GB2574005A

GB2574005A - Product display apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2574005A
Application number: GB1808294.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Graham Smith Nigel; George Smith Philip; Stefan Nowacki Carl
Original assignee: Artform International Ltd
Current assignee: Artform International Ltd
Priority date: 2018-05-21
Filing date: 2018-05-21
Publication date: 2019-11-27
Also published as: GB201808294D0

Abstract

A product display apparatus 40 for providing a user guidance with products, such as cosmetics is disclosed. The product display apparatus 40 has product storage units 42 for storing products 44, and a processor and memory with computer program code. The product display apparatus 40 receives at least one input object attribute from the user, such as a scanned sample object, and identifies one or more target products associated with the at least one input object attribute from a product database. The user is then provided product guidance in the form of a navigation aid which provides an indication of the location of the one or more target products 44 in the one or more product storage units 42. The apparatus may include means to selectively illuminate the one or more storage units 42 and may include at least one product sensor to detect product removal or number of products and communicate product storage information. The input attribute may be colour and the navigation aid may be a code to provide an augmented reality view of the storage units.

Description

PRODUCT DISPLAY APPARATUS

This invention relates to a product display apparatus, a computer-implemented method of providing a user with product guidance, and to a computer program comprising computer 5 code configured to perform the computer-implemented method. This invention may be used in a wide range of environments which include, but are not limited to. retail, domestic, household, garage, industrial, office, outdoor, catering end hospitality environments.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a product display apparatus 10 for providing a user with product guidance, the product display apparatus comprising one or more product storage unite configured for storing one or more products, the product display apparatus further comprising a processor and memory including computer program code, the memory and computer program code configured to, with the processor, enable the product display apparatus at least to: receive at least one input object attribute is from the user: identify, from a product database, one or more target products associated with the at least, one input object, attribute; and provide, as output to the user, product guidance comprising an indication of the location of ths one or more target products in the one or more product storage units, wherein the output to the user comprises a navigation aid to locate the one or more target products.

The provision of the navigation aid enables the user to readily identify the physical location of the one or more target products in die one or more product storage units. The user is therefore not required to manually search through the one or more product storage units for a specific product, which can be an inefficient use of time especially if the user is 26 unfamiliar with the one or more product storage units and/or the type of product stored in the one or more product storage units. The invention is particularly convenient to the user when the product display apparatus comprises a plurality of product storage units and/or when a wide range of products (e.g, cosmetics) Is stored in the one or more product storage units. In addition, by avoiding the need for the user to manually search through 3C> the one or more product storage units, it becomes easier to maintain the tidiness and cleanliness in the one or more product, storage units since the user is immediately guided to the one or more target products. This in turn saves time and manpower in maintaining the one or more product storage units.

Furthermore, by identifying the one or more target products from the product database and providing the navigation aid Ιο the user, the user’s attention may be drawn io a particular product which was previously unknown to him/her and/or difficult to manually find in the one or more product storage units.

Ths product database can be readily updated to reflect a wide range of products, which 5 means that different products can be stored in the one or more product storage units while continuing to make use of the navigation aid to help the user locate the one or more target products.

in addition to storing one or more products., the one or more product storage units may be io configured for displaying one or more products. For example, in such embodiments, the or each product storage unit may include a fully or partly transparent housing, or may be configured as an open display.

The product display apparatus of the invention may further include a product display unit, 15 wherein the one or more product storage units, the processor and the memory are integrated into the product display unit.

The at least one input object attribute may vary in type so long as the at least one input object attribute permits identification of the one or more target products from the product 20 database.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the or each input object attribute may include at least one of: a colour attribute; and a product identity. The product identity may be related to the product type.

in embodiments of the invention, the memory and computer program code may be configured to, with the processor, enable the product display apparatus at least to: determine at least, one target characteristic related to the or each input object attribute; and identify, from the product database, the one or more target products associated with 30 the at least c-ne target characteristic. This enables the at least one input object attribute provided by the user to be linked to at least one feature of any of the products in the product database.

identification of the one or .more target products through use of a colour attribute may be 35 carried out in different ways.

Far example, when the or each input object attribute includes at least one colour attribute, the memory and computer program code may be configured to, with the processor, enable the product display apparatus at least to: determine a position of the or each colour attribute on a colour spectrum; determine at least one target colour space related to the or 5 each colour attribute; and identify, from the product database, ths one or mors target products associated with the at least one target, colour space. In such embodiments, the colour spectrum may comprise a dataset encoding a colour wheel having colours represented around a circle, and the determination of at least one target colour space related to the or each colour attribute comprises determination of at least one sector or io part sector of the colour wheel that is harmonious (e.g. matching, monochromatic, complementary, split complementary, analogous, triadic or tetradic) with the position of the or each colour attribute on the colour wheel.

The product display apparatus may further include an input device configured for receiving is the at least one input object attribute irorr? th® user. The input device may further include, but is not limited to, at least one of: an interactive input device; a touchscreen; a scanner; a reader; and an optical sensor configured for scanning a sample object to determine the at least one input object attribute of the sample object. The sample object may include, but is not limited to, at least one of: a user's skin; a users face; a user's lips; a user's nail; 2Q a user's eye; a user's hair; and a user’s personal commodity. The personal commodity may include, but. is not limited to, at least one of: an item of clothing: a clothing accessory; a bag; purse or wallet; an item of jewellery: and spectacles.

In further embodiments of the invention, the navigation aid may comprise a digital code 25 configured to actuate one or more visual cues on, in or associated with the one or mors product storage units. The one or more visual cues provides a reliable means of guiding the user to the physical location of the one or more target products in the one or more product storage units.

The product, display apparatus may further include an illumination apparatus, the illumination apparatus including at least one illumination element aotuatabie by the digital code, wherein the illumination apparatus is configured for selectively illuminating each product storage unit, Moreover, the illumination apparatus may include a plurality of illumination elements, each of which is actuatable by the digital code, wherein each 35 illumination element is configured for selectively illuminating the one or more product storage units. It may be that each illumination element is configured for selectively illuminating a respective one of a plurality of products in the one er more product storage units,, and/or configured tor selectively illuminating a respective one of a plurality of storage

In still further embodiments of the invention, the navigation aid may comprise a digital code S for transmission to a mobile device. This allows the user to use the mobile device to navigate to the physical location of the one or more target products in the one or more product storage units. For example, the digital code may be operative to provide, on the mobile device, an augmented reality view of the one or more product storage units.

Optionally the product display apparatus may further include at least one product sensor configured to detect a number of products in the one or more product storage units and/or detect removal of a product from the one or more product, storage units, wherein the or each product sensor is configured to, in use, communicate product storage intonnation to the product database, the product storage information related to the number of products 15 in the one or more product storage units and/or a product removal from the one or mere product storage units. This allows the product display apparatus to automatically keep track of the produces) in the one or more product storage units.

The memory and computer program code may be configured to. with the processor, enable 20 the product, display apparatus at least to; identify, from the product database, the removed product; and provide, as output to the user, product guidance comprising product information about the removed product. This is so that the product information can be automatically provided to the user when he/she removes a product from the one or more product storage units.

The memory and computer program code may be configured to, with the processor, enable the product display apparatus at least to: identify, from the product database, availability of the one or more target products in the one or more product storage units: and provide, as output to the user, product guidance comprising an indication of the availability of the 30 one or more target products in the one nr more product storage units. This is so that the user can be automatically notified of the availability of the one or more target products, instead of being kept uninformed which might lead the user to waste time manually searching through the one or more product storage units for the one or more target products.

in embodiments of the invention, the product display apparatus may further include at least one illumination element for selectively illuminating at least part of the product display apparatus, the or each illumination element operable to vary its colour temperature, wherein the memory and computer program code are configured to, with the processor, enable the product display apparatus at least to: receive at least one input illumination attribute from the user; and operate the er each illumination element to have a colour 5 temperature related to the at least one input illumination attribute.

The coiour temperature of the or each illumination element can be adapted to suit the location and purpose of the product display apparatus.

id The or each illumination element may be configured for selectively illuminating one or more of the product storage units, and/or the product display apparatus may further include a product receptacle for receiving an object, wherein the or each illumination element is configured for selectively illuminating the product receptacle.

i s The or each illumination element of the invention may be or may include, but is not limited to, a light bulb, a light emitting diode, a liquid crystal display device, an electroluminescent device, a light emitting cell, a light emitting electrochemical ceil or an organic light emitting diode.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer-implemented method of providing a user with product guidance, the method comprising the steps of: receiving at least one input object attribute from the user; identifying, from a product database, one or more target products associated with the at least one Input object attribute; and providing, as output to the user, product guidance comprising an indication of the location of the one or more target products in one or more product storage units configured for storing one or more products, wherein the output to the user comprises a navigation aid to locate the one or more target products.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program 30 comprising computer code configured to perform the method of the secund aspect of the invention.

The features and advantages of the product display apparatus of the first, aspect of the invention and its embodiments apply mutatis mutandis to the computer-implemented 35 method of the second aspect of the invention and the computer program of the third aspect of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a product display apparatus cam prising eno or mure product storage units and at least one product, sensor, the or each product sensor configured to detect a number of products in the one or more product storage units and/or detect removal of a product from the one or more product storage 5 units, wherein the or each product sensor is configured to, in use, communicate product storage information to a product database, the product storage information related to the number of products in the one or more product storage units and/or a product removal from the one or more product storage units, to The features and advantages of the at least uno product sensor described hereinabove with respect to the product display apparatus of the first aspect of the invention and its embodiments apply mutatis mutandis to the at least one product sensor of the product display apparatus of the fourth aspect of the invention.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of a non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figures 1 and 2 show schematically a product display apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention:;

Figure 3 shows schematically an exemplary product storage unit of the product display apparatus of Figures 1 and 2;

Figures 4 to 7 show exemplary configurations of the product storage unit of Figure 3;

Figures 8 to 15 illustrate exemplary operations of the product display apparatus of 25 Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 16 shows an exemplary configuration of the product display apparatus ot Figures 1 and 2;

Figures 17 to 24 illustrate exemplary' still and interactive images for display on a touchscreen of the product display apparatus of Figures 1 and 2; and

Figures 25 to 30 show schematically exemplary product storage units of the product display apparatus of Figures 1 and 2,

The figures are not necessarily to scale, and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic form in the interests of clarity 35 and conciseness.

A product display apparatus according to an embodiment of ths· invention is shown in Figures 1 and 2 and is designated generally by the reference numeral 40.

The product display apparatus 40 comprises a product display unit. The product display unit comprises a processor and memory (not shown) including computer program code, and a plurality of product storage units 42. Each product storage unit 42 is configured as an open display that is capable of storing and displaying cosmetic products 44, such as face products, skin products, hair products, and eye products.

to The processor is configured to process instructions to carry out various computing operations (e.g. generate, delete, read, write and/or otherwise process data). Ths processor is also configured to receive data from and transmit data to the memory. The memory is configured to store data for immediate or later use. The memory is configured to store computer program code and/or applications which may be used to Instruot/enabie 15 the processor to perform the various computing functions.

It will be appreciated that references to a memory or a processor may encompass a plurality of memories or processors.

The product display apparatus 40 includes an interactive touchscreen 46 that allows a user to generate input data by interacting with the touchscreen 46. Such interaction with the touchscreen 46 may involve using a virtual keyboard on the touchscreen 46 and/or choosing from a range of preset answers or images displayed on ths touchscreen 46. The touchscreen 46 doubles as a display screen far output date. The processor is configured 25 to receive input data from and output data to the touchscreen 46.

The processor is capable of accessing a product database 48 that contains information about a wide range of cosmetic products, which includes the cosmetic products 44 stored In the plurality of product storage units 42 and may additionally include cosmetic products 30 which are not stored in the plurality of product storage units 42. The product database 48 may be stored in the memory of the product display apparatus 40, in another memory in a remote location, or in a cloud computing network via the internet. Such a cloud computing network comprises a plurality of remote servers, each of which comprises a processor and memory. To access the product database 48 stored in the memory in the remote location 35 and in the cloud computing network, the product display apparatus 40 may be configured to be connected to the internet.

¢5

The product display apparatus 40 further includes an optical sensor 50 configured for scanning a sample object, where the optical scanner is configured to provide the scanned information to the processor. The sample object may include, but is not limited to, at least one of: a user’s skin; a user's face; a user's lips; a user's nail; a user's eye; a user's hair;

and a user's personal commodity. The personal commodity may include, but is not limited to, at least one of: an item of clothing; a clothing accessory; a bag; purse or wallet; an item of jewellery; and spectacles. The optical sensor 50 is configured to be capable of scanning a colour attribute of the sample object

The product display apparatus 40 further includes a plurality of product sensors configured to obtain product storage information by detecting a number of cosmetic products 44 in the one or more product storage units 42 or detecting removal of a cosmetic product 44 from the one or more product storage units 42. Each product sensor is configured to, in use, communicate the obtained product storage information to the product database 48.

The obtained product storage information may be used in combination with machine learning, e.g. deep learning, to learn about the user's shopping habits.

Figure 3 shows schematically an exemplary product storage unit 42 for storing lipsticks 44.

2.0

As shown in Figure 4, each lipstick 44 may include a respective radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag 52. When a lipstick 44 is removed as shown in Figure 5, a signal from the RFID tag 52 is communicated to an RFID reader 54 which in turn communicates the signal to the product database 48 sc as to indicate removal of the lipstick fmm the product, storage unit 42 as shown in Figure 6,

As shown in Figure 7, the product storage unit 42 may include one or more electrical and/or pressure sensors 56 arranged to enable sensing of product movement 58, e.g. through sensing of dynamic motion or static displacement. When any product movement 58 is 30 sensed, the sensor(s) 56 communicates a signal to the product database 48 so as to indicate removal of the lipstick from the product storage unit 42.

The product display apparatus 40 includes an illumination apparatus comprising a plurality of illumination elements 60. Each illumination element 60 can be controlled to turn on and 3S off, and to vary its colour temperature. Each illumination element 60 is actuaiable by a digital code that is selectively provided by the processor.

The ilium (nation elements 60 are arranged to enable illumination of various parts of the product, display apparatus 40. in particular, each product storage unit 42 is associated with a respective illumination element 60 which when turned on illuminates the corresponding product storage unit 42.

The product display apparatus 40 includes a product receptacle 60 for receiving a cosmetic product 44. The product receptacle 60 is associated with an illumination element 60 which when turned on illuminates th© product receptacle 60.

Each illumination element 60 may be or may include, but is not limited to, a light bulb, a light ©miffing diode, a liquid crystal display device, an electroluminescent device, a light emitting cell, a light emitting electrochemical ceil or an organic light emitting diode. In audition, each illumination element 60 may include a light guide as disclosed in WO 2018/051100 Al.

IS

The product display apparatus 40 includes a proximity sensor (not shown) configured to detect a proximity of a user to the product display apparatus 40. The proximity sensor is configured to communicate the detected proximity of the user to the processor in order to trigger an operation by the product display apparatus 40 which varies depending on the 2d distance of th© user to the product display apparatus 40.

Figure 3 illustrates different operations carried out by the product display apparatus 40 when the proximity sensor detects the user.

Initially, when the user is at a certain distance from the product display apparatus 40, the proximity sensor detects th© presence of the user, which triggers the processor to provide a digital code io actuate an illumination element 60 to illuminate a brand logo 62 and the touchscreen 46 on the product display apparatus 40. This is to attract the attention of the user to the product display apparatus 40. As the user approaches, the proximity sensor detects the approaching user, which triggers the processor to change the information on the touchscreen 46 from a still image to an interactive image. Optionally other parts of the product display apparatus 40 may be illuminated as a result of the proximity sensor detecting that the user is near or in front of the product display apparatus 40.

Figure 9 illustrates a first operation carried out by th© product display apparatus 40 when the user interacts will: the product display apparatus 40.

The interactive image on the touchscreen 46 provides the user with options for choosing a colour attribute by, for example, visually showing a range of colours for the user. It will be appreciated that the colour attribute may include, but is not limited to, hue, shade, intensity, texture, and sheen.

s

Once the user chooses a colour attribute, the chosen colour attribute is provided as an input colour attribute to the processor. The processor determines a position of the colour attribute on a colour wheel having colours represented around a circle, then determines at least one sector or part sector of the colour wheel that is harmonious (e.g. matching, 10 monochromatic, complementary, split complementary, analogous, triadic or tetradic) with the position of the colour attribute on the colour wheel, and finally Identify, from the product database 48, one or more target cosmetic products associated with the at least one target colour space. For example, if the- user chooses a shade of red, the processor will identify the target cosmetic product(s) associated with the chosen shade of red.

After the identification of the one or more target cosmetic products associated with the chosen colour attribute, the processor provides a digital code to actuate one or more illumination elements 60 associated with the product storage unit(s) 42 in which the target cosmetic produces) 44 is stored. In this way, the actuated illumination elementts) 60 acts 20 as a navigation aid to visually guide the user to the product storage unit(s) 42 storing the target cosmetic product(s) 44, thus enabling the user to quickly identify the physical location of the target cosmetic product(s) without having to manually search through the plurality of product storage unit(s) 42.

Additionally or alternatively, the navigation aid may comprise a digital code for transmission to a mobile device (not shown), and the digital code Is operative to provide the user with an augmented reality view of the product storage units 42 on the mobile device. The augmented reality view includes one or more visual cues to help identify the physical location of the target cosmetic product(s) in the product storage unite 42. The so mobile device may be selected from, for example, a portable electronic device, a portable telecommunications device, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, a tablet, a phablet, a laptop computer, a server, a smartphone, a smartwatch, smart eyewear, and a module for one or more of the same.

In this way the product display apparatus 40 Is able to provide the user with product guidance comprising an indication of the location of the target cosmetic product(s) 44 in the plurality of product storage units 42.

Figure 10 illustrates a second operation carried out by the product display apparatus 40 when the user interacts with the product display apparatus 40.

Ln addition to or instead of choosing the input colour attribute on the touchscreen 46, the touchscreen 46 may display a suggestion to prompt the user to use the optical scanner 50 to scan a colour of a sample object. Once the sample object’s colour is scanned, the scanned colour Is provided to the processor as an input colour attribute, the product display apparatus 40 carries out the aforementioned identitication of the target cosmetic produces) 10 from the product database 48 and the outputting of the navigation aid to indicate the location of the target, cosmetic product(s) 44 in the plurality of product storage units 42.

Figure 11 illustrates a third operation carried out by the product display apparatus 4Q when the user interacts with the product display apparatus 40.

instead of choosing a specific colour attribute, the user may choose a specific cosmetic product type using the touchscreen 46, Once the specific cosmetic product type is chosen, a product identity associated with the chosen product is provided to the processor as an input product identity attribute. The processor then identifies, from the product database 20 48, the target, cosmetic produces) associated with the product identity attribute, and then provides the navigation aid to indicate the location of the target cosmetic product(s) in the plurality of product storage units 42,

It may be that the targe· cosmetic produces) is not available in the product storage units 25 42, either due to the plurality of product storage units 42 running out of stock, or due to the plurality of product storage units 42 not stocking the target cosmetic product(s) in the first place, in the case of the former, ths number and/or removal of cosmetic products 44 stored in each product storage unit 42 can ba monitored using the product sensors which provides product storage information to the product database 48. In the case of the latter, 30 the product database 48 is provided with the Information about the plurality of product storage unite 42 not stocking the target cosmetic- produces) in the first place. This enables the product display apparatus 40 to identify, from the product database 48, availability of the target cosmetic product(s) 44 in the product storage units 42: and provide, as output to the user, product guidance comprising an indication of the availability of the target 35 cosmetic produces) 44 in the product storage units 42. if the user is provided with an indication of the nun-availability of the target cosmetic product(s) in trie product storage units 42, the touchscreen 46 then provides the user with a prompt to make an order for the target cosmetic product(s) for collection or delivery.

Figure 12 iiiustrates a fourth operation carried out by the product display apparatus 40 § when the user interacts with the product display apparatus 40.

if the user removes a cosmetic product 44 from a given one of the product storage units 42, the removal of the cosmetic product 44 is detected by the corresponding product sensor and therefore communicated to the product database 48. This enables the product display apparatus 40 to identify, from the product database 48, the removed cosmetic product 44; and provide, as output to the user, product guidance comprising product information about the removed cosmetic product on the touchscreen 46. The product information may include, for example, details, price, tips, tutorials, and reviews about the removed cosmetic product 44.

1§

Figure 13 illustrates a fifth operation carried out by the product display apparatus 40 when the user interacts with the product display apparatus 40.

Alternatively, the product information may be provided on the touchscreen 46 by the user 20 removing the cosmetic product 44 from a given one of the product storage units 42 and scanning the cosmetic product 44 using a product scanner. The product scanner may be the optical sensor 50, which may be configured to scan barcodes, or may be a RFID reader if the cosmetic product 44 includes a RFID tag.

Figure 14 iiiustrates a sixth operation carried out by the product display apparatus 4Q when the user interacts with the product display apparatus 40.

The user removes a cosmetic product. 44 from a given one of the product, storage units 42, and then places the removed cosmetic product 44 in the product receptacle 62. The user so then interacts with the touchscreen 46 to choose an illumination attribute for adjusting the colour temperature of the illumination element 60 associated with the product receptacle 62. The processor then provides a digital cods to actuate the illumination element 60 to change its colour temperature to match the chosen illumination attribute. Thus, the cosmetic product 44 in the product receptacle 62 can be illuminated with light of a desired 35 colour temperature.

Figure 15 illustrates a seventh aperation carried cut by the product display apparatus 40 when the user Interacts with the product display apparatus 40,

The user interacts with the touchscreen 46 to choose an illumination attribute for adjusting 5 the colour temperature of the illumination element 60 associated with one or mare of the product storage units 42, The processor then provides a digital code to actuate the iliuminatien element 60 to change its colour temperature to match the chosen illumination attribute. Thus, the cosmetic products 44 in the one or more product storage units 42 can be illuminated with light of a desired colour temperature, to

Figure 16 shows an exemplary/ configuration of the product display apparatus 40.

Figure 17 illustrates still images for display an the touchscreen 46 when the proximity sensor first detects the user. Figure 18 illustrates still images for display on the 15 touchscreen 46 when the proximity sensor first, detects the approaching user. Figure 19 illustrates interactive images for display an the touchscreen 46 when the user interacts with the product display apparatus 40 to provide an input colour attribute by selecting a colour attribute tram the touchscreen 46. Figure 20 illustrates interactive images for display on the touchscreen 46 when the user interacts with the product display apparatus 20 40 to provide an input colour attribute by scanning a sample object's colour. Figure 21 illustrates interactive images for display on the touchscreen 46 when the user interacts with the product display apparatus 40 to browse different cosmetic products.

Figure 22 illustrates still Images for display on the touchscreen 46 when the proximity 25 sensor first detects the user. Figure 23 illustrates interactive images for display on the touchscreen 46 when the user interacts with the product display apparatus 40 to provide an input colour attribute by interacting the touchscreen 46. Figure 24 illustrates interactive images far display on the touchscreen 46 wherein the interactive images provide product information about the selected or removed cosmetic produot(s).

3Q

Figures 25 to 30 show schematically exemplary product storage units 42 of the product display apparatus 40.

i.n Figure 25, the product storage unit 42 is configured to store a plurality of nan-tester 35 lipsticks 64. The product storage unit 42 includes an injection moulded, bullet-shaped, removable housing 66 for storing tester lipsticks 68. The housing 66 can be readily removed from the product storage unit 42 for cleaning.

In Figure 26, the product storage unit 42 includes a plurality of trays 70 for storing tester cosmetic products. The non-tester cosmetic products are stored inside the product storage unit 42 and are concealed behind a protective cover 72.

in Figure 27, the product storage unit 42. includes a plurality of trays 74 for storing cosmetic products. The product storage unit 42 further includes a removable self-cleaning drawer 76.

m In Figure 28, the product storage unit 42 includes a plurality of compartments 78, each of which is tor storing a plurality of cosmetic pencils. In each compartment 78, the cosmetic pencils are stackable. As shown In Figure 29, each compartment 78 includes a protruding channel 80 which is angled downwards from its proximal end to its distal end. This allows a tester cosmetic pencil 82 stored in the channel 80 to slide towards the lower distal end is of the channel 80 by way of gravity. This ensures that the tester cosmetic pencil 82 stays in the front of the product storage unit 42 to accommodate tester cosmetic pencils of different lengths, and to accommodate a tester cosmetic pencil 82 that has become shorter due to sharpening. In addition, as shown in Figure 30, each compartment 78 includes a slanted floor to allow the stacked cosmetic pencils to slide towards the lower and of ths 20 slanted floor by way of gravity.

The product display apparatus 40 may ba made from a wide range of materials, such as virgin plastic material, organic raw material and recycled plastic material. One or more material additives may be added to enhance the look, feel, longevity and sustainability of 25 the product display apparatus 40. The ar each material additive may be chosen to add aromatic, anti-bacterial, anti-static, anti-scratch and/or light reflective properties,

The product display apparatus 40 described hereinabove may be used in non-retail environments such as domestic, household, garage, industrial, office, outdoor, catering 30 and hospitality environments. The invention is also applicable to non-cosmetic products, e.g. ether retail products.

Claims

1, A product display apparatus for providing a user with product guidance, the product display apparatus comprising one or more product storage units configured for storing one

8 or mors products, the product display apparatus further comprising a processor and memory' including computer program code, the memory and computer program code configured to, with the processor, enable the product display apparatus at least to: receive at least one input object attribute from the user;

Identify, from a product database, one or more target products associated with the 10 at least one input object attribute: and provide, as output to the user, product guidance comprising an indication of the location of the one or more target products in the one or more product storage units, wherein the output to the user comprises a navigation aid to locate the one or mere target products.

2, A product display apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the or each product storage unit is configured for displaying one or more products,

3, A product display apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further 20 including a product display unit, wherein the one or more product storage units, the processor and the memory are integrated into the product display unit.

4, A product display apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the or each input -object attribute includes at least one of: a colour attribute; and a product

25 identity.

5, A product display apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the memory and computer program code are configured to, with the processor, enable the product display apparatus at least to:

30 determine at least one target characteristic related to the or each input object attribute: and identify, from the product database, the one or more target products associated with the at least one target characteristic,

35

6, A product display apparatus according to Claim 5 wherein the or each input object attribute includes at least one colour attribute, and wherein the memory and computer program cods are configured to, with ths processor, enable ths product display apparatus at least to:

determine a position of the or each colour attribute on a colour spectrum; determine at least one target colour space related to the or each colour attribute;

s and identify, from the product database, the one or more target products associated with the at least one target colour space.

7. A product display apparatus according io Claim 6 wherein the colour spectrum io comprises a dataset encoding a colour wheel having colours represented around a circle, and the determination of at least one target colour space related to the or each colour attribute comprises determination of at least one sector or part sector of the colour wheel that is harmonious with the position of the or each colour attribute on the colour wheel.

15

8. A product display apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further including an input device configured for receiving the at least one input object attribute from the user.

9. A product display apparatus according to Claim 8 wherein the input device further 2.0 includes at least one of: an interactive input device; a touchscreen: a scanner; a reader;

and an optical sensor configured for scanning a sample object to determine the at least one input object attribute of the sample object.

10. A product display apparatus according to Claim 9 wherein the sample object 25 includes ai least one of: a user's skin; a user’s face; a user's lips; a user's nail; a user's eye; a user’s hair: and a user’s personal commodity.

11. A product display apparatus according to Claim 10 wherein the personal commodity includes at least one of: an item of clothing: a clothing accessory: a bag; purse

Sb or wallet; an item of jewellery; and spectacles.

12. A product display apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the navigation aid comprises a digital code configured to actuate one or more visual cues on, in or associated with the one or more product storage units.

13. A product display apparatus according to Claim 12 further including an illumination apparatus, the illumination apparatus including at least one illumination element actuatabte by the digital code, wherein the illumination apparatus is configured for selectively illuminating the one or more product storage units.

14. A product display apparatus according to Claim 13 wherein the illumination

5 apparatus includes a plurality of illumination elements, each of which is actuatable by the digital code, wherein each illumination element is configured for selectively illuminating the one or mare product storage units.

15. A product display apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein in the navigation aid comprises a digital code for transmission to a mobile device.

16. A product display apparatus according to Ciaim 15 wherein the digital code is operative to provide, on the mobile device, an augmented reality view of the one or mure product storage units.

17. A product display apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further including at least one product sensor configured to detect a number of products in the one or more product storage units and/or detect removal of a product from the one or more product storage units, wherein the or each product sensor is configured to, in use,

22 communicate product storage information to the product database, the product storage information related to the number of products in the one nr more product storage units and/or a product removal from the one or more product storage units.

18. A product display apparatus according to Claim 17 wherein the memory and 25 computer program code are configured to, with the processor, enable the product display apparatus at least to:

identify, from the product database, the removed product; and provide, as output to the user, product guidance comprising product information about the removed product.

so

19. A product display apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the memory and computer program code are configured to, with the processor, enable the product display apparatus at least to:

identify, from the product database, availability of the one or more target products 35 in the one or more product storage units: and provide, as output to the user, product guidance comprising an indication of the availability of the one or more target products in the one or more product, storage units.

20. A product display apparatus according to any one of ths preceding claims further including at least one illumination element for selectively illuminating at least part of the product display apparatus, the or each illumination element operable ίο vary its colour

5 temperature,, wherein the memory and computer program code are configured to, with the processor, enable the product display apparatus at least to:

receive at least one input illumination attribute from the user; and operate the or each illumination element to have a colour temperature related to the at least one input illumination attribute,

21. A product display apparatus according to Claim 20 wherein the or each illumination element is configured for selectively illuminating the one or more product storage units.

22. A product display apparatus according to Claim 20 or Claim 21 further including a 15 product receptacle for receiving an object, wherein the or each illumination element is configured for selectively illuminating the product receptacle,

23. A computer-implemented method of providing a user with product guidance, the method comprising the steps of:

2D receiving at least one Input object attribute from the user;

identifying, from a product database, one or more target products associated with the at least one input object attribute: and providing, as output to the user, product guidance comprising an indication of the location of the one or more target products in one er more product storage units configured 25 for storing one or more products, wherein the output to the user comprises a navigation aid to locate the one or more target products.

24. A computer program comprising computer code configured to perform the method of Claim 23.

25. A product display apparatus comprising one or more product storage units and at least one product sensor, the or each product sensor configured to detect a number of products in the one ar more product storage units and/or detect removal of a product from the one or more product storage units, wherein the or each product sensor is configured

35 to, in use, communicate product storage information to a product database, the product storage information related to the number of products in the one or mere product storage units and/or a product removal from the one or mors product storage units.