an electronic cash register (10), characterized in that it comprises further additional transmission units (5) each of which:
- serves for data communication with a subgroup of display labels (3) located within a locally limited section, - transmits and receives electromagnetic signals whose frequency differs from the frequencies of the signals associated with the other transmission units (5); and - has a local computer with a local data storage memory.
17. System according to Claim 16, characterized in that it has a timing circuit that reduces the transmitting power of transmission units (5) while the store is open.
18. System according to at least one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that a barcode reader is connected with central computer (9) and/or cash register (10).
19. System according to at least one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that it comprises a manual input device with a transceiver for transmitting data by means of electromagnetic signals via transmission units (5) to central computer (9).
20. System according to at least one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that it comprises a manual input device with a transceiver for transmitting data via cable or via electromagnetic signals to display labels (3).
21. System according to at least one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that display area (11) of display labels (3) is formed by an LCD display and the solar cells of display labels (3) are located behind said LCD
display.
display.
22. System according to at least one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that it comprises different display labels (3) whose transmission and reception frequencies each correspond to the transmission and reception frequencies of the associated transmission units (5).
23. System according to at least one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that it comprises uniform display labels (3) with adjustable transmission and reception frequencies.
24. System according to at least one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that each display label (3) comprises a rechargeable energy storage device.
25. System according to at least one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that it comprises an initialization unit located outside the salesroom for initial data transmission of price and product data to display labels (3), said unit being connected with a data storage memory for all the product and price data, the addresses of display labels (3) and possibly other relevant data to be transmitted to display labels (3).
26. Display label for displaying information such as price and product data in a store, with a display area designed as an LCD display and with solar cells for the power supply, characterized in that the solar cells of display labels (3) are located behind the LCD display.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE1995138115 DE19538115A1 (en) | 1995-10-13 | 1995-10-13 | Electronic price information system |
| DE19538115.7 | 1995-10-13 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2207631A1 true CA2207631A1 (en) | 1997-04-17 |
Family
ID=7774739
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2207631 Abandoned CA2207631A1 (en) | 1995-10-13 | 1996-10-14 | Electronic price information system |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0797808A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH10510938A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2207631A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE19538115A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1997014107A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2937830A1 (en) * | 2014-04-25 | 2015-10-28 | Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd. | Electronic shelf label tag and electronic shelf label system |
| US10535094B2 (en) | 2014-08-07 | 2020-01-14 | Zumtobel Lighting Gmbh | Shelf lighting system and method for locating products and managing pricing information |
| US20220300932A1 (en) * | 2015-12-10 | 2022-09-22 | Ses-Imagotag Gmbh | Display device for displaying a price and/or product information |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE19647341C1 (en) * | 1996-11-15 | 1998-04-30 | Holger Dr Lausch | Process and arrangement for the projection and reception of visual and audiovisual messages and their analysis for determining the reach and the behavior of the buyer |
| US5870714A (en) * | 1997-05-02 | 1999-02-09 | Ncr Corporation | EPL scheduled price verification system and method |
| US5918212A (en) * | 1997-07-29 | 1999-06-29 | Ncr Corporation | Electronic price label price synchronization system and method |
| US6026373A (en) * | 1997-10-30 | 2000-02-15 | Ncr Corporation | Method of sending messages to an electronic price label |
| DE19750530A1 (en) | 1997-11-14 | 1999-08-12 | Janner Ekkehard | Electronic display |
| DE10137588A1 (en) * | 2001-08-01 | 2003-02-13 | Abb Research Ltd | Display system for locally indicating information, has e.g. solar cells for powering display which receives data wirelessly from central unit |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB9011161D0 (en) * | 1990-05-18 | 1990-07-04 | Marconi Gec Ltd | Labelling system |
| DK226190A (en) * | 1990-09-19 | 1992-03-20 | Novi Nordjyllands Videnpark A | ELECTRONIC PRICE SIGNING SYSTEM |
| SE500236C2 (en) * | 1993-04-02 | 1994-05-09 | 3I Systems Ab | Information systems for stores |
| US5841365A (en) * | 1993-09-22 | 1998-11-24 | Seattle Silicon Corporation | Method and apparatus for communicating with a product label |
| IT1271744B (en) * | 1994-03-15 | 1997-06-09 | Marco Faita | ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR REMOTE DISPLAY OF INFORMATION |
-
1995
- 1995-10-13 DE DE1995138115 patent/DE19538115A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1996
- 1996-10-14 JP JP9514729A patent/JPH10510938A/en active Pending
- 1996-10-14 CA CA 2207631 patent/CA2207631A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1996-10-14 WO PCT/EP1996/004469 patent/WO1997014107A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1996-10-14 EP EP96934681A patent/EP0797808A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2937830A1 (en) * | 2014-04-25 | 2015-10-28 | Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd. | Electronic shelf label tag and electronic shelf label system |
| US10535094B2 (en) | 2014-08-07 | 2020-01-14 | Zumtobel Lighting Gmbh | Shelf lighting system and method for locating products and managing pricing information |
| US20220300932A1 (en) * | 2015-12-10 | 2022-09-22 | Ses-Imagotag Gmbh | Display device for displaying a price and/or product information |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH10510938A (en) | 1998-10-20 |
| DE19538115A1 (en) | 1997-04-17 |
| EP0797808A1 (en) | 1997-10-01 |
| WO1997014107A1 (en) | 1997-04-17 |
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