The present invention relates to an apparatus for the storage and release of information regarding an article or the like, this apparatus comprising a computer, a storage unit for storing the information, at least one output unit and an interrogator unit.
European Patent Application No. 00 99 072 describes an apparatus for checking the departure or arrival of goods. By means of a hand-held reader and an identification means, an identification which accompanies or characterized each article can be scanned or interrogated. A keyboard provided in a portable terminal provides additional interrogation capability. Any information of interest may be retrieved by actuating one of the keys of the keyboard. A signal is transmitted through a wireless transmission system from the terminal to a relay station, and the signals received are passed thence, through wiring, to an exchange. The terminal comprises an alphanumeric indicator panel to display the type of product, price and remaining stock. The operation of this apparatus requires adequate knowledge and it is intended for use only by the staff of a department store or the like. A stranger, for example a customer in a department store, would not be able to use it. Moreover, such an apparatus can provide the user with only a small amount of information.
German Offenlegungsschrift No. 30 30 923 describes a device designed to produce a control tape for machine tools. This device contains a digitalizing desk upon which a drawing may be placed and may be scanned with a magnifying glass and a scanning pen. The geometrical data thus digitalized may be displayed on a graphical output unit. Furthermore, corrections, amendments, (etc . . . ) may be carried out with an interactive procedure. A device of this kind is not suitable for transmitting information to a customer in a department store.
British Patent Application No. 20 80 990 discloses an apparatus comprising a display screen and a tactile screen allowing a customer to carry on a direct data dialogue with a computer and a storage unit. The tactile screen, comprising a series of transparent, capacitive-action contact paths or sensors, is arranged in front of the display screen. By means of the sensors, a user may make a selection from a menu offered on the monitor and, by means of a subsequent microprocessor, another menu or the like may be retrieved from the storage unit and may be presented on the display screen. With a tactile screen of this kind, problems with accuracy and resolution arise because of the relatively small dimensions of the picture tube and the display screen. Furthermore, a user may very easily miss the desired position with his finger and thus obtain incorrect information.
In department stores and supermarkets, (etc . . . )there is a considerable need to provide the customer with information regarding products which are offered, the location of such products, their use, and so on. The information carried on the packages of products is often inadequate in practice, especially since, in order to reduce environmental pollution, such packages are ever becoming smaller or are being eliminated altogether. Information and advice provided directly by sales counsellors is costly and requires additional staff. Moreover in exhibitions, museums, airports, etc . . . there is also a considerable need for information regarding objects on display, the location of such objects, and flight connections or the like.