KR20050050670A - Floor display system with variable image orientation - Google Patents

Abstract

A floor display system (100) comprises, in different embodiments, one or more of the following features: multiple display panels (310, 315, 325, 330); variable image orientation (520, 577) ; networked data distribution and management (108, 109, 125, 800-804); interactivity (900-909, 1000); image-enhancing optics (1100); controlled audio (111); a protective covering (1200); an anti-slip element (1300.1); fragrance technology (1400); theft prevention (1500, 1501); a track-and- trench system (1910, 1915); specialized positioning mechanisms (2020); and lightweight; flexible layers (2100).

Description

Floor display system with variable image orientation

Cross Reference to Related Application

This application claims the benefit under the Paris Treaty of the United States Provisional Application identified below: Application No. 60 / 418,626, filed October 12, 2002; Application No. 60 / 428,387, filed November 19, 2002; And 60 / 429,044, filed November 22, 2002. Moreover, this application is a partial consecutive application of application number 10 / 438,923, filed May 16, 2003. Application No. 10 / 438,923, filed November 3, 2002, filed November 1, 2002, which is part consecutive application of Application No. 10 / 137,357, filed Jan. 14, 2003, US Patent No. 6,507,285. Partial serial application of No. 10 / 285,639. Application No. 10 / 137,357 is a partial consecutive application of Application No. 09 / 767,846, filed Jan. 24, 2001 and registered as US Patent No. 6,417,778, issued July 9, 2002. Application No. 09 / 767,846 is a partial consecutive application of Application No. 09 / 418,752, filed Oct. 15, 1999 and now abandoned. Application No. 09 / 418,752 is a partial consecutive application of Application No. 09 / 304,051, filed May 4, 1999 and registered on US 24,2001, US Pat. No. 6,219,876. Each of the above identified applications is incorporated by reference.

Advertisements and other kinds of messages generally exist in the form of using "vertical spaces": billboards, walls, ceiling-mounted displays, etc. In contrast, another type of space that has great potential for advertising and messages, but which is largely overlooked, is floor space, which is characterized as "horizontal space".

Efforts were made to use the floor space for advertising. Sticky (ie, "attached") floor decals are known. This design conveys images of various colors and advertising messages such as "Drink Coke." However, such advertising media is limited by the fact that messages are static and not easily exchanged. In contrast, US Pat. No. 6,417,778, incorporated by reference, describes a deformable electronic display coupled with a floor that allows images and phrases to be easily exchanged so that an advertising message can be quickly adapted and effectively targeted to a desired customer. .

However, attempts remain to communicate effectively and efficiently to the audience by visual advertisements or messages displayed on the floor or ground. This approach is how to orient the display content for easy viewing and understanding. In the vertical space, in contrast, there are generally no attempts related to image orientation. For example, when a person views a computer monitor or television set, in most cases people place their feet on the ground and their heads in the atmosphere, so the displayed image almost always stands straight from the viewer's view. Thus, similarly, images in advertising and messages in vertical space almost always stand upright with the observer.

Conversely, there is a problem related to the orientation of the image when the image is in the horizontal space. For example, an image on the floor and coplanar with the floor is approached or viewed from many different directions. Depending on the viewer's approach, the image may be upright, upside down, oblique, or otherwise skewed from the viewer's perspective. More specifically, suppose that the image on the floor is in the direction easily seen and understood by the observer walking from the north (ie, standing upright for these observers). This image will be shown upside down to the observer walking from the south and is therefore difficult to understand. Similarly, assuming that the image on the floor is oriented to stand upright to the observer walking from the west-the same image will appear upside down to the observer walking from the east.

This consideration is further complicated by observing how language differences affect image display. For example, English phrases are read from left to right, top to bottom, but in Asian languages such as Japan, phrases are read from top to bottom in the left to right column. Israeli phrases are read from right to left.

1 and 2A-2D illustrate a floor display system according to an embodiment of the invention.

3, 4, 5A-5C, 6A-6B and 7 illustrate variable image orientations in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

8A-8D illustrate various arrangements for placing a floor display system according to an embodiment of the present invention with selected content.

9 and 10 illustrate various interactive devices associated with floor display systems in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

11 shows a layer of material including a thin diffractive prism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

12A and 12B show a protective cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

13A and 13B show a blister sheet according to an embodiment of the invention.

14 and 15 illustrate an alarm system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

16-18 illustrate components and assemblies of a floor display system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

19A-19D illustrate a track-and-trench system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

20A-20E illustrate a location mechanism system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

21A-21C illustrate a lightweight, flexible electrical display device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a floor display system having a variable image orientation among other features. More specifically, the image displayed by the floor display system is oriented and / or reoriented differently according to the viewer's view to make viewing and understanding easier. The image is rotated or otherwise moved or shifted to orient and / or reorient the image.

Floor display systems are arranged in public places, such as commercial facilities or other public buildings, and are arranged to electronically display any deformable content, such as advertisements or other informative content. For example, a floor display system is arranged near a shelf that stores a product for sale and displays advertisements and incentives related to the product. In addition to the variable image orientation, the floor display system includes: networked data distribution and management; Interactivity; Image-enhanced optics; Controlled audio; Protective covering; Anti-slip shape; Direction technology; Prevention of theft; Deployment in track-and-trench systems; Specialized location mechanisms; And lightweight, flexible meets features. These and other aspects of embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below.

U. S. Patent No. 6,417, 778 discussed above discloses a system for electronically conveying information via a floor display. More particularly, the bottom display comprises a deformable electronic display surface, for example representing a liquid crystal display. The display can be connected to a computer and the computer generated image can be displayed on the display. Thus the image displayed on the display can be modified by creating another computer image and displaying the computer image on the display. The display may be associated with the base portion of the bottom covering as included in its recess or may be included in the bottom surface facing up the insertion portion of the bottom covering. Alternatively, the display may be formed entirely in the base portion or the insertion portion. The deformable display can use a number of different graphics that can be displayed on the display in various ways. For example, graphics may generally be displayed in a fixed position on the display or may scroll across the display with an example methodology of displaying multiple graphics individually or in combination.

Another alternative for modifying the graphics displayed on the floor covering includes using a light emitting polymer to generate and change the graphics. The luminescent polymer can be applied, attached or woven to the bottom covering. The luminescent polymer is used in other parts of the bottom covering, for example, in the base part or in the insert part or in other parts of other embodiments for the bottom covering. Luminescent polymers are described in US Pat. Nos. 5,945,502, 5,869,350 and 5,571,626, which are incorporated by reference.

Another optic for the display is to use electronic ink or electric paper. Electrical paper is available from Xerox and is described in US Pat. Nos. 5,723,204, 5,604,027, 4,126,854 and 4,143,103, which are incorporated by reference. The electrical paper is called Gyricon and each uses thousands of tiny electrically charged beads that are human hair wide and form pixels. Two-tone beads are fixed inside the liquid-filled plastic sheet to form the surface of the paper. Each of the semi-black and semi-white beads rotates with respect to the electric field. Determine the image according to the black- or white-plane. Because the image does not need to be updated, and since the screen is not backlit, the electric paper only uses the fraction of power used by conventional electronic displays. Electromagnetic stylus and printer-like devices can be used to implement images on paper.

Electronic ink is available from E Ink Corp., MA 02138 Cambridge Spinelly PI 45. Electronic inks utilize microencapsulated micro-engineered display systems. Thin microcapsules are captured between two plastic sheets to produce pixels. Alternatively, the capsule is sprayed on the surface. The result is a flexible display material. The small capsule contains a mixture of transparent dark ink and white paint chips. The electrical charge passes through the capsule. Depending on the static charge, the paint chips drift from the top or stop over the bottom of each capsule. If the paint chips drift from the top, the surface appears white. When they stop at the bottom, the surface appears black under the ink. Each of the two states is stable: black or white. A transparent electromagnetic grid placed on the sheet surface controls the image shape. The display is wirelessly connected to the World Wide Web, for example, depending on the computer by using a Motorola paging system. If multiple displays are used, the text on all displays can be exchanged at once by a single editor via a web page.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the additional or alternative techniques described above are used to implement a floor display system. As used herein, "floor" includes floors, ground or surfaces including concrete, asphalt, carpet, wood, linoleum, tiles, rubber, vinyl, and the like. Floor display system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 1. The floor display system 100 includes an electronic display device 101 coupled with a floor covering 102. More specifically, the display device 101 is at least partially connected to, supported by, received in or otherwise coupled to the bottom covering 102. The bottom covering 102 and the combined electronic display device 101 take many structural forms, are constructed from various types of materials, and are not limited to the specific forms shown herein. In an embodiment the floor covering 102 and the electronic display device 101 are designed for use in places with foot traffic or other (eg, wheeled shopping cart) traffic. Thus, floor coverings and electronic display devices have a negligible adverse effect on floor coverings and display devices, while being sturdy and durable enough to carry a shopping cart that is repeatedly stepped on, walks on, wheels on, or other rolling or sliding material across them. The electronic display device is transparent or translucent, for example, to allow the electronic display device to be viewed through it, and the electronic display device may be damaged from damage associated with feet or other passages such as damage caused by scratches, cracks, chips, tears or environmental dust It has a solid protective covering to protect the display device. The floor covering 102 is attached to the floor or is portable so that it can be easily moved to another place.

2A and 2B are front or plan views and side orthogonal or elevational views of bottom covering 102, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the bottom covering 102 includes at least one inclined surface. More specifically, the bottom covering 102 may include a number of inclined surfaces 212, 213, 214, and 215 inclined downwardly away from the top surface 200 (which will be the surface of the protective covering of the display device as described above). The entire perimeter of the floor covering provides an inclined surface to the person approaching the floor covering. For example, where the floor covering is located in the corridor of a commercial facility, this structure makes it easier for the floor covering to be traversed by a person walking on the floor covering or a wheeled shopping cart. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the display device 101 may be arranged coplanar with one or more of the inclined surfaces of the bottom covering. This may allow the display of the display device to be more easily viewed by a person remote from or approaching the floor covering since the display is raised somewhat.

2C and 2D show that embodiments of the present invention further include a flexible or compressible boundary member 220. The boundary member 220 is arranged to border the edges of the inclined surfaces 212, 213, 214, and 215. For example, the boundary member 1430 borders the edge 221 of the inclined surface 215, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2D. By providing a flexible surface, the boundary member is perceived by the person across the floor covering, causing less unexpected transitions from the floor to the floor covering 102. The boundary member may be made from a material such as metal, wood, plastic, natural rubber, silicone rubber, foam rubber or urethane.

The electronic display device 101 in combination with the floor covering 102 in FIG. 1 is adapted to electronically display graphical images or alphanumeric data within a static (moving or unchanging) or dynamic (ie scrolling or moving or changing) format. Is placed. More specifically, the electronic display device 101 is coupled to the controller 103 by wired means or wireless means to display the content selected by the user, and is deformable through the controller 103. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the electronic display device 101 is coupled to the controller 103 via a display driver circuit, such as a video graphics adapter card 105. The controller 103 includes any kind of electronic logic circuit: for example, a general microprocessor or application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that can be deployed in software. The driver 105 of the electronic display device is integrated in the controller 103 or assembled in the ASIC. The controller is also a single board computer with a processor, memory, and one display driving circuit assembled on the board, as well as wireless components for communicating with the outside world or loading data into memory.

The controller is coupled to storage medium 104, which includes random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash or other non-volatile solid-state electronic storage, electronic erase and programmable read only memory (EEPROM) or magnetic and And / or a suitable medium for storing digital data, including optical disk storage. The storage medium 104 may adjust the software for execution by the controller 103 and the video content of choice for display, for example, under the control of the control software on the electronic display 101. A user interface (not shown), such as a personal computer with a display monitor and a keyboard, is coupled to the controller such that the shape of the controller with specific user input, such as a specific control program, can produce specific display and / or audio output. Audio device 111, such as a loudspeaker, is further coupled to controller 103 via sound card 110. The audio device 111 outputs audio content of the selection stored in the storage medium 104 under the control of the controller 103. Components of the floor display system 100 are powered by a power supply 114. The floor display system also includes a sensing device 113 to provide various interactive applications of the floor display system as described in more detail below. The sensing device 113 can be coupled to and provide a signal to the controller 113. The connection of the sensing device to the controller can be wired or wireless.

Data is stored in storage medium 104 using, for example, data port 106 coupled to a general system bus. The bus can be a USB (Universal Serial Bus). The floor display system further includes a wireless port 107 which is implemented using, for example, a wireless WAN / LAN card. The floor display system 100 is coupled to and communicated with the network 125 via the wireless port 107. The network may be any type of network, including a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet or a local information network (LAN), for example including other floor display systems. The floor display system 100 via the network 125 is coupled to the server computer 108 of the network, for example via a wireless communication device 112. Server computer 108 is coupled to database 109. The database 109 stores information related to the operation of the floor display system 100. For example, the database controls software that includes video and audio content or is downloadable to storage medium 104 of the floor display system. That is, the floor display system 100 is remotely controllable. However, the floor display system 100 does not always need to be networked, and can be controlled locally, for example by downloading content, and can control software locally via data port 106. In addition, a wireless communication method and system is shown in FIG. 1, and a wired system can also be used or combined with a wireless system.

In addition to the foregoing, display technologies used in embodiments of the present invention include: liquid crystal displays (LCDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), electroluminescent (EL) displays, plasma display panels (PDPs), printable field emitters Field light emitting displays (FEDs), ferroelectric displays, polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs), light emitting polymers (LEP), electronic paper and light emitting ceramics or other light emitting inorganic materials. Other display technologies used in the embodiments include optical fiber technology in which the remote image is electronically formed and transmitted using a light guide source to the fiber array or bundle. The remote image light source can be inside or outside the floor covering. Another contemplated display technology includes holographic displays. In this technique a white-light or laser hologram is produced internally or externally to the floor covering 102 and is focused by a lens, possibly a Fresnel lens, so that the viewer can see the display 101 at an acute angle. .

As discussed above, the electronic display device 101 is capable of displaying at least alphanumeric data and graphical images. The content includes only alphanumeric data that is static, moving, or static and moving, depending on the selected video content, only graphical images (ie pictures), or a combination of both. Moving alphanumeric data and images can be black and white or full color. Furthermore, display device 101 comprises one or more distinct displays: that is, the display area of the display device can be partitioned with respect to the content. For example, the display area includes two or more different "windows" each displaying different content. The segmentation of such displays is well known, for example, within "split-screen" TVs and through the widespread use of various graphics software applications, including Microsoft's generic "Windows" software.

Various digital video file formats can be used to generate images on an electronic display device 101 including moving picture experts group (MPEG), digital versatile disc (DVD) or digital video discs and flashes. Also, for example, conventional video content used in a network television may be converted into digital video content for display on the electronic display device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This conversion process involves taking conventional NTSC (National Television Systems Committee) video from tape and capturing it on a computer via a video capture card. An example of this type of card is a Targa 2000 RTX board. Once captured, the video is compressed into a file in a format that can be played back by the digital device. The file may be stored, for example, in MPEG 1 or MPEG 2 format.

As described above, according to an embodiment, the components of the floor display system 100 may be housed completely inside the floor covering 102 or completely housed outside the floor covering 102, or some components may be present inside the floor covering 102. Others may be external.

Changeable image orientation

3 illustrates a floor display system with variable image orientation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. "Image" means anything that is capable of visual presentation, including a single or combined form of a picture, design, text, numbers, etc., in a static or dynamic format or a combination thereof. The floor display system 100 in FIG. 3 represents versions 320 and 335 of the same image oriented for each version viewed from a different direction. More specifically, image 335 is substantially "straight" from the perspective of the first observer, while image 320 is substantially "vertical" from the perspective of the first observer. Conversely, from the perspective of the second observer, image 335 is substantially "vertical" while image 320 is substantially "straight". In the sea display system shown in FIG. 3, the electronic display device 101 of the system comprises a plurality of individual display modules or panels 310, 315, 325, 330 combined with a floor covering 102. Each panel includes the display technology described above individually. The two directors' panels may be arranged to display a composite image: for example, each display on panels 325 and 330 forms a composite image 335. Furthermore, each individual panel can be arranged to display an image independently. "Independently" in the context does not mean part of the composite image. Each panel is also arranged to display an image with a different orientation than the image on another panel.

In one minute application it is advantageous for the observer to only view the image from the individual panel directly in front of him. In these applications certain standard LCD displays with very thin viewing angles work well. That is, the display panels 310, 315, 325, and 330, including this standard LCD technology, are properly oriented so that the corresponding display is substantially visualized when viewed in one direction and not substantially visualized when viewed in another direction. It is possible to do For example, depending on the LCD technology used, an observer approaching or standing near the edge 327 of the panel may clearly see the image on panels 310 and 315 but may not see the image clearly on panels 325 and 330. Similarly, an observer approaching or standing near the edge 329 of the panel can clearly see the image on panels 325 and 330 but cannot clearly see the image on panels 310 and 315. Selectively orienting the panel in this way prevents the viewer approaching the floor display system from trying to see and understand the upside down or oblique image about it.

4 illustrates another possible application of a multi-panel display as discussed above. As shown in FIG. 4, each panel may be arranged to display an image independently of another panel (as opposed to forming a composite image using two or more panels). In the example of FIG. 4, each panel 310, 315, 325, 330 represents a different composite image 410, 415, 425, 430 with each image having a different direction from at least one other image. For example, each direction of each image is chosen to be best suited to be viewed from each other orientation. This feature can be used, for example, to display different messages to people approaching from different orientations. In general, the embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are in principle positions where people walk in two opposite directions, for example in the corridor of a store, on the top or bottom of a row of stairs or at an entrance / exit. It is particularly advantageous when arranged on. It is noted that a multi-panel display according to an embodiment of the present invention is not limited to four panels; More or fewer panels are possible.

Another alternative according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 5A-5C. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, the floor display system 100 may include an image 520 that is electronically rotatable and translatable (ie, movable or shiftable). The floor display system may further include, for example, a plurality of proximity detectors 530, 540, 550, 560 included in the sensing device 113. Based on the signal from the proximity detector, the rotatable and translatable image can be rotated and / or translated in a preferred direction for viewing by the observer based on a standard such as how close the observer floor display system is.

More specifically, proximity detectors 530, 540, 550, 560 can be fixed, attached or coupled to the edge of bottom covering 102, for example. For example, proximity detectors 530, 540, 550, and 560 may be combined with the inclined surfaces 212, 213, 214 and 215 of the floor covering, respectively. The proximity detector may be used to determine the orientation of the image 520 provided at a given time depending on the proximity of the observer. For example, the proximity detector can be coupled to controller 103 of the floor display system and send a signal to the controller. Based on the information in the signal received from the proximity detector, it is determined by the controller that the first observer 580 is closer to the proximity detector 550 than to the proximity detector of the second observer 590. Decisions made by the controller can be made, for example, by executing appropriate hardware and / or software algorithms. Under the conditions shown in FIG. 5A, for example, the controller can rotate and / or translate the image 520 to stand upright from the viewer's view. Conversely, it may be determined that the observer 590 is closer to the proximity detector 540 than to the proximity detector 550 of the observer 580 based on the input from the proximity detector as shown in FIG. 5B. Under these conditions, image 520 may be rotated and / or translated to stand upright from the viewer's view.

Techniques for performing the image rotation and / or translation described above are known. For example, many currently-useful electronic display drivers (such as video graphics adapter card 105) and electronic display device 101 support image rotation and / or translation with software specifically designed for this operation. Based on the input signal from the proximity detector as discussed above, the controller 103 may execute decision software that executes a decision tree that determines, for example, who is closest to the floor display system among the plurality of observers. The controller then executes the corresponding rotation and / or translation software to eventually rotate and / or translate the display image. As shown in Figures 5A-5C, image rotation and / or translation does not always need to occur at 90 degree increments; More subtle increments in rotation, and fractional fractions of angle, are possible.

Image rotation and / or translation software is one possibility for execution, another possibility is to store the image in a number of different fixed directions and select the provided image from among the stored images for display differently depending on proximity determination. Moreover, proximity is not only the basis for selecting a particular image orientation; Other foundations are possible. For example, images are placed in cycles through a number of periodically different directions. If no observer is close enough or the decision of the near phase cannot be reached, it may be the default orientation for the image. Embodiments of the present invention further include a "screen-saver" mode and start or end video output based on proximity of a person.

Proximity detectors may be implemented in a variety of forms, including, for example: ultrasonic detectors, heat detectors, motion detectors, infrared (IR) rangefinders, electric eyes, cameras, charge coupled devices (CCDs) or other imaging systems.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5A, contour 577 illustrates a portion or substantially physical edge of the electronically-generated graphic of the electronic display device 101 of the floor display system having a substantially circular shape as opposed to the substantially square or rectangular shape shown in the figure. It is noted. The substantially circular electronic display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be mechanically rotated to re-orient the image based on the signal from the proximity sensor. Conversely, FIGS. 6A and 6B show an electronic (ie, software-controlled) image rotation and / or translation in which the electronic display device of the floor display system comprises a plurality of modules or panels in a substantially square or rectangular shape as described above. Indicates.

7 shows a proximity detector that does not always need to be performed by a proximity detector located in or on the bottom covering 102. Instead, for example, the proximity detector may be located in, on, or in combination with an object near the floor display system 100. 7 shows proximity detectors 715, 720, and 730 located on shelf 710 adjacent to floor display system 100. Based on the signals received from the proximity detectors 715, 720, and 730, the controller 103 of the floor display system may determine who is the closest of the plurality of observers and thus orient the rotatable and / or translatable image 720. This determination can be made based on, for example, the known distance of each detector from the floor display system. The proximity detector can also be placed on the ceiling or suspended from the ceiling, for example on a track.

Data distribution and management

Floor display systems according to embodiments of the present invention are expected to be displayed in a variety of public buildings, including commercial facilities (ie, markets, stores). Multiple floor display systems can be displayed in individual buildings. Multiple floor display systems can be used, for example, to announce sales and prices, provide product descriptions, and direct customers to specific locations within a commercial facility. It is therefore advantageous to control the floor display systems individually or in groups to produce specific video / audio outputs based on their location. More specifically, the video / audio content output by the provided floor display system may relate to nearby products such as, for example, products on adjacent shelves. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention relate to placing a floor display system to produce a specific video / audio output as described below.

Direct-connect download

In FIG. 8A the user locally places the floor display system by physically connecting a placement device 800, such as a palm-sized controller / storage device (CDS), to the floor display system 100. The connection is made via a direct connection 801 such as a cable connection to data port 106 of the floor display system. The user then downloads the selected video / audio content and / or control software from device 800 into storage medium 104 of the floor display system. The data downloaded to the floor display system depends, for example, on where the floor display system is located and what is involved. The downloaded video / audio content is changed by downloading new video / audio content by the same method.

Local Area Network (LAN) Download

In FIG. 8B the user remotely deploys the floor display system, for example as follows: The user connects the device 800 to a computer 108 (ie, a network server; see FIG. 1) in the building; Such a connection may be implemented, for example, wirelessly via an IRDA (Infrared Data Communication Alliance) or via a USB connection. The network server 108 is thereby connected to a number of floor display systems 100 in the building by wire or wireless connection (ie using LAN 125 and Ethernet). The video / audio content and / or control software is then downloaded from device 800 to network server 198 or from the network server to each connected floor display system 100. For example, depending on the respective positions of the first and second floor display systems, the data downloaded to the first floor display system is different from the data downloaded to the second floor display system. Device 800 may be, for example, a CSD, a personal or portable computer, or the like. Alternatively, server 108 may be connected to database 109 including content and control software, and a user may instruct server 108 to download content and / or control software from database 109 to the floor display system.

Places wireless download

According to an embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 8C the user need not be connected to a network server computer as described above. Instead, the user only needs to remotely deploy the floor display system wirelessly at a distance of more than 100 feet and in the vicinity of the multiple floor display systems being deployed. As shown in FIG. 8C, a user may transmit a wireless signal 802 to communicate with each floor display system 100 within a commercial facility, for example, via code division multiple access (CDMA) or other similar communication protocol. Have a device 800 such as a CSD or a portable computer with a converter. In this way, content and / or control software can be downloaded wirelessly to each floor display system without being over a network. Alternatively, the same short range wireless converter may send data to network server 108, which distributes the data to each floor display system.

Wide Area Network (WAN) Downloads

In FIG. 8D, remote communication and placement of a plurality of floor display systems in a number of different buildings, such as commercial facilities, are possible in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. This is achieved for example with a wide area network (WAN). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8D, the central control location 803 is connected via a wired or wireless connection to the Internet or via another wired or wireless (ie, satellite) WAN 804 to LAN 125 combined with each facility. This connects each LAN 125 to multiple floor display systems 100 arranged in the facility by wired or wireless means. The video / audio content and / or control software is then downloaded from the central control location 803 to each LAN, which transmits the video / audio content and / or control software to multiple floor display systems. Each floor display system may have a unique proof code assigned to it because it is desirable to have each floor display system in the same facility that produces different video / audio outputs as discussed above. This prover code may be provided in the header of the digital data corresponding to the video / audio content and / or control software intended for a particular floor display system. The header information can be used to ensure that each floor display system receives the data intended for it.

Satellite network download

As a variation of the WAN download technology described above, satellite network downloads in which a wide area network is provided through satellite deployment may be used. The satellites here broadcast data to the receiver point-to-multi-point within each facility, including the floor display system. Data is disseminated through the LAN, i.e. each floor display system. Satellite systems such as Motorola's Iridium, Hughes' Direct TV and Boeing Digital Cinema have already demonstrated this capability.

Floor display connected to point of sale system

Floor display system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a point of sale (POS) system at a facility. POS systems are used to collect information about customer preferences. Information about the validity of particular advertisement content in generating sales can be collected, for example, by associating sales of items provided within the facility with the timing of the provided content displayed on the floor display system. This can be accomplished, for example, by electronic cross-referencing of sales transactions at the time they occur, according to the schedule of a particular advertisement for display on a floor display system. In order to provide this schedule information to the POS system, the floor display system may be directly connected to a computer or server of the POS system. Alternatively, a server computer in a LAN, for example, can control content schedules on various floor display systems in a facility and provide schedule information to a POS system so that they can be associated with "real time", ie, sales transactions, at the same time. . Alternatively, schedule information may be associated with an "offline" sales record at a later time.

Interactivity

Embodiments of the floor display system according to the present invention as described below include interactivity features.

Request Information

Embodiments of the present invention include the customer's request for information and the ability to record the requested information. An illustrative example is shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, many interactive devices that provide interaction to a person are coupled to the floor display system 100 via a wired or wireless connection (ie, Bluetooth). For example, the interactive device includes a speech input device 900 such as a microphone, a keyboard or keypad 901 for entering alphanumeric data, a touch-sensitive display screen 902, a card reader 903, a barcode scanner 905 and a coupon dispenser 907. Each device is arranged at a level convenient to speak, type, or manipulate. The floor display system 100 includes speech recognition software for performing speech recognition processing the pronunciation indicated by a person into the speech input device 900. The floor display system further includes a pressure sensor 909 below the upper surface of the display area of the floor display system. The pressure sensor 909 can be implemented, for example, as a thin film contact switch. Each of the aforementioned interactivity devices may be coupled to controller 103 of the floor display system to transmit a signal to the controller. The controller may be programmed to perform the desired function in accordance with the received signal.

The floor display system 100 and the combined interactive device are arranged at a convenient location, for example, in a commercial facility. The floor display system 100 may generate a request for information, visually or audibly, to a passing customer. If a proximity of a person is detected by the sense device 113, the floor display system may generate the request. Upon requesting information, the floor display system may, for example, request customer feedback on price, product description, product performance, coupons or other types of desired information. The floor display system is for example a floor display system that speaks to the speech input device 900, enters information into the keyboard / keypad 901, presses a specific field within the display of the touch-sensitive screen 902, or registers a response via pressure on the pressure sensor 909. Respond immediately to the customer by stepping on or combination of these specialized parts.

The floor display system 100 may record a customer response in a storage medium such as storage medium 104. Once sufficient responses have been collected, the information can be downloaded or analyzed, for example by a brand marketer who determines customer disposition.

The floor display system 100 may also be visual or audible to a request from a person if the request is made by entering data using a spoken or any interactive device described above (ie, keyboard / keypad 901, touch-sensitive screen 902). Can be arranged to respond by output.

Card reader 903 may be used to obtain identity information from a customer, for example. Such identity information includes, but is not limited to, name, age, purchase history, store visit frequency, most commonly purchased items, store credit, information about store discounts, and the like. Identity information may be magnetically encrypted on the card 904, for example, readable by the card reader 903. Card 904 may be, for example, a "smart" card. Smart cards (or electronic cards) generally include a fixed computer chip and are generally the size of a conventional credit or debit card.

Barcode scanner 905 may be used, for example, to allow a customer to scan coupon 906. In response, the floor display system may generate a visual and / or auditory message for the coupon. For example, a message provides the customer with information such that the coupon is still valid or double worth. Customers will also be able to scan products in the barcode scanner 905 and receive coupons in response. Coupon 908 may be printed or generated and dispensed by coupon dispenser 907. The coupon dispenser 907 may include a counter that counts how many coupons are dispensed and for which product. Such information may be recorded by the floor display system and used by marketers, for example, to evaluate customer response to advertisements, prices, and the like.

Display the camera image of the person

Embodiments of the present invention include an interactive device implemented by a camera that captures an image of a person and causes it to be displayed on a floor display system. An illustrative example is shown in FIG. 10. The camera 1000 is fixed, for example, near the floor display system 100 on the floor 1050 on the shelf 1020. Camera 1000 is positioned to capture an image of person 1030 who is walking near or standing near the floor display system. The image 1060 of the person may be included in an advertisement 1070 displayed on the floor display system, for example. The image of the person can be displayed, for example, as a continuous motion video or still image. The "frame-grabber" feature of the camera can be used to generate still images. Still images are transformed by image editing software, for example, to convey some interesting messages. For example, in advertisement 1070 of FIG. 10, a milk mustache may be added over a person's face.

Optic

Techniques for enhancing the visibility or visual effect of a display according to embodiments of the present invention include the use of prisms. Diffractive or Fresnel prisms are known and are available, for example, under the name Reflexite ^™ . These diffractive prisms are as thin as a few millimeters and have millimeter fractions. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a thin layer material comprising a diffractive prism is arranged over an electronic display device of a floor display system. Placing such diffractive prisms on an electronic display device makes it easier to visualize the corresponding display along a particular orientation. The bottom display system remains cautious because the prism material is thin at the same time. FIG. 11 illustrates arranging a material layer 1100 including a thin diffractive prism on the electronic display device 101 of the bottom display system 100.

audio

Embodiments of the present invention provide for careful control of the volume of sound produced by the audio device 111 of the floor display system, particularly in terms of minimizing disturbance to visitors of commercial facilities or public buildings, including multiple floor display systems. do. For this purpose the volume and bandwidth of the sound output by the audio device is controlled by the limits of how far the sound is transmitted. However, for example, sonic frequencies (i.e., 200 to 300 Hz) will be transmitted farther with less attenuation than sound waves at high frequencies. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention include a control mechanism such as controller 103 that controls audio output that includes frequencies slightly higher than around 200-300 Hz and executes suitable software for controlling the amplitude of the audio output in advance. It is optimally recognizable by a person within range.

Embodiments also include a proximity detector to provide a signal to make a decision as to what kind of audio output should be generated. For example, the proximity detector may detect when a person is within a pre-measured distance from the floor display system and transmit a signal corresponding to the controller of the floor display system. Based on the signal received from the proximity detector, the controller may start or end the audio output, control the audio frequency and volume, and the like. The controller of each floor display system may also be coupled to the backbone computer in combination with the various network shapes possible for the floor display system as described above. The backbone computer can control the audio output of each floor display system to prevent the floor display systems within the premeasured distance from each other from simultaneously producing audio output.

In an embodiment the audio device 111 further comprises a directional speaker arranged in or arranged within the floor covering. Directional speakers can be positioned in the direction that a person would approach. Proximity detectors can detect which direction a person is approaching, and this information can be used by a controller to cause the corresponding directional speaker to produce an audio output.

In view of the above discussion of audio control and discussion of various image orientations, embodiments of the present invention provide for controlling video and / or audio output based on proximity of a person. More specifically, based on the proximity of a person, the floor display system according to an embodiment of the present invention can start or end the video or audio output, and adjust the image orientation and audio output characteristics individually or in combination.

Protective covering

As described above, embodiments of the present invention include a rigid protective covering for an electronic display device. More specifically, such protective covers are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 12A-12B, according to possible embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 12A, the protective cover 1200 includes a strong transparent member 1210 constructed, for example, of glass or rigid plastic. The protective cover comprises a hard coating 1220 over the transparent member 1210, which is a diamond-like coating known for example of a high density carbon coating that is similar in mechanical properties to diamond but is not expensive. Coating 1220 may also be formed from or include a plastic or polymer coating such as used to coat plastic lenses well known in the art. The protective cover further includes an anti-reflective coating 1230 over the hard coating 1220. Anti-reflective coating 1230 includes multiple layers or organometal oxides or organic or polymer coatings with various refractive indices that reduce reflection as known in the lens coating art, for example. Although not shown, in embodiments the anti-reflective coating may be on the sea surface 1205 of the transparent member 1210. The coating described above reduces glare and prevents scratches.

12B shows an alternative embodiment where the hard coating 1220 is omitted and only the anti-reflective coating 1230 is provided over the top surface of the transparent member 1210. Again, although not shown, in embodiments the anti-reflective coating may be on the bottom surface 1205 of the transparent member 1210.

Anti-slip

Embodiments of the present invention further comprise a removable transparent protective sheet. The removable transparent protective sheet includes an anti-slip feature that helps reduce the likelihood of a person's slipping when he / she steps on the floor display system by moisture or moisture. The transparent protective sheet 1300 removable in FIG. 13A is arranged over the protective cover 1200 described above. In addition to preventing damage to the protective cover 1200 (ie, contamination or scratching), the sheet 1300 has a slip-resistant surface, which is resistant to particles such as stone or sand contained on or within the surface. Material properties of the sheet that contribute to water-absorption and / or water-dissipating material or anti-slip in the sheet, by means of scaffolds, apertures or any kind of discontinuity in the surface, by an anti-slip coating on the surface or Provided by a combination of the foregoing. The sheet may cover the entire floor display system, including the electronic display device and the floor covering, or only a portion thereof. The anti-skid material can be distributed across the floor display system, for example in the form of a strip.

As shown in FIG. 13B, an embodiment may include a plurality of protective sheets in the form of stack 1301, which sheets are individually removable. If the top sheet of the stack is contaminated, it can be removed and discarded to expose the new bottom sheet. According to another alternative, the anti-slip protective sheet material may be in the form of a roll of continuous material 1302, and the clean material is dispensed by a timing mechanism or a dust-detection mechanism.

Direction technology

Embodiments of the present invention include directional technology. For example, a stack of layered sheets with fragrance or aroma between each sheet may be provided in a dispenser used in conjugation with a floor display system. For example, a stack of layered sheets may be arranged in a dispenser provided on or near a floor display system, for example on a stand. Alternatively, the transparent scented sheet layer can be arranged over all or part of the floor display system over the inclined surface of the floor covering. This feature is particularly effective in the marketing of soaps, lotions, cosmetics, detergents, fabric softeners, air fresheners and other products that use fragrance or aroma as an initial feature.

In an alternative embodiment in FIG. 14, the floor display system 100 may include an electro-mechanical fragrance dispenser 400 that releases fragrance puffs based on a cycle or conjugated with a provided advertisement. The dispenser 1400 may be connected to or within the floor covering 102, for example, or may be combined with a floor display system. Such dispenser devices have been developed using small piezos to create very small pumps that spray a small amount of stored fragrance. MEMs (Microelectronics Systems) were also developed to implement the field of electronics pumps.

Theft prevention

Embodiments of the present invention provide for theft prevention as described below.

Alarm system

The floor display system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an alarm system arranged to be activated when the floor display system is moved without permission. In FIG. 15, the alarm system includes an unlicensed-movement detection device 1500 that can detect whether the floor display system is moved. The device 1500 can be connected to or coupled to or within the floor covering 102, for example. The device may include, for example, an accelerometer or mercury switch coupled to the controller 103. Upon detecting a change in position of the floor display system, the device may send a signal to the controller. The controller then determines whether audio and / or visual alarms should be generated. The alarm may include, for example, making a siren sound and / or flashing a message such as "warning" or "theft" on the display device. The switch or software setting can be used to deactivate the alarm system so that the floor display system can be moved without generating an alarm.

Electric pulse

A floor display system according to an alternative embodiment includes an alarm system including a device capable of detecting whether the floor display system is moved as described above. Alternatively or in addition to generating an alarm, however, the alarm system is arranged to emit electrical pulses when the floor display system is moved without permission. Accordingly, the floor display system 100 in FIG. 15 may include an electric pulse generator 1501. The electric pulse generator may be connected to or coupled to the floor display system 100, for example, in or on the floor covering 102. The electrical pulse generator 1501 may generate electrical pulses that allow an unlicensed operator of the floor display system to cease further control of the floor display system. A switch or software setting can be used to release the electrical pulse generator so that the floor display system can be moved without generating a pulse.

Structure and assembly

16 illustrates a detailed description of possible implementations in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 16, the bottom covering 102 of the bottom display system 100 provides power for operating the backlight on each of the four LCD displays in the four-panel electronic display device as discussed above with reference to FIG. 3. Four electronic inverters for 1620, 1630, 1640, and 1650. Power is supplied via cable 1660. When other components are added to form a more complete assembly as described below, a controller, such as controller 103, is connected to be small or thin enough to remain within the boundaries of the bottom covering 102.

17 is an exploded view of the floor display system 100. Base component 1710 is arranged to receive and support a wired assembly 1720 including four inverters 1620, 1630, 1640, 1650 and cable 1660 as described above. Structure 1730 is arranged over wired assembly 1720; Structure 1730 is formed from plastic or other material and provides support for the inclined surfaces 212, 213, 214, 215 described above. Structure 1730 is also arranged to accommodate electronic display device 101 including four individual panels, for example, in recesses formed therein.

The choice of surface material 1750 such as carpet or rubber rests on structure 1730 to form inclined surfaces 212, 213, 214, 215. A tempered glass plate containing a support lip 1770 is used as the protective covering 1200 of the electronic display device 101. The components of the floor display system are held together, for example, with sticky, epoxy or mechanical fasteners. A plurality of detachable protective sheets 1301 overlie the tempered glass 1200. Protective sheet 1301 includes an anti-slip feature 1300.1.

Although not shown, the audio device 110 may be included in the assembly described above. The audio device may for example be formed from thin profile speakers or piezoelectric speakers.

18 shows an assembled component of the floor display system 100 according to the invention suspended on a tile floor 1820.

The heat generated by the electronics of the floor display system can be managed by adding a compound known for this purpose. The electronics are for example planted or bonded to a thin metal plate which acts as a heat sink.

Embodiments of the present invention further include a waterproof element, for example to prevent moisture from the foot passages from damaging electronic components. Such waterproofing elements include, for example, planting a compound used as a waterproofing agent in a thermode that can tolerate damaging moisture. For example, the planting compound can be used in the space between the electronic display device and the floor covering to block moisture. Waterproof materials, such as silicon, may also be formed between the electronic display device and other surfaces of the floor display system. Waterproofing agents such as silicone can be used to form a waterproof seal.

Track-and-Trench System

Embodiments of the present invention include a floor display system implemented as a "track-and-trench" system. The track-and-trench system is arranged to support the deployment of one or more electronic display devices in the floor.

19A shows an illustrative example. In FIG. 19A trench 1910 is formed in bottom 1905. Track 1915 is arranged in the trench. Shelf 1920 is arranged adjacent to the track and the trench.

Track 1915 includes elements for supplying electrical power and for transmitting electronic data. For example, electrical power cabling and data transmission cabling can be secured to, enclosed in, or coupled to track 1915. Power cabling and data transmission cabling may include a number of connections for connecting the electronics device to the device to receive power and / or data via cabling.

19B illustrates electronic display device 1925 arranged in trench 1910. The electronic display device 1925 is connected to the track 1915 in some way: for example, it can be hooked or snapped into the track 1915. Electronic display device 1925 includes the display technology and capabilities described above. It should also be understood that although not shown in FIG. 19B, the electronic display device 1025 is combined with any of the devices discussed above, including audio devices, sensing devices, interactive devices, network devices, and the like. More specifically, for example, the electronic display device 1925 is coupled by wired or wireless means to a controller such as controller 103 and is convertible through a controller to display any content selected by the user as described above. The electronic display device 1925 and the corresponding controller are connected to the power supply of track 1915. The controller is further coupled to a storage medium, such as storage medium 104. Data is stored in a storage medium, for example using a data port such as data port 106 coupled to a general bus. The data port may be coupled to the data transmission cabling of the track, receive content via cabling for storage in the storage medium, and display on the electronic display device 1925 under control of the controller. Thus, the electronic display device 1925 can be arranged to electronically display any deformable content, support image rotation and / or translation, or otherwise incorporate any of the capabilities discussed above in combination with the electronic display device.

As shown in FIG. 19C, the space in trench 1910 is closed or covered by a suitable section, such as section 1930. Such a suitable section can be used to close the space in the trench that is not filled by the electronic display device 1925. Embodiments of the present invention further include a protective covering 1935 of the electronic display device. Protective covering 1935 may be entirely transparent or partially opaque and may include a transparent window 1935.1 for viewing the electronic display device.

19D shows cross-section along the 19D-19D line. Reference numerals 1950 and 1955 correspond to data cables and power cables, respectively. Embodiments of the present invention as shown in FIG. 19D include a riser 1960 that elevates the electronic display device 1925 to a desired level, and a protective covering provides support with track 1915 relative to 1935.

An advantage of an embodiment including a track-and-trench system as described above is that there is no interference with feet or other traffic because the electronic display device lies below or substantially at the bottom level. In addition, the shared power or data supply through the tracks enables very economical execution.

Location mechanism

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a floor display system that includes a mechanism for positioning a display device coupled with a floor at a selected slope for better viewing. 20A-20C show illustrative examples, and FIG. 20B is a right angle side view corresponding to FIG. 20A. According to an embodiment, the electronic display device 2000 is stationary or hinged or coupled to the floor 2015. The location device 2020 is coupled to the electronic display device 2000 to locate it at an angle theta previously measured relative to the floor 2015. This makes the electronic display device easier to see from afar. Positioning device 2020 includes, for example, a spring or other flexible or expandable mechanism. As shown in FIG. 20C, the positioning device 2020 is compressible or shrinkable such that the pressure of the human foot 2030 causes the electronic display device 200 to move closer to the floor 2015. An advantage of the above arrangement is that the area secured by the electronic display device is used for foot or other traffic. Although not shown in FIGS. 20A-20C, it should be understood that the electronic display device 2000 includes any display technology and capabilities discussed above and is coupled to any device discussed above. Thus, the electronic display device 2000 is arranged to electronically display any deformable content, to support image rotation and / or translation, or to incorporate any of the capabilities discussed above in conjunction with the electronic display device.

20D-20E show alternative embodiments, and FIG. 20D is a right side view corresponding to FIG. 20A. As shown in Figs. 20D-20E, two electronic display devices 2000, each individually arranged as described with reference to Figs. 20A-20C above, are arranged back to back and share a co-location device 2020.

Flexible Electronic Display Device

An electronic display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be formed of a very thin, flexible and lightweight material. An illustrative example is shown in FIGS. 21A-21C. According to an embodiment, the electronic display device 2100 may include a lightweight material that may be bent or bent as shown in FIG. 21A. More specifically, the electronic display device 2100 includes a lightweight flexible display element layer 2120 and a lightweight flexible frame 2110. Display element layer 2120 includes display elements such as small molecule OLEDs, polymer OLEDs, PLEDs or LEPs. 21B and 21C are cross-sectional views taken along lines 21B-21B and 21C-21C, respectively. As shown in FIG. 21B, the flexible frame 2110 includes a lightweight flexible transparent protective layer 2130 and a lightweight flexible back layer 2160. The display element layer 2120 is arranged between the back layer 2160 and the transparent protective layer 2130. The transparent protective layer can include, for example, polycarbonate, Mylar or other rough transparent plastic. As shown in FIG. 21C, the electronic display device 2100 further includes a lightweight flexible thin film battery 2170 to supply power to the display. Thin film battery 2170 may be arranged between display element layer 2120 and back layer 2160.

The electronic display device 2100 further includes a lightweight control electronics 2140 for operating the display of the display element layer. As shown, the control electronics 2140 is housed with the frame 2110 to the side of the display layer 2120. Alternatively, control electronics may be arranged, for example, between display element layer 2120 and back layer 2160 (FIG. 21B) or between back layer 2160 and thin film battery 2170 (FIG. 21C).

Although not shown in FIGS. 21A-21C, the electronic display device 2100 may be combined with any of the devices discussed above and may display any deformable content electronically, support image rotation and / or translation, or be combined with the electronic display device. It should be further understood that it may be arranged to include any of the capabilities discussed.

As is well known, the electronic display device 2100 described above is very lightweight and therefore easy to carry. For example, it is anticipated that the electronic display device 2100 may be folded and carried under a human arm like a newspaper.

Various embodiments of the invention are specifically described and / or described herein. It will be appreciated, however, that modifications and variations of the present invention are encompassed by the above instructions within the scope of the claimed claims without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (70)

Floor covering; An electronic display device coupled with a floor covering arranged to electronically display any deformable content; Controller; And A sensing device coupled to the controller, The image displayed by the electronic display device can be oriented based on information received from the sensing device by the controller. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller measures the difference in proximity to the floor display system between at least two persons based on the information received from the sensing device, and is arranged to rotate the image based on the information. Floor display system The floor display system of claim 2, wherein the controller is further arranged to translate an image based on the information. The floor display system of claim 1, wherein the sensing device comprises at least one proximity detector. The floor display system of claim 1, wherein the sensing device is coupled to a floor covering. The floor display system of claim 1, wherein the sensing device is coupled to an object near the floor display system. The floor display system of claim 1, wherein the electronic display device comprises a plurality of individual panels. Sea covering; An electronic display device coupled to the floor covering, The electronic display device is arranged to electronically display any deformable content and comprises a plurality of individual panels; A floor display system, each of said individual panels being arranged to display an image independently 9. The floor display system of claim 8, wherein each panel is further arranged to display an image in a different direction than the image on another panel. The floor display system of claim 8, wherein the at least two panels are arranged to form a composite image. The method of claim 8, Controller; And Further comprising a sensing device coupled to the controller, Floor display system, characterized in that the image displayed by the electronic display device can be rotated based on the information received from the sensing device by the controller 12. The floor display system of claim 11 wherein said image is capable of being translated based on information received from a sensing device by a controller. The floor display system of claim 8, wherein the at least one panel is arranged to display an image that is substantially visualized when viewed in a first direction but not substantially visualized when viewed in a second direction. The floor display system of claim 1, wherein said floor display system is locally deployable with selected content. The floor display system of claim 1, wherein said floor display system is remotely deployable with selected content. The floor display system of claim 15, wherein the floor display system is included in a network in which the floor display system is disposed. The floor display system of claim 16, wherein the network is a local are network. 17. The floor display system of claim 16 wherein said network is a wide are network. The floor display system of claim 1, wherein said floor display system is coupled to a point-of-sale system. The floor display system of claim 1, wherein the floor display system is arranged to request and record information from a person. The floor display system of claim 1, wherein the floor display system comprises at least one interactive device. 22. The floor display system of claim 21 wherein the at least one interactive device is a speech input device. 22. The floor display system of claim 21 wherein the at least one interactive device is a keyboard or keypad. 22. The floor display system of claim 21 wherein the at least one interactive device is a touch-sensitive display screen. 22. The floor display system of claim 21 wherein the at least one interactive device is a pressure sensor associated with the floor covering. 22. The floor display system of claim 21 wherein the at least one interactive device is a card reader. 22. The floor display system of claim 21 wherein the at least one interactive device is a barcode scanner. 22. The floor display system of claim 21 wherein the at least one interactive device is a coupon dispenser. 22. The floor display system of claim 21 wherein the at least one interactive device is a camera. 30. The floor display system of claim 29 wherein the camera is arranged to display an image of a person on an electronic display device. 31. The floor display system of claim 30 wherein the image of the person is included in a message displayed on an electronic display device. 31. The floor display system of claim 30, wherein the image of the person is deformable to convey an interesting message. The floor display system of claim 1, further comprising a diffractive prism arranged over the electronic display device. The floor display system of claim 1, further comprising an audio device. 35. The floor display system of claim 34, wherein the frequency and volume of the audio device output are controllable based on information received from the sensing device by the controller. 35. A floor display system as claimed in claim 34, wherein the controller is arranged to start or end the output of the audio device based on information received by the controller from the sensing device. 35. The floor display system of claim 34 wherein the audio device comprises a plurality of directional speakers, the controller being arranged to cause the directional speaker to generate an audio output based on information received from the sensing device by the controller. 35. The system of claim 34, wherein the floor display system is coupled to at least one other floor display system, wherein the other floor display system also includes an audio device, wherein the audio device is within a pre-measured distance from each other. Floor display system characterized by being controllable to prevent the audio device from simultaneously producing audio output 35. The system of claim 34, wherein the floor display system starts or ends video output by the electronic display device individually or in combination based on information received from the sensing device by the controller, and starts or stops audio output by the audio device. Bottom display system, characterized in that it is arranged to terminate and adjust image orientation and audio output characteristics 2. The floor display system of claim 1, wherein the floor display system is arranged to respond to a request from a person by visual or audio output, wherein the request is made by speaking or entering data using an interactive device. Floor display system The floor display system of claim 1, further comprising a protective covering arranged over the electronic display device. 42. The floor display system of claim 41 wherein the protective covering comprises a transparent member. 43. The floor display system of claim 42, further comprising a hard coating over the transparent member. 44. The floor display system of claim 43, further comprising an anti-reflective coating over the hard coating. 43. The floor display system of claim 42, further comprising an anti-reflective coating over the top surface of the transparent member. 43. The floor display system of claim 42, further comprising an anti-reflective coating on the base surface of the transparent member. 42. The floor display system of claim 41, further comprising a removable protective sheet arranged over the protective cover. 48. The floor display system of claim 47, wherein said removable protective sheet comprises an anti-slip feature. 48. The floor display system of claim 47, wherein said removable protective sheet is one of a plurality of removable protective sheets in a stack form. 42. The floor display system of claim 41, further comprising a non-slip protective sheet material in the form of a roll of continuous material arranged over the protective covering. The floor display system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of fragrant sheets. The floor display system of claim 1, further comprising a fragrance dispenser. The floor display system of claim 1, further comprising an alarm system. 55. The floor display system of claim 53 wherein the alarm system includes an electric pulse generator. The floor display system of claim 1, further comprising a waterproof element. Trench; A track arranged in the trench; And An electronic display device received within the trench and arranged to connect to the track, the electronic display device being arranged to electronically display any deformable content. 59. The apparatus of claim 56, wherein the track is coupled with at least one electrical power supply and data conduit, and wherein the electronic display device is arranged to receive at least one power and data from the electrical power supply and data conduit, respectively. Floor display system 59. The floor display system of claim 56, further comprising at least one suitable section disposed to fill an open space in the trench. 59. The floor display system of claim 56, further comprising a protective covering arranged over the electronic display device. 60. The floor display system of claim 59, wherein the protective covering comprises a transparent window. 59. The floor display system of claim 56, further comprising a riser arranged in the trench to elevate the electronic display device to a desired level. An electronic display device arranged to electronically display any deformable content; And Floor display system including a positioning mechanism coupled to the electronic display device for positioning the electronic display device at a pre-measured angle relative to the floor. 63. The floor display system of claim 62, wherein the location mechanism is flexible. 63. The floor display system of claim 62, wherein the location mechanism is expandable and retractable. 63. The floor display system of claim 62, wherein the location mechanism comprises a spring. 63. The floor display system of claim 62, further comprising another electronic display device arranged back to back with the electronic display device, wherein the floor display system shares the position mechanism with the electronic display device. Lightweight flexible frame including a lightweight flexible transparent protective layer and a lightweight flexible back layer; And Electronic display device comprising a layer of lightweight flexible display elements arranged between the transparent protective window and the back layer 68. The electronic display device of claim 67, further comprising a lightweight, flexible thin film battery. 68. The electric display device of claim 67, wherein the display element layer comprises an organic light emitting diode. 68. The electronic display device of claim 67, wherein the display element layer comprises a light emitting polymer.