Abstract:
Disclosed is a portable interactive modular selling room that recreates the home environment in a retail business location to help educate the user for sales and training purposes. The plug and play selling system utilizes standard electrical connectors to allow for seamless integration within a store without the need of electricians or construction contractors. Encompassing all five senses in an interactive environment develops an intellectual and emotional connection with the user which allows the product implementation to demonstrate features and value in a more meaningful and engaging manner over traditional retail environments. The computer system implemented inside of the system encompasses an interaction engine which utilizes sensors and monitoring equipment to record and analyze the user to provide real-time responses and also feedback to a central database for future interaction development. Increased customer satisfaction improves sales which allows for the sales system to remain economically viable.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 61/304,035 entitled “A PORTABLE INTERACTIVE MODULAR SELLING DEVICE ENCOMPASSING ALL FIVE SENSES,” filed on Feb. 12, 2010, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to an article for interacting with customers to demonstrate the features of the products through automated selling device by encompassing all five senses to provide a private experience which emulates an experience found in a home environment. One application of the present invention is for use in a store location, where it replaces the traditional sales staff to help the consumer make educated purchasing decisions. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Mattress shopping ranks high on the list of people&#39;s least favorite activities for many reasons. A sea of “look alike” products is very confusing. Row upon row of naked beds lined up like coffins is not an ideal atmosphere in which to engage the consumer. The retail environment shown in  FIG. 16  is typical. Retailers in general, and bedding retailers in particular, have great difficulty establishing an intellectual and emotional connection with the consumer. Survey after survey indicates that what happens at the point of interaction between the consumer and the retailer affects both parties. For the consumer, a positive experience, making a connection, increases their willingness to purchase and enhances their overall level of satisfaction. For the retailer, delivering a more meaningful and engaging customer experience is critical to developing ongoing repeat business and its long term viability. The manner in which the consumer and the retailer interact is in need of significant improvement. The inventors have created an instrument and process that fundamentally changes the consumer-retailer dynamic. 
         [0004]    The modular portable design of the disclosed invention enables ordinary people such as retail sales staff to assemble the sales room by snapping the modular pieces together instead of requiring the expense of construction contractors to build the room from scratch. Many retail stores limit themselves to simply displaying the product line on top of racks due to the additional construction expensive instead of allowing the user to experience the entire environmental experience of a combination line of products. The design of the innovative factory pre-fabricated selling room remains economically viable yet adds an array of addition features not found in conventional trade show rooms. 
         [0005]    It is against this background that various embodiments of the present invention were developed. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention is a modular selling room for generating an environment that encompasses all five senses in a retail environment, made up of the following components: A set of pre-built sectional hollow panels locked together with hidden cam locks and installation compartments comprising a floor, walls, ceiling, and doors. A display screen connected to a computer system having an adaptive environmental digital product library logic module. A central client receiving and transaction area for use for answering any questions regarding sales of the products utilized within the modular selling room. A pre-manufactured electrical wiring system installed inside of said panels with interconnected twist locks to allow electrical and mechanical connectivity. A modular HVAC system that physically attaches to the panels and utilizes air duct supply and return pathways which are pre-manufactured within said panels. A designer veneer covering both sides of the panels to decorate and also hide any installation panel opening. 
         [0007]    Another embodiment of the present invention involves a preinstalled dynamic adaptive lighting within the paneling connected into the adaptive environmental digital logic module. Based on the logic tolerances the lighting can adaptively turn on and off depending on the conditions sensed by the environmental digital logic module. 
         [0008]    Another embodiment of the present invention involves a dynamic audio system that connects into the adaptive environmental digital logic module which includes a receiver, speakers and also includes connectivity to digital and analog music players that provides sounds in a manner that reflects the mood and tone desired within the room. If a particular music or sound is recognized during the feedback loop, then the software associated within the Interactive Client Based GUI Computer System and Environmental Digital Logic Module can adjust to better suit the customer within the room. The user is given an option to make suggestions during the experience to inform the computer system of whether they like or dislike the current music provided. 
         [0009]    Another embodiment of the present invention involves a surveillance system utilizing motion sensor activated cameras. If a customer enters a room, a motion sensor triggers an alert to the environmental logic module. The software can communication with the various systems within the room to create a highly interact environment that adjusts all aspects of the room&#39;s controllable systems that accompany all five senses of the customer. 
         [0010]    Another embodiment of the present invention involves an actuator system for controlling objects such as the sliding door, display, bed or any other objects within the selling room. 
         [0011]    Another embodiment of the present invention involves a dynamic scent and air purification system. The equipment used to adjust the scent of the room can be installed in the plenum area or in the computer room. 
         [0012]    Another embodiment of the present invention involves a universal remote to accommodate user interaction. The customer can interact with the system using a universal remote to make decisions on what products they are interested in. The remote can also control various aspects of the room such as the sound, smell, and lighting within the room to make it preferable to their personal tastes and desires. This information is recorded by the interactive client based GUI computer system and is analyzed to help understand the data associated with customers who ultimately purchase or do not purchase the products within the room. 
         [0013]    Another embodiment of the present invention involves a plug based receptacle electrical hookup. In an effort to help reduce the time and cost associated with constructing a selling room, many of the connections associated with the various systems within the room include a plug-and-play hookup. For example, much of the wiring associated with the lighting within the panels can be pre-manufactured within the panels to reduce build time. 
         [0014]    Another embodiment of the present invention involves a label organizational system with alphanumeric identifiers for key components. The alphanumeric identifier not only assists in the construction of the room, but also serves an identifier for the completed room for use as a commercial piece of equipment that can also be leased by the stores. 
         [0015]    Another embodiment of the present invention involves a self-contained heating, ventilating and air conditioning system. If the pre-conditioned air within the store is less than desirable, space heaters, portable air conditioners, or wall mounted air conditioners can help maintain a desirable air quality within the selling room. 
         [0016]    Yet another embodiment of the present invention involves a method for presenting products utilizing a portable interactive modular selling room, which involves receiving information from a user from monitoring sensors, displaying an interactive user interface having an adaptive environmental logic module, wherein the interactive user interface provides sensory information to all five senses, and provides feedback information in response to user actions, receiving input from a user from a universal remote, presenting information to educate said user with various features of the products implemented in the room, sending feedback information to a central server database; and correlating feedback information using a series of pre-defined weights and tolerances to collect, interpret and analyze the shopping habits associated with customers. 
         [0017]    Yet another embodiment of the present invention involves a method for presenting products utilizing a portable interactive modular selling room, which involves presenting dynamic lighting, presenting audio effects, detecting the location of the user and continuously recording an array of three dimensional coordinates, moving physical objects within said room, changing the scent and air quality within said room, and accepting signals from a universal remote. 
         [0018]    Yet another embodiment of the present invention involves a method for installing a portable interactive modular selling room including plugging receptacle electrical hookup, utilizing a label organizational system with alphanumeric identifiers for key components, and installing self-contained heating, ventilating and air conditioning system. 
         [0019]    Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a portable interactive modular selling room for selling one or more products, made up of a set of one or more inter-locking panels arranged to create one or more areas within the portable modular selling room, including a sales area for receiving potential customers as well as closing sales with the customers, and one or more interactive product display areas that provide sensory information about the products to all five senses, and that provide feedback responsive to user actions. 
         [0020]    Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a portable interactive modular selling that also includes a closed computer area for housing an interactive client-based graphic user interface computer system having an adaptive environmental digital product library logic module, where the interactive computer system provides sensory information about the products to all five senses, and provides feedback information in response to user actions 
         [0021]    Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a portable interactive modular selling that also includes a changing area for customers to allow customers to change into more comfortable clothing while experiencing the products in the interactive product display areas. 
         [0022]    Other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent in the detailed description of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    The invention can best be understood in reference to the attached drawings, in which: 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  illustrates an outside perspective of an example of a modular selling room showing the bedroom, intakes, and exhaust of the plenum area; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  illustrates an outside perspective of an example modular selling room showing the entrance area, pre-sales lounge, and hidden computer closet which includes the environmental logic module, and any other types of electronic equipment required by the various systems within the modular selling room; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  illustrates a cut-out view of the bedroom, and also the plenum area above which is used to circulate air and also run cables; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  illustrates an example of a bedroom décor used to enhance a customer&#39;s shopping experience; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  illustrates an example of an sliding entrance door for a modular selling room; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  illustrates an example of a cappuccino machine to allow customers to tantalize their taste buds before experiencing the product presentation within the bedroom; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  illustrates an example of a relaxing and peaceful pre-sales lobby which opens up into the bedroom area; 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  illustrates an example of how cam locks connect to the various panels utilized to construct the room; 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  illustrates an example of an overhead view of the entire assembled modular selling room; 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  illustrates an example of a plenum area layout including various lighting and air circulation units; 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  illustrates an example of a junction box installed outside of the modular selling room; 
           [0035]      FIG. 12  illustrates an example of a network including a remote central server, feedback database, product information database connected to four clients at different locations. The network consists of ethernet cable, wireless, or fiber optics to transmit data; 
           [0036]      FIG. 13  illustrates an example of an interactive client based GUI computer system connected to a display system and an environmental digital logic module which interfaces a dynamic audio system, dynamic lighting system, surveillance system, universal remote, HVAC system, actuator system, dynamic scent system, and air purification system; 
           [0037]      FIG. 14  illustrates an example of a rendered image of what the modular room could look like in real life; 
           [0038]      FIG. 15  illustrates an example of a rendered image of what the modular room could look like in real life; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 16  illustrates a prior art sales environment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0040]    This invention relates to an article for interacting with customers to demonstrate the features of the products through automated selling device by encompassing all five senses to provide a private experience which emulates an experience found in a home environment. The modular portable design of the disclosed invention enables ordinary people such as retail sales staff to assemble the sales room by snapping the modular pieces together instead of requiring the expense of construction contractors to build the room from scratch. Many retail stores limit themselves to simply displaying the product line on top of racks due to the additional construction expensive instead of allowing the user to experience the entire environmental experience of a combination line of products. The design of the innovative factory pre-fabricated selling room remains economically viable yet adds an array of addition features not found in conventional trade show rooms. 
         [0041]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, portable wall, ceiling, and floor components are constructed using four foot by eight foot panels that allow them to easily stack into crates for shipment to retail locations. Use of cam locks allows the panels to connect together without the use of elaborate construction equipment. Use of unique cam lock keys that ship with the unit helps prevent unauthorized access to the panels and equipment. The panels contain sub-panels that unlock and swing open to enable power extension cords, audio, video, and any type of cable required by the systems within the room to connect to their designated locations while remaining hidden from an end user after an installation is complete. A plenum space is designed for the movement of air which comprises a sealed chamber above the ceiling to handle the air movement. This plenum space also eliminates any exposed cable and wire required by electronic equipment. Plenum grade cable can easily be run across the ceiling and then dropped down through the wall panels to their desired destination. The designer veneer on top of the panels hides the sub-panel assembly while also improving the décor of the room itself. This enables retail store representatives with little or no construction abilities to easily and quickly assemble the modular selling room. The factory pre-manufactured panels include self-contained electrical wiring for lighting modules, control modules, and audio systems. By manufacturing the lighting inside of the ceiling and wall panels, through translucent portions, the installation time is reduced dramatically. The speakers from the audio system are also pre-installed in the ceiling panels. The plug-and-play nature of all the various electrical systems eliminates the need for an electrician. 
         [0042]    An interactive client-based graphic user interface (GUI) computer system utilizes an environmental digital logic module to interact with the user&#39;s five senses to create a highly intelligent control system for selling products within a portable selling room. The environmental digital logic module includes a combination of computer hardware and software to process information to and from the systems within the room. The intelligence of the environmental digital logic module relies on a software-based system that analyzes data received by the sensors within the room and weights the data based on predefined settings. These settings and tolerances can be adjusted by an administrator remotely from a web based client or onsite via a graphic user interface. The control and feedback of the room allows an administrator to make adjustments to improve the end-user experience which help maximize the amount of sales produced. If a system within the room experiences technical difficulties, the digital logic module provides alerts to notify a list of contacts via email and telephone of any technical problems of specific components and conditions within the room. 
         [0043]    A surveillance system comprising motion sensors and cameras allows the environmental digital logic module to determine the location of the user, and adaptively control other systems within said portable interactive modular selling room based on pre-programmed assignments. The surveillance system also provides security to eliminate tamping and theft within the modular room. 
         [0044]    A dynamic audio system comprising a set of speakers&#39; pre-manufactured in the ceiling panels, hidden microphones, and a receiver which connect to a digital logic module. The environmental digital logic module connects to the receiver to signal which sounds are produced based on a set of predefined logic assigned in the software. The microphone provides the digital logic module information to make audio settings adjustments and provide audio systems performance updates to signal that the sounds produced is within a set of predefined tolerances. This microphone may also help indicate data from other systems. For example, if an air circulation fan&#39;s ball bearing wear out and produced a loud noise, the microphone would signal to the digital logic module that a strange sound outside of the tolerance should be examined. Another example is if a user presses an open button for an entrance door to the portable selling room, the actuator system would open a door and transmit a signal through the environmental digital logic module software to start playing an introduction program through the dynamic audio system that would greet the user and welcome them into the interactive environment. 
         [0045]    An actuator system physically controls objects within said selling room based on the software programming within the environmental digital logic module. For example, if the user enters the room, and lies on the bed, the surveillance system would transmit a signal to the environmental digital logic module to automatically start the actuator behind the large display to extend it out and angled towards the user. The actuators can also open and close the doors used in the modular selling room based on the input received by the environmental digital logic module. 
         [0046]    A dynamic lighting system receives inputs from the environmental digital logic module based on preprogrammed software to adjust the brightness and color of the lighting in the room to help stimulate a positive mood of the user. For example, once the environmental digital logic module notices that a user walks into the room, the lightning system may start a program top implement a series of dazzling lighting effects, and then dim the lighting whenever the environmental digital logic module notices that the user has entered the bed. 
         [0047]    A dynamic scent and air purification system adaptively changes the smell of the room based on a theme selected through the environmental digital logic module. The scent system comprises an aroma-producing solution that utilizes a proustian effect to help enhance the total experience of the customer by transmitting a message to the customer&#39;s limbic system which then interacts with their memory and emotions. The dynamic scent and air purification system integrates itself within air circulation duct that works with the circulation system in the plenum space to ensure that the portable interactive modular selling room smell and temperature are within the tolerances defined in the environmental digital logic module. 
         [0048]    A display system includes one or more screens comprising a combination of LCDs, Plasma screens, projectors, or any output device used to present information in a visual form. The display helps provide a cinematic effect along with a graphic user interface to not only interact but also educate the end-user with information regarding the various products available for purchase. The same display, if needed, can also provide an administration with a separate graphic user interface to make adjustment to settings and various tolerances in each system within the portable modular selling room. 
         [0049]    An HVAC system includes one or more pieces of equipment to maintain a comfortable environment in regard to the air quality and temperature for the users within the modular room. The basic model includes a system of circulation fans to move already pre-conditioned air from the store into and out of the modular room. If needed, the modular room may include air conditioner units or heating units to maintain predefined conditions assigned within the environmental logic module. 
         [0050]    An alphanumeric numbering system identifies each component required to construct the modular room. The numbering system clearly labels and assigns the location of each piece and also identifies how components connect to one another. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Side A Label 
                 Description 
                 Side B Label 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 WPF00000122 
                 Wall Panel Front 
                 WPF00000123 
               
               
                   
                 WPC00000123 
                 Wall Panel Connector 
                 WPC00000124 
               
               
                   
                 WPB00000124 
                 Wall Panel Bottom 
                 WPB00000124 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0051]    For example, if a front panel, connector and bottom panel require assembly, the alphanumeric numbering system abbreviates the description and also shows the correct piece that needs connected on all four sides. Side B on the Wall Panel Front would connect to side A on the Wall Panel Connector. Next, the Wall Panel Connector would connect to the Wall Panel Bottom. 
         [0052]    An electrical system required to supply power to the systems within the room run from one or more plug-and-play 15-30 AMP electric connectors. Many of these connections arrive pre-manufactured within the panels to decrease the amount of time required to install and setup the electrical system. The hollow panels also include hidden sub-panels to run the required electrical wiring for the lighting, display, audio, scent, air purification system, surveillance, and HVAC system. If absolutely necessary, a hardwire connection can be installed by a licensed electrician to accommodate high electrical load devices such as air conditioning units. A junction box outside of the room connects to the electrical system of the building and provides electricity to all of the various systems within the modular room. 
         [0053]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, an outside perspective of an example of a modular selling room in  FIG. 1  shows the bedroom area  101 . One or more intakes  105  force pre-conditioned air from the store into the plenum area  111  which provides a positive pressure to the air circulation. One or more exhausts  107  of the plenum area circulate air out of the plenum area  111 . A receiver  109  and subwoofer  103  are shown to represent part of the dynamic audio system. Speakers not shown can be placed on the wall, ground, or ceiling depending on the make and model utilized. 
         [0054]    An outside perspective of the modular selling room in  FIG. 2  shows an entrance sales lounge  201 , plenum area  203  and hidden computer closet  205 , which includes the environmental logic module, and any other types of electronic equipment required by the various systems within the modular selling room. 
         [0055]    A cut-out view of the bedroom area is shown in  FIG. 3  which also includes the plenum area  301  which is used to circulate air and run cables. 
         [0056]    An example of a bedroom décor used to enhance a customer&#39;s shopping experience in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 4 . The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4  provides a flat panel display  401  connected to an interactive client based GUI computer system behind the panels  403 , which interfaces with various systems to educate the customer of the various features associated with the products experienced within the bedroom. 
         [0057]    An example of a sliding entrance door is shown in  FIG. 5 , in which an open position  501  and a closed position  503  for the modular selling room is illustrated. 
         [0058]      FIG. 6  illustrates an example of a waiting area with a cappuccino machine  601  but remains open to a variety of different beverages choices or even food samples depending on the demographic preferences associated with the customer based on the feedback from surveys and sensors within the room. The beverage allows customers to tantalize their taste buds which encompass the sense of taste before experiencing the product presentation within the bedroom. Track lighting  603  or various other types of lighting not shown hang from the ceiling interconnected to the dynamic lighting system to enhance the experience of the customer. The HVAC system includes an exhaust port  607  into the plenum area above the ceiling panels. Speakers  605  included in the dynamic audio system can easily be hung from the corner of each room. 
         [0059]      FIG. 7  provides an example of a relaxing and peaceful pre-sales lobby which opens up into a bedroom area. The sliding door  705  allows for a sense of privacy within the bedroom area  701  for the customers. The sales room  703  includes furniture  709  and a display  707  to allow the customers to relax while learning more about the product line. Speakers and lighting fixtures  711  help complement the relaxing nature of the room. 
         [0060]      FIG. 8  shows an example of how cam lock  801  connects to a panel  805  utilized to construct the room. Cam lock&#39;s inside cylinder  809  locks into cam lock&#39;s outside cylinder  811 . Sealing joints  807  may also be used to interconnect and add stability to panels  805 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 9  shows an example of an overhead layout including a sales area  901  used for pre-sales introductions and also post presentation interactions which can include closing deals with the customers. The bedroom area  903  allows the customers to experience the entire product line, as well as to understand the high value they would receive if they chose this particular brand. The changing room  905  allows customers to change into a comfortable robe before lying on the bed. The one room not open to the public is the computer room  907 , which contains all of the electronic equipment required to make all of the systems connected to the interactive client-based GUI computer system work together. 
         [0062]    An example of a plenum area layout is shown in  FIG. 10 , which includes various lighting and air circulation units. Pre-conditioned air from the store enters via intakes  1001  into the plenum area and circulates into the rooms with a positive pressure through diffusers  1005 . The air from the rooms returns through a return grill  1007  and exits the plenum area through an exhaust  1003 . 
         [0063]    In the case where state codes do not permit a plug-and-play solution of providing electricity to the modular selling room,  FIG. 11  shows an example of how an electrician could install a junction box  1101  outside of the modular selling room to hardwire into the existing electrical system of the store. 
         [0064]      FIG. 12  shows an example of a network including a remote central server  1201 , feedback database  1203 , and product information database  1205  connected to interactive client-based GUI computer system  1207 , which may be located at different locations. The network consists of Ethernet cable, wireless, or fiber optics to transmit data between each node, as would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0065]      FIG. 13  shows an example of an interactive client-based GUI computer system  1207  connected to a display system  1301  and an environmental digital logic module  1303  which interfaces to a dynamic audio system  1305 , dynamic lighting system  1309 , surveillance system  1313 , universal remote  1317 , actuator system  1307 , dynamic scent system  1311 , air purification system  1315 , and HVAC system  1319 . 
         [0066]      FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate an example of a rendered image of what the modular room could look like in real life, which is in sharp contrast to the dry look and feel of the traditional sales environment shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         [0067]    A certain configuration of pre-sales lobby area, bedroom area, sales area, changing room, and computer closet is shown and described in a particular rectangular layout. However, the invention is not limited to such a layout, nor is it limited to two beds, or to any predefined number of sales and bedroom areas. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various other layouts, rearrangements, and numbers of rooms may be arranged and still be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0068]    While the methods disclosed herein have been described and shown with reference to particular operations performed in a particular order, it will be understood that these operations may be combined, sub-divided, or re-ordered to form equivalent methods without departing from the teachings of the present invention. Accordingly, unless specifically indicated herein, the order and grouping of the operations is not a limitation of the present invention. 
         [0069]    While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other changes in the form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.