GB2274733A - Audio visual mirror - Google Patents

Abstract

A mirror unit comprises a half-silvered mirror and transparencies which are illuminated from behind the mirror in response to actuation by a detector which senses the presence of a person: the transparencies are illuminated in a preprogrammed sequence and this visual presentation is accompanied by an audio presentation.

Description

AUDIO-VISUAL MIRROR PRODUCT SPECIFICATION ISSUE A 1 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION The Audio-Visual mirror is a wall mounted unit, having the appearance of a normal mirror, but able to present advertising material in the form of illuminated colour transparencies which are seen through the half-silvered surface of the mirror. The visual presentation is accompanied by speech and/or music played from an audio cassette tape.

This sequence of events is triggered from a passive infra-red detector which senses changes in body heat radiation from a person standing near the front of the mirror, ie it responds to body movement.

The order and timing of the sequence in which the lamps used to illuminate the transparencies are turned on and off are controlled by signals stored on the cassette tape, and are fully programmable by the user. Thus each set of transparencies and corresponding cassette tape can be produced to suit customer requirements.

The sequence is terminated when the tape has played out.

If at this time the same person (or a different person) is still standing in front of the mirror, the sequence starts again at the beginning, otherwise the mirror remains dormant until triggered again.

2 CONSTITUENT PARTS 2.1 CASE ASSEMBLY This is the main structural assembly of the case and hinged door frame carrying the mirror. The case is divided internally into display compartments and the electronics compartments.

The display compartments contain lamp fittings for transparency illumination, and these are wired back to the power electronics compartment. The case assembly also has a panel mounted IEC plug for connecting the mains supply (L, N and E), and the output from this is routed via an interlock switch which is open circuit when the mirror/door is open.

The mains wiring then continues into the power electronics compartment. The mirror/door is fitted with a key operated lock to restrict access.

2.2 ELECTRONICS UNIT The electronics are divided into two parts which mount in the compartments on either side of the central product compartment. One part consists of the DC power supplies and the lamp driving triac circuits. The other part consists of the control circuit, audio cassette player and passive infra-red detector.

3 POWER SOURCE AC mains at 50 or 60 Hz; voltage range 209V to 231V.

The unit must be earthed.

4 EXTERNAL DIMENSIONS Approximately 100 cm high, 82 cm wide and 10 cm deep.

5 TRANSPARENCY SIZES There are ten compartments for illuminating transparencies, sized as follows: 2 transparencies 30.5 cm x 20 cm.

8 transparencies 14 cm x 20 cm.

The transparencies are mounted on an opal white acrylic diffuser panel behind the mirror door.

6 LAMPS A Transparency Lamps: 200W/220V linear tungsten halogen with R7S caps B Product Compartment: 50W/12V tungsten halogen display lamp with 50mm open dichroic mirror 7 SOUND Pseudo stereo from a mono recording at 2 x 2 watts output using one speaker mounted in each of the vertical sides.

Frequency Range: 150 Hz to 10 KHz Level Setting: By internal preset potentiometer, adjustable by the customer.

Sound is muted if movement detection ceases.

8 TAPE FORMAT Endless loop stereo audio cassette tape. The LH channel is used for speech and music (mono) recording and the RH channel for light sequence control signals. Dolby noise reduction techniques are not employed.

The cassette mechanism will be a personal stereo type, employing an endless loop audio cassette with the programme recorded once (or possibly several times sequentially, depending on the playing time) on one side of the tape.

Programme Duration: Depends on playing time (or playing time divided by number of repeats).

Lamp Control: sy multiple frequency tones coded to switch lamps and stop the tape at appropriate times. The product compartment lamp is on all the while the tape runs. The transparency lamps are programmed to be on one at time in sequence.

The occurrence of a lamp code switches the corresponding lamp ON and the previous lamp OFF. The STOP codes ends the sequence and stops the tape.

9 I R DETECTOR RESPONSE Typically 1.5m detection distance over +500 angle.

10 SAFETY Door interlock switch isolates mains from lamps and control electronics when mirror door is opened; this door is normally kept locked.

The unit is designed to meet the requirements of IEC950 for class 1 equipment.

Note that the unit is not intended to be suitable for installations in washrooms or similar sites where special safety regulations may apply.

11 ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATABILITY (EMC) The unit is designed to meet the emission requirements of EN 50 081-1 for class A equipment, and the immunity requirements of EN 50 082-1.

12 ENVIRONMENTAL Working Ambient Temperature Range: 5 to 350C Storage Ambient Temperature Range: -25 to 50"C Relative Humidity: 90% max.

THE MIRROR - THE MEDIUM FOR LIVING ADVERTISEMENTS Possibilities of use Sales rooms Supermarkets Exhibition halls Hotels and restaurants Display windows Airports/Train stations Fair booths and many, many more Product features Easy handling Safety due to electronic selftesting Thermal supervision of the lighting Quick program and image change Cassettes can be programmed by a PC Easy to service Ornamental design protection Function The advertisingmirror is computercontrolled. That means high operational security due to digital processing.

The image sequence with 10 illuminated images and the illumination of the product sections is actuated by a sensor.

A stereo cassette recorder with a loopcassette controls the synchronous image and sound sequence.

MK 2/3 Version (1) Neon cold lights (2) 10 section "Duratrans" image change.

(3) Possible "roller blind" inc 50 images.

(4) Voice chip as opposed to cassette.

Technical data Advertisingmirror Height: 80 cm Width: 60 cm Depth: 14 cm Weight: 12 kg Effective range of the sensor 0.50 - 6m.

2 loudspeakers 10 image sections Product sections Dimensions: 27 x 19 x 10 cm Made in accordance with VDE.

Accessories Display stands Computer with monitor and software Service set Flat loudspeaker Diverse displays Service contract

Claims (7)

1. CLR IMS 1. Product programmed and set up by computer and is thus Computerised.
2. 2. Multiple production panel, the inner being compartmentalised using a double skin with a variety of external finishes, such as aluminium, leather grain, sand effect, etc.
3. 3. Product produced in a flame retardant material to underwriters laboratory test UL94VO.
4. 4. Optional "voice chip" as opposed to cassette.
5. 5. Internal and external dimensions are variable, thus a smaller unit 60cm X 35cm can be produced for the domestic home marketplace.
6. 6. Optional "Neon Technology" as opposed to "Halogen".
7. 7. Parabolic curve will be incorporated in late 1993 to facilitate up to 36 images via a slide carousel.

   Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1) A mirror unit comprising a half-silvered mirror and transparencies which are illuminated from behind the mirror, to provide a visual presentation, in response to actuation b y a detector which senses the presence of a body.

   2) A mirror unit as claimed in claim 1, in which said transparencies are illuminated in a preprogrammed sequence which is commenced upon actuation of said detector.

   3) A mirror unit as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the visual presentation is accompanied by an audio presentation.

   4) A mirror unit substantially as herein described.