WO2016041585A1

WO2016041585A1 - Conveying content in a hygienic environment

Info

Publication number: WO2016041585A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/069727
Authority: WO
Inventors: Magnus NORDIN
Original assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
Current assignee: Essity Hygiene and Health AB
Priority date: 2014-09-16
Filing date: 2014-09-16
Publication date: 2016-03-24
Anticipated expiration: 2017-03-16

Abstract

An information display device (1) comprising display means (14) to display content for conveying said content to a user and comprising display control means (13) to receive sensor data from a hygienic service facility, the information display device (1) being configured to display at least two alternatives of content on said display means (14); receive sensor data by means of said display control means (13); determine an adaptation on the basis of the received sensor data; and to adapt the content conveyed to said user by changing the content displayed to a corresponding alternative on said display means (14) based on the determined adaptation.

Description

CONVEYING CONTENT IN A HYGIENIC ENVIRONMENT

Technical field

The present invention relates to an information display device for conveying content to a user of a hygienic service facility. The present invention particularly relates to conveying said content in conjunction with hygienic service facilities, including, for example, toilets, urinals, sinks, dispensers, and the like. The present invention further relates to conveying advertisement content with such devices and corresponding systems, and to methods corresponding to the above .

Background

It is known to employ various information display devices in the context of hygienic service facilities, such as restrooms, for the purpose of conveying various types of content to the restroom or facility users. Conventionally, the fact is already appreciated that users of restrooms usually spend some minimum required time there for using one or more hygienic service facilities. This time is required according to the nature of the use, and, correspondingly, users cannot escape from those facilities until the use is actually finished. In other words, such environments lend themselves to displaying advertisements in any form, since they do not suffer from disadvantages as compared to advertisements on, for example, television or the internet, where the user may switch channels, skip content, or simply leave the room or turn away from the displayed content.

Further, there are feedback systems that can convey to an advertisement provider information on how many users have been probably exposed to what kind of advertisement. These concepts can employ the sensor and control equipment which is already part of the installed and conventional hygienic service facilities for, e.g., counting their respective use during the display of a specific advertisement. Specifically, these systems can, for example, report how many times a flush was activated during the broad/narrow-cast of a specific advertisement, from which, in turn, information can be inferred that indicates the number of "users" actually exposed to a specific content. This allows the provider to optimize the broad/narrow-cast of content and/or implement corresponding billing schemes.

However, in conventional configurations also several information terminal devices, i.e. more than one information terminal device, are installed in one or for one facility. For example, in a restroom there are installed information terminal devices at each one of an individual plurality of hygienic service facilities in the form of, for example, a toilet, a urinal, or a sink. The conventional arts, however, consider only a uniform operation of the individual information terminal devices which may then suffer from a suboptxmal use of the employed equipment or even a diminished satisfaction by users that, in turn, decreases the overall perception penetration of the target content.

In addition to this, during use of a hygienic service facility, the user's attention varies with regard to displayed content in such environment. Specifically, during use of a facility, a user typically approaches an individual hygienic service facility, checks for its availability and cleanliness state, uses the facility and moves away for accomplishing other tasks, such as, for example, washing and drying his/her hands. Therefore, not only the user's field of view drastically changes during such a use cycle, but also the attention toward displayed content dramatically varies.

There is therefore a need for an improved information display device in the context of hygienic service facilities and corresponding systems that can react more flexible to the actual use by one or more visitors/users to a hygienic service facility. More specifically, there is a need for concepts that optimize perception penetration of the target content in such contexts. At the same time, it is desirable to make great use of given equipment already installed and therefore available.

Summary

The mentioned problems are solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims . Further preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided an information display device comprising display means to display content for conveying said content to a user and comprising display control means to receive sensor data from a hygienic service facility, the information display device being configured to display at least two alternatives of content on said display means; receive sensor data by means of said display control means; determine an adaptation on the basis of the received sensor data; and to adapt the content conveyed to said user by changing the content displayed to a corresponding alternative on said display means based on the determined adaptation. According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a system comprising an information display device according to a corresponding embodiment and a hygienic service facility, wherein said hygienic service facility is any one of, or a combination of any of, a toilet, an urinal, a sink, a dispenser, a towel dispenser, a toilet paper dispenser, a soap dispenser, a liquid dispenser, an disinfection dispenser, a dryer, and a trash can.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method for conveying content to a user comprising the steps of displaying at least two alternatives of content on display means of an information display device; receiving sensor data from a hygienic service facility by means of display control means of said information display device; determining an adaptation on the basis of the received sensor data; and adapting the content conveyed to said user by changing the content displayed to a corresponding alternative on said display means based on the determined adaptation.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the present invention, which are presented for better understanding the inventive concepts and which are not to be seen as limiting the invention, will now be described with reference to the figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an information display device according to an embodiment of the present invention as part of a possible overall system configuration; Figure 2 shows a schematic view of details in control means and display control means as part of an information display device or corresponding system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a network entity according to another embodiment of the present invention; gures 4A and 4B show a schematic view of different contents to be displayed in response to determining the adaptation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 shows an alternative hygienic service facility according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a general method embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an information display device according to an embodiment of the present invention as part of a possible and exemplary overall system configuration. This exemplary system configuration comprises a hygienic service facility 1 in the form of a urinal installation. Consequently, hygienic service facility 1 comprises a urinal bowl 11 and related control means 12. The latter control means 12 comprise suitable elements and components that control and operate urinal bowl 11. For example, control means 12 implement and effect flushing actions in response to a user moving away from the hygienic service facility 1. However, control means 12 may implement various further functions as they may be desirable in the context of a hygienic service facility (e.g. disinfection, deodorization, etc.). Further details of exemplary control means 12 are discussed in conjunction with Figure 2.

As shown in Figure 1, an information display device is implemented in the context of the hygienic service facility 1 and comprises display means 14 as well as display control means 13. Display means 14 may be in any suitable form, including usual components, such as LCD panels, OLED panels, LED panels, touch screen panels, loud speakers, audio output means, and the like. Display means 14 may further comprise protective elements such as additional glass sheets or transparent plastic sheets that protect the internal components from humidity, liquids, vandalism, damage, detergents, and the like.

Display control means 13 are arranged to effect display of content on display means 14 by means of providing appropriate signals to the internal components of display means 14. Display control means 13 are further arranged to receive sensor data from control means 12 regarding the operation and/or use of the hygienic service facility 1. Display control means 13 or, in general, the information display device, is further arranged to determine an adaptation on the basis of the received sensor data and to adapt the content displayed on said display means 14 to a corresponding alternative based on the determined adaptation.

In this way, the information display device according to the present embodiment can at least convey two different contents to a user of hygienic service facility 1 and adapt the display thereof, i.e. to change from a first, initial content to a second, alternative content, in response to receiving sensor data from control means 12. In an advantageous manner, therefore, the information display device according to the present invention can react to the actual use of the hygienic service facility 1, and, in turn, exploit the time that a user spends with the hygienic service facility 1 in a more efficient fashion.

For example, the information display device can display a first advertisement in the form of some video and/or graphical content when the hygienic service facility 1 is in an idle state and currently not used by a specific user. This first content may be adapted so that users passing by hygienic service facility 1 can take note of the content and so that the first content penetrates to the users' consciousness as far as possible. For example, this first content is static or slow moving content so that even users that walk by can perceive the content .

On the other hand, when actual use of the hygienic service facility 1 commences, is in progress, or comes to an end, the information display device adapts the display content to an alternative content. In this way, the alternative content may be, for example, a second advertisement in the form of again a graphical and/or video content which is more adapted to the likely increased attention of the user that is probably paid during use of the hygienic service facility 1. For example, the second alternative content can be a video content making use of the increased attention the user can pay to the display means during use of the facility. Furthermore, the alternative content may also comprise audio content conveyed to the user during the use of the hygienic service facility 1, whereas that audio content is suppressed and/or diminished in output volume during times when the hygienic service facility 1 is not indirect use and or is in an idle state.

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of details in control means and display control means as part of an information display device or corresponding system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, control means 12 comprise a processing unit 121 that is arranged to effect control over the provided functions of the corresponding hygienic service facility. For example, control means 12 may comprise a proximity sensor 122 in the form of e.g. an infrared sensor (PIR) . By means of sensor 122, the control unit 121 can determine whether a user approaches a hygienic service facility, stands or sits in the vicinity thereof, or is moving away.

This information can serve as a basis for controlling one or more magnetic valves 123. For example, one valve 123 may be arranged for initiating a flushing action by flushing a bowl with water. Alternatively or additionally, a valve can be used to add cleaning and/or the deodorization substances in conjunction with said flushing action or a dedicated cleaning/deodorization action. The valves may be for instance electrically, electromagnetically, or magnetically controlled. Optionally, the valves are arranged together with a pump for initiating a flushing or any other suitable action. Furthermore, other sensors 124 may be provided for obtaining additional information. For example, sensor 124 may be a liquid level sensor that obtains data regarding a filling state of a liquid reservoir. Said reservoir may be for storing cleaning and or deodorization substances.

In general, the information obtained and involved in conjunction with the various sensors and elements 122, 123, 124, etc., can be used for generating said sensor data that can be, in turn, forwarded to and obtained by display control means 13. Said sensor data can be raw data or processed data, but, in any way, is preferably suitable for obtaining some kind of information on the state of the hygienic service facility. For example, data from proximity sensor 122 can serve for determining a use state of a corresponding hygienic service facility. In particular, a situation in which a proximity of a user is detected may indicate that actual use of the facility has commenced or is about to commence. One or more predetermined time constants may apply for determining the adaptation. For example, a predetermined time after proximity detection can be waited until the content is adapted to the alternative which can take into account preparatory actions by the user before he/she is more relaxed in order to enjoy and/or perceive content. This may be exploited by embodiments of the present invention by means of adapting the content displayed on display means 12.

Alternatively or additionally, content may be displayed that conveys some kind of instruction to a user. For example, the alternative content may convey information to a user such as "Thank you...", "Please wash your hands...", and the like. Furthermore, such information may be conveyed in conjunction with an additional alternative that is content displayed in response to receiving further sensor data. For example, sensor data may be available that indicates initiating a flushing action which is probably in connection with ending actual use of a hygienic service facility. For example, a static and simple content may remind the user to carry out a subsequent action (washing hands, using soap, drying hands, applying disinfection (e.g. alcoholic gel, alcogel) agents, and the like) . Conveying such content toward the end of actual use may minimize the time that passes until the user reaches to a further related facility and thus maximizes chances that the user still remembers the message and is thus more likely to wash his/her hands, and the like. In general, a sequence of several contents may be displayed in accordance with a use cycle whose characteristic times are determined by corresponding sensor data and/or preset time constants.

Display control means 13 comprise a processing unit 131 for implementing the obtaining of sensor data from control means 12 and implementing display of content on display means 14. An interface 132 may be provided for implementing data exchange to control means 12. Display control means 13 further comprise a display controller 134 and a memory unit 135. Display controller 134 is arranged to receive data and or instructions from control unit 131 as regards the display of content. Display controller 134 is further arranged to generate and output signals 92 that are suitable for instructing any involved display components to display the corresponding content. For example, display controller 134 generates electronic signals that make an LCD panel (or one of a related or equivalent technology) display a specific image for a specific time. In this way, display of graphical, text, multimedia, or moving (video) content can be implemented. According to further embodiments of the present invention, display control means 134 may be further configured to also generate signals that are suitable for generating an audio output.

The memory unit 135 may be provided for storing content data that is suitable for rendering first and/or alternative content on display means 14. For example, memory means 135 store video and/or audio data that can be conveyed by means of display controller 134 to display means 14. Alternatively, control unit 131 accesses memory means 135 for correspondingly instructing display controller 134 so as to convey the content to display means 14. Here it is assumed that controller 134 can also convey audio output, but it is likewise possible that a dedicated controller (not shown) and related means are provided for outputting audio. Additionally, it may be provided that display control means

13 comprise a communication unit 133 that is arranged to exchange data 91 with a network 3. In one embodiment, control unit 131 instructs communication unit 133 to report use data regarding the use and/or state of the hygienic service facility 1 toward network 3. Additionally or alternatively, control unit 131 uses communication unit 133 to obtain one or more sets of data for displaying a first and/or alternative content on display means 14. This data may be locally stored in memory unit 135 for later retrieval at the time when first content is to be displayed and/or the adaptation has been determined.

Furthermore, communication means 133 may also be used for retrieving content from network 3 on the spot . In other words, the control unit 131 may use communication unit 133 to request and retrieve content to be displayed on display means

14 according to the current operational state and/or the determination of the adaptation. For example, the initial content may be stored locally by means of memory unit 135 so that it can be displayed at all times regardless of whether data 91 can be exchanged toward network 3 or not. Once the adaptation is determined, however, control unit 131 may employ communication means 133 so as to retrieve the alternative content from network 3 and to convey it directly, or via a buffering memory unit 135, to display controller 134 for display on display means 14. Communication means 133 may be implemented in any suitable fashion so as to convey data 91 via a wireless or wire bound link toward network 3. For example, communication means 133 is a wireless LAN (WLAN) unit or a unit that exchanges data toward a cellular communication network (GPRS, 3GPP, LTE, and the like) .

Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a network entity according to another embodiment of the present invention. In general, the network entity 300 can be in the form of an application running on hardware that is shared by one or more further applications and tasks within the network 3. Usually, network tasks are implemented in the form of individual programs running on processing equipment connected to a network or being part of the network infrastructure as such. However, the network entity may be likewise identified as a piece of hardware where the above program is executed. The network entity 300 may implement the location within or for network 3, where data 91 is exchanged toward the corresponding hygienic service facility. Specifically, the network entity 300 may be implemented for receiving and/or analyzing use data and/or to provide the required content data.

Generally, the network entity 300 may be implemented by means of processing resources 310, memory resources 320, and communication resources 330. These resources 310, 320 and 330 may be shared resources by means of which other tasks and applications can be implemented on the same hardware. In a preferred embodiment, a server hardware comprises the resources 310, 320 and 330 for implementing the network entity 300. In a corresponding embodiment, the memory resources 320 store code that instruct the processing means 310 and communication means 330 so as to implement the corresponding embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, the memory means 310 comprise code to implement the exchange of information 91, to determine the one or more target information display devices, and to generate data to be forwarded to these devices for conveying content thereto. The corresponding functionalities may further include identifying a specific user and to convey specific content for display by means of the information display device.

Figures 4A and 4B show a schematic view of different contents to be displayed in response to determining the adaptation according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 4A, this embodiment firstly assumes that the display means 14 associated to some hygienic service facility- displays a first content 93-1. The display and any other actions may be controlled by control means 13 being provided in or for the service facility and/or display means 14. Meanwhile, the reception of sensor data triggers the determination of the adaptation. In response to the adaptation result, the contents displayed on display means 14 is adapted to alternative contents 93-2 as shown in Fig. 4B. While the first display of the first content 93-1 may be of general nature, i.e. being of interest to as many users as possible or being adapted to lower degree of attention of users, the second contents 93-2 may be adapted to a higher degree of attention, possibly even tailored to a specific user group or even to a specific user.

Figure 5 shows an alternative hygienic service facility according to another embodiment of the present invention. Instead of urinal 11 as shown and discussed in conjunction with Figure 1, Figure 5 shows a toilet installation as a further hygienic service facility 1-1. As usual, such an installation comprises a toilet bowl 11-1 and possibly additional equipment common in the context of hygienic service facilities, including, for example, a toilet paper dispenser 15, a disinfection pad dispenser, hygienic bag dispensers, trash cans and the like. Furthermore, display means 14 may be again provided that conveys content to the user of hygienic service facility 1-1.

As in respective other embodiments, control means 12 and display control means 13 are provided as part of being able to convey sensor data to adapt content displayed by means of an information display device (on display means 14) . Control means 12 and display control means 13 may substantially the same as those described in conjunction with Figure 1 and/or 2. However, additional equipment may be provided in connection with a toilet seat, including for example, means for disinfecting the seat, heating the seat, seat weight sensor, bidet showers, etc. Data and signals involved in the control and operation of such elements may well again serve as being conveyed as sensor data to display control means 13, as long as they are suitable for indicating a state of the hygienic service facility 1-1. For example, a seat weight sensor may be suitable for sensing the seating down of a user.

Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a general method embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method for conveying content to a user comprising a step 601 of displaying at least two alternatives of content on display means of an information display device; a step 602 receiving sensor data from a hygienic service facility by means of display control means of said information display device; a step 603 determining an adaptation on the basis of the received sensor data; and a step 604 of adapting the content conveyed to said user by changing the content displayed to a corresponding alternative on said display means based on the determined adaptation. According to further embodiments, the general method embodiment is modified so as to comprise one or more steps for implementing an information display device and/or a system according to the corresponding embodiment of the present invention.

Besides urinals and toilets, there are, of course, various other possible implementations of hygienic service facilities that could form part of further embodiments of the present invention and which possibly replace urinal 11 or toilet 11-1 as the facility under consideration. Examples include hand wash sinks, towel dispenser for dispensing paper or multiuse towels, soap or liquid dispensers, alcoholic gel (alcogel) dispenser, disinfection dispensers, showers, trash cans, and the like. Related data again includes any one of operation data, sensor data, etc. Moreover, input means may be provided in conjunction with one or more hygienic service facilities that allow manual or automated launch of the adaptation. For example, user can indicate by individual and local means in the vicinity of the facility (e.g. a switch), or such input means may be implemented via a network and some kind of mobile device (e.g. app on a smartphone) .

In general and in principle applicable to all embodiments of the present invention, a service facility may be also a combination of one or more of the disclosed individual facilities. Specifically, the hygienic service facility may comprise a combination of one or more of, a toilet, an urinal, a sink, a dispenser, a towel dispenser, a toilet paper dispenser, a soap dispense, a liquid dispenser a disinfection dispenser, an alcogel dispenser, a dryer, and a trash can. For one more of individual such facilities systems, devices, and units may be provided. Further, one network entity may be part of one or more systems.

Although detailed embodiments have been described, these only serve to provide a better understanding of the invention defined by the independent claims, and are not to be seen as limiting.

Claims

1. An information display device comprising display means to display content for conveying said content to a user and comprising display control means to receive sensor data from a hygienic service facility, the information display device being configured to: display at least two alternatives of content on said display means;

receive sensor data by means of said display control means ;

determine an adaptation on the basis of the received sensor data; and to

adapt the content conveyed to said user by changing the content displayed to a corresponding alternative on said display means based on the determined adaptation.

2. The information display device according to claim 1, being configured to display a first content on said display means prior to determining said adaptation, and to display a second content on the display means as said alternative after determining the adaptation.

3. The information display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said alternative is a modification of content being displayed on said display means prior to

determining said adaptation. . The information display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the content and/or the

alternative comprises any one of audio, video, image, multimedia, and text content.

5. The information display device according to claim 4, wherein a first advertisement content is displayed on said display means prior to determining said adaptation, and a second advertisement is displayed as said

alternative, wherein said first advertisement is adapted to be recognized from afar, and said second

advertisement is adapted to be recognized from the near.

6. The information display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said information display device further comprises audio output means.

7. The information display device according to claim 6,

wherein said audio output means area adapted to output audio at a first volume prior to determining said adaptation, and at a second higher volume after

determining the adaptation.

8. The information display device according to claim 7,

wherein said audio output means are adapted to suppress an output of audio prior to determining said adaptation.

9. The information display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising control means for controlling and/or obtaining data from a hygienic service facility, wherein said sensor data is conveyed from said control means to said display control means.

10. The information display device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said sensor data originates from a proximity sensor and indicates that a user is using said hygienic service facility and/or is in a proximity or vicinity of said hygienic service facility.

11. The information display device according to claims 9 and 10, wherein said control means comprise an infrared proximity sensor, and said adaptation is determined when sensor data from said infrared proximity sensor

indicates that a user is using said hygienic service facility and/or is in a proximity or vicinity of said hygienic service facility.

12. The information display device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising communication means to at least receive content data from a network.

13. The information display device according to claim 12, wherein said communication means comprise means for communicating with any one of the internet, a wireless local area network (WLA ) , a local area network (LAN) , and a cellular communication network.

1 . The information display device according to claim 12 or 13 , wherein said communication means are adapted to retrieve said alternative in response to determining said adaptation.

15. A system comprising an information display device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and a hygienic service facility, wherein said hygienic service facility is any one of, or a combination of any of, a toilet, an urinal, a sink, a dispenser, a towel dispenser, a toilet paper dispenser, a soap dispenser, a liquid dispenser, an disinfection dispenser, a dryer, and a trash can.

16. A method for conveying content to a user comprising the steps of: displaying at least two alternatives of content on display means of an information display device; receiving sensor data from a hygienic service facility by means of display control means of said information display device;

determining an adaptation on the basis of the received sensor data; and

adapting the content conveyed to said user by changing the content displayed to a corresponding alternative on said display means based on the determined adaptation.

The method of claim 16, comprising one or more further steps so as to implement an information display device according to any one of claims 2 to 14 or a system according to claim 15.