Electronic shelf label (esl) efficient reconnect

An apparatus for a first communication device to determine an approximate number of other communication devices that have lost contact with a host radio device comprising:

• a processor for determining a common future time window using a last known global time stamp;
• a transmitter and receiver for determining a transmit time within the common future time window;
• a processor memory for capturing received samples during the common future time window on a predefined communication channel;
• and
• an analyzer for analyzing the received samples to estimate a total number of other communication devices.

A communication device comprising:

• means for determining a common future time window using a last known global time stamp;
• means for determining a transmit time within the common future time window;
• means for capturing received samples during the common future time window on a predefined communication channel;
• and
• means for analyzing the received samples to estimate a total number of other communication devices.

A computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions recorded thereon, the computer-executable instructions configured to cause a communication device having one or more processors to:

• determine a common future time window using a last known global time stamp;
• determine a transmit time within the common future time window;
• capture received samples during the common future time window on a predefined communication channel;
• and
• analyze the received samples to estimate a total number of other communication devices.

A system comprising:

• a power supply unit supplying power;
• a control unit monitoring and controlling a plurality of systems and subsystems of an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) system;
• a memory unit storing data required for processing;
• a communication unit transmitting and receiving data;
• a communication network for supporting the ESL system;
• a display unit displaying information;
• and
• a detection unit detecting a status of one or more ESLs and the control unit uses a detected status to adjust an operation of one or more ESLs.

An Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) method comprising:

• supplying power at a power supply unit;
• monitoring and controlling a plurality of systems and subsystems of an ESL system at a control unit;
• storing data required for processing at a memory unit;
• transmitting and receiving data at a communication unit;
• supporting a communication network for the ESL system;
• displaying information at a display unit;
• and
• detecting a status of one or more ESLs at a detection unit and the control unit uses the detected status to adjust an operation of the ESL.