European Patent EP 1085432 B1 Information retrieval and display

This invention is a touch-screen table with a surface display that interrogates Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)/Near Field Communication (NFC) tagged objects to deliver location-based and other services related to the scanned objects. It is a significant invention in response to 'Internet of Things' research, now maturing as a series of technologies. The patent protects the use of reading tagged objects on interactive tables, counter tops or furniture in both domestic and commercial-retail contexts. Developments in RFID/NFC technology (object tags) mean that new services will rely on this patent to offer various kinds of interfaces in both public and private settings.