BR102015001588A2 - EXHIBITOR DOOR WITH TRANSPARENT LCD PANEL - Google Patents

Abstract

display door with transparent lcd panel. an improved display door assembly for a product storage device is provided. the display door assembly includes a transparent unit comprising a front panel, a back panel and a transparent lcd panel positioned between the front panel and the back panel, the transparent lcd panel is configured to present visual media content. the display door assembly further includes a lighting element configured to provide lighting for the transparent LCD panel and for products within the product storage device and a light guide configured to selectively direct light emitted by the lighting element to the LCD panel transparent and for the products inside the product storage device.

Description

EXHIBITOR DOOR WITH TRANSPARENT LCD PANEL CROSS REFERENCE FOR RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[001] This application is a continuation in part of US patent application 13/286. 53 is filed on October 31, 2011, which claims benefit and priority to provisional patent application US 61/484. 616 filed May 10, 2011. The entirety of US patent application 13/286. 53 and provisional patent application US 61/484. 616 are incorporated into this document by reference.

FIELD

[002] The present disclosure relates generally to temperature-controlled storage devices such as refrigerated displays such as can be found in a supermarket or other similar facility. The present disclosure relates more particularly to a refrigerated display door with a transparent LCD panel.

BACKGROUND

[003] This section is intended to provide a background or context for the invention reported in the claims. The description in this document may include concepts that may be followed, but which are not necessarily concepts that were previously conceived or followed. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated in this document, what is described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

[004] Temperature-controlled storage devices (eg, a refrigerator, freezer, refrigerated shelf, display shelves, etc.) are used in a wide variety of commercial, institutional and residential applications to store and/or display refrigerated objects or frozen. Many temperature-controlled storage devices have a display door (eg a door with an insulated glass panel) through which objects inside the temperature-controlled storage device can be seen. Traditional display doors allow a customer in a supermarket or other similar facility to see objects inside the temperature-controlled storage device while shopping, but do not otherwise facilitate product presentation or enhance the shopping experience.

SUMMARY

[005] An implementation of the present disclosure is a display door assembly for a product storage device. The display door assembly includes a transparent unit comprising a front panel, a back panel, and a transparent LCD panel positioned between the front panel and the back panel. The clear LCD panel is configured to present visual media content. In some embodiments, visual media content includes at least one of: product information, pricing information, nutritional information, storage layout information, and advertising content. The display door assembly additionally includes a lighting element configured to provide illumination for the transparent LCD panel and for products within the product storage device and a light guide configured to selectively direct light emitted by the lighting element to the LCD panel transparent and for the products inside the product storage device.

[006] In some embodiments, the lighting element includes a strip of LEDs positioned within the display door assembly between the front panel and the back panel. In some embodiments, the lighting element is attached to a surface of the LCD panel and configured to emit light in a direction away from the LCD panel and towards the products within the product storage device. The light guide can be configured to cause the light emitted by the lighting element to be reflected back towards the LCD panel.

[007] In some embodiments, the light guide is positioned within the display door assembly between the front panel and the rear panel. In some embodiments, selectively directing light emitted by the lighting element to the transparent LCD panel includes using the light guide to reflect light toward the LCD panel. Selectively directing light emitted by the lighting element towards products within the product storage device may include allowing light to pass through the light guide and into the product storage device.

[008] In some embodiments, the light guide includes a switchable film configured to transition between a transparent state and an opaque state. The switchable film can be applied to at least one of: the front panel, the back panel and the clear LCD panel. Selectively directing light emitted by the lighting element to the transparent LCD panel may include transitioning the switchable film to the opaque state. Selectively directing light emitted by the lighting element towards the products within the product storage device may include transitioning from the switchable film to the transparent state.

[009] In some embodiments, the display door assembly additionally includes a controller positioned between the front panel and the back panel. The controller can be configured to control the visual media content presented through the transparent LCD panel.

[010] In some embodiments, the display door assembly additionally includes a speaker attached to the transparent unit. The speaker can be configured to present audio media content.

[011] In some embodiments, the display door assembly additionally includes a touch-sensitive screen configured to receive touch-based input from a user. Visual media content presented by the clear LCD panel can be presented in response to user input received via the touchscreen.

[012] In some embodiments, the display door assembly additionally includes a hollow pivot pin configured to rotatably couple the display door assembly to the product storage device and one or more electrical conductors extending through the hollow pivot pin . Electrical conductors can supply at least one of: power and data to the transparent LCD panel.

[013] In some embodiments, the display door assembly additionally includes an insulating means between the front panel and the rear panel. The insulating medium can be at least one of: an insulating foam and a transparent insulating gas.

[014] In some embodiments, the clear LCD panel, lighting element, and light guide are powered by a power supply that produces a DC voltage of 24 V or less.

[015] Another implementation of the present disclosure is a display door assembly for a temperature controlled storage device. The display door assembly includes a transparent unit comprising a panel through which products within the temperature controlled storage device are visible and an electro-acoustic transducer mounted in power transmission relationship to the panel. The electro-acoustic transducer can be configured to receive an audio signal and to trigger the panel to produce sound in response to the audio signal. The display door assembly additionally includes a controller for the electro-acoustic transducer. The controller is configured to affect the audio signal received by the electro-acoustic transducer.

[016] In some embodiments, the display door assembly additionally includes a sensor. The controller can be configured to receive an input signal from the sensor and to detect a user in front of the transparent unit based on the input signal. The controller can affect the audio signal received by the electro-acoustic transducer in response to detecting a user in front of the transparent unit.

[017] In some embodiments, the display door assembly additionally includes an anti-condensation device comprising an electrically conductive coating applied to the panel. The electrically conductive coating can be configured to generate heat to prevent condensation from occurring.

[018] In some embodiments, the display door assembly additionally includes an anti-reflective coating applied to the panel. The anti-reflective coating can be configured to increase the amount of visible light transmitted through the panel.

[019] Another implementation of the present disclosure is a transparent unit including a transparent panel and a transparent LCD panel coupled to the transparent panel. The clear LCD panel can be configured to present visual media content. The transparent unit further includes a switchable film configured to transition between a transparent state and an opaque state. Switchable film is applied to at least one of: the transparent panel and the transparent LCD panel. The transparent unit further includes a controller configured to provide a control signal to the switchable film to induce the switchable film to transition between the transparent state and the opaque state. The controller is configured to control the visual media content presented through the transparent LCD panel and to coordinate the presentation of visual media content with a switchable film state.

[020] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine whether to induce the switchable film to transition between the transparent state and the opaque state and to provide the control signal to the switchable film based on a result of the determination. The controller can be configured to induce the switchable film to transition to the opaque state when visual media content is presented via the transparent LCD panel.

[021] In some embodiments, the transparent panel includes a transparent inner portion through which the visual media content presented by the transparent LCD panel is visible and an opaque outer portion configured to hide the controller. The opaque outer part can be formed by at least one of: dot matrix decoration and applying a decal to an outer part of the transparent panel.

[022] Those of skill in the art will understand that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Other aspects, inventive features and advantages of the devices and/or processes described herein, as defined solely by the claims, will become apparent from the detailed description set forth herein and considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a temperature-controlled storage device having a plurality of display doors, each of the display doors including a transparent unit with a transparent LCD panel contained therein, according to a exemplary modality.

[024] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the transparent unit of Figure 1, showing a front panel, a back panel, and a transparent LCD panel positioned between the front panel and the back panel, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[025] Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the transparent unit shown in Figure 2 with a portion of the front panel 18 cut away to show a controller housed between the front panel and the rear panel, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[026] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of the transparent unit of Figure 2, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[027] Figure 5 is an elevational rear view of the transparent unit of Figure 2 with the rear panel removed to show a lighting element attached to a rear surface of the transparent LCD panel, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[028] Figure 6 is another flat cross-sectional view of the transparent unit of Figure 2, illustrating in more detail the attachment of the lighting element shown in Figure 5 to the transparent LCD panel and showing a potential location for a light guide, of according to an exemplary modality.

[029] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a door frame assembly including the transparent unit of Figure 2, showing a speaker and controller mounted to a door frame assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[030] Figure 8 is a front elevational view of the door frame assembly of Figure 7, showing a sensor mounted within the door frame and the controller contained within the transparent unit, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[031] Figure 9 is another flat cross-sectional view of the transparent unit of Figure 2, illustrating a spacer configuration in which a single spacer is used to position the front panel, back panel and the transparent LCD panel, in accordance with an exemplary modality.

[032] Figure 10 is a front elevation view of the transparent unit of figure 2 with a pivot pin fixed to the upper and lower corners thereof, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[033] Figure 11 illustrates the pivot pin of Figure 10 in more detail, showing multiple electrical conductors extending through it, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[034] Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating a controller for various electronic components of the exhibitor door, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[035] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional plan view of the transparent unit of Figure 2, according to another exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[036] Referring generally to the figures, a display door with a transparent liquid crystal display (LCD) panel and components thereof are shown, according to various exemplary embodiments. The display door described in this document can be used as a door for a refrigerator, freezer, refrigerated shelf or other display device in a wide variety of commercial, institutional and residential applications. For example, the display door can be used as a door for a temperature-controlled storage device in a supermarket or other similar facility and can include one or more transparent panels or glazing (eg insulated glass panels) across the which objects inside the temperature-controlled storage device can be seen.

[037] The display door described in this document includes a transparent LCD panel as one of one or more transparent panels or glazing. Advantageously, the transparent LCD panel can be used to present electronic content (eg product information, price, nutritional value, advertisements, storage layout information, visual media, etc.) to a customer while allowing a customer to see inside of the temperature-controlled storage device and view the items it contains. In some embodiments, the clear LCD panel is the center panel of a three-panel unit, thereby maximizing visible transmittance while maintaining thermal insulation performance and protecting the LCD panel from impact damage. The clear LCD panel can be mounted inside a hermetically sealed unit to protect against moisture damage.

[038] In various embodiments, the display door described in this document includes one or more electronic components such as sensors (for example, a camera, a motion sensor, a proximity sensor, a temperature sensor, a microphone, etc.). )/ speakers (eg to present audio content to a customer), a touch panel (eg to receive user input), a lighting element (eg to illuminate items within the device temperature controlled storage device, to provide illumination for the LCD panel, etc. ) an anti-condensation system (eg to control condensation on the display door), a light guide (eg to direct light from the lighting element to the items within the temperature controlled storage device and/or for the LCD panel), and/or a controller to process data inputs and to provide control signals (eg operating instructions, signals of data, etc. ) for the various electronic components. Electronic components can be located between the front and rear panels, embedded in the door frame, or otherwise located.

[039] In some embodiments, portions of the front and rear panels are selectively decorated to hide any wires or other electronic components inside the display door. For example, the front and rear panels can be darkened or made opaque around a perimeter thereof (eg, using screen printing, dot matrix decoration, roller printing, inkjet printing, painting, etc.). ) to hide any electronic components contained between the front and rear panels.

[040] Before discussing further details of the exhibitor door and/or its components, it should be noted that references to "front", "back", "rear", "up", "down", "inside ", "outer", "right" and "left" in this description are used merely to identify the various elements as they are oriented in the figures. These terms are not intended to limit the element they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications.

[041] Referring now to Figure 1, a drawing of a storage device 10 having a plurality of display doors 12 is shown, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, the storage device 10 is a temperature-controlled storage device (e.g., a refrigerator, a freezer, a heater, etc.) for storing and/or displaying refrigerated, frozen, or heated goods. In other embodiments, storage device 10 can be used to store and/or display products, merchandise or other items at room temperature or at an uncontrolled temperature. The storage device 10 can be implemented in any commercial, industrial or residential installation. For example, as shown in Figure 1, storage device 10 can be used to store and/or display refrigerated or frozen goods for customers in a supermarket, warehouse or other similar facility.

[042] Storage device 10 is shown as including a plurality of display doors 12. Each display door 12 is shown as including a door frame 14 and a transparent unit 16. In some embodiments, the transparent unit 16 includes a or more panels of transparent or substantially transparent glass (e.g. insulated glass, tempered glass, etc.), plastics or other transparent or substantially transparent materials. In some embodiments, transparent unit 16 includes multiple layers of transparent panels (i.e., multiple panels per door 12). For example, the transparent unit 16 may be a three-panel unit having a front panel, a center panel, and a back panel.

[043] In some embodiments, the transparent unit 16 includes a transparent LCD panel. Advantageously, the transparent LCD panel can be used to present electronic content (eg product information, price, nutritional value, advertisements, storage layout information, visual media, etc.) to a customer while allowing a customer to see inside of the storage device 10 and view the items it contains. Content presented via the LCD panel can be dynamically generated (eg in response to user input and/or sensor signals) and can be updated to include new content (eg new advertisements, current product promotions, etc.). ) via a communications network or other data connection.

[044] In some embodiments, the transparent unit 16 includes a touch sensitive panel. In various modes, part or all of the front panel can be touch sensitive. A user can tap the touch-sensitive panel to access an information system, to retrieve product or nutritional information, to view a storage layout, or otherwise interact with the display door 12 and/or the electronic content presented by the display door 12. The transparent unit 16 is described in more detail with reference to figures 2-4.

[045] Still referring to figure 1, in some embodiments, the display door 12 includes a handle 56. The handle 56 can be used to open, close, lock, unlock, seal, unseal or otherwise operate the display door 12. The display door 12 may include any of a variety of structures or features for securing the display door 12 to the storage device 10. For example, the display door 12 may include a structure for housing wiring. , a mullion, one or more seals and/or other brackets and associated components typically included in refrigerated displays. Detailed descriptions of such components are provided in US Patent 6,606,832 and US Patent 6,606,833, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[046] Referring now to figures 2-4, the transparent unit 16 is shown in more detail, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 is an exploded view drawing of the transparent unit 16, Figure 3 is a front view of the transparent unit 16, and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of the transparent unit 16, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The transparent unit 16 is shown as including a front panel 18, a back panel 20 and a transparent LCD panel 22.

[047] The transparent LCD panel 22 can be a single-layer or multi-layer panel that includes an LCD screen to present visual content (eg, video, images, etc.). LCD panel 22 can receive control signals (e.g. start signals, data signals, etc.) from a controller 38 and can be configured to present visual content in response to the control signals. The transparent LCD panel 22 can be used to present various types of electronic content such as product information (eg, price, nutritional value, etc.), advertisements (eg, video advertisements, image advertisements, text advertisements, etc.), storage layout information and/or other forms of visual media. Advantageously, the clear LCD panel 22 can be used to present electronic content to a user (eg, a customer in a supermarket, retail store, etc.) while allowing the user to see through the clear LCD panel 22 and view the items contained within the storage device 10.

[048] The transparent LCD panel may include a number of different layers or panels of glass, plexiglass or other suitable transparent or semi-transparent materials. The layers can be laminated to one another and/or held in position by an LCD panel frame 36. In some embodiments, the LCD panel 22 includes a glass or transparent polymer reinforcing layer adhered thereto to improve strength and reduce deformation (for example, in the case where the display door 12 is impacted or closed with force). The reinforcement layer can improve the rigidity of the LCD panel 22 such that the LCD panel 22 has the strength and structural integrity of a double laminated panel.

[049] In some embodiments, the clear LCD panel 22 is used as the center panel of a three-panel unit (ie, between the front panel 18 and the back panel 20). By using the clear LCD panel 22 as the center panel, the LCD panel 22 is protected from impact damage (eg from shopping carts or other objects) and moisture damage (eg from condensation when the display door 12 is open, from atmospheric moisture in the air, etc. ). Additionally, mounting the LCD panel 22 between the front panel 18 and the back panel 20 can increase the visible transmittance of the LCD panel 22.

[050] In other embodiments, the LCD panel 22 is not the center panel. For example, the clear LCD panel 22 can be located in front of either the front panel 18 or back panel 20 or behind both the front panel 18 and back panel 20. In some embodiments, the LCD panel 22 can be glued or laminated to the outer panel or the inner panel of a triple panel refrigerator door. In another embodiment, the transparent unit 16 can include more than three panels or glazing. For example, the clear LCD panel 22 can be inserted between the first and second or second and third panels in a triple panel refrigerator door.

[051] Front panel 18 and rear panel 20 may be made of glass (eg insulated glass, tempered glass, etc.), plastics or other transparent or substantially transparent materials. In some embodiments, front panel 18 and back panel 20 include a transparent portion 34 and an opaque portion 32. The opaque portion 32 can be formed, for example, by screen printing, by applying another type of coating ( eg dot matrix decoration, roller printing, inkjet printing, painting, etc.), and/or by applying a decal to a surface of the front panel 18 and/or the back panel 20. The opaque part 32 can hide or obscure the edge of the LCD panel 22 (eg frame 36, edges of LCD screen, etc.) as well as any other components that might be positioned between front panel 18 and back panel 20 (eg. the spacers 24-28, the insulation 30, etc. ).

[052] Each of the panels 18-22 includes a front surface and a rear surface. As shown more clearly in Figure 4, front panel 18 includes a front surface 40 and a rear surface 42, rear panel 20 includes a front surface 44 and a rear surface 46, and clear LCD panel 22 includes a front surface 48 and a rear surface 50. The front surfaces 40, 44 and 48 face toward a customer when the display door 12 is closed while the rear surfaces 42, 46 and 50 face toward the storage device 10 when the 12 exhibitor door is closed. In some embodiments, the opaque portion 32 can be formed by applying a coating to surfaces 42 and 44 (i.e., the inner surfaces of front panel 18 and back panel 20). In other embodiments, the opaque portion 32 can be formed by applying an opaque coating to any other surfaces (e.g., in addition to or in place of surfaces 42 and 44) or by using opaque materials to form the opaque portion 32.

[053] Referring further to figures 2-4, the transparent unit 16 is shown as including three panels. However, in various embodiments, the transparent unit 16 can include a greater or lesser number of panels. For example, the transparent unit 16 can be a two-panel unit (e.g., transparent LCD panel 22 and another transparent or substantially transparent panel, two traditional non-LCD panels, etc.), a three-panel unit (e.g. , as shown in figure 2 or with three non-LCD panels), a four-panel unit (for example, the transparent LCD panel 22 and three traditional non-LCD panels), a five-panel unit, a six-panel unit, or a unit having any other number of panels or glazing. The transparent unit 16 can include any combination of transparent LCD panels and/or traditional non-LCD panels.

[054] In some embodiments, panels 18-22 can be fitted with an anti-condensation device. Chillers are a type of refrigerated display, which operate at a temperature of approximately 38°F (3.33°C). Freezers are another type of refrigerated display that operates below 0°F (-17.78°C). If the outer surface of the transparent unit 16 is cooler than the temperature of the air outside the display door 12, moisture from the outdoor air may condense on the surface of the transparent unit 16. In some embodiments, one or more of the panels 18-22 includes a electrically conductive coating (eg, a pyrolytic coating or other similar coating) to prevent condensation from occurring. The electrically conductive coating can be applied by spraying, gluing, laminating or otherwise depositing the coating (e.g., using chemical vapor deposition) on any of surfaces 40-50.

[055] To supply electricity to the cladding, the transparent unit 16 may include parallel busbars (eg top and bottom, left and right side, etc.). The busbars can be spaced next to each other and bonded to the electrically conductive coating. Each busbar may include a lead assembly or solder tab for gluing wires that are in communication with an electrical source. In this arrangement, electrical current can pass through one of the conductor assemblies, to a first of the busbars, through the electrically conductive coating to the second busbar, and through the other conductor assembly. Electric current can cause heat to be generated through panels 18-22 (eg, because of the electrical resistance of the coating), which can help prevent condensation in panels 18-22. An exemplary bus system is described in more detail in US patents 6,606,832 and 6,606,833, which are incorporated herein by reference with respect to descriptions thereof.

[056] In some embodiments, panels 18-22 are configured to maximize visible light transmission through transparent unit 16 to a customer, thereby improving customers' ability to view display items within storage device 10 and displayed content via LCD panel 22. However, it is also desirable to minimize the transmission of non-visible light (ie, ultraviolet and infrared light) through the transparent unit 16 in order to improve thermal performance (eg, by reducing heat transfer by radiation) and to protect the items stored in it.

[057] In some embodiments, panels 18-22 may be configured to use wavelengths of non-visible light to heat panels 18-22, thereby reducing or preventing condensation. For example, one or more of panels 18-22 can include an ultraviolet (UV) inhibitor. A UV inhibitor can increase the shelf life of products within the storage device 10 by preventing ultraviolet light from passing through the display door 12. The ultraviolet light can be absorbed or reflected by the UV inhibitor and can be used as an energy source for heat the panels 18-22. As another example, panels 18-22 can be treated with a low-emissivity heat reflective coating to improve overall thermal resistance (eg, by reducing radiant heat transfer) and/or to prevent external condensation.

[058] In some embodiments, an anti-reflective coating can be applied to any of the panels 18-22. The anti-reflective coating can absorb or transmit infrared light, ultraviolet light or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the anti-reflective coating can absorb or transmit some frequencies of visible light in addition to infrared and/or ultraviolet light.

[059] Referring further to figures 2-4, the transparent unit 16 is shown as including a plurality of spacers 24-28. In some embodiments, spacers 24-28 include at least three different spacers (i.e., first spacer 24, second spacer 26, and third spacer 28). The first spacer 24 can span the distance between the front panel 18 and the back panel 20, the second spacer 26 can span the distance between the front panel 18 and the LCD panel 22, and the third spacer 28 can span the distance between LCD panel 22 and back panel 20. Spacers 24-28 can be used to ensure proper spacing between panels 18-22 and to prevent unwanted flexing thereof. For example, first spacer 24 can be glued to surfaces 42 and 44 (i.e., the inner surfaces of front panel 18 and back panel 20) and can be used to maintain a desired distance between front panel 18 and back panel. 20.

[060] In some embodiments, spacers 24-28 create closed shapes. For example, Figure 2 shows each of the spacers 24-28 as a substantially rectangular frame. In other embodiments, one or more of the spacers 24-28 may be replaced with a plurality of spacer segments (as shown in Figure 5). In some embodiments, spacers 24-28 can be combined into a single spacer (as shown in figure 9).

[061] In some embodiments, spacers 24-28 are made of an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material can help support and suspend the clear LCD panel 22 within the display door 12 and can prevent damage caused by shock and vibration when the display door 12 is opened and closed. In other embodiments, spacers 2428 can be made from other materials such as polymers, metals, ceramics, or any combination thereof.

[062] Referring further to figures 2-4, the transparent unit 16 is shown as including the insulation 30. The insulation 30 may be thermal insulation, electrical insulation, magnetic insulation or any combination thereof. Insulation 30 may be included between front panel 18 and back panel 20 to reduce heat transfer through display door 12. In some embodiments, LCD panel 22 is smaller than front panel 18 and back panel 20 (by example, a smaller height, a smaller width, etc. ). Insulation 30 may be provided around LCD panel 22 (eg, above, below, sides, etc.) to fill the empty space between front panel 18 and back panel 20. Insulation 30 may include multiple sections and one or more cutouts to house electrical or mechanical components. For example, in Figures 2 and 3, insulation 30 is shown as including a cutout 80 configured to house controller 38.

[063] Insulation 30 can be formed from molded polyurethane foam, polystyrene beads, extruded polystyrene or other similar material. In some embodiments, other types of insulation, such as super insulation (eg, silica airgel), can be used in areas where bulky and/or conductive components require more insulation in a limited space (eg to prevent external condensation in a refrigerator or freezer). In some embodiments, an insulating gas (eg, argon, xenon, krypton, sulfur hexafluoride, etc.) can be used to fill the spaces between front panel 18 and back panel 20. An insulating gas may be appropriately appropriate ideal for low temperature applications and can be used in addition to or in place of the insulation 30 to insulate spaces around the LCD panel 22.

[064] As shown in figure 4, insulating gas can be used to fill cavities 58 between front panel 18 and LCD panel 22 and between back panel 20 and LCD panel 22. In operation, light from inside of display door 12 can pass through cavities 58 before reaching a user. Advantageously, the insulating gas within the cavities 58 can be transparent to visible light such that light from within the display door 12 is able to pass through the cavities 58. The insulating gas can improve the thermal insulation of the display door 12 without impairing the functionality of the LCD panel 22 and without preventing light from passing through the cavities 58 and reaching a user.

[065] In some embodiments, the transparent unit 16 includes a seal 60. The seal 60 can hermetically seal the cavities 58 to prevent external contamination (eg with dust, debris, pollution, chemicals, moisture, etc.) and to stop prevent the insulating gas inside the cavities 58 from escaping.

[066] Still referring to figures 2-4, in some embodiments, the transparent unit 16 includes a touch-sensitive screen 62. The touch-sensitive screen 62 may be located in front of the front panel 18 (e.g., along of surface 40), behind front panel 18 (eg along surface 42), inside front panel 18, or elsewhere inside or outside transparent unit 16. Touch screen 62 can use any type of touch screen technology such as resistive, acoustic (eg surface acoustics, acoustic pulse, etc.), capacitive touch, projected capacitance (eg mutual capacitance, self capacitance, etc.), infrared (eg mesh infrared, acrylic infrared projection, etc. ), optical imaging and/or dispersive signal technology. Exemplary touch screen technology is disclosed in US patent publications 2009/0146945 and 2007/0216657, which are incorporated herein by reference with respect to their descriptions of touch screen technology. In various embodiments, part or all of the front panel 18 may be touch sensitive.

[067] The touchscreen 62 can be configured to detect proximity, movement, gestures, user touch, or other forms of user interaction with the display door 12. For example, a user can touch the external surface of the front panel 18 (i.e. surface 40) for interacting with display door 12. Touch screen 62 may be configured to transmit touch detection data to controller 38 for processing and interpretation. Touchscreen 62 can be used to access an information system, retrieve product or nutritional information, view a storage layout, or otherwise interact with display door 12 and/or electronic content presented via the LCD panel 22.

[068] In various embodiments, the transparent unit 16 can be modified as needed (eg, resized, reshaped, components added or removed, etc. ) for use with any type of door (eg a hinged door, a door sliding door, a revolving door, an insulated door, an uninsulated door, a fire door, a security door, etc. ) or door assembly. For example, the transparent unit 16 can be implemented as part of an insulated door assembly for a refrigerator, multi-shelf refrigerator, or freezer. In other implementations, the transparent unit 16 can be used as a fixed window for a walk-in cooler, an insulated fine food service display, a fixed product display window, or other non-door related applications.

[069] In some embodiments, the transparent unit 16 may include two or more LCD panels. The two or more LCD panels can be combined in a matrix to increase the visible exposure area. For example, a standard 46" (116, 84 cm) 16:9 TV size in a 30" x 67" (76, 2 cm x 170, 18 cm) door leaves a large opaque margin above and below the panel LCD Two adjacent smaller panels would leave more room for visible transmittance Another way to increase the visible area is to reduce the longer side of a larger 16:9 LCD panel to better fit the available display area within the 16 transparent unit.

[070] In some embodiments, a series of display doors 12 (eg along a supermarket aisle) can be synchronized to display related images on each of the display doors 12 (eg similar to a JumboTron that displays an image or images on a series of adjacent screens). Controller 38 or another central control unit can communicate with each of the display doors 12 to synchronize or coordinate visual displays. For example, multiple exhibitor doors 12 can be used to display a large image or video, with a portion of the image or video presented via each of the exhibitor doors 12.

[071] Referring now to Figure 5, a cross-sectional drawing of the transparent unit 16 is shown, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 illustrates a rear view of the transparent unit 16 (for example, from the inside of the storage device 10) with the back panel 20 removed. In figure 5, the transparent unit 16 is shown as including several components previously described with reference to figures 2-4. For example, the transparent unit 16 is shown as including the front panel 18, the spacer 24 attached to a rearward facing surface of the front panel 18 (i.e., the surface 42), the insulation 30, the transparent LCD panel 22, and the controller 38.

[072] The transparent unit 16 is shown as additionally including a lighting element 64. The lighting element 64 may include one or more light emitting devices (e.g. strips of light emitting diodes (LEDs), fluorescent tubes , incandescent lights, halogen lights, etc. ) configured to provide backlighting for the transparent LCD panel 22 and/or to enhance the presentation and display of items within the storage device 10. In some embodiments, the lighting element 64 includes a plurality of LED strips 64a and 64b. The LED strips 64a-64b can be oriented vertically within the transparent unit 16. In various embodiments, the lighting element 64 can be attached to the LCD panel 22 (e.g., attached to the rearward facing surface 50), attached to the spacer 28 (i.e., between the LCD panel 22 and the back panel 20), or otherwise mounted inside the transparent unit 16 or outside the transparent unit 16 (e.g., inside the storage device 10, attached to a mullion for the ports of exhibitors 12, etc. ). Illumination element 64 can be positioned behind opaque portion 32 of front panel 18 in such a way that light emitted by illumination element 64 is not directly visible to a user.

[073] As shown in Figure 5, the lighting element 64 may be attached to a rearward facing surface of the LCD panel 22 between the spacer 28 and the insulation 30. In some embodiments, the spacer 28 may be a substantially rectangular frame (as shown in figure 2). In other embodiments, spacer 28 may include a plurality of distinct spacer segments (e.g., unconnected, separate, isolated, etc.) 28a-28f (as shown in Figure 5). The spacer segments 28a-28f may be separated from one another to allow light from the illumination element 64 to pass between the spacer segments 28a-28f and reach the portion of the LCD panel 22 visible to a user. For example, light emitted by LED strip 64a may pass between spacer segments 28a and 28b, between spacer segments 28b and 28d, and between spacer segments 28d and 28f. Light emitted by LED strip 64b may pass between spacer segments 28a and 28c, between spacer segments 28c and 28e, and between spacer segments 28e and 28f.

[074] Referring now to Figure 6, a cross-sectional plan view of the display door 12 is shown, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In Figure 6, illumination element 64 is shown attached to a rearward facing surface of LCD panel 22 between spacer 28 and insulation 30. In various embodiments, illumination element 64 can be positioned between spacer 28 and insulation 30, internal to the spacer 28 (e.g., such that the spacer 28 is between the insulation 30 and the lighting element 64), integrated with the spacer 28 or the insulation 30, or otherwise located between the LCD panel 22 and the back panel 20. In some embodiments, the lighting element 64 may be located behind the back panel 20 (e.g., attached to the surface 46, attached to a separate panel behind the back panel 20, mounted within the storage device 10, etc. ).

[075] Still referring to Figure 6, in some embodiments, the display door 12 includes a light guide 66. The light guide 66 may be configured to guide light emitted by the lighting element 64 towards the items within. of the storage device 10 and/or towards the LCD panel 22. In some embodiments, the light guide 66 is a light guide plate (eg, made of glass, plexiglass or the like) that helps to illuminate the lights. images on LCD panel 22 by directing light from lighting element 64 through transparent LCD panel 22. In various embodiments, light guide 66 may be disposed along a front surface of back panel 20 (i.e., surface 44) , along a rear surface of back panel 20 (i.e., surface 46), behind back panel 20 (e.g., on another panel, within storage device 10, etc.), or otherwise positioned to receive light from the lighting element 64.

[076] In some embodiments, the light guide 66 may include a switchable film or glass. The switchable film or glass can be configured to transition between an opaque state and a transparent state based on whether voltage or current is applied. For example, when voltage or current is applied, the switchable film or glass may become clear. When voltage or current is removed, the film or switchable glass can become opaque or matte. The light guide 66 can be configured to selectively apply an electrical voltage or current to the switchable film or glass based on control signals received from controller 38.

[077] In some embodiments, the light guide 66 includes a switchable liquid crystal film. An exemplary switchable film that can be used with the 66 light guide is 3G Switchable Film™ produced by Scienstry, Inc. of Richardson, Texas, USA. Another exemplary switchable film that can be used with the light guide 66 is described in US Patent 5,270,843, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[078] In some embodiments, the switchable film is applied to a surface behind the LCD panel 22 (eg using a lamination process, an optical adhesive, double-sided adhesive tape, etc.). For example, the switchable film can be applied to surface 44 or surface 46 of back panel 20. Lighting element 64 can be positioned between LCD panel 22 and light guide 66. In this position, light guide 66 can be positioned be switched between the opaque state and the transparent state (eg by means of a control signal received from the controller 38) to function as a reflective/refractive surface and provide backlighting for the LCD panel 22 (eg in the state opaque) and to provide illumination for items within the storage device 10 (eg in the transparent state).

[079] For example, if voltage or current is not applied, the light guide 66 may become opaque (eg frosted, white like clouds, etc.), thereby preventing a user from seeing through the display door 12. In the opaque state, light emitted by the lighting element 64 can be absorbed, scattered, or reflected by the light guide 64, thereby providing background illumination for the LCD panel 22. In the opaque state, the transparent LCD panel 22 may appear to be a typical LCD television. The opaque state facilitates the presentation of content via the LCD panel 22 by reducing or eliminating light transmission from within the storage device 10 through the display door 12.

[080] If voltage or current is applied, the light guide 66 can be made transparent, thereby allowing a user to see through the display door 12 the interior of the storage device 10. In the transparent state, light emitted by the lighting element 64 can be transmitted through the light guide 66 to provide illumination and improve the presentation of items within the storage device 10.

[081] Referring now to figures 7-8, the display door 12 is shown as including a sensor 68 and a speaker 70, according to an exemplary embodiment. Sensor 68 can be an optical sensor (e.g., an infrared sensor, a visible light sensor, a sensor/emitter pair, etc.), a visual recognition camera, a motion sensor, a proximity sensor, a sensor temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or any combination thereof.

[082] Sensor 68 can be configured to sense or detect a user near display door 12. For example, if a user walks in front of display door 12, sensor 68 can send a sensing signal to controller 38 In some embodiments, sensor 68 is a visual recognition camera configured to capture visual images of a user in front of display door 12. Controller 38 can use a data signal from sensor 68 to determine if the user is a man or woman. In some embodiments, controller 38 customizes advertisements or other content presented via LCD panel 22 based on information collected via sensor 68 (e.g., based on whether the user is a male or female, etc.).

[083] Speaker 70 can be set to play audio content. Speaker 70 can communicate various types of audio content such as music, sound effects, spoken words, audio advertisements, etc. In some embodiments, the audio content reproduced by speaker 70 may complement the visual content presented via the LCD panel 22. In other embodiments, the audio content reproduced by the speaker 70 may be independent of the visual content presented via the LCD panel 22 For example, in some embodiments, the display door 12 may not include an LCD panel and the speaker 70 may be the only content output device used by the display port 12. The speaker 70 may receive signals from data from controller 38 and can produce audio content in response to data signals from controller 38.

[084] Still referring to figures 7-8, the sensor 68 and/or the speaker 70 may be mounted on or within the door frame 14. For example, door frame 14 can include an empty area 72 in which sensor 68 and/or speaker 70 can be positioned. The empty area 72 can be covered with a cover 74 which is removably attached to the door frame 14 by means of threaded fasteners or the like. Cover 74 can be removed to allow access to empty area 72 and the electronics contained therein for repair, upgrade, replacement, inspection or for other purposes. In some embodiments, controller 38 may be located in void area 72 rather than between front panel 18 and back panel 20.

[085] In some embodiments, speaker 70 is a traditional speaker including a driver, diaphragm, and other traditional speaker components. In other embodiments, speaker 70 is an acoustic driver (ie, an electro-acoustic transducer) configured to use a portion of panels 18-22 as the speaker diaphragm. For example, speaker 70 may include one or more individual transducers configured to vibrate a portion of panels 18-22 to create pressure waves (eg, audible sound) rather than using a traditional speaker diaphragm. In various embodiments, transducers can be attached to the rear surface of front panel 18 (i.e., surface 42) or to any other surface of display door 12 (e.g., surfaces 4050, surfaces of another panel, etc.). ). The transducers can cause a portion of the front panel 18 to vibrate, thereby producing sound waves emanating directly from the front panel 18. The transducers can receive a control or data signal from the controller 38 and can be configured to vibrate the front panel 18 in response to control or data signals.

[086] In some embodiments, the transducers can be attached to the opaque portion 32 of the front panel 18 in such a way that the transducers are hidden behind an opaque surface. In some embodiments, the transducers can be attached to a portion of the front panel 18 that exhibits favorable acoustic or vibration characteristics (eg, based on the natural frequency of the selected portion of the front panel 18, the hardness or stiffness of the selected portion, etc. .). For example, relatively high frequency transducers may be more suitable for more rigid parts of the front panel 18, while relatively low frequency transducers may be more suitable for less rigid parts of the front panel 18.

[087] Referring now to Fig. 9, a cross section of the transparent unit 16 is shown, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Figure 9 illustrates an alternative configuration of spacers 24-28 in which spacers 2428 are combined into a single spacer 52. Spacer 52 can extend the distance between front panel 18 and back panel 20 and can be glued to surfaces 42 and 44. Spacer 52 is shown as including a detent 54 for receiving LCD panel 22. Detent 54 can retain LCD panel 22 in a stable position relative to front panel 18 and back panel 20.

[088] Referring now to Figures 10-11, a hinged electrical connection for the display door 12 is shown, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As described above, display door 12 may include a variety of electrical and/or electronic components (e.g., LCD panel 22, controller 38, sensor 68, speaker 70, anti-condensation heaters, etc.) . Figures 10-11 illustrate a mechanism for supplying power, electrical current, voltage (eg, 120 VAC or 240 VAC) and/or data to display door 12 via a pivot pin 76.

[089] The pivot pin 76 may be a hollow notched pivot pin configured to house one or more electrical conductors 78-82. As shown in Figure 11, insulated electrical conductors 78-82 and/or wired communications may be routed through pivot pin 76 (e.g. via Internet communications of the TCP/IP type). Electrical conductors 78-82 may axially traverse pivot pin 76 to deliver power and/or data to electronic components within display door 12. Advantageously, passing electrical conductors 78-82 through pivot pin 76 can reduce bending stress/strain and fatigue suffered by 78-82 conductors when compared to traditional power delivery systems.

[090] In some embodiments, 78-82 electrical conductors are high voltage conductors that require proper insulation and spacing as dictated by UL and other safety certification organizations. For example, US Patent 4,671,582 to Stromquist et al., the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a pivot pin configured to house high voltage AC conductors. In other embodiments, the 78-82 conductors may include one or more low voltage DC conductors (eg, conductors having a voltage of 24V or less with respect to ground) and a data cable (eg, a CAT 5 cable , a CAT 6 cable, a coaxial cable, a fiber optic cable, or any other type of cable) configured to transmit TCP/IP type communications.

(091] In some embodiments, the display on which the display door 12 is mounted is pre-wired with a low voltage DC power supply (eg 12 V, 24 V, UL Class 2, etc.) in such a way that it accepts a clear LCD display port 12 powered through pivot pin 76 or wires connected near pivot pin 76. In some embodiments, all electrical components between front panel 18 and back panel 20 may be powered by a power supply that provides a relatively low amount of power (eg less than 200 W, less than 100 W, less than 50 W, etc.) Low voltage conductors can be used to power all electronic components of the display door 12. However, this is not a limitation on the present invention. For example, a high voltage option can also be implemented. Electrical conductors running through the pivot pin 76 (eg power cables , data cables, etc. ) can directly connect to various electrical components inside the display port 12 or to an intermediate component (eg a controller, a power supply, etc. ).

[092] In some embodiments, the pivot pin 76 may be omitted and a regular pivot pin may be used. For example, in an external mounting mode of the display door 12, electronic components can be powered (and data transmitted) via a cable that does not extend through the pivot pin. This type of door can be used, for example, on a self-service shelf at the end of an exit corridor in a store.

[093] In some embodiments, some or all of the electronic components used in combination with the display door 12 (eg, controller 38, sensor 68, speaker 70, a data storage device, a player media, a power supply, etc.) may be located external to the display door 12 and/or the frame 14. For example, the controller 38 and/or a data storage device used to store media displayed via the LCD panel 22 they can be placed at a remote location (eg onsite or offsite). Similarly, sensor 68, speaker 70 and/or a media player for display door 12 may be located remotely (e.g., external to display door 12 and/or frame 14). Remotely located components can be connected with the exhibitor port 12 directly or via a communications network (eg a local network, the Internet, etc.). In various embodiments, electronic components located external to display door 12 can provide display door 12 with power and/or data via electrical conductors passing through hinge pin 76 or via a wireless communications link. In other embodiments, some or all of the electrical components may be located within the display door 12 (e.g., between the front panel 18 and the back panel 20), mounted within the frame 14, or otherwise combined with the display door. exhibitor 12.

[094] Referring now to Fig. 12, a block diagram of controller 38 is shown, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Controller 38 may be located within transparent unit 16 (e.g. in cutout 80 as shown in Figure 3), within door frame 14 (e.g., void area 72 as shown in Figure 7), or located otherwise within display door 12 or external to display door 12. In some embodiments, controller 38 is a local controller for a single display door. In other embodiments, controller 38 may control multiple display doors 12. For example, controller 38 may be a supervisory controller for a building management system including display doors 12. In some embodiments, controller 38 is part of a distributed control system with the various functions and components of the controller 38 distributed to several different control devices.

[095] Referring further to Fig. 12, controller 38 is shown to include a communications interface 88 and a processing circuit 90. Communications interface 88 may include wired or wireless interfaces (e.g., jacks, antennas , transmitters, receivers, transceivers, wire terminals, Ethernet ports, WiFi transceivers, etc. ) to conduct data communications with local or remote devices or systems. The communications interface 88 can be used to communicate with a wireless network device (eg, a wireless router, wireless capable computer, laptop, tablet, cell tower, etc.) and/or a wireless device. wired network (for example, through an Ethernet cable, a SATA cable, USB cable, or other physical data connection).

[096] Communications interface 88 can be configured to receive data from various electronic devices. For example, communications interface 88 may receive sensory data from sensor 68 (e.g. motion detection data, proximity detection data, visual imaging data, temperature data, humidity data, lighting data, etc.). ), touch data of the touch screen 62 (e.g. data indicating user interaction with a particular part of the touch screen 62, etc.), data related to content from content providers 86 (e.g. updated media for display via LCD panel 22), and/or other types of electronic data (eg data from user devices 84, network 82, etc.). Controller 38 can use data received via communications interface 88 to determine appropriate control actions and/or data outputs for various operable components of display door 12.

[097] The communications interface 88 can be configured to provide control signals and/or data signals to the LCD panel 22, to the lighting element 64, to the light guide 66, to the anti-condensation device 78 and to the speaker 70. For example, controller 38 can use communications interface 88 to provide visual content data (e.g., product information, price, nutritional value, advertisements, storage layout information, visual media, etc.). ) to LCD panel 22 and audio content data to speaker 70. Controller 38 may use communications interface 88 to provide control signals to lighting element 64 (e.g., instructing lighting element 64 to turn on or off), to the light guide 66 (e.g. inducing the light guide 66 to transition between an opaque state and a transparent state), and to the anti-condensation device 78 (e.g. anti-condens action 78 is enabled or disabled with respect to providing heat to the panels 1822).

[098] Communications interface 88 may be configured to conduct electronic data communications with a communications network 82. Network 82 may be a local area network (LAN), an extended area network (WAN), a cellular network , a satellite network, a radio network, the Internet, or any other type of data network or combination thereof. Network 82 can include any number of computing devices (e.g., computers, servers, routers, network switches, etc.) configured to transmit, receive or retransmit data. Network 82 can additionally include any number of wired and/or wireless connections. For example, the controller 38 can communicate wirelessly (eg via WiFi, cellular, radio, etc.) with a transceiver that is physically connected (eg via a fiber optic cable, a CAT5 cable , etc.) to a computing device of network 82. Network 82 can be used to receive content from content providers 86 and to communicate with user devices 84.

[099] Referring further to Fig. 12, controller 38 is shown as including a processing circuit 90. Processing circuit 90 is shown as including a processor 92 and memory 94. Processor 92 may be implemented as a processor for general purpose, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more arrays of field-programmable gates (FPGAs), a CPU, a GPU, a group of processing components, or other suitable processing electronics.

[100] Memory 94 may include one or more devices (eg, RAM, ROM, Flash® memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code to complete and/or facilitate the various processes , layers and modules described in the present disclosure. Memory 94 may comprise volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Memory 94 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure to support the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. In some implementations, memory 94 is communicably connected to processor 92 via processing circuitry 90 and includes computer code (e.g., data modules stored in memory 94) to perform one or more of the control processes described in this document. For example, memory 94 is shown to include a sensor data module 96, a remote communications module 98, a content selection module 100, a display control module 102, a speaker control module 104 , a lighting control module 106 and an anti-condensation module 108.

[101] Referring further to Fig. 12, memory 94 is shown as including a sensor data module 96. Sensor data module 96 may include instructions for receiving and storing sensor data from sensor 68 of the screen touch sensitive 62 and/or other sensory input devices. Sensor data module 96 can receive input signals via communications interface 88. In some embodiments, sensor data can be received as an analog data signal. Sensor data module 96 may include an analog to digital converter to translate the analog signal to a digital data value. Sensor data module 96 can segment a continuous data signal into distinct measurement values by periodically sampling sensor data (e.g., once per second, once per millisecond, once per minute, etc.). In some embodiments, sensor data module 96 converts sensor input data into a different format using a conversion formula, translation table, or other conversion criteria.

[102] In some embodiments, sensor data module 96 can append a time tag to sensor input data to organize the data by time. If multiple input devices are used to obtain sensor data, the sensor data module 96 can assign an identifier (eg, a label, tag, etc.) to each measurement to organize the data by source. For example, the identifier may indicate whether sensor data has been received from the touch screen 62, sensor 68, or any other sensory input device.

[103] Referring further to Figure 12, memory 94 is shown as including a remote communications module 98. Remote communications module 98 may include instructions for conducting electronic data communications with remote systems and devices via communications interface 88 For example, remote communications module 98 can communicate with user devices 84, content providers 86, or other networked devices (eg, via network 82). Remote communications module 98 can receive and store media content from content providers 86. Media content can be stored in a local or remote database for subsequent presentation via LCD panel 22 and/or speaker 70. Remote communications module 98 can interact with user devices 84 to provide diagnostic information, to allow user devices 84 to make changes to configuration arrangements, to report diagnostic information or content presentation statistics, to update system software, or to facilitate any other type of interaction with user device 84 as may be desirable in various implementations.

[104] Referring further to Figure 12, memory 94 is shown as including a content selection module 100. Content selection module 100 may include instructions for determining what content is to be presented via LCD panel 22 and/or speaker 70. The content selection module 100 can select one or more visual content items (eg videos, images, text, etc. ) to display to a user via LCD panel 22 and one or more content items (eg music, sound effects, etc.) to output via speaker 70. In some embodiments, content selection module 100 uses sensor data stored by sensor data module 96 to select items from contents. For example, content selection module 100 can use sensor data to identify whether a user in front of display door 14 is a male or female and can select a corresponding content item based on the identification.

[105] In some embodiments, the content selection module 100 selects a content item based on user input received via the touch screen 62. For example, a user can interact with the touch screen 62 to request information product, nutritional information, storage layout information, or other information accessible by the controller 38. The content selection module 100 can respond to the user's request regarding the information by causing the requested information to be presented via the LCD panel 22.

[106] In some embodiments, the content selection module 100 selects one or more products (eg, product advertisements, product images, product information, etc.) to present to a user via the LCD panel 22. The module 100 content selection can select the products according to product selection criteria. In some implementations, product selection criteria include criteria for selecting products that are considered to be very likely to induce a purchase, conversion event, business interaction, or other desirable user interaction. In some implementations, product selection criteria include criteria to select products that are most pertinent (ie products that are considered to be attractive, interesting, seductive, etc.) for a particular user.

[107] In some embodiments, content selection module 100 identifies products that are most pertinent to a particular user using information specific to the particular user (ie, "user-specific information"). User-specific information may include, for example, user demographics, user preferences, user behavior data, user profile data, user location data, or other information relating to a particular user. A user can input a user identifier (eg by inputting a user ID number, scanning a barcode or card, etc.) to allow the content selection module 100 to identify a particular user and select relevant products accordingly.

[108] In some embodiments, content selection module 100 selects content for presentation through a single display port 14. In other embodiments, content selection module 100 coordinates content presentation through a series of ports of displays 14. For example, content selection module 100 can select content that is presented on multiple LCD panels 22 concurrently or content that is split into multiple parts (eg, multiple sections of a large video feed) and delivered to multiple LCD 22 panels (eg using each LCD panel as a part of a larger video display). Content selection module 100 may deliver a selected content item or an indication of a selected content item to display control module 102 and/or to speaker control module 104.

[109] Referring further to Figure 12, memory 94 is shown as including a display control module 102. The display control module 102 may be configured to control the LCD panel 22. The display control module 102 can receive media content from content selection module 100 and cause the selected media content to be presented via LCD panel 22. Display control module 102 can control LCD panel 22 to present any of a variety of media content including advertisements, product information, price information, nutritional information, storage layout information, or any other visual information capable of being presented via LCD panel 22. Display control module 102 can control media content displayed on a single LCD panel or multiple LCD panels.

[110] The display control module 102 can communicate with the content selection module 100 and/or with the sensor data module 96 to track the media content presented on the LCD panel 22. For example, the display module sensor data 96 can record sensory input indicating that a particular portion of the touch-sensitive screen 62 has been touched by a user. The display control module 102 can be used to determine the content associated with the touched portion of the touch screen 62 (e.g., a menu key, an icon, etc.). The information held by the display control module 102 can be used to associate touch screen inputs with particular actions (eg, selecting a menu item, requesting product information, etc.).

[111] Referring further to Figure 12, memory 94 is shown as including a speaker control module 104. The speaker control module 104 can be configured to control speaker 70. The module The speaker control module 104 can receive media content from the content selection module 100 and cause the selected media content to be output from the speaker 70. In some embodiments, the speaker control module 104 controls a traditional speaker (for example, a speaker having a voice coil, driver, diaphragm, and/or other traditional speaker components). In other embodiments, speaker control module 104 controls an acoustic transducer that uses one of panels 18-22 as the speaker diaphragm.

[112] Referring further to Figure 12, memory 94 is shown as including a lighting control module 106. The lighting control module 106 may be configured to control the lighting element 64 and/or the light guide 66. The lighting control module 106 can determine when to activate, deactivate, adjust a brightness, or otherwise vary an output produced by the lighting element 64. For example, the lighting control module 106 can cause the lighting element 64 is turned on at a particular time of day and turned off at a different time of day. The lighting control module 106 may operate the lighting element 64 in accordance with an established lighting schedule, in response to input received from user devices 84, or in response to other types of inputs received via communications interface 88. For example, if sensor 68 does not detect a user for a predetermined period of time, lighting control module 106 can cause lighting element 64 to be turned off to save energy. If a user is subsequently detected by sensor 68, lighting control module 106 can cause lighting element 64 to be turned on in order to better illuminate items within storage device 10 or to provide backlighting to the panel. LCD 22.

[113] In some embodiments, the lighting control module 106 controls the operation of the light guide 66. The lighting control module 106 can cause the light guide 66 to direct the light emitted by the lighting element 64 towards the products within the storage device 10 or to the LCD panel 22. For example, the lighting control module 106 can induce the light guide 66 to transition between an opaque state and a transparent state (e.g., when applying or removing tension of a switchable film or glass component of the light guide 66).

[114] If voltage or current is not applied, the light guide 66 may become opaque (eg frosted, cloudy white, etc.), thereby preventing a user from seeing through the display door 12. In the opaque state , light emitted by lighting element 64 can be absorbed, scattered, or reflected by light guide 64, thereby providing backlight to LCD panel 22. In the opaque state, transparent LCD panel 22 may appear to be a typical LCD television . The opaque state facilitates the presentation of content via LCD panel 22 by reducing or eliminating light transmission from within storage device 10 through display door 12. In some embodiments, lighting control module 106 is configured to coordinate a transition to the opaque state with the presentation of media content on the LCD panel 22. For example, the lighting control module 106 can induce the light guide 66 to transition to the opaque state when media content is presented via the panel LCD 22 to improve visibility of media content.

[115] If voltage or current is applied, the light guide 66 can be made transparent, thereby allowing a user to see through the display door 12 into the storage device 10. In the transparent state, light emitted by the lighting element 64 can be transmitted through the light guide 66 to provide illumination and improve the presentation of items within the storage device 10.

[116] Referring further to Figure 12, memory 94 is shown as including an anti-condensation module 108. The anti-condensation module 108 may be configured to control the anti-condensation device 78. In some embodiments, the anti-condensation device 78 includes an electrically conductive coating (eg, a pyrolytic coating or other similar coating) applied to one or more of panels 18-22 to prevent condensation from occurring. The electrically conductive coating can be applied by spraying, gluing, laminating or otherwise depositing the coating (e.g., using chemical vapor deposition) onto any of surfaces 40-50. Anti-condensation device 78 may additionally include one or more parallel bars (e.g., top and bottom, left and right side, etc.). The busbars can be spaced next to each other and bonded to the electrically conductive coating. Each busbar may include a lead assembly or solder tab for gluing wires that are in communication with an electrical source.

[117] The anti-condensation module 108 can be configured to apply a voltage across the busbars, causing an electrical current to flow through the electrically conductive coating. Electric current can cause heat to be generated through panels 18-22 (eg, because of the electrical resistance of the coating), which can help prevent condensation in panels 18-22. In some embodiments, the anti-condensation module 108 determines whether to apply or remove electrical current based on sensor data (eg, temperature data, humidity data, etc.) measured by sensor 68. For example, whether humidity Since the air outside the storage device 10 has a humidity level greater than a threshold value, the anti-condensation module 108 can activate the anti-condensation device 78 to prevent condensation from occurring. The threshold value can be based on the dew point temperature of the outside air or other calculated or measured values.

[118] Referring now to Figure 13, a cross-sectional drawing of a transparent unit 16' is shown, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment. The transparent unit 16' includes many of the same features as the transparent unit 16 as described with reference to Figures 2-6. For example, the transparent unit 16' is shown as including a front panel 18, a back panel 20, and a transparent LCD panel 22 positioned between the front panel 18 and the back panel 20. The transparent unit 16' is shown as additionally including the insulation 30, a spacer 24 extending the distance between the front panel 18 and the back panel 20, and a seal 60 around a perimeter of the transparent unit 16'. In some embodiments, the clear LCD panel 22 may be positioned adjacent to the front panel 18, as shown in Figure 13. The clear LCD panel 22 may be secured to the front panel 18 by an adhesive or fastener 69 (e.g., screws, pins , double-sided adhesive tape, glue, epoxy, etc. ) or held in place by a geometric fit.

[119] Referring further to Figure 13, the transparent unit 16' is shown as including a lighting element 64 and a light guide 66. The lighting element 64 may include one or more light emitting devices (e.g. strips of light emitting diodes (LEDs), fluorescent tubes, incandescent lights, halogen lights, etc. ) configured to provide backlighting for the transparent LCD panel 22 and/or to enhance the presentation and display of items within the storage device 10. The light guide 66 may be a phosphorescent embedded material configured to direct light emitted by the lighting element 64 to the transparent LCD panel 22 and/or to the products within the storage device 10.

[120] In some embodiments, the lighting element 64 and the light guide 66 are located within the transparent unit 16' (for example, between the front panel 18 and the back panel 20). For example, lighting element 64 and light guide 66 can be positioned between clear LCD panel 22 and back panel 20. As shown in Figure 13, lighting element 64 can be positioned adjacent to light guide 66 (eg on one side, on both sides, above, below, etc. ). Light emitted by lighting element 64 may pass through a side surface of light guide 66 and may be directed (e.g., scattered, deflected, redirected, etc.) by light guide 66 towards transparent LCD panel 22 and/ or back panel 20. Spacers 26 and 28 may be located on either side of light guide 66. For example, spacer 26 may be located between clear LCD panel 22 and light guide 66. Spacer 28 it can be located between the light guide 66 and the back panel 20.

[121] In some embodiments, the lighting element 64 and/or the light guide 66 can be secured to a housing 67. The housing 67 can be used to secure the lighting element 64 and/or the light guide 66 in a stable position with respect to the transparent unit 16'. Housing 67 can be positioned between clear LCD panel 22 and back panel 20, as shown in Figure 13. In some embodiments, housing 67 includes a feature (e.g., a slot, a channel, a mounting surface, a corner, a rib, etc.) configured to receive and/or secure the light guide 66. The housing 67 may also include a feature configured to receive and/or engage the lighting element 64. In various embodiments, the housing 67 can be secured to a rear surface of LCD panel 22, a front surface of back panel 20, a side surface of spacers 26 and 28, insulation 30 and/or spacer 24. Housing 67 may be secured to various elements by an adhesive or fastener 69 (eg screws, pins, double-sided adhesive tape, glue, epoxy, etc.) or held in place by a geometric fit.

[122] The construction and arrangement of systems and methods as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few implementations of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those of skill in the art reviewing this disclosure will readily realize that many modifications are possible (eg, variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, parameter values, assembly arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc. ) without materially diverging from the unpublished precepts and advantages of the reported subject matter.

[123] Numerous specific details have been described to provide a complete understanding of the revelation. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details were not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to "some embodiments", "an embodiment", "an exemplary embodiment" and/or "several embodiments" in the present disclosure may be, but are not necessarily, references to the same embodiment, and such references mean at least one of the embodiments.

[124] Alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed in this document. No special importance should be placed on whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed in this document. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A narration of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed in this document is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or any exemplified term. Likewise, disclosure is not limited to the various modalities given in this descriptive report.

[125] Elements and assemblies can be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Additionally, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts or elements.

[126] As used in this document, the word "exemplary" is used to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any implementation or design described in this document as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be interpreted as preferred or advantageous over other implementations or designs. Particularly, use of the word exemplar is intended to present concepts in a concrete way. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of preferred implementations and other exemplary implementations without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[127] As used in this document, the terms "approximately", "about", "substantially" and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with common usage and accepted by persons of common knowledge in the art to which the matter in question of this revelation belongs. It is to be understood by those of skill in the art reviewing this disclosure that these terms are intended to permit a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms are to be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or irrelevant modifications or changes to the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims.

[128] As used in this document, the term "coupled" means the joining of two elements directly or indirectly to each other. Such a union may be stationary in nature or mobile in nature and/or such a union may allow the flow of fluids, electricity, electrical signals or other types of signals or communication between the two elements. Such a union can be achieved with the two elements or the two elements and any additional intermediate elements being integrally formed as a single unitary body with each other or with the two elements or the two elements and any additional intermediate elements being secured together. Such a bond may be permanent in nature or alternatively it may be removable or releasable in nature.

[129] Although only a few modalities have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (eg, variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors , directions, etc. ). For example, the position of elements can be inverted or otherwise varied and the nature or number of distinct positions or elements can be changed or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative modalities. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary modalities without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[130] The present disclosure considers methods, systems, and program products on any machine-readable media to perform various operations. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by means of a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system incorporated for this or another purpose, or by means of a physically connected system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for loading or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or another machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media may comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other media that may be used to load or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or another machine with a processor. When information is transferred or provided through a network or other communications connection (hard wired, wireless or a combination of wired and wireless) to a machine, the machine appropriately views the connection as media machine readable. Thus, any such connection is appropriately termed machine-readable media. Combinations of the above are also included in the scope of machine readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data that induce a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or special-purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.

[131] Although the figures show a specific order of method steps, the order of steps may differ from what is depicted. Also, two or more steps can be performed concurrently or with partial concurrency. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and the choice of designer. All such variations are within the scope of the revelation. Likewise, software implementations can be performed with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to perform the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

Claims (20)

Display door assembly for a product storage device, the display door assembly characterized by the fact that it comprises:
a transparent unit comprising a front panel, a back panel and a transparent LCD panel positioned between the front panel and the back panel, wherein the transparent LCD panel is configured to present visual media content;
a lighting element configured to provide illumination for the transparent LCD panel and for products within the product storage device; and
a light guide configured to selectively direct light emitted by the lighting element to the transparent LCD panel and to products within the product storage device. Display door assembly, according to claim 1, characterized in that the visual media content comprises at least one of: product information, price information, nutritional information, advertising content and storage layout information. Display door assembly, according to claim 1, characterized in that the lighting element comprises a strip of LEDs positioned within the display door assembly between the front panel and the back panel. Display door assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the lighting element is fixed to a surface of the LCD panel and configured to emit light in a direction away from the LCD panel and towards the products within the product storage device;
wherein the light guide is configured to cause the light emitted by the lighting element to be reflected back towards the LCD panel and through the LCD panel. Exhibitor door assembly, according to claim 1, characterized in that the light guide is positioned within the exhibitor door assembly between the front panel and the rear panel. Display door assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the light guide is operable in a first mode in which the light guide reflects the light emitted by the lighting element towards the LCD panel and away the product storage device; and
wherein the light guide is operable in a second mode in which the light guide allows light emitted by the lighting element to pass through the light guide and into the product storage device. Display door assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the light guide comprises a switchable film configured to transition between a transparent state and an opaque state, wherein the switchable film is applied to at least one of: the front panel, the back panel and the transparent LCD panel;
wherein selectively directing light emitted by the lighting element to the transparent LCD panel comprises transitioning the switchable film to the opaque state and using the switchable film in the opaque state to provide a backlight for the transparent LCD panel; and
wherein selectively directing light emitted by the lighting element to products within the product storage device comprises transitioning from the switchable film to the transparent state and allowing light emitted by the lighting element to pass through the switchable film and into the device of product storage. Display door assembly, according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises:
a controller positioned between the front panel and the rear panel, where the controller is configured to control the visual media content presented through the transparent LCD panel. Display door assembly, according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises:
a controller positioned at a remote location and connected to the clear LCD panel via a data communications link, where the controller is configured to control the visual media content presented via the clear LCD panel. Assembling an exhibitor door, according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises:
a speaker attached to the transparent unit, where the speaker is configured to present audio media content. Display door assembly, according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises:
a touchscreen configured to receive touch-based input from a user;
where the visual media content presented by the transparent LCD panel is in response to user input received via the touchscreen. Display door assembly, according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises:
a hollow pivot pin configured to rotatably couple the display door assembly to the product storage device; and
one or more electrical conductors extending through the hollow hinge pin, the electrical conductors providing at least one of: power and data to the clear LCD panel. Display door assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the transparent LCD panel, the lighting element and the light guide are powered by a power supply that produces a DC voltage of 24 V or less. Display door assembly for a product storage device, the display door assembly characterized by the fact that it comprises:
a transparent unit comprising a front panel, a back panel and a transparent LCD panel positioned between the front panel and the back panel, wherein the transparent LCD panel is configured to present visual media content;
a light guide configured to transition between an opaque state in which the light guide provides backlighting to the transparent LCD panel and a transparent state in which the light guide allows products within the product storage device to be seen through. the transparent LCD panel; and
a controller located external to the transparent unit and connected to the transparent LCD panel via a data communications link, where the controller is configured to control the visual media content presented via the transparent LCD panel. Display door assembly, according to claim 14, characterized in that the visual media content comprises at least one of: product information, price information, nutritional information, advertising content and storage layout information. Display door assembly, according to claim 14, characterized in that it additionally comprises:
a touchscreen configured to receive touch-based input from a user;
where the visual media content presented by the transparent LCD panel is in response to user input received via the touchscreen. Display door assembly, according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises a lighting element configured to provide lighting for the transparent LCD panel and for the products within the product storage device;
wherein, when the light guide is in the opaque state, the light guide reflects light emitted by the lighting element and causes the emitted light to pass through the transparent LCD panel; and
wherein, when the light guide is in the transparent state, the light guide does not reflect the light emitted by the lighting element and causes the emitted light to pass through the light guide towards the products within the product storage device . Display door assembly, according to claim 17, characterized in that the light guide is arranged between the lighting element and the products within the product storage device;
wherein the lighting element emits light in a first direction away from the transparent LCD panel and towards the products within the product storage device;
wherein, when the light guide is in the opaque state, the light guide reflects light emitted by the lighting element in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction and towards the LCD panel. Display door assembly, according to claim 14, characterized in that the controller is configured to provide a control signal to the light guide inducing the light guide to transition between the transparent state and the opaque state;
wherein the controller induces the light guide to transition to the opaque state when visual media content is presented through the transparent LCD panel. Display door assembly, according to claim 19, characterized in that the controller induces the light guide to transition to the transparent state when the visual media content is not presented through the transparent LCD panel.

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