Merchandise activity sensor system and methods of using same
First Claim
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1. A system for providing real-time location based services in a retail setting, the system comprising:
- a) at least one proximity detection feature for identifying a presence of a mobile device and its associated location, wherein the mobile device is meant to move freely in and out of range of the proximity detection feature;
b) at least a first sensor capable of detecting a direct or indirect force that is applied to an object which results in movement of that object from a state of equilibrium and further wherein the detection of the movement activates the at least one proximity detection feature to locate and identify the mobile device;
c) a microcontroller having a customizable application capable of processing all the data acquired by a) and b); and
d) a wired or wireless means of communication capable of communicating the movement of the object detected by the first sensor to the microcontroller, wherein the at least first sensor is attached to a static fixture.
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Abstract
Apparatus and systems using merchandise activity sensors for increasing the awareness of interactivity with merchandise on retail store displays (shelves, peg hooks, merchandise pushers, and other Point of Purchase displays) in order to facilitate more effective customer service, reduce theft and to provide additional analysis data related to merchandise/shopper interaction.
24 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A system for providing real-time location based services in a retail setting, the system comprising:
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a) at least one proximity detection feature for identifying a presence of a mobile device and its associated location, wherein the mobile device is meant to move freely in and out of range of the proximity detection feature; b) at least a first sensor capable of detecting a direct or indirect force that is applied to an object which results in movement of that object from a state of equilibrium and further wherein the detection of the movement activates the at least one proximity detection feature to locate and identify the mobile device; c) a microcontroller having a customizable application capable of processing all the data acquired by a) and b); and d) a wired or wireless means of communication capable of communicating the movement of the object detected by the first sensor to the microcontroller, wherein the at least first sensor is attached to a static fixture. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of detecting potential theft related activity at a point of display in a shopper self-checkout environment using a mobile device, the system comprising:
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a) providing at least one proximity detection method for identifying a presence of a mobile device and its associated location, wherein the mobile device is associated with prior purchase activity by a user; b) providing at least a first sensor capable of detecting a direct or indirect force that is applied to an object which results in movement of that object from a state of equilibrium; c) providing a microcontroller having a customizable application capable of processing all the data acquired by a) and b) in combination with purchase activity from the mobile device; d) providing a wired or wireless means of communication capable of communicating the movement detected by the at least first sensor to the microcontroller of c) for processing; and e) triggering a suspicious event declaration when movement detected does not match purchase data obtained from the mobile device. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification