TW201415434A - System for selectively revealing indicia - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for selectively revealing indicia to an observer comprises a transitioning window having a receiving surface and a viewing surface. The receiving surface is positioned in optical communication with an indicia holder that is configured to removably retain indicia, such as information content. During operation, the transitioning window transitions from a substantially opaque state to a substantially transparent state so as to reveal or otherwise display the indicia to an observer via the viewing surface.

Description

System for selectively displaying markers [Related application]

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/283,672, filed on Sep. 5, 2008, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

In general, the present invention is directed to a system for selectively displaying removable indicia. In particular, the present invention is directed to a transition liquid crystal (LC) window that selectively displays removable marks. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a transition liquid crystal window (LC) that is configured to selectively display removable indicia in conjunction with a dispenser, appliance or other device.

Advertising, exhibitions, and other informational signs or content have become ubiquitous in our environment, so over time, people have become very good at blocking or otherwise ignoring the information or messages that are conveyed. In order to overcome this obstacle in order to attract the attention of individuals, advertising companies painstakingly design and adopt a variety of technologies to attract attention. Presenting information and catering to the interests and senses of the target individual. Thus, to a large extent, the success of a particular advertising or marketing effort to convey a message to a potential consumer greatly depends on the selected media. However, the cost and expense of developing and producing marketing campaigns that have the necessary appeal to evoke consumer interest is high. In addition, advertising campaigns that use mobile, motion graphics, or content to attract the attention of a target individual are costly because they require a lot of production effort to implement the concept.

Used to render in addition to the cost of producing dynamic news content The cost of display units of content, such as flat screen displays, as well as the costs associated with operating such displays, is also a high cost, thus limiting the total number of locations where such displays will eventually be installed. In addition, constantly updating dynamic content presented on such displays is also costly and time consuming. Thus, there is a high cost associated with the installation and maintenance of displays capable of presenting dynamic information content. Conversely, static or fixed information content (such as printed content in posters, billboards, and magazines) is much less expensive to produce than dynamic content, but generally attracts the interest and attention of the target individual. The force is not very effective.

Therefore, there is a need for a selective display via a transition window A low cost, low power system that marks (such as statically printed images) that transitions between a substantially opaque state and a substantially transparent state to win the individual's attention. Additionally, there is a need for a system for selectively displaying indicia that utilizes a transition window and indicia that can be removably replaced as needed. In addition, there is a need for a system for selectively displaying indicia that utilizes a transition window and a dispenser or any other suitable structure.

In view of the foregoing, a first aspect of the present invention provides a system for selectively displaying indicia.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a system for selectively displaying a marker to an observer, the system comprising: a housing having a transition window, wherein the transition window has substantially opposing receiving surfaces and viewing surfaces, and wherein the window Arranging to transition between an at least partially transparent state and an at least partially opaque state; a controller coupled to the transition window, the controller adapted to store a predetermined time interval; and a marker holder carried by the housing And being configured to support the indicia such that the indicia is optically aligned with the receiving surface, wherein the controller controls the transition window to periodically transition between the at least partially opaque state and the at least partially transparent state at the predetermined time interval, To allow periodic viewing of the indicia via the viewing surface by the receiving surface.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a system for dispensing material from a refill unit carrying at least one dispensing item, the system comprising: a housing having a transition window, wherein the window has substantially opposing receiving and viewing surfaces, and Wherein the window is configured to transition between an at least partially transparent state and an at least partially opaque state; a controller coupled to the transition window and the dispensing unit, the controller detecting at least one operation associated with the allocating unit a parameter; a dispensing unit carried by the housing and adapted to be fluidly coupled to the refill unit, wherein the at least one dispensing item is dispensed when the dispensing unit is actuated; and a marker holder is The housing is carried and assembled to support the indicia such that the indicia is optically aligned with the receiving surface, wherein the transition window transitions from the at least partially opaque state to the at least partially transparent state when the operational parameter satisfies a predetermined criterion to permit The mark is observable by the receiving surface via the viewing surface.

Another aspect of the invention provides a selectivity to an observer A system for displaying indicia, the system comprising: a housing having a transition window, wherein the transition window has substantially opposing receiving surfaces and viewing surfaces, and the window is assembled to be at least partially transparent and at least partially opaque An inter-switch; a controller coupled to the transition window; a sensor coupled to the controller for detecting an input; and a tag holder carried by the housing and assembled to support the tag Having the indicia optically aligned with the receiving surface, wherein the transition window transitions from the at least partially opaque state to the at least partially transparent state when the sensor detects an input to permit passage of the receiving surface via the viewing The surface is observable.

10‧‧‧System

20‧‧‧Transition window

40‧‧‧ mark holder

50‧‧‧ Observers

60‧‧‧ mark

70‧‧‧ Shell

100‧‧‧ Controller

110‧‧‧ surface

120‧‧‧ surface

130‧‧‧Power supply

160‧‧‧ access port

170‧‧‧Locking device

180‧‧‧Light source

182‧‧‧Light sensor

200‧‧‧ actuator

300‧‧‧Distributor

310‧‧‧Distribution unit

320‧‧‧Refill unit

350‧‧‧paper towel dispenser

352‧‧‧Distribution notch

360‧‧‧

380‧‧‧Independent unit

400‧‧‧Automatic toilet

401‧‧‧Power line

402‧‧‧ pivoting door

412‧‧‧Watering actuator

500‧‧‧ sprayer

510‧‧ ‧Distribution

520‧‧‧ pivoting door

600‧‧‧Fixed devices

These and other features of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a system for selectively displaying markings in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Figure 1A is a block diagram of a system for selectively displaying indicia without the use of a light source in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 2 is a block diagram of a system for selectively displaying indicia when assembled for use with a dispenser in accordance with the concepts of the present invention; FIG. 3A is a representation of a fluid dispenser selectively displayed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. A front elevational view of the marked system, wherein the transition window is substantially opaque to hide the indicia disposed behind the window; and FIG. 3B is a side view of the system for selectively displaying the indicia shown in FIG. 3A in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. Figure 3C is a front elevational view of a system for selectively displaying indicia of a fluid dispenser in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, wherein the transition window is substantially transparent to permit display of the indicia by the window; Figure 4 is based on A perspective view of a system for selectively displaying indicia when embodied as a paper towel dispenser in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; and FIG. 5 is a selective display of indicia when used in conjunction with a urinal as a separate device in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. A perspective view of the system; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a system for selectively displaying indicia when used in conjunction with a nebulizer in accordance with the concepts of the present invention; A perspective view of a system for selectively displaying indicia when assembled as a stand-alone device for providing a hands-free actuator (such as in a faucet) positioned remotely from each other; 8 is a block diagram of an alternative system for selectively displaying indicia using a timer integrated with a dispenser in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

A system for selectively displaying indicia is generally represented by a number 10 is shown as shown in FIGS. 1 to 2. In particular, system 10 includes a transition window 20 (such as a polymer dispersed liquid crystal window) that is configured to selectively transition from a substantially or at least partially opaque state to a substantially or at least partially transparent state. Thus, as used in the following discussion, the use of the terms "opaque state" and "transparent state" encompasses an opaque and transparent state that is substantially or at least partially opaque and substantially or at least partially transparent. Continuing to say, system 10 maintains transition window 20 so that the window separates marker holder 40 from the line of sight or field of view of observer 50. Thus, the tag holder 40 is assembled to removably hold the indicia 60 (such as a printed advertisement or other informational content). For the purposes of the following discussion, the term "tag" is defined as any information, communication, advertisement, video, message, or the like. For example, indicia 60 can include characters printed on a portion of the paper. Thus, during operation of system 10, observer 50 is allowed to view marker 60 as window 20 transitions from an opaque state to a transparent state. The transition between the opaque state and the transparent state can be controlled according to a variety of criteria, such as input from a variety of stimuli, including actuation of a switch, or via a proximity detector that is configured to detect a person or human hand. The presence. Thus, system 10 allows the message or information content to be conveyed by marker 60 to capture the attention of observer 50, thereby enhancing the effect of the information content provided by indicia 60. In addition, the tag holder 40 allows the user to change the indicia 60 quickly and easily, thereby allowing the information content conveyed by the indicia to be updated in a quick and easy manner. Although it will be appreciated that there is continuity between the substantially transparent state, the substantially partially transparent state, the partially opaque state, and the substantially opaque state provided by the transition window 20, It will be appreciated that, in general, the observer 50 will see the marker 60 more clearly when the transition window 20 is in a transparent state as compared to when the transition window 20 is opaque.

In particular, system 10 is carried or otherwise disposed in a housing 70 that can be assembled to be integral or otherwise associated with any desired structure, including but not limited to dispensers, fixed Device or appliance. For example, the outer casing 70 can be formed integral with a soap dispenser, a paper towel dispenser, a sprayer, a toilet or a urinal. Alternatively, it should be appreciated that the outer casing 70 can be formed as a separate device that can be mounted in any desired location. Continuing to say, the housing 70 maintains the controller 100, which includes any suitable general purpose or special application computing device that is adapted to perform the functions to be discussed. In one aspect, controller 100 can maintain a non-electrical memory, an electrical memory, or a combination of both to facilitate operation of system 10. Moreover, it should be understood that the outer casing 70 can be formed from any suitable material, such as plastic, steel, or aluminum, and can be any suitable size or shape.

The transition window 20 is electrically coupled to the controller 100, which is configured to selectively transition from a substantially transparent state to a substantially opaque state, and vice versa. The transition window 20 maintains the receiving surface 110 opposite the viewing surface 120, and although the transition window 20 can be assembled such that the surface 110 and the surface 120 oppose each other, other configurations can also be considered, wherein the surface 110 and the surface 120 can be related to each other Orient at any desired angle or position. Additionally, the opposing surfaces 110 and 120 may be sized to take any desired shape, size or contour. turn The variable window 20 comprises a window formed by polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) or may be composed of a suspended particle device (SPD). However, it is also contemplated that the transition window 20 can include an electrochromic device that can be controlled to transition from an opaque or substantially opaque state to a transparent or substantially transparent state, as well as any other device.

Power source 130 is coupled to controller 100, which is assembled to power components of system 10. The power source 130 can include a portable DC (direct current) power source (such as a battery) or be configured to receive power from an AC (alternating) utility power source (such as 120 VAC (alternating current)) and convert the power into an operating system 10 Compatible format. It is also contemplated that the power source 130 can include a solar or photovoltaic power source or any other power source. It should also be appreciated that power source 130 can include a portable power source and a combination of solar and/or utility power or any other suitable power source. In addition, power source 130 can only power system 10, or in other embodiments, can provide power to system 10 and other aspects of the system 10 in which it is integrated. For example, system 10 can be integrated with a hand-free dispenser that is configured to dispense fluid, both of which are powered by power source 130. In addition, due to the reduced power requirements of the transition window 20, the extended operation of the system 10 is allowed when using a battery or other portable power source.

Maintaining the marker holder 40 adjacent to the receiving surface 110, the marker holder being assembled to removably retain the indicia 60 optically aligned with the transition window 20, such that when the transition window 20 is in a transparent or substantially transparent state, The viewing surface 120 selectively displays the indicia 60 to the observer 50. While the marker holder 40 is discussed as being adjacent to the receiving surface 110, it will be appreciated that the receiving surface 110 can be oriented at any desired location. The marker holder 40 is provided as long as the marker holder is optically aligned with the receiving surface. For example, the indicia holder 40 can be positioned remotely 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 member.

Continuing to say, the indicia holder 40 can include any suitable device capable of holding, supporting, carrying, or otherwise maintaining the indicia 60 in place, but in other embodiments, the indicia 60 is still allowed to be removed and replaced. Thus, the tag holder 40 allows the user of the maintenance system 10 to easily customize and/or update the content provided by the indicia 60. However, in certain embodiments, it has been foreseen that the indicia 60 can be permanently mounted or placed in the indicia holder 40.

In one aspect, system 10 can be assembled with an access port 160 (such as a notch) located in housing 70 that allows an individual to directly access indicia 60 to thereby remove or replace indicia as desired. It is also contemplated that access to the indicia holder 40 via the access port 160 can be limited to authorized individuals via the locking device 170. The locking device 170 can include a locking door or any other suitable device that prevents someone from removing and/or inserting the indicia into the indicia holder 40 without proper authorization.

The indicia 60 can comprise any suitable material that is allowed to be held in place by the indicia holder 40 or allowed to be placed in optical communication with the receiving surface 110 of the transition window 20. In one aspect, indicia 60 can include advertisements, logos, and/or text/graphic content, as well as any other informational content. For example, the indicia 60 can be disposed on a paper or cardboard portion, or on any other suitable material, the scale of the material can be set The inch is received or held by the tag holder 40. For example, when system 10 is used in conjunction with a soap dispenser, indicia 60 can provide information that encourages the user to wash their hands.

It is also contemplated that the indicia 60 can be illuminated by any suitable illumination source in certain embodiments. For example, the indicia 60 can be illuminated by a light source 180 that is assembled to effectively communicate light with the transition window 20. Thus, light emitted from light source 180 can be directed to one or more edges of transition window 20 via a light pipe, fiber optic or other suitable light routing member. By supplying light to the edge of window 20, light will be carried through transition window 20 to illuminate indicia 60. This operation is used to further draw the attention of the observer 50 to the indicia 60. It is also contemplated that light source 180 can be activated based on changes in ambient light surrounding system 10 that are detected by light sensor 182 coupled to controller 100. Alternatively, system 10 can be assembled as a no-light source 180, as shown in FIG. 1A, but still allows observer 50 to view the indicia 60 using ambient ambient light surrounding system 10.

The transition between the opaque state and the transparent state of the transition window 20 is controlled by the actuator 200 coupled to the controller 100. The actuator 200 can include a button, switch, or other device (such as a proximity sensor) that causes the controller 100 to initiate a transition window 20 when actuated or otherwise received a suitable stimulus or other suitable input. To transition from a substantially opaque state to a substantially transparent state to allow the marker 60 to be displayed to the observer 50. For example, in the case where the actuator 200 includes a proximity sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of one or more individuals, when the individual approaches the actuator 200, the controller 100 initiates the window 20 never The state of transparency to transparency changes, and when the individual is no longer in proximity to the actuator 200, the controller 100 accordingly initiates a state change from transparent to opaque.

In another aspect, system 10 can be configured such that when transition window 20 has transitioned to a transparent or substantially transparent state, a timer maintained by controller 100 is initiated. After a predetermined amount of time (such as 5 seconds) has expired, the controller 100 transitions the transition window 20 back to an opaque or substantially opaque state, thereby blocking or obscuring the indicia 60 from the field of view of the observer 50. In addition, it is to be appreciated that system 10 can utilize other schemes or protocols for controlling the transition of opaque and transparent states of transition window 20, and thus such schemes or agreements disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting.

For example, system 10 or other system (such as a hand-free dispensing system whose operation of control system 10) can be configured such that when the user begins to wash their hands after dispensing the soap, the transition window 20 is placed in a transparent or general manner. The mark 60 is displayed in a transparent state. Once the soap is dispensed, the system 10 or other systems associated therewith identify when a sufficient amount of time, such as the period determined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), has expired, which can adequately clean a person's hand. Once the time period has expired, the transition window 20 then transitions to an opaque state to indicate that it is time to flush the soap from the user's hand. In one aspect, the indicia 60 associated with this timing process can present informational content to alert the individual to the timing process being implemented.

Accordingly, the general components of system 10 have been described, and the following discussion will be directed to specific embodiments using the operational features discussed above.

Therefore, the system 10 is shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C. An embodiment wherein the outer casing 70 includes a dispenser 300. The dispenser 300 is assembled to dispense a liquid, such as a soap liquid, such that when the actuator 200 is actuated, the dispensing unit 310 (such as a pump) is energized to dispense a quantity of material maintained by the refill unit or container 320. Or dispensing an item, such as a soap solution, wherein the refill unit or container 320 is maintained in operative communication with the dispensing unit 310. As soon as the actuator 200 is actuated, the transition window 20 transitions from a substantially opaque state as shown in FIG. 3A to a transparent state as shown in FIG. 3C to display the indicia 60 for a predetermined period of time, or until The actuator 200 detects some other conditional change (such as the individual moving away from the vicinity of the actuator 200). It will be appreciated that as shown in FIG. 3B, the marker holder 40 can include a projection 330 that allows the marker 60 to rest on the projection 330. Moreover, while the dispenser 300 is presented as a liquid dispenser, it will be appreciated that it can be readily adapted to dispense any desired material.

In an alternate embodiment, the outer casing 70 of the maintenance system 10 can include a paper towel dispenser 350, as shown in FIG. The towel dispenser 350 maintains a dispensing slot 352 that is configured to provide a tissue to the individual when the actuator 200 is actuated. Thus, the transition window 20 is assembled to transition from a substantially opaque state to a substantially transparent state when the actuator 200 is activated. Additionally, the paper towel dispenser 350 can have a door 360 that can be opened to access the indicia holder 40 and indicia 60 disposed therein so that the indicia 60 can be updated or replaced as needed, or can be accessed via the access port 160 60. Additionally, the door 360 can be configured with a locking mechanism to limit access to the indicia 40. Alternatively, as discussed above, the indicia 60 can be inserted or removed from the indicia holder 40 via the access port 160.

In yet another embodiment, system 10 can be assembled such that housing 70 that maintains actuator 200 is formed as a separate unit 380, as shown in FIG. In one aspect, the stand-alone unit 380 can be configured such that it interfaces effectively with a power source that is used to activate an automatic toilet or urinal 400 or other device. For example, system 10 can be configured such that power line 401 is coupled between a power source and a controller 100 maintained by system 10 that is supplied at a flush actuator 412 that is maintained by an automatic toilet or urinal 400. Thus, system 10 can be powered directly from the power source used to power the automatic toilet or urinal 400 without the need for a battery or other portable power source 130. However, it should be appreciated that the standalone unit 380 can be powered by a portable power source, such as a battery or any other suitable power source, to allow the unit 380 to be placed in any desired location. Additionally, the outer casing 70 of the stand-alone unit 380 includes a pivoting door 402 that is attached to the mounting portion 404. The pivoting door 402 can be selectively opened to access the indicia holder 40 and the indicia 60 itself. Thus, in the event that the indicia 60 is to be updated, the door 402 can be easily opened to effect a change in the indicia 60. Mounting portion 404 facilitates mounting system 10 to any desired surface or structure using suitable fasteners, such as screws or adhesives. In addition, pivoting door 402 can provide access port 160 to facilitate removal and insertion of new indicia in housing 70.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, system 10 can be assembled such that housing 70 of maintenance system 10 includes a nebulizer 500. In one aspect, the nebulizer 500 can be assembled to dispense the atomized material into the air via the dispensing port 510 to provide a pleasant scent. Thus, the transition window 20 can be assembled to detect when the individual approaches the nebulizer 500 (as detected by the actuator 200) The measured) transitions from a substantially opaque state to a substantially transparent state. The sprayer 500 can also be assembled such that the indicia 60 can be accessed by pivoting the door 520 or via an access port 160 disposed in the pivoting door.

Moreover, system 10 can be configured to maintain controller 200 separate from housing 70 and remotely connected to controller 100 of stand-alone unit 380. For example, the actuator 200 can include a proximity sensor that is maintained remotely in a fixture 600, such as a faucet, as shown in Figure 7, but the proximity sensor 200 can be maintained at any suitable fixture, In the structure or surface. Thus, as the individual approaches the fixture 600, the transition window 20 is transitioned to a substantially transparent state to display the indicia 60. This set of allowable transition windows 20 is placed in one area, and the triggering action for controlling the transition window 20 is sensed by the actuator 200 in another area. In another embodiment, system 10 can be retrofitted to retrofit an existing detection sensor (such as a proximity sensor) maintained by an existing device. For example, in the case of a device that does not require a hand, such as a faucet that does not require a hand, the proximity sensor 200 may have been incorporated into the device. Thus, a user who needs to initiate or trigger the operation of transition window 20 based on detection of a human hand can couple controller 100 to proximity sensor 200 maintained by a faucet or other fixture 600 using any suitable communication interface. .

In another embodiment, it will be appreciated that system 10 can be configured such that controller 100 is programmed to include a timer, as shown in Figure 8 of the figure. Thus, controller 100 can be programmed to store a predetermined time interval (such as 1 second), although any other suitable time interval can be used. Thus, controller 100 can be assembled to place transition window 20 substantially or at least A partially opaque state that lasts for a certain amount of time equal to the time interval. After the time interval has elapsed, the transition window is then placed in a substantially or at least partially transparent state for a certain amount of time equal to the time interval to selectively display the indicia 60. That is, the transition window is assembled to periodically or continuously switch from its first state (substantially or at least partially opaque state) to its second state (substantially or at least partially transparent) after the time interval has expired. ) and vice versa. As a result, the indicia 60 is periodically displayed and blocked to attract the attention of the user and others. Moreover, this sequence may be repeated continuously, or may be terminated when a predetermined event occurs or after a predetermined amount of time has expired. It should also be appreciated that system 10 can be configured such that transition window 20 can be placed in any of a substantially or at least partially opaque state or a substantially or at least partially transparent state, with varying time intervals having different or not Wait for the duration.

It should also be appreciated that the power source 130 coupled to the controller 100 can include a solar or photovoltaic cell that produces a suitable amount of power to allow operation of the system 10. It is also contemplated that the rechargeable battery is coupled to a solar or photovoltaic cell that is charged during the day. Thus, during nighttime hours, when solar energy is not available, system 10 can be powered by a rechargeable battery.

In one aspect, the housing 70 provided by the system 10 can include a portable dispenser housing that can be carried by a user or removably attached (such as by a clip) to a user. Thus, the portable dispenser housing 70 includes a refill unit or container 320 that is filled with any suitable material (such as soap, disinfectant, moisturizer, or the like). The distribution unit 310 can A manual actuation or automatic dispensing system is included that includes a suitable pump to dispense material from the refill unit or container 320. For example, the manually actuated dispensing unit 310 can include a manual button or actuator that, when pressed or otherwise actuated, actuates any suitable pump, such as a dome pump, to dispense material to the user. Thus, as shown in Figure 8, system 10 provides a convenient portable system for dispensing materials while providing periodic display of indicia 60 (controlled by the timer function of controller 100) for use in attracting And the attention of others.

In addition, it should also be appreciated that the dispensing unit 310 can be coupled to the controller 100 to collect and monitor various health compliance data associated with the operation of the dispensing unit 310. Thus, when the hygiene compliance profile satisfies one or more predetermined criteria planned at the controller 100, the transition window 20 can transition from its first state (a substantially or at least partially opaque state) to its second state (substantially Or at least partially transparent), and vice versa. For example, transition window 20 transitions from a first state to a second state after a predetermined number of allocation events have occurred at allocation unit 310. It will be appreciated that the transition window 20 can transition between its first state and its second state at any suitable interval or duration and in any desired order.

It should also be appreciated that system 10 can be configured such that when controller 100 detects one or more operational status data conditions associated with dispensers 300, 350, 380, 500; dispensing unit 310; or fixture 600, Transition window 20 switches or transitions from its first state (substantially or at least partially opaque state) to its second state (substantially or at least partially transparent state) when predetermined criteria are set at controller 100. It should be understood that The transition window 20 can transition between its first state and its second state at any suitable interval or duration and in any desired order. For example, the operational status data may include, but is not limited to, information indicating that the refill unit 320 is low or empty; information indicating that the battery of the power source 130 is low; information indicating that the dispenser is required to operate; and the like. For example, when it is detected that the allocation unit 310 is inoperable, the transition window 20 can transition from one state to another.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that one advantage of one or more embodiments of the present invention is that a system for selectively displaying indicia provides a transition window that transitions from a substantially opaque state to a substantially transparent state to be displayed by a window mark. Another advantage of the present invention is that a system for selectively displaying indicia provides an actuator that, upon actuation, causes the transition window to transition from a substantially opaque state to a substantially transparent state. Yet another advantage of the present invention is that a system for selectively displaying indicia provides a indicia holder that removably retains indicia to display indicia to an observer by a transition window.

Although the invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to specific 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.

10‧‧‧System

20‧‧‧Transition window

40‧‧‧ mark holder

50‧‧‧ Observers

60‧‧‧ mark

70‧‧‧ Shell

100‧‧‧ Controller

110, 120‧‧‧ surface

130‧‧‧Power supply

160‧‧‧ access port

170‧‧‧Locking device

180‧‧‧Light source

182‧‧‧Light sensor

200‧‧‧ actuator

Claims (20)

A system for selectively displaying a marker to an observer, comprising: a housing having a transition window, wherein the transition window has a generally opposing receiving surface and an viewing surface, and wherein the window is assembled to at least a transition between a partially transparent state and an at least partially opaque state; a controller coupled to the transition window, the controller adapted to store a predetermined time interval; and a tag holder carried by the outer casing and Arranging to support the indicia such that the indicia is optically aligned with the receiving surface; wherein the controller controls the transition window to periodically transition between the at least partially opaque state and the at least partially transparent state at the predetermined time interval to permit The mark is periodically observable by the receiving surface via the viewing surface. The system of claim 1, wherein the indicia holder includes a protrusion to support the indicia on the protrusion. The system of claim 1, wherein the transition window is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) materials, suspended particle device (SPD) materials, and electrochromic materials. The system of claim 1, wherein the indicia holder, the controller, and the transition window are at least partially maintained by an outer casing. The system of claim 4, further comprising: an allocating unit carried by the outer casing, the dispensing unit comprising an actuator; A refilling unit adapted to carry at least one dispensing item in operative communication with the dispensing unit, such that actuation of the actuator results in dispensing the at least one dispensing item from the dispensing unit. A system of claim 4, wherein the housing includes an access port in operative communication with the indicia holder to effect removal and receipt of the indicia from the indicia holder. A system of claim 1, further comprising a light source coupled to the controller, the light source generating light to illuminate the indicia. The system of claim 1, wherein the time interval comprises 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, wherein the first time interval And the duration of the second time interval is different. A system for dispensing material from a refill unit comprising at least one dispensing item, comprising: a housing having a transition window, wherein the transition window has a generally opposing receiving surface and an viewing surface, and wherein the window is assembled Converting between an at least partially transparent state and an at least partially opaque state; a controller coupled to the transition window and the dispensing unit, the controller detecting at least one operational parameter associated with the dispensing unit; a dispensing unit carried by the housing and adapted to be fluidly coupled to the refill unit, wherein the at least one dispensing item is dispensed when the dispensing unit is actuated; a marker holder carried by the housing and assembled to support the indicia such that the indicia is optically aligned with the receiving surface; wherein when the operational parameter satisfies a predetermined criterion, the transition window transitions from the at least partially opaque state to the At least partially transparent to allow viewing of the indicia via the viewing surface by the receiving surface. The system of claim 9 wherein the indicia holder includes a projection to support the indicia on the projection. The system of claim 9, wherein the transition window is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) materials, suspended particle device (SPD) materials, and electrochromic materials. The system of claim 9, wherein the housing includes an access port in operative communication with the indicia holder to effect removal and receipt of the indicia from the indicia holder. A system of claim 9 further comprising a light source coupled to the controller, the light source generating light to illuminate the indicia. A system for selectively displaying a marker to an observer, comprising: a housing having a transition window, wherein the transition window has a generally opposing receiving surface and an viewing surface, and wherein the window is assembled to at least a transition between a partially transparent state and an at least partially opaque state; a controller coupled to the transition window; a sensor coupled to the controller for detecting an input; a marker holder carried by the housing and assembled to support the indicia such that the indicia is optically aligned with the receiving surface; wherein the transition window is from the at least partially opaque state when the sensor detects the input Transitioning to the at least partially transparent state allows the indicia to be viewed through the viewing surface by the receiving surface. A system of claim 14 wherein the indicia holder includes a projection to support the indicia on the projection. The system of claim 14, wherein the transition window is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) materials, suspended particle device (SPD) materials, and electrochromic materials. The system of claim 14, wherein the indicia holder, the controller, and the transition window are at least partially maintained by an outer casing. The system of claim 17 further comprising: an allocating unit carried by the outer casing, the dispensing unit comprising an actuator; and a refilling unit adapted to carry at least operative communication with the dispensing unit An dispensing item, and then actuation of the actuator results in dispensing the at least one dispensing item from the dispensing unit. A system of claim 17 wherein the housing includes an access port in operative communication with the indicia holder for effecting removal and receipt of the indicia from the indicia holder. A system of claim 14 further comprising a light source coupled to the controller, the light source generating light to illuminate the indicia.