GB2458945A - Wirelessly updateable product information tag with electronic display - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic product information display tag that communicates with a point of sale system, using wireless technology, to ensure that the information displayed is always up to date. The tag is security enabled ensuring it is inaccessible by other wireless systems. The tag incorporates an anti-theft security device and it attached to an article by a ball locking and pin mechanism. The display is of the electronic paper variety, which is low power, viewable over a wide rage of angles and visible in poor lighting. The tag may be used in an integrated point of sale system.

Description

PRODUCT INFORMATiON TAG

DESCRIPTION

An electronic product information and security tag designed for attachment to individual products. It displays product information using an electronic paper display incorporating wireless technology to communicate to the point of sale system. It has an integrated lock and pin security mechanism that attaches the tag securely to the product whilst it is in the store.

The drawing, Figure 1, demonstrates a breakdown of components used.

The drawing, Figure 2, demonstrates how the electronic tag could be attathed to clothing items and the type of product information it may display.

The drawing, Figure 3, demonstrates the wireless communication with a point of sale system.

Claims (10)

1. CLAIMS1. The wireless electronic tag will replace existing outdated paper labels which currently use barcode technology. The current system is inefficient and makes changing product information difficult to complete.
2. 2. The new tag will store and display product information and interact with the point of system so that the information displayed is always accurate and up to date. This means that the implementation of barcodes are no longer required as the electronic tag will automatically detect when the security pin is removed from it at the point of sale till indicating to the system that the item that it was attached to has been sold. The product information is stored on a microprocessor that communicates with the electronic components within the device.
3. 3. The tag incorporates the use of a ball locking and pin security mechanism that sets off alarms if the item and attached tag go through the shops security gates
4. 4. The tag is secured to the product at the company's distribution centre and is activated when it detects the secure wireless point of sale system in store.

   Once in the store the point of sale system provides a relationship with each product information tag so that the displays can be changed automatically and remotely by the company's central wireless server. The tag is security enabled making the product information inaccessible by other wireless sources.
5. 5. Whilst electronic shelf labels are currently being trialled in supermarkets, none of these attach to individual items nor do they provide the items with antishoplifting security. This is where the electronic tag is unique.
6. 6. The electronic paper display used to show product information is ultra low power, viewable at any angle and visible in poor lighting conditions.
7. 7. The tag is secured to the product at all times with the security pin in an area where consumers can easily view product information. The tag is only removed when the product is sold making it unlikely that the tag nor the garment, can be removed or stolen. This automatic detection of the saleable item uses a new integrated point of sale system that allows employees to select which item has been sold.
8. 8. The tag provides companies with up to date stock control measurements
9. 9. The tag is thin, lightweight and shatterproof It will be designed so that it will not distort or damage the item that it is attached to.
10. 10. The tag is rechargeable and reusableDRAWINGSFigure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3