JP2015522182A - A system that selectively visualizes signs - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for selectively visualizing indicia to an observer includes a switching window having a receiving surface and a viewing surface. This receiving surface is arranged in optical communication with an indicia holder constructed to releasably retain indicia such as information content. In operation, the switching window switches from a substantially opaque state to a substantially transparent state to visualize or otherwise display this indicia to the observer through this viewing surface. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  In general, the present invention relates to a system for selectively visualizing removable indicia. In particular, the invention relates to a switched liquid crystal (LC) window that selectively visualizes removable indicia. In particular, the invention relates to a switched liquid crystal (LC) window that is constructed to selectively visualize removable indicia with a dispenser, appliance or other device.

  Signs or content of advertisements, display devices, and other information will become ubiquitous in our environment, so that over time, people will block or otherwise block information or messages sent from them. It has become clever to ignore in a manner. To overcome this barrier in attempts to attract individual attention, advertising campaigns are carefully designed to present information in a compelling manner and appeal to the target individual's interests and feelings. Make full use of technique. Thus, to a large extent, the success of a particular public relations or marketing effort to communicate that message to a potential customer is highly dependent on the medium selected. However, the costs and expenses of developing and producing marketing campaigns with the requisite appeal that are necessary to capture customer interest are significant. Furthermore, publicity campaigns that use moving dynamic images or content to attract the attention of targeted individuals are expensive because they require a significant amount of production effort to implement such concepts.

  In addition to the cost of producing dynamic information content, the cost of a display unit, such as a flat screen display device presenting this content, is a significant expense, as is the cost associated with the operation of such a display device, and therefore The total number of positions where such display devices are finally installed is limited. Furthermore, it is expensive and time consuming to continuously update the dynamic content presented on such a display device. Therefore, significant costs are associated with the installation and maintenance of display devices capable of rendering dynamic information content. Conversely, static or fixed information content, such as printed content embodied in posters, billboards, and magazines, is much cheaper to produce than dynamic content, but is generally of interest to the target individual. And is not very effective in drawing attention.

  Therefore, low cost, low to selectively visualize indicia such as static printed images through a switching window that switches between a substantially opaque state and a substantially transparent state to capture personal attention A power system is needed. Further, there is a need for a system for selectively visualizing indicia that uses a window that switches in association with a releasably replaceable indicia as desired. Further, there is a need for a system for selectively visualizing indicia that uses a window that switches in conjunction with a dispenser or other suitable structure.

  In light of the foregoing, a first aspect of the present invention is to provide a system for selectively visualizing indicia.

  Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a system for selectively visualizing indicia to an observer, including a housing having a switching window, wherein a receiving surface and a viewing surface that are substantially opposed to each other. The window is constructed to switch between an at least partially transparent state and an at least partially opaque state, a control device is connected to the switching window, and the control device is configured for a predetermined time. Adapted to memorize the spacing, an indicia holder carried by the housing and constructed to support an indicia for optical alignment with the receiving surface, the control device controlling the switching window Periodically switching between the at least partially opaque state and the at least partially transparent state at the predetermined time interval, and through the receiving surface Through 認面 makes it visible the mark periodically.

  Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a system for dispensing material from a refill unit carrying at least one dispensed item, comprising a housing having a switching window, said switching window being substantially Having a receiving surface and a viewing surface opposite to each other, wherein the window is configured to switch between an at least partially transparent state and an at least partially opaque state, and a control device is configured to Connected to a dispensing unit, the controller detects at least one operating parameter associated with the dispensing unit and is adapted to be carried by the housing and fluidly connected to the refill unit By this operation of the dispensing unit, at least one dispensed item is dispensed, and an indicia holder is carried by the housing to support the indicia. The switching window is configured to be optically aligned with the receiving surface, and when the operating parameter meets a predetermined criterion, the switching window is moved from the at least partially opaque state to the at least partially transparent. By switching to the state, the indicia is made visible through the receiving surface through the viewing surface.

  Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a system for selectively visualizing indicia to an observer, including a housing having a switching window, wherein the switching window is visually recognized from a receiving surface that is substantially opposed. Having a surface and constructed so that the window is switched between at least partially transparent state and at least partially opaque state, and a control device is connected to the switching window and connected to the control device The sensor detects an input, and an indicia holder is carried by the housing and is constructed to support the indicia in optical alignment with the receiving surface. When the sensor detects the input, the switching window is The indication is switched from the at least partly opaque state to the at least partly transparent state and through the receiving surface through the viewing surface. Visibly make.

1 is a block diagram of a system for selectively visualizing indicia in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of a system that selectively visualizes indicia without using a light source in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system that selectively visualizes indicia when constructed for use with a dispenser in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a front view of a system for selectively visualizing indicia so as to obscure subsequently arranged indicia as a result of the switching window becoming substantially opaque by being embodied as a fluid dispenser in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. FIG. 3B is a side view of a system for selectively visualizing indicia as shown in FIG. 3A in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a front view of a system that selectively visualizes an indicia so that it is implemented as a fluid dispenser in accordance with the concepts of the present invention, making the switching window substantially transparent and displaying the indicia therethrough. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a system for selectively visualizing indicia when implemented as a towel dispenser in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a system for selectively visualizing indicia when used as a stand-alone device with a urinal in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a system for selectively visualizing indicia when used with a nebulizer in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a system for selectively visualizing indicia when constructed as a stand-alone device that provides a remotely located hands-free actuator such as a faucet in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an alternative system for selectively visualizing indicia using a timer integrated into a dispenser in accordance with the concepts of the present invention.

  These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings.

  A system for selectively visualizing indicia is generally described by the numeral 10 as shown in FIGS. In particular, the system 10 may be a polymer dispersed liquid crystal window or the like constructed to selectively switch from a substantially or at least partially opaque state to a substantially or at least partially transmissive state. A switching window 20 is included. Thus, the use of the terms “opaque state” and “transparent state” as used in the following discussion refers to an opaque that is substantially or at least partially opaque and substantially or at least partially transparent. It is considered as a state and a transparent state. Subsequently, the switching window 20 is maintained by the system 10. As a result, this separates the indicia holder 40 from the observer's 50 line-of-sight range or field of view. Thus, the indicia holder 40 is constructed to removably hold indicia 60 such as print advertisements or other information content. For the purposes of the discussion that follows, the term “sign” is defined as any information, communication, advertisement, image, message, etc. For example, indicia 60 may include characters printed on a piece of paper. Thus, during operation of the system 10, the observer 50 can view the indicia 60 when the window 20 switches from an opaque state to a transparent state. Switching between opaque and transparent states, such as input from various stimuli, including via switch activation or proximity detectors configured to detect the presence of a person or human hand Are controlled according to various criteria. Thus, the system 10 causes the message or information content to be conveyed by the indicia 60 in a manner that captures the attention of the observer 50, thus enhancing the effect of the information content provided from the indicia 60. Furthermore, the indicia holder 40 allows the user to change the indicia 60 quickly and immediately. As a result, the information content to be conveyed can be updated by a simple method at high speed. While it is understood that there is a continuum between the substantially transparent state, the partially transparent state, the partially opaque state and the substantially opaque state provided by the switching window 20, Of course, in general, the observer 50 can clearly see the indicia 60 when the switching window 20 is transparent rather than when the switching window is opaque.

  In particular, the system 10 is carried by a housing 70 that is constructed to integrate or otherwise cooperate with any desired structure including, but not limited to, a dispenser, fixture, or appliance. Or it is arranged in another manner. For example, the housing 70 is formed to integrate with a soap dispenser, towel dispenser, sprayer, toilet or urinal. As an alternative, it will be appreciated that the housing 70 is formed as an independent device that is mounted at any desired location. Subsequently, the housing 70 holds the control device 100 including any suitable general purpose or application specific computing device suitable for performing the function of consideration. In one aspect, the controller 100 maintains non-volatile memory, volatile memory, or a combination thereof that facilitates operation of the system 10. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the housing 70 is formed of any suitable material, such as, for example, plastic, steel or aluminum, in a suitable scale or shape.

  The switching window 20 is electrically connected to the control device 100 and is configured to selectively switch from a substantially transparent state to a substantially opaque state, and conversely. The switching window 20 holds the receiving surface 110 facing the viewing surface 120, and the switching window 20 is constructed so that the surfaces 110 and 120 face each other. 110, 120 are oriented at any desired angle or position relative to each other. Further, these opposing surfaces 110, 120 are sized to receive any desired shape, scale or contour. The switching window 20 may include a window formed of polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) or may be configured as a suspended particle device (SPD). However, as with any other device that is controlled to switch from an opaque or substantially opaque state to a transparent or substantially transparent state, this switching window 20 includes an electrochromic device. It is also thought to get.

  The power supply 130 is connected to the control device 100 and constructed to supply power to the components of the system 10. The power supply 130 is a portable D.C. C. A (direct current) power supply may be included, or A.V. C. It is constructed to receive power from (alternating current) mains and convert this system 10 into a compatible format to operate. It is contemplated that the power source 130 may include a solar power source or a photovoltaic power source or any other power source. It should also be understood that the power source 130 may include a combination of portable power and solar and / or main power or any other suitable power source. Further, the power supply 130 simply powers the system 10 or, in other embodiments, powers the system 10 as well as other aspects of the structure integrating the system 10. For example, the system 10 is integrated with a hands-free dispenser that is constructed to dispense fluid, and the power supply 130 powers both of them. In addition, the reduced power specification of the switching window 20 allows the system 10 to be expanded when a battery or other portable power source is used.

  The indicia holder 40 is held adjacent to the receiving surface 110 and is constructed to optically align with the switching window 20 to removably hold the indicia 60. As a result, if the switching window 20 is in a transparent state or a substantially transparent state, this is selectively visualized by the observer 50 via the viewing surface 120. Although this indicia holder 40 is considered adjacent to the receiving surface 110, it will be appreciated that the indicia holder 40 can be in any desired position relative to the receiving surface 110 as long as it is in optical communication therewith. Oriented. For example, the indicia holder 40 is remotely located from the receiving surface 110, while the image from the indicia 60 is routed to the receiving surface 110 via a mirror or any suitable means.

  Subsequently, the indicia holder 40 may comprise any suitable device capable of holding, supporting, carrying, or otherwise maintaining the indicia 60 in place, while other embodiments Now, this indicia 60 can still be removed and replaced. Thus, the indicia holder 40 holds the system 10 so that the user can immediately customize and / or update the content provided from the indicia 60. However, in some embodiments, it is anticipated that the indicia 60 will be permanently mounted or placed within the indicia holder 40.

  In one aspect, the system 10 is constructed by an access port 160 in the housing 70, such as a slot, for example, where an individual has direct access to the indicia 60. As a result, it can be removed or replaced with the desired one. Access to this indicia holder 40 via the access port 160 may also be restricted to individuals authorized via the locking device 170. The locking device 170 may include a locking door or any other suitable device that prevents a person from removing and / or inserting into the indicia holder 40 without proper authorization.

  The indicia 60 may include any suitable material that is in optical communication with the receiving surface 110 of the switching window 20 and that is held or placed in place by the indicia holder 40. In one aspect, this indicia 60 may include advertisements, signs, and / or text / graphic content, as well as any other information content. For example, the indicia 60 may be arranged on a paper or cardboard portion or any other suitable material that is dimensioned to be received and retained by the indicia holder 40. For example, when using the system 10 with a soap dispenser material, the indicia 60 provides information to assist in cleaning the user's hand.

  In some embodiments, this indicia 60 may be illuminated by any suitable illumination source. For example, the indicia 60 is illuminated by a light source 180 that is constructed to operatively communicate light with the switching window 20. Accordingly, light emitted from the light source 180 is directed to one or more ends of the switching window 20 via a light pipe, optical fiber, or other suitable optical routing means. By supplying this light to the end of this window 20, this light is carried through this switching window 20 and illuminates this indicia 60. Such an operation serves to further attract the attention of the observer 50 to the indicia 60. When the light source 180 is detected by the optical sensor 182 connected to the control device 100, it is considered that the light source 180 is activated based on a change in the ambient light surrounding the system 10. As an alternative, the system 10 is constructed without the light source 180 as shown in FIG. 1A, while the observer 50 still sees the indicia 60 using ambient ambient light surrounding the system 10. be able to.

  Switching of the switching window 20 between the opaque state and the transparent state is controlled by an actuator 200 connected to the control device 100. When the actuator 200 is actuated, or otherwise receives a suitable stimulus or other suitable input, the controller 100 activates the switching window 20 from a substantially opaque state to a substantially opaque state. A button, switch or other device such as a proximity sensor may be provided that switches to a transparent state and allows the indicia 60 to be displayed to the observer 50. For example, if the actuator 200 includes a proximity sensor that can detect the presence or absence of one or more persons, the controller 100 can transparently and transparently transmit the window 20 when an individual approaches the actuator 200. It begins to change state, and similarly, when the individual is no longer in close proximity to this actuator 200, it begins to change state from transparent to opaque.

  In another aspect, the system 10 is configured to start a timer maintained by the controller 100 when the switching window 20 switches to a transparent or substantially transparent state. After a predetermined amount of time, such as an expiration of 5 seconds, the controller 100 switches the switching window 20 to an opaque state or a substantially opaque state. As a result, the indicia 60 is blocked or obscured from the visual field of the observer 50. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that other schemes or protocols that control the switching of this switching window 20 between an opaque state and a transparent state may be utilized in this system 10 and thus disclosed herein. Those to be done should not be construed as limitations.

  For example, the system 10 or other systems, such as a hands-free dispensing system that controls the operation of the system 10, may place the switching window 20 in a transparent or substantially transparent state so that the user can It is constructed by displaying this indicia 60 when it starts washing its hands with a soap dispense. When the soap is dispensed, the system 10 or other system associated therewith will be able to produce a sufficient amount of time, such as the time set by the Contagious Disease Prevention Headquarters (CDC), which occurs simultaneously with sufficient washing of the human hand. Identify when it expires. At this time limit, this switching window 20 switches to an opaque state and displays that it is time to wash out this soap from the user's hand. In one aspect, this indicia 60 associated with such a timed process displays the information content and alerts this individual to implement the timed process.

  Thus, once the general components of the system 10 are clarified, the following discussion leads to a specific embodiment that uses the operating features previously discussed.

  Thus, an embodiment of this system 10 in which the housing 70 includes a dispenser 300 is shown in FIGS. The dispenser 300 activates the dispensing unit 310 such as a pump by the operation of the actuator 200, and a large amount of material such as soap held in a refill unit or container 320 held in operable communication. Or it is constructed to dispense liquids such as soaps to dispense dispensed items. Simultaneously with the actuation of the actuator 200, the switching window 20 switches from the substantially opaque state shown in FIG. 3A to the transparent state shown in FIG. This indicia 60 is displayed until some other situational change is detected, such as an individual moving away from proximity. Of course, as shown in FIG. 3B, the indicia holder 40 may include a ridge 330 that holds the indicia 60. Further, although the dispenser 300 is presented as a liquid dispenser, it will be appreciated that it is always adapted to dispense any desired material.

  In an alternative embodiment, the housing 70 that holds the system 10 may include a towel dispenser 350 as shown in FIG. The towel dispenser 350 holds a dispensing slot 352 that is configured to provide a towel to an individual upon actuation of the actuator 200. Thus, the switching window 20 is constructed so as to switch from a substantially opaque state to a substantially transparent state when the actuator 200 is activated. In addition, the towel dispenser 350 opens it and accesses the indicia holder 40 and indicia 60 arranged therein to update or replace the indicia 60 with a desired one or via the access port 160. A door 360 is accessible to the indicia 60. Furthermore, since the door 360 is constructed by a locking device, access to the indicia 40 is restricted. Alternatively, the indicia 60 is inserted or removed from the indicia holder 40 via the access port 160 as previously discussed.

  In another embodiment, the system 10 is constructed to form the housing 70 holding the actuator 200 as a separate unit 380, as shown in FIG. In one aspect, this independent unit 380 is constructed to operably interface with a power source used during operation of the automatic toilet or urinal 400, or other device. For example, the system 10 is configured to connect the power supply line 401 between the power supplied to the flash actuator 412 held by the automatic toilet or the urinal 400 and the control device 100 held by the system 10. Is done. Thus, the system 10 is directly excited by power to supply power to the automatic toilet or urinal 400 without the need for a battery or other portable power source 130. However, it will be appreciated that this independent unit 380 is powered by a portable power source, such as a battery or any other suitable power source, so that this unit 380 can be placed in any desired location. Further, the housing 70 of this independent unit 380 includes a revolving door 402 connected to the mounting portion 404. The revolving door 402 can be selectively opened to access the indicia holder 40 as well as the indicia 60 itself. Thus, if the indicia 60 is to be updated, the door 402 is immediately opened to allow the indicia 60 to be changed. This mounting portion 404 facilitates mounting of the system 10 when any desired surface or structure uses a suitable fastener, such as, for example, a screw or adhesive. In addition, the swivel door 402 provides an access port 160, thus facilitating the removal and insertion of new indicia within the housing 70.

  In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the system 10 is constructed such that the housing 70 that holds the system 10 includes a nebulizer 500. In one aspect, the nebulizer 500 is constructed to dispense aerosolized material into the air to provide a savory and clean aroma via dispensing port 510. Accordingly, the switching window 20 is constructed to switch from a substantially opaque state to a substantially transparent state when the actuator 200 detects that an individual is within the proximity of the nebulizer 500. . The nebulizer 500 is also constructed to access this indicia 60 through the revolving door 520 or via the access port 160 arranged here.

  Further, the system 10 is constructed so as to be separated from the housing 70, hold the actuator 200, and be remotely wired to the control device 100 of the independent unit 380. For example, the actuator 200 holds the proximity sensor 200 in any suitable fixture, structure or plane, but is a proximity sensor remotely held in a fixture 600 such as a faucet as shown in FIG. Can be included. Thus, when an individual comes within the proximity range of the fixing jig 600, the switching window 20 is switched to a substantially transparent state, and the indicia 60 is displayed. With this configuration, the switching window 20 can be arranged in one area, while the activation action used for controlling the switching window 20 is detected by the actuator 200 in another area. In another aspect, the system 10 is constructed to incorporate improved components into an existing detection sensor, such as a proximity sensor held by an existing device. For example, in the case of a hands-free device such as a hands-free faucet, the proximity sensor 200 is already incorporated here. Therefore, a user who wants to start or activate the switching window 20 by detecting a human hand can use this on the proximity sensor 200 held by the faucet or other fixing jig 600 using any appropriate communication interface. The control device 100 is coupled.

  In another aspect, it will be appreciated that the system 10 may be constructed to program the controller 100 to include a timer as shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings. Thus, the controller 100 may be programmed to store a predetermined time interval, such as 1 second, although any other suitable time interval may be used. Accordingly, the controller 100 is constructed to make the switching window 20 substantially or at least partially opaque for an amount of time equal to the time interval. Upon expiration of this time interval, this switching window is placed in a substantially or at least partially transparent state for an amount of time equal to this time interval, thus selectively visualizing this indicia 60. That is, after the time interval expires, the switching window changes from its first state (substantially or at least partially opaque) to its second state (substantially or at least partially transparent). State) and vice versa. As a result, this indicia 60 is periodically displayed and shielded to attract the attention of this user and others. Further, such a sequence is repeated continuously or terminated after the occurrence of a predetermined event or expiration of a predetermined amount of time. It will also be appreciated that the system 10 may be in a substantially or at least partially opaque state or a substantially or at least partially transparent state at different or indeterminate time intervals. The switching window 20 is constructed.

  Of course, the power supply 130 connected to the control device 100 may include a photovoltaic cell or photovoltaic cell that generates an appropriate amount of power to operate the system 10. Rechargeable batteries are also considered to be connected to solar cells or photovoltaic cells that recharge during sunshine hours. Thus, during night time when this solar energy is not available, the system 10 is powered by the rechargeable battery.

  In one aspect, the housing 70 provided from the system 10 may include a portable dispenser housing that is portable or detachably connected to the user, such as a clip, for example. Accordingly, the portable dispenser housing 70 includes a refill unit or container 320 that is filled with any suitable material such as soap, detergent, moisture cosmetics, and the like. The dispensing unit 310 may include a manually operated or automatic type dispensing system including a refill unit or a suitable pump for dispensing material from the container 320. For example, a manually actuated dispensing unit 310 may have a manual push button or actuator that actuates any suitable pump, such as a dome-type pump that, when depressed or otherwise actuated, dispenses material to the user. Can be included. Thus, the system 10 provides a convenient portable system for dispensing material while providing periodic indications of indicia 60, controlled by the timer function of the controller 100, as shown in FIG. , As well as others, to serve this user's attention.

  Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the dispensing unit 310 is connected to the controller 100 and collects and monitors various hygiene compliant data associated with the operation of the dispensing unit 310. Thus, the switching window 20 is in a first state (substantially or at least partially) when the hygiene compliance data meets one or more predetermined criteria programmed in the controller 100. Switching from the opaque state) to its second state (substantially or at least partially transparent) and vice versa. For example, the switching window 20 is switched from the first state to the second state after a predetermined number of dispensing events have occurred in the dispensing unit 310. Of course, this switching window 20 switches between its first and second states at any suitable interval or period in any desired sequence.

  Further, as a matter of course, the system 10 includes a fixing jig 600 that conforms to a predetermined criterion set by the control device 100 using the dispenser 300, 350, 380, 500, the dispensing unit 310 or the control device 100. Upon detection of one or more operational state data conditions associated with the operation of the switch window 20, the switching window 20 is moved from its first state (substantially or at least partially opaque) to its second state (substantially Or at least partially transparent state) and vice versa. Of course, the switching window 20 switches between its first and second states in any desired sequence at any suitable interval or period. For example, such operational status data includes, but is not limited to, information indicating that the refill unit 320 is low or empty, the battery power of the power supply 130 is low, the dispenser needs service, etc. For example, the switching window 20 switches from one state to another when it detects that the dispensing unit 310 is inoperable.

  Thus, it should be appreciated that one advantage of one or more embodiments of the present invention is that the system for selectively visualizing indicia switches from a substantially opaque state to a substantially transparent state. It is to provide a switching window that displays a sign through. Another advantage of the present invention is that the system for selectively visualizing the indicia provides an actuator in operation, so that the switching window switches from a substantially opaque state to a substantially transparent state. It is. An additional advantage of the present invention is that the system for selectively visualizing indicia provides an indicia holder that holds the indicia removably and displays it to the observer through a switching window.

  Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail in connection with certain embodiments, other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.

Claims (20)

In a system that selectively visualizes signs to the observer,
A housing having a switching window, wherein the switching window has a receiving surface and a viewing surface that are substantially opposite, the window being at least partially transparent and at least partially opaque. A housing constructed to switch, and
A control device connected to the switching window, the control device adapted to store a predetermined time interval;
An indicia holder carried by the housing and constructed to support indicia so as to optically align with the receiving surface;
With
The controller controls the switching window to periodically switch at the predetermined time interval between the at least partially opaque state and the at least partially transparent state; A system that allows indicia to be periodically visible through the receiving surface through the viewing surface.   The system of claim 1, wherein the indicia holder includes a ridge that supports the indicia thereon.   The system of claim 1, wherein the switching window is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) material, a suspended particle device (SPD) material, and an electrochromic material.   The system of claim 1, wherein the indicia holder, the control device, and the switching window are at least partially held by a housing. A dispensing unit carried by the housing, comprising an actuator; and
A refill unit adapted to carry at least one dispense item in operative communication with the dispense unit;
Further comprising
The system of claim 4, wherein the actuation of the actuator results in dispensing of the at least one dispensed item from the dispense unit.   The system of claim 4, wherein the housing includes an access port in operative communication with the indicia holder to allow removal and reception of the indicia therefrom.   The system of claim 1, further comprising a light source connected to the controller, wherein the light source generates light that illuminates the indicia.   The time interval includes a first time interval associated with the at least partially opaque state and a second time interval associated with the at least partially transparent state, the first and second times The system of claim 1, wherein the durations of the intervals are different. In a system for dispensing material from a refill unit carrying at least one dispensed item,
A housing having a switching window, wherein the switching window has a substantially opposite receiving surface and viewing surface, the window being at least partially transparent and at least partially opaque. A housing constructed to switch, and
A control device connected to the switching window and the dispensing unit for detecting at least one operating parameter associated with the dispensing unit;
A dispensing unit carried by the housing and adapted to fluidly connect to the refill unit, wherein the actuation of the dispensing unit dispenses the at least one dispensed item. Note unit,
An indicia holder carried by the housing and constructed to support an indicia in optical alignment with the receiving surface;
With
When the operating parameter meets a predetermined criterion, the switching window is switched from the at least partially opaque state to the at least partially transparent state and through the receiving surface through the viewing surface and the indicia. A system that makes it visible.   The system of claim 9, wherein the indicia holder includes a ridge on which to support the indicia.   The system of claim 9, wherein the switching window is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) material, a suspended particle device (SPD) material, and an electrochromic material.   The system of claim 9, wherein the housing includes an access port in operative communication with the indicia holder to permit removal and reception of the indicia therefrom.   The system of claim 9, further comprising a light source connected to the controller, wherein the light source generates light that illuminates the indicia. In a system that selectively visualizes indicia to observers,
A housing having a switching window, the switching window having a receiving surface and a viewing surface that are substantially opposed, wherein the window is at least partially transparent and at least partially opaque. A housing constructed to switch, and
A control device connected to the switching window;
A sensor connected to the control device and detecting an input;
An indicia holder carried by the housing and constructed to support indicia for optical alignment with the receiving surface;
With
Upon detection of the input by the sensor, the switching window is switched from the at least partially opaque state to the at least partially transparent state, and the indicia is visually recognized through the viewing surface through the viewing surface. A system that makes it possible.   The system of claim 14, wherein the indicia holder includes a ridge on which the indicia is supported.   15. The system of claim 14, wherein the switching window is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) material, a suspended particle device (SPD) material, and an electrochromic material.   The system of claim 14, wherein the indicia holder, the controller and the switching window are at least partially held by a housing. A dispensing unit carried by the housing, comprising an actuator; and
A refill unit in operable communication with the dispensing unit and adapted to carry at least one dispensed item;
Further comprising
The system of claim 17, wherein the actuation of the actuator results in the dispensing of the at least one dispensed item from the dispensing unit.   The system of claim 17, wherein the housing includes an access port in operative communication with the indicia holder to allow removal and reception of the indicia therefrom.   The system of claim 14, further comprising a light source connected to the controller, wherein the light source generates light that illuminates the indicia.

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