JP2005526282A - Floor display system - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a floor display system (100) having an associated configuration. Floor display systems are located in public places and are configured to electronically display any modifiable content, such as advertisements and other information content. The floor display system (100) is configured to detect signs of human presence or activity in the vicinity and perform corresponding actions in response to the detection of the signs to produce a predetermined display or audio output. The

Description

(Cross-reference of related applications)
This application is based on US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 378,070, filed May 16, 2002, based on 35 USC §119 (e), 35 USC §119 (e). Claim the benefit of the issue. This application is a partial continuation (CIP application) of the concurrent application No. 10 / 285,639 filed on November 1, 2002, and this application is dated May 3, 2002. No. 10 / 137,357, filed Jan. 14, 2003 and issued as US Pat. No. 6,507,285. Application No. 10 / 137,347 is filed on Jan. 24, 2001, and is filed 09 / 767,846 on Jul. 9, 2002, issued as US Pat. No. 6,417,778. This is a continuation application. Application 09 / 767,846 is a continuation of application 09 / 418,752, filed October 15, 1999 and now abandoned. Application 09 / 418,752 is filed on May 4, 1999 and is filed on April 24, 2001, as US Pat. No. 6,219,876, issued 09 / 304,051. Partial continuation application.

  The present invention relates to floor display systems, and more particularly to several configurations and methods for adapting a floor display system to various commercial applications.

  As a medium for publicly transmitting information such as advertisement information, several media are well known. Such media typically utilize “vertical spaces”. That is, these media are typically signboard displays that are substantially vertical, displays installed on walls and ceilings, and displays on electronic products such as television screens and computer monitor screens.

  On the other hand, there is a large amount of “horizontal space”, most of which has not yet been used to communicate information publicly. Such horizontal spaces include floor spaces in public traffic areas such as commercial facilities and other public buildings.

  U.S. Pat. No. 6,417,778 discloses a system for electronically transmitting information by means of a floor display (the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference). The present disclosure relates to several advantageous improvements and enhancements to such floor display systems, and in particular, discloses a floor display system that includes several interactive features for use in various commercial or other public applications. To do.

  An embodiment of the present invention relates to a floor display system having an interactive function. The floor display system can be arranged in a public place such as a commercial facility or other public building and configured to electronically display any changeable content such as advertisements or other information content. In an embodiment, the floor display system can be configured to detect signs of human presence or activity in the vicinity and perform corresponding actions in response to detection of the signs. For example, upon detecting a sign of human presence, the floor display system can generate a predetermined display in response. The floor display system can also generate some predetermined audio output in response to human detection. These and other advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below.

  As mentioned above, US Pat. No. 6,417,778 discloses a system for electronically transmitting information by means of a floor display. Specifically, the floor display can incorporate presentation on a changeable electronic display surface, such as a liquid crystal display. The display can be connected to a computer, and an image generated by the computer can be displayed on the display. As a result, by generating different computer images and displaying the computer images on the display, the image displayed on the display can be changed. The display can be associated with the base of the floor mat, such as by being included in a recess in the floor mat, or can be included on the bottom surface (upward facing) of the floor mat insert. . Alternatively, the display can be formed integrally with either the base or the insert. This changeable display can utilize a number of different graphics that can be displayed on the display in any of a variety of ways. For example, these graphics can be displayed in a generally fixed position on the display, or scrolled across the display, and according to both exemplary methods, multiple graphics can be Displayed individually or in combination.

  Another alternative embodiment for modifying the graphic displayed on the floor mat includes the step of generating (and thereby modifying) the graphic using a light emitting polymer. The light emitting polymer can be applied, adhered or incorporated into the floor mat. The light emitting polymer can be utilized on any part of the floor mat, for example on the base or insert, or on other parts of different embodiments of the floor mat. The light-emitting polymer is well known, and is described in US Pat. Nos. 5,945,502, 5,869,350, and 5,571,626. Are hereby incorporated by reference.

  In other embodiments of the display, electronic ink or electronic paper is used. Note that the electronic paper is provided by Xerox, and US Pat. Nos. 5,723,204, 5,604,027, 4,126,854, and 4,143,103. (All of these disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference). Electronic paper employs thousands of small charged beads called Gyricons, each approximately the width of a human hair, to create pixels. Two-tone beads are embedded in a plastic sheet filled with a liquid that forms the surface of the paper. Each bead, half black and half white, rotates in response to an electric field. An image is determined depending on whether the black side or the white side of the bead faces upward. Because there is no need to refresh the image and the screen is not backlit, the electronic paper uses only a fraction of the power used by conventional electronic displays. To obtain an image on paper, an electromagnetic stylus and a printer-like device can be used.

  Electronic ink is provided by E Ink Corp. located at 45 Spinelli Pl., Cambridge, MA 02138. Electronic ink uses a microencapsulated micromechanical display system. A small microcapsule is sandwiched between two plastics to create a pixel. Alternatively, capsules may be sprayed on the surface. This results in a flexible display material. Small capsules are clear and contain a mixture of dark ink and white paint chips. Charge passes through the capsule. Then, depending on the electrostatic charge, the paint chip floats on the top of each capsule or is located on the bottom. If the paint tip floats on top, the surface appears white. On the other hand, when they are located at the bottom (ie, below the ink), the surface appears black. And these two states (black or white) are each stable. The shape of the image is controlled by a transparent electromagnetic grid placed on the surface of the sheet. This display can be wirelessly connected to, for example, a computer (and to the World Wide Web), for example, by utilizing a Motorola® paging system. When multiple displays are used, the text on all displays can be changed simultaneously through a web page with a single editor.

  In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a floor display system can be implemented in addition to or using alternative techniques. A floor display system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. The floor display system 100 includes an electronic display device 101 associated with a floor mat 102. Specifically, the display device 101 is at least partially connected to, supported by, accommodated in the floor mat 102, or accommodated therein, or otherwise. Associated with. It should be noted that these floor mats 102 and associated electronic display devices 101 can take many structural forms and can be constructed from various types of materials and are shown herein. It is not limited to a specific form. In an embodiment, the floor mat 102 and electronic display device 101 are designed for use where there is a foot traffic or other traffic (eg, in a shopping cart with wheels). Accordingly, the floor mat and the electronic display device are repeatedly stepped on, walked on, or a shopping cart having other wheels or other rotations or slides while keeping negative effects on the floor mat and the display device to a negligible level. It is sufficiently sturdy and strong so that the objects to be traversed can be crossed over them. The electronic display device can comprise, for example, a rugged protective cover, which is transparent or translucent so that the electronic display device can be seen through it, and scratches, cracks, chips, tears. Protects the electronic display from damage associated with foot and other traffic such as damage caused by environmental pollution. The floor mat 102 can be fixed to the floor, or may be portable so that it can be easily moved to different places.

  2A and 2B are a top view (ie, a plan view) and a side view (ie, a front view) of the floor mat 102, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the floor mat 102 can have at least one inclined surface. Specifically, the floor mat 102 has an upper surface 200 (this is the display device 101 as described above, so that a person approaching the floor mat can see the inclined surface in any of the periphery of the floor mat. A plurality of inclined surfaces 212, 213, 214, 215 that are inclined downwardly away from the surface of the protective cover. According to such a structure, for example, when the floor mat is arranged in a passage of a commercial facility, it is easy to cross the floor mat by a person walking on the floor mat or a shopping cart having wheels. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the display device 101 can be configured to be in the same plane as one or more of the inclined surfaces of the floor mat. As a result, the display rises slightly, so that a person away from the floor mat (or approaching the floor mat) can easily see the display on the display device.

  2C-2E illustrate one alternative method of mounting a floor mat according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2C to 2E show a structure composed of two parts. This two-part structure has separate and substantially identical components 220 and 221. Component 220 includes an upper surface 240 and inclined surfaces 225, 230, and 250. On the other hand, the component 221 includes an upper surface 241 and inclined surfaces 226, 231, and 251. Each component 220, 221 can be used independently in a floor display system. However, as shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, by joining the two components along their individual edges 260, 261, forming a composite structure with an inclined surface all around it, Crossing of this composite structure can be further facilitated.

  Referring now again to FIG. 1, the electronic display device 101 associated with the floor mat 102 can be a static (not moving or changing) or dynamic (eg, moving or changing by scrolling or other methods) format. The graphic image and alphanumeric data can be configured to be displayed electronically in any of the above. Specifically, the electronic display device 101 can be connected to the controller 103 by wired or wireless means and can be changed via the controller 103 so as to display the content selected by the user. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the electronic display device 101 can be connected to a controller via a display driver circuit such as a video graphic adapter card 105. The controller 103 may include any kind of electronic logic circuit such as a general-purpose microprocessor or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) that can be set by software. The electronic display driver 105 can be integrated with the controller 103 or incorporated into the ASIC. The controller also has the form of a single board computer having a processor and memory, and having one or more display driver circuits built on the board, and wireless components for communication with the outside world and loading data into the memory. It may be.

  The controller can be connected to a storage medium 104, which can be RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), flash or other non-volatile semiconductor electronic storage, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only). Memory) or any form of media suitable for digital data storage including magnetic and / or optical disk storage. For example, the storage medium 104 can store control software executed by the controller 103 and video content to be displayed under the control of the control software on the electronic display 101. A user interface (not shown) such as a personal computer having a display monitor and a keyboard is connected to the controller so that the controller can be set by a specific user input such as a specific control program. A display and / or audio output can be generated. Further, an audio device 111 such as a loudspeaker can be further connected to the controller 103 via the sound card 10. The audio device 111 can output selected audio content stored in the storage medium 104 under the control of the controller 103. Each component of the floor display system 100 can be supplied with power from a power source 114. The floor display system may further include a sensing device 113 for providing various interactive applications of the floor display system, as will be described in detail later. And this detection apparatus 113 can be connected to the controller 113, and a signal can be supplied to this. Note that the connection of the detection device to the controller may be wired or wireless.

  For example, data can be stored in the storage medium 104 using a data port 106 connected to a common system bus. This bus may be a USB (Universal Serial Bus) (however, this is only an example). The floor display system can further include a wireless port 107 implemented using, for example, a wireless WAN / LAN card. The floor display system 100 can connect to and communicate with the network 125 through the wireless port 107. This network may be any type of network including a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet and a LAN (Local Area Network) including other floor display systems, for example. Through the network 125, the floor display system 100 can be connected to the server computer 108 of the network via the wireless communication device 112, for example. This server computer 108 can be connected to the database 109. The database 109 can store information related to the operation of the floor display system 100. For example, the database may contain video and audio content or control software that can be downloaded to the storage media 104 of the floor display system. That is, the floor display system 100 can be remotely controlled. However, the floor display system 100 does not need to be networked and can be locally controlled by, for example, downloading contents and control software locally via the data port 106. 1 shows a method and system by wireless communication, a wired system can also be used, and a wired system and a wireless system can be combined.

  In addition to the foregoing, display technologies that can be used in embodiments of the present invention include light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), electroluminescent (EL) displays, plasma display panels (PDP), field emission displays. , And ferroelectric displays (FEDs). Other display technologies that can be used in the embodiment also include fiber optic technology, in which a re-mode image is electronically formed and utilized in a fiber array or bundle using a light guide source. Is transmitted. This remote image light source may be either internal or external to the floor mat. Other contemplated display technologies include holographic displays. In the case of this technology, white light or a laser hologram is generated inside or outside the floor mat 102 and focused by a lens (usually a Fresnel lens), so that a human sees the display 101 at an acute angle. It can also be visible in some cases.

  According to the embodiment, as described above, each component of the floor display system 100 is accommodated entirely inside the floor mat 102, entirely outside the floor mat 102, or some components are placed on the floor. The mat 102 can be accommodated inside, and the others can be accommodated outside.

  As described above, the floor display system can include a power source 114. The power is supplied from a wall outlet power supply through a cord, or is supplied to the floor display system by using a battery. The battery used may be either non-rechargeable or rechargeable. Other possible ways of providing power to the floor display system also include the use of a photovoltaic cell that converts ambient light into electricity that can be stored in the battery (or used to provide power directly to the display system). . This photovoltaic cell could be housed, for example, in a floor mat or remotely connected to the display through a power cord.

  A further method for supplying power to the floor display system 100 may be, for example, by means of converting the pressure of a pedestrian stepping on the floor mat and associated display device from mechanical energy to electrical energy. This may be by some form of piezoelectric generator or other similar means (however this is only an example). Alternatively, the mechanical energy required for electrical conversion for the display system could be supplied by vibrations from nearby machines or passers-by in the floor.

  As previously described, image content can be transmitted to a floor display system using a wireless connection from a network such as a computer and / or the World Wide Web. The wireless connection between the computer or other processor and the control electronics of the floor display system can be implemented by many different technologies. One recent common technology is wireless Ethernet, where one processor or computer will communicate with the other through rf or infrared (IR) signals. However, the wireless communication link can be established by a number of technologies and network protocols.

  Wireless links can be ultrasonic, lightwave (IR, visible, ultraviolet), laser communication, high frequency, teraHertz, microwave, electromagnetic, inductive coupling, static electricity, or others that propagate electromagnetic energy between transmitter and receiver It may be of the form. The network protocol may also be a token ring, Bluetooth modem, cellular and PCS connection, or other type of wireless LAN or WAN in addition to Ethernet. The mode of data transfer can also include time division, frequency division, or code division, and may be multiple access or spread spectrum. One mode of wireless transmission suitable for the assumed floor display system application is the UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) transmission mode. That is, the assumed floor display system commercial applications include use in electronic noisy environments such as grocery stores, department stores, home appliance stores, industrial equipment, restaurants, hotels, airports, apartments, and homes. Included (but this is only an example), UWB transmissions work well in these types of environments (one reason for this is machinery, remote door openers, bar code readers, etc. High speed data with low power spectral density over a wide spectral range (usually 3-10 GHz) according to UWB when there are other electronic noisy sources such as r-f, TV, low-band transmission, etc. Communication is possible). In the case of UWB, small-scale fading is removed depending on an arbitrary antenna position or direction. This would be very useful for displays placed on the floor. UWB is also relatively effective against the adverse effects of fading induced by multipath unique to narrowband wireless technology.

  This wireless communication also includes currently known (or future) other techniques useful for communication with and control of the floor display system. For example, this wireless communication may be compatible with the WiFi standard.

  As described above, the electric display device 101 has a capability of displaying at least alphanumeric data and graphic images. The content can include only alphanumeric data, only graphic images (eg, photographs), or a combination of the two, based on the selected video content, which can be static or Move or have both static and movement attributes. Moving alphanumeric data and images can be scrolled, for example. These alphanumeric data and graphic images may be black and white or full color. Furthermore, the display device 101 can include multiple individual displays (ie, the display area of the display device can be partitioned with respect to content). For example, the display area can include a plurality of different “windows”, each displaying different content. Such display partitioning includes various graphic software including, for example, “divided screen” TV and the widely used “Windows (registered trademark)” software of Microsoft (registered trademark). Well known through extensive use of applications.

  FIG. 3 shows one possible configuration of the electronic display device 101 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 3, the electronic display device 101 constitutes a dynamic part of “mixed medium” display. That is, the display of FIG. 3 is a mixed medium display from the viewpoint that a part of the entire display presented by the exposed surface above the floor mat 102 is electronic and the other part is not. In FIG. 3, the non-electronic, fixed (ie, static) portion 302 of the display is combined with the dynamic (ie, changeable) electronic portion 101. It should be noted, however, that the term “static” as used herein should not be equated with “non-electronic”. In this example, the fixed part is “Today, Campbell soup is a pull”. This fixed portion could, for example, be printed on the exposed portion of the floor mat 102 over the material. On the other hand, the dynamic part can be implemented by the electronic display device 101 using one or more of the aforementioned display technologies housed in the floor mat. As described above, this dynamic part can be changed electronically to display arbitrary content. For example, this dynamic part could display information related to the selling price of an item such as “30%” or “40 cents”. As a result, in FIG. 2, the entire floor display displays “Today, Campbell soup is 30% discount” or “Today, Campbell soup is 40 cent discount.” By utilizing such a combination of static and dynamic part messages, the size of the electronic part of the display can be greatly reduced, resulting in a reduction in cost. In addition, the dynamic part of the display is designed and engineered to dynamically change the message either by scrolling or blinking, and the light placed in the display is flashed or blinked to watch the display. By attracting, it is possible to greatly improve the recognition of the display of nearby humans.

  As described above, the embodiment of the floor display system according to the present invention provides an interactive function with a person located near the floor display system. In particular, the sensing device 113 can take a number of different forms, each of which enables the detection of a phenomenon or activity indicative of the presence of a person located near the floor display system. In response, the floor display system will perform some corresponding action. In one such embodiment, the detection device 113 is an acoustic detection device. The sound detection device 113 can be disposed in the floor mat 102 or can be disposed away from the floor mat. The acoustic sensing device can be configured to detect him or her when a person approaches the floor display system and cause the floor display system to generate a corresponding response. For example, when this acoustic detection device is connected to a floor display system via a wired or wireless connection, and a signal is transmitted to the controller 103 via this connection, a sound wave indicating human approach is detected and displayed. The device 101 can be configured to operate. Upon receiving this signal, the controller 103 can cause the display device 101 to generate a predetermined display of the desired content, for example, by announcing a sale or advertising a product, depending on the display content. This content may relate to products on nearby shelves. It is also possible to configure a floor display system to generate a predetermined audio output of desired content in response to a signal from the sound detection device. In view of the above, this floor display system has an active mode (i.e. a mode in which the system is actively generating some display and / or audio output) and a sleep or still mode (display and / or audio output). In a mode that is not actively generated). The stationary mode can be entered when no human is detected nearby to save power. Note that the floor display system can alternate between active and stationary modes according to some programmed schedule, or may enter active mode in response to some signal, as described above. it can.

  The sound sensing device is adjustable to detect only sound of a predetermined frequency and send an activation signal to the display system in response. Specifically, the acoustic sensing device may be either an omnidirectional or directional microphone, depending on the general environmental noise level. An omnidirectional microphone has a constant sensitivity that is independent of the direction in which sound arrives, and is therefore effective in detecting someone approaching from either direction in a quiet environment. . An omnidirectional microphone can be implemented as one or more small electret microphones placed (or embedded) within a floor mat. The electret microphone is only an example, and dynamic and condenser microphones can also be used. Commercially available omnidirectional microphones include Audio Technica (registered trademark) MT830R, DPA (registered trademark) Type 4060, and MMC 4041 (however, these are only examples).

  In noisy environments (or when detecting human approach in a specific direction), directional microphones are preferred. The directional microphone is a microphone having a clear directional response. Therefore, compared with an omnidirectional microphone, it is possible to filter sound coming from a specific direction while blocking random environmental noise. Examples of commercially available directional microphones that can be used include cardioid microphones, super cardioid microphones, and shotgun microphones. Examples of cardioid microphones include DPA Type 4021, Earthworks® A30X, and Shure® SM57. Examples of supercardioid microphones include Peavey® PVM480 and Electrovoice® ND767A. Examples of shotgun microphones include Beyerdynamic® MCE86S. 1. Sennheizer (R) K6ME-66, and Shure SM89. Depending on the degree of noise in the environment in which the microphone is used, a microphone with a large directional sensitivity will give better results than a microphone with a small directional sensitivity. For example, in a very noisy environment, a microphone with high directivity sensitivity such as a super cardioid or a shotgun is preferred.

  In yet another embodiment that provides interactive functionality, the sensing device 113 may be a motion detection device. The motion detection device 113 can be arranged in the floor mat 102, or can be arranged at some distance from the floor mat, for example on or inside the ceiling or wall near the floor mat. The motion detection device can be configured to detect him or her and generate a corresponding response when a person approaches the floor display system. For example, when a motion detection device is connected to a floor display system via a wired or wireless connection and a motion indicating human approach is detected, a signal is transmitted via this connection to activate the display device 101 Is possible. The display device 101 can generate any desired display when activated, and the floor display system can also generate a corresponding audio output. The motion detection device can be adjusted to detect only motion in a specific area (or motion around the display). The motion detection device can also have directivity sensitivity so that, for example, the motion detection device and the corresponding display are triggered only by customers entering the facility. Note that motion detection devices that can be used in connection with the display include IR technology, simple radar, or motion detection devices that utilize light beams (however, these are only examples).

  There are many different ways to implement the motion detector 113, including the use of active motion detection and passive motion detection. Active motion detection systems typically inject energy (eg, light, microwave, or sound) into the environment and then detect changes in that energy. For example, in the case of a store, a device that emits a light beam that traverses a space near the store's entrance passage and a corresponding light disposed on the opposite side to measure the amount of incident light generated by this beam. It is common to have a sensor. When the customer traverses the beam (and thus blocks the beam), the optical sensor detects a change in the amount of incident light and can sound an audible alarm, such as ringing a bell. By using this type of detection system, the floor display system could be notified that a person is approaching. Similarly, many grocery stores have automatic door openers that use a very simple form of radar to detect that someone has passed near the door. In such a system, a radiator / receiver device placed above the door can be used. The radiator part emits a burst of microwave radio energy and waits for the receiver part to detect this reflected energy that bounces back. As a person enters the microwave field, the amount of reflected energy (or the time it takes for the reflection to reach the receiver portion) changes and the radiator / receiver responds accordingly to the door. Generate a signal that automatically opens. It is also possible to perform a similar operation using ultrasonic waves (that is, the target is made to bounce ultrasonic waves, wait for an echo, and perform some predetermined action based on the echo).

  Passive motion detection systems include systems that detect motion by detecting infrared energy. Such a system can include sensors called PIR (Passive InfraRed) sensors or pyroelectric sensors. PIR or pyroelectric sensors can be used, for example, in security systems designed to be sensitive to human body temperature. Humans have a skin temperature of about 93 degrees Fahrenheit and emit infrared energy having a wavelength of 9-12 micrometers. Thus, the sensor is usually sensitive in the wavelength range of 8-12 micrometers. These sensors, like light sensors, are usually simple electronic components, and the infrared energy emitted from the source repels electrons from the PIR or pyroelectric sensor substrate. These electrons can then be detected and amplified into an electrical signal that can be used to activate some predetermined operation. When a person walks near the sensor, the amount of infrared energy in the “view” of the sensor changes rapidly and can be easily detected. It is a sudden change that is used to detect motion. PIR or pyroelectric sensors can also be configured to have a wide or narrow field of view. A wide field of view can be generated, for example, by placing a lens on the sensor. On the other hand, a narrow field of view can be realized by using a sensor without a lens, and the field of view can be reduced by placing the sensor in a recess, a box, or a tube that opens in the direction in which motion detection is desired. It can be further narrowed. Note that the floor display system according to the present invention can implement the motion detection device 113 using any one or combination of the systems and methods described above, or a system and method not disclosed in this specification.

  In the case of the floor display system according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide an interactive function by detecting the presence or movement of a person based on other events in the physical environment. For example, a floor display system could be connected to a doorway or other door of an entrance passage of a commercial facility or other building via a wired or wireless connection. Through this connection, the floor display system can detect that the door has been opened and activate the display in response.

  In yet another embodiment that provides interactive functionality, a floor display system within a commercial facility can display customized display information for a particular individual. In such an embodiment, a mechanism for automatically determining a human ID may be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the floor display system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention further includes a non-contact input device 401 having a capability of receiving identification information from an ID device 402 carried by a human. Can do. The contactless input device 401 may be, for example, a wireless port having a receiver and an antenna configured to receive and process wireless electromagnetic signals including ID information emitted by the ID device 402. The ID information acquired from the ID device 402 can be supplied from the wireless port 401 to the controller 103. Then, the controller accesses a database such as the database 109, and based on the ID information, information related to the person is obtained. Can be acquired. Such related information includes (but is not limited to) name, age, purchase history, store visit frequency, most common purchase item, and the like. Based on the related information, information related to (or for) the person in particular can be displayed on the floor display system. This display includes, for example, a personal greeting (however, this is only an example). Further, the controller of the floor display system could cross-reference the person's purchase history with the sales or promotional items currently available at the commercial facility. The floor display system then displays, based on the purchase history of the person, information for notifying the person that a particular item of interest to the person is on sale, and the person The location of the item's passage can be displayed. Further, the floor display system can generate a coupon for the item, thereby further prompting the person to purchase the item.

  An example of an ID device 402 that can be used with the non-contact input device 401 is a so-called “non-contact card”. In the case of a non-contact card, physical application to a reader by a human is not necessary. A contactless card comprises an antenna coil and a chip embedded in the card and can be configured to output information in the form of wireless electromagnetic signals. The ID information contained in this type of card is read including a receiver and antenna adapted to receive and process signals output from the card, such as the contactless input device 401 shown in FIG. It can be acquired when the card passes through a predetermined range of the device.

  Some of the contactless cards described above belong to the general “smart” card category. A smart card (or electronic card) is a well-known device and typically includes an embedded computer chip and has the size of a conventional credit or debit card. The chip typically includes a microprocessor and memory that can hold operating system and application data that can be protected by state-of-the-art security features. Currently, several types of smart card technology are offered in the market, one example being a memory card. A memory card contains a memory chip and resembles a small floppy disk. This type of (memory) chip can store not only ID information but also other types of information such as the amount of money spent at a store.

  In other embodiments, individual identification information can be provided using a card called a microprocessor card to customize the display. The microprocessor card includes a microprocessor that can add, delete, change, and update information. The microprocessor card can further comprise an input / output port, an operating system, and a hard disk, and can thus be considered essentially a small computer.

  ID cards such as the aforementioned smart cards, memory cards, and microprocessor cards do not necessarily need to be read by a contactless mechanism, as shown in FIG. Alternatively, for example, a human can read or scan by physically applying the card to a reader located at a convenient location in a commercial facility. This reader can be connected to (or part of) the identification system. The identification system can be implemented in, for example, the computer 108 and the database 109 connected to the floor display system of the present invention. As a result, the ID information acquired by the identification system can be transmitted to the floor display system.

  Any type of card that specifically requires physical application to a human reader can be used with the floor display system of the present invention. Such a card is called a “contact card”. Contact cards can have gold chips embedded in the card. This type of card needs to be inserted into a smart card reader and connected directly to physical contacts on the card in order to transmit data. Contact cards are frequently used in banking, communications, health care, and loyalty applications (such as car service history storage).

  Cards called hybrid / twin cards can also be used to provide human identification information to the floor display system. These cards have two chips (a non-contact chip and a contact chip) embedded therein. These two chips are usually not connected to each other. Instead, typically one chip serves the consumer's needs and the other chip serves the card issuer's needs. In yet another embodiment, a combination card can be used. These cards, also called dual interface cards, contain a single chip designed to support both contact and contactless readers.

  By using such techniques, further embodiments of the present invention can be configured to track human movement in commercial facilities or other public places. In such an embodiment, people can carry ID cards that can be read by a contactless mechanism, as described above. A plurality of floor display systems having a non-contact detection mechanism are arranged at predetermined locations in the facility to detect the ID card, thereby tracking the movement of a person. These cards can be separate for each individual as described above (ie, identify the individual), or can be shared, for example, in a shopping cart or shopping basket. is there. Information indicating the detailed contents of the movement detected by the floor display system is recorded in the database, and the retailer can, for example, optimize the layout of the store and assist in identifying the place where the impulse purchase item should be placed, And this information can be used for similar purposes. Examples of technologies that can be used to track a person who carries (or otherwise transports) a non-contact ID device include Bluetooth technology, IRDA, r-f link, or other links to floor display systems. Includes local area network technology.

  As is well known, some commercial facilities (eg, Wal-Mart and Target) and home centers (eg, Home Depot and Lowes) are very large. Contains a large amount of goods. As a result, some shoppers at these stores have difficulty finding a desired item. Thus, a floor display system according to an embodiment of the present invention can further provide people with the assistance to find his or her route in a large commercial facility and find the desired item.

  According to such an embodiment, upon entering the store, the shopper can verbally (eg, by using a microphone or other acoustic recording device) or manually (eg, a keyboard, keypad, Or, using a touch monitor type device), the desired product or list of products is entered into the machine. This machine will then generate a “trip ticket” that can be detected by a plurality of floor display systems located at predetermined locations in the store.

  This trip ticket may be a device such as the aforementioned “smart card” and has the ability to store information such as a product list input by a shopper. The information on the trip ticket can be read by non-contact technology as described above in connection with the various embodiments described above. The floor display system distributed in the store can include a non-contact technology for reading the trip ticket. When the shopper moves through the store and approaches various floor display systems, the system can detect and read the trip ticket. Then, upon detecting a trip ticket and reading its product list, the floor display system can be configured to display the direction in which the shopper walks to find the desired product. Further, it is not always necessary to actually store the product list itself in the trip ticket. That is, instead of storing a product list or other information corresponding to an identifiable trip ticket in a database accessible to the floor display system so that it can be obtained when a trip ticket is detected and identified. It is also possible to do.

  In still another embodiment of the present invention, a detection function of a mobile phone can be provided. With the increasing use and spread of mobile phones, social friction has arisen, and it is inappropriate and rude in many situations to ring mobile phones and disturb people around them. It is believed that. For this reason, the embodiment of the present invention can include a mobile phone detection device using the configuration shown in FIG. 4, in which case the non-contact input device 401 is a mobile phone detection device. It is. Devices that can be used to detect cellular phones include, for example, short range RF detectors that can pick up a wide range of RF signals. Such devices are known, for example, for detecting illegal listening devices (i.e. "Bugs"). One example of such a commercial product is the MicroAlert® system, which has the ability to detect the presence of mobile phones and devices that emit RF radiation. The mobile phone detection device 401 can be configured to transmit a signal to the controller 103 of the floor display system when detecting a mobile phone that is powered on. In response to this signal, for example, the controller generates a display having a message indicating that a powered mobile phone has been detected and / or sounds an alarm indicating that the mobile phone has been detected. Can be made. Furthermore, the floor display system can display a request to turn off the power of the mobile phone or ring an audible request to turn off the power of the mobile phone. This embodiment according to the present invention finds a particularly useful application, for example in situations such as orchestra houses, musical and theater venues, cinemas, or other places where ringtones are deemed inappropriate. I can do it.

  A floor display system according to another embodiment of the present invention can be used for security applications. Existing security technologies used in commercial facilities to prevent theft include “Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS)” technology that monitors the entrances and exits of facilities. In this technique, an antenna disposed on either side of the door opening is used. These antennas are connected to other components of the commodity monitoring technology, one antenna functions as a transmitter and the other functions as a receiver. And when the recognition device (which can be composed of an inductor and a capacitor, a soft magnetic strip or wire, or a tuning circuit including a vibration resonator) passes between this transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna, Detection can be triggered by preventing transmission. A recognition device that can be detected by an antenna disposed on either side of the store entrance can be attached to each item to be protected in the store. The merchandise monitoring technology recognizes the item to be protected when these recognition devices pass through the antenna, and sounds an alarm to notify the sales staff about the possibility of theft.

  This electronic merchandise monitoring (EAS) technology can be incorporated into a floor display system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 5, for example, a floor mat 102 according to the present invention includes an antenna 501 disposed along the edge of the floor mat to detect a protected item to which a recognition device is attached, and 502 can be included. These antennas can then be connected to other components of the merchandise monitoring technology so that the items to be protected can be recognized. In order to detect the possibility of theft of the item to be protected, one or more floor mats including such an antenna can be arranged on the floor near the store entrance. As a result, when a person walks on the floor mat to leave the store with the protected item to which the recognition device is attached, the recognition device will pass between (or near) the two antennas. Detected and recognized by commodity monitoring technology. And when a protection target item is detected, a visual warning can be displayed or an audible warning can be sounded by a floor display system. Further, the electronic merchandise monitoring system using the floor display system according to the embodiment of the present invention can be used together with the third antenna 503, for example. This third antenna may be the transmit antenna of the EAS device, and the one or more antennas in the floor mat may be receiver antennas. Alternatively, the third antenna 503 may be an additional receiver antenna, and the floor mat may include both the receiver and transmitter antennas. The third antenna 503 could be placed above the floor mat, for example, by hanging from the ceiling or from the ceiling. There are also embodiments in which the floor mat includes only one antenna that can cooperate with the overhead antenna.

  In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat can be used in combination with an image projection device. In such embodiments, the floor mat provides a surface from which the projection device projects an image from a distance. 6A and 6B show a system for projecting an image onto a floor mat from a distance. Such a system could be used, for example, in a commercial facility such as a grocery store. Floor mats 608 and 609 may be placed on a floor 610 adjacent to commercial facility shelves 601, 602. The projection devices 603 and 604 can be movably mounted on guide members such as rail systems 605 and 606 above the floor mat, and the rail system can be mounted on the ceiling, for example. This image projection device 603, 604 is an electronic projector similar to the device used with a laptop computer for presentations, or other image projection device having an optical system capable of focusing an image on a surface at a given distance (However, these are only examples). The floor mats 608 and 609 can have a white or silver surface, for example, to display a projected image.

  The image projected on the floor mat can be configured to include any content, as described above, for example by connecting the projection device to the system components as described in connection with FIG. Can do. In other words, the projection apparatus can be controlled by connecting the projection apparatus to a controller, a storage medium, a network, or the like. For example, the projection device can be configured to project graphic and alphanumeric information associated with products on adjacent shelves 601, 602 onto floor mats 608 and 609.

  The projection device can be movable along the rail system. FIG. 6B shows a front view of the right shelf 602 and associated lace system 606, projection device 604, and floor mat 609. Projector 604 could be movable along rail system 606 manually or automatically, for example, by a pulley, chain, or slide system with a motor well known in the automation industry. For example, the projection device 604 can be moved to a location in front of an item on a shelf on which desired information is displayed. A corresponding floor mat 609 can be arranged under the projection device 604 so that an image can be seen by a person standing in front of the shelf 602. Note that the floor mat 609 can be manually aligned with the projection device 604 or can be automatically aligned, for example, by using a photodiode and corresponding detector system. Specifically, an additional photodiode can be provided in the floor mat and a photodiode detector can be provided in the projection apparatus to achieve correct alignment of the floor mat and the projection apparatus. Of course, this opposite configuration is also possible (i.e. the detector diode is placed in the floor mat and the transmitter diode is placed on the projection device to give a signal indicating that it is in the correct position. Sent from the mat to a drive mechanism that moves the projection device).

  FIG. 6C shows an alternative embodiment using a floor mat in combination with an image projection device. As shown in FIG. 6C, according to the embodiment, the image projection device 625 can be provided in the recess 620 of the floor 610. Then, a floor mat 650 is disposed above the recess to provide a surface on which an image projected by the image projection device 625 can be displayed. Thus, in this embodiment of FIG. 6C, the floor mat 650 can be formed from a medium having “transparency” that allows an image projected on its lower surface 651 to be viewed on its upper surface 652. is there. It is also possible to make the image projection device movable along the rail 630.

  FIG. 7 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the floor display system 100 can be connected to a data input / output device 700. The data input / output device can include a mechanism for a user, such as a store customer, to input specific data to be processed by the floor display system. For example, the data input / output device may include a voice input device 701 such as a microphone and / or a keyboard 702 for inputting alphanumeric data. The data input / output device can include a computer and software for executing speech recognition processing of the utterance content input from the user to the voice input device 701. The data input / output device may further include a printer that generates the print output 703.

  The floor display system 100 and the data input / output device can be arranged at a convenient place in a commercial facility. Customers visiting the facility can access the data input / output device, which can be placed at a height suitable for speech or typing. The customer can then utter the item or list of items into the voice input device or type one or more items into the keyboard. In response, the floor display system displays and / or displays one or more advertisements for those items and / or corresponding outputs, such as the location of the one or more items within the facility. An output 703, such as one or more coupons for multiple items (or specifying their location), may be generated.

  In the foregoing, several embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and / or described. However, it will be understood that modifications and variations of the present invention are included in the foregoing disclosure and fall within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and intended scope of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the floor display system by the Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the detail of the floor mat of a floor display system. It is a figure which shows the detail of the floor mat of a floor display system. It is a figure which shows the detail of the floor mat of a floor display system. It is a figure which shows the detail of the floor mat of a floor display system. It is a figure which shows the detail of the floor mat of a floor display system. FIG. 5 shows a floor mat with a “mixed medium” display that includes a fixed non-electronic portion and a dynamic electronic portion. FIG. 2 illustrates a floor display system that includes a non-contacting mechanism for obtaining ID information from an ID device (however, this figure also relates to other embodiments detailed herein). . It is a figure which shows the floor display system containing a security function. It is a figure which shows the floor display system which projects an image on a floor mat with an image projector. It is a figure which shows the floor display system which projects an image on a floor mat with an image projector. It is a figure which shows the floor display system which projects an image on a floor mat with an image projector. It is a figure which shows the floor display system containing the data input / output device which inputs the desired item in a commercial facility, and outputs a corresponding place.

Claims (47)

A floor display system,
Floor mats,
An electronic display device associated with the floor mat;
Have
The electronic display device is a floor display system that can be configured to display any content that can be changed electronically.   The floor display system of claim 1, further comprising an audio device configurable to output any audio content that can be electronically modified.   The floor display system of claim 1, further comprising a detection mechanism configured to detect an indicator associated with human presence or activity and to cause the floor display system to perform a corresponding action in response thereto.   The floor display system according to claim 3, wherein the detection mechanism includes an acoustic detection device.   The floor display system according to claim 3, wherein the detection mechanism includes a motion detection device.   The floor display system according to claim 3, wherein the action generates a predetermined display.   The floor display system according to claim 3, wherein the action generates a predetermined audio output.   The floor display system according to claim 3, wherein the detection mechanism comprises a non-contact input device configured to receive ID information from an ID device.   9. The floor display system of claim 8, wherein the floor display system is configured to generate a customized display relating to a particular person corresponding to the ID information.   The floor display system of claim 8, wherein the non-contact input device is configured to receive information from a trip ticket corresponding to at least one item in a commercial facility.   The floor display system of claim 10, wherein the floor display system is configured to display a location of the at least one item in the commercial facility.   The floor display system according to claim 3, wherein the detection mechanism includes a mobile phone detection device.   4. The floor display system of claim 3, wherein the detection mechanism includes a security device that detects items in a commercial facility to protect against theft.   The floor display system according to claim 1, wherein the floor mat and the electronic display device are configured to be repeatedly traversed by movement of feet and wheels.   15. The floor display system of claim 14, wherein the floor mat includes at least one inclined surface to facilitate crossing of the floor mat due to the foot or wheel traffic.   15. The floor display system according to claim 14, wherein the floor mat includes an inclined surface all around its periphery to facilitate crossing of the floor mat due to the foot or wheel traffic.   The floor mat forms a composite structure with an inclined surface around its entire periphery, and two floor mats that can be joined along its edges to facilitate crossing of the composite structure by the passage of the foot and wheel. The floor display system according to claim 14, wherein the floor display system is formed as a structure composed of parts.   The floor display system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic display device forms a dynamic part of the display, and the dynamic part is combined with the static part of the display.   The floor display system according to claim 1, wherein the floor display system is included in a network.   The electronic display device comprises at least one of a light emitting diode, an organic light emitting diode, an electroluminescent display, a plasma display, a field emission display, a ferroelectric display, a fiber optic display, and a holographic display. Floor display system.   The floor display system of claim 1, wherein the floor display system is powered by mechanical energy derived from traffic across the floor mat.   The floor display system according to claim 19, wherein the floor display system is wirelessly connected to the network.   The floor display system according to claim 22, wherein the wireless connection uses UWB mode transmission.   The electronic display device has the ability to display at least alphanumeric data and graphic images separately or in combination and either statically or moving, or both statically and moving. Floor display as described in.   The floor display according to claim 4, wherein the acoustic detection device includes an omnidirectional microphone.   The floor display according to claim 4, wherein the acoustic detection device includes a directional microphone.   The floor display according to claim 5, wherein the motion detection device uses active motion detection.   The floor display according to claim 5, wherein the motion detection device uses passive motion detection.   27. The floor display of claim 26, wherein the active motion detection includes using a device that emits energy in combination with a device that detects the emitted energy.   28. The floor display system of claim 27, wherein the passive motion detection includes detecting infrared energy.   The floor display system according to claim 8, wherein the ID device is a smart card.   The floor display system is connected to an identification system that includes the reader configured to obtain ID information from an ID device by physical application of the ID device to the reader, the floor display system comprising: The floor display system of claim 1, wherein the floor display system is configured to generate a customized display relating to a particular person corresponding to the ID information.   The floor display system according to claim 31, wherein the ID device is a smart card.   The floor display system according to claim 12, wherein the mobile phone detection device includes a short-range RF detector.   14. The floor display system of claim 13, wherein the security device includes an antenna configured to detect an item with a recognition device attached.   The floor display system of claim 1, further comprising a data input / output device configured to receive specific user input and generate a corresponding output.   36. The floor display system according to claim 35, wherein the data input / output device includes a voice recognition device.   36. The floor display system according to claim 35, wherein the data input / output device includes a keyboard.   36. The floor display system according to claim 35, wherein the data input / output device includes a printer.   36. The floor display system of claim 35, wherein the corresponding output is a location of an item input by a user.   36. The floor display system of claim 35, wherein the corresponding output is a coupon for an item entered by a user. A floor display system,
Floor mats,
An image projection device configured to project any image content that can be changed electronically onto the floor mat from a distance;
Having a floor display system.   42. The floor display system according to claim 41, wherein the image projection device is movably attached to a guidance member so that the image projection device can be disposed at a desired position with respect to the floor mat.   The floor display system according to claim 41, wherein the image projection device is configured to automatically align with the floor mat.   The floor display system according to claim 41, wherein the floor mat has a white or silver surface.   42. The floor display system according to claim 41, wherein the image projection device is disposed in a concave portion of a floor, and the floor mat is disposed above the concave portion.   The floor display system according to claim 45, wherein the floor mat includes a permeable medium.

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