WO1994019782A1

WO1994019782A1 - Point-of-sale audio advertising device

Info

Publication number: WO1994019782A1
Application number: PCT/US1993/012067
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marc H. Segan
Original assignee: M.H. Segan Limited Partnership
Priority date: 1993-02-26
Filing date: 1993-12-10
Publication date: 1994-09-01
Also published as: AU6266694A

Abstract

A system is provided for use with a unit of the type used in stores for displaying/storing products (p). The system comprises an audio circuit (16) having a first memory device for storing information corresponding to a first audio message pertaining to at least one of the products (p), a speaker (18) and a circuit for transmitting the information from the first memory device to the speaker for broadcasting the first audio message. An activation circuit (20) for detecting a person in the vicinity of the unit is connected to the audio circuit (16) for activating the audio circuit (16) for broadcasting the audio message when the activation circuit detects a person (c) nearby. A second memory device stores information corresponding to a second audio message pertaining to at least one of the products (p).

Description

POINT-OF-SALE AUDIO ADVERTISING DEVICE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for a point-of-sale device comprising a solid-state memory means for storing a message to be broadcast. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is generally believed that retail store sales, particularly in supermarkets and the like, can be improved by providing advertising to influence purchase decisions. Such advertising includes flyers, brochures, signs, posters, store- wide audio messages and the like. Point-of-sale advertising is particularly effective for this purpose. In this context, "point-of-sale advertising" means advertising, such as a sign, provided in the general vicinity where a product is displayed or stored. For example, such signs may be incorporated in stand-alone displays of a type often found in supermarkets. However, even point-of-sale displays have drawbacks. For example, the effectiveness of such displays is contingent on active participation of the consumer, i.e., the consumer must stop and read the sign. Additionally, when it is necessary to update the information on the display, the display, or at least the sign portion thereof, must be replaced. Moreover, where the point-of-sale advertising comprises a separate sign, it is not uncommon for the sign to be displaced from its intended location.

In addition to visual point-of-sale advertising, an audio message can be broadcast at the point-of-sale. One known device which performs this function is an audio tape player connected to a locally mounted speaker. The audio tape player has an endless tape which repeatedly and indiscriminately plays a prerecorded advertising message. However, since the tape player is continuously broadcasting the message, noise pollution is created. Moreover, tape players are somewhat unreliable because of the presence of moving parts, and the pre-recorded tape has a tendency to break, wear and/or degrade after repeated use. Also, when the message is to be changed, a new message must be recorded, and then the tape must be replaced. An improvement is disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,984,098 which proposes a point-of-sale advertising device incorporating a tape player for broadcasting a pre-recorded audio-message and^'a motion detector such that the message is broadcast only when a person is nearby. While this device reduces the noise pollution problem, it suffers the same drawbacks as other point-of sale devices incorporating tape players, particularly with respect to long term reliability and message replacement. It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a point-of-sale advertising device with overcomes the aforementioned problems. It is another object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive point-of-sale advertising device which can broadcast audio messages. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a point-of-sale advertising device which broadcasts audio messages, which messages can be easily changed. It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a reliable point-of-sale advertising device which stores broadcast messages in a solid state device. It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a reliable point-of-sale advertising device which stores broadcast messages in a non- volatile solid state device. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to an aspect of the present invention, a system is provided for use with a unit of the type used in stores for displaying/storing products. The system comprises an audio circuit having a first memory device for storing information corresponding to a first audio message pertaining to at least one of the products, a speaker, and a means for transmitting the information from the first memory device to the speaker for broadcasting the first audio message. An activation means for detecting a person in the vicinity of the unit is connected to the audio circuit for activating the audio circuit for broadcasting the audio message when the activation means detects a person nearby. A second memory device stores information corresponding to a second audio message pertaining to at least one of the products. A means for selectively interfacing the second memory device with the first memory device is provided for downloading the information stored in the second memory device to the first memory device whereafter the speaker broadcasts the second audio message. According to another aspect of the present invention, a system is provided for use with a unit of the type used in stores for displaying/storing products. The system comprises an audio circuit having a first non- volatile integrated circuit memory device for storing information corresponding to a first audio message pertaining to at least one of the products, a speaker, a battery, and a means for transmitting the information from the first non- volatile integrated circuit memory device to the speaker for broadcasting the first audio message. An activation means for detecting a person in the vicinity of the unit is connected to the audio circuit for activating the audio circuit for broadcasting the audio message when the activation means detects a person nearby. According to a further aspect of the present invention, a unit of the type used in stores comprises a display/storage apparams for displaying/storing products. The display/storage apparatus includes an audio circuit comprising a first memory device for storing information corresponding to a first audio message pertaining to at least one of the products, a speaker, and a means for transmitting the information from the first memory device to the speaker for broadcasting the first audio message. An activation means for detecting a person in the vicinity of the unit is connected to the audio circuit for activating the audio circuit for broadcasting the audio message when the activation means detects a person nearby. A second memory device stores information corresponding to a second audio message. A means is provided for selectively interfacing the second memory device with the first memory device for downloading the information stored in the second memory device to the first memory device whereafter the speaker broadcasts the second audio message. According to still yet another aspect of the present invention, a unit of the type used in stores comprises a display/storage apparams for displaying/storing products. The display/storage apparams includes an audio circuit comprising a non- volatile integrated circuit memory device for storing information corresponding to a first audio message pertaining to at least one of the products, a speaker, a battery, and a means for transmitting the information from the first non- volatile integrated circuit memory device to the speaker for broadcasting the first audio message. An activation means for detecting a person in the vicinity of the unit is connected to the audio circuit for activating the audio circuit for broadcasting the audio message when the activation means detects the person. According to still yet a further aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for broadcasting an audio message pertaining to at least one product in a display/ storage apparams of the type used in stores. The method comprises the step of fitting the apparams with an audio circuit comprising a first memory device for storing information corresponding to a first audio message pertaining to at least one of the products, a speaker, and a means for transmitting the information from the first memory device to the speaker for broadcasting the first audio message. The presence of a person is detected, and in response to the audio circuit is activated for broadcasting the first audio message. A second memory device is provided for storing information corresponding to a second audio message pertaining to at least one of the products. The second memory device is selectively interfaced with the first memory device for downloading the information stored in the second memory device to the first memory device whereafter the speaker broadcasts the second audio message during the activating step. Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are solely for the purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a display/storage unit with a point-of-sale advertising device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a point-of-sale advertising device of the invention in which data representing messages are stored in an analog format; Fig. 3 is a circuit schematic diagram of a point-of-sale advertising device in accordance with the invention; Fig. 4 is a diagram of a hand held device for changing messages in the point-of-sale advertising device in accordance with the invention; Fig. 5 is a circuit schematic diagram of the hand held device for changing messages in the point-of-sale advertising device of the invention in which data representing messages are stored in an analog format; Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a cold storage unit with a point-of-sale advertising device according to another^ embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a block diagram of a point-of-sale advertising device of the invention in which data representing messages are stored in a digital format; and Fig. 8 is a circuit schematic diagram of the hand held device for changing messages in the point-of-sale advertising device of the invention in which data representing messages are stored in a digital format. For convenience of reference, like components, structural elements and features in the various figures are designated by the same reference numerals or characters. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Turning now to the drawings, Fig. 1 depicts a display/storage unit 10 for displaying and storing products P on a plurality of shelves 12. Such units are of a type commonly used in supermarkets, retail food stores, and the like. As shown, the unit 10 is provided with point-of-sale advertising device 14 for broadcasting one or more messages corresponding to product(s) displayed or stored on the unit, the device 14 being activated when a consumer C comes in the vicinity of unit 10. As shown, point-of-sale advertising device 14 comprises an audio circuit 16 having an audio output means 18 and an activation means 20. As more fully explained below, activation means 20 preferably comprises a mechanical switch, e.g. a pushbutton switch, activated by the consumer C, though it may also comprise an infrared detector, an infrared thermal imaging detector, a light detector, an ultrasonic ^"detector, an optical pattern recognition detector, a mechanical switch, a magnetic reed switch, an optical detector or the like. In the preferred embodiment, the message is processed entirely in an analog signal format. As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art who have read this description, by processing the message in this manner, the circuitry can be less complex and, therefore, less expensive. The operation of audio circuit 16, audio output means 18 and activation means 20 will now be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown, the output of activation means 20 is connected to the input of audio circuit 16. Audio circuit 16 comprises a non- volatile analog storage device 30 and an amplifier 32. The output of amplifier 32 is coupled to audio output means 18, i.e. a speaker. A power supply 34 may be any appropriate energy source providing the appropriate voltage and current for the audio circuit. In the preferred embodiment, the point-of-sale advertising device 14 is preferably self-contained, and as such the power source 34 preferably comprises a battery or solar battery, such as a lithium battery, nickel cadmium battery, alkaline battery, etc. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art who has read this description, a non-volatile memory will maintain its stored contents even when deenergized, whereas a volatile memory does not. Thus, a non- volatile memory has the advantage of reliably storing the message and being more energy efficient. Consequently, if the unit is self- contained and a battery constitutes the power source 34, the latter will last longer. An interface circuit 36 is also provided to facilitate downloading of a new message from a selection means 40 (shown in Fig. 4 and described hereinbelow) to the non-volatile analog storage device 30 to replace the one stored therein. The interface circuit 36 comprises a wired arrangement for communicating with the^' selection means 40, e.g. a standard RS 232 interface, though it may also comprise any other suitable means for such commumcation, such as an infrared transceiver, an if transceiver, etc. ^x The operation of point-of-sale advertising device 14 shown in Fig. 2 is as follows. When consumer C activates activation means 20, an activation signal is sent to non- volatile analog device 30. The device 30 then provides an output signal to amplifier 32 for amplifying that signal to an appropriate level for audio output means 18. As a consequence of this arrangement, the message is played only when a consumer is interested in a product stored in the display and storage unit 10. Consequently, the sound level of the message can be reduced since the volume of the audio output means 18 need only be loud enough for the nearby consumer to hear. Moreover, the message is played only when a consumer is in the vicinity of the point-of-sale advertising device 14. These features of the present invention significantly reduce noise pollution as compared to conventional audio advertising devices. Fig. 3 illustrates a preferred circuit diagram for the point-of- sale advertising device 14, though persons skilled in the art who have read this description will recognize that other circuit designs are possible. In Fig. 3, dotted lines delineate the circuit blocks, e.g. activation means 20, interface 36, etc., diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 2. However it should be recognized that the delineation is somewhat arbitrary, and that certain circuit components could as readily be considered part of one subcircuit as another. For example, NPN transistors Ql and Q2 could be considered part of interface 36 rather than activation means 20. As shown in Fig. 3, the circuit for the device is powered by battery BT1 comprising preferably four "AA" type batteries. The batteries are disposed within a housing (not shown). The non- volatile analog storage device 30 and the amplifier 18 are constitut^'ed by a single chip voice message integrated circuit Ul, such as model ISD 1016 available from Information Storage Devices, Inc. The circuit is capable of recording an analog signal, storing that signal in a non- volatile manner and playing the signal back. The integrated circuit also comprises an integral amplifier for directly driving speaker 18 without the requirement of an external amplifier. The activation means 20 comprises a mechanical switch SI and associated circuitry. When the consumer C depresses switch SI, pin 24 of integrated circuit Ul is driven to its low state thus enabling circuit Ul. Simultaneously, transistors Q2 and Ql drive pin 23 of integrated circuit Ul low thereby initiating the message playback sequence. The signal representing the message is then output from integrated circuit Ul to speaker LSI, which broadcasts the message. Phonejack Jl , high pass filter R7, C2 and low pass filter R5 , CI comprise interface 36 and will be discussed below in conjunction with selection means 40. A parts list for the circuit illustrated in Fig. 3 appears below:

Parts List

Rl 10K CI 4.7 nf

R2 10K C2 100 nf

R3 100K C3 100 nf

R4 2.2M C4 100 μf

R5 2.2M Ql MPSA06

R6 2.2M Q2 MPSA06

R7 10K Ul ISD 1016

Dl 1N4148

Typically, delivery personnel are responsibl for stocking and restocking products in cold storage units in supermarkets. For example, a beverage delivery person will restock the beverages he is delivering. In accordance with the present invention, it is contemplated that the delivery person would not only restock the beverages, but would also change the message in the point-of-sale device corresponding to those beverages. Since the message can be changed with relative ease, the message can be coordinated with various promotions, advertising campaigns, coupons and the like. It is anticipated that such coordination of messages could result in increased product sales. Alternatively, for those products not serviced by delivery personnel, store personnel could be responsible for changing messages in the point-of-sale device. Such messages could also be coordinated with store promotions, advertising campaigns and the like. Fig. 4 illustrates the selection means 40 used by the appropriate personnel to change the message in device 14. It is contemplated that the selection means 40 can store multiple messages for corresponding different products. The appropriate message would be selected by the user for downloading for its corresponding product. The selection means 40 comprises a hand-held device 42 including a keyboard 44 having keys 44-1 through 44-12. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art who has read this description that the number of The hand held device also comprises an input means such as bar code reader 46 or the like, and a wired interface 48 for communicating with the interface 36. In a less preferred embodiment, an audio input 50 comprising a microphone 52 is provided for recording a message, though it may also comprise a voice synthesizer, a tape player, a compact disk player or the like. The operation of the selection means 40 will now be described. In the preferred embodiment, new messages are transferred to the selector means 40 via wired interface 48, from a master unit (not shown), in which a professionally recorded message for each product has been previously stored. Alternatively, in the less preferred embodiment, a new message may be recorded by an operator (not shown) entering via keyboard 44 instructions identifying the corresponding product. The product could be identified by a simple arbitrary code, the standardized UPC code or the like. Alternatively, the operator could scan the product with the bar code reader 46 to read an identifying bar code printed on its labeling. The operator initiates the record mode by selecting an appropriate key on keyboard 44 and then speaks into the microphone 52 to record the message. After completing the recording of the message, the operator enters a stop instruction via keyboard 44 to terminate recording. Additional messages for other products are similarly recorded. To transfer the message from selection means 40 to device 14, the delivery personnel connects a cable (not shown) therebetween. That person then identifies the product corresponding to the message to be transferred by entering via keyboard 44 the product identifying code or by scanning the product with bar code reader 46. The delivery person then initiates the transfer by entering the appropriate instruction via keyboard 44. The interface 36 in device 14 then transfers the message received from selection means 40 to the non- volatile analog storage device 30. Fig. 5 shows a preferred circuit implementing for the selection means 40 illustrated in Fig, 4. While the circuit in Fig. 5 is preferred, persons of ordinary skill in the art who have read this description will recognize that various modifications and changes may be made therein. As shown in Fig. 5, power supply 61 comprising battery BT1 supplies power to the circuit. The preferred circuit shown has the capability for transferring one of two selected messages corresponding to two different products, though, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the circuit may be modified to accommodate any number of messages. The circuit comprises keyboard 44 having a start transfer switch S2 and a selector switch S3. The selector switch S2 selects one of two messages stored in non-volatile analog storage devices 62 and 66 in accordance with associated control circuits 64 and 68, respectively, for transferring the selected message to device 14. ^■ The output of the selected non-volatile analog storage device is connected to output circuit 70. When transferring a message from the selection means to point-of-sale advertising device 14, the output circuit 70 is connected to interface 36 of device 14 (Fig 3). As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, non- volatile analog storage devices 62 and 66 and control circuits 64 and 68 have the same components and operate the same way. Accordingly, only non- volatile analog storage device 62 and control circuit 64 will be discussed. Control circuit 64 comprises a latch including transistors Q3, Q4, resistors RIO - R12, capacitor C3 and diodes D9 and Dll. Non- volatile analog storage device 62 comprises integrated circuit U2, such as ISD 1016, discussed above, diode D 10 and resistors R16 and R17. Output circuit 70 comprises coupling capacitor C4, resistors R9 and R8 and a buffer comprising diodes D12 and D6, transistors Q5 and Q6 and resistors R13-R15, R18 and R19. The operation of the circuit illustrated in Fig. 5 is as follows. The delivery person first connects selection means 40 to device 14 and then selects one of the messages corresponding to the desired product with switch S3 and initiates the transfer of that message by depressing switch S2. For the purposes of this discussion it is assumed that the message stored in integrated circuit U2 is selected and that the circuit is connected via the interface 36 to the point-of-sale advertising device 14 in Fig. 3. As switch S2 is depressed, the latch in control circuit 64 will be set, placing pin 24 of integrated circuit U2 in the low state thus enabling the integrated circuit U2 and providing an enable signal to output circuit 70. Circuit 70, which is connected to phonejack Jl, provides the enable signal to point-of-sale advertising device 14. Additionally, when switch S2 is depressed, pin 23 of integrated circuit U2 is set to the low state to commence playback of the stored message by outputting a signal representing the stored message from pin 14 of integrated circuit U2. The signal is then processed by the high pass filter to be output to point-of-sale advertising device 14. Upon receipt of the enable signal from output circuit 70, integrated circuit Ul of the point-of-sale advertising device 14 is enabled and placed in the record mode. The signal representing the message is then recorded in integrated circuit Ul via pin 20. Upon completion of the playback of the message from integrated circuit U2, a disable signal is provided from pin 25 thereof. The disable signal deenergizes the latch causing the output circuit 70 to transmit that disable signal to the point-of- sale advertising device 14. Upon receipt of the disable signal, integrated circuit Ul is disabled, thus terminating message recording. Accordingly, the transfer and recording of the new message, replacing the existing one, is then completed.

A parts list for the circuit illustrated in Fig. 5 appears below:

Parts List

Rl 100K Rll 2.2M D1-D5 1N4148 R2 33K R12 2.2M D6 LED R3 100K R13 220K D7-D13 1N4148 R4 2.2M R14 220K Q1-Q4 and Q6MPSA06 R5 2.2M R15 4.7K Q5 MPSA56 R6 10K R16 10K R7 10K R17 100K R8 100K R18 220K R9 33K R19 10K RIO 100K As will be apparent from the foregoing description, the point-of-sale device according to the present invention is self-contained. Accordingly, the device can be easily relocated to accommodate promotion of other products or to special display areas. If required, the point-of-sale advertising device can be placed remote from the consumer, and activation means 20 can comprise a pressure switch 22 for detecting when a consumer has stepped thereon. In this arrangement, the consumer merely steps on pressure switch 22 and does not have to depress the pushbutton switch. In another embodiment as shown in Fig 6, a cold storage unit 80 is provided for storing and displaying products P, such as food or beverages, on shelves 82 at either refrigerated or frozen temperatures. Such cold storage units are of a type commonly used in supermarkets, retail food stores and the like. As shown, the cold storage unit 80 comprises a front door 84 having a transparent glass panel 86 such that the consumer C can view the contents in the unit without opening the door 84 . In accordance with the invention, the cold storage unit 80 is provided with the point-of-sale advertising device 14 for broadcasting one or more messages corresponding to product(s) located in the unit, the device 14 being activated when consumer C opens the door 84 thereby closing switch SI. Fig. 7 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention in which the message to be broadcast is stored in digital format. As shown in Fig. 7, the point-of-sale advertising device 14 comprises speaker 18, activation means 20, power supply 34, interface 36, microprocessor 92, ROM 94, memory 96 and digital-to-analog converter 98. ROM 94 is provided for storing the control program for controlling microprocessor 92. Memory 96 is provided for storing the data representing the message in digital format. Memory 96 can preferably be a non- volatile memory device such as an optical device, an opto-magnetic device, a magnetic device, a ROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM or the like. As will be readily appreciated, memory 96 can also be a volatile memory such as an SRAM, a DRAM or the like. As with the preferred embodiment, an interface 36 is provided for facilitating the transfer of a new message from selection means 102 (as shown in Fig. 8). Selection means 102 will be described hereinbelow. The operation of point-of-sale advertisement device of Fig. 7 is as follows. When consumer C is in the vicinity of the activation means 20 an activation signal is sent to the microprocessor 92. Microprocessor 92 then initiates processing in accordance with the control program stored in ROM 94, whereupon the microprocessor 92 reads the digital data stored in the memory 96 representing the message. That digital data is then converted to an analog signal by the digital-to-analog converter 98, as controlled by microprocessor 92. The analog signal is then amplified by amplifier 29 which is then output to output means 18. Fig. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the selection means 102 for transferring messages stored in digital format. The selection means comprises an analog-to-digital converter 104, a microprocessor 106, a ROM 108, a memory 110, a keyboard 42 and a wired interface 48. ROM 108 is provided for storing the control program for operating microprocessor 106. In another less preferred embodiment, a microphone 52 is provided for recording messages. Preferably, a new message for each product is transferred to the selection means 102 from a master unit (not shown) in which a professionally recorded message for each product has been previously prerecorded. The messages are then transferred to the selection means through interface 82. Alternatively, in the less preferred embodiment, a new message is recorded by an operator (not shown) entering, via keyboard 44, instructions identifying the product. The operator initiates the record mode by selecting an appropriate key of keyboard 44 and then speaking into the microphone 52 to record the message. The analog signal from the microphone 52 is converted to a digital signal by converter 104 and stored in memory 110 in accordance with microprocessor 106. After completing the recording of the message the operator enters a terminate instruction via keyboard 44. Additional messages for other products are similarly recorded. To transfer the message from selection means 102 to device 14, the delivery personnel connects a cable (not shown) therebetween. That person then identifies the product corresponding to the message to be transferred by entering via keyboard 44 the product identifying code. The delivery person then initiates the transfer by entering the appropriate instruction via keyboard 44. The data stored in memory 110 is then downloaded to wired interface 48, in accordance with the microprocessor 106. Although the detailed description and annexed drawings describe the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many variations and modifications of the present invention fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above constructions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific feamres of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A system for use with a unit of the type used in stores for displaying/ storing products, said system comprising: an audio circuit comprising: a first memory device for storing information corresponding to a first audio message pertaining to at least one of said products; a speaker; and means for transmitting said information from said first memory device to said speaker for broadcasting said first audio message; activation means for detecting a person in the vicinity of said unit and connected to said audio circuit for activating said audio circuit for broadcasting said audio message when said activation means detects said person; a second memory device for storing information corresponding to a second audio message pertaining to at least one of said products; and means for selectively interfacing said second memory device with said first memory device for downloading said information stored in said second memory device to said first memory device whereafter said speaker broadcasts said second audio message.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said first memory device comprises a non-volatile memory device and wherein said audio circuit further comprises a battery.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said second memory device comprises a non- volatile memory device.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein said first memory device comprises a non- volatile integrated circuit memory device.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said first memory device comprises a non- volatile, analog integrated circuit memory device.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein said unit includes a movable door for accessing said unit, wherein said activation means is responsive to said person opening said door, and further comprising means for deactivating said audio circuit when said door is closed.

7. The system of claim 5, further comprising means for deactivating said audio circuit after a predetermined period of time.

8. The system of claim 3, wherein said unit includes a movable door for accessing said unit, wherein said activation means comprises a switch responsive to opening of said door, and wherein said means for selectively interfacing comprises a connector disposed adjacent said door, electrical conducting means connecting said audio circuit to said connector, and means for removably connecting said connector to said second memory device.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein said connector is integral with said switch and remote from said audio circuit.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising means for deactivating said audio circuit when said door is closed.

11. The system of claim 9, further comprising means for deactivating said audio circuit after a predetermined period of time.

12. A system for use with a unit of the type used in stores for displaying/ storing products, said system comprising: an audio circuit comprising: a first non-volatile integrated circuit memory device for storing information corresponding to a first audio message pertaining to at least one of said products; a speaker; a battery; and means for transmitting said information from said first non-volatile integrated circuit memory device to said speaker for broadcasting said first audio message; and activation means for detecting a person in the vicinity of said unit and connected to said audio circuit for activating said audio circuit for broadcasting said audio message when said activation means detects said person.

13. The system according to claim 12 , further comprising a second non-volatile integrated circuit memory device for storing information corresponding to a second audio message pertaining to at least one of said products, and means for selectively interfacing said second non- volatile integrated circuit memory device to said first non- volatile integrated circuit memory device for downloading said information stored in said second device to said first device whereafter said speaker broadcasts said second audio message.

14. The system according to claim 12, wherein said first non- volatile integrated circuit memory device comprises a non- volatile, analog integrated circuit memory device.

15. The system of claim 13 , wherein said first and second non- volatile integrated circuit memory devices comprise non- volatile, analog integrated circuit memory devices.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein said unit includes a movable door for accessing said unit, wherein said activation means is responsive to said person opening said door, and further comprising means for deactivating said audio circuit when the door is closed.

17. The system of claim 13, further comprising means for deactivating said audio circuit after a predetermined period of time.

18. The system of claim 13, further comprising a door for accessing said unit, wherein said activation means comprises a switch responsive to opening of said door, and wherein said means for selectively interfacing comprises a connector disposed adjacent said door, electrical conducting means connecting said audio circuit to said connector, and means for removably connecting said connector to said second memory device.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein said connector is integral with said switch and remote from said audio circuit.

20. The system of claim 18 , further comprising means for deactivating said audio circuit when said door is closed.

21. The system of claim 18 , further comprising means for deactivating said audio circuit after a predetermined period of time.

22. A unit of the type used in stores comprising: a display/storage apparams for displaying/storing products; an audio circuit comprising: a first memory device for storing information corresponding to a first audio message pertaining to at least one of said products; a speaker; and means for transmitting said information from said first memory device to said speaker for broadcasting said first audio message; activation means detecting a person in the vicinity of said unit and connected to said audio circuit for activating said audio circuit for broadcasting said audio message when said opening is accessed; a second memory device for storing information corresponding to a second audio message; and means for selectively interfacing said second memory device with said first memory device for downloading said information stored in said second memory device to said first memory device whereafter said speaker broadcasts said second audio message.

23. The unit of claim 22, wherein said first memory device comprises a non-volatile memory device and wherein said audio circuit further comprises a battery.

24. The unit of claim 23, wherein said apparams comprises an opening, wherein said activation means is secured to said apparams adjacent said opening, wherein said audio circuit is disposed remote from said activation means, and wherein said means for selectively interfacing said second memory device to said first memory device comprises a connector disposed adjacent said opening, electrical conducting means connecting said audio circuit to said connector, and means for removably connecting said connector to said second memory device.

25. The unit of claim 24, wherein said second memory device comprises a non- volatile memory device.

26. The unit of claim 23, wherein said first memory device comprises a non- volatile integrated circuit memory device.

27. The unit of claim 26, wherein said first memory device comprises a non- volatile analog integrated circuit memory device.

28. The unit of claim 27,- wherein said apparams comprises a door for accessing said apparams, and wherein said unit further comprises means for deactivating said audio circuit when said door is closed. ^ 29. The unit of claim 27, further comprising means for deactivating said audio circuit after a predetermined period of time. 30. The unit of claim 24, wherein said apparams comprises a door for accessing said apparams and wherein said activation means comprises a switch responsive to opening of said door. 31. The unit of claim 30, wherein said connector is integral with said switch. 32. The unit of claim 30 further comprising means for deactivating said audio circuit when said door is closed. 33. The unit of claim 30, further comprising means for deactivating said audio circuit after a predetermined period of time. 34. A unit of the type used in stores comprising: a display/storage apparams for displaying/ storing products; an audio circuit comprising: a non-volatile integrated circuit memory device for storing information corresponding to a first audio message pertaining to at least one of said products; a speaker; a battery; and means for transmitting said information from said first non-volatile integrated circuit memory device to said speaker for broadcasting said first audio message; and activation means for detecting a person in the vicinity of said unit and connected to said audio circuit for activating said audio circuit for broadcasting said audio message when said activation means detects said person. 35. The unit of claim 34, wherein said apparams comprises an opening, wherein said activation means is secured to said apparams adjacent said opening, and wherein said audio circuit is disposed in the interior of said apparams remote from said activation means. 36. The unit of claim 35, further comprising a second non- volatile integrated circuit memory device for storing information corresponding to a second audio message pertaining to at least one of said products, and means for selectively interfacing said second non- volatile integrated circuit memory device to said first non- volatile integrated circuit memory device for downloading said information stored in said second device to said first device whereafter said speaker broadcasts said second audio message. 37. The unit of claim 36, wherein said means for selectively interfacing said second memory device to said first memory device comprises a connector disposed adjacent said opening, electrical conducting means connecting said audio circuit to said connector, and means for removably connecting said connector to said second memory device. 38. The unit of claim 34, wherein said first non- volatile integrated circuit memory device comprises a non- volatile, analog integrated circuit memory device. 39. The unit of claim 36, wherein said first and second non- volatile integrated circuit memory devices comprise non- volatile, analog integrated circuit memory devices. 40. The unit of claim 37, further comprising a door for accessing said opening and means for deactivating said audio circuit when the door is closed. 41. The unit of claim 37, further comprising means for deactivating said audio circuit after a predetermined period of time. 42. The unit of claim 37, further comprising a door for accessing said compartment and wherein said activation means comprises a switch responsive to opening of said door. 43. The unit of claim 42, wherein said connector is integral with said switch. 44. The unit of claim 42, further comprising means for deactivating said audio circuit when said door is closed. 45. The unit of claim 42, further comprising means for deactivating said audio circuit after a predetermined period of time. 46. A method for broadcasting an audio message pertaining to at least one product on a display/ storage apparatus of the type used in stores, said method comprising the steps of: fitting said apparams with an audio circuit comprising a first memory device for storing information corresponding to a first audio message pertaining to at least one of said products, a speaker, and means for transmitting said information from said first memory device to said speaker for broadcasting said first audio message; detecting the presence of a person; activating said audio circuit for broadcasting said first audio message in response to the detecting of said person; providing a second memory device storing information corresponding to a second audio message pertaining to at least one of said products; and selectively interfacing said second memory device with said first memory device for downloading said information stored in said second memory device to said first memory device whereafter said speaker broadcast said second audio message during said activating step. 47. The method of claim 46, wherein said providing step comprises inputting said second audio message to said second memory device at a location remote from said apparams and wherein said selectively interfacing step comprises providing said second memory device to personnel responsible for stocking said apparatus. 48. The method of claim 47, wherein said selectively interfacing step comprises electrically connecting said second memory device to said first memory device.