US5198644A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System for display of prices and related method
Assignee: Pricepoint Inc
•
Filing: 1992-04-16
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Granted: 1993-03-30
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Expires: 2012-04-16
Abstract
Abstract A price display system for a store includes spread spectrum radio broadcasting of UPC and price data from a transmitter in the store to a large number of receivers. Each receiver is connected to one or more LCD displays attached to the store shelves, and each receiver provides the relevant information to each of the connected displays. The displays and receivers are battery powered.
Inventors
- 👤 James W. Pfeiffer
- 👤 Larry A. Lincoln
- 👤 Donald E. Pezzolo
- 👤 Robert F. Garry, Jr.
- 👤 Kent A. Fritz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 00:48
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06Q; G06Q30/00; G06Q30/02; H; H04; H04M; H04M11/00; H04M11/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 51
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
An information display system comprising: at least one receiver for receiving transmitted information to be displayed; means for transmitting information to said at least one receiver; at least two independent displays each associated with a different product and each being mounted on a shelf and having an address defined by the associated product, and each connected to said one receiver by the same multi-wire parallel bus carrying both power for the displays and information signals for the displays, and each display being capable of displaying selected received information as determined by the address relating to the particular associated product; and means for optically locally programming the address of each display into the display when the display is mounted on the shelf and connected to the parallel lines.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
An information display system comprising: at least one receiver for receiving transmitted information to be displayed; means for transmitting information to said at least one receiver; at least two independent displays each associated with a different product and each being mounted on a shelf and having an address defined by the associated product, and each connected to said one receiver by the same multi-wire parallel bus carrying both power for the displays and information signals for the displays, and each display being capable of displaying selected received information as determined by the address relating to the particular associated product; and means for optically locally programming the address of each display into the display when the display is mounted on the shelf and connected to the parallel lines.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the means for transmitting comprises means for transmitting spread spectrum radio frequency signals.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the means for transmitting comprises means for transmitting a product code and a decoded bit-mapped image of a price associated with the product code.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the receiver draws all its electric power from at least one battery and the receiver includes means for detecting a low battery state and changing operation of the receiver in response thereto.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the means for locally programming further comprises a port for locally being assigned a product code and other information relating to the address by light signals.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 1, wherein each display comprises a liquid crystal display.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
74 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising alight sensitive port in each displayed adaptive to changes in ambient light, and wherein each display further comprises means for displaying a first display of price information usually, a second display of unit price information in response to a user covering the optical port, and a third display of product order information in response to a user providing a higher than ambient light to the optical port.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 1 ,wherein the receiver comprises: a receiving portion for receiving the information; and a logic portion; wherein the receiving portion is physically detachable from the logic portion.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 1, wherein at least six displays are connected to said one receiver, and each display draws all required electric power from said one receiver.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
45 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising means for providing electric power to the receiver at predetermined intervals, and also at a time as calculated by the receiver from received information when a display module connected to the receiver is receiving information via the receiver.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the receiver further comprises means for acknowledging the receipt of the transmitted information.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 1, wherein each display includes means for displaying graphic images transmitted by the means for transmitting as decoded bit-mapped data for directly driving specific segments of the display.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
42 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising an input device for locally inputting data for programming a product code and price data into each display, the price data being input as decoded bit-mapped data for directly driving specific segments of the display.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device of claim 13, wherein the input device includes means for interrogating each display for store product ordering information by a transition in light levels sensed by the display, the display adapting automatically for changes in ambient light level.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device of claim 1, wherein each display includes means for indicating that no information has been received by the display for a particular time and in response thereto providing a visual indication on the display.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 1, wherein each display comprises an area for displaying information other than the information transmitted to the display.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the transmitted information comprises at least four images, and means for automatically alternating between two of the images, thereby displaying a flashing effect.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 16, wherein the area for displaying information comprises a detachably portion of the display.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the displays are one different tiers.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the display includes a rails for protecting a surface of at least one of the displays.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
The information display system of claim 1 further comprising: means for temporarily providing power to each display when a battery is removed from the receiver.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 21, further comprising an interlock for preventing removal of the battery unless the means for temporarily providing power is provided.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
41 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising means for providing a clock timing signal from a crystal oscillator in the receiver to each of the displays for operation thereof, thereby eliminating any need for a timing oscillator in the display modules.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
93 words
An information display system comprising: at least one receiver for receiving transmitted information to be displayed; means for transmitting information to said at least one receiver; at least one display connected to each said receiver, each display being capable of displaying selected received information; means for alterably assigning an identifier to each display; and means for assigning related identifiers to a plurality of displays, each identifier including a product code and additional information uniquely identifying each display, wherein a plurality of displays located at different spaced-apart locations are assigned an identical product code.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
93 words
An information display system comprising: at least one receiver for receiving transmitted information to be displayed; means for transmitting information to said at least one receiver; at least one display connected to each said receiver, each display being capable of displaying selected received information; means for alterably assigning an identifier to each display; and means for assigning related identifiers to a plurality of displays, each identifier including a product code and additional information uniquely identifying each display, wherein a plurality of displays located at different spaced-apart locations are assigned an identical product code.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
95 words
A shelf rail assembly for attachment to a shelf comprising: a shelf rail for attachment to the shelf having a plurality of electrical loads; at least one display module fitting entirely into a recess in the shelf rail whereby no part of the display module extends out of the recess; a plurality of springs fitting between the display module and the shelf rail, wherein all of the springs must be compressed simultaneously to release the display module from the shelf rail; and means for electrically connecting the display module to the plurality of electrical leads.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
95 words
A shelf rail assembly for attachment to a shelf comprising: a shelf rail for attachment to the shelf having a plurality of electrical loads; at least one display module fitting entirely into a recess in the shelf rail whereby no part of the display module extends out of the recess; a plurality of springs fitting between the display module and the shelf rail, wherein all of the springs must be compressed simultaneously to release the display module from the shelf rail; and means for electrically connecting the display module to the plurality of electrical leads.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 25 wherein the shelf rail further comprises at least one extension which extends beyond the recess for protecting the display module.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device of claim 25, further comprising a clip having a slanted end portion operatively connected to each spring, the slanted end portion fitting into a corresponding cavity defined by the shelf rail.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
81 words
A display module for displaying information comprising: a display; an optical portion including alight source; and means for detecting light at the optical port and displaying information on the display in response to the detected light, wherein the means for detecting includes: means for detecting light from a wand inserted in the port including means for performing the detecting only when the light source in the optical port is not illuminated; and means for communicating with the wand by a handshaking.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
81 words
A display module for displaying information comprising: a display; an optical portion including alight source; and means for detecting light at the optical port and displaying information on the display in response to the detected light, wherein the means for detecting includes: means for detecting light from a wand inserted in the port including means for performing the detecting only when the light source in the optical port is not illuminated; and means for communicating with the wand by a handshaking.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
63 words
A display module comprising: a display for displaying information; means for detecting at least three different levels of light wherein one of the three light levels is detected only if it is of at least 18 millisecond duration; and means for displaying particular information on the display in response to each of the three levels of light detected by the means for detecting.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
63 words
A display module comprising: a display for displaying information; means for detecting at least three different levels of light wherein one of the three light levels is detected only if it is of at least 18 millisecond duration; and means for displaying particular information on the display in response to each of the three levels of light detected by the means for detecting.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 29, wherein one of the levels of light is a predetermined sequence of light patterns.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
124 words
An information display system comprising: at least one receiver for receiving transmitted information to be displayed; means for transmitting information to said at least one receiver; at least one display connected to each said receiver, each display being capable of displaying selected received information; wherein the receiver includes a receiver portion for receiving the transmitted information, and a processor for providing the received information to the displays, and the receiver further comprising: means for periodically providing electric power to the receiver portion, the receiver portion being in an inoperative state when electric power is not so provided; and means for operating the processor at tone speed when information is being received by the receiver portion, and at a lower speed at other predetermined times.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
124 words
An information display system comprising: at least one receiver for receiving transmitted information to be displayed; means for transmitting information to said at least one receiver; at least one display connected to each said receiver, each display being capable of displaying selected received information; wherein the receiver includes a receiver portion for receiving the transmitted information, and a processor for providing the received information to the displays, and the receiver further comprising: means for periodically providing electric power to the receiver portion, the receiver portion being in an inoperative state when electric power is not so provided; and means for operating the processor at tone speed when information is being received by the receiver portion, and at a lower speed at other predetermined times.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 31, further comprising means for operating the display in a low power state when the display is not receiving information from the processor means.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
131 words
A method for displaying information comprising the steps of: providing at least one receiver/transmitter for receiving transmitted information to be displayed; providing a multi-wire parallel bus carrying both power for displays and information signals for the displays; connecting at least two independent displays not having an address and each associated with a different product to said receiver/transmitter by said bus; designating the associated product by locally programming a product code into each display; sending the programmed product code from each display via the bus to the receiver; transmitting the product code from the receiver/transmitter to a central controller; sending price data for the associated product code from the central controller to each display via the receiver/transmitter and parallel bus; and display the price data sent to each display on the display.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
131 words
A method for displaying information comprising the steps of: providing at least one receiver/transmitter for receiving transmitted information to be displayed; providing a multi-wire parallel bus carrying both power for displays and information signals for the displays; connecting at least two independent displays not having an address and each associated with a different product to said receiver/transmitter by said bus; designating the associated product by locally programming a product code into each display; sending the programmed product code from each display via the bus to the receiver; transmitting the product code from the receiver/transmitter to a central controller; sending price data for the associated product code from the central controller to each display via the receiver/transmitter and parallel bus; and display the price data sent to each display on the display.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
162 words
An information display system comprising: at least one receiver for receiving transmitted information to be displayed; means for transmitting information to said at least one receiver; at least two independent displays each associated with a different product and each connected to said one receiver by the same multi-wire parallel bus carrying both power for the displays and information signals for the displays, each display being capable of displaying selected received information relating to the particular associated product; wherein the receiver draws all its electric power from at least one battery and the receiver includes means for detecting a low battery state and changing operation of the receiver in response thereto; and means for providing electric power to the receiver at predetermined intervals, and also at a time as calculated by the receiver at predetermined intervals, and also at a time as calculated by the receiver from received information when a display module connected to the receiver is receiving information via the receiver.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
162 words
An information display system comprising: at least one receiver for receiving transmitted information to be displayed; means for transmitting information to said at least one receiver; at least two independent displays each associated with a different product and each connected to said one receiver by the same multi-wire parallel bus carrying both power for the displays and information signals for the displays, each display being capable of displaying selected received information relating to the particular associated product; wherein the receiver draws all its electric power from at least one battery and the receiver includes means for detecting a low battery state and changing operation of the receiver in response thereto; and means for providing electric power to the receiver at predetermined intervals, and also at a time as calculated by the receiver at predetermined intervals, and also at a time as calculated by the receiver from received information when a display module connected to the receiver is receiving information via the receiver.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
110 words
An information display system comprising: at least one receiver for receiving transmitted information to be displayed; means for transmitting information to said at least one receiver; and at least two independent displays each associated with a different product and each connected to said one receiver by the same multi-wire parallel bus carrying both power for the displays and information signals for the displays, and each display being capable of displaying selected received information relating to the particular associated product; wherein each display includes means for indicating that no information has been received by the display for a particular time and in response thereto providing a visual indication on the display.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
110 words
An information display system comprising: at least one receiver for receiving transmitted information to be displayed; means for transmitting information to said at least one receiver; and at least two independent displays each associated with a different product and each connected to said one receiver by the same multi-wire parallel bus carrying both power for the displays and information signals for the displays, and each display being capable of displaying selected received information relating to the particular associated product; wherein each display includes means for indicating that no information has been received by the display for a particular time and in response thereto providing a visual indication on the display.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
98 words
An information display system comprising: at least one receiver for receiving transmitted information to be displayed; means for transmitting information to said at least one receiver; at least two independent displays each associated with a different product and each connected to said one receiver, each display being capable of displaying selected received information relating to the particular associated product; and means for providing electric power to the receiver at predetermined intervals, and also at a time as calculated by the receiver from received information when a display module connected to the receiver is receiving information via the receiver.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
98 words
An information display system comprising: at least one receiver for receiving transmitted information to be displayed; means for transmitting information to said at least one receiver; at least two independent displays each associated with a different product and each connected to said one receiver, each display being capable of displaying selected received information relating to the particular associated product; and means for providing electric power to the receiver at predetermined intervals, and also at a time as calculated by the receiver from received information when a display module connected to the receiver is receiving information via the receiver.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
91 words
An information display system comprising: at least one receiver for receiving transmitted information to be displayed; means for transmitting information to said at least one receiver; at least two independent displays each associated with a different product and each connected to said one receiver, each display being capable of displaying selected received information relating to the particular associated product; and wherein each display includes means for indicating that no information has been received by the display for a particular time and in response thereto providing a visual indication on the display.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
91 words
An information display system comprising: at least one receiver for receiving transmitted information to be displayed; means for transmitting information to said at least one receiver; at least two independent displays each associated with a different product and each connected to said one receiver, each display being capable of displaying selected received information relating to the particular associated product; and wherein each display includes means for indicating that no information has been received by the display for a particular time and in response thereto providing a visual indication on the display.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
143 words
An information display system comprising: a transmitter for transmitting information; a plurality of receiver/transmitter sets for receiving pricing information from the transmitter and transmitting information back to the transmitter; at least two independent displays for displaying the pricing information associated with each of the receiver/transmitter sets, each display associated with a different product, each display connected to the associated transmitter by a parallel bus; wherein the pricing information transmitted to the receiver/transmitter sets includes: a first portion indicating the particular receiver/transmitter set to which the information is being transmitted; and a second portion including a product code and a price for the particular product associated with at least one of the displays connected to the particular receiver/transmitter set; and wherein the particular receiver/transmitter set processes only the first portion, and upon processing the first portion, sends the second portion to the parallel bus.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
143 words
An information display system comprising: a transmitter for transmitting information; a plurality of receiver/transmitter sets for receiving pricing information from the transmitter and transmitting information back to the transmitter; at least two independent displays for displaying the pricing information associated with each of the receiver/transmitter sets, each display associated with a different product, each display connected to the associated transmitter by a parallel bus; wherein the pricing information transmitted to the receiver/transmitter sets includes: a first portion indicating the particular receiver/transmitter set to which the information is being transmitted; and a second portion including a product code and a price for the particular product associated with at least one of the displays connected to the particular receiver/transmitter set; and wherein the particular receiver/transmitter set processes only the first portion, and upon processing the first portion, sends the second portion to the parallel bus.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 38, wherein each receiver/transmitter set is turned on for receiving and transmitting a proportion of the time less than about 1%.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-03-29 | 1996-09-28 | 1997-03-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-03-29 | 2000-09-28 | 2001-03-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-03-29 | 2004-09-28 | 2005-03-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |