NETWORKED SMART FIXTURES SUPPORTING VISUAL MERCHANDISE DESIGNERS WITH REMOTE MONITORING, CONTROL, AND REPROGRAMMING

Number: 20210034315
Published: 2021-02-04
Filed: 2019-07-31
Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Inventors: REICHOW; MARK A., COLVIN; STEPHANIE SAKKAB
CPC: H04L67/12; G06F3/147; H04L67/535; H04L67/025; H04L67/125; G06Q30/0276; G06Q30/0268
Verdict: Set aside retail merchandising fixture management, business
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

Abstract

A merchandise fixture system networking a visual merchandise designer (VIVID) system with a plurality of merchandise fixtures (e.g., shelved structures, vending machines, kiosks, and the like) that are placed in brick and mortar stores and other physical facilities chosen so that consumers can view, use, and interact with the fixtures and the merchandise they are displaying. The merchandise fixtures are 'smart' in that they include digital or electronic components that allow them to be monitored, controlled, and reprogrammed remotely using, for example, the VIVID system. The controlling and programming typically include operating a media output assembly that may include visual display devices, speakers, and lighting components, and digital media or content is provided by the VIVID system for use by the media output assembly to create a fixture with visual and audio outputs that attract consumers to the fixture and influence the attracted consumers to interact with and purchase merchandise.

Background

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Description

The present description relates, in general, to use of physical merchandise fixtures to display, and provide for purchase, products to consumers. More particularly, the description relates to a new design for merchandise fixtures (e.g., kiosks and/or any physical structure used to hold merchandise including vending machines, shelving and walled assemblies (whether or not enclosed, and the like)) to facilitate the efforts of visual merchandise designers. 2. Relevant Background

In the world of retail, a fixture is physical structure in a brick and mortar store that is includes shelves and enclosure components for holding and displaying merchandise to customers. In achieving a sale in the retail business, how a retailer chooses to display the merchandise or products they are selling is just as important, if not more important in some situations, than what is being sold. This is because a powerful and successful display design can create an emotional bond for the consumer to a company's brand, and, due to a set of psychological driving forces, consumers tend to be very loyal to brands.

Fixtures in stores give shape and individuality (e.g., a look and feel) to each retail store, and store operators try to use fixtures to ensure that products are displayed and organized in an efficient and eye-catching manner. It is widely accepted in the retail industry that the type of store display fixtures used and the way in which pro

Claims

1. A system for remotely monitoring and reprogramming smart merchandise fixtures used to display products, comprising: a display server system including memory storing a sensory display script configured for use with a smart merchandise fixture in which are positioned one or more of the products; and a plurality of the smart merchandise fixtures communicatively linked with the display server system to receive the sensory display script and, in response, generate a sensory product display, wherein each of the smart merchandise fixtures comprises: a physical display assembly displaying the products; and a media output assembly mounted on the physical display assembly and including at least one sensory rendering technology element operable by a controller to provide a sensory display proximate to the products based on the sensory display script. || 11. A smart merchandise fixture, comprising: a physical display assembly configured to display merchandise; a receiver for receiving communications from a remote server; a fixture controller for processing the communications and, in response, storing media content in local memory; and a media output assembly mounted on the physical display assembly and including a display element operable to provide a displayed image proximate to the merchandise using the media content, wherein the fixture controller operates to process a second set of media content received by the receiver and, in response, reprogram the media output assembly to operate the display element to provide a second displayed image using the second set of media content. || 17. A method of displaying and monitoring merchandise in a fixture, comprising: providing a smart fixture in a space, wherein the smart fixture includes a physical display assembly displaying products, a sensory display element adapted for rendering sensory stimuli, and a monitoring system; operating the sensory display element to provide first sensory stimulus; operating the monitoring system to sense data related to the displayed products; processing the sensed data to monitor interactions with or inventory levels of the displayed products; and in response to the processing, operating the sensory display element to provide second sensory stimulus or issuing a message to an operator of the smart fixture to restock the physical display assembly with an additional amount of the products.