KR102115612B1 - Systems and methods for merchandising electronic displays - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for merchandizing displays associated with continuous displays formed by electronic displays embedded along product shelves and on packages stored on product shelves. The electronic label device can detect the presence of the customer and send a trigger to packages on their product shelf. The electronic label device can also send a trigger to surrounding electronic label devices. Streaming video can then be assigned between the packages and displays on the electronic label devices. Each of the displays can simultaneously output a different portion of the streaming video.

Description

Systems and methods for merchandising electronic displays

[01] This application continues to be part of U.S. Application No. 14 / 591,421 filed January 7, 2015, which claims priority to U.S. Application No. 62 / 078,809 filed on November 12, 2014, 2015 Priority is claimed on U.S. application number 14 / 713,809, filed May 15. This application relates to U.S. application number 14 / 308,989 filed on June 19, 2014, U.S. application number 14 / 308,989 is a divisional application of U.S. application number 13 / 194,649 filed on July 29, 2011, and the U.S. Application No. 13 / 194,649 claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 371,417 filed on August 6, 2010 and is a serial application of U.S. Application No. 12 / 876,919 filed on September 7, 2010, filed in the U.S. No. 12 / 876,919 is a continuation of part of U.S. application number 10 / 772,010, filed on February 3, 2004, and is now U.S. Patent No. 7,792,711. This application is also filed on Feb. 3, 2004 and continues to be a part of U.S. Patent No. 7,792,711, part of U.S. Application No. 10 / 772,010, continuing to file for September 7, 2010 U.S. Application No. 12 / 876,919, 2011 Some continuing applicants to U.S. Application No. 13 / 194,649, filed July 29, relates to U.S. Application No. 13 / 836,680, filed March 15, 2013. U.S. Application No. 13 / 836,680 also claims priority over U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 371,417, filed August 6, 2010, and is partly continued application of U.S. Application No. 13 / 785,082, filed March 5, 2013 . The contents of each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[02] The present disclosure provides, for example, one or more of interactive electronic price displays, provides marketing messaging, and displays continuously across electronic price displays, packages, and / or products. It relates to a store intelligence system that can be configured to be used to provide a.

[03] The main cost of retail operations is inventory management, which includes tracking and storing inventory. Much of this cost is about product inventory management in the sales area of the store. A significant portion of inventory management costs are periodic counting of products on store shelves. This counting is necessary to help determine the amount of product on the shelf and to ensure that the shelves are fully stocked.

[04] Historically, counting of inventory for store shelves was done manually, and the results were recorded on paper. However, more recently, inventory can be configured to send input data to a central computer that compiles the data and can be programmed to make decisions about the purchase of products to restock the shelves. It was manually counted with the use of hand-held computers. These recent advances helped reduce inventory management costs; Counting inventory still requires considerable manual labor. It may be advantageous to reduce the amount of manual labor required to count inventory.

[05] Another significant cost associated with inventory management is product theft. Certain items are relatively small, but as in the case of certain pharmaceutical products, they represent a high value to potential thieves who can sell them or use them for other illegal purposes. The losses generated by such theft have a negative impact on the profitability of retail stores.

[06] Theft could be the result of both customer and employee actions and was difficult to eliminate. Attempts to deter and prevent theft have proven to be only partially effective. For example, in-store cameras often do not observe theft clearly enough to catch or prosecute a thief. Moreover, in-store security personnel are rarely in the correct position to actually observe thieves stealing. As a result, theft continues to be a significant problem and cost in inventory management. Therefore, it may be advantageous to provide assistance in monitoring theft.

[07] Currently, retailers can track the amount of product sold based on multiple items scanned at the checkout counter. While this ability has proven useful, certain inherent disadvantages result from the use of such a system. One inherent drawback is that the scanner counts only the number of legally purchased products. Therefore, if the product has been removed from the shelf but has not been purchased, the store cannot determine that the product has been misplaced or stolen without visual inspection or detection. It would be useful to compare changes in product level on the shelves to the amount of product sold.

[08] The second inherent drawback relates to store-run product promotions. A typical promotion will place the product at the end of the aisle or some type of promotional location that increases the customer's perception of the product. Usually, the product is also placed on the shelf in its traditional location, so customers familiar with the product placement in the store can find the product without undue exploration. Thus, customers can obtain a product that is being promoted in multiple locations, and it may be difficult to determine the effectiveness of a particular promotional display, that is, the promotional discount effect provided for the product compared to the normal purchase of the product. Therefore, it may be advantageous to more accurately determine the effectiveness of promotions in the store.

[09] Another major cost of inventory management involves having to keep more inventory in the store, which is actually needed to meet customer demand. Because current inventory systems do not automatically indicate that the shelf is empty, retailers may rely on output measured through checkout or alternatively visual inspection to see if additional products need to be placed on the shelf. Tend to decide. To ensure that the shelves are stockpiled, often more product will be placed on the shelf, sometimes in multiple facings on each shelf, than is normally required for a given period of time. The use of multiple facings tends to take up valuable shelf space that can be allocated for additional product selections to maximize customer satisfaction when facings are not used. Therefore, it may be advantageous to reduce the inventory quantity of a particular product in a retail store.

[10] Methods have been known to minimize the amount of shelf space required. For example, US Pat. No. 6,041,720 to Hardy and US Pat. No. 4,830,201 to Breslow, incorporated by reference in its entirety, teach a system for organizing and displaying items on the shelf through the use of a pusher assembly.

[11] Additionally, retail businesses are often tasked with implementing rapid changes in customer product interests and internal changes to handle them. As new products become more and more popular among customers, retailers are trying to attract customers to other products, market certain products, or update product information, such as pricing, as quickly as possible. Responsible for changing shelf edge labels.

[12] Electronic shelf edge label devices allow retailers to manually replace one device representing one single product with another device representing another single product, or provide different information for a single product, or one single product It allows even changing the device to change from outputting data for outputting to outputting data for another single product. However, further technical improvements and retail space innovations are desired.

[13] This summary is provided in the detailed description to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that is further described below. The summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[14] Some embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, but similar reference numbers are not limited to the accompanying drawings indicating similar elements.
[15] Figure 1A illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of the invention comprising a pusher assembly and a sensor assembly.
[16] Figure 1B illustrates another isometric view of an embodiment of the invention including a pusher assembly and a sensor assembly.
[17] Figure 2A illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a sensor assembly for use with the present invention.
[18] Figure 2B illustrates a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of a sensor assembly for use with the present invention.
[19] Figure 2C illustrates a schematic diagram of another alternative embodiment of a sensor assembly for use with the present invention.
[20] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, including an antenna, an access point and a store computer.
[21] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, including an access point, a store computer and a security camera.
[22] Figure 5 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating a method of providing data from an instruction strip to a store computer.
[23] Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart describing a method for determining the amount of product on the shelf through a query from a store computer.
[24] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart illustrating a method for updating the association of a particular shelf location with a particular product.
[25] Figure 8 illustrates a flow diagram illustrating an alternative method of updating the association of a particular shelf location with a particular product.
[26] Figure 9 illustrates an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[27] Figure 10 illustrates a partial exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[28] Figure 11 illustrates an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[29] Figure 12 illustrates an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[30] Figure 13 illustrates an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[31] Figure 14 illustrates an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[32] Figure 15A illustrates an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[33] Figure 15B illustrates a schematic diagram of a beam, fixed mirror, and pusher assembly according to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 15A.
[34] Figure 16A illustrates an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[35] Figure 16B illustrates a schematic diagram of a beam, fixed mirror, and pusher assembly according to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 16A.
[36] Figure 17A illustrates an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[37] Figure 17B illustrates a schematic diagram of a beam, fixed mirror, and pusher assembly according to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 17A.
[38] Figures 18A-18C show an alternative implementation of the display management system.
[39] Figures 19A and 19B schematically show plan views of an alternative implementation of a display management system.
[40] Figure 20a schematically depicts a capacitive sensor.
20B schematically shows the control circuit.
[42] Figures 21A and 21B show an alternative implementation of a display management system.
[43] Figure 22A schematically shows an integrated accelerometer device.
[44] Figure 22B schematically shows an integrated accelerometer device in communication with a control circuit.
[45] Figure 23 shows an alternative implementation of a display management system.
[46] Figure 24 schematically shows a sensor network configured to implement one or more inventory management, security, and / or recognition functions in combination with one or more display management systems.
[47] Figure 25 schematically shows a flowchart of a process that can be executed by a display management system controller device to determine a number of products removed from a sensored display management system.
[48] Figure 26 is a flow diagram of a process for calculation of multiple products removed from a display management system.
[49] Figure 27 illustrates an example block diagram of an apparatus for communicating and distributing content, according to one or more example aspects of the present disclosure.
[50] Figures 28A-28B illustrate example block diagrams of systems for communicating and distributing content, according to one or more example aspects of the present disclosure.
[51] Figure 29 illustrates an example block diagram of an apparatus for communicating and distributing content, according to one or more example aspects of the present disclosure.
[52] Figures 30A-30B illustrate an example of a changing continuous display in accordance with one or more exemplary aspects of the present disclosure.
[53] Figures 31A-31C illustrate an exemplary continuous display with a locking mechanism, according to one or more example aspects of the present disclosure.
[54] Figures 31D-31F illustrate an example of a changing continuous display with a locking mechanism user interface in accordance with one or more example aspects of the present disclosure.
[55] Figures 32A-32B illustrate an example of a varying size of a user interface in accordance with one or more example aspects of the present disclosure.
[56] Figures 33A-33B illustrate an example of a changing shape of a user interface in accordance with one or more example aspects of the present disclosure.
[57] Figures 34A-34B illustrate an example of a changing location of user interfaces in accordance with one or more example aspects of the present disclosure.
[58] Figure 35 illustrates an example method of distributing content in accordance with one or more example aspects of the disclosure.
[59] Figure 36 illustrates another example method of distributing content in accordance with one or more example aspects of the disclosure.
[60] Figure 37 illustrates an example block diagram of a system for communicating and distributing content in accordance with one or more example aspects of the present disclosure.
[61] Figure 38 illustrates an example computer system architecture that can be used in accordance with one or more example aspects described herein.
[62] Figure 39 shows an exemplary schematic diagram of a facility intelligence system.
[63] Figure 40 shows an example schematic diagram of an example computing device that may be configured as a hub.
[64] Figures 41-44D show an exemplary interactive display.

[65] Before describing the embodiments of the present invention in detail, it is noted that the present invention is not limited to the details of the configuration and arrangement of components presented in the following description or illustrated in the drawings in the application of the present invention. I understand. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. It is also understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and their equivalents as well as additional items and their equivalents.

[66] The present disclosure can be used with the shelf and pusher assembly system described in US Pat. No. 6,041,720 to Hardy or US Pat. No. 4,830,201 to Breslow. The present disclosure can also be used with other pusher assemblies and shelf configurations known in the art.

[67] Figure 1A illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure. The shelf wall 1 is configured to support the shelf 5. The shelf 5 has a front side 6 and a rear side 7, which front side 6 is typically directed towards a walkway where customers walk when shopping. On the shelf, a pusher assembly 15 is mounted. As shown, the pusher assembly 15 includes a biasing mechanism, such as a seat coil spring 20 comprising an indicator strip 21. The pusher assembly 15 further includes an integral divider wall 22 and a floor section 23 on one side of the divider wall 22 and a floor section 24 on the other side of the divider wall 22. The seat coil spring 20 is operatively connected to the pusher 25 and can be used to force the pusher 25 and associated products towards the front side 6 of the shelf 5. The pusher assembly 15 can be modular and can include additional floor sections or divider walls that fit or mate in place.

[68] As shown in Fig. 1A, the sensor assembly 30 may be mounted on the lower side of the floor 24-the pusher 25 moves on this floor 24 or on the shelf 5, , Is configured to read the instruction strip 21. The sensor assembly 30 can be located at any position along the floor 24 and preferably near the coil spring 20. The indicator strip 21 is configured to provide a pattern comprising a representation associated with the position of the pusher 25. Thus, when the pusher 25 is moved as far as possible towards the rear side 7 (ie, when the pacing is full of product), the sensor assembly 30 reflects the pusher 25 in its position, indicating strip (21) The expression on the image can be scanned.

[69] The indicating strip 21 is shown in FIG. 1A as a strip mounted on the seat coil spring 20. The indicator strip 21 may be printed on paper that may be attached to the coil spring 20, and may be black on white, white on black or some other colors in a known manner. Can be. Alternatively, the indicator strip 21 can be printed or acid etched or laser etched according to the sensor assembly 30 used to read the indicator strip 21 in a known manner. can be laser etched). Furthermore, the indicator strip 21 can be separate from the coil spring 20. In this embodiment, the indicator strip 21 can be mounted next to the coil spring 20 or near the coil spring 20.

[70] Representations of the pattern included on the indicator strip 21 may be optically readable, or include, but are not limited to, passively variable capacitance, inductance, resistance, or magnetic or active signal detection. It can be read based on other methods.

[71] Figure 1B shows an alternative embodiment of the invention when the sensor assembly 30 is mounted on the front side of the pusher 25 and the sensor assembly 30 is configured to read the indicator strip 21. . In an alternative embodiment, sensor assembly 30 may be mounted behind pusher 25. Depending on the position of the coil spring 20, the sensor assembly 30 can be mounted in different places. Preferably, the sensor assembly 30 will be mounted in a manner that avoids direct contact with the product on the shelf to minimize damage to the sensor assembly 30.

[72] In another alternative embodiment, the sensor assembly 30 may be mounted in or on the pusher 25 and configured to read the instruction strip 21. In this embodiment, the indicator strip 21 is not mounted to the coil spring or to a portion of the coil spring; Rather, the indicator strip 21 can be positioned along the top of the floor 24 or along the bottom side of the floor 24 and is read by the sensor assembly 30. In one aspect of this embodiment, the indicator strip 21 is of a type that can have variable magnetic or capacitive features. The sensor assembly 30 may incorporate an analog oscillator, and the frequency of the analog oscillator is determined by the magnetic force or capacitance of the indicator strip 21 at a specific position of the pusher 25. The oscillator, as discussed below, can directly modulate a radio frequency signal and transmit the signal to a central access point. The central access point can then demodulate the signal and use that signal to determine the position of the pusher 25.

In the case of the indication strip 21 printed in black / white, an optical infrared or visible light LED retro-reflective sensor array may be used. In an embodiment, the indicator strip 21 pattern including various expressions may be 6 bits wide. In an alternative embodiment, depending on the width of the shelf and the desired precision, the pattern on the indicator strip can be more than 6 bits wide.

[74] In another alternative embodiment, the indicator strip 21 may be less than 6 bits wide. Reducing the number of bits on the indicator strip 21 has the advantage of reducing the precision with respect to the position of the pusher 25, but potentially avoiding the need to determine the dimensions of the product. An embodiment in which the number of bits is reduced will be discussed below. The indicator strip will preferably include at least two representations, so that two representations can be used to reflect at least two positions of the pusher.

[75] Depending on the indicator strip 21 and the sensor assembly 30, the number of measurable positions of the pusher 25 can vary. For example, a configuration using a sensor assembly 30 that can scan 6 bits and the width of the pattern on the indicator strip 21 is 6 bits will scan at least 64 representations associated with 64 positions of the pusher 25. Can be. The representations of the pattern on the indicator strip 21 can be performed in many symbolic notations, but the gray code will change only one bit per increment of movement, thus reducing potential errors. The sensor assembly 30 and the indicator strip 21 can be configured according to the travel distance of the pusher 25 and the expected size of the product.

[76] In the embodiment, the coil spring 20 has a width of approximately 1 inch, and the indicator strip 21 covers almost 80% of the width of the coil spring 20. Those skilled in the art will understand that other widths of the coil spring 20 and other dimensions of the indicator strip 21 are possible for the present invention.

[77] In an embodiment, the number of products on the shelf can be measured by the number of measurable positions of the pusher 25. In this embodiment, the position of the pusher 25 can be used to determine the amount of product on the shelf without the need to manually count the product. In an alternative embodiment, the number of measurable positions can exceed the number of products that can be placed in the facing. In this alternative embodiment, it would be desirable to have the number of measurable positions be an integer multiple of the number of products in order to easily calculate the amount of product on the shelf. Thus, increasing the number of measurable positions can improve the ability of the system to accurately calculate the amount of product in the facing. This can become more important when the product package is very thin, so the incremental movement of the pusher 25 from one code to the next becomes the thickness of most of each product package pusher 25 is pushing.

[78] Therefore, since different products have different dimensions, the configuration of the sensor assembly 30 and the indicator strip 21 with an increased number of measurable positions may be required. For example, a configuration in which 256 positions of the pusher 25 are measured may be desirable. This configuration can be used to determine the actual number of products on the shelf for a wide variety of product dimensions.

[79] In an alternative embodiment, the sensor assembly 30 and the indicator strip 21 can be configured to provide a decreasing number of measurable positions. In an embodiment, the four positions of pusher 25 are measurable. In this configuration, the shelf will provide information about how full the shelf is, but will not provide the actual amount of items on the shelf (assuming that the four products will not fill the pacing). This configuration can be useful when providing the shelf with an automatic notification that the shelf needs to be restocked without having to determine product dimensions when the product runs out.

[80] Figure 2A shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a sensor assembly 30. A printed circuit board (PCB) 35 is configured to support the sensor 50, and the sensor 50 is compatible with the indicator strip 21 of the selected type. The controller 55 is mounted on the PCB 35 and is configured to control the sensor 50 and transmit signals regarding the position of the pusher 25 via the antenna 65. The controller 55 can be configured to operate the sensor 50 based on the input from the timing device 70. Timing device 70 may include (but is not limited to) a low power interval timer or real time clock, and is configured to provide information about the passage of time.

[81] In the case of the instruction strip 21 printed in black / white, the sensor 50 may include, but is not limited to, an optical infrared or visible LED retroreflective sensor. Preferably, in the case of a 6-bit wide pattern, a linear array with 6 emitters / sensors will be used, where one emitter / sensor is aligned with each bit position printed on the indicator strip 21. In an embodiment, sensor 50 is positioned approximately 0.1 inch away from the surface of the printing strip mounted on indicator strip 21. Since each emitter / sensor pair illuminates its bit position, the binary code can be assembled by the controller 55 corresponding to the representation on the indication strip 21, which representation is associated with the position of the pusher 25 do.

[82] Regardless of how the position of the pusher 25 is determined, the controller 55 generates a pusher code indicating the position of the pusher 25. The pusher code can be in digital or analog form and reflects the position of the pusher 25. Moreover, the pusher code can be processed data or unprocessed data. Thus, the pusher code can be, but is not limited to, a scanned representation or a controller processed representation. Alternatively, the pusher code can be some other data reflecting the relative position of the pusher 25.

The controller 55 is powered by a power source 75. The power source 75 may be, but is not limited to, a long battery life, a wired power supply, or a solar panel. As can be appreciated, the type of power supply will affect the functionality of the sensor assembly 30. If the power source 75 is a long battery life, it would be desirable to avoid frequent battery replacement in system configurations designed to use less energy. If the power source 75 is a wired power source, the sensor 50 can be used more often without the need to supplement the power supply, and the sensor assembly 30 can even be configured to provide real-time information.

[84] The controller 55 can be manufactured with a unique serial number. In this embodiment, each pusher 25 will be associated with a unique serial number or identification code. Alternatively, each indicator strip 21 can include a unique identification code along with a representation associated with the position of the pusher 25. Encoding the instruction strip 21 with a unique identification code can reduce the complexity of the controller 55 but will typically result in an increase in sensor 50 complexity. In any case, when information is transmitted from the sensor assembly 30, the information may include a pusher code and an identification code indicating the pusher 25 position. In addition, information such as the transmission time and the state of the circuit or the state of the power source can also be transmitted.

[85] Figure 2B illustrates a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the sensor assembly 130. The PCB 135 has a power management circuit 148 configured to minimize power use. The power management circuit 148 provides power to the sensor 150, the controller 155 and the associated memory 156. The memory 156 can be a volatile type memory, such as a dynamic random access memory, but preferably the memory is a non-volatile type memory, such as flash memory, to minimize power consumption. As shown, the power management circuit 148 also provides power to the communication control 157. The power management circuit 148 can also provide power to the timing device 170. As shown, power management circuit 148 is powered by power source 175.

[86] In this embodiment, the input signal is provided to the controller 155. The input signal may be a signal generated by the timing device 170 or it may be a signal from some other source. In response, the controller 155 activates the sensor 150 by sending a signal to the power management circuit 148. The controller 155 receives data used from the sensor 150 to form a pusher code indicating the position of the pusher 25. The controller 155 compares the data scanned by the sensor 150 with previous data scanned by the sensor 150, which is data residing in the memory 156. Depending on the configuration of the system, if the data scanned by the sensor 150 is the same as the previous scanned data, the controller 155 may be configured to wait until the end of the next interval of the timer. If the data scanned by the sensor 150 is different, the controller 155 can activate the communication control 157 and provide the pusher code to the communication control unit 157 for transmission. The communication control 157 can then send a pusher code for further processing. The terms "send" and "send" include transmitting information through a wired system or through a wireless system, unless otherwise specified, and can be direct or indirect (ie, via a network). However, if the power source 175 is not a wired power supply, it is desirable to use a communication method that consumes relatively little power.

[87] Figure 2C illustrates a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the sensor assembly 230. The PCB 235 is configured to support the sensor 250 and the controller 255. The controller 255 is powered by the power source 275 and is configured to control the sensor 250 and includes, but is not limited to, time keeping, power management, and communication control. It has integrated functionality. In an alternative embodiment, controller 255 transmits the data scanned by sensor 250 without any processing of the data. Thus, in this embodiment, the pusher code is data scanned by sensor 250. In other alternative embodiments, sensors and controllers may be integrated together.

[88] Figure 3 illustrates a possible configuration for providing data regarding the position of the pusher 25 to a processing device, such as a store computer 90. As shown, access point 80 is configured to transmit information to central access point 85. Central access point 85 is connected to store computer 90 and provides data received from access point 80 to store computer 90. Data transmitted from the access point 80 is received from the antenna 165, antenna 265 and antenna 365. Antenna 165 is typically associated with a particular pusher 25 and sensor assembly 30 through the use of a unique serial number that can be associated with the controller. Antenna 265 and antenna 365 are also associated with different pushers 25 and sensor assembly 30, each with a unique serial number. Alternatively, one or more antennas can be associated with more than one pushers 25.

[89] In general, the power required to transmit a radio signal increases as the transmission distance increases. Thus, particularly in the case of a battery powered controller, a preferred wireless communication configuration will transmit low power signals over a short distance. As shown in FIG. 3, various antennas 165, 265 and 365 transmit wireless signals to the access point 80 located nearby, so low power transmission is suitable. The access point 80 then retransmits the signal to the central access point 85 using higher power during the secondary transmission. In this way, the power source for the various controllers connected to the antennas 165, 265 and 365 can more easily utilize the power source 75 consisting of a long-life battery. Although the transmission method between the access point 80 and the central access point 85 is shown wirelessly, the access point 80 and the central access point 85 can also communicate via wires.

[90] In an alternative embodiment, the controller 55 corresponding to each pusher 25 can be hard-wired to the access point 80 such that the controller 55 is one or more Data is transmitted to the access point 80 over the excess wires. The access point 80 can then send data to the store computer 90. In another alternative embodiment, data is transmitted directly from sensor assembly 30 to store computer 90. In this embodiment, the transmission may be wireless, such as infrared, ultrasonic or electromagnetic wave transmission, or may be hard-wired. Depending on the method of transmission, it may be desirable to transmit data from the sensor assembly 30 to the store computer 90 via a network protocol that can compensate or minimize communication errors.

[91] The use of a wired connection can provide a useful power source and, in particular, reduce the likelihood of communication collisions when signals are direct to the store computer 90. In addition, by providing additional power, the controller 55 can be configured to provide real-time updates regarding the level of products on the shelf or in the store, so that more accurate decisions can be made regarding the need to order additional products. . This configuration also makes it possible to recognize potential theft situations based on the real-time movement of the pusher 25 and send alerts regarding it. Real-time product information may enable stores to provide a more responsive inventory system to lower the amount of inventory and thus reduce the cost of inventory.

[92] Wireless systems, on the one hand, provide an increase in flexibility in installation and can be easily installed in existing shelves without the need to install wires for power or communication. Moreover, the use of wireless systems allows for the gradual installation of inventory systems. For example, high value items (thus suffering from a high likelihood of being stolen) or items that tend to have significant fluctuations in customer demand can be monitored first.

[93] In an embodiment, the sensor assemblies 30 may be networked together through a series of wireless access points 80, where each access point 80 may be located in any vicinity of the access point 80. It accepts transmissions from sensor assembly 30. Thus, in an embodiment, multiple wireless access points 80 exist and the access points 80 are connected via a network, where the network transmits data to the store computer 90. In alternative embodiments, each wireless access point 80 can send data directly to the store computer 90.

Of course, some combination of network and direct transmission is also possible and contemplated within the scope of the present invention. For example, the battery powered sensor assembly 30 can communicate to the access point 80 via low power wireless transmission, which is powered by a wired power supply. The access point will transmit a wireless signal to a central access point 85 powered by a wired power supply. The central access point 85 can be connected to the store computer 90 via wire.

Referring again to FIG. 2A, when timing device 70 includes a low power timer, controller 55 signals from timing device 70 that it is time to send an update regarding the position of pusher 25. Can remain dormant until is displayed. Examples of low power timers include low power, low cost interval timers. Low power, low cost interval timers may not be very accurate, so multiple pusher devices in a store may be likely to randomize their transmission times to reduce transmission collisions. The data transmission period will typically be on the order of a few milliseconds, so signals from different controllers are unlikely to be transmitted simultaneously. If the controllers are not all started simultaneously, this possibility can be further reduced. If transmissions occur only a few times per day (ie, to provide periodic updates regarding the amount of product on the shelf), the likelihood of communication conflicts is further reduced. Moreover, the reduced transmission frequency and short transmission period help to reduce the amount of power consumed.

[96] In an alternative embodiment, the sensor 50 continuously monitors the indicator strip 21. When the product is removed from the shelf, the pusher 25 will move and the sensor 50 can scan a new representation on the indicator strip 21 corresponding to the new position of the pusher 25. The controller 55 can then send a transmission including the new location of the pusher 25 to the store computer 90 (ie, the controller 55 can send a new pusher code). In this alternative embodiment, the store computer 90 can monitor the amount of product on the shelf in real time.

[97] As shown in FIG. 3, the transmission of signals from antenna 165 to store computer 90 is, for example, one-way transmission. In an alternative embodiment, the system can be set up to handle bi-directional transmission of signals between sensor assembly 30 and store computer 90. In a two-way wireless system, additional hardware, such as a receiver, is included in the sensor assembly 30. Bi-directional systems allow two-way transfer of information.

[98] For example, the store computer 90 may query a particular controller 55 for the position of the associated pusher 25. The controller 55 can activate the sensor 50 in response to a query and determine a pusher code that reflects the position of the pusher 25. The controller 55 can then send the pusher code to the store computer 90 along with the identification code of the controller 55. Based on the pusher code, the store computer 90 can determine the inventory level of the product. To avoid activating the wrong controller 55, the store computer 90 can include an identification code in the transmission. The store computer 90 can store, access and perform functions using identification codes of all or subsets of controllers or pusher systems in the store.

[99] In an embodiment, all controllers 55 associated with products purchased from the same vendor may be queried just before an order is placed for each vendor. Then, orders for that vendor can be updated with the latest product inventory information. In this way, orders placed to vendors can be more accurate without the need for tough counting of products on the shelf.

[100] Some vendors are responsible for stocking the shelves of retail stores instead of store employees. In a situation where the vendor is in charge of stockpiling the shelves, an embodiment of the present invention may provide updates to the vendor in response to a query from the vendor's computer. In an embodiment, the vendor can track the amount of product available on the shelves as often and even in real time as desired.

[101] For example, the vendor may send a query to the controller 55 through a "WAN" (wide area network). The controller 55 can determine the position of the pusher 25 and send the signal back to the vendor over the WAN. In an alternative embodiment, the vendor can communicate with the store computer 90 to obtain information regarding the inventory level of products on the shelf.

[102] In an embodiment, the vendor may control the manufacturing process of the product in response to inventory levels on the shelves. As can be appreciated, if multiple stores are networked to a vendor's computer so that the aggregate amount of products on all store shelves can be determined, the vendor will have an increasingly effective inventory system. When a vendor is only connected to a single store, the information can provide valuable details about the patterns of consumer behavior, even though it is not enough to display the entire inventory.

[103] Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention that includes the use of a security camera 195. As shown, the access point 180 receives a signal from the controller 155 indicating that the pusher 25 (not shown) has moved. Access point 180 transmits a signal to central access point 185 connected to store computer 190. The store computer 190 determines that the rate of change of the product level of the product associated with the controller 155 indicates a potential theft. Then, the store computer 190 transmits a signal to either the wired or wireless signal to the antenna 196 mounted on the security camera 195. The signal instructs the security camera 195 to monitor the position associated with the position of the controller 155. As can be appreciated, security personnel can sometimes provide more subtle responses, so it is advantageous to notify security personnel. Thus, the store computer 190 may also display a warning on the store computer screen or by sending a signal to a secure computer or by activating an audible tone or flashing light near a potential theft or other known notification methods, such as security. A security agent can be notified to monitor the area by a signal to a pager or beeper carried by the agent.

[104] Information from the security camera may be transmitted to a television or other visual display device located near a location where potential theft occurs. The visual display device displays an image of the potential thief, so that the potential thief can understand that the thief is being watched.

[105] As can be understood, the controller 155 preferably monitors the position of the pusher 25 in frequent or even real-time units to provide a more timely response. When a power source 75 consisting of a long-life battery is utilized, it may be advantageous to utilize a controller capable of determining a potential theft situation without having to transmit data to the store computer 190. In such an embodiment, the controller can be configured to send data to provide inventory level updates and also provide security notifications.

[106] As can be appreciated, a potential theft position for the security camera 195 would be advantageous to provide an instruction for the security camera 195 to focus on a particular position. This position information can be generated by a number of methods including providing a security camera coordinate system for the security camera 195 to the store computer 190. The position of the controller 155 relative to the security camera 195 can be determined during setup and during a potential theft situation; The position of the controller 155 can be used to indicate the focus of the security camera 195. Alternatively, the security camera 195 can be configured to focus several positions, such as three points along an aisle, and the store computer 190 can indicate which position was best suited to a particular situation. . The methods described are exemplary due to the many ways of controlling the existing security camera 195.

[107] In an embodiment having a two-way transmission between store computer 190 and controller 155, store computer 190 will signal controller 155 to activate a device capable of providing an audible alert tone. Can be.

[108] In another embodiment, the controller 155 may determine that a potential theft has occurred and provide a notification including sounding of an audible alert tone. Also, the controller 155 may transmit a signal to the store computer 190. In this alternative embodiment, the sensor assembly 30 is preferably a timing device 70 to allow the controller 155 to more easily determine whether the rate of movement of the pusher 25 exceeds a preset level. ).

[109] In another embodiment, a 2-tiered response may be implemented. If the change in the position of the pusher 25 is greater than normal, a signal can be transmitted to the security camera 195. In addition, inaudible notifications can be provided directly to security personnel. Audible alarms and flashing lights can also be activated if the position change of the pusher 25 more clearly indicates a potential theft. Thus, the response can be configured to match the situation more carefully.

[110] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of a method for determining the amount of a particular product available in pacing on the shelf. In this embodiment, the sensor assembly 30 uses a timing device 70 configured as a low power interval timer. The controller 55 is initially dormant and only the timing device 70 is in operation. In step 400, the timing device 70 provides a signal to the controller 55 that the time interval has been completed. In step 405, the controller 55 is activated in response to a signal from the timing device 70, and the controller 55 then activates the sensor 50.

[111] In step 410, the sensor 50 scans the expression included in the pattern on the instruction strip 21, so that the controller 55 can generate a pusher code indicating the position of the pusher 25. In step 415, the controller 55 generates a pusher code in response to the pattern scanned by the sensor 50. In step 420, the controller 55 sends a signal to the store computer 90, which may include the controller 55's unique serial number and pusher code.

[112] Next, in step 430, the store computer 90 receives data from the controller 55. In an embodiment, the transfer of data from controller 55 to store computer 90 is direct. In another embodiment, controller 55 transmits data indirectly to store computer 90 via an access point or network.

[113] Then, in step 440, the store computer 90 calculates the amount of product on the shelf based on the position of the pusher 25. The store computer 90 also updates the inventory list at this point. In an embodiment where multiple facings have the same product, the total amount of product on all facings having that product can be calculated. In an embodiment, the calculation of the product in pacing can be achieved through the use of a database of products and the relevant dimensions of the product and the position of the pusher. In other embodiments, the number of products placed in the pacing may be provided during the setup of the controller 55 for that product. The position of the pusher 25 and the number of products corresponding to that position of the pusher 25 can be used to calculate the amount of remaining products based on the future position of the pusher 25 through the use of well-known extrapolation techniques. .

및

를 나타내는 4개의 포지션들 중 하나일 수 있다. 이 후자의 실시예는 덜 정확한 정보를 제공하지만 대략적인 재고 레벨을 제공하기 위한 컴퓨테이션 노력이 또한 덜 요구된다. 게다가, 이 실시예는 제품의 치수들을 결정하고 추적할 필요 없이 재고를 관리하는 데 사용될 수 있다. 실시예에서, 셸프 상의 제품의 양은 제품을 포함하는 페이싱들의 수 및 각각의 페이싱에 대한 푸셔(25)가 가득 찬, 대체로 가득 찬, 낮거나 거의 비어있는 페이싱을 나타내는 포지션에 있는지 여부에 기반하여 대략적으로 결정될 수 있다. [114] In another embodiment, the position of the pusher 25 is

And

It may be one of four positions indicating. This latter embodiment provides less accurate information but less computational effort to provide an approximate inventory level. Moreover, this embodiment can be used to manage inventory without the need to determine and track the dimensions of the product. In an embodiment, the amount of product on the shelf is approximate based on the number of facings that contain the product and whether the pusher 25 for each facing is in a position indicating a full, generally full, low or near empty facing. It can be determined by.

[115] In step 450, the store computer 90 determines whether any action is required. In one embodiment, potential theft, reduction of inventory below a preset level, or sufficient product remains on the shelf at one pacing while emptying the other pacing of the product will indicate that some action is required. For example, store computer 90 may determine that the current inventory level is low, based on past usage, average delivery time, and cost per delivery. In an alternative embodiment, the minimum inventory level may be preset, and once the inventory level falls below a preset level, the store computer 90 may determine that the product level is low.

[116] In step 460, the store computer 90 will determine if a potential theft has occurred. In one embodiment, the store computer 90 may compare the current inventory level to the previous inventory level based on the position of the pusher 25. If the rate of change of the inventory level exceeds a preset level, the store computer 90 will determine that a potential theft has occurred. In step 465, the store computer 90 will notify security. The notification may include a signal for the security camera 195 or a page for security personnel to focus in a particular direction.

[117] Next, in step 470, the store computer 90 will determine if an existing order needs to be modified. The store computer 90 can compare current product requirements to current orders. If the store computer 90 determines that the quantity of products ordered is insufficient, the store computer 90 will proceed to step 475. In step 475, the store computer 90 will update the current stock order so that the stock order matches current product requirements.

[118] Next, in step 480, the store computer 90 will determine if the pacing on the shelf is empty. If there is an empty pacing, in step 485, the store computer 90 will notify the store management that an undesirable empty pacing exists. The store manager can then determine the appropriate action to take depending on the availability of replacement items and the type of product. If pacing is not empty, the store computer 90 will wait until the next product update.

[119] Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a method for determining the amount of inventory on a shelf in a two-way system. In step 510, the store computer 90 sends a query to the sensor assembly 30. The sensor assembly 30 includes a controller 55 identified by a unique serial number or identification code.

[120] In step 520, the sensor assembly 30 receives a query from the store computer (90). In response to the query, the controller 55 activates the sensor 50 and prepares to receive data reflecting the position of the pusher 25. In step 530, the sensor 50 scans the instruction strip 21, and the controller 55 generates a pusher code indicating the position of the pusher 25.

[121] In step 540, the sensor assembly 30, along with the unique serial number of the controller 55, sends a pusher code indicating the position of the pusher 25 to the store computer 90.

[122] Next, in step 550, the store computer 90 receives this transmission. This transmission can be sent directly from the sensor assembly 30 to the store computer 90, or, preferably, indirectly through a network. Such transmission can be transmitted wirelessly, over wires, or through any combination of wireless and wired transmissions.

[123] Then, at step 560, the store computer 90 determines the level of inventory on the shelf. In an embodiment, this determination may be based on the position of the pusher 25 and the product dimensions. In an alternative embodiment, this determination may only be based on the position of pusher 25.

[124] Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a method for setting up a controller for a particular product. In step 610, the product can be placed in a shelf at a suitable facing. Alternatively, step 610 can be skipped, and setup can begin with step 620.

[125] In step 620, the setup button on the hand-held device is pressed. The hand-held device is configured to send a signal to the store computer 90 indicating that the user of the hand-held device is about to associate the product with the serial number or identification code of the controller 55. Preferably, the transmission of signals between the hand-held device and the store computer 90 is done wirelessly. In an embodiment, the store computer 90 provides feedback to the user indicating that the store computer 90 is ready to proceed. In an alternative embodiment, no feedback is provided.

[126] Next, in step 630, the UPC code of the product is scanned and sent to the store computer 90. Then, in step 640, the store computer 90 retrieves the product dimensions based on the UPC code. If the UPC code does not have the listed dimensions, in step 642, the store computer 90 checks whether the user can enter the required dimensions. If the user cannot enter, the setup is terminated, and the user can try to set up a new product. If the user can determine the dimension, in step 644, the user enters the dimension.

[127] Next, in step 646, the dimension is associated with the UPC code. Then, in step 650, the store computer 90 sends a signal to the hand-held device to indicate that the user should proceed with the setup.

[128] Next, in step 660, the user activates the controller 55 with a hand-held device. In an embodiment, an optical setup sensor is mounted on the pusher assembly and connected to the controller 55. Preferably, the setup sensor is recessed to the pusher 25, but can be mounted in other locations, such as the top or side of the pusher 25. The hand-held device will be configured to send a signal to the setup sensor. The action of sending a setup signal to the setup sensor will cause the controller 55 to awake from the dormant state.

[129] Then, in step 670, the controller 55, in response to the setup signal, will send data indicating that the controller 55 is setting up for the store computer 90. The data will include the unique serial number of the controller 55. The data can also include a general setup code or a setup code corresponding to a hand-held scanner, and a pusher code indicating the position of the pusher 25. If multiple hand-held devices are utilized simultaneously, it may be advantageous to provide setup code associated with a particular hand-held device.

[130] Next, in step 680, the store computer 90 will receive data from the controller 55. If the data includes pusher codes, the store computer 90 may then calculate the amount of product in pacing. In step 685, the store computer 90 sends a signal to the hand-held device indicating that the controller 55 has been set up and associated with the UPC code of the particular product. In addition, if the position of the pusher 25 was originally included, the store computer 90 can also provide a calculation of the current amount of product in the just set up pacing. In addition, the store computer 90 requests that the user verify that the setup information is correct.

[131] Finally, in step 690, the user indicates that the information is correct. Upon verification, setup for the controller 55 is complete. To change the product associated with controller 55, the process can be repeated.

[132] Figure 8 illustrates an alternative method of associating a controller with a product. In step 710, the hand-held device is activated to indicate that the user is about to set up the controller 55. This activation includes the transmission of a signal to the store computer 90.

[133] In step 720, the hand-held device is used to scan the UPC code of the product and send information to the store computer 90. Next, at step 730, the store computer 90 looks to see if product dimensions are listed for such scanned UPC codes. If no dimension is associated with the UPC code, the computer, at step 732, sends a signal to the hand-held device asking the user to enter the appropriate product dimension.

[134] If the user does not know the product dimension or cannot measure the dimension, at step 734, the user can cancel the setup and start over for the new product.

[135] If the user knows or can measure the dimension, in step 736, the user enters the dimension and sends information to the store computer 90. After the product dimensions are determined, in step 740, the store computer 90 sends a signal to the handheld device indicating that the user should proceed.

Next, in step 750, the user scans the serial number of the controller 55. Preferably, the serial number of the controller 55 is printed on a black / white code on a sticker mounted on the sensor assembly 30. After scanning the serial number, the handheld device sends the serial number to the store computer 90.

[137] Then, in step 760, the store computer 90 associates the UPC code of the product with the serial number of the controller 55. The store computer 90 then signals the handheld device that the setup for the device is complete. To avoid potential communication problems during setup, all communications between the hand-held device and the store computer 90 can include code representing the hand-held device.

[138] In an alternative embodiment, a method of associating a product with a controller 55 may be done without sending a signal to the store computer 90. In this embodiment, once a user associates various controllers with various products, data will be uploaded from the hand-held device.

[139] As can be appreciated, various methods of associating the controller 55 with the product are possible, and thus the methods are exemplary.

[140] A system for determining the position of a pusher by means of sensors and indicator strips has been described. There are various additional methods for measuring the distance between the final product or the pusher and the front or rear of the shelf in the pacing of products. Based on this distance, and an understanding of the dimensions of the products in the pacing, simple calculations to determine the number of products in the pacing can be performed. This calculation can be performed by a microprocessor, store computer, controller, or any other processing device that has received information about the distance between the last product in the pacing and the shelf front. Moreover, the pusher assembly has been described as including a spring. However, any other biasing method, such as gravity or magnetic force, will also act to move the pusher and product forward.

[141] In an embodiment of the present invention, the use of transmitted light or other signals, such as radio frequency signals, transmitted between a stationary position and a position near the back of the pacing of products, as illustrated in FIG. 9, pushers And the front of the shelf. In one embodiment, transmitter 700 or 702 is integrated within pusher 725. The transmitter generates light or other signals that can be transmitted on a command periodically or continuously. Light emitting diodes (LEDs), radio frequencies or ultrasonic generators or other signal generating devices can be used to generate light or signals.

[142] The corresponding receiver is integrated in the stationary position in relation to the pusher 725. The receiver 712 can be integrated into another position in front of or near the front of the front rail or shelf, and the receiver 730 can be integrated into another position in the back of the rear rail or shelf or near the rear. It can also be integrated into the shelf's floor, the pusher's track, the shelf's roof or the divider wall. The receiver detects the signal transmitted from the transmitter. For example, an LED can emit light with a certain intensity. A phototransistor serving as a receiver detects light signals emitted from the LED. To adjust the overall sensitivity of the optical components, the intensity of the LED and the sensitivity of the phototransistor can be adjusted by a microprocessor. In an embodiment, this adjustment can be done remotely. Thus, the transmitter can communicate wirelessly with the receiver via RF, IR or other known means, such as magnetic fields, electric fields, sound waves, and the like.

[143] The transmitter and receiver can communicate with a controller that tracks transmission and reception times. This data can be provided to a processing device, such as a microprocessor or store computer, so in this embodiment the pusher code will include the time interval between transmission and reception. Information regarding the time the signal was transmitted and the time the signal was received can be utilized by the processing device to determine the time between transmission and reception of the signal. Based on this length of time, the processing device can calculate the distance between the transmitter and the receiver. Knowing the dimensions of the shelf, pusher system and their components, this distance can be converted to the distance between the front side 6 of the shelf and the facing of the biased pusher 25 relative to the back side of the facings of the products. Such transformations are well known and within the knowledge of those skilled in the art. If the relevant dimensions of the products in the pacing are known, the processing device can calculate the number of products in the pacing based on the known dimensions of the products.

[144] In an alternative embodiment, the transmitter and receiver switch positions. The transmitter can be placed in or near the shelf's front or rear or other relatively stationary position, and the receiver can be placed in or near the pusher. In an alternative embodiment, the transmitter and receiver can be integrated into the same device that bounces the signal only from the stop position. For example, the reflector can be placed on the pusher, and the transmitter / receiver using a laser or some other light source can determine the distance between the reflector and the transmitter / receiver based on the travel time. Examples of possible transmitters / receivers include (but are not limited to) optical displacement measurement sensors and reflective laser sensors. As can be appreciated, if the transmitter and receiver are used to determine the distance, the position of the stationary part makes the distance calculation simpler and avoids problems with symmetrical distances on both sides of the shelf mounted stationary unit. It is preferred that the shelf is located near the front or rear side of the shelf. For example, there will be two possible positions for a given distance, so mounting the transmitter in the middle of the front and rear of the shelf will further complicate the positioning of the pusher.

[145] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, transmitters 700 and 702 are integrated into pusher 725. The transmitter is a light emitting diode and is located anywhere on the pusher 725 that allows the transmitter to function. The transmitter can be located on top of pusher 725 (at 700) or at the base of pusher 725 (at 702) or at other locations on pusher 725.

[146] The receiver is positioned in a fixed position relative to the movement of the pusher 725. The receiver may be a phototransistor and may be located on the front rail 708 connected to the front of the shelf 705, such as receiver 710, or to the front of the shelf, such as receiver 712. The receiver is mounted on the floor of the shelf at any number of positions as represented by 714, on the floor of the pusher track (at 716) or above the shelf 705, such as mounted on the shelf 705 ( It may be further positioned on another shelf (not shown). The receiver can be located at the divider wall of 720 or 722 or other location on the divider wall. The receiver may also be located near the back side 707 (at 730 or 732). Preferably, the receiver will be mounted near the front side 706 or the rear side 707 to simplify the distance calculation.

[147] The receiver and the transmitter can also switch positions. The pusher can incorporate a receiver, and the transmitter can be integrated into any of the locations 710-732 as well as any other fixed location with respect to the pusher's movement. However, preferably, the location of the transmitter will be near either the front side 706 or the back side 707 to simplify the calculation of the distance.

[148] In one embodiment, the transmitter is located at 700 and the receiver is located at 710. When the pusher 725 moves forward or backward on the shelf, the transmitter 700 mounted on the pusher 725 moves with the pusher 725. When the pusher 725 is located near the rear of the shelf, the signal will take some amount of time to move from the transmitter 700 to the receiver 710. When pusher 725 is positioned closer to the front of the shelf, the signal will take less time to move from transmitter 700 to receiver 710. Data for the transmission and reception of signals (ie, pusher codes) is transmitted to a microprocessor or other processing device. The processing device determines the amount of time it takes for the signal to travel from the transmitter to the receiver. When the signal movement speed is known, the processing device determines the distance between the transmitter and receiver.

[149] Using the understanding of the position of the transmitter relative to the products and the position of the receiver relative to the front or rear of the shelf, the processing device may be able to determine the distance between the pusher and the front of the shelf. Using the dimensions of the products, the processing device can then determine the number of products in the pacing. The light emitting diode or other transmitter can be set to function periodically, continuously or in response to a command from a remote location.

[150] Alternatively, the processing device can control both the LED and the phototransistor. The processing device can record the time T1 at which the microprocessor issues a command to generate a pulse from the LED, and the time T2 at which the optical signal is detected by the phototransistor. Both of these times T1 and T2 are stored in memory and can be used to determine the number of products in pacing, using the relationships described above.

In an alternative sensing environment, a capacitive proximity sensor may be utilized to measure the distance between the front of the shelf and the final product of the pusher or pacing of the products. The capacitive proximity sensor detects a pusher that serves as a target for the capacitive proximity sensor. The capacitive proximity sensor creates an electrostatic field directed at the target. When the distance of the pusher changes with respect to the position of the capacitive proximity sensor, the capacitive proximity sensor responds to changes in capacitance caused by the movement of the pusher associated with the sensor.

[152] Additional sensing environments may also include the use of a magnetic proximity sensor or an inductive proximity sensor. In both sensing environments, proximity sensors can be utilized to measure the distance between the front of the shelf and the final product of the pusher or pacing of the product.

[153] Since the inductive proximity sensor uses an induction field to detect the target object, the inductive proximity sensor is useful for the detection of metal targets. In one embodiment for an inductive proximity sensor, the proximity of the pusher associated with the inductive proximity sensor can be detected when the distance of the pusher changes with respect to the position of the inductive proximity sensor. Similarly, a magnetic proximity sensor based on the Hall effect principle can also be utilized to sense the position of the pusher.

[154] In one embodiment, the proximity sensor may be mounted near the rear side 707, and the proximity sensor is configured to sense the distance to the pusher 725. A processing device, such as a store computer or microprocessor, can determine the distance between the pusher 725 and the front side 706 and use that distance to determine how much product is left on the shelf.

[155] In an alternative embodiment, an RFIT ("Radio Frequency Identifying Transponder") with a unique identification code is mounted on the pusher 725. A sensor assembly comprising a transmitter / receiver can be mounted on the back side 707 of the shelf 705. When activated, the transmitter / receiver sends an activation signal to activate the RFIT. Upon activation, the RFIT sends a response signal that includes a unique identification code. The transmitter / receiver receives a response signal from the RFIT. The sensor assembly is equipped with a timing device, which measures the time from the initial transmission of the signal from the transmitter / receiver to the reception of the response signal from the RFIT. In one embodiment, the controller initiates the transmission of the signal and can record the reception of the response signal in memory. In addition, the controller is equipped with a timing device for measuring the delay. The delay in time can be used to calculate the distance between the transmitter / receiver and the RFIT. In one embodiment, the controller can calculate the distance and provide a pusher code that includes the distance. Alternatively, the pusher code will contain data for the delay, and the pusher code will be forwarded to the processing device for distance calculation. As discussed above, the distance between the pusher 725 and the transmitter / receiver can be used to calculate the amount of product left in the shelf.

[156] The advantage of using RFIT in combination with a transmitter / receiver is that it can be easily retro-fitted to existing systems. Since RFIT does not require internal power, this embodiment eliminates the need to provide a powered device on pusher 725. However, power is supplied to the transmitter / receiver. Preferably, the transmitter / receiver transmits a focused or low power signal such that only the RFIT associated with the transmitter / receiver is activated. Alternatively, the transmitter / receiver ignores response signals from RFITs that do not contain an appropriate unique identification code.

[157] In an alternative embodiment, a low power 1-chip radar sensor may be used to determine the distance between the radar sensor and the pusher 725. Preferably, a radar sensor can be mounted near the rear side 707 to make distance determination less complex.

[158] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a device for measuring the tension of a spring used to push products can be used. The tension on the spring will depend at least in part on the number of products in front of the pusher. The more products are placed in front of the pusher, the more the spring is compressed or expanded. In the case of a coil spring, the more products are placed in front of the pusher, the further the two ends of the spring move further and the coil of the spring is further released. When the coil of the spring is released, the amount of tension or pressure in the remaining coils of the spring increases. By measuring the tension of the spring, the length of the spring from which the coil was released can be determined.

[159] The spring tension measurement device may incorporate a processing device, or may transmit information measured by the device to a microprocessor or other processing device. Using a previous understanding of how the tension on the spring relates to the length of the spring, the processing device can determine the amount or length of the spring from which the coil was released. For example, if the coil spring has a fixed spring constant "k", the formula F = -kX can be used to calculate the length of the spring where the coil is released. This information can be used to determine the distance between the front of the shelf and the pusher. When understanding the dimensions of the products, then the computing device can determine the number of products in pacing.

[160] The spring tension measuring device comprises, but is not limited to, strain gauges, tension meters, torque transducers or some other force measuring device to determine the tension applied on the coil spring. It may include. Preferably, the force measurement unit is connected to the controller, where the controller is configured to convert data from the force measurement unit to force values. The controller can then send the force value to the processing device. In this embodiment, the pusher code will contain the force value. Many other methods of measuring spring tension will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are within the scope of the present invention.

[161] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the number of products remaining in a particular pacing is partially through the use of one or more transmitter (s) and receiver (s) disposed on opposite sides of the products. Is decided. In one embodiment, transmitters or receivers may be placed on divider walls separating the facings of products. In one embodiment, a series of transmitters are integrated into or onto the base of the divider wall. A series of receivers are integrated into or on the other side of the divider wall. In this way, when products are on the shelf, they are pushed between the transmitters on one divider wall and the receivers on the other divider wall.

[162] Periodically, when prompted, or continuously, the transmitter transmits a signal. If there is no product between the transmitter and receiver, the receiver will receive the signal. If a product exists between the transmitter and receiver, the product will block the signal, and the signal will not be received by the receiver.

The microprocessor receives information on whether various receivers have received the signal. Based on this information, the microprocessor can determine the approximate distance between the front of the facing and the last product of the facing. Using an understanding of the dimensions of the products, information about the reception and non-reception of signals can be translated into an understanding of the approximate number of products of a particular facing. In one embodiment, one transmitter and one receiver are used to indicate that a particular shelf is being lowered for the associated product. In this embodiment, preferably, the position of the transmitter / receiver is closer to the front side 706, then to the rear side 707. Preferably, a controller with a unique identification code is associated with the transmitter and receiver so that the unique identification code can be associated with the product.

[164] The transmitter and receiver can be integrated into the same device that attempts to bounc the signal from a predetermined target attached to a particular location. If the signal bounces as expected, it indicates that there is no product between the transmitter and the target location. If the signal is not bounced as expected, there is a product between the transmitter and the target location.

10 shows a partial enlarged view of an alternative embodiment of the shelf and pusher assembly, the shelf having divider walls. 10, several transmitters 750 are arranged on the left side of the divider wall towards the bottom. The transmitters can also be placed higher on the divider wall, as shown at 752. Corresponding receivers 760 are arranged on the right side of the divider wall towards the bottom. These receivers can also be placed higher on the divider wall, as shown at 762. Receivers and transmitters are positioned such that an unobstructed signal can be transmitted from the transmitter and received by a corresponding receiver. When the product, such as product P, is positioned in front of the pusher, the product can block the signal transmitted from the transmitter. As shown in FIG. 10, product P (shown in dashed lines) will prevent the signal from reaching the receiver 760 closest to the front side 6 of the shelf. Receivers positioned further behind the product P will receive signals transmitted to them. The microprocessor receives information as to whether each of the receivers 760 has received signals. Based on this information, the microprocessor can determine the distance between the front of the shelf and the last product of a particular pacing. Using an understanding of the width of each product, the microprocessor can determine the number of products for a particular facing.

[166] In one embodiment of the invention, the pusher contacts various sensing devices as it moves forward or backward on the shelf. The sensing devices are arranged on the surface below, above, or on the sides of the pusher. These sensing devices are mechanical, electrical and electromechanical, optical and magnetic, and may include spring loaded latches, electrical contacts, light emitting diodes or metal wires or other sensors, such as linear position sensors. Devices.

[167] When the pusher moves forward or backward on the shelf, the pusher interacts with the sensing device. The pusher can interact with the devices through the mechanical contact of the pusher with the devices. In addition, the pusher can be equipped with separate sensing devices that interact with stationary sensing devices when the pusher moves forward or backward.

[168] Information about the interaction between the pusher and the sensing devices (ie, the pusher code) is transmitted to the processing device. Based on the determination of the devices with which the pusher interacts, the processing device can determine the approximate position of the pusher relative to the front of the shelf. Understanding the product data, such as the dimensions of the product, the processing device can then determine the approximate number of products in a particular pacing related to the pusher and sensing devices.

[169] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, sensing devices 810, 811 and 812 are integrated into the base of the track on which the products are placed. When the products are placed directly on the switches, the sensing devices are closed. When the products are removed and the pusher 825 moves forward, the sensing devices behind the pusher 825 are released and opened. The controller determines which sensing devices are open or closed. Based on this information, the processing device can determine the approximate distance between the pusher 825 and the front side 806 of the shelf. Knowing the dimensions of the products, the processing device can determine the number of products at a particular pacing.

[170] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, sensing devices 814, 815, 816, 817, and 818 are disposed on pusher track 802. A separate contact (not shown) is placed on the bottom of the pusher 825. The contact on pusher 825 is configured to activate the sensing device on pusher track 802 when the contact on pusher 825 is adjacent to the sensing device mounted on pusher track 802. When the sensing device is activated, a signal is sent to the processing device, and the signal provides information about which sensing devices are activated. Based on this information, the processing device can determine the approximate distance of the pusher from the front of the shelf. Knowing additional data about products, such as product dimensions, the processing device can determine the number of products at a particular pacing.

[171] For example, while the contact 816 is active, the processing device is equal to the amount of product that can fit into the space between the contact 816 and the front side 806 of the shelf 801. Can decide. If contact 816 is active and then deactivated, the processing device can determine that pusher 825 is between contacts 815 and 817. Thus, this provides the approximate position of the pusher 825, which can be used to determine the approximate amount of product left on the shelf. In one embodiment, the contacts can be spaced closer together near the anterior side 806 of the shelf 801 so that more accurate measurements can be taken when the amount of product on the shelf decreases. Alternatively, sufficient contacts can be used to provide a relatively accurate position of pusher 825.

[172] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, contacts 819, 820, 821 and 822 may be mounted to the divider wall 803. As with contacts 814-818, activation of one of the contacts 819-822 indicates the location or schematic location of the pusher 825. Positioning contacts along the divider wall 803 can help prevent problems with accidental activation of contacts by products on the shelf. The distance between the contacts 819-822 may not be uniform, such as in contacts mounted on the pusher track 802, to provide greater precision when the shelf becomes less full.

[173] In an alternative embodiment similar to the embodiments described above, a shelf management system 900 for detecting and communicating the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf is shown in FIG. The shelf management system 900 can include a pusher assembly 915, an optical assembly, and a control module 940. The pusher assembly 915, the optical assembly, and the control module 940 can all be secured to a gondola wall 905 or similar structure that holds the product 910. Product 910 can be aligned or arranged along pusher assembly 915. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 14, product 910 may be included in a separate product container box 912.

As shown, pusher assembly 915 may include a biasing mechanism, such as a coil spring. The pusher assembly 915 can include an integral divider wall 922 and a floor section 920 on one or both sides of the divider wall 922. The coil spring can be operatively connected or associated with the pusher 925, and can be used to press the pusher 925 and associated product 910 toward the front side of the shelf. The pusher assembly 915 may be modular, and may include additional floor sections or divider walls that are fitted or mated in place. Additionally, since the invention does not have any connection to the pusher assembly 915, the invention can work with any product shelving system.

The optical assembly may include an optical channel 930 and an optical transceiver 932. The optical transceiver 932 can be one of many optical transceivers located on the optical channel 930. The optical transceiver 932 may be located behind the product 910 to be measured on the shelf. The optical transceiver 932 may be composed of an optical transmitter 934 and an optical sensor 936. Optical transmitter 934 is configured to transmit optical signal 935 towards pusher 925, while optical sensor 936 is configured to receive optical signal 935 from pusher 925. In an alternative embodiment, optical transmitter 934 and optical sensor 936 may be the same component as part of optical transceiver 932. The distance between the optical transmitters 934 and the optical sensors 936 on the optical channel 930 is such that at least one optical transmitter 934 and one optical sensor 936 are focused to all respective pushers 925, or You can be guaranteed to see it. Additionally, the optical channel 930 can include an electronic connection 938.

[176] Without departing from the present invention, the optical assembly can utilize one of many different types of light, and one type of light is utilized in the "infrared spectrum". For example, the optical assembly can include an infrared (IR) transceiver, where the IR transceiver can consist of an IR transmitter and an IR sensor.

[177] As illustrated in FIG. 14, the shelf management system 900 may also include a control module 940. The control module 940 is aligned with the electronic connection 938 on the optical channel 930 and can be locked in place. The control module 940 may include a microcomputer. Additionally, the control module 930 may have internal wireless performance without departing from the present invention.

14, the product 910 can be pushed forward by a spring-pressed pusher 925 or a pusher paddle in the shelf management system 900. When product 910 is pushed forward, optical signal 935 is transmitted from optical transmitter 934 found on optical channel 930. The light signal 935 can then be reflected from the back of the pusher paddle 925 or the product 910 and then returned back to the light sensors 936. Then, this information is relayed to the control module 940 so that the distance to the pusher 925 or product 910 can be measured. The optical transceiver 932 may be controlled by a microcomputer and control module 940 connected to the optical transceiver 932. The process of transmitting the optical signal 935 to and from the pusher paddle 925 or product 910 can be taken continuously or nearly continuously, such as a few seconds, or periodically, such as 1 second or 5 seconds. Can be taken.

[179] In an aspect of the present invention, the microcomputer in the control module 940 may compare the most recent position of the pusher 925 to the previous position of the pusher. The difference in positions of the pushers 925 can result in the microcomputer determining the condition of the shelf management system 900. First, the microcomputer can determine that no activity has occurred since the last reading. Second, the microcomputer can determine how many product packages are still being pushed by pusher 925 if a normal shopping instance has occurred. Third, if product packages exceeding a predetermined number have been removed below a predetermined amount of time, the microcomputer can determine that a potential theft situation is in progress. Another condition that can be communicated is a product shortage. For example, the microcomputer can determine a product shortage condition if there are no product packages at any pusher location or if less than a predetermined number of product packages are still being pressed by the pusher 925.

[180] As illustrated in FIG. 14, without departing from the present invention, the shelf management system may include a local audio box 950. Any of the conditions described above may be communicated by a microcomputer to the local audio box 950 and communicated remotely via wired or wireless communication devices to a remote computer, store public announcement system, cell phone, pager, or remote notifier. You can. Additionally, without departing from the present invention, the shelf management system can include a light annunciator 960. Any of the conditions described above may be communicated by a microcomputer to the light notifier 960 and communicated remotely via wired or wireless means to a remote computer, store public announcement system, cell phone, pager, or remote notifier. . The internal wireless performance of the control module 940 may wirelessly transmit signals to / from remote locations to indicate the condition of the shelf management system.

[181] Additionally, for the shelf system 900 illustrated in FIG. 14, the number of products aligned on the shelf can be measured. In such an embodiment, the position of pusher 925 can be used to determine the amount of product 910 on the shelf without the need to manually count the product. For example, optical transceiver 932 transmits optical signal 935 to pusher 925 or product 910. The optical signal 935 can then be reflected back to the optical transceiver 932 to determine the position of the pusher 925 by measuring and calculating the time at which the optical transceiver 932 receives the optical signal 935. have. When one product is removed, for example, by a purchaser, the time to receive the optical signal 935 again from the optical transceiver 932 increases the specific amount. Based on the dimensions of the product 910, particularly the thickness of the product, the control module can calculate how many products have been removed from the shelf by an algorithm on how quickly the optical signal travels back to the optical transceiver 932. have. The control module can also calculate the number of products that remain on the shelf in front of the pusher, in part using information about the shelf dimensions, including shelf depth. Additionally, the system can be used in inventory management mode for inventory purposes and to help retailers determine the number of products for restocking in low-stocking or no stocking situations. Without departing from the present invention, the user can input the thickness of the product 910 into the control module 940 as a setting during set-up or loading of the product 910 on the shelf. Additionally, without departing from the present invention, the thickness of the product 910 is, after taking a number of different readings from the system, such as a smart or learning system for determining the thickness of the product 910, the control module 940 It can be determined by.

[182] The thickness of the product can also be determined by the system when the products are initially stored in the system. The optical transceiver 932 transmits an optical signal 935 to the pusher 925 when no product is on the shelf. The optical signal 935 can then be reflected back to the optical transceiver 932 to determine the position of the pusher 925 by measuring and calculating the time at which the optical transceiver 932 receives the optical signal 935. . When one product is added to the shelf, for example by an employee, the time to receive the optical signal 935 again from the optical transceiver 932 reduces the specific amount. Based on this reduction in the amount of time, the control module can calculate the thickness of the product.

[183] In an alternative embodiment similar to the embodiments described above, FIGS. 15A and 15B detect and communicate the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf, similar to the shelf management system 900 described above and illustrated in FIG. Another shelf management system 1000 is illustrated. The shelf management system 1000 may include a pusher assembly 1015, a laser assembly, and a control module 1040. All of the pusher assembly 1015, laser assembly, and control module 1040 can be secured to a gondola wall 1005 or similar structure that holds the product 1010. The product 1010 can be aligned or arranged along the pusher assembly 1015. Additionally, product 1010 may be included in a separate product container box 1012 as illustrated in FIG. 15A.

[184] The pusher assembly 1015 may include a biasing mechanism, such as a seat coil spring. The pusher assembly 1015 can include an integral divider wall 1022 and a floor section 1020 on one or both sides of the divider wall 1022. The seat coil spring can be operatively connected to the pusher 1025, and can be used to press the pusher 1025 and associated product 1010 toward the front side of the shelf. The pusher assembly 1015 may be modular, and may include additional floor sections or divider walls that are fitted or mated in place.

The laser assembly may include a back reflector strip 1030 and a single light transceiver or laser scanner 1032. The laser scanner 1032 may emit or transmit laser light or output beam 1035. The laser scanner 1032 may include a moving or rotating mirror (not shown) located within or associated with the laser scanner 1032. Without departing from the invention, instead of or in addition to a moving mirror, the laser scanner 1032 may include integrated circuit mirror technology, such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) mirrors used in the Digital Light Projector (DLP) field, where An array of tiny microscopic mirrors is used to direct and alter the output beam 1035. The moving mirror can rotate within the laser scanner to alter the output beam 1035 being emitted from the laser scanner 1032. The transmission and angles of the output beam 1035 can also be varied by various other ways. The moving mirror can be controlled by a microcomputer in the control module 1040. The moving mirror can direct the output beam 1035 from the laser scanner 1032 at various angles, creating a sweep beam 1037. The sweep beam 1037 can be directed along the back reflector strip. An example of a portion of the sweep beam 1037 is illustrated in FIG. 15B. The process of transmitting the sweep beam 1037 from the laser scanner 1032 to and from the pusher paddle 1025 or product 1010 may be taken continuously or almost continuously, such as a few seconds, one second, or five seconds. Can.

[186] As further illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the back reflector strip 1030 may include piece-wise linear or smooth fixed mirrors 1034. The fixed mirrors 1034 can be positioned along the back reflector strip 1030. The fixed mirrors 1034 follow, or are parallel to, or nearly parallel to the path of the sweep beam 1037, so that each individual fixed mirror 1034 (as shown in FIG. 15B) has its own sweep path. Accordingly, the output beam 1035 can be intercepted. The stationary mirrors 1034 are also positioned along the back reflector strip 1034 and may be positioned essentially behind the pushers 1025 in the shelf management system 1000 and essentially perpendicular to its direction of movement. Additionally, the back reflector strip 1030 can include an electronic connection 1038.

As illustrated in FIG. 15A, the shelf management system 1000 may also include a control module 1040. The control module 1040 is aligned with the electronic connection 1038 on the back reflector strip 1030 and can be locked in place. The control module 1040 may include a microcomputer. Additionally, the control module 1040 can have internal wireless performance without departing from the present invention.

15A and 15B, the product 1010 may be pushed forward by a spring-pressed pusher 1025 or pusher paddle in the shelf management system 1000. When the product 1010 is pushed forward, the laser scanner 1032 directs the sweep beam 1037 along the back reflector strip 1030 at one of the stationary mirrors 1034. The fixed mirror 1034 then redirects the output beam 1035 at a desired angle (such as a right angle) to the altered path of the output beam 1035, so that the fixed mirror 1034 essentially pushes the output beam 1035. It can be directed to the back of 1025. The output beam 1035 can then be reflected from the back of the pusher 1025, where the output beam 1035 is then returned back to the laser scanner 1032 for analysis. The information can then be relayed to the control module 1040. The laser scanner 1032 may be configured to measure the distance to the pusher 1025. The laser scanner 1032 may be controlled by a control module 1040 and a microcomputer.

The microcomputer of the control module 1040 can compare the most recent position of the pusher 1025 with the previous position. Differences in the positions of pusher 1025 may result in the microcomputer determining the condition of shelf management system 1000. First, the microcomputer can determine that no activity has occurred since the last reading. Second, the microcomputer can determine how many product packages are still being pushed by pusher 1025 if a normal shopping instance has occurred. Third, if product packages exceeding a predetermined number have been removed below a predetermined amount of time, the microcomputer can determine that a potential theft situation is in progress. Another condition that can be communicated is a product shortage. For example, the microcomputer can determine a product shortage condition if there are no product packages at any pusher location or if less than a predetermined number of product packages are still being pressed by pusher 1025.

15A and 15B, the shelf management system 1000 may include a local audio notifier 1050 without departing from the present invention. Any of the conditions described above may be via a microcomputer via wired or wireless means to various communication modules, such as local or remote audio notifier 1050, local or remote light notifier 1060, remote computer, shop aerial announcement system , Cell phones, pagers, or remote notifiers. The internal wireless performance of the control module 1040 can transmit signals wirelessly to / from a remote location to indicate the condition of the shelf management system.

[191] In another embodiment similar to the embodiments described above, as illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the shelf management system 1100 is a fixed mirror positioned along the length of the back reflector strip 1130 (1134). In this embodiment and as illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the shape of the stationary mirror 1134 may be curved and approximately parabolic. Since the laser scanner 1132, the moving mirror and ultimately the sweep beam 1137 is controlled by the microcomputer or control module 1140, the microcomputer recognizes the position of the moving mirror at any point during the sweeping motion. And by using and analyzing the output beam 1135, the position of each pusher 1125 on the shelf can be determined. Additionally, the process of transmitting the sweep beam 1137 from the laser scanner 1132 to the pusher paddle 1125 and from the pusher paddle 1125 may be taken continuously or almost continuously, such as a fraction of a second. , Or may be taken periodically, such as 1 second or every 5 seconds.

[192] Additionally, the microcomputer can execute an algorithm that determines that multiple reads represent only one wide pusher 1125. This may be true if readings are taken every 1 inch along the length of the exemplary 48 inch-length shelf. The product position 1110 in front of the pusher 1125 on the shelf may be 6 inches wide. Thus, in this example, 5 or 6 readings can be taken across the back of the product and pusher 1125 when the mirror is sweeping and is directed to the swept beam 1137. If one of the 6-inch wide products is removed from the pusher 1125, the microcomputer detects that at least 5 or 6 sensing positions have changed by essentially the same amount by the same time. The microcomputer can then determine that all 5 or 6 readings represent one product width. This may be a learned aspect of the shelf management system 1100 that may change as different products are commercialized on the shelf over time.

In another embodiment similar to the embodiments described above, a parabolic piecewise linear mirror 1234 having a piecewise linear approximation of parabolas may be utilized, as illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B. As illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the shelf management system 1200 can include a piecewise parabolic mirror 1234 that can be positioned along the back reflector strip 1230. This piecewise parabolic mirror 1234 may include a number of linear sections 1233 having a number of leading edges 1236. The linear sections 1303 can be wide enough to be easily manufacturable. Additionally, the linear sections 1233 are sufficient to allow the shelf filled with the narrowest pushers 1225 to have at least one linear mirror section 1233 reflecting the output beam 1235 to / from the glow. It can be narrow. As illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the leading edge 1236 of each linear mirror section 1233 may include a small, flat section 1239 and an angled leading edge 1236. The small, flat section 1239 first retroverts the swept beam 1237 back directly to the laser scanner 1232, without allowing the swept beam 1237 to be reflected from the back of the pusher 1225. -reflect). The process of transmitting the swept beam 1137 from the laser scanner 1132 to the pusher paddle 1125 and from the pusher paddle 1125 is continuous or nearly continuous, such as a few seconds, or 1 second or 5 seconds. Can be taken periodically.

[194] For example, as specifically illustrated in FIG. 17B, as the beam 1237 sweeps, the laser scanner 1232 is directed back to the laser scanner 1232, and then an angled leading edge 1236 You will perceive a series of short bright bursts followed by reflections from. The reflection from the angled leading edge 1236 indicates the position of the pusher 1225. As the moving mirror sweeps the beam past the edge of the first linear section, the mirror will again face a small, flat section 1239 ahead of the second angled leading edge 1236. These small, flat sections 1239 may represent cue points on the piecewise parabolic mirror 1234. These cue points 1239 may be interpreted as 'cue' signals 1242 by the microcomputer. Additionally, these small, flat sections 1239 can divide the shelf into designated sections that can be analyzed by the microcomputer for movement. Based on the distance and location of the small, flat sections 1239, the laser scanner 1232 may attempt to face the angled leading edge 1236 and alert the control module 1240 that a reading will be taken. In this way, the control module 1240 need not have a precise level measurement of the moving mirror position. Additionally, the length of the piecewise parabolic mirror 1234 may be any length. The control module 1240 determines the number of pusher positions to read based on the number of queuing signals 1244 it has received between the 'home' and 'end' positions of the swept beam 1237. Can decide.

[195] Additionally, for the shelf system illustrated in FIGS. 15A-17B, the number of products aligned on the shelf can be measured. In such an embodiment, the pusher's position can be used to determine the amount of product in the shelf without the need to manually count the product. For example, a laser scanner sends an output beam to a pusher or product. The output beam can then be reflected back to the laser scanner to determine the position of the pusher by measuring and calculating the time the laser scanner receives the output beam. For example, if one product is removed by the purchaser, the time to receive the output beam again from the laser scanner can be increased by a set amount. Based on the dimensions of the product, especially the thickness of the product, the control module can calculate how many products have been removed from the shelf by an algorithm on how quickly the output beam travels back to the laser scanner. Without departing from the invention, the thickness of the product can be an input or setting that can be entered into the control module during the set-up of the product in the shelf. Additionally, without departing from the present invention, the thickness of the product can be determined by the control module after taking a number of different readings from a system such as a smart or learning system to determine the thickness of the product.

[196] The advantages of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 14-17B are evident in several ways. First, the present invention does not have any connection to a spring-forced pusher system, and thus can operate on almost any system currently in use. Second, the present invention does not have any physical moving connection to the pusher system or product, which prevents the system from physically abrasing or getting dirty and reducing its effectiveness in terms of the number of products sold or over time. . Third, the present invention can operate with batteries for an extended period of time. RFID inventory systems require relatively high power radio-frequency transmitters to scan products in the shelf and cannot operate from batteries. Fourth, the cost of the system can be amortized over the number of products sold on the shelf over the years. The cost of this system is in contrast to the need to justify the cost of individual RFID tags on each product package, as well as the depreciation of expensive reader systems and infrastructure at the price of each product. Finally, the present invention can be programmed to ignore replacing the product back onto the shelf, such as when the shelf is restocked.

[197] Sensors of various sensing configurations discussed in the above embodiments may output a signal indicative of the sensed parameter in an analog or digital format. The analog output can be in the form of a voltage or current signal. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, analog-to-digital converters can be utilized to convert analog signals to digital signals for use by a controller or processing device.

[198] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It should be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or apparent from the text and / or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention. The embodiments described herein describe the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable those skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims will be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

[199] Figures 18A-18C show an alternative implementation of the display management system 1800. In particular, display management system 1800 includes a front rail 1802 configured to be removably-coupled to a display surface (not shown). In one example, the display surface may include a shelf structure or the like. Thus, in one example, the front rail 1802 can be configured to be removably-coupled at the front edge of the display surface (not shown). However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the front rail 1802 can be removably-coupled to the display surface at a position other than the edge of the display surface. In one implementation, the front rail 1802 has a front rail length 1808. In one example, the front rail 1802 can be configured such that the front rail length 1808 is parallel to the front edge of the display surface (not shown). Accordingly, the front rail length 1808 can be implemented in any dimensions without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein. Thus, the front rail length 1808 can be configured to fit one or more physical dimensions of a given display surface (not shown). In one example, the display management system 1800 can include a pusher 1804. In one implementation, pusher 1804 may generally be referred to as a movable mechanism of display management system, such as display management system 1800. Thus, and as shown in FIG. 18B, the pusher 1804 displays one or more displays along the floor structure 1810 from the second end 1814 of the floor structure toward the first end 1812 of the floor structure. It can be configured to force products (not shown). Additionally or alternatively, the display management system 1800 can include one or more dividers 1806. Thus, the divider 1806, and in particular the divider wall 1803, displays a first group of display products (not shown) associated with the first pusher 1804 on a display surface (not shown) associated with the second pusher It can be configured to separate from a second group of products (not shown). In one example, the divider 1806, including the divider wall 1803, the floor structure 1810, and / or the barrier 1818 may have a divider length 1816. Thus, in one implementation, the divider 1806 can be configured to be removably-coupled to the front rail 1802 such that the front rail length 1808 is substantially perpendicular to the divider length 1816. However, those skilled in the art can configure the front rail length 1808 to be positioned at any angle relative to the divider length 1816, and the angle between the front rail length 1808 and the divider length 1816 is substantially 90 °. It will be appreciated that the display management system 1800 can be implemented so as not to be, and without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein.

[200] In one implementation, and as shown in FIGS. 18B and 18C, the pusher 1804 can be pressed toward the first end of the floor structure 1812 by a coiled spring 1820. Thus, the barrier 1818 causes the pusher 1804, which is pressed by the coiled spring 1820, to slide one or more display products (not shown in FIGS. 18A-18C) toward the barrier 1818. As such, one or more display products may be configured to retain one or more display products within the display management system 1800 as the force is applied to the one or more display products. Further, in one implementation, the pusher 1804 can be configured to slide along the floor structure 1810 without being guided by one or more rail structures. In particular, specifically, display management including the front rail 1802, pusher 1804, divider 1806, divider wall 1803, floor structure 1810, coiled spring 1820, and barrier 1818 One or more elements of system 1800, as described in FIGS. 58, 62, and 72 of U.S. Patent Application No. 14/444357, filed July 28, 2014, front rail 580 , Pusher 520, divider 550, divider wall 552, floor 554, coiled spring 534, and can provide similar functionality to barrier 556, the entire contents of the application It is incorporated herein by reference for non-limiting purposes and for all non-limiting purposes.

[201] In one implementation, and as shown in FIGS. 18B and 18C, the display management system 1800 may include a capacitive sensor 1822. Thus, capacitive sensor 1822 can be configured to output a signal that can be processed to determine the position of one or more elements of display management system 1800. In one example, capacitive sensor 1822 can be configured to output a signal that can be processed to determine the position of pusher 1804. Thus, capacitive sensor 1822 can be utilized to determine a number of display products held within display management system 1800. In the following description, one or more aspects of capacitive sensor 1822 are discussed. Thus, those skilled in the art that capacitive sensor 1822 can be utilized to determine the position of pusher 1804 within display management system 1800, independent of the specific geometric features of display management system 1800. Will recognize that. Accordingly, the systems and methods described herein in connection with capacitive sensor 1822 are alternative display management systems described throughout U.S. Patent Application 14/444357, incorporated herein by reference, as well as this application. Can be carried out.

[202] In one implementation, the capacitive sensor 1822 can be configured to be positioned along the divider length 1816 on the floor structure 1810, such that the unwinded length 1923 of the coiled spring 1820 is the divider. It can be brought into contact with a portion of the capacitive sensor 1822 extending along the length 1816. Accordingly, capacitive sensor 1822 is described in further detail with respect to FIG. 20.

[203] Figures 19A and 19B schematically show plan views of the display management system 1800. Accordingly, FIG. 19A schematically illustrates the display management system 1800 of the first configuration in which the first plurality of display products 1902a-1902f are inserted between the barrier 1818 and the pusher 1804. Thus, in this illustrated first configuration of the display management system 1800, the coiled spring 1820 has a coiled first length 1904. Referring to FIG. 19B, the display management system 1800 is illustrated in a second configuration in which the number of display products 1902a-1902c included in the system 1800 is reduced. Consequently, the coiled spring 1820 has a reduced or uncoiled second length 1906.

[204] In one example, the conductive material (in one example, metal or alloy) constituting the coiled spring 1820 is brought into contact with the capacitive sensor 1822. In one implementation, the degree to which the coiled spring 1820 contacts the capacitive sensor 1822 is proportional to the length at which the coil was unwound, such as, in one example, the length at which the coil was unwound (1904 or 1906). In turn, the output signal from capacitive sensor 1822 can vary based on the length of coiled spring 1820 in contact with capacitive sensor 1822. Accordingly, the output signal from the capacitive sensor 1822 may change based on the position of the pusher 1804 and, correspondingly, the number of display products 1902a-1902f held within the display management system 1800. You can.

[205] Figure 20A schematically shows a detailed illustration of a capacitive sensor 1822. In one implementation, capacitive sensor 1822 includes circuit board 2002, which circuit board 2002 has a longitudinal length 2016. 18A-18C, capacitive sensor 1822 can be coupled to floor structure 1812 of divider 1806, such that longitudinal length of capacitive sensor 1822 (2016) ) Is substantially parallel to the divider length 1816. In one implementation, the capacitive sensor 1822 can be configured to be retrofitted to the display management system 1800 so that all electronic components associated with the capacitive sensor 1822 can be built on the circuit board 2002. You can. In one example, capacitive sensor 1822 may include a plurality of capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004f. Accordingly, those skilled in the art, capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004f shown in FIG. 20A only represent one exemplary implementation of capacitive sensor 1822, and such capacitive sensor elements 2004a- shown in FIG. 20A. It will be appreciated that various alternative implementations of capacitive sensor 1822, with a different number of capacitive sensor elements than 2004f), can be realized.

[206] In one example, the capacitive sensor 1822 can be configured to output a signal proportional to the capacitance value, such that the capacitance value is the coiled length of the coiled spring 1820 (eg, the coiled lengths) (1904 and 1906). In one example, control circuit 2006 includes electronic elements configured to calculate one or more capacitance values associated with capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004f. In another implementation, the control circuit 2006 is referred to as a transmitter circuit, and the one or more data points received from the capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004f are remote processors, such as the display management system controller from FIG. 24. It may be configured to transmit to the device 2400. In another example, one or more calculated capacitance values can vary based on the length of the conductor contacted with circuit board 2002. Accordingly, one or more calculated capacitance values are based on the uncoiled length of the coiled spring 1820, such as those uncoiled lengths 1904 and 1906 shown as examples of FIGS. 19A and 19B. Can change. In one particular example, control circuit 2006 may be configured to calculate a capacitance value between one or more consecutive pairs of capacitive sensor elements, selected from capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004f. Accordingly, the calculated capacitance value between a pair of capacitive sensor elements, selected from capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004f, is one or more capacitive of this pair of capacitive sensor elements. The sensor element may change when the coil of the coiled spring 1820 contacts a portion of the unwound length. Thus, the change in capacitance between successive pairs of capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004f can be utilized to indicate the position of pusher 1804. Accordingly, one or more capacitive sensor elements of capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004f are exposed electrically conductive, configured to contact a portion of the coiled spring 1820's coiled length that is electrically conductive. Phosphorus structures.

[207] In one implementation, circuit board 2002 may include a substantially insulating material configured to electrically insulate capacitive sensor elements 2004a- 2004f from each other. In addition, capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004f can be connected to control circuit 2006 by electrical conductors (not shown in FIG. 20A). In one example, a pair of capacitive sensor elements selected from capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004f may be separated by a separate distance 2018. Accordingly, in one implementation, the separation distance 2018 may be uniform or non-uniform between each pair of capacitive sensor elements selected from the capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004f, such that the first separation The distance 2018 may be different from the second separation distance 2020. Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize that separation distances 2018 and 2020 can be implemented with any dimensions without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein. For example, separation distances 2018 and 2020 can range from one millimeter or less to hundreds of millimeters or more, and the like.

[208] In one example, the separation distance, such as separation distance (2018 and / or 2020) between a pair of capacitive sensor elements selected from capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004f is Resolution can be determined. Thus, the resolution of the capacitive sensor 1822 can be proportional to precision, which can be used by the capacitive sensor 1822 to determine the position of the pusher, such as the pusher 1804. In particular, as the number of capacitive sensor elements, such as capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004f, increases, so does the precision with which capacitive sensor 1822 can determine the position of the pusher on floor structure 1810. can do.

[209] In one implementation, the capacitive sensor 1822 can be utilized to calculate the absolute position of the pusher 1804 on the floor structure 1810. Thus, the position of the pusher 1804 cannot be corrected based on the zeroed position on the floor structure 1810. Accordingly, the position of the pusher 1804 cannot be determined with respect to other positions on the capacitive sensor 1822 or the like.

[210] In another implementation, the control circuit 2006 can be utilized to calculate the position of the pusher 1804 on the capacitive sensor 1822 using an interpolation method. In particular, the control circuit 2006 can receive signals (also referred to as sensor data) from multiple capacitive sensor elements from the capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004f, and the received signal By processing them, it can be determined that the position of pusher 1804 lies between a pair of capacitive sensor elements selected from capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004f. Specifically, the control circuit 2006 can be utilized to interpolate the proximity of the pusher 1804 to the first capacitive sensor element to the second adjacent capacitive sensor element. In this manner, those skilled in the art, a single pair of capacitive sensor elements, the capacitive sensor 1822 is spaced between the first end 1812 and the second end 1814 of the floor structure 1810, in one embodiment. It will be appreciated that it can be implemented using fields 2004.

[211] FIG. 20B schematically shows a more detailed diagram of a control circuit 2006. In particular, and in one example, the control circuit 2006 includes a power supply 2008, a memory 2010, an interface 2012, and a processor 2014. In one implementation, memory 2010, interface 2012, and processor 2014 may be implemented as a single microcontroller circuit, or may be implemented as discrete electronic elements. In one example, the power supply 2008 can represent a source of electrical energy provided by one or more electrochemical cells, otherwise simply referred to as a cell or battery. In one particular example, the power supply 2008 can be implemented as a single “button cell” or “coin cell” with multi-year battery life. In another example, the power supply 2008 can be a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. In another example, the power supply 2008 receives a wired electrical supply and potentially rectifies the wired power supply (especially AC to DC rectification, and / or step-up / step-voltage the voltage). Electronic hardware configured to be down and smoothed). In another example, the power supply 2008 is a power supply wirelessly received from an external source, such as by electromagnetic induction (electrodynamic induction, electrostatic induction, etc.) Electronic hardware configured to receive and potentially condition. In other implementations, the power supply 2008 can include one or more photovoltaic cells (solar cells). Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize that the power supply 2008 can represent any technology, or combination of technologies, configured to provide power to the control circuit 2006 without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein. will be. Similarly, without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein, power supply 2008 stores any amount of energy J, and / or any value of electrical potential (voltage V), Or it can be configured to provide a current (A). Additionally, these power supply examples can be used in combination with any of the devices discussed herein.

[212] The memory 2010 may be a permanent form, a volatile memory form, or a combination thereof. Accordingly, the memory 2010 may include a form of random access memory (RAM) cleared by a power cycle of the control circuit 2006 or other reboot operation. In other embodiments, the memory 2010 may be non-volatile, such that it does not require power from the power supply 2008 to maintain information. Accordingly, the memory 2010 may include a form of a read only memory (ROM) or a flash memory. In general, memory 2010 can be referred to as a form of non-transitory computer-readable media and utilized to store instructions that can be executed by processor 2014.

[213] The interface 2012 may include hardware and / or firmware configured to enable communication between the control circuit 2006 and one or more external devices. For example, the interface 2012 can be utilized to enable communication between the processor 2014 and an external computer device across a network. In this way, the interface 2012 may be, for example, one or more wired connections utilizing an Ethernet connection, or Bluetooth connection, Wi-Fi connection, or industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM). and medical). However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the interface 2012 can be configured to enable communication between the control circuit 2006 and any wired or wireless link or network.

[214] In one implementation, the processor 2014 includes a microprocessor with one or more processing cores. Accordingly, the processor 2014 can be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 2010. In addition, one or more processes executed by processor 2014 are utilized to drive one or more electrical circuits associated with circuit board 2002 and a plurality of capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004f. Can be. Additionally, processor 2014 may be configured to receive and process one or more sensor readings from a plurality of capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004f, via interface 2012. In one particular example, the capacitive sensor element from a plurality of capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004f can be configured to output an analog signal (voltage, current, etc.) or a digital signal (eg, in particular, a binary signal). .

[215] In one example, one or more signals communicated from the plurality of capacitive sensor elements 2004a- 2004f may be received by the processor 2014. In turn, the processor 2014 received the signals received via the interface 2012 before communicating to the remote processor, such as the processor 2404 associated with the display management system controller device 2400 described in FIG. 24. One or more processes on the signals can be executed. Such one or more processes may include, in particular, determining that the received signal exceeds a threshold, compressing the received signals for communication, or filtering the received signals. Accordingly, in this example, processor 2404 of display management system controller device 2400 may calculate one or more capacitance values, as previously described in connection with FIG. 20A, and display management system The position of the pusher 1804 on 1800 may be further calculated. In another example, one or more signals communicated from a plurality of capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004f may be used by processor 2014 to calculate one or more capacitance values previously described with respect to FIG. 20A. Can be processed by In turn, the calculated capacitance values can be utilized to calculate the position of pusher 1804 on display management system 1800. In another example, a combination of processor 2014 and processor 2404 can be utilized to determine the location of pusher 1804 and the like.

[216] In one implementation, the control circuit 2006 can be configured to communicate directly with the mobile device. Thus, in one particular example, the control circuit 2006 can be configured to establish a Bluetooth connection with the shopper's smart phone or tablet at the store to receive one or more pieces of biographic information associated with the shopper. In this way, when pusher 1804 is activated as one or more display products, such as display products 1902a-1902f, are removed from display management system 1800, control circuit 2006 is a user. It may be configured to query the user's mobile device removing one or more display products to receive one or more pieces of biographic information associated with the. In another implementation, when pusher 1804 is activated as one or more display products are removed from the display management system, control circuit 2006 may be configured to communicate with display management system controller device 2400. In turn, the display management system controller device 2400 may attempt to establish a connection (via Bluetooth, etc.) to the mobile device associated with the user removing the one or more display products.

[217] In one example, the capacitive sensor 1822 may move the pusher 1804 as a result of one or more display products, such as the display products 1902a-1902f, or the display management system ( Until removed from 1800). In particular, this low power mode may include a processor 2014 operating in a low power configuration, which continuously monitors sensor outputs from capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004f. Accordingly, in this example, the processor 2014 can execute one or more processes entering a high power configuration when receiving one or more sensor signals indicating movement of the pusher 1804. Specifically, a high-power configuration may include one or more processes in memory 2010, interface 2012 to execute additional processes on the received sensor data and / or communicate the received sensor data to a remote processor. , And / or executing to deliver additional power to the processor 2014. In this way, capacitive sensor 1822 can be configured to consume a reduced amount of electrical energy while pusher 1804 remains stationary. Accordingly, this low power configuration can be utilized to extend the battery life associated with the power supply 2008. In another example, the capacitive sensor 1822 allows the low power configuration to deliver electrical energy to one or more of the plurality of capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004f while the pusher 1804 remains stationary. , Can be configured to operate within a low power configuration. Accordingly, in response to the motion of pusher 1804, one or more capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004f communicate a wake signal to control circuit 2006 to enter a high power configuration. It can be configured to. Thus, the wake signal can be received by the control circuit 2006, and in response, additional power is delivered to one or more of the memory 2010, interface 2012, and / or processor 2014. Can be. In this way, maintaining the capacitive sensor 1822 and, in particular, the control circuit 2006 in a low power configuration for a period of time when the pusher 1804 is stationary, may allow the overall energy consumption to be reduced. And, in one example, the battery life of the capacitive sensor 1822 can allow to increase.

[218] Figures 21A and 21B show an alternative implementation of the display management system 2100. In particular, FIG. 21A shows an isometric view of the display management system 2100 configured as a box-shelf. In particular, the box-shelf display management system 2100 includes a top 2102 and two sides 2104 that can be connected together to form part of the housing 2106. The recessed portion 2108 includes brackets that support a shelf or other structure that can extend downward (not shown) when the box-shelf display management system 2100 is mounted under the shelf (not shown). The recessed portion 2108 is provided to help ensure that there is no interference at all. One or more shelf supports 2110 are mounted on the box-shelf display management system 2100 to enable the box-shelf display management system 2100 to be mounted on a vertical support (not shown) in a traditional manner. do.

[219] The slideable shelf 2112 is mounted to one or more tracks 2114 that may be at least partially supported by the sides 2104. As shown, the slidable shelf 2112 can include a support surface 2116 that supports the divider 2118. In one example, the support surface 2116 can support one or more display management systems, such as the previously described systems 1800. In one implementation, the support surface 2116 includes a rail 2120 mounted in front of the shelf 2112. The rail, in turn, supports the retainer 2122. As shown, door 2124 with one or more handles 2126 may be mounted to top 2102 via hinge system 2128. In other implementations, the door 2124 may be referred to as a flip window 2124, and the flip window 2124 may be partially or entirely transparent to visible light. In this way, flip window 2124 can enable viewing of one or more display products within box-shelf display management system 2100. In one particular example, the box-shelf display management system 2100 is a U.S. filed on October 4, 2013. It may be similar to the box-shelf 3405 described in application 14/046385, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for any and all non-limiting purposes.

[220] In one implementation, the box-shelf display management system 2100 may be configured to hold one or more display products, such as display products 1902a-1902f schematically illustrated in FIG. 19A. have. Thus, in one configuration, the box-shelf display management system 2100 positions the slidable shelf 2112 within the housing 2106. Thus, to remove one or more display products (not shown in FIG. 21A) from the box-shelf display management system 2100, the user (see FIG. 21B for the substantially horizontal position shown in FIG. 21A) The flip window 2124 can be rotated from a substantially vertical position (shown).

In one implementation, the box-shelf display management system 2100 may be configured to have a sensor 2130. In particular, the sensor 2130 may be an accelerometer. Additionally, the accelerometer sensor 2130 may be along a single axis (1-axis accelerometer), along two mutually perpendicular axes (2-axis accelerometer), or along three mutually perpendicular axes (3-axis accelerometer). Can be sensitive to accelerations (due to gravity or others). One of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the disclosures described herein, can be utilized with the box-shelf display management system 2100 or other display management systems, such as the systems 1800 and 2300 1-. Various specific implementations of axial, 2-axis and 3-axis accelerometer electronic circuits will be appreciated. Additionally, those skilled in the art will recognize that this accelerometer sensor 2130 can be utilized to determine the orientation of the structure to which the accelerometer sensor 2130 is attached. Thus, the accelerometer sensor 2130 from FIG. 21A can be utilized to determine the orientation of the flip window 2124. Advantageously, the accelerometer sensor 2130, as compared to one or more alternative sensor technologies positioned as the hinge 2128-the motion range of the hinge 2128 can be relatively more limited-flip window ( 2124) may provide improved accuracy in determining the orientation.

[222] In one implementation, the accelerometer sensor, such as the accelerometer sensor 2130, may be utilized to determine the orientation of the flip window 2124. Thus, those skilled in the art, any position configured to move the accelerometer sensor 2130 on the flip window 2124 with the movement of the flip window 2124 without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein. It will be appreciated that it can be located at. Additionally, those skilled in the art will recognize that the accelerometer sensor 2130 can generally be utilized to determine the orientation of a flip window similar to the flip window 2124 as part of any display management system. . Accordingly, the display management system 2100 with the flip window 2124 is only an example of a display management system that can be utilized with the accelerometer sensor 2130. Accordingly, those skilled in the art of a display management structure similar to the housing 2106 having a movable feature similar to the flip window 2124 configured to be moved to remove one or more products from the display management structure. Various additional or alternative implementations will be readily recognized. Consequently, the accelerometer sensor 2130 can be coupled to a movable feature of various additional or alternative implementations of display management structures that can be envisioned by those skilled in the art.

[223] In one example, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 22A, accelerometer sensor 2130 may be implemented as part of an integrated accelerometer device. Accordingly, the integrated accelerometer device 2130 may include an accelerometer circuit board 2200, a power supply 2202, and an interface 2203. Accordingly, and as described previously, those skilled in the art will recognize a variety of specific accelerometer circuits that can be implemented as accelerometer circuit board 2200 without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein. . In one example, the power supply 2202 may be configured to provide electrical energy to the accelerometer circuit board 2200 and the interface 2203. Thus, the power supply 2202 can be similar to the power supply 2008 and can be implemented as a wired electrical supply, one or more batteries, hardware configured to accommodate wireless transmission of electrical energy, or combinations thereof. have. In another example, interface 2203 can be similar to interface 2012, such interface 2203 can be configured to communicate one or more accelerometer signals from accelerometer sensor 2130 via a wired or wireless network. You can.

[224] In one implementation, the integrated accelerometer device 2130 may be configured to output one or more sensor signals (also referred to as motion data) indicating the orientation of the flip window 2124. In one example, one or more sensor signals may include an analog or digital signal indicating acceleration along one or more of the axes—integrated accelerometer device 2130 is sensitive to this acceleration. Accordingly, in one example, the sensor signal output from the integrated accelerometer device 2130 is resolved along one, two or three mutually perpendicular axes (x-, y-, and / or z-axis). Acceleration due to the resulting gravitational force-the integrated accelerometer device 2330 is sensitive to this acceleration. In one example, the integrated accelerometer device 2130 is configured to communicate a sensor signal (also referred to as motion data) to a control circuit, such as the control circuit 2006 shown in FIG. 22B, via the interface 2203. Thus, in one implementation, communication between control circuit 2006 and integrated accelerometer device 2130 may be through a hardware (wired) connection. However, communication between the control circuit 2006 and the integrated accelerometer device 2130 may, additionally or alternatively, be through a wireless connection. Thus, the output signal from the integrated accelerometer device 2130 can be processed and utilized in a similar manner to the sensor output from the capacitive sensor 1822 previously described. In another implementation, the sensor output from the integrated accelerometer device 2130 can be communicated directly to the display management system controller device 2400 described in further detail with respect to FIG. 24.

[225] In one example, while the movable structure coupled to the accelerometer sensor 2130 (also referred to as an integrated accelerometer device) remains stationary, the accelerometer sensor 2130 is configured to operate in a low power configuration. Can be. Thus, while the output from the accelerometer circuit board 2200 does not change (in one example, indicating that the flip window 2124 remains in a fixed orientation), the accelerometer sensor 2130 operates in this low power configuration. It can be configured to. Accordingly, upon detection of motion of the flip window 2124, one or more of the accelerometer circuit board 2200, control circuit 2006, and / or display management system controller device 2400 is configured to implement a high power configuration. Can be. Thus, this high power configuration can be configured to execute one or more processes in response to the movement of the flip window 2124, where the movement of the flip window 2124 is one or more display products, such as a display. Products 1902a-1902f may indicate that they are being removed from a display management system, such as systems 2100, 1800, and / or 2300.

[226] Figure 23 shows an alternative implementation of the display management system 2300. In particular, FIG. 23 shows a spiral peg hook security device 2301. Accordingly, the helical peghook security device 2301 can include a front structure 2314 securely coupled to the rear structure 2306 by a support rail 2308. Additionally, the rear structure 2306 can include one or more coupling elements (not shown) configured to removably couple the helical peghook security device 2301 to the surface 2312. In one example, the surface 2312 can be similar to the gondola wall 905 described with respect to FIG. 14. However, one of ordinary skill in the art, that the surface 2312 may include any support structure configured to receive one or more coupling elements (not shown) of the helical peghook security device 2301. Will recognize. In one implementation, the helical peghook security device 2301 includes a knob 2304 rotatably coupled to the front structure 2314 and configured to rotate around the central axis of the bearing 2316. Additionally, the front structure 2340 can be configured to accept one or more labels associated with one or more display products supported by the helical peghook security device 2301.

[227] In one example, upon application of a manual rotational force to the knob 2304 in a first direction (eg, in the direction indicated by arrow 2318), the helical rail 2302 is centered around the central axis of the bearing 2316. It can be configured to rotate. Eventually, based on the rotation of the helical rail 2302, one or more display products supported by the support rail 2310 (hanging on the support rail 2310) are structured in front by the helical rail 2302. It can be pressed toward (2314). Conversely, upon application of the manual rotational force to the knob 2304 in the second direction (eg, in the opposite direction to the direction indicated by arrow 2318), the helical rail 2302 is hung on the support rail 2310 or the same It can be configured to force excess display products towards the rear structure 2306.

[228] In one example, the spiral peghook security device 2301 may be configured to display one or more products in a store. Thus, in one embodiment, the helical peghook security device 2301 can be utilized to prevent multiple products supported by the support rail 2310 from being quickly removed from the helical peghook security device 2301. In this way, the helical peghook security device 2301 is supported by the support rail ( 2310) can be used to deter theft of one or more products.

[229] In one implementation, accelerometer sensor 2130 may be utilized with display management system 2300 to detect motion of knob 2304 and / or helical rail 2302. As previously described, spiral rail 2302 inserts one or more display products into display management system 2300 and / or removes one or more display products from display management system 2300. Can be rotated. In this way, the accelerometer sensor 2130 can be coupled to a structure configured to rotate upon application of a passive force to the knob 2304. In one particular example, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 23, accelerometer sensor 2130 can be coupled within the structure of knob 2304. However, those skilled in the art will recognize additional or alternative deployment options for accelerometer sensor 2130 that can be utilized without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein. In one example, changes in sensor output from the accelerometer sensor 2130 when the spiral rail 2302 is rotating tracks the rotation of the spiral rail 2302, and thus, is inserted / display management into the display management system 2300. To be utilized by one or more of the accelerometer circuit board 2200, control circuit 2006, and / or display management system controller device 2400 to determine the number of display products removed from system 2300. Can be.

[230] Similar to the display management system 2100, the display management system 2300 may utilize the accelerometer sensor 2130 to detect motion and execute one or more processes in response. In one example, as previously described, the motion of the helical rail 2302 can execute one or more processes to transition the accelerometer sensor 2130 from a low power configuration to a high power configuration.

[231] Figure 24 illustrates one or more inventory management, security and / or recognition functions in combination with one or more display management systems, such as, in particular, the systems 1800, 2100, and 2300 The configured sensor network 2401 is schematically illustrated. In particular, sensor network 2401 includes display management system controller device 2400. Accordingly, the display management system controller device 2400 may include a memory 2402. Thus, the memory 2402 may be in the form of permanent or volatile memory, or combinations thereof. In this way, the memory 2402 may include a form of random access memory (RAM) cleared by a power cycle of the device 2400 or other reboot operation. In other embodiments, memory 2402 may be non-volatile, so it does not require power to maintain information. Thus, the memory 2402 may include, in particular, a form of read only memory (ROM) or flash memory. In general, memory 2402 is referred to as a non-transitory, computer-readable medium, and can be utilized to store instructions that can be executed by processor 2404. Additionally, the device 2400 can include an interface 2406, which is configured with support firmware and hardware that allows the device 2400 to connect to the network 2408. Additionally, the device 2400 can include a processor 2404, and the processor 2404 can include a microprocessor with one or more processing cores. Accordingly, the processor 2404 can be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 2402.

[232] In general, the display management system controller device 2400 may be from one or more of the capacitive sensors 1822 (via control circuit 2006), or from accelerometer sensors 2130 (directly, Or via control circuit 2006) to execute one or more processes in response to receiving sensor information. In one example, communication between one or more of control circuit 2006, accelerometer sensor 2130, and display management system controller device 2400 may be unidirectional or bi-directional. In one implementation, the display management system controller device 2400 may be referred to as a remote processor, and one or more sensors 1822, 2130 for detection of motion indicating that one or more display products are being removed. ) May be positioned remotely from one or more display management systems 1800, 2100 and / or 2300 attached. Thus, the distance between the display management system controller device 2400 and one or more sensors it may be in communication with may be any given distance, without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein. For example, the display management system controller device 2400 can be positioned within the same geographic location (in one example, the same store) with one or more sensor devices with which the display management system controller device 2400 is communicating. In another example, the display management system controller device 2400 is geographically different from the one or more display management systems (eg, 1800, 2100, and / or 2300) with which the device 2400 is communicating over the network 2408. It can be positioned in position.

[233] In one implementation, the display management system controller device 2400 may be configured to calculate the position of the pusher 1804, flip window 2124, and / or helical rail 2302. Accordingly, the display management system controller device 2400 is based on the detected motion of one or more pushers 1804, flip windows 2124 and / or helical rails 2302. It can be configured to calculate the number of display products removed from display management systems (eg, 1800, 2100, and / or 2300).

[234] In one particular example, display management system controller device 2400 displays removed from display management system 1800 based on a comparison of the second position of pusher 1804 and the first position of pusher 1804 It can be configured to determine the number of products. In particular, processor 2404 calculates the distance traveled by pusher 1804 and looks up (eg, stored in memory 2402) for depth dimensions associated with a plurality of products held within display management system 1800. One or more processes to consult the table can be executed. Accordingly, the processor 2404 scans a barcode on one or more products, for example, based on information input by a user or information sensed by one or more sensors 2410, or Or by detecting an RFID signal associated with one or more products in display management system 1800) to determine the product type held in display management system 1800. In this way, when receiving the depth dimension of the product held in the display management system 1800 from the lookup table in the memory 2402, and calculating the distance traveled by the pusher 1804, the processor 2404 displays The number of products removed from the management system 1800 can be determined. Similarly, the processor 2404 can be utilized to determine the number of products inserted into the display management system 1800 (eg, during a restocking process, etc.).

[235] In another example, the display management system controller device 2400 can infer a depth dimension of a product type stored in the display management system 1800. In particular, without having the information available within the lookup table stored in memory 2402, processor 2404 can determine the depth dimension of the product based on one or more separate motions of pusher 1804. Specifically, after repeated instances of products removed from the display management system 1800, the processor 2404 executes one or more processes to recognize a consistent distance traveled by the pusher 1804, From this perceived distance, it is possible to infer the depth dimension of the product to be utilized to determine the number of products removed from the display management system 1800 in response to subsequent movements of the pusher 1804.

Accordingly, the display management system controller device 2400 is one based on information received from one or more control circuits, such as control circuit 2006, or accelerometer sensors, such as accelerometer sensor 2130. Or more processes. In addition, the display management system controller device 2400 can be configured to communicate with the device 2410. In one example, the device 2410 may include a camera, speaker, microphone, proximity sensor, motion sensor, ambient light sensor, or electronic display, among others. In one particular example, display management system controller device 2400 is associated with one or more products stored in display management system (eg, system 1800, 2100, or 2300) on electronic display device 2410. It can be configured to display a message.

[237] The display management system controller device 2400 can be configured to communicate with one or more mobile devices, such as the mobile device 2412. Accordingly, communication between the display management system controller device 2400 and one or more of the control circuit 2006, accelerometer sensor 2130, device 2410, and / or mobile device 2412 is via network 2408. It can be done. Consequently, the network 2408 can be a wired or wireless network that can utilize any communication protocol. Thus, the network 2408 can be, in particular, the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), or a Bluetooth connection. In one particular example, the network 2408 can utilize one or more of the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio bands.

[238] In one implementation, the display management system controller device 2400 is a user, such as one or more from one or more display management systems (eg, 1800, 2100, and / or 2300) in communication with the device 2400. One or more processes may be executed to receive and store one or more pieces of biographic information associated with a user removing more display products. In one example, the display management system controller device 2400 can receive one or more pieces of biographic information associated with the user and received from the mobile device 2412 that the user is carrying. Specifically, the mobile device 2412 may include a smart phone or tablet carried by the user, and in particular, a display management system controller device 2400 through one or more of Bluetooth connection, NFC connection, Wi-Fi connection ).

[239] In one implementation, the display management system controller device 2400 may include one or more sensors (eg, one) associated with one or more display management systems (eg, 1800, 2100, and / or 2300). Or one or more processes to receive data from additional sensor 2410 in response to receiving motion data from more sensors 1822 and / or 2130. In one particular example, the display management system controller device 2400 can communicate with the camera device 2410 and execute one or more face recognition processes, such as one or more from the display management systems that transmitted the motion data. Determine one or more pieces of demographic information associated with the user removing the excess products. In this way, the display management system controller device 2400 can be utilized to collect shopper behavior information that can be utilized to plan product displays and the like in the store.

[240] In another implementation, the display management system controller device 2400 receives from sensors associated with motion of one or more display management systems (eg, systems 1800, 2100, and / or 2300). One or more processes can be executed to recognize one or more patterns from the generated data. Accordingly, the processor 2404 can receive motion data from a plurality of sensors (eg, one or more sensors 1822 and / or 2130), and based on the received motion data, the sensor data is Whether to represent perceived patterns (stored in memory 2402) resulting from removal of products from one or more display management systems (eg, systems 1800, 2100, and / or 2300). Can decide.

[241] In one particular example, the display management system controller device 2400 may receive motion data from a single display management system (eg, systems 1800, 2100, and / or 2300), and the received motion data It is determined that it represents the removal of multiple identical products from the display management system. Additionally, the display management system controller device 2400 can calculate the rate at which products are being removed from this display management system. In one example, if the rate at which products are being removed from such a display management system exceeds a threshold level, the display management system controller device 2400 may determine that removal of the products may indicate an attempted theft. For example, if 10 or more products are removed within 30 seconds, system controller device 2400 can recognize that an attempted theft has occurred. In response, display management system controller device 2400 may execute one or more processes to communicate a warning message to security personnel. In one example, this warning message can be communicated as an electronic message delivered over network 2408. Additionally or alternatively, the display management system controller device 2400, in response to determining that the motion data represents a pattern associated with the attempted theft, one or more of the users of the display management system that sent the motion data. It can communicate with the camera device 2410 to capture (capture) images. In this way, one or more images of the suspected thief can be recorded. Additionally, the display management system controller device 2400 may execute one or more processes to sound an audible message and / or siren in response to determining that the received motion data may indicate an attempted theft. .

[242] In another example, display management system controller device 2400 may include a plurality of sensors (eg, particularly one or more) associated with a plurality of display management systems (eg, 1800, 2100, and / or 2300). Sensors 1822 and / or 2130 may receive sensor data, otherwise referred to as motion data. Accordingly, the display management system controller device 2400 can execute one or more processes to recognize one or more patterns from data received from the sensors. In this way, the display management system controller device 2400 responds to the theft at which the received sensor data is attempted in response to the rate at which products are being removed from display management systems that are close to each other in the store, exceeding a threshold rate level. It can be determined that can represent. In response, the display management system controller device 2400 can communicate with the camera 2410 or, in particular, can communicate a message to security personnel.

In one implementation, the display management system controller device 2400 can receive sensor data from the accelerometer sensor 2130 coupled to the flip window 2124. Accordingly, the data received from the accelerometer sensor 2130 may indicate the orientation of the flip window 2124. In one embodiment, the display management system controller device 2400 may be configured to recalibrate a rest position (also referred to as a zeroed position) associated with the accelerometer sensor 2130. In particular, the processor 2404 can execute one or more processes to recognize that the flip window 2124 is positioned at a certain angle when the flip window 2124 is not moved. Thus, this particular angle may not be the same as the angle of 0 ° from the vertical orientation. In response, processor 2404 may determine that a particular angle represents the rest position at which the motion of accelerometer sensor 2130 is to be calculated.

[244] In one implementation, the display management system controller device 2400 may be configured to postpone one or more processes associated with the recognition of the attempted theft. Thus, the processor 2404 can execute one or more processes to allow restocking of one or more display management systems in communication with the display management system controller device 2400 and the like. In one example, the physical key can be utilized to disable communication between the display management system 1800, 2100 and / or 2300 and the display management system controller device 2400. In another example, the electronic communication device (not shown) may be carried by a user restocking one or more of the display management systems in communication with the display management system controller device 2400. Thus, the electronic medication device can communicate over the network 2408 to identify the user as a person involved in restocking the display management system. In another example, one or more security features associated with the display management system controller device 2400 that are configured to identify potential attempted theft include commands received from the user by the display management system controller device 2400. Based on this, it can be temporarily suspended (suspended). In one particular example, such a user may be a store manager or the like. Thus, a temporary suspension is applied to a subset of display management systems (eg, one or more of display management systems 1800, 2100, and / or 2300) that communicate with display management system controller device 2400. Can be applied.

[245] In another example, the display management system controller device 2400 can be coupled to an inventory control system (not shown). Accordingly, display management system controller device 2400 related to the number of products removed from one or more display management systems (eg, one or more of display management systems 1800, 2100, and / or 2300) Information collected by) may be communicated to an inventory control system or the like so that information related to inventory maintained in the store can be updated in real time.

[246] In another example, the display management system controller device 2400, in particular, one or more display management systems (eg, display management systems 1800, 2100 and / or 2300), one or more in a store Excess individuals (eg, customers removing one or more products from display management systems), and / or one or more communication devices (eg, cameras, electronic display screens, microphones, surroundings) Optical sensors, motion sensors, mobile devices, etc.). Accordingly, the display management system controller device 2400 can communicate with one or more of the devices 2006, 2330, 2410, and / or 2412. However, in one implementation, communication between one or more of devices 2006, 2130, 2410, and / or 2412 may not be able to use a direct network connection. Thus, in one example, communication between one or more of the illustrated devices (2006, 2130, 2410, and / or 2412), mesh networking methodologies without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein. Can utilize

[247] Figure 25 schematically shows a flow diagram of a process 2500 that can be executed by the display management system controller device 2400, and in particular the processor 2404. In particular, the processor 2404 can receive sensor data from one or more sensors (eg, in particular, one or more sensors 1822 and / or 2130). In one example, sensor data may be received at block 2502. In response to receiving the sensor data, processor 2404 can execute one or more processes to determine the source of the received sensor data. In one implementation, processor 2404 can determine the source of the sensor data at block 2504 of process 2500. Accordingly, the processor 2404 can determine the display management system source of the received sensor data, such as one or more of the display management systems 1800, 2100, and / or 2300.

[248] When determining the source of the received sensor data, processor 2404 may execute one or more processes to calculate the motion of the mechanism of the display management system. In particular, the processor 2404 can calculate the position of one or more of the pusher 1804, the flip window 2124, and / or the helical rail 2302. From this position information, the processor 2404 can calculate the distance traveled by one or more of the respective mechanisms 1804, 2124, and / or 2302. Accordingly, these one or more processes for calculating the motion of the mechanism of the display management system can be executed at block 2506 according to the motion calculation methods described earlier in this document.

[249] Additionally, process 2500 may calculate the number of products removed from the display management system. In particular, the processor 2404 can execute one or more processes to infer or look up the depth of the product from a lookup table stored in the memory 2402. Using this information, processor 2404 can, in one example, compare the distance traveled by pusher 1804 to the depth of the product. Eventually, the processor 2404 can count the number of products removed from the display management system 1800. Similarly, the processor 2404 can utilize substantially similar processes to determine the number of products inserted into the display management system 1800. Accordingly, this determination of the number of products removed from the display management system can be performed at block 2508 of process 2500.

[250] In one example, upon calculating the number of products removed from the display management system, processor 2404 may execute one or more processes to attempt to identify a pattern from the received sensor data. Thus, processor 2404 can execute one or more processes to attempt to identify a product removal pattern from one or more display management systems, such as systems 1800, 2100, and / or 2300. . In particular, the processor 2404 may include one or more product removal rates exceeding one or more threshold rate levels and / or multiple products within the same display management system and / or a predetermined physical radius with each other. Based on what is removed from the display management systems, one or more product removal patterns may be identified that indicate potential attempted theft. In one example, the processor 2404 may attempt to identify one or more patterns from sensor data received at block 2510. Accordingly, decision block 2512 represents one or more processes executed by processor 2404 to determine whether one or more product removal patterns have been revealed from the received sensor data. In one example, if the product removal pattern is identified by processor 2404, process 2500 may proceed to block 2516, where processor 2404 may communicate a warning message. Accordingly, this warning message may be a local audio box, such as an audible message and / or a siren emitted by the local audio box 950. In another example, this warning message can be, in particular, an electronic message communicated to security personnel in the store. In another example, if the product removal pattern is not identified by processor 2404, process 2500 allows display management system controller device 2400 to communicate with an external device, such as device 2410 and / or 2412. , To block 2514.

[251] Figure 26 is a flow diagram of a process 2600 for calculating the number of products removed from a display management system. In particular, the process 2600 can be moved within a display management system, such as the display management system 1800, 2100, and / or 2300, mechanisms (especially pusher 1804, flip window 2124, and / or helical rail ( 2302)) is described based on sensor data received from sensors configured to output signals in response to the motion (eg, sensors 1822 and / or 2130). In one example, such sensor data can be received by processor 2014 at block 2602 of process 2600. In response, one or more processes may be executed by processor 2014 to determine a change in received output data. In particular, processor 2014 may execute one or more processes to query memory 2010 for a stored sensor value indicating a previous output from the same sensor from which data is received at block 2602. Accordingly, the processor 2014 can compare the stored sensor value with the new sensor value received from the display management system and calculate a change in output from the sensor.

[252] In one implementation, and at decision block 2606, the processor 2014 can compare the calculated change in the output signal from the sensor with one or more predetermined thresholds. Accordingly, one or more predetermined thresholds may represent motion thresholds, and below these motion thresholds, processor 2014 may discard the sensor data received at block 2602. Specifically, if the received sensor data is below one or more predetermined thresholds, this may not be the result of product removal from the display management system, and is particularly due to random motion / vibration of the store shelf. You can. Thus, in one example, block 2606 may, in particular, have the behavior of an electronic filter.

[253] In one example, processor 2014 may execute such processes associated with blocks 2602 and 2604 while operating in a low power configuration. In this way, evaluation of the received sensor data is performed while consuming a reduced amount of electrical energy, whereby, in one example, the battery life of the sensors 1822 and / or 2130 can be extended. Accordingly, if it is determined at decision block 2606 that the received sensor data does not represent the motion of the mechanism of the display management system exceeding one or more thresholds, process 2600 returns to block 2608. Going forward, the processor 2014 remains in a low power configuration. However, if it is determined that the received sensor data represents the motion of the mechanism of the display management system exceeding one or more thresholds, process 2600 proceeds to block 2610, and processor 2014 proceeds to high power. You can enter the configuration. In one example, the high power configuration may include communication of sensor data to a remote processor, such as processor 2404. In another example, a high power configuration can include the execution of one or more additional processes by the same processor 2014, where these additional processes are higher than the processor 2014 consumers in a low power configuration. You can consume electrical energy at a rate.

[254] In one example, process 2600 includes calculation of the position of a movable mechanism of a display management system (eg, in particular pusher 1804, flip window 2124, and / or helical rail 2302). do. In particular, such calculation of the position of the movable mechanism of the display management system can be performed at block 2612. Thus, calculation of the position of the movable mechanism of the display management system can include execution of one or more sub-processes to convert the received sensor data into an indication of the position of the movable mechanism. Specifically, block 2612 may include execution of one or more processes to convert a value proportional to the capacitance of sensor 1822 to the position of pusher 1804. Additionally or alternatively, block 2612 can process one or more processes for converting a value proportional to acceleration sensed by accelerometer 2130 into the position of flip window 2124 or helical rail 2302. It may include the implementation of.

[255] In calculating the position of the movable mechanism of the display management system, the processor 2014 and / or the processor 2404 stores memory 2010 and / or for information associated with one or more products stored in the display management system. Alternatively, the lookup table stored in 2402) may be queried. This information can include the depth dimension of the product stored in the display management system. Thus, using this information, the processor 2014 and / or 2404 can calculate the number of products removed from the display management system. In particular, the processor 2014 and / or 2404 can compare the distance traveled by the movable mechanism of the display management system to specific product dimensions. In one particular example, the distance traveled by pusher 1804 can be divided by the depth dimension of the product stored in display management system 1800. In one example, this calculation of the number of products removed from the display management system can be performed at block 2616.

[256] The various embodiments described herein can be implemented by general purpose or specialized computer hardware. In one example, the computer hardware may include one or more processors (also referred to as microprocessors) having one or more processing cores configured to allow parallel processing / execution of instructions. Accordingly, the various disclosures described herein can be implemented as software coding, where those skilled in the art will recognize various coding languages that can be used with the disclosures described herein. Additionally, the disclosures described herein can be implemented in application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or various electronic components (unlike the off-the-shelf components) including conventional electronic circuits. ). Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that various descriptions included in this disclosure can be implemented as data signals communicated using a variety of different technologies and processes. For example, descriptions of the various disclosures described herein can be understood as including one or more streams of data signals, data instructions, or requests, and various voltage levels, currents, electromagnetic waves, It may be physically communicated as bits or symbols represented by magnetic fields, optical fields, or combinations thereof.

[257] One or more of the disclosures described herein, when executed by a processor, instructions configured to perform one or more of the methods, techniques, systems, or embodiments described herein And a computer program product having computer-readable media / media stored thereon / inside. Accordingly, instructions stored on a computer-readable medium may include actions to be executed to perform various steps of the methods, techniques, systems, or embodiments described herein. In addition, computer-readable media / medias may include a storage device having instructions configured to be processed by a computing device, and specifically a processor associated with the computing device. Thus, computer-readable media are in the form of permanent or volatile memory, such as hard disk drives (HDDs), solid state drives (SSDs), optical disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs), tape drives, floppy disks. , ROM, RAM, EPROM, EEPROM, DRAM, VRAM, flash memory, RAID devices, remote data storage (cloud storage, etc.), or any other media type or storage suitable for storing data on / in there It may include a device. Additionally, combinations of different storage media types can be implemented with a hybrid storage device. In one implementation, the first storage medium can be prioritized over the second storage medium, such that different workloads can be implemented by different priority storage media.

[258] Additionally, a computer-readable medium may store software code / instructions configured to control one or more of a general purpose computer or a specialized computer. The software can be utilized to enable an interface between a human user and a computing device, where the software can include device drivers, operating systems, and applications. Thus, a computer-readable medium can store software code / instructions configured to perform one or more implementations described herein.

[259] Those of skill in the art may implement various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, techniques, or method steps of such implementations described herein as electronic hardware devices, computer software, or combinations thereof. Will understand Accordingly, various example modules / components have been described throughout this disclosure in terms of general functionality, where those skilled in the art understand that the described disclosures can be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of both. will be.

[260] One or more implementations described throughout this disclosure may include a general purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic. Logical blocks, modules, and circuits that can be implemented or implemented with a device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein can be utilized. The general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[261] The techniques or steps of a method described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented directly in hardware, software executed by a processor, or a combination of the two. In some embodiments, any software module, software layer, or thread described herein can include an engine that includes hardware and software or firmware configured to perform the embodiments described herein. The functions of the software module or software layer described herein can be implemented directly in hardware, or as software executed by a processor, or as a combination of the two. The software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. have. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read data from and write data to the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium can be integrated into the processor. Processors and storage media may reside in the ASIC. The ASIC can reside on a user device. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium can reside as discrete components on the user device.

[262] Figure 27 illustrates an example block diagram of an apparatus for communicating and distributing content, according to one or more example aspects of the present disclosure. Network 27110 includes one or more access points, Internet devices, telephony networks, cellular telephony networks, fiber optic networks, local wireless networks (eg, WiMAX), satellite networks, and any other. Networks of the desired network. The network 27110 may function and / or include a cloud computing infrastructure including various processing and / or memory devices (eg, servers, databases, application providers, etc.).

[263]

details

[264] The various devices described herein, such as a continuous display shelf edge label device, a server, a scanner, a database, a computer, etc., may be computing devices, and FIG. 27 computes any of the various computing devices discussed herein Illustrates common hardware elements that can be used to implement a device. Computing device 27100 may include one or more processors 27101 capable of executing instructions of a computer program to perform any of the features described herein. The processor 27101 may include a customized digital integrated circuit, such as an ASIC. However, in some applications, commercially available processors may be used. Instructions may be stored in any type of non-transitory computer-readable medium or memory to configure the operation of processor 27101. For example, the instructions are read-only memory (ROM) 27102, random access memory (RAM) 27103, hard drive 27105, removable medium 27104, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, CD ( compact disk (DVD) or digital versatile disk (DVD), floppy disk drive, or any other desired electronic storage medium. The instructions may also be stored on an attached (or internal) hard drive 27105. One or more of the memories 27102, 27103, 27104, and / or 27105 may include an operating system for more advanced operating environments, such as advanced functionality and adaptability.

[265] The one or more memories 27102, 27103, 27104, and / or 27105 may include stored address location and display data location data. The address location can include an address that identifies the computing device 27100. The address can uniquely identify the computing device 27100. Display data Location data can be used by the processor 27101 to format the data to be displayed on the display 27111. This can include text data, graphics, dynamic content, and combinations. According to at least one embodiment, the display data location data in the memory may follow a mark-up language such as HTML, XML, or the like. Although shown in FIG. 27 as being external to the computing device 27100, the display 27111 may also be incorporated into the same physical housing and / or structure as the computing device 27100. One or more components shown in computing device 27100 can likewise be separately housed in another device and / or in another location from computing device 27100.

[266] The computing device 27100 can include one or more output devices, such as a display 27111 and a printer 27112, and one or more output device controllers 27107, such as video It may include a processor. In addition, there may be one or more user input devices (not shown), such as a remote controller, keyboard, mouse, touch screen, microphone, and the like. In another embodiment, input / output functions for a user may occur through the display 27111, where the display 27111 allows for touch screen input to allow additional output on the display 27111 to be visible. Can be configured. As exemplarily shown in the examples of FIGS. 29-34B, the display 27111 may be configured to be oriented along the entire edge of the retailer's shelf. This area of the shelf often includes paper labels that identify the product sold on it and possibly additional information, such as price, cost / oz. Electronic shelf labels allow a similar concept to paper labels, but have a separate computing device with a display screen for each product. Such electronic shelf label devices provide information regarding a single product sold thereon and possibly additional information, such as price, cost / ounce, etc., and may include additional output such as video. The video may include promotional content, seasonal greetings, and / or general messages directed to consumers. However, the display 27111 of FIG. 27 is configured to output at least two user interfaces that correlate to two different products a retailer can offer for a sale.

[267] The display 27111 may be configured to receive swipes across its surface by an individual's finger while working with the device controller 27107 and / or the processor 27101. The swipes of the fingers can be correlated to the action table for the action to be taken on the output user interface data. Display 27111, while working with device controller 27107 and / or processor 27101, specifies one or more finger swipes across its surface to be taken as described herein. It can be configured to convert as operations. Exemplary examples enlarge the size of something such as the movement of two fingers on a surface that is moved away from each other, an enlargement command, such as the text size of the user interface, the border design size of the user interface, the frame size of the user interface, and the like. This may include interpreting it as input by an individual. Other examples include interpreting the creation of “X” by two finger movements on the top of the user interface as a delete command, eg, an input by the individual to delete the user interface. Still other examples are by a person to press and hold and move a finger from one area of the display to another area of the display, such as a movement command, such as by an individual to move the user interface from the current location on the display to another location on the display. It is interpreted as input. Still other exemplary examples include interpreting a double tap on the display surface by two finger taps as an additional command, such as a personal input to add a user interface to that area of the tapped display. Still other illustrative examples reduce the size of something on the surface, such as a reduction command, for example, the text size of the user interface, the border design size of the user interface, the frame size of the user interface, etc. And interpreting it as input by an individual to do so. The examples described herein are illustrative only, and multiple across the surface of the display 27111, for any of the multiple different types of imperative requests of the individual to change the parameters of the user interface on the display 27111. Any of the additional input moves / taps of can be included herein.

[268] In other embodiments, the display 27111 may be configured to identify movements of a stylus or other pointing device relative to its surface in a manner similar to that described herein for the individual's fingers. The user and the display 27111 can interact with the stylus as a source of input by the user. As far as the individual's potential authorization is concerned, if contacted with the display 27111, the stylus authenticates the individual to make changes to one or more parameters of the continuous display shelf edge label device as described herein. In order to act as a mechanism for doing so, some way of identification / application can be built into the stylus. In still other embodiments, display 27111 may be configured to identify movements of an individual's finger relative to his or her surface for writing of direct user interface information. The user may handwrite the price information and / or other information related to a specific product with his finger on the display 27111. Software may be included in the memory of the computing device to convert the received finger swipes into corresponding price information, product name information, and / or other product data information. In these examples, the worker can only record the current price of the product.

[269] Similarly, the display 27111 can be configured to activate an electronic keyboard and / or an electronic keypad on the screen. A digital alphanumeric user interface can be displayed on the display 27111, allowing authorized individuals to input product information data and / or modify the user interface on the display 27111 in some other way. For example, a worker can enter a price for a particular product by entering a numeric sequence on the displayed digital keypad. The entry of the $ character followed by "1", ".", "4", "9" is priced at $ 1.49 for the user interface for a particular product by software in the memory of the computing device associated with the display 27111 It can be converted into a label entry. In other scenarios, the worker can type in text for display in the user interface of the product, such as "On Sale Now!" Using alphanumeric characters. In other scenarios, special digital input options can be made available to authorized individuals for quick entry. The favorite list may prompt the worker to select from the list, where one entry may be "On Sale Now" and the second entry may be "Sale Ends Tomorrow" while the other entry Can be "Buy 1, Get 1 Free!"

[270] In still other embodiments, an authorized individual may access the display 27111 to access data for the user interface from a remote location. In the example of FIG. 28A where data regarding products can be maintained in database 28223, a worker can access display 27111 with respect to a particular user interface for the product. Workers can access the database through a visual file / folder system. Each component of a network system implementing the present disclosure, as described herein, may be accessible through a continuous display shelf edge label device and may appear as some type of visual indicator on display 27111. The worker can search for and discover applicable components for the requested data (such as finding an icon corresponding to database 28223), and access that component (by launching the icon) to obtain the desired data. Any of a number of additional entry mechanisms can be utilized, and the examples described herein are illustrative only.

[271] In additional embodiments, the display 27111 may be configured to include gesture-based interface capabilities as one way to allow an authorized individual to edit / manipulate user interfaces on the display 27111. have. Display 27111 may include hardware and / or software components suitable for interpreting an individual's gestures, whether through fingers, hands, and / or some other part, through mathematical algorithms. These gestures can include one or more of the finger-to-surface examples described herein. In some of these embodiments, one or more cameras may be associated with and / or included in display 27111 for capture of imaging and recognition of gestures. It should be understood that although most of the examples herein are for individuals to interface with the display using their fingers, such examples may be similarly implemented by gesture-based techniques as described herein.

[272] Computing device 27100 may also include one or more network interfaces, such as input / output circuits 27109 (eg, network interface circuit, scanner interface circuit, etc.) to communicate with external network 27110 ). The input / output circuits 27109 can be a wired interface, a wireless interface, or a combination of both. Input / output circuits 27109 are remote with two computing devices, such as continuous display shelf edge label devices and a scanner (e.g., 28200 and 28221 in FIG. 28 described herein), continuous display shelf edge label devices, and remote. User terminals (eg, 28200 and 28227 in FIG. 28 described herein), and / or continuous display shelf edge label devices and databases (eg, 28200 and 28223 in FIG. 28 described herein), and / or continuous display shelf Enables communication between the edge label device and products on the shelf (eg, 28200A, 28200B, and 28200C of FIG. 28B described herein).

[273] The computing device 27100 may also include a power source 27113. The power source 27113 can cause the computing device to operate the processor 27101 and various other components. For example, power drawn from power source 27113 can be used to provide power to products on the shelves (eg, 28200A, 28200B, and 28200C of FIG. 28B described herein). The power drawn from power source 27113 can also be used to provide power to packages that encapsulate products on the shelves. Power source 27113 may include a dedicated battery source or an external power source, such as an AC source connection. In other embodiments, the power source 27113 may be configured to operate by harvesting energy for operation from ambient light in the store where the computing device is located. Light energy can be captured by various conversion means, such as photo sensors, photovoltaic panels, and photodiodes. Since the computing device 27100 can operate without an external source connection, movement of the computing device from one physical location to another physical location can be achieved without the need to reconnect to another external source. In addition, since the computing device 27100 can operate without an internal battery, the computing device does not need to be checked to ensure operation, nor does the technician need to replace the internal battery.

[274] Figures 28A-28B illustrate example block diagrams of systems for communicating and distributing content in accordance with one or more example aspects of the present disclosure. In the example of FIG. 28A, a plurality of computing devices are operatively connected to network 28210. The network 28210 may include a network 27110. Three continuous display shelf edge label devices 28200A-28200C and products 28201A-28201C are shown connected to the network 28210. Additionally, packages encapsulating products 28201A-28201C can also be connected to network 28210. The continuous display shelf edge label devices 28200A-28200C can be the computing device 27100 and / or can include one or more of the components described herein. Three consecutive display shelf edge label devices 28200A-28200C may be along the aisle of the retailer's store. The three continuous display shelf edge label devices 28200A-28200C can be positioned such that one overlies the other, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 28B. Products 28201A-201C may each be positioned over each of the continuous display shelf edge label devices 28200A-200C. Products 28201A-201C can communicate with each other and with continuous display shelf edge label devices 28200A-28200C. Although illustratively shown as wireless communication, the transmission path between the continuous display shelf edge label devices 28200A-200C and products 28201A-201C may be a wired communication path through the network 28210 and / or some other way. Can.

[275] The continuous display shelf edge label device 28200A is shown in communication with the scanner 28221. Although illustratively illustrated as wireless communication, the transmission path between the continuous display shelf edge label device 28200A and the scanner 28221 may be a wired communication path through the network 28210 and / or some other way. The scanner 28221 can interact with the continuous display shelf edge label device 28200A through a communication interface such as input / output circuits 27109. The continuous display shelf edge label device 28200A can be configured to receive data representing information about a product on the shelf where the continuous display shelf edge label device 28200A is located. Workers for authorized individuals, such as retailers, may want to update the price data currently being displayed for products on the shelf. By interfacing with the scanner 28221, price data for a particular product can be received electronically by the continuous display shelf edge label device 28200A. Exemplary ways for the transmission of such data include coding the data for wireless transmission and forwarding the data wirelessly to the continuous display shelf edge label device 28200A. In one example, an individual can type in a price at the scanner 28221, and data representing the price can be wirelessly transmitted to the continuous display shelf edge label device 28200A. The continuous display shelf edge label device 28200A can then update the user interface for the product corresponding to the price data, as described herein.

[276] Continuous display shelf edge label devices 28200B and 28200C are shown in communication with each other. Although illustratively illustrated as wireless communication, the transmission path between continuous display shelf edge label devices 28200B and 28200C may be a wired communication path through the network 28210 and / or some other way. The continuous display shelf edge label device 28200B can interact with the continuous display shelf edge label device 28200C through a communication interface such as input / output circuits 27109. The continuous display shelf edge label device 28200B can be configured to receive data representing information about a product on the shelf where the continuous display shelf edge label device 28200B is located. Workers for authorized individuals, such as retailers, may want to update the price data currently being displayed for products on the shelf. By interfacing with the continuous display shelf edge label device 28200C, price data for a particular product can be received electronically by the continuous display shelf edge label device 28200B. Such an interface allows a worker to move his finger over the continuous display shelf edge label device to initiate a move command that causes the user interface from the continuous display shelf edge label device 28200C to be passed to the continuous display shelf edge label device 28200B. It may be to swipe across the display surface of (28200C). In one example, a worker can press and hold the user interface on the continuous display shelf edge label device 28200C, and quickly move his finger up in a flicking motion. This motion is intended to pass the flicked user interface up to the next shelf edge and can be interpreted by the system. Thus, since the continuous display shelf edge label device 28200B is on the next shelf edge above the continuous display shelf edge label device 28200C, a flicked user interface can be added to the continuous display shelf edge label device 28200B. have. Exemplary schemes for the transmission of such data include coding the data for wired transmission and forwarding the data to the continuous display shelf edge label device 28200B.

[277] Aspects of interaction between the worker and scanner 28221 located close to the shelf can be implemented similarly to between the worker and scanner 28221 located remote from such a shelf. A user terminal device 28227 is operatively connected to the continuous display shelf edge label devices 28200A-28200C and products 28201A-201C via network 28210 and main hub 28225. The main hub 28225 is a continuous display shelf between various backend components of the retailer's network, such as user terminals 28227 and the database 28223 and from the backend to the store front end, such as through the network 28210. It may be some type of central processing server configured to accommodate transmission of communications to edge label devices 28200A-28200C and to products 28201A-201C over network 28210. The main hub 28225, user terminal 28227, and / or database 28223 may include one or more components of computing device 27100 illustrated in FIG. 27.

[278] A worker at user terminal 28227 can update price data and / or other data for that particular product on a particular shelf by accessing a continuous display shelf edge label device associated with that particular product. User terminal 28227 can access database 28223 for current product information for potential display and / or scheduled display. Instructions for this product information can be sent from user terminal 28227 to a suitable continuous display shelf edge label device. In still other embodiments, database 28223, main hub 28225, and / or user terminal 28227 periodically, globally present product information data to continuous display shelf edge label devices 28200A-200C. Can be pushed to or specifically. Continuous display shelf edge label devices 28200A-200C can receive this data and change the user interfaces being displayed as needed.

[279] Alternatively, the continuous display shelf edge label devices 28200A-200C can be configured to automatically initiate an update of prices. For example, continuous display shelf edge label devices 28200A-28200C can access database 28223 to obtain current product information data for individual user interfaces on the continuous display shelf edge label devices. The continuous display shelf edge label devices 28200A-28200C may periodically poll the database 28223 to obtain current product information data and to change the user interfaces being displayed as needed. .

[280] In one such example, the database 28223 may be periodically updated with price changes, such as by a worker through the user terminal 28227. In such a second example, the database 28223 can obtain current product information from external sources, at the time of access by continuous display shelf edge label devices. These sources may include competing brick-and-mortar retailers and / or competing online retailers, which may cause database 28223 to obtain real-time current product information. This current product information can be transmitted from the database 28223 to the continuous display shelf edge label devices 28200A-200C. In one example, database 28223 may also send an indication of whether the continuous display shelf edge label device should update the user interfaces to reflect the current product information, eg, using a flag. Alternatively, the continuous display shelf edge label devices 28200A-200C can be configured to independently determine whether user interfaces should be updated to reflect current product information. For example, continuous display shelf edge label devices 28200A-200C may be configured with thresholds. If the price of the current product information is above or below the threshold, or is within the range of thresholds, the continuous display shelf edge label devices can update the user interface with the current product information. If the price of current product information is outside the thresholds, the continuous display shelf edge label devices can determine that the user interfaces should not be updated. Alternatively, in this scenario, continuous display shelf edge label devices can query database 28223 for an exception. If the database 28223 allows an exception, the continuous display shelf edge label device can modify the user interface with current product information; Otherwise, the continuous display shelf edge label device may not modify the user interface.

[281] Figure 29 illustrates an example block diagram of an apparatus for communicating and distributing content in accordance with one or more example aspects of the present disclosure. 29 illustrates continuous display shelf edge label devices 29300, such as continuous display shelf edge label devices 28200A-28200C. In this example, the continuous display shelf edge label device 29300 includes a single display area 29301 oriented along the entire edge of the shelf 29350. In one example, the shelf 29350 is made of plastic. Plastic shelves offer a number of advantages in terms of merchandising, because plastic is lightweight. Lightweight plastic shelves are inexpensive to transport and can be pulled out for cleaning, retrieval of reduced products, and inventory purposes, for example. This makes it easier and faster to rotate inventory and stock shelves. Plastic shelves can be manufactured using a molding process, and the shelves can include a chassis into which continuous display shelf edge label devices can be integrated. The plastic shelves can have repeaters built into the shelves. Additionally, blade signs can be mounted on plastic shelves.

[282] Additionally, plastic shelves offer advantages over traditional metal shelves because electricity (and other signals) can penetrate through the plastic shelves with little or no interference. Electronic devices and other elements can be embedded directly into the plastic shelves. The passage of signals through the plastic shelves allows powering of, for example, the printer 27112, products on the shelves, and packages encapsulating the products on the shelves. For example, power can be transmitted from plastic shelves through the air to a receiver in a product or product encapsulation package. The passage of signals through the plastic shelves allows better communication between components throughout the entire network, from back-end computers to shelves, pushers, and products. Also, plastic shelves can be used to interact with the product-displays on the shelves can be extended to products or encapsulation packages.

[283] As noted above, electrical signals and other signals penetrate through the plastic shelves with less interference than the metal shelves. Accordingly, it becomes easier to mount additional user devices, such as the printer 27112, on the plastic shelf 29350, and to supply power to the additional user devices. This allows for greater user interaction and may encourage the consumer to make purchases that would otherwise have not been made. For example, if the customer selects the first product, the continuous display shelf edge label device 29300 can display assembly commands for the first product as well as allow the customer to print assembly commands through the printer 27112. Options can be displayed. In the second example, if the customer selects the first food item, the continuous display shelf edge label device 29300 can provide recipes that incorporate the first food item. The continuous display shelf edge label device 29300 can present to the user an option to print a list of recipes and / or other ingredients used in the recipe through the printer 27112.

[284] Also, as described herein, the continuous display shelf edge label device 29300 includes a locking mechanism 29303 that can enable an individual to change the operating modes of the continuous display shelf edge label device 29300. Is shown. In one mode, an authorized individual can edit one or more user interfaces 29311, 29313, and 29315, while in the second mode, user interfaces 29311, 29313, and 29315 are edited It may not be.

[285] The single continuous display 29301 is continuous over the shelf 29350, on the products themselves (eg, 29321, 29323, and 29325), on packages encapsulating the products, or in any combination thereof. Provide the label. A single continuous display 29301 allows both dynamic and static messaging to the consumer, including streaming video / audio. Dynamic messaging can include price, advertisements, imagery, and courtesy greetings (eg Happy Holidays). As discussed above with reference to FIG. 28, changes in price can be quickly and efficiently reflected on user interfaces. Price updates may be provided hourly, daily, weekly, yearly, etc., and may also vary based on current and expected inventory. Additionally, user interfaces on a single continuous display 29301 are valuable real estate that can be utilized by retailers to recover investment costs. For example, a retailer can rent display space on a user interface to manufacturers and other businesses for advertisements. In addition, data collected by a single continuous display 29301 via interactive user interfaces can be sold to various manufacturers and multiple businesses with respect to collecting, analyzing, and charging data.

[286] The single continuous display 29301 is shown to include three separate user interfaces that provide information about the three separate products provided for sale on the shelf 29350. In this example, shelf 29350 holds first product 29321, second product 29323, and third product 29325. A single continuous display 29301 includes three digital user interfaces, each for each individual product offered for sale. The user interface 29311 provides information about the first product 29321 directly above the user interface 29311. Similarly, user interfaces 29313 and 29315 provide information regarding each of second product 29323 and third product 29325 over individual user interfaces 29313 and 29315. Any of a number of types of information about a product, including graphics, text, animations, video, and / or combinations, can be displayed on a single continuous display 29301.

[287] Since the single continuous display 29301 is designed to be dynamic, the displayed messages are not limited to any particular size or configuration. Rather, the message can change dynamically and continuously, and can include any number of single continuous displays, user interfaces, products, and any combination of packages encapsulating products. In one instance, separate user interfaces in a single continuous display 29301 can be utilized to each display a portion of a larger message. For example, if a single continuous display 29301 will display "Limited Time Only", user interface 29311 may be configured to display "Limited", and user interface 29313 to display "Time" Can be used, and the user interface 29315 can be configured to display "Only". In another example, first, a message can be distributed among multiple vertically-stacked continuous displays, and then separate user interfaces, and / or packages corresponding to user interfaces on each of the continuous displays. The liver can be further subdivided. The message can include graphics, text, animations, streaming video, or any combination thereof. Then, each of the vertically-stacked multiple consecutive displays, user interfaces, and packages can simultaneously output a different part of the message.

[288] Figures 30A-30B illustrate an example of changing a continuous display in accordance with one or more exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. The transition from FIG. 30A to FIG. 30B illustrates one possibility before and after the operation of changing the user interfaces of a single continuous display. In FIG. 30A, a continuous display shelf edge label device 30400 is shown for shelf 29350. The continuous shelf label device 30400 may be one of the continuous display shelf edge label devices 28200A-28200C and 29300. The continuous display shelf edge label device 30400 includes a single display area 30401 oriented along the entire edge of the shelf 29350. A single continuous display 30601 is shown on the shelf 29350 comprising three separate user interfaces that provide information about the three separate products offered for sale.

[289] For this illustrative example, digital divider line 30441 creates three distinct visual frames for three distinct user interfaces 30411A, 30413A, and 30415. The digital divider line is not a physical line separating the two displays, but the digital divider line is a digital line that creates the appearance of separation of a single continuous display 30601 into multiple display areas. In this example, shelf 29350 holds first product 30421, second product 30423, and third product 30425. A single continuous display 30601 includes three digital user interfaces, each for each individual product offered for sale. The user interface 30411A provides information about the first product 30421 directly above the user interface 30411. The user interface 30413A provides information about the second product 30423 directly above the user interface 30413A, and the user interface 30415 is information about the third product 30425 directly above the user interface 30415 Provides

[290] Turning to FIG. 30B, a worker may want to change the product layout for the shelf 29350, and in this example, the third product 30425 was removed from the shelf 29350, and the first product ( 30421) created a larger area on the shelf 29350 for this to reside. Accordingly, the worker changed user interfaces for a single continuous display 30401 in response to this, as described herein. In this example, as the positions of the user interfaces have changed, the user interface 30411B is now shown as being moved towards the right side of the continuous display 30601, which is the first product 30421 moving to the right side of the shelf 29350. Because it was. Similarly, the user interface 30413B is shown moved towards the left side of the continuous display 30601 because the second product 30423 has been moved to the left side of the shelf 29350. The user interface 30415 for the third product 30425 has been deleted from the continuous display 30401, because the third product 30425 is no longer provided for sale on the shelf 29350. In this example of FIG. 30B, since only two user interfaces 30411B and 30413B are shown on the continuous display 30401, frame out two separate user interfaces 30411B and 30413B. For this reason, only one digital divider line 30441 is shown.

[291] Figures 31A-31C illustrate example continuous displays having a locking mechanism in accordance with one or more example aspects of the present disclosure. As described herein, to prevent one or more parameters of the user interface displayed on the continuous display shelf edge label device, such as displayed information, from being changed by an unauthorized person, a locking mechanism is used for continuous display. It may be included on a shelf edge label device. Any of a number of prevention schemes can be included herein, and the following are only some exemplary examples. In FIG. 31A, for example, a manual device input for physical key (31503A) may be included in the continuous display shelf edge label device 31500A. By inserting the appropriate key, an authorized individual can change the operating mode of the continuous display shelf edge label device from display mode to change mode.

[292] Display mode is a mode of operation in which a continuous display shelf edge label device can display one or more interfaces on a single continuous display and even allow a user, such as a customer, to access a single continuous display for additional information. Can be Such access can be made by touch. However, in display mode, such a customer cannot change the parameters of the user interface being displayed, such as the size of the user interface, the shape of the user interface, or the location of the user interface on a single continuous display. The customer can view and interact as much as possible without having the ability to change the parameters of the display area for the user interface. The change mode is an operation mode in which the continuous display shelf edge label device displays one or more interfaces on a single continuous display and allows an authorized user, such as a worker, to change one or more parameters of the single continuous display. Can be As described herein, such access can be made by touch. In the change mode, the worker can change the parameters of the user interface being displayed, such as the size of the user interface, the shape of the user interface, or the location of the user interface on a single continuous display. Thus, the worker can easily modify any aspect of the user interface corresponding to the product at the point of sale (POS).

[293] Figures 31B and 31C illustrate two different types of locking mechanisms. In FIG. 31B, a biometric scanner 3315B, such as for scanning fingerprints, may be included in the continuous display shelf edge label device 31500B. By pressing a finger against the biometric scanner 31003B, an authorized individual can change the operating mode of the continuous display shelf edge label device from display mode to change mode. In FIG. 31C, for example, an NFC reader 31003C for scanning workers' near field communication (NFC) enabled access cards may be included in the continuous display shelf edge label device 31500C. By pressing the NFC enable access card against the NFC reader 3315C, an authorized individual can change the operating mode of the continuous display shelf edge label device from display mode to change mode.

[294] Figures 31D-31F illustrate an example of changing a continuous display with a locking mechanism user interface in accordance with one or more example aspects of the present disclosure. In the example of FIGS. 31D-31F, a locking mechanism is built into the continuous display shelf edge label device 31500D. In this example, the worker will enter a code to change the operating mode of the continuous display shelf edge label device 31500D. As shown in Fig. 31D, a single continuous display 31601D includes two user interfaces 31211 and 31513 for individual products. In addition, a lock icon (31503D) is shown in Fig. 31D. Accessing the lock icon 31003D can allow an authorized individual to change the operating modes of the continuous display shelf edge label device 31500D. By tapping on the lock icon 3315D, what is shown in FIG. 31E can be seen by the worker. In FIG. 31E, a new user interface 31003E appears, prompting the individual to enter a code to authorize changes in operating modes. By inserting the appropriate code in Figure 31E, an authorized individual can change the operating mode of the continuous display shelf edge label device 31500D from the display mode to the change mode.

[295] If the individual does not enter the appropriate code, the continuous display shelf edge label device 31500D may be switched back to the appearance shown in FIG. 31D. However, if the individual enters the appropriate code, the continuous display shelf edge label device 31500D is in a change mode that allows the individual to change one or more parameters of one or more user interfaces for the products. The operating modes can be changed. After any changes, the individual does not enter the appropriate code, and the continuous display shelf edge label device 31500D can be switched back to the display mode as shown in FIG. 31F. As shown, the individual has changed the position of the user interface 31511 and the user interface 3213 on each other on a single continuous display 3501D. The locking icon 31003D is also shown.

[296] Figures 32A-32B illustrate an example of changing the size of a user interface in accordance with one or more example aspects of the present disclosure. In this illustrative example, an authorized individual has accessed a mode change request at the continuous display shelf edge label device 32600. In this example, continuous display shelf edge label device 32600 includes a single continuous display 32601 oriented along the entire edge of the shelf. 32A may illustrate two user interfaces 32211 and 32613A prior to a change in parameter of the user interface 3213A. In this example, the shape of the border of each of the user interfaces 32211 and 32613A is different, as well as the size of the text within the border. Through one or more of the operations described herein, FIG. 32B illustrates that the continuous display shelf edge label device 32600 may become similar after a change operation to change the size of the user interface 3213A. do. As shown in FIG. 32B, the user interface 3213B has text reduced in size within the user interface 3213B. Switching from FIG. 32A to FIG. 32B, the authorized individual changed the parameter of the user interface 3213A, i.e., the large size of the text, to the parameter of the user interface 3326B, i.e., the smaller size of the text.

[297] Figures 33A-33B illustrate an example of changing the shape of a user interface in accordance with one or more example aspects of the present disclosure. In this illustrative example, an authorized individual has accessed a mode change request at the continuous display shelf edge label device 33700. In this example, continuous display shelf edge label device 33700 includes a single continuous display 33701 oriented along the entire edge of the shelf. 33A may illustrate two user interfaces 33711 and 33713A prior to a change in parameter of the user interface 33713A. In this example, not only the shape of the border of each user interface 33711 and 33713A is different, but also the size of the text within the border is different. Through one or more of the operations described herein, FIG. 33B shows that the continuous display shelf edge label device 33700 may be similar after a change operation to change the shape of the boundary of the user interface 33713A. Illustrate that. 33B, the user interface 33713B has a shape of a boundary of a user interface having a different appearance. 33A to 33B, the authorized individual has a parameter of the boundary of the user interface 33713A, that is, a rectangular shape, a parameter of the boundary of the user interface 33713B, that is, a rectangle with a rounded edge of a corner having a pointed end shape. Changed to

[298] Figures 34A-34B illustrate an example of changing the location of user interfaces in accordance with one or more example aspects of the present disclosure. In this illustrative example, an authorized individual has accessed a mode change request at the continuous display shelf edge label device 34800. In this example, continuous display shelf edge label device 34800 includes a single continuous display 34801 oriented along the entire edge of the shelf. FIG. 34A can illustrate two user interfaces 34811A and 34813A prior to a change in parameter of user interfaces 34811A and 34813A. In this example, the position of each user interface 34811A and 34813A in a single continuous display 34801 is changed. Through one or more of the operations described herein, FIG. 34B shows a continuous display shelf edge label device 34800 similarly after a change operation to change the position of the two user interfaces 34811A and 34813A. Illustrate what can be. As shown in FIG. 34B, user interface 34813B has a changed position orientation relative to user interface 34811B within a single continuous display 34801. Turning from FIG. 34A to FIG. 34B, the authorized individual has two parameters, the positions of the user interfaces 34811A and 34813A, respectively, with two parameters, the positions of the user interfaces 34811B and 34813B, respectively. Changed.

[299] Figure 35 illustrates an example method of distributing content in accordance with one or more example aspects of the disclosure. In one example, one or more of the steps of FIG. 35 may be implemented by the computing device 27100 of FIG. 27 and / or the device shown in FIGS. 28A-28B. The process begins, and in step 3601, the continuous display shelf edge label device outputs two or more user interfaces, through a single continuous display, each user interface corresponding to a product provided for sale do. An example of such is shown in FIG. 29. Proceeding to step 35903, a determination is made as to whether a mode change of the continuous display shelf edge label device has been applied. One such example may be for the system to recognize that the worker is inserting and placing his finger into the biometric scanner 3315B of FIG. 31B and that the worker is authorized to change the operating mode of the continuous display shelf edge label device. .

[300] If no change of operation mode is applied in step 35903, the process moves to step 35905 where there is no command to change the operation mode, and the process is performed through two or more displays through a single continuous display. It is returned to step 3601 to output a user interface-each user interface corresponding to a product provided for sale. In step 35903, if a change in operating mode is applied, the process moves to step 35907 where an additional decision is made. In step 35907, a determination is made as to whether a change in parameter input has been received. Illustrative examples of changes in parameters are shown for FIGS. 32A and 32B, 33A and 33B and / or 34A and 34B. If there is no change in the received parameter input, the process moves to step 35909. If a change in parameter input is received at step 35907, the process moves to step 3611, where a parameter change, such as increasing the text size of the user interface, is implemented on the requested user interface. The process then proceeds to step 3713.

[301] Returning to step 35909, an additional determination is made as to whether input to remove and / or add a user interface to the product has been received. One such illustrative example is shown in FIGS. 30A-30B, the user interface 30415 is removed. If no input has been received at step 35909, the process may return to step 35905, and further, before returning to step 3601, may exit from the change operation mode to the display operation mode. If input is received at step 35909, the process moves to step 3915, where the user interface to which the input is applied is added or removed based on the input. The process then proceeds to step 3713.

[302] At step 3713, a determination is made as to whether additional changes in the change operation mode are requested. If additional changes are requested, the process can return to step 35907. If no further changes are requested, the process proceeds to step 3917. In step 3917, the operation of the continuous display shelf edge label device from the changing operation mode to the display operation mode, through a single continuous display, two or more user interfaces-each user interface provided for sale Corresponds to the product that is to be produced—before returning to the output (35901) and according to any changes that may have been implemented.

[303] Figure 36 illustrates another example method of distributing content in accordance with one or more example aspects of the disclosure. In one example, one or more of the steps of FIG. 36 may be implemented by the computing device 27100 of FIG. 27 and / or the device shown in FIGS. 28A-28B. The process begins, and in step 36101 each of the two consecutive display shelf edge label devices outputs two or more user interfaces, via a single continuous display, each user interface being provided for sale Corresponds to the product. One such example is shown in FIG. 28B. Proceeding to step 36103, a determination is made as to whether data is being received by one of the continuous display shelf edge label devices. Otherwise, the process may return to step 36101. If data is being received at step 3610, the process moves to step 36105.

[304] In step 36105, the continuous display shelf edge label device verifies the authorization of the data. For example, the system can confirm that the data being received is for a continuous display shelf edge label device. If the data is a global transmission from a database, such as database 28223 of FIG. 28A, the continuous display shelf edge label device indicates that the data being received in step 36103 is not intended for the continuous display shelf edge label device. Can decide. Upon confirming the authorization of the data in step 36105, the process moves to step 36107, where the origin of the data can be determined. For example, the continuous display shelf edge label device can determine that data is being received locally from a wireless communication received from a scanner, such as scanner 27221 of FIG. 28A. In another example, the continuous display shelf edge label device determines that data is being remotely received from a wired communication received from a user terminal, such as user terminal 28227, via main hub 28225 and network 28210 of FIG. 28A. You can.

Moving to step 36109, a determination may be made as to whether a change to one or more user interfaces currently being output by the continuous display shelf edge label device is necessary, via a single continuous display. . For example, if the data is received in step 36103 and confirmed to be applied to the continuous display shelf edge label device in step 36105, it may include a price change of the product associated with the user interface being output. If no changes are needed in step 36109, the process can return to step 36101. With a single continuous display, if a change to one or more user interfaces currently being output by the continuous display shelf edge label device is needed in step 3610100, the process moves to step 361011, where a single With continuous display, one or more changes to one or more user interfaces currently being output by the continuous display shelf edge label device are implemented. Thereafter, the process will return to step 36101, where each of the two continuous display shelf edge label devices is via a single continuous display, two or more user interfaces—each user interface is a sale. Corresponds to the product being provided in order to output, where each user interface of the continuous display shelf edge label device that received the data in step 36103 is one according to any changes that may have been implemented in step 361011. Or more user interfaces.

[306] Figure 37 illustrates an example block diagram of a system for communicating and distributing content in accordance with one or more example aspects of the present disclosure. In one example, one or more of the components of FIG. 37 may be implemented by computing device 27100 of FIG. 27 and / or one or more of the devices shown in FIGS. 28A-36. have. In this example, a system 371100 of multiple continuous display shelf edge label devices is shown operatively together. In this example, there are four continuous display shelf edge label devices. Each continuous display shelf edge label device includes a single display area 371101A-371101D oriented along the entire edge of the shelf 371150A-371150D. Further, in this example, each of the shelves 371150A-D holds and holds the first product 371121A-371121D, the second product 371123A-D, and the third product 371125A-D, respectively. Each of the single continuous displays 371101A-D includes three digital user interfaces, one for each individual product offered for sale. The user interfaces 371111A-D provide information about the first product 371121A-D, which is directly above the user interface 371111A-D, respectively. Similarly, the user interfaces 371113A-D and 371115A-D are connected to the second product 371123A-D and the third product 371125A-D over the individual user interfaces 371113A-D, 371115A-D. Provide information about each.

[307] According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, various continuous display shelf edge label devices may operate in concert to provide additional information to a customer. Array of continuous display shelf edge label devices by having continuous display shelf edge label devices stacked on top of each other, such as shelves (371101A and 371101B or 371101C and 371101D) arranged in a side-by-side orientation (371101A and 371101C or 371101B and 371101D) Can be configured. In the example example of FIG. 37, there are 4 continuous display shelf edge label devices arranged as an array of 2 × 2, ie, 2 rows and 2 columns of continuous display shelf edge label devices. Any of a number of additional arrangements can be made, including, but not limited to, 4x1, 3x4, 3x3 and 4x4 configurations.

[308] By configuring various continuous display shelf edge label devices to work together, a retailer can utilize the displays to attract customers in any of a number of desired ways. Such configurations can be utilized to promote a single product, a single type of product, a single brand name, and the like. Animations and / or graphics can be implemented across multiple continuous display shelf edge label devices. Different outputs on the displays of the continuous display shelf edge label devices can be implemented based on detecting the presence of a customer at an aisle, near a particular continuous display shelf edge label device, and / or some other location in a retailer store. As described herein, different display modes can be implemented depending on the desired result and / or effect.

[309] In one such example, every 10-15 seconds, the display on one or more continuous display shelf edge label devices may change the output in some way. In still other examples, one or more continuous display shelf edge label devices can consistently maintain the displayed output acting as a very intense billboard. Whether the displayed output is moving or functioning as a more constant billboard, continuous display shelf edge label devices can work together.

[310] In one embodiment, a customer may be able to see such changing displayed output or static displayed output from a distance and be attracted to it. The changing displayed output or the static displayed output may be the first display operation mode. In response, the customer can access the shelf. As the customer approaches the shelf, one or more continuous display shelf edge label devices can sense the customer's access, such as by a proximity sensor, and switch to a different display mode. In such an example, a specific advertisement for a product may appear, such as for a product associated with continuous display shelf edge label devices. Such advertisements may be notifications of products on sale. Once a customer is in front of a specific continuous display shelf edge label device for a given period of time, such as 3 to 5 seconds, the continuous display shelf edge label device will also allow SKU specific pricing and packaging information to appear under each product. You can switch to a different display mode.

[311] In another embodiment, the continuous display shelf edge label device may be pre-configured to switch between different display modes at select times. For example, the continuous display shelf edge label device can display the first price for the first product for the time of 8 am and 10 am, and then for the first product for the time of 10 am and 12 pm The second price can be displayed automatically. This can make it easier for retailers to tailor prices to the types of shoppers who typically shop for an hourly interval, or to easily convert from a special sale price (such as an early-bird price) to a regular price.

[312] In still other exemplary embodiments, the continuous display shelf edge label device may be operated by a pusher assembly in which the continuous display shelf edge label device is included with the oriented shelf. The pusher assembly may include a pusher configured to apply pressure behind the stack of products and push the stack forward toward the front of the shelf when the product is removed from the stack. Such a pusher assembly can include one or more components for determining the position of the pusher relative to some portion of the assembly. For example, a stack of products can fit 10 products. Being integrated into the pusher assembly can be a floor that includes a tracker component in each of the 10 positions where the pusher can be configured to work with the product. As the pusher reaches the tracker component, data regarding the position of the pusher can be known, and such data can be sent to a continuous display shelf edge label device.

[313] Similarly, other data may also be determined and communicated as needed. For example, the movement of the pusher relative to the shelf and / or pusher assembly can be determined. Such determination can be based on position and can include a timer component for use in determining movement. In addition, in still other examples, the rate of change of product level of a product associated with a continuous display shelf edge label device can be determined. In such an example, a shelf in which the original 50 product items are stocked is determined to have only 15 items remaining after a period of time, such as 1 hour, and a notification may be sent to the retailer's worker to restock the product on the shelf. have . Similarly, such data can be sent to a continuous display shelf edge label device to change the user interface associated with the product. For the same example, upon receiving data regarding only 15 product items remaining, the user interface of the continuous display shelf edge label device can be configured to change the information. In some examples, "Final 15 Left In Stock!" The flashing / blinking display output of can be displayed, the display output can automatically lower the price on the user interface by 10%, or the presence of a worker in the area of a continuous display shelf edge label device. Upon determination, the display can flash / blink The continuous display shelf edge label device, such as a worker's NFC enabled access card within the sensing range of a sensor associated with and / or included within the continuous display shelf edge label device. By detecting, it is possible to detect the presence of a worker.

[314] Other data may be communicated to and / or determined by the continuous display shelf edge label device from the pusher and / or pusher assembly. For example, a continuous display shelf edge label device can be programmed with data for associated products and / or can access such data from a local or remote source, such as database 28223 of FIG. 23A. In one example, the product may have expiration data. For example, the product may be milk, and for sale, certain products on the shelf may all have the same expiration date. A threshold can be set to track the number of milk items remaining until the expiration date to move milk items from the shelf, whether for consumers or for the latest milk items with a later expiration date. In one scenario, the system may lower the price of milk as the time until expiration date decreases to a threshold. If the expiration date is a week away, the continuous display shelf edge label device can output a milk price of $ 2. When the expiration date is now 4 days left, the price can be reduced by 10% or the price can drop by $ 0.25. If some milk remains when the expiration date is two days left, the price may be reduced by 50% or the price may drop by $ 1. In other scenarios, as the expiration date approaches the threshold, the retailer's worker may be notified in some way. The worker can be notified by text or email, a notification on the handheld scanner, and / or some other way that the milk needs to be replaced or needs to be replaced immediately.

[315] Other exemplary information about the product may also be communicated to and / or determined by a continuous display shelf edge label device from the pusher and / or pusher assembly. Such examples include determining the amount of product remaining for other products and changing the user interface of the continuous display shelf edge label device in response. For example, the continuous display shelf edge label device can receive or determine data from other continuous display shelf edge label devices for competitive products and / or related products (such as toothpaste for toothbrushes). Using such data, a continuous display shelf edge label device can change the user interface for the product associated with it, such as the price of the product accordingly. In that way, an algorithm can be set in the continuous display shelf edge label device to handle when and under what circumstances price changes can occur automatically. The continuous display shelf edge label device can access the remote source for authorization in order to do this and / or determine itself that the user interface to the product needs to be changed. Accordingly, if it is determined that the competitor's product is leaving the shelf in a much faster manner than the product is moving, a price reduction for the product may occur.

[316] The features of the computing device described herein (which may be one of the devices illustrated in FIG. 27) may be subdivided among multiple processors and computing devices.

[317] Figures 38-40 herein are for example to enhance theft prevention, manage inventory, handle electronic price displays, provide marketing messaging, provide interactive displays, and provide shopping tools. Illustrates one or more aspects of a wireless store intelligence system that can be configured to be used with the various devices discussed. 38 shows an example environment for implementing one or more aspects of a wireless store intelligence system. Computer software, hardware, and networks can be used in a number of different system environments, including standalone, networked remote-access (also known as remote desktop), virtualization and / or cloud-based environments, in addition to other examples. 38 illustrates an example of a system architecture and data processing system that can be used to implement one or more example aspects described herein in a standalone and / or networking environment. Several network nodes 38103, 38105, 38107, and 38109 may be interconnected via a wide area network (WAN) 38101, such as the Internet. Other networks and configurations likewise or alternatively utilized, including private intranets, corporate networks, local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), wireless networks, personal networks (PANs), etc. Can be. Network 38101 is for illustrative purposes and can be replaced with fewer or more computer networks. A LAN includes, for example, one or more of any known LAN topologies, and can use one or more of a number of different protocols such as Ethernet or WiFi. Devices 38103, 38105, 38107, 38109 and other devices (not shown) may be configured to connect to one or more of the networks by twisted pair wires, coaxial cables, optical fibers, radio waves or other communication media. You can.

[318] The term "network" as used herein and shown in the drawings is sometimes coupled to systems where remote storage devices are connected together by one or more communication links, as well as those systems having storage capacity. Refers to standalone devices that can be. Consequently, the term "network" includes "physical network" as well as "content network" consisting of data-owing to a single entity-residing across all physical networks.

[319] Components may include a data server 38103, a web server 38105 and client computers 38107, 38109. Data server 38103 provides general access control and management of control software and databases for handling one or more example aspects described herein. The data server 38103 can be linked to a web server 38105 that allows users to interact and acquire data as needed. Alternatively, the data server 38103 can act as the web server itself and be directly connected to the Internet. The data server 38103 can be linked to the web server 38105 via a network 38101 (eg, the Internet), by direct or indirect connection, or by some other network. Users utilize remote computers 38107, 38109 to link to data server 38103 by one or more externally exposed websites hosted by web server 38105, such as using a web browser. It can work with the data server 38103. Client computers 38107, 38109 can be used with data server 38103 to obtain data stored therein, or can be used for other or additional functions. In one example, from the client device 38107, the user uses the Internet browser or by utilizing a software application to communicate with the web server 38105 and / or data server 38103 via a computer network (such as the Internet). Server 38105 can be accessed.

[320] Servers and applications can be integrated on the same physical machines, can maintain separate virtual or logical addresses, or can reside on separate physical machines. FIG. 38 illustrates only one iteration of the network architecture that can be utilized, and those skilled in the art, as described further herein, the specific network architecture and data processing devices used may vary and the functionality they provide is secondary. Will recognize. In one example, the functionality provided by web server 38105 and data server 38103 can be combined on a single server.

[321] Each component 38103, 38105, 38107, 38109 can be any type of computer, server, or data processing device as known in the art. The data server 38103 may include, for example, a processor 38111 that directs the entire operation of the data server 38103. Data server 38103 includes RAM 38113, ROM 38115, network interface 38117, input / output interfaces 38119 (e.g., keyboard, mouse, display, printer, camera, scanner, touch screen, etc.) and A memory 38121 may be further included. I / O 38119 may include multiple interface units and drives for reading, writing, displaying and / or printing data or files. Memory 38121 includes operating system software 38123 for controlling the overall operation of data processing device 38103, control logic 38125 for instructing data server 38103 to achieve aspects described herein, and herein Other application software 38127 that provides secondary, support, and other functionality that may or may not be used in combination with the features described in can be further stored. Control logic may also be referred to herein as data server software 38125. The functionality of the data server software is done automatically based on rules coded in the control logic, is done manually by the user providing input to the system and / or user input (e.g. queries, data updates, etc.) It may refer to actions or decisions made based on a combination of automatic processing based on.

[322] The memory 38121 may also store data used in actions that perform one or more of the features described herein in databases, including the first database 38129 and the second database 38131. In some embodiments, the first database can have a second database (eg, as a separate table, report, etc.). That is, information can be filed in a single database or distributed in different logical, virtual or physical databases, depending on the system design. The devices 38105, 38107, 38109 can include similar or different architectures as discussed with respect to the device 38103. The functionality of the data processing device 38103 (or devices 38105, 38107, 38109) discussed herein, as is understood in the art, such as assigning a processing load across multiple computers to geographical location, user access level , It can be located across multiple data processing devices to separate transactions based on quality of service (QoS).

[323] Moreover, any number of personal computers, such as desktops, laptops, notebooks, mobile phones or applications and other functional smartphones, Wi-Fi or other handheld devices with wireless connectivity (Eg, wireless capable tablets, tablet computers, PDAs, etc.), displays with built-in or external memories and processors, or any other known computer, computing device or handheld computer are also described herein. It can be connected to one or more of the networks. It is also contemplated that other types of devices, such as kiosks, ATMs, and other devices, may be connected to one or more of the networks described herein. Wireless access points can be provided to connect these devices, and can include a series of cellular towers supported by one or more service providers. Additionally, the wireless access points can be Wi-Fi connections (eg, compatible with IEEE 802.11a / b / g / and similar wireless communication standards), and computing devices gain access to the Internet with these connections. can do. Other techniques can be used, as understood by those skilled in the art, to enable devices to connect to the network.

[324] One or more features are computer-usable or readable data and / or computer-executable instructions executed by one or more computers or other devices as described herein, one Or more program modules. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that implement particular abstract data types when handling specific tasks or when performed by a processor of a computer or other device. . Modules can be written in a source code programming language that is subsequently compiled for execution, or in a scripting language such as, but not limited to, Javascript or ActionScript. Computer-executable instructions can be stored on a computer-readable medium, such as a non-volatile storage device. Any suitable computer readable storage medium can be utilized, including hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices and / or any combination thereof. In addition, various transmission (non-storage) media representing data or events as described herein can be used such as metal wires, optical fibers, and / or wireless transmission media (eg, air and / or space). It can be transmitted between a source and a destination in the form of electromagnetic waves traveling through a signal-conducting medium. Various aspects described herein can be implemented as a method, data processing system, or computer program product. Accordingly, various functionalities may be implemented in whole or in part with software, firmware and / or hardware or hardware equivalents, such as integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and the like. Certain data structures can be used to more effectively implement one or more aspects described herein, and such data structures are considered to be within the scope of computer-executable instructions and computer-usable data described herein. .

[325] Figure 39 shows an exemplary configuration of a wireless store or facility intelligence system. As shown in FIG. 39, a hub 39100 may be provided. The hub 39100 may be a centralized data routing and receiving device, and may be interconnected with various devices. Various inputs and outputs can be configured to be routed through these hubs 39100 from these devices as described herein.

[326] In one example, a plurality of end-point devices 39202-39210, which may be associated with a product shelf, may be configured to connect to a hub 39202-39210 via wired or wireless connections as discussed herein. You can. In one example, the plurality of endpoint devices 39202-39210 can be configured to transmit information to the hub or to receive information from the hub 39100. End-point devices 39202-39210 can be configured to provide inventory data to hub 39100, or end-point devices 39202-39210 can be displayed on or near a product shelf or display. It may be configured to receive product information, which may include product descriptions, price data and / or marketing materials for. Hub 39100 also generates certain alerts, such as based on inventory data, to output alerts to one or more of displays, speakers or indicators 39328 from end-point devices 39202-39212. It can be configured to make decisions based on the received information.

[327] In certain examples, the end-point devices include product quantity and movement sensing devices 39202, product security window sensing devices 39204, peghook product movement sensing devices 39206, electronic shelf labels ( 39208), interactive displays 39209, beacons 39207 or other sensing devices and / or displays 39210. For example, the end-point devices may be the display management systems 1800, 2100, and 2300 described above in connection with FIGS. 18-24 or the continuous display shelf edge label devices described above in connection with FIGS. 28-37. In addition, interactive displays 39209 can be interconnected to a system that provides interactive shopping tools to customers to assist in making shopping decisions. Beacons interconnected with the system are configured to determine that the target device (eg, shopper cell phone) is within its own range and initiates communication with the device under certain circumstances to notify or provide shopping support / help. Can be. Additional end-point devices configured to provide inventory data and / or display product information or shelf labels are also contemplated.

[328] Hub 39100 may also be interconnected with a network that may include various servers 39322, 39324, 39326 and cloud 39320. Hub 39100 may also be configured to transmit and receive information to and from various servers 39322, 39324, 39326 or cloud 39320 using various communication protocols as discussed herein. For example, hub 39100 downloads information from a plurality of end-point devices 39202-39210, and any desired server or portion of the network, such as in-store server 39322, cloud 39320, and / or external Information can be sent to the client server 39324. The received information can then be processed at one or more servers, where the servers can make decisions regarding the received data, for example by generating certain alerts 39330 or requests based on inventory data. Or may make the received information available for viewing on portal 39326.

[329] An exemplary hub 39100 is shown in FIG. 40, which is a computing device that can include the components and features discussed herein in combination with or in addition to the hardware and software components discussed below. Can be configured. Additionally, any of the devices interconnected with hub 39100 can be configured as a computing device, and can include components and features similar to hub 39100 and features discussed herein. The example hub 39100 can include one or more processors 40101 capable of executing instructions of a computer program to perform any of the features described herein. Processor 40101 may include a customized digital integrated circuit, such as an ASIC. However, commercially available processors may be used in some applications. Instructions may be stored in any type of non-transitory computer-readable medium or memory to configure the operation of processor 40101. For example, the instructions are read-only memory (ROM) 40102, random access memory (RAM) 40103, hard drive 40105, removable medium 40104, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, compact (CD) disk) or a digital versatile disk (DVD), floppy disk drive, or any other desired electronic storage medium. Instructions may also be stored on an attached (or internal) hard drive 40105. One or more of the memories 40102, 40103, 40104, and / or 40105 may include a more advanced operating environment, such as an operating system for advanced functionality and adaptability.

[330] The hub 39100 may include various external controls. For example, there may be one or more user input devices (not shown), such as a remote control, keyboard, mouse, touch screen, microphone, camera, and the like. The hub may also include an optional display 40111 and / or an optional speaker 40115, and may include one or more output device controllers 40107, such as a video or audio processor. In one example, the display can be an LCD display or any other known display types. In one example, the hub may also include one or more indicator lights, such as indicator lights. In another embodiment, the user's input / output functions may occur through the display 40111, where the display 40111 is configured to enable touch screen input to enable viewing of additional output on the display 40111. Can be.

[331] One or more memories 40102, 40103, 40104, and / or 40105 may include stored address location and display data location data. The address location can include an address that identifies the hub 40100, which in one example can be a unique identifier. In one example, display data location data may be used by processor 40101 to format the data to be displayed on optional display 40111. This can include text data, graphics, dynamic content and combinations. According to at least one embodiment, the display data location data in the memory may conform to a mark-up language, such as HTML, XML, or the like. Although shown in FIG. 40 as being outside of computing device 40100, display 40111 and speaker 40115 may also be integrated into the same physical housing and / or structure as hub 39100. One or more components similarly depicted within hub 39100 may be individually housed in different locations from hub 39100 and / or in other devices.

[332] The hub 39100 may include an I / O module 40109 that provides one or more inputs and outputs. Hub 39100 also includes one or more network interfaces (eg, network interface circuits, scanner interface circuits, etc.) for communicating with external network 39110, according to the example discussed above with respect to FIG. 39. Can, but can include any other computing devices, end-point devices, servers, cloud servers, and the like. I / O module 40109 may be a wired interface, a wireless interface, or a combination of the two. In one example, the hub 39100 is one or more networks (39324, 39326), via twisted pair wires, coaxial cable, optical fibers, radio waves (fixed or plug-in radio options), or other communication medium. , 39320), computing devices, and / or end-point devices 39202-39212. For example, the above connections can be made via the Internet, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cell modems, or infrared. In one particular example, the above connections are reduced power consumption type of communication or low-power radio signals such as Bluetooth Low Energy (also “Bluetooth LE”, “Bluetooth LE”) Bluetooth Smart), or "BLE"), Zigbee and ISM. In one example, the ISM can be a 315/433 MHz ISM or NFC. Nevertheless, the above connections are established. To do so, any other known wireless transmission method is contemplated, including other high efficiency proprietary and custom protocols.

[333] Hub 39100 may also include a power source 40113. The power source 40113 can cause the hub 39100 to operate the processor 40101 and various other components. The power source 40113 can include a dedicated battery source, a power over Ethernet, or an external power source, such as an AC source connection or combinations thereof.

[334] A facility, such as in a store, may be provided with multiple hubs 39100 depending on the amount and location of end-point devices 39202-39210. The hubs 39100 can be placed on top of a shelving or merchandising system or on a facility ceiling. Each of the hubs may be assigned to a predetermined group of end-point devices 39202-39210, and the plurality of endpoint devices 39202-39210 may be informed to an adjacent predetermined hub of the plurality of hubs 39100 It may be configured to transmit or receive various data from a predetermined hub among a plurality of hubs (39100). Each hub 39100 may be positioned adjacent to a predetermined group of end-point devices 39202-39210 assigned to the hub 39100. It is also contemplated that multiple hubs may be configured to communicate with each other and to determine which end-point devices should communicate with each hub. Shorter distances between the end-point devices 39202-39210 and hubs 39100 can be implemented in the context of lower energy transmission protocols, such as Bluetooth low energy, Bluetooth LE, Zigbee or ISM. Allows reduction of power settings required for transmission / reception. This can help reduce the cost of the overall system.

[335] Additionally, in this example, each of the plurality of hubs 39100 may be interconnected with a server, such as a facility server, such as an in-store server 39322 or a cloud 39320. The plurality of hubs 39100 may receive inventory information from one or more of the plurality of endpoint devices 39202-39210 and transmit inventory information to an in-store server, facility server, or cloud. The hubs 39100 may also be configured to receive information from an in-store server, facility server, or cloud server and transmit the information to one or more of the plurality of end-point devices 39202-39210.

[336] According to the examples discussed herein, each of the plurality of hubs 39100 receives information from an in-store server, a facility server or a cloud server, such as price information, marketing material, and other product information, and Can be sent to a specific group of end-point devices. Additionally, each of the hubs 39100 can be configured to send inventory received from a predetermined group of endpoint devices 39202-39210 to an in-store server, facility server, or cloud.

[337] As discussed above, hub 39100 can be configured to link to other systems that utilize data from end-point devices 39202-39212 and end-point devices 39202-39212. have. In one example, hub 39100 can be configured to perform one or more of the following functions: (1) Data word that accumulates data and then delivers the data according to one or more networks. Serves as an aggregator, (2) receives, tracks, and counts inventory levels, and (3) performs various actions such as generating alerts according to data received from end-point devices 39202-39212. , (4) Efficient communication of various data to end-point devices (39202-39212), (5) Data communication to the network / Internet at higher level protocols, such as WiFi to higher data rates, (6) Monitor end-point devices and report the status of end-point devices.

[338] The hub 39100 can receive and store data received from the endpoint devices 39202-39212, thereby acting as a data aggregator, and storing the stored data in another computing device, server, or It can be configured to deliver to the Internet. For example, a hub can be configured to receive inventory data or customer information from end-point devices as discussed herein. In another example, the hub can be configured to receive various log file data from end-point devices 39202-39212.

[339] In one example, the hub 39100 may deliver the stored data upon request. In alternative examples, hub 39100 may be configured to receive a predetermined amount of data before transmitting data over the network. For example, the hub can manage when to alert a server of problematic end-point devices based on a predetermined duration of lack of input from the endpoint devices. In one example, when the end-point device stops communicating with the hub, the hub can start a timer and wait a predetermined period of time before sending an error code or warning to the network and / or the device of the appropriate person. have. The hub can also be configured to aggregate information into a single file and send a single file to the network, for example by sending a log file of the entire facility, instead of sending a report for each endpoint device individually. . This can help reduce network traffic and create efficiencies for the network.

[340] In other examples, the hub 39100 may transmit data at a predetermined time or when a certain condition occurs, such as a small inventory condition or theft. In this way, for example, inventory data can be taken by the store inventory management system to schedule restockings, or the appropriate employee can be informed about potential theft. In addition, hub 39100 can be configured to count and track the number of products based on inventory information received from end-point devices 39202-39212. For example, each of the end-point devices 39202-39212 can collect inventory data according to the above examples, and the hub 39100 receives inventory data from each of the end-point devices 39202-39212 and the hub The number of products placed on each shelf being monitored by (39100) can be calculated. For example, the quantity and movement sensing devices 39202, product security window sensing devices 39204, and peghook product movement sensing devices 39206 can provide individual individual aggregates of products being monitored by each device to the hub. Can provide, and hub 39100 can maintain a continuous aggregate of inventory on each shelf being monitored.

[341] Alternatively or additionally, hub 39100 may be configured to track the position of end-point devices, which may be correlated with the number of products on the shelf, and hub 39100 may be configured to use shelf and / or It can be configured to determine how many products are on the facility. When multiple hubs 39100 are used, each hub 39100 can maintain a continuous aggregation of inventory and report inventory numbers to a centralized server, such as in-store server 39322 or cloud 39320. Can be configured. The in-store server 39322 can then maintain a running total of the number of products in the facility and, based on inventory, notify the appropriate staff of product levels or determine when restocking is required. You can. Additionally, the company's total inventory can be calculated by routing all store inventory information to the client corporation server 39324. For example, the network can be configured to receive inventory information and send notifications when the inventory level reaches a predetermined value.

[342] The hub 39100 itself may also perform various actions on data received from one or more end-point devices 202-212, according to the examples described herein. For example, the hub can be programmed to detect theft situations, and various rules can be set up to trigger an alert based on the theft activity. For example, if a possible theft occurs, the hub may also send a predetermined message, such as a warning or text message, to the smart phones of one or more representatives or hand-held devices, such as a facility manager, clerk, It can be configured to be sent to a stock person or the like. In other examples, hub 39100 can communicate with the facility PA system and / or other computing device to play the message based on one or more predetermined conditions. Additionally, the hub can be configured to play an audio message (with a local audio option) on the attached speaker, for example the hub 39100 has audio playback circuitry and audio with speakers that can be configured to play secure sound. And a message player. In this way, a central hub can play secure messages, instead of configuring each product or merchandising display to play secure messages. In other examples, hub 39100 can be coupled to a store security system, which can be programmed to position an optional camera and start video recording near potential theft similar to the examples discussed herein.

[343] In another example, hub 39100 may be configured to track the position of an end-point device, which may be correlated with a possible theft. For example, the hub can be configured to detect an abnormal activity. Specifically, the hub can detect fast and large movements of the pusher to detect abnormal shopping conditions.

[344] Additionally, indicator lights that can be illuminated when predetermined conditions occur may be attached to the hub. Specifically, each of a number of color indicators (eg, green, yellow and red) may provide different warnings / means, for example, green indicates that the system is functioning normally, and yellow indicates a potential issue. Red indicates a defect or theft. In addition, certain color codes can indicate a predetermined type of theft.

[345] In addition, various rules can be set up to trigger an alert based on inventory levels. For example, if inventory levels reach a certain threshold, the hub or network can also send a predetermined message, such as a warning or text message, to the smartphones of one or more representatives or hand-held devices, such as the facility manager, It can be configured to transmit to salespeople, stockpiling staff, and the like. In other examples, various rules can be provided to the hub or network to automate inventory actions, such as when to request restocking or when to order additional products.

[346] Hub 39100 may also include all data, such as price, marketing material, product information, product location information, user instructions, advertisements, to end-point devices 39202-39210, as discussed herein. Can be configured to communicate fields, discounts, promotions, deals, coupons, shopping support / help information, rebate information, updates to software, updates to aorating systems, and the like, It can be in the form of text, images, audio, video, data files, executable files, and the like. Hub 39100 may be any of the information discussed above for end-point devices 39202-39210, such as interactive displays 39209 described above in connection with FIGS. 28-37 or continuous display shelf edge labels. Can be configured to communicate to device examples. For example, hub 39100 transmits data representing information about the product on the shelf where the end-point device is located, such as current product information data for user interfaces on an interactive display or continuous display shelf edge label device, or It can be configured to update. The information may be from any one of a variety of interconnected components of a wireless intelligence system network as discussed herein, such as a facility server, in-store server, or cloud.

[347] Hub 39100 may also be configured to periodically update end-point devices 39202-39210 with current software, operating systems, and / or updated content. Updates can be pushed out from the network as described herein. The hub can also review whether the end-point devices have been properly updated, and report back to the network at a predetermined time to indicate whether the updates were successful.

[348] The hub stores the data discussed above for the end-point devices received from the network, and determines when to transmit data to the end-point devices at predetermined times, such as a day, a week, a month, etc. It can be configured to. For example, a hub may be configured to transmit data to end-point devices during non-peak times in facility when there is a possibility that end-point devices are not in use. Thus, the hub can manage network traffic for end-point devices, and does not burden end-point devices with some non-crucial data when the end-point devices are in use.

[349] Hub 39100 communicates data to the network / Internet at higher level protocols, such as Wi-Fi at a higher data rate, allowing hub 39100 to transmit data in both directions, and efficiently By receiving and transmitting data, the system can be configured to be more cost effective and energy efficient. In one example, hub 39100 can be configured to communicate at higher data rates to storage systems with higher level protocols, such as Wi-Fi, or to other areas of the Internet and network, and also low energy. It may be configured to communicate with a plurality of end-point devices via a transmission protocol. In this way, the system can utilize a low energy transmission to avoid providing a significant power source to each of the end-point devices without sacrificing the ability to efficiently collect data. This enables the hub 39100 to efficiently receive data and transmit data in both directions, as discussed herein, such that the hub 39100 allows large files, such as usage log information, video. And data updates can be transmitted more quickly and efficiently.

[350] Hub 39100 is also capable of monitoring end-point devices and providing reports regarding the status of end-point devices, so as to assess end-point device health and report problematic end-point devices It can be configured to. In one example, the hub can also receive “heartbeats” or periodic updates from end-point devices to indicate status. These heartbeats can be in the form of any transmission discussed herein, and can inform hub 39100 that end-point devices are connected and operating in the system. The heartbeat transmission may include various data regarding the operation of the end-point devices, such as the serial number of the device, online status, battery life information, operating system / software version, update status information, network up and down time information, and the like. . This helps to monitor the system's network integrity and ensure that end-point devices are properly connected to the system. In one example, after the end-point devices are installed in a store or facility, a heartbeat sent from the end-point devices may indicate to the hub that the device is functioning and operating. In this way, if the hub does not receive heartbeats from end-point devices after a predetermined time, the hub may send a message or warning indicating that the specific end-point device is not working, such as in an in-store server, cloud, or the like. And staff, such as technicians, can diagnose the situation or solve the problem. In addition, heartbeats from end-point devices can include software and hardware information to enable an employee to determine whether any updates are needed for the end-point devices.

[351] In alternative examples, hub 39100 may be configured to diagnose certain errors and defects of end-point devices. For example, if end-point devices do not respond to requests for inventory data, hub 39100 can alert a suitable employee through various channels discussed herein. In other examples, end-point devices can be configured to ping hub 39100 if certain faulty conditions or error codes, such as low battery, bad sensor or bad display. . Upon receiving an indication of a bad condition, hub 39100 may be configured to alert the appropriate personnel immediately or after a predetermined time, depending on the error or defect and the likelihood of the problem being resolved within the network. The employee can then troubleshoot or replace the problem end-point device.

[352] As discussed in connection with the examples discussed above with respect to FIGS. 18-24, end-point devices 39202-39212 may be configured to collect a variety of data, such as inventory data and customer information. For example, as described herein, end-point devices can be configured to collect a variety of data for store environments and then forward the data. End-point devices 39202-39212 may also be configured as display devices for displaying various data including static and dynamic images. For example, according to the examples discussed above with respect to the continuous display shelf edge label devices associated with FIGS. 28-37, certain end-point devices may display real-time data to shoppers for product information, price and / or marketing information. Can be configured. In the multi-hub example, the plurality of end-point devices 39202-39212 may be configured to transmit inventory information to an adjacent predetermined hub of the plurality of hubs or to receive price information from a predetermined one of the plurality of hubs. You can.

[353] Another example end-point device may be configured as an interactive tablet and / or display device 39209, an example of which is depicted in FIG. The interactive display device 39209 can be configured as a computing device and can include one or more of the various hardware and software components discussed herein. For example, interactive display 39209 may be provided with multi-touch screen technology and other inputs, such as a barcode scanner. Interactive display device 39209 is configured to provide retailers with assistance in making decisions to decide which products to purchase, in order to provide an opportunity for retailers to bridge the gap between in-store and online retailers. Can be.

[354] For example, the interactive display 39209 can be configured to provide interactive product information to customers and / or shoppers at the shelf edge. The interface can be provided with a menu of products that can be selected and many different views, or can scan products to access product information stored in the products. The interactive display 39209 can also provide up-selling and cross-selling based on the customer's choices or previous choices, and communicate related suggestions to the customer. For example, if the customer is interested in footwear, the interactive display can provide other similar footwear selections or matching shirts or pants. Interactive display device 39209 can also provide instant price comparisons and real-time updates. The interactive display device 39209 can provide a price match or certain incentives to purchase a product at the store on the day. Interactive display device 39209 can provide online reviews to shoppers. In one example, interactive display device 39202 may also rely on social media and provide shopper access to product recommendations from peers. Additionally, the interactive display device 39209 can integrate the store's website at the store, can be configured to check online availability for out of stock items, and can provide electronic or online orders. Interactive display 39209 also provides mailing list sign-ups to customers and shoppers when customers can enter contact information into the display and select topics of interest using a multi-touch screen can do. All of this information can be relayed to the network through transmission to the hub, and thus processed by the retailer.

[355] Additionally, the interactive display 39209 can also be configured as a newsstand for selling products to customers and shoppers. For example, an interactive display can be provided with a transactional interface that can be configured to process payments. In this example, the printer can be connected to an interactive display or hub, such that the interactive display or hub can issue receipts to customers. Transaction data can be stored on an interactive display and routed directly to the hub or routed to the hub at predetermined times or upon request from the hub or network.

[356] Additionally, log data, which may include transaction data, access data, customer information, etc. from the interactive display can be collected, logged, delivered, and routed through the hub. The log file data may include data regarding the number of customers or shoppers using a particular interactive display, whether customers or shoppers have seen certain product information, and any other information describing the effectiveness of the interactive display. You can. In this way, the network can further process and track data for later viewing and analysis. For example, a retailer can determine which customers have accessed which interactive displays when and which customers have made a purchase and which customers have not determined the effectiveness of the interactive displays.

[357] End-point devices, in one example, may include one or more location beacons 39207. Beacons 39207 may be configured to determine that a target device, such as a customer computing device, is within its scope and initiate communication with the device under certain circumstances to advertise or provide shopping assistance / help. For example, the customer computing device may be a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, smart phone, or the like. In one or more arrangements, the customer computing device is operated by a facility or store, controlled by it, and / or otherwise associated with it in a store or store and / or any other location and / or Or a personal computing device belonging to and / or used by a customer of a facility or shop in the vicinity, such as a mobile computing device (eg, a smart phone, tablet computer, wearable computer, augmented reality glasses, or any other type of Mobile device). The location beacon is a signal for one or more signals, such as radio signals, that may be detected and / or received by devices located close to and / or otherwise located within a specified distance of the beacon. It can be configured to transmit. In one or more embodiments, the location beacon is Bluetooth low energy (also referred to as “Bluetooth LE,” “Bluetooth Smart,” or “BLE”), Zigbee, or ISM technology to transmit low-power radio signals. You can implement Beacons can communicate with hubs using any of the protocols discussed herein, including wired or wireless connections.

[358] The specific signal (s) transmitted by the specific location beacon may include one or more features, such as a unique identifier assigned to the specific location beacon and / or otherwise associated with the specific location beacon, The unique identifier can cause the location beacon to be identified by any device that receives the specific signal (s) transmitted by the specific location beacon. In detecting a specific signal transmitted by a location beacon (eg, which may be positioned at a particular location) and subsequently identifying a location beacon that transmits a specific signal, the computing device is located at a specific location where the location beacon is located and / or You can conclude that you are located nearby.

[359] For example, location beacons may be positioned at and / or near a facility or store, and / or at different areas of the facility or store, such as in a welcome area, on various product displays, or It can be specially positioned in the waiting area or the like. Beacons can be strategically placed in a retail environment to attract customers to certain displays or locations within a store or facility. In addition, each location beacon can transmit a radio signal that can be detected and / or received by other devices, such as a customer computing device, such that they are in a facility or store and / or a facility. Or it can be located in and / or near a particular area of the store. Beacons can also be configured to track information about customer behavior, such as where the customer travels within the store. Such data can help access the effectiveness of certain promotions and better understand customer presence and demographics in stores. The retailer can also track how often certain customers are in the facility or store, and provide automated loyalty discounts or loyalty programs based on how often customers visit the store.

[360] Beacons may also communicate with hubs to integrate their data and to receive information discussed herein, such as advertising information, product information, or shopping information from hubs. For example, hubs can communicate with customer devices and send various advertisements, discounts, promotions, transactions, or coupons, or provide location information or shopping support / help for specific products nearby You can. Hubs can also be configured to coordinate beacon transmission to make beacons most efficient within the store setting. For example, the hub uses real-time aggregated data from some co-located beacons and adjusts their power output or RF radiation patterns to the target specific areas of the store, fills RF gaps in the store, or more Received Signal Strength (RSS) data from beacons can be used to triangulate the position of a target device for accurate position information, thereby enabling more relevant push of information to the target.

[361] In one example, beacons may be present in a retail store to transmit advertisements or discount information related to some specific brands, and the effectiveness of the beacon advertisement may be evaluated. Since beacons across the store communicate to hubs, it can be determined whether a particular shopper is accepting or responding to advertisements and discounts from brand 'A' rather than brand 'B'. When the system tracks shoppers passing through the store, decisions can be made about the strength of the content of advertisements or discounts provided to either the Reinforce brand 'A' or the elevator 'B'. Also, using aggregate data from beacons and other end-point devices, if a shopper is provided with an advertisement or discount for a brand 'A' product within a predetermined time near the placement of the brand 'A' product. It can be assumed, that the end-point device can indicate through the hub that the brand 'A' product is being removed or is probably shopping for purchase. In this way, the effectiveness of the beacon advertisement can be directly assessed.

[362] Referring back to FIG. 39, a network, such as in-store server 39322, cloud 39320, or external client server 39324 is configured to receive data from hub 39100. Generally speaking, as discussed in more detail below, a network, such as in-store server 39322, cloud 39320, or external client server 39324 is (1) received or transmitted to hub and end-point devices. Can store any data, and (2) make decisions regarding data received and transmitted to hubs and end-point devices, and (3) any received or transmitted to hub and end-point devices. Can display data, and (4) allow data to be received or transmitted to the hub and end-point devices to be modified.

[363] The network is any data received or transmitted to the hub and end-point devices discussed herein, such as inventory data, customer information, end-point device status, usage and activity information, customer information, product information, pricing Information, marketing materials, product information, user instructions, rebate information, content, updates to software, operating systems, and the like can be stored. In this way, the network can continuously provide updates to data received or transmitted to hub and end-point devices, and continuously update internal webpages and any external webpages displaying this information. .

[364] The network may also make various decisions regarding data received and transmitted to the end-point devices. In one example, various rules or algorithms can be provided to monitor inventory levels and send commands to request additional inventory, and the network can be configured to request additional inventory for specific areas or locations. Can.

[365] The network may also make decisions regarding the data received by the end-point devices in generating certain alerts 39330 based on the received inventory data. In one example, in-store server 39322 may be interconnected with one or more of a store security system, camera, displays, light indicators, or PA system. Upon receiving an indication of a possible theft situation, which can be determined according to the examples discussed herein, the network turns on the camera to capture images of potential theft, displays predetermined messages to alert the employee, and displays light It can be configured to provide warnings through those and / or through the PA system according to one or more examples discussed herein. The network can also be configured to send messages to employees according to the examples discussed above to alert employees of possible theft.

[366] Additionally, in one example, the network may make decisions regarding data transmitted to end-point devices. Various rules for updating content, such as interactive display data or electronic shelf display data, such as price information, based on, for example, order, supply, market conditions, and / or day, week, month, or year Fields or algorithms may also be provided.

[367] All information received on the network can be viewed by a company employee or a facility having suitable network credentials. In one example, the portal can be web-based and can provide different views and breakdowns of information provided by one or more hubs. For example, the portal can provide a trend of theft situations from certain end-point devices, facilities, or regions. In this way, various employees can view the portal, and see trends, such as theft of certain products, theft in certain regions, or theft at certain times of the year.

[368] Additionally, a facility or company can view and manage inventory levels through a portal. Portals can also provide retailers with inventory information to better manage product trends from both inventory replenishment perspectives and anticipated cases. This can be used to improve the ability to stock products within a store or facility, and to alert stockpile staff to prepare inventory for restocking.

[369] The portal may also provide real-time data regarding the integrity of the network. For example, the portal can provide information as to whether the endpoint devices of monitored facilities are online or offline. In particular, the portal can track and receive periodic updates or heartbeats from end-point devices. For example, if the hub does not receive a heartbeat from one or more of the end-point devices, the hub can send a message or alert over the network to indicate that certain end-point devices are not working, and then This information can be viewed on the portal. This can help staff monitor various facilities and diagnose and repair failed end-point devices and generally employ suitable staff to monitor the system.

[370] Moreover, the portal can provide shopping activity data based on transactions that occur and other data received from end-point devices. The portal can also provide shopping data for certain product types and certain end-point devices from certain facilities. For example, the portal can provide information to help retailers understand the efficiency of marketing certain products. In particular, within store settings, it is often difficult to understand when customers decide to purchase in instances where products are located in more than one location in the store or facility. End-point devices can provide product location information to help retailers understand which locations and / or displays are most effective at driving purchases.

[371] Any data provided through the portal may be aggregated and purified according to the way the data is viewed. The portal software can be configured to provide various outputs, such as tables, charts, or graphs, etc., to illustrate this information. In addition, portal software includes a variety of search capabilities for retailers to search by store, facility, geography, product and product type, theft, price information, sales volume, or specific end-point device / end-point device type, etc. can do.

[372] All information received on the network can be modified by a suitable employee, eg, an employee with suitable network credentials. For example, a suitable employee can modify data provided to end-point devices in portal 39326, such as display or price information.

[373] The examples herein can provide a centralized wireless store intelligence system, which enhances theft protection under one system and manages shelf inventory, for example, to provide a single digital in-facilitation strategy. And provide shopper price display and marketing messaging, and provide interactive shopping tools. The examples provided herein can provide a mechanism for maintaining and viewing inventory data in one location, and a centralized mechanism for managing inventory data and theft reduction. In addition, the system provides a method for homogenizing data, which can be considered in a large scale manner. The system can also provide users with a consistent look and feel and provide an improved user experience.

[374] Although in certain examples discussed above, the processing and display of various data collected from end-point devices is discussed with respect to certain computing devices, such as hubs and / or servers, end-points It is contemplated that processing and display of various data collected from devices can be completed at any computing device in the network, including any known computing devices not discussed or depicted herein. Moreover, it is also contemplated that any hub may also be configured as any end-point device discussed herein.

[375] As discussed below in connection with the examples of FIGS. 42 and 43, the merchandising system may also span the bottom of the shelves, on the product shelves, or at the bottom of the shelves to allow dynamic messaging to the consumer. It can be configured to provide a continuous label across both the floating screens and products. 42 illustrates an example block diagram of a system for communicating and distributing content in accordance with one or more example aspects of the disclosure. In one example, one or more of the components of FIG. 42 may be implemented by computing device 100 of FIG. 27 and / or one or more of the devices shown in FIGS. 2A-12. In this example, a system 4200 of multiple continuous display shelf edge label devices is shown operating together. In this example, there are four continuous display shelf edge label devices. However, as discussed below, it is contemplated that any number of shelf edge label devices can be used in accordance with sizing products and shelves.

[376] Each continuous display shelf edge label device includes a single display area 4210A-4210D oriented along the entire edge of the shelf 4230A-4230D. Additionally, in this example, the shelves 4230A-B hold products 4260A-4260H, where 4260A-B can be the first type, or 4260C-D can be the second type, or 4260E -F can be a formula that can be of type 3 or any combination thereof. Shelfs 4230C-D hold products 4280A-H, where 4280A-B may be of the first type, 4280C-D may be of the second type, or 4280E-F may be of the third type It can be a formula, or any combination thereof. Each of the products 4260A-4260H and 4280A-H is encapsulated in packages 4250A-4250H and 4270A-4270H, respectively.

[377] In one example, the displays 4210A-4210D may be embedded with their respective shelves 4230A-4230D. The shelves can be formed of any suitable material, and in one example, the shelves can be formed of a plastic material. This can cause power to be transmitted over the air and through the shelves to provide power to the packages 4250A-4250H and 4270A-4270H. Additionally, the plastic shelf may allow electronic signals to pass through, and other electrical elements may be incorporated into the plastic shelf in addition to the displays 4210A-4210D. This may allow additional hardware to be mounted and integrated into the merchandising display system, such as various components discussed herein and above. Additionally, plastic shelves can also be formed to be lightweight for easier handling, making cleaning, transportation, stockpile or easier to move, for example, if products are lost behind the shelves.

[378] Packages 4250A-4250H and 4270A-4270H may include electronic display screens or LEDs. In one example, electronic display screens or LEDs can be placed on or embedded in packages. In other examples, packages 4250A-4250H and 4270A-4270H can be provided with bi-stable or electrophoretic displays to display any desired characters or images. In certain examples, the packages 4250A-4250H and 4270A-4270H may consist primarily of a display, so that most of the package surface can display any desired characters or images.

[379] In one example, single continuous displays 4210A-4210D may be formed of multiple displays. For example, each single continuous display 4210A-4210D may include two digital displays 4220A-H, one for each individual type of product provided for sale. Each of the displays 4220A-H can provide information about the type of product on the user interface. For example, a display may provide information about products 4260A-B, a display may provide information about products 4260C-D, and a display 4220C may provide information about products 4260E-F. Provide information, display 4220D provides information about products 4260G-H, display 4220E provides information about products 4280A-B, and display 4220F displays products Provide information for 4280C-D, display 4220G provides information for products 4280E-F, and display 4220H provides information for products 4280G-H. The displays 4210C-4210D may also display additional information, such as advertisements and promotions. Additionally, the displays 4210C-4210D can be configured with a user interface, such as, for example, users can obtain additional interactive product information at the shelf edge according to the examples discussed above with respect to FIG. 41. For example, user interfaces may be provided with a menu of products and many different views from which products can be selected or scanned to access product information stored therein.

[380] The continuous display shelf edge label devices 4210A-D are in communication with each other and with the products 4260A-H and 4280A-H as well as the corresponding packages 4250A-H and 4270A-H. Can be. For example, the continuous display shelf edge label device 4210A may be in communication with packages 4250A-D, and the continuous display shelf edge label device 4210B may be in communication with packages 4250E-H. Continuous display shelf edge label device 4210C may be in communication with packages 4270A-D, and continuous display shelf edge label device 4210D may be in communication with packages 4270E-H. have. Although illustrated illustratively by wireless communication, the transmission path between the continuous display shelf edge label devices 4210A-D and the packages 4250A-H and 4270A-H may pass through the network 210 or with FIG. It may be a wired communication path in accordance with and / or in some other manner according to the disclosed examples. Additionally, information, such as price information, product data, and advertisements, through the network and hub 39100 discussed above in connection with FIG. 39, continuous display shelf edge label devices 4210A-D and packages 4250A -H and 4270A-H).

[381] In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosure, various continuous display shelf edge label devices provide additional information, such as product information, price information, discount information, advertisements, and product logos to a customer To work in unison. By having the continuous display shelf edge label devices arranged in a side by side (4210A and 4210B or 4210C and 4210D) orientation, and stacked on top of each other like the shelves 4210A and 4210C or 4210B and 4210D, the continuous display shelf edge label devices The array can be configured, which can be configured to be joined together to display a uniform image or video. In the example example of FIG. 42, there are four consecutive display shelf edge label devices arranged in an array of 2x2, two rows and two columns of continuous display shelf edge label devices. However, any number of additional arrangements can be made, including but not limited to 6 × 1, 4 × 1, 3 × 4, 3 × 3, and 4 × 4 configurations.

[382] Additionally, various continuous display shelf edge label devices can work in unison with the packages 4250A-H and 4270A-H to provide additional information to the customer, or to attract customer attention. have. For example, select packages from 4250A-H and 4270A-H can be illuminated to promote select products, where the illumination can be adjusted by continuous display shelf edge label devices 4210-4210D. Additionally, complementary products can lighten their packages, using similar or complementary visual effects. In one example, the packages 4250A-F may be lit consistently, the packages 4250G-H may be lit during a selected time interval, and the packages 4270A-D are continuous display shelf edge label devices 4210C may illuminate when detecting the presence of a customer through a proximity sensor, and packages 4270E-F, when configured with user interfaces, may include one or more of displays 4220A-H. If the customer interacts, it can be illuminated, and the packages 4270G-H can be exported through the network when product information, such as price changes, is implemented in user interfaces or as discussed herein. When it can be bright.

[383] In one example, the front facing surfaces of the foremost packages and foremost packages of the packages 4250A-H and 4270A-H can also be determined, so that only the front facing surfaces of the foremost packages are displaying information. For example, the front and rear of a plurality of shelves can be determined, and the group of foremost packages is determined from the plurality of packages. The foremost packages can be configured to form a continuous display, and further the front facing surfaces of the foremost packages can be configured to display the desired imagery. Additionally, it is also contemplated that any of the multiple surfaces of the packages can have a package digital display, so that the package can be placed on the shelf in any orientation to form part of a continuous display.

[384] In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure, various continuous display shelf edge label devices 4210A can communicate with products 4260A-D, and continuous display shelf edge label devices 4210B Can communicate with products 4260E-H, continuous display shelf edge label device 4210C can communicate with products 4280A-D, and continuous display shelf edge label device 4210D can communicate with products ( 4280E-H). Although illustrated illustratively by wireless communication, the transmission path between the continuous display shelf edge label devices 4210A-D and the packages 4250A-H and 4270A-H can be used in any of the examples discussed herein. Accordingly, it may be a wired communication path from the hub 39100 through the network 210 and / or some other way.

[385] Various continuous display shelf edge label devices 4210A-D work in concert with products 4260A-H and 4280A-H to provide additional information to the customer, or to attract customer attention can do. In one example, the continuous display shelf edge label device can send a trigger to products on the continuous display shelf edge label device, which triggers the products to be powered. In the second example, the products 4260A-B are electronic devices, and the continuous display shelf edge label device 4210A communicates a trigger to the products 4260A-B to power the displays of the electronic devices. can do. The continuous display shelf edge label device 4210A selects time intervals when the continuous display shelf edge label device 4210A detects the presence of a customer through a proximity sensor, or when detecting an interaction between the customer and the display 4220A. Can communicate these triggers. Additionally, continuous display shelf edge label devices 4210A-D and products 4260A-H and 4280A-H are powered by the network or one or more hubs 39100 discussed herein. Can be. Once the displays of the electronics 4260A-B are powered in response to a trigger from the continuous display shelf edge label device 4210A, the customer, via the display 4220A, when configured as a user interface And interact with the displays of electronic products 4260A-B. When configured as a user interface, the user can interact with the display 4220A using any of the methodologies provided with reference to FIG. 27. For example, user inputs on display 4220A are transmitted to the displays of products 4260A-B and mirrored on them. Display 4220A may also be updated with data received from products 4260A-B in response to user input, and this interaction may be repeated one or more times. These features are discussed in detail below with reference to Figures 44A-D.

[386] Figure 43 shows another example block diagram of a system for communicating and distributing content in accordance with one or more example aspects of the disclosure. The example of FIG. 43 can have similar features and functionality to the example discussed above with respect to FIG. 42. In one example, one or more of the components of FIG. 43 are discussed with respect to computing device 100 of FIG. 27, one or more of the devices shown in FIGS. 2A-12, and / or FIG. 39 It can be implemented by examples. In this example, a single continuous display shelf edge label device 43001 is shown. Any number of displays may be provided to the continuous display shelf edge label device 43001. In this example, two displays may be provided to the continuous display shelf label device 43001, which may or may not also be configured with user interfaces again, similar to the example discussed above with respect to FIG. Can be configured. Display 43002 provides information about products 43006A and 43006B, and can also display static or dynamic advertisement 43004. For example, the background of the display 43002 can display a logo representing the manufacturer of the products 43006A and 43006B. The display 43003 may provide information on products 43007A and 43007B. In addition, the background of the display 43003 may display a logo indicating the manufacturer of the products 43007A and 43007B, where the logo displayed on the background of the display 43003 and the logo displayed on the background of the display 43002 Can be different. However, the backgrounds of the displays 43002 and 43003 are additional information such as static images of products 43006A-B and 43007A-B or streaming video, promotional content, favor messages, advertisements or any related It is contemplated that information can be displayed.

[387] Products 43006A and 43006B are encapsulated in packages 43004A and 43004B, respectively. Each of the packages 43004A and 43004B may include an electronic display screen or LEDs. Products 43006A and 43006B may be powered by a receiver or transceiver in packages 43004A and 43004B. In one example, the continuous display shelf edge label device 43001 can send a trigger to products 43006A-B and 43007A-B, which trigger on the displays of products 43006A-B and 43007A-B. Let power be supplied. The continuous display shelf edge label device 43001 displays when the continuous display shelf edge label device 43001 detects the presence of a customer through a proximity sensor, or one or more of the displays 43002 and 43003 with the customer. Upon detecting the interaction between, it is possible to communicate this trigger at select time intervals. It is also contemplated that by hubs 39100 or networks discussed herein, content may be exported to displays of products 43006A-B and 43007A-B and to a continuous display shelf edge label device 43001. . In addition, the hubs 39100 or networks discussed herein can be automatically or continuously when certain conditions occur, such as when a customer is detected in the vicinity of the continuous display shelf edge label device 43001, continuous display shelf edge label. It can be configured to power the displays of devices 43001 and products 43006A-B and 43007A-B.

[388] Once powered, the displays of products 43006A and 43006B can be dynamically configured into various static or streaming messages by a continuous display shelf edge label device 43001 or a network. In one example, the display of product 43006A can display an advertisement, and the display of product 43006B displays a logo representing the manufacturer of products 43006A and 43006B. Displays on products 43006A and 43006B may alternatively include promotional content, seasonal greetings and / or general messages targeting consumers. Products 43007A and 43007B may be powered by the receiver or transceiver of each of the packages 43005A-B. Each of the packages 43005A-B contains an electronic display screen or LEDs. Displays of products 43007A and 43007B, to display static or stream video or images, including information about products, manufacturer, promotional content, messages of favor, and / or advertisements (shown), It can be dynamically configured by a continuous display shelf edge label device 43001.

[389] Additionally, the displays of products 43006A-B and 43007A-B may be interactive. The continuous display shelf edge label device 43001 can dynamically configure displays of products 43006A-B and 43007A-B. For example, promotional content may be dynamically displayed on one or more of products 43006A-B and 43007A-B when the presence of a consumer is detected. The customer can then interact with one of the products 43006A-B and 43007A-B via the displays 43002 or 43003. For example, user inputs on displays 43002 can be sent to the display of product 43006A and mirrored on the display. Display 43002 can then be updated with data received from products 43006A in response to user input, and this interaction can be repeated once or more. This feature is discussed in detail below with reference to FIGS. 44A-44D.

[390] Products 43006A-B and 43007A-B are encapsulated in packages 43004A-B and 43005A-B, respectively. The displays of the packages 43004A-B and 43005A-B can be powered from the display shelf edge label device 43001. In one example, the displays of the packages 43004A-B and 43005A-B can be consistently powered through the air. Consistent power supply through the air can be implemented through a highly resonant wireless power transfer process. A coil of wire with a special drive circuit can be placed on the base deck of a plastic shelving unit that holds the packages 43004A-B and 43005A-B and also houses the display shelf edge label device 43001. Small, thin coiled antenna wires can be placed on the walls of each product package 43004A-B and 43005A-B. The packages 43004A-B and 43005A-B can each intercept a portion of the power wirelessly transmitted by the coiled wire through the coiled antenna wire of each package. The intercepted power can then be used to operate the display on the product package or the LEDs or displays on products 43006A-B and 43007A-B. In the second example, the continuous display shelf edge label device 43001 can send a trigger to one or more of the packages 43004A-B and 43005A-B, the trigger being the packages 43004A-B and 43005A-B ) Causes the displays to be powered. The continuous display shelf edge label device 43001 is configured to detect an interaction between the customer and one or more user interfaces of the user interfaces 43002 and 43003 or when the continuous display shelf edge label device 43001 is connected to the customer through a proximity sensor. When detecting presence, it is possible to communicate such a trigger at select time intervals.

When powered, the displays of the packages 43004A-B and 43005A-B can be dynamically configured into various static or streaming images or video by a continuous display shelf edge label device 43001. In one example, the packages 43004A-B and 43005A-B are continuous display shelf edge label devices to mirror the displays 43002 and 43003 by displaying a logo representing the manufacturer of the products 43006A-B and 43007B, respectively. It can be configured dynamically by (43001). In another example, packages 43004A-B display shelf edge label device 43001 to display along with the logo other information related to products 43006A and 43006B (where the price is only for "Limited Time Only") ). Packages 43004A-B and 43005A-B may display streaming video of additional or alternative information, such as products in the package, related products, advertisements, or any related information thereof.

[392] Although displays for each of the user interfaces 43002, products 43006A and 43006B, and packages 43004A and 43004B are shown to be independent, the continuous display shelf edge label device 43001 is a logo, product Or one or more of the components mentioned above can be dynamically configured to display a portion of any other desired visual content, respectively. In this way, a larger display can be distributed between all of the user interfaces 43002, products 43006A and 43006B and packages 43004A and 43004B, or any combination thereof. For example, the packages 43005A-B aggregate and display the manufacturer's logo of the products 43007A-B. Instead of a logo, a streaming video of the product can also be distributed across packages 43005A-B. Similarly, a larger display can be distributed between all of the displays 43003, products 43007A-B and packages 43005A-B, or any combination thereof. In one example, the continuous display shelf edge label device 43001 can distribute the display across both the displays 43001 and 43003 as well as products and packages corresponding to these user interfaces. Thus, a comprehensive visual display will be distributed between all of the user interfaces 43002 and 43003, products 43006A-B and 43007A-B and packages 43004A-B and 43005A-B, or any combination thereof, where Each component can simultaneously output different parts of the visual display.

[393] The continuous display shelf edge label device 43001 also allows one or more additional continuous display shelves to create a dynamic display across user interfaces, products and packages of multiple continuous display shelf edge label devices. It can be dynamically adjusted with edge label devices. Thus, then, a static image or streaming video of the product, manufacturer's logo or any related content, as well as multiple successive shelf edge label devices, as well as user interface (s) corresponding to each successive shelf edge label devices, It will also be distributed between product (s) and package (s).

[394] In one example, other sensors disposed proximate to the continuous display shelf edge label 43001 or the continuous display shelf edge label 43001 may detect the presence of the consumer through the proximity sensor. The continuous display shelf edge label 43001 can then send triggers to the packages 43004A-B as well as neighboring or surrounding continuous display shelf edge labels. The neighboring and / or surrounding continuous display shelf edge labels can then send activation triggers to their corresponding packages. The continuous display shelf edge label 43001 can then distribute the streaming video between itself and the surrounding continuous display shelf edge labels. Then, each successive display shelf edge labels can further subdivide the video distributed between their packages. Alternatively, the continuous display shelf edge label 43001 can control the distribution between all surrounding continuous display shelf edge labels and their corresponding packages.

[395] Displays or continuous displays formed by packages and shelf edge displays allow the dynamic setting of a desired message in a retail setting. For example, if the product display degree is changed, the size of the shelf edge label may be changed. Further, various displays can be formed as one large screen for displaying one continuous message or can be separated into various screens to display various messages. Additionally, displays or continuous displays formed by packages and shelf edge displays can be paid by the retailer by leasing space to the distributor of the products.

[396] Continuous display shelf edge labels can be further integrated with software applications. For example, a user can download and install a software application on a mobile device, such as a cellular device. A software application can be associated with one or more retailers, and the user can use the software application to catalog one or more items that the user wants to purchase or view. For example, a software application can be associated with a food store, and a user can use a software application to store a list of food stores. The software application can additionally or alternatively be associated with an electronic product retailer, and the user can use the software application to store a list of electronic devices that the user wants to analyze.

[397] A user can launch a software application when entering a designated premises, such as a food store or electronics retail store. The software application can scan the food store list to determine locations for each of the items on the food store list in relation to continuous display shelf edge label devices that are populated throughout the store. This information can alternatively be stored by the software application when initial list entries are made by the user (ie, before the user launches the software application at the food store). The software application can then establish wireless communications with one or more consecutive display shelf edge label devices holding one or more items on the food store list when the user accesses the items.

[398] For example, the software application can determine that the first item on the user's list is located in the first passageway on the first plastic shelf housing the first continuous display shelf edge label device. The software application can track the user's location in the store and detect when the user enters the first aisle. The software application can then establish a wireless connection to the first continuous display shelf edge label device. When the user enters the first aisle, the software application can send a signal to the first continuous display shelf edge label device. The first continuous display shelf edge label device is then the continuous display shelf edge label device itself, the surrounding continuous display shelf edge label devices, one or more packages and / or product displays on the continuous display shelf edge label device. , And / or utilize one or more package and / or product displays on the surrounding continuous display shelf edge label devices to initiate a predetermined display. For example, the continuous display shelf edge label 43001 may direct the user to the product 43006A by utilizing a chase-light effect. This may include displaying various graphic messages or images, such as arrows, to help direct the user to the first item on the list. Additionally, a package that encapsulates an item matching the first item on the user's list is activated to attract the user's attention. Alternatively or additionally, a speaker can be provided on adjacent display shelf edge labels, which can alert the user with an audible alarm to direct the user to an item on the list.

[399] A comprehensive visual display may be launched by the first continuous display shelf edge label device upon detecting that the user enters the first passage. This comprehensive visual display will be distributed between all of the user interfaces 43002 and 43003, products 43006A-B and 43007A-B, and packages 43004A-B and 43005A-B, or any combination thereof, where Each component can simultaneously output different parts of the visual display. Packages of complementary items can also be activated in a coordinated manner. For example, a retailer may utilize a coordinated display to up-sell or cross-sell different products based on the retailer's preferences (eg directing the user to the retailer's generic brand instead of the brand name item on the user list).

[400] The software application can keep track of the user's location within the store as the user passes through different aisles. Upon entering the user's aisle, the software application can cross-reference the items in the user list and the items stored in the aisle. If one or more items on the user's list or any items that are complementary to items on the user's list are stored in the user's current aisle, the software application may be one or more consecutive in the user's current aisle. Wireless communication with display shelf edge label devices can be established, and a suitable display can be launched to direct the user to an item on the list or a complementary item. Complementary items may be items that are generally purchased together. For example, if the user's food store list indicates that the user will purchase peanut butter, a visual display can be targeted to attract the user's attention to the shelf holding the bread. Complementary items can also be similar items on sale, retailer's house brand items, items that retailers are trying to up-sell.

[401] Figures 44A-44D illustrate exemplary states of a screen of an electronic product and display of a user interface within a continuous display shelf edge label. A portion of the continuous display shelf edge label device 44001 was configured as the user interface 44002a. The continuous display shelf edge label device 44001 can work with the product 4403 to provide additional information to the customer or to attract customer attention. 44A-44D, only one exemplary continuous display shelf edge label device 44001 and one product 44003 are shown. However, any number of continuous display shelf edge labels and products can be configured to interact as described herein.

[402] In one example, the product 4403 is an electronic device with a digital display screen. The continuous display shelf edge label device 44001 can communicate a trigger to the product 4403 to power the display 4004a of the electronic device 4403. Alternatively, the display 44004a of the electronic device 4403 can maintain a continuously or continuously powered state. The continuous display shelf edge label device 44001 detects the interaction between the customer and the continuous display shelf edge label device 44001, or when the continuous display shelf edge label device 44001 detects the customer's presence through a proximity sensor. However, it is possible to communicate such a trigger at selected time intervals. Additionally, the product 4403 may be powered by one or more hubs 39100 or network discussed herein.

[403] In addition to sending a trigger to the electronics 44003, the continuous display shelf edge label device 44001 may configure at least a portion of the display of the continuous display shelf edge label device 44001 as a user interface 44002a. have. If the display 44004a of the electronics 4403 was powered in response to a trigger from the continuous display shelf edge label device 44001 (or one or more hubs 39100 or network), the display 44004a ) Can show the default screen. This default screen can also be duplicated on user interface 44002a. The default screen, when selected by the user, may include an icon that brings up the home menu screen. The default screen may additionally or alternatively include advertisements, other promotional content, or information about electronic products 44003. The customer can then interact with the display 44004a of the electronic product 44003 through the user interface 44002a (eg, using any of the methodologies provided with reference to FIG. 27).

[404] If the user selects the icon displayed on the default home screen through the user interface 44002a, the selection can be transmitted from the continuous display shelf edge label device 44001 to the electronics 44003. Then, the display screen 44004a of the electronic product 44003 may be converted to a display screen 44004b showing a home menu screen in response to a user selection. Then, the electronic product 44003 may transmit data required for display of the home menu screen to the user interface 44002a. Alternatively, this data may already be stored in the continuous display shelf edge label device 44001. In response to receiving the data, the display of the user interface 44002a can then be switched to the display of the user interface 44002b. The user interface 44002b is now mirroring the display screen 44004b of the product 44003 by displaying the same home menu screen as the electronic display 44004b. The user can then select an item from the home screen menu (currently shown on both the display screen 44004b of the product 440303 and the display of the user interface 44002b) through the user interface 44002b. The user's selection can be transmitted from the user interface 44002b to the electronic product 4403. In response to receiving the user's selection, the electronic display 44004b for the product 4403 may be switched to the electronic display 44004c. The electronic display 44004c shows graphics associated with the item selected by the user through the user interface 44002b. Data necessary for the display of the graphic associated with the selected item may then be transmitted from the electronic product 44003 to the user interface 44002b. Data may be transmitted via continuous display shelf edge label device 44001. In response to receiving the data, the display on user interface 44002b can then be switched to the display being shown on user interface 44002c. User interface 44002c is now mirroring electronic display 44004c by displaying graphics associated with the selected item. This type of interaction can continue until terminated by the user.

[405] In one aspect, the present disclosure includes a display management system having a mechanism that can be configured to move in response to a product being removed from the display management system. The display management system may additionally have a sensor that outputs motion data in response to movement of the mechanism. In addition, the display management system may have control circuitry that receives motion data and communicates the motion data to a remote processor if the motion data exceeds a threshold. Additionally, the display management system includes computer-executable instructions that can be executed by a remote processor to calculate the current position of the mechanism from motion data and the number of products removed from the display management system based on the position of the mechanism. Can have a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[406] In another aspect, the present disclosure includes a display management system that can have a mechanism configured to move in response to a product being removed from the display management system. The display management system may further have a sensor that outputs motion data in response to movement of the mechanism. Additionally, the display management system includes a transmitter circuit that transmits motion data to the remote processor, and computer-executable instructions that can be executed by the remote processor to calculate the product's current position and calculate a product removal pattern. -Can have a temporary computer-readable medium.

[407] In another aspect, the present disclosure includes a computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, may be configured to receive sensor data from sensors associated with one or more display management systems. -Including temporary computer-readable media. Additionally, sensor data can be used to calculate the number of products removed from one or more display management systems, and can be used to detect product removal patterns based on the number of products removed from display management systems. You can.

[408] In another aspect, a method and apparatus for providing information along a shelf edge of a retailer is provided. On a display configured to be oriented along the edge of the retailer's shelf, a first user interface is provided that includes first information about the first product on the shelf. At least one second user interface is provided on the display including at least one second information for at least one second product on the shelf. The individual is permitted to edit the parameters of the first user interface and / or at least one second user interface. The parameter can include at least one of the size of the user interface on the display, the shape of the user interface on the display, and the location of the user interface on the display. The first information and at least one second information may be simultaneously output to the display.

[409] In one example, the system comprises a plurality of end-point devices associated with a product shelf configured to display a product and a plurality of hubs each positioned adjacent to one or more of the plurality of end-point devices. can do. One or more of the plurality of end-point devices may be configured to detect inventory information and transmit it to a predetermined adjacent hub of the plurality of hubs, and one or more of the plurality of end-point devices may be multiple It may be configured to receive and display price information or product information from a predetermined hub of the hub. The plurality of hubs may include receiving inventory information from one or more of the plurality of endpoint devices, providing one or more alerts according to the received inventory information, sending inventory information to the network, Receiving price information and product information, and transmitting price information and product information to one or more of the plurality of end-point devices, communicating with the plurality of end-point devices via a low energy transmission protocol Each may be configured to perform one or more of the one, and in one example, the low energy transmission protocol may be one or more of Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy or ISM.

[410] End-point devices may include one or more of product door sensors, peghook security sensors, stock-measure pusher sensors, electronic shelf label displays or interactive touch screen displays. . One or more of the end-point devices is configured to send a periodic transmission indicating a status to a predetermined one of the plurality of hubs. One or more of the endpoint devices can include a product pusher and can be configured to detect the position of the product pusher.

[411] The plurality of hubs may be configured to calculate the number of products based on inventory information received from one or more end-point devices. The number of products calculated by the plurality of hubs can be received by the network, and the network can calculate the number of products in the facility. The plurality of hubs may be configured to transmit one or more of a message, audio or visual indicator upon detection of a product at a predetermined rate displaced from the product shelf. The plurality of hubs may be configured to transmit one or more of a message, audio or visual indicator upon detection of a predetermined level of product. A plurality of hubs can be configured to aggregate and accumulate inventory information and deliver inventory information to the network. A plurality of hubs can be configured to monitor end-point devices and report the status of end-point devices. At least one of the plurality of hubs can be configured to track a position of one or more of the end-point devices, and at least one of the plurality of hubs is in a position of one or more of the end-point devices. It can be configured to detect the occurrence of a possible theft based on a change or to calculate an inventory level based on the position of one or more of the end-point devices. Each of the plurality of hubs includes a series of indicator lights configured to illuminate when predetermined conditions occur. A plurality of hubs can be configured to update software or operating systems of end-point devices. The plurality of hubs may be configured to transmit selected information to end-point devices at predetermined times.

[412] A portal for viewing inventory information received from one or more of the plurality of end-point devices and modifying price information and product information sent to the one or more end-point devices will also be provided. You can. The network can be configured to receive inventory information, and the network can be configured to request additional inventory based on inventory information received from one or more of the plurality of end-point devices. The network can be configured to receive inventory information and send notifications when the inventory level reaches a predetermined value.

[413] In another example, a method includes providing a plurality of end-point devices associated with a product shelf configured to display a product, providing a plurality of hubs, and each of the plurality of hubs a plurality of end-point devices Positioning adjacent to one or more of the plurality of end-point devices to transmit inventory information to a predetermined adjacent hub of the plurality of hubs or to receive price or product information from a predetermined one of the plurality of hubs Configuring one or more of the above, receiving inventory information from one or more of the plurality of end-point devices, sending inventory information to the network, and calculating the number of products based on the received inventory information And configuring each of the plurality of hubs to communicate the number of products to the network, and to communicate with the plurality of end-point devices via a low energy transmission protocol, receiving information and transmitting to the plurality of hubs, and facility Configuring one or more of configuring the network to calculate the total number of products within, and configuring the network to receive pricing information and send pricing information to one or more of the plurality of end-point devices. can do.

[414] Additionally, the method also provides end-point devices as one or more of product door sensors, peghook security sensors, stock-measure pusher sensors, electronic shelf label displays and touchscreen displays. Configuring, one or more of configuring one or more of the end-point devices to transmit a periodic transmission indicating a status to a predetermined one of the plurality of hubs. One or more of the endpoint devices may include a product pusher, and the method may include detecting the position of the product pusher.

[415] The method also sends one or more of a message, an audio or a visual indicator upon detection of a predetermined rate of products displaced from the product shelf, aggregates and accumulates inventory information and inventory information Configuring a plurality of hubs to deliver, configuring a low energy transmission protocol as one or more of Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy or ISM, monitoring multiple end-point devices and reporting status of end-point devices Configuring hubs of, configuring at least one of the plurality of hubs to track the position of one or more of the end-point devices, changing the position of one or more of the end-point devices Configuring at least one of the plurality of hubs to detect an occurrence of possible theft based on or to calculate an inventory level based on a position of one or more of the end-point devices, to illuminate when predetermined conditions occur Providing a configured series of indicator lights to each of the plurality of hubs, configuring the hubs to update the software or operating systems of the end-point devices, configuring the plurality of hubs to update the software or operating systems of the end-point devices And configuring one or more of the plurality of hubs to transmit the selected information to the end-point devices at predetermined times.

[416] The method also provides a portal for viewing inventory information received from one or more of the plurality of end-point devices and modifying price information and product information sent to the one or more end-point devices. Providing, configuring the network to receive inventory information, configuring the network to request additional inventory based on inventory information received from one or more of the plurality of end-point devices, inventory information Receiving and configuring the network to send notifications when the inventory level reaches a predetermined value.

[417] Another example method includes configuring a network to receive information and transmit to a plurality of hubs, transmitting inventory information to a predetermined adjacent hub among a plurality of hubs, or a predetermined hub among a plurality of hubs Configuring one or more of the plurality of end-point devices to receive price or product information from, receiving inventory information from one or more of the plurality of end-point devices, and sending inventory information to the network And calculates the number of products based on the received inventory information, sends the number of products to the network, receives price information and transmits price information to one or more of the plurality of end-point devices, and And configuring each of the plurality of hubs to communicate with the plurality of end-point devices via an energy transmission protocol.

[418] In an aspect, a system can be provided for forming a continuous display between one or more electronic label devices positioned along a product shelf and a plurality of packages stored on the product shelf, wherein the plurality of packages These include built-in displays. Electronic label devices can be configured to receive a streaming video and distribute the streaming video between one or more electronic label devices and a plurality of packages. One or more electronic label devices can send an activation trigger to a plurality of packages. An activation trigger can be sent when one or more electronic label devices detect the presence of a user through a proximity sensor. Each of the plurality of packages can encapsulate the product, and the products can include display screens. One or more electronic label devices can send activation triggers to the display screen of the product of each of the plurality of packages. An activation trigger on the display screen of the product of one or more of the plurality of packages may be sent when a user interacts with one or more electronic label devices. The user can interact with the product's display screen through one or more electronic label devices.

[419] In one example, the system can include a second product shelf perpendicular to the product shelf, and a second electronic label device positioned along the bottom of the second product shelf, the second electronic label device being one Or more electronic displays. One or more electronic displays of the product shelf and one or more electronic displays of the second product shelf can form a continuous display. The system can further include a second plurality of packages connected to the second electronic label device, each of the second plurality of packages being stored on a second product shelf, and including an embedded display. One or more electronic displays of the product shelf, one or more electronic displays of the second product shelf, a plurality of displays and a second plurality of embedded displays can form a continuous display. The electronic label device can output streaming video to a continuous display when detecting the presence of a user through a proximity sensor. In one instance, the front-facing surfaces of the front-most packages and the front-most packages of the packages are determined such that only the front-facing surfaces of the front-most packages form a continuous display.

[420] In one aspect, the first electronic label device positioned along the bottom of the first product shelf, the second electronic label device positioned along the bottom of the second product shelf, the first group stored on the first product shelf A system for forming a continuous display along a first group of packages comprising electronic displays of and a second group of packages stored on a second product shelf and including a second group of electronic displays is provided. The first electronic label device can be configured to distribute streaming video between each of the first electronic label device, the second electronic label device, the first group of electronic displays, and the second group of electronic displays. Each of the first electronic label device, the second electronic label device, the first group of electronic displays, and the second group of electronic displays may be configured to output different portions of streaming video simultaneously. The front facing surfaces of the foremost packages and foremost packages of the first group of packages and the second group of packages can be determined such that only the front facing surfaces of the foremost packages form a continuous display.

[421] In an aspect, a first video is displayed on a first electronic label device embedded along the bottom of the first product shelf, and a second on a second electronic label device embedded along the bottom of the second product shelf Display a video, send a first activation trigger to the first set of packages stored in front of the first product shelf and positioned in front of the first product shelf by the first electronic label device, and the second electronic label Sending a second activation trigger to a second set of packages stored by the device in front of the second product shelf and positioned in front of the second product shelf, and by the first electronic label device, the first electronic label device , Assigning streaming video between each of the second electronic label device, the first set of packages, and the second set of packages, and the first electronic label device, the second electronic label device, the first set of packages, And a different portion of the streaming video by each of the first electronic label device, the second electronic label device, the first set of packages, and the second set of packages, such that each of the second set of packages forms a continuous display. A method for simultaneously displaying is provided. The first electronic label device can send a first activation trigger in response to detecting the presence of the user through the proximity sensor. The first electronic label device can detect the presence of the user through a proximity sensor, and send a trigger to the second electronic label device. The second electronic label device can send the second activation trigger in response to receiving the trigger from the first electronic label device.

[422] In one aspect, a plurality of shelves, each shelf of a plurality of shelves comprising a shelf digital display positioned along the edge of a retailer's shelf to form a plurality of shelf digital displays, and a plurality of shelves A plurality of packages disposed on the shelves of the present invention, wherein each package among the plurality of packages has a package digital display for forming a plurality of package digital displays. The displays and the plurality of packaged digital displays are configured to form a continuous display, and the continuous display is configured to form a uniform display for displaying one of prices, advertisements or messaging. Package digital displays may include an e-ink. Power may be transmitted through the air to the plurality of shelf digital displays through the plurality of shelves. The plurality of shelves can be configured to interact with a plurality of packages. A plurality of shelves can define the front and rear, a group of foremost packages from a plurality of packages is determined, and the foremost packages are configured to form a continuous display. The front surface of each foremost package in the group of foremost packages can be determined to form a continuous display. The plurality of packages can have multiple surfaces, and each of the surfaces can have a packaged digital display that allows the package to be placed on the shelf in any orientation to form part of a continuous display.

[423] In an aspect, an apparatus for directing a user to one or more items is provided. The apparatus can include a processor and memory that stores computer readable instructions, and when executed by the processor, causes the apparatus to store one or more items for purchase or viewing, and within a facility Allow determining the location of one or more shelf edge electronic displays associated with one or more items, detecting the user's computing device within the facility, and one or more users associated with one or more items Determine whether it is close to the shelf edge electronic displays of, and when the user approaches one or more items, by changing one or more shelf edge electronic displays or of one or more items By changing the electronic display, the user is led to one or more items. The device further may further assist the user with one or more items when the user approaches one or more items, by changing one or more shelf edge electronic displays or by changing the electronic display of one or more items. It may be configured to lead to items that are similar or related to excess items. The apparatus can further be configured to determine that one or more items are on a shopping list stored on a mobile device associated with the user.

[424] In another example, instructions are stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media, and when executed, cause the at least one computing device to perform the methods discussed herein.

[425] The various features described above are merely non-limiting examples, and can be rearranged, combined, subdivided, omitted, and / or altered in any desired manner. The true scope of this patent should be defined only by the following claims.

Claims (35)

As a system,
Product shelf, the product shelf having an electronic label device positioned along the bottom of the product shelf, the electronic label device comprising one or more electronic displays; And
It includes a plurality of packages connected to the electronic label device,
Each of the plurality of packages is configured to be stored on the product shelf, and each of the plurality of packages includes a corresponding display,
Each display of the one or more electronic displays, and of the plurality of packages forms a continuous display,
The electronic label device receives the streaming video, and allocates the streaming video between each of the one or more electronic displays and the corresponding display of each of the plurality of packages,
The electronic label device is configured to transmit a user input received at the electronic label device to a first electronic display of a first one of the plurality of packages,
In response to sending the user input to the first electronic display, the electronic label device is configured to receive data from the first electronic display,
The electronic label device is configured to output the data to the one or more electronic displays,
system. delete According to claim 1,
The electronic label device sends an activation trigger to one or more of the plurality of displays,
system. The method of claim 3,
The electronic label device transmits the trigger when detecting the presence of a user through a proximity sensor,
system. According to claim 1,
Each of the plurality of packages encapsulates the product, the product comprising a display screen,
system. The method of claim 5,
The electronic label device sends an activation trigger to a display screen of a product of one or more of the plurality of packages,
system. The method of claim 6,
The electronic label device sends the activation trigger when a user interacts with one of the electronic displays,
system. The method of claim 7,
The user can interact with the display screen through one of the electronic displays,
system. According to claim 1,
And a second product shelf vertically adjacent to the product shelf, and a second electronic label device positioned along the bottom of the second product shelf,
Wherein the second electronic label device comprises one or more electronic displays,
system. The method of claim 9,
One or more electronic displays of the product shelf and one or more electronic displays of the second product shelf form a continuous display,
system. The method of claim 9,
Further comprising a second plurality of packages connected to the second electronic label device,
Each of the second plurality of packages is stored on the second product shelf and includes an embedded display,
system. The method of claim 11,
One or more electronic displays of the product shelf, one or more electronic displays of the second product shelf, a plurality of displays, and embedded displays in each of the second plurality of packages form a continuous display doing,
system. The method of claim 10,
The electronic label device outputs streaming video to the continuous display upon detection of the presence of a user through a proximity sensor,
system. According to claim 1,
The foremost packages of the packages and the forward facing surfaces of the foremost packages are determined so that only the front facing surfaces of the foremost packages form the continuous display,
system. According to claim 1,
Wherein each display of the one or more electronic displays and the plurality of packages is configured to direct the user to one or more items stored on the user's computing device,
system. As a system,
First Product Shelf—The first product shelf includes a first electronic label device positioned along the bottom of the first product shelf;
A second product shelf vertically adjacent to the first product shelf, the second product shelf including a second electronic label device positioned along the bottom of the second product shelf;
A first group of packages stored on the first product shelf and connected to the first electronic label device, wherein the first group of packages includes a first group of electronic displays; And
A second group of packages stored on the second product shelf and connected to the second electronic label device, wherein the second group of packages includes a second group of electronic displays;
It includes,
The first electronic label device, the second electronic label device, the first group of electronic displays, and the second group of electronic displays form a continuous display,
The first electronic label device is configured to transmit user inputs received at the first electronic label device to a first electronic display of a first package of the first group of packages,
In response to sending the user inputs to the first electronic display, the first electronic label device is configured to receive data from the first electronic display,
The first electronic label device is configured to output the data to the first group of electronic displays,
system. The method of claim 16,
The first electronic label device allocates streaming video between each of the first electronic label device, the second electronic label device, the first group of electronic displays, and the second group of electronic displays,
system. The method of claim 17,
Each of the first electronic label device, the second electronic label device, the first group of electronic displays and the second group of electronic displays simultaneously outputs a different portion of the streaming video,
system. The method of claim 16,
Front facing surfaces of the frontmost packages and the frontmost packages of the first group of packages and the second group of packages are determined, so that only the front facing surfaces of the frontmost packages form the continuous display,
system. The method of claim 16,
One or more of the first electronic label device, the second electronic label device, the first group of electronic displays and the second group of electronic displays is stored on a user's computing device. Configured to be changed to induce the user into,
system. As a method,
Displaying a first video on the embedded first electronic label device along the bottom of the first product shelf;
Displaying a second video on a second embedded electronic label device along the bottom of the second product shelf;
Sending, by the first electronic label device, a first activation trigger to a first set of packages stored in front of the first product shelf and positioned in front of the first product shelf;
Sending, by the second electronic label device, a second activation trigger to a second set of packages stored in front of the second product shelf and positioned in front of the second product shelf;
Allocating streaming video between the first electronic label device, the second electronic label device, the first set of packages, and the second set of packages by the first electronic label device;
The first electronic label device, the second electronic label, such that each of the first electronic label device, the second electronic label device, the first set of packages, and the second set of packages forms a continuous display. Simultaneously displaying a different portion of the streaming video by a device, each of the first set of packages, and the second set of packages;
Receiving, by the first electronic label device, a first user input;
Transmitting, by the first electronic label device, to the first package of the first set of packages, the first user input;
In response to sending the first user input to the first package, receiving data from the first package to the first electronic label device by the first electronic label device; And
And outputting, by the first electronic label device, the data to the first electronic label device.
Way. The method of claim 21,
The first electronic label device sends the first activation trigger in response to detecting the presence of a user through a proximity sensor,
Way. The method of claim 21,
The first electronic label device detects the presence of a user through a proximity sensor, and sends a trigger to the second electronic label device,
Way. The method of claim 23,
The second electronic label device sends the second activation trigger in response to receiving the trigger from the first electronic label device,
Way. As a merchandise display system,
Multiple Shelves—Each shelf of the multiple shelves includes a shelf digital display positioned along the edge of a retailer's shelf to form multiple shelf digital displays; And
A plurality of packages disposed on the plurality of shelves, each package among the plurality of packages has a package digital display to form a plurality of package digital displays,
The plurality of shelf digital displays and the plurality of packaged digital displays are configured to form a continuous display, and the continuous display is configured to form a uniform display for displaying one of prices, advertisements or messaging,
A first shelf digital display among the plurality of shelf digital displays is configured to transmit a user input received from the first shelf digital display to a first package digital display among the plurality of package display digital displays,
In response to sending the user input to the first packaged digital display, the first shelf digital display is configured to receive data from the first packaged digital display, and
The first shelf digital display is configured to output the data on the first shelf digital display,
Merchandise display system. The method of claim 25,
The packaged digital displays include an e-ink,
Merchandise display system. The method of claim 25,
Power is transmitted to the plurality of shelf digital displays through the air through the plurality of shelves,
Merchandise display system. The method of claim 25,
The plurality of shelves are configured to interact with the plurality of packages,
Merchandise display system. The method of claim 25,
The plurality of shelves define front and rear, a group of foremost packages is determined from the plurality of packages, and the foremost packages are configured to form the continuous display,
Merchandise display system. The method of claim 29,
The front surface of each foremost package in the group of foremost packages is determined to form the continuous display,
Merchandise display system. The method of claim 25,
The plurality of packages have multiple surfaces, and each of the surfaces has a package digital display that allows a package to be placed on the shelf in any orientation to form part of the continuous display,
Merchandise display system. The method of claim 25,
One or more of the plurality of shelf digital displays is configured to be changed to direct the user to one or more items stored on the user's computing device,
Merchandise display system. As a device,
Processor; And
And a memory storing computer readable instructions,
The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the device to:
Store one or more items for purchase or viewing;
Determine the location of one or more shelf edge electronic displays associated with the one or more items in facility;
Detect a user's computing device in the facility and determine whether the user is close to the one or more shelf edge electronic displays associated with the one or more items;
When the user approaches the one or more items, by changing the one or more shelf edge electronic displays or by changing the electronic display of the one or more items, the user Leads to more items;
Cause, by the one or more shelf edge electronic displays, to receive a first user input;
Cause, by the one or more shelf edge electronic displays, to transmit the first user input to a first one of the one or more items;
In response to sending the first user input to the first one of the one or more items, by the one or more shelf edge electronic displays, the one or more shelf edge electronic displays Cause data to be received from the first one of the one or more items; And
Causing, by the one or more shelf edge electronic displays, to output the data to the one or more shelf edge electronic displays,
Device. The method of claim 33,
The device may further further, when the user approaches the one or more items, by changing the one or more shelf edge electronic displays or by changing the electronic display of the one or more items, Configured to direct the user to items similar or related to the one or more items,
Device. The method of claim 33,
The apparatus is further configured to determine that the one or more items are on a shopping list stored on a mobile device associated with the user,
Device.

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