WO1998052143A1

WO1998052143A1 - Method and system of electronic labeling with verification and locating capabilities

Info

Publication number: WO1998052143A1
Application number: PCT/US1997/007935
Authority: WO
Inventors: James P. Romano
Original assignee: Syracuse Research Corp.
Priority date: 1997-05-13
Filing date: 1997-05-13
Publication date: 1998-11-19
Also published as: AU3367897A

Abstract

The present invention contemplates a remotely addressable shelf label, including both conventional text and machine readable indicia. The system includes a display (10), a computer (12), wireless transmitter (14), a serial connector (16), etc.

Description

For: Method And System Of Electronic Labeling With Verification And Locating Capabilities

Technical Field The present invention relates to electronic labeling methods and systems. More particularly, the invention relates to novel and improved methods of displaying on a screen a visual image containing text and/or machine readable indicia relating to the nature and pricing of items offered for sale. The invention also relates to methods and systems for verifying that a visual display on an electronic shelf tag actually corresponds to a desired display, and for verifying the in-store locations of products to which electronic shelf tag modules are assigned.

Background Art In many retail establishments products are displayed in association with a shelf tag or label carrying indicia relating to the nature and price of the products. Traditionally, such labels or signs have been hand or machine printed on paper, plastic, or other substrates, and removably mounted in proximity to the product to which they relate. More recently, labeling has become the subject of government regulation mandating the display of such things as unit pricing. UPC symbols and other machine readable indicia are also commonly included in present-day shelf labels.

Increases in the amount and complexity of information carried by shelf labels, coupled with requirements for accuracy, integration with automated inventory control and check-out systems, as well as other factors, have led to an interest in forms of electronic labeling. For example, segmented liquid crystal displays have been incorporated in shelf labels, usually as a selectively changeable form of price indication. In general, however, it may be said that

SUBSTITUTE SHEFl (RULE 26) currently available electronic shelf labels must be supplemented by printed matter, particularly where the label includes a bar code, or the like.

Disclosure Of The Invention The present invention contemplates a remotely addressable shelf label which carries a graphic image of all desired information, including both conventional text and machine readable indicia. It will be understood that the term "shelf label," as used herein, is intended to denote any form of signage or display of graphic images which, in the usual case, contains information relating to the nature, quantity, price, location, and/or other features of one or more products being offered for sale.

The shelf label, in any case, includes a screen made up of an array of discrete pixels each having an addressable location in the array. The pixels are individually actuable to be rendered visible against a contrasting background. A preferred form of screen is of the type described as a fast, multistable, liquid crystal display (herinafter FMLCD) having pixels arranged in columns and rows with a resolution of, for example, 26 pixels per centimeter. Details of FMLCDs may be found, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,453,863. In addition to the screen, each shelf label includes means for receiving wirelessly transmitted, encoded signals, microprocessor means for decoding and storing the signals, and means for actuating the pixels whose addresses correspond to the signals.

The graphic image which is to be displayed on the shelf label screen is first created on a portion of a computer screen having a pixel array identical to that of the shelf label screen. The image is created on the computer screen by a programmer utilizing and manipulating any one of a number of commercially available graphics programs. Each programmed graphic display is saved in the computer's memory as a standard graphics file (e.g., a PCX type file) . Therefore, a desired graphic may be displayed on the computer's screen by retrieving the desired graphics file from the computer's memory. The encoded addresses of the pixels which have been actuated or not actuated to form the graphic image on the computer screen are wirelessly transmitted in a serial data stream to the receiving means of the shelf label. The signals are decoded and used to actuate or deactuate the corresponding pixels in the shelf label screen, thus providing a graphic display which corresponds pixel-for-pixel to the image originally created on the computer screen.

The display system of the invention also includes a unique verification feature. Many electronic data transmission systems incorporate means for confirming reception of transmitted data at a receiving point. However, this overlooks the fact that, even though the signals have been properly received, the image seen on the shelf label screen may not conform to the image which appears on the computer screen. This may be due to malfunction of elements of the shelf label after proper reception of the signals, as well as to physical defacing or other such alteration of the screen itself.

Accordingly, the verification feature of the present invention includes generating a second set of signals corresponding, in the same pixel format as the first signals, to the image appearing on the shelf label screen. This second set of signals is wirelessly transmitted back to the control location, i.e., the computer where the original graphic display was created, and compared with the first set of signals. A substantially identical match of the first and second sets of signals (pixel addresses with indication of actuation status) verifies that the image actually appearing on the shelf label screen conforms to the desired image originally appearing on the computer screen. The second set of signals may be generated and transmitted, for example, by scanning the shelf label screen with a hand-held scanning/transmitting device.

It is also sometimes useful to provide a unique identifying means for each shelf tag, as well as for each in-store location where products may be located. To this end, an identifying number, or the like, may be assigned to each shelf label. This number is stored in the memory of the label's microprocessor, and may also be visibly printed at a suitable position on the label. The label ID is thus available for direct viewing and/or transmission as a signal to the control location.

For identification of physical, in-store locations, the layout of the store or other defined area may be represented in a three-dimensional grid pattern with a unique number, or other identifier assigned to each increment of space. Indicia representing the identifier, preferably in machine-readable form, is permanently positioned at the location to which it corresponds. For example, the indicia may be printed on a paper or plastic tag which is adhesively affixed to a shelf or other structure at the identified location. The position- identifying tag may be scanned in conjunction with the scanning of a shelf label to identify or verify the presence of a particular label at a specific location. Scanning the bar code of a product displayed at this location further provides verification of proper label and product association.

Brief Description Of The Drawings Figure 1 is a block diagram representation of the hardware components of the present system;

Figure 2a is a block diagram representing the circuit system of the present invention;

Figure 2b is a schematic representation of a preferred mode of the circuitry arrangement of the present system; Figure 3a is a front elevational view of a graphic representation of a product bar code as it would appear on the display panel of the present system;

Figure 3b is a bottom plan view of the display panel showing a location identification symbol;

Figure 3c is a collection of various graphic displays; Figure 4a is a top plan view showing a retail store divided into a 2-dimensional grid;

Figure 4b is a side elevational view showing the retail store grid of Figure 4 further divided into a third dimension; and

Figure 5 is a representational diagram of a store layout.

Modes For Carrying Out The Invention Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, there is seen in

Figure 1 a system of hardware for electronically producing a display, denoted generally by reference numeral 10.

Electronic display 10 is generally comprised of a personal computer 12 electrically connected to a wireless transmitter 14 (e.g., a radio frequency, infra red, or modulated fluorescent light transmitter) , via a serial connector 16, such as a conventional RS232 connector, and a display module, denoted generally 18, positioned remotely from computer 12 and transmitter 14. A conventional, 9- volt transistor battery 29 provides power to transmitter

14.

Display module 18 includes a control, printed circuit board (PCB) denoted generally 20, having an input 22 which receives data from a receiver 24 (e.g., a radio frequency, infra red or modulated fluorescent light receiver) to which it is electrically connected via a serial connector 26, and an output 28 from which data is sent, via a serial connector 29, to a fast multistable liquid crystal display (FMLCD) 30. A 9 volt transistor battery 34 provides enough power to both PCB 20 and receiver 24 to effectively operate display module 18. However, due to portions of PCB 20 only needing about 5 volts of electricity to operate, the voltage sent from battery 34 to those portions of PCB 20 runs through a voltage regulator 36 which decreases the voltage accordingly.

Referring to Figures 2a and 2b, PCB 20 includes a high voltage (HV) circuit 38 which acts as a DC to DC converter and augments the 9 volts received from battery 34 via run 39 up to around 37 volts which is about the amount needed to operate FMLCD 30. To conserve battery life, a solar cell 37 may be electrically connected to battery 34. The 37 volts of electricity produced by HV circuit 38 is sent through a transistor (switch) 40 before reaching FMLCD 30, via run 42, in order to ensure that FMLCD does not receive a constant supply of voltage.

The 5 volts output from voltage regulator 36 is sent to receiver 24, as well as to a microprocessor 43, via run 44. Microprocessor 43 includes various logic elements 46, a data bus (4 bit) 48, and a RC circuit 50 which acts as an internal oscillating clock to run processor 20. The 5 volts further supports operation of a counter 52, which is electrically connected to microprocessor 43 and a memory array (e.g., a 4096 x 4 RAM chip) 54. Microprocessor 43 sends incrementing pulses to which counter 52 responds by sending incremental addresses of the corresponding memory locations in RAM 54. These addresses are used to both write to, and read from RAM 54.

Alternatively, in an effort to conserve battery life, counter 52 and RAM 54 could be omitted from PCB 20. Instead of microprocessor 43 sending the data to RAM 54 where it is temporarily stored and then transferred to FMLCD 30, microprocessor 43 could send the data directly to FMLCD 30 as it is received. If the data initially received by microprocessor 43 comes in at a slow enough rate, 9600 BAUD for example, the processor could effectively send the data to FMLCD 30 and be ready to receive the next data stream without causing the data to bottleneck while in transport. In operation, a user of system 10 would first access the memory of computer 12 and call up any one of a plurality of graphics files stored therein for display on the computer's CRT 60. The graphics files may be created using any one of a number of commercially available graphics software packages, such as PHOTOSTYLER®, CORELDRAW®, or PAINTSHOP®. By manipulating the graphics software, a programmer can create a screen work area 61 (see Figure 1) containing an array of pixels identical to FMLCD 20, e.g., a 160 x 80 array of pixels. In addition, the graphics software permits virtually any type of image to be created from scratch or to be scanned directly into the computer, examples of which are shown in the collection of images of Figure 36.

Once the user of system 10 accesses the desired graphics file and the image is displayed on CRT 60, the accuracy of the image can be visually inspected. If the image meets the user's approval, it can then be downloaded from the computer, pixel for pixel, through transmitter 14 and ultimately to the screen 62 of FMLCD 30. The actual data being transmitted from computer 12 is a serial stream of "l"s and "0"s representing an actuated or deactivated state, respectively, of individual pixel addresses. This electronic process of the pixel for pixel transmission results in FMLCD 30 displaying an identical reproduction of the image that appears in the accessed graphics file.

On the display module end, receiver 24 remains in stand by mode until it receives a signal from transmitter 14. Once receiver 24 does receive data from transmitter 14 , which is sent in a serial stream at a predetermined BAUD rate, preferably around 9600 BAUD, it then sends the serial stream to microprocessor 43 via the standard RS232 protocol 26. The first 4 bytes (8 bits) microprocessor 43 receives are an authentication sequence which instructs the microprocessor that valid data is to follow. If the first 4 bytes of data microprocessor 43 receives is something other than the predetermined authentication sequence, it will simply ignore whatever follows.

After receiving the authentication sequence, the next byte of data microprocessor 43 receives is an identification code (explained in more detail hereinafter) for a particular FMLCD 30, thereby alerting microprocessor 43 to which particular FMLCD (in the network of potential FMLCDs) to ultimately send the data. Consequently, a single display system 10 is capable of addressing any number of individual FMLCDs.

Once the FMLCD identification code is received by microprocessor 43, receiver 24 then sends data relating to a particular image which is intended to be displayed on FMLCD 30. Microprocessor 43 first activates write enable 56 and then takes the image data, the data being a series of "l"s and "0"s or "high"s and "low"s corresponding to the actuation or lack of actuation, respectively, of particular pixel locations, and sends the data to the registers of RAM 54 corresponding to the individual pixel locations. The various registers in RAM 54 in which each bit of image data is stored are determined by the incrementing of counter 52, and the microprocessor's response thereto. Counter 52 permits 12 bits of data to be delivered in parallel to RAM 54 with each pulse of chip enable 57, and with counter 52 organizing and steering the data to RAM 54 from the least significant bit to the most significant bit.

Once RAM 54 is filled with the entire image data, microprocessor 43 deactivates write enable 56 (i.e., actuates a read enable) to start at the beginning of RAM 54 and download the data, pixel (address) for pixel (address) , to FMLCD 30. The driver circuitry 66 electrically connected to screen 62 of FMLCD 30 receives the data from RAM 54 and actuates/deactivates the individual pixels on screen 62 accordingly. When all the data in RAM 54 has been transferred to FMLCD 30, microprocessor 43 sends a signal to turn off high voltage circuit 38, thereby cutting off the power supply to FMLCD 30, and then waits for the next data transmission. Once the next data transmission is received, the above described process repeats and the new image is transferred onto FMLCD 30 in a raster-like fashion.

Due to the nature of FMLCD technology, once an image is displayed on a screen, it does not need a constant supply of power to remain visible. For implementation of the present invention, any commercially available FMLCD, or other type of binary pixel display (including mechanically actuated pixel displays) , may be utilized. Examples of FMLCDs are manufactured by Advance Display Systems, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas or Kent Display Systems of Kent, Ohio, and disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,453,863. In addition to monochrome displays, the present invention can support full color or gray-scale displays. Likewise, the drivers which actuate the pixels on the FMLCD may be of any conventional STN type driver, such as model no. HD66106F manufactured by Hitachi Corp.

In one application of the present invention, display 10 can be used in a retail store environment (e.g. , a grocery store) as a tag for identifying certain product information. Referring particularly to Figure 3, there is seen an example of product information consisting of a UPC bar code 68, a store name 70, product name 72, and price information 74 all displayed on screen 62 of FMLCD 30. Such product information is common to tags found on the front of grocery store shelves in proximity to the products they are describing. The bar code 68 created on screen 62 is essentially identical to the actual bar code formed on the products' label, and, due to the high resolution of the screen's pixel array, is of such a high quality that it may be electronically scanned by a conventional, hand-held scanner 76 (see Figure 1) , with the scanner transmitting the bar code data back to a central computer. Scanner 76 may be of any commercially available type of scanning/transmitting device such as model no. 65 3070 manufactured by Symbol Express. Thus, when electronic display 10 is utilized in such an application, the need for grocers to use conventional paper tags to identify product information is eliminated.

To further enhance the product tag application, each display (tag) 10 has a unique identification number programmed within its microprocessor 43. This unique identification number may, if desired, be a permanent part of the screen's display, such as the number 78 appearing on screen 62 in Figure 3. It is important to note that the identification number programmed into microprocessor 43 must be identical to the number 78 displayed on the screen 62 (i.e., if the number displayed is "78", the number stored in memory must also be "78") .

In addition, with reference to Figures 4 and 4a, each store 80 in which displays 10 are used may be conceptually divided into a three dimensional, orthogonal grid, consisting of the floor being divided in two dimensions, X and Y, and the height of the store being divided in predetermined intervals, Z. Therefore, it is possible to determine the precise location (coordinates) of each display 10 within the store. By positioning each display 10 at predetermined coordinates, those coordinates become the display's location identification and a sticker 82 having the coordinates written thereon could be affixed to the bottom surface of each FMLCD (tag) 30. With reference to Figure 3b, sticker 82, attached to FMLCD 30, also includes machine readable coordinates 84 corresponding to the actual X, Y and Z coordinates 86 which are displayed in plain text (the sticker in Figure 3b showing a FMLCD 30 located at the X=10, Y=7, Z=2 coordinates of a store) .

Thus, in the application of display 10 being used as a product information tag, each FMLCD 30 has associated therewith, product information including plain text 72, 74 and machine readable code 68 portions, a tag identification number 78, and a store location number in machine readable 84 and plain text 86 form. Therefore, each product can be associated with a particular FMLCD 30 as determined by the FMLCD 's identification number 78. Accordingly, a product, such as CHEX-MIX® (see Figure 3s) , can be associated with a particular FMLCD 30, such as tag number 78. If CHEX- MIX®, for instance, is located in more than one location in the store, then that product may be associated with several FMLCDs, each of which contains a unique ID number.

To illustrate, Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic view of a grocery store 80 having a wall 82 with several shelves 84 mounted thereon. Several different types of products 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 100, 102 are positioned on shelves 84 in proximity to a respective FMLCD 30 each of which displays machine readable (e.g., UPC bar code) and plain text information about the respective products. Each FMLCD 30 includes a unique identification number stored in its microprocessor, as well as a location code based on the X, Y and Z coordinates (i.e., products 98 are associated with FMLCD 30 having a location code of X=4, Y=7, Z=l, or, simply, 471) .

Accordingly, when an employee of store 80 places a certain product, product 86 for example, on shelf 84, the FMLCD 30 positioned in proximity to that product has a known identification number. Therefore, an operator of computer 12 located in the store's control room 106 can load the graphics file associated with the particular product 86 onto the computer, and transmit the image from the computer to FMLCD 30 via wireless transmitter 14. As previously explained, transmitter 14 will first send an authentication sequence to FMLCD 30 followed by an identification code which will determine the particular FMLCD that will receive the image data.

Once the image is downloaded to the appropriate FMLCD 30, the employee of store 80 who places the products 86 on shelf 84 can scan the machine readable portions (regarding product information and FMLCD location) of FMLCD 30 via hand-held scanner 76 (e.g., an infra red scanning/transmitting device) (see Figure 1) . Scanner 76 can then transmit the bar code information back to a receiver 104 (e.g., an IR or RF receiver) electrically connected to computer 12. This accomplishes two tasks: one, the bar code graphics transmitted from FMLCD 30 and relating to product information can be compared with the bar code, product information stored in computer 12; and two, the location of product 86 is accurately determined. Therefore, the accuracy of the product information can be verified by the FMLCD' s product information being compared to the computer's information for the same product, and, if the product information is accurate, then the transmitted location of the particular product can be stored in computer 12.

The product verification process can be done in any number of ways, with one way being that after scanner 76 transmits the machine readable product information to computer 12, the computer stores the transmitted data in memory. A computer program stored in computer 12 then runs through a bit by bit comparison of the product information originally stored in its memory with the product information transmitted from FMLCD 30. If the comparison yields substantial identity between the two sets of product information, then the accuracy has been verified.

With respect to the mapping, or FMLCD location, function, once all the products have been positioned at predetermined locations on shelves 84, computer 12 will have a virtual map of where each product is located. If one or more particular products are located in several locations throughout the store, computer 12 will know, by virtue of the transmissions from scanner 76, each of the locations. Therefore, a consumer Kiosk 106, for instance, could be created which informs consumers of the locations for each product carried in the store.

Claims

What Is Claimed Is: 1. The method of displaying a graphic image on a first screen having a first array of pixels arranged in individually addressable first locations within said first array, said pixels being actuable to be rendered visible, said method comprising: a) creating said image on a second screen having a second array of pixels arranged in individually addressable second locations corresponding in number and arrangement to said first locations; b) identifying those pixels in said second array which have been actuated to create said image; c) storing encoded addresses corresponding to the locations of said identified pixels; d) wirelessly transmitting said encoded addresses to a microprocessor; e) receiving and decoding said addresses at said microprocessor; and f) actuating the pixels in said first array in positions corresponding to said decoded addresses, thereby displaying said graphic image on said first screen. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the pixels of said first array are actuated by application thereto of electrical power and remain in an actuated state following removal of said power. 3. The method of claim 2 wherein said first screen is an FMLCD screen. 4. The method of claim 3 wherein said second screen is a computer screen. 5. The method of claim 4 wherein said first and second arrays are arranged in columns and rows of said pixels, the number of columns and rows and the number of pixels therein being identical in said first and second arrays. 6. The method of claim 5 wherein said graphic image includes a machine-readable bar code. 7. The method of claim 6 wherein said transmitting is performed by RF transmission means. 8. The method of claim 6 wherein said transmitting is performed by IR transmission means. 9. The method of claim 6 and further including the step of reading said bar code to verify the presence and accuracy of said graphic image. 10. The method of verifying the presence and accuracy of visibly displayed indicia relating to the nature and price of products within a store and identifying the in- store locations of said products, said method comprising: a) assigning a unique first address identifying each of said locations; b) positioning at each of said locations machine-readable first indicia corresponding to said first address for that location; c) assigning to each of said products a shelf tag module comprising: i) a screen having an array of pixels each having a unique second address; ii) means for receiving wirelessly transmitted, encoded first signals commensurate with said second addresses; iϋ) microprocessor means for decoding and storing said second addresses and for storing an identifying value unique to said shelf tag module; and iv) driver means for actuating to render visible those pixels in said array corresponding to said second addresses; d) transmitting to said receiving means via first, wireless transmission means said first signals corresponding to said second addresses of those of said pixels which are to be actuated to form a visible display of both text and machine-readable second indicia unique to the nature and price of the product to which said shelf tag is assigned; e) receiving and decoding said first signals at said receiving and microprocessor means; f) actuating the pixels forming said visual display; ' g) reading said first and second machine-readable indicia and generating respective second and third signals commensurate therewith; h) transmitting to a control location via second, wireless transmission means said second and third signals and said tag identifying value; and i) receiving said second and third signals and said tag identifying value at said control location. 11. The method of claim 10 and further including providing a readout at said control location of the nature and price of the product assigned to said shelf tag, said tag identifying value and said location identifying address. 12. The method of claim 10 wherein said first and second machine-readable indicia are bar codes. 13. The method of claim 12 wherein said bar codes are read by a hand-held scanner. 14. The method of claim 12 wherein said screen is an FMLCD screen. 15. The method of verification of presence and accuracy of a desired visual display on a first screen having a first array of pixels arranged in individually addressable positions within said first array, said pixels being individually actuable to be rendered visible, said method comprising: a) generating a first series of encoded signals corresponding to the positions of selected pixels in said first array which are to be actuated to create said desired display; b) actuating said selected pixels; c) generating a second series of encoded signals corresponding to the visible image appearing on said screen after actuation of said selected pixels, said first and second series of signals being of the same format; and d) comparing said second series of signals to said first series of signals to verify that the two are identical. 16. The method of claim 15 wherein said first series of signals is wirelessly transmitted from a first location to receiving means proximate to said first screen in a second location. 17. The method of claim 16 wherein said second series of signals is wirelessly transmitted from said second location to receiving means at said first location. 18. The method of claim 15 and further including creating said display on a second screen having a second array of individually actuate pixels duplicating pixel-for- pixel said first array, said first series of signals corresponding to the addresses of the pixels in said second array which are actuated to create said display. 19. The method of claim 18 wherein said display includes a bar code. 20. The method of claim 19 wherein said display includes product identification and price information. 21. The method of claim 18 wherein said first screen is an FMLCD screen. 22. The method of claim 21 wherein said second screen is a computer screen. 23. A verifiable, electronic labeling system providing selectively changeable images, said system comprising: a) a first screen having a first array of pixels arranged in individually addressable positions within said first array, said pixels being individually actuable to create a desired display; b) means for generating a first series of encoded signals corresponding to the positions of selected pixels of said first array to be actuated to provide said desired display; c) first transmitter means for wireless transmission of said first series of signals; d) first receiver means for receiving said first series of signals; e) microprocessor means for decoding signals received by said receiving means; f) means for actuating said selected pixels; g) means for generating a second series of encoded signals corresponding to the visible image appearing on said first screen after actuation of said selected pixels, said first and second series of signals being of like format; h) second transmitter means for wireless transmission of said second series of signals; i) second receiver means for receiving said second series of signals; and j) means for comparing said second set of signals to said first set of signals to verify that the two are identical. 24. The system of claim 23 wherein said display relates to the nature and price of products offered for sale. 25. The system of claim 24 wherein said display includes a machine-readable bar code. 26. The system of claim 23 wherein said first transmitter and first receiver means comprise an RF transmitter and RF receiver, respectively. 27. The system of claim 23 and further including a second screen having a second array of individually actuable pixels duplicating pixel-for-pixel said first array, said first series of signals corresponding to pixels of said second array which are actuated to create said desired display on said second screen. 28. The system of claim 27 wherein said first screen is an FMLCD screen. 29. The system of claim 28 wherein said second screen is a computer screen. 30. The system of claim 27 and further including memory means for storing said first series of signals, and means connecting said memory means to said first transmitter means.