Abstract: An electronic price label (EPL) system including groups of electronic price labels and method of managing the groups which facilitate group definition, assignment of EPLs to groups, assignment of items to EPLs, and assignment of prices to items. The system includes a plurality of EPLs arranged in rows and columns within a sign to define a group. At least one of the rows includes a plurality of EPLs and at least one of the columns includes a plurality of EPLs. A computer coupled to the EPLs defines the group, assigns the EPLs to the group, and assigns item identification numbers and prices to the EPLs. A storage medium stores group definition information, EPL assignments to the group, and item assignments to the EPLs. The storage medium additionally stores a price identifier, which may be incorporated into the item identification numbers.

Abstract: An item recognition system and method which is particularly suited for automating entry of items too small to carry readable bar code labels. The system includes a camera which digitizes the image to produce a digitized image and a gray-scale digitized image. A binary image of the gray-scale image is then produced from which the computer records an image of the item, and a computer coupled to the camera which digitizes the image to produce a digitized image and a gray-scale digitized image. A binary image of the gray-scale image is then produced from which the computer identifies the item from the binary image and obtains the price from a price-lookup file.

Abstract: A positive displacement positioner employs rigid stops and actuators to position a work piece, such as a microtiter plate, in any one of at least three positions. Positioner platforms, each of which is capable of moving a work piece between at least two distinct positions, are nested in order to multiply the number of positions available. For example, a two-position rigid stop positioner platform nested in a four-position rigid stop positioner platform, or a four-position rigid stop positioner platform nested in a two-position rigid stop positioner platform would permit the movement of a work piece to any one of eight distinct positions. A four-position platform nested inside a four-position platform yields sixteen positions, and so on. Each positioner platform preferably has a symmetrical polygonal outline and nested platforms provide displacement along each of the polygon's axes of symmetry. Consequently, a positioner will preferably provide displacement to any one of a number of positions.

Abstract: A simple, self-oscillating, DC-to-DC converter current source, using a small number of simple components, with hysteresis around the current switching thresholds. Slight design modifications allow operation in any of several topologies. In another aspect of the invention, operation as a regulated DC-to-DC converter voltage source is achieved through the addition of a small number of additional components, with slight design modifications allowing operation in any of several topologies.

Abstract: A dryer for use with chemical compounds employs controlled vacuum, elevated temperature and dry, inert gas to dry the chemical compounds. The dryer includes a vacuum chamber into which trays containing the compounds are placed. The chamber includes heating elements which elevate the temperature of chemical samples placed within the chamber. Supplying and evacuating manifolds, each with a plurality of orifices for supplying and evacuating dry inert gas, provide a substantially laminar flow of dry inert gas just above the trays of chemical compounds which are to be dried. The laminar gas flow removes the unwanted vapor which tends to form above the tray of chemical compound, thus accelerating the drying process.

Abstract: A method of assigning electronic price labels (EPLs) to groups of price look-up file items which is based upon the price change frequencies of the items in the groups. The items are divided into a plurality of groups. Price change frequencies for items within each group are determined. A minimum price change frequency for each group is determined. In a first embodiment, EPLs are assigned to items in any one of the groups only if a predetermined number of the price change frequencies in the one group exceed a predetermined minimum price change frequency for the one group.

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.

Abstract: A method of displaying a promotional message by an electronic price label (EPL) which stores promotional messages and corresponding promotional indicators in a memory within the EPL. Once the promotional messages are stored within the memory of the EPL, the promotional messages no longer need to be sent by a controlling computer each time a promotional message must be displayed by the EPL. The controlling computer transmits a promotional indicator to the EPL. The EPL compares the promotional indicator in the message with the promotional indicators stored within the memory. The EPL displays a promotional message associated with one of the promotional indicators within the memory if the promotional indicator in the memory and the promotional indicator in the message are equal.

Abstract: A method of displaying a promotional message by electronic price label which uses a promotional indicator. The promotional message is stored with the promotional indicator in a first location. The promotional indicator is stored in a second location. A control message addressed to the EPL is created by reading the promotional indicator for the EPL from the second location and reading the promotional message from the first location. The control message to the EPL is transmitted. The control message is received by the EPL. Finally, the promotional message is displayed by the EPL. The first location may be a price look-up (PLU) file and/or an EPL data file.

Abstract: A method of displaying a government program message by an electronic price label which uses a government program indicator. The government program message is stored with the government program indicator in a first location. The government program indicator is stored in a second location. A control message addressed to the EPL is created by reading the government program indicator for the EPL from the second location and reading the government program message from the first location. The control message to the EPL is transmitted. The control message is received by the EPL. Finally, the government program message is displayed by the EPL. The first location may be a price look-up (PLU) file and/or an EPL data file.

Abstract: A method of displaying a product restriction message by an electronic price label which uses a product restriction indicator. The product restriction message is stored with the product restriction indicator in a first location. The product restriction indicator is stored in a second location. A control message addressed to the EPL is created by reading the product restriction indicator for the EPL from the second location and reading the product restriction message from the first location. The control message to the EPL is transmitted. The control message is received by the EPL. Finally, the product restriction message is displayed by the EPL. The first location may be a price look-up (PLU) file and/or an EPL data file.

Abstract: A system for interfacing at least one peripheral device with a personal computer is disclosed as including a personal computer microcontroller, a keyboard microcontroller directly connected to the personal computer microcontroller by means of a clock line and a data line, a switching device positioned between the personal computer microcontroller and the keyboard microcontroller, and a wedge microcontroller to which the peripheral device may be connected. The wedge microcontroller further includes a first set of connections to the clock and data lines positioned between the switching device and the keyboard microcontroller, a second set of connections to the clock and data lines positioned between the switching device and the personal computer microcontroller, and a switch control connection to the switching device for opening and closing the switching device.

Abstract: A restaurant transaction processing system which employs low-cost cordless phone transceivers to transmit orders. A server includes a first cordless telephone transceiver. A portable computer includes a second cordless telephone transceiver and transfers order data to the first computer. The first and second cordless telephone transceivers preferably operate at frequencies designated by the FCC and have a transmission range less than five thousand feet. A typical frequency of operation is in a frequency band near 900 MHz. The system may also include a kitchen terminal which is coupled to the server through a network, and a transaction processing terminal which is also coupled to the server through the network. The server maintains transaction data, routes orders to the kitchen terminal, and routes order ready signals from the kitchen terminal to the portable computer. The transaction processing terminal completes payment for the orders.

Abstract: A system and method of obtaining information from a price look-up (PLU) file which employ an application programming interface which isolates application programs from each other. The system preferably includes a storage medium containing the PLU file, a computer coupled to the storage medium, control software executed by the computer, an application programming interface (API) having hooks into the control software, and a program executed by the computer which attaches into the API via interprocess communications for obtaining information for an item from the PLU file.

Abstract: A method of locating an electronic price label in a transaction establishment which relies on known location information from other electronic price labels. The method includes the steps of receiving a message from the electronic price label, determining a first approximate location of the electronic price label from characteristics of the return message, selecting other electronic price labels in proximity with the approximate location, receiving messages from a number of the other electronic price labels whose locations are known, determining which of the number of the other electronic price labels is closest to the electronic price label from characteristics of the messages from the number of the other electronic price labels, and determining a second approximate location of the electronic price label based on the location of the closest electronic price label.

Abstract: An EPL having a two-dimensional (2-D) bar code reader which reads a two-dimensional bar code label on a back side of an overlay. The two-dimensional bar code label is situated adjacent the two-dimensional bar code reader when the overlay is installed. The two-dimensional bar code label may contain data for the item associated with the electronic price label or programming instructions for controlling the electronic price label. The two-dimensional bar code reader is activated by a switch only when necessary to read a new two-dimensional bar code label. The switch may be activated manually or remotely by a computer coupled to the electronic price label.

Abstract: An auxiliary display assembly for an electronic price label which is easily added and removed from electronic price labels requiring additional display area. The auxiliary display includes a display and an electrical connector coupled to the display which couples to another electrical connector on the electronic price label. The auxiliary display is suitable for displaying promotional messages, which may include price information. Circuitry within the electronic price label senses connection of the auxiliary display to the electronic price label. The circuitry sets a configuration bit within a memory of the electronic price label. Auxiliary display management software executed by a terminal queries the electronic price label for the presence of the auxiliary display and sends data to the electronic price label for display by the auxiliary display.

Abstract: An interactive electronic drum system and training techniques suitable for use in a coin-operated environment such as an arcade are described. Electronic drum pads, audio speakers, a visual display, training lights and an overall control system are combined to simulate the excitement of a live drum or inactive musical jam session for a user. Positive feedback and, as necessary, instructive aid are provided to make the experience a positive one for both the novice and the expert player. Learning and playing a musical instrument becomes an intuitive, exciting experience and not a boring chore to be endured. Players can simulate the experience of playing in a rock band before a live and appreciative audience. In short, this interactive electronic drum system makes drums and the jamming experience widely accessible to the public.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing data stored in semiconductor memory cells of a semiconductor device is described. A reference fingerprint corresponding to numerical representations of a measurement of the levels of charges trapped in the memory cells is generated and stored. The measurement is performed immediately after programming data to the memory cells. The reference fingerprint is then compared to a measurement of numerical representations of the levels of charges trapped in the memory cells of a memory device that has been presented to a reader. If a match occurs, then the data stored in the memory device is authenticated. An intentional offset error voltage may be applied when writing data to the memory cells to enhance the security of the data. The reference fingerprint may also be encrypted prior to storage for added security.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for compressing images of financial instruments and other documents. The method of the present invention includes the steps of scanning a plurality of documents to obtain an electronic image of each document; identifying a static portion in the electronic image of each of the documents, containing information which remains substantially unchanged for the plurality of documents, by locating and reading a document identifier in the image; storing the document identifier in a database; identifying a dynamic portion, typically containing distinct information for each of the documents, in each of the electronic images; isolating the dynamic portion from the static portion within the image to obtain a dynamic image containing only the dynamic portion; and storing the dynamic image in the database. The present invention provides efficient techniques for identifying and isolating dynamic information in a document, such as handwritten text on a check.