Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for periodically measuring the level of ambient noise found on a radio frequency channel used by a radio frequency identification interrogator to read radio frequency identification tags. The ambient noise is measured after the radio frequency identification interrogator has transmitted a signal. The measured level of ambient noise is then used to dynamically adjust a threshold value used to predict collisions on the channel.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for periodically measuring the level of ambient noise found on a radio frequency channel used by a radio frequency identification interrogator to read radio frequency identification tags. The measured level of ambient noise is then used to dynamically adjust a threshold value used to predict collisions on the channel.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for periodically measuring the level of ambient noise found on a radio frequency channel used by a radio frequency identification interrogator to read radio frequency identification tags. The ambient noise is measured after the radio frequency identification interrogator has transmitted a signal. The measured level of ambient noise is then used to dynamically adjust a threshold value used to predict collisions on the channel.

Abstract: A system and method of reducing noise in an electronic shelf label system which shifts operation of the receiver away from noise frequencies. The system includes a controller for receiving signal levels and noise levels at different frequencies from a homodyne receiver, and for shifting operation of the receiver away from noise frequencies.

Abstract: A communication device and method for electronic price label (EPL) systems which use EPL components. The device includes a microcontroller, a first EPL circuit enabled by the microcontroller which sends a first signal to an EPL computer in response to a first polling signal from the EPL computer indicating that data from the microcontroller is ready for transmission, a number of second EPL circuits which store the data from the microcontroller and which send the data to the EPL computer in response to a second polling signal from the EPL computer, a third EPL circuit which receives a second signal from the EPL computer acknowledging receipt by the EPL computer of the data, and which signals the microcontroller of the receipt of the data, a keypad coupled to the microcontroller for recording the data from an operator, and a display for displaying the data as it is recorded and for displaying an indication of the receipt of the data.

Abstract: A system and method of reporting a status of another system through an electronic price label (EPL). The system includes the EPL and a computer coupled to the EPL which monitors the status of the second system and causes the EPL to display a status message indicating the status of the second system. The second system may include a POS system, credit authorization system, or any other in-store system.

Abstract: A communication device and method for electronic price label (EPL) systems which use EPL components. The device includes a microcontroller, a first EPL circuit enabled by the microcontroller which sends a first signal to an EPL computer in response to a first polling signal from the EPL computer indicating that data from the microcontroller is ready for transmission, a number of second EPL circuits which store the data from the microcontroller and which send the data to the EPL computer in response to a second polling signal from the EPL computer, a third EPL circuit which receives a second signal from the EPL computer acknowledging receipt by the EPL computer of the data, and which signals the microcontroller of the receipt of the data, a keypad coupled to the microcontroller for recording the data from an operator, and a display for displaying the data as it is recorded and for displaying an indication of the receipt of the data.

Abstract: A communication device and method for electronic price label (EPL) systems which use EPL components. The device includes a microcontroller, a first EPL circuit enabled by the microcontroller which sends a first signal to an EPL computer in response to a first polling signal from the EPL computer indicating that data from the microcontroller is ready for transmission, a number of second EPL circuits which store the data from the microcontroller and which send the data to the EPL computer in response to a second polling signal from the EPL computer, a third EPL circuit which receives a second signal from the EPL computer acknowledging receipt by the EPL computer of the data, and which signals the microcontroller of the receipt of the data, a keypad coupled to the microcontroller for recording the data from an operator, and a display for displaying the data as it is recorded and for displaying an indication of the receipt of the data.

Abstract: An electronic price label (EPL) which includes a plurality of separately-addressable displays. The EPL includes a housing, a first display identified by a first unique identification number, a second display within the housing identified by a second unique identification number, and circuitry within the housing for controlling each of the first and second displays in response to messages received by the circuitry which are addressed to the first and second displays using the first and second unique identification numbers.

Abstract: A remote control device and method for electronic price label (EPL) systems which includes circuitry from EPLs. The remote control device includes a first EPL circuit, a second EPL circuit, and a control circuit coupled between the first and second EPL circuits for enabling transmission of alternating signals to the EPL computer by the first and second EPL circuits. The EPL computer executes a function in response to the alternating signals.

Abstract: An electronic price label (EPL) including a noisemaker to assist in locating the EPL. Besides a noisemaker, the EPL includes processing circuitry which activates the noisemaker upon receipt of a command from a computer. A method for locating an EPL includes the steps of providing a noisemaker within the EPL, and transmitting a first signal to the EPL including a command to activate the noisemaker from a computer. The method may additionally include the steps of providing a plurality of receiving antennae, determining locations of the receiving antennae, transmitting a second message to the EPL by a computer coupled to the receiving antennae, listening for a third message from the EPL in response to the second message by the computer, determining signal strengths of the third message at each of the receiving antennae, and determining an estimate of the location of the EPL from the signal strengths by the computer.

Abstract: A system and method of reporting a status of another system through an electronic price label (EPL). The system includes the EPL and a computer coupled to the EPL which monitors the status of the second system and causes the EPL to display a status message indicating the status of the second system. The second system may include a POS system, credit authorization system, or any other in-store system.

Abstract: A system and method of assigning an electronic serial number to a radio frequency (RF) device which minimizes handling of RF devices. The system includes a first isolation chamber which programs a first group of RF devices including the one RF device with a first electronic serial number, a holding area external to the first isolation chamber for separating the first group of RF devices into a plurality of second groups of RF devices including a third group of RF devices containing the one RF device, and a second isolation chamber which programs the one RF device with a second electronic serial number different from the first electronic serial number and different from third electonic serial numbers assigned to other RF devices within the third group.