WO2017079482A1

WO2017079482A1 - Extended use video display system

Info

Publication number: WO2017079482A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/060396
Authority: WO
Inventors: Darren Matloff
Original assignee: Asian Express Holding Limited
Priority date: 2015-11-04
Filing date: 2016-11-03
Publication date: 2017-05-11

Abstract

An extended-life battery-powered video display system comprises: a video display for presentation of a video message; a battery for providing power to the video display; a user detection device that detects the presence of a user and/or an input by a user; and a timer that, responsive to the detection of the presence of the user and/or the input by the user, enables the video display to present the video message for a predetermined length of time.

Description

EXTENDED USE VIDEO DISPLAY SYSTEM

BACKGROUND

Field

[0001] The disclosure relates generally to the field of electronic video displays, and more specifically to extended use battery powered video displays.

SUMMARY

[0002] The disclosure herein provides systems, methods, and devices for presenting video and/or audio messages, for example at a point of sale in a retail establishment. In some embodiments, an audio/video system is integrated into a consumer product display. For example, in some embodiments, a product display configured to present a plurality of toys for sale comprises a battery-powered video display system that presents a commercial or other video message to a consumer on demand. When not presenting the commercial or other video message, the system is configured to remain in a low-power or no-power state (e.g., relatively little or no external power drain on the battery). In some embodiments, this low-power or no-power state enables the video display system to last for up to, for example, 6 to 9 months of use without recharging the battery. In some embodiments, this low-power or no-power state enables the video display system to last for up to 10 to 15 months of use without recharging the battery. In some embodiments, the video display system is integrated into a disposable cardboard product display unit. In some embodiments, the video display system is also disposable. In some embodiments, the video display system is configured to be separable from the disposable cardboard product display unit for reuse and/or recycling.

[0003] According to some embodiments, an extended-life battery-powered video display system comprises: a video display for presentation of a video message; a battery for providing power to the video display ; a user detection device that detects the presence of a user and/or an input by a user; and a timer that, responsive to the detection of the presence of the user and/or the input by the user, enables the video display to present the video message for a predetermined length of time. [0004] In some embodiments, the user detection device comprises a button. In some embodiments, the timer disables any external drain on the battery after the predetermined length of time. In some embodiments, after the predetermined length of time, the timer reduces any external drain on the battery to a level that the battery can sustain for at least six months if the battery is currently fully charged. In some embodiments, the timer comprises an electronic hardware timer circuit. In some embodiments, the timer is implemented at least partially in software run by a computer processor.

[0005] According to some embodiments, an extended-life battery-powered video display system comprises: a reusable video display unit for presentation of a video message, the video display unit comprising a user detection device configured to detect the presence of a user and/or an input by a user, a battery for providing power to the video display unit, a timer configured to enable the video display unit to present the video message for a predetermined length of time in response to the detection of the presence of the user and/or the input by the user, and one or more of a video display or a speaker, wherein the reusable video display is configured to be secured to a disposable product display and to be detachable from the disposable product display.

[0006] In some embodiments, the user detection device comprises at least one physical or virtual push button. In some embodiments, the user detection device includes more than one physical or virtual push buttons, each of the more than one physical or virtual push buttons configured to detect the presence of a user and/or an input by a user and each of the more than one physical or virtual push buttons corresponds to a video message associated with a different product. In some embodiments, the reusable video display unit is integrally formed with the disposable product display and detachable from the disposable product display by breaking the reusable video display unit from the disposable product display. In some embodiments, the reusable video display unit is secured to the disposable product display at least partially by hook and loop connectors. In some embodiments, the reusable video display unit is secured to the disposable product display at least partially by one or more tabs on the reusable video display unit engaging one or more slots on the disposable product display. In some embodiments, the reusable video display unit further comprises a shelf portion for positioning thereon of products for sale when the video display unit is secured to the disposable product display, and wherein at least some of the one or more tabs are connected to the shelf portion and configured such that a weight of the products for sale positioned on the shelf portion will tend to keep the tabs connected to the shelf portion engaged in corresponding slots of wall portions of the disposable product display. In some embodiments, the reusable video display unit is removably mounted to a metal frame. In some embodiments, the timer disables any external drain on the batter}' after the predetermined length of time. In some embodiments, after the predetermined length of time, the timer reduces any external drain on the battery to a level that the battery can sustain for at least six months if the battery is currently fully charged. In some embodiments, the reduced level of external drain on the battery is no greater than 0.05 mA. In some embodiments, the reduced level of external drain on the battery is no greater than 0.10 mA. In some embodiments, the battery comprises a full charge capacity no greater than 15 Wh. In some embodiments, the timer comprises an electronic hardware timer circuit. In some embodiments, the timer is implemented at least partially in software run by a computer processor. In some embodiments, the predetermined length of time is equal to a length of the video message. In some embodiments, the disposable product display comprises one or more product display areas. In some embodiments, the reusable video display unit is secured to the disposable product display at a location other than the one or more product display areas. In some embodiments, the one or more product display areas comprise a plurality of shelves. In some embodiments, the reusable video display unit comprises a cardboard housing. In some embodiments, the disposable product display comprises a cardboard structure. In some embodiments, the user detection device does not comprise a motion detector.

[0007] According to some embodiments, an extended-life battery-powered video display system comprises: a disposable product display; and a reusable video display unit for presentation of a video message, the video display unit comprising a user detection device configured to detect the presence of a user and/or an input by a user, a battery for providing power to the video display unit, a timer configured to enable the video display unit to present the video message for a predetermined length of time in response to the detection of the presence of the user and/or the input by the user, and one or more of a video display or an audio outlet, wherein the reusable video display is configured to be secured to the disposable product display to create an appearance that the reusable video display is an integral part of the disposable product display. [0008] In some embodiments, the user detection device comprises at least one physical or virtual push button. In some embodiments, the user detection device includes more than one physical or virtual push buttons, each of the more than one physical or virtual push buttons configured to detect the presence of a user and/or an input by a user and each of the more than one physical or virtual push buttons corresponds to a video message associated with a different product. In some embodiments, the reusable video display unit is integrally formed with the disposable product display and detachable from the disposable product display by breaking the reusable video display unit from the disposable product display. In some embodiments, the reusable video display unit is secured to the disposable product display at least partially by hook and loop connectors. In some embodiments, the reusable video display unit is secured to the disposable product display at least partially by one or more tabs on the reusable video display unit engaging one or more slots on the disposable product display. In some embodiments, the reusable video display unit further comprises a shelf portion for positioning thereon of products for sale when the video display unit is secured to the disposable product display, and wherein at least some of the one or more tabs are connected to the shelf portion and configured such that a weight of the products for sale positioned on the shelf portion will tend to keep the tabs connected to the shelf portion engaged in corresponding slots of wall portions of the disposable product display. In some embodiments, the reusable video display unit is removably mounted to a metal frame. In some embodiments, the timer disables any external drain on the battery after the predetermined length of time. In some embodiments, after the predetermined length of time, the timer reduces any external dram on the battery to a level that the battery can sustam for at least six months if the battery is currently fully charged. In some embodiments, the reduced level of external drain on the battery is no greater than 0.05 niA. In some embodiments, the reduced level of external drain on the battery is no greater than 0.10 mA. In some embodiments, the battery comprises a full charge capacity no greater than 15 Wh. In some embodiments, the timer comprises an electronic hardware timer circuit. In some embodiments, the timer is implemented at least partially in software run by a computer processor. In some embodiments, the predetermined length of time is equal to a length of the video message. In some embodiments, the disposable product display comprises one or more product display areas. In some embodiments, the reusable video display unit is secured to the disposable product display at a location other than the one or more product display areas. In some embodiments, the one or more product display areas comprise a plurality of shelves. In some embodiments, the reusable video display unit comprises a cardboard housing. In some embodiments, the disposable product display comprises a cardboard structure. In some embodiments, the user detection device does not comprise a motion detector.

[0009] According to some embodiments, a computer-implemented method of displaying video messages over an extended period of time using a battery powered video display system integrated into a disposable product display comprising one or more shelves for placement thereon of products for sale comprises: maintaining, by a microcontroller, the battery powered video display system in a low power state, the low power state comprising an average power draw sufficiently small relative to a capacity of the battery that the low power state can be maintained for at least six months without recharging the battery; monitoring, by the microcontroller, during the low power state, an input of the microcontroller; detecting, by the microcontroller, via the monitoring of the input, an activation of a button of the battery powered video display system; transitioning, by the microcontroller responsive to detecting the activation of the button, the battery powered video display system into a higher power state, the higher power state comprising an average power draw greater than the low power state; playing, by a video screen of the video display system, a prerecorded video for a predetermined length of time; and transitioning, by the microcontroller responsive to the predetermined length of time elapsing, the battery powered video display system into the low power state.

[0010] In some embodiments, the computer- implemented method further comprises: detecting, by the microcontroller, an activation of a second button of the battery- powered video display system: transitioning, by the microcontroller responsive to detecting the activation of the second button, the battery powered video display system into the higher power state; playing, by the video screen of the video display system, a second prerecorded video for a second predetermined length of time; and transitioning, by the microcontroller responsive to the second predetermined length of time elapsing, the batteiy powered video display system into the low power state. In some embodiments, the average power draw of the low power state is no greater than 0.10 mA, and the battery comprises a full charge capacity no greater than 15 Wh. In some embodiments, the battery powered video display system comprises a cardboard housing. In some embodiments, the disposable product display comprises a cardboard structure.

[0011] According to some embodiments, an extended-life battery-powered video display system comprises: a disposable product display comprising a cardboard structure; and a reusable video display unit for presentation of a video message, the video display unit comprising a battery for providing power to the video display unit, an electronic memory for storing a video message, a button for detecting an input by a user, a video screen for presenting a video message to the user, and a controller operatively connected to the battery, electronic memory, button, and video screen; wherein the controller of the reusable video display unit is configured to maintain the video display unit in a low power state, the low- power state comprising an average power draw sufficiently small relative to a capacity of the battery that the low power state can be maintained for at least six months without recharging the battery, monitor, during the low power state, the button, detect an activation of the button, transition, responsive to detecting the activation of the button, the video display unit into a higher power state, the higher power state comprising an average power draw greater than the low power state, cause the video screen to play the stored video message for a predetermined length of time, and transition, responsive to the predetermined length of time elapsing, the video display unit into the low power state; and wherein the reusable video display unit is secured to the disposable product display at least partially by one or more tabs on the reusable video display unit engaging one or more slots on the disposable product display.

[0012] In some embodiments, the reusable video display unit further comprises a shelf portion for positioning thereon of products for sale when the video display unit is secured to the disposable product display, and wherein at least some of the one or more tabs are connected to the shelf portion and configured such that a weight of the products for sale positioned on the shelf portion will tend to keep the tabs connected to the shelf portion engaged in corresponding slots of wall portions of the disposable product display. In some embodiments, the battery comprises a capacity no greater than 5,000 mAh. In some embodiments, the predetermined length of time is at least 20 seconds, and the average power draw of the higher power state is low enough to support playing the stored video message at least 1 ,000 times without recharging the battery. In some embodiments, the average power draw of the higher power state is no greater than 400 mAh.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The foregoing and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the drawings of various embodiments, which are intended to illustrate and not to limit the invention. The drawings comprise the following figures in which:

[0014] FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an embodiment of a product display comprising a battery powered audio/ ideo display system.

[0015] FIG. C illustrates an example user interface of a battery powered audio/video display system.

[0016] FIG. ID illustrate the product display of FIGS. 1A-1B with the battery- powered audio/video display system partially detached from the mam body of the product display.

[0017] FIGS. IE- IF illustrate an example inside back view of a battery powered audio/video display system including an electric circuit.

[0018] FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate another embodiment of a product display comprising a battery powered audio/video display system.

[0019] FIGS. 2C-2D illustrates an example removable battery powered audio/video display system separated from a main body of an example product display.

[0020] FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate another embodiment of a product display comprising a battery powered audio/video display system.

[0021] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate another embodiment of a product display comprising a battery powered audio/video display system.

[0022] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate another embodiment of a product display comprising a battery powered audio/video display system.

[0023] FIGS. 6A and 6C-6E illustrate another embodiment of a product display comprising a battery powered audio/video display system and a metal frame.

[0024] FIG. 6B illustrates the battery powered audio/video display system of FIG. 6A with the metal frame removed. [0025] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a product display comprising a battery powered audio/video display system.

[0026] FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate example system diagrams of a battery powered audio/Video display system.

[0027] FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate example flowcharts of operation of a battery powered audio/Video display system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Although several embodiments, examples, and illustrations are disclosed below, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention described herein extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments, examples, and illustrations and includes other uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner simply because it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention. In addition, embodiments of the invention can comprise several novel features and no single feature is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or is essential to practicing the inventions herein described.

[0029] Product displays in a retail setting can help dramatically in increasing sales of retail goods. For example, sales of toys or other consumer items at a retail establishment or store may be increased by presenting such toy or other consumer item in or on a customized product display, shelving units, and/or the like. A custom product display may, for example, help to grab the attention of consumers, explain the benefits of a product, help to sell the product, and/or the like.

[0030] Another way to increase sales of retail items is to present to consumers an audio and/or video commercial or other message. For example, a commercial for a retail good for sale may be presented on the radio, on television, in an Internet video, and/or the like. One drawback of such methods is that the advertisement may raise consumer interest in a product, but the consumer then needs to go shop for that product in order to purchase it, such as by going to a store or finding an appropriate online marketplace. [0031] The disclosure herein provides systems, methods, and devices for presenting video and/or audio messages at a point of sale in a retail establishment, such as via a device integrated into a consumer product display. For example, in some embodiments disclosed herein, a cardboard product display configured to hold a plurality of electronic flying toys comprises a battery-powered video display system that presents a commercial or other video message to a consumer upon demand. In some embodiments, the battery of video display system is configured to last for up to, for example, 6 to 9 months of use without recharging, in some embodiments, this low-power or no-power state enables the video display system to last for up to 10 to 15 months of use without recharging the battery. In some embodiments disclosed herein, the cardboard product display is configured to hold a plurality of different types of products and comprises a battery-powered video display system configured to play a different video message for each product. In those embodiments, the battery-powered video display system comprises a user detection device including a plurality of pushbuttons, each pushbutton corresponding to an audio/video message for a different product, The pushbuttons can be physical or virtual.

[0032] A battery-powered audio/video display system as disclosed herein has many benefits. For example, the battery can be charged at the factory or distributor, and thus the video display system and product display unit can be ready to go when it arrives at the retail establishment. Further, because the video display system is battery-powered, and thus an electrical outlet does not need to be nearby, the retailer can position the product display wherever the retailer wishes, without needing to worry about finding an electrical outlet, routing electrical cords, increasing energy costs, and/or the like. One potential issue with a battery-powered video display, however, is that video displays typically require a relatively large amount of power, and would typically cause a battery to be drained relatively quickly (e.g., within a matter of hours or days). This is why any current video displays in retail establishments are powered by an electrical outlet instead of a battery. The systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein however, enable a video and/or audio display system to be integrated into a product display and to last for a relatively long time on a single battery charge. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a relatively cheap and relatively long-lasting audio and/or video display system may be integrated into durable or disposable product packaging, product display cases, shipping containers, shelving, and/or the like. [0033] In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein utilize a timer circuit and/or timer functionality encoded into a microcontroller to allow electrical components to draw current from the battery for only a predetermined amount of time. For example, a timer circuit may allow a video display to present a commercial or advertisement for 30 seconds, with power being cut to the video display after that 30 seconds. Further, in some embodiments, power may even be cut or significantly reduced to the control circuitry, such as a microcontroller or other circuits, until a user requests that the video or advertisement be played. In some embodiments, the predetermined amount of time is based on a length of the video message to be presented. In some embodiments, the predetermined amount of time is based on a configurable setting not necessarily related to the length of the video message to be presented. For example, if the video message is 15 seconds long, and the predetermined time is set to 30 seconds, the video may loop and play- twice before power is cut off and/or the external load on the battery is reduced. In some embodiments, the system is configured to go into a low power state or sleep mode that still draws some amount of power from the battery, instead of stopping all power draw. The amount of power draw in such a state can be configured to be small enough relative to the battery capacity' that the system can maintain such a low power state or sleep mode for months without recharging (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36 months or more).

[0034] In some embodiments disclosed herein, the battery-powered video display system is designed to be reusable and recycled after the product display is retired from the shop. For example, a video display unit can be configured to be removable from a product display, so that the video display can be wholly or partially reused with a different product display. In some embodiments, the battery-powered video display system is integrally formed with the cardboard product display. For example, at least a portion of the product display structure and the housing of the video display system may be formed by a single continuous sheet or portion of cardboard (or other disposable material, such as plastic or the like). In some embodiments, the continuous sheet or portion of cardboard comprises a folded edge that forms a hinged joint connecting the product display and the battery-powered video display system in a lunged fashion. When the product display is retired from the shop, a user can easily detach the audio/video display system along that edge (e.g., by cutting, tearing, breaking, and/or the like). In some embodiments, hook and loop connectors can be used to partially or fully secure the audio/video display system to the product display to create an appearance that the audio/video display system is an integral part of the product display. This can discourage shoppers from pulling the audio/video display system off the product display. The hook and loop connectors can be detached to allow easier detachment of the audio/video display system from the product display to encourage retailers to return the audio/video display system for recycling. In some embodiments, the audio/video display system can be secured to the product display by adhesives and can be detached from the product display by tearing the audio/video display system off of the product display at the adhesive interface. In some embodiments, the audio/video display system can be secured to the product display by engaging tabs on the audio/video display system with complementary slots on the product display. In some embodiments, the tabs are oriented or configured in a manner that the weight of products being displayed helps to keep the tabs engaged, thus discouraging or making it more difficult for a shopper to remove the video display system from the product display. In some embodiments, the audio/video display system can be secured to a metal frame with fasteners or adhesives for display in the shops.

Product Display with Battery-Powered Audio/Video Display System

[0035] Various embodiments of the product display will now be described. FIGS. 1A and IB illustrate an example embodiment of a product display 100 composing a battery-powered audio/video display unit or system 104. The product display 100 is configured to have a product area 101 for holding and/or displaying a plurality of products 102. As shown in FIGS 1A-1B, the audio/Video display unit 104 is located away from the product area 101 (in this case, disposed in front of and partially below the product area 101) so that the audio/ video display unit 104 does not interfere with the ability of the product display 100 to display the products 102 or take up substantive storage space for the products 102, but still allows shoppers to view a video message promoting the products 102. This embodiment of a product display may, for example, be configured to be positioned on a store shelf to enable customers to easily view the plurality of products 102,

[0036] In this embodiment, the audio/video display unit 104 comprises a video display 106, a speaker 108, and a button or pushbutton 1 10. The pushbutton in this application can be physical or virtual. A skilled artisan will recognize that other user detection devices can perform the same function as the pushbutton without departing from the scope of this disclosure. However, one benefit of a button or the like is that it requires an affirmative action or physical interaction by a user to be activated (e.g., the user pressing the button to request a video). Some user detection devices, such as a motion sensor, could be triggered by a user simply walking past the unit, which could cause a video to be played at a time when it was not intended to be requested by a user, thus unnecessarily draining the battery. Accordingly, although some embodiment could use a motion sensor, some embodiments preferably do not use a motion sensor or any other sensor that does not require a physical interaction for activation. Further, in this embodiment, the product display 100 comprises a cardboard structure. Using cardboard to create a product display 100 can be cost efficient and enable the product display 100 to be relatively easy to manufacture. For example, one or more flat cardboard blanks may be cut and folded into shape to create the final assembled product display 100. Further, in this embodiment, the audio/video displa - unit 104 also comprises a cardboard structure or housing. The video display 106, speaker 108, and pushbutton 110 are all attached to, positioned on or below, and/or positioned within a cardboard structure that forms the outer housing of the audio/video display unit 104. In some embodiments, the cardboard that forms the audio/video display unit 104 is the same as the cardboard that forms the rest of the product display 100, with a single piece of cardboard forming the entire unit. In other embodiments, more than one piece of cardboard (and/or other materials) is used to form the product display 100 comprising the audio/video display unit 104. In some embodiments, multiple pieces of cardboard are used, with at least one piece of cardboard forming at least a part of both the audio/video display unit 104 and the rest of the product display 100.

[0037] FIG. 1 C illustrates a front view of the audio/video display unit 104 including the video display 106, the speaker 108, and the pushbutton 110, For example, the video display 106 shown in FIG. 1C can be configured to show a product demo video after the pushbutton 110 has been pressed. FIG. 1C further illustrates a battery indicator 114 shown in the top right corner of the video display 106. The batteiy indicator 1 14 can be used to display to a user the current charge state of the battery. In some embodiments, the battery indicator 114 is configured to be displayed for only a brief period of time (e.g., no more than about I, 2, 3, 4, or 5 seconds) after the pushbutton 1 10 is pressed. In other embodiments, the battery indicator 114 is configured to be displayed continuously while the video message is being played. It can be desirable to have the battery indicator 114 displayed for only a brief amount of time, so that a retailer can briefly check the battery level, but so that the battery indicator 114 does not clutter the video display 106 when a customer is viewing the video. In this embodiment, the battery indicator 1 14 is superimposed over the video being displayed by the video display 106. In other embodiments, the battery indicator 1 14 can be displayed elsewhere, or may even be a separate hardware component such as one or more LED light sources.

[0038] FIG. I D illustrates a left side view of the product display 100. As shown, the audio/video display unit 104 is hingedly connected to the main body of the product display 100 at the hinge 105, which also defines an upper edge of a bridging portion 117. In this embodiment, the hinge 105 is preferably created by a fold in the cardboard forming the housing or structure of the video display unit 104 and/or the rest of the product display 100. In some embodiments, the audio/video display unit 104 can tilt upward, pivoting at a top edge of the audio/video display unit 104 where the audio/video display unit 104 is coupled to the main body of the product display 100 (e.g., at hinge 105). In other embodiments, the audio/video display unit 104 may be permanently or removably connected to the body of the product display 100 in various other ways, and/or the audio/video display unit 104 may not be movable with respect to the rest of the body of the product display 100.

[0039] With continued reference to FIG. I D, the audio/video display unit 104 can be detached from the main body of the product display 100 by making a cut along the hinge 105, tearing the audio/video display unit 104 off along the hinge 105, and/or the like. To make this separation easier, the product display 100 also preferably comprises the bridging portion 117, which is hingedly attached to the video display unit 104 at a top edge and the mam structure of the product display 100 at a bottom edge. This can allow the video display unit 104 to be pulled away from the mam structure of the product display 100 to allow easier access to the hinge 105 for cutting. In some embodiments, a hook and loop connector 1.1.9 A on a side of the bridging portion 117 facing the main body of the product display 100 is positioned to interface with a complementary hook and loop connector 119B on the main body of the product display 100. When the hook and loop connectors 119A, 119B are attached to each other, the attachment advantageously allows the bridging portion 1 17 to be secured to the main body of the product display 100, helping to further an appearance that the audio/video display unit 104 is an integral part of the product display 100. This appearance discourages shoppers from pulling the audio/Video display unit 104 away from the product display 100. When the hook and loop connectors 119A, 119B are detached from each other, the audio/video display unit 104 can be pulled away from the mam body of the product display 100 to expose the hinge 105, such that it is easier for retailers to detach the audio/video display unit 104. This can advantageously encourage the retailers to remove and return the audio/video display unit 104 to the manufacturer for recycling when the product display 100 is retired from the shops. Recycling the audio/video display unit 104 can reduce the cost for making new product displays and is more environmentally friendly.

[0040] FIG. ID further illustrates an electrical connector 116 on the left side of the audio/video display unit 104. The electrical connector 16 in this embodiment is a mini USB connector. However, in other embodiments, the electrical connector 1 16 may be a different type of connector, such as micro USB, a two pin connector, a custom connector, and/or the like. The electrical connector 116 may serve one or more purposes. The electrical connector 116 can be used for charging a battery 1 18 (shown in FIGS. 1E-1F), and/or to update the video messages on a memory device on a controller 120 (shown in FIGS. IE- IF) of the audio/video display unit 104. The electrical connector 116 can also be connected to a computer or other electronic device for changing settings of the audio/video display unit 104 and/or changing the video and/or audio message to be played. Some settings that may be changeable may comprise, for example, volume level, brightness, length of time to play a message, which of a plurality of messages to play, an order in which to play one or more of a plurality of messages, and/or the like. A skilled artisan will recognize that the electrical connector 116 can be placed on other suitable locations of the audio/video display unit 104.

[0041] In some embodiments, configuration changes, and/or uploading new audio/video messages to the audio/video display unit 104 can be accomplished via other means than an electrical connector. For example, the audio/video display unit 104 may- comprise wireless connection capabilities, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a proprietary method, and/or the like. Further, the audio/video display unit 104 may in some embodiments comprise physical buttons, switches, sliders, jumpers, a touchscreen interface, and/or the like that enable an administrator or other user to adjust settings, such as brightness, volume, length of time to play a message, and/or the like. [0042] FIGS, I E and IF illustrate an example inside back view of the audio/video display unit 104. In use, in some embodiments, the features depicted in FIGS. IE and IF would not be visible to a user, and may be enclosed within, for example, a cardboard housing or other housing. With reference to FIG. I E, the audio/ ideo display unit 104 comprises the pushbutton 110, the speaker 108, and the battery 118, all adjacent a foam core material 107 having cutouts or openings for the various components. In this embodiment, the batter}' comprises a relatively high efficiency lithium polymer ("Li-Po") battery. However, in various other embodiments, different battery technology may be used. With reference to FIG. IF, the batter}' 1 18 is shown in hidden lines, so that items beneath the battery 118 can be seen. The audio/video display unit 104 further comprises a controller 120 positioned between the battery 118 and video display 106. In this embodiment, the controller 120 is an integrated unit that comprises, for example, a computer processor, memory, audio/video driver hardware, and in some embodiments a timer (hardware- and/or software-based). In some embodiments, the controller 120 comprises a printed circuit board (PCB). In various embodiments, the features performed by the controller 120 may be performed by discrete units, more than one hardware unit, a single hardware unit, and or the like. For example, in some embodiments, the video driver hardware may be part of the video display, and the controller may communicate with the video display driver hardware using serial communication, parallel communication, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the controller 120 comprises a microcontroller with integrated video and audio components. One example of such a microcontroller is an integrated multimedia system on a chip sold under the model number ATJ2273B by Actions Semiconductor (Zhuhai, Guangdong, China), although one of skill in the art will recognize other microcontrollers may be used. Preferably, the controller 120 comprises a low power or sleep mode which allows the device to maintain a relatively low power drain on the battery 118 when not displaying a video message, but still allows monitoring the button 110 for activation. In some embodiments, the sleep mode comprises an average power draw of no greater than 0.05 mA. In some embodiments, the sleep mode comprises an average power draw of no greater than .005 mA. In other embodiments, the sleep mode comprises an average power draw of no greater than 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0,25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, or 0.50 mA. The battery 1 18 is preferably sized such that the video display unit can last an entire selling season (e.g., several months, such as 3, 4, 5, or 6 months) without being recharged. For example, in some embodiments, if the batter}' 118 comprises a 3.7V Li-Po batteiy having 13.87 Wh capacity (approximately 3750 mAh), the batteiy could theoretically maintain a 0.005 mA average sleep mode draw for years, making the sleep mode power draw relatively negligible. If the system consumes an average of 320 mA while displaying a video, then a 3750 mAh battery could theoretically support playing up to approximately 11.7 hours of video. If a video averages 30 seconds in length, then such a system could play approximately 1400 videos before being depleted. Assuming a video message is requested by a user an average of 10 times per day, such a system could last approximately 140 days, or over 4 months before needing a recharge. It should be noted that these example numbers are merely one example embodiment, and various embodiment may utilize a higher or lower capacity batteiy, a higher or lower power drain during playback of a video message, a longer or shorter video playback time, and the like. For example, if a product display will be located where the average video plays per day- are significantly higher, and/or if a longer length of time before recharge is desirable, it may be desirable to utilize a higher capacity battery, hardware components that require less power to operate, and/or a shorter video playback time. In some embodiments, the system can be configured to automatically adjust the brightness of the video screen to reduce power consumption in environments where less brightness is needed (e.g., darker environments).

[0043] The product display 100 and its audio/video display unit 104 are configured to have a relatively long battery life (in some embodiments, 6-9 months or more), because the audio/video message or advertisement presented by the video display 106 and/or speaker 108 is configured to only play when the pushbutton 1 10 has been pressed by a user. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the only drain on the battery of the audio/video display unit 104 when the audio/video message or advertisement is not playing is the inherent self- dram of the battery (and in some embodiments at least some relatively small sleep mode power drain). Current battery technology, such as lithium polymer batteries and lithium-ion batteries have relatively low self-drain rates, meaning a battery can remain charged for months at a time, or even greater than a year, without needing to be recharged.

[0044] In some embodiments, there is no external load on the battery of the audio/video display unit 104 until the pushbutton 1 10 is pressed. When the pushbutton 1 10 is pressed, power is allowed to be utilized by the video display 106, speaker 108, any control circuitry, and/or the like. Further, when the pushbutton is pressed, a timer also starts that, when completed, cuts the power back off and does not allow power to be utilized by the video display 106, speaker 108, control circuitry, and/or the like. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the audio/video display unit 104 is configured to apply an external load to the battery only in response to the pushbutton 1 10 being pressed and only for a predetermined length of time thereafter. Such a design can dramatically extend the battery life, and enable such an audio/video display unit to be fully functional for, for example, an entire selling season, or 6 to 9 months or more.

[0045] Although in some embodiments there is no external load on the battery when the audio/video message or advertisement is not playing, when that message has not been playing for a certain amount of time, and/or after the timer completes, in some embodiments there is at least some relatively small external load on the battery during one or more of these situations. For example, in some embodiments, a microcontroller or similar device controls the operation of the audio/video display unit 104, and that microcontroller is configured to draw a relatively small amount of power from the battery when the video display 106 and speaker 108 are not presenting a message or advertisement. For example, the microcontroller may be configured to draw a relatively small amount of current to enable sensing of when the pushbutton 1 10 is pressed. In some embodiments, the microcontroller is configured to go into a sleep mode, deep sleep mode, low-power state, and/or the like where the device is still able to detect a press of the pushbutton 1 10, but very little power is drawn by the device, and the battery is still able to last a relatively long time with this relatively constant power drain. In a non-limiting example, the drain on the battery is less than about 100 μΑ in the sleep mode. In another embodiment, the dram on the batter}' is less than about 50 μΑ in the sleep mode. In some embodiments, however, the microcontroller or similar device goes into a no-power state and does not draw any power until the button 110 is pressed (e.g., by including a hardware relay, timer, or the like that activates power to the system for at least a period of time after the button is pressed).

[0046] In various embodiments, various techniques may be used to activate the playing of a message or advertisement. In the product display 100, the playing of the message is activated by a user pressing the pushbutton 1 10. In other embodiments, however, playing of the message may be activated by, for example, a motion detector, a light level detector, a proximity detector, an accelerometer that detects motion of the product display and/or a product being displayed by the product display, and/or the like. In some embodiments, it can be desirable to only start playing a message when a specific indication is received that a user desires the message to be displayed (e.g., pressing of a button, flipping a switch, touching a touchscreen, a different physical interaction, and/or the like). This can help to prevent false positives, such as may be experienced by a motion detector or the like when a person simply walks past the display. This can extend battery life by only playing a message when a user has requested that the message be played.

[0047] A skilled artisan would recognize that the features illustrated in FIGS. 1C- 1F and the features described above can also be implemented in any other embodiments of a product display.

[0048] Turning to FIGS. 2A and 2B, another embodiment of a product display 200 comprising a battery-powered audio/video display unit or system 204 is illustrated. Further, in this embodiment, the product display 200 comprises a cardboard structure as described above. Further, in this embodiment, the audio/ video display unit 204 also comprises a cardboard structure or housing as described above. The product display 200 and the battery-powered audio/video display unit or system 204 can have the same or similar features as the product display 100 comprising the battery-powered audio/video display unit or system 104 except as described below. Accordingly, features of the product display 200 comprising the battery-powered audio/video display unit or system 204 can be incorporated into features of the product display 100 comprising the battery-powered audio/video display unit or system 104 and vice versa. Two differences in this embodiment as further described below, however are that the product display 200 comprises a plurality of product display- areas or shelves 201, instead of a single product display area 101, and the video display unit 204 comprises a plurality of buttons 210 corresponding to different videos, instead of the single button 1 10 illustrated in FIG. 1A. Another difference is that, as further described below, the video display unit 204 is removably coupled to the rest of the structure of the product display 200 using tabs that fit into slots, instead of using hinge 105. Further, the uppermost shelf 201 is a part of the removable video display unit 204, which can help to keep the video display unit 204 solidly connected to the rest of the structure of the product display 200 while products are resting on the shelf 201. [0049] As shown in FIGS, 2 A and 2B, the audio/ video display unit 204 comprises a video display 206, a speaker 208, and a plurality of pushbuttons 210. The video display 206 is slightly tilted upward for easier viewing by the shoppers, although could be oriented differently. Next to each pushbutton 210 is a photo image 212 of or related to a product. This embodiment is particularly useful when the image next to each pushbutton 210 is of a different product so that multiple types of products can be displayed and an audio/video message for each type of product can be played to promote multiple types of product with one product display 200. To watch a particular audio/video message about a particular product, the shopper only needs to press the pushbutton 210 immediately adjacent the photo image 212 of that product. In some embodiments, pressing a different pushbutton 210 when one audio/video message is already playing results in the audio/video display unit 204 switching to the different audio/video message corresponding to the pushbutton 210 just being pressed. In other embodiments, when one audio/video message is already playing, pressing a different pushbutton 210 results a different audio/video message being played after the first audio/video message has ended.

[0050] The product display 200 is configured to have a plurality of product areas 201 for holding and/or displaying a plurality of products 202. In this embodiment, the product display 200 has three product areas 201 in the form of shelves. The audio/video display unit 204 is located between two shelves, but can be located in other areas that do not take away usable product storage space. The plurality of shelves 201 are supported by side and/or back walls 242, 244. As described above, the shelves 201, side 242, and back walls 244 can all comprise cardboard. This embodiment of a product display may, for example, be configured to be positioned on a floor of a store or secured to a display rack by hooks, tapes, or other fastening means attached to a back of the product display 200, for example, via one or more holes 213 on the back wall 244 of the product display 200 (shown in Figure 2D).

[0051] FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate how the audio/video display unit 204 can be integrated into the main body of the product display 200 when in use, and be removed from the mam body of the product display 200 when the product display 200 is retired from the shop. In this embodiment, the audio/video display unit 204 is connected at a hinge 205 to a piece of cardboard that functions as a shelf for the product area 201. The audio/video display unit 204 can be folded over the connecting cardboard piece along the hinge 205. The audio/Video display unit 204 and/or the connecting cardboard piece can have a plurality of tabs 217a, 2 7b, 217c, 217d, 217e extending from the audio/video display unit 204 and/or the connecting cardboard piece and can be folded along edges 218 of the audio/video display unit 204 and/or the connecting cardboard piece. When assembling the audio/video display unit 204 and the connecting cardboard piece to the main body of the product display 200, the plurality of tabs 217a, 217b, 217c, 217d, 217e are folded along the edges 2 8 of the audio/video display unit 204 and/or the connecting cardboard piece and inserted into complementary slots 219a, 2 9b, 219c, 219d, 219e pre-cut on the main body of the product display 200. Here, the tab 217a is configured to engage the slot 219a; the tab 217b is configured to engage the slot 219b; the tab 217c is configured to engage the slot 219c; the tab 217d is configured to engage the slot 219d; and the tab 217e is configured to engage the slot 219e. Further, the bottom three tabs 217a, 217b, 217c illustrated in FIG. 2D are configured to be folded and inserted into the slots 219a, 219b, 219c, respectively, in a downward direction (see Figure 2C). This downward folding can advantageously allow the weight of products on the shelf 201 to help in keeping the tabs 2 7a, 2 7b, 217c in place and maintain the appearance that the audio/video display unit 204 is not removable. This way the connecting cardboard piece forms the product area 201 with the main body of the product display 200 and the audio/video display unit 204 has the appearance of being an integral part of the product display 200. To remove the audio/video display unit 204, the tabs 2 7 can be pulled out of the slot on the main body of the product display 200.

[0052] Turning to FIGS. 3A to 4B, additional embodiments of product displays 300, 400 comprising a battery-powered audio/video display unit or system 304, 404 are illustrated. Further, in this embodiment, the product display 300, 400 comprises a cardboard structure as described above. Further, in this embodiment, the audio/video display unit 304, 404 also comprises a cardboard structure or housing as described above. The product display 300, 400 and the battery-powered audio/video display unit or system 304, 404 can have the same or similar features as the product display 100, 200 comprising the battery-powered audio/video display unit or system 104, 204 except as described below. Accordingly, features of the product display 300, 400 comprising the battery-powered audio/video display unit or system 304, 404 can be incorporated into features of the product display 100, 200 comprising the battery-powered audio/video display unit or system 104, 204 and vice versa. For example, the audio/Video display unit 304 also comprises a video display 306, 406, a speaker 308, 408, a plurality of pushbuttons 310, 410, and a plurality of photo images 312, 412 of different product types. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the product display 300 can have three product display areas 301 that are elevated from the bottom of the product display

300. Products 302 of various sizes can be placed in different product areas 301. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the product display 400 can have four product display areas 401 that are elevated from the bottom of the product display 400 and can display products 402 that are relatively small in size. The elevation makes it easier for shoppers to reach and grab the products 302 without having to bend all the way down. The plurality of shelves 301, 401 are supported by side and/or back walls 342, 442, 344, 444. As described above, the shelves

301, 401, side 342, 442 and back wails 344, 444 can all comprise cardboard.

[0053] However, instead of being located on the same cardboard piece with the pushbuttons and the photo images like the audio/video display unit 204, the video display 306, 406 and the speaker 308, 408 are on a separate cardboard piece that is placed at the top of the product display 300, 400. Having the pushbuttons 310, 410 and the photo images 312, 412 of products located between the product areas 301 and at the front of the product display 300, 400 makes it easy for the shoppers to access the pushbuttons 310, 410 and view the contents of the photo images 312, 412. Having the video display 306, 406 and the speaker 308, 408 on the top of the product display 300, 400 makes it easier for the shoppers to view the video message without having to tilt the video display 306, 406 upward.

[0054] In these embodiments, the audio/video display units 304, 404 are also removable from the mam body of the product displays 300, 400. In some embodiments, the cardboard housing the display 306, 406 and the speaker 308, 408 and the cardboard housing the pushbuttons 310, 410 can both have tabs similar to the tabs 217 as shown in FIG. 2C for engaging complementary slots on the mam body of the product display 300, 400.

[0055] Turning to FIGS. 5A to 5C, another example embodiment of a product display 500 comprising a battery-powered audio/video display unit or system 504 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the audio/video display unit 504 comprises a video display 506, a speaker 508, and a pushbutton 510. As shown in a side view in FIG. 5B, the audio/video display unit 504 further comprises an electrical connector 516, which functions in the same manner as the electrical connector 116 disclosed herein. The product display 500 is configured to have a product area 501 for holding and/or displaying a plurality of products. In this embodiment, the product area 501 comprises a metal platform configured to be placed on the floor of a shop. As shown in a back view in FIG. 5C, the product area 501 can be bolted to the floor via one or more fasteners 519, such as screws or nails. In this embodiment, the housing of the audio/video display unit 504 comprises cardboard, and the housing is secured into a metal frame 515 connected to the product area 501 via two metal posts so that the video display 506 is at a comfortable viewing height for the shoppers. The audio/video display unit 504 is also designed to be removable when the product display 500 is no longer in use. As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the audio/video display unit 504 is secured into the metal frame 515 via one or more fasteners 529, such as screws or magnets. To remove the audio/video display unit 504, the one or more fasteners 529 can be first removed, allowing a top portion 531 of the metal frame 515 to be detached from the metal frame 515. The audio/video display unit 504 can then be separated from the metal frame 515 via the top of the metal frame 515.

[0056] Turning to FIGS. 6A to 6E, another example embodiment of a product display 600 comprising a battery-powered audio/video display unit or system 604 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the audio/video display unit 604 comprises a video display 606, a speaker 608, a plurality of pushbuttons 610, and a plurality of photo images 612 of various product types. For each pushbutton 610, there is a corresponding photo image 612. As shown in a side view in FIG. 6E, the audio/Video display unit 604 further comprises an electrical connector 616, which functions in the same manner as the electrical connector 116 disclosed herein. In this embodiment, the housing of the audio/video display unit 604 comprises cardboard, which is secured into a metal frame 61 5. As shown in FIG. 6B, the audio/video display unit 604 is also designed to be removable when the product display 600 is no longer in use. As shown in FIG. 6C, the audio/video display unit 604 is secured into the metal frame 615 via a fastener 629, such as screws or magnets. To remove the audio/video display unit 604, the fastener 629 can be first removed, allowing two overlapping portions of the metal frame 615 to be separated. The metal frame 615 is slightly expanded by pulling apart the two overlapping portions, thereby allowing the audio/video display unit to be removed from the metal frame 615. [0057] In this embodiment, the product display 600 does not have a product area. The product display 600 is be configured to be positioned on a store shelf next to the products which the product display 600 is designed to promote. As show in FIGS. 6C-6E, the metal frame 61 5 is coupled to a metal support 630 at a substantially right angle to a back surface of the product display 600. The metal support 630 can allow the product display 600 to stand on the shelf at a comfortable viewing angle for the shoppers. As shown in FIG. 6D, the metal support 630 further comprises a plurality of holes 632. Fasteners such as nuts and bolts can be used to secure the metal support 630 onto the shelf via the plurality of holes 632, thereby securing the product display 600 to the shelf.

[0058] Turning to FIG. 7, another example embodiment of a product display 700 comprising a battery-powered audio/video display unit or system 704 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the audio/video display unit 704 comprises a video display 706, one or more speakers 708, a plurality of pushbuttons 710, and a plurality of photo images 712 of various product types. For each pushbutton 710, there is a corresponding photo image 712. The audio/Video display unit 704 further comprises an electrical connector 716, which functions in the same manner as the electrical connector 116 disclosed herein. The product display 700 and the audio/video display unit 704 comprise cardboard that forms an integral unit. In this embodiment, the integral unit has a cuboidal shape with the video display 706, one or more speakers 708, plurality of pushbuttons 710, and plurality of photo images 712 on a slanted surface for more comfortable viewing by the shoppers. The inside back view of the slanted surface can be similar to the inside back view shown in FIGS. IE and IF. When the product display 700 is no longer in use, the audio/video display unit 704 can be removed by cutting out the slanted surface containing the video display 706, one or more speakers 708, plurality of pushbuttons 710, plurality of photo images 712 on the front of the slanted surface, and the electronic circuit on the back of the slanted surface. In this embodiment, the product display 700 does not have a product area. The product display 700 is be configured to be positioned on a store shelf next to the products which the product display 700 is designed to promote. In some embodiments, the product display 700 can be secured to the shelf, for example, by adhesives at the bottom of the product display 700. Battery-powered Audio/Video Display System

[0059] FIGS. 8A to 8C illustrate example block system diagrams of an audio/video display system or unit 804. The audio/video display unit 804 may in some embodiments be similar to the audio/video display units 104, 204, 304, 504, 604, 704 described above. The audio/video displaying at 804 may be utilized in a variety of applications. For example, this battery-powered audio/video display unit 804 may be incorporated into a variety of types of product packaging and/or product displays, similar to the product displays 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 described above. The audio/video display unit 804 may be incorporated into product displays and/or packaging comprising cardboard, plastic, a clamshell housing, wood, foam, and/or the like. Further, any of the embodiments described herein as comprising cardboard may alternatively or additionally comprise plastic, wood, foam, and/or the like disposable materials. Further, in some embodiments, the audio/video display unit 804 may be coupled to, integrated into, or otherwise attached to a relatively large product display that may double as a shipping container, dunnage, a pallet, and/or the like. For example, in some retail establishments, such as warehouse stores, products may be displayed to consumers directly on the pallets or other dunnage or shipping hardware used to ship the products. An audio/video display unit, such as the audio/video display unit 804, may be attached to integrated within, and/or the like, that pallet, dunnage, or other shipping hardware. For example, in some embodiments, the audio/video display unit 804 may be attached to a pole that is attached to a shipping pallet, crate, and/ or the like. The pole can be configured to position the audio/video display unit 804 in a position that would be relatively easy for a consumer to view when the consumer is shopping in, for example, a warehouse style store.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 8A, the audio/video display unit 804 can comprise a video display 806, a speaker 808, a pushbutton 810, a battery 818, and a controller 820. The video display 806, speaker 808, pushbutton 810, and battery 818 can be configured to operate similarly to the video display 106, speaker 108, button 110, and battery 118, respectively, as described above. The controller 820 can be configured in some embodiments to operate similarly to the controller 120 described above. The controller 820 in this embodiment comprises a timer 828, processor 822, memory 826, and audio/video driver 824. The memory 826 may be configured to, for example, store the audio and/or video message to be played, store settings, store software modules to be executed by the processor 822, and/or the like. The processor 822 may be, for example, one or more computer processors, microcontrollers, and/or the like. The audio/video driver 824 may be configured to control the video display 806 and or speaker 808. The timer 828 may in some embodiments be a discreet piece of hardware that regulates the amount of time an external load can be put on the battery 818 to display an audio and/or video message. In some embodiments, the timer 828 is a software module executed by the processor 822.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 8B, the audio/video display unit 804 can have a plurality of pushbuttons 810. The controller 820 is configured to play an audio/video message stored in the memory 826 in response to any of the plurality of pushbuttons 810 being pressed. In this embodiment, the controller 820 is configured to play the audio/video message corresponding to the particular pushbutton 810 that was pressed. In some embodiments, the plurality of buttons 810 are connected directly to the controller 820. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8C, one or more of the buttons 810 are connected to an input combiner 811, which enables usage of fewer inputs on the controller 820 than the number of buttons 810. For example, the input combiner 811 may comprise a plurality of resistors, with a different resistance value being assigned to each button. Depending on which button is pressed, the input combiner 81 1 or the controller 820 may analyze the resulting voltage and/or resistance to determine which button was pressed.

[0062] FIGS. 9 A and 9B illustrate example flowcharts of operation of a battery- powered audio/video display system, such as any of the audio/video display unit 104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704, 804 disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 9A, the audio/video display system is in a sleep mode when no pushbutton is pressed and no audio/video message is being played. When a user, such as a shopper, presses 902 the pushbutton, the audio/ ideo display system exits the sleep mode 904 and activates a "video play" mode 906. The controller, such as the controller 120, 820 disclosed herein, plays 912 an audio/video message stored in a memory device, such as the memory 826 described above. In some embodiments, the controller has a timer, such as the timer 828 described above, for determining if the predetermined duration of the "video play" mode has lapsed 915. The "timer expired" block 915 is shown as optional, because in some embodiments the system is configured to simply return to sleep mode after the video is done playing, instead of returning after elapse of a particular amount of time. The "video play" mode continues until the predetermined duration has lapsed as determined by the timer and then the controller exits the "video play" mode and reactivates the sleep mode 916. In other embodiment, the controller automatically exits the "video play" mode and reactivates the sleep mode after the audio/video message has ended.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 9B, in some embodiments, after the audio/video display system exits the sleep mode 904 and activates a "video play" mode 906 in response to a user pressing the pushbutton, the controller checks the battery status 903. If the battery is low, such as when the battery cannot provide enough power for playing at least one audio/video message, the controller can output and the video display can display a "low battery" message 907. The message can be in the form of audio, texts, pictures (such as a flashing battery indicator or a low battery symbol), or a combination of both. The retailer can recharge the battery 901. Upon detecting a connection at an electrical connector on the audio/video display system, such as the electrical connector 116 described above, the controller can check once more the battery status 903. If there is enough battery power for playing at least one audio/video message, the controller identifies 908 the audio/video message that corresponds to the pushbutton that was pressed. The audio/video message is selected from the videos stored in the memory device 910. After having played the audio/video message 912, the controller checks if another pushbutton has been pressed 914. If another pushbutton has been pressed, the controller repeats the steps 908 and 912 to play an audio/video message corresponding to the pushbutton that was pressed. If no pushbutton has been pressed when the audio/video message has ended, in some embodiments, the "video play" mode continues until the predetermined duration has lapsed as determined by a timer, such as the timer 828 described above, and then the controller exits the "video play" mode 905 and reactivates the sleep mode 916. In other embodiment, the controller automatically exits the "video play" mode 905 and reactivates the sleep mode 916 after the audio/video message has ended if no more button press is detected.

[0064] Also as shown in FIG. 9B, the control can continue to check if there is a button press 917 even when the audio/video display system is in the sleep mode. In some embodiments, the controller checks for button press continuously. In other embodiments, the controller checks for button press periodically, such as every 2 minutes or every 5 minutes. Checking for button press in the sleep mode advantageously reduces system reaction and/or warm-up time when the user presses a pushbutton to view an audio/video message, while not draining the battery significantly so that the battery can last for extended period of time as described above.

[0065] Conditional language, such as, among others, "can," "could," "might," or "may," unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The headings used herein are for the convenience of the reader only and are not meant to limit the scope of the inventions or claims.

[0066] Conjunctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[0067] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms "approximately," "about," "generally," and "substantially" as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms "approximately", "about", "generally," and "substantially" may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms "generally parallel" and "substantially parallel" refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, 0. 1 degree, or otherwise.

[0068] Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Additionally, the skilled artisan will recognize that any of the above-described methods can be carried out using any appropriate apparatus. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with an embodiment can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. For all of the embodiments described herein the steps of the methods need not be performed sequentially. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An extended-life battery-powered video display system comprising:

a reusable video display unit for presentation of a video message, the video display unit comprising:

a user detection device configured to detect the presence of a user and/or an input by a user;

a battery for providing power to the video display unit;

a timer configured to enable the video display unit to present the video message for a predetermined length of time in response to the detection of the presence of the user and/or the input by the user; and

one or more of a video display or a speaker,

wherein the reusable video display is configured to be secured to a disposable product display and to be detachable from the disposable product display.

2. The video display system of Claim 1, wherein the user detection device comprises at least one physical or virtual push button.

3. The video display system of Claim 1 , wherein the user detection device includes more than one physical or virtual push buttons, each of the more than one physical or virtual push buttons configured to detect the presence of a user and/or an input by a user and each of the more than one physical or virtual push buttons corresponds to a video message associated with a different product.

4. The video display system of Claim 1 , wherein the reusable video display unit is integrally formed with the disposable product display and detachable from the disposable product display by breaking the reusable video display unit from the disposable product display.

5. The video display system of Claim 1, wherein the reusable video display unit is secured to the disposable product display at least partially by hook and loop connectors.

6. The video display system of Claim 1 , wherein the reusable video display unit is secured to the disposable product display at least partially by one or more tabs on the reusable video display unit engaging one or more slots on the disposable product display.

7. The video display system of Claim 6, wherein the reusable video display unit further comprises a shelf portion for positioning thereon of products for sale when the video display unit is secured to the disposable product display, and wherein at least some of the one or more tabs are connected to the shelf portion and configured such that a weight of the products for sale positioned on the shelf portion will tend to keep the tabs connected to the shelf portion engaged in corresponding slots of wall portions of the disposable product display.

8. The video display system of Claim 1, wherein the reusable video display unit is removably mounted to a metal frame.

9. The video display sy stem of Claim 1, wherein the timer disables any external drain on the battery after the predetermined length of time.

10. The video display system of Claim 1, wherein, after the predetermined length of time, the timer reduces any external drain on the battery to a level that the batteiy can sustain for at least six months if the battery is currently fully charged.

11. The video display system of Claim 10, wherein the reduced level of external dram on the battery is no greater than 0.05 mA.

12. The video display system of Claim 10, wherein the reduced level of external drain on the battery is no greater than 0.10 mA.

13. The video display system of Claim 10, wherein the battery comprises a full charge capacity no greater than 15 Wh.

14. The video display system of Claim 1, wherein the timer comprises an electronic hardware timer circuit.

15. The video display system of Claim 1 , wherein the timer is implemented at least partially in software run by a computer processor.

16. The video display system of Claim 1, wherein the predetermined length of time is equal to a length of the video message.

17. The video display system of Claim 1, wherein the disposable product display comprises one or more product display areas.

18. The video display system of Claim 17, wherein the reusable video display unit is secured to the disposable product display at a location other than the one or more product display areas.

19. The video display system of Claim 17, wherein the one or more product display areas comprise a plurality of shelves.

20. The video display system of Claim 1, wherein the reusable video display unit comprises a cardboard housing.

21. The video display system of Claim 1, wherein the disposable product display comprises a cardboard structure.

22. The video display system of Claim 1, wherein the user detection device does not comprise a motion detector.

23. An extended-life battery-powered video display system comprising:

a disposable product display; and

a battery for providing power to the video display unit;

one or more of a video display or an audio outlet, wherein the reusable video display is configured to be secured to the disposable product display to create an appearance that the reusable video display is an integral part of the disposable product display.

24. The video display system of Claim 23, wherein the user detection device comprises at least one physical or virtual push button.

25. The video display system of Claim 23, wherein the user detection device includes more than one physical or virtual push buttons, each of the more than one physical or virtual push buttons configured to detect the presence of a user and/or an input by a user and each of the more than one physical or virtual push buttons corresponds to a video message associated with a different product.

26. The video display system of Claim 23, wherein the reusable video display unit is integrally formed with the disposable product display and detachable from the disposable product display by breaking the reusable video display unit from the disposable product display.

27. The video display system of Claim 23, wherein the reusable video display unit is secured to the disposable product display at least partially by hook and loop connectors.

28. The video display system of Claim 23, wherein the reusable video display unit is secured to the disposable product display at least partially by one or more tabs on the reusable video display unit engaging one or more slots on the disposable product display.

29. The video display system of Claim 28, wherein the reusable video display unit further comprises a shelf portion for positioning thereon of products for sale when the video display unit is secured to the disposable product display, and wherein at least some of the one or more tabs are connected to the shelf portion and configured such that a weight of the products for sale positioned on the shelf portion will tend to keep the tabs connected to the shelf portion engaged in corresponding slots of wall portions of the disposable product display.

30. The video display system of Claim 23, wherein the reusable video display unit is removably mounted to a metal frame.

31. The video display system of Claim 23, wherein the timer disables any external dram on the battery after the predetermined length of time.

32. The video display system of Claim 23, wherein, after the predetermined length of time, the timer reduces any external drain on the batteiy to a level that the battery can sustain for at least six months if the battery is currently fully charged.

33. The video display system of Claim 32, wherein the reduced level of external drain on the battery is no greater than 0.05 niA.

34. The video display system of Claim 32, wherein the reduced level of external drain on the battery is no greater than 0.10 mA.

35. The video display system of Claim 32, wherein the battery comprises a full charge capacity no greater than 15 Wh.

36. The video display system of Claim 23, wherein the timer comprises an electronic hardware timer circuit.

37. The video display system of Claim 23, wherein the timer is implemented at least partially in software run by a computer processor.

38. The video display system of Claim 23, wherein the predetermined length of time is equal to a length of the video message.

39. The video display system of Claim 23, wherein the disposable product displa - comprises one or more product display areas.

40. The video display system of Claim 39, wherein the reusable video display unit is secured to the disposable product display at a location other than the one or more product display areas.

41. The video display system of Claim 39, wherein the one or more product display areas comprises a plurality of shelves.

42. The video display system of Claim 23, wherein the reusable video display unit comprises a cardboard housing.

43. The video display system of Claim 23, wherein the disposable product display comprises a cardboard structure.

44. The video display system of Claim 23, wherein the user detection device does not comprise a motion detector.

45. A computer-implemented method of displaying video messages over an extended period of time using a battery powered video display system integrated into a disposable product display, the disposable product display comprising one or more shelves for placement thereon of products for sale, the method comprising:

maintaining, by a microcontroller, the battery powered video display system in a low power state, the low power state comprising an average power draw sufficiently small relative to a capacity of the battery that the low power state can be maintained for at least six months without recharging the battery;

monitoring, by the microcontroller, during the low power state, an input of the microcontroller;

detecting, by the microcontroller, via the monitoring of the input, an activation of a button of the battery powered video display system;

transitioning, by the microcontroller responsive to detecting the activation of the button, the battery powered video display system into a higher power state, the higher power state comprising an average power draw greater than the low power state;

playing, by a video screen of the video display system, a prerecorded video for a predetermined length of time; and transitioning, by the microcontroller responsive to the predetermined length of time elapsing, the battery powered video display system into the low power state.

46. The computer-implemented method of Claim 45, further comprising:

detecting, by the microcontroller, an activation of a second button of the battery powered video display system;

transitioning, by the microcontroller responsive to detecting the activation of the second button, the battery powered video display system into the higher power state;

playing, by the video screen of the video display system, a second prerecorded video for a second predetermined length of time; and

transitioning, by the microcontroller responsive to the second predetermined length of time elapsing, the battery powered video display system into the low power state.

47. The computer-implemented method of Claim 45, wherein the average power draw of the low power state is no greater than 0.10 mA, and the battery comprises a full charge capacit' no greater than 15 Wh.

48. The computer-implemented method of Claim 45, wherein the batter}' powered video display system comprises a cardboard housing.

49. The computer-implemented method of Claim 45, wherein the disposable product display comprises a cardboard structure.

50. An extended-life battery-powered video display system comprising:

a video display for presentation of a video message;

a battery for providing power to the video display;

a user detection device that detects the presence of a user and/or an input by a user; and

a timer that, responsive to the detection of the presence of the user and/or the input by the user, enables the video display to present the video message for a predetermined length of time.

51. The video display system of Claim 50, wherein the user detection device comprises a button.

52. The video display system of Claim 50, wherein the timer disables any external drain on the battery after the predetermined length of time.

53. The video display system of Claim 50, wherein, after the predetermined length of time, the timer reduces any external drain on the battery to a level that the battery can sus tain for at least six months if the batter}' is currently fully charged.

54. The video display system of Claim 50, wherein the timer comprises an electronic hardware timer circuit.

55. The video display system of Claim 50, wherein the timer is implemented at least partially in software run by a computer processor.

56. An extended-life battery-powered video display system comprising:

a disposable product display comprising a cardboard structure; and a reusable video display unit for presentation of a video message, the video display unit comprising:

a batter}- for providing power to the video display unit;

an electronic memory for storing a video message;

a button for detecting an input by a user;

a video screen for presenting a video message to the user; and a controller operatively connected to the battery, electronic memory, button, and video screen;

wherein the controller of the reusable video display unit is configured to: maintain the video display unit in a low power state, the low power state comprising an average power draw sufficiently small relative to a capacity of the battery that the low power state can be maintained for at least six months without recharging the battery;

monitor, during the low power state, the button;

detect an activation of the button;

transition, responsive to detecting the activation of the button, the video display unit into a higher power state, the higher power state comprising an average power draw greater than the low power state;

cause the video screen to play the stored video message for a predetermined length of time; and transition, responsive to the predetermined length of time elapsing, the video display unit into the low power state; and

wherein the reusable video display unit is secured to the disposable product display at least partially by one or more tabs on the reusable video display unit engaging one or more slots on the disposable product display.

57. The video display system of Claim 56, wherein the reusable video display unit further comprises a shelf portion for positioning thereon of products for sale when the video display unit is secured to the disposable product display, and wherein at least some of the one or more tabs are connected to the shelf portion and configured such that a weight of the products for sale positioned on the shelf portion will tend to keep the tabs connected to the shelf portion engaged in corresponding slots of wall portions of the disposable product display.

58. The video display system of Claim 56, wherein the battery comprises a capacity no greater than 5,000 mAh.

59. The video display system of Claim 58, wherein the predetermined length of time is at least 20 seconds, and the average power draw of the higher power state is low enough to support playing the stored video message at least 1,000 times without recharging the battery.

60. The video display system of Claim 59, wherein the average power draw of the higher power state is no greater than 400 mAh.