WO2006101396A1

WO2006101396A1 - Interactive information device

Info

Publication number: WO2006101396A1
Application number: PCT/NL2006/050062
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frank De Koste; Edward Cornelis Johannes Gerrits
Original assignee: Sportima Bowling B.V.
Priority date: 2005-03-22
Filing date: 2006-03-22
Publication date: 2006-09-28
Also published as: NL1028591C2

Abstract

A device for displaying images comprises: an image display unit for displaying images; a control unit controlling the image display unit; telecommunication means connected to the control unit for connection to a telecommunication network to which a user can gain access, which telecommunication means are adapted to receive control information which is converted by this control unit, by means of information present in a memory forming part of the control unit, into video signals for controlling the image display unit; and detection means for detecting a user present in the vicinity of the device, which detection means are coupled to the control unit; such that a user forms an interactive communication system together with the image display unit, the telecommunication means and the detection means.

Description

INTERACTIVE INFORMATION DEVICE

A device for displaying images via a semi- transparent mirror is known from NL-C-IOl 31 60 and WO- A-01/26 082 (both in the name of the present applicant) .

Both publications show schematically a possible arrangement of such a device, while the publications also relate to a number of special embodiment features. For the present case reference is expressly made to both these earlier publications.

The invention provides a device for displaying images, which device comprises: an image display unit for displaying images; a control unit controlling the image display unit; telecommunication means connected to the control unit for connection to at least one telecommunication network to which a user can gain access, for instance by means of a mobile phone, which telecommunication means are adapted to receive control information which is converted by this control unit, by means of information present in a memory forming part of the control unit, into video signals for controlling the image display unit; and detection means for detecting a user present in the vicinity of the device, which detection means are coupled to the control unit; such that a user forms an interactive communication system together with the image display unit, the telecommunication means and the detection means.

Diverse aspects of the invention are referred to and elucidated further in the specification hereinbelow. Diverse options relating to the image display unit, the functionality of the control unit, diverse appropriate telecommunication means and possibilities relating to implementation and functioning of the detection means will be dealt with, among others. According to a determined aspect of the invention, the image display unit comprises: a semi-transparent mirror which is arranged such that a user can see his/her mirror image therein; and display means which are arranged on the rear side of this mirror and which can emit a fraction of light incident upon the mirror from the rear side thereof through the mirror and to the front, such that a user can see this light; which display means are connected to the control unit for receiving the video signals thereof, which video signals are converted by the projection means into light emitted by these projection means, which light forms an image visible to the user.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the device has the special feature that the display means comprise a cathode ray tube, a screen based on liquid crystals (LCD-screen) , a TFT screen, a plasma screen or the like.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the device has the special feature that the display means comprise: a partly translucent projection screen present on the rear side of the mirror; and a bearaer which converts the video signals into light which is presented on the projection screen. In a preferred embodiment the device comprises a sound reproducing unit which can emit audio signals generated and emitted by the control unit for reproducing sound signals associated with a displayed image . A very surprising acoustic effect can be realized with an embodiment in which the sound reproducing unit is adapted to emit a narrow bundle of substantially flat sound waves in forward direction of the image display unit. This embodiment can achieve that only a user situated in the narrow sound bundle can hear the acoustic message. In combination with images provided by the image display unit a one-to-one communicative relationship with a user is hereby realized, whereby for instance advertising messages can acquire a very insistent character. In order to realize a narrow bundle of substantially flat sound waves use can for instance be made of one or more loudspeakers which are loaded with a conical horn or an exponential horn. Such systems however take up a lot of space. The embodiment is therefore recommended in which substantially the whole front surface of the image display device directed toward the viewer and/or an edge zone extending therearound is adapted as sound reproducing unit. On the basis of the audio signals emitted by the control unit the front surface of the image display device can thus for instance be set into vibration in its entirety by means of actuators, whereby this front surface can function as a whole as vibrating, and thus sound- emitting, plate. In the case where the dimensions of this plate are large relative to the greatest wavelength applied, the requirement is met that the sound reproducing unit generates a bundle of substantially flat sound waves. As alternative or in combination, the edge zone of the image display unit can also be adapted as sound reproducing unit. This unit can be set into vibration in the same way by a drive system, consisting of a number of actuators, by the audio signals coming from the control unit. A number of loudspeakers can also be placed in said edge zone. Such a loudspeaker array has naturally bundling properties.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the effectiveness of advertising messages can be increased with an embodiment in which during operation of the sound reproducing unit the control unit also feeds thereto audio signals corresponding with subliminal hidden messages.

The device according to the invention can also take an interactive form from an acoustic and auditive viewpoint . In this case the device comprises a microphone for recording sound emitted by a user. The signals from the microphone are fed to the central control unit and translated into control information coming from the user, for instance on the basis of acoustic pattern recognition. It is noted that speech recognition systems are per se known. The telecommunication means can be of any type suitable for a specific application. Use can for instance be made of an ADSL connection.

According to yet another aspect, the device has the special feature that the telecommunication means are based on internet (IP) . According to yet another aspect of the invention, this latter embodiment can then have the special feature that WIFI or GSM with UMTS, GPRS, WAP or the like is used as carrier. According to a particular aspect of the invention, the device can comprise: scent-emitting means adapted to emit at least one of a number of scents as desired, which scent-emitting means are connected for control to the control unit for the purpose of emitting a specific scent in response to a signal generated by the detection means to the control unit and scent information available in the memory forming part of the control unit. Examples of possibly applicable scents are: a puff of perfume in a toilet area, appetite-stimulating aromas in a restaurant, the smoke-like scent of an open fireplace in a catering establishment, the smell of fresh bread in a bakery, or the like.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the device has the special feature that the detection means are adapted to detect the thermal image of a user, for instance comprise an infrared camera, on the basis of which the control unit can determine whether the user is a man or a woman and on this basis can feed specific video signals to the image display unit respectively audio signals to the sound reproducing unit. This aspect can for instance find application in the generating of a specific scent, for instance a choice to be made by the control unit between a perfume for women and for men. According to yet another aspect of the invention, the device has the special feature that information relating to at least one interactive game is stored in the memory, wherein a- user can participate in a game via the telecommunication means.

The device can also have the feature that identity information relating to a user identified via the telecommunication means on the basis of Radio Frequency Identification (RFI) can be stored in the memory, which identity information can be used via a central computer system for statistical, service-providing, commercial or other suitable purposes. The detection means can be embodied as a sensor which is incorporated in the image display unit, for instance the semi-transparent mirror. The sound is emitted at the same moment at which a message, for instance an advertising message, appears in the screen. A scent diffuser can be set into operation at that moment . In the case of a fully stand-alone system, wherein the device must only be coupled externally to the mains supply for power supply, communication of separate components located at a mutual distance takes place on the basis of radiocommunication.

The possibility is discussed above of using an array of loudspeakers which can bring about a substantial bundling of the sound due to its total dimensions relative to the dimensions of the radiated wavelength. By not driving the different relevant loudspeakers by means of identical audio signals but by driving the loudspeakers or groups of loudspeakers with radio signals with respective delays determined by the control unit, the degree of bundling and the direction of the bundle can be varied as desired within very broad limits .

There is the further option of modelling the audio signals in the time domain and/or in the frequency domain such that a user/listener is given the impression that the sounds are being transmitted from a direction determined by this modelling. The listener can for instance be under the impression that he/she is being spoken to from behind, or that determined sound-emitting objects are moving through the area. It is however necessary for such a manipulation that use be made of a number of loudspeakers.

Within the scope of the invention attention is drawn to the following possible applications, to which the invention is not limited: ^• A sensor in the image display unit detects the presence of a user and then sets into operation the image display unit and optionally the sound reproducing unit. The image can correspond to a welcome message, an advertising message, directions for the user or the like. • A scent diffuser can also be set into operation in combination with the above.

• On the basis of interaction by means of GSM, PDA and the like it is possible to log onto the server forming part of the control unit. In this case a code is assigned with which the scent diffuser can be set into operation. The user is then asked via the image display unit, the sound reproducing unit and/or the Mobile phone of the user whether he/she wishes to be sent a sample. In the affirmative case the specific^' code generated by the system, which has meanwhile been noted by the user, must be returned via an SMS message. In this case the user receives a barcode on for instance his mobile phone, PDA, etc. , or by e-mail, post or the like, whereby a discount can be obtained on the product in question during the contract period of the relevant advertiser.

• A portal to the website of the advertiser. The code received by the sender of the SMS message is also the log-in code for this website. • In this case the device can be used as a jukebox- like application. A text such as "For your ears only" can for instance appear on the screen.

• Music, clips, ringtones and the like can for instance be downloaded. • The user can switch on the loudspeaker of his mobile phone and talk to the mirror. For this purpose a series of SMS messages is first required, which must first be sent before authorization can be obtained to talk to the mirror. • Dating: a photo of the user can be placed on the mirror.

- The user takes a photo of him/herself with his/her mobile phone.

- A selection from the menu: - photo size

- I want to provide my photo with my voice - I want to provide my photo with my favourite music clip

- I want to send my photo to the website of the location where I have placed my photo (in this case the mirror becomes a portal to website)

- my phone number may be passed on

- the selections are then sent to the server

- in order to listen to messages the person wishing to do so must first send an SMS message to the server

- in order to download the photo the following options are provided:

- photo only - photo with voice

- photo with video clip

- photo with music clip

- photo with scent

- photo with voice, video clip, music clip, scent and phone number

- any desired and appropriate combination. As stated above, the loudspeaker of the mobile phone of the user can be switched on. This is necessary because the mirror can act as microphone in this embodiment and responds to the sound impulses received from the mobile phone which is a certain distance removed from the mirror. The user speaks via the mirror or with a pre-loaded program. The menu selection of the subjects are sent to the mobile phone of the user. In other words, the user for instance talks to the girl who wishes to date and who first wants to talk to the boy (the user) anonymously via the mirror. In this manner she does not yet disclose her telephone number.

Especially on location this can become a hype, and a plurality of lines will be open for this aspect of the device according to the invention. Multi-conversations will take place in front of one mirror.

In respect of said scent-emitting means it is noted that the firm TriSenx has a scent-emitting^' device on the market under the name "Scent Dome". Twenty scents are held in separate chambers therein. After the user has mixed a scent, it can be stored in a scent memory and sent to other owners of a Scent Dome as an e-mail attachment. The scent files instruct the Scent Dome as to which scent chambers must be opened, whereafter the scent or the mixture of scents is dispersed via a fan built into the Scent Dome. When the scents are completely used up the scent cassette can be replaced for a fee determined by TriSenx. The scent pattern is for instance available in the variants "food aromas" and "general fragrances".

Applicants refer to the device according to the invention as Mirror Eye or Media Mirror Eye.

This system according to the invention is developed for advertising in interactive and, if necessary, - statistically assessable and measurable manner on TFT screens, television sets, or other image display devices specified for this purpose and set up in public spaces.

The Mirror Eye, front office, operates only in combination with the server/database/back office of the company Network Resources International (NRI) or other narrow casting system provider which has obtained a licence from NRI. The above specified video and audio system is designed for realizing one-to-one advertising.

The Mirror Eye is a system: - with which advertising campaigns can be run in measurable, assessable and interactive manner on TFT screens, television sets or using other projection means set up in public spaces,

- with which advertisers can measure the result of their advertising campaign online,

- with which the internet can be accessed by means of an Intel Centrino or comparable product,

- with which directed sound can be realized,

- with which a Bluetooth system is integrated, - with which advertisers have access to a database,

- with which online campaigns can be uploaded to the media mirror, TFT screens or other projection means,

- with which audit reports showing the result of the success of an advertising campaign can be viewed and evaluated by advertisers in real time, - with which a database can be activated by means of a mobile phone, small XDA or comparable provisions,

The mirror eye can be assembled from:

- a plastic and/or stainless steel housing including

- at least one ultrasonic sensor

- a Bluetooth system

- WLAN card or USB Wireless IAN

- SBC (Single Board Computer) with embedded software on the basis of Linux

- power supply

- cables.

The size of a currently available system is about 18 x 12 x 5 cm. This system is positioned remotely from the image dis'play unit and the sound reproducing unit .

To enable use of the Mirror Eye the following provisions are necessary:

- access to the iFlexions database

- an ADSL connection - a receiver present in the image display unit with which contact can be made with the Mirror Eye

- an image display unit such as a TFT screen, a television set or other suitable projection means. As stated above, the device according to the invention can also be provided with means for playing interactive games. A layout is envisaged wherein a plurality of people can log in to the server at different locations and can play a game, with a marketing concept as underlying idea. This marketing concept can be based on the device according to the invention having to invite the public to a determined location. An attempt can also be made to make a specific product or service more interesting.

The concept of Radio Frequency Identification (RFI) is also discussed above. This concept can be elucidated on the basis of the following practical example.

The device is housed in a shop selling jeans. There is a Media Mirror in the shop. A tag which communicates with the Bluetooth in the Media Mirror is adhered to the price tags of the clothing in the shop. At the moment that a potential customer, who has put on a specific pair of jeans, stands in front of the mirror and sees him/herself in the mirror, the RFI tag on the price tag of the pair of jeans sends a signal to the Media Mirror, or the signal is received by the Bluetooth chip in the Media Mirror. A matching item of clothing, such as a shirt, a scarf or the like, hereby appears for instance on the Media Mirror. In this manner the potential buyer can be invited to purchase more items of clothing than just the jeans. The invention is not limited to the above described applications, aspects, combinations of aspects and exemplary embodiments. Many modifications can be made to said functional parts and their mutual relation without departing from the scope of the invention. Attention is also drawn to the fact that the invention is not limited to said image display units, and also relates to image display units of a type not yet commercially available or known at the moment of conception of this patent application. The possible applications are further only chosen by way of random examples from a multitude of potential applications .

Claims

1. Device for displaying images, which device comprises: an image display unit for displaying images; a control unit controlling the image display unit; telecommunication means connected to the control unit for connection to at least one telecommunication network to which a user can gain access, for instance by means of a mobile phone, which telecommunication means are adapted to receive control information which is converted by this control unit, by means of information present in a memory forming part of the control unit, into video signals for controlling the image display unit; and detection means for detecting a user present in the vicinity of the device, which detection means are coupled to the control unit; such that a user forms an interactive communication system together with the image display unit, the telecommunication means and the detection means.

2. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image display unit comprises: a semi-transparent mirror which is arranged such that a user can see his/her mirror image therein; and display means which are arranged on the rear side of this mirror and which can emit a fraction of light incident upon the mirror from the rear side thereof through the mirror and to the front, such that a user can see this light; which display means are connected to the control unit for receiving the video signals thereof, which video signals are converted by the projection means into light emitted by these projection means, which light forms an image visible to the user.

3. Device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the display means comprise a cathode ray tube, a screen based on liquid crystals (LCD-screen) , a TFT screen, a plasma screen or the like.

4. Device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the display means comprise: a partly translucent projection screen present on the rear side of the mirror; and a beamer which converts the video signals into light which is presented on the projection screen.

5. Device as claimed in claim 1, comprising a sound reproducing unit which can emit audio signals generated and emitted by the control unit for reproducing sound signals associated with a displayed image.

6. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sound reproducing unit is adapted to emit a narrow bundle of substantially flat sound waves in forward direction of the image display unit.

7. Device as claimed in claim 6, wherein substantially the whole front surface of the image display device directed toward the viewer and/or an edge zone extending therearound is adapted as sound reproducing unit.

8. Device as claimed in claim 5, wherein during operation of the sound reproducing unit the control unit also feeds thereto audio signals corresponding with subliminal hidden messages.

9. Device as claimed in claim 5_/ comprising a microphone for recording sound emitted by a user.

10. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the telecommunication means are based on internetting (IP) .

11. Device as claimed in claim 10, wherein WIFI or GSM with UMTS, GPRS, WΔP or the like is used as carrier.

12. Device as claimed in claim 1, comprising scent- emitting means adapted to emit at least one of a number of scents as desired, which scent-emitting means are connected for control to the control unit for the purpose of emitting a specific scent in response to a signal generated by the detection means to the control unit and scent information available in the memory forming part of the control unit.

13. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detection means are adapted to detect the thermal image of a user, for instance comprise an infrared camera, on the basis of which the control unit can determine whether the user is a man or a woman and on this basis can feed specific video signals to the image display unit respectively audio signals to the sound reproducing unit (claim 5) .

14. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein information relating to at least- one interactive game is stored in the memory, wherein a user can participate in a game via the telecommunication means.

15. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein identity information relating to a user identified via the telecommunication means on the basis of Radio Frequency Identification (RFI) can be stored in the memory, which identity information can be used via a central computer system for statistical, service-providing, commercial or other suitable purposes.