TW201506864A - Intelligent mirror cum display solution - Google Patents

Abstract

A display apparatus includes a panel which is partial-transmissive and partial-reflective to visual light. A media source for providing visual contents is disposed at back side of the panel. A controller is coupled to the media source, and a detector is disposed adjacent to the panel and coupled to the controller. Upon receiving a first signal from the detector, the controller sets the apparatus to a first mode at which, the light level at the back side of the panel is above the threshold, and the visual contents are visible from a front side of the panel. Upon receiving a second signal from the detector, the controller sets the apparatus to a second mode at which, the light level in at least a predetermined area is below the threshold such that a reflected image of an object is visible from the front side of the panel in the predetermined area.

Description

Smart mirror and its display scheme

The present invention relates to a display device. In particular, the present invention relates to a multifunctional display device.

Media communication devices on the market, such as LCD/LED or other types of vision systems, have only hanging or vertical display screens, which are not always well integrated into the environment or ultimately attract only a few people's attention. The invention is based on the natural feeling of looking in the mirror in the daily life environment, and can display the digital content without interruption to obtain higher impression rate and better aesthetic value.

Embodiments of the present invention bring a completely different and rich experience to the user by including/integrating the user's own image into the content of the conventional display screen. Improves the interaction between display devices and users, and enhances the impact of visual content on users.

According to one embodiment, the display device includes a panel that is partially transmissive to the visible light portion. The panel is designed to allow visual signals to pass from the rear side of the panel to the front side when the brightness level of the light on the rear side of the panel exceeds a threshold, and to reflect an image of the object on the front side of the panel when the brightness level is below the threshold. A media source that provides visual content from the back side of the panel is placed on the back side of the panel. The controller is connected to the media source, and the detector is placed adjacent to the panel and connected to the controller. Once the detector is received The first signal, the controller sets the device to the first mode, in which the light level of the rear side of the panel is higher than the threshold. In the first mode, visual content passes through the panel and is visible from the front side of the panel. Upon receiving the second signal from the detector, the controller sets the device to the second mode, in which the brightness level of the light is below a threshold at least in a predetermined area on the rear side of the panel, such that A reflection image of the object can be seen on the front side of the predetermined area of the panel.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description.

1‧‧‧Users

1’‧‧‧ images

2‧‧‧ golfers

3‧‧‧Users

3’‧‧‧ images

10‧‧‧Display equipment

12‧‧‧ Display screen

14‧‧‧ Controller

14a‧‧‧Visual Content

16‧‧‧ panel

16a‧‧‧ front side

16b‧‧‧ Back side

18‧‧‧Detector

20‧‧‧Display equipment

22‧‧‧ Display screen

24‧‧‧ Controller

24a‧‧ visual content

24b‧‧‧ icon

25‧‧‧ touch film

26‧‧‧ panel

28‧‧‧Detector

30‧‧‧Display equipment

32‧‧‧Media source

34‧‧‧ Controller

36‧‧‧ panel

38‧‧‧Detector

40‧‧‧Display equipment

46‧‧‧ panel

47‧‧‧ camera

50‧‧‧Display equipment

50a-c‧‧‧ display unit

52‧‧‧Content Management Server

54‧‧‧ Controller

56a-c‧‧‧ panel

58‧‧‧Detector

59a‧‧‧Interactive Enabler

59b‧‧‧Memory Module

59c‧‧‧Network adapter

60‧‧‧Display equipment

62‧‧‧Display screen

64‧‧‧ Controller

64a‧‧‧ visual content

65‧‧‧ touch film

66‧‧‧ panel

66a‧‧‧ front side

68‧‧‧ icon

161‧‧‧Part 1

162‧‧‧Part II

261‧‧‧Display section

Section 361‧‧‧

362‧‧‧ Section

Section 662‧‧‧

700‧‧‧Vending Machine

710‧‧‧ display

712‧‧‧Display screen

714‧‧‧Remote control

714a‧‧‧ visual content

715‧‧‧ touch film

716‧‧‧Touch panel

718‧‧‧ sensor

720‧‧‧ button

722‧‧‧export port

724‧‧‧ camera

7161‧‧‧ front side

7162‧‧‧Area

The above and other aspects of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings in which: FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1B shows an exploded view of FIG. 1A; FIG. The display device of FIG. 1A when operating in the display mode; FIG. 1D shows the display device of FIG. 1A when operating in the mirror mode; FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of the display device according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2B shows 2A is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2A; FIG. 2D is an exploded view of FIG. 2A; FIG. 2D is a view showing the display device of FIG. 2A when operating in mirror mode; FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3B shows the display device of Figure 3A when operating in mirror mode; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a display device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5A shows a display in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; a perspective view of the device; FIG. 5B shows a block diagram of FIG. 5A; 6A shows a perspective view of a display device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 6B shows the display device of FIG. 6A when operating in mirror mode.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of another embodiment in accordance with the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D, a display device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a media source such as a display screen 12 (for example, an LCD display), and a controller connected and placed on the rear side of the display screen 12. 14. Controller 14 may be a computer having the necessary features to receive, generate, process, and provide visual content for display 12 to display. Display screen 12 and controller 14 may be separate units that are connected to each other by a wired or wireless network module. A non-limiting example of a display screen and controller may be a monitor connected to a visual content source, such as a DVD player, cable television, closed circuit television, and the like. The display screen and controller can also be in the form of an integrated single unit, such as a handheld media player, tablet, smart phone, digital photo frame, and the like.

On the front side of the display screen 12, a panel 16 is attached. Panel 16 is partially transmissive to visible light and visual image. In one example, panel 16 is a chemically coated mineral glass. The panel 16 is designed to allow visual signals to penetrate from the back side 16b to the front side 16a when the brightness level of the rear side of the panel is above a threshold. On the other hand, when the brightness level on the rear side of the panel is lower than the threshold, the panel 16 reflects the image of the object in front of the panel. As shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, when both the display screen 12 and the controller 14 are powered on, the visual content 14a provided by the controller 14, such as an advertisement consisting of text, pictures, video clips or a combination thereof, will be on the screen 12. Displayed on. Because the brightness level of the visual content is above the threshold, panel 16 is now in transmissive mode such that visual content 14a can pass through panel 16 and be visible from its front side 16a.

When the screen 12 is turned off, or the controller 14 causes it to not work, after the panel 16 No visual content is available on the side. The brightness level on the back side of panel 16 is below the threshold, so panel 16 is in reflection mode. Different from displaying the visual content in the transmissive mode, the front side 16a of the panel 16 is visible as a mirror image 1' of the object in front of the display device 10, such as the user 1 approaching. Panel 16 now operates in reflective mode.

Display device 10 has one or more detectors 18 coupled to controller 14. An example of a detector is a proximity sensor, such as an infrared proximity sensor. The detector 18 can also be a motion sensor, such as an ultrasonic sensor, a visual image receiver such as a still image camera, a video camera, or a combination of both functions. The same or different types of sensors can be used when more detectors are needed.

The infrared proximity sensor provides distance-based sensing of a subject's heated object, generates a first signal corresponding to the user's proximity, and generates a second signal corresponding to the user's departure. Depending on the needs of the actual application, the infrared proximity sensor can also be set in different ways, such as generating a first signal corresponding to the user's departure and generating a second signal for the user's proximity.

The ultrasound sensor provides distance- and/or motion-based sensing of the object and can be designed or calibrated to be triggered upon detection of a particular event, such as a user's motion, movement, and/or gesture. The ultrasonic sensor generates a first signal upon detecting the first action of the object, and generates a second signal when the second action is detected.

The visual image receiver identifies and/or tracks the user's activity and can be configured or calibrated to detect specific information, such as a user's facial image or body motion. The visual image receiver generates a first signal upon detecting the first image, and generates a second signal when the second image is detected.

In any of the above examples, the controller receives the first signal and the second signal and determines a corresponding mode of operation of the display device, as described in further detail below.

Returning to an embodiment using a proximity sensor, when the detector 18 detects that there is no object within a predetermined range or distance (e.g., 1 meter) from the display device 10, the controller 14 receives the first contact from the proximity sensor. A signal and the display device is set to the first mode. In this first mode, the brightness level on the rear side of the panel 16 is above the threshold such that the visual content 14a provided by the screen 12 is transmitted through the panel 16 and visible from the front side 16a of the panel, as shown in Figure 1C.

When the detector 18 detects an object, such as the user 1 approaching being within a predetermined range from the display device 10, the controller 14 receives a second signal, such as a signal representative of "appearance." The controller 14 accordingly sets the display device to the second mode. In this second mode, the screen 12 is either turned off, or the visual content is controlled such that the brightness level in the area of the first portion 161 of the panel 16 is above a threshold, thereby preserving the predetermined area, i.e., the remaining second portion 162 is Blank or make its brightness level below the threshold. In the former case, the brightness level on the rear side of the panel 16 is lower than the threshold, and the entire area of the panel 16 is switched to the reflection mode. The reflected image of the object becomes visible from the front side of the panel 16. In the latter case, the brightness level of the second portion 162 is below the threshold, so the panel 16 operates in the combined mode, i.e., the first portion 161 is in the transmissive mode and the second portion 162 is in the reflective mode. The visual content 14a of the screen 12 is still displayed in the first portion 161, but due to the setting of the second portion 162 there will be a necessary positional change while the mirror image 1' is visible in the second portion 162.

When user 1 leaves display device 10, detector 18 detects this event and sends another signal to controller 14, such as a signal representative of "vacancy." The controller 14 then sets the screen 12 to the first mode, for example by opening the screen 12. The brightness level of the rear side 16b of the panel 16 becomes higher than the threshold, causing the panel to switch to a transmissive mode in which the visual content provided by the controller 14 over the entire area of the panel 16 is restored.

As explained by the above embodiments, the present invention can bring a completely different and rich experience to the user, whereby the user's own image can be included/integrated into the content of the display screen. Increased device and user interaction and enhanced visual content impact on users.

2A, 2B, 2C and 2D show another embodiment of the present invention. Display device 20 includes a display screen 22 coupled to display screen 22 and placed on controller 24 on the back side of display screen 22. The partially transmissive partially reflective panel 26 is attached to the display screen 22 and operates in a similar manner to the previous embodiment. The controller 24 is coupled to one or more detectors 28. Detector 28 detects information or nearby conditions of a passing person or a nearby user and issues a trigger signal to controller 24 to determine the type of content and/or specular image to be displayed through panel 26.

In the present embodiment, the touch film 25 is sandwiched between the screen 22 and the panel 26 and attached to the rear side of the panel 26. The touch film 25 receives a touch operation input by the user through the panel 26 and communicates with the controller 24 connected thereto to set the displayed visual content. Taking the example shown in Fig. 2D as an example, panel 26 shows an illustration 24b indicating the directions of up, down, left and right. When the user touches the direction icon 24b, the touch film 25 detects the touch operation and communicates with the controller 24. In response, the visual content 24a on the display portion 261 will change with the corresponding graphical touch operation, which may be set by the control software installed within the controller 24. In embodiments where a motion sensor or camera is used, the user's control activities (such as a waved gesture) are captured by the motion sensor or camera, and the visual content displayed through panel 16 reacts accordingly.

3A and 3B show still another embodiment of the present invention. Display device 30 includes a partially transmissive partially reflective panel 36, a media source (e.g., projector) 32 disposed behind panel 36, a controller 34 coupled to projector 32, and a detector 38 coupled to controller 34. Panel 36 is partially transmissive and reflects in a similar manner to the previous embodiment. Projector 32 provides visual content from the rear side of panel 36. When it is detected that there is no object within a predetermined distance from the display device 30, the detector 38 sends a "vacancy" signal to the controller 34, which in turn activates the projector 32 to provide visual content in the first mode. The visual content has a brightness level above the threshold and is therefore visible from the front side of the panel 36. When the approaching user 1 is within a predetermined distance, the detector 38 will be triggered and an "appear" signal is sent to the controller 34, which sets the projector 32 to the second mode, i.e., by providing a stop to the panel 36. Visual content is provided only in selected portions, such as section 361. The entire area of panel 36 or portion 362 that is not provided with visual content will be in a reflective mode and display the reflected specular image 1'.

4 is yet another embodiment in which the panel 46 of the display device 40 displays the first posture in which the golfer 2 is swinging (it may be an incorrect posture). This gesture is captured by camera 47 and stored as a first image in a controller (not shown). The controller compares the first image to the correct pose stored in its "Golf Training" library. Both the first pose and the correct pose can be displayed through panel 46, such as in a superimposed manner. Such overlay images can be used to illustrate their differences and are used to help golfers follow the instructions. The golfer can then adjust her posture by matching the new mirror image to the "correct posture." This embodiment is a detailed example of using a camera based sensor.

In still another embodiment illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B, display device 50 includes three display units 50a, 50b, and 50c, each having a partially transmissive partially reflective panel 56a, 56b, and 56c, and may be comprised of one The controller 54 performs central control via the network adapter 59c via the content management server 52. As with the previous embodiments, a detector 58 can be provided to sense the presence or absence of a user in the surrounding area. It is also possible to connect the interactive enabler 59a and the memory module 59b to the controller 54 to enhance the control function. A display device having multiple units can pass through a group Detector to configure and control. Taking the example shown in FIG. 5A as an example, when the user 3 approaches one of the display units (for example, the unit 50b), the corresponding detector perceives the "appearance" and turns the unit 50 into the reflection mode, that is, displays the mirror image 3'. . At the same time, adjacent units 50a and 50c remain in transmissive mode, but may also be configured to display visual content associated with the user 3 approaching unit 50b.

In still another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, display device 60 includes a display screen 62 coupled to display screen 62 and placed on the back side of display screen 62. The partially transmissive partially reflective panel 66 is attached to the screen 62 and operates in a similar mode as the previous embodiment. The touch film 65 is sandwiched between the screen 62 and the panel 66 and attached to the back side of the panel 66. The touch film 65 receives a touch operation input by the user through the panel 66 and communicates with the controller 64 connected thereto to configure the displayed visual content.

Panel 66 has an accessible icon 68 to prompt the user to operate, such as "press here for more information." If the icon 68 is not pressed or clicked, the controller 64 receives a first signal, such as "untouched" from the touch film 65, and sets the display device to a first mode in which the vision provided by the screen 62 is provided. Content 64a is transmitted through panel 66 and is visible from panel front side 66a as shown in Figure 6A.

When the user presses the icon 68, the touch film 65 captures the event and sends a corresponding signal to the controller 64. The controller 64 receives a second signal from the touch film 65, such as "touch detected", and sets the display device to a second mode in which all regions or specific portions 662 of the panel 66 become mirrors, ie, display The user's mirror image instead of displaying the visual content is shown in Figure 6B.

This embodiment utilizes a touch film as a type of detector. User pressed or Clicking on the action of panel 66, such as clicking on icon 68, serves as a source for generating a trigger signal, thereby causing controller 64 to be set to the corresponding display mode.

Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment in accordance with the present invention. This solution will achieve the purpose of displaying and presenting the goods sold by combining the display device with the vending machine 700. The vending machine 700 in this embodiment includes the following components: a display 710, a panel 716 located inside the display 710 (the material is partially transmissive and partially reflective), and a display screen 712 attached to the back side of the panel 716, located on the back of the display screen 712. The remote controller 714 connected to the side is located between the display screen 712 and the panel 716 and attached to the back side of the panel 716, and the camera 724.

Some of the components function as follows: Panel 716 is used to present the merchandise sold in vending machine 700 to the user. The partially transmissive partially reflective material of the panel 716 will provide the customer with a virtual try-on function to effectively enhance the shopping experience. The function of the touch film 715 is to receive user information and make touch operation inputs through the panel 716, as well as communicate with the remote controller 714 to which it is connected for configuring the illustrated visual content.

During use, the customer can make an operational selection by touching an accessible icon (eg, a "try on" icon) on the panel 716 or by selecting a try-on button 720 disposed under the vending machine 700. If the illustration is not clicked or pressed, the touch film 715 or button 720 will signal the controller 714 - "No need to try on." At this time, 714 will set the display device to the first mode. In the first mode, the display screen 712 will provide visual content 714a that will be displayed through the panel 716 on the front side of the panel 7161.

The specific working principle is as follows. After the purchaser selects the "Try-on" function via touch panel 716 or button 720, touch film 715 or button 720 will send corresponding information to controller 714. After receiving the "try-on" signal, the controller 714 will set the display device to the second mode. formula.

In the second mode, the camera 724 will capture images of the purchaser's physical characteristics (eg, face and/or torso, limbs) and store them as a first image in the controller 714. The first image will be used to compare with the image stored in the "Product Image" library in controller 714 to select the size of the item for the user. At the same time, the proximity sensor 718 will measure the distance between the purchaser 1 and the vending machine 700 and send this information to the controller 714 to estimate the height of the purchaser. Additionally, controller 714 also sets a portion of panel 716 to a transmissive mode. At this point, visual content 714a (eg, a T-shirt or hat) located in the transmissive mode region will be transmitted through panel 716 and displayed on its front side. Thereafter, the area 7162 will display the superimposed image 1'. The purpose of superimposing the image 1' is to provide an intuitive try-on effect to the purchaser without providing a genuine product.

If the purchase is successful, the purchased item will be delivered by the delivery port 722; if the try-on experience fails (for example, the try-on effect is not satisfactory or the size is not suitable), the customer can abandon the purchase by clicking the touch film 715 or button 720 or choose another one. commodity.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings, and are described in the foregoing detailed description, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

For example, in some applications, the display device can be configured to change the entire or partial panel area to a reflective mode when the user or object is within a predetermined distance from the panel. In other applications, the display device can be configured to work partially or completely in the opposite manner. In one case, when the user is outside of a predetermined distance from the panel, the display device is set to operate in a "total reflection" mode, and when the user is within a predetermined distance from the panel, the display device is "transmissive in a partially reflective portion" Or work in "full transmission" mode.

Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention does not depart from the scope of the appended claims. The invention may be susceptible to various combinations, modifications, changes and substitutions.

1‧‧‧Users

1’‧‧‧ images

12‧‧‧ Display screen

14‧‧‧ Controller

14a‧‧‧Visual Content

16‧‧‧ panel

18‧‧‧Detector

161‧‧‧Part 1

162‧‧‧Part II

Claims (26)

A display device includes: a panel, the panel transmits visible light when a brightness level of the back side of the panel is higher than a threshold, and the panel reflects visible light when a brightness level of the back side of the panel is lower than a threshold; the media source uses Providing visual content from a back side of the panel; a controller coupled to the media source; and a detector coupled to the controller, wherein the controller, upon receiving a first signal from the detector, the device Set to a first mode in which the brightness level on the back side of the panel is above a threshold such that the visual content is visible from the front side of the panel; wherein upon receiving a second signal from the detector, the controller The device is set to a second mode in which the brightness level at least within the predetermined area is below a threshold such that the reflected image of the object is visible from the front side of the panel within the designated area. The device of claim 1, wherein the detector is a proximity sensor that generates a first signal upon detecting a first position of the object relative to the proximity sensor, once the object is detected relative to the proximity The second position of the detector produces a second signal. The device of claim 2, wherein the first position is equal to or less than a predetermined distance from the proximity sensor, the second position being greater than a predetermined distance from the proximity sensor. The device of claim 2, wherein the first location is greater than a predetermined distance from the proximity sensor, the second location being equal to or less than a predetermined distance from the proximity sensor. The device of claim 2, wherein the proximity sensor is an infrared proximity sensor. The device of claim 1, wherein the media source comprises a display screen attached to a rear side of the panel. The device of claim 6, further comprising a touch film disposed between the panel and the display screen and connected to the controller, wherein the touch film is configured to receive a touch operation from the panel to control The visual content to be displayed. The device of claim 7, wherein the touch film is an infrared sensor array. The device of claim 1, wherein the media source comprises a projector placed at a rear or front side of the panel. The device of claim 9, further comprising a touch film attached to the rear side of the panel and connected to the controller, wherein the touch film is used to receive a touch operation from the panel to control the visual display to be displayed content. The device of claim 10, wherein the touch film is an infrared sensor array. The device of claim 1, wherein the detector is a motion sensor that generates a first signal upon detection of a first motion of the object and a second signal upon detection of a second motion of the object. The device of claim 12, wherein the motion sensor detects motion of the user to control visual content to be displayed. The device of claim 12, wherein the motion sensor is an ultrasonic sensor or an array of ultrasonic sensors. The device of claim 1, wherein the detector is a visual image receiver that generates a first signal upon receiving the first image and generates a second signal upon receiving the second image. The device of claim 15, wherein the visual image receiver is a camera, and the first image and the second image are still images. The device of claim 16, wherein the camera controls the visual content to be displayed upon detecting a still image. The device of claim 15, wherein the visual image receiver is a camera, and the first image and the second image are motion images. The device of claim 18, wherein the camera controls the visual content to be displayed once the motion image is detected. The device of claim 1, wherein the detector is a touch film attached to a rear side of the panel, and the touch film generates a first signal upon detecting no touch operation on the panel, and the touch film is detected. A second signal is generated by a touch operation on the panel. The device of claim 1, wherein the detector is a touch film attached to the back of the panel, and the touch film generates a first signal upon detecting a touch operation on the panel, and the touch film detects the panel once the touch film is detected. The second signal is generated without a touch operation. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the predetermined area is a full surface area of the panel. The device of claim 22, wherein in the second mode, the controller disables the media source such that no visual content is provided from the rear side of the panel. A vending machine comprising the display device according to claim 1, wherein the vending machine further comprises a camera for capturing the physical characteristics of the purchaser in the second mode and as the first image Stored in this controller for comparison. A vending machine as claimed in claim 24, wherein the detector is a touch film or button. A vending machine as claimed in claim 24, the vending machine further comprising a proximity sensor for measuring the distance between the purchaser and the vending machine.