WO2014060624A1

WO2014060624A1 - Interactive showcase with in-built display screen

Info

Publication number: WO2014060624A1
Application number: PCT/ES2013/070706
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nilo GARCÍA MANCHADO
Original assignee: Crambo, Sa
Priority date: 2012-10-16
Filing date: 2013-10-16
Publication date: 2014-04-24
Also published as: EP2910151A1; EP2910151A4

Abstract

The invention relates to an interactive showcase with an integrated display screen that combines the display of a product with the presentation of said product, of the type that comprises a central space (1) for placing the products that are to be displayed and a display screen (2) that defines the front part of the central space (1) and comprises a light source (3) having a plurality of LEDs (41) distributed around the edge of the inner part of the display (2) and focussed perpendicularly in relation to a reflective surface (4) in such a way that the display screen (2) is backlit; where said display screen (2) comprises first zones (5) via which the actual product in the showcase is displayed and second zones (6) via which the image of the desired advertisement is shown; and where the showcase also comprises an in-built computer (7).

Description

INTERACTIVE ESCAPE WITH INCORPORATED SCREEN

DESCRIPTION The present invention is framed within the windows that offer information about the products that are placed in them displayed in stores.

STATE OF THE PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE State-of-the-art showcase systems are known that use projectors to offer some type of image of the establishment's window. The most important problem of this type of systems is that they need a lot of light power and enough space to be able to place the projector and that it projects the light properly inside the window. In addition, the product must be placed in certain positions because in certain places when pointing the projector the light would be earlier on the product than on the window of the shop window and a shadow would be cast. In this way, with the system described, the design of the showcase is very complicated since it is subject to these projection limitations. EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention proposes an interactive showcase. In a preferred embodiment it comprises a translucent LCD screen. With this showcase, the projection problem described above is solved.

The light on this device only allows you to see the image when it has an interior light source since otherwise the content of the image you want to show in the shop window. It is essential to properly choose the way to illuminate from the rear without that light competing with the image shown on the screen.

In one embodiment of the invention, the light source that is used to illuminate the LCD screen of the showcase from the inside is positioned such that said light source surrounds the screen from the inside and is projected onto a surface that reflects said light. . In a particular embodiment of the invention said light reflecting surface is a surface white This surface acts as a reflection of the light that impacts from within the escape to the translucent screen so that the image on the screen is properly seen.

In the showcase of the present invention, real products and the images associated with them can be presented at the same time. The showcase differentiates areas where you have to always leave or on many occasions that the real product is seen so that the image that is presented properly fills everything around.

It also contemplates the possibility that the real product moves and that the LCD screen synchronizes with said movement to raise an apparent reality much more complete. For example, in case the product is a toy train that moves through the window and the image projected on the LCD screen accompanies the train route changing landscape as it passes. It also contemplates the option that the product is immobile and simulates its movement from the LCD screen. For example, if you have the product in a woman's dummy in which the screen represents the head and that you can detect it, for example by detecting a camera placed on the screen following with the head a person who walks in front of the showcase. The present invention makes it possible, for example, to make the dummy's head follow the direction of the person walking in front of the shop window and to detect that the person has stopped, also stop the dummy's head and speak to it.

The interactive showcase of the invention may have at least one speaker and at least one microphone in order to detect and reproduce sounds. You can also have at least one camera or other means of presence detection so that it is activated when you recognize that there is someone in front of the shop window and thus offer the contents depending on the type of person you have recognized. For example, if a child's presence is detected, toys are shown, if a man's presence is detected, sports-related products are displayed, etc.

The present invention also includes the interaction of the user with the showcase through the mobile phone, for example by means of NFC, a part of the showcase has activated a system to be able to place orders, fill out surveys or anything else that the user needs. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the window comprises a touch detection layer on the LCD screen so that the user can for example write on the screen. This is how to provide the touch screen with interactivity. The showcase can incorporate means of connection via WiFi and Bluethoot with the devices of nearby users.

In another embodiment of the invention, through the use of social networks it is possible to detect a person, either by Bluethoot or by detecting the WiFi mac of the shop window. A server confirms the user's proximity to the storefront and it is possible to offer specific content for that person, for example a specialized offer, in the storefront. You can also show the photo of the user you have active in a social network for that establishment. A person can also be detected by the combination of an image from the camera with another detection system of the person, for example by the detection of their position, or one of them or a combination of both. Likewise, with the aforementioned camera, the movements of the people standing in front of the window can be detected so that the window shows different images depending on these movements.

With this interactive showcase, all of the above is possible with the use of a projection instead of a translucent LCD screen.

This showcase can be connected to the store's stock so that it can promote, or not, the products that are in it giving priority to the products that are in stock and not offering those that are not.

This virtual storefront can have a reader or issue QR codes or barcodes through the screen for easier user interaction. It is possible to reproduce the content of what is presented on the screen on the mobile phone and use it as a communication system between the user and the shop window.

The light source can be a projection of a multimedia projector in two different ways, either with a projection that may or may not be synchronized with the image on the screen, which allows the creation of a stage at the back of the window such that it acts as light source and at the same time content can be broadcast anywhere in the window, it may well be a projection from the back of the window to the translucent screen from the back that can allow the light to reflect on the screen more controlled, whether or not the content broadcast with the screen content may be coordinated.

In one embodiment of the invention there are several translucent screens in the window so that the sensation of a floating image within the window can be created. In another embodiment of the invention there is a normal LCD screen as a shop window.

Throughout the description and the claims the word "comprises" and its variants are not intended to exclude other technical characteristics, additives, components or steps. For those skilled in the art, other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be derived partly from the description and partly from the practice of the invention. The following examples and drawings are provided by way of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting of the present invention. In addition, the present invention covers all possible combinations of particular and preferred embodiments indicated herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

A series of drawings that help to better understand the invention and that expressly relate to an embodiment of said invention which is presented as a non-limiting example thereof is described very briefly below.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of the interactive showcase object of the present invention.

FIG.2 shows a schematic front view of the screen (2) that is part of the present invention

FIG.3 Shows a block diagram of the computer (7) that integrates the showcase object of the present invention.

FIG. 4 Shows a diagram of the optical behavior of the lighting source inside the sales window.

DETAILED EXHIBITION OF MODES OF EMBODIMENT The interactive showcase of the present invention allows combining the product sample with the presentation of said product. Thus, the showcase of the invention has a central space (1) for the placement of the products to be displayed and a screen (2) that delimits the front part of the central space (1) and separates the consumer from the Products shown in the shop window. The showcase of the present invention further comprises a light source (3) that projects the light from inside the window. In one embodiment of the invention, this light source (3) projects the light towards a reflective surface (4) that acts as a reflection of the light that is intended to impact from within the window to the screen (2).

The light source (3) can be a multimedia projector that projects an image, synchronized or not with the image on the screen (2). This is how it acts as a light source (3) and as a content emitter in any part of the shop window. Emissions made from the projector may or may not be coordinated with the screen content (2).

The screen (2) is designed in such a way that it comprises first zones (5) through which the actual product is shown in the shop window and second zones (6) through which the image of the advertising that you want to perform. It is also possible that the actual product makes certain movements inside the window and the screen adapts to said movements so that the second zones (6) can be illuminated showing the relevant images in each case, following for example the product path real.

The showcase comprises a computer (7) to which the various elements that it comprises for the detection of people and for the management of the sample of the different products combined with the different advertisements shown in the case are connected.

The interactive showcase can also comprise at least one microphone and at least one speaker in order to detect and reproduce sounds.

Likewise, the showcase can comprise presence detection means such as cameras or other detection means so that the light source (3) is activated and the corresponding images are shown in the second zones (6) of the screen when detects that a person passes in front of the shop window. The detection means send a signal in case of detecting someone who activates the light source (3) and the projection of advertising in the second zones (6) of the screen (2). In addition the detection means allow to determine if the person who passes in front of the shop window is a man, a woman or a child and depending on that, the products that best adapt to the profile of the people who pass by are shown or adapted Advertising to these profiles.

The lighting can be blurred or with added lighting or coordinated with the product that is exposed.

The showcase may allow tactile interactivity with the user in an embodiment in which it comprises a touch sensing layer. The interaction can also be done via mobile phone, for example through NFC, WiFi, Bluethoot, etc.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the screen (2) is a translucent LCD screen. In another embodiment of the invention a projection on the screen (2) is used.

The storefront can also be connected by the computer (7) to the store's stock so that at any moment it is known which products are in stock in the store and which are not and based on that information the storefront is managed , showing only the products that are in stock and advertising those products.

Likewise, the virtual storefront can have a reader or emit QR codes or bar codes through the screen for a simpler interaction with the user.

In one embodiment of the invention there are several translucent screens (2) in the window so that the sensation of a floating image within the window can be created. In another embodiment of the invention there is an LCD screen as a shop window.

In an embodiment of the invention, the corners of the exposure zone are rounded, so that the vertex line is camouflaged and a greater sense of depth is created.

Likewise, the present invention comprises an embodiment in which the showcase is a hanging showcase which increases its versatility and can be part of a larger showcase or can be placed inside the store. More specifically, and as can be seen in Figure 3, an illustrative architecture of the computer (7) used in the various embodiments of the invention will be described. The computer architecture (7), shown in Figure 3 illustrates an embedded computer, which includes a central processing unit 35 (CPU), a system memory 37, which includes a random access memory 39 (RAM) and a memory read-only (ROM) 31 1, and a system bus 312 that couples memory to CPU 35.

A basic input / output system that contains the basic routines that help transfer information between the elements located on the computer, such as during startup, is stored in ROM 31 1. Computer 7 also includes a device 314 of mass storage to store an operating system 316, application programs and other program modules, which will be described in more detail in the following lines.

The mass storage device 314 is connected to the CPU 35 via a mass storage controller (not shown) connected to the bus 312. The mass storage device 314 and its associated computer-readable media provide non-volatile storage to the computer 7. Although the description of the computer-readable media contained herein refers to a mass storage device, such as a hard disk or a CD-ROM drive, it should be appreciated, by those skilled in the art, that Computer readable media can be any media that can be accessed by computer 7.

By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technique for storing information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid-state memory techniques, CD-ROMs, digital versatile disks (DVDs) or other storage devices. optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, magnetic disk storage devices or others magnetic storage devices or any other means that can be used to store the desired information and that can be accessed by computer 7. According to various embodiments of the invention, computer 7 can operate in a connection environment in network using logical connections with remote computers through a 318 network, such as the Internet. The computer 7 can connect to the network 318 through an interface unit 320 with the network connected to the bus 312. It should be appreciated that the interface unit 320 with the network can also be used to connect with other types of networks and from distant computer systems. The computer 7 can also include an input / output controller 322 for the reception and processing of an input from a plurality of other devices, including a keyboard, an electronic pointer (not shown in Figure 3). Similarly, the input / output controller 322 provides input and output with the LCD display (2) of the storefront.

As indicated briefly in the previous lines, a plurality of program modules and data files may be stored in the mass storage device 314 and in the RAM 39 of the computer 7, including an operating system 316 suitable for the control of the operation of the networked personal computer, such as the MICROSOFT CORPORATION® WINDOWS® operating system. The mass storage device 314 and RAM 39 can also store one or more program modules. In particular, the mass storage device 314 and the RAM 39 can store a web browser application program 10. As those skilled in the art know, the Web browser application program 310 is operative to request, receive, reproduce and provide interactivity with electronic documents, such as a Web page 324 that has been formatted using HTML. Also, the Web browser application program 310 can be operative to execute directives contained in the 324 Web page, such as directives using the JAVASCRIPT language of SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the Web browser application program 310 comprises The MICROSFOT CORPORATION INTERNET EXPLORER Web browser application program. It should be appreciated, however, that other Web browser application programs from other manufacturers can be used to materialize the various aspects of the present invention, such as the FIREFOX Web browser application of MOZILLA FOUNDATION. In particular, the Web page 324 may include HTML and directives which, when represented by the Web browser application 310, provide a visual representation of a program or programs stored on the computer 7. Also, the directives included in Web page 324 makes it possible for a computer user to interact with the representation provided by application 310 of the Web browser and modify application 310.

As indicated, the showcase comprises an internal lighting source. However, these lighting sources are of the flash type and after various tests and tests, it is observed that said lighting source prevents a correct contrast and visibility of the LCD 2, which logically poses a problem in these applications.

One of the objects of the present invention is to increase the user experience or usability of the showcase by increasing the interaction with the user, for which the LCD screen 2 is provided and in a practical embodiment, said LCD screen 2 is also tactile. That is why, in addition, the sales window incorporates an embedded computer 7, with network communication capability and all the features of an advanced computer system, which would even enable the possibility of establishing network games, communication with social networks, participation in promotions, among other multiple advantages of converting the sales window into a complete networked terminal, as indicated in the present specification. However, this is only possible if the LCD 2 itself is displayed correctly, while allowing to view the products sold.

For a correct visualization it has been demonstrated after different tests that said internal lighting must be reflective, that is, it must be reflected on the interior walls of the shop window, without directly affecting the LCD 2, since it would dazzle the user and practically It would be impossible to visualize and use it. On the other hand, as indicated, the light must be fully reflected, so that it is oriented towards the LCD 2 so that the user can observe the projection of images on it.

The solution to this technical problem is the combination of two elements: a plurality of white LEDs 41 (which integrate the light source 3) located occupying the entire perimeter of the LCD screen 2 and oriented perpendicularly towards the interior 101 of the showcase that it comprises a totally white reflective surface 4. In this way the reflection of the light strikes the LCD 2 itself with an angle to 'backlighting in this way. Note that the LEDs 41 located on the left and right sides of the LCD 2 also have an impact on the bottom of the interior 101 of the showcase, fulfilling the same effect as those on the top and bottom, as shown in Figure 4.

It is also well known that white LEDs 41 do not emit in a single direction, but that like any light emitter, they have a certain dispersion with an angle α that would reflect on adjacent walls and / or is oriented towards the product area with An angle β, which fulfills the double mission of illuminating the interior and the LCD 2.

In addition, the influence of the ambient light on the visibility of the LCD screen 2 must be highlighted. To dampen this effect, it incorporates a brightness detector, which allows the computer 7 to establish the required power in the white LEDs 41, which will be variable depending on the ambient light.

It has been indicated that the white light emitted by the LEDs 41 has to be reflected inside the window 101. Therefore, it is essential that (a) the LED 41 be white and (b) that the interior 101 of the window be completely white to facilitate reflection, since another color would absorb a certain range of visible light and impair the visibility of the LCD screen 2. Within the targets, a matt white, without brightness, would be preferable, since the brightness is observed through the screen and impairs visibility.

In order to obtain a totally white interior 101, it is also preferable that the window vents are also painted white and / or have a white cover plate or plate that does not logically impede its function.

One of the advantages of the invention is, therefore, to have the product stock fully updated, which, through remote communication, would allow remote control of the showcase, reducing maintenance costs. Therefore, the computer 7 allows the remote control or the implementation of some protocol that allows establishing a versatile sale and / or controlling the sample of the product housed inside it on a mobile platform. Thus, the showcase comprises a mobile platform controlled by the computer 7, so that the visibility of the product is markedly increased.

Claims

1 - Interactive showcase with built-in screen that allows you to combine the sample of a product with the presentation of said product of the type that includes a central space (1) for the placement of the products to be displayed and a screen (2) which delimits the front part of the central space (1) and is characterized in that it comprises a light source (3) comprising a plurality of LEDs (41) distributed perimetrically in the internal part of the screen (2) and focused perpendicularly with respect to a reflective surface (4) such that the screen (2) is backlit; and where said screen (2) comprises first zones (5) through which the actual product in the shop window is shown and second zones (6) through which the image of the advertising shown is shown. wants to perform; and where the window also includes an embedded computer (7).

2- Showcase according to claim 1 comprising a white reflective surface (4) that receives the light from the light source (3) and that reflects said light towards the screen (2).

3- Showcase according to any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one microphone and at least one speaker.

4- Showcase according to any one of the preceding claims comprising presence detection means that send a signal when they detect that a person passes in front of the window that activates the light source (3) and shows the corresponding images in the second zones ( 6) of the screen (2).

5- Showcase according to any one of the preceding claims that interacts with the user via NFC, WiFi or Bluethoot. 6- Showcase according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the screen (2) is a translucent LCD screen.

7- Showcase according to any one of the preceding claims in which a projection is used on the screen (2).

eleven

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) 8- Showcase according to any one of claims 1 to 5 in which there are several translucent screens (2).

9- Showcase according to any one of the preceding claims in which the central space (1) has rounded corners.

10 - Showcase according to any of the preceding claims comprising a touch detection layer. 1 1 - Showcase according to the preceding claims wherein the reflective surface is matt white.

12 - Showcase according to the preceding claims comprising a brightness sensor.

13 - Showcase according to the preceding claims comprising a mobile platform housed inside and connected to the computer (7).

12

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26)