The
Giving Cart™ System includes a computer device with a full
color
LCD display that is removed from the Giving Cart™ charging
kiosk
and attached to the handle of a shopping cart. This display
unit
interacts via wireless technology with the retailers existing WiFi
access points strategically placed at locations throughout the
store. As a customer approaches the location of a promoted or
advertised product, a soft and unobtrusive chime designed to alert the
customer of an advertised/promoted item, precedes the automatic display
of the ad or promotion. When the unit has not been triggered
to
display a location-specific ad, it operates in a patented
“scroll-mode” in which supplemental advertisements
are
displayed for two seconds each.
Other future
software features
of the Giving Cart™ device will include a store directory,
product locator, electronic coupons, seasonal promotions, recipes, and
the ability for a customer to order pharmacy and deli items on the
device and be alerted (on the device) when they are ready for pickup.
Other features will include system-generated shopping lists based on
consumers’ prior purchase histories, access to nutritional
information, news items, local weather, inventory information and the
ability to programmatically display a daily or weekly contest
(Chime-Time feature) where customers have a chance to win gift
certificates. Each wireless device is linked via the Internet
to a host application. This application enables retailers,
manufacturers, and third-party service providers to communicate updated
content to shoppers.
Display Unit:
The
display unit
contains an easily readable electronic liquid crystal color display
(“LCD”) panel that is removed from the charging
Kiosk by
the customer and attached to the handle of the shopping cart.
Animated graphic advertisements and other visual messages are
automatically exhibited on the display unit at the Point-of-Selection
via wireless RF technology. Embodied in the engineering is a
soft
audible chime that alerts shoppers as they approach a featured
product. The display unit may be interactive (i.e., capable
of
responding to user information requests and directions) or passive
(i.e., only requiring the shopper to push the cart down the aisle where
it will automatically receive a signal and alert the shopper to
promotions and advertised specials). The Giving Cart™ System
is
easily programmed, permitting customization for seasonal, geographical
or other demographic characteristics, all of which can be done remotely
from any Internet accessible personal computer. A small internal,
replaceable and rechargeable battery powers the display unit. Upon
nearing the store exit the customer returns the unit to the charging
kiosk. In addition to its advertising, promotions, and store directory
content, the Giving Cart™ unit has the ability to deliver
Internet content (news, sports, weather, meal-planning, etc.) to the
shopper.
Charging
Kiosk:
A
self
contained charging unit that continually charges the Giving
Cart™
units and acts as a promotional and information kiosk for the customers
entering the store. This is accomplished by attaching a LCD monitor to
the top of the unit that is connected to a small form factor personal
computer. This computer will communicate to the internet via the
existing Retailers secure connection.
