WO2012077018A1

WO2012077018A1 - A method for organising an exhibitor

Info

Publication number: WO2012077018A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/055405
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gianni Mancini; Maurizio Marchini; Antonio Mirto; Renato Montagner
Original assignee: Pirelli & C. S.P.A.
Priority date: 2010-12-10
Filing date: 2011-12-01
Publication date: 2012-06-14
Also published as: SMAP201300047A

Abstract

A method for organising an exhibitor comprises providing at least one exhibitor including at least n locations (8) with n>l in which each location is adapted to receive at least one article (9) to be displayed; providing at least one magazine (6) including at least k locations (10) with k>l in which each location is adapted to receive at least one article (9) to be displayed; positioning m articles (9) to be displayed in said n+k locations (8, 10), m being included between 1 and n+k-1; providing at least one selection device (7) operatively interposed between the exhibitor (5) and the magazine (6) and operated by a control module (12); modifying the arrangement of the m articles (9) between the exhibitor (5) and magazine (6). The selection device (7) operates as a function of the control module (12), through at least one replacement action for replacing at least one article (9) positioned in the n locations (8) of the exhibitor (5) with at least one article (9) positioned in the k locations (10) of the magazine (6).

Description

A METHOD FOR ORGANISING AN EXHIBITOR

The present invention relates to a method for organising an exhibitor.

In addition, the present invention relates to an automated display space in particular adapted to carry into effect a method for organising an exhibitor according to the present invention.

The present invention is particularly addressed to the sector including shops, show rooms, display spaces in general, in which the articles to be exhibited are positioned in a window for example. In case of shops, the number and sizes of the available windows are generally limited.

To the aims of the present specification and the following claims, by "control module" it is intended an electronic device that is suitably programmed for performing the described functions and including hardware and/or routine software components being part of the programmed device. Document CA 218774 illustrates a robot or other automated devices for picking up goods from a flexible production line and positioning them in layers on pallets. A feeder continuously supplies the robot with the goods and a feeder moves away the pallets the robot has formed.

Document EP 0885816 (Al) illustrates robots or other automated devices used in dispensing devices. When a user orders a specific product he/she must introduce into an order device the corresponding reference appearing in the compartment housing the product.

The Applicant has verified that in the concerned and above disclosed sector, the articles are manually organised in exhibitors, making a choice between the available articles inside the shop itself.

The Applicant has further verified that each modification to the article arrangement in the exhibitor is carried out manually and that the number of the exhibited articles is limited by the exhibitor's capacity inside the window.

Therefore it is the Applicant's opinion that it has been not yet satisfied the requirement of making available a great variety of articles in an exhibitor and carrying out automatic change of same preferably very frequently, while maintaining the exhibitor, and the window in case of shops, within limited sizes.

The Applicant has further perceived that, in order to meet the above requirements, it is necessary to divide the different available spaces inside a display space and associate the same controllable device to each of said spaces, by means of a preset program and/or upon a user's request for example, for movement of the articles to be displayed.

The Applicant has therefore found that by dividing a display space in a true exhibitor and in a magazine and periodically replacing the exhibitor's articles with the magazine's article, by means of an automated selector, a high number of articles that can be displayed is made available and can be varied, the presence or arrangement of said articles being conveniently managed while keeping the exhibitor's bulkiness within limited sizes.

In greater detail, in accordance with a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for organising an exhibitor comprising:

- providing at least one exhibitor including at least n locations with n>l in which each location is adapted to receive at least one article to be displayed;

- providing at least one magazine including at least k locations with k>l in which each location is adapted to receive at least one article;

- positioning at least one of m articles in one of said n+k locations, m being included between 1 and n+k- 1;

- providing at least one selection device operatively interposed between the exhibitor and the magazine and operated by a control module,

- modifying the arrangement of the m articles between the exhibitor and the magazine in which said selection device operates as a function of at least one instruction received by the control module, through at least one replacement action including at least one of the following actions:

i) shifting at least one article positioned in one of the n locations of the exhibitor to one of the k locations of the magazine;

ii) shifting at least one article positioned in one of the k locations of the magazine into one of the n locations of the exhibitor.

The Applicant thinks that one of the effects of the method of the invention is to reduce the manual contribution during the step of organising the exhibitor, and make available a greater number of products that can be exhibited in a given lapse of time and a given display space.

In accordance with a second aspect, the invention relates to an automated display space, comprising:

at least one exhibitor comprising at least n locations with n>l in which each location is adapted to receive at least one article to be displayed;

- at least one magazine comprising at least k locations with k>l in which each location is adapted to receive at least one article;

- at least one selection device operatively interposed between the exhibitor and the magazine and designed to shift at least one article positioned in one of the n locations of the exhibitor to one of the k locations of the magazine and to shift at least one article positioned in one of the k locations of the magazine to one of the n locations of the exhibitor;

a control module operatively connected to the selection device for operating it on modification of the arrangement of the articles between exhibitor and magazine, said selection device operating as a function of at least one instruction received from the control module .

The Applicant thinks that one of the effects of the automated exhibitor according to the present invention is to reduce the manual contribution during the step of organising the exhibitor and make available a greater number of products that can be displayed in a given lapse of time and a given display space.

The present invention, in accordance with one of the above aspects, can show one or more of the preferred features hereinafter described. In accordance with a possible embodiment, said replacement action comprises both actions i) and ii) for replacing at least one first article of said m articles positioned in the exhibitor with at least one second article of said m articles positioned in the magazine .

According to a preferred embodiment, said action i) comprises: shifting a first article from one of said n locations taken up in the exhibitor to one of said k locations that is present and free at a given instant in the magazine; said action ii) comprises shifting a second article from one of said k locations taken up in the magazine to one of said n locations that is present and free in the exhibitor. One of the effects of this preferred embodiment is to simplify the replacement making it a repeatable action. Preferably, said control module organises the n locations of the exhibitor according to a matrix divided into x rows and y columns in which Nl, 1 is the first location in the first row and Nx,y is the generic location of the matrix. One of the effects of this organisation is to rationalise and simplify the action of the selection device.

Preferably, said control module organises the n locations of the exhibitor according to a linear series Ny corresponding to a single row x of the matrix Nx,y of the exhibitor. One of the effects of this organisation is to simplify the actions of the selection device and limit the exhibitor's bulkiness. In accordance with a possible embodiment, said control module organises the k locations of the magazine according to a matrix divided into w rows and z columns in which Kl,l is the first location of the first row and Kw, z is the generic location of the matrix. One of the effects of this organisation is to rationalise and simplify the action of the selection device.

Preferably, organisation of the exhibitor and/or the magazine is programmed and/or set in the control module. One of the effects of this aspect is to ensure automation of the exhibitor's organisation.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, said magazine is provided with at least one starting free location. One of the effects of this organisation is to optimise the display and replacement of the exhibitor's articles .

Advantageously, said selection device carries out a replacement action as a function of the control module, which replacement action comprises:

- picking up a first article of said m articles from a location of the exhibitor;

- positioning said first article to the starting free location of the magazine, generating an intermediate free location in the exhibitor;

- picking up a second article of said m articles from a location of the magazine;

- positioning said second article to said intermediate free location previously generated in the exhibitor, generating an intermediate free location in the magazine. One of the effects of this sequence is that of simplifying all operations and possibly the setting operations of the selection device. Preferably, the intermediate free location of the magazine is different from the starting free location of the magazine. One of the effects of this arrangement is to optimise the number of articles in the exhibitor.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, the selection device, as a function of the control module, repeats the replacement action until full re-organisation of the exhibitor or of a predetermined part thereof. One of the effects of this sequence is to simplify the action of the selection making the action of the selection device a repeatable elementary action.

Preferably, the repetition modalities of the replacement action are programmed and/or set in the control module. One of the effects of this provision is to automate the exhibitor's organisation.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, the selection device, as a function of the control module, repeats the replacement action by replacing the articles of a matrix row a of the exhibitor with the articles of a matrix row b of the magazine. One of the effects of this sequence is to simplify the setting operations to be received by the selection device through the control module .

In accordance with a possible embodiment, said magazine comprises at least one starting free location Kw ' , z ' for each row and wherein the starting free location Kb ' , z ' of a predetermined matrix row b of the magazine is used on replacing the articles of the matrix row a of the exhibitor with the articles of said matrix row b of the magazine. One of the effects of this sequence is to simplify the setting operations to be provided to the selection device through the control module.

Preferably, the repetition modalities of the replacement action are programmed and/or set in the control module by defining, from the rows w of the magazine, the sequence of rows b used for replacing a given row a of the exhibitor and/or the sequence of the rows a used for replacement of the matrix Nx,y. One of the effects of this provision is to simplify automation of the exhibitor's organisation.

Preferably, the repetition modalities of the replacement action are programmed and/or set in the control module by associating each row w of the magazine with a row x of the exhibitor. One of the effects of this provision is to simplify automation of the exhibitor's organisation.

Preferably, said control module organises the n locations of the exhibitor according to a linear series Ny corresponding to the row a for replacement of the exhibitor matrix. One of the effects of this sequence is to simplify the setting operations to be supplied to the selection device through the control module.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, the repetition modalities of the replacement action are programmed and/or set in the control module by defining from the lines w of the magazine, the sequence of the lines b used for replacing the linear series Ny of the exhibitor. One of the effects of this provision is to simplify automation of the exhibitor's organisation. In accordance with a possible embodiment, said selection device operates as a function of the control module, modifying the arrangement of at least part of the articles between exhibitor and magazine at predetermined replacement instants. One of the effects of this sequence is to obtain a predetermined setting of the selection device and a complete visibility over time of the concerned articles.

Preferably, the replacement instants for replacement of each single row x of the exhibitor with a given row b of the magazine are programmed and/or set in the control module. One of the effects of this provision is to simplify automation of the exhibitor's organisation.

Advantageously, the replacement instants for replacement of the whole exhibitor with a given line b of the magazine are programmed and/or set in the control module. One of the effects of this provision is to simplify automation of the exhibitor's organisation.

Preferably, during at least one of said actions i) , ii) , said selection device carries out, as a function of the control module, an intermediate action consisting in shifting an article from a location of the magazine or the exhibitor to bring it to an auxiliary location at which it can be directly examined by a user. One of the effects of this sequence is to obtain a wide versatility in the display of the articles disposed in the magazine and/or the exhibitor.

Preferably, the intermediate action is carried out between a first replacement instant and a second replacement instant.

Preferably, on picking up an article from a location of the magazine or the exhibitor and bringing it to an auxiliary location, said selection device is controlled by the control module according to a random logic. One of the effects of this sequence is to obtain a wide variability in the display of the articles disposed in the magazine and/or the exhibitor.

Alternatively, on picking up an article from a location of the magazine or the exhibitor and bringing it to an auxiliary location, said selection device is controlled by the control module according to a choice by the user. One of the effects of this sequence is to obtain a personalisation of the display of the articles disposed in the magazine and/or the exhibitor.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, detection of an article code reproduced on the article is provided. One of the effects of this sequence is to obtain an identification of the articles in the magazine and/or the exhibitor. Preferably, the control module operates the selection device in such a manner that the article defined by the respective code is positioned to a given location of the exhibitor and/or the magazine. One of the effects of this action is to rationalise the display by dividing the magazine and/or exhibitor by categories of products, for example.

Preferably, the positioning modalities as a function of the article code are programmed and/or set in the control module. One of the effects of this procedure is to automate the rationalised display of the articles.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, detection of an article code reproduced on the article is carried out at the moment of arranging the articles on the locations of the exhibitor and/or the magazine.

Preferably, detection of the article code is recorded in the control module. One of the effects of this action is to automate the rationalised display of the articles .

In accordance with a possible embodiment, said selection device picks up the articles of the magazine and/or the exhibitor by means of supporting elements of the article adapted to be positioned in the locations of the exhibitor and/or the magazine. One of the effects of this modality is optimisation of the actions carried out by the selection device because grip and release of the article are independent of the shape and sizes of the article itself.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, provision is made for checking grip and release of the article from/to the locations. One of the effects of this action is to enable correct automation of the exhibitor's organisation.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, provision is made for checking the presence of the article in one of said n+k locations and/or checking the correct positioning of the article in the same location. One of the effects of this action is to allow correct automation of the exhibitor's organisation.

Preferably, the results of the checking carried out are recorded in the control module which is programmable in such a manner that possible anomalies are signalled and/or the selection device is operated for solving said anomalies. One of the effects of this action is to allow correct automation of the exhibitor's organisation .

Preferably, said replacement action is programmed and/or set in the control module. One of the effects of this provision is to simplify automation of the exhibitor's organisation.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, the n locations of the exhibitor are disposed according to a matrix divided into x rows and y columns in which Nl,l is the first location of the first row and Nx,y is the generic location of the matrix. One of the effects of this arrangement is to rationalise and simplify the action of the selection device.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, the k locations of the magazine are disposed according to a matrix divided into w rows and z columns in which Kl,l is the first location of the first row and Kw, z is the generic location of the matrix. One of the effects of this arrangement is to rationalise and simplify the action of the selection device. Preferably, the n locations of the exhibitor are disposed according to a linear series Ny. One of the effects of this arrangement is to simplify the actions of the selection device and limit the exhibitor's bulkiness .

In accordance with a possible embodiment, said control module comprises or is associated with a time module for modifying the arrangement of the articles between exhibitor and magazine at predetermined replacement instants. One of the effects of this feature is to obtain a predetermined setting of the selection device and full visibility of the concerned articles.

Preferably, said control module is operatively and/or structurally divided into a storage module and an operating module and can be programmed and/or set by an interface. One of the effects of this division is to make the automated actions of the selection device versatile .

In accordance with a possible embodiment, provision is made for an auxiliary location in which an article can be directly examined by a user. One of the effects of this feature is to obtain a wide versatility of the display of the articles disposed in the magazine and/or the exhibitor.

Preferably, the auxiliary location is defined by a position taken by the selection device supporting the article to be examined. One of the effects of this feature is to avoid independent structures.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, devices for detecting a code of the article reproduced on the article itself are provided. One of the effects of this feature is to obtain an identification of the articles in the magazine and/or the exhibitor.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, supporting elements of the article adapted to be positioned in the locations of the exhibitor, and/or the magazine and to be picked up and/or released by said selection device are provided. An effect of this feature is to optimise the actions carried out by the selection device because grip and release of the article are independent of the shape and sizes of the article itself .

In accordance with a possible embodiment, said selection device comprises sensors for checking grip and release of the article from/to the locations.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, said magazine and/or exhibitor comprises sensors for checking the presence of the article in a location and/or checking the correct positioning of the article in the same location .

In accordance with a possible embodiment, said magazine and/or exhibitor comprises mechanical positioning references of the article in each location.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, said selection device is a robotized arm.

Preferably, said robotized arm is positioned on a base movable according to at least one horizontal direction in a supporting plane thereof. In accordance with a possible embodiment, it is provided a controlled-access area wherein said selection device, exhibitor and magazine are positioned. An effect of this feature is to enable a high safety degree of the exhibitor towards the users and final users.

Further features and advantages will become more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a method for organising an exhibitor implemented in an automated display space according to the present invention. This description will be set out hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting example, in which:

- Fig. 1 diagrammatically shows a top view of an automated display space obtained in accordance with the present invention;

- Fig. la shows the automated display space of Fig. 1 in a different operating condition;

- Fig. 2 shows the automated display space of Fig. 1 in a further operating condition;

- Fig. 3 shows an arrangement diagram of some elements of the automated display space of Fig. 1;

- Fig. 3a shows the diagram of Fig. 3 in a different operating condition;

- Fig. 4 shows an arrangement diagram of some elements of the automated display space of Fig. 1;

- Fig. 5 shows the diagram of Fig. 4 in a different operating condition.

With reference to the drawings, an automated display space has been generally identified by reference numeral 1. This automated display space 1 can be used inside shops or show rooms or as an independent display area.

With reference to Fig. 1, the automated display space comprises a controlled-access area 2, for example identified by perimetral walls preferably provided with an access door 4. At least one of the perimetral walls comprises a display window.

In accordance with the embodiment shown, an exhibitor 5, a magazine 6 and a selection device 7 are positioned inside the controlled-access area 2. The exhibitor 5 is disposed close to the window.

With reference to the example shown, the exhibitor 5 comprises n locations 8 with n>l . Each location is adapted to receive at least one article 9 to be displayed. With reference to the example shown, the magazine 6 comprises k locations 10 with k>l . Each location is adapted to receive at least one article 9. The selection device 7 is operatively interposed between exhibitor 5 and magazine 6.

With reference to the examples show, the selection device 7 preferably consists of a robotized arm and in the following it will be often denoted using this definition, just as an indication and not for limiting purposes .

According to a possible embodiment, the robotized arm is positioned on a base at least movable in a horizontal direction 0 (Figs. 1, la, 2) along a rest surface thereof.

Said selection device 7 is suitable to shift at least one article 9 positioned in one of the n locations 8 of exhibitor 5 to one of the k locations 10 of magazine 6 and to shift at least one article 9 positioned in one of the k locations 10 of magazine 6 to one of the n locations of exhibitor 5. The selection device 7 or preferably the robotized arm is therefore preferably suitable to replace at least one article 9 positioned in the n locations 8 of exhibitor 5 with at least one article 9 positioned in the k locations 10 of magazine 6.

Advantageously the automated display space 1 comprises supporting elements 11 of the article 9 adapted to be positioned in the locations of the exhibitor 5 and/or the magazine 6 and to be picked up/released by the robotized arm. The supporting elements 11 consist of pallets or trays for example, that are preferably identical with each other so as to provide a unique reference for grip/release of the robotized arm.

In this case in the method according to the present invention the robotized arm picks up articles 9 from magazine 6 and/or exhibitor 5 by means of the supporting elements 11. In the following specification reference will be made to a grip/release action carried out on article 9 by the robotized arm, being understood that the article can really be a separate article or an article resting on or otherwise fastened to a respective supporting element 11.

A control module, diagrammatically shown in Fig. 1 and denoted by reference 12, is operatively connected to the selection device 7 or the preferred form of the robotized arm to operate it in modifying the article arrangement between exhibitor 5 and magazine 6. In particular, said selection device 7 operates as a function of the control module 12.

More preferably, said selection device 7 operates as a function of at least one instruction received by the control module 12. Still more preferably, said selection device 7 operates through at least one replacement action comprising at least one of the following actions:

i) shifting at least one article 9 positioned in one of the n locations 8 of exhibitor 5 into one of the k locations 10 of magazine 6; ii) shifting at least one article 9 positioned in one of the k locations 10 of magazine 6 into one of the n locations 8 of exhibitor 5. In accordance with a possible embodiment, the control module 12 is operatively and/or structurally divided into a storage module 13 and an operating module 14 and is suitably programmed and/or set for performing the described functions through an interface 15, for example.

The described automated display space is adapted to implement a method for organising an exhibitor according to the present invention.

In particular, after arranging at least one exhibitor 5 comprising the n locations 8 and after arranging at least one magazine 6 comprising the k locations 10, m articles 9 are positioned that are to be displayed in the n+k available locations between exhibitor and magazine. The number of articles m is included between 1 and n+k-1. In other words, there is at least one starting free location in exhibitor 5 or, preferably, in magazine 6.

Then the arrangement of the m articles between exhibitor 5 and magazine 6 is modified by means of the robotized arm operating as a function of the control module 12. Preferably, the robotized arm carries out at least one replacement action for replacing at least one article 9 positioned in the n locations 8 of exhibitor 5 with at least one article 9 positioned in the k locations 10 of magazine 6. Following the replacement action at least one intermediate free location is alternately generated in exhibitor 5 and in magazine 6 until full replacement of the articles in exhibitor 5 or in a portion thereof. More particularly, the robotized arm replaces at least one first article of the m articles 9 positioned in exhibitor 5 with at least one second article of the m articles 9 positioned in magazine 6, picking up the first article from a location 8 taken up in exhibitor 5 and occupying a free location present at a given instant in magazine 6, and then picking up the second article from a location 10 taken up in magazine 6, occupying a free location present in exhibitor 5. Advantageously, the control module 12 organises the n locations 8 of exhibitor 5 in a matrix divided into x rows and y columns wherein Nl,l is the first location of the first row and Nx,y is the generic matrix location (Fig. 3) .

Advantageously, also the n locations 8 of exhibitor 5 are disposed in a matrix divided into x rows and y columns wherein Nl,l is the first location of the first row and Nx,y is the generic matrix location. In accordance with a possible embodiment, exhibitor 5 comprises a shelf assembly 16 defining the locations 8 disposed according to the matrix scheme Nx,y. In this case the control module 12 organises the locations 8 of exhibitor 5 preferably according to the aforesaid arrangement defined by the shelf assembly 16, for example .

Shown in Fig. 3 is an example of organisation and/or arrangement of exhibitor 5 wherein n=25, x=5 and y=5. The location on top to the left in Fig. 3 is the Nl,l location, while the location at the bottom to the right is the N5,5 location.

As an alternative to the illustration in Fig. 3, Fig. 1 and Figs. 4-5 show examples in which the n locations of exhibitor 5 are organised and/or disposed in a linear series Ny corresponding to a single row x of matrix Nx,y of exhibitor 5. In both examples, x=l, y=5 and n=5.

Advantageously, the control module 12 organises the k locations of magazine 6 in a matrix divided into w rows and z columns wherein Kl,l is the first location of the first row and Kw, z is the generic matrix location.

Advantageously, the magazine k locations too are disposed in a matrix divided into w rows and z columns wherein Kl,l is the first location of the first row and Kw, z is the generic matrix location. In accordance with a possible embodiment, magazine 6 comprises a shelf assembly 17 defining the locations 10 disposed in a matrix scheme Kw, z. In this case the control module 12 organises the locations 10 of magazine 6 preferably in accordance with said arrangement defined by the shelf assembly 17, for example.

An organisation and/or arrangement example of magazine 6 is shown in Fig. 3 wherein k=30, w=5 and z=6. The location on top to the left in Fig. 3 is the Kl,l location, while the location at the bottom to the right is the K5, 6 location.

As an alternative to the illustration in Fig. 3, Fig. 1 shows an example in which the k locations of the magazine are organised/arranged in a linear series Kz with k=6, w=l and z=6.

Advantageously, the organisation of exhibitor 5 and/or magazine 6 is programmed and/or set in the control module 12 by the interface 15, for example.

By providing at least one starting free location in magazine 6, its position in the matrix (or the shelf assembly) is generally denoted at Kw ' , z ' in Fig. 3 or 4 (Kz ' with reference to the linear series Kz in Fig. 1) .

In this case, with reference to Figs. 3 and 3a in which both the magazine 6 and exhibitor 5 are organised and/or arranged in respective matrices, the robotized arm, as a function of the control module, carries out a replacement action comprising:

- picking up a first article of the m articles 9 from a location Nx,y of exhibitor 5 (Nl,5 in Fig. 3) ;

- positioning the first article in the starting free location Kw ' , z ' of magazine 6 (Kl,6 in Fig. 3) generating an intermediate free location Nx',y' in exhibitor 5 (Nl,5 in Fig. 3) ;

- picking up a second article of the m articles 9 from a location Kw, z in the magazine (Kl,5 in Fig. 3a);

- positioning the second article in the intermediate free location Nx',y' previously generated in exhibitor 5, generating an intermediate free location Kw ' ' , z ' ' in the magazine 6 (Kl,5 in Fig. 3a) .

In accordance with the possible embodiment diagrammatically shown by way of example in Figs. 3 and 3a, the intermediate free location Kw ' ' , z ' ' of magazine 6 is different from the starting free location Kw ' , z' of magazine 6. Preferably, the generic replacement action as described above is programmed and/or set in the control module 12 through the interface 15, for example.

In case both the exhibitor 5 and magazine 6 are organised and/or arranged in a linear series as shown, for example, in Figs. 1 and la, the robotized arm, as a function of the control module, carries out a replacement action comprising:

- picking up a first article of the m articles 9 from a location Ny of exhibitor 5 (N5 in Fig. 1);

- positioning the first article in the starting free location Kz ' of magazine 6 (K6 in Fig. 1) generating an intermediate free location Ny' in exhibitor 5 (N5 in Fig. 1);

- picking up a second article of the m articles 9 from a location Kz of the magazine (K5 in Fig. la);

- positioning the second article in the intermediate free location Ny' previously generated in exhibitor 5, generating an intermediate free location Kz ' ' in magazine 6 (K5 in Fig. la) .

In accordance with the possible embodiment diagrammatically shown by way of example in Figs. 1 and la, the intermediate free location Kz ' ' of magazine 6 is different from the starting free location Kz ' of magazine 6. In the example in Fig. 1: k=z; y=n; z=y+l; m=2n=y+z-l .

Advantageously, the replacement action in case of linear series as above described is programmed and/or set in the control module 12, by the interface 15 for example .

In both cases (Figs. 3,3a - Figs. 1, la) the robotized arm, as a function of the control module 12, repeats the replacement action until full re-organisation of exhibitor 5 or a predetermined part thereof. Advantageously, the repetition modalities of the replacement action as above described are programmed and/or set in the control module 12 by the interface 15, for example. In accordance with a possible embodiment diagrammatically shown by way of example in Figs. 3 and 3a, the robotized arm operates as a function of the control module 12 by replacing the articles 9 of a row a of the exhibitor matrix with the articles 9 of a row b of the magazine matrix. Preferably, magazine 6 comprises at least one starting free location Kw ' , z ' for each row w, and the starting free location Kb ' , z ' of a predetermined row b of the magazine matrix is used in replacing articles 9 of row a of the exhibitor matrix with articles 9 of the row b of the magazine matrix .

The robotized arm, as a function of the control module 12 repeats the replacement action until full re- organisation of each row x of the matrix Nx,y of exhibitor 5 or a predetermined part of the matrix Nx,y of exhibitor 5.

Advantageously, the repetition modalities of the replacement action as above described are programmed and/or set in the control module 12 by the interface 15, for example. In particular, between rows w of magazine 6 the sequence of rows b used for replacing a given row a of exhibitor 5 is set. Alternatively, each row w of magazine 6 is associated with a row x of exhibitor 5.

Figs. 4 and 5 diagrammatically show a particular case of the last-mentioned embodiment in which the k locations of magazine 6 are organised and/or arranged in a matrix Kw, z divided into w rows and z columns and wherein the n locations of exhibitor 5 are organised and/or arranged in a linear series Ny corresponding to row a (with y=5) .

In this case the robotized arm operates as a function of the control module 12 replacing the articles 9 of the linear series Ny of exhibitor 5 with the articles 9 of a row b of the magazine matrix.

Preferably, magazine 6 comprises at least one starting free location Kw ' , z ' for each row w, and the starting free location Kb ' , z ' of a predetermined row b of the magazine matrix is used in replacing the articles 9 of row b of the magazine matrix with the articles 9 of the linear series Ny of exhibitor 5.

The robotized arm, as a function of the control module 12, repeats the replacement action until the re- organisation of the linear series Ny of exhibitor 5 or a predetermined part of the linear series Ny of exhibitor 5 has been completed. In the example of Figs. 4 and 5, by replacing row by row and a free location for each row of the magazine: y+l=z; m=y(w+l) .

Advantageously, the repetition modalities of the replacement action as above described are programmed and/or set in the control module 12, by the interface 15 for example. In particular, between the rows w of magazine 6, the sequence of rows b used for replacing the linear series Ny of exhibitor 5 is set.

Advantageously, the control module 12 comprises or is associated with a time module 18. This provision enables a method to be implemented in which the robotized arm operates as a function of the control module 12, by modifying the arrangement of at least part of articles 9 between exhibitor 5 and magazine 6 at predetermined replacement instants. The interface 15 between user and control module 12 and/or time module 18 enables the replacement intervals to be set, for example .

In particular, should the exhibitor 5 be organised and/or arranged in a matrix Nx,y, replacement instants can be defined both for replacement of part of exhibitor 5, a single row x for example, and of the whole exhibitor 5. For example, in the example in Fig. 3, in which each row x of exhibitor 5 is associated with a row w of magazine 6, it is possible to program and/or set the replacement instants of the articles of each row of exhibitor 5 with the articles of the respective row of magazine 6. Should exhibitor 5 be organised and/or disposed in a linear series Ny, replacement instants can be defined both for replacement of part of exhibitor 5 and of the whole exhibitor 5 with reference to different rows of magazine 6, for example. For instance in case of Fig. 4 in which the articles of the row consisting of the linear series Ny are replaced with the articles of a row w of magazine 6, it is possible to program and/or set the replacement sequence and instants of the articles of the linear series Ny of exhibitor 5 with the articles of each row of magazine 6. In this way if Fig. 4 corresponds to a starting instant, Fig. 5 corresponds to a final instant in which the articles of the linear series Ny have been periodically and sequentially replaced with the articles of a row w of magazine 6.

Advantageously, the automated display space 1 comprises an auxiliary location 19 in which an article 9 can be directly examined by a user. In the examples shown the auxiliary location is defined by a position taken by the robotized arm supporting the article to be examined (Fig. 2) .

In accordance with a possible embodiment, during at least one of said actions i) , ii) , the robotized arm, as a function of the control module 12, carries out an intermediate action shifting an article 9 from a location 8, 10 of magazine 6 or exhibitor 5 bringing it to an auxiliary location 19 in which it can be directly examined by a user.

In a preferred embodiment, this intermediate action can be included between a first and a second replacement instant .

During the intermediate action the robotized arm is operated by the control module 12 according to a random logic or to a choice by the user set through the interface 15, in the form of a keyboard for example.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, the automated display space 11 comprises devices for detecting a code of the article 9 reproduced on the article itself. These devices are associated for example with the robotized arm. In this case the method of the invention comprises detection of the article code during one of the previously indicated operations, when the articles are arranged on the locations of exhibitor 5 and/or magazine 6, for example.

Advantageously, the detection operated by the devices for detecting an article code are recorded in the control module 12. In accordance with a possible embodiment, the control module 12 operates the robotized arm in such a manner that the article 9 defined by the respective code is positioned in a given location of exhibitor 5 and/or magazine 6. Advantageously, as above described, the positioning modalities are programmed and/or set in the control module 12 by the interface 15, for example.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, the robotized arm comprises sensors for checking grip and release of article 9 from/to locations 8, 10 and in the method according to the invention provision is made for checking grip and release of article 9 from/to the locations . Advantageously, magazine 6 and/or exhibitor 5 comprise sensors for checking the presence of article 9 in a location 8, 10 and/or checking the correct positioning of article 9 on the location 8, 10. Likewise, the method of the invention preferably contemplates the possibility of checking the presence of article 9 in a location and/or checking the correct positioning of article 9 on the location.

In accordance with a possible embodiment, magazine 6 and/or exhibitor 5 comprise mechanical positioning references of article 9 in each location 8, 10.

Advantageously, the detecting operations carried out by the above described different sensors are recorded in the control module 12 that can be programmed in such a manner that it can signal possible anomalies and/or act for solving them.

As an alternative to the above description, two or more exhibitors can be provided, as well as two or more magazines and two or more selection devices (robotized arms, for example) .

In the article-replacement modalities, the description concerning the rows of the respective matrices can also apply to the columns.

According to the present description, it is provided that the control module 12 be programmed and/or set for automatically carrying out the replacement actions, in particular at predetermined replacement intervals. Alternatively, the control module 12 can be programmed and/or set for carrying the replacement actions following a command from the outside.

The magazine and/or exhibitor can be provided with a portion adapted to receive shiftable and/or replaceable articles between the exhibitor and magazine, and possibly a portion adapted to receive articles that cannot be shifted and/or replaced at least during one replacement action.

Claims

C L A I M S

1. A method for organising an exhibitor comprising:

- providing at least one exhibitor (5) including at least n locations (8) with n>l in which each location is adapted to receive at least one article (9) to be displayed;

- providing at least one magazine (6) including at least k locations (10) with k>l in which each location is adapted to receive at least one article (9);

- positioning at least one of m articles (9) in one of said n+k locations (8, 10), m being included between 1 and n+k-1;

providing at least one selection device (7) operatively interposed between the exhibitor (5) and the magazine (6) and operated by a control module (12), modifying the arrangement of the m articles (9) between the exhibitor (5) and magazine (6) in which said selection device (7) operates as a function of at least one instruction received by the control module (12), through at least one replacement action including at least one of the following actions:

i) shifting at least one article (9) positioned in one of the n locations (8) of the exhibitor (5) into one of the k locations (10) of the magazine (6);

ii) shifting at least one article (9) positioned in one of the k locations (10) of the magazine (6) into one of the n locations (8) of the exhibitor (5) .

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said replacement action comprises both actions i) and ii) for replacing at least one first article of said m articles (9) positioned in the exhibitor (5) with at least one second article of said m articles (9) positioned in the magazine (6) .

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein:

- said action i) comprises: shifting a first article (9) from one of said n locations (8) taken up in the exhibitor (5) to one of said k locations (10) that is present and free at a given instant in the magazine (6) ;

- said action ii) comprises: shifting a second article (9) from one of said k locations (10) taken up in the magazine (6) to one of said n locations (8) that is present and free in the exhibitor (5) .

4. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said control module (12) organises the n locations of the exhibitor (5) according to a matrix divided into x rows and y columns in which Nl,l is the first location in the first row and Nx,y is the generic location of the matrix .

5. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein said control module (12) organises the n locations (8) of the exhibitor (5) according to a linear series Ny corresponding to a single row x of the matrix Nx,y of the exhibitor (5) .

6. A method as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein said control module (12) organises the k locations of the magazine (6) according to a matrix divided into w rows and z columns in which Kl,l is the first location of the first row and Kw, z is the generic location of the matrix .

7. A method as claimed in one or more of claims 4-6, wherein the organisation of the exhibitor (5) and/or the magazine (6) is programmed and/or set in the control module (12) .

8. A method as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said magazine (6) contemplates at least one starting free location (Kw',z').

9. A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein said selection device (7) carries out a replacement action as a function of the control module (12), which replacement action comprises:

- picking up a first article of said m articles (9) from a location (Nx,y) of the exhibitor (5);

- positioning said first article to the starting free location (Kw',z') of the magazine (6), generating an intermediate free location ( Νχ',γ') in the exhibitor

(5) ;

- picking up a second article of said m articles (9) from a location (Kw,z) of the magazine (6);

- positioning said second article to said intermediate free location ( Νχ',γ') previously generated in the exhibitor (5) , generating an intermediate free location (Kw' ',ζ' ') in the magazine (6).

10. A method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the intermediate free location (Kw' ',ζ' ') of the magazine

(6) is different from the starting free location (Kw',z') of the magazine (6).

11. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 10, wherein the selection device (7), as a function of the control module (12) repeats the replacement action until full re-organisation of the exhibitor (5) or a predetermined part of the exhibitor (5) is achieved.

12. A method as claimed in one or more of claims 9-11, wherein repetition modalities of the replacement action are programmed and/or set in the control module (12) .

13. A method as claimed in claims 6 and 11, wherein the selection device (7), as a function of the control module (12) repeats the replacement action by replacing the articles (9) of a matrix row a of the exhibitor (5) with the articles (9) of a matrix row b of the magazine (6) .

14. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said magazine (6) comprises at least one starting free location Kw ' , z ' for each row and wherein the starting free location Kb ' , z ' of a predetermined matrix row b of the magazine (6) is used in replacing the articles (9) of the matrix row a of the exhibitor (5) with the articles (9) of said matrix row b of the magazine (6) .

15. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the repetition modalities of the replacement action are programmed and/or set in the control module (12) by defining, from the rows w of the magazine (6), the sequence of rows b used for replacing a given row a of the exhibitor (5) and/or the sequence of the rows a for replacement of the matrix Nx,y.

16. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the repetition modalities of the replacement action are programmed and/or set in the control module (12) by associating each row w of the magazine (6) with a row x of the exhibitor (5) .

17. A method as claimed in one or more of claims 13-16, wherein said control module (12) organises the n locations of the exhibitor according to a linear series Ny corresponding to the row a for replacement of the exhibitor (5) matrix.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the repetition modalities of the replacement action are programmed and/or set in the control module (12) by defining from the lines w of the magazine (6), the sequence of the lines b used for replacing the linear series Ny of the exhibitor (5) .

19. A method as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said selection device (7) operates as a function of the control module (12) by modifying the arrangement of at least part of the articles (9) between exhibitor (5) and magazine (6) at predetermined replacement instants.

20. A method as claimed in claims 6 and 19, wherein the replacement instants for replacement of each single row x of the exhibitor (5) with a given row b of the magazine (6) are programmed and/or set in the control module ( 12 ) .

21. A method as claimed in claim 19 and claim 6 when depending on claim 5, wherein the replacement instants for replacement of the whole exhibitor (5) with a given line b of the magazine (6) are programmed and/or set in the control module (12) .

22. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein during at least one of said actions i) , ii) , said selection device (7) carries out as a function of the control module (12), an intermediate action by shifting an article (9) from a location (8, 10) of the magazine (6) or the exhibitor (5) to bring it to an auxiliary location (19) at which it can be directly examined by a user .

23. A method as claimed in claim 22 and in one of claims 19-21, wherein said intermediate action is carried out between a first replacement instant and a second replacement instant.

24. A method as claimed in claim 22, wherein on picking up an article (9) from a location (8, 10) of the magazine (6) or the exhibitor (5) to bring it to an auxiliary location (19), said selection device (7) is controlled by the control module (12) according to a random logic.

25. A method as claimed in claim 22, wherein on picking up an article (9) from a location (8, 10) of the magazine (6) or the exhibitor (5) to bring it to an auxiliary location (19), said selection device (7) is controlled by the control module (12) according to a choice by the user.

26. A method as claimed in claim 1, which comprises detection of a code of the article (9) reproduced thereon.

27. A method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the control module (12) controls the selection device (7) in such a manner that the article defined by the respective code is positioned to a given location (8, 10) of the exhibitor (5) and/or the magazine (6) .

28. A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the positioning modalities as a function of the article (9) code are programmed and/or set in the control module (12) .

29. A method as claimed in claim 26, wherein detection of a code of the article (9) reproduced thereon is carried out at the moment of arranging the articles on the locations (8, 10) of the exhibitor (5) and/or the magazine ( 6) .

30. A method as claimed in claim 26, wherein detection of the article (9) code is recorded in the control module ( 12 ) .

31. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said selection device picks up the articles (9) of the magazine (6) and/or the exhibitor (5) by means of supporting elements (11) of the article (9) adapted to be positioned in the locations (8, 10) of the exhibitor (5) and/or the magazine (6) .

32. A method as claimed in claim 1, which comprises checking grip and release of the article (9) from/to the locations (8, 10) .

33. A method as claimed in claim 1, which comprises checking the presence of the article (9) in one of said n+k locations (8, 10) and/or checking the correct positioning of the article (9) in the same location (8, 10) .

34. A method as claimed in claim 32 or 31, wherein the results of the checking carried out are recorded in the control module (12) which is programmable in such a manner that possible anomalies are signalled and/or the selection device (7) is operated for solving said anomalies.

35. A method as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said replacement action is programmed and/or set in the control module (12) .

36. An automated display space (1) comprising:

at least one exhibitor (5) comprising at least n locations (8) with n>l in which each location is adapted to receive at least one article (9) to be displayed;

at least one magazine (6) comprising at least k locations (10) with k>l in which each location is adapted to receive at least one article (9);

at least one selection device (7) operatively interposed between the exhibitor (5) and the magazine

(6) and designed to shift at least one article (9) positioned in one of the n locations (8) of the exhibitor (5) to one of the k locations (10) of the magazine (6) and to shift at least one article (9) positioned in one of the k locations (10) of the magazine (6) to one of the n locations (8) of the exhibitor (5) ;

- a control module (12) operatively connected to the selection device (7) for operating it on modification of the arrangement of the articles (9) between exhibitor (5) and magazine (6), said selection device

(7) operating as a function of at least one instruction received from the control module (12) .

37. An automated display space as claimed in claim 36, wherein the n locations (8) of the exhibitor (5) are disposed according to a matrix divided into x rows and y columns in which Nl,l is the first location of the first row and Nx,y is the generic location of the matrix.

38. An automated display space as claimed in claim 36 or 37, wherein the k locations (10) of the magazine (6) are disposed according to a matrix divided into w rows and z columns in which Kl,l is the first location of the first row and Kw, z is the generic location of the matrix .

39. An automated display space as claimed in claim 37, wherein the n locations (8) of the exhibitor (5) are disposed according to a linear series Ny.

40. An automated display space as claimed in one or more of claims 36-39, wherein said control module (12) comprises or is associated with a time module (18) for modifying the arrangement of the articles (9) between exhibitor (5) and magazine (6) at predetermined replacement instants.

41. An automated display space as claimed in one or more of claims 36-40, wherein said control module (12) is operatively and/or structurally divided into a storage module (13) and an operating module (14) and can be programmed and/or set by an interface (15) .

42. An automated display space as claimed in one or more of claims 36-41, comprising an auxiliary location (19) in which an article can be directly examined by a user .

43. An automated display space as claimed in claim 42, wherein the auxiliary location (19) is defined by a position taken by the selection device (7) supporting the article (9) to be examined.

44. An automated display space as claimed in claim 36, comprising devices for detecting a code of the article (9) reproduced thereon.

45. An automated display space as claimed in claim 36, comprising supporting elements (11) of the article (9) adapted to be positioned in the locations (8, 10) of the exhibitor (5), and/or the magazine (6) and to be picked up and/or released by said selection device (7) .

46. An automated display space as claimed in claim 36, wherein said selection device (7) comprises sensors for checking grip and release of the article (9) from/ to the locations (8, 10) .

47. An automated display space as claimed in claim 36, wherein said magazine (6) and/or exhibitor (5) comprises sensors for checking the presence of the article (9) in a location (8, 10) and/or checking the correct positioning of the article (9) in the same location (8, 10) .

48. An automated display space as claimed in claim 36, wherein said magazine (6) and/or exhibitor (5) comprises mechanical positioning references of the article (9) in each location (8, 10) .

49. An automated display space as claimed in claim 36, wherein said selection device (7) is a robotized arm.

50. An automated display space as claimed in claim 49, wherein said robotized arm is positioned on a base movable according to at least one horizontal direction in a supporting plane thereof.

51. An automated display space as claimed in claim 36, comprising a controlled-access area (2) wherein selection device (7), exhibitor (5) and magazine are positioned.