Abstract:
The present invention relates to a mannequin ( 1 ) provided with a video camera ( 10 ) that is hidden and connected to a processing system ( 14 ) capable of determining, for statistical purposes, age, gender and ethnic group of those people who enter the field of action of the video camera ( 10 ).

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to an “intelligent” mannequin, i.e. a mannequin that is able to detect several data of those people who stop and observe it. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Mannequins are normally used in the field of fashion in order to display items of clothing, so that a potential purchaser can get an early impression of how a particular garment will look like when it is worn. 
         [0003]    Known mannequins are provided with reversible connections (normally between the trunk, the arms and the pelvis, and between the pelvis and a leg), so as to allow dismantling the mannequin in several elements and thus allowing the same to be dressed. 
         [0004]    However, such mannequins are passive, in the sense that, although being the object of observation by potential purchasers and therefore finding themselves in a privileged position, they are not able to interact in any way with their observers, neither to detect any data thereof. 
         [0005]    In view of the above, the requirement is therefore clear to provide active mannequins, also called “intelligent”, i.e. which are able to interact or collect data relating to those people who are observing them, such as to make the best use of the privileged position in which the mannequin is standing. 
         [0006]    In view of the above-described prior art, the object of the present invention is to at least partially meet the above-mentioned requirements. 
         [0007]    Moreover, the present invention allows to obtain advantages in terms of simplicity of production, increased resistance, increased compactness and/or increased versatility. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In accordance with the present invention, this object is achieved by means of mannequin or a portion of mannequin according to claim  1 . Further preferred embodiments are illustrated in the depending claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The characteristics and the advantages of the present invention will appear from the following detailed description of a practical embodiment, given as a non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings, in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective schematic view of a mannequin having a head according to the present invention 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective schematic view of a second mannequin having the head of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  shows a second head in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  shows a third head in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  shows a rear view of a fourth head in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    Even where not explicitly illustrated, the individual characteristics described with reference to the specific embodiments should be intended as being complementary and/or interchangeable with other characteristics described with reference to other exemplary embodiments. 
         [0016]    In the present description, any reference made to a mannequin should be intended to a static one, and any type of automaton or antropomorph automaton (robot) which by being provided with motor means is able to perform complex movements, is expressly excluded. 
         [0017]    On the other hand, the term “mannequin”, as used in the present description, shall encompass those mannequins which are capable of performing a small number of movements, such as for example limited oscillations around one or two axes. 
         [0018]    Moreover, those of ordinary skill in the art will be immediately capable of distinguishing a mannequin (being the object of present invention) from a doll, which is instead excluded from present invention, as the first one, which has been conceived to display garments that should be worn by real people, has dimensions corresponding to those of a human being while the second one must be dressed with garments that (due to shape, size or proportions) are not suitable for dressing people. 
         [0019]    With reference to the drawings, a mannequin is generally designated with  1 , particularly an anthropomorhic mannequin, having a head  2  provided with eyes (or ocular portions)  3 , neck  4 , trunk  5 , arms  6 , pelvis  7 , legs  8 . The mannequin  1  can be provided in several separated elements, which are then joined to each other. 
         [0020]    For example, throughout the Figures the number  9  indicates an interface between some of these elements. For example in the mannequin  1  of  FIG. 1 , there is an interface  9  between trunk  5 , arms  6  and pelvis  7 , and an interface  9  between pelvis  7  and a single leg  8 . 
         [0021]    The precise position of the interfaces  9  (for example if the shoulder must be comprised in the element that provides the arm  6  or in the one that provides the trunk  5 ) is variable according to modes and with advantages known in the art relatively to production flexibility, configuration and obtainable realism. 
         [0022]    The head  2  can comprise two ocular portions  3 , whose position relative to the head  2  will be sufficiently clear both to those skilled in the field and to the casual observer at any time. 
         [0023]    The ocular portions  3  can also represent particularly realistic eyes, like in the examples of  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 , for example with eyelashes and/or eyebrows and/or eyelids and/or an eyeball and/or a pupil and/or an iris, or be simply an area in which an ocular portion  3  is identifiable, as in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0024]    Particularly, one of the applicants of the present application produces mannequins that are particularly realistic. To the purpose of the present invention, therefore, when reference is made to an ocular portion  3 , it will be meant that all the characteristics that define an eye can be either absent or present with a greater or lower degree of realism, according to what is known in the mannequin manufacturing field. 
         [0025]    As observed in  FIG. 5 , the head  2  is advantageously hollow and defines an inner volume V for an optical detector  10  to be accommodated therein. 
         [0026]    The head  2  can comprise a hole  11  arranged proximate to the ocular portion  3 , preferably having a diameter ranging between 1 mm and 50 mm, for example lower than 10 mm, which connects the internal volume V to the outside of the head  2 . 
         [0027]    Such hole  11  can be advantageously provided, for example by means of drilling, after the operations of painting the head  2 . 
         [0028]    This hole  11  can be provided in the centre of the ocular portion  3 , for example in the position corresponding to the pupil, or directly in the pupil, in case the latter is provided in the head  2 . 
         [0029]    Advantageously, the diameter of the hole is substantially equal to that of a pupil, for example slightly greater than that. 
         [0030]    At this hole  11 , the thickness S of the head  2  can be reduced, if necessary, to less than 7 mm, preferably less than 5 mm. 
         [0031]    In a preferred embodiment, the thickness can range between 2 mm and 4 mm or lower than 4 mm. 
         [0032]    The thickness reduction can be obtained for example by means of milling. 
         [0033]    Within the internal volume V, in the head  2 , support and/or fastening means  12  (for example a bracket, either made of metal or other material) can be provided for the optical detector  10 , so that the latter is fixed relative to the inner part of head  2 , advantageously relative to the hole  11 . 
         [0034]    Conveniently, the optical detector  10  is arranged within the volume V proximate to the hole  11 , so as to detect images of the outside of said head  2  through said hole  11 . 
         [0035]    The optical detector  10  can be, for example, a video camera and connection means  13  can be associated therewith which connect it to suitable processing means  14 . 
         [0036]    Through the connecting means  13 , the optical detector can send a signal representative of the images being detected to the processing means  14 . 
         [0037]    The single elements composing the mannequin  1 , which are produced independently from each other, for example by means of extrusion and blow-moulding, can be made from polymeric material, for example comprising polyester or PS. According to a preferred embodiment, HDPS can be used, possibly in alloy with styrene, such as to provide the resulting piece with shockproof properties. 
         [0038]    Conveniently, all the elements are made from the same material. 
         [0039]    In order to meet production rationalisation requirements, it is possible to manufacture the head  2  separately from the trunk  5 . In this case, an interface  9  could be provided transversal to the neck  4 , thereby the inner volume V of the head  2  is connected to the outside of head  2 . 
         [0040]    The intersection between the interface  9  and the internal volume V defines a second open portion of the head, in addition to the hole  11 . 
         [0041]    Once the elements of the mannequin  1  have been manufactured, they are assembled to each other. Particularly, the head  2  and the trunk  5  can be assembled to each other by means of welding (or gluing) thereby causing the interface  9  to be hidden from sight, like in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0042]    Alternatively, the assembly of the two elements (head  2  and trunk  5 ) can be carried out by providing inner mechanical connecting elements within the internal volume of mannequin  1  and therefore partially within the internal volume V of head  2 . 
         [0043]    After the assembly, the mannequin  1  is painted. 
         [0044]    Irrespective of how the head  2  and trunk  5  are assembled, the access to internal volume V of the head  2  is difficult, if it is carried out through the second open portion as, after the welding the latter is difficultly accessible, whereas if the head and trunk  5  are not welded to each other, the access is hindered by the inner mechanical connecting elements. 
         [0045]    Therefore, the head  2  can provide an opening  15 , having a greater dimension than the hole  11 , in order to allow accommodating the optical sensor  10  in position within the head  2 . 
         [0046]    The opening  15  (represented in  FIG. 5 ) can be realized in such a position of the head  2  that it can result to be hidden in the mannequin when it is being used. Since mannequins can be associated with suitable wigs, the opening  15  can be provided in those areas of the head  2  corresponding to the nape (as in  FIG. 5 ), the temples or those where hair can normally grow. 
         [0047]    The opening  15  can be closed by a wall (not visible in the drawings) which is suitably shaped and held in position from suitable lock means, for example a screw. 
         [0048]    Advantageously, the wall is obtained directly by the head  2 , and can be the result of a cut that provides both the wall and the opening  15  in one operation. In this case, the wall can have the shape of a skullcap. 
         [0049]    Advantageously, the opening  15  is provided before painting the head  2  and preferably even before the head  2  and the trunk  5  are welded to each other. 
         [0050]    Advantageously, before painting the head  2 , the seat for the optical sensor is also provided, by drilling the hole  11  and checking the thickness S of the head  2  proximate to the hole  11 . 
         [0051]    The optical sensor  10 , instead, can be inserted after the head  2  has been completed. 
         [0052]    The processing means  14  can be either internal or external to the mannequin  1 . If they are external, the connecting means  13  will be able to transfer the signal emitted from the optical detector  10  both in wireless and cabled modes. 
         [0053]    In the second case (the cabled transmission of the signal), the connecting wire/s may exit from the external surface of the mannequin  1  from a hidden position, for example from one of the extremities of the limbs, for example from a leg, from a heel or sole. 
         [0054]    The connecting wire/s can be also caused to pass from the mannequin  1  directly to a pedestal on which the mannequin  1  is supported. 
         [0055]    Advantageously, the connecting means  13 , within the mannequin  1 , start from the inner volume V of the head  2  and are arranged within the other parts of the mannequin  1 , which are also advantageously hollow such as a single cavity is defined without interruption within the mannequin  1 . 
         [0056]    The processing means  14  process the signal received from the optical detector  10  in order to detect several data, also anthropometric data, for example referring to the people entering the visual field of the optical detector  10 . 
         [0057]    The anthropometric data can be for example comprised in or selected from the group comprising: gender, age group (for example, child or adult, or child, adolescent, adult, elder), ethnic group. 
         [0058]    Furthermore, the time can be detected and recorded when one or more passers-by enters the field of the optical detector  10  and/or the time of attention, possibly associated to each person. 
         [0059]    By “time of attention”, it can be meant the time spent by someone standing in the field of the optical detector  10 , or standing near the mannequin  1  or, preferably, the time spent by a person observing said mannequin  1 . 
         [0060]    Advantageously, in order to comply with the privacy laws that may be in force in some countries, the processing means  14  can inhibit the access to the images detected by the optical detector  10 . 
         [0061]    Optionally, furthermore, the processing means  14  can comprise suitable storing devices, that may be timed, in order to store a copy of the images detected by the optical detector, possibly for a predetermined period of time, for example three days. 
         [0062]    Obviously, those skilled in the art, aiming at meet contingent and specific requirements, will be able to carry out a number of modifications and variations to the configurations described above. 
         [0063]    For example, the number and position of the interfaces  9  is not required to be as described above, but a greater (or lower) number of interfaces  9  can be also provided. 
         [0064]    Similarly, the optical detector  10  could be replaced or supplemented with a suitable sensor of a different type, for example a microphone, with a proximity sensor or the like. 
         [0065]    This sensor could be arranged proximate to the ocular portion  3  and/or could be not arranged proximate to the ocular portion  3 . Similar considerations will also apply to the position of the optical detector  10 . 
         [0066]    Consequently, rather than in the head  2  of the mannequin  1 , the sensor or optical detector  10  could be arranged in a different portion in the mannequin  1  relative to the head, for example it could be disposed proximate to the portion (if provided) corresponding to the ears, throat, nose, mouth, hands, fingers, umbilicus, feet and/or toes, such as to improve dissimulation according to the garments displayed by means of the mannequin  1  or portion of mannequin  1 . 
         [0067]    The following embodiments are also possible. 
       EXAMPLE 1 
       [0068]    A head  2  for a mannequin  1 , preferably hollow and/or preferably for an antropomorph mannequin  1 , in which the head  2  comprises at least one ocular portion  3  and in which the head  2  comprises a hole  11  proximate to at least the one ocular portion  3 , in which the hole  11  preferably has a diameter ranging between 1 mm and 50 mm. 
       EXAMPLE 2 
       [0069]    A head  2  according to the example 1, in which the ocular portion  3  comprises a portion corresponding to a pupil and the hole  11  is provided at the pupil and in which, optionally, the diameter of the hole  11  is substantially equal to that of the pupil, for example slightly greater than the latter. 
       EXAMPLE 3 
       [0070]    A head  2  according to one of the Examples 1 or 2, in which the head  2  defines a volume V therein and comprises an optical detector  10  arranged in the volume V such as to detect images of the outside of head  2  through the hole  11 . 
       EXAMPLE 4 
       [0071]    A head  2  according to the example 3, in which the optical detector  10  is connected to a data processing centre by means of communication means in which, preferably, the data processing centre is external to volume V. 
       EXAMPLE 5 
       [0072]    A head  2  according to one of the examples 1 to 4, in which the head  2  comprises an opening  15 , having greater dimensions than the hole  11 , which is arranged on the surface of the head  2  corresponding to the nape or temples or in the area where hair normally grows, wherein the opening  15  allows the insertion of the optical detector  10  into the volume V; the opening  15  being rather reclosable by means of a wall being fastened to the head  2  by means of lock means. 
       EXAMPLE 6 
       [0073]    A mannequin  1  or a portion of mannequin  1  comprising a head  2  according to one of the examples 1 to 4, in which the head  2  is integral to the trunk  4  of the mannequin  1  and optionally comprises two arms  6  and two legs  8 , wherein it further optionally comprises connecting means  13  in order to connect the optical detector  10  to a processing device  14  being arranged either inside or outside of the mannequin  1  and wherein, when the processing device is arranged outside the mannequin  1  and the connecting means  13  comprise wires exiting from mannequin  1 , the wires exit from the mannequin  1  proximate to the base of the mannequin  1 . 
       EXAMPLE 7 
       [0074]    Use of a portion of mannequin  1  according to the preceding example, in which the optical detector  10  sends a signal representative of the detected images to the processing device, the processing device  14  detecting anthropometric data being comprised in the group comprising: gender, age, ethnic group and/or detecting the time spent by someone to observe the mannequin  1 , wherein the processing device  14  cannot output any signal representative of the images being detected from the optical detector, except for the above-mentioned anthropometric data. 
       EXAMPLE 8 
       [0075]    A method for manufacturing a head  2  according to one of the examples 1 to 6 comprises, in order, the following steps:
   (a) moulding a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of head  2 ;   (b) providing the hole  11  in the head  2 ;   (c) painting the head  2 .   
 
       EXAMPLE 9 
       [0079]    A method according to the preceding example, which comprises, after the step (b) the step of:
   (d) providing the opening  15  in the head.   
 
       EXAMPLE 10 
       [0081]    A method according to the example 8 or 9 which comprises, after the step (d), one or more of the following steps:
   (e) fitting the optical detector  10  into the volume V through the opening  15 ;   (f) fixing the optical detector  10  proximate to the hole  11 , so that the optical detector  10  can detect images of the outside of head  2  through the hole  11 . Alternatively, the embodiments described above in the examples 1 to 10 can be expressly excluded from the scope of protection of the present application by expression of disclaimer.   
 
         [0084]    Such variations and modifications are however all encompassed within the scope of protection of the invention such as defined from the following claims.