RU2773863C1 - Intelligent apparatus for promoting goods on the shelf - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: advertising.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to an intelligent apparatus for promoting goods displayed on the shelves of supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations, hardware and household goods stores, etc. Intelligent apparatus for promoting goods on the shelf is characterised by consisting of a transmission system installed in a body, a modular universal gripping system made of metal or plastic, an integrated microprocessor-based electronic circuit board placed in the body, installed whereon are control and command elements; an electronically controlled magnetic lamp and an electronically controlled scent dosing apparatus, installed on the outside of the body; an audio system consisting of a speaker installed in the body and a sound amplifier installed on the electronic board; a buyer-detecting motion sensor, and communication means installed on the electronic board.

EFFECT: structural simplification.

3 cl, 7 dwg

Description

The field of technology to which the invention belongs

The invention relates to an intelligent device for promoting goods displayed on the shelves of supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations, hardware stores, etc. through sound, movement, light, and smell as a customer walks past a shelf, used in advertising and marketing.

State of the art

At the moment, a device is known that is designed to promote products on the shelves only due to sound and movement (patent application No. RO 130106 A0, authors MIRCEA-IOAN VLAD-CLUVE and RADU BOGDAN). The device according to patent application RO 130106 A0 consists of a housing containing a stepper motor inside, connected to a drive wheel, engaged with the inner end of a movable shaft, supported at the opposite end by several bearings and equipped with a product gripping system, the device also contains a speaker, microprocessor, MP3 -player, motor driver, voltage regulator. On the outside of the case, in close proximity to the product, there is a remote sensor that automatically controls the microprocessor when the customer passes near the product, while the movement of the wheel is controlled by a position sensor that determines where the wheel is and commands the motor to change the direction of movement forward and backward .

The disadvantages of the described device include the following:

- the goods must be monitored daily by the personnel physically present in the stores, there are no means of communication for transmitting information about buyers interested in the goods;

- it is difficult to change the settings, each device must be configured individually during a laborious process;

- the device does not have a universal product grip, which means that a special part must be made for each product, which increases the time and cost of preparing advertising campaigns;

- as a result of the operation of the device, it was found that the transmission mechanism is not reliable enough, it often fails,

- the device does not allow illumination of the product or the spread of odors, which limits the potential impact on the buyer;

- the device is noisy due to the operation of the engine and transmission system, which disturbs customers in stores;

- the device does not have a well-thought-out shelf attachment system, which causes problems with stability and increases the risk of damage;

- the device does not have a protection system that prevents the mechanism from jamming when the buyer pulls the goods;

- it is impossible to distinguish between the detection of a customer and a physical object placed in front of the shelf (for example, a grocery cart or a cargo pallet);

- the device cannot be turned off when the store is closed, which leads to excessive energy consumption;

The technical problem solved by the invention is to create a device with automatic control of the bidirectional transmission/reception of commands on the type of movement, information on the type and frequency of illumination, on the frequency of operation of the odor dosing system, information on the duration of the device, personalized transmission of sound/light messages in accordance with with consumer characteristics, as well as reports on the flow of customers in front of the shelf where the device is installed, and on the number of interactions with the buyer, with the ability to upload this information to a web platform and send it as a report to customers.

Disclosure of invention

According to the invention, an intelligent device for promoting products on a shelf consists of:

- motion transmission systems for moving products installed in the body;

- a modular universal product gripping system made of metal or plastic,

- an electronic integrated printed circuit board based on a microprocessor, placed in a housing, on which command and control elements are installed,

- product lighting system, consisting of an electronically controlled magnetic lamp;

- electronically controlled odor dosing systems installed outside the housing;

- an audio system consisting of a loudspeaker and an audio amplifier inside the case;

- a motion sensor or a video camera that detects the buyer and

- communication means installed on the board for bidirectional transmission of commands about the type of movement, the type and frequency of lighting, the frequency of odor emission, information about the operating time of the device, individually adjustable sound and light messages in accordance with individual consumer characteristics selected by the customer, as well as reports on the flow of customers in front of the shelf where the device is installed and the number of interactions with the customer, this information is uploaded to the web platform and sent as a report to customers, and the integrated electronic board consists of:

- a voltage regulator that steps down the voltage from 12 to 5 V to power the elements operating on 5 V, such as a microprocessor, microcontroller and fan;

- a microprocessor, which is configured to receive a signal from a motion sensor/camera installed outside the housing and decide to start the device by issuing commands to the LED lamp, the engine and the odor dosing system (28), as well as launching a sound file and connecting to a web server using a program designed for this;

- a microcontroller configured to receive a command from the microprocessor and control, in turn, the engine, LED lamp, RGB light indicator, fan and voltage sensor, as well as receive a signal from the motion sensor / video camera and then send it to the microprocessor;

- a clock module on the battery that allows you to track the time when the device is turned off;

- a motor driver configured to receive a command from the microcontroller and, in turn, control the movement of the motor,

- a sound amplifier that increases the level of the signal received from the microprocessor;

- a voltage sensor designed to determine whether the device is connected to an external battery, determine the battery charge level, and also to alert the web platform or cloud platform about the need to recharge it,

- an infrared position sensor designed to determine the position of the mechanism and transfer this information to the microprocessor through the microcontroller; and

- integrated WiFi/Bluetooth modules designed to transmit and receive a radio signal via WiFi for communication via the Internet using software designed for this or connecting a Bluetooth device to a mobile phone via a software application designed for this,

- a cellular communication module that allows the device to connect to the Internet and transmit/receive data if the WiFi network is not available, while the integrated WiFi/Bluetooth modules and the cellular communication module together constitute the means of communication.

According to another aspect of the invention, the intelligent device has a motion transmission system (transmission) consisting of a chassis attached to an electric motor with a vibration damper connected to a toothed pulley on which a synchronous transmission belt 6 is mounted, driving a rotation of an assembly consisting of another toothed pulley with a gear ratio of 2/1, a piston rod equipped with 9 deep groove ball bearings, on which a metal shaft is fixed, at the other end resting on a spherical ball bearing that allows movement in several axes, such a ball bearing is located in the housing, while the piston rod is mechanically blocked by the upper part of the chassis 13 so that even if the buyer pulls the goods, the mechanism cannot jam.

According to another aspect of the invention, the capture system consists of:

- "O"-shaped part, which connects the universal grip with the shaft 10 of the device and can, with the help of washers, adjust, if necessary, the angle of inclination of the grip so that it is parallel to the ground;

- details in the form of a "comb", which performs the function of a "ridge", to which other parts are attached with teeth provided for this purpose;

- a small base for placing goods of small thickness and supporting the weight of products;

- a large base for placing goods having a large thickness, and supporting the weight of products;

- an "extension", which is provided with teeth on both sides to be attached to the "comb" by means of a "connector" 19, if and when the product is high;

- an S-shaped part having 2 recesses, where the first recess is used to connect to the "comb" or "extension" by sliding over their teeth to the required height, and the second recess is used to insert Velcro or double-sided adhesive tape;

- an E-shaped part having 2 recesses, where the first recess is used to connect to the "comb" or "extension" by sliding over their teeth to the required height, and the second recess is used to insert Velcro or double-sided adhesive tape;

- a "three-prong" part having 4 recesses, the first 3 recesses being used for connection with a "comb" or "extension";

- the specified connector, designed to connect the “comb” with the “extension”, if the product is high;

- Velcro or double-sided adhesive tape designed to be inserted into a special recess provided in the S- and E-shaped parts and in the “three-pronged” part, while the product is attached to this tape.

The advantages of the new device are as follows:

- due to its much smaller dimensions, the device occupies only one side of the shelf;

- allows you to send automatic alerts to the server if the device does not work properly, and at the same time configure all devices remotely, resulting in a significant reduction in cost and time;

- allows you to check the correct functioning of the device at the time of installation;

- simplifies connection to a new WiFi network;

- sends information about the location of the device to the server and allows you to adjust the volume of the sound corresponding to the place where the device is installed;

- no additional tools (screwdriver, wrench, etc.) are used for fastening, the device can accommodate a wide variety of goods, which leads to a significant reduction in operating costs, while the device is much easier to use;

- the device can be quickly manufactured and assembled, which allows to reduce costs and ensure mass production;

- the noise produced by the mechanism is significantly reduced;

- the device can support a weight of up to 1500 grams, thereby providing a variety of products promoted;

- it is possible to automatically turn off the device when the store closes and automatically start it when the store opens again.

Brief description of the drawings

An example of an embodiment of the invention will be described next with reference to figures 1-6, where:

in FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a device according to the invention;

in FIG. 2 shows a schematic side view of the motion transmission system of the device according to the invention;

in FIG. 3 shows a schematic plan view of an integral printed circuit board of the device according to the invention;

in FIG. 4 shows a view of a system for fastening/fixing a product according to the invention;

in FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of sound, motion, light and odor elements located on the outside of the housing of the device according to the invention;

in FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of the rack system;

in FIG. 7 shows a simplified logic diagram of the operation of the device according to the invention.

Implementation of the invention

A device for promoting products on a shelf using sound, movement, light and smell, in Fig. 1, consists of a transmission system T installed in a housing 1, a modular universal gripping system 32 made of metal or plastic, a microprocessor-based electronic circuit board 35 installed in a housing 1, an electronically controlled magnetic lamp 24 and an electronically controlled odor dispenser 28, installed outside the housing 1. The device is additionally equipped with an audio system A, consisting of a loudspeaker 34 installed inside the housing 1 and an audio amplifier 37 installed on the board 35, as well as a communication module C for transmitting remote commands related to the type of movement, light intensity, type / odor intensity, operating time of the device, and which also transmits audio messages customized according to the characteristics of the customer, etc. to the web/mobile platform.

According to FIG. 2, a transmission system T is installed in the housing 1, consisting of a chassis 2, to which is attached an electric motor 3 with a vibration damper 4, connected to a toothed pulley 5, on which a synchronous transmission belt 6 is installed, which rotates an assembly consisting of another toothed pulley 7 (having gear ratio 2/1), piston rod 8, equipped with deep groove ball bearings 9, where a metal shaft 10 is clamped, at the other end resting on a ball bearing 11, allowing movement in several axes, while the ball bearing is in a specially designed casing 12. The piston rod is mechanically blocked the upper part 13 of the chassis 2 so that even if the customer pulls the goods, the mechanism cannot jam.

As shown in FIG. 4, the apparatus of the invention is further provided with a versatile modular metal or plastic gripping system 32, consisting of an assembly of parts that are easy to install and dismantle to accommodate any type of merchandise.

These details include:

O-shaped part 14, which connects the universal grip to the shaft 10 of the device and allows using washers to correct, if necessary, the angle of inclination of the grip so that it is parallel to the ground;

"Comb" 15, which acts as a "ridge" to which other parts are attached using teeth provided for this purpose.

Small base 16, where products of small thickness are placed. This part supports the weight of the product.

Large base 16, where products of greater thickness are placed. This part supports the weight of the product.

"Extension" 18, which can be provided with teeth on both sides to attach to the "comb" with a "connector" 19, if and when the product is high..

S-shaped piece 20 having 2 notches. The first recess is used to connect with the "comb" 15 or "extension" 18 by sliding over their teeth to the required height. The second recess is used to insert Velcro or double-sided adhesive tape 21.

E-shaped part 22, having 2 recesses. The first recess is used to connect with the "comb" 15 or "extension" 18 by smoothly moving along their teeth to the required height. The second notch is used to insert Velcro or double-sided adhesive tape 21. Since the S- and E-shaped parts 20, 22 move in opposite directions, they are fixed one on top of the other so that the product does not accidentally fall out during use.

"Three-prong" part 23, having 4 notches. The first 3 recesses are used to connect with a "comb" or "extension". This piece is used as a spacer and thus one of the 3 notches is used for the connection. The shape of the product will determine which of the three notches will connect to the "comb" or "extension".

Connector 19 connects the "comb" to the "extension" if the product is tall.

Double-sided fixing strip 21 or double-sided adhesive tape inserted into a special recess provided in the S- and E-shaped parts or in the trident part. The product will be attached to this tape. Due to the flexibility, this tape smoothly takes the shape of the product and keeps it attached to the device.

The device for the shelf is attached with rubber or plastic (silicone) suction cups, with a magnet or double-sided adhesive tape.

The housing 1 is protected by a cover 27 made of metal or plastic.

To power the elements operating at a voltage of 5 V (microprocessor, microcontroller, fan) and the microprocessor 39, in the housing 1 shown in FIG. 3, an integrated printed circuit board 35 is provided containing a voltage regulator 38 that steps down the voltage from 12 to 5 V. The microprocessor 39 is the central processing unit of the device. An operating system is installed on it with a special program that receives a signal from the motion sensor 29 / video camera and decides to start by issuing commands to the LED lamp 24, engine 3, odor atomizer 28, and which starts a sound file or connects to a web platform or mobile application. The electronic board 35 may further comprise a microcontroller 40. The microcontroller 40 receives a command from the microprocessor and in turn controls the motor, LED lamp, RGB color indicator 33, fan 38, voltage sensor and receives a signal from the motion sensor, sending it further to the microprocessor. The electronic board provides the following: a clock module 41 on a battery that allows you to count the time when the device is turned off, a motor driver 36 that receives a command from the microcontroller 40 and, in turn, controls the movement of the motor 3, an audio amplifier 37 that increases the level of the signal received from microprocessor 39, a temperature sensor (not shown) that measures the temperature inside the case 1 and sends the measurement results to the microprocessor 39, which decides to turn on the fan 38 - this usually happens at temperatures above 50 ° C, a voltage sensor (not shown) that determines whether whether the device is connected to an external battery, and warnings via the web platform about the need to recharge it, an infrared position sensor (not shown) that determines the position of the mechanism and transmits this information to the microprocessor 39 through the microcontroller 40, as well as an audio speaker 34 that plays sound files, transmitted by microprocessor 39 via sound kovo amplifier, and fan 38, which starts when the temperature inside the device exceeds a certain value (50°C). The electronic board 35 also has integrated WiFi/Bluetooth modules for transmitting and receiving radio signals over WiFi for the purpose of communication over the Internet through a special application or connecting a Bluetooth device to a mobile phone through a special application. Typically, the Bluetooth module is integrated with the WiFi module, but they are two different technologies used in different ways and can be installed separately. The communication means C further comprises a cellular communication module 31 allowing the device to connect to the Internet and transmit (receive) data if the WiFi network is not available. The start/stop button 42 is also located on the rear panel of the housing.

As shown in FIG. 5, the body 1 is placed on the shelf behind the visible line of goods.

Outside the case 1, a motion sensor 29, an LED lamp 24, and an odor diffuser 28 are connected through the USB ports on the rear wall of the case 1. The lamp has a magnet 26 that allows it to be attached to the metal case 27 of the device or to metal shelves. An RGB indicator light 33 is installed on the front of the case 1, indicating the operating status of the device by changing the color or frequency of the indicator. At the outer end of the shaft 10, a universal gripping system 32 is installed, to which the advertised product 25 is attached.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the motion sensor 29 may be replaced by a video camera.

As shown in FIG. 6, the shelf device can be attached with rubber or plastic (silicone) suction cups 45, with a magnet 44 or adhesive tape 43.

The mode of operation is shown in Fig. 7. As soon as the motion sensor or video camera 29 detects the presence of a customer in the vicinity, a signal is sent to the microprocessor 39. It initiates the start of the device, which includes moving the product back and forth along the x and y axes while playing a sound file (this can be an advertising message or a piece of music), turning on the LED lamp 24 and/or spraying the smell with the atomizer 28.

In particular, to move the goods, the microprocessor 39 sends a command to the microcontroller 40, which, in turn, issues a command to the motor driver 36, which controls the movement of the motor 3. The motor 3 rotates the shaft through the transmission system T, consisting of pulleys 5, 7, belt 6 and 8. Special software allows you to configure many types of movement: slow or fast, random forward-backward movement, continuous forward-backward movement, or, if the sound file contains a song, precise control of the movement to the rhythm of the music so that it seems that the product is dancing . The dedicated sound software allows users to adjust the volume of the sound as well as the flashing sequence of the LED lamp 24 and the operation of the odor diffuser 28 .

At the same time, based on the results of counting the number of starts and the number of triggers of the motion sensor or video camera 29, a report is generated, which is then immediately sent to a dedicated server.

When a video camera is used for discovery, the device allows the customization of the audio message settings according to the shopper's profile (for example, a message for a young woman may be different from a message for an older man).

The settings for each advertising campaign are made on a special web platform and sent to the device via the Internet.

A dedicated mobile application, which is connected to the device via Bluetooth, allows users to set up a new Internet connection to transmit information about the location where the device is installed, volume settings and check for smooth movement, 24 LED lamp, 29 motion sensor or video camera, 38 fan and atomizer 28 smell.

The device allows synchronization of the LED lamp 24 that illuminates the product 25 (if used, since the user can choose whether to attach it to the device or not), with the movement of the product and the sound. The device allows users to choose whether this lamp is on for the entire activation time, or to program it imperceptibly for the user to flash at a predetermined time interval, or to set the backlight mode as desired by the customer.

The odor dispenser 28 is connected via USB and sprays the odor at predetermined time intervals depending on the flow of customers in the store. The configuration of this system will also be carried out through a special web platform.

Using a motion sensor or a video camera 29 designed to detect customers and initiate the launch of the device, depending on the type of detection used, information about the flow of customers is retrieved from the corresponding shelf where the device is installed, and data is also obtained on the number of interactions with the customer. The use of a removable camera allows you to customize the audio message according to the profile of each customer (for example: young or old man, young or old woman). This information will be uploaded to the web platform and sent to the customer as a report.

The transmission of information is provided by means of communication, namely: a WiFi / Bluetooth module 30, a cellular communication module 31, modules that allow, together with a web platform or a mobile phone application, to remotely transmit the operating parameters of the engine 3, the parameters of the LED lamp 24, the odor dispenser 28, download new sound files, set the operating range of the device, remotely control the operation of the device, and in case of malfunctions, transmit information about the nature of the malfunction.

It should be understood that various details of the apparatus described herein may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, the foregoing description is for illustrative purposes only and not for limitation, thus the spirit of the invention is defined by the claims set forth below.

Claims (32)

1. An intelligent device for promoting products on the shelf, which consists of: - transmission system (T) for moving products, installed in the housing (1) and containing an electric motor (3) with a vibration damper (4); - a modular universal system (32) for gripping products, made of metal or plastic, - an integrated electronic printed circuit board (35) based on a microprocessor (39) placed in a housing (1) on which control and command components are installed, - a product lighting system (24) consisting of an electronically controlled magnetic lamp, - and an electronically controlled odor dosing system (28) installed outside the housing (1); - an audio system consisting of a loudspeaker (34) and an audio amplifier (37) installed inside the housing (1); - a motion sensor (29) detecting the customer, and - communication means (C) installed on the integrated electronic board (35) for bidirectional transmission/reception of commands about the type of movement, information about the type and frequency of backlighting, about the frequency of operation of the odor dosing system, about the duration of the device, sound / light personalized message in accordance with consumer characteristics, as well as reports on the flow of buyers in front of the shelf where the device is installed, and on the number of interactions with the buyer, with the ability to upload this information to a web platform and send it as a report to customers, - characterized in that the integrated electronic board (35) consists of: - a voltage regulator (38) that steps down the voltage from 12V to 5V to supply elements operating on 5V voltage, such as the microprocessor, microcontroller and fan; - a microprocessor (39), which is configured to receive a signal from a motion sensor/camera (29) installed outside the housing and make a decision to start the device by issuing commands to the LED lamp (24), engine (3) and system (28 ) odor dosing, as well as launching an audio file and connecting to a web server using a program designed for this; - a microcontroller (40) configured to receive a command from the microprocessor (39) and control, in turn, the motor (3), LED lamp (24), RGB indicator light (33), fan (38) and voltage sensor, as well as receive a signal from the motion sensor/video camera (29) and then send it to the microprocessor (39); - a clock module (41) on the battery that allows you to keep track of the time when the device is turned off; - a driver (36) of the motor, configured to receive a command from the microcontroller (40) and, in turn, control the movement of the motor (3), - an audio amplifier (37) that increases the level of the signal received from the microprocessor (39); - a voltage sensor designed to determine whether the device is connected to an external battery, determine the battery charge level, and also to warn the web platform about the need to recharge it, - an infrared position sensor designed to determine the position of the mechanism and transmit this information to the microprocessor (39) through the microcontroller (40); - integrated modules (30) WiFi/Bluetooth, designed to transmit and receive a radio signal via WiFi for communication via the Internet using the software designed for this or connecting the device via Bluetooth to a mobile phone via a software application designed for this, - a cellular communication module (31), which allows the device to connect to the Internet and transmit/receive data if the WiFi network is not available, while the integrated WiFi/Bluetooth modules (30) and the cellular communication module (31) together constitute the means of communication (C). 2. An intelligent device according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission system (T) consists of a chassis (2), to which is attached an electric motor (3) with a vibration damper (4), connected to a toothed pulley (5), on which a synchronous transmission belt (6), rotating assembly consisting of another toothed pulley (7) with a gear ratio of 2/1, a piston rod (8) equipped with deep groove ball bearings (9), to which a metal shaft (10) is attached, supported at the other end on a spherical bearing (11) allowing movement in several axes, where the ball bearing is located in the casing (12), and the piston rod (8) is mechanically locked by the upper part (13) of the chassis (2) so that even if the customer pulls the product, the mechanism does not may jam. 3. An intelligent device according to claim 1, characterized in that the product capture system (32) consists of: - an O-shaped piece (14) connecting said universal gripper to the shaft (10) of the device and allowing, with the help of washers, to adjust, if necessary, the angle of inclination of the gripper so that it is parallel to the ground; - parts (15) in the form of a "comb", acting as a "ridge", to which other parts are attached with teeth provided for this purpose; - small base (16) to accommodate products of small thickness and support the weight of the product; - a large base (17) for placing goods having a large thickness and supporting the weight of the product; - an "extension" (18) provided with teeth on both sides for attaching to the "comb" with a "connector" (19) if and when the product is high, and; - S-shaped part (20) having 2 recesses, wherein the first recess is made with the possibility of connection with the "comb" (15) or "extension" (18) by sliding over their teeth to the required height, and the second recess is made with the possibility of insertion Velcro or double-sided adhesive tape (21); - E-shaped part (22) having 2 recesses, the first recess is made with the possibility of connection with the "comb" (15) or "extension" (18) by sliding along their teeth to the required height, and the second recess is made with the possibility of insertion Velcro or double-sided adhesive tape (21); - a three-prong part (23) having 4 recesses, the first 3 recesses being made with the possibility of connection with a "comb" or "extension", and the fourth recess is made with the possibility of inserting Velcro and double-sided adhesive tape (21); - the specified "connector" (19), designed to connect the "comb" with the "extension", if the product is high; - a double-sided adhesive tape (21) designed to be inserted into a special recess provided in the S- and E-shaped parts and in the three-pronged part, and made with the possibility of attaching the product to this tape.

Images