WO2007006746A1

WO2007006746A1 - Apparatus for distributing and reproducing video signals in salesrooms

Info

Publication number: WO2007006746A1
Application number: PCT/EP2006/064004
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christian Xell
Original assignee: Christian Xell
Priority date: 2005-07-07
Filing date: 2006-07-07
Publication date: 2007-01-18
Also published as: AT502070B1; AT502070A1

Abstract

Apparatus for displaying graphical information about products arranged in storerooms or salesrooms which has a computer unit (1), comprising a data store, and at least two display units (Ai), arranged in the storerooms or salesrooms, for graphical reproduction of the image or video signals (vi) provided by the computer unit (1). The invention provides for the data store in the computer unit (1) to have image or video files (D11) which are respectively associated with a particular display unit (Ai) and for the computer unit (1) to be connected to the respective display units (Ai) via a data input connection for specifically transmitting the image or video signals (vi) generated on the basis of the image or video files (Dii) to the display unit (Ai) which is respectively associated with these image or video files (Dii), the computer unit (1) being a fixed design and the respective display unit (Ai) being of mobile design.

Description

Device for the distribution and reproduction of video signals in sales rooms

The invention relates to a device for displaying image-shaped information about arranged in storage or stores products having a data memory comprising a computer unit and at least two are arranged in the storage or stores display units for imagewise reproduction of the image provided by the computer unit ^¬ or video signals, according to the preamble of claim 1.

In order to display image or video signals, which are provided by a central computer unit, on decentrally arranged display units, it is known according to the prior art to use a number of commercially available monitors as display units, which are connected to the computer unit via data connections. The computer unit provides an image or video signal which is sent to all monitors, so that the same image or video information is consequently reproduced on each of the monitors. For technical implementation, reproduction units are provided which reproduce the image or video signal provided by the computer unit and pass it on to the monitors, so that only a data output interface is required on the computer unit. The monitors are permanently installed at an overhead height to protect them from vandalism or theft. Such devices are also used in shopping centers or department stores, and are used to advertise the respective house or certain products. The decentrally reproduced video information usually represents a video sequence of the type known from television advertising.

However, devices of this type are not suitable for the specific promotion of products or product groups stored in the immediate vicinity of the monitor, since the same image or video information is always sent to all monitors. In addition, the monitors are usually permanently installed and thus immobile, so that after replacing the products stored near a monitor, the product reference of the video information is sometimes lost. After all, the consumer no longer creates a connection between the video information shown on the monitors and the products that he sees on the shelves in front of him. In addition, such devices are relatively expensive, since commercially available monitors are used.

It is therefore the aim of the present invention to provide a device for the product-specific reproduction of image or video information. The reproduction of the image or video information should take place in the immediate vicinity of the advertised products, but the cost of such a device should be lower than in conventional systems.

These goals are achieved by the features of claim 1. Claim 1 relates to a device for displaying image-shaped information about arranged in storage or stores products having a data memory comprising a computer unit and at least two are arranged in the storage or stores display units for imagewise reproduction of provided by the computer unit image ^¬ or video signals. According to the invention, it is provided that the data memory of the computer unit has image or video files which are each assigned to a specific display unit, the computer unit with the respective display units via a data input connection for the targeted transmission of the image or video signals generated on the basis of the image or video files to the ^¬ these image or video files respectively associated display unit, said computer unit is stationary and the respective display unit is designed mobile. The device according to the invention thus provides for targeted control of the display units with an image or video information respectively assigned to them, so that each display unit can reproduce different image or video information. For this purpose, image or video files are stored on the computer unit, each of which is assigned to a specific display unit, the data input connection according to the invention specifically sending the respective image or video file to the display unit assigned to it.

According to the invention, the display units are designed to be mobile and therefore have a smaller size than the monitors used in conventional systems. In addition, they are also suitable for attachment to shelves and the like, and can be easily changed in their local arrangement. The mobile design of the display units and the associated smaller size of the screen for displaying pictorial information also means that the offered image and video content is adapted. In the application of the device according to the invention, it is less intended to present product information in a form known from television advertisements, but to send the central advertising message of the respective product in the image or vector sequences. It is therefore less a question of video films that require attention from the consumer, which he usually does not want to provide when doing his shopping, but rather of short video sequences or animations that grab the attention of the consumer and, at the moment the display unit is perceived, its advertising message already transport. The display units according to the invention are preferably operated without sound, since the consumer in the department store or the sales room wants a pleasant and relaxed shopping experience, so that he is repelled by overly intrusive advertising measures due to overwhelming image and sound effects.

However, the targeted activation of the display units with an image or video information respectively assigned to them also makes it possible to reproduce the data To design product information interactively. It is provided according to claim 2, for example, that the display units are each provided with at least one input field for sending control signals to the computer unit, and the display units are each connected to the computer unit via a data output connection for transmitting control signals which can be clearly assigned to the respective input field of the respective display unit . This enables the computer unit to clearly assign the control signal sent by actuating a specific input field to a specific display unit to this display unit, and to take the action corresponding to the corresponding input field, for example to add a new video sequence according to the consumer request to the respective display unit send. The input field can also be implemented as a so-called "touch screen", that is to say as a touch-sensitive field on the screen. The control signals call up new image or video information that serves the operator's requests.

In principle, there are two possibilities for realizing a device according to the invention. On the one hand, the device can be designed such that it is essentially limited to the place of use. In this case, the display units are located, for example, in the salesrooms of a supermarket, and the computer unit is located in a protected area of the supermarket away from the salesrooms. This possibility is also referred to below as an “island version”. On the other hand, the device according to the invention can also be integrated into a larger network, the computer unit no longer being positioned at a specific location of the application, and the display units via the Internet or a mobile radio network access the computer unit. This option is also referred to below as the “network version”.

An embodiment of an island version is proposed in the measures according to claims 3 to 5. According to claim 3 it is provided, for example, that between the display units and the computer unit a distribution unit for the bundled supply of Control signals to the computer unit is provided, the distribution unit for each of the at least two display units having an interface, which is in each case connected to the display unit assigned to it. If approximately twelve display units are provided, the distribution unit also has twelve interfaces (hereinafter also referred to as I / O ports), so that each display unit can be clearly identified via the interface. If the number of input fields per display unit is greater than one, it will also be necessary to address the corresponding address area in the memory unit of the distribution unit in such a way that it can be seen from which input field a control signal was sent.

For example, the processor of the computer unit can be used for reading out and processing the control signals registered at the distribution unit, so that the distribution unit does not have to be equipped with its own processor. According to claim 4, however, it is alternatively provided that the distributor unit is equipped with a processor for identifying the transmitted control signals and the input field of the corresponding display unit, and for forwarding the transmitted control signals to the computer unit. As a result, the control signals are already processed by a dedicated processor in the distribution unit, so that the system resources of the computer unit are relieved. In addition, the processor of the distribution unit can be programmed in a targeted manner, so that when the device according to the invention is installed on the computer unit, only minimal software expenditure is required.

According to claim 5, the control signals are preferably binary signals, for example in that the input fields are designed as simple switches that set a signal when actuated, and then return to their starting position, where they do not set a signal. Each key on a display unit is binary coded. If an enter key is pressed, a control signal moves to the distribution unit via the I / O port assigned to the corresponding display unit. The distribution unit writes the binary-coded input keys and the unique I / O port identification in a defined PIN area. The computing unit checks the respective PIN status for any changes. If the PIN status changes, it is read out and the PINs are then reset. For this purpose, the distribution unit consists of at least twelve I / O ports and a distributed PIN address range that can be addressed by all I / O ports, for example when using twelve display units.

Claims 6 to 15 relate to the network version of the device according to the invention. For this purpose it is initially provided according to claim 6 that the display units are equipped with a processor. This enables the multitude of possible applications, as will be mentioned below. In particular, it is possible to provide the measures of claim 7. According to claim 7, the display units are part of a local area network which is formed from a plurality of display units and a router connected to the display units, the router being connected to the computer unit. The router can be connected to the computer unit according to claim 8 via a mobile radio network, or according to claim 9 via a wide area network, in particular the Internet. In the former case, the router accesses the computer unit via the MSC (Mobile switching center) of the respective mobile radio provider. It is particularly advantageous if the local area network is a wireless network, such as a WLAN (wireless local area network). In this case, the display units are equipped with a WLAN card, and the router is accordingly designed as a WLAN router.

According to claim 11, the computing unit is a WWW server that communicates with the router, for example using the HTTP transmission protocol. According to claim 12 it can also be provided that the display units with a microphone and are provided with a loudspeaker and are connected to a wide area network, such as the Internet, via a data connection suitable for telephony. For example, the display units can be equipped with an Ethernet connection that connects them directly to the Internet. Such a connection with a correspondingly high data transmission rate can also be used to implement applications such as VoIP (Voice over IP), that is to say making calls over the Internet. In this case, a customer can use the microphone and loudspeaker to contact a call center in order to obtain further information in a direct conversation.

Further possible uses of the device according to the invention result if, according to claim 13, the display units are provided with a transmitting and receiving unit for short-range radio, for example an RFID reader. If an RFID chip, which is installed in a mobile device (cell phone), a customer card, or a certain product, is brought up to a few centimeters to the display unit, a connection is established between the display unit and the RFID chip. During this connection, the RFID chip sends a unique key and thus identifies itself. This user identification is automatically sent to the router via the WLAN card of the display unit, and from there to the computer unit. There, a database queries which mobile phone and which owner this code belongs to, and this information - if desired also paired with competitions, etc. - is sent back to the respective display unit via the mobile network, the router and the WLAN, and a personalized greeting is issued there.

It is particularly advantageous if, according to claim 14, the display units consist of electronic components, each with minimal heat development. As a result, the display units do not require any built-in cooling and can therefore be built very compactly. However, they can also be attached directly to shelves without providing space for cooling purposes. According to claim 15, the screen resolution of the display units (A ₁ ) is 640x240 pixels, and the aspect ratio of the screen is 16: 6. Due to these technical parameters and the compact design of the display units, these devices fit on all commercially available shelf systems and do not hinder the storage or removal of the products.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. Here show the

1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the device according to the invention for the island version,

FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram for a possible menu guidance in a device according to FIG. 1,

3 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention for the network version, and

FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of possible embodiments for a display unit in the context of the network version according to FIG. 3.

1 schematically shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention for displaying pictorial information with, for example, twelve display units Ai,... Ai ₂ , and a computer unit 1 according to the island version. The display units A ₁ (i = 1, ... 12) are located in storage or sales rooms in the immediate vicinity of the products stored or offered for sale in these rooms. The display units A ₁ can be attached, for example, to shelves in which the products are stored and have at least one screen. However, they are preferably also provided with input keys in order to enable interactive reproduction of video information. The size of the display units A ₁ is variable, but they are small enough to accommodate mobile units to represent. On the one hand, this allows their positioning within the storage or sales room to be changed easily, and on the other hand, they are easy to attach to shelves or the like. Furthermore, the display units A ₁ each have an input socket for the data input line 5 and an output socket for the data output line 6.

The computer unit 1 has a data memory in which image or video files D ₁₁ (i = 0, a, b, c, d) are stored, each of which is assigned to a specific display unit A ₁ . 1 shows a group of files D ₀ to D _d d, which are assigned to the display unit Ai. However, such a group of files is available for each of the display units A ₁ . The files Do to Ddd are image or video files in common graphic formats, such as GIF, TIFF, RLE, PNG, JPEG, BMP, TGA, or MPEG files. On the basis of these image or video files D ₁₁ , the computer unit ₁ generates the image or video signals V ₁ assigned to a specific display unit A ₁ .

However, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the image or video signals V ₁ are not transmitted separately to the display units A ₁ . Instead, the image or video signals V ₁ assigned to the different display units A _{1 are} sent to the display units A ₁ as a so-called “picture-in-picture” signal v, in which the video sequences V _{1 of} all display units A ₁ are arranged in a matrix in a large image This "picture-in-picture" signal v is sent to all display units A ₁ . For this purpose, a duplication unit 2 is provided in the embodiment according to FIG. 1, which reproduces the image or video signal v sent by the computer unit 1 via the video cable 4, for example a VGA cable, and simultaneously and in real time via the data input lines 5 to the Displays A ₁ transmits. Each display unit A ₁ now picks out the image or video information V ₁ assigned to it by a corresponding presetting and displays it on its screen. In this exemplary embodiment, the data input connection 4, 5 between the computer unit 1 and a display unit A ₁ is thus composed of the VGA cable 4 and a data input line 5, the targeted transmission of the image or video signals V ₁₁ generated on the basis of the image or video files D ₁₁ to this image or video file D ₁₁ respectively associated display unit A ₁ made by the respective one of the display unit ₁ A selection of their zugordneten image or video information V ₁ from the image or video signal is carried _V1. The computer unit 1 is stationary and the respective display unit A _{1 is} mobile.

Subsequently, a distributor unit 3 is provided between the display units A ₁ and the computer unit 1, which processes the control signals s sent by the display units A ₁ and forwards them to the computer unit 1. For this purpose, the distribution unit 3 has an interface E ₁ (hereinafter also referred to as I / O port) for each of the display units A ₁ , which is connected to the display unit A ₁ assigned to it via data output lines 6. If approximately twelve display units A _{1 are} provided, the distribution unit 3 also has twelve interfaces E ₁ , so that each display unit A ₁ can be clearly identified via the interface E ₁ . Together with the data output lines 6, there is also a separate line for supplying power to the display units A ₁ through the distribution unit 3. Furthermore, the distribution unit 3 is connected to the computer unit 1 via a data line 7, for example a USB connection 7.

The distribution unit 3 can furthermore be equipped with a processor for identifying the control signal s transmitted by an input key of a display unit A ₁ and for forwarding the transmitted control signal s to the computer unit 1. In this case, the control signals s are already processed by a dedicated processor in the distribution unit 3, so that the system resources of the computer unit 1 are relieved. It can also be a targeted Programming of the processor of the distribution unit 3 takes place, so that when the device according to the invention is installed on the computer unit 1, only minimal software expenditure is required. However, in the case of distribution units 3 equipped in this way, when using a plurality of distribution units 3, it is necessary to coordinate the distribution units 3, which in this case operate largely independently, for example via so-called “queuing”.

It is therefore assumed below that the distribution unit 3 does not have its own processor, but rather only a storage unit for storing the control signals s received at the distribution unit 3. In this case, the processor of the computer unit 1 reads out and processes the control signals s.

Since in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 the number of input keys per display unit A _{1 is} greater than one, namely four (see the four indicated output lines for each display unit A ₁ ), it will additionally be necessary to enter the corresponding address area in the storage unit of the distribution unit 3 to be addressed so that it can be seen from which input field a control signal s was sent. Such a procedure is common and well known to the person skilled in the art.

The control signals s sent by the input keys of the display units A ₁ are preferably binary signals, so that the input keys set a signal when actuated and then return to their starting position, where they do not set a signal. Each key on a display unit A ₁ is binary coded. If an enter key is pressed, a control signal travels s over which the corresponding display unit A ₁ associated I / O port E ₁ 3 to the distribution unit, the distribution unit 3 writes in a defined PIN-region, the binary coded input keys and the unique I / O Port identification. The computer unit 1 checks the respective PIN status for any changes. If the PIN status changes, it is read out and the PINs are then reset. For this purpose, the distribution unit 3 consists, for example, when using twelve display units A ₁ from at least twelve I / O ports E ₁ and a distributed PIN address range which can be addressed by all I / O ports E ₁ .

The operation of this embodiment of the device according to the invention will now be explained with the aid of FIG. 2. Reference is made to a display unit A ₁ , for example to the display unit Ai. The display unit Ai initially shows an initial video sequence based on the image or video file Do. This video sequence offers four branching options by giving the interested consumer four selection options, which are designated a, b, c and d in FIG. 2. An input key is assigned to each of these selection options a, b, c, d. If the consumer presses one of these enter keys, for example that key that is assigned to the selection option a, a corresponding, first control signal Si is sent from the display unit Ai to the distribution unit 3. It is recognized via the interface Ei that the control signal S _{1 has come} from the display unit Ai. The corresponding input key is also identified on the basis of the binary coding. The processor of the computer unit 1 therefore registers the selection of the consumer by means of the USB connection 7 and converts it into a request to select the file D _{a associated} with the selection option a.

The computer unit 1 registers the request from file D _a and integrates it into the image or video signal v as an image or video signal vi. With regard to the broken-line graphic in the lower right corner of FIG. 1, this means that in the picture ^¬ or video signal v the video sequence marked as vi is replaced by a new picture or video sequence vi. The image or video signal v passes through the duplication unit 2 and, in its modified form, is made available to all display units A ₁ , in particular also to display unit Ai. On the basis of a corresponding presetting of the display unit Ai, it takes the one assigned to it from the image or video signal v Video sequence vi, and displays it on your screen. The consumer is thus shown the selected video sequence according to his selection a. The display unit Ai is now on the branching level I with respect to FIG. 2.

The display unit Ai now shows an image or video sequence generated on the basis of the image or video file D _a . This video sequence in turn offers four branching options, which are designated in FIG. 2 with the selection options a, b, c and d. Each of these selection options a, b, c, d is in turn assigned an input key, with the selection option d tracing back to the initial sequence D ₀ . If the consumer presses one of these enter keys, for example the key that is assigned to option b, a corresponding, second control signal Sπ is sent from display unit Ai to distribution unit 3. In turn, it is recognized via the interface Ei that the control signal Sn has come from the display unit Ai. Due to the binary coding, the corresponding input key, ie option b, is also identified. The processor of the computing unit 1 registers the selection of the consumer by means of the USB connection 7, determines the current status of the display unit Ai, that is to say that it is currently on the branching level I, and places it in a request to select the one on the first branching level Selection option b associated with file D _ab .

The computer unit 1 thus registered _at the request of file D and builds it as a new image or video signal vi in the image or video signal ^¬ v one. With regard to the dashed-line graphic in the lower right corner of FIG. 1, this in turn means that in the image or video signal v the video sequence marked as vi is replaced by a new image or video sequence vi. The image or video signal v passes through the duplication unit 2 and, in its modified form, is made available to all display units A ₁ , in particular again to the display unit Ai. Based on a corresponding presetting of the display unit Ai, it takes the image or Video signal v in turn the video sequence vi assigned to it and displays it on your screen. The consumer is thus shown the selected video sequence in accordance with his selection b. The display unit Ai is thus located on the branching level II with respect to FIG. 2.

No further selection options are shown in FIG. 2, for example after a certain period of time, which is monitored by the processor of the computer unit 1, the display unit Ai could be controlled again with an initial video sequence based on the image or video file D ₀ , or the selection of each enter key leads to this initial video sequence. Of course, other branching options could also be provided, one of the input keys being generally provided for returning to the previous branching level.

According to a further embodiment, the device according to the invention can, however, also be integrated into a larger network, the computer unit 1 no longer being positioned at the specific location where the display units are used, and the display units accessing the computer unit 1 via the Internet or a mobile radio network. This embodiment is shown in FIG. 3 and is explained below.

3 shows the display unit A ₁ , which is connected to a router 9, which is preferably a UMTS or WLAN router. This local network is arranged locally within the area of application of the display units A ₁ , for example a supermarket 18. The router 9 is in turn connected to the MSC 8 of a mobile radio provider, and the MSC 8 is finally connected to the computer unit 1, which is designed as a WWW server based on http. In the delivery state, there is a program on the display unit A ₁ , which is called up automatically at the start and attempts to establish a data connection to the external computer unit 1 via the router 9. In the following, such a data connection is also referred to as an external process, which via the WLAN card 16 (see FIG. 4) is sent to router 9, for example a UMTS router. The corresponding control signal or the corresponding request goes to the server 1 via a mobile radio network or the Internet. As soon as the request has been sent, the router 9 waits about 10 seconds for a response from the server 1. If this interval expires unused, the request is answered with a Returned empty response, and the display unit A ₁ tries to send your request again later. When the server 1 could handle the request, the request is serviced with an answer, and it will be here as a rule, image or video files ^¬ D. ₁₁ These image or video files D ₁₁ arrive via the WLAN card 16 in the display unit A ₁ , are processed by the processor (CPU) 13 of the display unit A ₁ , unpacked and installed on the hard disk 15, values of the internal registry are stored and finally executed (see also Fig. 4). The operator B sees the image or video files D ₁₁ (“content”) on the screen 14 of the display unit A _1. When these image or video files D _{11 are} downloaded, a progress indicator can be displayed on the screen 14 of the display unit A ₁ .

The display unit A ₁ can also function without the Internet, it does not communicate with the server 1. In this case, the data transfer works using a USB stick. For this purpose, the display unit A _{1 is} equipped with a USB connection 10 into which the USB stick can be inserted. As soon as it is plugged in, all running programs are terminated and the new content is uploaded automatically. The display unit A ₁ works completely independently in this case.

Furthermore, the display units A _{1 can} also be connected directly to the Internet via an Ethernet connection 12 using an Ethernet cable. This results in a much faster Internet connection, as a result of which a “Voice over IP” connection can be established, that is to say a telephone connection via the Internet. All that is required is a microphone and a speaker connected to the display unit A ₁ will. Of course, there will be no free choice of telephone numbers, instead operator B will be connected directly to a hotline corresponding to the topic when picking up a receiver or pressing a key (see corresponding data connection lines between operator B and the hotline located at home server 1, for example) . If the display unit A _{1 is} located on the shelf for baby products, for example, the operator B can automatically be connected to a hotline for corresponding information about baby products, where they can obtain useful tips and information about products or baby care.

A further possibility of communication arises in those embodiments in which the display units A _{1 are provided} with a transmitting and receiving unit 11 for short-range radio, for example an RFID reader. Near-field communication (NFC) is a wireless communication technology that allows the transmission of small amounts of data over short distances and is based on RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. In this context, an RFID chip is an electronic component that is applied to foils and is only a few millimeters in size. RFID chips react to a signal emitted by the transmitting and receiving unit 11, and could be installed, for example, in mobile end devices 17 or customer cards of the customers. But many retail products (perfumes, creams, etc.) are already delivered by the respective producers with such an RFID chip. If an RFID chip is now brought up to the transmitting and receiving unit 11 to within a few centimeters, a connection to the display unit A _{1 is} established, during which the RFID chip sends a unique code, and the operator B is clearly identified in this way. This code is automatically sent to the router 9 via the WLAN card 16, and from there to the server 1. In the server 1, a query is made in a database to which cell phone or to which customer card and to which operator B this code belongs, and this information, optionally also paired with competitions, etc., via the mobile radio network, the router 9 and the WLAN Card 16 sent back to the display unit A ₁ , where it can also be output as a personalized greeting. The transmitting and receiving unit 11 can also be used for direct communication with the router 9.

A further possible application of the device according to the invention is by means of the so-called “QR codes”. These are two-dimensional codes, for example in the form of square images, which can be displayed on the screen 14 of the display units A _1. If a customer with a Symbian-enabled photo phone and the corresponding software takes a photo of this code, the mobile phone 17 generates an automatic SMS, which is sent to a predefined server 1 (see corresponding data connection line between the mobile phone 17 and the server 1 in FIG. 3) This server 1 automatically assigns the photographed QR code to the respective customer and sends a predefined SMS to the same cell phone, which can lead to a discount or the issue of tickets at the cash desk or in a ticket office, etc.

4 shows a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the display unit A ₁ . It will generally have a circuit board which has at least one hard disk 15 with a flash disk, a processor 13 and a graphics controller. Furthermore, it has a WLAN card 16 for establishing a connection with the router 9. Optionally, a transmitting and receiving unit 11 for short-range radio, such as an RFID reader, a USB connection 10, and an Ethernet connection 12 can be provided. Furthermore, a slot for a customer card or the like can be provided. The screen 14 will preferably be designed as a touch screen in order to allow an interaction with an operator B. The display units A ₁ are preferably also made of electronic components, each with minimal heat development. The resolution of the screen 14 of the display units A ₁ is approximately 640x240 pixels, and the aspect ratio of the screen 16: 6. The device according to the invention thus enables decentralized, product-specific reproduction of image or video information. The reproduction of the image or video information takes place in the immediate vicinity of the advertised products, so that the consumer can easily recognize the connection between the video information shown on the display units A ₁ and the products that he sees on the shelves in front of him. The cost of such a device is also lower than that of conventional systems. An important component of the device according to the invention in its network version is also the possibility of communication between the display units A ₁ and a server 1, either via the Internet or else via the mobile radio network. Furthermore, the display units A ₁ have the great advantage that they do not generate a lot of heat due to their hardware and therefore do not require any built-in cooling. This means that the hardware can be installed in a very space-saving manner. Because of the wireless communication, the display units A ₁ also require only a very thin power cable, which makes their location even easier to change. The interaction with the customer takes place via a touch display 14, which functions maintenance-free. Due to this interaction, it is possible not only to advertise the products, but also to provide competent product advice on request and, depending on the customer's specifications, to make personalized product recommendations. Due to the compact design and the dimensions of the touch screens 14 with a display resolution of 640x240 pixels and an aspect ratio of 16: 6, these devices fit on all standard shelf systems and do not interfere with the storage or removal of the products. The fields of application of the display units A ₁ are of course not limited to conventional retail markets and being attached to shelves.

Claims

Claims:

1. Device for displaying pictorial information about products arranged in storage or sales rooms with a computer unit (1) comprising a data memory and at least two display units (A ₁ ) arranged in the storage or sales rooms for pictorial reproduction of those provided by the computer unit (1) Image or video signals (V ₁ ), characterized in that the data memory of the computer unit (1) has image or video files (D ₁₁ ), each of which is assigned to a specific display unit (A ₁ ),

- the computer unit (1) with the respective display units (A ₁₎ via a data input connection for the targeted delivery of on the basis of image or video file (D ₁₁₎ image or video signals generated (V ₁₎ to this image or video files (D ₁₁ ) each associated display unit (A ₁ ) is connected, wherein

- The computer unit (1) is stationary and the respective display unit (A ₁ ) is mobile.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the display units (A ₁ ) are each provided with at least one input field for sending control signals (s) to the computer unit (1), and the display units

(A ₁ ) are each connected to the computer unit (1) via a data output connection for transmitting control signals (s) which can be clearly assigned to the respective input field of the respective display unit (A ₁ ).

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that between the display units (A ₁ ) and the computer unit (1) a distribution unit (3) for bundled supply of the control signals (s) to the computer unit (1) is provided, the distribution unit (3 ) for each of the at least two display units (A ₁ ) has an interface (E ₁ ), each of which is connected to the display unit (A ₁ ) assigned to it.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the distribution unit (3) with a processor for identifying the transmitted control signals (s) and the input field of the corresponding display unit (A ₁ ), and for forwarding the transmitted control signals (s) to the computer unit (1) is equipped.

5. Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the control signals (s) are binary signals.

6. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the display units (A ₁ ) are equipped with a processor (13).

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the display units (A ₁ ) are part of a local area network which is formed from a plurality of display units (A ₁ ) and a router (9) connected to the display units (A ₁ ), the Router (9) with the computer unit (1) is connected.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the router (9) with the computer unit (1) is connected via a mobile radio network.

9. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the router (9) with the computer unit (1) via a wide area network, in particular the Internet, in connection.

10. Device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the local network is a wireless network.

11. The device according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the computing unit (1) is a WWW server.

12. Device according to one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the display units (A ₁ ) are provided with a microphone and a loudspeaker, and are connected to a wide area network, such as the Internet, via a telephony-compatible data connection.

13. Device according to one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that the display units (A ₁ ) with a transmitting and receiving unit (11) for short-range radio, such as an RFID reader, are provided.

14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the display units (A ₁ ) consist of electronic components, each with minimal heat development.

15. Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the screen resolution of the display units (A ₁ ) 640x240 pixels, and the aspect ratio of the screen is 16: 6.