CA2527004A1 - System and method of digital retail assistance - Google Patents

Abstract

A digital retail assistance system for assisting a retailer sell products is provided.
The system comprises a product identifier for identifying a product, a product selector for displaying the product and receiving product selections, an inventory database for storing product information, and a computer for managing the product identifier, product selector and inventory database.

Description

Svstem and Method of DiEital Retail Assistance FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a system and method of digital retail assistance.
S
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In an effort to increase sales and profitability, garment retailers try to arrange products in a store so that a consumer views the maximum number of items.
Garment retailers have an advertising/marketing strategy targeted towards a consumer depending upon the consumer's taste. Garment retailers also show consumers matching/complementary items according to his/her taste, and give consumers advice on various matching/complementary items which in turn will cross/up sell to customers.
Garment retailers try to have incentive programs - discounts/promotions, with the option of having customized shopping experience. Garment retailers also try to show consumer their most selling or least selling products according to their marketing strategy, try to have salespeople working in the store to keep track of which item is taken into which changing room, and try to keep a track of what consumers take into changing room, i.e., the most tried on garment.
There is a need for a system and method of digital retail assistance to assist garment retailers to better perform one or more of the above tasks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a system and method of digital retail assistance.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a digital retail assistance system for assisting a retailer to sell products.
The system comprises a product identifier for identifying a product, a product selector for displaying the product and receiving product selections, an inventory database for storing product information, and a computer for managing the product identifier, product selector and a central inventory database.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of digital retail assistance for sales of products. The method comprises the steps of scanning an identification of a product, processing the identification of the product and product selections, and storing product information in a repository.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows an example of an embodiment of a digital retail assistant (DRA) system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows in a flowchart an example of a method of digital retail assistance, in accordance with an embodiment of the DRA system.
Figure 3 shows in a flowchart an example of a DRA image manager process, in I 0 accordance with an embodiment of the DRA system.
Figure 4 shows an example of a fashion designer module environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the DRA system.
Figure 5 shows in a flowchart an example of a fashion designer process, in accordance with an embodiment of the DRA system.
I S Figure 6 shows an example of a DRA changing room system back end, in accordance with an embodiment of the DRA system.
Figure 7 shows an example of a DRA statistical analysis tool environment, in accordance with an embodiment of the DRA system.
Figure 8 shows in a flowchart an example of a DRA statistical analysis tool 20 process, in accordance with an embodiment of the DRA system.
Figure 9 shows in a flowchart an example of a method of providing proprietary relations for generating highly optimized matching garments, in accordance with an embodiment of the DRA system.

Digital retail assistance relates to a system that allows customers to select complementary/matching items, view other in-store merchandise and advertisements/promotions in a store, and display inventory in real-time. The system and method of digital retail assistance provides digital customer interaction while enhancing 30 existing relationships in the retail environment. Advantageously, the digital retail assistance system and method increases customer satisfaction, provides and integrates an advertising tool, increases sales, highlights store promotions and complementary products in the store, is flexible to incorporate with web-based shopping systems, increases store and item visibility, provides a medium for in-store advertisement.
The digital retail assistance system and method is described below by example using the clothing garment industry as the retailer. The digital retail assistance system and method may be applied to other retailers.
Figure 1 shows an example of an embodiment of a digital retail assistance (DRA) system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The DRA
system 100 comprises a garment identifier 102 for identifying a product, a garment selector 104 for displaying the product and receiving product selection, a computer or processor 106, a repository for storing product information, and DRA system software 110. The garment identifier 102 may be a bar code or radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, and is connected to the computer or processor 106. The garment selector 104 may be a touch screen placed in a changing room, and is connected to the computer or processor 106. The repository 108 may comprise one or more in-store databases 1088 and a central database 108A. Each store in a chain of stores may have one or more in-store databases 1088. The computer or processor 106 is connected to the repository, the garment identifier 102 and the garment selector 104. Preferably, size and colour availability information are queried live from the central database each time a request is made.
The DRA system 100 can be implemented using RFID tags, where the system 100 automatically detects items taken into a changing room. Alternatively, the digital retail assistance system 100 can be implemented using bar codes, where sales associates scan an item before it is taken into the changing room. Such scanning can also be done with a handheld bar code reader or a personal digital assistant (PDA) with a bar code reader.
ZS An example of a set up of the DRA system 100 using a bar code reader as the garment identifier 102 includes a computer 106 in each changing room connected to an in-store database 1088 that holds information for the garments (i.e., style numbers, colours, etc.). A computer 106 is also connected to the bar code reader 102 and the touch screen 104 which is placed in the changing room. When a customer selects a garment to try on, a sales associate scans the bar code reader 102 which displays information pertaining to a garment to which the bar code was attached.
An example of a set up of the DRA system 100 using an RFID reader as the garment identifier 102 includes a computer 106 in each changing room connected to an in-store database I08B that holds information for the garments (i.e. style numbers, colours etc.). The computer 106 is also connected to a touch screen 104 placed in the changing room, and an RFID reader 102 which is connected to RFID antenna. The RFID
antennas automatically detect the RFID tags tagged on garments brought in the changing room. The RFID reader may be connected to RFID antennas placed at the entrance of changing rooms.
Figure 2 shows in a flowchart an example of a method of digital retail assistance (200), in accordance with an embodiment of the DRA system 100. The method (200) is performed by a DRA client interface 152 of the garment identifier 102. The method (200) begins with the DRA client interface 152 which scans the barcode(s) or RFID tags) of garments) when a user enters a change room (202). Next, the barcode or RFID
tag is processed and the associated garment image and related garment images are displayed on a touch screen interface (204). Garments that are brought into the changing room are recorded in the in-store database I08B. A user may use the touch screen 104 interface by touching the image of a garment (206). Images touched by a user are recorded in a repository (208). When the user exits the room, a customer assistant may reset the DRA
client interface 152 by scanning a reset barcode or RFID tag (210).
DRA Software SXstem 100 The DRA software system 100 comprises the following parts/modules:
1. Image Manager 154;
2. Fashion Designer 158;
3. DRA Changing Room System 102;

4. Statistical Analysis Tool 160; and 5. Central Database108A.
Ima eg Mana er~154 Hardware Setup: Computer connected to digital camera with Twain support, connected to Database, Bar Code Scanner (in case of bar code version)/ RFID
Reader with RFID antenna (in case of RFTD version).
Functionality: Software has a user interface which enables sales associate/
user to takes pictures of garments.

Matching barcodeID (in case of bar code version) / RfidID (in case of RFID
version) are associated with these pictures. This relationship, pictures and barcodeIDs (in case of bar code version) / RfidIDs (in case of RFID version) are stored in a database connected to the computer.
Figure 3 shows in a flowchart an example of a DRA image manager process (300), in accordance with an embodiment of the DRA system 100. The DRA image manager 154 is software, preferably located in the processor 106, that manages pictures taken from a digital camera with Twain support. Twain support is a standard created for software to interface with imaging devices such as scanners and digital cameras. The DRA image manager 154 begins by scanning a barcode or RFID tag (302). Next, an image is requested from the camera (304). Next, a picture is taken and the image is stored (306). Next, the image is uploaded to the computer disk drive (308).
The image is saved, preferably using the barcode or RFID tag as the image name (310). The barcode or RFID tag is stored in the database (312). A collection of such images may be stored in an inventory database or image manager database 156, preferably located in the processor 106. Upon completing the picture taking process, the new images are uploaded to all retail stores equipped the DRA system 100. Preferably, the images are stored on their respective local hard disks.
Fashion Desi ern~158 Hardware Setup: Computer connected to Database, Bar Code Scanner (in case of bar code version)/ RFID Reader with RFID antenna (in case of RFID version).
Functionality: Software has a user interface that enables sales associate/user to match garments to each other.
These relationships between garments are updated in the central database.
Preferably, alI stores equipped with the DRA system 100 will have their respective in-store database updated upon completion of the fashion associations.
Figure 4 shows an example of a fashion designer module environment 400, in accordance with an embodiment of the DRA system 100. The DRA fashion designer module 158 is connected to the computer or processor 106 which communicates to an inventory database 156. A user may mix and match garments to create complete outfits.
Relations are stored in the inventory database 156.

Figure 5 shows in a flowchart an example of a fashion designer process (500), in accordance with an embodiment of the DRA system 100. The DRA fashion designer loads images with respect to their barcode or RFID tag identification via the inventory database (502). Next, an image to which other images may be related to is selected (504).
Relations are saved in the inventory database (506).
DRA Changin~Room System 102 Hardware Setup: Computer connected to Touch screen, Database, Bar Code Scanner (in case of bar code version)/ RFID Reader with RFID antenna. (in case of RFID
version).
Functionality: The DRA Changing Room system 102 takes input from the bar code scanner or RFID reader, retrieves information pertaining to the read from the database, runs a method to get matching items/ most selling items etc., displays the pictures from the method on the touch screen, handles requests from the touch screen and displays relevant information on the screen, and keeps tracks of user activity on the touch screen (to be used in a statistical analysis tool).
Figure 6 shows an example of a DRA changing room system back end 600, in accordance with an exribodiment of the DRA system 100.
DRA Statistical Analysis Tool 160 Hardware Setup: Computer connected to Database and/or the Internet.
Functionality: Collects information pertaining to items displayed on the screen and items clicked on the screen, and generates graphs and tables based on results from collected information.
Figure 7 shows an example of a DRA statistical analysis tool environment 700, in accordance with an embodiment of the DRA system 100. The computer or processor communicates with a web based application which provides reports in a digital format.
Depending on what the user queries, statistics of one or more stores can be viewed at a time. The computer communicates with the DRA statistical analysis tool 160 which provides a report in a digital format. The computer also communicates with a repository or central database 108A.
Figure 8 shows in a flowchart an example of a DRA statistical analysis tool process (800), in accordance with an embodiment of the DRA system 100. The DRA

statistical analysis tool 160 gathers data related to the use of the DRA
client interface (802). Next the number of garments brought into the change room is analyzed (804).
Next, the number of garment images viewed by users is analyzed (806). Next the number of garments purchased related to the images viewed by a user is analyzed (808). Next, the items most purchased are analyzed. For example, the top one hundred purchases may be analysed (810). Next, a report is generated (812).
Garments, when taken into the changing room, are detected by the system; also, whenever a garment is clicked on the screen, the program keeps track of it.
This is done in a separate in-store database that stores all the information. Reports can be generated based on a time span or any select time period (i.e., days, times of days, etc.) for top sellers/most brought in items/ number of items brought in / most viewed / most clicked /
each product's individual statistics on displaying information on the screen and similar statistics pertaining to consumer behaviour. Preferably, the reports are real time and can be generated for any specific time period.
The DRA system 100 also keeps track of "how many customers did a sales associate help to select items". With a barcode reader/ RFID reader in the system, we can give all sales associates bar coded or RFID cards which they have to swipe before letting customers in the changing room. This will enable retailers to keep track of employees and their work activities.
The DRA system 100 can also run automated inventory counts. Retailers can run physical inventories multiple times daily. Advantageously, inventory counts will take just minutes to complete with minimal human intervention. Since all items are tagged and the database is updated in real time.
Central Database Hardware Setup: Computer with database software running at a specific location.
Functionality: Holds all data pertaining to relations between garments and all new items are first processed in this database.
'The central database contains all information for all garments for the retailer.
When new garments arrive, new/existing fashion relations are created, they are firstly stored in this database. Upon completion of these tasks, the changes are sent to all retailer stores with the DRA system 100. Advantageously, this ensures that all stores equipped with the DRA system I00 will have up to date information at all times.

DRA Relations Method Hardware Setup: DRA Clients and in-store database.
Functionality: Based on collected statistics of items brought/touched in the change room, will optimize what garments are shown on the DRA touch screen 104.
Figure 9 shows in a flowchart an example of a method of providing proprietary relations for generating highly optimized matching garments (900), in accordance with an embodiment of the DRA system 100. The method (900) begins with the garment being scanned into the change room (902). Next the garment code is passed into the in-store database 108B (904). Next Attributes of the garment code are calculated (e.g., price, number of times brought in, number of times touched, colours purchased, other popular styles matched with the garment, etc.) (904). Next, each attribute value is then weighed with specific preferences of the retailer (906). Next, the highest value weighed matching garments are then displayed (908).
Advantageously, the proprietary relations method (900) optimizes the relations that the Fashion Designer 158 has made. Depending on the retailers and customer tendencies, this method (900) produces more likely items that the customer may purchase.
Preferably, this method (900) is based on the following criteria:
~ Price;
~ Style;
~ Garments brought into changing room by customer;
~ Garments touched on the DRA interface;
~ Garments brought after the user session has begun; and ~ Colour.
Other criteria may be added to the method (900).
Consumer Loyalty Prod A customer loyalty program can be applied to the digital retail assistance system 100. Consumers have RFID or bar code cards which are detected when in the changing room. This enables the system to display on request items bought previously by the customer, items that match with what the customer bought previously, promotion and _g_ deals on certain products, allow customer to enter their electronic mail (e-mail) address and receive catalogues and store information via e-mail, store previous sizes bought by the customer, and show the customer garments that are available only in his/her size.
Preferably, items in store are tagged with a tag that has an RFID tag bundled with an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag that triggers an alarm if the container is taken out of the store without the EAS tag either being removed or rendered inactive by the store sales staff.
A customer using a touch screen in the changing room can select items he/she wants to try on and send this information over the network to a screen or PDA
operated by a sales associate. On receiving the notification, sales associate will bring the requested item to the changing room. This will increase customer satisfaction and enable the customer to shop at a faster pace.
DRA Features DRA system functionality includes the following:
1. A method for displaying clothes according to data collected by the system.
2. An advertising medium for displaying commercials for other products and services on a touch screen placed in each changing room.
3. Web based shopping system can be integrated into the digital retail assistance system. A display on the touch screen is a web page and information from the same page can be used on a website.
4. Real time inventory - System displays store inventory (i.e., available sizes and colours for a garment) to customers.
5. Touch screen also displays items of the same style in different colours.
6. Collect statistics and generate reports on consumer behaviour to enable stores to market their products according to customer demand/marketing strategy. For example, what garment was most clicked, taken to the changing room, maximum number of times, etc.

7. A point of sale (POS) system connected to digital retail assistance system enables stores to make decisions on what is selling and what customers are looking at.

Advantageously, the DRA system 100 includes the following features:
Complete Outfit Creation: 'The DRA system provides the customer with a fashion designer's point of view for complementary clothing items and accessories, thereby increasing sales and customer loyalty.
Complete Store Display: Customers enjoy a window into the store's broad range of merchandise, enhancing customer service initiatives and customer-sales associate relationships. Customers are made aware of all products, promotional campaigns and discounts the store has to offer.
Ideal Advertising Medium: The DRA system 100 provides a medium for the retailer to interact with their customer, and make them aware of various deals and discounts available in the store.
Theft Prevention: The DRA system 100 assists the sales associate to automatically keep track of all items that customers have taken into the changing rooms.
This increases merchandise security endeavours while providing customers with a seamless personalized shopping experience.
Inventory Visibility: The DRA system 100 displays up-to-date information on items, such as currently available sizes or colours, thereby enabling the sales associate to spend more time attending personally to a customer and Less time running to the stock room to check for available items. This efficiency results in labour force reductions, increase in sales, faster recalls, and easy and accurate returns.
Web Based Shopping: The DRA system's graphical interface can be implemented into a web-based shopping system. This can be used to structure customer loyalty programs and reach out to the customer through cost effective electronic media.
'The DRA Relations method may also be implemented in the web based application to increase sales for the retailer.
Consumer Behavioural Analysis: The DRA system 100 can monitor customer behaviour based on which items can be placed strategically in the store to grab a customer's attention and analyze purchasing activities. This provides retailers with competitive advantage and greater sales.

The DRA system 100 may be applied to other retailers, including, for example, shoe stores. A kiosk may be placed in the shoe store. Shoes are tagged with RFID/bar codes and the kiosk has a barcode/RFID reader, preferably placed on a table.
With the shoe on the table, a screen on the side shows purses/belts and/or other accessories that go with the shoe, materials that the shoe is made of, available sizes in the store, etc. Other adaptations of the DRA system 100 may be applied to other types of retailers or other businesses.
The systems and methods according to the present invention may be implemented by any hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software having the functions described above. The software code, either in its entirety or a part thereof, may be stored in a computer readable memory. Further, a computer data signal representing the software code that may be embedded in a carrier wave may be transmitted via a communication network. Such a computer readable memory and a computer data signal are also within the scope of the present invention, as well as the hardware, the software and the combination thereof.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, changes and modifications may be made to such embodiments without departing from the true scope of the invention.
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Claims (11)

1. A digital retail assistance system for assisting a retailer to sell products, the digital retail assistance system comprising:
a product identifier for identifying a product;
a product selector for displaying the product and receiving product selections;
an inventory database for storing product information; and a processor for managing the product identifier, product selector and inventory database.

2. The digital retail assistance system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the product identifier is a barcode reader.

3. The digital retail assistance system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the product identifier is a radio frequency identification reader.

4. The digital retail assistance system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the product selector is a touch screen.

5. The digital retail assistance system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a statistical analysis tool for analyzing selections, sales and trends with respect to the products.

6. The digital retail assistance system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an image manager for managing the creation and storage of digital images of the products.

7. The digital retail assistance system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a fashion designer for relating a digital image of the product with digital images of other products.

8. A method of digital retail assistance for sales of products, the method comprising the steps of:
scanning an identification of a product;

processing the identification of the product and product selections; and storing product information in a repository.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising the step of analyzing selections, sales and trends with respect to the products.

10. The method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising the step of managing the creation and storage of digital images of the products.

11. The method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising the step of relating a digital image of the product with digital images of other products.