EP2611338B1

EP2611338B1 - Display system with position functions

Info

Publication number: EP2611338B1
Application number: EP11790677.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Omar Tegel; Anthonius Jacobus Günter HERTOG
Original assignee: Top Vision Group
Current assignee: Top Vision Group
Priority date: 2010-09-05
Filing date: 2011-09-05
Publication date: 2020-03-04
Anticipated expiration: 2031-09-05
Also published as: EP2611338A2; NL2007355C2; NL2007355A; WO2012050435A3; WO2012050435A2

Description

The present invention relates to a display system with position functions for holding products, such as pairs of glasses, arranged in distinct positions. The present invention further relates to a method for holding products arranged in distinct positions.
Many display systems are known for showing pairs of glasses in the premises of for instance an optician. It is of vital importance to an optician to be able to present the pairs of glasses in an orderly manner so that the consumer can make a correct choice in agreeable manner. There is always a trade-off here between accessibility and security. There is also always a trade-off between this accessibility and security and the maintenance of such systems.
For instance known is from US 6,364,124 , a burglar proof looking display stand for glasses based on a display panel with a number of racks for individual glasses that is capable of locating a pair of glasses to the rack and unlocking the same. From EP 1 582 118 A1 , also a column device for safely holding glasses is known. From WO 98/10685 , also a column device for safely holding glasses is known. All of devices as disclosed in these 3 documents function by locking in the bridge of the frame of the glasses.
A further display system is known from EP2175407 A1 . In order to provide a display system which provides improvement relative to the existing systems, the present invention relates to a display system according to claim 1.
It is possible in advanced manner by means of position functions as intended according to the present invention to provide advantages relative to the prior art. It is for instance possible to have the display system collect information with the purpose of improving the arrangement of the products in the display system. Such information can also be used for individual opening or closing of the access to a product. The arrangement of the products can also be changed by means of such a system in highly labour-saving manner.
It hereby becomes possible to determine remotely in which position of the display system a specific product or pair of glasses is arranged. This determination can be performed at any desired moment, whereby 'live' insight can be acquired into the location, or the presence at a location, of each product individually.
The position function is a feedback function for feedback of information relating to the product. Such a feedback function for instance provides the option of showing information relating to the product to shop staff or to a member of the public. A customer at an optician can hereby obtain an indication, for instance in the case of all glasses of a desired brand, in the form of for instance a lamp or a particular indication on a screen. According to the present invention it is thus possible to provide the desired indication per product 'live' on the basis of the placing thereof.
In a further preferred embodiment the position function is a blocking function for the purpose of blocking removal of the product. It hereby becomes possible to safeguard products per location or per product. When all glasses of a specific expensive brand have to be separately safeguarded, it is possible to instruct the display system to block these glasses. If an interested customer is present, these glasses can be unblocked individually or per group. A particular aspect of the present invention is that it is possible, irrespective of the chance location of a product, to safeguard the product on the basis of an 'expensive brand' characteristic.
In a further preferred embodiment the position function relates to a removable placeability or interchangeability of the position assemblies for the purpose of free interchange of position assemblies, and/or wherein each position assembly is provided with a position assembly identifier for identification of the position assembly by the display system and/or a server which can be linked to the display system.
A position assembly can malfunction and will therefore have to be replaced. It may also be the case that the dimensioning of a position assembly has to be changed, individually or per group. It may further be the case that a determined colour or appearance of the position assembly is required for a specific sales promotion.
The unique identification of the position assemblies according to the present embodiments makes the position assembly freely interchangeable. According to the present invention it is thereby possible to determine the location of the products on the basis of the combination of the identification of each position assembly and the identification of the products. The feedback to customers and members of staff can be provided wholly on the basis of these two identifiers. When the price has to be shown on the basis of these identifiers, the two identifiers are provided to a server and the price is fed back to the correct position assembly, irrespective of the position of the position assembly in the display assembly.
Each position assembly is provided with a detection unit for detecting a remotely readable product identifier, such as preferably an RFID scanner for reading an RFID label or a barcode reader for reading a barcode. The function of reading the product identification can be provided by means of this detection unit.
The display system more preferably comprises processing means for processing data relating to the product identifier, more preferably an interface for exchanging data with a server via a network. Processing of information and exchange of data with the server can hereby be performed.
The display system comprises per position assembly a feedback member for providing a sensorily perceptible feedback such as a visual feedback by means of light signals or image or sound by means of preferably a respective light source, screen or loudspeaker. The said feedback can hereby be realized.
The display system more preferably comprises:

a blocking assembly co-acting with the assembly for providing a blocking against removal of the product from the position assembly, wherein the blocking assembly has at least a closed position and a removal position,
an actuation assembly for actuating the blocking assembly for the purpose of switching the blocking assembly between the closed position and the removal position, wherein each blocking assembly is preferably be actuable separately of further blocking assemblies, or groups of blocking assemblies is actuable separately. The security of the products can be realized by means of such a blocking assembly in a manner as indicated above.

In a further preferred embodiment the actuation assembly comprises a drive motor, or the actuation assembly comprises a manual drive, and the blocking assembly more preferably comprises a longitudinally movable pin for closing a carrier, the actuation assembly more preferably comprises a carrier with a protective element for protecting the bridge of a pair of glasses. Specific elaborations of examples of the security are hereby provided.
In a further preferred embodiment the actuation assembly has in the closed position a blocking resistance which is at least twice as great as the blocking resistance of an applied drive motor, preferably wherein the blocking resistance is provided by an eccentric drive member which in the closed position blocks a pin of the blocking assembly. A very high level of security can hereby be realized with a small drive power of a drive motor.
The position assembly can more preferably be placed removably in the display system comprising a plurality of the position assemblies. A greater flexibility in the design, or the overall appearance, of a display assembly can hereby be realized.
The position assembly more preferably has an easily recognizable appearance and can be placed removably in the display system comprising a plurality of the position assemblies. A specific embodiment is hereby realized within the design freedom and the ability to change the appearance of the display assembly.
In afurther preferred embodiment, the display system comprises an RFID label or the barcode label for fastening to a respective product.
A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method according to claim 10.
The method more preferably comprises steps for removal or placing of the products on the basis of a feedback of the display system. It hereby becomes possible to rearrange the products in the display system on the basis of the feedback. When a member of staff begins feedback, a feedback sequence is started. After removal of the first product, for instance on the basis of a lamp flashing, a lamp is activated at the position where this product must be placed. A product possibly present there is then taken out and the intended product is placed. A lamp is then activated at the position where the product which has just been removed must be placed, and this sequence is repeated until all products have been placed at the correct position. Such an arrangement sequence is only one example of sequences that are possible by means of a system according to the present invention.
In a further preferred embodiment the method comprises steps for causing the display system to block or release products on the basis of information read by the display system from product identifiers. An example hereof has been given in the foregoing.
A further preferred embodiment of the method comprises steps for inputting query information relating to feedback on the basis of information from product identifiers. It is for instance possible, on the basis of for instance a customer query, to have all products of one or more brands indicated with a flashing green lamp.
A method more preferably comprises steps for showing product information on the basis of information read by the display system from product identifiers. It is further possible to have all products provided with information on a screen, such as the price, size, weight or lens variants.
In a further preferred embodiment, the system comprises a server for collecting, storing and processing information read from the product identifiers, provided with means for controlling the display system for the purpose of displaying feedback, blocking and unblocking position assemblies and identifying distinct position assemblies.

Definitions.

A position function is a function which is distinguishably available for a position, wherein the user can use or set the function distinguishably for a position.
A display system is a system for showing products. A display system is also defined as comprising stock holders suitable for holding products in stock without them being directly visible, for the purpose of holding larger quantities while using relatively little space. The purpose hereof is that the whole stock of products to be shown can be held in recordable manner. After a product has been 'checked in', unrecorded disappearance from the system can be automatically detected after a predeterminable time period.
Further advantages, features and details of the present invention will be described in greater detail hereinbelow on the basis of one or more preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Similar, though not necessarily identical, components of different preferred embodiments are designated with the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1 is a perspective overview of a preferred embodiment according to the present invention in the form of a detail of a position assembly holder having a number of position assemblies therein.
Fig. 2 is a schematic system overview of a display system with a server and additional components.
Fig. 3 is a perspective rear view of a preferred embodiment of a position assembly.
Fig. 4 is a perspective rear view of the assembly according to Fig. 3.
Fig. 5 is a perspective front view of the assembly according to Fig. 3.
Fig. 6-9 are perspective views of construction parts of a position assembly according to Fig. 3.

A first preferred embodiment (Fig. 1) according to the present invention relates to a display assembly comprising a position assembly holder 1. This in turn comprises a number of position assemblies 2. The position assemblies are provided with LED lighting elements 4 and LCD screens 5. In this embodiment the LCD screens are provided with the option of a price specification. Displays with more product specifications are possible in similar manner. Display assembly 2 is further provided with an RFID antenna module 6. By means of this antenna module, which is shown schematically in Fig. 1, it is always possible to read an RFID label attached to the sidepiece 9 of glasses 10 for the whole period of time the glasses remain in position assembly 2.
Arms 11 of the position assembly can be placed removably on the position assembly. Arms 11 are provided with a rubber guard 12 to protect the bridge of the pair of glasses 10. The arms are also provided with a security catch, or locking pin 13, slidable therethrough in the longitudinal direction. In the shown position this locking pin 13 is closed. When pin 13 is slid to the rear, the upper side of the carrying position of the bridge of the pair of glasses is opened, whereby it can be taken out or placed.
Fig. 2 shows how the display assembly is coupled by means of a network bus 15 to a server with a local database 14. By means of a tablet 17 or a computer 16, or a further control (not shown) arranged on the display assembly, the system can be operated within the concept of the present invention.
Shown in more detail in Fig. 3 and 4 is the internal mechanism of the position assembly and related components. The blocking assembly 21 functions for the purpose of blocking the pin 13. Motor 22 drives the pin blocking 24 by means of its shaft 23. Pin blocking 24 is provided with a surface 25 running eccentrically relative to shaft 23 for the purpose of restraining the rear side of pin 13. Pin 13 is arranged under bias of a spring (not shown) in arm 11. It is hereby held constantly under bias against surface 25. Owing to the shape of surface 25 it is impossible without rotation driving of motor 22 to move the pin rearward when the pin blocking is situated in the position as shown in Fig. 4. When the pin blocking is rotated the pin will be able to move rearward so that the pair of glasses can be taken out of the arm on the front side.
Position assembly 2 further comprises a central processing unit with a memory and a network connector. It hereby becomes possible to activate the lamps on the front side, the screen and the motor. It further hereby becomes possible to receive instructions from the server to release a pair of glasses and display feedback information on the screen or the LED. For replacement purposes the arm is provided with a snap protrusion 41.
The present invention has been described in the foregoing on the basis of several preferred embodiments. These preferred embodiments are not limitative for the scope of protection of this document. The rights sought are defined in the appended claims.

Claims

Display system for displaying glasses with position functions for holding products (10) being pairs of glasses, arranged in distinct positions, comprising:
- at least one position assembly holder (1) for holding a plurality of position assemblies (2),

- the plurality of position assemblies (2) each arranged to hold one pair of glasses at the position,
wherein:
- each of the plurality of position assemblies (2) is provided with at least two position functions, the at least two position functions comprising a detection function and a feedback function providing the detection function and the feedback function per position, wherein

- each of the plurality of position assemblies (2) comprises:
- for the detection function, a detection unit (6) arranged in the position assembly for detecting continously a remotely readable product identifier (8) of the one pair of glasses for the whole period of time of remaining held in the position assembly,

- for the feedback function, a feedback member (4,5) for feedback information relating to the continuously detected product identifier of the pair of glasses held in the position assembly.
Display system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the feedback member (4,5) provides a sensorily perceptible feedback, such as a visual feedback by means of light signals or image or sound by means of preferably a respective light source(4), such as an LED, such as a multicolor LED, screen (5) or loudspeaker.
Display system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein a further position function comprises a blocking function for the purpose of blocking removal of the product, for the blocking function, the position assembly (2) comprises a blocking assembly (21) co-acting with the position assembly (2) for providing a blocking against removal of the product from the position assembly (2).
Display system as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein each position assembly (2) is provided with a position assembly identifier for identification of the position assembly (2) by the display system and/or the server linkable to the display system.
Display system as claimed in one or more of the claims 1-4, wherein in the position assembly (2) the detection unit (6) for detecting the remotely readable product identifier, is an RFID scanner for reading an RFID label or a barcode reader for reading a barcode.
Display system as claimed in one or more of the claims 1-5, comprising processing means for processing data relating to the product identifier, more preferably an interface for exchanging data with a server via a network.
Display system as claimed in one or more of the claims 3-6, wherein each blocking assembly (21) has at least a closed position and a removal position, and comprising:
- an actuation assembly for actuating the blocking assembly (21) for the purpose of switching the blocking assembly (21) between the closed position and the removal position, wherein each blocking assembly (21) is actuable separately of further blocking assemblies, or groups of blocking assemblies are actuable separately.
Display system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the actuation assembly comprises a drive motor (22), or wherein the actuation assembly comprises a manual drive, more preferably wherein the blocking assembly comprises a longitudinally movable pin (24) for closing a carrier, the actuation assembly more preferably comprises a carrier with a protective element for protecting the bridge of a pair of glasses.
Display system as claimed in one or more of the claims 4-8, wherein each position assembly (2) is placeable removably in the display system comprising the plurality of the position assemblies (2), preferably wherein each position assembly (2) has an easily recognizable appearance and is placeable removably in the display system comprising a plurality of the position assemblies (2).
Method of holding products being pairs of glasses, each arranged in a distinct position assembly (2) of a plurality of position assemblies (2) of a display system according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising steps of:
- holding a product with the product identifer in a distinct position of a respective position assembly (2) of the display system,

- using one of the at least two position functions provided for the distinct position of the display system wherein

- the one of the at least two position functions comprises the detection function for detecting a remotely readable product identifier (8) by means of a detection unit (6) for detecting the remotely readable product identifier, and

- the second of the at least two position functions comprises the feedback function for feedback of information relating to the product identifier for this comprising a feedback member (4,5).
Method as claimed in claim 10, comprising steps for removal or placing of the products on the basis of a feedback of the display system.
Method according to claims 10 or 11, comprising steps for causing the display system to block or release products on the basis of information read by the display system from the product identifiers, further preferably comprising steps for inputting query information relating to feedback on the basis of information from the product identifiers.
Method as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims 10-12, comprising steps for showing product information on the basis of information read by the display system from the product identifiers.
Display system as claimed in one or more of the claims 1-9 comprising the RFID label or the barcode label for fastening to a respective product.
Display system as claimed in one or more of the claims 4-9 comprising the server for collecting, storing and processing information read from the product identifiers provided with means for controlling the display system for the purpose of displaying feedback, blocking and unblocking position assemblies and identifying distinct position assemblies.