WO2000079508A1

WO2000079508A1 - Method and system for displaying a presentation

Info

Publication number: WO2000079508A1
Application number: PCT/GB2000/002373
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonathan James Marquis
Original assignee: Cabvision Limited
Priority date: 1999-06-18
Filing date: 2000-06-19
Publication date: 2000-12-28
Also published as: GB2366655B; AU5690700A; GB2366655A; GB9914235D0

Abstract

Presentations are displayed to the travelling public, for example, to the occupants of the passenger cabin (2) of a taxi cab. Two screens (10) are located in the cabin to be visible to the occupants. A person travelling in the taxi is shown, by way of the screens, short programmes, information, advertising material and live news. The screens (10) are activated, and a presentation commenced, only when the presence of a passenger within the cabin (2) is detected by two different sensors. Thus, a door sensor is arranged to enable an infrared sensor for a period after the passenger door is closed. If during that period, the infrared sensor detects movement within the cabin, it is identified as the presence of a passenger. A control unit (12) is arranged thereby to power the displays (10) and to start the presentation.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPLAYING A PRESENTATION

The present invention relates to a method and to a system for displaying a presentation.

There are frequently times, for example, when people are travelling, or waiting to board a train or aircraft, when they would welcome some distraction. In such a situation, advertising can be particularly effective. However, any presentation made to a particular person needs to commence at the beginning. A person coming across a TV screen, for example, in an airport lounge, showing a presentation which is part way through is unlikely to be held by the presentation or stay in position. Furthermore, if a display is "playing to itself this can be distracting and even positively annoying to passers by.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of displaying a presentation to a person, the presentation display method comprising the steps of: detecting the presence of a person at a specific location where at least one display screen is visible; and in response to the detection of the person's presence activating the display screen and causing a presentation to be shown thereon.

With a method of the invention, the display screen is only activated in response to the detection of a person's presence, and similarly the presentation is only caused to be shown at that time. This means that the person detected is shown the presentation from its start.

To ensure that the presentation does not continue when no one is there to view it, the method preferably further comprises the step of terminating the presentation when the presence of a person is no longer detected, and/or it is detected that the person has left the specific location.

The presentation may be a video or a film, or may be a series of stills with or without audio, and/or may be scrolled text messages, and/or other appropriate presentation. However, it is preferred that the presentation have a changing display. Preferably, at least part of the presentation has been transmitted. The transmissions may be displayed additionally to, or as an alternative to, other presentations. The transmission may comprise, for example, text messages, and/or a satellite, cable, or terrestrial television programme.

For example, the presentation may incorporate one or more advertisements. In many situations, the presentation will be a short information programme, such as a travel guide, with incorporated advertising material. In addition, text messages providing live news and other information may be scrolled across the display.

The specific location at which the display screen is provided may be any location where one or more persons may be for a finite period. For example, the location may be a small area incorporating up to four seats in an airport lounge or in any other waiting area. The location may also be an area in a railway carriage, or in any other means of transport.

The invention has been particularly designed for use in a vehicle such as a taxi cab.

Where the vehicle is a taxi cab of the type having a separate passenger cabin, one or more display screens may be provided within that passenger cabin such that one screen is visible from each seat within the cabin.

It is required that the presence of a person at the specific location be positively detected in order to activate the presentation. Clearly, a person's presence may be detected by any number of means. Generally, the specific location will have seats, and detection means may be associated with those seats. For example, the presence of a person may be detected by a weight sensor provided for each seat. Additionally and/or alternatively, infra red or ultrasound sensors may be directed at each seat within the specific location or at the area containing the seats.

Additionally and/or alternatively, a person's presence at a specific location may be detected by detecting activities undertaken by the person, such as opening a door to gain access to the location, and/or by detecting activities undertaken in response to that person's presence, such as activating a fare meter in a taxi cab.

Where the method is to be used in a vehicle, the presence of a person in a passenger cabin of the vehicle may be indicated by the weight of the person in a seat, by detecting movement using infra red or ultrasonic detectors, by the switching on of an interior cabin light, and/or by the opening and closing of the cabin door. Where the vehicle is a taxi cab, the presence of a person may be additionally or alternatively detected by the activation of the fare meter and/or by the switching off of a "FOR HIRE" sign.

As it is required that the presentation only be commenced when it is certain that a person is in the specific location, the method preferably further comprises the step of causing the presentation to be shown only after the presence of the person has been detected by two different detecting means.

For example, where the specific location is in a taxi cab, activation of the presentation may require both than a cabin door has been opened/closed and that movement has been detected in the cabin. Similarly, in a lounge area, activation of the presentation may require both that the weight of a passenger has been applied to a seat, and that movement has been detected in the area of the seats.

In one embodiment, a first detecting means is arranged to cause resetting of a control system for the presentation in response to the detection of a person's presence, whilst a second detecting means is arranged to initiate the showing of the presentation in response to the detection of a person's presence. Thus, for example, for a taxi cab, opening and then closing a cabin door is arranged to reset the presentation. The subsequent sensing of movement within the cabin is arranged to cause the presentation to be shown.

This approach enables the system to be set up ready to start the presentation when the taxi door is opened and closed, but if, for example, the person then fails to enter the taxi cab, no presentation is commenced. In a preferred embodiment, the first detector may also be arranged to enable the second detector.

It will be appreciated that where a door sensor or a weight sensor is arranged to reset the control system for the presentation, the output of the sensor may be used not only to ensure that the presentation commences at the start when a person is present, but also that the presentation is stopped when the person leaves the specific location.

As set out above, in a presently preferred embodiment, a method of the invention is intended for use in a vehicle such as a taxi. Clearly, a display system for operating the method needs to be carried in the vehicle and it will immediately be apparent that the equipment has to be rendered fit to withstand extremes of temperature and shock and vibration. The equipment, therefore, is chosen to be sufficiently robust to meet these needs. Furthermore, measures may be taken to protect the display system against the extremes of the vehicular environment. For example, the system could be mounted on anti-vibration mounts. The system may be mounted in a cabinet or container to protect it against extremes of temperature and/or conditioned air may be passed through the cabinet or over the equipment.

The presentation may be stored within the display system, for example, on a hard disc. Additionally and/or alternatively, presentations may be stored on appropriate media and accessed by an appropriate player. Presentations may be stored, for example, on CD-ROM and played by way of a CD-ROM player.

Additionally and/or alternatively, the display system may incorporate a receiver for receiving transmitted presentations, for example, television programmes.

The invention also extends to a system for displaying a presentation to a person, the presentation display system comprising: a display screen visible in a specific location; a presentation control system for causing a presentation to be shown on said display screen; and detecting means for detecting the presence of a person in said specific location; wherein said presentation control system is responsive to said detecting means whereby the detection of a person in said specific location is arranged to actuate said control system.

In an embodiment, said presentation control system is arranged to terminate the presentation when the presence of a person is not detected.

In an embodiment, at least part of the presentation is recorded on a hard disc and/or on CD-ROM.

Additionally and/or alternatively, the presentation system further comprises a receiver for receiving transmitted presentations such as text messages, and/or satellite, cable or terrestrial television programmes.

Preferably, at least one detector is provided at the specific location to detect the presence of a person. For example, where seats are located at the specific location, a weight sensor is associated with each seat.

In an embodiment, detectors at the specific location are arranged to detect activities undertaken by a person at that location and/or to detect activities undertaken in response to the person's presence.

Thus, the opening of a door, or the switching on of a light, by the person may be an activity at the specific location which is detected. Additionally and/or alternatively, an activity, such as the driver of a taxi cab actuating a fare meter in response to the person's presence may be detected.

For example, infra red or ultrasound sensors are directed within the specific location.

In a preferred embodiment, the presentation system comprises, two different detecting means associated with the specific location, wherein the first detecting means causes resetting of said presentation control system upon detecting a person's presence, and the second detecting means initiates the showing of the presentation upon detecting a person's presence.

The present invention also extends to a passenger carrying vehicle having a passenger cabin, the vehicle incorporating a presentation system as defined above.

Preferably, at least two display screens are mounted in said passenger cabin.

For example, where the vehicle is a taxi of the type having a separate passenger cabin, one or more display screens may be provided within that passenger cabin such that one screen is visible from each seat within the cabin.

Preferably, detectors are provided for sensing one or more of the following events: the opening/closing of one or more doors into the cabin; movement within the cabin; a weight applied to a seat within the cabin; sound from within the cabin; the activation of a fare meter of the vehicle; the switching on of an interior light; and the switching off of a "FOR HIRE" sign.

Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows part of the interior of a taxi cab indicating how a display screen of a system of the invention might be incorporated therein,

Figure 2 shows schematically one embodiment of a display system of the invention, and

Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a display system of the invention.

A presentation display method and system of the invention is described below with specific reference to its incorporation in a taxi cab having a separate passenger cabin. However, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to use in taxi cabs, or even in vehicles, and may be used in any circumstance in which it is required to show a presentation to persons in a specific location.

Figure 1 shows part of the interior of a traditional taxi cab (black cab).

Such a vehicle has a passenger cabin, indicated at 2, with a fixed back seat 4 providing two forward facing seats. There are also provided two tip-up seats 6 which fold away automatically when not in use. In one embodiment of the invention a display screen, for example a TFT screen (not shown), may be mounted in the passenger cabin 2 at the location indicated at 8 between the two tip-up seats 6. Any presentation shown on the screen at location 8 will be immediately visible to persons on the back seat 4. A second display screen (not shown) may be located in the back window (not shown) of the passenger cabin 2, facing forward, so that it is visible to occupants of the tip-up seats 6.

A person travelling in a taxi will often spend at least 10 minutes therein, and during that time may be shown, by way of the screens, short programmes and/or information and advertising material. For example, a programme giving a "Guide to London" with useful travel information might be provided and incorporate advertising. The programme may be a film or a video, or a series of stills or other images and may or may not be accompanied by sound. Where the visual images are to be accompanied by sound, speakers (not shown) will also be appropriately located within the passenger cabin 2.

It is required that any programme displayed on the screens within the passenger cabin 2 is displayed only when at least one passenger is present within the passenger cabin. Furthermore, any presentation shown to a passenger needs to be shown from its commencement so that it is accessible to the passenger. A display system according to one embodiment of the invention which enables these criteria to be met is shown schematically in Figure 2.

The display system illustrated in Figure 2 incorporates two TFT screens 10. As described above, these screens 10 are appropriately located to be visible to the passengers in the taxi cab. In this respect, one arrangement of the screens at the front and back of the passenger cabin 2 has been described above. However, it will be appreciated that alternative locations are possible. For example, two screens may be provided, one on each side of the cabin, for example one on each cabin door.

It is required that the displays should be located where they will not present any safety problems to the passengers, for example, in the event of an accident. It is also required that the screens be visible to the occupants of the cabin, and not be troubled by glare.

It is also preferred that the display screens used should be tamper proof so that they are protected against incidental and deliberate damage.

TFT screens are preferred as they are flat and are more readily incorporated in the limited space of a passenger cabin. However, for other locations, such as an airport lounge, conventional CRT displays may be used.

As set out previously, it is required to cause the screens 10 to show a presentation, but only when there are passengers in the cabin 2. The screens 10 are controlled by way of a control unit 12 which may be configured as required. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the control unit 12 includes an appropriate processing unit 14, which is hard wired by way of a link indicated at 16, to each of the screens 10. However, it would be possible to have a communications link between the processing unit 14 and the screens 10 if preferred. As is well known, the processing unit 14 is provided with an appropriate power supply unit 18 and is in communication both with a hard disc drive 20 and a CD-ROM drive 22. In the embodiment illustrated, the power supply unit 12 receives electrical power from the battery (not shown) of the vehicle.

Whilst the screens 10 are mounted in the passenger cabin 2, the control unit 12 is preferably mounted in the boot of the vehicle so that it does not impinge on passenger or driver space and is not immediately accessible.

However, the driver may be given some control over the operation of the system and, as shown, a user interface 24 connected to the control unit 12 is provided.

This user interface 24 is preferably provided in the driver's cab, for example on the dashboard, and provides the driver with some control of the system and provides status information. A signal processing board 26 is provided within the control unit 12. This board 26 preferably acts as a buffer for the user interface 24 and also receives signals from external sources. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the signal processing board 26 has a first input receiving a signal from the vehicle ignition and a second input receiving inputs from appropriate sensors. The nature of the sensors is discussed further below.

In one embodiment, the system is arranged to operate with minimal user intervention. Accordingly, the signal processing board 26 is arranged to use the turning on of the vehicle ignition to boot the system automatically. However, to prevent false starts, the signal processing board 26 will require the provision of a continuous ignition supply for a predetermined period before initiating boot-up. For example, it can be required that the ignition be continuous for a period of at least 30 seconds in order for a boot-up sequence to be initialised.

Similarly, when the ignition is switched off, the display system should be similarly switched off. However, if the ignition is switched off for short periods, for example, to enable the taxi driver to take breaks, excessive rebooting of the system may occur. Accordingly, when the ignition is switched off, power down will occur only after a predetermined delay period, for example, of about 30 minutes. At the end of this delay period, a controlled shut down of the system will be initiated.

It is required to activate the screens 10 and to commence a presentation only when the presence of a passenger within the passenger cabin 2 is detected. In one preferred embodiment, the presence of a passenger is detected by a passive infra red sensor (not shown) arranged to detect movement within the passenger cabin 2. However, to ensure the accuracy of the sensing, additional detecting means are provided. Thus, a sensor (not shown) is incorporated in each of the doors of the cabin 2. When a passenger enters the passenger cabin, one of the doors is opened and subsequently closed. The door sensor is arranged to enable the infra red sensor for a period, of say 15 seconds, after the passenger door is closed. If during that 15 second period, the infra red sensor detects movement, it is identified as the presence of a passenger. The control unit 12 is arranged to power the displays 10 and then to start the presentation.

As shown, the signals from the door sensors and from the infra red sensor are applied to the signal processing board 26. On receipt of signals from a door sensor indicating that a cabin door has been opened and then closed, the signal processing board 26 provides information of these actions to the processing unit 14 and the presentation may be reset thereby. This ensures that the presentation is switched off and returned to the start when a passenger leaves the cab, and is primed to start when a passenger enters the cabin 2.

As indicated above, the infra red sensors are activated for a period of 15 seconds after a cabin door has been opened and closed, and if movement is detected during that time, the presentation is commenced. It would be possible, also, to monitor the cabin 2 for movement periodically and to use the absence of movement to initiate switch off of the presentation.

The software routines of the control unit 12 are within the competence of anyone skilled in the art, and will not be further described herein.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the presentation can be recorded on hard disc. More usually, the presentation will be written to a CD which will be loaded into the CD-ROM player 22 at an appropriate time.

Figure 3 shows a display system which is similar to that of Figure 2 except that a separate download unit 30 incorporating both a CD-ROM drive and a hard disc drive is provided. This download unit 30 may be provided in the driver's cab or mounted in the boot of the taxi.

The display system of Figure 3 is also provided with a receiver, indicated at 32, connected to an aerial 34 to enable live presentations to be received and displayed as an alternative to, or in addition to, the prerecorded presentations. As illustrated in Figure 3, the receiver 32 is incorporated within the control unit 12. However, in an alternative arrangement, a separate receiver unit may be provided and, for example, be located in the taxi together with the download unit 30. In this alternative arrangement, the receiver 32 may be connected to the control unit 12 by way of the user interface 24.

In a preferred embodiment, the receiver 32 is controlled to receive live textual information by way of telephone transmissions. For example, the digital text messages may be transmitted by way of existing pager networks, or appropriate telephone networks. The live textual information may comprise regularly updated news, and/or financial information.

Preferably, the textual information received by way of the aerial 34 is displayed on the screens 10 in addition to a visual presentation. For example, a scrolling banner may be provided across the top or the bottom of each screen 10.

The live textual information may be generally available for transmission by pager or telephone networks, for example. However, it is currently intended that the information will be configured at, and transmitted from, a central broadcasting station.

The passenger may be provided with a choice of textual information. For example, by use of pushbuttons, or on-screen icons, the passenger may be able to choose between local news, national news, or financial information. Where the transmitted textual information is configured at a broadcasting station, it is envisaged that a text message giving the local news, for example, will be configured and then transmitted periodically. The text message might be broadcast continually for about an hour, for example, and then replaced by an updated message.

Preferably, the system will be able itself to detect and recover from a system crash without user identification. In this respect, the system will monitor its own performance and upon detecting a failure will give the system a hard reboot. However, where faults, particularly temperature faults, are detected, the system will shut down. Any such automatic actions of the system will be indicated to the driver on the user interface 24. As indicated in Figure 2, a heater 32 and a fan 34 are provided to enable some control of the temperature of the system. Other means to control the temperature of the unit may be incorporated, although the system must be sufficiently rugged to withstand swings in temperature.

Similarly, the system will be subject to road vibrations and shock and will need to be made to specifications capable of withstanding the expected loads. Other measures, such as mounting sensitive units on anti-vibration mounts, can additionally or alternatively be used.

The physical requirements of the system will be apparent to any one skilled in the art, as will the necessary characteristics of the hardware. Accordingly, the hardware characteristics are not further described herein.

It will be apparent that the means for detecting the presence, or the lack of presence, of a passenger within the taxi cab may be chosen as required. In particular, a single sensing means may be provided, but, it is currently preferred to have at least two different sensing means. For a taxi cab, the starting of the meter to indicate the commencement of a journey, and/or the switching off of a "FOR HIRE" sign can additionally and/or alternatively be used to initiate a presentation either alone or in combination with other sensors.

In the embodiments described above, the system determines the presentation and displays it to the passenger. It is, however, possible to provide the passenger with the ability to choose the presentation to be displayed. In this case, a series of pushbuttons forming part of the user interface 24, or otherwise communicating with the processing unit 14, may be provided in the taxi seats. Alternatively, the display screens 10 may be touch sensitive and arranged to display a choice of icons.

As the passenger enters the cabin 2, the presentation is controlled to commence, as described above. However, after a number of presentations, which may include safety information, and advertisements, the screens 10 can be controlled to display a choice of presentations with the passenger invited to make the choice by pressing an on-screen icon or pushing a pushbutton. Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the live transmissions received are described as text messages to be scrolled across the screens. Of course, it would be possible to provide the system with a receiver to enable television transmissions to be received and displayed. This receiver may be the receiver 32, or an additional receiver. The television programmes received may be those generally available from terrestrial and satellite transmissions. Alternatively or additionally, dedicated television transmissions available only to a system of the invention may be received.

Where television transmissions, from whatever source, are received, the passenger may be given the ability to choose the programme to watch, as described above. Furthermore, and as indicated, such television transmissions may be received as an alternative to, or in addition to, the live text messages described. Alternatively, text messages as described, may be embedded in the television signals and transmitted together therewith.

It will be appreciated that further modifications in or variations to the embodiments as described above may be made within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method of displaying a presentation to a person, the presentation display method comprising the steps of: detecting the presence of a person at a specific location where at least one display screen is visible; and in response to the detection of the person's presence activating the display screen and causing a presentation to be shown thereon.

2. A method as claimed in Claim 1 , further comprising the step of terminating the presentation when the presence of a person is no longer detected, and/or it is detected that the person has left the specific location.

3. A method as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the presentation is a video or film, and/or a series of stills, and/or scrolled text messages.

4. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least part of the presentation has been transmitted and comprises text messages and/or a satellite, cable, or terrestrial television programme.

5. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, seats are provided at the specific location, and a person's presence at the location is detected by detection means associated with those seats.

6. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a person's presence at the specific location is detected by infra red or ultrasonic detectors at the location.

7. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a person's presence at the specific location is detected by detecting activities undertaken by the person, or in response to their presence.

8. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising the step of causing the presentation to be shown only after the presence of the person has been detected by two different detecting means.

9. A method as claim in Claim 8, wherein a first detecting means is arranged to cause resetting of a control system for the presentation in response to the detection of a person's presence and a second detecting means is arranged to initiate the showing of the presentation in response to the detection of a person's presence.

10. A system for displaying a presentation to a person, the presentation display system comprising: a display screen visible in a specific location; a presentation control system for causing a presentation to be shown on said display screen; and detecting means for detecting the presence of a person in said specific location; wherein said presentation control system is responsive to said detecting means whereby the detection of a person in said specific location is arranged to actuate said control system.

11. A presentation system as claimed in Claim 10, wherein said presentation control system is arranged to terminate the presentation when the presence of a person is not detected.

12. A presentation system as claimed in Claim 10 or Claim 11 , wherein at least part of the presentation is recorded on a hard disc and/or on CD-ROM.

13. A presentation system as claimed in any of Claims 10 to 12, further comprising a receiver for receiving transmitted presentations such as text messages, and/or satellite, cable or terrestrial television programmes.

14. A presentation system as claimed in any of Claims 10 to 13, wherein at least one detector is provided at the specific location to detect the presence of a person.

15. A presentation system as claimed in Claim 14, wherein seats are provided at the specific location and a weight sensor is associated with each seat.

16. A presentation system as claimed in Claim 14 or Claim 15, wherein detectors at the specific location are arranged to detect activities undertaken by a person at that location and/or to detect activities undertaken in response to the person's presence.

17. A presentation system as claimed in Claim 16, wherein infra red or ultrasound sensors are directed within the specific location.

18. A presentation system as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 17, comprising two different detecting means associated with the specific location, wherein the first detecting means causes resetting of said presentation control system upon detecting a person's presence, and the second detecting means initiates the showing of the presentation upon detecting a person's presence.

19. A passenger carrying vehicle having a passenger cabin, the vehicle incorporating a presentation system as claimed in any of Claims 10 to 18.

20. A passenger carrying vehicle as claimed in Claim 19, wherein at least two display screens are mounted in said passenger cabin.

21. A passenger carrying vehicle as claimed in Claim 19 or Claim 20, wherein detectors are provided for sensing one or more of the following events: the opening/closing of one or more doors into the cabin; movement within the cabin; a weight applied to a seat within the cabin; sound from within the cabin; the activation of a fare meter of the vehicle; the switching on of an interior light; and the switching off of a "FOR HIRE" sign.