RECONFIGURABLE PRODUCT DISPLAY SYSTEMS
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of: U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/246,312, filed October 26, 2015, and titled "RECONFIGURABLE WALL SYSTEM;" and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/246,377, filed October 26, 2015, and titled "INTERACTIVE SHELVING SYSTEM." Each provisional patent application listed in this paragraph is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In retail spaces, walls and shelving units can be used to display various products for sale. In some instances, a display wall may include many shelving units to accommodate small products (e.g., shoes), while in other instances more open space on a wall is used to fully display products (e.g., clothing). In other instances, standalone shelving units or tables are used to display products.
SUMMARY
[0003] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key and/or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Also, this Summary is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter in any manner.
[0004] Aspects of the disclosure can relate to a reconfigurable wall system including modular wall units that form a wall that extends in a first direction (e.g., vertically). A wall unit can include a face oriented generally parallel to the first direction, and can be associated with an actuator to move the face along a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., horizontally). Each wall unit can be associated with a display (e.g., disposed in the face of the wall unit) so that the display is visible on the wall. The reconfigurable wall system can also include one or more sensors associated with a wall unit. The sensors can be configured to sense the proximity of items and/or individuals with respect to a wall unit. The proximity of an item and/or an individual to a wall unit may cause the reconfigurable wall system to display information related to the item and/or the individual.
[0005] Aspects of this disclosure can also relate to an interactive shelving system. In an embodiment, the interactive shelving system can include a shelving panel with an integrated display and a radio frequency (RF) receiver in proximity of the shelving panel. The RF receiver can detect a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag of an item placed on the shelving panel or suspended in proximity of (e.g., on a rack below or near) the shelving panel. The interactive shelving system can also include a computing system communicatively coupled with the radio frequency receiver and the integrated display. The computing system can associate a detected RFID tag with an item (e.g., an article of clothing, an accessory, or another good or commodity tagged with the RFID tag). For example, the computing system can identify an item placed on the shelving panel based upon the detected RFID tags. The computing system can then provide information related to the items via the integrated display. For example, information related to the item can include information such as, but not limited to: specifications of the item (e.g., material/fabric used, style, cut, sizing information, pricing, and so forth), information regarding complimentary or similar items, or environmental sounds or displays based upon the item (e.g., lighting, scenery, and/or sounds or music based upon the item).
DRAWINGS
[0006] The Detailed Description is described with reference to the accompanying figures.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a reconfigurable wall system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a modular wall unit of the reconfigurable wall system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a modular wall unit of the reconfigurable wall system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0010] FIG. 3 A is a schematic diagram of a modular wall unit of the reconfigurable wall system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the reconfigurable wall system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a modular wall unit of the reconfigurable wall system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective rear view of the reconfigurable wall system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective bottom view of a floor support frame of the reconfigurable wall system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a modular wall unit of the reconfigurable wall system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 7B is an exploded view of a modular wall unit of the reconfigurable wall system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective side view of the reconfigurable wall system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a modular wall unit of the reconfigurable wall system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 1 OA is a partially exploded view of a modular wall unit of the reconfigurable wall system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional side view of a modular wall unit of the reconfigurable wall system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the reconfigurable wall system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram of an interactive shelving system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the interactive shelving system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Various embodiments and implementations of reconfigurable and/or interactive product display systems are described herein. While specific embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings and described herein, it shall be understood that multiple embodiments or portions of embodiments can be combined to achieve embodiments of systems, devices, or methods other than the embodiments that are explicitly disclosed herein. Furthermore, substitutions, modifications, and/or combinations can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
[0025] FIGS. 1 through 11 illustrate a reconfigurable wall system 100 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the reconfigurable wall system 100 can include multiple modular wall units 112 (which may be referred to as "pixels") that form at least a portion of a wall (e.g., an entire wall forming one side of a room, one-half (1/2) of a wall, one-quarter (1/4) of a wall, multiple walls, etc.). For example, the pixels 112 can be assembled into a matrix 110 that defines an entire wall or portion of a wall. In embodiments, the matrix 110 extends in a first direction (e.g., vertically), and each one of the plurality of pixels 112 includes a face oriented generally parallel to the first direction (e.g., vertically). In embodiments, the reconfigurable wall system 100 includes at least one computing system 104 that controls one or more pixel matrixes 110. In embodiments, the computing system 104 may be in communication with a server 102 that provides communications for remotely controlling the one or more pixel matrixes 110, and/or sends/receives sensor information, product information, and so forth to the computing system 104. In embodiments, the computing system 104 can be communicatively coupled with pixel matrixes 110 and/or individual pixels 112 through the use of one or more switches 106 and 108. For example, in some embodiments, a first switch 106 for coupling the computing system 104 with a plurality of pixel matrixes 110 can be daisy chained with one or more switches 108 for communicating with respective pixels 112 of each pixel matrix 110. In some embodiments, the switches 108 (or another set of switches) can also be configured to distribute electrical energy for powering each matrix 110 of pixels 112 from a common power source 122. [0026] In embodiments, a pixel can include a display 118 (e.g., LCD, LED, OLED display, or the like) which may be disposed in the face of the pixel 112 so that the display 118 is visible when looking at a pixel 112 of a wall matrix 110. A pixel 112 can further include one or more inputs or outputs (e.g., universal serial bus (USB) sockets 114, general purpose input/output (GPIO) pins 120, and so forth). A pixel 112 can also include a respective processing unit 116 (e.g., microprocessor, microcontroller, or the like) for controlling one or more components of the pixel 112 and/or devices in communication with the pixel 112.
[0027] The reconfigurable wall system 100 can include one or more sensors associated with one or more pixels 112. For example, sensors (e.g., RF receivers, optical detectors, motion sensors, cameras, or other proximity sensors) can be configured to sense the proximity of items and/or individuals with respect to a pixel. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a pixel 112 can one or more RF receivers 124 for near-field or far-field RFID detection. In some embodiments, for example, a RF receiver 124 can detect an RFID tag (sometimes referred to as a "smart tag") associated with an item 126 displayed on a shelf defined by the pixel 1 12. Generally, the RF receivers 124 can detect RFID tags or badges. For example, RFID tags may be coupled to products 124 on display and/or RFID badges may be carried by individuals (e.g., embedded in customer loyalty cards). In embodiments, the proximity of an item and/or an individual to a pixel 112 causes the reconfigurable wall system 100 to display information related to the item and/or the individual on one or more displays 118 proximate to the pixel 112. In some embodiments, the information can be displayed on the pixel 112 itself, and possibly on other displays 118 (e.g., adjacent pixels 112). In some embodiments, multiple pixels 112 can act as a single, larger display. In other embodiments, the information can be displayed on one or more other pixels 112 (e.g., a second pixel 112 proximate to a first pixel 112 that is associated with a detected item or individual).
[0028] In embodiments of the disclosure, information displayed by the pixel 112 may vary depending upon the proximity of an individual to one or more displays. For example, at a greater distance from the pixel 112, the price of an item may be displayed proximate to the item in a comparatively larger size (e.g., a large font). As an individual approaches the pixel 112, the price may be displayed in a comparatively smaller size (e.g., a smaller font), and/or additional information may also be added proximate to the item. For example, details specific to that item and/or other similar items as a group can be displayed proximate to the item and/or to a group of items.
[0029] In some embodiments, information displayed by the pixel 112 may vary depending upon the identity and/or status (e.g., loyalty status) of an individual. For example, based upon the identification of an individual or type of individual to the pixel 112, the price of an item may be altered. For example, as an individual approaches the pixel 112, the individual may be identified as a "gold card" holder, and the displayed price of the item may be altered to reflect that individual's status (e.g., a comparatively lower price may be indicated on one or more displays 118). In another example, as an individual approaches the pixel 112, the individual may be identified as a "silver card" holder, and the displayed price of the item may then reflect that individual's status (e.g., a comparatively higher price may be indicated on one or more displays 118). In some embodiments, an individual can be identified using facial recognition and/or a signal received from an identification card carried by the individual (e.g., an RFID badge on the person of the individual, swiped by the individual, touched to a pixel 112 of the pixel matrix 110, etc.).
[0030] It should be noted that altering a price to reflect the identity and/or status of an individual is provided by way of example and is not meant to limit the present disclosure. In other embodiments, display information that can be altered based upon the identification and/or status of a user can include, but is not necessarily limited to: an indication of a complimentary item available to the individual with a purchase, special financing available to the individual, reduced or free shipping available to the individual, and so forth. Further, in some embodiments, the identification of an individual or type of individual in proximity to the pixel 112 and/or to an item displayed on the pixel 112 may trigger an alert to a staff member to approach the individual (e.g., to offer assistance in selecting merchandise, to discuss the terms of a sale, etc.). [0031] The computing system 104 can be configured to control the pixel display 118 in any manner described herein. For example, the computing system 104 can cause the pixel display 118 to display information based on a detected RFID, based on other sensor information (e.g., a detected image from a camera coupled to a pixel 112, detected proximity of an individual to the pixel 112 by a proximity sensor, and the like), based on program instructions and/or user commands executed by the computing system 104, based on information from the server 102 (e.g., item information or user information from a database on the server 102), any combination of the foregoing, and the like.
[0032] In some embodiments, each pixel 112 is associated with an actuator that can move the face of the pixel along a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., horizontally). For example, with reference to FIG. 3A, a linear actuator 130 (e.g., a mechanical actuator, such as a screw, a wheel and axle, a cam, and so on; a hydraulic actuator; a pneumatic actuator; an electro-mechanical actuator; etc.) in a pixel 112 can move the face of the pixel horizontally through a range of about eighteen inches (18"). However, this range is provided by way of example and is not meant to limit the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the face of a pixel 112 can be moved more than eighteen inches (18"), less than eighteen inches (18"), and so forth. In embodiments, the actuator 130 can be coupled to a controller 128 (e.g., microcontroller, ASIC, FPGA, or the like) in communication with the computing system 104 or processing unit 116 of the pixel 112. For example, the controller 128 can be communicatively coupled to the pixel circuitry via the GPIO 120. Pixels 112 can be extended to form shelves (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3B), for example, one or more pixels 112 can form a shelf for supporting one or more products on display. Pixels 112 can also be extended to form racks for supporting hangers (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B). In some embodiments, at least one magnet 159 or a plurality of magnets 159 supported by a bracket 158 can be embedded in or coupled to the bottom of a pixel 112 to support a hanger 160 having a magnetic connector 162 for suspending the hanger 160 from the pixel 112. In some embodiments, a far-field RF antenna 139 is situated above the rack to detect RFID tags coupled to or embedded in hangers 160 or coupled to items (e.g. clothing) supported by hangers 160. [0033] A pixel matrix 110 can define a wall structure that can provide a modular, intelligent, programmable shelving system for objects. Independent pixel units 112 may each have the capability to identify and/or sense articles 126 placed on top and/or hung from the bottom of each pixel 112 (e.g., where the articles are tagged with RFID tags). Then, the pixels 112 can display information pertinent to the articles 126 (e.g., in realtime) via a display 118. For example, a pixel 112 relays the RFID tag information of the article to a centralized server 102 containing a catalog of items available in a retail space. The centralized server 102 then streams information to the corresponding pixel microprocessor 116, which, in turn, processes and displays the corresponding information of the article 126. The ability of the pixels 112 to move with linear motion allows the pixel matrix 110 to take on different shapes and/or configurations depending on its use and design. In some embodiments, a pixel matrix 110 installation can be modularly and/or independently upgraded by adding RFID receiver 124, proximity sensors 134 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4), and so on. Thus, the systems and techniques of the present disclosure can provide a programmable retail shelving system that allows for quick and efficient merchandize change over, and can provide a convergence of online and brick and mortar retail experiences to the shopper.
[0034] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a tower 138 comprising a plurality of brackets for supporting respective pixels 112 of a pixel matrix 112. For example, each pixel may include a base 142 held by a respective bracket of the tower 138, whereby the pixel body can be moved relative to the base 142 by actuation of a traveling spine 144 that supports the pixel body. The tower 138 may be supported by a frame 140 which may include one or more fasteners 146 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6) for attaching the frame 140 to a support surface (e.g., floor).
[0035] FIGS. 7 A and 7B show an assembled pixel 112 and an exploded view of a pixel 112 in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure. In embodiments, the pixel 112 includes a cover 148 that defines the pixel body. The cover 148 may be supported on the traveling spine 144 by one or more support brackets 141. The actuator 130 (e.g., a DC motor) can cause the traveling spine 144 to move linearly with respect to the base 142. In some embodiments, the base 142 has one or more rollers 131 for aligning the traveling spine 144 and reducing friction with the base 142 when the traveling spine 144 is actuated by actuator 130. A display 118 is coupled to a face of the pixel 112. The display 118 can be supported by a display bracket 151 that is coupled to the traveling spine 144. The display 118 may be covered by a lens structure 152, and in some embodiments, can have a proximity sensor 134 disposed below the display 118. The pixel 112 can further include one or more circuitry, communication, and or sensor components. In some embodiments, the pixel 112 can include a main circuitry board 153, a backlight circuitry board 154, a near-field RFID antenna 124, a far-field antenna 139, a proximity sensor driver 133, a power/driver circuitry board 156, one or more network and/or power connection interfaces 147 (e.g., LAN or power sockets), any combination of the foregoing, and so forth. The pixel 112 can also include a power supply bracket 155, a cable track 149 for communication and/or power cables, and a transmission encoder track 145.
[0036] FIGS. 8 and 9 show further views of a pixel matrix 110 and a pixel 112 in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure. In some embodiments, only some of the pixels 112 include proximity sensors 134. For example, proximity sensors 134 (e.g., cameras, motion detectors, optical sensors, ambient light sensors, radar sensors, sonic sensors, or the like) may be attached to pixels 112 in a bottom row of a pixel matrix 110. FIG. 11 shows another view of a pixel matrix 1 10, where the tower 138 and the frame 140 have respective outer coverings 164 and 166. As shown throughout the figures and described herein, variations can be made to the pixels 112 and matrix structure 110 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Embodiments other than those illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 11 can be achieved by combining portions of embodiments to arrive at new embodiments and/or modifying or substituting components of the reconfigurable wall system 100.
[0037] The reconfigurable wall system 100, including some or all of its components, can operate under computer control. For example, a processor can be included with or in the reconfigurable wall system 100 to control the components and functions of systems described herein using software, firmware, hardware (e.g., fixed logic circuitry), manual processing, or a combination thereof. The terms "controller," "functionality," "service," and "logic" as used herein generally represent software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of software, firmware, or hardware in conjunction with controlling the systems. In the case of a software implementation, the module, functionality, or logic represents program code that performs specified tasks when executed on a processor (e.g., central processing unit (CPU) or CPUs). The program code can be stored in one or more computer-readable memory devices (e.g., internal memory and/or one or more tangible media), and so on. The structures, functions, approaches, and techniques described herein can be implemented on a variety of commercial computing platforms having a variety of processors.
[0038] The reconfigurable wall system 100 can be coupled with a controller (e.g., computing system 104) for controlling the movement of the faces of the pixels and/or the display of information on the displays of the pixels. The controller can include a processor, a memory, and a communications interface. The processor provides processing functionality for the controller and can include any number of processors, micro-controllers, or other processing systems, and resident or external memory for storing data and other information accessed or generated by the controller. The processor can execute one or more software programs that implement techniques described herein. The processor is not limited by the materials from which it is formed or the processing mechanisms employed therein and, as such, can be implemented via semiconductor(s) and/or transistors (e.g., using electronic integrated circuit (IC) components), and so forth.
[0039] The memory is an example of tangible, computer-readable storage medium that provides storage functionality to store various data associated with operation of the controller, such as software programs and/or code segments, or other data to instruct the processor, and possibly other components of the controller, to perform the functionality described herein. Thus, the memory can store data, such as a program of instructions for operating the system (including its components), and so forth. It should be noted that while a single memory is described, a wide variety of types and combinations of memory (e.g., tangible, non-transitory memory) can be employed. The memory can be integral with the processor, can comprise stand-alone memory, or can be a combination of both.
[0040] The memory can include, but is not necessarily limited to: removable and nonremovable memory components, such as random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory (e.g., a secure digital (SD) memory card, a mini-SD memory card, and/or a micro-SD memory card), magnetic memory, optical memory, universal serial bus (USB) memory devices, hard disk memory, external memory, and so forth. In implementations, the reconfigurable wall system 100 and/or the memory can include removable integrated circuit card (ICC) memory, such as memory provided by a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a universal subscriber identity module (USIM) card, a universal integrated circuit card (UICC), and so on.
[0041] The communications interface is operatively configured to communicate with components of the system. For example, the communications interface can be configured to transmit data for storage in the system, retrieve data from storage in the system, and so forth. The communications interface is also communicatively coupled with the processor to facilitate data transfer between components of the system and the processor (e.g., for communicating inputs to the processor received from a device communicatively coupled with the controller). It should be noted that while the communications interface is described as a component of a controller, one or more components of the communications interface can be implemented as external components communicatively coupled to the system via a wired and/or wireless connection. The system can also comprise and/or connect to one or more input/output (I/O) devices (e.g., via the communications interface), including, but not necessarily limited to: a display, a mouse, a touchpad, a keyboard, and so on.
[0042] The communications interface and/or the processor can be configured to communicate with a variety of different networks, including, but not necessarily limited to: a wide-area cellular telephone network, such as a 3G cellular network, a 4G cellular network, or a global system for mobile communications (GSM) network; a wireless computer communications network, such as a WiFi network (e.g., a wireless local area network (WLAN) operated using IEEE 802.11 network standards); an internet; the Internet; a wide area network (WAN); a local area network (LAN); a personal area network (PAN) (e.g., a wireless personal area network (WPAN) operated using IEEE 802.15 network standards); a public telephone network; an extranet; an intranet; and so on. However, this list is provided by way of example only and is not meant to limit the present disclosure. Further, the communications interface can be configured to communicate with a single network or multiple networks across different access points.
[0043] Items in a retail environment can also be displayed on shelves, tables, and other shelving systems. FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an interactive shelving system 200 in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure. The interactive shelving system 200 can include a shelving panel 210 with an integrated display and one or more radio frequency (RF) receivers (e.g., RF receivers 208 and 212) in proximity of the shelving panel 210. For example, RF receivers 208 and 212 can be built into or attached to the shelving panel 210, or simply positioned near one or more interactive portions (e.g., surfaces 21 OA and 210B) of the shelving panel 210. In some implementations, the RF receivers can be associated with corresponding interactive portions of the shelving panel, such as designated areas or grouping of image pixels making up the integrated display. For example, RF receiver 212 can be associated with surface 21 OA and RF receiver 208 can be associated with surface 210B.
[0044] The RF receivers can detect radio frequency identification (RFID) tags 216 of items 214 placed on the shelving panel 210 or suspended in proximity of (e.g., on a rack below or near) the shelving panel 210. In some embodiments, the shelving panel 210 comprises a substantially transparent or translucent panel, such as a glass panel or the like, which can have a substantially transparent or translucent display integrated therein. An "integrated display" can include a display that is encapsulated by layers making up the shelving panel 210 or a display adhered to an exterior surface of the shelving panel 210. In some embodiments, the shelving panel 210 is horizontally aligned (with the floor) to enable items 214 to be placed on the shelving panel 210 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B) or suspended on a rack below the shelving panel 210. In other embodiments, where the interactive shelving system 200 includes a rack that can suspend items (e.g., clothing, accessory rack, or the like), the shelving panel 210 can be positioned adjacent to the rack (e.g., above, next to, or behind the rack) and vertically aligned (e.g., normal to the floor) or positioned at an angle (e.g., tilted for better viewing capability).
[0045] The interactive shelving system 200 can also include a computing system 202 communicatively coupled with the integrated display and one or more RF receivers. In some embodiments, the integrated display (or multiple integrated displays) and the one or more RF receivers are communicatively coupled to the computing system 202 through an intermediate hub 206 or switch (e.g., USB hub or the like). The computing system 202 can associate a detected RFID tag 216 (sometimes referred to as a "smart tag") with a corresponding item 214 (e.g., an article of clothing, an accessory, or another good or commodity tagged with the RFID tag). For example, the computing system 202 can identify an item 214 placed on the shelving panel 210 based upon the detected RFID tag 216. In some implementations, the computing system 202 identifies multiple items 214 placed on or proximate to different portions (e.g., surfaces 21 OA and 210B) of the shelving panel 210. The computing system 202 can then provide information related to the item or items 214 via the integrated display. In some implementations, various portions of the integrated display provide information relevant to the item placed on or proximate to a corresponding portion (e.g., surface 210A or 210B) of the shelving panel 210. In some implementations, instead of a single integrated display, the shelving panel 210 may include multiple integrated displays associated with different portions of the shelving panel 210. For example, surfaces 21 OA and 210B can each have a separate display. In further implementations, multiple displays can be operated as a single display (e.g., multiple display panels acting as one display panel). Information provided by the integrated display can include information related to the item 214, such as, but not limited to: specifications of the item 214 (e.g., material/fabric used, style, cut, sizing information, pricing, and so forth), information regarding complimentary or similar items, or environmental sounds or displays based upon the item 214 (e.g., lighting, scenery, and/or sounds or music based upon the item 214).
[0046] The interactive shelving system 200 may enable quick and efficient merchandize change over by dynamically updating displayed information (e.g., item manufacturer, model, style, type, SKU number, pricing, and so forth) based upon the RFID tag 216 of the item 214 placed on or near the shelving panel 210 or a portion thereof (e.g., surface 21 OA or 210B). In a sense, this provides a convergence of online and brick and mortar retail experience to the shopper.
[0047] In some implementations, the computing system 202 is in communication with a server 204 that stores information regarding various items 214 (e.g., in a catalog or database) that can be displayed on, suspended near, or otherwise positioned proximate to the shelving panel 210 (or a network of shelving panels 210 distributed throughout a store). For example, the computing system 202 can be communicatively coupled to the server 204 through an internet or intranet connection. In some implementations, the computing system 202 can relay the RFID tag 216 information of the item 214 to the server 204. The server 204 then transmits information related to the item to the computing system 202, which in turn processes and provides the corresponding information for the item 214 via the integrated display. In other embodiments, the computing system 202 can have item information stored thereon and can dynamically update the displayed information itself, without needing to access a remote server.
[0048] In some embodiments, the interactive shelving system 200 can further include a proximity sensor (e.g., an ambient light sensor, motion detector, camera, thermal sensor, pressure sensor, or other physical presence detector) in proximity of the shelving panel 210. The proximity sensor can detect a presence of an individual within proximity of the shelving panel 210. The computing system 202 can be communicatively coupled to the proximity sensor and configured to provide a pre-programmed message or graphic (e.g., welcome greeting, information regarding sales/promotions, member exclusives, etc.), via the display, in response to a signal from the proximity sensor indicating the detected presence of the individual within proximity of the shelving panel 210.
[0049] In embodiments of the disclosure, information displayed by the integrated display may vary depending upon the proximity of an individual to the shelving panel 210. For example, at a greater distance from the shelving panel 210, the price of an item 214 may be displayed proximate to the item 214 in a comparatively larger size (e.g., a large font). As an individual approaches the shelving panel 210, the price may be displayed in a comparatively smaller size (e.g., a smaller font), and/or additional information may also be added proximate to the item 214. For example, details specific to that item 214 and/or other similar items as a group can be displayed proximate to the item 214 and/or to a group of items 214.
[0050] In some embodiments, information displayed by the integrated display may vary depending upon the identity and/or status (e.g., loyalty status) of an individual. For example, based upon the identification of an individual or type of individual, the price of an item 214 may be altered. For example, as an individual approaches the shelving panel 210, the individual may be identified as a "gold card" holder, and the displayed price of the item 214 may be altered to reflect that individual's status (e.g., a comparatively lower price may be indicated on one or more integrated displays). In another example, as an individual approaches the shelving panel 210, the individual may be identified as a "silver card" holder, and the displayed price of the item 214 may then reflect that individual's status (e.g., a comparatively higher price may be indicated on one or more integrated displays). In some embodiments, an individual can be identified using facial recognition and/or a signal received from an identification card carried by the individual (e.g., an RFID card on the person of the individual, swiped by the individual, touched to a pixel of the shelving panel 210, communicated by NFC, Bluetooth, or other close proximity communication standard from a mobile device of the individual, etc.).
[0051] It should be noted that altering a price to reflect the identity and/or status of an individual is provided by way of example and is not meant to limit the present disclosure. In other embodiments, display information that can be altered based upon the identification and/or status of a user can include, but is not necessarily limited to: an indication of a complimentary item available to the individual with a purchase, special financing available to the individual, reduced or free shipping available to the individual, and so forth. Further, in some embodiments, the identification of an individual or type of individual in proximity to the shelving panel 210 and/or to an item 214 displayed on the shelving panel 210 may trigger an alert to a staff member to approach the individual (e.g., to offer assistance in selecting merchandise, to discuss the terms of a sale, etc.).
[0052] The interactive shelving system 200, including some or all of its components, can operate under computer control. For example, a processor can be included with or in the interactive shelving system 200 to control the components and functions of systems described herein using software, firmware, hardware (e.g., fixed logic circuitry), manual processing, or a combination thereof. The terms "controller," "functionality," "service," and "logic" as used herein generally represent software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of software, firmware, or hardware in conjunction with controlling the systems. In the case of a software implementation, the module, functionality, or logic represents program code that performs specified tasks when executed on a processor (e.g., central processing unit (CPU) or CPUs). The program code can be stored in one or more computer-readable memory devices (e.g., internal memory and/or one or more tangible media), and so on. The structures, functions, approaches, and techniques described herein can be implemented on a variety of commercial computing platforms having a variety of processors.
[0053] The interactive shelving system 200 can be coupled with a controller (e.g., computing system 202) for controlling the integrated display. The controller can include a processor, a memory, and a communications interface. The processor provides processing functionality for the controller and can include any number of processors, micro-controllers, or other processing systems, and resident or external memory for storing data and other information accessed or generated by the controller. The processor can execute one or more software programs that implement techniques described herein. The processor is not limited by the materials from which it is formed or the processing mechanisms employed therein and, as such, can be implemented via semiconductor(s) and/or transistors (e.g., using electronic integrated circuit (IC) components), and so forth.
[0054] The memory is an example of tangible, computer-readable storage medium that provides storage functionality to store various data associated with operation of the controller, such as software programs and/or code segments, or other data to instruct the processor, and possibly other components of the controller, to perform the functionality described herein. Thus, the memory can store data, such as a program of instructions for operating the system (including its components), and so forth. It should be noted that while a single memory is described, a wide variety of types and combinations of memory (e.g., tangible, non-transitory memory) can be employed. The memory can be integral with the processor, can comprise stand-alone memory, or can be a combination of both.
[0055] The memory can include, but is not necessarily limited to: removable and nonremovable memory components, such as random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory (e.g., a secure digital (SD) memory card, a mini-SD memory card, and/or a micro-SD memory card), magnetic memory, optical memory, universal serial bus (USB) memory devices, hard disk memory, external memory, and so forth. In implementations, the interactive shelving system 200 and/or the memory can include removable integrated circuit card (ICC) memory, such as memory provided by a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a universal subscriber identity module (USIM) card, a universal integrated circuit card (UICC), and so on.
[0056] The communications interface is operatively configured to communicate with components of the system. For example, the communications interface can be configured to transmit data for storage in the system, retrieve data from storage in the system, and so forth. The communications interface is also communicatively coupled with the processor to facilitate data transfer between components of the system and the processor (e.g., for communicating inputs to the processor received from a device communicatively coupled with the controller). It should be noted that while the communications interface is described as a component of a controller, one or more components of the communications interface can be implemented as external components communicatively coupled to the system via a wired and/or wireless connection. The system can also comprise and/or connect to one or more input/output (I/O) devices (e.g., via the communications interface), including, but not necessarily limited to: a display, a mouse, a touchpad, a keyboard, and so on.
[0057] The communications interface and/or the processor can be configured to communicate with a variety of different networks, including, but not necessarily limited to: a wide-area cellular telephone network, such as a 3G cellular network, a 4G cellular network, or a global system for mobile communications (GSM) network; a wireless computer communications network, such as a WiFi network (e.g., a wireless local area network (WLAN) operated using IEEE 802.11 network standards); an internet; the Internet; a wide area network (WAN); a local area network (LAN); a personal area network (PAN) (e.g., a wireless personal area network (WPAN) operated using IEEE 802.15 network standards); a public telephone network; an extranet; an intranet; and so on. However, this list is provided by way of example only and is not meant to limit the present disclosure. Further, the communications interface can be configured to communicate with a single network or multiple networks across different access points.
[0058] Operations or steps described in this disclosure can be carried out in any order, unless otherwise indicated herein, and in some instances, various operations or steps may be carried out substantially simultaneously or at least partially in parallel. It should be further recognized that the various functions, operations, blocks, or steps described throughout the present disclosure may be carried out by any combination of hardware, software, or firmware. Various steps or operations may be carried out by one or more of the following: electronic circuitry, logic gates, multiplexers, a programmable logic device, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a controller/microcontroller, or a computing system. A computing system may include, but is not limited to, a personal computing system, mainframe computing system, workstation, image computer, parallel processor, or any other device known in the art. In general, the terms "controller" and "computing system" are broadly defined to encompass any device having one or more processors, which execute instructions from a carrier medium.
[0059] Program instructions implementing methods, such as those manifested by embodiments described herein, may be transmitted over or stored on carrier medium. The carrier medium may be a transmission medium, such as, but not limited to, a wire, cable, or wireless transmission link. The carrier medium may also include a non- transitory signal bearing medium or storage medium such as, but not limited to, a readonly memory, a random access memory, a magnetic or optical disk, a solid-state or flash memory device, or a magnetic tape.
[0060] Furthermore, it is to be understood that although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or process operations, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.