System and method for providing inductive power to improve product marking and advertising

• US 20070165366A1
• Filed: 12/21/2005
• Published: 07/19/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: General Instrument Corporation (CommScope Holding Company, Inc.)
• Inventors: Sokola, Ray
• Granted Patent: US 7,923,938 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/679.210
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/00 Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising G09F9/00, G09F11/00 take precedence; control of displays in general using static means to present variable information G09G
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 23/00 Advertising on or in specific articles, e.g. ashtrays, letter-boxes on or in vehicles G09F21/00

Abstract

A system and method are described in which power is inductively supplied to a product or a package containing a product. This power is received via a coil and used by a light source to further enhance the presentation of the product or packaging. The illuminated light draws more attention to the product or package and thereby increases the probability that a prospective buyer will buy the product. Power is supplied to the package via a coil mounted to a shelf system. The frequency of the power supplied to the shelf coil may be changed to change the frequency at which the light source in the product or package illuminates.

Claims

1. A device comprising:

a housing; and

a circuit wherein the circuit further comprises;

a display element coupled to the housing; and

a first coil coupled to the display element and the housing.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the circuit further comprises:

a rectifier circuit coupled between the display element and the first coil.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the circuit further comprises:

a frequency divider coupled between the display element and the first coil.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein the circuit further comprises:

a second coil coupled to the housing; and

a rectifier circuit coupled between the second coil and the frequency divider.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the display element is an LED.

6. The device of claim 2 wherein the display element is a screen.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein the circuit further comprises a processor coupled to the rectifier circuit.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the device is a package.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein the device is a product.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein the circuit includes a sub-circuit that provides power via a battery.

11. The device of claim 9 wherein the circuit includes a sub-circuit that provides power via a connection to an outlet.

12. The device of claim 2 wherein the circuit further comprises an amplitude switch coupled between the rectifier and the display element.

13. The device of claim 1 wherein the circuit further comprises a filter coupled between the first coil and the display element.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein the circuit further comprises a switch coupled between the filter and display element.