US Patent:
20100146306, Jun 10, 2010
Inventors:
Edward Neipris - Foxboro MA, US
International Classification:
G06F 3/048
G06F 1/26
G06F 15/16
Abstract:
A retail display system includes a centralized hub and a local retail facility. The centralized hub includes a hub server that independently communicates with a local server at the retail facility. In turn, the retail facility includes a plurality of wireless monitors that communicate with its local server. In this manner, each monitor is capable of wirelessly receiving a bundle of display events from the hub server via the local server, each display event instructing certain monitors to display a particular image at a specific time. To limit its power consumption, each monitor includes a display capable of retaining an image in the absence of power, such as a bi-stable LCD, and is configured to activate either to scan and receive display event updates or to comply with the next scheduled display event. As a result of its limited power requirement, each monitor is powered primarily using ambient solar energy.