Dynamically changing a tag's displayed content based on the type of customer interaction with an item

Systems and methods for dynamically changing displayed content of a tag. The methods comprise: performing operations by sensors of the tag to detect when an individual is interacting with a first item to which the tag is coupled; determining a type of interaction between the individual and the first item; selecting at least one first accessory from a plurality of accessories for the first item based on the type of interaction; obtaining information for the selected at least one first accessory that is to be presented to the individual; and dynamically changing the displayed content of the tag to include the obtained information while the individual is still in proximity to the tag or interacting with the first item.

FIELD

This document relates generally to intelligence and security systems (e.g., for retail applications). More particularly, this document relates to implementing systems and methods for dynamically changing a tag's displayed content based on the type of customer interaction with an item.

BACKGROUND

Retailers would like to leverage predictive analytics to detect customer interaction with certain types of merchandise, and thus “extract” customer preferences thereby “customizing” store merchandize to suit customer preferences/demographics. In order to accomplish this, retailers are constantly relying on data obtained from multi-functional sensors to identify and categorize customer preferences.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure concerns implementing systems and methods for dynamically changing displayed content of a tag. The methods comprise: performing operations by sensors of the tag to detect when an individual is interacting with a first item to which the tag is coupled; determining a type of interaction between the individual and the first item; selecting at least one first accessory from a plurality of accessories for the first item based on the type of interaction; obtaining information for the selected at least one first accessory that is to be presented to the individual; and dynamically changing the displayed content of the tag to include the obtained information while the individual is still in proximity to the tag or interacting with the first item.

In some scenarios, the first accessory is selected based further on the first item's location and the at least one first accessories location. In those or other scenarios, the display of a push notification message on the individual's mobile device is triggered when the interaction is of a given type.

In those or other scenarios, a current inventory for the first item is determined in response to a detection that the individual is interacting with the first item. The displayed content of the tag is dynamically changed to include: the current inventory; and/or instructions how to order the item when the current inventory is zero.

In those or yet other scenarios, information about the individual's interest and interaction with the first item is logged or stored as part of historical information. Historical data is analyzed to determine a degree of interest or a degree of interaction for each second item of a plurality of second items of the same or similar type as the first item by a plurality of individuals. A person can be dispatched to (a) re-position at least one of the first item and the second item with a given degree of interest or interaction, and/or (b) attend to an individual's needs relating to the second item with a highest degree of interest or interaction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present solution generally concerns implementing systems and methods for dynamically changing a tag's displayed content. The methods generally involve: sensing when a person is in proximity to a tag coupled to an item with a static location (e.g., an oven, refrigerator, car, etc.); determining the type of customer interaction with the item; identifying at least one accessory for the item based on the type of customer interaction; providing information for the identified accessory to the tag; and changing the display content of the tag to include the received information associated with the identified accessories (e.g., accessory product information (product description and/or price), promotional information, and/or sale information). This process is repeated each time a new type of customer interaction is detected. Thus, the tag's displayed content can be dynamically changed multiple times when a customer is interacting with the item on the floor of a retail store (e.g., when the customer is looking inside a home appliance (e.g., an oven with pots/pans as accessories), when the customer is interacting with the electronic menus of the home appliance (e.g., an oven with a smart home control system as an accessory), etc.). The term “accessory”, as used herein, includes (but is not limited to): a useful auxiliary item that can be attached to or removed from an item (e.g., a drill bit or battery of a drill); and/or a product that can be used in conjunction with another product (e.g., an oven cleaner for cleaning an oven, or a water pipe fitting for a washer/dryer).

In some scenarios, the methods also involve: determining a current inventory for the item; and dynamically changing the displayed content of the tag to include information specifying the item's current inventory. If the current inventory is zero or one (e.g., the item on display), then the tag can also output information indicating that the item can be ordered via a cashier.

In those or other scenarios, the methods further involve: tracking the number and types of customer interactions with each item of a plurality of items; dispatching personnel to re-position the item in a facility based the tracked number and types of customer interaction therewith (e.g., so as to increase sales of the item or another item); using the tracked number and types of customer interactions to determine how many employees are needed to attend to customer needs relating to the item; and/or dispatching one or more employees to the item's location based in results of the determination.

Referring now toFIG. 1, there is provided an illustration of an illustrative system100. System100is entirely or at least partially disposed within a facility102. The facility102can include, but is not limited to, a manufacturer's facility, a distribution center facility, a retail store facility or other facility within a supply chain.

As shown inFIG. 1, at least one item118resides within the facility102. The item118has a smart tag120coupled thereto. This coupling is achieved via an adhesive (e.g., glue), a mechanical coupler (e.g., straps, clamps, snaps, etc.), a weld, chemical bond or other means. The smart tag120is generally configured to provide a visual and/or auditory output of item level information, accessory information, and/or inventory information. The item level information includes, but is not limited to, an item description, item nutritional information, a promotional message, an item regular price, an item sale price, a currency symbol, and/or a source of the item. The accessory information includes, but is not limited to, an accessory description, accessory nutritional information, a promotional message, an accessory regular price, an accessory sale price, a currency symbol, a source of the accessory, and/or an accessory location in the facility. The inventory information includes, but is not limited to, the number of a given item in stock at a particular facility.

The smart tag120will be described in detail below in relation toFIGS. 2-4. The item level information, accessory information and/or inventory information can be output in a format selected from a plurality of formats based on a geographic location of the item, a date, and/or an item pricing status (e.g., whether the item is on sale). In a display context, the format is defined by a font parameter, a color parameter, a brightness parameter, and/or a display blinking parameter. In an auditory context, the format is defined by a volume parameter, a voice tone parameter, and/or a male/female voice selection parameter.

The item118is disposed on display equipment122. The display equipment includes, but is not limited to, shelves1061-1063, display cabinets, and/or exhibit cases. In the shelf scenario, each shelf1061-1063may have an Electronic Smart Label (“ESL”) affixed thereto. ESLs are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Still, it should be understood that the ESLs display information relating to the items stored on the respective shelves. In some scenarios, the ESLs are connected to a corporate network via long-range radio technology. In this case, the ESLs may communicate with the smart tags via a short-range or long-range radio and provide informational updates thereto.

The smart tag120and ESLs1041-1043comprise wireless communication components that enable the communication of item level information116, accessory information132and/or inventory information134thereto and/or therefrom. The wireless communication components can implement one or more different types of communication technology. The communication technologies can include, but are not limited to, Radio Frequency (“RF”) communication technology; Bluetooth technology; WiFi technology; Sub GHz technology; beacon technology; LiFi technology; and/or Ultra Wide Band (“UWB”) technology. Each of the listed types of communication technology are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein.

The item level information116, accessory information132, and/or inventory information134is provided to the smart tag and ESLs from a computing device112via a network110. The computing device112can be local to the facility102as shown inFIG. 1or remote from the facility102. The computing device112will be described in detail below in relation toFIG. 5. However, at this time, it should be understood that the computing device112is configured to: write data to and read data from a database114, smart tag120and/or ESLs1041-1043; and/or perform language and currency conversion operations using item level information, accessory information and/or inventory information obtained from the database114, smart tag120and/or ESLs1041-1043. The data can include, but is not limited to, item level information116, accessory information132, and/or inventory information136.

Accordingly, the computing device112facilitates updates to the item level information, accessory information, and/or inventory information output from the smart tags and/or ESLs. Such information updating can be performed periodically: in response to instructions received from an associate (e.g., a retail store employee); in response to a detected change in the item level, accessory and/or inventory information; in response to a detection that an individual is in proximity to and/or interacting with the smart tag or ESL; and/or in response to any motion or movement of the smart tag. For example, if a certain product is placed on sale, then the sale price for that product is transmitted to access point128, which in turn transmits the sale price to each smart tag/ESL associated with that product. The sale price is then output from the smart tags/ESLs. The present solution is not limited to the particulars of this example.

The network110interconnects the computing device112with at least one access point128. Network110can be a wired or wireless network facilitating communication between computing device112and the access point128. The access point128receives the item level information116, accessory information132and/or inventory information136from the computing device112, optionally translates this information, and sends it to the smart tag120and/or ESLs1041-1043via wireless communication links124.

Although a single computing device112is shown inFIG. 1, the present solution is not limited in this regard. It is contemplated that more than one computing device can be implemented. Also, the present solution is not limited to the illustrative system architecture described in relation toFIG. 1. For example in other scenarios, the present solution is used in a system such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0326849 to Relihan et al. (incorporated herein by reference).

During operations of system100, the content displayed on the display screens of the smart tags120and ESLs1041, . . . ,1043are dynamically controlled based on tag related information, item related information, accessory related information, and/or customer interaction information. The tag related information includes, but is not limited to, first information indicating that an individual is in proximity the smart tag and/or ESL, and/or second information indicating a location of the smart tag120. The item related information includes, but is not limited to, third information identifying the item to which the tag is coupled. The accessory related information includes, but is not limited to, fourth information identifying any accessories for the item118. The customer interaction information includes, but is not limited to, fifth information indicating that the individual is interacting with the item118or tag120, and/or information specifying the type of interaction between the individual and item118or tag120. The manner in which the displayed content is dynamically changed will become more evident as the discussion progresses.

The first, second and/or fifth information can be derived based on sensor data generated by sensors local to or internal to the smart tag120. Accordingly, the smart tag120comprises one or more sensors to detect its location, detect any individuals in proximity thereto, detect any interactions between individuals and the item118, and collecting information useful for determining the type of said interactions. The sensors include, but are not limited to, an Inertial Measurement Unit (“IMU”), a vibration sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a proximity sensor, a microphone, a communications device, a camera, at least one switch (e.g., to detect whether an oven door is opened or closed), and/or a heat sensor (e.g., a UWB radio). The communication device of the tag can be used to communicate with other sensors disposed or coupled to the item at various locations. For example, the tag's communications device can receive data from other external sensors that is useful for determining if an individual is interacting with the item and/or the type of interaction. These external sensors include cameras disposed on a near-by structure (e.g., wall or ceiling). The present solution is not limited to the particulars of this example.

In some scenarios, a sensor embedded in the smart tag120detects when an individual is in proximity to and/or is interacting with the item118to which the smart tag is coupled. When such a detection is made, the smart tag120retrieves accessory information132from a local memory or a remote datastore114. For example, the item comprises a kitchen appliance such as an oven or refrigerator. In this oven case, the accessories include pots, pans, stove burner covers, replacement drip pans, home automation systems, and various other products or attachments that could be used with the oven. Accordingly, the accessory information includes identifiers, descriptions, pricing and/or locations of the listed accessories. The smart tag's display is then dynamically changed to include all or some of the accessory information (e.g., the display indicates that the oven is a smart oven that can be part of a home automation system and has various replacement parts). The present solution is not limited to the particulars of this example.

In some scenarios, information is pushed to the individual via his(her) mobile device126(in addition to or as an alternative to the tag). The information is selected based on the individual's interaction with the item. The information can include, but is not limited to, item level information, accessory information, inventory information, promotional information, and/or account information.

In those or other scenarios, the system100tracks the number and types of customer interactions with each item of a plurality of items. The tracked number and types of customer interactions are used to determine how many employees are needed to attend to customer needs relating to the item. One or more employees are then dispatched to the item's location based in results of the determination. Additionally or alternatively, an employee is dispatched to re-position the item in the facility102based the tracked number and types of customer interactions therewith (e.g., so as to increase sales of the item or another item).

Referring now toFIG. 2, there is an illustration of an exemplary EST200displaying item level information. An exemplary architecture for the EST200is provided inFIGS. 3-4. Smart tag120and/or ESLs1041-1043ofFIG. 1is/are the same as or substantially similar to EST200. As such, the discussion of EST200is sufficient for understanding the smart tag120and/or ESLs1041-1043ofFIG. 1.

The EST200can include more or less components than that shown inFIG. 3. However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrative embodiment implementing the present solution. Some or all of the components of the EST200can be implemented in hardware, software and/or a combination of hardware and software. The hardware includes, but is not limited to, one or more electronic circuits. The electronic circuit(s) may comprise passive components (e.g., capacitors and resistors) and active components (e.g., processors) arranged and/or programmed to implement the methods disclosed herein.

The hardware architecture ofFIG. 2represents a representative EST200configured to facilitate improved inventory management, merchandise sales, and/or customer experience. In this regard, the EST200is configured for allowing data to be exchanged with an external device (e.g., computing device112ofFIG. 1) via wireless communication technology. The wireless communication technology can include, but is not limited to, a Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”) technology, a Near Field Communication (“NFC”) technology, and/or a Short Range Communication (“SRC”) technology. For example, one or more of the following wireless communication technologies (is) are employed: Radio Frequency (“RF”) communication technology; Bluetooth technology; WiFi technology; Sub-GHz technology; beacon technology; LiFi technology; and/or an Ultra Wide Band (“UWB”) radio. Each of the listed wireless communication technologies is well known in the art, and therefore will not be described in detail herein. Any known or to be known wireless communication technology or other wireless communication technology can be used herein without limitation.

The components306-318shown inFIG. 3may be collectively referred to herein as a communication enabled device304, and include a memory308and a clock/timer318. Memory308may be a volatile memory and/or a non-volatile memory. For example, the memory308can include, but is not limited to, Random Access Memory (“RAM”), Dynamic RAM (“DRAM”), Static RAM (“SRAM”), Read Only Memory (“ROM”) and flash memory. The memory308may also comprise unsecure memory and/or secure memory.

In some scenarios, the communication enabled device304comprises a Software Defined Radio (“SDR”). SDRs are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described in detail herein. However, it should be noted that the SDR can be programmatically assigned any communication protocol that is chosen by a user (e.g., RFID, WiFi, LiFi, Bluetooth, BLE, Nest, ZWave, Zigbee, etc.). The communication protocols are part of the device's firmware and reside in memory308. Notably, the communication protocols can be downloaded to the device at any given time. The initial/default role (being an RFID, WiFi, LiFi, etc. tag) can be assigned at the deployment thereof. If the user desires to use another protocol at a later time, the user can remotely change the communication protocol of the deployed EST200. The update of the firmware, in case of issues, can also be performed remotely.

As shown inFIG. 3, the communication enabled device304comprises at least one antenna302,312for allowing data to be exchanged with the external device via a wireless communication technology (e.g., an RFID technology, an NFC technology and/or a SRC technology). The antenna302,312is configured to receive signals from the external device and/or transmit signals generated by the communication enabled device304. In some scenarios, the antenna302,312comprises a near-field or far-field antenna. The antennas includes, but are not limited to, a chip antenna or a loop antenna.

The communication enabled device304also comprises a transceiver306. Transceivers are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. However, it should be understood that the transceiver306generates and transmits signals (e.g., RF carrier signals) to external devices, as well as receives signals (e.g., RF signals) transmitted from external devices. In this way, the communication enabled device304facilitates the registration, identification, location and/or tracking of an item (e.g., item118ofFIG. 1) to which the EST200is coupled. The communication enabled device304also facilitates the automatic and dynamic modification of item level information, accessory information, and/or inventory product information that is being or is to be output from the EST200in response to certain trigger events. The trigger events can include, but are not limited to, the EST's arrival at a particular facility (e.g., facility102ofFIG. 1), the EST's arrival in a particular country or geographic region, a date occurrence, a time occurrence, a price change, the reception of user instructions, the detection of an individual in proximity to an item (e.g., item118ofFIG. 1) to which the EST is coupled, the detection of an individual's proximity to an item (e.g., item118ofFIG. 1) to which the EST is coupled, and/or the detection of an individual's interaction with an item to which the EST is coupled.

Item level information314, accessory information312, inventory information320, and/or other information324associated with the identification, location and/or motion/movement of the EST200can be stored in memory308of the communication enabled device304and/or communicated to other external devices (e.g., computing device112ofFIG. 1and/or mobile device126ofFIG. 1) via transceiver306and/or interface340(e.g., an Internet Protocol or cellular network interface). For example, the communication enabled device304can communicate information specifying a timestamp, a unique identifier, item description, item price, a currency symbol, location information, and/or sensor data to an external computing device. The external computing device (e.g., server) can then store the information in a datastore (e.g., datastore114ofFIG. 1) and/or use the information during language and/or currency conversion operations and/or during tag display change operations.

The communication enabled device304also comprises a controller310and input/output devices316. The controller310can also execute instructions322implementing methods for facilitating item inventorying, merchandise sales and/or customer satisfaction. In this regard, the controller310includes a processor (or logic circuitry that responds to instructions) and the memory308includes a computer-readable storage medium on which is stored one or more sets of instructions322(e.g., software code) configured to implement one or more of the methodologies, procedures, or functions described herein. The instructions322can also reside, completely or at least partially, within the controller310during execution thereof by the EST200. The memory308and the controller310also can constitute machine-readable media. The term “machine-readable media”, as used here, refers to a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions322. The term “machine-readable media”, as used here, also refers to any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions322for execution by the EST200and that cause the EST200to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure.

The input/output devices can include, but are not limited to, a display (e.g., an E Ink display, an LCD display and/or an active matrix display), a speaker, a keypad and/or light emitting diodes. The display is used to present item level information, accessory information, and/or inventory information in a textual format and/or graphical format. Similarly, the speaker may be used to output item level information, accessory information, and/or inventory information in an auditory format. The speaker and/or light emitting diodes may be used to output alerts for drawing a person's attention to the EST200and/or for notifying the person of a particular pricing status (e.g., on sale status) of the item to which the EST is coupled.

The clock/timer318is configured to determine a date, a time, and/or an expiration of a pre-defined period of time. Technique for determining these listed items are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known technique for determining these listed items can be used herein without limitation.

The EST200also comprises an optional location module330. The location module330is generally configured to determine the geographic location of the EST at any given time. For example, in some scenarios, the location module330employs Global Positioning System (“GPS”) technology and/or Internet based local time acquisition technology. The present solution is not limited to the particulars of this example. Any known or to be known technique for determining a geographic location can be used herein without limitation.

The optional coupler342is provided to securely or removably couple the EST200to an item (e.g., item118ofFIG. 1). The coupler342includes, but is not limited to, a mechanical coupling means (e.g., a strap, clip, clamp, snap) and/or adhesive (e.g., glue or sticker). The coupler342is optional since the coupling can be achieved via a weld and/or chemical bond.

The EST200can also include an optional rechargeable battery336, an optional Electronic Article Surveillance (“EAS”) component344, and/or an operational passive/active/semi-passive RFID component346. Each of the listed optional components336,344,346is well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known battery, EAS component and/or RFID component can be used herein without limitation.

As shown inFIG. 2, the EST200further comprises an energy harvesting circuit332and a power management circuit334for ensuring continuous operation of the EST200without the need to change a battery. In some scenarios, the energy harvesting circuit302is configured to harvest energy from one or more sources (e.g., heat, light, vibration, magnetic field, and/or RF energy) and to generate a relatively low amount of output power from the harvested energy. By employing multiple sources for harvesting, the device can continue to charge despite the depletion of a source of energy.

The energy harvesting circuit332can operate in two (2) ways. First, the energy harvesting circuit332can harvest energy from an available source while online (i.e., when the EST200is attached to merchandise). Second, the energy harvesting circuit332can harvest energy while offline (i.e., when the EST200is detached from merchandise) via a charging station/bin. This ensures that the EST200is fully charged when the EST is ready to be deployed or go online.

The energy harvesting circuit332can also be supplemented with bigger harvesters and/or a mains power source. In this case, the energy harvesting circuit332can be placed closer to its primary source (e.g., a solar panel on top of a shelf) and power from there can be distributed over two (2) wires. The design allows multiple labels to be connected to a single harvester circuit. The harvester circuit can be replaces with the mains power source.

The EST200may also include optional sensors350employing environmental and proximity sensing technology. The sensors350can include, but are not limited to, a light sensor, a fluid/liquid/humidity sensor, an IR detector, a camera, a proximity sensor, an IMU, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an RF detection unit, at least one switch (e.g., electro-mechanical switch), and/or a heat sensor (e.g., UWB radio). The input/output devices316(e.g., the display) can be turned off when a person is not located in proximity thereto. This capability is useful when the input/output devices316(e.g., the display) is not considered low power.

The power management circuit334is generally configured to control the supply of power to components of the EST200. In the event all of the storage and harvesting resources deplete to a point where the EST200is about to enter a shutdown/brownout state, the power management circuit334can cause an alert to be sent from the EST200to a remote device (e.g., computing device112ofFIG. 1). In response to the alert, the remote device can inform an associate (e.g., a store employee) so that (s)he can investigate why the EST200is not recharging and/or holding charge.

The power management circuit334is also capable of redirecting an energy source to the EST's200electronics based on the energy source's status. For example, if harvested energy is sufficient to run the EST's200function, the power management circuit334confirms that all of the EST's200storage sources are fully charged such that the EST's200electronic components can be run directly from the harvested energy. This ensures that the EST200always has stored energy in case harvesting source(s) disappear or lesser energy is harvested for reasons such as drop in RF, light or vibration power levels. If a sudden drop in any of the energy sources is detected, the power management circuit334can cause an alert condition to be sent from the EST200to the remote device (e.g., computing device112ofFIG. 1). At this point, an investigation may be required as to what caused this alarm. Accordingly, the remote device can inform the associate (e.g., a store employee) so that (s)he can investigate the issue. It may be that other merchandise are obscuring the harvesting source or the item is being stolen.

Referring now toFIG. 4, there is provided a block diagram of an exemplary architecture400for the power management circuit334of the EST200. The power management circuit334is not limited to the particular architecture shown inFIG. 4. In this regard, it should be understood that that power management circuit334can include more or less components than that shown inFIG. 4.

The power management circuit334is configured to provide a way in which the EST200is: deployable as a plug-n-play energy harvested wireless sensor that is ready to function as soon as it is turned on; and a self-sustaining sensor system wherein its power source would virtually never need to be replaced. In this regard, the power management circuit334is electrically connected to the energy harvesting circuit332and the optional rechargeable battery336. The power management circuit334comprises switches404,406, an Energy Harvester Power Manager (“EHPM”)408, a Super Capacitor (“SC”) storage element414, a smart charger412for the SC storage element, a microcontroller416, and a DC-DC voltage converter420electrically connected to a load(s)422. The microcontroller416can be the same as or separate/distinct from the controller310ofFIG. 3. The load422can include, but is not limited to, components304,330,340,350,344and/or346ofFIG. 3.

In some scenarios, the energy harvesting circuit332comprises a solar cell circuit. The present solution is not limited in this regard. Other types of energy harvesting circuits can be used herein that generate a relatively low amount of output power.

At initial power up of the EST200, the SC storage element414is assumed to be in a completely discharged state. Thus, the initial charge of the SC storage element414is at a level of approximately or substantially equal to zero volts. However, the rechargeable battery336is in a quasi-discharged state in which its initial charge is at a level greater than zero volts (e.g., 3 volts). As such, the rechargeable battery336has a sufficient amount of initial stored energy to nearly instantaneously enable operations of the control electronics of the EST200. In this regard, an output voltage436is supplied from the rechargeable battery336to the EHPM408via switch404, whereby operations of boost converters424contained in the EHPM408are started immediately after turning on the EST200. The output voltage436is also supplied from the rechargeable battery336to the microcontroller416via the EHPM408.

The available power from rechargeable battery is also used at this time to charge the SC storage element414. In this regard, the output voltage436of the rechargeable battery336is supplied to the SC storage element414via switch406and smart charger412, whereby charging of the SC storage element is expedited. An output voltage438of the SC storage element is supplied to the load(s)422via the voltage converter420. The EST200is considered fully operational when the output voltage438reaches a level (e.g., 3.8 V) that is sufficient to cause the load(s) to perform the intended operations thereof.

Throughout operation of the EST200, the microcontroller416monitors the output voltage434of the solar cell circuit402, as well as the output voltage436of the rechargeable battery and the output voltage438of the SC storage element414. Once the output voltage438of the SC storage element414reaches a desired voltage (e.g., 3.8 V) after system activation (or powering on), the microcontroller416enables a timer to time the charging of the SC storage element414. After a pre-determined time period (e.g., 6 hours), an assumption is made that the SC storage element414has reached its leakage current equilibrium, and therefore no longer needs to be charged. In effect, the microcontroller416may optionally perform operations at this time to terminate the supply of output voltage436to the SC storage element414via switch406and smart charger412.

When the output voltage438of the SC storage element414falls below a threshold value (e.g., 3.3 V), the microcontroller416communicates a switch control signal432to switch406so as cause the output voltage436of the rechargeable battery410to once again be supplied to the SC storage element414via the smart charger412. Output voltage436is supplied to the SC storage element414until the output voltage438thereof exceeds an upper threshold value. In effect, the SC storage element414is recharged whereby the energy expended while driving load(s)422is(are) restored.

When the solar cell circuit402is active, the output voltage434of the solar cell circuit402is supplied to the rechargeable battery336via EHPM408. In effect, the rechargeable battery336is recharged by the solar cell circuit402, whereby the energy expended in charging and re-charging the SC storage element414is restored while the EST200is maintained in its fully operational state.

The above described process of using the rechargeable battery336to charge the SC storage element414is repeated as needed. Thus, the above described EST200performs self-monitoring and charges its respective re-chargeable elements throughout its entire operation.

Referring now toFIG. 5, there is provided a detailed block diagram of an exemplary architecture for a computing device500. Computing device112ofFIG. 1is the same as or substantially similar to computing device500. As such, the following discussion of computing device500is sufficient for understanding computing device112.

Computing device500may include more or less components than those shown inFIG. 5. However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrative embodiment implementing the present solution. The hardware architecture ofFIG. 5represents one embodiment of a representative Computing device configured to facilitate improved inventory pricing management. As such, the computing device500ofFIG. 5implements at least a portion of a method for automatically and dynamically modifying item level information, accessory information, and/or inventory information output from smart tags and/or ESLs in accordance with the present solution.

Some or all the components of the computing device500can be implemented as hardware, software and/or a combination of hardware and software. The hardware includes, but is not limited to, one or more electronic circuits. The electronic circuits can include, but are not limited to, passive components (e.g., resistors and capacitors) and/or active components (e.g., amplifiers and/or microprocessors). The passive and/or active components can be adapted to, arranged to and/or programmed to perform one or more of the methodologies, procedures, or functions described herein.

As shown inFIG. 5, the computing device500comprises a user interface502, a Central Processing Unit (“CPU”)506, a system bus510, a memory512connected to and accessible by other portions of computing device500through system bus510, and hardware entities514connected to system bus510. The user interface can include input devices (e.g., a keypad550) and output devices (e.g., speaker552, a display554, and/or light emitting diodes556), which facilitate user-software interactions for controlling operations of the computing device500.

At least some of the hardware entities514perform actions involving access to and use of memory512, which can be a RAM, a disk driver and/or a Compact Disc Read Only Memory (“CD-ROM”). Hardware entities514can include a disk drive unit516comprising a computer-readable storage medium518on which is stored one or more sets of instructions320(e.g., software code) configured to implement one or more of the methodologies, procedures, or functions described herein. The instructions520can also reside, completely or at least partially, within the memory512and/or within the CPU506during execution thereof by the computing device500. The memory512and the CPU506also can constitute machine-readable media. The term “machine-readable media”, as used here, refers to a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions520. The term “machine-readable media”, as used here, also refers to any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions320for execution by the computing device500and that cause the computing device500to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure.

In some scenarios, the hardware entities514include an electronic circuit (e.g., a processor) programmed for facilitating item inventorying, merchandise sales, and/or customer satisfaction with a shopping experience. In this regard, it should be understood that the electronic circuit can access and run an inventorying application524and a tag display application526installed on the computing device500. The software applications524-526are collectively generally operative to: obtain item level information and/or other information from smart tags and/or ESLs; program item level information, accessory information and/or inventory information onto smart tags and/or ESLs; convert the language, pricing and/or currency symbol of item level information, accessory information and/or inventory information; facilitate registration of smart tags and/or ESLs with enterprise systems; and/or determine when tag display update actions need to be taken based on various information such as smart tag information. Other functions of the software applications524-526will become apparent as the discussion progresses.

Referring now toFIG. 6, there is provided a flow diagram of an illustrative method600for dynamically changing displayed content of a tag (e.g., smart tag120ofFIG. 1 or 200ofFIGS. 2-3). Method600can be repeated each time an individual interacts with the tag or item to which the tag is coupled. Thus, the tag's displayed content can be dynamically changed multiple times when the individual is interacting with the tag or item (e.g., when the individual is looking inside a home appliance (e.g., an oven with a smart home control system as an accessory) and/or when the individual is scrolling through an electronic menu, etc.).

Method600comprises operations performed in blocks602-654. The present solution is not limited to the particular order in which the operations of blocks602-654are performed inFIG. 6. The location of one or more of the blocks ofFIG. 6can be changed. For example, block608can alternatively reside after612when the type of interaction is to be determined by the enterprise system rather than by the tag. Alternatively, block608can be repeated after612when the type of interaction determined by the tag is to be checked by the enterprise system. The present solution is not limited to the particulars of this example.

As shown inFIG. 6, method600begins with602and continues with604-606where detections are made by the tag (e.g., smart tag120ofFIG. 1 or 200ofFIGS. 2-3). More particularly, sensor data is generated by one or more sensors (e.g., sensors350ofFIG. 3) local to the tag. The sensor data is then analyzed to: detect when an individual is in proximity to an item (e.g., item118ofFIG. 1) which has a static location in a facility due to its size or due to its attachment to a structure (e.g., via security cable or tether); and detect when the individual interacts with the tag and/or item. In some scenarios, the tag also determines the type of interaction between the individual and the tag and/or item, as shown by608.

Next in612, the tag notifies an enterprise system (e.g., computing device112ofFIG. 1) of the detection made in604, the detection made in606, the type of interaction determined in608, and/or its current location determined in610. Illustrative types of interaction include, but are not limited to, (1) trying on a wearable item (e.g., a watch), (2) scrolling through an electronic menu or software applications, (3) touching a surface of the item, (4) opening all or a portion of an item (e.g., opening an oven door), (5) taking something out of an item, (6) putting something in an item, (7) removing something from an outer surface of the item (e.g., lifting up a stove top cover), and/or (8) measuring a size of the item. Interactions of type (8) can be determined based on results of an image or video analysis, and/or an analysis of heat signature movement around the item.

In some scenarios, the type of interaction can be determined based on sensor data generated by sensors internal to the tag, sensors internal to another tag coupled to the item, sensors coupled directly to the item at various locations, and/or sensors located in proximity to the item (e.g., a camera mounted on a near-by wall or ceiling). Accordingly, the tag and/or enterprise system comprises a communication component operative to communicate with other tags and/or external sensors.

At the enterprise system or the tag, a decision is made as to whether the type of interaction is one that is to trigger a push notification to the individual's mobile device (e.g., mobile device126ofFIG. 1). This decision can be made using a look-up table or list specifying the type of interactions which are triggers for push notifications. The look-up table or list can be stored in a local memory of the tag (e.g., memory308ofFIG. 3), a local memory of computing device (e.g., memory512ofFIG. 1), and/or in a datastore (e.g., datastore114ofFIG. 1). A push notification is a message that pops up on a mobile device.

If the type of interaction is a trigger for push notifications [614:YES], method600continues with616where first information is retrieved from a datastore based on the item's type and/or the interaction type. The datastore includes, but is not limited to, a memory local to the tag (e.g., memory308ofFIG. 3), a memory local to a computing device (e.g., memory512ofFIG. 1), or database (e.g., datastore114ofFIG. 1). Techniques for performing datastore look-ups based on various criteria are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known method for performing datastore look-ups based on various criteria can be used herein without limitation. The first information includes, but is not limited to, promotional materials, sale notifications, and/or account status information. The first information is then communicated from the enterprise system or tag to the individual's mobile device, as shown by618. In the tag scenario, a short range communication and/or LiFi communications can be used to communicate the first information from the tag to the mobile device. In620, the first information is displayed on a display screen of the individual's mobile phone (e.g., as a push notification). Subsequently, method600continues with630ofFIG. 6B, which will be discussed below.

In contrast, if the type of interaction is not a trigger for push notifications [614:NO], then method600continues with624where the enterprise system performs operations to determine the current inventory for the item. The current inventory can be determined based on historical inventory data collected during an inventory process and stored in a datastore (e.g., datastore114ofFIG. 1). Inventory processes are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known inventory process can be used herein without limitation.

In next626, the enterprise system communicates second information specifying the current inventory to the tag. The second information is then displayed on a display (e.g., display316ofFIG. 3) of the tag. Other information may also be displayed along with the second information based on the value of the item's current inventory. For example, if there are zero items left in stock or only the displayed item is left in stock, then instructions for ordering the item are also displayed by the tag. The present solution is not limited to the particulars of this example. Subsequently, method600continues with630ofFIG. 6B.

As shown inFIG. 6B, 630involves performing operations by the tag and/or enterprise system to determine if there are any accessories for the item. An item/accessory relationship table (e.g., table130ofFIG. 1) can be used in630. The item/accessory relationship table can be stored in the tag's local memory and/or in a remote datastore (e.g., datastore114ofFIG. 1). In some scenarios, the item/accessory relationship table comprises entries respectively associating item unique identifiers with accessory unique identifiers. If at least one accessory unique identifier is associated with the item's unique identifier in the item/accessory relationship table, then a determination is made that the item has an accessory. In contrast, if there are no accessory unique identifiers associated with the item's unique identifier in the item/accessory relationship table, then a determination is made that the item does not have an accessory.

If the item does not have any accessories [632:NO], then method600continues with654, as shown by block633. In654, method600ends or other processing is performed (e.g., return to604ifFIG. 6A or 634ofFIG. 6B).

If the item does have one or more accessories [632:YES], then method600continues with634where at least one accessory is selected for the item based on a given criteria. For example, an accessory (e.g., a baking dish or water pipe fittings) is selected from a plurality of accessories (e.g., pots, pans, stove burner covers, replacement drip pans, home automation systems, and various other products or attachments that could be used with an oven or washer/dryer) since it is most relevant based on or most closely related to the type of interaction (e.g., opening the oven door or touching a water pipe fitting on the back of the washer/dryer) and/or is located closest to the item. The tag's location, the item's location, the interaction type, the item/accessory relationship table (e.g., item/accessory relationship table130ofFIG. 1), and/or accessory information (e.g., accessory information132ofFIG. 1) are used in this scenario to make the selection. The present solution is not limited in to the particulars of this example. In some scenarios, a look-up table or hierarchical tree can be used here to identify which accessory is most relevant or closely related to the type of interaction.

Accessory information (e.g., accessory information132ofFIG. 1) associated with the selected accessory is obtained in636.636can involve obtaining accessory information for the selected accessory from a memory local to the tag (e.g., memory308ofFIG. 3) and/or a remote datastore (e.g., datastore114ofFIG. 1). Accordingly, the accessory information can be communicated from the enterprise system to the tag in some scenarios, as shown by optional638. Next in640, the displayed content of the tag is dynamically changed to include the accessory information.

Thereafter, the tag optionally receives a user-software interaction for viewing additional information for the accessory, as shown by642. In response to the user-software interaction, the tag can obtain and display the additional information for the accessory, as shown by644-646. The additional information can be obtained from a memory local to the tag (e.g., memory308ofFIG. 3) and/or a remote datastore (e.g., datastore114ofFIG. 1).

In648, information is logged about the individual's interest and interaction(s) with the item. This information then becomes part of historical information stored in a datastore (e.g., datastore114ofFIG. 1). The stored historical information is analyzed in650to determine a degree of interest and/or a degree of interaction with at least one item of a plurality of items of the same or similar type. Based on results of this analysis, an employee is dispatched in652. The employee is displaced to: (a) re-position the item or another one of the plurality of items in the facility; and/or (b) attend to customer needs relating to the item with the highest degree of interest and/or interaction. Subsequently,654is performed where method600ends or other processing is performed (e.g., return to604ofFIG. 6A or 634ofFIG. 6B).

The features and functions disclosed above, as well as alternatives, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements may be made by those skilled in the art, each of which is also intended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments.