Abstract:
A mobile projector device can move throughout a store, above the isles, and project advertisements for the goods in the store. The advertisements can be provided from remote sources. Advertisers can bid against each other for the use of the projector device. Inventory data, sales data, control sales data are provided to advertisers so they can make decisions on when to advertisement and how much to bid on advertising. Demographic data regarding customers at a location using the device (i.e. a store) are provided to the advertisers as well.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/903,662, filed Nov. 13, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       THE NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
       [0004]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0006]    The invention relates to systems and methods for delivering advertising content to consumers, and in particular, to an automated mobile projector advertising system. 
         [0007]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0008]    Standardized advertisements are often ignored by sophisticated consumers who are accustomed to seeing the same advertisements over and over again. Advertisers need a new way to attract sophisticated consumers to learn about and purchase their product. The existing system is antiquated and ineffective at holding the attention of consumers. 
         [0009]    To setup, modify, or change an advertisement at various locations, representatives must physically go to the location and change the advertisement. This is a time intensive and cost prohibitive way of advertising products to consumers. There is a need for a new way to attract the attention of consumers by delivering advertising content to consumers quickly, affordable, direct, and nationwide. 
         [0010]    In the present advertising market, advertisers are limited in their ability to reach consumers at the point of purchase. Advertisers attract the attention of consumers using physical displays, coupon dispensers, floor adhesives, and television displays, to name a few. These advertising methods require an on-site human element, i.e., a representative of the advertising company to set up the displays and change them for various advertising campaigns. Every time a new advertising campaign is begun, a representative must remove the old display and set up the new display. This is a costly endeavor, especially when an advertising campaign occurs nationwide. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The invention encompasses a device for automated mobile projector advertising, including a track support system with a movable track carriage and a projector that displays an image on a surface. 
         [0012]    An object of the invention is a system for automated mobile projector advertising, including loading advertising content onto a computer server on a computer network, clients at respective locations accessing the server via the network to download the advertisement, projecting the advertisement in close proximity to a consumer, capturing consumer data that is stored on a server on the network, and utilizing a managing tool to review the advertisement&#39;s success. 
         [0013]    An object of the invention is to provide a device for displaying advertisements. The device includes a first rail aligned in a first lengthwise axis. A second rail travels along an axis of the first rail and extends at an angle to the first rail. A moveable track carriage travels along an axis of the second rail. The carriage carries a projector. The projector can be moved anywhere within a plane defined by the first and second rail by moving the second rail relative to the first rail and carriage relative to the second rail. A bus delivers power to the projector and to the motors of the carriage and the second rail. 
         [0014]    In a retail store, the first rail is suspended from a ceiling of the store and runs parallel to the floor above the height of the shelves. The second rail is perpendicular to the first rail and also runs parallel to the floor above the shelves. 
         [0015]    The projector displays advertisements onto a target surface. An example of a target surface is an area of the floor before a shelf containing a particular good. Another example of a target surface is an end of an isle containing a good being advertised. 
         [0016]    The projector is connected to a computer network and receives media that is to be shown. The media can be still images, movies, and can include audio. 
         [0017]    Another object of the invention is to provide a method for automated mobile projector advertising, including projecting advertising content for an advertised product when a consumer enters a location, capturing the consumer&#39;s reaction to the advertising content, and tracking whether the consumer purchased the advertised product after viewing the advertisement. 
         [0018]    The present invention has the advantage of allowing advertisers to place the advertisement in close proximity to both the product being advertised and the consumer. Manufacturers pick a specific product they want to advertise and create an audio and/or visual advertisement for that product. The advertisement can air at various retail locations around the world. As long as the retail location is equipped with the present invention, an Internet connection, and the appropriate software, the advertiser can display the advertisement for a certain product across numerous locations directly to consumers. 
         [0019]    Instead of a static display that most consumers ignore, the present invention provides a dynamic advertisement, i.e., video and/or audio, about a product directly to a consumer within reach of the product. This allows the advertiser to achieve a more personal connection with the consumer. 
         [0020]    Connecting retail stores and locations across a nationwide network enables advertisers to quickly upload new advertisements through a network or server to the Internet. Within a short timespan, the advertisement is projected in a retail store in close proximity to the consumer that is contemplating purchasing the product next to them in the aisle. 
         [0021]    Once the advertising campaign for a certain product has ended, the present invention is reconfigured for the next advertising campaign. A new advertisement is loaded onto the network and directed to the target retail locations. 
         [0022]    The invention includes a computer network for sharing advertisement media, buying advertisements, and reporting advertisements. The network can include a computer that controls the device. The computer can send commands to move the projector to a desired location, aim the projector, and send media to be projected. The computer includes a connection to the computer network. In an advertisement database, the computer tracks the advertisements being displayed, the duration of time that the advertisements are displayed, and other data related to the store, customers, and advertisement consumption. 
         [0023]    The store includes a computer that tracks inventory of goods and sales of goods. The computer reports the sales data and inventory data and relates the data to the advertisement data in the advertisement database. 
         [0024]    A computer connected to the network is controlled by an advertiser. The advertiser can upload advertisement media that is to be projected in stores to a server. 
         [0025]    An advertiser can bid to use the device to project advertisements based on market factors. Because the advertisement projector device is a limited asset (i.e. only one advertisement can be projected at one location at a given time), advertisers can bid to have their advertisement displayed. The advertiser with the highest bid will have its advertisement displayed. Advertisers with limited budgets can buy advertisement time at a discount in moments of less demand. For example, if the advertiser/wholesaler notices inventory accumulating in a retailer, the advertiser can bid to use the advertisement projector device to increase sales. If the advertiser knows that a store is more crowded with customers at a particular time, the advertiser can increase its bid to use the advertisement projector device to display its ads. If the advertiser knows of a particular circumstance, for example a weather emergency, the advertiser of goods for use in the emergency could increase its bid to use the projector device. Another example is that a wholesaler/advertiser of hot-dogs or hamburgers can increase its bid to advertise its hot dogs and hamburgers in a store that is near football stadium at a time preceding the football game. Demographics of shoppers and/or demographics of people living in neighborhoods surrounding a store can be shared with potential advertisers. Advertisers can increase bids to use the projector device in stores in which its target-demographic customers are shopping. 
         [0026]    In accordance with a further object of the invention, the advertisement projector device can be located inside of a retail store or outside of the store. 
         [0027]    Other features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. 
         [0028]    Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in an automated mobile projector for advertising, the invention is not limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing from the invention and the equivalents of the claims. However, the construction and method of operation of the invention together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a front view of an automated mobile projector advertising device according to the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  is a system diagram according to the invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is a step by step process flow of the method according to the invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  is a partial diagrammatic and partial schematic top side view of device according to the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    Embodiments of the invention are described below and are shown in the figures of the drawing. Unless otherwise mentioned the reference numbers are used consistently throughout the figures. 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  shows device  100  for automated mobile projector advertising, including multiple track mounts  102 . The upper portions of track mounts  102  are attached to a wall, e.g. a ceiling, to provide a stable anchor point for the present invention. Track mounts  102  hang from a wall in a substantially vertical position. Track platform  104  is connected to the lower portion of track mounts  102  and runs parallel from the ceiling. Track platform  104 , in conjunction with track mounts  102  secured to the ceiling, provides a stationary base for movable track carriage  106  to travel along. The present invention uses a motor powered carriage that travels along track platform  104  attached to the ceiling of a retail store in between aisles. However, track carriage  106  can move along track platform  104  through a variety of mechanisms, including but not limited to, electric motors, rollers, and actuators. 
         [0035]    Connector  108  attaches projector  110  to movable track carriage  106 . Projector  110  moves along track platform  104  on movable track carriage  106 . Projector  110  projects image  112 , e.g., an advertisement, on surface  114  below projector  110 . In an example embodiment, projector  110  emits an audio message to the consumer independent of, or in addition, to image  112 . 
         [0036]    In an example embodiment, shown in  FIG. 1 , a consumer walks down an aisle of a retail store. Close proximity, or the term near, is defined as within the audible and/or visual range of the consumer. A motion detector is preprogrammed with a specific distance or threshold from the product. Once the threshold is crossed, the motion detector triggers projector  110  positioned above the consumer on track platform  104 . Projector  110  displays an advertisement, or image  112 , on surface  114  next to the consumer. 
         [0037]    In the preferred embodiment, movable track carriage  106  travels along track platform  104  moving projector  110  to the product for the next advertising campaign. The ease in moving projector  110  along the aisles of a retail store provides immense flexibility for advertisers to quickly switch from advertising one product to the next. By simply loading a new advertisement to server  214  over a network, e.g., an Internet connection, the next advertising campaign will start in a short time span. Moreover, the automated nature of the present invention eliminates the need for a representative to visit each individual retail location to change the advertisement. Once set up in the retail location, minimal maintenance is required. The present invention provides advertisers a nationwide communication system to affordably deliver timely advertising content through Internet integrated software. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  illustrates a system for automated mobile projector advertising. Advertisement creator  216  prepares advertisement  202  to show to consumers. Advertisement creator  216  uploads advertisement  202  to server  214  via to network  204 . Network  204  is accessible through a hard line or any Internet connection, such as, but not limited to, a personal computer, laptop, smart phone, or tablet. Using an Internet connection, advertisement creator  216  uploads new content for advertisement  202  for various advertising campaigns. This provides greater flexibility and reduced lead time to implement a new advertising campaign. 
         [0039]    In a preferred embodiment of a method of buying in-store advertising, the device  100  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4  is connected to the computer network shown in  FIG. 2 . Advertisers  216  use a computer connected to the network to bid on using an advertisement projector device  100  in a given store to display their advertisement. An account of an advertiser bidding the highest amount is charged and the advertiser&#39;s advertisement is shown. 
         [0040]    To influence potential advertisers, a server can provide inventory data regarding a wholesalers/advertisers products. Likewise, sales data following the projecting of an advertisement in a store can be supplied to the advertiser via the computer network. Demographic information for a store&#39;s customers and for customer living in the surround neighborhood is preferably included in a database, which can be searched by potential advertisers. 
         [0041]    Advertisement creator  216  selects the specific retail locations  206  where advertisement  202  is displayed. Based on the various retail locations equipped with the present invention, the advertiser selects which locations  206  to air advertisement  202  using account managing tool  208 . Advertisement  202  is initialized through account managing tool  208  and sent to the selected retail locations over network  204  for locations  206  equipped with the system. 
         [0042]    In location  206 , the movement of a nearby consumer triggers motion detector  210 , which causes projector  110  to start advertisement  202 . Advertisement  202  is projected from the ceiling, above the consumer, onto surface  114  in close proximity to the consumer and the advertised product. Positioning advertisements  202  in close proximity to the advertised product allows the consumer to take the product off the shelf immediately after witnessing advertisement  202 . 
         [0043]    Sales of the product featured in advertisement  202  are tracked at the point-of-sale (“POS”). This enables advertisement creator  216  to determine the quantity of purchased products at location  206  displaying advertisement  202 . Correlating UPC codes of the company and product enables advertisement creator  216  to determine the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. 
         [0044]    Cameras  212  at location  206  capture the consumer response to advertisement  202 . The cameras are positioned close enough to determine whether the consumer ignored advertisement  202  or took the product from the shelf for purchase. Account managing tool  208  analyzes the consumer reaction data and compiles the information. This data is sent to network  204 . The data from camera  212  remains on network  204  for a limited time and is then purged due to privacy concerns. In an example embodiment, account managing tool  208  is located on network  204 . 
         [0045]    Advertisement creator  216  manages the advertising account over network  204 , in conjunction with account managing tool  208 . This includes, but is not limited to, scheduling the advertisement, selecting locations  206  to air advertisement  202 , calculating how many times the advertisement aired based on traffic flow, reviewing camera  212  footage data to determine the effectiveness of the advertisement at the various locations advertisement  202  aired, and correlating POS data with advertisement  202 . Instead of having a static advertisement with no indication of the advertisements&#39; direct impact on consumers, the present invention provides essential data to advertisers to determine the effectiveness of advertisement  202  on the consumer. 
         [0046]      FIG. 3  shows a method of the automated mobile projector advertising invention. A consumer enters a retail location and approaches the advertisement viewing area, Step  302 . As the consumer approaches, motion detector  210  recognizes the presence of the consumer in the advertising area, Step  304 , and triggers advertisement  202  to start, Step  306 . Advertisement  202  is projected from projector  110  located above the consumer onto surface  114 . In an example embodiment, surface  114  is the floor underneath projector  110 . 
         [0047]    As advertisement  202  is played to the consumer, nearby cameras  212  record the reaction of the consumer to the advertisement and store the data on network  204 , Step  308 . Advertisement creators  216  want to know whether the consumer ignores advertisement  202  or if they listen to and watch the content of the advertisement. This is important data to report back to the manufacturer or client who commissioned advertisement  202 . In Step  310 , the consumer&#39;s reaction is recorded by nearby cameras  212  and stored on network  204 . It is important for advertisers to measure the consumer&#39;s response to advertisement  202  to determine the impact of the advertisement on the consumer, Step  312 . The advertiser determines whether the consumer purchased the product in Step  314 . In Step  316 , the consumer does not purchase the product described in the advertisement. In Step  318 , the consumer does purchase the product described in the advertisement. 
         [0048]      FIG. 4  shows a preferred embodiment of an advertisement projector device  100 . The device  100  includes a first rail  116 A suspended from a ceiling of a store by track mounts  102 . A second rail  116 B is suspended from the ceiling of the store by track mounts  102 . The first rail  116 A and second rail  116 B are parallel to each other. A track  104  spans the first rail  116 A and the second rail  116 B. The track  104  travels along the length of rails  116 A and  116 B. Motors  115  on the rails  116 A and  116 B drive wheels, which are not shown, on the track  104  and  104 B to move the track  104 A along the rails  116 A and  116 B. The movable track carriage  106  moves along an axis of the track  104 . A motor  115  on the track carriage moves the track carriage  106  along the track  104 . The projector  110  is not shown but is on the underside of the track carriage  106 . The track carriage  106  moves to locations in the store to project advertisements on the floor between the isles  120  of goods. 
         [0049]    Although the invention is detailed by the embodiments, illustrations, and examples, the scope of the invention should not be limited to those embodiments, illustrations, and examples.