Patent Publication Number: US-2023156165-A1

Title: Projection system for translucent displays and methods of operating thereof

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/468,453, filed Sep. 7, 2021, entitled “PROJECTION SYSTEM FOR TRANSLUCENT DISPLAYS AND METHODS OF OPERATING THEREOF,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/929,661, filed May 14, 2020, entitled “PROJECTION SYSTEM FOR TRANSLUCENT DISPLAYS AND METHODS OF OPERATING THEREOF,” the entire contents and disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The field of the present disclosure relates generally to translucent projection systems and, more specifically, to projecting images and video onto translucent displays. 
     Many purchasers of aircraft and other fleet vehicles require that the vehicle be personalized for their brand or image. In many cases, this includes having logos or images on different surfaces of the vehicle. However, many of these customizations are expensive and would have to be removed if the vehicle is resold. These customizations also require special set-ups on the assembly lines, which then slows down the production process. One particular area of customization is the lavatories of the vehicles, where the purchasers are looking for distinct features to increase their visibility and the comfort of their passengers. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have a system that allows for customization of surfaces on vehicles without requiring changes to the production of the vehicle. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     In one aspect, a system is provided. The system includes a translucent display positioned such that a first face is a display face and that a second face is a projection face. The system also includes at least one projector configured to project an image on the second face of the translucent display. The image is displayed on the first face. The system further includes at least one sensor configured to transmit a signal when triggered. In addition, the system includes a projector controller in communication with the at least one projector and the at least one sensor. The projector controller is programmed to receive a signal from the at least one sensor. The projector controller is also programmed to instruct the at least one projector to project at least one image on the translucent display in response to the signal from the at least one sensor. 
     In another aspect, a method for operating a projector system is provided. The method is implemented by a computing device includes at least one processor in communication with at least one memory device. The method includes receiving a first signal from a first sensor. The method also includes determining a first projection sequence to activate in response to the first signal from the first sensor. The method further includes determining a first translucent display and a corresponding first projector to display the first projection sequence in response to the first signal from the first sensor. In addition, the method includes transmitting instructions to the first projector to project the first projection sequence onto a projection face of the first translucent display, such that the first projection sequence is displayed on a display face of the first translucent display. The projection face is an opposite side of the first translucent display from the display face of the first translucent display. Moreover, the method includes receiving a second signal from a second sensor. Furthermore, the method includes determining a second projection sequence to activate in response to the second signal from the second sensor. In addition, the method also includes determining a second translucent display and a corresponding second projector to display the second projection sequence in response to the second signal from the second sensor. In addition, the method further includes transmitting instructions to the second projector to project the second projection sequence onto a projection face of the second translucent display, such that the second projection sequence is displayed on a display face of the second translucent display, wherein the second translucent display is different from the first translucent display. 
     In yet another aspect, a lavatory is provided. The lavatory includes a plurality of translucent displays positioned in surfaces of the lavatory. Each translucent display of the plurality of translucent display comprises a first face, and an opposite second face, where the first face is visible. The lavatory also includes a plurality of projectors positioned behind the plurality of translucent display and configured to project on the second face of the plurality of translucent displays. The lavatory further includes a plurality of sensors. In addition, the lavatory includes a computing device including at least one processor in communication with at least one memory device. The computing device is in communication with the plurality of sensors and the plurality of projectors. The at least one processor is programmed to receive a first signal from a first sensor of the plurality of sensors. The at least one processor is also programmed to determine a first projection sequence to display based on the first signal. The at least one processor is further programmed to determine one or more translucent displays of the plurality of translucent displays to project the first projection sequence on. In addition, the at least one processor is programmed to determine one or more projectors of the plurality of projectors associated with the determined one or more translucent displays. Moreover, the at least one processor is programmed to transmit instructions to the determined one or more projectors to display the first projection sequence. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a projector system for projecting an image onto a translucent display in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates another projector system for projecting an image onto a translucent display in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    is a simplified block diagram of an example system for executing the projector systems shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . 
         FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  illustrate a sink-based projector system in accordance with at least one example. 
         FIG.  4 C  illustrates a view of operation of the sink-based projector system shown in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B . 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a view of a lavatory using the projector systems shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  3   . 
         FIG.  6    illustrates another view of a lavatory using the projector systems shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  3   . 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a further view of a lavatory using the projector systems shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  3   . 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a view of use of the projector systems shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  3   . 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a process for using the lavatory-based projector system in accordance with at least one example. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates another process for using the lavatory-projector system in accordance with at least one example. 
         FIG.  11    illustrates an example configuration of a client computer device shown in  FIG.  3   , in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  12    illustrates an example configuration of the server system shown in  FIG.  3   , in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The implementations described herein relate to systems and methods for analyzing images and, more specifically, to translucent projection systems and, more specifically, to projecting images and video onto a translucent display including one or more translucent materials. For the purposes of this discussion, a translucent material or display permits light to pass through, but diffuses the light so that objects on the opposite side are not clearly visible. In some examples, the translucent display is made from a material comprising an acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate (ATH) similar to that of Corian®, created by E. I. duPont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, Del., (DuPont) which is a solid material. 
     In particular, the translucent projection system includes a projector, such as a short-throw projector is controlled by a projector controller computer device. The projector controller computer device controls the projector as it transmits images to display on the translucent display. The projector projects the image on a projection face of the translucent display to be displayed through the translucent display on the display face of the translucent display. By projecting onto the projection face of the translucent display, there are no obstructions between the projector and the display being projected onto. This prevents individuals from interposing between the projector and the display being projected onto, thus preventing shadows and other obstructions from obscuring the image. The projector is also hidden away from the viewer to increase the viewing experience. Furthermore, the projectors can be configured to display desired images, allowing for customization without requiring additional equipment. In addition the images may be changed when desired. The projectors can be configured to display images, series of images, videos, and/or animations. 
     Described herein are computer systems such as the projector controller computer devices and related computer systems. As described herein, all such computer systems include a processor and a memory. However, any processor in a computer device referred to herein may also refer to one or more processors wherein the processor may be in one computing device or a plurality of computing devices acting in parallel. Additionally, any memory in a computer device referred to herein may also refer to one or more memories wherein the memories may be in one computing device or a plurality of computing devices acting in parallel. 
     As used herein, a processor can include any programmable system including systems using micro-controllers, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor capable of executing the functions described herein. The above examples are example only, and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term “processor.” 
     As used herein, the term “database” may refer to either a body of data, a relational database management system (RDBMS), or to both. As used herein, a database may include any collection of data including hierarchical databases, relational databases, flat file databases, object-relational databases, object oriented databases, and any other structured collection of records or data that is stored in a computer system. The above examples are example only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term database. Examples of RDBMS&#39; include, but are not limited to including, Oracle® Database, MySQL, IBM® DB2, Microsoft® SQL Server, Sybase®, and PostgreSQL. However, any database may be used that enables the systems and methods described herein. (Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation, Redwood Shores, Calif.; IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, N.Y.; Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Wash.; and Sybase is a registered trademark of Sybase, Dublin, Calif.) 
     In another example, a computer program is provided, and the program is embodied on a computer-readable medium. In an example embodiment, the system is executed on a single computer system, without requiring a connection to a server computer. In a further example embodiment, the system is being run in a Windows® environment (Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Wash.). In yet another embodiment, the system is run on a mainframe environment and a UNIX® server environment (UNIX is a registered trademark of X/Open Company Limited located in Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom). In a further embodiment, the system is run on an iOS® environment (iOS is a registered trademark of Cisco Systems, Inc. located in San Jose, Calif.). In yet a further embodiment, the system is run on a Mac OS® environment (Mac OS is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. located in Cupertino, Calif.). In still yet a further embodiment, the system is run on Android® OS (Android is a registered trademark of Google, Inc. of Mountain View, Calif.). In another embodiment, the system is run on Linux® OS (Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds of Boston, Mass.). The application is flexible and designed to run in various different environments without compromising any major functionality. 
     In some examples, the system includes multiple components distributed among a plurality of computer devices. One or more components can be in the form of computer-executable instructions embodied in a computer-readable medium. The systems and processes are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. In addition, components of each system and each process can be practiced independent and separate from other components and processes described herein. Each component and process can also be used in combination with other assembly packages and processes. The present embodiments can enhance the functionality and functioning of computers and/or computer systems. 
     As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to “example embodiment” or “one embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. 
     As used herein, the terms “software” and “firmware” are interchangeable, and include any computer program stored in memory for execution by a processor, including RAM memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory. The above memory types are example only, and are thus not limiting as to the types of memory usable for storage of a computer program. 
     Furthermore, as used herein, the term “real-time” refers to at least one of the time of occurrence of the associated events, the time of measurement and collection of predetermined data, the time to process the data, and the time of a system response to the events and the environment. In the embodiments described herein, these activities and events occur substantially instantaneously. 
     The systems and processes are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. In addition, components of each system and each process can be practiced independent and separate from other components and processes described herein. Each component and process also can be used in combination with other assembly packages and processes. 
     The patent claims at the end of this document are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as “means for” or “step for” language being expressly recited in the claim(s). 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a projector system  100  for projecting an image onto a translucent display  105  in accordance with the present disclosure. In the example, a translucent display  105  includes a translucent material that allows light to pass through, but is semi-transparent. For the purposes of this discussion, a translucent material or display permits light to pass through, but diffuses the light so that objects on the opposite side are not clearly visible. In some examples, translucent display  105  is made from a material comprising an acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate (ATH) similar to that of Corian®, created by E. I. duPont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, Del., (DuPont) which is a solid material. 
     In the example, translucent display  105  includes a display face  110  and a projection face  115 , where the display face  110  faces a viewer (or observer)  120  and the projection face  115  faces one or more projectors  125 . While the projector  125  shown in  FIG.  1    is below the translucent display  105 , the one or more projector  125  can also be positioned above the translucent display  105 , to any side of the translucent display  105 , or even directly behind the translucent display  105 . The one or more projectors  125  are configured to project images  130  onto the projection face  115  of translucent display  105 . The image  130  is then viewed by the viewer  120  through the translucent display  105 . In the example, the projector  125  projects the image  130  in reverse, so that it can be displayed in the proper orientation by the viewer  120 . In the example, the projector  125  is at least one of a short throw projector, an ultra-short throw projector, a GOBO (goes before objects) projector, or other projector that works as described herein. The term GOBO (Go Before Optics) specifically refers to a device placed in “the gate” or at the “point of focus” between the light source and the lenses (or other optics). In the example, the projector  125  is only a short distance from the translucent display  105  and is configured to project on translucent display from that close distance. Furthermore, the projector  125  is configured to project onto curved or uneven surfaces, so that the image  130  does not appear distorted to the viewer  120 . In this example, the projector  125  is programmed to adjust the image  130  that is projected to the contours and shape of the translucent display  105  that is being projected on to avoid skew. This adjustment can be made when the projector  125  is originally configured while being installed. 
     The projector  125  is controlled by a projector controller  135 . The projector controller  135  instructs the projector  125  as to which images  130  to project and when to project those images. The projector controller  135  can provide images to the projector  125 . The projector controller  135  can also provide images that have been adjusted to the contours of the translucent display  105  to the projector  125 . If the projector controller  135  determines that it is appropriate to go into a sleep mode, the projector controller  135  would then instruct the projector  125  to stop projecting images  130  to conserve energy, to reduce heat, and/or to reduce wear and tear on the projector  125 . The projector controller  135  can activate sleep mode a predetermined period of time after a sensor signal has been received, after a series of images have been displayed a predetermined period of time, after a specific sensor signal has been received, or based on a command from one or more other computer devices.. In some examples, the projector controller  135  is a part of the projector  125 . In other examples, the projector controller  135  is separate from and in communication with the projector  125 . In some further examples, the projector controller  135  controls multiple projectors  125 . 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a block diagram of another projector system  200  for projecting an image onto a translucent display  105  in accordance with another example of the present disclosure. In projector system  200 , translucent display  105  includes a display face  110  and a projection face  115 . The display face  110  faces a viewer (or observer)  120 . Projector system  200  also includes a plurality of projectors  125 . Each of the plurality of projectors  125  are configured to project images  205  and  210  onto the projection face  115  of the translucent display  105 . The projector controller  135  controls each of the projectors  125  to determine which part of the image  210  for each projector  125  to display based on the size and shape of the translucent display  105 . 
     Furthermore, the projectors  125  are configured to project the image  210  to include an overlap area  215 . The projector controller  135  is programmed to control the plurality of projectors  125 . The projector controller  135  instructs each projector  125  which image  205  and  210  to project and what to project in the overlap area  215 . The projector controller  135  can use color matching and edge blending techniques to illuminate the overlap area  215  so that there is no visible difference to the viewer  120  between the image  205  and  210  and the overlap area  215 . 
       FIG.  3    is a simplified block diagram of an example system  300  for executing the projector systems  100  and  200  (shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   ). In the example, the system  300  is used for controlling projectors  125 . The system  300  is a projector controlling computer system that includes a projector controller computer device  310  (also known as a projector controller server) configured to project images onto surfaces. In some examples, the projector controller computer device  310  is programmed to control one or more projectors  125  based on data received from one or more sensors  305 . In the example, projector controller computer device  310  is similar to projector controller  135  (shown in  FIG.  1   ). 
     Projectors  125  are configured to project an image  130  onto the projection face  115  of a translucent display  105  so that the image  130  is displayed on the display face  110  of the translucent display  105  (all shown in  FIG.  1   ). 
     In system  300 , sensors  305  receive signals about the actions of a user. The sensors  305  can include, but are not limited to, faucet sensors, door lock sensors, flush button sensors, automatic paper towel dispenser sensor, motion sensors, infrared sensors, light sensors, and or any other sensor that allows the system  300  to operate as described herein. Sensors  305  connect to projector controller computer device  310  through various wired or wireless interfaces including without limitation a network, such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), dial-in-connections, cable modems, Internet connection, wireless, and special high-speed Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) lines. Sensors  305  receive data about the activities of the user or system, and report those conditions to projector controller computer device  310 . In other examples, sensors  305  are in communication with one or more client systems  325 . In some examples, sensors  305  are in direct communication with one or more projectors  125 , where the projectors  125  are directly activated based on the signals provided by the sensors  305 . For example, a projector  805  can activate when a motion sensor detects movement. 
     In the example, client systems  325  are computers that include a web browser or a software application, which enables client systems  325  to communicate with projector controller computer device  810  using the Internet, a local area network (LAN), or a wide area network (WAN). In some examples, the client systems  325  are communicatively coupled to the Internet through many interfaces including, but not limited to, at least one of a network, such as the Internet, a LAN, a WAN, or an integrated services digital network (ISDN), a dial-up-connection, a digital subscriber line (DSL), a cellular phone connection, a satellite connection, and a cable modem. Client systems  325  can be any device capable of accessing a network, such as the Internet, including, but not limited to, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a phablet, or other web-based connectable equipment. In at least one example, one or more client systems  325  are associated with aircraft operation, such as for when to illuminate a return to seat image. In another example, the client system  325  provides real-time information, such as financial news to the projector controller computer device  310 ; so that the projector controller computer device  310  can instruct one or more projectors  125  to display the financial news on a translucent display  105 . 
     A database server  315  is communicatively coupled to a database  320  that stores data. In one example, the database  320  is a database that includes a plurality of projector settings, a plurality of projection sequences, and additional information for projection. In some examples, the database  320  is stored remotely from the projector controller computer device  310 . In some examples, the database  320  is decentralized. In the example, a person can access the database  320  via the client systems  325  by logging onto projector controller computer device  310 . 
       FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  illustrate a sink-based projector system  400  in accordance with at least one example.  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  illustrate a cross-sectional view of the sink-based projector system  400 . The sink-based projector system  400  includes countertops  405 , a sink area  410 , and a splash back area  415 . In the example, the sink-based projector system  400  also includes one or more projectors  125  configured to project images  425  onto one of more of the countertops  405 , the sink area  410 , and the splash back area  415 . 
     In the example, the projectors  125  are configured to project their images when triggered by a triggering device  420 , such as a faucet sensor. The triggering device  420  can include one or more sensors  305  (shown in  FIG.  3   ), such that the sensors  305  report a current status of the triggering device  420  (aka on or off). In the sink-based projector system  400 , the triggering device  420  is a faucet sensor that detects when a person places their hands near the sink area  410 . The triggering device  420  then triggers water to be dispensed into the sink. The triggering device  420  transmits a signal to the projector controller  135  (shown in  FIG.  1   ), which controls the projectors  125 . The projector controller  135  instructs the projectors  125  to display one or more images  425 . The projector controller  135  can also poll each triggering device  420  to determine a current state of the triggering device  420 , such as actively dispensing water through the faucet. 
       FIG.  4 C  illustrates an overhead view  450  of operation of the sink-based projector system  400  (shown in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B ). In this overhead view  450 , an image  425  of swirling water, as an example, is being projected onto the sink area  410 . 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a view  500  of a lavatory using projector systems  100 ,  200 , and  300  (shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  3   , respectively). View  500  shows multiple display faces  110  of translucent displays  105  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) with projected images, including a countertop face  505 , a sink area face  510 , and a splash back area face  515 . All three of these faces  405 ,  410 , and  415  are displaying an image  130  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) instructing the viewer  120  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) to return to their seat, such as in an aircraft lavatory. 
     In other situations, other images  130  can be displayed on the faces  505 ,  510 , and  515 , such as, but not limited to, branding and logos, destination theming, trip progress information, news, emergency instructions, financial data (e.g., stock ticker information), video clips, and/or any other images or video desired. These images  130  may be displayed based on activation of a triggering device  420  (shown in  FIG.  4   ), a control signal from projector controller  135  (shown in  FIG.  1   ), and a signal from a client system  325  (shown in  FIG.  3   ). In a first example, the projector controller  135  receives a signal from triggering device  420  that the triggering device  420  was activated. This signal causes the projector controller  135  to instruct one or more projectors  125  to project images  130  onto one or more faces  505 ,  510 , and  515 . In a second example, the projector controller  135  determines that a predetermined time period has been exceeded since the last signal from a sensor  305  or triggering device  420  and determine to instruct the projectors  125  to stop displaying image  130 . In a third example, the projector controller  135  can receive a signal from a client system  325  instructing projector controller  135  to instruct the projectors  125  to display the return to seat image  130  on each face  505 ,  510 , and  515 . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates another view  600  of a lavatory using projector systems  100 ,  200 , and  300  (shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  3   , respectively). In view  600 , a projector  125  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) is hidden in the wall behind a baby changing station  605 . The baby changing station  605  is a translucent display  105  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) and made of a translucent material. The projector  125  projects an image  610  on the surface of the baby changing station  605  while the baby changing station  605  is in the up or stowed position. In the example, the projector  125  stops projecting image  610  when the baby changing station  605  is opened or in the down or deployed position. In other examples, the projector  125  is in baby changing station  605  and the bottom surface of baby changing station  605  is a translucent display  105 . In some examples, the projector  125  begins projecting image  610  when a viewer  120  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) is detected. For example, when the lock on the lavatory is put in the lock position and the lock includes a triggering device  420  (shown in  FIG.  4 A ). The triggering device  420  transmits a signal to the projector controller  135  (shown in  1 ) to instruct the projectors  125  to display image  610  on the baby changing station  605 . The projector controller  135  can also receive a signal from a triggering device  420  associated with the baby changing station  605  to determine whether the baby changing station  605  is in an up or stowed position or a down or deployed position.. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a further view of a lavatory  700  using the projector systems  100 ,  200 , and  300  (shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  3   , respectively). Lavatory  700  includes a plurality of walls  705  and a floor  710 . Walls  705  and floor  710  can include projector systems  300 . Lavatory  700  also includes a sink  715  and a toilet  720 . The sink  715  can be similar to sink area  410  (shown in  FIG.  4   ). The toilet  720  includes a toilet lid  725 , a toilet seat  730 , and a toilet shroud  735 . The toilet  720  is associated with a toilet flush button  740 . 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a view  800  of use of the projector systems  100 ,  200 , and  300  (shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  3   ). In view  800 , an image  810  is being displayed on a feature wall  805 . The feature wall  805  can be similar to lavatory wall  705  (shown in  FIG.  7   ). In some examples, the feature wall  805  is in the lavatory  700  (shown in  FIG.  7   ) and is activated when a viewer  120  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) is detected in the lavatory  700 , such as when the triggering device  420  (shown in  FIG.  4 A ) associated with the lock transmits a signal to the projector controller  135  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) that the lock is in the locked position. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a process  900  for using the lavatory-based projector system in accordance with at least one example. In the example, process  900  is implemented by at least one of a projector controller  135  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) and a projector controller computer device  310  (shown in  FIG.  3   ) programmed to control a lavatory  700  (shown in  FIG.  7   ) with a plurality of translucent displays  105  (shown in  FIG.  1   ). In the example, the lavatory  700  can have translucent displays  105  positioned in surfaces, such as, but not limited to, the countertops  405 , the sink area  410 , the splash back area  415  (all shown in  FIG.  4 A ), the baby changing station  605  (shown in  FIG.  6   ), the feature wall  705  (shown in  FIG.  7   ), or other surface, including but not limited to the toilet  720 , the toilet lid  725 , the toilet seat  730 , the toilet shroud  735 , the walls  705 , the floor  710  (all shown in  FIG.  7   ), the ceiling, the cabinet faces, and any other visible surface in the lavatory  700 . While process  900  describes the use of a projector system  100 ,  200 , and  200  (shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  3   , respectively) in a lavatory setting, the systems and methods described herein may also be used in vehicles, such as, but not limited to aircraft, watercraft, trains, buses, and spacecraft, and on other surfaces in the vehicle, such as, but not limited to, at passenger seats (e.g., tray tables), in galleys (e.g., work decks and sinks), passenger entryways (e.g., ceilings, floors, and walls), bar units (e.g., the countertops and fronts), and any other visible surface of the vehicle. Furthermore, these systems and methods would also be applicable to other environments, such as, but not limited to, bathrooms in homes and businesses (or hotels), kitchens, dining rooms, and other public areas of homes, businesses, or hotels. 
     In process  900 , an occupant enters the lavatory  700  and locks  905  the door. The locking  905  of the door triggers a first triggering device  420  (shown in  FIG.  4 A ) which causes the projector controller  135  to activate  910  a first projection sequence on specific translucent displays  105 , such as, but not limited to, the wall  705 , ceiling, floor  710 , and cabinet faces. A projection sequence is an image, a plurality of images, and/or a video to be displayed on one or more translucent displays  105 . As used herein, the first projection sequence, the second projection sequence, and the third projection sequence indicate differing sequences of images or video. Furthermore the different sequences can be projected on the same translucent displays  105  or different translucent displays  105 . In some examples, the first projection sequence ends and continues to display an image, such as the last image of the first projection sequence. In other examples, the first projection sequence repeats until interrupted by a specific user action. The projector controller  135  receives a signal from the door lock that the door has been locked  905 , from a motion sensor, or any other sensor  305  (shown in  FIG.  3   ) that indicates that projector controller  135  should activate the first display sequence and the projector controller  135  instructs one or more projectors  125  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) to display the first projection sequence. 
     The user triggering  915  the toilet flush button  740  (shown in  FIG.  7   ) activates  920  the second projection sequence. The second projection sequence can be different from the first projection sequence in content of the projection sequence and/or location of the translucent displays  105  that the second projection sequence is displayed on. In some examples, the second projection sequence is displayed on one or more of the toilet  720 , the toilet lid  725 , the toilet seat  730 , and the toilet shroud  735 . In some other examples, the second projection sequence is projected on the same surfaces as the first projection sequence. In some further examples, the second projection sequence is activated  920  after the toilet flush button  740  is triggered  915  and the toilet lid  725  and/or the toilet seat  730  is returned to the down position. In some examples, the projector controller  135  receives a signal that the toilet flush button  740  has been triggered  915  and the projector controller  135  instructs one or more projectors  125  to display the second projection sequence. In some examples, the flush sensor  305  is separate from the toilet flush button  740  and the flush sensor  305  detects when a flush occurs, such as in the case of an automatically flushing toilet. 
     When the user triggers  925  the faucet, such as by triggering  925  the faucet sensor or triggering device  420  (shown in  FIG.  4 A ), the third projection sequence is activated  930 . In some examples, the third projection sequence is displayed on one or more of the countertops  405 , the sink area  410 , and the splash back area  415 . In some other examples, the third projection sequence is projected on the same surfaces as the at least one of the first projection sequence and the second projection sequence. In some examples, the projector controller  135  receives a signal that the faucet sensor or triggering device  420  has been triggered  925  and the projector controller  135  instructs one or more projectors  125  to display the third projection sequence. 
     When the user triggers  935  an automated paper towel dispenser, the fourth projection sequence is activated  940 . In some examples, the fourth projection sequence is displayed on one or more of the countertops  405 , the sink area  410 , and the splash back area  415 . In some other examples, the fourth projection sequence is projected on the same surfaces as the at least one of the first projection sequence, the second projection sequence, and the third projection sequence. In some examples, the projector controller  135  receives a signal that the automated paper towel dispenser has been triggered  935  and the projector controller  135  instructs one or more projectors  125  to display the fourth projection sequence. 
     In some examples, the different sequences can be triggered in a different order based on the user&#39;s actions. Furthermore, one or more of the sequences may not be triggered based on the user&#39;s actions. Additional sensors  305  can be present in the lavatory  700  that can trigger other projection sequences. 
     The projector controller  135  can continue to display one or more sequences until the user disengages the door lock. In other examples, the projector controller  135  continues displaying one or more sequences for a predetermined period of time after the door is unlocked. 
     The projector controller  135  can also continuously display one or more images or video in a low-powered state, where the images are projected at a lower light level until the door lock is engaged. 
       FIG.  10    illustrates another process  1000  for using the lavatory-projector system in accordance with at least one example. In the example, process  900  is implemented by at least one of a projector controller  135  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) and a projector controller computer device  310  (shown in  FIG.  3   ) programmed to control a lavatory  700  (shown in  FIG.  7   ) with a plurality of translucent displays  105  (shown in  FIG.  1   ). In the example, the lavatory  700  can have translucent displays  105 , such as, but not limited to, the countertops  405 , the sink area  410 , the splash back area  415  (all shown in  FIG.  4 A ), the baby changing station  605  (shown in  FIG.  6   ), the feature wall  705  (shown in  FIG.  7   ), or other surface, including but not limited to the toilet  720 , the toilet lid  725 , the toilet seat  730 , the toilet shroud  735 , the walls  705 , the floor  710  (all shown in  FIG.  7   ), the ceiling, the cabinet faces, and any other visible surface in the lavatory  700 . While process  1000  describes the use of a projector system  100 ,  200 , and  200  (shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  3   , respectively) in a lavatory setting, the systems and methods described herein may also be used in vehicles, such as, but not limited to aircraft, watercraft, trains, buses, and spacecraft, and on other surfaces in the vehicle, such as, but not limited to, at passenger seats (e.g., tray tables), in galleys (e.g., work decks and sinks), passenger entryways (e.g., ceilings, floors, and walls), bar units (e.g., the countertops and fronts), and any other visible surface of the vehicle. Furthermore, these systems and methods would also be applicable to other environments, such as, but not limited to, bathrooms in homes and businesses (or hotels), kitchens, dining rooms, and other public areas of homes, businesses, or hotels. 
     In process  1000 , the projector controller computer device  310  receives  1005  a first signal from a first sensor  305  (shown in  FIG.  3   ). The first sensor  305  may include any sensor  305 , such as, but not limited to, a door lock sensor, a flush sensor, a faucet sensor, a motion sensor, a thermal sensor, and an automatic paper towel dispenser sensor. The projector controller computer device  310  determines  1010  a first projection sequence to display in response to the first signal from the first sensor  305 . A projection sequence is an image, a series of images, and/or a video to be displayed on one or more translucent displays  105 . The projector controller computer device  310  determines  1015  a first translucent display  105  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) and a corresponding first projector  125  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) to display the first projection sequence. The first translucent display can include a wall  705 , a countertop  405 , a ceiling, a floor  710 , a cabinet face, a splash back area  415 , a sink area  410 , a toilet  720 , a toilet shroud  735 , a toilet seat  730 , and a toilet lid  725 . The projector controller computer device  310  transmits instructions  1020  to the first projector  125  to project the first projection sequence on a projection face  115  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) of the first translucent display  105 . Such that the first projection sequence is displayed on a display face  110  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) of the first translucent display  105 . The projection face  115  is an opposite side of the first translucent display  105  from the display face  110  of the first translucent display  105 . The projector  125  projects the image  130  in reverse onto the projection face  115 , so that the image  130  can be displayed in proper orientation on the display face  110  to the viewer  120 . 
     For example, the first sensor  305  may be a faucet sensor, and the projector controller computer device  310  determines that the first translucent display is the sink area face  510  (shown in  FIG.  5   ). The projector controller computer device  310  instructs  1020  the projector  125  associated with the sink area face  510  to display the first projection sequence. 
     The projector controller computer device  310  receives  1025  a second signal from a second sensor  305 . The second sensor  305  may include any sensor  305 , such as, but not limited to, a door lock sensor, a flush sensor, a faucet sensor, a motion sensor, a thermal sensor, and an automatic paper towel dispenser sensor. The projector controller computer device  310  determines  1030  a second projection sequence to display in response to the second signal from the second sensor  305 . The projector controller computer device  310  determines  1035  a second translucent display  105  and a corresponding second projector  125  to display the second projection sequence. The second translucent display can include a wall  705 , a countertop  405 , a ceiling, a floor  710 , a cabinet face, a splash back area  415 , a sink area  410 , a toilet  720 , a toilet shroud  735 , a toilet seat  730 , and a toilet lid  725 . The projector controller computer device  310  transmits instructions  1040  to the second projector  125  to project the second projection sequence on a projection face  115  of the second translucent display  105 . Such that the second projection sequence is displayed on a display face  110  of the second translucent display  105 . The projection face  115  is an opposite side of the second translucent display  105  from the display face  110  of the second translucent display  105 . The projector  125  projects the image  130  in reverse onto the projection face  115 , so that the image  130  can be displayed in proper orientation on the display face  110  to the viewer  120 . 
     For example, the second sensor  305  may be associated with an automatic paper towel dispenser, and the projector controller computer device  310  determines that the second translucent display is the splash back area face  515  (shown in  FIG.  5   ). The projector controller computer device  310  instructs  1020  the projector  125  associated with the splash back area face  515  to display the second projection sequence. 
     The projector controller computer device  310  receives a third signal from a third sensor  305 . The third sensor  305  may include any sensor  305 , such as, but not limited to, a door lock sensor, a flush sensor, a faucet sensor, a motion sensor, a thermal sensor, and an automatic paper towel dispenser sensor. The projector controller computer device  310  determines a third projection sequence to display in response to the third signal from the third sensor  305 . The projector controller computer device  310  determines a third translucent display  105  and a corresponding third projector  125  to display the third projection sequence. The third translucent display can include a wall  705 , a countertop  405 , a ceiling, a floor  710 , a cabinet face, a splash back area  415 , a sink area  410 , a toilet  720 , a toilet shroud  735 , a toilet seat  730 , and a toilet lid  725 . The projector controller computer device  310  transmits instructions  1040  to the third projector  125  to project the third projection sequence on a projection face  115  of the third translucent display  105 . Such that the third projection sequence is displayed on a display face  110  of the third translucent display  105 . The projection face  115  is an opposite side of the third translucent display  105  from the display face  110  of the third translucent display  105 . The projector  125  projects the image  130  in reverse onto the projection face  115 , so that the image  130  can be displayed in proper orientation on the display face  110  to the viewer  120 . 
     The projector controller computer device  310  receives a fourth signal from a fourth sensor  305 . The fourth sensor  305  may include any sensor  305 , such as, but not limited to, a door lock sensor, a flush sensor, a faucet sensor, a motion sensor, a thermal sensor, and an automatic paper towel dispenser sensor. The projector controller computer device  310  determines a fourth projection sequence to display in response to the fourth signal from the fourth sensor  305 . The projector controller computer device  310  transmits instructions  1040  to the third projector  125  to project the fourth projection sequence on a projection face  115  of the third translucent display  105 . Such that the fourth projection sequence is displayed on a display face  110  of the third translucent display  105 . 
     The projector controller computer device  310  can also determine a fourth translucent display  105  and corresponding fourth projector  125  to display the fourth projection sequence. 
       FIG.  11    illustrates an example configuration of a client computer device  325  (shown in  FIG.  3   ), in accordance with the present disclosure. User computer device  1102  is operated by a user  1101 . The user computer device  1102  can include, but is not limited to, the projector  125  (shown in  FIG.  1   ), the sensor  305 , and the client system  325  (both shown in  FIG.  3   ). The user computer device  1102  includes a processor  1105  for executing instructions. In some examples, executable instructions are stored in a memory area  1110 . The processor  1105  can include one or more processing units (e.g., in a multi-core configuration). The memory area  1110  is any device allowing information such as executable instructions and/or transaction data to be stored and retrieved. The memory area  1110  can include one or more computer-readable media. 
     The user computer device  1102  also includes at least one media output component  1115  for presenting information to the user  1101 . The media output component  1115  is any component capable of conveying information to the user  1101 . In some examples, the media output component  1115  includes an output adapter (not shown) such as a video adapter and/or an audio adapter. An output adapter is operatively coupled to the processor  905  and operatively coupleable to an output device such as a display device (e.g., a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) display, or “electronic ink” display) or an audio output device (e.g., a speaker or headphones). In some examples, the media output component  1115  is configured to present a graphical user interface (e.g., a web browser and/or a client application) to the user  1101 . A graphical user interface may include, for example, an interface for viewing the projection sequences. In some examples, the user computer device  1102  includes an input device  1120  for receiving input from the user  1101 . The user  1101  can use the input device  1120  to, without limitation, select a projection sequence. The input device  1120  may include, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a mouse, a stylus, a touch sensitive panel (e.g., a touch pad or a touch screen), a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a position detector, a biometric input device, and/or an audio input device. A single component such as a touch screen can function as both an output device of the media output component  1115  and the input device  1120 . 
     The user computer device  1102  can also include a communication interface  1125 , communicatively coupled to a remote device such as the projector controller computer device  310  (shown in  FIG.  3   ), one or more sensors  305 , and one or more projectors  125 . The communication interface  1125  can include, for example, a wired or wireless network adapter and/or a wireless data transceiver for use with a mobile telecommunications network. 
     Stored in the memory area  1110  are, for example, computer-readable instructions for providing a user interface to the user  1101  via the media output component  1115  and, optionally, receiving and processing input from the input device  1120 . A user interface can include, among other possibilities, a web browser and/or a client application. Web browsers enable users, such as the user  1101 , to display and interact with media and other information typically embedded on a web page or a website from the projector controller computer device  310 . A client application allows the user  1101  to interact with, for example, the projector controller computer device  310 . For example, instructions can be stored by a cloud service, and the output of the execution of the instructions sent to the media output component  1115 . 
     The processor  1105  executes computer-executable instructions for implementing aspects of the disclosure. 
       FIG.  12    illustrates an example configuration of the server system  310  (shown in  FIG.  3   ), in accordance with the present disclosure. Server computer device  1201  can include, but is not limited to, the projector controller  135  (shown in  FIG.  1   ), the projector controller computer device  310 , and the database server  315  (both shown in  FIG.  3   ). The server computer device  1201  also includes a processor  1205  for executing instructions. Instructions can be stored in a memory area  1210 . The processor  1205  can include one or more processing units (e.g., in a multi-core configuration). 
     The processor  1205  is operatively coupled to a communication interface  1215  such that the server computer device  1201  is capable of communicating with a remote device such as another server computer device  1201 , another projector controller computer device  310 , or the client system  325  (shown in  FIG.  3   ). For example, the communication interface  1215  can receive requests from the client system  325  via the Internet, as illustrated in  FIG.  3   . 
     The processor  1205  can also be operatively coupled to a storage device  1234 . The storage device  1234  is any computer-operated hardware suitable for storing and/or retrieving data, such as, but not limited to, data associated with the database  320  (shown in  FIG.  3   ). In some examples, the storage device  1234  is integrated in the server computer device  1201 . For example, the server computer device  1201  may include one or more hard disk drives as the storage device  1234 . In other examples, the storage device  1234  is external to the server computer device  1201  and may be accessed by a plurality of server computer devices  1201 . For example, the storage device  1234  may include a storage area network (SAN), a network attached storage (NAS) system, and/or multiple storage units such as hard disks and/or solid state disks in a redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) configuration. 
     In some examples, the processor  1205  is operatively coupled to the storage device  1234  via a storage interface  1220 . The storage interface  1220  is any component capable of providing the processor  1005  with access to the storage device  1234 . The storage interface  1220  can include, for example, an Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) adapter, a Serial ATA (SATA) adapter, a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) adapter, a RAID controller, a SAN adapter, a network adapter, and/or any component providing the processor  1205  with access to the storage device  1234 . 
     The processor  1205  executes computer-executable instructions for implementing aspects of the disclosure. In some examples, the processor  1205  is transformed into a special purpose microprocessor by executing computer-executable instructions or by otherwise being programmed. For example, the processor  1205  is programmed with instructions such as those shown in  FIGS.  9  and  10   . 
     The methods and system described herein can be implemented using computer programming or engineering techniques including computer software, firmware, hardware, or any combination or subset. As disclosed above, there is a need for systems providing a cost-effective and reliable manner for customizing surfaces. The system and methods described herein address that need. Additionally, this system: (i) allows customization of surfaces without requiring change of equipment; (ii) allows changing the customization of surfaces without requiring changing of equipment; (iii) provides interaction based on user actions; and (iv) provides unique lavatory experiences. 
     The methods and systems described herein may be implemented using computer programming or engineering techniques including computer software, firmware, hardware, or any combination or subset thereof, wherein the technical effects may be achieved by performing at least one of the following steps: a) receive a signal from the at least one sensor including a first sensor and a second sensor, including one or more of a door lock sensor, a flush sensor, a faucet sensor, and an automatic paper towel dispenser sensor; b) instruct the at least one projector to project at least one image on the translucent display in response to the signal from the at least one sensor, the translucent display includes one of a wall, a countertop, a ceiling, a floor, a cabinet face, a splash back, a sink, a toilet, a toilet shroud, a toilet seat, and a toilet lid; c) project the image on the second face in reverse such that the image is displayed in proper orientation on the first face; d) project one of a series of images and a video; e) receive a first signal from the first sensor; f) instruct the at least one projector to display at least one of a first image or a first image set; g) receive a second signal from the second sensor; h) instruct the at least one projector to display at least one of a second image or a second image set; i) instruct one or more first projectors associated with the first translucent display to display at least one of the first image or the first image set on the first translucent display; j) instruct one or more second projectors associated with the second translucent display to display at least one of the second image or the second image set on the second translucent display. 
     The methods and systems may also be achieved by performing at least one of the following steps: a) receiving a first signal from a first sensor; b) determining a first projection sequence to activate in response to the first signal from the first sensor; c) determining a first translucent display and a corresponding first projector to display the first projection sequence in response to the first signal from the first sensor; d) transmitting instructions to the first projector to project the first projection sequence onto a projection face of the first translucent display, such that the first projection sequence is displayed on a display face of the first translucent display, wherein the projection face is an opposite side of the first translucent display from the display face of the first translucent display; e) receiving a second signal from a second sensor, wherein the first sensor is a door lock sensor and wherein the second sensor is a flush sensor; f) determining a second projection sequence to activate in response to the second signal from the second sensor; g) determining a second translucent display and a corresponding second projector to display the second projection sequence in response to the second signal from the second sensor; i) transmitting instructions to the second projector to project the second projection sequence onto a projection face of the second translucent display, such that the second projection sequence is displayed on a display face of the second translucent display, wherein the second translucent display is different from the first translucent display; j) receiving a third signal from a third sensor, wherein the third sensor is a faucet sensor; k) transmitting instructions to a third projector to project a third projection sequence onto a projection face of a third translucent display, such that the third projection sequence is displayed on a display face of the third translucent display, wherein the third translucent display is different from the first translucent display and the second translucent display; l) receiving a fourth signal from a fourth sensor, wherein the fourth sensor is an automatic paper towel dispenser sensor; m) transmitting instructions to the third projector to project a fourth projection sequence onto the projection face of the third translucent display, such that the fourth projection sequence is viewable by the observer on the display face of the third translucent display. 
     The methods and systems may further be achieved by performing at least one of the following steps: a) receive a first signal from a first sensor of the plurality of sensors, wherein the first sensor comprises one or more of a door lock sensor, a flush sensor, a faucet sensor, and an automatic paper towel dispenser sensor; b) determine a first projection sequence to display based on the first signal, wherein the first projection sequence includes at least one of an image, a series of images, or a video; c) determine one or more translucent displays of the plurality of translucent displays to project the first projection sequence on, wherein the plurality of translucent displays include one or more of a wall, a countertop, a ceiling, a floor, a cabinet face, a splash back, a sink, a toilet, a toilet shroud, a toilet seat, and a toilet lid; d) determine one or more projectors of the plurality of projectors associated with the determined one or more translucent displays; e) transmit instructions to the determined one or more projectors to display the first projection sequence; f) determine a predetermined time period has been exceeded since the first signal; g) transmit instructions to the determined one or more projectors to stop displaying the first projection sequence; h) receive a second signal from a second sensor of the plurality of sensors; i) determine a second projection sequence to display based on the second signal; j) determine a second set of one or more translucent displays of the plurality of translucent displays to project the second projection sequence on; k) determine one or more projectors of the plurality of projectors associated with the determined second set of one or more translucent displays; and l) transmit instructions to the determined one or more projectors to display the second projection sequence. 
     The computer-implemented methods discussed herein may include additional, less, or alternate actions, including those discussed elsewhere herein. The methods may be implemented via one or more local or remote processors, transceivers, servers, and/or sensors (such as processors, transceivers, servers, and/or sensors mounted on vehicles or mobile devices, or associated with smart infrastructure or remote servers), and/or via computer-executable instructions stored on non-transitory computer-readable media or medium. Additionally, the computer systems discussed herein may include additional, less, or alternate functionality, including that discussed elsewhere herein. The computer systems discussed herein may include or be implemented via computer-executable instructions stored on non-transitory computer-readable media or medium. 
     As used herein, the term “non-transitory computer-readable media” is intended to be representative of any tangible computer-based device implemented in any method or technology for short-term and long-term storage of information, such as, computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules and sub-modules, or other data in any device. Therefore, the methods described herein may be encoded as executable instructions embodied in a tangible, non-transitory, computer readable medium, including, without limitation, a storage device and/or a memory device. Such instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. Moreover, as used herein, the term “non-transitory computer-readable media” includes all tangible, computer-readable media, including, without limitation, non-transitory computer storage devices, including, without limitation, volatile and nonvolatile media, and removable and non-removable media such as a firmware, physical and virtual storage, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and any other digital source such as a network or the Internet, as well as yet to be developed digital means, with the sole exception being a transitory, propagating signal. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose various implementations, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various implementations, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.