Patent Publication Number: US-2021182919-A1

Title: Customer facing media and renewable technology integrator assembly

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/946,607 filed on Dec. 11, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to an assembly of a technology enabled, real estate customer engagement platform to address the needs of growing commerce demands of commercial parking lots and similar parking space area with flexibility for integration of weather canopy, solar photovoltaic canopy, energy storage, and charging stations for electric vehicles for commercial parking lots. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Current forms of “curbside pickup” and other similar forms of commerce located in commercial parking lots of vendors and proprietors, that bridges traditional “bricks and mortar” and ecommerce activities have access problems that make it difficult for customers to send and receive communications to and from the vendors and proprietors. 
     Current forms of “curbside pickup” and other similar forms of commerce located in commercial parking lots of vendors and proprietors, lack an “enhanced customer experience,” corporate “branding” presence, and “waypoint” identification of parking lot commerce services. 
     Current forms of “curbside pickup” and other similar forms of commerce as well as traditional Electric Vehicle (“EV”) charging stations located in commercial parking lots of vendors and proprietors, lack design and physical footprints that allow for continued expansion into all areas of these parking lots. 
     Vendors and proprietors are losing sales because “impulse” sales that may otherwise occur during interior visits to the site are not occurring because of curb side pickup. 
     Some customers arrive at the parking lots in electric vehicles and may have long waits that drain the battery in their electric vehicles. However, such parking lots do not have any means for charging the electric vehicle. Most parking lots do not provide shelter for persons and their vehicles. 
     Some proprietors are looking for means to offset utility and energy cost and/or increase renewable energy usage, as well as more visible Corporate Social Responsibility efforts. 
     SUMMARY 
     There is disclosed herein, a fully integrated customer engagement platform assembly that is a technology enabled consumer/citizen engagement platform for expanding commerce opportunities in outdoor commercial spaces, with ability to integrate weather protection, providing shelter for persons, goods and their vehicles, and technology to inform and connect with persons/consumers in and around such media engagement systems installed on a typical parking lot substrate such as concrete parking lot pole base with a number of vehicle transient locations such as parking spaces, clean and flexibility to integrated renewable energy generation systems, energy storage systems, and electric vehicle charging stations/systems. 
     The present invention includes an arrangement of customer engagement platform assemblies. The arrangement includes a first vehicle transient location located on a terrain and a second vehicle transient location located on the terrain. The first vehicle transient location is positioned adjacent to the second vehicle transient location. The arrangement includes a customer engagement platform assembly positioned at a junction between the first vehicle transient location and the second vehicle transient location. The customer engagement platform assembly includes a first audio video communication device and a second audio video communication device. The first audio video communication device is positioned towards and viewable from the first vehicle transient location and the second audio video communication device is positioned towards and viewable from the second vehicle transient location. 
     The customer engagement platform includes network, media, and communications equipment, with digital real estate in form of a signal digital screen or multiple digital screens to support advertisements and information that are customized to each of the vehicle transient locations to enable communication from proprietor to consumer/persons in proximity to customer engagement platform. 
     In some embodiments, the control unit includes network equipment, communication protocols, Internet protocol address targeting, geo-fencing, geo-targeting, online behavioral targeting, text bot and/or apps enabled communication protocols to enable communication and/or efficiency of services between the at least two entities. 
     The present invention includes a customer engagement platform assembly that includes a base configured to be secured to a terrain and a support column fixedly secured to the base and extending outwardly therefrom. The customer engagement platform assembly includes a frame removably secured to the mounting base, the frame includes a height extension section, a display mounting section removably secured to the height extension section and a cover that extends over the display mounting section. The display mounting section includes one or more audio video communication devices (e.g., 2, 3, or four display screens) for communicating information therefrom. The customer engagement platform assembly includes a bracket system that is in fixed relation to the support column and extends through the frame. The audio video communication devices are removably secured to the bracket system. 
     In some embodiments, the frame houses and supports an electrical power supply and a control unit both of which are in communication with the at least one audio video communication device. 
     In some embodiments, the height extension section, the display mounting section and/or the cover have one or more access features (e.g., an access port, a window, a hinged door, and a multiple piece assembly) configured to provide access to internal areas inside the height extension section, the display mounting section, and the cover. 
     In some embodiments, the bracket system includes a shelving system secured to the support column and/or a centrally located shaft secured to the support column and having one or more arms radially extending from the centrally located shaft to the audio video communication devices. 
     In some embodiments, the customer engagement platform includes Internet protocol address targeting, geo-fencing and other forms of geo-targeting, and online behavioral targeting, text bot and/or app enabled communication protocol to enable communication and efficiency of services between the customer and proprietor. 
     In some embodiments, the customer engagement “column” assembly has external features that are aesthetically changed to accommodate the branding request of a partner, client, and/or proprietor. 
     In some embodiments, the display mounting section has a substantially cylindrical exterior surface and the at least one audio video communication device has an arcuate shape complementary to the cylindrical exterior surface of the mounting section. 
     A customer engagement system is a column of both cylindrical and cylindrical/rectangular shapes that is fixed to a concrete base mounted on the parking lot substrate (concrete, asphalt or the like) with a support beam centered through concrete base and raising up through the column for structural support. 
     In some embodiments, the display mounting section has a rectangular cross section and has at least two flat exterior surfaces and the at least one audio video communication device has a flat shape complementary to the at least two flat exterior surfaces of the mounting section. 
     In some embodiments, the arrangement includes one or more electric vehicle charging stations disposed on the customer engagement platform assembly. The electric vehicle charging stations are accessible from the first vehicle transient location and/or the second vehicle transient location. 
     In some embodiments, the customer engagement platform assembly includes one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or four) electric vehicle charging stations disposed on the frame and in electrical communication with the power supply. The electric vehicle charging stations are configured to charge a battery for an electric vehicle. 
     In some embodiments, the fully integrated customer engagement system assembly includes up to 4 electric vehicle charging stations per column disposed on the support post and largely internal to the customer engagement “column,” and the electricity is provided directly to the electric vehicle charging station. 
     In some embodiments, the customer engagement platform assembly can include weather proofing in form of a shaded Photovoltaic canopy structure that acts as both environmental protection for consumers, their vehicles, and proprietors, employees, and goods during product transfer, as well as a “Waypoint” structure of identification of service locations on the site. In addition, the solar canopy structure has a first deck and a second deck fixed to one another along a valley. An upper surface of the first deck defines a mounting surface for solar photovoltaic modules that each receive energy from light rays and convert the energy from light rays into electricity. The first deck, the second deck, and the valley all have a bottom surface. At least one support post extends from a mounting pad to the bottom surface of the first deck, the second deck, and/or the valley. 
     In some embodiments, the canopy structure comprises an upwardly facing mounting surface has one or more solar photovoltaic modules configured to receive energy from light rays and convert the energy into electricity. 
     In some embodiments, the solar photovoltaic module is in electrical communication with an electrical power supply and a control unit both of which are in communication with the at least one audio video communication device. 
     In some embodiments, the solar photovoltaic modules are in electrical communication with a utility electric grid, a battery storage device, and a remote electrical load spaced apart from the customer engagement platform assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the customer engagement platform assembly can include weather proofing in form of a shaded canopy structure that acts as both environmental protection for consumers, their vehicles, and proprietors, employees, and goods during product transfer, as well as a “Waypoint” structure of identification of service locations on the site. The structure has a first deck and a second deck fixed to one another along a valley. An upper surface of the first deck defines a mounting surface for a fabric or metal decking substrate with the function of providing shading and weather protection. The first deck, the second deck, and the valley all have a bottom surface. At least one support post extends from a mounting pad to the bottom surface of the first deck, the second deck, and/or the valley. 
     In some embodiments, the support column extends through the frame and extends outwardly from the cover. The canopy structure fixedly secured to the support column and extending radially outward from the support column and over the customer engagement platform assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the canopy structure comprises a first deck and a second deck fixed to one another along a valley. 
     In some embodiments, the canopy structure comprises an upwardly facing mounting surface having at least one of a fabric and a metal substrate configured to provide shading and weather protection for the customer engagement platform assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the customer engagement platform and energy engagement system assembly include battery storage equipment to store onsite electricity generation storage to facilitate offset of realized energy needs of customer engagement system and other site needs. In some embodiments, the electricity is provided directly to the communications device of the media engagement system, and in other embodiments stored or generated electricity is applied to other site needs or utility grid programs. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the customer engagement platform assembly according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1B  is a partial perspective view of the customer engagement platform assembly of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1C  is a top cross section view of the support post of the custom engagement platform assembly of  FIG. 1B  taken along section  1 C- 1 C of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 1D  is a top cross section view of the customer engagement system of the custom engagement platform assembly of  FIG. 1B  taken along section  1 D- 1 D of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 1E  is a top cross section view of the customer engagement system assembly of  FIG. 1B  taken along section  1 E- 1 E of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 1F  is a side cross section view of the customer engagement system assembly of  FIG. 1B  taken along section  1 F- 1 F of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the customer engagement platform assembly according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2B  is a partial cross section perspective view of the customer engagement platform assembly of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the solar photovoltaic canopy of the customer engagement platform assembly of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial front view of the customer engagement platform assembly of  FIG. 2A  taken across section  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a third embodiment of a customer engagement platform assembly according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6A  is a front cross section view of a fourth embodiment of a customer engagement platform assembly according to the present disclosure with the first deck and the solar photovoltaic modules depicted in cross section for convenience used with the customer engagement system of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 6B  is a side cross section view of the customer engagement platform assembly of  FIG. 6A  with the first deck and the solar photovoltaic modules depicted in cross section for convenience; 
         FIG. 6C  is a front cross section view of the customer engagement platform assembly of  FIG. 6A  with the first desk and the solar photovoltaic modules depicted in cross section for convenience used with the customer engagement system of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 6D  is a side cross section view of the customer engagement platform assembly of  FIG. 6C  with the first deck and the solar photovoltaic modules depicted in cross section for convenience; 
         FIG. 7A  is a front view of a fifth embodiment of a customer engagement platform assembly according to the present disclosure used with the customer engagement system of  FIG. 1A ; and 
         FIG. 7B  is a front view of the customer engagement platform assembly of  FIG. 7A  used with the customer engagement system of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of a customer engagement platform assembly according to the present disclosure installed at the intersection of four adjacent parking spaces. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       FIGS. 1A and 2A  depict a customer engagement platform assembly  100  including a canopy structure  10 , a support post  20 , and a customer engagement system  30  fixed to the support post  20 . In the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 2A , the support post  20  is a manufactured shell  23  wrapped around a permanent vertical shaft or girder  21  extending from a pad depicted as mounting pad  22  on a substrate such as the terrain or ground  2  to a support end  24  at the canopy structure  10 . The customer engagement system  30  is fixed to the shell  23  of the support post  20  between the mounting pad  22  and the canopy structure  10 . The mounting pad  22  eliminates the need for bollards or other mounting structures to protect the customer engagement system  30  and provide the necessary balance for the customer engagement platform assembly  100 . 
       FIG. 1B  is a partial perspective view of the customer engagement platform assembly  100  of  FIG. 1A , showing the customer engagement system  30  mounted to the support post  20  and the support end  24  of the canopy structure  10 . 
       FIG. 1C  depicts a top cross section view of the support post  20  of  FIG. 1B  taken along section  1 C- 1 C of  FIG. 1B . The support post  20  includes a shell  23  surrounding a girder  21 . The shell  23  is secured to the girder via arms  27 . The shell is formed of two semi-circular portions that adjoin at seam  29 . The shell  23  may have a one-piece construction and hinge at one end of seam  29  to surround the girder  21  (not depicted). The shell  23  has a plurality of mounting holes  25  disposed therein. 
       FIG. 1D  depicts a top cross section view of the customer engagement system  30  of  FIG. 1B  taken along section  1 D- 1 D of  FIG. 1B . The customer engagement system  30  includes a frame  31  having a height extension section  31 H formed in a rectangular shape defining a hollow interior. The height extension section  31 H has a display mounting section  31 D cutout of each exterior side surface. A communications device  32 , for example, an audio video device or television (described in more detail below), is disposed in each display mounting section  31 D of the height extension section  31 H. The frame  31  surrounds the girder  21  and is secured thereto via bracket system  36 . The bracket system  36  includes a shelving system having a support column  36 C secured to the girder  21  and at least one arm  36 A extending radially from the girder  21 . The arms  36 A extend through the height extension section  31 H and the communication devices  32  are removably securable to the bracket arms  36 . The frame  31  has a flange  33  attached to the bottom surface of the height extension section  31 H. The flange  33  has a plurality of through-holes  34  corresponding to the plurality of mounting holes  25  of the shell  23  for mounting the frame  31  to the shell  23  via fasteners, such as rivets, bolts, and the like. The height extension section  31 H and flange  33  are each formed of two portions that adjoin at seam  35 , which is used to surround the girder  21  and to provide access to the internal area inside the height extension section  31 H. The height extension section  31 H may have a one-piece construction and hinge at one end of seam  35  to surround the girder  21  and provide internal access (not depicted). Access may also be provided via an access port, a window, or a hinged door (not depicted). The frame  31  houses a control unit  37  that is connected to the communication devices  32  via wires  39 . The control unit  37  may have an integrated power unit for supply electrical power and control instructions to the communication devices  32 . The control unit  37  includes at least one of network equipment, communication protocols, Internet protocol address targeting, geo-fencing, geo-targeting, online behavioral targeting, text bot and apps enabled communication protocols to enable communication and efficiency of services between the at least two entities. 
       FIG. 1E  depicts a top cross section view of the customer engagement system assembly  100  of  FIG. 1B  taken along section  1 E- 1 E of  FIG. 1B . The support end  24  of the canopy structure  10  surrounds the girder  21  and connects to the cover  40  of the frame  31  of the customer engagement system  30 . 
       FIG. 1F  depicts a side cross section view of the customer engagement system assembly  100  of  FIG. 1B  taken along section  1 F- 1 F of  FIG. 1B . The girder  21  extends vertically through the shell  23 , the frame  31 , and the support  24  of the canopy structure  10  at the cover  40  of the frame  31 . The shell  23  is secured to the girder  21  via arms  27 . The frame  31  is secured to the girder  21  via bracket system  36 . The support post  20  includes Electric Vehicle (“EV”) charging stations  26  positioned along the shell  23  at predetermined intervals. Each EV charging station  26  includes an extendable power supply charging cable  26 A to accommodate different vehicle parking positions and different vehicle charging port locations. The frame  31  is mounted to the shell  23  via the flange  33 . In addition to the control unit  37 , the frame  31  also houses a power supply  38  that is connected to the control unit  37  and the communication devices  32  via wires  39 . The power supply  38  may also be integrated with the control unit  37 , as shown in  FIG. 1D . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 2A , the canopy structure  10  is made up of two substantially planar members in the form of a first deck  12  and a second deck  14 . The first deck  12  and the second deck  14  are substantially rectangular in shape and mate with one another to form a continuous edge along a valley  16 . The first deck  12  is fixed to the second deck  14  along the valley  16  at a solar reception angle α. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2A , the solar reception angle α is approximately 130°, but the present invention is not limited thereto and contemplates other angles. An upper surface  13  of the first deck  12  defines a mounting surface for a plurality of solar photovoltaic modules  18  (depicted and described with respect to  FIGS. 2B and 3  below). An under surface  15  of the first deck  12 , the second deck  14 , and/or the valley  16  engages one or more support posts  20 . The valley  16  provides a drainage path for water and other elements that fall onto and collect on the first deck  12  and/or the second deck  14 . One edge of the valley  16  is arranged such that the drainage path for the water and other elements naturally flows in a specific direction, due to the force of gravity. In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 2B-3 , the water and other elements naturally flow to one of the valleys  16 A,  16 B, due to the force of gravity. In other embodiments, the valley  16  directs water down the support post  20  and to a separate drain or the water is collected in a separate drainage tube (not depicted) to be directed to a convenient location. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 2B-3 , the customer engagement platform assembly  200  includes two canopy structures  10 A,  10 B mounted to a plurality of support posts  20 . One of the canopy structures  10 A is a mirror image of the other canopy structure  10 B and the two canopy structures  10 A,  10 B are joined at an edge  17  of the first decks  12 A,  12 B opposite the valleys  16 A,  16 B (depicted in detail in  FIG. 3 ). Referring to  FIG. 2B , the support posts  20  mount to the under surface  15 A,  15 B of the first decks  12 A,  12 B and are placed at the intersection of four adjacent parking spaces (labeled for example as A, B, C, and D). The support posts  20  may be placed at various vehicle transient locations, including but not limited to in parking lots, at drive-through windows, at toll booths, in carwash lines, over bicycle racks, or pathways. The customer engagement platform assembly  200  provides shelter to customers parked in the parking spaces, shades the cars parked within the parking spaces, and protects the cars and customers from the elements such as snow or rain. The placement of the support posts  20  relative to the spaces and including support posts  20  of different diameters does not depart significantly from the present disclosure. In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 2B-3 , the support posts  20  are placed with one support post at the intersection of four unique parking spaces A, B, C, and D. This arrangement of support posts minimizes intrusions on the end users and their ability to park, maintaining the parking space size, while also predictably and beneficially influencing vehicle and pedestrian traffic flow. 
     In the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 1A-3 , the solar photovoltaic modules  18  are electrically connected to DC/AC inverters within the customer engagement platform assembly  100 ,  200 . The DC/AC inverters convert energy received by the solar photovoltaic modules  18  and store the energy locally in a Battery Energy Storage System (“BESS,” not depicted) and/or send the energy to an electrical grid for sale to and/or use by others. The electrical energy generated by the solar photovoltaic modules can be sold directly to the property owner or a third party, can be stored, and can be utilized locally to power electric vehicles parked within the parking spaces or to power other devices such as lights or the customer engagement system  30 . The electrical energy generated by the solar photovoltaic modules  18  is stored within the customer engagement platform assembly  100 ,  200  during hours in which there is less demand and provides the electrical energy to the electrical grid during hours in which there is much more demand for electrical energy from the electrical grid. The customer engagement platform assembly  100 ,  200  apportions the use of electricity depending on demand. Electricity stored in the BESS is selectively used during times of high demand for electricity in general to lower electrical consumption costs and when there are multiple uses of the electricity at the same time to reduce the peak electrical consumption costs. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A-4 , the customer engagement system  30  has a communications device  32  in the form of a digital video screen that incorporates real time advertisement technology to display relevant advertising, general information, or otherwise targeted messages to the users parked in the parking spaces. The communications device  32  disclosed herein includes but is not limited to auditory communications such as a speaker, incorporate lighting, and/or visual displays.  FIG. 1A  depicts three adjacent communications devices  32  each having four separate flat screens in a rectangular arrangement, with each communications device  32  above a concrete mounting pad  22 . Each screen can be positioned to target an individual parking space and display advertising, information, or messages.  FIG. 4  depicts two adjacent communications devices  32  as single wrap-around screens, with each communications device  32  above a concrete mounting pad  22 . Separate flat or curved screens use in place of or in addition to the communications device  32  do not depart from the invention disclosed herein. The content displayed on the communications device  32  can target individual parking spaces by dividing the screen and displaying different advertising, information, or messages. The communications device  32  can target users based on geographic proximity to the customer engagement system  30 . The advertising is targeted geographically, indirectly or directly to the end user based on IP targeting (targeting based on Individual Protocol addresses), geo-fencing or other forms of geo-targeting, and other online behavioral targeting algorithms. A Bluetooth device, such as a cell phone or other relevant identification signifiers, pairs with the customer engagement system  30 . The media engagement system  30  is connected to the Internet by a wired or wireless connection and may be updated and monitored remotely. The communications device  32  also provides real time information through the wired or wireless connection. The concrete mounting pad  22  raises the height of the communications device  32  relative to the ground  2  protecting it from damage and making it easier to view. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4 , a first support post  20 A includes four EV charging stations  26  (two fully visible, but four charging stations  26  are equidistantly spaced around the circumference of the support pole  20 ), with one charging station  26  arranged adjacent to each of the parking spaces A, B, C, D, and a second support post  20 B omits any EV charging stations. The number of EV charging stations  26  per support post  20  and the amount of support posts  20  with EV charging stations  26  in a single customer engagement platform assembly  100  is customizable. Each EV charging station  26  includes an extendable power supply charging cable  26 A to accommodate different vehicle parking positions and different vehicle charging port locations. The second support post  20 B includes the wiring for connecting to the electrical grid, to render the second support post  20 B “EV charger ready,” or to ease the addition of EV chargers  26  to the second support post  20 B in the future. 
       FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of a customer engagement platform assembly  300  in which the first deck  312  and the second deck  314  are integrated into the support end  324  of the support post  320 . The support post  320  includes a mounting pad  322  such that the communications device  32  is positioned at a height above the ground  2  that is convenient for viewing by a user sitting in a vehicle or standing in front of the communications device  32 , such as about  5  feet to about  6  feet high, or “eye level.” The communications device  32  has a curvilinear screen that wraps partially around the support post  320 , however the present invention is not limited thereto and contemplates the communications device  32  having, including but not limited to, a curvilinear screen that wraps fully around the support post  320  or a linear screen, as described above. A single EV charging station  26  interrupts the communications device  32 . The EV charging station  26  includes an extendable power supply charging cable  26 A to accommodate different vehicle parking positions and different vehicle charging port locations. The customer engagement platform assembly  300  can be placed on sidewalks, curbs, or at other locations adjacent to parking spaces. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , a customer engagement platform assembly  400  includes two communications devices  32 A,  32 B arranged perpendicular to one another such that the communication devices  32 A,  32 B is directed toward adjacent parking spaces on one side of the support post  20 . The customer engagement platform assembly  400  may also include communication devices  32 C,  32 D (not depicted) arranged perpendicular to one another on the opposing side of the support post  20  such that the customer engagement system  30  has a rectangular arrangement. An EV charging station  26  is mounted in the shell of the support post  20  between each end of the communications devices  32 A,  32 B. Each EV charging station  26  includes an extendable power supply charging cable  26 A to accommodate different vehicle parking positions and different vehicle charging port locations. As shown in  FIGS. 6C and 6D , the communication devices  32 A and  32 B may each wrap around opposite sides of the shell of the support post  20 . 
       FIG. 7A  depicts a customer engagement platform assembly  500  incorporated into a light post  4 . The light post  4  is positioned in or adjacent to a parking lot. The depicted communications device  532  is powered by an internal battery (not depicted) or from an electrical grid connected thereto. The communications device  532  includes four separate flat screens in a rectangular arrangement, as discussed above regarding  FIG. 1A . As shown in  FIG. 7B , the communications device  532  may include one or more wrap-around screens, as discussed above regarding  FIGS. 4 and 6C . 
       FIG. 8  depicts a customer engagement platform assembly  100  positioned at the junction of adjacent vehicle transient locations (such as parking spaces) A, B, C, and D. The customer engagement platform assembly  100  includes a customer engagement system  30  mounted to a support post  20  as described above. The customer engagement system  30  includes four communication devices  32  (such as audio video device or television), each of which having a display that is directed toward a respective vehicle transient location A, B, C, or D. For example, communication device  32 A is directed toward vehicle transient location A, communication device  32 B is directed toward vehicle transient location B, communication device  32 C is directed toward vehicle transient location C, and communication device  32 D is directed toward vehicle transient location D. The displays of communication devices  32  may have linear or curvilinear screens. The customer engagement system  30  may include one communication device  32  having a display that wraps around the support post  20 , or two communication devices  32  each having a display that wraps partially around the support post  20 . Such warp around communication devices  32  are configured to display separate windows on the screen for the respective adjacent vehicle transient locations A, B, C, and D. The customer engagement platform assembly  100  includes four EV charging stations  26  configured to charge electric vehicles  50  positioned in the vehicle transient locations A, B, C, and D. Each EV charging station  26  is positioned for use in a respective vehicle transient location A, B, C, or D. Each EV charging station  26  includes an extendable power supply charging cable  26 A to accommodate different vehicle parking positions and different vehicle charging port locations. While the embodiment in  FIG. 8  depicts a customer engagement platform assembly  100  positioned at the junction of four adjacent vehicle transient locations, the present invention is not limited thereto and contemplates other configurations, including but not limited to the customer engagement platform assembly  100  being positioned adjacent one vehicle transient location, or at the junction of two or three adjacent vehicle transient locations. 
     In an alternate embodiment (not depicted), the support post is mounted only to the canopy structure. The weight of the mounting pad and the support post maintains the customer engagement platform assembly in place. 
     The height of the canopy structure  10  relative to the ground  2  accommodates a variety of vehicle heights and includes above average automotive clearance (such as clearance for Recreational Vehicles). 
     The customer engagement system  30  includes advanced networking equipment to connect to and in some cases extend wireless or wired communication systems such as the Internet. 
     A fully integrated customer engagement platform assembly  100  is a technology enabled consumer/citizen engagement platform for expanding commerce opportunities in outdoor commercial spaces. The customer engagement platform assembly  100  may include both cylindrical and rectangular shaped substrate materials that are fixed to a typical concrete parking lot pole concrete base  22  mounted on a terrain such as the parking lot substrate  2  (concrete, asphalt, and the like) with a support beam  21  centered through concrete base and raising up through the customer engagement platform assembly  100  for structural support. 
     The support post  20  is positioned within a parking lot design to maintain vehicle transient locations (e.g., parking spaces, etc.) space sizing and allow customer engagement platform assembly  100  to be installed at any location within the parking lot (favorably influencing expansion opportunities and traffic flow initiatives). 
     The customer engagement system  30  displays advertisements and/or notifications that are customized in real-time to each surrounding parking space. Customer engagement platform assembly  100  provides real estate in form of 1, 2, or 4 digital screens to support advertisements and information dissemination that is customized to each of the vehicle transient locations appropriate to needs of host/proprietor. 
     Customer engagement platform assembly  100  houses and supports network equipment to include communication protocols including, but not limited to Internet protocol address targeting, geo-fencing and other forms of geo-targeting, and online behavioral targeting, text bot and/or app enabled communication protocol to enable communication and efficiency of services between the customer and proprietor. 
     The customer engagement platform assembly  100  has external features that are capable of being aesthetically changed to be consistent in appearance and branding of a partner, client, host and/or proprietor. 
     The customer engagement platform assembly  100  can integrate a weather decking canopy to provide shelter for persons, goods and their vehicles, and customer engagement systems (and technology utilized to inform and connect with persons/consumers in and around such media engagement systems). 
     The customer engagement platform assembly  100  can include weather proofing in the form of a traditional shaded canopy structure  10  consisting of fabric or metal decking materials with a first deck  12  and a second deck  14  fixed to one another along a valley  16 . An upper surface  13  of the first deck  12  defines a mounting surface for a fabric or metal decking substrate with the function of providing shading and weather protection. The first deck  12 , the second deck  14 , and the valley  16  all have a bottom surface  15 . At least one support post  20  extends from a mounting pad  22  to the bottom surface  15  of the first deck  12 , the second deck  14 , and/or the valley  16 . 
     The customer engagement platform assembly  100  can include weather proofing in the form of a solar photovoltaic canopy structure  10 . The solar canopy structure  10  has a first deck  12  and a second deck  14  fixed to one another along a valley  16 . An upper surface  13  of the first deck  12  defines a mounting surface for solar photovoltaic modules  18  that each receive energy from light rays and convert the energy into electricity. The first deck  12 , the second deck  14 , and the valley  16  all have a bottom surface  15 . At least one support post  20  extends from a mounting pad  22  to the bottom surface  15  of the first deck  12 , the second deck  14 , and/or the valley  16 . The fully integrated customer engagement platform assembly  100  can include vehicle charging capabilities with either two or four EV charging stations  26  disposed on the support post  20  with charging components largely located internal to the customer engagement platform assembly  100  with electricity charging services provided directly to the customer. Each EV charging station  26  includes an extendable power supply charging cable  26 A to accommodate different vehicle parking positions and different vehicle charging port locations. 
     Photovoltaic electricity generated can be electrically interconnected with the site to utilize generated electricity to facilitate offset of realized energy needs of customer engagement system  30  and other site usage. 
     In some embodiments, the photovoltaic system design is electrically interconnected to the electricity grid and electricity generations is provided directly to utility grid programs. 
     The customer engagement platform assembly  100  may be integrated with battery storage equipment to store onsite electricity generation or onsite grid provided electricity. 
     Stored energy system can be electrically designed and interconnected to utilize stored energy to facilitate offset of realized energy needs of customer engagement system  30  and other site usage. 
     In some embodiments, the energy storage system design is electrically interconnected to the electricity grid and stored energy is provided directly to utility grid programs. 
     The customer engagement platform assembly  100  may be integrated with EV charging stations  26 . EV charging stations  26  are fully integrated into the customer engagement system  30  disposed on the support post  20  and largely internal to the customer engagement platform assembly  100  and the electricity is available and provided directly to the EV charging customer. 
     EV charger application integration includes at least one and up to four EV charging stations  26  per customer engagement platform assembly  100 . Each EV charging station  26  includes an extendable power supply charging cable  26 A to accommodate different vehicle parking positions and different vehicle charging port locations. 
     Although the present invention has been disclosed and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it should be noted that other variations and modifications may be made, and it is intended that the following claims cover the variations and modifications within the true scope of the invention.