TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a dynamic display system allowing alternating exposure to a viewer of a displayed article and a projected image.

BACKGROUND

More and more dynamic display systems are used nowadays at display areas of retail facilities such as stores or shopping malls. Such systems typically include a projector for projecting an image and a screen for displaying the projected image, usually constituting a display window of the retail facility. The image can be still or moving, pre recorded, or captured in real-time, all depending on the type of input the projector receives. The projector can be configured for rear projection, and its positioning with respect to the screen can be either such that a lens thereof faces the screen to project the image directly thereon, or such that the projector lens faces away from the screen. Systems of the latter kind should also include one or more mirrors positioned such that they face both the screen and the lens, to reflect the image projected through the lens onto the screen.

Some systems include screens which are intermittently transparent, allowing a viewer to intermittently see through them when no image is projected thereon. Such systems can be used for intermittent exposure of a displayed article of the retail facility positioned beyond their screen.

Some examples of dynamic display systems can be found in US 5,285,287 and US 2011\0069242.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

According to the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a system and a method of its operation, the system comprising an intermittently transparent screen, a display space behind the screen configured to accommodate at least one article to be displayed when the screen is transparent, a mirror and/or projector which are concealed, i.e. non-visible to a viewer of the displayed article/s, at least when the screen is transparent and which are configured to project at least one image on the screen when it does not have the transparency.

The term “viewer” as used the present description and claims refers to an imaginary person located at a predetermined range of positions relative to the screen, in each of which the viewer is expected to view along a view axis the displayed article/s and image/s when the screen is transparent. More particularly, each of these positions is a position of the view axis/line of sight of such imaginary person defined by a distance from the screen and a location along the height and the width of the screen.

More particularly, according to a first aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a dynamic display system configured for selectively exposing a display space to the viewer looking thereat, while keeping concealed a concealed zone adjacent the display space, said display system comprising: a front wall constituting the above mentioned screen, configured to be positioned such that said concealed zone is concealed for said viewer looking through the front wall along said view axis, said front wall having a rear face configured to face said display space, and an opposite front face configured to face the viewer, said front wall being switchable between a transparent state at which at least a portion of said front wall has a first transparency allowing the viewer to view the display space, and a translucent state at which said portion has a second transparency preventing the viewer from viewing the display space as in the transparent state, yet allowing images projected on said rear face to be distinctly visible for a viewer looking at said front face along said view axis; at least one irror having a reflective surface configured to be movable between a concealed position within said concealed zone combinable with the transparent state of the front wall, and an operational position within said display space combinable with the translucent state of the front wall; and at least one projector configured to be positioned at said concealed zone so as to project an image therefrom on said reflective surface when said mirror is at said operational position and so as to allow said surface to reflect said image onto said rear face of the front wall, at least when the front wall is at its translucent state. The operational position of the mirror is such that, if the transparent state of the front wall was combined with the operational position of the mirror, at least a majority of said reflective surface would be visible through said front wall along said view axis. The system can comprise a showcase housing with said front wall, having an interior with said display space and said concealed zone, and said display space, and said concealed zone, and configured to accommodate said projector in the concealed zone, and said mirror in the displace space when the mirror is in the operative position and in the concealed zone when the mirror is in the concealed position. The showcase housing together with its above components mounted within its interior can be transportable or portable.

The showcase housing can comprise a top wall and said concealed zone can be positioned adjacent said top wall.

The showcase housing can be configured to provide access to the display space from an exterior thereof. For example, at least one wall of the showcase housing can be openable to allow introduction of said display article into the display space.

The system can further comprise a control system operatively connected to the front wall and the mirror. The control system can be configured to control the switching between the states of said front wall and the movement of said mirror, to combine the positions of the mirror with the respective states of the front wall.

The control system can be configured for implementing a predetermined projection control sequence of steps as follows: switching the state of said front wall to said translucent state; and moving said mirror to said operational position. Alternatively or in addition, the control system can be configured for implementing a predetermined display control sequence of steps as follows: moving said mirror to said concealed position; and switching the state of said front wall to said transparent state.

The control system can be configured to implement said display control sequence and said projection control sequence in a cycle.

The projector can be configured to be switchable between a projecting state at which said image is projected thereby, combinable with said translucent state of said front wall and said operational position of said mirror, and a non-projecting state at which said image is not projected thereby, combinable with said transparent state of said front wall and said concealed position of said mirror.

The control system can be configured to further control the switching between the states of the projector, and to combine them with the respective states of the front wall and positions of the mirror.

The projection control sequence can further comprise a step of switching the state of the projector to said projecting state.

The display control sequence can further comprise a step of switching the state of the projector to said non-projecting state.

The control system can be configured to operate in association with a storage device configured to store at least said image and, optionally, a plurality of images.

The control system can be configured to communicate with said storage device via the internet.

The system can comprise a sensor configured to produce a signal to said control system upon identifying a person standing in front of said front wall.

The control system can be configured to initiate one of said projection control sequence and said display control sequence, upon receipt of said signal.

The view axis can be perpendicular to said front face of said front wall. Particularly, the view axis can be perpendicular to both faces of said front wall.

According to another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter there is provided a method of operating the above system, comprising implementing a projection control sequence of steps including a step of switching the state of said front wall to said translucent state, and moving said mirror to said operational position, and optionally further including switching the state of said projector to said projecting state.

The projection control sequence can be performed in a chronological order.

The method can further comprise a step of implementing a display control sequence of steps including a step of at least moving said mirror to said concealed position; and switching the state of said front wall to said transparent state.

The display control sequence of steps can further comprise switching the state of said projector to said non-projecting state.

The display control sequence can be performed in a chronological order.

The display control sequence and the projection control sequence can be implemented in a cycle. The method can further comprise producing a control signal upon identifying a person standing in front of said front wall, and performing at least one of the above sequences upon the production of said signal.

The method can further comprise a preliminary step of introducing a display article to said display space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1A schematically illustrates a side view of a dynamic display system according to one example of the presently disclosed subject matter, with a mirror thereof at its concealed position;

Fig. IB schematically illustrates a side view of the dynamic display system of Fig. 1A, with the mirror at its operational position;

Fig. 2A is a block diagram representing a method for implementing a projection control sequence in the system of Fig. 1 A;

Fig. 2B is a block diagram representing a method for implementing a display control sequence in the system of Fig. 1 A;

Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective side view of a dynamic display system according to another example of the presently disclosed subject matter, configured for displaying 3D images; and

Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective top view of a housing accommodating the dynamic display system of Fig. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A dynamic display system according to the presently disclosed subject matter can be used in different manners to selectively display at least one display article/s such as a product or a mannequin, or to selectively display, instead of the display article/s, at least one image, optionally of commercial nature, which can or can not be related to the display article/s. For example, it can be stationary installed in a display area, for example of a retail facility such as a store or a shopping center, or rather it can be accommodated within a transportable or portable showcase. The images can be pre-recorded or captured in real time and be still or moving.

The dynamic display system is configured to display at least one article or at least one image to a viewer located at a predetermined range of positions relative to the display area, in each of which the viewer is expected to view the displayed article/s and image/s.

According to an example of the present disclosure, the image is of the viewer and is captured in real time while the viewer is standing in the predetermined position. According to another example of the present disclosure, the image combines a pre recorded image and an image captured in real time.

Figs. 1A and IB show a dynamic display system 1 according to one example of the present disclosure, installed in a display area 50, e.g. of a store, between two surfaces or shelves 51 and 52. The display area 50 is virtually divided into two spaces, a display space 50a configured to accommodate a display article (which in Figs. 1A and IB, is in the form of a perfume bottle B), and a concealed zone 50b disposed adjacent and above the display space 50a and accommodating operational elements of the system 1 , as will be explained hereinafter.

The system 1 comprises a front wall 13, e.g. configured to function as a display window of the store, located in front of the display space 50a, above which a sight barrier 54 is located, in front of the concealed zone 50b.

The front wall 13 is configured to selectively expose the display space 50a to the viewer positioned in front of the front wall 13, i.e. on its side opposite that facing the display space, whilst the sight barrier 54 is configured to conceal the concealed zone 50b such that the latter remains concealed for the viewer. In other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, the sight barrier can be either integral with the front wall, or the front wall can be such that for the viewer, no sight barrier is needed to conceal the conceal zone therefore. Such position of the front wall can be for example a lower position, beneath the eyes of the viewer.

The front wall 13 and the sight barrier 54 can be in the form of an integrally assembled structure or rather in the form of individually installed elements, in both cases having a common merger area 55 in which either the sight barrier 54 or its projection merge with the front wall 13.

To selectively expose the display space 50a, the front wall 13 is configured to alter its transparency, i.e., switch between a transparent state at which objects in the display space are seen therethrough clearly, as through a transparent glass window, and a translucent state at which objects in the display space are seen therethrough fuzzy and unclearly, or not seen at all, as through a frosted glass.

In other words, at the transparent state, the front wall 13 has a first transparency allowing the viewer to view the display space 50a, while at the translucent state the front wall 13 has a second transparency preventing the viewer from viewing the display space 50a as clearly as in the transparent state, and optionally not viewing at all.

The first transparency corresponding to a transparent, clear condition of the front wall, and the second transparency corresponding to a translucent, opaque condition of the front wall.

In the described example, the front wall comprises a glass component 13’ which is permanently transparent, and an alternating transparency layer 13” coated or otherwise retrofitted to the glass component 13’. The alternating transparency layer 13” is configured to alter its transparency between transparent and translucent states, as described above. In other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. The alternating transparency layer is embedded within the glass component 13’, e.g., in a triplex glass structure.

The alternating transparency layer 13” can be such that the change in transparency thereof is triggered electrically, i.e., be configured to receive an electric input, and change its transparency from translucent to transparent or vice versa in response thereto.

According to one example of the presently disclosed subject matter, the alternating transparency layer 13” is a Liquid Crystal based film, optionally made by Gauzy ltd (LCG® SMART GLASS).

The front wall 13 has a rear face 13a, which in the present example is associated with the alternating transparency layer 13”, and a front face 13b which in the present example is associated with the glass component 13’.

At the translucent state, the transparency of the front wall 13 should be such which allows the front wall 13 to be used as a screen for projecting images thereon, and particularly a screen capable of facilitating rear projection, where images projected on the rear face 13a thereof are distinctly visible through the front face 13b.

To this end, the system 1 comprises a projector 15 and a mirror 17 having a reflective surface 17a which is movable to have an operative and an inoperative, concealed position. The projector 15 is configured to project images onto the irror 17, i.e., onto the reflective surface 17a, when the mirror is in its operative position, which in turn is configured to reflect those images onto the rear face 13a of the front wall 13, such that when the latter is at its translucent state, these images are seen through the front face 13b thereof.

The system has three reference planes confining the concealed zone, with respect to which positions of the projector and the mirror can be defined. These are two vertical planes, namely a rear vertical reference plane defined by the reflective surface when the mirror is in its operational position, a front vertical reference plane located further from the rear plane than the projector, and a horizontal reference plane passing between the two vertical reference plane below the projector, i.e. below the lowermost point of the projector. Thus, the projector can be mounted in a position closer to the front reference plane than to the rear reference plane, and the mirror can be mounted so that in its concealed position it extends towards the front reference plane.

In the present example, the concealed zone 50b is bounded by a front reference place FP extending along the sight barrier 54, a rear reference plane RP extending long the mirror 17 when in its operational position (Fig. IB) and a horizontal plane HP oriented perpendicular to the planes FP and RP and passing through a merger area 55 between the sight barrier and the front wall. The projector 15 is permanently mounted within the concealed zone 50b closer to the front reference plane FP than the mirror 17 in each position thereof, and so as to keep the projector hidden from the viewer in any position of the viewer’s line of sight from the predetermined range of such positions. The projector is permanently oriented such that its projection axis P forms a predetermined obtuse included angle with the rear reference RP, due to which images projected from the projector extend away from front reference plane FP.

The mirror 17 is movable between a concealed position seen in Fig. 1 A, where it is fully located within the concealed zone 50b. More particularly, in the concealed position the mirror 17 is disposed above a line passing through the lowermost point 16 of the projector and the merger point 55 so as to be hidden from the viewer in any position of the viewer’s line of sight from the predetermined range of such positions, and an operational position seen in Fig. IB, where it is located within the display space 50a so that it would have been seen by the viewer if the front wall was in its transparent state. In both the above positions, the mirror is located further than the projector 15 from the front reference plane FP.

The operational position of the irror 17 is such that the projection axis P intersects the reflective surface 17a at an angle ensuring the reflection of an image projected therealong towards the rear face 13a of the front wall 13 so as to be seen by a viewer at least from a majority of the above predetermined positions when the front wall is in its translucent state.

It should be appreciated that if the mirror 17 would be mounted so as to be permanently in its operational position, i.e. it would not be movable into its concealed position, at least a majority of its reflective surface 17a would be visible for the viewer, when the front wall 13 is in its transparent state. This would take the focus and attention of the viewer off the display article B. To keep the mirror 17 concealed for the viewer, the transparent state of the front wall 13 should be combined with the concealed position of the mirror.

With such an arrangement, the system 1 can present through the front wall 13 either a projected image, when the front wall 13 is at its translucent state and the mirror 17 is in its operational position, or the display article B, when the front wall 13 is at its transparent state and the mirror 17 is in its concealed position. This will ensure that the presentation of the display article B is not be interfered by the mirror 17 positioned at its background, thereby leaving the entire display space 50a free for clear display of the display article B, and the presentation of the projected image will not interfered by the displayed article positioned in the display space 50a.

In general, the system according to the presently disclosed subject matter, can comprise any suitable moving mechanism configured for moving the mirror between its operational and concealed positions, e.g. by changing orientation of the mirror and/or moving it linearly. In the former case, the moving mechanism can be configured to rotate the mirror, e.g. between its concealed orientation in which it forms a first angle with the reference plane RP and its operational orientation in which it forms a second, smaller angle with the reference plane RP.

The moving mechanism can be configured to receive an electric input and produce in response mechanical movement of the mirror.

In the present example, the movement of the mirror 17 between the operational and concealed positions is performed by a rotation mechanism 17’ configured to rotate the mirror between its generally horizontal orientation in the concealed position of the mirror and generally vertical orientation in the operational position thereof.

The rotation mechanism 17’ can have any suitable construction, for example, it can incorporate at least one servo motor, optionally with a sensor for facilitating position feedback.

According to another example of the presently disclosed subject matter, the mirror, in its operative position, can fine-tune towards optimal orientation allowing optimal display of the projected images on the front wall 13. That fine-tuning can be performed for example by a micro-servo motor incorporated in the mirror 17 configured to move its reflective surface 17a with respect to a base portion thereof.

The system according to the presently disclosed subject matter can further comprise a control system operatively connected to both the front wall and the mirror, to control and coordinate the change of the state of the front wall and the change of the position of the mirror in a predetermined order.

In the present example, such control system 30 schematically shown in Figs. 1A and IB, is configured to provide suitable signals to the alternating transparency mechanism of the layer 13” of the front wall 13 and the rotation mechanism 17’ of the mirror.

The operation of both mechanisms can be performed in a predetermined sequence or cycle.

In the present example, the control system 30 is configured for implementing a predetermined projection control sequence of steps in the system 1, when it is desired to display projected images on its front wall, and a predetermined display control sequence of steps, when it is desired to expose the display space 50a through the front wall.

Starting with the front wall 13 being in its transparent state, where the display space 50a can be seen therethrough, and with the mirror 17 being in its concealed position in the concealed zone 50b, where it is hidden from the viewer’s sight, as seen in Fig. 1A, the projection control sequence as illustrated in Fig. 2 A can include step 31 comprising switching the state of the front wall 13, more particularly its layer 13a, to translucent; and step 32 comprising moving the mirror 17 into its operational position, seen in Fig. IB.

Optionally, step 32 should be performed after step 31 has been completed to allow the mirror 17 in its operational position to be hidden from the viewer behind the translucent front wall 13 as soon as it leaves the concealed zone 50b and enters the display space 50a.

Starting with the front wall 13 being in its translucent state and with the mirror 17 being in its operational position in the display space 50a, as seen in Fig. IB, the display control sequence as illustrated in Fig. 2B, can include step 35 comprising moving the mirror 17 to its concealed position, seen in Fig. 1 A; and step 36 comprising switching the state of the front wall 13, more particularly, its layer 13” to become transparent.

Optionally, step 36 should be performed after step 35 has been completed to allow the mirror 17 to get back to the concealed position in the concealed zone 50b before the front wall 13 turns transparent again.

The control system 30 can be configured to initiate both sequences repetitively in a cycle. The cycle can be such that a predetermined time frame is set between the ending of the display control sequence and the beginning of the projection control sequence, in which the display space 50a is exposed for the viewer.

Similarly, a predetermined time frame can be set between the ending of the projection control sequence and the beginning of the display control sequence, optionally adapted to a length of a video to be played on the front wall 13 during that time.

It should be appreciated that the cycle, or any one of the sequences, can be initiated upon identifying a potential viewer in a predetermined position relative to the front wall. To this end, the control system 30 can, for example, comprise a volume sensor 38 directed towards a predetermined position relative to the front wall. The sensor 38 can be configured to produce a signal upon identifying volumetric changes in the predetermined position corresponding to the viewer standing there, and the control system 30 can be configured to initiate any one of the sequences or the cycle, in response to that signal. For example, the volume sensor 31 can be a camera equipped with an image processing module configured to identify whether the viewer is standing at the predetermined position, and optionally to where their eyesight is directed.

The projector 15 can be configured for constant operation, where it constantly projects images along the projection axis P, and the mirror 17 reflects those images onto the front wall 13 when it reaches its operational position. Alternatively, the projector 15 can be configured for being turned on only when its operation is desired, e.g. after the mirror is at its operational position, and being turned off before the mirror 17 leaves its operational position. The terms “turned on” and “turned off’ herein do not necessarily refer to the receipt of a power input by the projector, rather to the switching between the images being or being not projected on the mirror 17, i.e. switching between the projecting and non projecting states of the projector 15, which can be also controlled by the control system 30.

Particularly, the control system 30 can be configured to combine the projecting state of the projector 15 with the translucent state of the front wall 13, and the operational position of the mirror 17. Similarly, the control system 30 can be configured to combine the non-projecting state of the projector 15 with the transparent state of the front wall 13 and the concealed position of the mirror 17. Accordingly, when the projection control sequence described above starts with the projector 15 being in its non-projecting state, it can further include step 33 of switching the projector 15 on, i.e., to its projecting state, as illustrated in Fig. 2A. Similarly, when the display control sequence starts with the projector 15 being in its projecting state, it can further include step 34 of switching the projector 15 off, i.e., to its non-projecting state, as illustrated in Fig. 2B. Step 33 can be performed after step 32 has been completed, and step 34 can be performed before step 35 to prevent deformations in the projected image caused by movement of the mirror 17.

The control system 30 can further include a storage device 40 operatively connected to the projector 15, configured to store images to be projected thereby. The storage device 40 can be located either in proximity to the projector 15, or in a remote location connected to the projector 15 by wireless communication, e.g., via the internet as in cloud storage and be transmitted to the projector by live-streaming, optionally facilitated by the control system.

It should be appreciated that systems of the kind of the system 1 can comprise more than one mirror and more than one projector, e.g., for facilitating projection of 3D images or for facilitating projection of images on a large front wall 13.

In case where there are multiple projectors, they can share the same storage device, while in case there is more than one mirror, they can share the same rotation mechanism.

Fig. 3 illustrates one example of a system 100 mounted between two display surfaces or shelves 151 and another one which was removed for illustration purposes, similarly to the system 1.

The system 100 comprises a front wall 113 having the same structure as the front wall 13, yet might be greater in dimensions, with a rear face 113a configured to face to wards a display space 150a and a front face 113b configured to face away from the display space 150a, i.e. towards a viewer. The system 100 further comprises a sight barrier 154 behind which a concealed zone 150b is defined. In other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, the concealed zone, the display space, and the sight barrier, don’t have to be a part of the system 1,100, rather they can be a part of the location in which the system 1,100 is installed.

The system 100 further comprises a first projector 115a, a second projector 115b, and two corresponding mirrors 117a and 117b.

Each mirror 117a, 117b is movable by a respective rotation mechanism between an operational position, seen in Fig. 3, and a concealed position (not illustrated), where it is concealed for the viewer when the front wall 113 is at its transparent state. In other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, both mirrors can share the same movement mechanism, e.g., by means of a bridging structure connecting the mirrors, which can improve synchronization therebetween.

The two projectors 115a and 115b are configured to project respective images on the mirrors 117a, 117b when these mirrors are at their operational position, to allow the mirrors 117a, 117b to reflect those images onto the rear face 113b of the front wall 113. Herein, the mirrors 117a, 117b are oriented at their operational positions such that images projected from both projectors are reflected by the mirrors such that they are overlappingly casted on the rear face 113a of the front wall 113. The projectors 115a, 115b can be configured to operate in conjunction so that each of which projects an image which, when casted on top of the image projected by the other projector, forms a 3D image.

To control the operation of the projectors 115a, 115b, the movement of the mirrors 117a, 117b, and the switching between states of the front wall 113, the system 100 can further include a control system 130, identical in principle to the control system 30, however which is configured to control plurality of devices simultaneously.

It should be appreciated that any or each of the system 1 and the system 100 can be configured for being accommodated within a showcase housing having within its interior a display space, and a concealed zone so that all the above described components are mounted therein, including the mirror/s, the projector/s and the control system. The housing can have the front wall as described above and rear, top, bottom and side walls, at least one of which is openable to allow access to the interior of the housing. Alternatively, the housing can be in the form of a frame structure free of at least some of the above walls other than the front wall, allowing access to the interior of the housing at one of more sides thereof.

Fig. 4 illustrates one example of such housing 200 accommodating the system 100. The housing 200 comprises a frame structure 211 configured for holding walls of the housing including a front wall 113 with its sight barrier 154, a rear wall 244 a bottom wall 220, and top and side walls 221, 222, and 223, respectively. The housing 200 is configured for holding the two mirrors 117a, 117b, the two projectors 115a, 115b, and the control system 130 of the system 100 mounted within the interior of the housing.

The interior of the housing 200 comprises a display space 250a bounded at its front by the front wall 113, at its bottom by the bottom wall 220, at its rear by the rear wall 244, and at its top by a concealed zone 250b, for displaying through the front wall 113 a display article C,D placed on the bottom wall 220. The interior of the housing 200 further comprises the concealed zone 250b bounded at its front by the sight barrier 154, at its rear by the rear wall 244, and at its top by the top wall 221.

The projectors 115a, 115b are permanently mounted in the concealed zone 250b, e.g. to the top wall 221 or to the sight barrier 154, and the mirrors 117a, 117b are mounted to the top wall 221 at a location spaced from the projectors 115a, 115b, so as to have sufficient place for the mirrors 117a, 117b to be brought into their concealed position (not illustrated).

It should be appreciated that the housing 200, and particularly the frame structure 211 should be designed in a manner which allows obtaining access to the display space 250a from an exterior thereof to allow introduction and removal of a display article into and from the display space 250a. For that purpose the rear wall 244 comprises two sliding doors 244a and 244b, each of which being configured to slide over the other to facilitate access for the display space 250a and optionally the concealed zone 250b, i.e., to allow introduction/removal of a display article thereinto/therefrom. The housing of a system according to the presently disclosed subject matter can be portable or transportable and can have a built-in electricity plug or a corresponding battery arrangement for providing electricity to the different components of the system. When the communication with the storage device of the control system is wireless, the housing can further comprise a wireless communication module for establishing such. A system according to the presently disclosed subject matter at least when it comprises a housing can be configured to operate as a plug-and-play unit, where as soon as it plugged to a power source and/or is switched on, its control system starts implementing a cycle of display and projection sequences of steps, as described above.