VISUAL RECORD SYSTEM

Abstract: A visual record system has a display zone (3) such as a marked area or path within the boundaries of which one or more persons can display personal goods, in particular items of clothing. One or more video cameras (5) are mounted so as to receive images of the persons and goods and to record the images on a suitable recorder (9, 10 or 11). A control computer (8) processes the images received in order to build up a viewable record of images of each individual person with different goods.

Description: VISUAL RECORD SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a visual record system particularly to assist persons in selecting personal goods, especially garments, to be purchased from a shop or the like. BACKGROUND ART When selecting a garment for purchase in a shop, and particularly in the case of ladies' dresses or other stylish or fashion wear, a customer may have difficulty in deciding which garment is preferred, and, to assist in this respect, he or she may wish to consider the prospective purchase over a period of time or may wish to consult friends or relations to obtain their opinions. An object of the present invention is to provide means which can be used to enable the customer to conveniently obtain this assistance at home or elsewhere after leaving the shop. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION According to the invention therefore there is provided a visual record system comprising a display location havin therein a display zone in which persons can display personal goods, a camera mounted to receive visual information o such persons and goods in said zone, a visual recordin device connected to said camera to make a portable viewabl record of said visual information, and a control devic operable to direct visual information of multiple displays, respectively of the same person with different goods, to a common said viewable record. With this arrangement it will be understood that, for example, a person can try on different garments and the resulting displays can be assembled onto a single viewable record which the person can take away and view subsequently to assist in deciding which garment is preferred. The display location can be established permanently or temporarily in a shop or the like. The display zone preferably comprises a suitably marked area or path where the person can move within the range of the camera. In one embodiment a path generally in the shape of the number '2' is used. The display location further may comprise a mirror or arrangement of mirrors in which the person can see his or her reflection when in the display zone. In this case the camera may be arranged to derive the visual information from the reflection as well as, or alternatively to, directly from the person. Further, the display location may incorporate structures such as a changing room or rooms, a counter or desk, or any other suitable structure. With regard to the camera, this is preferably a video camera and the recording device is a video tape cassette recorder, the portable viewable record being in the form of a video tape cassette. The system may include a single camera connected to a single recorder. Alternatively there may be two or more cameras and/or two or more recorders. Also there may be one or more auxiliary devices operable to add auxiliary visual information to the viewable record and/or to produce supplementary information. Thus, for example, one or more auxiliary devices may be used to provide titles, product details such as price, colour, size etc, advertisements or the like on the viewable record, and/or to provide a supplementary print out of any of such information. With regard to the control device, where visual information is being derived from a single person, the device can operate to alert the person to the readiness of the system to record each respective display. Thus, for example, there may be an actuable indicator, such as a green light or the like, which may be positioned in a changing room or elsewhere, to indicate that the system is ready for the person to move to the display zone. Recording may commence automatically with the actuation of the indicator or automatically when the person is detected in the display zone for example by an infra-red detector mounted on or near an operation desk or when an operator or the person actuates a control. Termination of a respective display may be effected automatically after a predetermined time and this may be signalled by an indicator, such as a red lamp or the like. Alternatively termination may be effected automatically when the person leaves the display zone, or may be effected under the control of an operator or the person. Different goods, such as garments used in the different respective displays may be given pre-determined sequence identifications which may be identified to the person (e.g. by successive numerial identifications one, two, three etc.) and correspondingly the goods may be pre-identified to the control device e.g. by operator entry via a keyboard of the sequence identifications together with codes identifying the goods. Alternatively, this identification may be effected automatically e.g. by using bar codes on the goods. In this way the system can have information as to which goods are being used in the respective displays and this enables the corresponding production of related information in the correct sequence, e.g. product information such as pricing. Time periods between successive displays, e.g. whilst the person is preparing for the next display (for example by putting on the next garment) , can be used to add intervening additional information, such as advertisements, to the visual record. In the case where the system is used for multiple persons, this can be done with a control system which in addition to all or any of the features mentioned above also utilises identification of the respective persons. Thus, for example, each person is given a respective number, or utilises a respective changing room or the like and the readiness of the system is signalled alternately to the different persons, e.g. by actuation of a numbered indicator or by actuation of the 'ready 1 indicator in the respective changing room. The resulting recorded information can then be directed to different respective visual records corresponding to the different persons, this being achieved by use of a plurality of recording devices which are utilised in appropriate sequence, or by use of a single recording device which produces an assembled record of all displays and which can subsequently appropriately dis-assemble this to produce separate records for the respective persons. The control device preferably comprises a computer which is appropriately interfaced with the (or each) camera and recording device and, as necessary, with indicators or the like, to control automatic operation thereof. The computer may also be used for other functions such as stock control etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of one form of a visual record system according to the invention; and Fig. 2 is a block circuit diagram of the system. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION With reference to the drawings, the system is for use in a ladies dress shop, or similar establishment, and comprises a desk 1, an arrangement of angled mirrors 2 spaced in front of the desk 1, a marked-out path 3 in the shape of the number '2' between the mirrors 2 and the desk 1 close to the mirrors 2, and two changing room enclosures 4 disposed on opposite sides of the space between the mirrors 2 and the desk 1. The arrangement is essentially symmetrical about a vertical plane through the centres of the mirror arrangement 2 and the desk 1. Mounted at the front of the desk 1 is a concealed, controllable video camera 5 arranged to receive visual information from the region of the marked out path 3 both directly and by reflection from the mirror arrangement 2. Also mounted on the desk are two visual display units 6, 7 one (6) being arranged to display video pictures, the other (7) acting as a computer monitor. Within the desk there is a computer system 8 and three (or more) video tape cassette recorders 9, 10, 11. The computer system 8, camera 5, units 6, 7 and video recorders 9-11 are appropriately connected via control interfaces. Also the computer system 8 is connected to a bar code reader 12 on the desk 1 to red and green signal lamps 13, 14 and a green button 15 in each of the changing rooms, and to a signal lamp above the mirrors 2. A keyboard 17 is connected to the computer system and mounted on the desk 1. Alternatively, an infra-red sensor may be located on or near the desk. This senses the interruption of infra-red beams at the beginning and end of each customer's session, as they leave or re-enter the respective changing room, and gives an indication, to the computer 8 of the respective customer number. In use, the operation of the system is as follows, assuming that two customers have each selected a number of garments which they wish to try on and consider for purchase. The two customers approach the desk 1 and an operator sitting behind the desk enters into the computer system, via the keyboard 17 on the desk 1, the names and addresses of the customers. Information entered is shown on the monitor 7. Each customer is given an identification code number (one or two) and the garments selected by each customer are given successive sequence identification numbers (one, two, three... etc.). As each garment is given a number, the product identification of the garment is fed into the computer system 8 by presenting bar codes on a label of the garment to the bar code reader 12 on the desk 1. Customer number one is directed to one of the changing rooms 4 which is identified number one and customer number two is directed to the other changing room 4 which is identified number two. The customers change into their first selected garments and, in the changing room number one the green light 14 is actuated. In changing room number two the red light 13 is held actuated. Customer number one then presses the button 15 and leaves the changing room and walks around the marked out path 3 inspecting herself and the garment which she is trying on in the mirror. This display is recorded with the camera 5. The person is facing the mirrors 2 rather than looking directly at the camera 5 and this encourages the person not to be self-conscious. If necessary the operator can adjust the focus or angle of the camera 5 using appropriate controls. The camera 5 is connected to the display unit 6 so that the operator can see the picture being recorded by the camera 5. The recording is made on a tape cassette in one of the video recorders 9. After a predetermined period of time, or as directed by the operator, the red lamp 16 over the mirror arrangement 2 is illuminated and customer number one returns to the respective changing room 4. During this recording period price and other product information relating to the garment is obtained from a database of the computer system 8 and is superimposed on the recording. Whilst customer number one is changing into the second garment, the red light 13 is actuated in changing room number one and the green light 14 is actuated in the other changing room. Customer number two now presses the button 15 and moves on to the marked out display path 3 and a recording is made on a video cassette in another one 10 of the video recorders. The above procedures are repeated, the customers in turn trying on the selected garments and recordings being made automatically on the respective video recorders 9, 10. In between successive recorded displays for each customer, advertising material, for example relating to goods to be purchased, or relating to the shop premises, can be recorded from a pre-recorded tape on the third video recorder 11. All such procedures are automatically controlled by the computer system 8. As a result of the foregoing procedure the customers are each presented with a respective video cassette containing displays of the customer wearing the different selected garments with added product information relating to price etc. and with interspersed advertising sequences or the like. The customers can take the video cassettes home and view the recorded material on conventional domestic VCR/ television systems. If as a result of this the customers wish to purchase one of the garments this can be done simply by identifying the garment to the shop from the position on the video recording or by means of a related code or the like. With this system, sale of garments can be facilitated and at the same time the system acts to advertise and promote the activities of the shop. It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above embodiment which are described by way of example only. Thus, for example, provision may be made for supressing the added price information whereby such information can be printed out separately rather than being added to the video recording. During the recording sessions if a customer tries on a garment which is not considered to be satisfactory, provision may be made for deleting the recording of this. Appropriate features may be incorporated as desired during recording in order to enhance the presentation. Thus, features such as fade in and fade out of pictures, added music, and added trailers, scenes or the like can be incorporated. Although the invention is specifically described above in relation to ladies garments it can also apply to mens garments and to other goods such as jewellery or the like. An additional field of use is in the monitoring of identity parades for police purposes.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A visual record system comprising a display location having therein a display zone in which persons can display personal goods, a camera mounted to receive visual information of such persons and goods in said zone, a visual recording device connected to said camera to make a portable viewable record of said visual information, and a control device operable to direct visual information of multiple displays, respectively of the same person with different goods, to a common said viewable record. 2. A visual record system according to claim 1, characterised in that the display zone comprises a suitably marked area or path where said person can move within range of the camera. 3. A visual record system according to claim 2, characterised in that said path is generally in the shape of the number '2' . . A visual record system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that said display location further comprises a mirror or arrangement of mirrors in which the person can see his or her reflection when in said display zone. 5. A visual record system according to claim 4, characterised in that said camera is arranged to derive the visual information from the reflection. 0 - 12 - 6. A visual record system according to claim 4, characterised in that said camera is arranged to derive the visual, information from the reflection along with directly from the person. 7. A visual record system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the display location further includes a changing room or rooms. 8. A visual record system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that said display location further includes a counter or desk. 9. A visual record system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that said camera comprises a video camera and said recording device comprises a video tape cassette recorder, said portable viewable record comprising a video tape cassette. 10. A visual record system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that said system includes a single camera connected to a single recorder. 11. A visual record system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that said system includes a plurality of cameras connected to a plurality of recorders. 12. A visual record system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that said system further comprises one or more auxiliary devices to add auxiliary visual information to the viewable record and/or to produce supplementary information. 13. A visual record system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that said control device, where visual information is being derived from a single person, is operable to alert said person to the readiness of the system to record each respective display. 14. A visual record system according to claim 13, characterised in that said control device is operable to actuate an actuable indicator. 15. A visual record system according to claim 14, characterised in that said actuable indicator comprises a green light to indicate that the system is ready for the person to move to the display zone. 16. A visual record system according to any one of claims 1 to 15 when dependent on claim 14, characterised in that said recording device is operable to commence recording automatically with the actuation of the indicator. 17. A visual record system according to any one of claims 1 to 15 when dependent on claim 14, characterised in that said recording device is operable to commence recording automatically on detection of a person in the display zone. 18. A visual record system according to any one of claims 1 to 15 when dependent on claim 14, characterised in that said recording device is operable to commence recording on actuation of a control by the person or an operator. 19. A visual record system according to claim 18, 5 wherein the control includes an infra-red detector which detects interruption of a beam by a person leaving or re- entering a changing room. 20. A visual record system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterised in that said recording 10 device is operable to terminate recording automatically, after a predetermined time. 21. A visual record system according to claim 20, characterised in that the termination of recording is signalled by an indicator. 15 22. A visual record system according to claim 21, characterised in that said indicator comprises a red l mp. 23. A visual record system according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterised in that said goods to be 20 displayed are given predetermined sequence identifications. 24. A visual record system according to claim 23, characterised in that said identifications are identified to the person using said system. 2525. A visual record system according to claim 23 or claim 24, characterised in that said goods are pre- identified to the control device. 26. A visual record system according to claim 25, characterised in that the goods are pre-identified by operator entry via a keyboard of the sequence identifications together with codes identifying the goods. 27. A visual record system according to claim 25, characterised in that the goods are pre-identified by use of bar codes on the goods. 28. A visual record system according to any one of claims 1 to 27, characterised in that the control system, where the system is used for multiple persons, is operable to identify each respective person. 29. A visual record system according to claim 28, characterised in that said identification comprises a respective number for each person. 30. A visual record system according to claim 28 or claim 29, characterised in that the system is operable to signal readiness thereof alternately to each different person. 31. A visual record system according to any one of claims 28 to 30, characterised in that said system is operable to direct the resulting recorded information to different respective visual records corresponding to the different persons. 32. A visual record system according to claim 31, characterised in that said different respective visual records comprise a plurality of recording devices which are utilised in appropriate sequence. 33. A visual record system according to claim 31, 5 characterised in that said different respective visual records comprise a single recording device operable to produce, an assembled record of all displays and subsequently dis-assembles this to produce separate records for the respective persons. 10 34. A visual record device according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein said control device comprises a computer which is appropriately interfaced with the (or each) camera and recording device and, as necessary, with indicators or the like, to control automatic function 15 thereof. 20 25

Inventors: ASHTON THOMAS, ASHTON, THOMAS
Applicants: SECONDE OPINIONS LIMITED
Application year: 1990
Main classification: G09F5
IPC codes: G09F5