COLOR MATCHING FOR DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR SHOPS
A color identifying display system having a lighting surface having an alterable apparent surface color, a color capture device to capture a color of an object placed within a detection area, and a processor. The lighting surface and the color capture device are coupled to the processor. The processor analyzes the captured color to determine a prominent color of the object and to control a color of the lighting surface based on the determined prominent color. The color of the lighting surface may be adjusted to match the prominent color, complement the prominent color, or be analogous to the prominent color.
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This application is a continuation application under 35 U.S.C §120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/097,929, which is a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Application No. PCT/IB2006/054886 filed on Dec. 15, 2006, which claims priority to EP Application 05112861.9 filed Dec. 23, 2005.
BACKGROUNDDisplay systems within shops are under constant modification as new objects are inserted therein. Modification often consists of changing the color within the display system. For example, display cubes are often used to display many different types of objects. As objects are moved in and out of the cube, or as a particular season or trend demands a new color, the cubes have to be painted to match the demand. Painting requires significant labor on the part of the shop owner. Further, it may be difficult to paint over certain colors, such as a dark color being painted over by a light color. It is known that some fashion shops change their collection more than 10 times a year, requiring constant modification of the display cubes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONIt is an object of the present system to overcome these and other disadvantages in the prior art.
The present system proposes a display system that allows color of a structure of a display area to be easily changed and does not require painting.
The present system provides a display system that allows the color exhibited by the display system to be changed quickly and easily. A display system provides a means for image capturing, and image analysis for determination of a most prominent color. The present system allows modification of its color to be automatic based upon the characteristics of the object contained therein. An object may be illuminated in white light while allowing the environment of the display system to exhibit a matching or corresponding color. The display system allows the user to select from various colors that would be complementary to a particular object. A smart camera may be utilized for color analysis and determining the object size and position of an object present in the display system. The present system may also provide a display system with the capability of color sensing.
The following are descriptions of illustrative embodiments that when taken in conjunction with the following drawings will demonstrate the above noted features and advantages, as well as further ones. In the following description, for purposes of explanation rather than limitation, specific details are set forth such as the particular architecture, interfaces, techniques, etc., for illustration. However, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments that depart from these specific details would still be understood to be within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, for the purpose of clarity, detailed descriptions of well-known devices, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present invention. dr
It should be expressly understood that the drawings are included for illustrative purposes and do not represent the scope of the present system.
As utilized herein, a “lighting system” refers to a collection of lighting elements, such lighting elements may include light emitting diodes LEDs, halogen lights, fluorescent lights, and high intensity discharge lamps HID, and other tools, such as diffusers, combined to produce different color or colors of an environment. The lighting elements that may be useful in the present system are discussed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0040774 (“the '744 Publication), incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The '744 Publication describes systems for illuminating objects in adjustable colors. European Patent No. EP1462711 A1, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes systems for creating a variable color temperature of LED lighting.
As used herein, the term “prominent color” may refer to a color of an object that occurs over a largest viewable portion of the object with respect to any other colors of the object. The prominent color may also be the brightest color of any colors discernable from the object. The prominent color may also consist of a most prevalent color pattern or color texture of the object. Further, the prominent color may be a most saturated color of any colors discernable from the object. The prominent color may also be determined by a combination of any of the above-mentioned ways. For instance, finding the color that both occurs over a large viewable portion of the object and which has a high saturation level relative to other colors present.
The term “smart camera” refers to devices consisting of a camera and an image processor. The smart camera captures an image of objects placed within a display area and analyzes colors and textures of the objects to determine a prominent color of the objects. The prominent color determined from the objects may then be utilized by the system.
“Processor” may be used interchangeably with the terms microprocessor and CPU. In the present system, the processor contains a color setting means for passing on appropriate RGB values to the LED-array contained within the system. In use, following the input of the product's prominent color or colors from the smart camera, the processor containing the color setting means determines the corresponding color or colors to the prominent color or colors. The RGB values for the corresponding color or colors are then passed to the LED-array for visualization in the system.
It is to be noted that no detailed description will be given regarding the detailed operation of each specific lighting element. It is to be understood that the lighting elements that form part of the described systems are capable of reproducing visible light having essentially any desired color and intensity. The lighting elements may be realized, for example, in the form of multi-color light emitting diode LED devices that conform to the RGB system of colors, although other color systems may also be suitably utilized. Nevertheless, any other suitable controllable multi-color light emitting elements may be used without departing from the scope of the present system.
The term “display system” as used herein throughout may refer to any device for displaying an object within a shop environment, including but not limited to, display cubes, shelf space, a particular area within a store, a surface, such as a wall surface or counter surface, and counter space. The display system as such is the environment for displaying the object.
The term “corresponding color” refers to a color or colors that relate to the product's prominent color or colors. A corresponding color or colors, for example may be determined based on its color wheel position relative to the prominent color or colors. A corresponding color or colors may include analogous colors, which are colors that may be on either side of the prominent color, complementing colors, which are colors that are directly opposite from the prominent color, split complementary colors, which are indirect complementary colors, usually one step removed from the complementary color, and triad colors, which are three colors that are spaced equally in distance from each other on the color wheel, with the prominent color being considered the center.
In use, the system may have an automatic mode in which the system automatically adjusts the color of an environment of the cube 101 to match the color of the object 109 on display in the cube 101. In the embodiment shown, the color of the environment is a perceived color of the diffuser 111. In one embodiment, different portions of the diffuser 111 may be colored differently such as when one portion of the object 109 is one color and another portion of the object 109 is another color and/or when there are a plurality of objects 109, positioned in the cube 101, having different colors.
Matching the color of the object 109 includes identifying a prominent color in the object 109, and coloring the lighting elements 103 to produce a perceived color of the diffuser 111 that matches or complements the objects' prominent color or colors. In one embodiment, the system may automatically switch between various colors that are suitable for matching the object 109. In this way, the object 109 may be perceived in a plurality of environments (e.g., the perceived colors of the diffuser 111) at different times, which each complement or match a color or colors of the object 109. Automatic switching may occur based on particular time intervals, which for example may vary from seconds to days. Automatic switching may also occur based on times of the day, so that particular colors are provided that correlate to the object 109 and to natural lighting provided by daylight that may be available outside the cube 101. Color switching may be a smooth transition or a more abrupt change as the system goes from one color to a next color.
The adjustment or switching of the color of the environment of the cube 101 may be initiated by the smart camera 105 illustratively positioned at the top of the cube 101. The smart camera performs this function by capturing an image of the object 109 in the cube 101, and analyzing the image to determine the prominent colors of the object 109. Based on this analysis, the lighting elements 103 via the diffuser 111 provide a visual perception that inner surfaces of the cube 101 (e.g., the perceived inner walls of the cube 101) are colored the prominent or a complementary color of the object 109. As the lighting elements 103 are used to merely provide a perceived color of the diffuser 111 as opposed to highlighting or lighting of the object 109, the lighting elements preferably have a light intensity that is sufficient to provide the perceived color, yet does not directly highlight or light the object 109.
In one embodiment, lighting elements 107, separate from the lighting elements 103, such as white or colored lighting elements, provide illumination that is utilized to highlight or spotlight the object 109 with a white or colored light. The lighting elements 107 may be lighting elements that are similar or different than the lighting elements 103. However, the lighting elements 107 are provided at an intensity (e.g., brightness) that is sufficient to highlight or spotlight the object 109. In one embodiment, the lighting from lighting elements 107 is adjusted to a size and position of the object 109. The adjustment of the light from illumination 107 may be the result of another function of the smart camera 105, that of measuring the size and position of the object.
In this and/or another embodiment, the system may be operable in a manual mode. In the manual mode, the color to be exhibited by the system will be chosen by the user via a user-interface 119 that includes input selection as illustratively shown in
In a further embodiment of the manual mode, upon the placement of a new object within the display cube 101, the smart camera 105 may detect the object, analyze the object for prominent colors, and provide a plurality of color options, sequentially one at a time, using the lighting elements 103 and diffuser 111 for a certain period of time, for example 3 minutes. Users would then be able to select the most suitable color using the user-interface 119.
In the present system, in the event the system is positioned in a particular area of a shop where objects are exhibited, such as shelving, etc., the smart camera may be directed toward the area and the image processed extracting the prominent colors of objects, etc. The color lighting at that particular area of the shop may then be modified, either automatically or manually as discussed above.
In another embodiment, the system may contain a database of information for modifying the color. Such information may include which colors of objects match other colors or given combinations of colors. The information may also include object ‘metadata’ information. In this manner, objects that contain discernable identifying information, such as may be contained on radio frequency identification tags (RFID) 121 as shown in
The smart camera useful in the instant system may comprise a color sensor technology capable of detecting a color, pattern, or picture, such as a logo, on a piece of paper. In this way, a user may present a desired color to the system and have it exhibited or matched/complemented by the lighting elements.
In the system of the instant invention, the processor contains a color selecting means, such as a computer program comprising a database that may be stored in the memory 117 (see,
In one embodiment of the instant invention, in use, upon a shop customer approaching the display system, the processor may detect the approach of the customer through use of the smart camera 105 or by other detecting devices. In response, the processor may alter the visualized color of the display cube to turn or fade to white, black or other neutral color determined from the prominent color. This will allow the customer to view the product clearly. In a case wherein the customer removes the product from the display system, the visualized color of the display system may turn or fade to a neutral or dark color, for example black. Upon the customer replacing the product back into the display system, the visualized color may then revert back (e.g., such as fade) to the original matching color. The removal of the object may be detected by the smart camera or by other detecting devices, such as a sensor positioned under the object to detect the object placement.
Having described embodiments of the present system with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the present system is not limited to the precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope or spirit as defined in the appended claims. For example, while the lighting elements for producing a diffused light over a surface of a diffuser (e.g., lighting elements 103) and the lighting elements that may deliver object illumination (e.g., lighting elements 107) have illustratively been described as separate lighting elements, there is no need that they in fact be separate. Illustratively, both described lighting elements may be combined into a single lighting unit, such as an IMI (Indoor Matrix Illumination) system that may be used (e.g. integrated in the “ceiling” of the display cube) to both illuminate the object with white light, and create corresponding color light for the environment around the object. Numerous alternate embodiments, combinations of embodiments, and sub-combination of embodiments should be understood to be within the scope of the claims that follow.
In interpreting the appended claims, it should be understood that:
a) the word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of other elements or acts than those listed in a given claim;
b) the word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements;
c) any reference signs in the claims do not limit their scope;
d) several “means” may be represented by the same item or hardware or software implemented structure or function;
e) any of the disclosed elements may be comprised of hardware portions (e.g., including discrete and integrated electronic circuitry), software portions (e.g., computer programming), and any combination thereof;
f) hardware portions may be comprised of one or both of analog and digital portions;
g) any of the disclosed devices or portions thereof may be combined together or separated into further portions unless specifically stated otherwise; and
h) no specific sequence of acts or steps is intended to be required unless specifically indicated.
Claims
1. A method for providing lighting within a color identifying display system, comprising:
- capturing by a camera image data of an object positioned within a display area;
- identifying a prominent color of said object positioned within said display area;
- automatically adjusting the color of a lighting surface based upon said identified prominent color;
- wherein said adjusting of said color of said lighting surface modifies said color of said lighting surface based upon one of a complementary or a matching color of said identified prominent color.
2. The method for providing lighting within a color identifying display system of claim 1 wherein said capturing of said image data further includes determining a shape and a size of said object placed within said display area.
3. The method for providing lighting within a color identifying display system of claim 1 further including highlighting said object in said display area with a separate lighting element.
4. The method for providing lighting within a color identifying display system of claim 3 further including adjusting said highlighting to a determined size and shape of said object.
5. The method for providing lighting within a color identifying display system of claim 1 wherein said adjusting of said color of said lighting surface includes modifying the light output of a plurality of lighting elements via a diffuser to provide a visual perception that an inner surface of said display system is colored.
6. The method for providing lighting within a color identifying display system of claim 1 further including coloring portions of a diffuser differently.
7. A method for providing lighting within a color identifying display system, comprising:
- capturing an image of an object within a display area of said display system;
- analyzing said captured image to determine prominent colors of said object;
- lighting a plurality of elements on said display system to provide a perception that inner surfaces of said display area are colored either a prominent or a complementary color of said object;
- adjusting an intensity of said plurality of lighting elements;
- wherein said analyzing includes determining a shape and a size of said object.
8. The method for providing lighting within a color identifying display system of claim 7 further including highlighting said object with a separate set of highlighting elements, said separate set of highlighting elements directing light onto said object.
9. The method for providing lighting within a color identifying display system of claim 8 further including adjusting said separate set of highlighting elements to a determined size and a position of said object within said display area.
10. The method for providing lighting within a color identifying display system of claim 7 further including the steps of:
- alternating lighting of a subset of said plurality of lighting elements of said display system;
- capturing additional images of said object while alternating lighting of said subset;
- determining an outline of said object by analyzing shadows produced during said alternating lighting of said subset step.
11. A method of providing lighting for a display area, the method comprising:
- capturing an image of an object within the display area;
- identifying a prominent color of said object positioned in the display area;
- adjusting a color of a lighting surface based on the identified prominent color;
- wherein the color of the lighting surface is adjusted to one of substantial match the identified prominent color or complement the identified prominent color.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 13, 2011
Publication Date: Apr 5, 2012
Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V. (EINDHOVEN)
Inventors: Bartel Marinus VAN DE SLUIS (Eindhoven), Hubertus Maria Rene CORTENRAAD (Saint Egreve), Elmo Marcus Attila DIEDRIKS (Eindhoven), Henriette Christine Marie HOONHOUT (Eindhoven), Mehmet Alper YALVAC (Eindhoven)
Application Number: 13/323,864
International Classification: H05B 37/02 (20060101);