WO2016191404A1

WO2016191404A1 - Merchandise display including sensor for detecting the presence of a customer

Info

Publication number: WO2016191404A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/033867
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gary A. TAYLOR
Original assignee: Invue Security Products Inc.
Priority date: 2015-05-26
Filing date: 2016-05-24
Publication date: 2016-12-01

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to merchandise display devices, systems, and methods for displaying an item of merchandise. In some cases, a merchandise display device, system, and method include a sensor configured for detecting and capturing data relating to the presence of a customer, and an electronic circuit for processing the data relating to the presence of the customer to determine whether the customer is positioned to examine and/or operate the item of merchandise. The sensor and/or the electronic circuit communicates with the item of merchandise to activate an operating system of the item of merchandise from a sleep mode to an operational and active mode.

Description

MERCHANDISE DISPLAY INCLUDING SENSOR

FOR DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF A CUSTOMER

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/166,320, filed May 26, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to merchandise display devices, systems, and methods for displaying an item of merchandise in a retail store. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to a merchandise display including a sensor for detecting the presence of a customer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Retailers routinely display electronic items of merchandise in a display area for customers to examine and interact with while making a decision whether to purchase the item. In most instances, the item is mounted on a merchandise display, for example a display stand or fixture. The merchandise display may also include physical security, such as a mechanical tether, and/or electronic security, such as a sensor and alarm, to prevent or at least deter theft of the merchandise. In other instances, the retailer desires to display the item of merchandise without the item being physically or electronically secured to a merchandise security device. Regardless, many types of electronic merchandise are displayed in a powered and operational mode so that the customer experience is enhanced by allowing, and even encouraging, the customer to experiment with the different features and capabilities of the merchandise. Examples of the types of electronic merchandise that are typically displayed in a powered and operational mode include portable, wireless-enabled computing devices, such as mobile telephones (e.g., Smartphones), personal computers (e.g., tablet, laptop, etc.), wearable wireless devices (e.g., GALAXY WEAR™, APPLE WATCH™, etc.) and digital cameras.

[0004] The aforementioned electronic items of merchandise are oftentimes displayed with a looped audio and/or video customer presentation for marketing and/or demonstrating the item in the display area. Unfortunately, each different type of merchandise and each different version or brand of each type of merchandise typically has its own customer presentation. Thus, a customer can be visually and audibly overwhelmed by simultaneous customer presentations of multiple electronic items of merchandise in the display area. While examining and interacting with an electronic item of merchandise, a customer may also be distracted by the looped customer presentations of other electronic items of merchandise in the display area.

[0005] A customer may also desire to evaluate the wireless capability of an electronic item of merchandise. However, the wireless performance of the item of merchandise may be significantly diminished by the multiple, wireless-enabled, electronic items of merchandise simultaneously utilizing the Wi-Fi network in the display area. Furthermore, each of the electronic items of merchandise running its own customer presentation and demonstrating its own operating functions and capabilities constantly attempts to maintain a full battery charge. As a result, the display of multiple electronic items of merchandise in a powered and operational mode at the same time in a display area requires a substantial amount of electrical power. The consumption of electrical power is not only expensive for the retailer, but is also contrary to the efforts of most retailers to be energy conscious, commonly referred to as being "green."

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to merchandise display security systems, devices, and methods for displaying an item of merchandise. In one embodiment, the merchandise display security device includes a sensor operable for detecting the presence of a customer within a predetermined range of distance from the item of merchandise and an electronic circuit in communication with the sensor. The sensor and/or the electronic circuit is configured to activate an operating system of the item of merchandise in response to detecting the presence of the customer within the predetermined range of distance.

[0007] In another embodiment, a merchandise display system includes an item of merchandise comprising an operating system and a sensor operably coupled with the item of merchandise. The merchandise display system also includes an electronic circuit operably coupled to and in communication with the sensor and the item of merchandise, wherein the sensor is configured to detect data relating to the presence of a customer within a predetermined range of distance from the sensor. The electronic circuit is configured to process the data relating to the presence of the customer, and the sensor and/or the electronic circuit is configured to communicate with the item of merchandise to activate the operating system of the item of merchandise.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method includes detecting with a sensor the presence of the customer within a predetermined range of distance from the sensor and determining with an electronic circuit whether a customer is within the predetermined range of distance. The method further includes communicating with the item of merchandise from the sensor and/or the electronic circuit to activate an operating system of the item of merchandise.

[0009] In another embodiment, a merchandise security system includes an item of merchandise comprising an operating system and a sensor operably coupled with the item of merchandise. The merchandise display system also includes an electronic circuit operably coupled to and in communication with the sensor and the item of merchandise. The item of merchandise and/or the sensor is configured to detect the presence of a customer, and the sensor and/or the electronic circuit is configured to communicate with the item of merchandise to activate the operating system of the item of merchandise in response to detecting the presence of the customer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plurality of merchandise displays in a display area according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a merchandise display according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Referring now to the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the various views, one or more embodiments of a merchandise display device, system and method for displaying an item of merchandise in a powered and operational mode in a common display area are shown. Embodiments of the present invention include a merchandise display device, system and method including a sensor for detecting the presence of a customer. When the presence of a customer is detected, the sensor activates the merchandise display and/or the electronic item of merchandise to transition from a reduced power, or "sleep," mode to a fully powered operational mode so that the customer may interact with the item of merchandise in order to evaluate its functions, capabilities and performance. A merchandise display device, system and method according to embodiments of the invention is suitable for use with the display of portable, wireless-enabled computing devices, such as mobile telephones (e.g., Smartphones), personal computers (e.g., tablet, laptop, etc.), wearable wireless devices (e.g., GALAXY WEAR™, APPLE WATCH™, etc.) and digital cameras, in a display area wherein multiple electronic items of merchandise are being displayed at the same time.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a plurality of portable, wireless-enabled computing devices, indicated generally by reference character M, of the type that may be displayed and protected by a merchandise display, indicated generally by reference character 10, configured according to the present invention. By way of example and not limitation, the portable, wireless-enabled computing devices M shown in FIG. 1 are various types, models and brands of mobile (e.g., cellular) telephones, commonly referred to as Smartphones. However, as will be readily understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art, embodiments of the invention are applicable for use with numerous different wireless-enabled devices, such as personal computers, wearable wireless devices (e.g., Smartwatches), digital cameras, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and the like that utilize a global computer network, such as the Internet. As used herein, the term "active" is intended to mean that the portable, wireless-enabled computing device M is powered on and is equipped with a network adapter for transmitting and receiving data communications over the global computer network.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of different types, models and brands of Smartphones M are displayed at various locations within a display area, such as a merchandise display area of a retail store. The display area includes one or more display surfaces DS, such as a table, shelf, countertop, or the like, for supporting the plurality of Smartphones M. The Smartphones M are displayed on the display surfaces DS in the display area for customers to examine, and in some instances, to operate when making a decision whether to purchase that type, model or brand of Smartphone. Some of the Smartphones M are displayed on a merchandise display 10 with or without physical and/or electronic security, while others are merely placed on the display surface DS so that a customer has unobstructed access to the merchandise. Regardless, most, if not all, of the Smartphones M are in an "active" display mode wherein the Smartphone is powered on and operational for the purpose of demonstrating the functions and capabilities of that particular item of merchandise. Accordingly, the display area is typically provided with a local area wireless computing network (e.g., Wi-Fi) so that the Smartphones M being displayed can be connected to the Internet, for example, to demonstrate and compare the download capability and speed of the Smartphone.

[0015] In addition, the Smartphones M may be displayed in conjunction with audio and/or video customer presentation for marketing and/or demonstrating the merchandise in the display area, commonly referred to as a "demonstration video." The demonstration video is typically "looped," meaning that it is run and repeated continuously with only a short interval of time between repetitions. Several Smartphones M of different types are usually displayed on each display surface DS, or on a nearby display surface. Thus, a customer can be overwhelmed or distracted by the simultaneous running of the demonstration videos of multiple Smartphones M, resulting in a less than optimal customer experience. The large number of active Smartphones M in the display area can also overload the wireless network and resulting in reduced performance of the wireless functions of the Smartphone. The customer may unknowingly attribute the reduced capability, for example download speed, to the Smartphone M instead of the wireless network. Regardless, the customer experience is once again diminished. Displaying the plurality of Smartphones M in an active display mode requires the internal battery of each Smartphone to constantly attempt to remain fully charged. Furthermore, repeatedly running the demonstration videos on the Smartphones M in addition to continuously running wireless services utilizes a significant amount of electrical power, which is not only expensive, but contrary to desire of most retailers to "be green."

[0016] In order to enhance the customer experience and reduce consumption of electrical power, the plurality of Smartphones M are setup to be in a default "idle" or "sleep" mode. In the "sleep" mode, the display D of the Smartphone M is turned off, or alternatively, displays a static image at a reduced level of brightness. In addition, the wireless systems of the Smartphone M may be turned off or temporarily disabled so as to reduce the amount of electrical power being consumed by the Smartphone. With the wireless systems of the Smartphones M turned off, the wireless network within the display area is not overburdened by wireless signals from Smartphones that are not being evaluated by a customer. Instead, the capacity of the wireless network is reserved primarily to transmit and receive wireless signals with Smartphones M in the display area that are being evaluated or demonstrated for wireless functionality and performance.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows one of the Smartphones M being displayed in the display area mounted on a merchandise display 10 configured according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The merchandise display 10 may or may not include physical and/or electrical security. In other words, the Smartphone M may or may not be tethered to the merchandise display 10 by a security cable. In addition, the merchandise display 10 may or may not be provided with a security sensor and electronic circuitry for detecting whether the Smartphone M has been separated (e.g., detached) from the merchandise display and for activating an alarm signal in response to a potential theft situation. However, in one embodiment, the merchandise display 10 does comprise at least one sensor 20 and an associated electronic circuit 25 that is operable for detecting the presence of a customer, as will be described hereafter. In particular, the sensor 20 detects that an object is within a predetermined range of the Smartphone M, and the electronic circuit associated with the sensor determines whether the object is a customer is examining and/or operating the Smartphone.

[0018] In one embodiment, the sensor 20 may be disposed at least partially within the merchandise display 10 and operably coupled to the electronic circuit 25. In another embodiment, the sensor 20 may be disposed external to the merchandise display 10 and operably coupled to the electronic circuit 25. In either instance, the sensor 20 may be in electrical communication with the electronic circuit 25, for example by one or more electrical conductors (e.g., hard-wired) 24. Alternatively, the sensor 20 may be in wireless communication with the electronic circuit 25, for example by Infrared (IR) or Radio Frequency (RF), such as Bluetooth, signals. In addition, the electronic circuit 25 may be disposed within the merchandise display 10, within the sensor 20, or elsewhere. For example, the electronic circuit 25 may be disposed within a central control device, such as a personal computer, laptop or other computing device (not shown), that monitors a plurality of sensors 20 associated with a corresponding plurality of the Smartphones M and controls the display of each Smartphone, as will be described. Regardless, the electronic circuit 25 processes data from the sensor(s) 20, determines whether a customer is examining and/or operating the Smartphone M, and communicates with the Smartphone to change its operating status from "sleep" mode to an "operational" and "active" mode in which a demonstration video is run for a customer and/or the customer can experiment with and evaluate the functions, capabilities and performance of the Smartphone.

[0019] In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the sensor 20 is configured to be disposed at least partially within the merchandise display 10 when seated and is operably coupled to the electronic circuit 25 via one or more electrical conductors 24. In one embodiment, the sensor 20 may an optical sensor configured to detect and capture images of objects within a predetermined field-of-view FOV from the sensor. By way of example and not limitation, the optical sensor may be a video camera. The images of the objects may be captured as bitmap images or raster images consisting of pixels. Alternatively, the images may be captured as vector images consisting of nodes based on points, lines, curves and/or shapes defined by a mathematical expression. Regardless, the optical sensor 20 communicates image data relating to the objects to the electronic circuit 25. The electronic circuit 25 in turn processes the image data relating to the objects to determine whether a "new" object has moved into the range of the sensor and has remained there for a sufficient period of time to indicate that a customer is positioned in front of the Smartphone M to examine and/or operate the Smartphone being displayed on the merchandise display 10.

[0020] In another embodiment, the sensor 20 may be a proximity sensor, for example an Infrared (IR) sensor, such as Passive Infrared (PIR) transceiver configured to transmit and receive light energy within a predetermined range of distance from the sensor. The Infrared (IR) transceiver operates essentially the same as the optical sensor previously described to detect and capture motion data relating to the objects within a field-of-view FOV of the sensor, and to communicate the motion data relating to the objects to the electronic circuit 25. The electronic circuit 25 in turn processes the motion data relating to the objects to determine whether a "new" object has moved into the range of the sensor and has remained there for a sufficient period of time to indicate that a customer is positioned in front of the Smartphone M to examine and/or operate the Smartphone being displayed on the merchandise display 10.

[0021] In yet another embodiment, the proximity sensor 20 may be a Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver configured to transmit and receive radio frequency energy within a predetermined range of distance from the sensor. The Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver operates essentially the same as the Infrared (IR) transceiver previously described to detect and capture motion data relating to the objects within a field-of-view FOV of the sensor, and to communicate the motion data relating to the objects to the electronic circuit 25. The electronic circuit 25 in turn processes the motion data relating to the objects to determine whether a "new" object has moved into the range of the sensor and has remained there for a sufficient period of time to indicate that a customer is positioned in front of the Smartphone M to examine and/or operate the Smartphone being displayed on the merchandise display 10. By way of example and not limitation, the Radio frequency (RF) transceiver 20 may utilize the concept of "damping effect" to identify objects that are moving towards the Smartphone M in the field-of-view FOV of the Radio frequency (RF) sensor.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, the proximity sensor 20 may be an ultrasonic sensor and transducer configured to transmit and receive sound energy (e.g., ultrasound waves) and to convert the returned sound energy into electrical signals within a predetermined range of distance from the sensor. The ultrasonic sensor and transducer operates essentially the same as the Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver previously described to detect and capture motion data relating to the objects within a field-of-view FOV of the sensor, and to communicate the motion data relating to the objects to the electronic circuit 25. The electronic circuit 25 in turn processes the motion data relating to the objects to determine whether a "new" object has moved into the range of the sensor and has remained there for a sufficient period of time to indicate that a customer is positioned in front of the Smartphone M to examine and/or operate the Smartphone being displayed on the merchandise display 10.

[0023] In yet another embodiment, the proximity sensor 20 may be a capacitive sensor configured to detect electrical energy in the form of a conductive object having a dielectric different than air within a predetermined range of distance from the sensor. The capacitive sensor utilizes capacitive sensing technology based on capacitive coupling to detect and capture motion data relating to the object within a field-of-view FOV of the sensor, and to communicate the motion data relating to the objects to the electronic circuit 25. The electronic circuit 25 in turn processes the motion data relating to the objects to determine whether a "new" object has moved into the range of the sensor and has remained there for a sufficient period of time to indicate that a customer is positioned in front of the Smartphone M to examine and/or operate the Smartphone being displayed on the merchandise display 10.

[0024] In yet another embodiment, the sensor 20 may be a wireless signal sensor in the form of a receiver or antenna configured to detect a wireless signal of a portable, wireless computing device having a wireless media access control (MAC) address that is not associated with one of the Smartphones M being displayed in the display area within a predetermined range of distance from the Smartphone. As such, the wireless signal sensor may detect and capture the wireless signal of a customer's own mobile telephone when the customer is within a predetermined distance of the Smartphone M, and therefore, is likely to be approaching the Smartphone. The wireless signal sensor then communicates a control command to the electronic circuit 25, and the electronic circuit in turn processes the control command to determine whether a customer has moved into the range of the sensor and has remained there for a sufficient period of time to indicate that the customer is positioned in front of the Smartphone M to examine and/or operate the Smartphone being displayed on the merchandise display 10.

[0025] In yet another embodiment, the sensor 20 may be a presence sensor configured to detect and capture data relating to the presence of a customer within a predetermined range of distance from the Smartphone M. By way of example and not limitation, the presence sensor may by a pressure mat that is positioned on the floor in front of the merchandise display 10 displaying the Smartphone M. When a customer steps onto the pressure mat, the presence sensor communicates a control command to the electronic circuit 25. The electronic circuit 25 in turn processes the control command from the presence sensor to determine whether the customer has remained there for a sufficient period of time to indicate that the customer is positioned in front of the Smartphone M to examine and/or operate the Smartphone being displayed on the merchandise display 10. As will be readily understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art, the presence sensor may be configured to detect and capture a change in any property or condition that could be indicative or suggestive of the presence of a customer within the predetermined range of distance of the sensor. By way of example and not limitation, the presence sensor could be configured to detect and capture a change in a magnetic field, such as is utilized in near field communication (NFC), an electric field, a pressure field, a light field (e.g. a shadow), a sound field or the like. Moreover, time-of-flight techniques may alternatively be used to detect a customer, such as using light pulses and measuring the distance between the sensor 20 and the customer.

[0026] In any event, the electronic circuit 25 communicates, either electrically via one or more conductors or wirelessly, or both, with the merchandise display 10 and/or the Smartphone M, that a customer has been detected in front of the merchandise display. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the electronic circuit 25 is hard-wired via electrical conductors disposed within a helical coiled security cable 12 to an electronic circuit (not visible) disposed within a security sensor 14 attached to the Smartphone M. In turn, the security sensor 14 is electrically coupled to the Smartphone M via electrical conductors disposed within a power adapter cord 16 connected to a power input port provided on the Smartphone. In this manner, the electronic circuit 25 is able to inform the security sensor 14 of the merchandise display 10 and/or the Smartphone M that a customer is positioned in front of the Smartphone to examine and/or operate the Smartphone being displayed on the merchandise display. For example, the security sensor 14, sensor 20, and/or electronic circuit 25 may communicate with the Smartphone M through the USB connector 18 of the power adapter cord 16 by "tickling" a pin on the connector. Alternatively, the security sensor 14, sensor 20, and/or the electronic circuit 25 could communicate with the Smartphone M via Bluetooth, wireless signal (e.g., Wi-Fi), near field communication (NFC), or any other suitable means of communication.

[0027] In some embodiments, the security sensor 14, sensor 20, and/or electronic circuit 25 may be configured to cycle power provided to the Smartphone M in order to return the Smartphone from a sleep mode to an active mode. For example, the security sensor 14, sensor 20, and/or electronic circuit 25 may be configured to cycle the power to the Smartphone off and then on to wake up the Smartphone. In addition, the Smartphone M may be configured to power down or enter a sleep mode when the sensor 20 detects a customer moving away from the Smartphone M.

[0028] In other embodiments, a software application may reside on the Smartphone M. The software application may facilitate communication between the security sensor 14, sensor 20, and/or electronic circuit 25 with the Smartphone M for "waking up" the Smartphone. For instance, the software application may be configured to recognize a data signal provided to a USB connector coupled to the Smartphone and thereby instruct the Smartphone to enter an active mode. In some instances, the Smartphone M may have a camera and be configured to capture or recognize the proximity of a customer, and the software application may in turn use this information to return the Smartphone to an active mode. In other cases, the software application may be configured to utilize audio commands to return the Smartphone M to an active mode. For example, the sensor 20 may trigger an audio command being provided to the Smartphone M (e.g., via a headphone jack), and the software application may in turn use this information to return the Smartphone to an active mode. In other embodiments, the software application may be linked to a specific website, and when the sensor 20 detects a customer, the security sensor 14, sensor 20, and/or electronic circuit 25 may send a signal to the website whereby any change to the website may be detected by the software application for returning the Smartphone M to an active mode.

[0029] Regardless, upon receiving the indication that a customer has been detected, the operating system of the Smartphone M wakes the Smartphone out of "sleep" mode into an operational and active mode. For example, the operating system of the Smartphone M may cause the display D to return to normal or high brightness level, and if desired, to run a demonstration video describing and demonstrating the features, functions and/or capabilities of the Smartphone. At the same time, the operating system may activate the wireless communications capability of the Smartphone M so that the customer can experience the full power, functionality and/or speed of the Smartphone utilizing the wireless network in the display area without undue interference or competition with the other Smartphones being displayed in the display area. In addition, the electronic circuit 25, the security sensor 14 or the Smartphone M that the customer is examining and/or operating could be configured to transmit a signal, such as a notification indicator (e.g., sound or flashing light), E-mail, text, voicemail, or the like, to a sales associate that a customer is interacting with the Smartphone so that the sales associate can come to the merchandise display 10 to offer assistance the customer, or to determine whether a threat of a theft exists.

[0030] The foregoing has described one or more embodiments of a merchandise display device, system and method for displaying an item of merchandise in a retail store and for detecting the presence of a customer that is positioned in front of the merchandise to examine and/or operate the merchandise. Embodiments of a merchandise display device, system and method have been shown and described herein for purposes of illustrating and enabling the best mode of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art, however, will readily understand and appreciate that numerous variations and modifications of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and intended broad scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims

That which is claimed is:

1. A merchandise display device for displaying an item of merchandise, comprising: a sensor operable for detecting the presence of a customer within a predetermined range of distance from the item of merchandise; and

an electronic circuit in communication with the sensor;

wherein the sensor and/or the electronic circuit is configured to activate an operating system of the item of merchandise in response to detecting the presence of the customer within the predetermined range of distance.

2. The merchandise display device of Claim 1, wherein the sensor is an optical sensor configured to detect and capture an image of an object within a predetermined field-of- view from the sensor.

3. The merchandise display device of Claim 2, wherein the optical sensor is a video camera.

4. The merchandise display device of Claim 2, wherein the image of the object is captured as a bitmap image or a raster image consisting of pixels.

5. The merchandise display device of Claim 2, wherein the image of the object is captured as a vector image consisting of one or more nodes based on points, lines, curves and/or shapes defined by a mathematical expression.

6. The merchandise display device of Claim 1, wherein the sensor is a proximity sensor.

7. The merchandise display device of Claim 6, wherein the proximity sensor comprises an Infrared (IR) sensor configured to detect and capture motion data relating to an object within a predetermined field-of-view of the sensor.

8. The merchandise display device of Claim 7, wherein the Infrared (IR) sensor is a Passive Infrared (PIR) transceiver configured to transmit and receive light energy within a predetermined range of distance from the item of merchandise and to communicate the motion data relating to the object to the electronic circuit.

9. The merchandise display device of Claim 6, wherein the proximity sensor comprises a Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver configured to transmit and receive radio frequency energy within a predetermined range of distance from the sensor.

10. The merchandise display device of Claim 9, wherein the Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver is configured to detect and capture motion data relating to an object within a field-of- view of the sensor and to communicate the motion data relating to the object to the electronic circuit.

11. The merchandise display device of Claim 10, wherein the Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver is configured to utilize a damping effect to identify an object that is moving towards the item of merchandise in the field-of-view of the sensor.

12. The merchandise display device of Claim 6, wherein the proximity sensor comprises an ultrasonic sensor and transducer configured to transmit and receive sound energy and to convert the returned sound energy into an electrical signal within a predetermined range of distance from the sensor.

13. The merchandise display device of Claim 12, wherein the ultrasonic sensor and transducer operates to detect and capture motion data relating to an object within a field-of-view of the sensor and to communicate the motion data relating to the object to the electronic circuit.

14. The merchandise display device of Claim 6, wherein the proximity sensor comprises a capacitive sensor configured to detect electrical energy in the form of a conductive object having a dielectric different than air within a predetermined range of distance from the sensor.

15. The merchandise display device of Claim 14, wherein the capacitive sensor is configured to utilize capacitive sensing technology based on capacitive coupling to detect and capture motion data relating to the object within a field-of-view of the sensor and to communicate the motion data relating to the object to the electronic circuit.

16. The merchandise display device of Claim 1, wherein the sensor is a wireless signal sensor configured to detect a wireless signal of a portable, wireless computing device having a wireless media access control (MAC) address that is not associated with an item of merchandise being displayed in a display area within a predetermined range of distance from the item of merchandise.

17. The merchandise display device of Claim 16, wherein the wireless signal sensor is configured to detect and capture a wireless signal of a customer's mobile telephone when the customer is within a predetermined distance of the item of merchandise and communicate a control command to the electronic circuit.

18. The merchandise display device of Claim 1, wherein the sensor is a presence sensor configured to detect the presence of a customer within a predetermined range of distance from the item of merchandise and to communicate a control command to the electronic circuit.

19. The merchandise display device of Claim 1, wherein the sensor and/or the electronic circuit is configured to communicate with the operating system of the item of merchandise to activate the operating system from a sleep mode.

20. The merchandise display device of Claim 19, wherein the operating system is configured to increase the brightness of a display of the item of merchandise.

21. The merchandise display device of Claim 19, wherein the operating system is configured to run a demonstration video relating to the item of merchandise on a display of the item of merchandise.

22. The merchandise display device of Claim 19, wherein the operating system is configured to activate a wireless communications capability of the item of merchandise.

23. The merchandise display device of Claim 1, wherein the sensor, the electronic circuit and/or the item of merchandise is configured to transmit a notification indicator to a sales associate that a customer is interacting with the item of merchandise.

24. The merchandise display device of Claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to communicate with the electronic circuit via one or more conductors.

25. The merchandise display device of Claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to communicate with the electronic circuit via wireless communication.

26. The merchandise display device of Claim 1 , wherein the sensor and the electronic circuit is configured to communicate with the item of merchandise via one or more conductors.

27. The merchandise display device of Claim 1 , wherein the sensor and the electronic circuit is configured to communicate with the item of merchandise via wireless communication.

28. A merchandise display system for displaying an item of merchandise, comprising: an item of merchandise comprising an operating system;

a sensor operably coupled with the item of merchandise; and

an electronic circuit operably coupled to and in communication with the sensor and the item of merchandise;

wherein the sensor is configured to detect data relating to the presence of a customer within a predetermined range of distance from the sensor;

wherein the electronic circuit is configured to process the data relating to the presence of the customer; and

wherein the sensor and/or the electronic circuit is configured to communicate with the item of merchandise to activate the operating system of the item of merchandise.

29. A method of displaying an item of merchandise on a merchandise display, comprising:

detecting with a sensor the presence of the customer within a predetermined range of distance from the sensor;

determining with an electronic circuit whether a customer is within the predetermined range of distance; and

communicating with the item of merchandise from the sensor and/or the electronic circuit to activate an operating system of the item of merchandise.

30. A merchandise display system for displaying an item of merchandise, comprising: an item of merchandise comprising an operating system;

a sensor operably coupled with the item of merchandise; and

wherein the item of merchandise and/or the sensor is configured to detect the presence of a customer, and

wherein the sensor and/or the electronic circuit is configured to communicate with the item of merchandise to activate the operating system of the item of merchandise in response to detecting the presence of the customer.