WO2010050828A1

WO2010050828A1 - A display system

Info

Publication number: WO2010050828A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2009/000124
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jessica Elizabeth Groom
Original assignee: Jessica Elizabeth Groom
Priority date: 2008-10-28
Filing date: 2009-06-24
Publication date: 2010-05-06

Abstract

A display methodology, including the step of capturing a series of images of a subject wearing an object, characterised by the step of displaying some or all of the images contemporaneously on a display device.

Description

A DISPLAY SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a method of displaying images. In particular it relates to a method and apparatus for displaying images in a retail environment.

BACKGROUND ART

It would appear that for a very large number of people the way they appear to others is a major factor in choosing what to wear. However, when selecting an object or item to wear people are quite limited in their ability to view themselves as others view them. This can be a significant problem when choosing items to purchase in a retail environment.

In some instances, for example a ring worn on the hand or a shoe on a foot, this is not such a problem as we can view the object directly from a number of different aspects by movement of the hand, foot etc. However, it is generally more difficult to get a variety of views of yourself when wearing items of clothing on other parts of the body. A view from head-on can normally be achieved by use of a suitable mirror. Although it may be possible to get a side view or view from towards the rear, with a single mirror this generally requires that the part of the body to be viewed is turned toward the mirror and the head is turned to view the image. While the view obtained in this manner is seldom satisfactory, it is also common for the body to twist around as the head is turned. This can distort the appearance of the item worn (e.g., a jacket) and hence not give an accurate impression of how the item appears on the body of the user.

In some instances two or more mirrors can be used to provide views from the side or rear of a person using multiple reflections. In this case the person can look into a mirror placed in front of them in order to see a reflected image from a mirror placed behind them (or to a side). However, a problem with this method is that it can be difficult to align the mirrors correctly in order to give the desired view. Further, the person generally is restricted to standing in a precise location in order to see the multiple reflections. Because of the precise geometry required to get the image, this process is generally restricted to a single view only. Another problem with the use of multiple mirrors is the amount of space required to set up the mirrors so that a person standing between them can get the required view. This is one reason why in typical retail situations a single mirror only is available, and hence only frontal and partial side views are available.

Another way of approaching this problem is for the purchaser to have a companion who can view the object on the purchaser and provide feedback to them. There are a number of disadvantages of this method including:

• the difficulty of finding a companion who is prepared to accompany the purchaser and is available at the desired time and place;

• the feedback depends largely on the views of the companion and their opinion of what is good or bad, rather than the opinion of the purchaser; and

• the feedback may not be honest.

One situation where these problems can become acute is in the selection of a frame for eye glasses, particularly for people with impaired vision. For many people the choice of frames for eye glasses is a fashion statement and is made with great care, especially as the shape and colour of the frame can alter a viewer's impression of the face of the person wearing the frame.

The problem in this case is acute because a person purchasing new frames typically removes their own prescription glasses to try on different frames. Although the person trying on the frames may have access to a mirror, their view can be distorted or impaired as a result of problems with their eyesight. Clearly the more extreme the person's eye problem, the more difficult it will be for them to assess the frames. In this case, once again, people often resort to the opinion of others in order to make the selection.

Increasingly people are also wearing sunglasses to protect their eyes from the sun. Again an important factor for many people when selecting a pair of sun glasses is the way they look when worn. One problem encountered by people in selecting sunglasses, even those with good natural eyesight, is that the sunglass lens is designed for use in bright sunlight and can significantly reduce the amount of light transmitted. In a shop having a lower level of lighting the reduction in transmitted light through the sunglass lens can make it difficult for a person to see how they look when wearing the sunglasses.

With both prescription glasses and sunglasses the wearer's view may be limited by the width or shape of the frame, particularly at the sides. This can make it difficult for a view from the side to be seen in a mirror as the frame can block line of sight to the mirror.

Another problem faced by a customer when choosing an item to wear from a range of items is that the comparison is seldom done at the same time, but relies on recollection. Generally only one of the items to be compared can be worn at a time. For example, when choosing a frame for glasses, only one frame can be tried at a time. This means the choice is made on the basis of a comparison between the item being worn (currently viewed) and one that was worn (viewed) previously. This can lead to difficulty in making the comparison and hence indecision, and additional time spent as the options are tried multiple times.

This problem can be more pronounced if the time between viewing each option is extended, as for example can occur when comparing items of clothing in which a significant amount of time can elapse between comparisons due to the time taken to change from one item to another.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non- specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a display methodology, including the step of

(a) capturing a series of images of a subject wearing an object;

characterised by the step of

b) displaying some or all of the images contemporaneously on a display device.

In a preferred embodiment the series of images includes images showing different views of the subject wearing the same object.

In a preferred embodiment the series of images includes images of the subject wearing different objects.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a display system including;

at least one image capture device configured to capture one or more images of a subject wearing an object;

an image processor configured to receive the series of images from the image capture device in the form of digital data; and

a display device; characterised in that

the image processor is configured to display some or all of the images contemporaneously on the display device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a facility that may assist a person to select an item to wear by enabling the person to view images of themself wearing the item from a variety of views, and particularly views that would not normally be available to them.

Another object is to provide a facility that may be used to aid selection of an item from within a range of items based on the wearer's impression of how the item looks when worn by them by enabling the options to be displayed as images on a display device at substantially the same time.

A series of images may be taken and held or stored such that they may subsequently be viewed and inter-compared by the person in a manner that enhances the person's ability to make an informed choice based on their own evaluation of how they look.

The display methodology is specifically set up to facilitate comparison of images. A series of images therefore must include at least two images. Also the term "some or all of the images" should be understood to mean "a number of images between two and all of the images" in the series.

In a preferred embodiment the display methodology is implemented in a retail environment.

The applicant considers that the display methodology may be a considerable aid to a customer in a retail environment, such as found at an optician or clothing shop, where a purchasing decision may be made based on the appearance of an object when worn by the customer.

The present invention will be illustrated throughout the specification through reference to a display methodology as implemented in a retail environment. However, it will be apparent that the display methodology may be employed in any environment where a person wishes to see how they appear from different views when wearing an item, or an item from a range of items, and that reference to a retail environment only throughout this specification should not be seen as limiting.

In a preferred embodiment the subject is a customer and the object is an article for sale. The object may be anything that may be worn on or supported by the body, and may include (without limitation) an item of clothing or an accessory (hat, glove, shoe, jewellery, broach, earring and so on).

In a preferred embodiment the object is eye-wear.

Reference to eye-wear throughout this specification should be understood to refer to glasses, goggles or other items worn over or around the eyes to enhance sight or to protect the eyes of the wearer. Eye-wear generally includes a frame and a lens, the frame being configured to hold the lens. Reference to eye-wear should be understood to include the frame and the lens both individually and when combined.

In a preferred embodiment the eye-wear is prescription glasses.

The present invention is considered to be of considerable advantage in selection of frames for eye-wear in the form of prescription glasses. The correct lenses for a person with sight impairment are generally determined through an eyesight examination. However, the frame to hold them is a matter of choice and one that many people take very seriously.

The choice of frame is generally made before the lenses are produced as the lenses have to be shaped to fit the frame. The problem when choosing a frame in such cases is that the trial frames do not have a lens, and therefore the view of the person trying on the frame may be impaired.

With the present invention a person may try on a frame, take one or more images of the frame on their face, and then try a different frame and repeat the process. These images can then be displayed on a display screen in a manner that enables the customer to view them substantially at the same time and to make a better informed choice. A significant advantage is that the customer can view the options when wearing their own glasses - ie with better vision than they had when wearing the frames only. In another preferred embodiment the eye-wear is sun-glasses.

An advantage of use of the present display system when selecting sun-glasses is that capturing the images overcomes the problem of reduced light levels (and hence reduced vision) when wearing sun glasses inside a shop.

In all instances it is a considerable advantage to the customer to be able to compare their appearance when wearing different frames by viewing the images at the same time on the display device.

The present invention has been illustrated with reference to the selection of frames for eyewear. However, it will be apparent that the present invention may be used to advantage in a wide range of situations where a choice is required between the appearance of different items when worn by a person, or when multiple views of an item may help with making a choice. Such situations clearly include selection of clothes of all kinds, as well as accessories.

The display methodology of the present invention provides the facility to capture a series of images of a customer wearing an object and then to display some or all of the images so that the customer may view them substantially at the same time or within the same short space of time.

In a preferred embodiment the image capture device is a digital camera.

Use of a digital camera provides many advantages in the present invention. Modern digital cameras may be a cost effective way to produce and store (as digital data) a large number of images. Such images may be stored in a suitable storage medium until required for display. Furthermore, the digitalised image can be readily sized and edited as required for display (if necessary).

A digital camera may be operated remotely and include an auto-focus facility so that a good image may be obtained without the need for a separate camera operator. It is envisaged that the present invention may be operated by the customer without the need for assistance from an attendant or any other person. This has the advantage that the customer can try on different frames (or other objects) and capture the images when it suits them, rather than having to wait for someone else to be available. It also frees up the shop assistants to deal with other customers while this part of the process is underway.

In a preferred embodiment the image capture device includes a remote control device.

In preferred embodiments the subject determines when the image is taken through use of a remote control device to trigger the image capture device. This may be accomplished in a number of ways, including (without limitation) through a customer-operated switch that is physically connected to the camera (e.g. by a long wire), by a wireless control, though use of a mouse, or through use of a touch screen and so on.

An image may be captured at the time the customer initiates the process (eg using a remote control) or there could be a preset time delay. For example, it may be of use to have a relatively short time delay following initiation of the camera shot to provide time for the customer to pose as required. In some cases the remote control may be fixed, for example as part of a touch screen, so that the customer may require time following initiating the shot by touching the screen to get into position, for example if a shot of their back is required.

When the display system is implemented in a retail environment it is likely that the position of at least one camera will be fixed. This camera will generally be set up in much the same way that a mirror would be - to take front-on views.

In a preferred embodiment the image capture device is mounted to the display device.

It is common in many electronic devices (laptop computers, cell phones, PDAs etc) for a digital camera to be mounted on the same platform as a display device, such as a screen. Physically combining a digital camera with a display screen provides a compact device and also provides a platform for mounting electronic devices, such as a processor, as may be required for operation of the digital camera or for processing and displaying the images on the display screen.

This configuration is generally user friendly as the display screen may typically include instructions on the use of the display system. The customer may read the instructions, activate, the remote control and have the image taken. If a side or rear view is required the user simply turns to the appropriate position, using the position of the display device/camera as a reference.

In some embodiments the position of at least one image capture device is variable.

It may be an advantage to have at least one camera that can be moved with respect to the customer in order to get different views. In this embodiment the customer could remain in the same orientation, for example with respect to a control or display device, and the camera may be moved into position around them. This could be done by manually shifting a camera on a stand (tripod etc) into position. However, it may be preferable to mount the camera so that it can move into position along a track. This has the advantage that the movement could be automated and controlled remotely, for example by the customer.

In some embodiments the image capture system includes a plurality of image capture devices. In these embodiments two or more image capture devices are placed strategically about the position of the person to be imaged. For example in the case of eye glass frames one camera may be in front of the customer and one to a side. In a clothing shop it may be desirable to place a camera in front, one to a side and one at the back of a customer to get a complete view of the item worn by the customer.

In a preferred embodiment two or more image capture devices are configured to capture an image of the subject at substantially the same time.

In such arrangements it may be an advantage to take an image from each camera at the same time, providing multi-view simultaneous snapshots. However, in other embodiments the cameras may be operated individually depending on which view is required.

A digital camera may be configured to acquire images under different modes of operation, such as a single shot, a series of time delayed shots or a video. It is envisaged that different embodiments of the present invention may use any of these modes of operation depending on the circumstances. For example, some customers may be interested in how an item they are wearing appears while they are moving. In such instances use of a camera in video mode could be an advantage.

According to the present invention some or all of the images captured by the camera are displayed contemporaneously on a display device. The display device could be a screen onto which the images are projected, including frontal or rear projection systems, or it could be a monitor such as commonly used with television or computers. These may be LCD or plasma monitors or indeed any other device suitable for displaying a number of images at the same time.

In a preferred embodiment the display device is a touch screen.

A touch screen is a display device that is capable of displaying images (typically through connection to a computer processor) as well as being configured to detect and locate the position of a touch on the screen. Touch screens are commonly used in many modern electronic devices as a convenient way for a user to interact with a computer and in the process to control what is displayed on the touch screen.

Typically a touch screen may display buttons or icons in specific locations on the screen. A user touching the screen at that location has the effect of instructing the computer processor to carry out some operation.

An advantage of using a touch screen as the display device of the present invention is that the user may determine when an image is to be taken by touching a specific part of the touch screen. In some embodiments the touch screen may be configured to enable the user to make use of a wide range of functions, including control of the digital camera(s) (zoom, focus, shutter speed, mode etc), positioning of the camera(s) (for example along a track), selection of the images to be displayed on the touch screen, as well as the usual editing features provided by typical digital imaging software packages.

In alternate embodiments a user interacts with the display device through use of a mouse and cursor, or a touch pad, or any other method of interactive control.

An image processor is used to receive and store the images from the digital camera, and to display the images on the touch screen. The image processor is typically a computing device and a set of computer executable instructions, where the computing device may be a general purpose computer or a specialised processor adapted for the specific purpose of the present application.

The processor may be incorporated in the digital camera, the touch screen or a stand alone unit, or it may be in any combination of the above. Typically the processor may include computer executable instructions to: facilitate operation of the digital camera to capture the images; tools to edit the image (if required); and to control the manner in which the image is displayed on the touch screen. Preferably the touch screen is set up so that the customer may input the instructions to the processor by touching the screen.

In a preferred embodiment the display system includes a transmitter configured to transmit the image to a remote receiver.

Reference to a transmitter should be understood to refer to a device or facility that enables the image to be sent to a remote receiver. A transmitter in this sense would include any device capable of forming a connection and exchanging information with other electronic devices, especially (but not limited to) devices such as computers, mobile electronic data devices such as cellular telephones and the like that are capable of connection to the internet, laptop computers and digital cameras.

The transmitter could be in the form of a modem configured to connect with the internet, or it could be a wireless connection using the Bluetooth protocol, or any other technology whereby data representing an image may be transferred from the display system to another remote device.

An advantage of including a suitable transmitter is that the user may send an image from the touch screen to an external device where it may be viewed by others whose input may be useful to the user in making a selection. In this way input may be received from others without the problems associated with them having to be present in the shop or location where the user is trialling the items. The present invention provides a number of advantages over the prior art, including:

presenting an image of the item as it appears when the customer is wearing it, rather than a mirror image or a distorted image due to the customer twisting to view the image;

presenting a variety of views as chosen by the customer (through their positioning with respect to the camera) rather than limited frontal and side views as normally experienced with a mirror;

• allowing the customer to compare the images side by side and at the same time on the screen, something which is not possible with prior art methods using mirrors, thus overcoming the problems that can be caused by poor recollection;

• enabling the inter-comparison to be made by changing images on the screen rather than retrying the item, thus speeding up the selection process and allowing more robust decision making;

• presenting the images to the customer in good viewing conditions, for example when the customer is wearing prescription glasses to view frames for glasses, or when choosing dark sun-glasses; and

• enabling the image(s) to be transmitted to others whose input into the decision is desired, thus removing the restrictions caused by the need to coordinate your visit to the store with another person, and also allowing for input to be received quickly from a much larger group of people.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 A schematic view of a display system according to one embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 2 A schematic view of a display system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A schematic representation of a display system is generally indicated by arrow 1 in figure 1.

An image capture device, in the form of a digital camera (2), is connected to a processor (3). The digital camera (2) is switchable between single shot, time lapse and motion / video modes.

The processor (3) is a dedicated micro processor loaded with computer executable instructions providing a full suite of tools for manipulating and editing digitised images.

A display device in the form of a touch screen (4) receives one or more images from the processor (3) for display on the touch screen (4). The touch screen (4) in this example can display up to 6 images (5-10) on screen at the same time. The number of images and their relative size and position on the screen can be varied by user inputted commands entered via the touch screen (4).

Another embodiment of the display system is generally indicated by arrow 11 in Figure 2. In this embodiment a digital camera (12) and processor (not shown separately) are built into the touch screen (15) to provide a compact display system. A series of images is displayed in windows (16) on the screen (15).

A second digital camera (13) is located in front and to one side of the touch screen (15). A third digital camera (14) is located in front of the touch screen (15), the arrangement of the three cameras (12 - 14) being such as to enable front, side and rear images to be taken of a subject placed between the touch screen (15) and camera (14). Cameras (13) and (14) are mounted on a track (not shown) and automated such that their position can be altered to obtain the required view.

A subject, in the form of a customer (generally indicated by arrow 17) is wearing an object, shown in Figure 2 as eye-wear (18) or clothes (19). However, the object could clearly be any item of clothing or accessory that is supported by or attached to the body of the customer (17). The customer (17) can input information into the display system by touching a control panel, shown schematically as panel 20 in Figure 2, on the touch screen (15).

In a typical arrangement the touch screen (15) displays instructions to the customer on how to operate the display system (11). These instructions include selection of the camera to obtain the required view, adjusting the camera position (for the second and third cameras) and settings (zoom, focus etc) if required, and the mode of operation (still, time lapse or motion).

A window (16) on the touch screen (15) displays the real time image received from the camera (12, 13 and 14). In this way the camera(s) can be set up and an image taken on command from the customer (17) by touching the appropriate icon on the control panel (20).

In this embodiment 1 , 2 or 3 images, depending on which camera views were chosen, may be taken and stored in the processor. The image(s) will also be displayed in a window (16) on the touch screen (15).

The customer (17) may then select another item to wear (18, 19 etc) and repeat the process until one or more images of the customer wearing each item have been taken and stored. The customer (17) can use the touch pad to select the images to view, for example by choosing images from a gallery of miniaturised (thumbnail) images. An inter-comparison is then made of the various items and a selection made.

The touch screen (15) includes a transmitter (21), in the form of a Bluetooth connection. With this facility the customer can send selected images to remote devices (such as, without limitation, cell phones, laptop computers, PDAs etc) so that others can provide additional input to assist with making the final selection.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof of the accompanying claims.

Claims

WHAT 1 CLAIM IS:

1. A display methodology, including the step of

(a) capturing a series of images of a subject wearing an object,

characterised by the step of

(b) displaying some or all of the images contemporaneously on a display device.

2. A display methodology as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the series of images includes images showing different views of the subject wearing the same object.

3. A display methodology as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the series of images includes images of the subject wearing different objects.

4. A display methodology as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the display methodology is implemented in a retail environment.

5. A display methodology as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the subject is a customer and the object is an article for sale.

6. A display methodology as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the object is eyewear.

7. A display system including;

a display device;

characterised in that the image processor is configured to display some or all of the images contemporaneously on the display device.

8. A display system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the image capture device is a digital camera.

9. A display system as claimed in either claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the image capture device includes a remote control device.

10. A display system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the image capture device is mounted to the display device.

11. A display system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the position of at least one image capture device is variable.

12. A display system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11 wherein two or more image capture devices are placed strategically about the position of the subject to be imaged.

13. A display system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the two or more image capture devices are configured to capture an image of the subject at substantially the same time.

14. A display system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 13 wherein the display device is a touch screen.

15. A display system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 14 including a subject operated interactive control configured to interact with the display device.

16. A display system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 15 wherein the display device includes a transmitter configured to transmit the image to a remote receiver.

17. A display system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the remote receiver is a computer.

18. A display system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the remote receiver is a cellular telephone.

19. A processor including a set of computer executable instructions configured to facilitate operation of a digital camera to capture a series of images of a subject wearing an object and to display some or all of the images contemporaneously on a display device.

20. A processor as claimed in claim 19 wherein the set of computer executable instructions includes tools to edit one or more of the series of images.

21. A display methodology substantially as herein described.

22. A display system substantially as herein described and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

23. A processor including a set of computer executable instructions substantially as herein described.