CA2215003A1 - Electronic price label having a promotional indicator light - Google Patents
Electronic price label having a promotional indicator light Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2215003A1 CA2215003A1 CA002215003A CA2215003A CA2215003A1 CA 2215003 A1 CA2215003 A1 CA 2215003A1 CA 002215003 A CA002215003 A CA 002215003A CA 2215003 A CA2215003 A CA 2215003A CA 2215003 A1 CA2215003 A1 CA 2215003A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- epl
- lights
- recited
- power source
- control circuit
- 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
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
- G09F3/08—Fastening or securing by means not forming part of the material of the label itself
- G09F3/18—Casings, frames or enclosures for labels
- G09F3/20—Casings, frames or enclosures for labels for adjustable, removable, or interchangeable labels
- G09F3/208—Electronic labels, Labels integrating electronic displays
Abstract
An electronic price label (EPL) which has promotional indicator lights that are remotely controlled by a host computer.
The EPL includes a power source, a number of lights powered by the power source for promoting a product associated with the EPL, and a control circuit which applies and removes power from the lights in response to a message from a host computer. The control circuit may additionally blink the lights. EPLs may have different colored lights. The lights are preferably visible from the front surface and left and right side surfaces of the EPL.
In one embodiment, the lights are located at a number of corners in the front side. In another embodiment, the lights are located at right and left edges of the front surface.
The EPL includes a power source, a number of lights powered by the power source for promoting a product associated with the EPL, and a control circuit which applies and removes power from the lights in response to a message from a host computer. The control circuit may additionally blink the lights. EPLs may have different colored lights. The lights are preferably visible from the front surface and left and right side surfaces of the EPL.
In one embodiment, the lights are located at a number of corners in the front side. In another embodiment, the lights are located at right and left edges of the front surface.
Description
CA 0221~003 1997-09-04 7 0 7 6- can . doc ELECTRONIC PRICE LABEL HAVING
A PROMOTIONAL INDICATOR LIGHT
Background of the Invention The present invention relates to electronic price label (EPL) systems used in transaction establishments, and more specifically to an electronic price label having a promotional indicator light.
EPL systems typically include a plurality of EPLs for each merchandise item in a store. EPLs typically display the price of corresponding merchandise items on store shelves and are typically attached to a rail along the leading edge of the shelves. A store may contain thousands of EPLs to display the prices of the merchandise items. The EPLs are coupled to a central server from where information about the EPLs is typically maintained in an EPL data file. Price information displayed by the EPLs is obtained from the PLU file.
EPLs today may be wired or wireless. Wireless EPLs may employ infrared or radio frequency transmitters to transmit acknowledgment signals acknowledging receipt of messages and to relay acknowledgment signals from other EPLs to receiving devices coupled to a main EPL computer. An EPL only sends an acknowledgment if the message is addressed to it.
CA 0221~003 1997-09-04 Items that are "On Sale" or heavily promoted within a store are typically identified by special paper tags called "shelf talkers" or "bibs" which are attached to shelves. These paper tags must be installed and removed by store personnel.
Unfortunately, price information stored within the PLU file may change before or after the paper tags are removed. Thus, customers may become confused and price mismatch may occur between the price in the PLU file and the price on the paper tag.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a promotional device that is synchronized with the PLU file through an electronic price label system so that customer confusion is minimized.
Summary of the Invention In accordance with the teachings cf the present invention, an electronic price label (EPL) having a promotional indicator light is provided.
The EPL includes a power source, a number of lights powered by the power source for promoting a product associated with the EPL, and a control circuit which applies and removes power from the lights in response to a message from a host computer. The control circuit may additionally blink the lights.
EPLs may have different colored lights. The lights are preferably visible from the front surface and left and right side CA 0221~003 1997-09-04 surfaces of the EPL. In one embodiment, the lights are located at a number of corners in the front side. In another embodiment, the lights are located at right and left edges of the front surface.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an EPL having a promotional indicator light.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an EPL which has low-power LED promotional indicator lights.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an EPL which has promotional indicator lights that are visible from the front surface and from the left and right side surfaces of the EPL.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an EPL which has promotional indicator lights that can be blinked.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a plurality of EPLs having promotional indicator lights that are of different colors.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an EPL which has promotional indicator lights that are remotely controlled by a host computer.
CA 022l~003 l997-09-04 Brief Description of the Drawings Additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates from the subsequent description of the preferred embodiments and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an EPL system;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the EPL;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the EPL; and Fig. 4 iS a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the EPL having a promotional indicator light.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring now to Fig. 1, EPL system 10 includes electronic price label (EPL) computer 12 and EPL 14. EPL
computer 12 and EPL 14 may communicate with each other using wireless communication, cable communication, or a combination of both.
EPL computer 12 executes control software 30, which records, schedules, and transmits all messages to EPL 14 and CA 0221~003 1997-09-04 analyzes status messages from EPL 14. Messages from EPL computer 12 include price change messages and diagnostic messages.
EPL control software 30 includes LED control software 32 which transmits an LED control message to turn on/off LEDs 28 based upon the LED status information for EPL 14 stored in EPL
data file 26.
EPL computer 12 maintains and uses EPL data file 26, which contains item information, identification information, item price verifier information, and LED status information for EPL 14 and other EPLs within system 10.
Storage medium 24 stores EPL data file 26.
EPL 14 is one of many EPLs within system 10. EPL 14 includes control circuit 16, memory 20, display 22, power source 18, and LEDs 28.
Control circuit 16 controls the internal operation of EPL 14. Control circuit 16 stores received messages from EPL
computer 12 and transmits response messages to EPL computer 12.
Control circuit 16 also controls the display of price and the application of power from power source 18 to LEDs 28.
Memory 20 stores messages from EPL computer 12 and other data necessary for the proper operation of system 10.
Display 22 displays price. Display 22 is preferably a liquid crystal display (LCD).
CA 022l~003 l997-09-04 Power source 18 iS preferably a battery, but could be a solar cell or a combination of solar cells and a battery.
LEDs 28 or other suitable illumination devices may be used. LEDs 28 can be the same color or different colors. For example, different colored LEDs may be used to indicate the following different states of a product: blue to indicate a short term special price is in effect, yellow to indicate a triple coupon deal is in effect, etc.
Turning now to Fig. 2, a first embodiment of EPL 14 includes LEDs at each of the four corners of the front surface 34. The LEDs are also visible on sides 36. Clear plastic covers 38 protect the LEDs.
Turning now to Fig. 3, a second embodiment of EPL 14 includes LEDs on each side of front surface 34. The LEDs are also visible on sides 36. Clear plastic covers 38 protect the LEDs.
Turning now to Fig. 4, a method of controlling promotional indicator lights on EPL 14 begins with START 40.
In step 42, a LED status indicator (i.e., on or off) is stored within the record of EPL 14 in EPL data file 26.
In step 44, if the status indicator indicates that LED
14 should be on/off, EPL computer 12 transmits a message addressed to EPL 14 and containing a command to turn on/off LEDs 28.
CA 0221~003 1997-09-04 In step 46, EPL 14 receives and acknowledges the message.
In step 48, EPL control circuit 16 turns on/off LEDs 28. EPL control circuit 16 may alternatively cause LEDs 28 to blink.
In step 50, the method ends.
Although the present invention has been described with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, variations and modifications of the present invention can be effected within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
A PROMOTIONAL INDICATOR LIGHT
Background of the Invention The present invention relates to electronic price label (EPL) systems used in transaction establishments, and more specifically to an electronic price label having a promotional indicator light.
EPL systems typically include a plurality of EPLs for each merchandise item in a store. EPLs typically display the price of corresponding merchandise items on store shelves and are typically attached to a rail along the leading edge of the shelves. A store may contain thousands of EPLs to display the prices of the merchandise items. The EPLs are coupled to a central server from where information about the EPLs is typically maintained in an EPL data file. Price information displayed by the EPLs is obtained from the PLU file.
EPLs today may be wired or wireless. Wireless EPLs may employ infrared or radio frequency transmitters to transmit acknowledgment signals acknowledging receipt of messages and to relay acknowledgment signals from other EPLs to receiving devices coupled to a main EPL computer. An EPL only sends an acknowledgment if the message is addressed to it.
CA 0221~003 1997-09-04 Items that are "On Sale" or heavily promoted within a store are typically identified by special paper tags called "shelf talkers" or "bibs" which are attached to shelves. These paper tags must be installed and removed by store personnel.
Unfortunately, price information stored within the PLU file may change before or after the paper tags are removed. Thus, customers may become confused and price mismatch may occur between the price in the PLU file and the price on the paper tag.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a promotional device that is synchronized with the PLU file through an electronic price label system so that customer confusion is minimized.
Summary of the Invention In accordance with the teachings cf the present invention, an electronic price label (EPL) having a promotional indicator light is provided.
The EPL includes a power source, a number of lights powered by the power source for promoting a product associated with the EPL, and a control circuit which applies and removes power from the lights in response to a message from a host computer. The control circuit may additionally blink the lights.
EPLs may have different colored lights. The lights are preferably visible from the front surface and left and right side CA 0221~003 1997-09-04 surfaces of the EPL. In one embodiment, the lights are located at a number of corners in the front side. In another embodiment, the lights are located at right and left edges of the front surface.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an EPL having a promotional indicator light.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an EPL which has low-power LED promotional indicator lights.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an EPL which has promotional indicator lights that are visible from the front surface and from the left and right side surfaces of the EPL.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an EPL which has promotional indicator lights that can be blinked.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a plurality of EPLs having promotional indicator lights that are of different colors.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an EPL which has promotional indicator lights that are remotely controlled by a host computer.
CA 022l~003 l997-09-04 Brief Description of the Drawings Additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates from the subsequent description of the preferred embodiments and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an EPL system;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the EPL;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the EPL; and Fig. 4 iS a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the EPL having a promotional indicator light.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring now to Fig. 1, EPL system 10 includes electronic price label (EPL) computer 12 and EPL 14. EPL
computer 12 and EPL 14 may communicate with each other using wireless communication, cable communication, or a combination of both.
EPL computer 12 executes control software 30, which records, schedules, and transmits all messages to EPL 14 and CA 0221~003 1997-09-04 analyzes status messages from EPL 14. Messages from EPL computer 12 include price change messages and diagnostic messages.
EPL control software 30 includes LED control software 32 which transmits an LED control message to turn on/off LEDs 28 based upon the LED status information for EPL 14 stored in EPL
data file 26.
EPL computer 12 maintains and uses EPL data file 26, which contains item information, identification information, item price verifier information, and LED status information for EPL 14 and other EPLs within system 10.
Storage medium 24 stores EPL data file 26.
EPL 14 is one of many EPLs within system 10. EPL 14 includes control circuit 16, memory 20, display 22, power source 18, and LEDs 28.
Control circuit 16 controls the internal operation of EPL 14. Control circuit 16 stores received messages from EPL
computer 12 and transmits response messages to EPL computer 12.
Control circuit 16 also controls the display of price and the application of power from power source 18 to LEDs 28.
Memory 20 stores messages from EPL computer 12 and other data necessary for the proper operation of system 10.
Display 22 displays price. Display 22 is preferably a liquid crystal display (LCD).
CA 022l~003 l997-09-04 Power source 18 iS preferably a battery, but could be a solar cell or a combination of solar cells and a battery.
LEDs 28 or other suitable illumination devices may be used. LEDs 28 can be the same color or different colors. For example, different colored LEDs may be used to indicate the following different states of a product: blue to indicate a short term special price is in effect, yellow to indicate a triple coupon deal is in effect, etc.
Turning now to Fig. 2, a first embodiment of EPL 14 includes LEDs at each of the four corners of the front surface 34. The LEDs are also visible on sides 36. Clear plastic covers 38 protect the LEDs.
Turning now to Fig. 3, a second embodiment of EPL 14 includes LEDs on each side of front surface 34. The LEDs are also visible on sides 36. Clear plastic covers 38 protect the LEDs.
Turning now to Fig. 4, a method of controlling promotional indicator lights on EPL 14 begins with START 40.
In step 42, a LED status indicator (i.e., on or off) is stored within the record of EPL 14 in EPL data file 26.
In step 44, if the status indicator indicates that LED
14 should be on/off, EPL computer 12 transmits a message addressed to EPL 14 and containing a command to turn on/off LEDs 28.
CA 0221~003 1997-09-04 In step 46, EPL 14 receives and acknowledges the message.
In step 48, EPL control circuit 16 turns on/off LEDs 28. EPL control circuit 16 may alternatively cause LEDs 28 to blink.
In step 50, the method ends.
Although the present invention has been described with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, variations and modifications of the present invention can be effected within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
Claims (12)
1. An electronic price label (EPL) comprising:
a power source;
a number of lights powered by the power source for promoting a product associated with the EPL; and a control circuit which applies and removes power from the lights in response to a message from a host computer.
a power source;
a number of lights powered by the power source for promoting a product associated with the EPL; and a control circuit which applies and removes power from the lights in response to a message from a host computer.
2. The EPL as recited in claim 1, wherein the lights comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs).
3. The EPL as recited in claim 1, wherein the control circuit also blinks the lights.
4. The EPL as recited in claim 1, wherein the power source comprises a battery.
5. The EPL as recited in claim 1, further comprising:
a housing having a substantially rectangular front surface, a left side surface, a right side surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface;
wherein the lights are located at a number of corners of the front surface.
a housing having a substantially rectangular front surface, a left side surface, a right side surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface;
wherein the lights are located at a number of corners of the front surface.
6. The EPL as recited in claim 5, wherein the number of lights comprises at least two on left and right edges of the front surface, and wherein the lights are also visible from the left and right sides.
7. The EPL as recited in claim 1, further comprising:
a housing having a substantially rectangular front surface, a left side surface, a right side surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface;
wherein the lights are located along left and right edges of the front surface.
a housing having a substantially rectangular front surface, a left side surface, a right side surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface;
wherein the lights are located along left and right edges of the front surface.
8. The EPL as recited in claim 7, wherein the number of lights comprises at least two, and wherein the lights are also visible from the left and right sides.
9. The EPL as recited in claim 1, wherein the control circuit comprises:
a memory for storing the message and data indicating whether the lights are being powered.
a memory for storing the message and data indicating whether the lights are being powered.
10. An electronic price label (EPL) system comprising:
an EPL including a power source;
a number of lights powered by the power source for promoting a product associated with the EPL; and a control circuit which applies and removes power from the lights; and a computer which sends messages to the EPL instructing the EPL to apply and remove power from the lights.
an EPL including a power source;
a number of lights powered by the power source for promoting a product associated with the EPL; and a control circuit which applies and removes power from the lights; and a computer which sends messages to the EPL instructing the EPL to apply and remove power from the lights.
11. The EPL system as recited in claim 10, wherein the computer also sends another message to the EPL instructing the EPL to blink the lights.
12. The EPL system as recited in claim 10, wherein the lights have a first color, and wherein the EPL system further comprises:
another EPL including a number of promotional lights having a second color different than the first color.
another EPL including a number of promotional lights having a second color different than the first color.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US73542296A | 1996-10-22 | 1996-10-22 | |
| US08/735,422 | 1996-10-22 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2215003A1 true CA2215003A1 (en) | 1998-04-22 |
Family
ID=29401837
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002215003A Abandoned CA2215003A1 (en) | 1996-10-22 | 1997-09-04 | Electronic price label having a promotional indicator light |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2215003A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2256716A1 (en) * | 2009-05-25 | 2010-12-01 | POLO EXPRESSVERSAND Gesellschaft für Motorradbekleidung und Sportswear mbH | Discount display system |
-
1997
- 1997-09-04 CA CA002215003A patent/CA2215003A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2256716A1 (en) * | 2009-05-25 | 2010-12-01 | POLO EXPRESSVERSAND Gesellschaft für Motorradbekleidung und Sportswear mbH | Discount display system |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |