Wireless display tag
First Claim
1. A wireless display tag comprising:
- a housing configured to fit either within a shelf-edge C-channel, or in a rail;
a programmable dot matrix display within the housing for displaying inventory information,an integrated circuit within the housing operatively connected to the display and adapted for bidirectional wireless communication with a remote host using an RF backscatter transceiver;
a low profile antenna within the housing operatively connected to the integrated circuit; and
environmental sensors for sensing at least one of a group which includes light, temperature and humidity.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A low-profile Wireless Display Tag (WDT) fits within the confines of a retail store display shelf-edge C-channel. The WDT may also be used to tag high-value retail item units where it can simultaneously function as a price tag, and an anti-theft device. The invention provides for bidirectional communication between the WDT and a central database. The invention uses a low profile antenna that may be painted onto a surface within the WDT. The WDT is capable of displaying graphics or variable format alphanumeric characters and the placement of display items is user programmable. The WDT uses an RF integrated Circuit (RFIC) that combines the backscatter RF communications method, amplified backscatter RF communications method and the active RF communications method.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A wireless display tag comprising:
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a housing configured to fit either within a shelf-edge C-channel, or in a rail; a programmable dot matrix display within the housing for displaying inventory information, an integrated circuit within the housing operatively connected to the display and adapted for bidirectional wireless communication with a remote host using an RF backscatter transceiver; a low profile antenna within the housing operatively connected to the integrated circuit; and environmental sensors for sensing at least one of a group which includes light, temperature and humidity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A processor adapted for use in a wireless display tag comprising:
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display processor for driving a programmable dot matrix display to display information about an item intended to be associated with the display tag; RF circuitry for communicating bidirectionally with a remote host, directly or indirectly, using backscatter RF and at least one communications technology selected from a group comprising passive RF and active RF; and mesh networking and display tag logic providing at least two functions selected from a group comprising real time location identification, real time path tracking, anti-theft signaling, inventory counting, inventory tracking, environmental sensing, and RFID. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification