Display

Abstract

A display (10,110) for items (14,114) for selection and / or sale, comprising a frame (11,111) and one or more shelves (13,113) associated with the frame (11,111), the display (10,110) comprising means (15,115) for automatically detecting the presence or absence of one or more of the items (14,114) for selection and / or sale.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an exhibitor. Nowadays, shelving units and displays are commonly used to display items, especially in stores.

[0002] Typically, the display consists of a number of parallel shelves fixed to a vertical support frame.

[0003] To purchase an item, a customer enters the store, identifies the item of interest, takes it from the display, and then purchases it.

[0004] Such known techniques have several drawbacks. In fact, being able to stock the exhibit and know what items need to be replenished requires staff to physically visit the exhibit, see what items remain, and return with the replacement items as needed.

[0005] This results in a long and inconvenient refilling process. Furthermore, in order to be able to verify the appeal of the goods offered for sale and therefore their success with the general public, it is necessary to ascertain: -Items missing from the display, -Or an accounting record of sales.

[0006] This also makes the verification process long and tedious. Also, if the price of a displayed item needs to be changed, the worker must physically go to the display to change or replace the price tag that is typically fixed to the corresponding shelf, resulting in a long and tedious process.

[0007] The goal of the present invention is to provide a display device that can improve upon the known art in one or more of the above aspects.

[0008] Within this goal, it is an object of the present invention to provide a display fixture that allows for immediate and automatic verification of restocked merchandise without the need for direct verification by staff.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to devise a display that allows for immediate and automatic verification of a product's appeal to the general consumer without requiring direct verification of the display or sales records.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a display fixture that allows the prices of displayed items to be changed remotely and without the need for a person to physically perform operations on the fixture.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of known techniques in a way that is different from existing solutions.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a display device that is reliable, easy to implement, and low cost.

[0013] This goal, as well as these and other objects which will become more apparent below, is achieved by a display apparatus for items for selection and / or sale, the display apparatus comprising a frame and one or more shelves associated with the frame, the display apparatus comprising means for automatically detecting the presence or absence of one or more of the items for selection and / or sale.

[0014] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of a display device according to the invention, shown by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a general perspective view of a display device according to the present invention in a configuration for use in a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the entire display device of FIG. 1, with no items displayed thereon. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows components of the display of FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 4a] 1 shows an item that can be displayed in a display device according to the present invention. [Figure 4b] 1 shows an item that can be displayed in a display device according to the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a general perspective view of a display device according to the present invention in a configuration for use in a second embodiment; FIG. [Figure 6a] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the entire display device of FIG. 5, with no items displayed thereon. [Figure 6b] 1 is a perspective view of an overall display device according to the present invention in a different embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing components of the exhibit of FIGS. 5 to 6b. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Referring to the drawings, a display device in a first embodiment according to the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 10.

[0017] The display device 10 comprises a frame 11 having a vertical configuration for use, the frame 11 being provided with at least one shoulder 12 and one or more shelves 13 associated with the frame 11 and secured to the shoulder 12.

[0018] Preferably, the frame 11 and shelf 13 are made of metal. The display fixture 10 is capable of displaying a plurality of items 14 for selection and / or sale.

[0019] One of the features of the display fixture 10 is that it includes a means 15 for automatically detecting the presence or absence of one or more items 14 .

[0020] Such means 15 for automatic detection comprise: a central device 16 for reading one or more identification elements 17, each one associated with the article 14; a plurality of antennas 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, ..., 18n connected to the central unit 16;

[0021] Advantageously, the central device 16 is a Radio Frequency Identification Ultra-High Frequency (UHF RFID) reader of the type known, for example, by the trade name "URA8 Fixed Android RFID Reader" of Shenzhen Chainway Information Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China.

[0022] In particular, this central device 16 is a fixed UHF RFID reader based on the Android operating system with eight ports 19 integrated with a chip known under the trade name "RFID Impinj E710 / R2000" of Impinj Inc., Seattle, USA.

[0023] The central unit 16 is powered by the mains using a connection 20 and is connected to a user interface, not shown, such as a tablet computer and / or a smartphone and / or a PC (personal computer), via a data link such as: -Wi-Fi 21, - and / or Fourth Generation Long Term Evolution (4G LTE)22; - and / or local area networks (LANs) 23; - and / or Universal Serial Bus (USB) 24, - and / or High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI (registered trademark)) 25.

[0024] In particular, the plurality of antennas 18a-18n comprise short range / short range and / or circular high gain UHF RFID antennas.

[0025] Advantageously, such antennas 18a to 18n are one or more of those known under the following trade names:

[0026] -Times-7 Research Ltd., Petone, New Zealand, "A1130 Near / Short Range UHF RFID Antenna" - "A1163 Near / Short Range UHF RFID Antenna" from Times-7 Research Ltd., Petone, New Zealand; - "A7030C Circular High Gain Antenna" from Times-7 Research Ltd., Petone, New Zealand; -A5060C Circular High Gain Antenna from Times-7 Research Ltd., Petone, New Zealand.

[0027] The identification element 17 is a UHF RFID label / tag associated with / applied to the items 14 or their packaging.

[0028] Specifically, antennas 18a-18n are associated with shoulder 12 of display fixture 10 in one or more compartments 27 defined between two consecutive shelves 13 and / or with the underside 26 of one or more respective shelves 13.

[0029] As used herein, the term "lower surface" refers to the lower surface of shelf 13, i.e., the surface of shelf 13 facing the next shelf below.

[0030] It should be noted that the type of antennas 18a-18n and their distribution on the display 10 allows for a three-dimensional reading of the identification element 17 of the article 14.

[0031] In this specification, "three-dimensional reading" means that UHF wireless tag 17 can be read when installed at any position relative to antennas 18a to 18n within compartment 27, provided that it is not screened.

[0032] It should also be noted that the use of antennas 18a-18n operating at radio frequencies in the UHF band allows for mass reading of elements within a restricted volume such as compartment 27.

[0033] Before being placed in the display 10 , the items 14 are labeled with a suitable identification element 17 adapted to be read by the central device 16 .

[0034] Advantageously, such UHF RFID labels / tags constituting the identification element 17 are one or more of those known under the following trade names: - Smartrac "AD-229r6" from Avery Dennison, Kedah, Malaysia, for articles or packaging made of paper-like material and / or plastic; - Smartrac AD-383u7 from Avery Dennison, Kedah, Malaysia, for articles or packages made of metallic materials or metallised cardboard; - "AX'Label Classic" from Axem Technology, Créteil, France, for articles14 or packaging made of paper-like material and / or plastic; - "AX'Label Platina" from Axem Technology, Créteil, France, for articles14 or packaging made of metallic material or metallised cardboard.

[0035] Advantageously, the identification element 17 is arranged on at a distance of at least a few centimeters from the shoulder 12 to allow reading by the antennas 18a to 18n, - at a distance of at least 5 centimeters from the corresponding high-gain circular antenna, - at a distance such that they do not come into contact with each other.

[0036] For example, the following may be placed in compartment 27: - a high-gain circular antenna with a power of 9 dBm on the shoulder 12 and a high-gain circular antenna with a power of 15 dBm on the underside 26 of the upper shelf 13; - two near-field / short-range antennas with a power of 27 dBm on the shoulder 12 and a high-gain circular antenna with a power of 15 dBm on the underside 26 of the upper shelf 13; and / or a short-range / near-field antenna with a power of 30 dBm on the shoulder 12.

[0037] The display 10 includes a spacer (not shown) that is L-shaped in cross section to maintain a distance of at least 2 centimeters between the item 14 and the shoulder 12 .

[0038] Specifically, such a spacer has: a core portion associated with the upper surface of the shelf 13 at / close to the shoulder 12; wings parallel to the shoulder 12;

[0039] In some other embodiments, the display device comprises one or more auxiliary spacers 28, each one positioned between two consecutive articles 14, to avoid overlapping of the identification elements 17 and enable their reading by the antennas 18a-18n.

[0040] The operation of the display device 10 according to the present invention is as follows. The central device 16 uses antennas 18a-18n to detect / read the identification elements 17 previously associated with each item 14 placed on the shelf 13 and automatically communicates the read data and the presence or absence of a given item 14 on display to a user interface.

[0041] In this way, it becomes possible to -Quickly and automatically check the inventory of products on display without the need for physical inspection, - quickly and easily schedule the replenishment of displayed items 14 without the need for in-person inspection; - Automatically verifying the sales trends and therefore the consumer appeal of a given item 14 without requiring direct personal identification or checking sales records.

[0042] 5 to 7 show different embodiments of the display device according to the present invention. In Figures 5-6b, elements of these embodiments that correspond to the same elements of the first embodiment (shown in Figures 1-4b) are designated with the same numbers, increased by 100.

[0043] The exhibit 110 is provided with a means 150 for remotely adjusting the price of the item 114 .

[0044] Such a means 150 for remotely modifying the price of an item 114 may include: one or more displays 151, each fixed to a corresponding shelf 113 and arranged in a row of identical items, in data communication with the central device 116; such a central unit 116 in data communication with the user interface, as previously described.

[0045] In particular, the display 151 is in data communication with the central unit 116 by way of one or more antennas 118a-118n.

[0046] It should be noted that the central unit 116 - detecting / reading by the antennas 118a-118n the identification elements 117 previously associated with the respective articles 114; and by a central device 116 which automatically transmits the read data to the user interface, It is possible to change the prices of items shown on the display 151 directly and remotely without having to physically visit the exhibit 110.

[0047] In fact, it has been found that the present invention fully achieves its intended goals and objectives by providing a display device that allows for immediate and automatic verification of stocked merchandise, without the need for direct verification by staff.

[0048] It should be noted that displays have been devised that allow for instant and automatic verification of a product's appeal to the general consumer without the need for direct verification of the display or sales records.

[0049] Additionally, the present invention provides a display fixture that allows the prices of displayed items to be changed remotely and without the need for a person to physically perform the operation of the fixture.

[0050] The invention thus conceived is susceptible to numerous variations and modifications, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other technically equivalent elements.

[0051] In practice, the materials used can be any, depending on the requirements and the state of the art, as long as they are compatible with the specific application, as well as the required dimensions and shapes.

[0052] The contents of Italian Patent Applications Nos. 102022000013933 and 102023000012516, from which this application claims priority, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0053] Where a recited technical feature in any claim is followed by a reference sign, such reference sign is inserted solely for the purpose of enhancing the comprehension of the claim, and therefore such reference sign does not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified as an example by such reference sign.

Claims

1. A display (10, 110) for items (14, 114) for selection and / or sale, comprising a frame (11, 111) and one or more shelves (13, 113) associated with said frame (11, 111), said display (10, 110) comprising means (15, 115) for automatically detecting the presence or absence of one or more of said items (14, 114) for selection and / or sale.

2. 2. The display (10, 110) of claim 1, characterized in that the frame (11, 111) has a vertical configuration for use, the frame (11, 111) is provided with at least one shoulder (12, 112), and the one or more shelves (13, 113) are fixed to the shoulder (12, 112).

3. The automatic detection means (15, 115) a central device (16, 116) for reading one or more identification elements (17, 117), each one of which is associated with said article (14, 114); a plurality of antennas (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18n, 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d, 118e, 118f, 118g, 118h, 118n) connected to said central unit (16, 116); 10. A display device (10, 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises:

4. 4. The display (10, 110) of claim 3, wherein the central device (16, 116) is a radio frequency identification ultra high frequency (UHF RFID) reader.

5. 10. The display (10, 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central device (16, 116) is of the type known under the trade name "URA8 Fixed Android RFID Reader" from Shenzhen Chainway Information Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China.

6. 10. The display (10, 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central unit (16, 116) is a fixed UHF RFID reader based on the Android operating system with eight ports (19, 119) integrated with a chip known under the trade name "RFID Impinj E710 / R2000" of Impinj Inc., Seattle, USA.

7. 10. An exhibit (10, 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central unit (16, 116) is powered by the mains by means of a connection (20, 120) and is connected to a user interface via the following data link: -Wi-Fi (21,121), - and / or Fourth Generation Long Term Evolution (4G LTE) (22,122), - and / or local area networks (LANs) (23, 123), - and / or Universal Serial Bus (USB) (24, 124), - and / or High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) (25, 125).

8. 10. The display device (10, 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of antennas (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18n, 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d, 118e, 118f, 118g, 118h, 118n) comprise UHF-RFID antennas such as: - Short range / short range, -Circular high gain.

9. 10. The display device (10, 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antennas (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18n, 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d, 118e, 118f, 118g, 118h, 118n) are one or more of those known under the following trade names: - "A1130 Near / Short Range UHF RFID Antenna" from Times-7 Research Ltd., Petone, New Zealand; - "A1163 Near / Short Range UHF RFID Antenna" from Times-7 Research Ltd., Petone, New Zealand; - "A7030C Circular High Gain Antenna" from Times-7 Research Ltd., Petone, New Zealand; - A5060C Circular High Gain Antenna from Times-7 Research Ltd., Petone, New Zealand.

10. 10. A display device (10, 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antennas (18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, 18f, 18g, 18n, 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d, 118e, 118f, 118g, 118h, 118n) are associated with the shoulder (12, 112) and / or with the underside (26, 126) of one or more respective shelves (13, 113) in one or more compartments (27, 127) defined between two consecutive shelves (13, 113).

11. 10. A display device (10, 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises one or more of the identification elements (17, 117), the identification elements (17, 117) being UHF RFID labels / tags associated with / applied to the items (14, 114) or their packaging.

12. 10. The display device (10, 110) of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the UHF RFID label / tag is one or more of the following known trademarks: - Avery Dennison Smartrac AD-229r6 in Kedah, Malaysia; - Avery Dennison Smartrac AD-383u7 in Kedah, Malaysia; - "AX'Label Classic" by Axem Technology, Créteil, France; - "AX'Label Platina" from Axem Technology, Créteil, France.

13. The identification element (17) is arranged at a distance of at least a few centimetres from said shoulder (12), - at a distance of at least 5 cm from the corresponding high-gain circular antenna, - at a distance such that they do not come into contact with each other 10. A display device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. - means (150) for remotely adjusting the price of said item (114); 10. The display device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises:

15. The means (150) for remotely modifying the price of the item (114) comprises: one or more displays (151), each one fixed to a corresponding shelf (113), arranged in a row of identical said items (114), and in data communication with said central device (116); said central unit (116) being in data communication with a user interface; 15. The display (110) of claim 14.

16. A spacer having an L-shaped cross section is provided, a core associated with the upper surface of each of said shelves (13) at / close to said shoulder (12); - wings parallel to said shoulder (12); 10. A display device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises:

17. 10. A display device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises one or more auxiliary spacers (28), each one being arranged between two successive said articles (14).

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