Sales point business method and apparatus
AssigneeOtavio Marcio Perri de Resende
InventorOtávio Márcio Perri de Resende
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A preferred embodiment of the business method includes providing a sales point, with the sales point being configured to display merchandise. The sales point is remotely monitored to ensure use by an authorized agent, and also may be monitored for compiling information on transactions occurring at the sales point. Additionally, the sales point preferably incorporates one or more security alarms which may be remotely monitored. Preferably, the sales point incorporates the use of a display case which may incorporate a computer readable medium for operating various aspects of the display case.
Claims16
A business method for the display and sale of merchandise comprising:
- providing a sales point comprising a display case including a storage compartment, the sales point being configured to display merchandise, the sales point having alarms associated therewith;
- remotely monitoring the sales point for use by an authorized agent;
- remotely monitoring transactions occurring at the sales point;
- remotely monitoring the alarms of the sales point;
- and
- wherein the display case has a first code entry device and is configured to selectively provide access to the storage compartment in response to the authorized agent entering an access code into the first code entry device within a defined time period, wherein the first code entry device configured to allow the door of the storage compartment to be moved to an open position, a second code entry device configured to allow the door of the display compartment to be moved to the open position, the second code entry device being adapted to be stored within the storage compartment when the door of the storage compartment is in its closed position such that access to the second code entry device is denied until a valid code is entered.
A sales point unit for use in displaying and storing merchandise comprising:
- a display case having a display compartment and a storage compartment, the display compartment being defined by a framework and bullet-proof glass panels disposed between portions of the framework, the storage compartment being defined by the framework and rigid panels of metal disposed between portions of the framework,
- the display compartment having an interior and a door for providing access thereto when in an open position,
- the storage compartment having an interior and a door for providing access thereto when in an open position;
- and
- a security system cooperating with the display case, the security system having a first code entry device and a second code entry device, the first code entry device configured to allow the door of the storage compartment to be moved to the open position, the second code entry device configured to allow the door of the display compartment to be moved to the open position, the second code entry device being adapted to be stored within the storage compartment when the door of the storage compartment is in its closed position such that access to the second code entry device is denied until a valid code is entered into the first code entry device and the door of the storage compartment is moved to the open position.
A sales point unit for use in displaying and storing merchandise comprising:
- means for securely storing and displaying merchandise;
- means for providing access to the merchandise stored and displayed within the sales point unit;
- means for remotely monitoring transactions occurring at the sales point unit;
- and
- wherein the means for securely storing and displaying merchandise includes a shelf movable between a retracted position and an extended position such that, when in the extended position, the shelf provides access to a first code entry device, wherein the first code entry device configured to allow the door of the storage compartment to be moved to an open position, a second code entry device configured to allow the door of the display compartment to be moved to the open position, the second code entry device being adapted to be stored within the storage compartment when the door of the storage compartment is in its closed position such that access to the second code entry device is denied until a valid code is entered.
A computer readable medium having a computer program for operating a sales point unit having merchandise associated therewith, the computer readable medium comprising:
- a first code segment which provides access to the merchandise stored and displayed within the sales point unit;
- a second code segment which provides monitoring of transactions occurring at the sales point unit;
- and
- wherein the first code segment is configured to selectively provide authorized access to the merchandise in response to receiving an access code, wherein the first code segment is configured to allow a door of a storage compartment to be moved to an open position, a second code segment configured to allow the door of a display compartment to be moved to the open position, the second code segment being adapted to be stored within the storage compartment when the door of the storage compartment is in its closed position such that access to the second code segment is denied until a valid code is entered.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.