U.S. patent application number 14/169774 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-29 for audio-visual point-of-sale presentation system and method directed toward vehicle occupant.
This patent application is currently assigned to Vesco Oil Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Vesco Oil Corporation. Invention is credited to Lena Epstein, Lilly Epstein, Mark T. Vanderwall.
Application Number | 20140149222 14/169774 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38006491 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140149222 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vanderwall; Mark T. ; et
al. |
May 29, 2014 |
AUDIO-VISUAL POINT-OF-SALE PRESENTATION SYSTEM AND METHOD DIRECTED
TOWARD VEHICLE OCCUPANT
Abstract
An audio-visual presentation system delivering a presentation to
a vehicle passenger compartment is provided that includes a video
display mounted external to a vehicle passenger compartment and
viewable from within the compartment. A controller provides a video
signal to the display and an audio signal. The audio signal is
broadcast by an antenna coupled to the controller as a radio
frequency is received by a vehicle radio and discernable to a
vehicle sound system. The audio-visual presentation system is
particularly well suited as a method of education and sale
regarding vehicle service products. Rather than providing a
discernable audio signal through a vehicle sound system, it is
appreciated that a portable radio set is readily placed within a
vehicle passenger compartment or the audio signal delivered via a
wireless network. A still further advantage is realized by
providing a technician servicing the vehicle with a microphone
operative to interrupt the audio signal of the presentation so as
to convey vehicle service information regardless of whether the
presentation is viewed within the vehicle compartment or in a
remote waiting room. The audio-visual presentation is readily
tailored to the past viewing and/or purchase history of a potential
customer.
Inventors: |
Vanderwall; Mark T.; (Alto,
MI) ; Epstein; Lena; (Ann Arbor, MI) ;
Epstein; Lilly; (Birmingham, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Vesco Oil Corporation |
Southfield |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Vesco Oil Corporation
Southfield
MI
|
Family ID: |
38006491 |
Appl. No.: |
14/169774 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13016719 |
Jan 28, 2011 |
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14169774 |
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12603968 |
Oct 22, 2009 |
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13016719 |
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11555360 |
Nov 1, 2006 |
7609173 |
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12603968 |
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60732105 |
Nov 1, 2005 |
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60819784 |
Jul 10, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/14.62 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/41415 20130101;
H04N 21/4122 20130101; H04N 5/775 20130101; H04N 7/18 20130101;
H04N 21/41422 20130101; G09F 21/04 20130101; H04N 21/43637
20130101; G06Q 30/0268 20130101; G06Q 30/0265 20130101; G06Q 20/202
20130101; H04N 21/8106 20130101; G09F 27/00 20130101; H04H 20/62
20130101; H04N 21/4532 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/14.62 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/02 20060101
G06Q030/02 |
Claims
1. An audio-visual point of sale presentation system delivering a
point of sale presentation comprising: a video display for
delivering the point of sale presentation located within or
viewable from within a vehicle passenger compartment; and a
controller having an antenna providing an audio signal via a
wireless network to a wireless receiver located within the vehicle
passenger compartment, said controller able to receive prompts from
the wireless receiver in response to the point of sale
presentation.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said video display is integrated
with said wireless receiver.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein said video display is located
within the vehicle passenger compartment.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein said wireless receiver is selected
from the group consisting of: a laptop computer, a cell phone, IPOD
and a personal digital assistant.
5. The system of claim 1 further comprising a technician microphone
operative to interrupt the audio signal from said controller.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the radio frequency carrying the
audio signal is an amplitude modulation waveform.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein said wireless receiver is a remote
infrared controller.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein said wireless receiver is a
keypad.
9. The system of claim 1 further comprising an information storage
for information about a vehicle or the vehicle occupant.
10. An audio-visual point of sale presentation system delivering a
presentation to a waiting room for a vehicle occupant awaiting
vehicle service comprising: an audio-visual display located within
the waiting room; a controller providing a video signal and an
audio signal to said display; and a technician microphone operative
to interrupt the audio signal of the point of sale
presentation.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein the audio signal and said
technician microphone operate on a common frequency.
12. The system of claim 10 further comprising an information
storage for information about a vehicle or the vehicle
occupant.
13. An audio-visual point of sale presentation system comprising:
an audio-visual display; a controller providing a video signal to
said display and an audio signal to a speaker; and a product
scanner prompting delivery of the point of sale presentation upon a
product barcode or radio frequency identification tag scan.
14. The system of claim 13 further comprising an Internet link
allowing information associated with the product or the
presentation to be emailed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/016,719 filed Jan. 28, 2011 which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/603,968 filed
Oct. 22, 2009, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/555,360 filed Nov. 1, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No.
7,609,173; which in turn claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Applications Ser. No. 60/732,105 filed Nov. 1, 2005 and Ser. No.
60/819,784 filed Jul. 10, 2006, which are incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention in general relates to a point-of-sale
method and system, in particular to a point-of-sale method aimed at
a vehicle occupant through external visual display in conjunction
with an audio portion communicated via a vehicle radio.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] While it was once required that a vehicle oil change
entailed placing a vehicle in the custody of a mechanic and either
leaving the vehicle for later pickup or remaining in a garage
waiting room until the oil change was completed, rapid service oil
change establishments have greatly streamlined the oil change
process. As currently practiced, a rapid oil change establishment
provides a bay into which a driver maneuvers a vehicle. Rather than
hoist the vehicle and thereby require vehicle occupants to exit, a
rapid oil change establishment has a staircase-accessible dugout
underneath the vehicle bay from which a technician has access to
the vehicle oil pan and undercarriage. As a result, an oil change
is readily performed in a matter of from five to fifteen minutes.
Unfortunately, total time associated with a quick oil change is
considerably longer owing to the need for a technician to explain
various oil grade options and the relative merits of various
ancillary maintenance products and services. An additional problem
associated with car owner education about various oil change
options and services is the turnover rate of technicians who are
themselves well versed in the performance benefits of the various
product and service options.
[0004] Similar consumer education and sales problems are also
encountered in drive-through sales settings such as carwashes,
parking lots, food and beverage serving establishments, liquor
stores, banks, pharmacies, and dry cleaners. The common features of
these sales settings are that consumer education and sales requires
considerable service-provider education and often a delay in
service provision.
[0005] Thus, there exists a need for a sales system delivering
information to a vehicle occupant through an automated audio-visual
system. Delivery of point-of-sales advertising to a vehicle
occupant in such a manner overcomes the prior art limitations of
continuing employee education, customer education, and service
delays associated with providing such a presentation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An audio-visual presentation system delivering a
presentation to a vehicle passenger compartment is provided that
includes a video display mounted external to a vehicle passenger
compartment and viewable from within the compartment. A controller
provides a video signal to the display and an audio signal. The
audio signal is broadcast by an antenna coupled to the controller
as a radio frequency is received by a vehicle radio and discernable
to a vehicle sound system. The audio-visual presentation system is
particularly well suited as a method of education and sale
regarding vehicle service products. Rather than providing a
discernable audio signal through a vehicle sound system, it is
appreciated that a portable radio set is readily placed within a
vehicle passenger compartment or the audio signal delivered via a
wireless network. A still further advantage is realized by
providing a technician servicing the vehicle with a microphone
operative to interrupt the audio signal of the presentation so as
to convey vehicle service information regardless of whether the
presentation is viewed within the vehicle compartment or in a
remote waiting room. The audio-visual presentation is readily
tailored to the past viewing and/or purchase history of a potential
customer.
[0007] A kiosk is also provided that delivers an audio-visual
presentation in response to a product scan within a business
establishment showroom, sales floor, or waiting room. The
audio-visual presentation provides educational, usage or
specification information. Information regarding the product or the
presentation is available for transmission to a customer-designated
email address.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the components of an
inventive audio-visual system;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of components used to
practice the audio-visual system simultaneously with multiple
vehicles;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of practicing an
inventive method;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of practicing an
alternative inventive method; and
[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of components of an
inventive kiosk.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0013] The present invention has utility in providing a
point-of-sales method associated with services delivered to an
occupant of a vehicle or a subject waiting remote from a vehicle
maintenance event. Through a visual display external to the vehicle
synchronized with an audio portion broadcast optionally to a
vehicle passenger compartment occupant, sales, education, or pure
entertainment content is provided to a vehicle passenger
compartment occupant. In a particular embodiment, a vehicle
occupant is prompted to tune the vehicle radio to a particular
frequency and the vehicle's occupant selects a presentation of
interest to them. The vehicle occupant would then observe a visual
presentation provided on the screen while receiving a synchronized
audio portion of the presentation via vehicle speakers. The present
invention allows a vehicle occupant to receive point-of-sales
information independent of the need for a service technician or
service provider to delay the provision of service or be
knowledgeable about the various purchase options available to the
vehicle occupant.
[0014] Referring now to FIG. 1, system components for practice of
an inventive point-of-sale method are shown generally at 10. The
system 10 includes a controller 12 operating a visual display 14
and a radio frequency antenna 16. Optionally, a user interface 18
is provided to allow a vehicle occupant control over the
presentation provided by way of the visual display 14 and the audio
portion via radio frequency broadcast antenna 16. The user
interface 18 is illustratively a keypad 20, a touch screen 22
incorporated into the display 14, or an infrared signal remote
control 24 as is conventional to operate a television. Each of
these user interfaces 18 is shown in FIG. 1, even though it is
appreciated that an actual system 10 typically does not incorporate
all three types of interface. The controller 12 activates a
presentation directed at a vehicle occupant in any one of a number
of play modes. Illustrative play modes for a controller 12
illustratively include continuous loop, start and stop, and play
mode selected through a user interface 18. While presentation
material is provided in a variety of formats illustratively
including analog VHS tape and digital formats such as MPEG, MPEG2,
HTML, XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, DHTML, XML, DOM, XSLT, ASP, ADO, SQL
and AVI, in a preferred embodiment, inventive system 10 delivers a
presentation from digital media. While an establishment having a
single or a handful of systems practicing the point-of-sale method
according to the present invention are well suited for the use of
physically removable digital media such as a DVD or memory stick,
establishments with a small number of systems having rapidly
changing content, or a large number of systems is better suited to
presentation storage, presentation modification, or a combination
thereof by way of a network connection. The network connection is
via an intranet or Internet with the communication within the
network being either through a hardwired connection or wireless
connection, such as via a satellite link. The controller 12
provides a video signal to the display 14. The video display 14 is
of a type conventional to the art and illustratively includes a
cathode ray tube, liquid crystal display, or plasma-type display.
The display 14 is mounted to a substrate illustratively including
an establishment wall, ceiling, utility pole, structural pillar, or
other structural member; or provided on a pedestal 26 such that a
vehicle occupant can view the display 14 either through the
windshield or a window. Optionally, a display 14 is mounted on an
arm 28 that is capable of swinging and/or telescoping to bring the
display 14 into a convenient orientation relative to a vehicle
passenger compartment.
[0015] The controller 12 feeds an audio signal associated with the
visual portion of the presentation provided on the display 14 to a
radio frequency antenna 16. The radio antenna 16, while operative
in either radio frequency modulation mode of amplitude modulation
(AM) or frequency modulation (FM) transmission modes, is preferably
operative in amplitude modulation mode. As an antenna of a system
10 is typically located local to a vehicle radio reception antenna
A, such as within tens or hundreds of meters, broadcast power by an
inventive system 10 can have almost any power able to reach antenna
A and typically ranges from 0.5 to 50 watts to lessen FCC
regulatory requirements.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment a technician servicing the vehicle
is provided with a microphone 19 preferably mounted in a headset 21
operative to interrupt the audio portion of the presentation. A
vehicle occupant is able to respond to technician communications
verbally, or via user interface 18, or via a remote control 24, or
through a microphone 29 provided to the vehicle occupant for such a
purpose. In the instance where the vehicle occupant has a
microphone 29, the technician is equipped with a complementary
speaker 31 in the headset. In this way, service is expedited in
concert with a vehicle occupant receiving a presentation relevant
to vehicle service products and services.
[0017] Referring now to FIG. 2, where like numerals correspond to
the description of those numerals with respect to FIG. 1, a
multiple presentation system is shown generally at 50. The system
50 includes multiple displays 14 and 14' and multiple antennas 16
and 16'. A centralized controller 52 provides for independent
presentation delivery via display 14-antenna 16 relative to display
14'-antenna 16'. Optionally, each of the multiple displays 14, 14'
is provided with a user interface 18 to allow a vehicle occupant
control over the presentation provided by way of the visual display
14 and the audio portion via radio frequency broadcast antenna 16.
The user interface 18 is illustratively a keypad 20, a touch screen
22 incorporated into the display 14, or an infrared signal remote
control 24 as is conventional to operate a television. Each of
these user interfaces 18 is shown in FIG. 1, even though it is
appreciated that an actual system 10 typically does not incorporate
all three types of interface. The controller 52 activates a
presentation directed at a vehicle occupant in any one of a number
of play modes. Illustrative play modes for a controller 52
illustratively include continuous loop, start and stop, and play
mode selected through a user interface 18. The interface 18 is
operated by the vehicle occupant and/or the provider of a given
good or service. In a preferred embodiment, a technician servicing
a vehicle is provided with a microphone 19 preferably mounted
within a headset 21 operative to interrupt the audio portion of
only a particular vehicle being serviced. A vehicle occupant is
able to respond to technician communications verbally, or via user
interface 18, or via a remote control 24, or through a microphone
29 provided to the vehicle occupant for such a purpose. In the
instance where the vehicle occupant has a microphone 29, the
technician is equipped with a complementary speaker 31 in the
headset. In this way, service is expedited in concert with a
vehicle occupant receiving a presentation relevant to vehicle
service products and services.
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 3, an inventive point-of-sales
methodology is disclosed in the form of a schematic diagram. A
vehicle drives into proximity to a display and is prompted by
audio, written or some other form of communication to set the
vehicle radio to a particular radio frequency 60. It is appreciated
that additional instructions as to the use of the system are
provided through the vehicle radio playing through the vehicle
sound system. In the event the inventive system embodiment includes
a user interface, the user is prompted to select a presentation
title, start a presentation, or enter information illustratively
including answers to a battery of questions that a control
algorithm then evaluates to propose a presentation to a vehicle
occupant 62. In response to a presentation activation command,
whether automatic or provided via user input, a video input signal
is provided to a display and a corresponding audio signal is
conveyed via an antenna from the controller 64. The signal
originates from storage media internal to the controller or streams
from a network source remote from the controller while being
monitored by a central processing unit (CPU). If a vehicle radio
station is tuned to receive a radio frequency signal emanating from
the system antenna, a vehicle occupant experiences the audio-visual
presentation through observing the display and listening to the
audio portion broadcast via the vehicle radio 66. It is appreciated
that the inventive methodology is not only practiced within the
confines of a building housing a business, rather with reliance on
an integrated active signage system (IASS) operating in a billboard
or drive-through placard, the present invention is readily
practiced in locales illustratively including drive-through
businesses; event venues such as amphitheaters; and amusement park
and sports venue parking facilities. The vehicle occupant is
optionally prompted during or after the presentation as to how to
purchase the product or service that is the subject of the
presentation 68. Possible modes of indicating a desire to purchase
a good or service illustratively include information entry via a
user interface, if present; verbal communication to an
establishment service provider; and completion of a written or
digital order form.
[0019] Optionally, vehicle occupant purchases are compiled for
marketing analysis 70. Marketing analysis derived from this
analysis illustratively includes presentation effectiveness,
assembly of a customer profile for targeted offers, and storage of
customer data for periodic service reminders. Vehicle occupant
preferences or vehicle information are also optionally noted such
that upon a return visit, the customer preferences are weighed in
providing presentation materials likely to be of interest to the
specific customer based on customer history. It is appreciated
vehicle service information and/or customer preference data is
associated with a vehicle identification number (VIN), vehicle
license number, or a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag,
associated with the vehicle or an occupant credit, debit or
identification card. Vehicle VIN or license plate information is
collected through a variety of conventional techniques such as
manual keying, barcode scanning, or optical scan with alphanumeric
recognition capabilities to provide a vehicle coding source.
Preferably, a passive RFID tag is provided and read by a radio
frequency active transponder within, or in proximity to the service
center. A barcode scanner and, in particular, a cordless barcode
scanner provides an alternative mode of reading VIN information
relative to manual keying of such information. In the event that
customer information is read from a VIN, license plate, RFID, or
satellite uplink, black box, or ONSTAR system prior to a customer
ordering a good or service, a special sale offer is optionally
customized and presented to the customer.
[0020] In another inventive embodiment of the present invention, a
radio set is provided to a vehicle occupant in lieu of the use of
the vehicle radio. With reference to FIG. 4, the radio set 72 is
provided to the vehicle occupant. The radio set is appreciated to
be of a variety of forms illustratively including a handheld radio
with an optional temporary securement fixture for securing to a
vehicle portion during usage, a headset, or other form of
conventional transducer speaker. The remainder of process steps
performed according to FIG. 4 correspond to process steps 62-70 as
detailed with respect to FIG. 3 with the additional optional step
of a technician equipped with a microphone interrupting the audio
portion of the presentation to provide vehicle service information
74. In one particularly preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a speaker is provided within the vehicle in a
side-mounted screen mounted to the vehicle exterior. Specifically,
a DVD or other comparable audio-visual digital presentation format
player is secured to a vehicle at an exterior place therein to
provide a vehicle occupant with the option to experience an
audio-visual presentation.
[0021] In an alternative embodiment, the audio-visual presentation
is transmitted to a vehicle occupant with a laptop computer, cell
phone, IPOD or personal digital assistant (PDA). Communicating via
existing wireless communication networks such as WIFI supports the
ability to transmit only a portion of a presentation, or a complete
audio-visual presentation to a vehicle occupant. Additionally, the
use of an existing wireless network also is well suited for
interruption of the presentation audio portion by a technician
servicing the vehicle, as well as serving as a user interface.
[0022] An audio-video presentation system delivering a presentation
to a vehicle passenger compartment includes a video display and a
controller having an antenna to provide an audio output via a
wireless network to a wireless receiver located within a vehicle
passenger compartment. The controller is able to receive prompts
from the wireless receiver in response to the presentation. It is
appreciated that when the wireless receiver has integrated
therewith a video display, both the audio and visual signals are
readily transmitted and displayed by the wireless receiver. The
wireless receiver is highly mobile, and it is appreciated that an
inventive presentation is provided to a vehicle occupant while
within the vehicle passenger compartment or alternatively while the
vehicle occupant waits for vehicle service within a waiting room. A
service technician having a microphone is preferably able to
interrupt the audio signal to provide servicing information
regarding vehicle service and to solicit vehicle maintenance
instructions. A user receiving a presentation on a wireless
receiver is capable of providing vehicle maintenance instructions
to the technician orally, or via keypad, or touch screen entry.
[0023] In a waiting room setting, in which a vehicle occupant
awaits while their vehicle is being serviced, an audio-visual
display is located within the waiting room. A controller provides a
video signal and an audio signal to the display, the audio-visual
display typically being wall mounted or freestanding on the floor
or within a cabinet. A technician having a microphone operative to
interrupt the audio signal of the presentation provides a viewer
with updates as to the service of their vehicle and directs them to
provide instructions as to additional maintenance procedures based
on the technician's findings. Multiple technicians simultaneously
servicing multiple vehicle service bays each provided with a
microphone are able to gain the attention of individuals so as to
provide service updates and seek maintenance instructions.
[0024] In a business setting remote from a vehicle, an inventive
kiosk depicted generally at 100 in FIG. 5 is provided where like
numerals correspond to those detailed with respect to the
aforementioned figures. Scanner 102 reading a barcode or RFID tag
associated with a product is provided and coupled to a controller
12. With the scanning of product information, product information
such as price, manufacturer or the like is provided on a visual
display 14. The display 14 also provides a prompt as to whether a
potential customer would like to experience an audio-visual
presentation related to the product. The subject of such
presentation illustratively includes manufacturing method, product
usage, product benefits or the like. A controller 12 feeds
audio-visual content to the display 14 and a speaker 104.
Presentation materials are stored within the controller 12 or
alternatively accessed through the Internet. The display 14 is
fixtured to a substrate S by way of an arm 28. Optionally, a keypad
106 is provided to allow for customer input. Optionally, a
potential customer is provided with the ability to email
information relating to the product scan or the audio-visual
presentation to an email address. By way of example, a potential
customer in a grocery store approaches an inventive kiosk 100 and
scans a barcode associated with a loaf of bread. In response to the
scan the potential customer is offered the option to watch an
audio-visual presentation with respect to how the loaf of bread is
manufactured, nutritional information or the like. During or after
the presentation, the potential customer is given the option to
email information to an address. Alternatively, the potential
customer scans a second loaf of bread and is thereafter prompted if
a side-by-side comparison as to nutritional value is desired on the
display 14, and whether it is desired to email the displayed
information to an address.
[0025] One skilled in the art should appreciate from the inventive
description that the broad teachings of the present invention are
readily implemented in a variety of forms and venues. It should be
appreciated that while the present invention has been described
with respect to particular examples, other modifications will
become apparent to one of skill in the art upon consideration of
the instant specification. Such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *