HK1083246B - Floor display system - Google Patents

Description

Floor display system

Material of the present application

This application shares serial application of U.S. provisional application No. 60/378,070 filed on day 5, month 16, 2002 as claimed in U.S. 35u.s.c.119(e), part serial co-pending application No. 10/285,639 filed on day 11, month 1, 2002, application No. 10/285,639 is application No. 10/137,357 filed on day 5, month 3, 2002 (now entitled US6,507,285 on day 14, month 1, 2003). Application No. 10/137,357 is a continuation of application No. 09/767,846 filed on 24.1.2001 (now entitled US6,417,778 on 9.7.2002). Application No. 09/767,846 is a continuation of application No. 09/418,752 filed on 15.10.1999 but was abandoned. Application No. 09/418,75 is a continuation of application No. 09/304,051 filed on 4.5.1999 (now granted US6,219,876 on 24.4.2001).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to floor display systems, and more particularly to configurations and methods for adapting floor display systems for use in a variety of commercial applications.

Background

Many mediums are known for publicly conveying information such as advertising information. More commonly, such media employ, for example, "vertical space". That is, the medium is typically a device such as a billboard display, a wall and ceiling mounted display, and a display on an electronic device such as a substantially vertical television screen and a computer monitor screen.

However, for publicly transferring information, a large amount of horizontal space is not used. The horizontal space includes a floor space within a public transportation area, such as a commercial building or other public building.

U.S. patent No.6,417,778, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses a system for electronically communicating information via a floor display. The invention disclosed relates to advantageous modifications and variants of such floor display systems. In particular, a floor display system is disclosed that includes a plurality of interactive features for use in commercial or other public spaces.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention provides a ground display system, comprising: a floor covering; and an electronic display device associated with the floor covering; wherein the electronic display device is configured to display at least one of an electronically adjustable graphical image and electronically adjustable alphanumeric data.

An audio device configured to output electronically adjustable audio content is also included.

A detection mechanism configured to detect an indication related to the presence and activity of the person and cause the floor display system to act accordingly in response is also included.

The detection mechanism includes a sound detection device. The detection arrangement comprises a motion detection device.

The action is to generate a predetermined display. The action is to produce a predetermined audio output.

The detection mechanism includes a contactless input device configured to receive identity information from an identity device.

The floor display system is configured to generate a customized display associated with a particular person corresponding to the identity information. The contactless input device is configured to receive information from a travel itinerary corresponding to at least one item within a commercial establishment.

The invention also proposes a floor display system comprising: a floor covering; and an image projection device configured to project at least one of an electronically adjustable graphical image and electronically adjustable alphanumeric data from a distance onto the floor covering; the image projection device is located within a recess in the floor, and a floor covering is disposed over the recess.

The image projection device is movably coupled to the guide member to position the image projection device in a desired position relative to the floor covering. The image projection device is configured to automatically align vertically with the floor covering. The floor covering has a white or silver surface. The floor covering includes a transmissive medium.

Drawings

FIG. 1 illustrates a floor display system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate details of a floor covering of the floor display system;

FIG. 3 shows a floor covering including a "mixed media" display that includes a fixed non-electronic portion and a dynamic electronic portion;

FIG. 4 illustrates a floor display system including a contactless mechanism for obtaining identity information from an identity device, and also relates to other embodiments described in further detail below;

FIG. 5 illustrates a floor display system including a safety feature;

6A-6C illustrate a floor display system in which images are projected through an image projection system on a floor covering; and

fig. 7 illustrates a floor display system including a data input/output device for inputting desired items and outputting their respective locations within a commercial establishment.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a floor display system with interactive features. The floor display system may be disposed in a public space, such as a commercial establishment or other public building, and configured to display electronically arbitrarily adjustable content, such as advertising or other informational content. In various embodiments, the floor display system may be configured to indicate the presence or activity of a person in the vicinity, and when the indication is detected, to perform a corresponding movement in response. For example, the floor display system may generate a predetermined display to respond when an indication of a person is detected. The floor display system may further generate certain predetermined audio outputs in response to detecting a person. These and other advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below.

As mentioned above, US6,417,778 discloses an electronic messaging system using a floor display. More particularly, the floor display may incorporate a modifiable electronic display surface, such as a liquid crystal display. Such a display may be connected to a computer and computer generated images can be displayed on the display. Thus, the image displayed in the display may be altered by generating a different computer image and displaying that computer image on the display. The display may be associated with a base portion of a floor covering, such as contained within a recess, or may be contained on an inserted, upwardly facing bottom surface of the floor covering. Alternatively, the display may be integrated with the base portion or the insert portion. The modifiable display may utilize a plurality of different graphics that can be displayed on the display in a variety of different manners. For example, graphics may be displayed in a generally fixed location on a display or may scroll through a display in two exemplary ways that display several graphics, either individually or in combination.

Other alternative methods of modifying the graphics displayed on the floor covering include the use of light emitting polymers to create the graphics and so alter the graphics. The light emitting polymers may be applied to, attached to, or incorporated into a floor covering. The light emitting polymer may be utilized on any portion of the floor covering, such as on the base portion or the insert portion, or on any other portion of the different embodiments of the floor covering. Luminescent polymers are known and have been described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,945,502, 5,869,350 and 5,571,626, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Other options for the display are to use electronic ink or electronic paper. Electrotechnical paper is available from Xerox corporation and is described in U.S. Pat. nos. 5,723,204, 5,604,027, 4,126,854, 4,143,103, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Electro-paper uses thousands of tiny, electrically charged beads, called Gyricon, each about the width of a person's hair to create a pixel. The bi-colored beads are embedded in a liquid-filled plastic sheeting that forms the paper surface. Each bead is half black and half white, and is continuously rotated according to an electric field. Whether the beads are black side up or white side up determines the image. Because there is no need to update the image, and because the screen is not backlit, the electronic paper uses only a small portion of the power used by conventional electronic displays. Electromagnetic styluses and printer-like devices may be used to present images to paper.

Electronic Ink is supplied by E Ink corp., at 45 Spinelli p1., Cambridge, MA02138(E Ink). Electronic ink uses a micro-encapsulated micro-structured display system. Tiny microcapsules are trapped between two plastic sheets to create a pixel. Alternatively, the capsules may be sprayed on a surface. The result is a plastic display material. The microcapsules are transparent and contain a mixture of black ink and white pigment fragments. An electrical charge is passed through the capsules. Depending on the electrostatic charge, the pigment chips either float on the top of each capsule or stay on the bottom of each capsule. When the paint chips float on top, the surface appears white. When they rest on the bottom, thus under the ink, the surface appears black. Each of the two states is static: black or white. A transparent electromagnetic grid covering the surface of the sheet controls the shape of the image. This display system can be wirelessly connected to, for example, a computer to connect to the world's internet by using, for example, a motorola imaging system. If multiple displays are used, the text on all displays can be changed at once by an editor through a web page.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the floor display system may be implemented using techniques other than those described above or other techniques. A floor display system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in fig. 1. The floor display system 100 includes an electronic display device 101 associated with a floor covering 102. More particularly, the display device 101 may be at least partially attached to, supported by, contained within, or associated with the floor covering 102. The floor covering 102 and associated electronic display device 101 may take many structural configurations and be constructed from a variety of different materials and are not limited to the specific form shown herein. In an embodiment, the floor covering 102 and electronic display device 101 are designed for use in applications having foot traffic and other (e.g., wheeled shopping cart) traffic. Thus, the floor covering and electronic display device may be sufficiently durable to be repeatedly stepped on, walked on, or have a wheeled shopping cart or other rolling or sliding object pass over without adversely affecting the floor covering and display device. The electronic display device may, for example, have a durable protective covering that may be transparent or translucent so as to be viewable through the electronic display device and to protect the electronic display device from damage associated with feet or other passing objects, such as scratches, cracks, chips, tears, or other damage caused by environmental contaminants. The floor covering 102 may be fixed to the floor or may be portable so that it may be conveniently moved to other locations.

Fig. 2A and 2B are a top or plan view and a side orthogonal or elevation view, respectively, of the floor covering 102. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the floor covering 102 may include at least one inclined surface. More particularly, the floor covering 102 includes a plurality of inclined surfaces 212, 213, 214, and 215 that slope downward and away from the top surface 200 (which may be the surface of the protective covering of the display device 101, as shown) such that the entire perimeter of the floor covering provides an inclined surface for a person approaching the floor covering. Such a configuration may make the floor covering more easily straddled by people walking over the floor covering and by wheeled shopping carts if the floor covering is placed in an aisle of a commercial establishment. According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the display device 101 is disposed coplanar with one or more inclined surfaces of the floor covering. This makes the display of the display device more easily visible to persons at a distance from or close to the floor covering, since the display device may be slightly raised.

FIGS. 2C-2E illustrate an alternative manner of using a floor covering in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The two-part structure is shown in FIGS. 2C-2E. The two-part structure includes separate and substantially identical components 220, 221. Member 220 has a top surface 240 and inclined surfaces 225, 230 and 250. The member 221 has a top surface 241 and inclined surfaces 226, 231, and 251. Each component 220, 221 can be used individually in a floor display system. However, as shown in fig. 2D and 2E, the two components may be joined along their respective edges 260, 261 to form a composite structure having a beveled surface at both its peripheries to facilitate easier straddling of the composite structure.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the electronic display device 101 associated with the floor covering 102 may be configured to electronically display graphical images and alphanumeric data in either a static (no motion or change) or dynamic (e.g., scrolling or other motion or change) mode. More particularly, the electronic display device 101 may be connected to the controller 102 by wired or wireless means and may be adjusted by the controller 102 to display any content selected by the user. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, an electronic display device 101 may be connected to a controller 103 via a display driver circuit, such as a video graphics adapter card 105. The controller 103 may comprise any type of electronic logic circuit, such as a general purpose microprocessor, which may be constructed with software, or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). The driver 105 of the electronic display device may be integrated with the controller 103 or built into an ASIC. The controller may also be a single board computer with a processor and memory and with one or more display driver circuits fabricated on a circuit board and a wireless component that communicates with the outside world or loads data into memory.

The controller may be connected to a storage medium 104, which may be any form of medium suitable for storing digital data, including RAM (random access memory), ROM (read only memory), flash memory or other non-volatile solid-state electronic memory, EEPROM (electrically erasable read only memory) or magnetic and/or optical disk memory. The storage medium 104 may store, for example, control software implemented by the controller 103 and video content that is selected for display on the electronic display 101 under control of the control software. A user interface (not shown), such as a personal computer having a display monitor and keyboard, may be connected to the controller such that the controller is configured to produce a particular display and/or audio output by a particular user input, such as a particular control program. An audio device 111, such as a speaker, may also be connected to the controller 103 via the sound card 110. The audio device 11 may output the selected audio content stored in the storage medium 104 under the control of the controller 103. The components of the floor display system 100 may be powered by a power supply 114. The floor display system may also include a detection device 113 to provide a variety of interactive applications of the floor display system, as described in more detail below. The detection device 113 may be connected to and provide a signal to the controller 113. The connection of the detection means to the controller may be wired or wireless.

Data may be stored in the storage medium 104 using, for example, a data port 106 connected to a common system bus. By way of example only, the bus may be a USB (universal serial bus). The floor display system may also include a wireless port 107 for use through the use of a wireless WAN/LAN card. The floor display system 100 may be connected to the network 125 and communicate with the network 125 via the wireless port 107. The network may be any type of network including a Wide Area Network (WAN) such as the internet or a Local Area Network (LAN) including, for example, other floor display systems. Through the network 125, the floor display system 100 can be connected to the server computer 108 of the network via the wireless communication device 112. Server computer 108 may be connected to a database 109. The database 109 may store information related to the operation of the floor display system 100. For example, the database may include video and audio content and control software downloaded to the storage media 104 of the floor display system. Accordingly, the floor display system 100 may be remotely controlled. However, the floor display system 100 need not be networked and may be controlled, for example, by content and control software downloaded locally via the data port 106. Also, although wireless communication methods and systems are shown in FIG. 1, wired systems may be used, or a combination of wireless systems may be used.

In addition to the techniques previously described, display techniques that may be used with embodiments of the present invention include: light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs), electroluminescent displays (FEDs). Other display technologies that may be used with this embodiment include fiber optic technology, where electrons form a remote image and are delivered to a fiber array or bundle using a light guiding source. The remote image light source may be external or internal to the floor covering. Other display technologies employed include holographic technology. In this technique, white light or laser holograms are generated on the outside or inside of the floor covering 102 and focused by a lens, which may be a Fresnel lens, so that it is possible for a person to see the display 101 at an acute angle.

According to embodiments, the components of the floor display system 100 as described above may be housed entirely inside the floor covering 102, entirely outside the floor covering 102, or with some components inside the floor covering 102 and others outside.

As described above, the floor display system may include a power supply 114. Power is supplied to the floor display system through a wall outlet via a cable or by using a battery. The batteries used may be either non-rechargeable or rechargeable. Other possible methods of delivering power to the floor display system include the use of photovoltaic cells that convert ambient light into power that can be stored in the cells or used to directly power the display system. The photovoltaic cell may be included, for example, within a floor covering or remotely connected to the display via a wire.

Another method of powering the floor display system 100 may be accomplished, for example, by a device in which the pressure of a pedestrian stepping on the floor covering and associated display device is converted from mechanical energy to electrical energy. By way of example only, this may be achieved by some form of piezoelectric generator or other similar device. In addition, vibrations in the ground from nearby machinery or passers-by may also supply the mechanical energy needed to be electrically converted to the display system.

As described above, a wireless connection from a computer and/or a network, such as the world Wide Web, may be used to deliver image content to the floor display system. The wireless connection between the computer or other processor and the control electronics of the floor display system may employ many different technologies. One technology now in common use is wireless ethernet, where one processor or computer communicates with another processor or computer via r-f or Infrared (IR) signals. However, wireless communication links may be implemented using a variety of technologies and network protocols.

The wireless link may be ultrasonic, light wave (IR, visible, ultraviolet), lasercomm, radio frequency, terahertz, microwave, electromagnetic, inductive coupling, electrostatic or other forms of propagating energy between the transmitter and receiver. In addition to ethernet, the network protocol may be token ring, bluetooth modem, cellular and PCS connections, or any other type of wireless LAN or WAN. The pattern of data transmission may include time separation, frequency separation, or code separation, and may also be multi-pass or spread spectrum. One mode of wireless transmission that is well suited for the intended application of a floor display system is the Ultra Wide Band (UWB) of transmission. Expected commercial applications for floor display systems include use in, for example, electronically noisy environments, such as grocery stores, department stores, supply stores, industrial facilities, restaurants, hotels, airports, apartments and residential locations. Ultra-wideband (UWB) transmissions work well in these types of environments, among other factors, because UWB can carry high-speed data communications over a wide spectrum range (typically 3-10 terahertz) at low power spectral densities with other electronic noise sources such as mechanical, remote door opening devices, bar code identifiers, other r-f, TV, low-band transmissions. UWB also eliminates small amplitude attenuation for arbitrary antenna positions or orientations, which is very useful for displays positioned on the ground. UWB is also more effective against the adverse effects of multi-pass inductive fading common to wireless technologies for narrower frequency bands.

Wireless communication may also include other technologies now known or later developed that may be used to communicate with and control the floor display system. Additionally, the wireless communication may conform to a WiFi standard.

As described above, the electronic display device 101 is capable of displaying at least alphanumeric data and graphical images. The content includes, in accordance with the selected video content, either static, dynamic or both, separate alphanumeric data, separate graphical images (e.g., pictures), or a combination of both. The dynamic alphanumeric data and images may be scrolled, for example. The alphanumeric data and the graphic images may be black and white or full color. Additionally, the display device 101 may include more than one unique display: i.e. the display area of the display device may be divided in correspondence with the content. For example, the display area may include two or more different "windows," each displaying different content. Such separation of displays is well known, for example, in "split screen" TV and widely uses different graphics software applications, including the common "Windows" software of microsoft corporation.

Fig. 3 shows a possible configuration of an electronic display device 101 according to various embodiments. In fig. 3, the electronic display device 101 is the dynamic part of a "mixed media" display. Since a portion of the overall display provided by the upper exposed surface of the floor covering 102 is electronic, while another portion is not, the display in fig. 3 is a mixed media display. In fig. 3, the non-electronic fixed or static portion 302 of the display is combined with the dynamic or changeable electronic portion 101. It is noted, however, that "static" as used herein should not be equated with "non-electronic". In this example, the fixed portion reads "CAMBELL SOUP IS __ OFF TODAY". The fixed portion may be, for example, printed on the upper exposed surface of the material of the floor covering 102. The dynamic portion may be implemented by an electronic display device 101 housed within the floor covering and employing one or more of the display technologies described. The dynamic portion may be electronically adjusted to display any of the content described above. The dynamic portion may display information related to the selling price of the good, for example, "30%" or "40 points". Thus, in FIG. 2, the entire floor display may represent "CAMPBELL SUOP IS 30%", or "CAMPBELL SOUP IS 40 CENTS OFFTODAY". By employing a combination of static and dynamic portions of the device display, the size, and therefore cost, of the electronic portions of the display can be significantly reduced. In addition, by designing and manipulating the dynamic portion of the display to dynamically change a message by scrolling or flashing, and also flashing or blinking a light located within the display to draw attention to the display, the attention of nearby people to the display can be significantly increased.

As described above, embodiments of the floor display system of the present invention provide for interaction with a person in the vicinity of the floor display system. In particular, the detection device 113 may take many different forms, each of which may detect the presence and movement of a person in the vicinity of the floor display system and cause the floor display system to perform a corresponding movement in response. In one such embodiment, the detection device 113 is a sound detection device. The sound detection device 113 may be located in the floor covering 102 or may be located at a distance from the floor covering. The sound detection device may be configured to detect a person as he or she approaches the floor display system, or to cause a corresponding response to be transmitted by the floor display system. For example, the sound detection device may be connected to a floor display system via a wired or wireless connection and configured to send a signal to the controller 103 via that connection to activate the display device 101 when a sound wave indicating the proximity of a person is detected. Upon receiving the signal, the controller 103 may cause the display device 101 to transmit a predetermined display of any desired content: for example, a price or display content of an advertised product may be indicated. The content may be related to a newly shelved product. The floor display system may also be configured to transmit a predetermined audio output of any desired content in response to a signal from the sound detection device. In view of the above, the floor display system may operate in an active mode (i.e., a mode in which the system actively transmits certain display and/or audio outputs) and a fixed or static mode (in which certain display and/or audio outputs are not actively generated). The static mode is entered when no nearby people are detected in order to save power. The floor display system may alternate between the active mode and the static mode according to some programmed schedule or enter the active mode in response to some signal, as described above.

The sound detection means may be adapted to detect only a predetermined frequency of sound and to send an activation signal to the display system for response. More particularly, the sound detection system may be a multi-directional or directional microphone depending on how noisy the overall environment is. A multi-directional microphone has a constant sensitivity regardless of the direction from which sound comes, and is therefore very effective in quiet environments in order to detect the approach of someone from any direction. The multi-directional microphone may be implemented as one or more electret microphones placed or embedded within a floor covering. While an electret microphone is an example, dynamic and capacitive microphones may also be used. Commercially available multi-directional microphones include, by way of example only, Audio technical MT830R, DPA Type 4060 and MMC 4041.

In noisy environments, or if a person is detected approaching from a particular direction, directional microphones are preferred. Directional microphones are microphones with well defined directional response properties and are therefore comparable to multi-directional microphonesIt is more capable of filtering sound from a particular direction, while blocking random ambient noise. Examples of commercially available and applicable directional microphones include cardioid microphones, hyper-cardioid microphones, and shotgun microphones. Examples of cardioid microphones include 4021、A30X andSM 57. Examples of hypercardioid microphones includePVM480 andND 767A. Examples of shotgun microphones include MCE86S.1、K6 ME-66 andSM 89. Depending on the degree of noise in the environment in which the microphone is used, a microphone with greater directional sensitivity produces better results than a microphone with less directional sensitivity. For example, in very noisy environments, microphones with high directional sensitivity, such as an over-the-heart or shotgun, may be preferred.

In another embodiment providing interaction, the detection device 113 may be a motion detection device. The motion detection device 113 may be positioned within the floor covering 102 or may be positioned at a distance from the top covering, such as in or on a ceiling or a wall near the floor covering. The motion detection device may be configured to detect when a person approaches the floor display system and cause a corresponding response to be generated. For example, the motion detection device may be connected to a floor display system via a wired or wireless connection and configured to send a signal via the connector to activate the display system 101 when motion indicative of human proximity is detected. The display device 101 may generate a desired display upon startup; the floor display system may also generate a corresponding audio output. The motion detection means may be adapted to detect motion only in a certain area or in the periphery in the vicinity of the display. The motion detection means may also be orientation sensitive, so that for example only a user entering the facility can trigger the motion detection means and the corresponding display. Motion detection means that may be used in relation to the display include, by way of example only, motion detection means using IR technology, simple radar and light beams.

There are many different ways to implement the motion detection means 113, including active motion detection and passive motion detection. Active motion detection systems typically inject energy (e.g., light, microwave, or sound) into the environment and then detect changes in the energy. For example, a store typically has a device that emits a beam of light through the space of the store entryway and a light-sensitive sensor opposite the beam of light to measure the amount of incident light produced by the beam of light. When the user moves through the light beam, thus interrupting it, the light-sensitive sensor detects the change in the amount of incident light and can generate an audible alarm, such as a ringing. This type of detection system may be used to inform the floor display system that a person is approaching. Similarly, many grocery stores have automatic door opening devices that use a very simple form of radar to detect human access to the door. Such a system may use a transmitting/receiving device disposed on the door. The transmitting section transmits microwave radio energy and waits for reflected energy to return and be detected by the receiving section. When a person moves into the area of microwave energy, it changes the amount of reflected energy or the time required to reflect the conductive receiving portion and thus the transmitting/receiving device generates a signal that causes the door to open automatically. Similar operations may be performed by ultrasound, i.e. they return from the target and wait for echo, and perform some predetermined operation depending on the echo.

Passive motion detection systems include systems that detect infrared energy in order to detect motion. Such systems include sensors known as PIR (passive infrared) sensors or pyroelectric sensors. PIR or pyroelectric sensors may for example be used in security systems that are sensitive to the temperature of the human body. The human body has a skin temperature of about 93 ° F and radiated infrared energy at a wavelength between 9 and 10 microns. Thus, the sensor is typically sensitive in the wavelength range of 8-12 microns. The sensor is typically a simple electronic component similar to a light sensitive sensor. Infrared energy radiated from the source collides electrons off the substrate of a PIR or pyroelectric sensor and these electrons can be detected and amplified into an electrical signal that can be used to initiate certain predetermined operations. As a person walks across the sensor, the amount of infrared energy within the "field of view" of the sensor changes rapidly and is easily detected. The sudden change is used to detect motion. PIR or pyroelectric sensors may be configured to have a wide or narrow field of view. The wide field of view may be formed, for example, by placing a lens over the sensor. A narrow field of view can be achieved by using a sensor without a lens; the field of view may be determined by placing the sensor in a recess or box or tube that is open in the direction in which motion is to be detected. The floor display system of the present invention may use any of the systems and methods described herein, combinations thereof, or systems and methods not disclosed herein, to implement the motion detection device 113.

Ground display systems according to embodiments of the present invention may also interact by detecting the presence or movement of a person, depending on other circumstances within the physical environment. For example, the floor display system may be connected to a door of an entryway or other door of a commercial establishment or other building via a wired or wireless connection. Through this connection, the floor display system can detect the opening of the door and activate the display to respond.

In another embodiment providing interaction, a floor display system within a commercial establishment may display information customized to a particular person. Such embodiments may include mechanisms for automatically determining the identity of a person. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the floor display system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a contactless input device 401 capable of receiving identity information from an identity device 402 carried by a person. The contactless input device 401 may be a wireless port including, for example, a receiver and an antenna configured to receive and process wireless electromagnetic signals of identity information transmitted by the identity device 402. The identity information obtained from the identity device 402 is supplied to the controller 103 via the wireless port 401, which then accesses a database, such as database 109, to obtain information about the person based on the identity information. Such relevant information may include (but is not limited to): name, age, purchase history, frequency of purchases, most commonly purchased goods, etc. Based on the relevant information, the floor display system may cause display of information that is particularly relevant or directed to a person. By way of example only, the display may include a greeting. In addition, the controller of the floor display system may cross-reference the human purchase history and the goods or promotional items currently available within the commercial establishment. Based on the person's purchase history, the floor display system may display information informing the person that certain items of interest are being sold and display the shelf locations of the items. In addition, the floor display system may generate a coupon for the item, thereby further encouraging the purchase of the item.

An example of an identity device 402 for a contactless input device 401 is known as a "contactless" card. The contactless card does not require a person to be physically forced onto the reading device. The contactless card may have an antenna coil and a chip embedded in the card and configured to output information in the form of wireless electromagnetic signals. The identity information on this type of card is obtained when the card passes within a predetermined range of a reading device comprising a receiver and an antenna adapted to receive and process the card output signal, such as the contactless input device 401 shown in fig. 4.

According to some, the contactless card shown falls within the general scope of a "smart" card. Smart cards (or electronic cards) are well known devices that typically include an embedded computer chip and are typically the size of a conventional credit or debit card. The chip typically includes a microprocessor or memory that can hold operating system and application data protected by prior art security features. There are many types of smart card technologies available on the current market. One example is a memory card. The memory card includes a memory chip and is similar to a small floppy disk. This type of (memory) chip may store identity information as well as other types of information, such as store credit guarantee amounts.

In other embodiments, a card known as a microprocessor card may be used to provide the identity of a person to customize the display. The microprocessor card includes a microprocessor chip that can add, delete, change, and update information. The microprocessor card also includes an input/output port, an operating system, and a hard disk, and thus may be considered generally a microcomputer.

Identification cards such as the smart cards, memory cards and microprocessor cards described need not be read by the contactless mechanism shown in figure 4. Instead, they can be read by a reading device that a person actually imposes to a convenient location at a commercial establishment, for example. The reading device may be connected to or be part of the identification system. The identification system may be, for example, a computer 108 and a database 109 connected to the floor display system of the present invention. The identification information obtained by the identification system may then be communicated to a floor display system.

Certain types of cards that require a person to actually impose on the reading device may also be used in the floor display system of the present invention. Such cards are known as "contact" cards. The contact card may have a gold chip embedded within the card. This type of card requires insertion into a smart card reader and direct connection to the actual contact points on the card in order to transfer data. Contact cards are frequently used in banking, communications, medical and point (e.g., to store vehicle maintenance history) applications.

Cards known as hybrid/dual cards may also be used to provide human identification for floor display systems. These cards have two chips embedded therein: contactless chips and contact chips. The two chips are not typically connected to each other. Instead, typically one chip is used for the needs of the consumer and the other for the needs of the issuer. In other embodiments, combination cards may be used. These cards are also known as dual interface cards and they include one chip designed to support both contact and contactless readers.

Using the techniques described above, other embodiments of the present invention may be configured to track a person's activities in a commercial establishment or other public place. In such an embodiment, the person may carry an identification card that is read by the contactless mechanism. A plurality of floor display systems equipped with a contactless mechanism can be arranged at predetermined locations of the facility and track the activities of the person by detecting the identification card. The card may be customized as described above (i.e., identify a person) or may be generic and connected to a shopping cart or basket, for example. Information detailing the movements detected by the floor display system may be recorded in the database and used by the merchant, for example, to optimize store configuration, help identify where to place hot goods and the like. Examples of technologies that may be used to track a person carrying or transporting a contactless identification device include bluetooth technology, IRDA, r-f link, or any other local area network technology connected to a floor display system.

As is well known, certain commercial establishments (e.g., Wal-Mart and Target) and self-service stores (e.g., Home Depot and Lowes) are very large and include large quantities of goods. Thus, some people shopping at these stores have difficulty finding the goods they want. Thus, the floor display system according to the present invention also provides a means to assist people in finding ways and finding desired items within a large commercial establishment.

According to these embodiments, upon entering the store, the shopper enters the desired product or catalog of products into the machine, either orally (e.g., through the use of a microphone and other sound recording device) or manually (e.g., using a keyboard, keypad, or touch monitor type device). The machine then generates a "travel itinerary" that can be detected by a plurality of floor display systems arranged at predetermined locations of the store.

The itinerary may be a device referred to as a "smart card" that is capable of storing information such as a catalog entered by the shopper. The information on the itinerary can be read by the contactless technique described in connection with the different embodiments above. Floor display systems distributed in stores may be equipped with contactless technology in order to read travel orders. As the shopper passes through the store and arrives at a different floor display system, the system may detect and read the travel itinerary. When a travel itinerary is detected and the inventory of products therein is read, the floor display system may be configured to display the direction in which the shopper should walk to the desired product location. In addition, the itinerary cannot actually store the product catalog itself. Instead, a catalog of products or other information corresponding to the identifiable trip order may be stored in a database accessible by the floor display device and retrieved upon detection and identification of the trip order.

In another embodiment of the invention, detection of a mobile phone may be provided. The increasing use of mobile phones and the proliferation of mobile phones have caused more social friction. In many cases, the ring tone of a mobile phone is unsightly and inappropriate and disturbs nearby people. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may include a mobile phone detection device that uses the configuration shown in FIG. 4, where the contactless input device 401 is a mobile phone detection device. Devices that can be used to detect mobile phones include, for example, near field RF detectors that can identify a wide range of RF signals. Such devices are well known, for example to detect an unauthorised eavesdropping device or "bug". One commercially available example includesSystem capable of detecting a mobile phone or any device emitting RF radiation. The mobile phone detection device 401 may be configured to send a signal to the controller 103 of the floor display system when a powered mobile phone is detected. In response to the signal, the controller may cause a display to be formed that includes a message indicating that the mobile phone was detected powered on and/or to issue an alert indicating that the mobile phone was detected. In addition, the ground display system can display the requirement of the mobile phone for power off or send out the audio requirement of the mobile phone for power off. It has been found that the embodiments of the invention described above may be particularly useful in the context of an opera house entrance, a concert or performance venue, a movie theater or any other venue where it is deemed inappropriate for a telephone ringer.

Floor display systems according to other embodiments of the present invention may be used in security applications. Known security techniques for commercial facilities to prevent theft include "electronics monitoring" techniques that monitor the entrance/exit of the facility. This technique involves the use of antennas placed on either side of the door opening. The antenna is connected to other components of the merchandise surveillance technology. One antenna serves as a transmitter and the other as a receiver. Identification devices that include tuned circuits including inductors and capacitors, soft magnetic tapes or wires, or vibrating resonators can trigger detection by interfering with transmissions between a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna when passing therethrough. Each protected item in the store may be identified by an identification device that is detected by an antenna placed on either side of the store entrance/exit. When the protected item passes through the antenna, the item monitoring technology identifies the protected item and issues an alarm to alert a shopper who may be attempting to steal.

The Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) techniques described above may be incorporated into a floor display system according to embodiments of the present invention. In one configuration, such as that shown in FIG. 5, the floor covering 102 of the present invention may include antennas 501 and 502 disposed along the floor covering for detecting merchandise being protected that is marked with an identification device. The antenna is connected to other components of the article surveillance technology to identify the article being protected. In order to detect that the protected goods are not stolen, a floor covering or a plurality of floor coverings comprising such an antenna may be arranged on the floor covering near the entrance/exit of the shop. Thus, when a person walks on the floor covering and attempts to leave the store with a protected item of merchandise having an identification device, the identification device may pass between or near the two antennas and thus be detected and identified by the merchandise detection technique. The floor display system may display a visual alarm or emit an audible alarm when the protected merchandise is detected. An electronic article surveillance system employing a floor display system according to embodiments of the present invention may also use a third antenna 503. The third antenna may be a transmit antenna of the EAS device and one or more antennas within the floor covering may be receive antennas. Additionally, the third antenna 503 may be another receiving antenna, while the floor covering includes both receiving and transmitting antennas. The third antenna 503 may be, for example, disposed on the floor covering, within the ceiling, or suspended from the ceiling. In various embodiments, the floor covering may include a single antenna that cooperates with the overhead antenna.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a floor covering may be used in conjunction with the image projection device. In such embodiments, the floor covering provides a surface on which the projection device projects an image from a distance. Fig. 6A and 6B illustrate a system for projecting an image onto a floor covering from a distance. Such a system may be used, for example, in a hallway of a commercial establishment, such as a grocery store. Floor coverings 608 and 609 may be placed on the floor 610 near the shelves 601, 602 of the commercial establishment. The projection devices 603, 604 are movably connected to guide members, such as rail systems 605, 606, on the floor covering. The rail system may for example be connected to a ceiling. The image projection devices 603, 604 may be, by way of example only, electronic projectors similar to devices for presentations using portable computers, or other image projection devices that include an optical system that focuses an image onto a surface over a given distance.

By coupling the projection device to the system components described in connection with FIG. 1, the image projected onto the floor covering may be configured to include any of the same. That is, the projection device may be connected to a controller, a storage medium, a network, or the like, in order to control the projection device. For example, the projection devices may be configured to project graphical and alphanumeric information related to products on adjacent shelves 601, 602 onto the floor coverings 606 and 609.

The projection device moves along a rail system. Fig. 6B shows a front view of the right shelf 602 and associated rail system 606, projection device 604, and floor covering 609. The projection device 604 may be moved along the rail system 606 manually or automatically by, for example, a motorized pulley or sliding system as is known in the automation industry. The projection device 604 may, for example, be moved to a position in front of the merchandise on the shelf to display the desired information for it. A corresponding floor covering 609 may then be placed under the projection device 604, with the image visible by a person standing in front of and facing the shelf 602. The floor covering 609 may be manually aligned with the projection device 604 or automatically aligned through the use of photodiodes and corresponding detector systems. More particularly, more photodiodes may be provided within the floor covering, and the projection device may be provided with a photodiode detector to properly align the projection device with the floor covering. Of course, a symmetrical configuration may be used in which the detector diodes are located in the floor covering and the transmitter diodes are located on the projection device, and the floor covering sends a signal to the drive mechanism that moves the projection device to indicate its correct position.

Another embodiment of using a floor covering in conjunction with an image projection device is shown in FIG. 6C. As shown in fig. 6C, the image projection device 625 may be disposed within a recess 620 within the floor 610, according to various embodiments. The floor covering 650 may be disposed over the recess and provide a surface on which images projected by the image projection device 625 are displayed. Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6C, the floor covering 650 may be formed from a "transmissive" medium such that an image projected onto its lower surface 651 is visible on its upper surface 652. The image projection device is movable along a guide rail 630.

Fig. 7 shows another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 7, the floor display system 100 may be connected to a data input/output device 700. The data input/output device may include a mechanism for a user, such as a store customer, to input specific data for processing by the floor display system. For example, the data input/output device may include a voice input device 701 such as a microphone and/or a keypad 702 for inputting alphanumeric data. The data input/output device may include a computer and software for performing a voice recognition process on a voice input by a user to the voice input device 701. The data input/output devices may also include printers that produce printed output 703.

The floor display system 100 and the data input/output device may be disposed at convenient locations in a commercial establishment. A customer accessing the facility may access a data input/output device, which may be disposed at an appropriate height for speaking or typing. The customer may voice-input the items and the inventory of items into the voice input device and key one or more items into the keypad. In response, the floor display system may display a corresponding output, such as one or more advertisements for the items, and/or the location of one or more items within the facility, and/or generate a printout 703, such as one or more coupons, or the location of one or more items specifically.

Various embodiments of the invention are specifically illustrated and/or described herein. However, it will be appreciated that modifications and variations of the present invention are covered by the above teachings and within the purview of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and intended scope of the invention.

Claims (45)

1. A floor display system comprising:

a floor covering; and

an electronic display device associated with the floor covering;

wherein the electronic display device is configured to display at least one of an electronically adjustable graphical image and electronically adjustable alphanumeric data.

2. The floor display system of claim 1, further comprising an audio device configured to output electronically adjustable audio content.

3. The floor display system of claim 1, further comprising a detection mechanism configured to detect an indication related to the presence or activity of a person and cause the floor display system to perform a corresponding action in response.

4. The floor display system of claim 3, wherein the detection mechanism comprises a sound detection device.

5. The floor display system of claim 3, wherein the detection structure comprises a motion detection device.

6. The floor display system of claim 3, wherein the action is to generate a predetermined display.

7. The floor display system of claim 3, wherein the action is generating a predetermined audio output.

8. The floor display system of claim 3, wherein the detection mechanism comprises a contactless input device configured to receive identity information from the identity device.

9. The floor display system of claim 8, wherein the floor display system is configured to generate a customized display associated with a particular person corresponding to the identity information.

10. The floor display system of claim 8, wherein the contactless input device is configured to receive information from a travel itinerary corresponding to at least one item within a commercial establishment.

11. The floor display system of claim 10, wherein the floor display system is configured to display a location of at least one item within a commercial establishment.

12. The floor display system of claim 3, wherein the detection mechanism comprises a mobile phone detection device.

13. The floor display system of claim 3, wherein the detection mechanism includes a security device that detects merchandise within the commercial establishment for theft protection.

14. The floor display system of claim 1, wherein the floor covering and the electronic display device are configured to be repeatedly traversed by a foot and wheel conveyor.

15. The floor display system of claim 14, wherein the floor covering includes at least one inclined surface that facilitates repeated traversal of the foot and wheeled conveyance.

16. The floor display system of claim 14, wherein the floor covering includes a sloped surface around its perimeter that facilitates repeated traversal of the foot and wheeled conveyance.

17. The floor display system of claim 14, wherein the floor covering is formed as a two-piece structure joined along its edges to form a composite structure having sloped surfaces around its perimeter that facilitate traversal of the floor covering by the foot and wheeled conveyance.

18. The floor display system of claim 1, wherein the electronic display device forms a dynamic portion of the display in combination with a static portion of the display.

19. The floor display system of claim 1, wherein the floor display system comprises a network.

20. The floor display system of claim 1, wherein the electronic display device comprises at least one of a light emitting diode, an organic light emitting diode, an electroluminescent display, a plasma display, a field emission display, a ferroelectric display, a fiber optic display, and a holographic display.

21. The floor display system of claim 1, wherein the floor display system is powered by mechanical energy from stepping through the floor covering.

22. The floor display system of claim 19, wherein the floor display system is wirelessly connected to a network.

23. The floor display system of claim 22, wherein the wireless connection uses an ultra-wideband mode of transmission.

24. The floor display system of claim 1, wherein the electronic display device is capable of displaying at least alphanumeric data and graphical images, either alone or in combination, that is static or dynamic or both.

25. The floor display system of claim 4, wherein the sound detection device comprises a directional microphone or a multi-directional microphone.

26. The floor display system of claim 5, wherein the motion detection device uses active motion detection.

27. The floor display system of claim 5, wherein the motion detection means uses passive motion detection.

28. The floor display system of claim 26, wherein the active motion detection includes means for radiating energy and means for detecting the radiated energy.

29. The floor display system of claim 27, wherein the passive motion detection includes detecting infrared energy.

30. The floor display system of claim 8, wherein the identity device is a smart card.

31. The floor display system of claim 1, wherein the floor display system is coupled to an identification system that includes a reading device configured to obtain the identity information from the identity device by physically forcing the identity device onto the reading device, and wherein the floor display system is configured to generate a customized display associated with a particular person corresponding to the identity information.

32. The floor display system of claim 31, wherein the identity device is a smart card.

33. The floor display system of claim 12, wherein the mobile phone detection means comprises a near field RF detector.

34. The floor display system of claim 13, wherein the security device comprises an antenna configured to detect the article marked with the identification device.

35. The floor display system of claim 1, further comprising a data input/output device configured to receive a particular user input and generate a corresponding output.

36. The floor display system of claim 35, wherein the data input/output device comprises a voice recognition device.

37. The floor display system of claim 35, wherein the data input/output device includes a keyboard.

38. The floor display system of claim 35, wherein the data input/output device includes a printer.

39. The floor display system of claim 35, wherein the corresponding output is a user input of a location of the item.

40. The floor display system of claim 35, wherein the corresponding output is a coupon for the user input item.

41. A floor display system comprising:

a floor covering; and

an image projection device configured to project at least one of an electronically adjustable graphical image and electronically adjustable alphanumeric data from a distance onto the floor covering;

the image projection device is located within a recess in the floor, and a floor covering is disposed over the recess.

42. The floor display system of claim 41, wherein the image projecting device is movably coupled to the guide member to position the image projecting device in a desired position relative to the floor covering.

43. The floor display system of claim 41, wherein the image projection device is configured to automatically align vertically with the floor covering.

44. The floor display system of claim 41, wherein the floor covering has a white or silver surface.

45. The floor display system of claim 41, wherein the floor covering includes a transmissive medium.