Item information system and method

A method of shopping and product comparison using a plurality of radio frequency transponders, each associated with particular portion of display shelves having items thereon wherein each radio frequency transponder stores unique item data for items located proximate thereto in a remotely readable form, the method comprising the steps of:

• transmitting a radio frequency interrogation signal adapted to cause ones of the plurality of radio frequency transponders that are proximate to location at which the radio frequency transceiver signal is transmitted to respond with a unique signal having item data therein;
• receiving each of the unique signals and extracting item data therefrom;
• converting the unique item data into a viewable form;
• and
• displaying the viewable form.

An item information device for use with item storage areas and a plurality of radio frequency transponders associated with the storage areas, the transponders having item data stored therein, the item information device comprising:

• a display for presenting formed images;
• and
• a radio frequency circuit adapted to receive radio frequency signals having item data from at least one radio frequency transponder and to communicate the item data to a control circuit with the control circuit adapted to form images for presentation on the display based upon the received item data and to cause the display to present the formed images;
• wherein the radio frequency circuit is further adapted to transmit a radio frequency signal that causes the radio frequency transponders associated with storage areas proximate to the item price notification device to transmit radio frequency signals having item data, so that item data presented on the display represents items that are proximate to the item information device.

The item information device comprising:

• a plurality of radio frequency transponder means each having memory means therein adapted to store item data indicative of items proximate to the transponder and for receiving an interrogation signal and transmitting, in response thereto a responsive signal having stored item data therein;
• a radio frequency transceiver means having a radio frequency transmitting means for sending an interrogation signal within a range of positions proximate to the radio frequency transceiver means and a radio frequency receiving means for receiving responsive signals from proximate radio frequency transponders and for providing a signal indicative of the item data in the responsive signals;
• a control means adapted to receive the signal from the radio receiver means and further adapted to determine an output based upon the received signal from the radio frequency receiver means;
• and
• a display means for generating an output in a human visible form;
• wherein said control means is further adapted for causing said display to present an output is based upon the received signal from the radio receiver means, said output being indicative of proximate items.