WO2000022955A1

WO2000022955A1 - System for supporting the selection of articles with the aid of a video camera

Info

Publication number: WO2000022955A1
Application number: PCT/EP1999/007638
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric Fischer
Original assignee: Eric Fischer
Priority date: 1998-10-21
Filing date: 1999-10-12
Publication date: 2000-04-27
Also published as: AU6202199A

Abstract

Disclosed is a sales system comprising a mirror, in which a customer can see himself with a sales object, e.g. a pair of glasses, a garment, a piece of jewelry or the like. Said system includes a video camera that is mounted in relation to the mirror in such a way that the customer can be picked up by the video camera when the customer is looking at himself in the mirror, a storage device that may be actuated by the customer or a third person for storing and playing back images recorded by the video camera and an image playback device for playing back the recorded images to be viewed by the customers.

Description

SYSTEM FOR SUPPORTING THE SELECTION OF ITEMS WITH THE AID OF A VIDEO CAMERA

description

The invention relates to a sales system with a mirror, in which a customer can view himself with a sales object, wherein he is simultaneously recorded by a video camera.

It is known to use video devices in sales, with which the customer is photographed with various objects that he may want to buy. Such video devices can be operated in self-service or by sales personnel. The customer can view the image captured by the video camera on a monitor. Since the customer is viewing his image on the monitor, he will also turn his attention to the monitor and the image shown in it while trying on different sales objects. By concentrating on the

Monitor, however, is at great risk that the appearance of the customer and thus his appearance, together with the sales object to be tried on, no longer appears natural and the undesirable so-called “off-set” viewing angle arises.

The object of the present invention is to avoid these disadvantages hitherto associated with the use of video cameras in sales, and in particular the so-called “off-set” effect, and to give the customer a “familiar” picture of himself during the fitting do . This object is achieved with the subject matter of the present invention.

The invention relates to a sales system according to claim 1.

Appropriate embodiments of this system are the subject of claims 2 to 17.

Another object is the use of the sales system according to the invention for monitoring rooms, room sections or similar parts of buildings according to claim 18.

Another object of the invention is also a mirror which is suitable for use in a sales system according to the invention, according to claim 19. Appropriate configurations thereof are the subject of claims 20 to 22.

According to the invention, a sales system with a mirror is provided, in which a customer deals with a sales object, e.g. glasses, a piece of clothing, jewelry or the like, and this is characterized by a video camera, which is arranged relative to the mirror so that the customer, when he looks at himself in the mirror, can be recorded with it, a storage device which is provided by Customer or a third person for storing and / or playing back images taken by the video camera, and an image display device for playing back the captured images for viewing by the customer.

With this sales system according to the invention, it is possible to have an unnatural behavior (for example an unnatural direction of view, eye position and posture) and a to avoid unnatural imaging by the video camera, and in particular the "off-set" effect.

In the sales system according to the invention, when the customer looks at himself with a sales object in the mirror, the image is captured by the video camera, which is preferably not visible behind the mirror and is not visible to the customer, and is shown as a "live mirror image" in the image display device. The customer's attention is directed thus, like a normal fitting in front of a mirror, on the mirror image in the mirror and not on the monitor, whereby the normal and natural behavior is maintained during such a traditional fitting in front of a mirror, and the customer does not pay attention to the monitor but his "live reflection". By means of the storage device operatively connected to the video camera and the image reproduction device provided according to the invention, the customer can then call up and compare the stored pictures or picture sequences as desired after "natural fitting in front of the mirror".

In general, mirrors such as those used for certain sales objects, e.g. Garments, jewelry, glasses, etc., are commonly used.

Preferably, the mirror can be adjusted together with the video camera in such a way that the customer can adjust the mirror according to his field of vision regardless of his body size, a body section to be viewed and / or the position (e.g. sitting or standing); in this way the natural behavior, as the customer is accustomed to before mirrors adapted for certain sales objects, is retained.

It is particularly useful if the mirrors used according to the invention have a semi-transparent area are equipped. The video camera is then located behind the mirror and is movably mounted together with the mirror so that it can take pictures of the customer through the semi-transparent area and the customer can also view himself in the semi-transparent area of the picture. The mirror can also be designed in such a way that the borders of the semi-transparent area of the mirror are not noticed or hardly noticed by the customer. The customer does not even notice the video camera located behind the mirror, and carries out the trials as usual, which preserves the natural behavior and largely eliminates the risk of an unnatural viewing angle and especially the "off-set" effect is.

The invention also relates to a mirror for

Suitable for use in a sales system according to the invention, characterized in that the mirror has an area recognizable to the viewer, on which the viewer directs his attention and which thus becomes the zone of eye contact of the viewer.

This area of optimal eye contact preferably lies in a central area of the mirror. This area can expediently be marked by coloring, tones or similar marking devices in order to be easily recognizable for the viewer. This will then cause the viewer to turn his attention and thus the direction of his gaze to this area, whereby the area becomes a zone of optimal eye contact by the viewer, which in turn can contribute to a natural appearance of the overall picture.

In an embodiment according to the invention, in particular in the event that the Camera is located behind the mirror, this area is designed semi-transparent.

Known and customary materials for mirrors and semi-transparent mirrors can be used as materials for the mirror and the semi-transparent regions of the mirror. As semi-transparent mirror materials e.g. those with 50% transmission and 50% reflection of the light are used; the 50% reduction in light transmission can e.g. by tinting the glass, usually using a shade of gray or brown. Semi-transparent mirrors e.g. 30% of the incident light passes through, and reflects 70% of it, although other areas and their combinations are also possible.

In particular, depending on the type of objects to be sold, it may be appropriate to use the entire mirror or, preferably, certain parts thereof, such as to provide the outer edges with shades of gray or shades. The semi-transparent region of the mirror is preferably in a central one

Area of the mirror is formed, and in particular in a zone of optimal eye contact.

The surface of the semi-transparent area of the mirror is preferably minimized in such a way that the image section that can be captured by the camera is “framed” by the edges of the semi-transparent area, that is to say it is not reduced in size the semi-transparent area can therefore be very small, which means that even in strong ambient light, such as that prevailing outdoors on the street, the mirror image is optimal and the transparent area practically does not interfere if a very large transparent mirror is used in a very bright environment, the reflection fades so that a very unnatural situation arises for the customer.

The aforementioned "outer edges" of the mirror are to be understood as the area of the mirror in which the customer can see himself, but which is not recorded by the video camera. A "medium-sized" field is thus defined in the mirror by the outer edges, which is just as large as the shooting range of the camera, which is determined by the focal length of its lens, etc. In this way, the customer can see whether the image section of interest is actually being taken. In addition, the delimitation, which can of course also be designed as a simple frame, involuntarily causes the customer to position himself in such a way that the areas of interest are clearly visible as a mirror image and thus at the same time can be precisely recorded by the camera. On the other hand, the fact that the overall mirror image is considerably larger than the captured image section ensures that the customer despite

Concentration on the image areas important to him receives a natural impression of his overall appearance and is not tempted to step back further in order to see this overall appearance. This is particularly important because the invention shown here can be used particularly for the self-service area, that is to say that no salesperson experienced in handling the device is or need be present.

The storage device, which can be operated by the customer or a third person for storing and / or reproducing images which have been recorded by the video camera, is preferably designed in such a way that the image (still image) and / or image sequences can be shifted at any time and / or called up simultaneously ("picture in picture") and can be compared with each other. In this way, it is possible that several sales objects tested during a "natural fitting" in front of the mirror can be compared with one another in peace; the customer can thus view the individual fittings that he has carried out in the mirror in the usual way at different times and compare directly with it at the same time.

An image reproducing device for reproducing the captured images for viewing by the customer is operatively connected to the storage device. The image display device for displaying the captured images and for customer viewing is e.g. designed as a monitor. The images (individual still images (standstill projection) and / or

Image sequences of selected length) are shown and can be compared directly in this way; retrieving images stored in the storage device may e.g. by means of a monitor, which is designed as a touch screen, or by operating buttons. In this way it is possible to view pictures several times, e.g. to make a shortlist, and then to make a final selection within the shortlist again after a comparison.

In a further embodiment, the possibility is given to effect the reproduction of the recorded images as a (side-inverted) mirror image or as a real image (corresponding to a photo). In the first case, the customer sees himself on the monitor (or on a printed image) as he normally sees himself in the mirror, in the other case the customer sees himself as someone else perceives him or as he appears on a photograph . This reversal of the page can take place, for example, by swapping the individual picture elements in a manner known per se a vertical axis of symmetry. This option is particularly important for those customers who do not like to see themselves in film or photo shoot but prefer to look at the type of reflection they are familiar with.

In one embodiment, the image reproduction device can also be designed as a printing device for printing out individual still images, which is operatively connected to the storage device. In a preferred embodiment, the

Image display device comprising a monitor and a printing device; this makes it possible to first view and compare images or image sequences in the monitor and then, after a possibly narrower selection by the printing device, to print out images which are then e.g. can be taken home to make a final decision.

Image display devices, e.g. The monitor and / or printing device are preferably designed such that they can also provide cutouts, enlargements and / or reductions, or images with changed brightness, and inverted images.

In the event that the video camera is behind the mirror, it is mounted in a space surrounding the camera behind the mirror, which can be locked light-tight. It is expediently located in a housing mounted behind the mirror, which can be closed off in a light-tight manner and, together with the camera, forms a unit which, as such, can be moved and removed.

The sales system according to the invention preferably also has a lighting device which is used to illuminate the serves the situation of the video camera to be recorded, that is to say the customer m in different fitting situations, and which is preferably designed and attached in a controllable and / or adjustable manner.

The customer should expediently, in particular also depending on the type of sales objects, be under controllable and controllable lighting, which should not only serve the purpose of being able to take correctly illuminated and well-illuminated images of the customer, but also to be able to try on the sales objects to be able to see in the right light. The type and strength of the lighting source, as well as the position of the lighting source within the sales system, and particularly to the customer (e.g. side lighting), are important for this. Both the illuminance and the position should be controllable by the customer and / or the sales staff so that the cheapest lighting is possible in different situations. The video camera can also be designed in such a way that it is provided with an automatic setting which, depending on the respective situation, automatically adjusts the illuminance and / or the position of the lighting fixture in order to select the most favorable values for e.g. to maintain the brightness, contrast, color shading, color nuance, sharpness, etc.

The distance between the customer and the video camera is very important for optimal image reproduction, but also for the optimal effect of the sales objects to be tried on. The sales system according to the invention expediently also contains a distance specification device for setting the most favorable distance of the customer to the video camera; this distance specification device, with which in particular a minimum value of the distance is to be maintained, can be made, for example, from a suitably attached marking, a rod, for example with distance information, a barrier, etc., which are not conveniently recorded by the video camera.

Preferably, an operating device for controlling and / or operating all system elements that are to be controlled and / or operated by the customer and / or the sales staff is also provided, which is expediently designed and attached such that the customer actuates the operating device in its natural posture can. The operating device is therefore designed in particular as a movable wireless or wired remote control.

The setting of the focal length of the video camera can be set automatically or by hand, in particular depending on the nature of the sales objects. Automatic focusing is useful for trying on model clothes, which is usually associated with motion sequences and requires image sequences, while e.g. a fixed focal length can be used to try on glasses or jewelry.

The way in which the sales system elements are arranged also depends on those available for the fitting

Environmental conditions. For example, if a sale takes place in an open or not individually closed environment, such as at trade fairs, fairs, etc., the system elements, in particular mirrors, video cameras, storage devices,

Image display device, lighting device, etc., to be installed within a transportable unit, for example a shock-resistant cabin, while a closed sales room, for example a fashion boutique, expediently works with system components which be arranged according to the respective circumstances and purpose. The arrangement and in particular the distance between the individual sales system elements is also heavily dependent on the type of sales objects; if, for example, a close examination is required, such as with an optician, a different arrangement / distance and type of lighting will be used than, for example, to try on clothes. For a closer look, such as with an optician, it can therefore be useful, for example, to incline the monitor designed as a touch screen, or the monitor with control buttons, to adjust it to the height of the customer, e.g. in a seated position.

In a portable unit, the individual sales system elements can e.g. on a platform of appropriate size, e.g. can be provided with foldable walls, be mounted so that a change in the mutual position to each other is still possible within certain limit ranges.

Another possible use of the invention is that the system when it is switched off and e.g. "Inactive" in the corner after the store closes, can also be used as a surveillance camera, ie within the framework of a security system. Of course, it is also possible to use the system in this way when the shop is open, for example to prevent or prevent shoplifting document.

The invention therefore also relates to the use of a sales system according to the invention for monitoring rooms, room sections or similar parts of buildings. The sales system according to the invention will now be explained by way of example with reference to the drawing, without restricting the scope of the invention thereto.

Here show:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a mirror used in accordance with the invention with a video camera behind it; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the arrangement of individual elements of the sales system.

In Figure 1, a video camera (A) is connected to a partially semi-transparent mirror (S). The mirror is attached to a rotatable axis (B) which is adjustable in a guide (T), which enables height and / or inclination adjustment, and the mirror e.g. the length and size of the customer can easily be adjusted (e.g. sitting or standing). The camera (A) is rotatable about the same axis (B), which ensures that the camera (lens axis) is at an angle of 90 ° to the mirror plane. The mirror consists of the three areas (C), (D) and (E), which have a different degree of reflection and a different transparency.

The areas (C), (D) and (E) are arranged such that the area (C) is in the center / eye level, and thus preferably in the area of the eye contact zone, and (D) and (E) in the outer areas of one optimal viewing zone. By differently coloring / toning the areas (C), (D) and (E), or by visibly delimiting these areas, as shown in FIG. 1, the customer gets the impression of a high-quality mirror, which is particularly useful for trying on the sales objects was designed, whereby the customer is also given an indication of the best recording area, which is in area (D), and in particular m and in the vicinity of area (C). (C) is the area of the partially semi-transparent mirror that is large enough to allow the camera to take the picture. With regard to the mirror effect, the qualttat of the semitransparent region (C) of the mirror need not be that of conventional silver mirrors;

(D) is a silver mirror of high excitement, such as is used in particular in model making;

(E) is a silver mirror that can be slightly colored with shades of gray or gray.

In the arrangement of FIG. 2, the customer is in an optimal position, which is brought about by a combination of the different areas of the mirror (C), (D) and (E) according to FIG. 1 and the distance between the customer and the mirror. The minimum distance (G) is controlled by a rod or a storage table (F), which is located in front of the touch screen / monitor and which indicates the minimum distance (G) to the customer by means of the rod length or the table depth. The rod or table (F) can be attached to the monitor, but also free-standing.

The control button (I) is in a position that can be reached by the customer with a relaxed arm length (J); by pressing the button (I) the video camera (A), which is located behind the mirror (S), is put into operation. The exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 2 is particularly suitable for a close examination, for example for trying on jewelry or glasses, in which the customer is preferably in a seated position; the screen of the monitor (H) is also designed to be tiltable and pivotable. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, an additional camera AI and an additional mirror L are provided. The mirror L is located behind the partially semi-transparent mirror S, for example in the rear part of a portable unit, such as a cabin. The mirror L is longer than the mirror S, for example a full length mirror, as is customary for trying on items of clothing, for example coats, pants, shoes, etc. The mirror L does not necessarily have to have a semitransparent area, but is preferably also divided into three zones, which correspond to the zones C, D and E of the mirror S, in order to convey the same viewing feeling to the customer as in front of the mirror S. The mirror L is attached to the axis M and pivotable about this. To remove the mirror L and / or for easy transport, for example to another sales department of a department store, the elements of the system, for example the mirror arrangements S and / or M, are preferably mounted on rollers. In addition to cameras A and AI, it may also be useful in some cases to provide additional cameras, for example on a tripod and / or held and operated by the sales staff.

In another embodiment, a recording device (video camera) with an extremely small diameter of the lens is used, this lens being inserted directly into the mirror, so that no semi-transparent area is necessary. If the diameter of the object is small enough, the customer can then look at a garment as a whole, for example. In this embodiment of the invention, the lens axis or the viewing angle of the camera lens can also be aligned so that it is not directly perpendicular to the mirror. The camera can then, for example, look at the customer "somewhat from above", the angle of inclination then expediently being set in this way is that the lens (which the customer can perceive) lies just outside its mirror image. In this embodiment, too, the camera is preferably set such that an optimal eye contact zone is ensured.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Sales system with a mirror, in which a customer deals with a sales object, e.g. glasses, a piece of clothing, jewelry or the like, characterized by a video camera (A), which is arranged relative to the mirror (S) so that the customer, when looking at himself in the mirror (S), from the video camera (A ) is recordable, a storage device which can be actuated by the customer or a third person for storing and reproducing images which have been recorded by the video camera (A), and an image reproduction device for reproducing the recorded images for viewing by the customer.

2. Sales system according to claim 1, characterized in that the mirror (S) is adjustable together with the video camera (A) in such a way that the customer can adjust the mirror (S) according to his field of vision regardless of his body size and / or of a body section to be viewed can.

3. Sales system according to claim 6, characterized in that the video camera (A) behind the semitransparent area (C) of the mirror (S) and with the mirror (S) is movably mounted such that the video camera (A) through the semitransparent area (C) take pictures of the customer and the customer himself can also be viewed in the semi-transparent region (C) of the mirror (S).

4. Sales system according to one of the preceding claims, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the mirror (S) has a recognizable area for the viewer (C) to which the viewer directs his attention and which thus becomes the zone of eye contact of the viewer.

5. Sales system according to claim 3, so that the area (C) is a central area of the mirror (S).

6. Vending system according to claim 3, so that the area (C) is recognizable by coloring, tones and / or similar marking devices.

7. Sales system according to claim 4, that the area (C) is semitransparent.

8. Sales system according to claim 3, characterized in that the semitransparent region (C) is designed in terms of its size and / or geometry in such a way that its edges essentially correspond to the image section which can be recorded by the video camera (A) and these are just not or only insignificantly limit.

9. Sales system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mirror (S) is so large that a Customer in the mirror (S) can view a larger area as a mirror image than it is recorded by the video camera (A).

10. Sales system according to claim 9, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that a mirror area (D), which corresponds to the image section that can be recorded by the camera, is made recognizable on the mirror by means of coloring, toning or similar marking devices.

11. Sales system according to one of the preceding claims, that the storage device for the reproduction of individual still images and / or image sequences is predetermined

Long trained.

12. Sales system according to one of the preceding claims, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that it contains a printing device which with the

Storage device for printing individual still images is operatively connected.

13. Vending system according to one of claims 7 to 12, that the camera (A) is mounted in a space surrounding the camera behind the mirror, which is lightproof.

14. Sales system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it contains a lighting device for illuminating the situation to be recorded by the video camera (A), which is designed and attached in a controllable and / or adjustable manner.

15. Sales system according to one of the preceding claims, that it contains a distance specification device (F) for setting the distance (G) of the customer to the video camera (A).

16. Sales system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it contains an operating device (I) for controlling and operating system elements, in particular the video camera (A) and / or the storage device, by the customer or a third person who is trained in this way and is appropriate that the customer can operate the control device in a natural posture.

17. Sales system according to claim 16, so that the control device (I) is designed as a movable wireless or wired remote control.

18. Use of a sales system according to one of the preceding claims for monitoring rooms, room sections or the like parts of buildings.

19. Mirror, usable m a sales system according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the mirror (S) has a recognizable area for the viewer (C), to which the viewer directs his attention, and in this way to the zone of eye contact from the viewer.

20. Mirror according to claim 19, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the area (C) em central area of the mirror

21. Mirror according to claim 19 or 20, so that the area (C) is recognizable by means of coloring, toning or similar markings.

22. Mirror according to one of claims 19 to 21, usable in a sales system according to one of claims 6 to 17, that the area (C) is semitransparent.