U.S. patent application number 10/314628 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-01 for automated synchronous product pricing and advertising system.
Invention is credited to Freeny, Charles C. JR..
Application Number | 20030083956 10/314628 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22334028 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030083956 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Freeny, Charles C. JR. |
May 1, 2003 |
Automated synchronous product pricing and advertising system
Abstract
An automated product pricing system including a physical store
system, a virtual store system, and a control system. The physical
and virtual store systems are capable of transmitting sales data
indicative of the number of sales of identified respective
products. The control system is adapted to receive the sales data
from the physical store system and the virtual store system. In
response thereto, the control system generates price change data
including a changed price of an identified product based on the
sales data received from at least one of the physical and virtual
store systems. The price change data is then transmitted by the
control system to at least one of the physical and virtual store
systems to thereby change the price of the identified product.
Inventors: |
Freeny, Charles C. JR.;
(Dallas, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUNLAP, CODDING & ROGERS P.C.
PO BOX 16370
OKLAHOMA CITY
OK
73114
US
|
Family ID: |
22334028 |
Appl. No.: |
10/314628 |
Filed: |
December 6, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10314628 |
Dec 6, 2002 |
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09487422 |
Jan 20, 2000 |
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6513016 |
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09487422 |
Jan 20, 2000 |
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09110624 |
Jul 6, 1998 |
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6076071 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/14.35 ;
705/27.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0643 20130101;
G06Q 20/202 20130101; G06Q 20/201 20130101; G06Q 20/20 20130101;
G06Q 20/209 20130101; G06Q 20/203 20130101; G06Q 30/0641 20130101;
G06Q 30/0633 20130101; G06Q 30/0241 20130101; G06Q 30/0235
20130101; G06Q 30/0207 20130101; G06Q 30/0273 20130101; G06Q 30/02
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/26 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An automated product pricing system, comprising: a plurality of
store systems, each of the store systems comprising: a product
pricing unit constructed to display a product location price
indicating the unit price of a first product; means for requesting
from a shopper a product checkout/order price for the purchase of
the first product; a store system computer constructed to
communicate with the product pricing unit and the means for
requesting so as to automatically change the product location price
and the product checkout/order price; a competition pricing
information system outputting competition pricing data indicative
of the price at which at least one predetermined competitor
requests from a shopper for the purchase of the first product; a
control system computer adapted to receive the competition pricing
data from the competition pricing information system and to
automatically determine, with at least one price change algorithm,
and output a price change code to the store system computer.
2. A method for the automated pricing of a product, comprising the
steps of: displaying a first product location price indicative of
the unit price of a product such that the first product location
price is perceivable by a first shopper when the first shopper is
selecting the product for purchase; electronically changing the
first product location price to a second product location price
following the first shopper selecting the product for purchase, the
second product location price being different than the first
product location price, the second product location price being
perceivable by a second shopper when the second shopper is
selecting the product for purchase; and requesting from the first
shopper a first product checkout/order price for the purchase of
the product and from the second shopper a second product
checkout/order price for the purchase of the product, the first and
second product checkout/order prices not exceeding the respective
first and second product location prices perceivable by the first
and second shoppers when the first and second shoppers were
selecting the product for purchase.
3. A method as defined in claim 2, further comprising the step of
changing the first product checkout/order price to the second
product checkout/order price a predetermined time later than when
the first product location price is changed to the second product
location price.
4. A method as defined in claim 3, further comprising the step of:
selectively outputting at least one advertising message in a format
perceivable by the second shopper, the advertising message
identifying the product and including a product advertised price
which is identical to the second product checkout/order price.
5. A method as defined in claim 4, wherein the step of
electronically changing the first product location price to a
second product location price includes the step of storing the
first product checkout/order price and also includes the step of
changing the first product checkout/order price to the second
product checkout/order price, and wherein the step of selectively
outputting at least one advertising message is further defined as
outputting the advertising message about simultaneously with the
changing of the first product checkout/order price to the second
product checkout/order price when the second product checkout/order
price is less than the first product checkout/order price.
6. A method as defined in claim 2, wherein the step of
electronically changing the first product location price to a
second product location price includes the steps of: receiving data
selected from the group consisting of competition price data,
pricing and advertising information, sales and inventory data, and
combinations thereof; and changing the first product location price
to the second product location price based on the received
data.
7. A method as defined in claim 2, further comprising the step of:
recording a time stamp data indicative of the time at which the
first and second product location prices were likely perceivable by
the first and second respective shoppers to determine the first
product checkout/order price requested from the first shopper and
the second product checkout/order price requested from the second
shopper.
8. A method as defined in claim 7, wherein the step of recording a
time stamp data is further defined as recording the time at which
the first and second shoppers entered the store.
9. A method for the automated pricing of a product, comprising the
steps of: providing a plurality of store systems, each of the store
systems comprising: a store product advertising media unit
constructed to selectively output at least one advertising message
in a format perceivable by a shopper, the advertising message
identifying a product and including at least one of a price and a
price discount for the purchase of the product; and providing a
control system computer adapted to selectively communicate
advertising price change codes indicative of different advertised
prices for the same product to the store product advertising media
unit of respective store systems whereby the advertising message at
the store systems for the product are capable of being
individualized at each store system.
10. A method as defined in claim 9, wherein the method further
comprises the steps of: selecting coupons from the store product
advertising media unit from a plurality of predetermined coupons;
printing the selected coupons.
11. A method as defined in claim 9, further comprising the steps
of: providing a store checkout station adapted to receive coupon
data from physical coupons and to transmit the coupon data;
providing a store system computer adapted to receive the coupon
data and to print coupons from the coupon data whereby the physical
coupons at the store checkout station can be discarded.
12. A method as defined in claim 10, further comprising the step
of: transmitting audio advertising messages via the store product
advertising media unit.
13. A method as defined in claim 10, further comprising the step
of: transmitting video advertising messages via the store product
advertising media unit.
14. A method for the automated pricing of a product, comprising the
steps of: providing a plurality of store systems, each of the store
systems comprising: a product pricing unit constructed to display a
product location price indicating the unit price of a first
product; means for requesting from a shopper a product
checkout/order price for the purchase of the first product; a store
system computer constructed to communicate with the product pricing
unit and the means for requesting so as to automatically change the
product location price and the product checkout/order price;
providing a competition pricing information system adapted to
output competition pricing data indicative of the price at which at
least one predetermined competitor requests from a shopper for the
purchase of the first product; providing a control system computer
adapted to receive the competition pricing data from the
competition pricing information system and to automatically output
a price change code to the store system computer.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
09/487,422, filed on Jan. 20, 2000; which is a continuation of U.S.
Ser. No. 09/110,624, filed on Jul. 6, 1998. The entire contents of
Ser. Nos. 09/487,422 and 09/110,624 are hereby incorporated herein
by reference for all purposes.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A number of methods are currently in use for the pricing and
advertising of products. For example, manual placard displays are
provided at locations where the product is shelved at the store to
permit consumers to determine the price of the product. The placard
displays must be manually changed each time that the prices in the
checkout computers are changed so that there is no discrepancy
between the prices contained in the checkout computer and the
prices shown on the manual placard displays. However, due to
accumulated errors, there can be a fairly large discrepancy between
the prices contained in the checkout computer and the prices shown
on the manual placard displays. This discrepancy is of increasing
concern to governmental regulators.
[0004] Electronic pricing systems are also in existence. In the
existing electronic pricing systems, each product carries a bar
code. An electronic price display which displays the price of the
product at a location where the product is shelved at the stores is
provided. The store also has a checkout computer and scanner. In
such existing electronic pricing systems, an individual with a hand
held unit changes the product price at the display located where
the product is shelved. The changed prices are entered into the
hand held unit and the person positions the hand held unit near the
electronic display and presses a button so that the information is
transferred to the electronic display to display the new price.
[0005] There are also a number of systems available which
interconnect local store computers to the checkout stations, as
well as interconnecting local store computers to the owner
computers. Companies, such as Intactix of Dallas, Tex., are
suppliers of such software and the hardware is well-known to those
skilled in the art. Methods also exist for connecting a local store
computer to an owner computer. However, most of the current product
pricing display change methods are manual as previously discussed.
These methods are time consuming, and require costly generation and
replacement of the pricing placards at the product stations.
[0006] A number of electronic display technologies are available
today, such as liquid crystal displays, light emitting diode
displays, flat panel video displays, audio convertors, etc. which
may be utilized as product displays at the product station. For
example, companies such as PRICER AB of Sweden and others are
installing active product price units which can be controlled from
the local store computer.
[0007] Since the internet explosion in 1995-96, a number of virtual
store chains, such as Tom Thumb and Kroger have created virtual
stores on the internet for home shopping and deliveries. Price
synchronization for the virtual stores pose different problems from
the physical stores.
[0008] With regard to advertising, a number of methods are
currently in use for placing coupons in the hands of consumers.
Three of such methods are:
[0009] 1. Coupons are placed in the advertising section of
periodicals or mailed directly to the consumer's house for later
use in stores.
[0010] 2. Books of coupons and coupon dispensing units are made
available inside stores for later use during checkout.
[0011] 3. Coupons are generated at the checkout station at the
conclusion of the checkout process for later use by the
consumer.
[0012] Once the consumer has presented a coupon to a checkout
clerk, the coupons are either entered manually or scanned by
automated scanners for checkout. The coupons must then be saved by
the checkout clerk for later redemption at redemption centers so
that the retail establishment can recover its cost from the product
manufacturers which the store has, in effect, advanced to the
consumer. The coupons must then be sorted by product and tabulated
as to overall cost for various management reasons. The current
process for utilizing coupons typically proceeds as follows. The
consumer hands a coupon to the checkout clerk. The product code on
the coupon is scanned and the amount of the discount is looked up
in the store computer. If the coupon and the discount amount have
been both entered into the store computer, this amount is deducted
from the normal product retail price. However, if the coupon has
not been entered into the store computer, the discount amount must
be manually entered.
[0013] Then, the coupon is set aside and saved for later sorting by
another clerk. The amounts and product codes are accumulated and
the coupons are later sent to a redemption center where they are
again manually checked before a check or credit is issued to the
retail store.
[0014] The current coupon handling methods are very time
consuming.
[0015] With the present invention, the pricing of products is
accomplished more efficiently than existing systems, and the manual
handling of coupons at checkout locations is eliminated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic, diagrammatic view of an automated
synchronous product pricing and advertising system constructed in
accordance with the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic, diagrammatic view of a physical store
system constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic, diagrammatic view of a product
pricing unit utilized in the physical store system depicted in FIG.
2.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic, diagrammatic view of a product
checkout station utilized in the physical store system depicted in
FIG. 2.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic, diagrammatic view of a store product
advertising media unit constructed in accordance with the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a schematic, diagrammatic view of an owner control
system constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a display screen of a
virtual store system constructed in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG.
1, shown therein is an automated synchronous product pricing and
advertising system 10 constructed in accordance with the present
invention. Broadly, the automated synchronous product pricing and
advertising system 10 includes an owner control system 12, a
plurality of physical store systems 14, a plurality of product
supplier systems 16, at least one virtual store system 18 and a
competition pricing information system 20. Only two of the physical
store systems 14, and product supplier systems 16 are shown in FIG.
1 for purposes of clarity. The respective physical store systems
are designated in FIG. 1 by the general reference numerals 14a and
14b. The respective product supplier systems are designated in FIG.
1 by the general reference numerals 16a and 16b.
[0024] The owner control system 12 is adapted to communicate with
the physical store systems 14a and 14b via respective signal paths
24a and 24b. The owner control system 12 also communicates with the
product supplier systems 16a and 16b via respective signal paths
26a and 26b, the virtual store system 18 via a signal path 28 and
the competition pricing information system 20 via a signal path
30.
[0025] It is envisioned that the physical store systems 14 be
located in establishments having product locations, such as
shelves, boxes, slots, areas, or the like for storage and/or sale
of products. For example, the establishments in which the physical
store systems 14 are located can be retail supermarkets, drug
stores, home building supply stores, inventory stocking areas or
assembly sites at manufacturing or distribution facilities.
[0026] It is envisioned that the product supplier systems 16 be
located at establishments which serve to supply products to the
stores where the physical store systems 14 are located or to a
warehouse for distribution after an order is received by the
virtual store system 18.
[0027] The competition pricing information system 20 can include a
program for obtaining information from an internet search engine,
such as YAHOO or EXCITE which look for the prices at which
predetermined competitors are selling the same or similar
products.
[0028] Signal paths 24, 26, 28 and 30 can be airway and/or cable
communication links or any other suitable communication link.
[0029] The owner control system 12 is constructed to receive sales
and inventory data from the physical store systems 14, and the
virtual store system 18. The owner control system 12 is also
constructed to receive pricing and advertising data from the
product supplier systems 16 via the signal paths 26a and 26b, and
competition price data from the competition pricing information
system 20 via the signal path 30. As will be described in more
detail hereinbelow, the owner control system 12 utilizes the sales
and inventory data provided by the physical store systems 14, and
the virtual store system 18, the pricing and advertising data
provided by the product supplier systems 16, and the competition
price data provided by the competition pricing information system
20 to automatically change product prices at the physical store
systems 14 and the virtual store system 18, to automatically
provide in-store advertising data within the physical store systems
14 and/or the virtual store system 18, and to automatically order
products from the product suppliers associated with the product
supplier systems 16.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, shown therein in more detail is the
physical store system 14a. Because the physical store systems 14a
and 14b are substantially identical in construction and function,
only the physical store system 14a will be described in detail
herein.
[0031] The physical store system 14a, in general, is constructed to
display a product location price indicating the unit price of a
product on at least one of a plurality of product pricing units 40,
to request from a shopper a product checkout price for the purchase
of the product by at least one of a plurality of store checkout
stations 42, to selectively print coupons, transmit video and/or
audio advertising messages including the product checkout price on
a store product advertising media unit 44, and to dynamically
change the displayed product location prices, the requested product
checkout prices, the coupons and the advertising messages in real
time based on predetermined criteria thereby substantially
eliminating consumer confusion and yielding the maximum economic
benefit for the physical store by a store product control system
46.
[0032] The individual products (not shown) in the store are stamped
with a machine readable code, such as the UPC (universal product
code) bar code. Each of the product pricing units 40 are located
proximate to one of the individual products and has a unique
electronic address identifying the particular product. The unique
electronic address can be the universal product code.
[0033] The store product control system 46 includes a store system
computer 50. The store system computer 50 has stored thereon the
unique electronic addresses for the respective product pricing
units 40. A product location price associated with each of the
unique electronic addresses is stored in the store system computer
50. The product location price is indicative of the unit price of a
single product.
[0034] The store system computer 50 is constructed to transmit the
unique electronic addresses and the product location prices
associated therewith ("electronic address and product location
price data") to a transmitter unit 52 via a signal path 54. In
response to receiving the electronic address and product location
price data from the store system computer 50, the transmitter unit
52 transmits such electronic address and product location price
data to the respective product pricing units 40a and 40b via signal
paths 56a and 56b. The signal paths 56a and 56b can be hard wiring
(copper wiring, fiber optics, coaxial cable, or the like), RF
wireless (microwave, low frequency, satellite, or the like) and/or
optical (laser, infrared, or the like).
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 2, in combination with FIG. 3, the
electronic address and product location price data is received by a
product decoder unit 58 included in each of the product pricing
units 40. It should be understood that each of the product pricing
units 40a and 40b are substantially identical in construction and
function, and that only the product pricing unit 40a is shown in
FIG. 3 for purposes of clarity. The product decoder unit 58 can be
a 2.4 GHz spread spectrum RF receiver unit. The product decoder
unit 58 has an electronic address stored therein. Upon receipt of
the electronic address and product location price data from the
store product control system 46, the product decoder unit 58
compares the received electronic address with that stored in the
product decoder unit 58. When a match is found, the product
location price data associated with the electronic address is sent
to a product price display unit 60 via a signal path 62.
[0036] Upon receipt of the product location price data from the
product decoder unit 58, the product price display unit 60
transmits and/or displays the product location price indicative of
the unit price of a product disposed adjacent the particular
product pricing unit 40 in a format perceivable by a shopper when
the shopper is selecting the product for purchase. The product
price display unit 60 can be a liquid crystal display, or a LED
display, for example. The product location price transmitted or
displayed by the product price display unit 60 remains until a new
product location price for the particular product located adjacent
the product pricing unit 40 is received by the product decoder unit
58. In practice, it is contemplated that to overcome inadvertent
mistakes, all the electronic address and product location price
data will be transmitted periodically from the store product
control system 46 to the product pricing units 40 even though there
may have not been any price changes.
[0037] In addition, it should be noted that the store product
control system 46 has the ability to transmit, and the product
pricing units 40 have the ability to receive a special code which
changes both the electronic address for the particular product
pricing units 40 and/or a price associated with the new electronic
address. In this manner, the particular product pricing units 40
become universal.
[0038] The store checkout stations 42a and 42b are substantially
identical in construction and function. For purposes of clarity,
only the store checkout station 42a will be described in detail
herein.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 2 in combination with FIG. 4, the
store checkout station 42a is shown in more detail. The store
checkout station 42a includes a checkout computer unit 66. The
checkout computer unit 66 has stored therein a product price table
which includes a unique code for each of the products available for
sale in the store, and a product checkout price associated with the
unique code. The unique code for each of the products available for
sale in the store can be the UPC (universal product code) code. The
product checkout price stored in the checkout computer unit 66 and
associated with a single unique code is the price requested from a
shopper for the purchase of the product.
[0040] The store checkout station 42a is also provided with a
product scanner unit 68, an ATM unit 70, a product price display
unit 72 and an SPCS interface unit 74. In use, the store system
computer 50 outputs product checkout price data to a communication
unit 76 via a signal path 78. The communication unit 76 outputs the
received product checkout pricing data to the store checkout
stations 42a and 42b via signal paths 80a and 80b.
[0041] As best shown in FIG. 4, the SPCS interface unit 74 receives
the transmitted product checkout price data from the communication
unit 76. In response thereto, the SPCS interface unit 74 transmits
the received product checkout price data to the checkout computer
unit 66 via a signal path 82. In response to receiving the product
checkout price data, the checkout computer unit 66 is constructed
to build or update the product price table stored in the checkout
computer unit 66.
[0042] In use, the shopper selects at least one product for
purchase and perceives the product location price displayed by the
product price display unit 60 of the product pricing unit 40a, for
example. The shopper transports the products to the store checkout
station 42a, for example. The UPC code on the product is scanned by
the product scanner unit 68 and is thereby input into the checkout
computer unit 66 via a signal path 84. The checkout computer unit
66 looks up the product checkout price stored in the product price
table by the UPC or unique code identifying the particular product.
The checkout computer unit 66 then outputs the product checkout
price for the particular product to the product price display unit
72 via a signal path 86 so that the product checkout price for the
particular product is perceivable by the shopper. The product
checkout price stored in the product price table does not exceed
the respective product location price perceivable by the shopper
when the shopper was selecting the product for purchase, as will be
explained in more detail hereinafter. In any event, once the
product which the shopper is purchasing is scanned via the product
scanner unit 68, the product checkout price is requested from the
shopper for payment. The shopper can pay for the product in any
suitable manner, such as by entering their credit card number into
the checkout computer unit 66 via an input 88. The shopper's credit
card number is then transmitted to a credit card source company for
automated payment credit verification via the ATM unit 70 and
signal paths 90 and 92.
[0043] The UPC or unique code identifying each product purchased is
batched in the checkout computer unit 66 until the shopper's
transaction is complete. At that time, the UPC or unique code data
is transmitted to the store system computer 50 via the signal paths
78, 80a, and 82 so that the store system computer 50 can keep track
of the store's inventory.
Store Product Advertising Media Unit 44
[0044] The store system computer 50 selectively outputs product
advertising data including the unique codes identifying selected
products within the store, and a product advertising price
indicating an advertised price of the product associated with the
unique code to a first modem unit 96 via a signal path 98. The
first modem unit 96 receives the product advertising data, and in
response thereto the first modem unit 96 outputs such product
advertising data to the store product advertising media unit 44 via
a signal path 100.
[0045] It should be noted that the product advertising data can
either be generated by the store system computer 50, and/or can be
received by the store system computer 50 from the owner control
system 12 via the signal path 24a, a second modem unit 102, and a
signal path 104. The store system computer 50 and/or the owner
control system 12 are programmed so that upon the detection of an
increased supply or decreased demand for a product or products, the
product advertising data is automatically generated and transmitted
to the store product advertising media unit 44 to increased the
demand for a selected product or products.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 2 in combination with FIG. 5, the
store product advertising media unit 44 is shown in more detail.
The product advertising data transmitted from the first modem unit
96 is received by an advertising computer 110. The advertising
computer 110 is loaded with software to cause the advertising
computer 110 to selectively communicate with a store print
advertising unit 112 via a signal path 114, a store video
advertising unit 116 via a signal path 118, and a store audio
advertising unit 120 via a signal path 122 to selectively make
coupons available for printing, to transmit video messages and
audio messages identifying products and product advertising prices
indicative of the price to be charged for such products. Only one
store print advertising unit 112, store video advertising unit 116
and store audio advertising unit 120 are shown in FIG. 5 for
purposes of clarity. It should be understood that the store product
advertising media unit 44 can include a plurality of store print
advertising units 112, store video advertising units 116 and store
audio advertising units 120. The store print advertising units 112,
store video advertising units 116 and store audio advertising units
120 can be located proximate to respective individual products to
provide the product advertising data (through coupons, video and/or
audio messages) independently for each individual product, or can
be located in a centralized location or locations within the store
to provide product advertising data for more than one product at
each store print advertising unit 112, store video advertising unit
116 and store audio advertising unit 120.
[0047] The store print advertising unit 112 may include an
associated video screen and keypad (not shown) to permit shoppers
to browse and select coupons to print. Upon demand, the store print
advertising unit 112 prints a set of coupons (or at least one
coupon) with each coupon identifying a predetermined price
reduction for an identified product or service and also includes
other information such as store location, appropriate graphics,
colors, and/or a product bar code for checkout and expiration date.
The coupons generated by the store print advertising unit 112 are
given by the shopper to a checkout clerk associated with one of the
store checkout stations 42 when the shopper is ready to pay prior
to leaving the store. The coupons are scanned by the product
scanner unit 68 at the store checkout stations 42 to provide coupon
data. The store checkout stations 42 transmit the coupon data
received from the coupon, such as the identified product to the
store system computer 50 via the signal paths 78 and 80. The store
system computer 50 looks up the discount associated with the
product bar code and transmits this discount to the particular one
of the store checkout stations 42 from which the coupon was scanned
for inclusion on the shopper's printed receipt.
[0048] If the coupon presented to the checkout clerk was not
printed by the store print advertising unit 112, and product bar
code identifying the coupon is not in storage, the store system
computer 50 sends a message to the store checkout station 42 where
the particular coupon was scanned and the clerk at the particular
store checkout station 42 then manually enters the product number
and discount. The store system computer 50 also checks to make sure
that the product identified on the coupon has been scanned via the
product scanner unit 68 before authorizing the checkout computer
unit 66 at the store checkout stations 42 to deduct the discount
amount from the requested product checkout price.
[0049] The coupon data, including the product code information,
received from the store checkout stations 42 from the scanning of
coupons is stored in the store system computer 50. Periodically,
the store system computer 50 accumulates all of the coupon data
which has been entered into the store system computer 50 and then
sorts such coupon data by manufacturer, tabulates the discount
amount by manufacturer and then sends all of the sorted and
totalled coupon data to a printer 124 to generate a physical copy
of the coupons and the sorted and accumulated total, if required by
a redemption center. Because the coupon data is sorted, accumulated
and printed, the physical coupons which were scanned by the product
scanner unit 68 of the store checkout stations 42 can be discarded
at the respective store checkout stations 42.
Store System Computer 50
[0050] As mentioned previously, the store system computer 50
receives unique code data identifying purchased products from the
store checkout stations 42 via the signal paths 78 and 80. In
response thereto, the store system computer 50 can change the
prices in the store based on predetermined price change algorithms.
The predetermined price change algorithms utilized to change the
store prices can be either manager selectable or selectable via the
owner control system 12.
[0051] One of the price change algorithms which the store system
computer 50 has stored thereon is a program to detect the rate of
purchase for each product and compare such rate with a
predetermined limit. If the rate of purchase of the product exceeds
the predetermined limit, the price of the product is increased
automatically by a predetermined amount. If the rate of purchase of
the product is below the predetermined limit, the price of the
product is decreased automatically by a predetermined amount to
stimulate demand.
[0052] Another price change algorithm which is stored on the store
system computer 50 is a program to detect the amount of product
remaining in inventory, or on the shelf. If the amount of product
left on the shelf falls below a predetermined limit, then the store
system computer 50 outputs a special signal such as a flashing
screen or a printout on a special printer to notify the managers
that the number of products on the shelf needs to be increased.
Alternatively, or in addition, the store system computer 50 can
automatically increase by a predetermined amount the price of the
product based on the reduced supply of product on the shelf or in
inventory.
[0053] The store system computer 50 can also have other
predetermined price change algorithms thereon such as price change
algorithms to automatically change prices to match competitor
pricing specials, to reflect purchasing specials and/or to achieve
end of the month sales projections.
[0054] When a product price change is made or received by the store
system computer 50, it is important that the price change be
implemented in a manner such that the product checkout price
requested from the shopper for the purchase of the product at one
of the store checkout stations 42 not exceed the product location
price displayed by the product pricing unit 40 located proximate to
the product so as to reduce consumer irritation with price
discrepancies. As will be described hereinafter, the store system
computer 50 is programmed to selectively change the product
checkout price and product location price in three modes.
[0055] In the first mode, as shown in FIG. 2 the physical store
systems 14 include a store time-stamp unit 126. Each of the
physical store systems 14 can be provided with a single store
time-stamp unit 126 provided near the entrance of the store, for
example, and/or a plurality of store time-stamp units 126 provided
adjacent respective product pricing units 40. The store time-stamp
unit 126 communicates with the store system computer 50 via a
signal path 128.
[0056] Each of the shoppers can be provided with some type of
time-stampable media capable of communicating with the store
time-stamp unit 126, such as a smart card, or a barcoded ticket.
The store time-stamp unit 126 records, on the time-stampable media,
a time stamp data indicative of the time at which the shopper was
located adjacent the store time-stamp unit 126 to give an
indication of the time at which the shopper perceived the product
location price when the shopper was selecting the product for
purchase.
[0057] When the store time-stamp unit 126 is provided adjacent the
entrance of the store, each of the shoppers provides their
time-stampable media to the store time-stamp unit 126 to record the
time at which the shopper entered the store. When a plurality of
store time-stamp units 126 are provided adjacent to the respective
product pricing units 40, the shopper provides their time-stampable
media to the store time-stamp unit 126 to record the approximate
time at which the shopper selected the product for purchase.
[0058] For example, one embodiment of the present invention
operates as follows. The store system computer 50 outputs a first
product location price indicative of the unit price of a product to
the product pricing units 40 via the signal paths 54 and 56. The
product pricing units 40 receive the first product location price
and display the first product location price on the product price
display unit 60 such that the first product location price is
perceivable by a first shopper when the first shopper is selecting
the product for purchase. The store system computer 50, utilizing
at least one of the price change algorithms, automatically changes
the first product location price to a second product location price
following the first shopper selecting the product for purchase and
possibly while the first shopper is still in the store shopping.
The second product location price is then transmitted to the
product pricing units 40 via the signal paths 54 and 56 to be
displayed on the product price display unit 60. The second product
location price is different than the first product location price
and is perceivable by a second shopper when the second shopper is
selecting the product for purchase. The first shopper then proceeds
to one of the store checkout stations 42 to pay for the product
which the first shopper has selected. The first shopper provides
the time-stamp media to the checkout clerk who enters the time
information stored on the time-stamp media into the checkout
computer unit 66. The UPC code on the product is scanned by the
product scanner unit 68 and is thereby input into the checkout
computer unit 66. The checkout computer unit 66 then transmits the
product identification data (UPC code) and the time-stamp data to
the store system computer 50 via the signal paths 78 and 80. The
store system computer 50 receives the time-stamp data and the
product identification data and determines whether the price of the
product reflected in the product identification data was changed
after the time reflected in the time-stamp data. If the product
location price has been changed after the time identified in the
time-stamp data, the store system computer 50 transmits a signal to
the checkout computer unit 66 via the signal paths 78 and 80 to
request from the first shopper a first product checkout price not
exceeding the first product location price perceivable by the
shopper when the shopper was selecting the product for
purchase.
[0059] That is, if the price of the product was increased after the
first shopper entered the store or selected the product for
purchase (depending on whether the store time-stamp unit 126 was
located at the store's entrance or adjacent to one of the product
pricing units 40) and had his time-stamp media time-stamped by the
store time-stamp unit 126, the first product checkout price will
reflect the price of the product before the product location price
was increased. However, if the price of the product has been
decreased after the first shopper had his time-stamp media time
stamped by the store time-stamp unit 126, the first product
checkout price will be the decreased price.
[0060] In the same manner, the physical store system 14 requests
from the second shopper a second product checkout price for the
purchase of the product, with the second product checkout price not
exceeding the second product location price perceivable by the
second shopper when the second shopper was selecting the product
for purchase.
[0061] In the second and third modes of operation, the store
time-stamp unit 126 is not utilized to assure that the product
checkout price of a product does not exceed the product location
price of the product after a change in the price of the product has
been made.
[0062] In the second mode of operation, the product checkout price
requested from the shopper at one of the store checkout stations 42
for the purchase of a product is changed by the store system
computer 50 a predetermined time later than the product location
price displayed by the product pricing unit 40 located proximate to
the product is changed by the store system computer 50. By changing
the product checkout price a predetermined time, such as one hour,
later than the product location price, this substantially increases
the probability that shoppers will not be charged a price at one of
the store checkout stations 42 which is greater than the product
location price displayed by the respective product pricing unit 40
when the shopper selected the product for purchase.
[0063] In a third mode of the present invention, the product
location price and the product checkout price are changed
simultaneously by the store system computer 50 when the price of
the product is decreased, and the product checkout price is changed
a predetermined time later than the product location price by the
store system computer 50 when the price of the product is
increased.
[0064] When a product checkout price of a product is decreased, the
decreased price can be transmitted to the store product advertising
media unit 44 (as discussed above) to notify shoppers of the price
reduction via audio or video. Thus, the store system computer 50
automatically changes both the product checkout price and the
product advertised price simultaneously.
Owner Control System 12
[0065] Referring now to FIG. 1 in combination with FIG. 6, the
owner control system 12 is shown in more detail. The owner control
system 12 includes an owner control system computer 132 and a modem
134. The owner control system computer 132 communicates with the
modem 134 via a signal path 136. The owner control system computer
132 can be a Packard Bell Platinum 2010, for example. The owner
control system computer 132 can connect automatically to each of
the physical store systems 14 via the signal paths 24a and 24b, the
product supplier systems 16a and 16b via the signal paths 26a and
26b, the competition pricing information system 20 via the signal
path 30, and the virtual store system 18 via the signal path
28.
[0066] It should be noted that the logic executed by the owner
control system computer 132 can be incorporated into the store
system computer 50 if desired, and/or if the owner only has one
physical store. If the logic executed by the owner control system
computer 132 is incorporated into the store system computer 50, the
owner control system computer 132 can be eliminated.
[0067] The owner control system computer 132 includes a plurality
of predetermined price change algorithms to send price change
codes, including changed prices, and/or price change criteria or
instructions, to the physical store systems 14 or the virtual store
system 18 based on the competition price data received from the
competition pricing information system 20, the pricing and
advertising information received from the product supplier systems
16a and 16b, the sales and inventory data received from the
physical store systems 14 and/or the virtual store system 18, and
combinations thereof.
[0068] In other words, the owner control system computer 132 is
adapted to transmit the price change codes to the physical store
systems 14a and 14b and/or the virtual store system 18 to: (1)
change the prices at the physical store systems 14a and 14b, and/or
the virtual store system 18; and/or (2) select one or more of the
price change algorithms stored on the physical store systems 14a
and 14b and/or the virtual store system 18 to be used thereby in
changing the product location and product checkout prices.
Different price change codes can be transmitted independently to
each of the physical store systems 14, and/or the virtual store
system 18 so that the price changes at the physical store systems
14 and/or the virtual store system 18 can be individualized to meet
the local supply and/or demand, for example.
[0069] For example, the pricing and advertising data received from
the product supplier system 16a by the owner control system 12 may
indicate that a particular product is in short supply. Such pricing
and advertising data is then analyzed by at least one of the
algorithms stored in the owner control system 12 and a
determination may be made to raise the price of the particular
product. The owner control system 12 then outputs a price change
code to the physical store systems 14 and/or virtual store system
18 to raise the price of the particular product.
[0070] As another example, the competition price data received from
the competition pricing information system 20 by the owner control
system 12 may indicate that a competitor's price on a first product
is lower than the price of the first product in the physical store
systems 14 and/or the virtual store system 18. Such competition
price data is then analyzed by at least one of the algorithms
stored in the owner control system 12 and a determination may be
made to lower the price of the particular product. The owner
control system 12 then outputs a price change code to the physical
store systems 14 and/or the virtual store system 18 to lower the
price of the particular product. The price change code lowering the
price of the particular product can also include instructions to
cause the store system computer 50, for example, to output product
advertising data to the store product advertising media unit 44 to
provide advertising messages, such as coupons, video messages
and/or audio messages to accompany the lowering of the price of the
product and to thereby notify shoppers of the lowering of the price
of the product.
[0071] The owner control system 12 receives sales and inventory
data from the physical store systems 14 and/or the virtual store
system 18. The sales and inventory data is indicative of product
purchases, rate of product purchases and the remaining inventory at
the physical store systems 14 and/or the virtual store system 18.
Based on the sales and inventory data, the owner control system 12
is programmed to automatically output order data to order products
from the product suppliers associated with the product supplier
systems 16. The order data can be individualized for each of the
physical store systems 14 and/or the virtual store system 18 so
that the ordered products are shipped from the suppliers to the
correct locations.
Virtual Store System 18
[0072] Referring now to FIG. 7, shown therein is a display screen
140 illustrating the virtual store system 18 as perceived by a
shopper. It should be noted that the virtual store system 18 and
the physical store systems 14 operate identically except as set
forth hereinafter. The display screen 140 of the virtual store
system 18 is perceivable by the shopper as the shopper is browsing
the internet, for example. Displayed on the display screen 140 is
at least one product 142, and a product pricing unit 144 displaying
the product location price of the particular product 142. Also
displayed on the display screen 140 is a store product advertising
media unit 146 which operates identically as the store product
advertising media unit 44, hereinbefore described with reference to
FIG. 2. Various buttons, such as a browse button 148 and an order
button 150 are also included on the display screen 140.
[0073] In use, the shopper logs on to the virtual store system 18
and the virtual store system 18 stores a time-stamp indicative of
the time that the shopper logged on. The shopper then selects the
browse button 148 to browse between different products 142. As the
shopper browses through the different screens of products 142, the
product location price is displayed on the product pricing unit
144, and any advertising specials related to the particular
displayed product 142 or other products are transmitted via video
and/or audio transmissions by the store product advertising media
unit 146 to be perceived by the shopper. As the shopper is browsing
through the different screens of products 142, the virtual store
system 18 can store a time-stamp indicative of when the shopper
first perceived the screen for each individual product 142 which
was browsed.
[0074] The virtual store system 18 utilizes either the time-stamp
recorded when the shopper logs on, or the time-stamp recorded when
the shopper views the screens of the individual products 142 to set
a product order price based on the time-stamp in the same manner as
the product checkout price is determined by the physical store
systems 14, as hereinbefore described with reference to FIG. 2.
Once the shopper decides to order one of the products 142, the
shopper presses the order button 150 and the product location price
displayed on the product pricing unit 144 is locked in as the
product order price.
[0075] Thus, it can be seen that the automated synchronous product
pricing and advertising system 10 operates to more efficiently
control the prices, and inventory of one or more physical, and or
virtual store locations. Government regulations that prices on
shelves (product location prices) do not exceed product
checkout/order prices are satisfied, and consumer irritation with
such price discrepancies is vastly reduced. Labor costs and error
costs of manual placard generation and replacement at the product
locations are eliminated. Automated management of text, audio and
video at the product stations to achieve improvement in media
marketing can be implemented and store wide advertising can become
a practical matter. In addition, dynamic advertising is possible
(e.g. two for one sale or price discount until 5:00 p.m.). The
store specials can be accompanied with audio, video and printed
materials such as coupons via the store product advertising media
unit 44. In addition, dynamic pricing is possible. As discussed
before some of the real time economically viable possibilities
are:
[0076] 1. Price increases or decreases depending on station
inventory and on predetermined rate of purchase criteria;
[0077] 2. Price changes to match competitors pricing specials;
and
[0078] 3. Price decreases to reflect purchasing specials, and
headquarter specials to achieve end of the month sales
projections.
[0079] The store product advertising media unit 44, and the
automatic changing of prices via the owner control system 12,
and/or the store system computer 50 can be implemented at a lower
cost as compared to the manual generation of placard displays. The
problems associated with time consuming checkout of coupons, and
the redeeming of coupons is greatly simplified by the printing,
sorting and accumulating of such coupons by the store system
computer 50.
[0080] Changes may be made in the construction and the operation of
the various components, elements and assemblies described herein
and changes may be made in the steps or the sequence of steps of
the methods described herein, without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
* * * * *