Abstract: Systems and methods for providing discreet messaging are provided. Based on an identification of a customer and/or a product to be purchased, a message is selectively produced and provided in a discreet manner to the customer. The message can be visible and/or audible. The customer can be identified using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. The product to be purchased can be identified using scanned bar code information and/or RFID tags.

Abstract: A light receiving apparatus comprises a holographic optical device having a plurality of holograms recorded in a light receiving surface thereof. The holographic optical device is configured to diffract light of a predetermined wavelength incident thereon from different directions onto a common focal area. The holographic optical device is shaped such that a first vector normal to the light receiving surface at a first location thereon is oriented along a first direction and such that a second vector normal to the light receiving surface at a second location thereon is oriented along a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction.