Display Management Systems

Abstract

Sensor-equipped display management systems and methods that may be used to calculate a number of products removed from a display management system based upon motion of one or more mechanisms within the display management system. Additionally, the systems and methods may be used to detect patterns from the sensor data, which may be indicative of attempted theft of products stored within the display management system. Audible and visual alerts can be provided when an attempted theft has been detected.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A display management system comprising:
 a support structure having an upper rail coupled to a lower rail at a first end, wherein the lower rail is configured to support one or more hanging products that are added to, and removed from, the lower rail at a second end of the lower rail;   a door configured to mount to a shelf, the door mounted substantially above the support structure and extending at least below the upper rail, wherein the door is movable between a first position obstructing access to the support structure and a second position allowing access to the support structure;   a sensor device configured to detect movement of the door;   a transmitter for emitting a wireless signal regarding movement of the door; and   a processing device configured to receive the wireless signal sent from the transmitter and provide a notification upon receiving the wireless signal from the transmitter.   
     
     
         2 . The display management system of  claim 1 , wherein the processing device is configured to provide the notification upon receiving the wireless signal indicating a deviation from a preset rate of movement of the door has occurred. 
     
     
         3 . The display management system of  claim 1 , wherein the processing device is configured to provide the notification upon receiving the wireless signal indicating a preset number of products have been removed from the lower rail. 
     
     
         4 . The display management system of  claim 1 , wherein the support structure is configured to be removably coupled to a surface at the first end. 
     
     
         5 . The display management system of  claim 1 , wherein the door comprises a display plate having a front surface configured to receive at least one display label. 
     
     
         6 . The display management system of  claim 1 , wherein the notification comprises an audible notification. 
     
     
         7 . The display management system of  claim 1 , wherein the notification comprises a visual notification. 
     
     
         8 . The display management system of  claim 1 , further comprising a remote processing device configured to receive the signal sent from the transmitter and provide a notification upon receiving the signal from the transmitter. 
     
     
         9 . A display management system comprising:
 a support structure having an upper rail coupled to a lower rail at a first end, wherein the lower rail is configured to support one or more hanging products that are added to, and removed from, the lower rail at a second end of the lower rail;   a door configured to mount to a shelf, the door mounted substantially above the support structure and extending at least below the upper rail, wherein the door is configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position;   a sensor device configured to detect movement of the door and transmit a signal regarding movement of the door; and   a notification device configured to receive the signal and provide a notification based on the received signal.   
     
     
         10 . The display management system of  claim 9 , wherein the notification device is configured to provide the notification when the door has been held open for a preset time. 
     
     
         11 . The display management system of  claim 9 , wherein the notification device provides the notification upon determining the signal indicates a deviation from a preset rate of movement of the door has occurred. 
     
     
         12 . The display management system of  claim 9 , wherein the notification device provides the notification upon determining the signal indicates a preset number of products have been removed from the lower rail. 
     
     
         13 . The display management system of  claim 9 , wherein the support structure is configured to be removably coupled to a surface at the first end. 
     
     
         14 . The display management system of  claim 9 , wherein the door comprises a display plate having a front surface configured to receive at least one display label. 
     
     
         15 . The display management system of  claim 9 , wherein the notification comprises an audible notification or a visual notification. 
     
     
         16 . The display management system of  claim 9 , further comprising a remote processing device configured to receive the signal and provide a notification upon receiving the signal. 
     
     
         17 . A display management system comprising:
 a support structure having an upper rail coupled to a lower rail at a first end, wherein the lower rail is configured to support one or more hanging products that are added to, and removed from, the lower rail at a second end of the lower rail and the support structure is configured to be removably coupled to a surface at the first end;   a barrier configured to mount to a shelf coupled to the surface, the barrier mounted substantially above the support structure and extending at least below the upper rail, wherein the barrier is movable between a first position obstructing access to the support structure and a second position allowing access to the support structure;   a sensor device configured to detect movement of the barrier;   a processor configured to receive information from the sensor device regarding movement of the barrier and to provide a notification upon receiving the information from the sensor;   a transmitter for emitting a wireless signal to a remote processing device regarding movement of the barrier; and   a remote processing device configured to receive the signal sent from the transmitter, wherein the remote processing device is configured to provide a notification upon receiving the signal from the transmitter.   
     
     
         18 . The display management system of  claim 17 , wherein the processor provides the notification upon determining the signal indicates a deviation from a preset rate of movement of the barrier has occurred. 
     
     
         19 . The display management system of  claim 17 , wherein the processor provides the notification upon determining the signal indicates a preset number of products have been removed from the lower rail. 
     
     
         20 . The display management system of  claim 17 , wherein the notification is selected from the group consisting of an audible notification and a visual notification.