Abstract: A customer activity data system and method which generate reports for manufacturers, sellers, and other suppliers. The system includes a computer for analyzing transaction data obtained from a transaction terminal and information characterizing customer activity at an information terminal specific to an item bearing a radio frequency identification (RFID) label, and for generating a report.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) identification system and method which rely on the presence or absence of unique frequency signals. The system includes an RF interrogator which transmits signals at a plurality of different frequencies and which receives first frequencies of the plurality of different frequencies from an item label, and a computer which determines second frequencies of the plurality of different frequencies which were not received by the RF interrogator, and which determines an item identification number from the first and second frequencies by assigning first values equal to a first binary value to first data bits occupying first data bit positions in the item identification number for the first frequencies and assigning second values equal to a second binary value to second data bits occupying second data bit positions in the item identification number for the second frequencies.

Abstract: A system for gathering data on behavior of shoppers in a retail market. A scanner is attached to a shopping basket, and detects (1) removal of an item from a shelf, (2) the identity of the removed item, (3) insertion of an item into a shopping basket, which may be the identical item removed from the shelf, and (4) the identity of the inserted item. Repeated detection of this type of data for numerous items, and numerous shoppers, allows one to draw valuable inferences about the shoppers, such as how often comparison shopping occurs. This type of detection also allows one to take specific responses to the actions of the shoppers.

Abstract: A customer activity data system and method which generate reports for manufacturers, sellers, and other suppliers. The system includes a computer for analyzing transaction data obtained from a transaction terminal and information characterizing customer activity at an information terminal specific to an item bearing a radio frequency identification (RFID) label, and for generating a report.

Abstract: A system for ascertaining prices of merchandise. Items of merchandise are labeled by Electronic Price Labels, EPLs. The prices stated by the EPLs can change, as when a sales promotion takes effect. If a customer selects an item prior to the change, but checks out after the change, the customer will ordinarily be charged the changed price, despite the fact that the customer saw another price on the EPL.

Abstract: A self-service kiosk for cashing checks. A kiosk, such as an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) receives a bank check from a customer. After identifying the customer and verifying the check, the kiosk delivers currency to the customer, and retains the check. However, the kiosk does not cause a deduction in an account maintained by the customer, because the check was probably drawn on the account of another.

Abstract: A method of detecting an item in a store which determines whether the item is from a different store. The method includes the steps of interrogating an RFID label on an item in the store, and comparing RFID label information in the RFID label with store RFID label information to determine whether the RFID label is from another store different than the one store.

Abstract: Techniques for an electronic shelf label (ESL) system which uses an ESL's liquid crystal display (LCD) to transmit information to a relay unit, or CBS, by reflecting infrared (IR) or visible light to the relay unit. In a first embodiment, a plurality of IR light sources flood the area where the ESL is located. To transmit a message to the relay unit, the ESL reflectively modulates the IR light by blinking, or turning on and off, at least one segment of the LCD display. The relay unit then receives and interprets the modulated reflected IR light. In a second embodiment, the relay unit does not generate IR light. Instead, the ESL reflectively modulates the visible light present in the retail establishment to transmit a message to the relay unit. The relay unit may use one or more cameras to receive this reflectively modulated visible light.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) identification system and method which rely on the presence or absence of unique frequency signals. The system includes an RF interrogator which transmits signals at a plurality of different frequencies and which receives first frequencies of the plurality of different frequencies from an item label, and a computer which determines second frequencies of the plurality of different frequencies which were not received by the RF interrogator, and which determines an item identification number from the first and second frequencies by assigning first values equal to a first binary value to first data bits occupying first data bit positions in the item identification number for the first frequencies and assigning second values equal to a second binary value to second data bits occupying second data bit positions in the item identification number for the second frequencies.

Abstract: A method of detecting an item in a store which determines whether the item is from a different store. The method includes the steps of interrogating an RFID label on an item in the store, and comparing RFID label information in the RFID label with store RFID label information to determine whether the RFID label is from another store different than the one store.

Abstract: A system for gathering data on behavior of shoppers in a retail market. A scanner is attached to a shopping basket, and detects (1) removal of an item from a shelf, (2) the identity of the removed item, (3) insertion of an item into a shopping basket, which may be the identical item removed from the shelf, and (4) the identity of the inserted item. Repeated detection of this type of data for numerous items, and numerous shoppers, allows one to draw valuable inferences about the shoppers, such as how often comparison shopping occurs. This type of detection also allows one to take specific responses to the actions of the shoppers.

Abstract: Techniques for an electronic shelf label (ESL) system which uses an ESL's liquid crystal display (LCD) to transmit information to a relay unit, or CBS, by reflecting infrared (IR) or visible light to the relay unit. In a first embodiment, a plurality of IR light sources flood the area where the ESL is located. To transmit a message to the relay unit, the ESL reflectively modulates the IR light by blinking, or turning on and off, at least one segment of the LCD display. The relay unit then receives and interprets the modulated reflected IR light. In a second embodiment, the relay unit does not generate IR light. Instead, the ESL reflectively modulates the visible light present in the retail establishment to transmit a message to the relay unit. The relay unit may use one or more cameras to receive this reflectively modulated visible light.

Abstract: A product label containing information about a merchandise item which can be exchanged with a terminal or server. In its simplest form, the product label includes a memory and a connector coupled to the memory. In another form intended to be inaccessible to a user of the item, it includes a memory, a processor, a transceiver, and a power supply. In yet another form intended to be accessible to a user of the item, it includes a memory, a processor, a transceiver, a power supply, and a display. The product label is permanently affixed to the merchandise item. The stored information may include purchase and exchange information, as well as instructions for use.