U.S. patent application number 15/626854 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-05 for display shelf modules with projectors for displaying product information and modular shelving systems comprising the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sunrise R&D Holdings, LLC. Invention is credited to Brett Bracewell Bonner, Thomas Gonsiorowski, Titus Arthur Jones, Torsten Volker Platz.
Application Number | 20170285449 15/626854 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47630525 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170285449 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bonner; Brett Bracewell ; et
al. |
October 5, 2017 |
DISPLAY SHELF MODULES WITH PROJECTORS FOR DISPLAYING PRODUCT
INFORMATION AND MODULAR SHELVING SYSTEMS COMPRISING THE SAME
Abstract
Modular shelving systems and display shelves for modular
shelving systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a modular
shelving system includes a shelf support frame comprising a back
plane portion and a base portion. At least one display shelf module
is removably coupled to the back plane portion of the shelf support
frame such that the display shelf module is vertically and
horizontally positionable on the back plane portion of the shelf
support frame. The display shelf module may include a top and
bottom panels, and side panels that define an interior volume. A
display panel may be affixed to a front of the display shelf
module. A projector may be disposed in the interior volume of the
display shelf module. The projector projects an optical signal onto
a rear surface of the display panel such that image data is visible
on a front surface of the display panel.
Inventors: |
Bonner; Brett Bracewell;
(New Richmond, OH) ; Jones; Titus Arthur; (Hebron,
KY) ; Gonsiorowski; Thomas; (Arlington, MA) ;
Platz; Torsten Volker; (Cambridge, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sunrise R&D Holdings, LLC |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47630525 |
Appl. No.: |
15/626854 |
Filed: |
June 19, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13734443 |
Jan 4, 2013 |
9703179 |
|
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15626854 |
|
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61583818 |
Jan 6, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03B 21/10 20130101;
H04N 13/204 20180501; A47F 5/103 20130101; G09F 19/18 20130101;
G06F 16/51 20190101; G09F 15/00 20130101; G06F 3/01 20130101; A47F
11/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G03B 21/10 20060101
G03B021/10; H04N 13/02 20060101 H04N013/02; G09F 15/00 20060101
G09F015/00; G09F 19/18 20060101 G09F019/18; G06F 3/01 20060101
G06F003/01 |
Claims
1. A display shelf module comprising: a display panel positioned at
a front of the display shelf module; a projector disposed within
the display shelf module; a front mirror positioned proximate the
front of the display shelf module; a rear mirror positioned
proximate a posterior end of the display shelf module, wherein: the
projector is arranged to project an optical signal onto the front
mirror; the front mirror is arranged to redirect the optical signal
from the projector onto the rear mirror; and the rear mirror is
arranged to redirect the optical signal from the front mirror onto
a rear surface of the display panel such that image data is visible
on a front surface of the display panel.
2. The display shelf module of claim 1, further comprising an image
divider positioned in a first optical path between the projector
and the front mirror such that the optical signal from the
projector is incident on the image divider, the image divider
dividing the optical signal from the projector into a plurality of
discrete optical signals and directing the plurality of discrete
optical signals onto the front mirror.
3. The display shelf module of claim 2, further comprising a
condenser lens positioned in a second optical path between the
projector and the image divider such that the optical signal
projected from the projector passes through the condenser lens
before reaching the image divider, the condenser lens concentrating
the optical signal projected from the projector.
4. The display shelf module of claim 2, further comprising a
plurality of focusing lenses, wherein each of the plurality of
focusing lenses is positioned in respective optical paths of the
plurality of discrete optical signals such that each of the
plurality of discrete optical signals passes through a
corresponding focusing lens prior to reaching the front mirror, the
plurality of focusing lenses focusing the plurality of discrete
optical signals onto the front mirror.
5. The display shelf module of claim 1, further comprising: a
mounting clip positioned at the posterior end of the display shelf
module.
6. The display shelf module of claim 1, wherein the display panel
is affixed to the front of the display shelf module and extends in
a width direction of the front of the display shelf module.
7. The display shelf module of claim 1, further comprising: a top
panel; a bottom panel; a rear panel; side panels; and an interior
volume defined by the top panel, the bottom panel, the rear panel
and the side panels, wherein the projector is disposed in the
interior volume of the display shelf module.
8. The display shelf module of claim 7, wherein an optical path of
the optical signal from the projector to the front mirror to the
rear mirror to the rear surface of the display panel is contained
within an interior volume of the display shelf module.
9. The display shelf module of claim 7, further comprising a
floating frame positioned within the interior volume of the display
shelf module and affixed to the rear panel of the display shelf
module, the floating frame comprising a base spaced apart from the
top panel and the bottom panel, wherein the projector is positioned
on the base of the floating frame such that the projector is spaced
apart from the top panel and the bottom panel of the display shelf
module.
10. The display shelf module of claim 9, wherein the floating frame
comprises a cantilevered support arm attached to the base.
11. The display shelf module of claim 7, further comprising a
floating stanchion position in the interior volume of the display
shelf module such that the floating stanchion extends between the
top panel and the bottom panel, the floating stanchion transmitting
deflections of the top panel or the bottom panel to an opposing
panel to prevent misalignment of the projector.
12. The display shelf module of claim 1, further comprising a photo
detector communicatively coupled to a control circuit of the
projector and positioned such that at least a portion of the
optical signal from the projector is incident on the photo
detector, wherein the photo detector transmits an intensity signal
indicative of an intensity of the optical signal to the control
circuit.
13. The display shelf module of claim 12, further comprising a
warning indicator, wherein the warning indicator is activated when
the intensity signal indicates that the intensity of the optical
signal is below a threshold level.
14. The display shelf module of claim 13, further comprising: an
infrared back light arranged to illuminate the rear surface of the
display panel; and a detector and oriented to capture an image of
the rear surface of the display panel.
15. A modular shelving system comprising: a shelf support frame
comprising a back plane portion and a base portion, wherein the
back plane portion comprises a mounting aperture; and a display
shelf module comprising: a display panel positioned at a front of
the display shelf module; a projector disposed within the display
shelf module; a front mirror positioned proximate the front of the
display shelf module; a rear mirror positioned proximate a
posterior end of the display shelf module; and a mounting clip
positioned at the posterior end of the display shelf module,
wherein: the projector is arranged to project an optical signal
onto the front mirror; the front mirror is arranged to redirect the
optical signal from the projector onto the rear mirror; the rear
mirror is arranged to redirect the optical signal from the front
mirror onto a rear surface of the display panel such that image
data is visible on a front surface of the display panel; and the
mounting clip of the display shelf module engages the mounting
aperture of the back plane portion when the display shelf module is
coupled to the back plane portion.
16. The modular shelving system of claim 15, the display shelf
module further comprising an image divider positioned in a first
optical path between the projector and the front mirror such that
the optical signal from the projector is incident on the image
divider, the image divider dividing the optical signal from the
projector into a plurality of discrete optical signals and
directing the plurality of discrete optical signals onto the front
mirror.
17. The modular shelving system of claim 16, the display shelf
module further comprising a condenser lens positioned in a second
optical path between the projector and the image divider such that
the optical signal projected from the projector passes through the
condenser lens before reaching the image divider, the condenser
lens concentrating the optical signal projected from the
projector.
18. The modular shelving system of claim 16, the display shelf
module further comprising a plurality of focusing lenses, wherein
each of the plurality of focusing lenses is positioned in
respective optical paths of the plurality of discrete optical
signals such that each of the plurality of discrete optical signals
passes through a corresponding focusing lens prior to reaching the
front mirror, the plurality of focusing lenses focusing the
plurality of discrete optical signals onto the front mirror.
19. The modular shelving system of claim 15, the display shelf
module further comprising: a top panel; a bottom panel; a rear
panel; side panels; and an interior volume defined by the top
panel, the bottom panel, the rear panel and the side panels,
wherein the projector is disposed in the interior volume of the
display shelf module.
20. The modular shelving system of claim 19, the display shelf
module further comprising a floating frame positioned within the
interior volume of the display shelf module and affixed to the rear
panel of the display shelf module, the floating frame comprising a
base spaced apart from the top panel and the bottom panel, wherein
the projector is positioned on the base of the floating frame such
that the projector is spaced apart from the top panel and the
bottom panel of the display shelf module.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present specification claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/583,818 filed Jan. 6,
2012 and entitled "DISPLAY SHELF MODULES WITH PROJECTORS FOR
DISPLAYING PRODUCT INFORMATION AND MODULAR SHELVING SYSTEMS
COMPRISING THE SAME," the entirety of which is incorporated by
reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present specification generally relates to display
shelves for displaying products and, more specifically, to display
shelf modules with projectors for displaying product information
and modular shelving systems comprising the same.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Products are generally displayed on shelves at the point of
purchase. The front edge of the shelf often includes a paper tag or
similar signage which conveys information about the products
displayed on the shelf, such as unit price, product size,
discounts, manufacturer information, or the like. These tags are
generally replaced with new paper tags or signage to update the
information contained thereon. Replacement of these tags is a time
consuming and laborious process.
[0004] Electronic tags have been proposed as a replacement for
paper tags. These electronic tags may include LED or LCD displays
which are affixed to the front edge of a shelf unit. The tags may
be individually programmed to display product information
corresponding to the products displayed on the shelf. However, such
displays are expensive and susceptible to damage leading to failure
of the display. Moreover, such displays may require independent
power supplies which make readjusting the spacing between
vertically and horizontally adjacent shelves a difficult task as
the power supplies have to be independently rerouted.
[0005] Accordingly, a need exists for alternative display shelf
modules for displaying product information and modular shelving
systems incorporating the same.
SUMMARY
[0006] In one embodiment, a modular shelving system for displaying
products includes a shelf support frame with a back plane portion
and a base portion. At least one display shelf module may be
removably coupled to the back plane portion of the shelf support
frame such that the display shelf module is vertically positionable
on the back plane portion of the shelf support frame. The display
shelf module includes a top panel, an optional bottom panel and
side panels. The top panel, optional bottom panel and side panels
define an interior volume. A display panel may be affixed to a
front of the display shelf module. A projector may be disposed in
the interior volume of the display shelf module. The projector
projects an optical signal onto a rear surface of the display panel
such that image data is visible on a front surface of the image
display panel.
[0007] In another embodiment, a display shelf module for use with a
modular shelving system for displaying consumer goods may include a
top panel, an optional bottom panel and side panels. The top panel,
optional bottom panel and side panels define an interior volume of
the display shelf module. At least one mounting clip may extend
from a posterior end of the at least one display shelf module. The
at least one mounting clip may engage with a corresponding mounting
aperture of a back plane portion of a shelf support frame. A
display panel may be affixed to a front of the display shelf
module. A projector may be disposed in the interior volume of the
display shelf module, the projector projecting an optical signal
onto a rear surface of the display panel such that image data is
visible on a front surface of the image display panel. An optical
path from the projector to the rear surface of the display panel is
substantially horizontal. The display shelf module may be removably
coupled to the back plane portion of a shelf support frame such
that the display shelf module is vertically positionable on the
back plane portion of the shelf support plane.
[0008] In yet another embodiment, a display shelf module may
include a shelf portion having a top panel and at least one
mounting clip for mounting the shelf portion to a back plane
portion of a modular shelving system. A detachable projector unit
may be removably coupled to the shelf portion and includes a
display panel affixed to a front of the detachable projector unit
and at least one projector disposed in an interior volume of the
detachable projector unit. The at least one projector may project
an optical signal onto a back surface of the display panel such
that image data is visible on a front surface of the display
panel.
[0009] These and additional features provided by the embodiments
described herein will be more fully understood in view of the
following detailed description, in conjunction with the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative
and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject
matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of
the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in
conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is
indicated with like reference numerals and in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 schematically depicts a cross section of a modular
shelving system according to one or more embodiments shown and
described herein;
[0012] FIG. 2 schematically depicts a partial cross section of a
modular shelving system illustrating the interconnectivity between
a modular display shelf and the back plane portion of the shelf
support plane, according to one or more embodiments shown and
described herein;
[0013] FIG. 3 schematically depicts a cross section of a display
shelf module according to one or more embodiments shown and
described herein;
[0014] FIG. 4 schematically depicts the front surface of a display
panel of the display shelf module of FIG. 3 with image data
displayed thereon;
[0015] FIG. 5 schematically depicts the projector and various
optical and electrical components positioned in the interior volume
of the display shelf module of FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 6 schematically depicts a cross section of the display
shelf module of FIG. 5 illustrating the optical path from the image
divider to the back side of the display panel, according to one or
more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0017] FIG. 7 schematically depicts the control circuitry of the
projector located in each display shelf module of the modular
shelving system, according to one or more embodiments shown and
described herein;
[0018] FIG. 8 schematically depicts a cross section of a modular
shelving system according to one or more embodiments shown and
described herein;
[0019] FIG. 9 schematically depicts the interconnectivity of
various components of the modular shelving system according to one
or more embodiments shown and described herein;
[0020] FIGS. 10A and 10B schematically depict interactive image
content displayed on a display panel with touch functionalities,
according to one or more embodiments shown and described
herein;
[0021] FIG. 11 schematically depicts one embodiment of a display
shelf module which is powered through the back plane portion of the
shelf support frame;
[0022] FIG. 12 schematically depicts the projector and various
optical and electrical components positioned in the interior volume
of the display shelf module according to another embodiment shown
and described herein;
[0023] FIGS. 13A and 13B schematically depict one embodiment of a
display shelf module in which the optical components are positioned
on a floating frame;
[0024] FIG. 14 schematically depicts one embodiment of a display
shelf module with multiple projectors;
[0025] FIG. 15 schematically depicts a side view of a display shelf
module with a projector unit; and
[0026] FIG. 16 schematically depicts a front view of a display
shelf module with a detachable projector unit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] FIGS. 1 and 5 generally depict a modular shelving system for
displaying consumer goods and a display shelf module for use with
the same. The modular shelving system generally includes a shelf
support frame with a back plane portion and a base portion. At
least one display shelf module may be removably coupled to the back
plane portion of the shelf support frame such that the display
shelf module is vertically positionable on the back plane portion
of the shelf support frame. The display shelf module includes a top
panel, an optional bottom panel and side panels. The top panel,
optional bottom panel and side panels define an interior volume in
which a projector is positioned. A display panel may be affixed to
a front of the display shelf module. The projector projects an
optical signal onto a back surface of the display panel such that
image data is visible on a front surface of the image display
panel. Embodiments of the modular shelving system and display shelf
modules for use in conjunction with the modular shelving system
will be described in more detail herein with reference to the
attached figures.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 1, a cross section of a modular
shelving system 100 is schematically depicted. The modular shelving
system 100 generally includes a shelf support frame 102 having a
base portion 104 and a back plane portion 106. The base portion 104
has a generally planar configuration, as depicted in FIG. 1, and
supports the back plane portion 106. The back plane portion 106
extends from the base portion 104 in a substantially vertical
direction (i.e., the +Z direction of the coordinate axes depicted
in FIG. 1). The base portion 104 and the back plane portion 106 are
generally formed from metallic materials such as steel, aluminum
alloys, or any other material suitable for load-bearing
applications. The base portion 104 and the back plane portion 106
may be constructed as a single unitary piece, such as when the base
portion and the back plane portion 106 are joined by welding or the
like. Alternatively, the base portion 104 and the back plane
portion 106 may be formed as independent pieces and joined together
with mechanical fasteners, such as screws, bolts or the like.
[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the modular shelving system
100 also includes one or more display shelf modules 108 which are
removably coupled to the shelf support frame 102 such that the
vertical and/or horizontal spacing between adjacent shelves is
adjustable. For example, in the embodiments described herein, the
display shelf modules 108 are removably coupled to the back plane
portion 106 of the shelf support frame 102. Specifically, the back
plane portion 106 of the shelf support frame 102 is formed with a
plurality of mounting apertures 110. The mounting apertures 110 are
arrayed over the surface of the back plane portion 106 at regular
intervals in the Y and Z directions to facilitate adjustably
supporting one or more display shelf modules 108 on the back plane
portion 106. Each display shelf module 108 includes one or more
mounting clips 112 extending from the posterior end of the display
shelf module 108. To support the display shelf module 108 on the
back plane portion 106 of the shelf support frame 102, the display
shelf module 108 is positioned such that the mounting clips 112 are
inserted into corresponding mounting apertures 110 in the back
plane portion 106. The weight of the display shelf module 108 locks
the mounting clips 112 to the back plane portion 106 thereby
securing the display shelf module 108 to the back plane portion 106
of the shelf support frame 102.
[0030] As noted above, the back plane portion 106 includes a
plurality of mounting apertures 110 which are arrayed over the
surface of the back plane portion 106 at regular intervals. The
array of mounting apertures 110 facilitates positioning and
repositioning the display shelf modules at various locations on the
back plane portion 106. Accordingly, it should be understood that
the display shelf modules 108 of the modular shelving system 100
may be arranged on the shelf support frame with various relative
vertical and/or horizontal spacings (i.e., +/-Z and/or +/-Y in the
coordinate axes depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2) between adjacent display
shelf modules.
[0031] Further, while FIG. 2 schematically depicts the back plane
portion 106 with mounting apertures 110 and the display shelf
module 108 with mounting clips, it should be understood that other
configurations are contemplated. For example, in an alternative
embodiment, the display shelf module 108 may be constructed with
one or more mounting apertures formed in a posterior end of the
display shelf module 108 and the back plane portion 106 may be
formed with an array of mounting clips for engaging with
corresponding mounting apertures in the display shelf modules.
Moreover, while the modular shelving system 100 has been described
herein as comprising mounting apertures and mounting clips to
facilitate the attachment, positioning, and repositioning of the
display shelf module 108 on the back plane portion 106 of the
support frame, it should be understood that other attachment
mechanisms are possible, including, without limitation, threaded
fasteners (i.e., bolts, screws, and the like), brackets, and the
like.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 3, a cross section of a display shelf
module 108 is schematically depicted according to one or more
embodiments described herein. The display shelf module 108
generally includes a top panel 114 and an optional bottom panel 116
which generally define an open (hollow) interior volume 118. The
shelf may additionally include side panels (not shown) which
connect the top panel 114 and the bottom panel 116 and further
define the open interior volume 118. The top panel 114 is generally
planar and facilitates the placement of products on the display
shelf module 108 for viewing and selection by a customer. In some
embodiments, the optional bottom panel 116 may be a substantially
planar, solid sheet of material which completely encloses the
bottom surface of the display shelf module 108. In other
embodiments, the optional bottom panel 116 may comprise an open
grill or grid work of discrete elements. In still other embodiments
(not depicted), the optional bottom panel is omitted from the
construction of the display shelf module 108. In the embodiments
described herein, the display shelf module 108 also includes a rear
panel 122 to which the mounting clip 112 is either coupled to or
integrally formed with. The top panel 114, rear panel 122, side
panels, and optional bottom panel 116 are formed from materials
suitable for load bearing applications including, without
limitation, steel, or aluminum alloys. Further, in some
embodiments, the top panel 114, rear panel 122, side panels,
optional bottom panel, or various combinations thereof, may be
formed from a single sheet of material, such as sheet stock or the
like, which is formed into the display shelf module 108.
Alternatively, the top panel 114, rear panel 122, side panels, and
optional bottom panel may be formed from separate sheets of
material and joined together by welding, threaded fasteners, and/or
various combinations thereof.
[0033] Still referring to FIG. 3, the display shelf module 108
further comprises a single display panel 120 affixed to the front
of the display shelf module 108. The display panel 120
substantially extends continuously and uninterrupted in the width
direction (i.e., in the +/-Y direction of the coordinate axes shown
in FIG. 3) of the front of the display shelf module 108 and is
generally formed from a translucent material. For example, in some
embodiments, the display panel 120 is formed from a translucent
polymeric material. In some embodiments, the display panel 120 may
have a laminated structure. In other embodiments, the display panel
120 may be formed from a transparent polymeric material to which
one or more layers of translucent film are applied, such as, for
example, a Vikiti.TM. film manufactured by 3M. In still other
embodiments, the display panel 120 may be formed from a thin glass
substrate to which a translucent film is applied.
[0034] In some embodiments, the display panel 120 may further
include a plurality of Fresnel lines formed in the back surface 126
of the display panel to improve the quality of the image data
displayed on the front surface 124 of the display panel. For
example, in one embodiment, the density of the Fresnel lines may be
about 50 lines per centimeter. In another embodiment, the number of
Fresnel lines may be greater than about 50 lines per centimeter,
such as 100 lines per centimeter or more. Suitable screens
incorporating Fresnel lines may be obtained from DNP Denmark
including, without limitation XPS and CSI screens available from
DNP Denmark. However, it should be understood that the geometry of
the Fresnel pattern and the density of the Fresnel lines may be
specifically tailored to the optical path between the projector and
the screen.
[0035] The display panel 120 is generally constructed to facilitate
the display of image data on the front surface 124 of the display
panel 120 when an optical signal containing the image data is
projected from within the interior volume 118 of the display shelf
module 108 onto the back surface 126 of the display panel.
Accordingly, it should be understood that the display panel 120 is
a transmission-type screen.
[0036] In some embodiments described herein, the display shelf
module 108 may be sealed to prevent exposing the projector and
various optical and electronic components located within the
display shelf module 108 to the external environment. For example,
it is contemplated that the display shelf module 108 may be
utilized in a refrigerated environment or an elevated temperature
environment. In these embodiments, the top panel, rear panel, side
panels, bottom panel, and display panel may be assembled with seals
between the various panels to prevent moisture and/or condensation
from entering the display shelf module 108. Suitable sealing
materials include, without limitation, silicone, in particular RTV
(room temperature vulcanizing) silicone, natural or synthetic
elastomers or similar commercially available sealing materials.
[0037] In addition, the display panel 120 of the display shelf
module 108 may comprise an anti-fog coating to prevent condensation
on either the front or back surface of the display panel.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 4 by way of example, the front surface 124
of the display panel 120 of the display shelf module 108 is
schematically depicted displaying image data 121a, 121b, 121c
projected onto the back surface of the display panel 120. As shown
in FIG. 4, the image data 121a, 121b, 121c projected onto the back
surface of the display panel 120 is visible to a customer
positioned in front of the display shelf module 108 and generally
conveys information related to the products positioned on the
display shelf module 108, such as, for example, the identity of the
product, the size of the product, the price of the product, the
manufacturer of the product, sale information, coupon information
and other, similar information. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4,
information related to several different products may be
simultaneously displayed on a single display screen. Accordingly,
it should be understood that, in this embodiment, the segmentation
of the display panel 120 into different product "labels" is a
result of the content of the image data 121a, 121b, 121c projected
onto the panel and is not due to the actual segmentation of the
panel into individual, discrete screens.
[0039] Various visual media content may be projected onto the
display panel 120. For example, in a "normal" mode, the display
panel may display information about the products located on the
display shelf module 108 (i.e., price, quantity, discounts and the
like). Alternatively, the display panel may display other
information. For example, the display panel may display store
information, such as the location of certain sale items,
manufacturer advertising (still and video), and/or store messages
(i.e., store operating hours, safety alerts, and the like). Such
information can be directly uploaded from a network or external
computer system such that the information is displayed on a real
time basis. Interactive content may also be displayed, as will be
described in more detail herein.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 5, in order to facilitate projection
of the image data 121a, 121b, 121c onto the display panel 120, each
display shelf module 108 includes a projector 206 and associated
electronic and optical components to facilitate projecting an
optical signal containing image data from the interior volume 118
of the display shelf module 108 and onto the back surface 126 of
the display panel 120. In some embodiments described the optical
signal which contains the image data is projected from within the
interior volume of each display shelf module and the optical signal
traverses a substantially horizontal optical path from the
projector to the back surface of the display panel. The term
"substantially horizontal," as used herein, means that the optical
path between the projector and the back surface of the display
panel does not have any portions or segments which are vertically
oriented. Accordingly, it should be understood that, in some
embodiments, the optical path may have elevational changes between
the projector and the rear surface of the display panel, but does
not have any vertically oriented segments. However, it should be
understood that, in some other embodiments, the optical path
between the projector and the back surface of the display panel may
include one or more vertical components provided, however, that the
entire the optical path is contained within the internal volume of
a single display shelf module.
[0041] In the embodiments described herein the projector 206
generally comprises a light source, such as a white light source or
a plurality of laser sources (i.e., individual red, green and blue
laser sources), a digital micro mirror device (DMD) which
facilitates the construction of an image from a data signal, and
control circuitry (schematically depicted in FIG. 7). The light
source is optically coupled to the DMD and both the light source
and the DMD are communicatively coupled to the control circuitry to
facilitate projection of still and/or video images from a data
signal transmitted from the control circuitry. In some embodiments,
the projector 206 may comprise a light engine which includes a
combination of the aforementioned components. For example, the
light engine may be a stand-alone device which includes a DMD
device optically coupled to one or more illumination elements (such
as a white light source, an array of LED sources, and/or a
plurality of laser sources), projection optics, and control
circuitry. The control circuity is used to drive the DMD device and
illumination element to create an image from a data signal. The
created image is projected from the light engine (and the
projector) with the projection optics. In some embodiments, the
control circuitry of the projector may further comprise a speaker
for playing an audible message, such as when the data signal
further includes audio content. For example, in one embodiment, the
control circuitry may comprise a memory, such as a hard drive or
removable memory such as a memory card, in which image data is
locally stored for projection with the projector 206 and a
processor for executing a machine readable and executable
programmed instruction set stored in the memory which facilitates
projection of the image data. Alternatively, the projector 206 may
be communicatively coupled to an external computer system 207, such
as by a wired or a wireless connection. The external computer
system 207 may comprise a memory in which the image data is
remotely stored and transmitted to the control circuitry of the
projector 206 for projection. The external computer system may also
include a processor executing a machine readable and executable
programmed instruction set stored in the memory of the external
computer system which facilitates projection of the image data with
the projector. The control circuitry of the projector 206 produces
a control signal indicative of the image data to be projected and
utilizes this control signal to form the image data with the light
source and the DMD which, in turn, produce an optical signal
containing the images to be projected.
[0042] While the projector 206 has been described herein as
comprising a light source and a DMD device, it should be understood
that various other types of projectors may be used in the display
shelf module. For example, the projector may be an LCD projector, a
scanning laser projector, or other, similar types of compact
projector devices.
[0043] Still referring to FIG. 5, the display shelf module 108 also
includes various optical components which facilitate the
transmission of the optical signal produced by the projector 206 to
the back surface 126 of the display panel 120. For example, in the
embodiments described herein, each display shelf module 108 also
includes a condenser lens 210, an image divider 212, a plurality of
focusing lenses 214a, 214b, 214c, a front mirror 216 and at least
one back mirror (back mirrors 218a, 218b, 218c depicted in FIG.
5).
[0044] The condenser lens 210 is positioned in the optical path
between the projector 206 and the image divider 212 such that the
optical signal emitted from the projector 206 passes through the
condenser lens 210 before reaching the image divider 212. The
condenser lens 210 concentrates the optical signal emitted from the
projector 206, reducing the size of the images contained
therein.
[0045] After passing through the condenser lens 210, the optical
signal is incident on an image divider 212 which is positioned in
the optical path of the optical signal emitted by the projector
206. The image divider 212 generally includes a plurality of
mirrors (three in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5) which are stacked
one atop the other such that the reflecting surface of each mirror
is at an angle with respect to every other mirror in the stack. Due
to the orientation of each mirror in the stack, the image divider
212 divides the optical signal from the projector 206 into a
plurality of discrete optical signals 213a, 213b, 213c, each of
which is redirected along a separate optical path. The number of
discrete optical signals reflected from the image divider
corresponds to the number of mirrors included in the stack. In some
embodiments described herein, the image content of each discrete
optical signal 213a, 213b, 213c may be the same, such as when the
optical signal produced by the projector 206 contains image data
for a plurality of copies of the same image. Alternatively, the
image content of the discrete optical signals 213a, 213b, 213c
reflected from the image divider 212 may be different from one
another, such as when the optical signal produced by the projector
206 contains content for multiple different images and the image
divider 212 divides the optical signal from the projector into
discrete optical signals, each discrete optical signal being
indicative of a different image. The image divider is orientated to
reflect the discrete optical signals 213a, 213b, 213c towards the
front mirror 216.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the front mirror 216 is
located in the interior volume 118 of the display shelf module 108
and extends over at least a portion of the width of the display
shelf module 108. The reflective surface of the front mirror 216 is
oriented to reflect the discrete optical signals 213a, 213b, 213c
to the back mirrors 218a, 218b, 218c positioned at the rear of the
display shelf module 108. Before reaching the front mirror 216, the
plurality of discrete optical signals 213a, 213b, 213c pass through
a plurality of focusing lenses 214a, 214b, 214c, respectively. The
focusing lenses 214a, 214b, 214c are disposed in the optical path
between the image divider 212 and focus the plurality of discrete
optical signals 213a, 213b, 213c onto the front mirror 216 which,
in turn, reflects the discrete optical signals 213a, 213b, 213c, to
a corresponding back mirror 218a, 218b, 218c. The back mirrors
218a, 218b, 218c are oriented to reflect the discrete optical
signals 213a, 213b, 213 towards the front of the display shelf
module 108 and onto the back surface 126 of the display panel 120
such that the image data in each discrete optical signal is visible
on the front side 124 of the display panel 120. A side view of the
optical path from the image divider 212 to the back surface 126 of
the display panel 120 is schematically depicted for one discrete
optical signal 213b.
[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 13A and 13B, in one embodiment, the
optical components (i.e., the projector 206, mirrors 216, 218a,
218b, 218c, image divider 212, condenser lens 210 and focusing
lenses 214a, 214b, 214c) of the display shelf module 108 are at
least partially mechanically isolated from the top panel 114 and
the bottom panel 116 of the display shelf module 108. In this
embodiment, the optical components of the display shelf module are
mounted on a floating frame 550 which is affixed to the rear panel
122 of the display shelf module, such as with screws, adhesive or
the like. The floating frame 550 includes a base 552 and a pair of
cantilevered support arms 554 which are attached to the base 552.
The base 552 is spaced apart from the top panel 114 and the bottom
panel 116 of the display shelf module 108. The projector 206, image
divider 212 and condenser lens 210 are mounted on the base 552. The
mirrors are attached to the cantilevered support arms 554.
Accordingly, it should be understood that the floating frame 550
allows the optical components to "float" between the top panel 114
and the bottom panel 116 thereby at least partially isolating the
optical components from the top panel 114 and bottom panel 116 of
the display shelf module.
[0048] In one embodiment, the floating frame 550 further comprises
at least one floating stanchion 560 extending between the top panel
114 and the bottom panel 116 of the display shelf module 108. In
the embodiments described herein, the floating stanchion 560 is
affixed to the bottom panel 116 of the display shelf module 108 and
couples the top panel 114 and the bottom panel 116 such that, in
the event that either the top panel 114 and the bottom panel 116
deflect, the deflection is transmitted to the opposing surface
without interfering with the optical components (and the alignment
of the optical components) in the display shelf module 108, thereby
allowing the optical components to remain "floating" between the
top panel 114 and the bottom panel 116. This floating frame 550
used either with or without floating stanchions 560, offers some
degree of protection to the optical components and prevents the
optical components from becoming misaligned and/or damaged to heavy
loads applied to the top or bottom surfaces of the display shelf
module.
[0049] While the at least one back mirror is described herein and
depicted in FIG. 5 as comprising a plurality of back mirrors 218a,
218b, 218c, it should be understood that, in other embodiments, the
back mirror may be constructed as a single mirror, such as when the
back mirror is curved.
[0050] Further, while the display shelf module is depicted in FIG.
5 as comprising a specific configuration of optical components to
facilitate directing an optical signal onto the back surface of the
display panel 120, it should be understood that other
configurations are contemplated. For example, in one embodiment, a
prism may be utilized in place of the image divider 212 to
facilitate reducing the optical signal produced by the projector
into a plurality of discrete optical signals. Alternatively, a
plurality of lenselets may be utilized to reduce the optical signal
produced by the projector into a plurality of discrete optical
signals.
[0051] In the embodiments of the display shelf module 108 shown and
described herein, the projector and various optical components
utilized to project an image on the display panel are located
within each display shelf module. This modular design allows the
position of the display shelf module to be adjusted vertically
and/or horizontally on the back plane without changing the optical
path length between the projector and the display panel. As such, a
shelving system incorporating one or more of the display shelf
modules can be easily and rapidly reconfigured to accommodate
different shelf spacings, numbers of shelves and shelf orientations
without changing and/or adding additional optical components to
accommodate changes in the optical path.
[0052] While FIGS. 5 and 6 depict an embodiment of the display
shelf module in which a single projector is utilized in conjunction
with an image divider to display a plurality of images from a
single optical signal, it should be understood that other
embodiments are contemplated. Referring to FIG. 14 by way of
example, a top view of another embodiment of a display shelf module
308 is schematically depicted. In this embodiment, the display
shelf module 308 generally includes a top panel (not shown), an
optional bottom panel, a rear panel 322, and side panels 330a, 330b
which together generally define an open (hollow) interior volume
318, as described above with respect to FIG. 3. The display shelf
module 308 may also include a mounting clip (not shown) attached to
or integrally formed with the rear panel 322. The top panel, rear
panel, side panels, and optional bottom panel are formed from
materials suitable for load bearing applications including, without
limitation, steel or aluminum alloys. Further, in some embodiments,
the top panel, rear panel, side panels, optional bottom panel, or
various combinations thereof, may be formed from a single sheet of
material, such as sheet stock or the like, which is formed into the
display shelf module 308. Alternatively, the top panel, rear panel,
side panels, and optional bottom panel may be formed from separate
sheets of material and joined together by welding, threaded
fasteners, and/or various combinations thereof. The display shelf
module 308 further comprises a single display panel 320 affixed to
the front of the display shelf module 308, as described herein with
respect to FIG. 3. However, in this embodiment, the display shelf
module comprises a plurality of projectors 306a-306d which are
positioned in the interior volume 318 of the display shelf module
308. Each projector is oriented to project image data on a portion
of the back surface 326 of the display panel 320 such that the
image data is visible on the front surface 324 of the display panel
320. Each of the plurality of projectors 306a-306d projects
discrete images and/or video content onto the display panel 320. In
some embodiments, the image data projected by each projector is
related to the image data projected by the remaining projectors
such that the image data displayed on each portion of the front
surface 324 is related to the image data displayed on adjacent
portions of the front surface. For example, in some embodiments,
the image data projected by each projector is a portion of a single
image projected on the front surface 324 of the display panel.
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 7, in some embodiments, the
display shelf module may further include at least one photo
detector. In the embodiment of the display shelf module 108
depicted in FIG. 5, the display shelf module includes a first photo
detector 220a, a second photo detector 220b, and a third photo
detector 220c. The photo detectors are positioned proximate the
display panel such that the optical signal from the projector is
incident on the photo detectors prior to reaching the optical
display panel. For example, the photo detectors may be attached to
the back surface 126 of the display panel 120 or, alternatively,
positioned adjacent to the back surface 126 of the display panel.
Each of the photo detectors is communicatively coupled to the
control circuit of the projector, either by a wired electrical
connection or, alternatively, with a light pipe which optically
couples the photo detectors to the control circuit of the projector
206.
[0054] In one embodiment, each photo detector is calibrated to
detect the intensity of a different wavelength of light. For
example, the first photo detector may be calibrated to detect the
intensity of a first wavelength range of visible light, the second
photo detector may be calibrated to detect the intensity of a
second wavelength range of visible light, and the third photo
detector may be calibrated to detect a third wavelength range of
visible light. In one embodiment, the first wavelength range
includes wavelengths within the red portion of the visible
spectrum, the second wavelength range includes wavelengths within
the blue portion of the visible spectrum, and the third wavelength
range includes wavelengths within the green portion of the visible
spectrum. In this embodiment, the photo detectors are particularly
well suited to monitor the intensity of the optical signal
projected by the projector when the light source of the projector
includes individual red, blue, and green laser light sources.
[0055] The photo detectors 220a, 220b, 220c output an intensity
signal indicative of an intensity of the optical signal projected
by the projector and transmit the intensity signal to the control
circuit of the projector 206. In one embodiment, a processor of the
control circuit of the projector 206 analyzes the intensity signals
from the photo detectors and determines if any of the intensity
signals are below a threshold intensity value. If any of the
intensity signals from the photo detectors are below the threshold
intensity value, the control circuit outputs an error signal. The
error signal from the control circuit may be converted into a
visible and/or audible signal. For example, the error signal may be
used to illuminate an LED indicator thereby providing a visible
signal that the display shelf module may require service.
[0056] In embodiments where the projector 206 is coupled to an
external computer system 107, as described above, the photo
detectors 220a, 220b, 220c output intensity signals indicative of
an intensity of the optical signal projected by the projector and
transmit the intensity signals to the control circuit of the
projector 206. In turn, the control circuit relays the intensity
signals to the external computer system 207. A processor of the
external computer system 207 analyzes the intensity signals and
determines if any of the intensity signals are below a threshold
intensity value. If any of the intensity signals from the photo
detectors are below the threshold intensity value, an error signal
is generated by the external computer system. In one embodiment,
the error signal generated by the external computer system causes a
visible error message to appear on a user interface, such as a
monitor or the like. In another embodiment, the error signal
generated by the external computer system may be converted into a
visible and/or audible signal. For example, the error signal may be
used to illuminate an LED indicator thereby providing a visible
signal that the display shelf module may require service.
[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, in some embodiments the
display shelf modules 108 may further comprise a structured light
device 260. The structured light device 260 includes a light source
for projecting an array of light 261, such as a grid or bars of
light, and a sensor for capturing an image of the projected array
of light 261. The array of light may be visible light or,
alternatively, infrared light. In the embodiments described herein,
the structured light device 260 is positioned in the interior
volume of the display shelf module 108 and oriented to project the
array of light 261 downward, onto the surface of a vertically
adjacent display shelf module 108. The structured light device 260
is communicatively coupled to the external computer system 207, as
schematically depicted in FIG. 9. Accordingly, it should be
understood that the external computer system 207 may be utilized to
control the structured light device 260 with control signals
propagated from the external computer system 207 and to process
data signals received from the structured light device 260.
[0058] The structured light device 260 projects the array of light
261 onto the surface of a vertically adjacent display shelf module
108 and any product 400 positioned on the vertically adjacent
display shelf module 108. The structured light device 260 also
captures an image of the projected array of light 261 and transmits
the image data to the external computer system for a determination
of the amount of product positioned on the display shelf module
108. Specifically, the image of the array of light 261 projected on
the display shelf module 108 changes based on the amount and
orientation of product 400 positioned on the display shelf module
108 and the external computer system determines the amount of
product positioned on the shelf and/or when the shelf needs to be
restocked.
[0059] In one embodiment, the external computer system 207 may
compare the captured image of the projected array of light 261 to
an image of the array of light when the shelf has a predetermined
amount of product, such as when the shelf is fully stocked with
product 400 and/or to an image of the array of light when the shelf
is empty. Based on this comparison, the external computer system
determines if additional product 400 should be added to the
shelf.
[0060] In another embodiment, the external computer system 207 may
compare the captured image of the projected array of light to an
image of the array of light when the shelf has a predetermined
amount of product using a plurality of images stored in a look up
table (LUT) in the memory of the external computer system. Each of
the plurality of images stored in the LUT corresponds to an image
of the array of light projected onto a display shelf unit with
differing amounts of product positioned on the shelf. The external
computer system 207 determines the amount of product 400 positioned
on the shelf and/or if additional product 400 should be added to
the shelf based on the comparison of the captured image of the
projected array of light and the plurality of images stored in the
LUT.
[0061] It is also contemplated that the structured light device 260
and the external computer system 207 may be used to track various
trends by monitoring the amount of product positioned on a shelf
over a given time interval. Such trends may include consumer
purchasing habits, rates of product removal, the timing and speed
of product restocks, and the like.
[0062] While the shelf module shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is described
as including a structured light device 260, it should be understood
that other devices for monitoring the amount of product on the
shelf may also be used. For example, in an alternative embodiment
(not shown), the display shelf module may, in the alternative,
include a stereoscopic vision system which is used to capture
images of product positioned on the shelf below. The stereoscopic
vision system may be communicatively coupled to the external
computer system and configured to send images of the product
positioned on the shelf below to the external computer system. The
external computer system analyzes the images in a similar manner as
described above with respect to the structured light device and,
based on the analysis, determines the amount of product positioned
on the shelf and whether the shelf needs to be restocked, etc.
[0063] Still referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, in another embodiment, the
display shelf modules 108 of the modular shelving system 100 may
additionally or alternatively include a bar code reader 270. The
bar code reader 270 may be positioned proximate the front edge of
the display shelf module 108 and oriented to scan a bar code
presented in front of the display panel of the shelf and/or below
the bottom panel of the shelf, as depicted in FIG. 8. The bar code
reader utilizes projected light 271 to scan a bar code and
transmits a signal to the external computer system 207 indicative
of the scanned bar code. Accordingly, it should be understood that
the bar code reader 270 is communicatively coupled to the external
computer system 207, as shown in FIG. 9.
[0064] In one embodiment, the external computer system 207 utilizes
the signal indicative of the scanned bar code to identify the
product associated with the bar code from a database of product
information indexed according to the bar codes. The external
computer system 207 may then project information related to the
product, such as price, discounts, etc., onto the display panel
with the projector 206.
[0065] In another embodiment, when a bar code is scanned with the
bar code reader 270, the external computer system 207 displays a
prompt on the display panel 120 prompting the user to input
customer account information either by direct input through the
display panel 120 (described further herein) or with the bar code
reader 270. The external computer system 207 may then project
information related to the product onto the display panel with the
projector 206, store information related to the product in an
electronic account associated with the customer account
information, and/or email information related to the product to an
email address associated with the customer account information.
[0066] Still referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, in another embodiment, the
display panel 120 of the display shelf modules 108 of the modular
shelving system 100 may be a touch screen. Various technologies may
be utilized to facilitate the touch functionality of the display
panel 120 including, without limitation, infrared touch screen
technologies, and/or optical touch screen technologies. For
example, in one embodiment, the display panel 120 is an optical
touch screen. In this embodiment, the display shelf module 108
includes one or more infrared back lights 280 which illuminate the
rear surface of the display panel 120 with infrared light. The
display shelf module 108 also includes one or more detectors 282,
284 (not shown in FIG. 8) such as image sensors. The detectors are
positioned within the interior volume of the display shelf module
108 and oriented to capture an image of the rear surface of the
display panel 120. The detectors 282, 284 are communicatively
coupled to the external computer system 207 and propagate data
signals indicative of images of the back surface of the display
panel 120 to the external computer system 207.
[0067] In operation, the rear surface of the display panel 120 is
flooded with infrared light from the infrared back lights 280.
Simultaneously, an optical signal is projected onto the back
surface of the display panel 120 with the projector 206 (FIG. 5)
which results in image data being displayed on the front surface of
the display panel 120, as described above. The image data being
displayed may be interactive, such as when the image data prompts a
customer to touch a certain area of the display panel to access
additional information, prompts the customer to touch a certain
area of the display panel to input additional information, or the
like. When the customer contacts the display panel, the contact
registers as a shadow on the rear surface of the display panel. The
detectors 282, 284 relay images of the shadow to the external
computer system 207 which determines the position of the shadow on
the display panel based on a comparison of the images. In one
embodiment, if the external computer system determines that the
position of the shadow corresponds to the location of the
interactive image data, the external computer system projects new
image data onto the display panel. In another embodiment, where the
customer is prompted to enter additional information such as
through a projected virtual keypad, the external computer system
correlates the shadows to key positions of the virtual key pad and
processes the inputs accordingly.
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 8-9 and 10A-10B by way of example, the
display panel 120 of the display shelf module 108 is schematically
depicted displaying image data 121a, 121b, 121c. When a customer
contacts the virtual button 286 labeled "Product Information", the
external computer system 207 determines that the location of the
contact corresponds to the virtual button 286 utilizing detectors
282, 284 and updates the display image data 121b to display the
requested product information, as shown in FIG. 10B.
[0069] Accordingly, it should be understood that, when the display
panel 120 includes touch functionalities, the display shelf modules
108 may be utilized to display interactive content which is updated
according to inputs received by the customer. Moreover, it should
be understood that the touch functionality of the display panel 120
may also be used by store personnel and/or vendors to input
settings into the projector 206 and/or external computer system
207.
[0070] Referring now to FIG. 12, another embodiment of a display
shelf module 108 with touch functionalities is schematically
depicted. In this embodiment, the display shelf module 108 further
includes a beam splitter 522, such as a dichroic beam splitter,
which is positioned in the optical path between the projector 206
and the condenser lens 210. The beam splitter 522 is arranged to
direct an image of the back surface 126 of the display panel 120
onto an optical sensor 520, such as an infrared sensitive camera.
The optical sensor 520 is communicatively coupled to the external
computer system 207 and configured to relay a signal to the
external computer system indicative of an image of the back surface
126 of the display panel 120. The display shelf module further
includes an array 524 of infrared LED elements which are positioned
in the interior volume 118 of the display shelf module 108 such
that the LED elements illuminate the back surface 126 of the
display panel 120 with infrared light.
[0071] In operation, the back surface 126 of the display panel 120
is illuminated with infrared light from the array 524 of infrared
LED elements and an image of the back surface 126 of the display
panel 120 is captured with the sensor 520. Specifically, the
infrared light from the array 524 illuminates the back surface 126
of the display panel 120 and the light reflected from the back
surface 126 of the display panel retraces the optical path from the
back surface 126 of the display panel 120 to the beam splitter 522.
The beam splitter 522 directs the infrared light onto the sensor
520 rather than allowing the light to pass back through the beam
splitter 522 and reach the projector 206. The sensor 520 captures
the image of the back surface 126 of the display panel 120 and
relays a signal indicative of the image to the external computer
system 207. When interactive image content is displayed on the
front surface 124 of the display panel 120, as described above, and
a user interacts with the display panel 120 by pressing a virtual
button projected on the front surface 124 of the display panel, the
contact with the display panel 120 appears as a shadow or dark spot
on the infrared image of the back surface 126 of the display panel
120. The external computer system 207 analyzes the image to
determine the location of the shadow and, if the location
corresponds to the location of a virtual button or other
interactive content of the image data, updates the image data
displayed on the display panel 120 based on the location of the
shadow.
[0072] In other embodiments, the display shelf module may include
one or more devices utilized for marker or markerless detection and
identification of objects. For example, in one embodiment (not
shown), structured light may be projected through the display panel
and monitored with a vision system, as described above with
reference to FIG. 8. The interaction of the structured light with
an object, such as a person, product, shopping cart or the like,
may be used by the external system to identify and/or assist in the
identification of the object. Once the object is identified,
information about the object may be displayed on the display
panel.
[0073] In another embodiment (not shown), the display shelf modules
may include an eye tracking system communicatively coupled to the
external computer system to determine when a customer is looking in
the direction of the shelf. When the external computer system
detects that a customer is looking in the direction of the shelf,
additional content may be displayed on the display panel to draw
the customer's attention to the product on the shelf. Accordingly,
the eye tracking system may be utilized to adjust the content
projected onto the display panel. Alternatively, the external
computer system may simply record a count each time a customer
looks at the shelf. This type of data may be used for market
research purposes.
[0074] In some other embodiments, the display shelf module may
utilize various wireless technologies to communicate information
to, and receive information from, various other devices. For
example, the display shelf module may utilize wireless technology
to send information to a consumer's smart phone or similar device,
when prompted by inputs to the touch screen display panel. In other
embodiments, the control circuitry and/or external computer system
of the display shelf module may wirelessly receive data from a
network and display that data on the display panel.
[0075] In some embodiments described herein, the various components
of the display shelf module are powered through an Ethernet
connection. In these embodiments, the projector 206 of the display
shelf module 108 is communicatively coupled to an external computer
source with a wired Ethernet connection. The Ethernet connection
enables the exchange of data between the projector and the external
computer system 107 and also provides power to the projector 206
and related components (i.e., sensors, LEDs, USB ports, cooling
fans, etc.) which are electrically coupled to the control circuitry
of the projector.
[0076] In another embodiment, the various components of the display
shelf module 108 are powered through the back plane portion 106 of
the shelf support frame. Referring to FIG. 11 by way of example,
the back plane portion 106 of the shelf support frame may include
an electrical contact 240 positioned on an interior surface of the
back plane portion 106 proximate the mounting apertures 110. The
electrical contact 240 is electrically coupled to a power source
(not shown) such that the electrical contact may be energized. In
this embodiment, the mounting clips 112 located at the posterior
end of the display shelf module 108 further comprise an electrical
contact 238. The electrical contact 238 may be electrically coupled
to the projector 206 and positioned such that, when the display
shelf module 108 is positioned on the back plane portion 106 and
the mounting clip 112 is engaged with the mounting aperture 110,
the electrical contact 240 in the back plane portion 106 is
electrically coupled to the electrical contact 238 of the display
shelf module 108 thereby providing power to the projector 206
and/or other electrical components positioned in the interior
volume of the display shelf module 108.
[0077] Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, in some embodiments, the
display shelf module may include a shelf portion and a detachable
projector unit removably coupled to the shelf portion. For example,
FIG. 15 schematically depicts a side view of an alternative
embodiment of a display shelf module 358 which includes a shelf
portion 360 and a detachable projector unit 362. The shelf portion
360 generally includes a top panel 374 on which product can be
placed and displayed and one or more mounting clips 412 (one shown)
for attaching the shelf portion 360 to a back plane portion of a
modular shelving system, as described hereinabove with respect to
FIGS. 1-3. However, in this embodiment, the various projector
components of the display shelf module 358 are housed in a
detachable projector unit 362 which is removably coupled to the
shelf portion 360 of the display shelf module 358. Specifically,
the detachable projector unit 162 is an enclosure having an
optional bottom panel 376, side panels 378, a display panel 420,
and an optional rear panel 382 which generally form an open
interior volume in which the various projector components and other
electronic components of the display shelf module are installed.
The various projector components may be as described hereinabove
with respect to FIGS. 5-6, 12, 13A-13B, and 14. In addition the
detachable projector unit 362 may also comprise a structured light
device, bar code reader, or the like, as described herein.
[0078] Still referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the detachable projector
unit 362 may be attached to the shelf portion 360 in a variety
ways. For example, in some embodiments, the detachable projector
unit 362 may be attached to the shelf portion 360 with threaded
fasteners, such as screws or bolts, such that the detachable
projector unit 362 may be readily detached from the shelf portion
360. Alternatively and/or additionally, the shelf portion 360 may
be formed with channels 370, 372 for receiving corresponding
flanges 366, 368 extending from the side panels 378, 380 of the
detachable projector unit 362. The flanges 366, 368 may be slidably
received in the channels 370, 372 such that the detachable
projector unit 362 is removably attached to the shelf portion
360.
[0079] Constructing the display shelf module 358 such that the
detachable projector unit 362 is removably attached to the shelf
portion 360 facilitates the use of a single size of detachable
projector unit in conjunction with display shelf modules 358 of
varying depths. For example, the display shelf modules 358 may be
constructed with different depths D (shown in FIG. 15) depending on
the specific application and/or type of product to be displayed on
the display shelf module. However, the projector components are
positioned within the module and secured to create a fixed optical
path between the projector and the display shelf and, as such, the
projector components may only require a fixed volume within the
module which generally corresponds to a fixed depth dimension d
(shown in FIG. 15). Accordingly, the actual portion of the display
shelf module 358 which houses the projector components need not
extend to the full depth D of the display shelf module. Instead,
one single design of a detachable projector unit 362 with fixed
dimensions can be utilized in conjunction with display shelf
modules of differing dimensions, thereby minimizing variations in
the overall design and decreasing manufacturing costs.
[0080] When the display shelf module 358 is constructed with a
shelf portion 360 and a detachable projector unit 362, the display
shelf module may include one or more adapter conduits 364 (one
shown in FIG. 15). For example, in embodiments where the depth D of
the shelf portion 360 of the display shelf module 358 is greater
than the depth d of the detachable projector unit 362 as shown in
FIG. 15, a space may be present between the rear portion of the
detachable projector unit 362 and the end of the shelf portion 360
when the detachable projector unit 362 is positioned such that the
display panel 420 is aligned with the front of the shelf portion
360. Wires and/or other components extending between the back plane
of the modular shelving system and the detachable projector unit
may be directed through this space. To cover and protect the
connections directed through this space, one or more adapter
conduits 364 may be positioned between the rear portion of the
detachable projector unit 362 and the end of the shelf portion 360.
The adapter conduit 364 is generally a hollow shell which is
affixed to the shelf portion 360 in a similar manner as the
detachable projector unit. For example, where the detachable
projector unit 362 is attached with threaded fasteners, the adapter
conduit 364 may also be attached with threaded fasteners.
Alternatively, the adapter conduit 364 may be slidably attached
with slot-flange connection, as described hereinabove with respect
to FIG. 16.
[0081] It should now be understood that the modular shelf systems
described herein may include one or more display shelf modules
which may be adjustably positioned on a back plane portion of the
shelf support frame. The display shelf modules may include a
display panel located at a front of the display shelf module and a
projector positioned within the display shelf module. The projector
projects an optical signal on a back surface of the display shelf
module such that image data is visible on a front surface of the
display shelf module. The image data may be still image data, video
image data, and/or combinations thereof. Moreover, the optical
signal projected from the projector onto the back of the display
panel may include image data for multiple images and the display
shelf module may further include optical components to deconstruct
the optical signal into a plurality of discrete optical signals,
each of which corresponds to a separate still or video image.
[0082] Positioning the projector within the display shelf module
facilitates the modularity of the display shelf module and allows
the display shelves to be vertically and/or horizontally positioned
and repositioned on the back plane portion of a support frame. This
is particularly useful when it is necessary to adjust the
inter-shelf spacing to accommodate oversized or undersized
products, remove product displays from a particular shelving
system, and/or disassemble the module shelving system for
reconfiguration, transport and the like. Further, the modularity of
the individual display shelf modules permits individual shelving
units to be removed and replaced in the event of malfunction
without having to replace the entire shelving system and/or
disassemble the entire shelving system.
[0083] Moreover, it should also be understood that the display
panels of the modular shelving systems described herein may include
touch functionality which enables the image data displayed on the
display panel to include interactive components.
[0084] Further, it should also be understood that the individual
display shelf modules described herein may include various other
components and accessories. For example, in some embodiments, the
shelf display modules may further include one or more structured
light sources for determining the amount of goods present on a
vertically adjacent shelf. Alternatively or additionally, the
display shelf modules may include bar code readers for identifying
products. In some embodiments, the display shelf modules may
include a structured light source for the marker or markerless
identification of objects. In still other embodiments, the display
shelf modules may include eye tracking systems for determining when
the display shelf modules are viewed by customers.
[0085] It should be understood that vary aspects of modular
shelving systems and display shelves for modular shelving systems
are disclosed herein. In a first aspect, a modular shelving system
includes a shelf support frame comprising a back plane portion and
a base portion. At least one display shelf module is removably
coupled to the back plane portion of the shelf support frame. The
at least one display shelf module includes a top panel, an optional
bottom panel and side panels, the top panel, optional bottom panel
and side panels defining an interior volume; a display panel
affixed to a front of the at least one display shelf module; and at
least one projector disposed in the interior volume of the at least
one display shelf module, the at least one projector projecting an
optical signal onto a back surface of the display panel such that
image data is visible on a front surface of the display panel. The
at least one display shelf module is removably coupled to the back
plane portion of the shelf support frame such that the at least one
display shelf module is vertically positionable on the back plane
portion of the shelf support frame.
[0086] In a second aspect, a display shelf module of a modular
shelving system includes a top panel, an optional bottom panel and
side panels, the top panel, optional bottom panel and side panels
defining an interior volume of the display shelf module. At least
one mounting clip extends from a posterior end of the display shelf
module, the at least one mounting clip for engaging with a
corresponding mounting aperture of a back plane portion of a shelf
support frame. A display panel is affixed to a front of the display
shelf module. At least one projector is disposed in the interior
volume of the display shelf module, the at least one projector
projecting an optical signal onto a rear surface of the display
panel such that image data is visible on a front surface of the
display panel. An optical path from the at least one projector to
the rear surface of the display panel is contained within the
interior volume of the display shelf module.
[0087] In a third aspect, a display shelf module includes a shelf
portion having a top panel and at least one mounting clip for
mounting the shelf portion to a back plane portion of a modular
shelving system. A detachable projector unit is removably coupled
to the shelf portion and includes a display panel affixed to a
front of the detachable projector unit and at least one projector
disposed in an interior volume of the detachable projector unit.
The at least one projector projects an optical signal onto a back
surface of the display panel such that image data is visible on a
front surface of the display panel.
[0088] In a fourth aspect, a display shelf module includes a top
panel, an optional bottom panel and side panels, the top panel,
optional bottom panel and side panels defining an interior volume
of the display shelf module. At least one projector is disposed in
the interior volume of the display shelf module, the at least one
projector projecting an optical signal onto a rear surface of a
display panel such that image data is visible on a front surface of
the display panel. A plurality of optical components are positioned
within the interior volume of the display shelf module, including a
condenser lens, an image divider, a plurality of focusing lenses, a
front mirror and at least one rear mirror. The image divider is
positioned such that the optical signal from the at least one
projector is incident on the image divider, the image divider
dividing the optical signal from the at least one projector into a
plurality of discrete optical signals and directing the plurality
of discrete optical signals onto the front mirror. The condenser
lens is disposed in an optical path between the at least one
projector and the image divider such that, when the optical signal
is projected from the at least one projector, the optical signal
passes through the condenser lens before reaching the image
divider, the condenser lens concentrating the optical signal
projected from the at least one projector. Each of the plurality of
focusing lenses is positioned in an optical path of the plurality
of discrete optical signals such that each of plurality of discrete
optical signals passes through a focusing lens prior to reaching
the front mirror, the plurality of focusing lenses focusing the
plurality of discrete optical signals onto the front mirror. The
front mirror is positioned proximate the display panel and the at
least one rear mirror is positioned proximate a posterior end of
the display shelf module. The front mirror is oriented to redirect
the plurality of discrete optical signals onto the at least one
rear mirror and the at least one rear mirror is oriented to
redirect the plurality of discrete optical signals onto the rear
surface of the display panel. An optical path from the at least one
projector to the rear surface of the display panel is contained
within the interior volume.
[0089] In a fifth aspect, a modular shelving system includes a
shelf support frame comprising a back plane portion and a base
portion. At least one display shelf module is removably coupled to
the back plane portion of the shelf support frame. The at least one
display shelf module includes a top panel, an optional bottom panel
and side panels, the top panel, optional bottom panel and side
panels defining an interior volume. A display panel is affixed to a
front of the at least one display shelf module. At least one
projector is disposed in the interior volume of the display shelf
module, the at least one projector projecting an optical signal
onto a rear surface of the display panel such that image data is
visible on a front surface of the display panel. A plurality of
optical components are positioned within the interior volume of the
at least one display shelf module. The plurality of optical
components includes a condenser lens, an image divider, a plurality
of focusing lenses, a front mirror and at least one rear mirror.
The image divider is positioned such that the optical signal from
the at least one projector is incident on the image divider, the
image divider dividing the optical signal from the at least one
projector into a plurality of discrete optical signals and
directing the plurality of discrete optical signals onto the front
mirror. The condenser lens is disposed in an optical path between
the at least one projector and the image divider such that, when
the optical signal is projected from the at least one projector,
the optical signal passes through the condenser lens before
reaching the image divider, the condenser lens concentrating the
optical signal projected from the at least one projector. Each of
the plurality of focusing lenses is positioned in an optical path
of the plurality of discrete optical signals such that each of the
plurality of discrete optical signals passes through a focusing
lens prior to reaching the front mirror, the plurality of focusing
lenses focusing the plurality of discrete optical signals onto the
front mirror. The front mirror is positioned proximate the display
panel and the at least one rear mirror is positioned proximate a
posterior end of the at least one display shelf module, wherein the
front mirror is oriented to redirect the plurality of discrete
optical signals onto the rear mirror and the at least one rear
mirror is oriented to redirect the plurality of discrete optical
signals onto the rear surface of the display panel. An optical path
from the at least one projector to the rear surface of the display
panel is contained within the interior volume and the display shelf
module is removably coupled to the back plane portion of the shelf
support frame such that the display shelf module is vertically
positionable on the back plane portion of the shelf support
frame.
[0090] In a sixth aspect, the disclosure further provides the
modular shelving system of either the first aspect or the fifth
aspect wherein the shelf support frame comprises an array of
mounting apertures formed in the back plane portion, individual
mounting apertures of the array of mounting apertures being spaced
at regular intervals in a vertical direction. The at least one
display shelf module comprises at least one mounting clip extending
from a posterior end of the at least one display shelf module, the
at least one mounting clip engaging with a corresponding mounting
aperture in the back plane portion such that the at least one
display shelf module is removably coupled to the back plane portion
of the shelf support frame.
[0091] In a seventh aspect, the disclosure provides a display shelf
module as in any of the first through sixth aspects wherein the
display shelf module is sealed.
[0092] In an eighth aspect, the disclosure provides a display shelf
module as in any of the first through seventh aspects wherein an
optical path from the at least one projector to the back surface of
the display panel is substantially horizontal.
[0093] In a ninth aspect, the disclosure provides a display shelf
module as in any of the first through eighth aspects wherein an
optical path from the at least one projector to the back surface of
the display panel is contained within the interior volume of the
display shelf module.
[0094] In a tenth aspect, the disclosure provides a display shelf
module as in any of the first through ninth aspects wherein an
optical path from the at least one projector to the back surface of
the display panel does not contain any vertical segments.
[0095] In an eleventh aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in any of the first through tenth aspects wherein
the optical signal projected from the at least one projector
comprises content for multiple different images.
[0096] In a twelfth aspect, the disclosure provides a display shelf
module as in any of the first through eleventh aspects wherein the
optical signal projected from the at least one projector comprises
still image content, video image content, or combinations
thereof.
[0097] In a thirteenth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in any of the first through third aspects further
comprising a plurality of optical components positioned within the
interior volume of the at least one display shelf module, the
plurality of optical components comprising a condenser lens, an
image divider, a plurality of focusing lenses, a front mirror, and
at least one rear mirror. The image divider is positioned such that
the optical signal from the at least one projector is incident on
the image divider, the image divider dividing the optical signal
from the at least one projector into a plurality of discrete
optical signals and directing the plurality of discrete optical
signals onto the front mirror. The condenser lens is disposed in an
optical path between the at least one projector and the image
divider such that, when the optical signal is projected from the at
least one projector, the optical signal passes through the
condenser lens before reaching the image divider, the condenser
lens concentrating the optical signal projected from the at least
one projector. Each of the plurality of focusing lenses is
positioned in an optical path of the plurality of discrete optical
signals such that each of the plurality of discrete optical signals
passes through a focusing lens prior to reaching the front mirror,
the plurality of focusing lenses focusing the plurality of discrete
optical signals onto the front mirror. The front mirror is
positioned proximate the display panel and the at least one rear
mirror is positioned proximate a posterior end of the at least one
display shelf module, wherein the front mirror is oriented to
redirect the plurality of discrete optical signals onto the at
least one rear mirror and the at least one rear mirror is oriented
to redirect the plurality of discrete optical signals onto the back
surface of the display panel.
[0098] In an fourteenth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in any of the first through thirteenth aspects
wherein the plurality of optical components are mechanically
isolated from a top surface of the display shelf module and a
bottom surface of the display shelf module.
[0099] In a fifteenth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module of the thirteenth aspect wherein the plurality of
optical components are positioned on a floating frame which is
spaced apart from top of the at least one display shelf module and
a bottom of the at least one display shelf module.
[0100] In a sixteenth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in the fifteenth aspect wherein the floating frame
comprises a base and at least one cantilevered support arm attached
to the base.
[0101] In an seventeenth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in the sixteenth aspect, wherein the at least one
projector, the condenser lens, the image divider, and the plurality
of focusing lenses are mounted on the base and the front mirror and
the least one rear mirror are mounted on cantilevered support
arms.
[0102] In an eighteenth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in any of the first through seventeenth aspects
wherein image content for the optical signal projected by the at
least one projector is stored locally in a memory of the at least
one projector.
[0103] In a nineteenth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in any of the first through eighteenth aspects
further comprising an external computer system communicatively
coupled to the at least one projector.
[0104] In a twentieth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in the nineteenth aspect, wherein image content for
the optical signal projected by the at least one projector is
stored in the external computer system and downloaded to the at
least one projector.
[0105] In a twenty-first aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in any of the first through twentieth aspects
wherein the at least one projector comprises a light source
optically coupled to a digital micro mirror device.
[0106] In a twenty-second aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in the twenty-first aspect wherein the light source
is a white light source.
[0107] In a twenty-third aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in the twenty-first aspect wherein the light source
comprises a plurality of laser sources.
[0108] In a twenty-fourth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in any of the first through twenty-third aspects
further comprising at least one photo detector communicatively
coupled to a control circuit of the at least one projector and
positioned such that the optical signal from the at least one
projector is incident on the at least one photo detector, wherein
the at least one photo detector transmits an intensity signal
indicative of an intensity of the optical signal to the control
circuit.
[0109] In a twenty-fifth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in the twenty-fourth aspect wherein the at least
one photo detector comprises a first photo detector, a second photo
detector, and a third photo detector, wherein the first photo
detector is calibrated to detect an intensity of a first wavelength
range of visible light; the second photo detector is calibrated to
detect an intensity of a second wavelength range of visible light;
and the third photo detector is calibrated to detect a third
wavelength range of visible light.
[0110] In an twenty-sixth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in any of the twenty-fourth through twenty-fifth
aspects wherein the control circuit of the at least one projector
is communicatively coupled to an external computer system and
relays the intensity signal to the external computer system; and
the external computer system is programmed to analyze the intensity
signal and provide a warning indicator when the intensity signal
indicates that an optical intensity of the optical signal is below
a threshold level.
[0111] In a twenty-seventh aspect, the disclosure provides a
display shelf module as in any of the first through twenty-sixth
aspects further comprising a bar code reader positioned within the
at least one display shelf module.
[0112] In a twenty-eighth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in the twenty-seventh aspects wherein the bar code
reader is oriented to scan a bar code presented in front of the
display panel.
[0113] In a twenty-ninth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in the twenty-seventh aspect wherein the bar code
reader is oriented to scan a bar code presented below the optional
bottom panel of the at least one display shelf module.
[0114] In a thirtieth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in any of the twenty-seventh through twenty-ninth
aspects further comprising an external computer system
communicatively coupled to the at least one projector and the bar
code reader, wherein the external computer system is programmed
with a machine readable and executable instruction set stored in a
memory of the external computer system such that, when the
instruction set is executed by a processor of the external computer
system. The external computer system receives a signal from the bar
code reader indicative of a scanned bar code; searches a database
of product information indexed according to bar codes to identify a
product associated with the scanned bar code; and projects product
information related to the product onto the display panel with the
at least one projector.
[0115] In a thirty-first aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in any of the twenty-seventh through twenty-ninth
aspects further an external computer system communicatively coupled
to the at least one projector and the bar code reader, wherein the
external computer system is programmed with a machine readable and
executable instruction set stored in a memory of the external
computer system such that, when the instruction set is executed by
a processor of the external computer system. The external computer
system receives a signal from the bar code reader indicative of a
scanned bar code; displays a prompt on the display panel prompting
a user to input customer account information; and searches a
database of product information indexed according to bar codes to
identify a product associated with the scanned bar code.
[0116] In a thirty-second aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in the thirty-third aspect wherein the external
computer system is further programmed to project product
information related to the product onto the display panel with the
at least one projector.
[0117] In a thirty-third aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in any of the thirty-first through thirty-second
aspects wherein the external computer system is further programmed
to store product information related to the product in an
electronic account associated with the customer account
information.
[0118] In a thirty-fourth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in the thirty-third aspect wherein the external
computer system is further programmed to email product information
related to the product to an email address associated with the
customer account information.
[0119] In a thirty-fifth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in any of the first through thirty-fourth aspects
wherein the display panel of the at least one display shelf module
is a touch screen.
[0120] In a thirty-sixth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in the thirty-fifth aspect wherein the touch screen
is an optical touch screen.
[0121] In a thirty-seventh aspect, the disclosure provides a
display shelf module as in the thirty-sixth aspect wherein the
touch screen comprises one or more infrared back lights positioned
in the interior volume of the at least one display shelf module and
arranged to illuminate the back surface of the display panel; and
one or more detectors positioned within the interior volume of the
at least one display shelf module and oriented to capture an image
of the back surface of the display panel.
[0122] In a thirty-eighth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in any of the first through thirty-seventh aspects,
further comprising an eye tracking system.
[0123] In a thirty-ninth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in any of the first through thirty-eighth aspects
further comprising a structured light device, wherein the
structured light device is positioned in the interior volume of the
at least one display shelf module and oriented to project an array
of light downward, onto a vertically adjacent display shelf
module.
[0124] In a fortieth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in the thirty-ninth aspect further comprising an
external computer system communicatively coupled to the at least
one projector and the structured light device, wherein the external
computer system is programmed with a machine readable and
executable instruction set stored in a memory of the external
computer system such that, when the instruction set is executed by
a processor of the external computer system. The external computer
system receives a data signal from the structured light device
indicative of a captured image of the projected array of light and
compares the captured image of the projected array of light to an
image of the array of light when the vertically adjacent display
shelf module is empty or to an image of the array of light when the
vertically adjacent display shelf module is full; and determines an
amount of product positioned on the vertically adjacent display
shelf module based on the comparison of the captured image of the
projected array of light to the image of the array of light when
the vertically adjacent display shelf module is empty or the
comparison with the image of the array of light when the vertically
adjacent display shelf module is full of product.
[0125] In a forty-first aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in the thirty-ninth aspect further comprising an
external computer system communicatively coupled to the at least
one projector and the structured light device, wherein the external
computer system is programmed with a machine readable and
executable instruction set stored in a memory of the external
computer system such that, when the instruction set is executed by
a processor of the external computer system. The external computer
system receives a data signal from the structured light device
indicative of a captured image of the projected array of light;
compares the captured image of the projected array of light to a
plurality of images stored in a look up table in the memory of the
external computer system, wherein each of the plurality of images
stored in the look up table corresponds to an image of the array of
light projected onto a display shelf module with differing amounts
of product positioned on the display shelf module; and determines
an amount of product positioned on the vertically adjacent display
shelf module based on the comparison of the captured image of the
projected array of light to the plurality of images stored in the
look up table and/or if additional product should be added to the
vertically adjacent display shelf module.
[0126] In a forty-second aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in any of the first through forty-first aspects
wherein the at least one display shelf module further comprises a
stereoscopic vision system positioned in the interior volume of the
at least one display shelf module and oriented to capture images of
an adjacent display shelf module positioned below the at least one
display shelf module.
[0127] In a forty-third aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in any of the first through forty-second aspects
wherein the at least one display shelf module is communicatively
coupled to an external computer system with a wireless
connection.
[0128] In a forty-fourth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in any of the first through forty-third aspects
wherein the at least one display shelf module is coupled to an
external computer system with an Ethernet connection, wherein the
Ethernet connection provides the at least one projector of the at
least one display shelf module with a data signal and electrical
power.
[0129] In a forty-fifth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in any of the first through forty-fourth aspects
wherein the at least one display shelf module is provided with
power through the back plane portion of the shelf support
frame.
[0130] In a forty-sixth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in the forty-fifth aspect wherein the back plane
portion comprises at least one electrical contact; and the display
shelf module comprises at least one corresponding electrical
contact, such that, when the at least one display shelf module is
removably coupled to the back plane portion of the shelf support
frame, the at least one display shelf module is electrically
coupled to the back plane portion and the at least one projector of
the at least one display shelf module is provided with power.
[0131] In a forty-seventh aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in any of the first through forty-sixth aspects
wherein the at least one display shelf module is provided with
power through a wireless connection.
[0132] In a forty-eighth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in any of the first through forty-seventh aspects
wherein the display panel of the at least one display shelf module
comprises a plurality of Fresnel lines on the back surface of the
display panel.
[0133] In a forty-ninth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in the third aspect, wherein the shelf portion has
a depth D, the detachable projector unit has a depth d, and
D>d.
[0134] In a fiftieth aspect, the disclosure provides a display
shelf module as in any of the first through forty-ninth aspects
further comprising at least one adapter conduit positioned between
a posterior end of the shelf portion and a rear portion of the
detachable projector unit.
[0135] It is noted that the terms "substantially" and "about" may
be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty
that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value,
measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized
herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative
representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting
in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at
issue.
[0136] While particular embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it should be understood that various other
changes and modifications may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although
various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described
herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is
therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes
and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject
matter.
* * * * *