EP1655711A2 - Method for operating an interactive large screen display - Google Patents

Abstract

Claimed is an interactive system to operate a large screen display at an indoor or outdoor event. Also claimed is a commensurate control system in which the control impulses triggered by the general public are registered by an impulse sensor. Signals exceeding a predetermined threshold value are fed via a control unit to the large screen display, thereby modifying the image displayed.

Description

The present invention relates to a method of operating a large interactive screen, a large interactive screen, an outdoor and / or indoor venue, and a control system.

On large event grounds, such as large stadiums and halls large screens or monitors are used to display the score, for replaying games and commercials. In particular, before the actual beginning of the event and during any breaks, a variety of efforts are made to bring the mood of the audience to a good level or keep high. However, the large screens play a rather subordinate role, because it is very difficult outside of the actual event time to attract the attention of the audience. In particular, the interest and attention of the viewer for advertising with the help of large screens are short lived.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to make a method for operating a large screen more effective, so that an increased attention of the audience is brought about.

This object is achieved in a method in that an interactive large screen is operated on a large event area with the following steps:

Electrical detection of a signal pulse originating from at least one spectator area of the large event area located several spectators, by means of at least one pulse sensor,

Generating an electrical pulse signal and transmitting the pulse signal to a control device for driving the large screen,

Driving the large screen by the control device when the pulse signal exceeds a predetermined threshold to at least partially change the playback content of the large screen.

This means that several viewers together by means of the generation of a common signal pulse, z. B. by clapping, calling, etc. can cause a deliberate change in the playback content of the large screen. The method for operating the interactive large screen thus leads to a cooperative, entertaining notice of the playback content on the large screen. The detection of the signal pulse is preferably provided so that it is necessarily exercised by as many viewers together in a spectator area. In addition to this unique control of the playback content of the large screen, such a method also has a noteworthy side effect, which is to promote the sense of community and thus reduce the potential for conflict in such major events. It would be conceivable in this context, the control of an reproduced on the large screen, interactive game or the opening of image windows similar to an Advent calendar, etc. The playback content can be varied in variety and correspondingly arbitrarily, as long as they can be influenced or changed by the jointly generated signal pulse.

Wave signals, in particular acoustic signals, can preferably be detected as signal pulses. Although acoustic signals are preferred, it is still conceivable to use optical signals (including lasers), video signals, radio signals, and similar remote transmissive signals. However, at a major event, the use of acoustic signals is likely to be the easiest way to proceed because common clapping, shouting, or jubilating is a common breed of expression at large events and can therefore be easily exploited for the process of operating the interactive large screen.

In a variant of the method, several pulse sensors are used at different distances from the large screen. Furthermore, a time delay compensation of the electrical pulse signals for the timely utilization of the pulse signals of the more distant pulse sensors is performed. For example, when audible signals are detected, large sound stages or arenas may experience significant sound paths between the sound generators (viewers) and the pulse sensors. So it does not cause a delay in terms of the change of the playback content comes on the big screen, the time delay compensation ensures a timely recovery of the pulse signals. This is particularly important, although the reaction time of the audience for influencing the playback content on the big screen is important.

Preferably, acoustic pulse sensors are used, wherein at least one of a predetermined sound pressure dependent threshold must be exceeded. Accordingly, as soon as the volume in the respectively assigned viewer area exceeds a predetermined sound pressure, taking into account the distance to the pulse sensor, the corresponding control of the large screen is carried out to at least partially change the playback content.

A variant provides that the threshold corresponds to an equivalent of 100 sound sources of at least 60 dbA, preferably at least 70 dbA, at least 10 m away from an associated pulse sensor. The use of several sound sources may make u.U. a special signal processing is required. It is important here that the actual signal pulse consists of many individual pulses, so that the whole process for processing this jointly generated signal pulse must be able.

Furthermore, the at least one pulse sensor and / or the at least one pulse signal can be switched on or interrogated only in a time window dependent on a playback event on the large screen. Instead of the playback event, a drive event (eg, video signals) may be used by the controller, which is essentially equivalent to the playback event since it represents the playback content. This means that the signal pulses generated by the viewers will only have an active effect on at least one area of the large screen within the given time window. Outside the time window, the pulse sensors are turned off or the signal propagation or processing is interrupted, so that no influence can be taken by the audience. Depending on the pursued purpose, "switched-off" time windows and "switched-on" time windows (also of different lengths) can alternate in a manageable time period (eg 1 to 4 minutes).

In addition, acoustic pulse sensors can be used, wherein at least one of a tone frequency-dependent threshold is used. This offers the possibility to bring about a selective control. The driving method could e.g. distinguish between male voices and female voices (including children and adults). Accordingly, the large screen can be controlled so that gender-specific (or age-dependent) playback contents are presented by the respective exceeding of the associated threshold value.

The invention further relates to a large interactive display screen for large event venues or buildings, such as stadiums or hall arenas, comprising at least one pulse sensor for electrically detecting a signal pulse emanating from multiple viewers in at least one viewer area and generating an electrical pulse signal, transmission means for forwarding the pulse signal, and a control device, which is configured to receive the pulse signal from the transmission device and to control the large screen and threshold-dependent changing an image content of at least one display area of the large screen (at a predetermined time interval to the signal pulse). Despite the size of the large event grounds, it is endeavored to keep the predetermined time interval to the signal pulse as short as possible. In addition, existing large screens can be relatively inexpensively redesigned to such interactive large screens, the costs to be provided for this are relatively quickly amortize, as potential advertisers are animated by the achievable higher attention of the audience and higher expenses.

Preferably, a microphone is used as a pulse sensor. In large event venues, such as stadiums or arena arenas preferably several such microphones are used, so that a block or tribünenabschnittsweise detection of the signal pulses is possible.

In addition, the interactive large screen may be provided with a time delay compensation means to control signal propagation times from the generation of the signal pulse to the detection by the pulse sensor at the predetermined time interval for modifying the image content, in particular to use for control purposes to reduce the time interval. The further away the pulse sensors are from the actual source of the signal pulses (the viewers), the more important such time delay compensation is. A time delay compensation would also be conceivable in the form that to compensate for reaction delays and transmission delays, the speed of motion sequences shown on the screen are delayed shortly before expectation of the signal pulse.

It is also beneficial to use a time-keeping device, by means of which the time duration of the threshold value-dependent change of the image content is adjustable. In principle, it is sufficient control technology completely when a switching signal is generated by the signal pulse when the associated threshold value is exceeded. The timer can then be used to set the time duration for how long this switching signal should take effect. If e.g. in a football match, the club banner of the visiting team displayed due to a signal pulse in an area of the screen, this disappears after this time set by the time holder again from this.

According to a further embodiment, a pulse signal sorter is provided, by means of which a sum pulse signal can be generated. The more pulse sensors are used, the more advantageous it is if a common sum pulse signal for further activation of the screen is generated from these different pulse signals. This is done by the pulse signal sorter, which in particular effects a time-adjusted (possibly averaging) signal forwarding.

Furthermore, a threshold value regulator can be provided for setting the threshold value. As a result, different threshold values for triggering, for example, a switching signal can be used as a function of the wave-shaped signal to be detected. In the case of acoustic pulse sensors, the pitch can serve as a threshold value (possibly in addition to the sound level). Through the use of suitable images, for example, interactive games can be displayed on the large screen, where the women among the spectators compete against the men among the spectators or children against adults.

Furthermore, the invention relates to an outdoor and / or indoor venue with at least one spectator area for at least 100 spectators and at least one large interactive screen according to any of claims 8 to 13. The design of such an interactive outdoor and / or indoor venue, e.g. a football stadium, is completely new and not yet known in the art. Last but not least, operators of such venues can profit from the fact that the spectators in the venue are more likely to spend time there.

In addition, the invention relates to a control system for a large interactive screen for an outdoor and / or indoor venue with a plurality of pulse sensors for electrically detecting a wirelessly transmitted signal pulse emanating from a plurality of viewers, and for generating an electrical pulse signal, a transmission means for forwarding the Pulse signal, and a control device which is configured to receive the pulse signal from the transmission device and for driving the large screen and threshold-dependent changing an image content of at least one display area of the large screen (at a predetermined time interval to the signal pulse).

• Fig. 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines interaktiven Großbildschirms gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung,
• Fig. 2 eine perspektivische Teilansicht eines Fußballstadions mit interaktivem Großbildschirm,
• Fig. 3 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Teils des Inneren eines Fußballstadions mit einem interaktiven Großbildschirm und dargestellten Impulssensoren,
• Fig. 4 einen beispielhaften Bildschirminhalt des interaktiven Großbildschirms und
• Fig. 5 ein weiteres Beispiel eines Bildschirminhalts des interaktiven Großbildschirms.

In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be explained in more detail with the aid of a drawing. Show it:

• 1 is a schematic representation of a large interactive screen according to the present invention;
• 2 is a partial perspective view of a football stadium with interactive large screen,
• 3 is a perspective view of a part of the interior of a football stadium with a large interactive screen and pulse sensors shown,
• 4 shows an exemplary screen content of the interactive large screen and
• 5 shows another example of a screen content of the interactive large screen.

The interactive large-screen system shown schematically in FIG. 1 essentially comprises a large screen 1 set up on a large event area, a control device 2 comprising a threshold controller 3 and a time keeping device 4, a pulse signal sorter 5, which is in communication with the control device 2, a device 6 for time delay compensation, an analog-to-digital converter 7 and a plurality of microphones 8, 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3 associated therewith and allocated to different viewer areas as pulse sensors.

With reference to Fig. 2, it can be seen where the large screen 1 e.g. is arranged in a football stadium 9. The football stadium 9 has a grandstand 10 with a plurality of spectator blocks 11.1, 11.2 and 12.1 and 12.2 (only a few of which are designated).

From FIG. 3 it can additionally be seen that certain zones of the tribune 10 (the block row 11.1-11.2 and the block row 12.1-12.2) each have their own microphone 8.N (N is an integer from 1 to the number of the entire block rows ) assigned. Accordingly, the microphones 8.1-8.N are assigned to specific viewer areas. For reasons of simplification, only three microphones 8.1-8.3 are shown in FIG. Their number is, however, almost unlimited expandable. The transmission device used in the present example electrical cables. However, all other transmission options can also be used.

The analog-to-digital converter 7 is used to convert the sounds and sounds recorded by the microphones 8.1-8.3 for digital further processing. The system components 2 to 7 can also all be combined in a single structural unit. A partial program processing of the signals is also conceivable. In particular, all video signals are processed and forwarded to the large screen via the control device 2.

The mode of operation of the system shown in FIG. 1 is explained in more detail below:

The digitized signals are fed to the pulse signal sorter 5 (e.g., mixer), which generates a sum signal so that only this signal is processed further in sequence. The structure and operation of such a pulse signal sorter is well known, which is why will not be discussed in detail.

By means of the time delay compensation device, the different ways that the signals must travel are taken into account. In particular, the respective distance of the microphones 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3, for example, from the center of the associated spectator area caused due to the distance of the sound to be traversed (and due to the speed of sound) a delay of the signal access. The device 6 here creates a balance and ensures a corresponding consideration in the control of the screen 1. The device 6 is the more important, the fewer microphones are arranged in a football stadium. The signal passed on by the pulse signal sorter 5 to the control device 2 must now exceed a predetermined threshold value, so that the control device 2 generates a corresponding switching signal for changing the activation (transmission of video signals deliberately changed or influenced at least regionally) of the large screen 1. About the threshold controller 3, this threshold can be adjusted. In this example, the volume is assumed to be the threshold. As soon as the viewers jointly emit a specific signal impulse by clapping or shouting, the latter must therefore exceed a certain volume in order for the control device 2 to act on the large screen 1. On the large screen 1, a smaller display area 13 is present (arbitrary selectable and controllable), which is due to the signal pulse, if it exceeds the threshold, is controlled. In the simplest case, this could be, for example, the emblem or banner of the home team at a football match. Once the audience claps and the clapping is loud enough, the emblem or banner is displayed in area 13 on the large screen 1 for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined period of time is set by the time keeping device 4. If the audience eg animated to clap together and thereby reaches the threshold volume, the control device 2 controls the large screen 1 and in area 13 the club emblem appears for five seconds, which are predetermined by the time-keeping device 4.

Of course, it is also possible to interrogate only certain microphones 8.1 or 8.2 or 8.3 with respect to a signal. The control could therefore be such that the fan blocks of the individual teams associated spectator areas are monitored. The fan block, the loudest clapping or calling is now accurately determinable, so that exactly from the louder fan block the associated club logo appears on the big screen 1. The system is thus able to process several channels simultaneously and to compare them. This is done by the control device 2.

Similarly, the tone frequency or level can be used as the threshold value criterion via the threshold value controller 3. This can be done alone or in conjunction with a volume level. Thereby it becomes e.g. possible to stage a similar competition between women and men in the stadium or to hide interference signals of the respective other gender.

The signal pulse originating from the viewers is thus converted into a pulse signal, which is used by the control device 2 as a switching signal for switching on or off or changing a reproduction area 13. Of course, the display area 13 can also extend over the entire screen. The switching signal generated by the control device 2 can also be used to control other media, such as the lighting system, sound system, etc. The control of other large screens can be done by this. Between the time of generation of the signal pulse to the change of the playback content in the area 13 on the large screen 1 as possible should be present only a short time interval. If with the help of this control on moving systems (video presentation eg of games) is influenced, the reaction time must not be too long. However, there is also the possibility that shortly before the signal pulse event to be expected, a delay or slowing down of the video signals (or the movement representations represented by the video signals) that is barely perceptible to the viewer takes place by the control device 2. If, due to the nature of the representation, for example in the form of a game, the timing of generating the signal pulse relatively predictable, the whole system can work so that only in a certain time window around the expected signal pulse around a signal query or processing takes place. The playback content of the playback area 13 may also be the rest of the playback content overlay the large screen so that the content of the content complement each other.

A further variant of the control will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

If, for example, the audience in a stadium play pinball together, so there is a possibility that the spectators on the right side of the stadium 9 projected on the large screen 1 right pinball racket 14 and the spectators on the left side of the stadium 9 which also projected on the large screen 1 Press left pinball 15. The ball 16 is shown here as a theme as football. The circular surfaces 17 ("coins") to be hit by the ball can be used in a promotional manner and possibly enlarge as a result of abutment by the ball 16. The ball 16 is brought into play automatically or on the basis of a signal pulse and then the spectators in the stadium can "flicker". As long as the ball 16 is as far as possible from the two pinball beaters 14 and 15, there is no signal recording or signal processing. Only at a predetermined distance of the ball 16 to the pinball beaters 14 and 15, this can be very easily determined by a corresponding signal processing of the control device 2, the system is "activated" and a signal time window opened. If it is e.g. as in Fig. 5, the ball 16 on the right side, so claps or calls the right audience side of the stadium. This signal pulse is received by the associated microphones and processed by means of the units 2 to 7 and used when exceeding the predetermined threshold value as a switching signal for changing the playback on the large screen 1. The shift signal produces a change in a playback area that represents the right pinball player 14. The right pinball racket 14 bounces up and, if the spectators have gotten the right moment, hits the ball 16 and then, by striking the circular buttons 17, creates points that can be enumerated for the right-hand side of the football stadium 9. In the present example, however, the points of both sides are added together. Subsequently, the right pinball 14 returns to its original position. The time passing here is set via the time keeping device 4.

Through this method and this system, we draw the attention of the audience to the large screen 1 to a greater extent. Another goal of collective rejoicing is one, in particular after a fixed time limit, the highest possible score, which can bring in addition, directly or later, a certain gain for the spectators. As a result, playback content that is otherwise insufficiently noticed by viewers before, after, and during the break of a game can be presented in a collaborative, entertaining manner. Noteworthy side effect is the promotion of the sense of community, regardless of the club affiliation, of which the inventors also promise a reduction in the potential for conflict or violence in such major events.

Claims (15)

Method for operating a large interactive screen (1) on a large event area, comprising the following steps: Electrical detection of a signal pulse emanating from at least one spectator area (11.1, 11.2, 12.1, 12.2) of the large event grounds (9) located several spectators, by means of at least one pulse sensor (8.1-8.3), Generating an electrical pulse signal and transmitting the pulse signal to a control device (2) for driving the large screen (1), and Driving the large screen (1) by means of the control device (2), when the pulse signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, and at least partially to change the playback content of the large screen. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that waveform signals, in particular acoustic signals, are detected as signal pulses. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a plurality of pulse sensors (8.1-8.3) are provided at different distances from the large screen (1) and a time delay compensation of the electrical pulse signals for timely utilization of the pulse signals of the more distant pulse sensors (8.1-8.3) is performed , Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that acoustic pulse sensors (8.1-8.3) are used, and at least one of a predetermined sound pressure-dependent threshold must be exceeded. A method according to claim 4, characterized in that the threshold corresponds to an equivalent of 100 sound sources of at least 60 dbA, preferably at least 70 dbA, at least 10 m distance from an associated pulse sensor (8.1-8.3). Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one pulse sensor (8.1-8.3) and / or the at least one pulse signal is switched on or interrogated only in a time window dependent on a playback event on the large screen (1). Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that acoustic pulse sensors (8.1-8.3) are used and at least one of a tone frequency-dependent threshold is used. Interactive large screen (1) for large event grounds or buildings, such as stadiums (9) or arena halls, comprising at least one pulse sensor (8.1.-8.3) for electrically detecting a signal pulse generated by several viewers in at least one audience area (11.1, 11.2; 12.2), and for generating an electrical pulse signal, a transmission device for forwarding the pulse signal, and a control device (2) for receiving the pulse signal from the transmission device for driving the large screen (1) and threshold-dependent changing a playback content of at least one playback area ( 13) of the large screen (1) is designed in a predetermined time interval to the signal pulse. Interactive large screen (1) according to claim 1 with a microphone as a pulse sensor (8.1-8.3). Interactive large screen (1) according to claim 8 or 9, comprising means (6) for time delay compensation to control signal propagation times from the generation of the signal pulse to detection by the pulse sensor (8.1-8.3) at the predetermined time interval for changing the image content, in particular to use for control purposes to reduce the time interval. Interactive large screen (1) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that a time-keeping device (4) is provided, by means of which the time duration of the threshold value-dependent change of the playback content is adjustable. Interactive large screen (1) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that a pulse signal sorter (5) is provided, by means of which a sum of the pulse signal can be generated. Interactive large screen (1) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that a threshold value regulator (3) is provided for setting the threshold value. Outdoor and / or indoor event venue (9) with at least one spectator area for at least 100 spectators and at least one interactive large screen (1) according to one of claims 8 to 13. A large area interactive display control system for an outdoor and / or indoor venue (9) having a plurality of pulse sensors (8.1-8.3) for electrically detecting a wirelessly transmitted signal pulse emanating from a plurality of viewers, and generating an electrical pulse signal, transmitting means for relaying the signal Pulse signal, and a control device (2), which is configured to receive the pulse signal from the transmission device for driving the large screen (1) and threshold-dependent changing a playback content of at least one display area (13) of the large screen.

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