WO2007042648A1

WO2007042648A1 - Nomadic device for broadcasting multimedia contents

Info

Publication number: WO2007042648A1
Application number: PCT/FR2006/002252
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick Simonnet; Emmanuelle Jourdes
Original assignee: Simonnet Patrick Au Nom Et Pour Le Compte De La Societe Nokinomo En Cours De Creation
Priority date: 2005-10-07
Filing date: 2006-10-06
Publication date: 2007-04-19
Also published as: FR2891933B1; FR2891933A1

Abstract

The invention concerns the field of multimedia broadcasting. The invention concerns a portable device for broadcasting digital multimedia data associated with interactive zones present on surfaces or objects, said interactive zones being associated with identifying data. The invention is characterized in that it comprises: detecting means (11, 9) for determining said identifying data of zones when said device moves along at least two degrees of freedom on or proximate the zones; means for broadcasting (6, 1) said multimedia data; and driving means (7) receiving said identifying data from the detecting means, the driving means being adapted to determine said digital multimedia data associated with at least said identifying data and in driving said broadcasting means to broadcast said determined digital multimedia data.

Description

NAME DEVICE FOR DIFFUSION OF MULTIMEDIA CONTENT

The present invention relates to the field of broadcasting multimedia content.

The present invention relates more particularly to a nomadic device, a portable system and a method for broadcasting multimedia information (video, images, sounds, text, etc.) that reacts to the approach or contact of surfaces or objects of which we want to obtain information.

The prior art already knows, by the US2002 / 0094787 patent application, an interactive telecommunication system for retrieving information relating to an object being viewed. A Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) terminal retrieves data (URL or equivalent) near the watched object which allows it to connect to an associated website or receive digital data from the network. . In solutions of this nature, the use of the terminals (PDA) requires a user interaction with the terminal software by means of buttons, keyboard or wheel to display and / or validate choices / data. This results in a need to master the tool before use. In addition, this solution requires a connection to the Internet to access the associated websites and therefore does not offer a terminal that can be autonomous. A majority of portable information delivery systems include interactive mechanics based on keyboard, button or wheel. Once a device includes such a control interface, it requires training for it to be used effectively. By For example, the diffusion of multimedia information in a museum can be realized: according to the spatial location of the visitor, this being done automatically. He decides, via an interface of command, to consult or not the contextual information at the place where it is. The information delivered is necessarily general.

The visitor may have to wait before having the information he desires in relation to a specific point of the object he observes. following the input, by the visitor and via a keyboard, a code corresponding to a work, which delivers the associated information. The virtual information (sounds, videos, texts, multimedia) that is presented is decorrelated from the real object (the observed object) via a "table of contents". You have to train the user.

The present invention aims to simplify the operation of the display terminals by not requiring, for the display of data, any interaction (selection) of the user or by reducing the interactive principles to a minimum of means without reducing the relevance and the wealth of information.

Also known from US2004 / 0044574, a device for displaying data or advertisements, for example in a showcase, provided with a sensor that restores environmental data. Passers-by interact with arm movements with the device to distort the displayed advertising images. In this solution, the screen is fixed in a window and the user does not choose the information he wants (selection of a zone or a menu), this is the device that determines the content according to various environmental parameters.

The present invention aims at providing a nomadic device for displaying content according to choices made by the user through the positioning of this device.

Also known from the patent application WO98 / 40869, a public information terminal in which an interface (sound or visual) is rotatably mounted on a support means. Means for measuring the angular position of the interface make it possible to deliver information corresponding to a defined angular position. This solution thus makes it possible to align the interface on a decorative element and to obtain associated information. The disadvantages of this solution lie in its fixed character not offering nomadism, but also in its use in rotation which offers only a dimension of interactivity (the device could not be applied to a work comprising a large number of zones of interests divided into more than one dimension). An object of the present invention is to provide a nomadic portable device that can be used anywhere in a museum for example and whose two-dimensional or three-dimensional use promotes interactivity.

The present invention intends to remedy one or more disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above by proposing a device equipped with a bare housing and a diffusion interface, the device being placed in contact or in the vicinity with objects or surfaces. for obtaining related information.

The method according to the present invention responds particularly well to the simplicity of use since the user does not need a user manual: he simply put the device in contact or near the object for the information to be delivered. The latter being immediately correlated with the object of its interrogation, the user simply obtains truly relevant information. In addition, the device offers simplified means of use for positioning and setting content to be broadcast according to interactive areas.

To this end, the invention relates, in its most general sense, to a portable device for broadcasting multimedia digital data associated with interactive zones present on surfaces or objects, these interactive zones being associated with identification data. . The device comprises:

Detection means able to determine said zone identification data during the displacement of said device according to at least two degrees of freedom on or near the zones; Means for broadcasting said multimedia data; and

Control means receiving said identification data of the detection means, the control means being able to determine said multimedia digital data associated with said identification data and to control said broadcasting means for broadcasting said determined multimedia digital data.

According to different embodiments:

said diffusion means comprise a substantially transparent screen disposed on the upper face of said device, the lower face of said device being provided with a transparent plate (10) so that the user can see, through said screen and said plate, the area on which is positioned said device;

the device further comprises:

first means for illuminating said screen for its use,

variable opacity means associated with the illumination means of the screen, for example a semi-opaque ribbon, semitransparent in its length,

said means being rendered opaque and said first lighting means being switched on when the screen is used to broadcast said digital multimedia data and

said means being rendered transparent and said first lighting means being extinguished when the screen is inactive to allow the through vision of the device.

the device further comprises second illumination means at said transparent plate, said second illumination means being extinguished when the screen broadcasts said multimedia digital data and is turned on when the screen does not broadcast this data; to facilitate the positioning of said device by illuminating its underside; said broadcasting means comprise loudspeakers;

the device does not include any interface or input means for a software interaction with the user; said detection means comprise an RFID antenna and an associated reader, said reader being connected to said control means, and said interactive zones comprise at least one RFID chip; said detection means are connected to angular sensors located on an articulated arm at the end of which said device is positioned;

said control means comprise means of communication, via a communication network, with an external computer processing system;

said control means comprise a microprocessor, a storage memory storing said digital multimedia data and a computer program for controlling the broadcasting means according to said determined identification data;

said control means comprise a broadcast scenario database associating said identification data with multimedia contents and, optionally, other parameters (date, history,

The invention also relates to a method for broadcasting multimedia digital data by a portable device, these digital multimedia data being associated with interactive zones present on surfaces or objects and associated with identification data. The method comprises:

a step of moving according to at least two degrees of freedom and positioning said device in the vicinity of one of said interactive zones, a step of detecting said zone by determining the identification data associated with this zone, a diffusion step said digital multimedia data associated with said identification data of the detected interactive area including a step of consulting a database to determine said digital data multimedia system according to said determined identification data.

According to various embodiments: said determination of the identification data comprises a step of determining the position of said device with respect to a reference frame and a step of determining said identification data as a function of said position; the method further comprises a step of consulting a database to determine said multimedia digital data as a function of said determined identification data; said step of area detection and identification data determination comprises a step of reading, by an RFID reader, identification data contained in an electronic chip disposed on said approximate area and transmitting said identification data to said means piloting.

The invention also relates to a method for broadcasting multimedia digital data by a portable device described above, these multimedia digital data being associated with interactive zones present on surfaces or objects and associated with identification data, the device comprising a step of lighting said second illumination means at the level of the transparent plate; a step of positioning said device near one of said interactive zones by looking through said device, a step of detecting said zone and determination of identification data associated with this area, when a zone is detected:

A step of extinguishing said second illumination means at the level of the transparent plate; a step of igniting said first means of illuminating the screen and rendering opaque said means of variable opacity under the screen; a step of switching on said screen and broadcasting on this screen multimedia digital data associated with the identification data of the detected interactive zone.

The invention also relates to a multimedia system for implementing the method, comprising a plurality of interactive physical zones to which identification data are associated and at least one device described above.

In one embodiment, said identification data is contained in an RFID tag associated with each of the physical interactive areas.

The invention will be better understood by means of the following description, given purely for explanatory purposes, of one embodiment of the invention, with reference to the appended figures in which: FIG. 1 represents an embodiment of the invention; device according to the present invention; FIG. 2 represents the opaque ribbon and the associated lighting means of the device of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 represents the reading antenna of the device of FIG. 1; Figure 4 illustrates the method of learning the device; Figure 5 is a flow chart of the "user" mode of operation of the device; and FIG. 6 represents a second alternative embodiment of that of FIG. 1.

*** THE DEVICE *** With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and 6, the end-to-end transparent device enables the user to see what lies beneath the apparatus and thus enables him to pose the device on the exact place he wants to consult with optimum comfort.

The references to the drawings are as follows:

1- Liquid crystal display (LCD) out of its case.

2- Transparent honeycomb plate to concentrate the light.

3- Mini halogen tube. There are 4 all around the screen.

4- White flexible ribbon for diffusing light. 5- Motorized rewinder for the white ribbon.

6- Controller board of the LCD screen that is connected to the processing module of the device (7).

7- Treatment module of the device.

8- Lamp to illuminate the bottom of the device when the LCD screen is inactive.

9- Antenna of the RFID reader (Radio frequency identification) spiral connected to the RFID reader.

10- Transparent glass support in which is embedded the RFID antenna. 11- RFID reader connected to the processing module of the device.

12- Storage memory (media, databases): removable card or hard disk.

13- Ignition button of the device. 3-state button: - Off .

- Lit in User mode.

- Lit in Learning mode. 14- Case of the device. 15- Surface to explore.

16- Transparent liquid crystal glazing when supplied with electricity, opaque without power supply.

The device also comprises unrepresented power supply means, these means allowing the power supply of all the mechanical and electronic elements of the device. A battery equivalent to that used in mobile phones can be used for such a device, offering great autonomy while maintaining the mobile nature of the device.

Not shown also, the device may be equipped with a sound diffusion system, either via an audio output allowing the connection of a headphone or an external speaker system, or by a wireless sound system that allows the use of a wireless headset or external wireless speaker system, or the device may be equipped with an internal sound system through speakers built into the case.

The casing 14 is an opaque plastic structure comprising on its upper part an LCD screen (1) of diagonal 15 cm (about 6 inches). LCD screens are inherently transparent which allows for a through vision. The screen chosen in the present device is such a screen in the form of a transparent LCD panel. You can see through as through sunglasses. The screen is equipped with a transparent honeycomb plate (2) also for concentrating the light coming from halogen tubes (3) towards the screen. Four halogen tubes (3) are arranged all around the screen as shown in Figure 2.

An opaque ribbon (4) of a size substantially equal to that of the screen (1) and the blister plate (2) is positioned under this screen and under the blister plate. This ribbon is chosen white and is removable by winding on reels (5) to be no longer positioned under the screen. The tape (4) of white color and dimensions (width, length) at least equivalent to those of the screen (1) in combination with the honeycomb surface

(2) to diffuse and harmonize the lighting of the screen (1). The ribbon is illuminated by halogen light

(3) reflected on the ribbon (4) and concentrated by the cells of the surface (2). The illuminated ribbon thus constitutes an opaque background for viewing the display on the screen. In more detail, the ribbon may consist of an opaque white part and a transparent part, so that the movement of this ribbon by means of the reels (5) makes it possible to position under the screen and the cellular plate is the part opaque (the transparent part is then wound in one of the reels) is the transparent portion (the opaque portion is then wound in one of the reels), depending on the required use.

The lower part (opposite to the upper part) of the device is provided with a transparent glass plate (10) in which is embedded or on which is deposited an RFID reader antenna (9), as shown in FIG. lamps (8) are arranged around this lower part to illuminate the area on which the device is positioned. The optical path between the screen 1 and the plate 10 (represented by the discontinuous vertical line of FIG. 1) is left empty of any component of the device, except the dimpled plate and the ribbon to allow a through view of the assembly. when the ribbon allows it. This path is wide enough not to interfere with vision by one eye.

Thanks to the lighting of the lamps (8), the user sees where he positions the device.

The other electronic components of the device are preferably placed out of the path defined above so as not to obstruct the view of the user. Note the presence of an RFID reader (11) connected, on the one hand, to the antenna (9) and, on the other hand, to a processing module (7). This processing module (7) is the intelligence of the device. It is connected to all the electronic and electrical components of the device to be able to control their power supply and data, in particular to the controller board of the LCD screen, the storage device (s) (12) comprising for example, multimedia data and a switch button (13).

The device is used on a multimedia interactive terminal. This terminal can be an object, a surface, ... and has several areas that can be visually identifiable (visible borders) or whose contours are not explicit. Each of these areas has an identification number that the device retrieves to provide the appropriate multimedia content. If it is desired to associate specific content with each of the zones, then one or more unique identification numbers are chosen for each zone. He can, however, be expected to display the same contents on several different areas with the use of one or more identification numbers for these areas.

The device is moved on or near interactive areas. In the invention, displacement is understood to mean the free physical movement of the device over at least one plane and possibly in space and not a simple rotation thereof (in the case of the device of document WO98 / 40869). The displacement of the device according to at least two degrees of freedom is important because it brings a great freedom of interaction of the user with the objects or interactive zones.

In operation, the button 13 being in "off" mode, the components of the device are no longer supplied with electricity so as to save energy consumption. In "user" mode, when the device is not placed on any active zone, the mini halogen tubes (3) are extinguished and the transparent part of the ribbon (4) is positioned under the screen (the opaque part is completely wound on the motorized axes (5)) allowing the through vision. The lamps (8) located under the device are lit and allow to illuminate the surface to be explored. Thus, the user can see through the device (through, successively, the screen (1), the plate (2), the transparent portion of the ribbon, the antenna (9) and the plate (10)), which greatly facilitates the task of positioning the device.

With reference to FIG. 3, the RFID antenna (9) is wound in wide spirals and embedded in the transparent glass plate (10) and forms a kind of target which can possibly help the user to place the device. In no case does it interfere with the vision of the surface to be explored because of the small thickness of the wires constituting the winding of the antenna.

Referring again to FIG. 1, when the RFID reader (11) coupled with the antenna (9) detects an interactive zone, it transmits this event accompanied by identification data (or identifier, for example a unique number) of zone to the processing module (7), the latter searches for the media (see below) to broadcast and restores the backlight of the LCD screen: the lamps (8) go out, the opaque ribbon (4) is unwound using the motorized axes (5) and the four halogens (3) surrounding the LCD screen (1) are lit. The assembly consisting of the reader and the antenna may have an adjustable detection sensitivity so that one can choose between a detection mode / reading with contact (low sensitivity of the whole of about a few millimeters, favorable to two-dimensional use of the device) and a detection / reading mode in the vicinity (for example a few centimeters, favorable to 3D use).

The removable memory card or hard disk (12) contains all the information relating to the zone identifiers, the scenarios to be implemented for these zones and the multimedia content to be broadcast. The processing module (7) may be a microprocessor which is associated with a computer code (program) allowing it to consult the digital information of the card (12) in order to control the program means (6) for managing the diffusion of the set of multimedia elements: audio, video, sound, text, ...; in the example shown, only images or video via screen 1.

Upon receipt of the information from the reader (11), the processing module (7) consults the databases of identifiers, scenarios and contents multimedia device to provide the module (6) with all the data to be displayed on the screen (1).

During this entire processing process to result in the display of the multimedia data, the user has no software interaction with the device. By software interaction is meant that the user can, when using the device, enter parameters, make choices or interact in any way whatsoever with the software processing module (7) to influence the display of data. This means that at a given moment, when the user approaches his device of an interactive zone, it has the choice of only one multimedia content to be broadcast, depending on the parameters at this time. Thus, the user is not required to make a choice when placing the object on this interactive area. In the invention, the user only has a physical interaction with the device, that is to say that it only moves the device from interactive zones to interactive zones.

Even if the device does not include a button, wheel, keyboard or any other means for the selection of information by the user, it may however have an on / off button (13) which allows the user to save data. energy during the non use of the device: the autonomy is increased. But this button has no action on the processing module (7) when using the device.

According to various embodiments:

The processing module (7) also comprises means of communication to a digital network in order to download to update the data contained in the memory card (12) or to access additional data to be displayed. Communication means for establishing, via a communication network, a connection to a server

Web, program means for collecting the data transmitted by said web server and allowing the device to display said data.

*** OPERATION ***

The device is mobile in the sense that it can be moved in space (and at least on one plane, that is to say at least two degrees of freedom) unlike the solution WO98 / 40869 which is fixed and can only be turned (one degree of freedom). The user therefore moves the device either on a surface having zones of interactivities or towards objects, constituting themselves objects or interactive zones.

A surface on which the device is used is provided with RFID tags. Each RFID tag defines an interactivity zone, for example circular. Thanks to the use of RFID tags, it only takes a few seconds to make most objects or surfaces interactive without cost and without being visible and damaging the support itself. In addition, zone IDs do not need to be "visible", the device detects them even if they are hidden from view. We can therefore make a sensitive object without altering its appearance.

There are several types of RFID tags: passive tags and active tags. Passives contain in their memory only an identifier which they transmit as soon as they are requested. Active tags have a larger memory and rewritable, they also cost more, but we can imagine solutions where the information would be directly written in the label and where we would not need to fetch the associated media in a media database. The choice of RFID tags as a means of determination appears, for the time being, as the simplest and fastest way to set up a zone identification system on any kind of object or surface.

In use, the device is positioned on the surface and equipped with RFID tags. The device can be placed on horizontal, vertical or inclined surfaces, flat or uneven, flexible or rigid. This may be a table, a wall, a poster, a flyer, a book, a display, point-of-sale advertisements (plastic or cardboard), glass, a computer screen, a work, a showcase .

To display content on the device, the device is approached or placed on an interactive zone. The RFID reader (11) continuously reads the label which it detects via the antenna (9) and which is present in its reading field, and then transmits the information read to the processing module (7).

In the case of a plurality of tags in the reading field of the device (ie when detecting a large number of tags, for example beyond a predefined number which may be equal to 1 ), the invention provides two ways to choose the content to display. This functionality makes it possible not to impose a distance constraint between the different RFID tags. The placement of the labels on the object or the surface is done without any distance constraint. This advantage thus allows flexibility of use for the user and increased accuracy for the device.

On the one hand, the RFID reader automatically regulates the sensitivity of the reading device in order to determine the nearest label and therefore that from which is determined the content to be broadcast. This regulation can be performed by decreasing the power radiated by the RFID reader antenna (and therefore its range, its detection distance). The processing module can control this decrease as a function of the read data transmitted to it (if there are several identification data-zone identifiers).

However, it may be that the minimum sensitivity of the reader does not lead to the detection of a single label. On the other hand, it is expected that the discrimination of the nearest label is made by comparison between the different response times of the tags detected. The nearest RFID tag returns its identification data as quickly as possible. A detection thereof becomes easy.

It can also be expected to combine these two alternatives by restricting, in a first step, the range of the reading antenna until only detecting a small number of tags and then detecting, in a second phase, which of the tags responds the fastest among this small number.

In more detail regarding the discrimination of the nearest label. This discrimination occurs even if the RFID tags used are not anti-collision.

An operating mode implemented in the invention for determining the medium to be broadcast is as follows: first, when the detection distance of the reader is maximum and the detection module detects several zones, then a mapping of the information / areas available is broadcast to the user. If only one zone is detected, then the associated media is displayed; - Then, when the user approaches, discrimination of the RPID labels is performed.

The device can in particular know how far it is from the support. By regulating the radiation of the RFID antenna, it varies the detection distance of the device: - if the zone identifiers found when the RFID antenna radiation is maximum and the area identifiers found when the radiation of the RFID antenna is minimum are different then it means that the device is "remote". - If the identified area identifiers are the same whatever the level of radiation of the antenna then it means that the device is close to the support.

Thus, if the device sees several zone identifiers and is at its maximum detection distance (the identifiers of detected zones are different according to the level of radiation of the antenna as explained previously) then, during the first step, it establishes a dynamic text message containing a list of the information that is available in the area targeted by the user (with regard to the information contained in table 3, for example column 3 for a simple display or any other pre-filled information field ). The term

"Cartography" implies, in the present case, a list or a table of contents. Possibly this mapping can be more complex, such as a graphical representation or a map positioning the different zones when positioning means

(triangulation for example) equip the device More precisely, when the RFID reader detects several RFID tags in a "remote" position, it returns all the zone identifiers to the processing module. The latter thus receives topological data on the targeted area and can map the information available at the targeted location, possibly keeping only the two closest tags. For example, the device processing module can establish a list of the information that is accessible at the time of reading the zone identifiers. For example, and referring to table 3 below, if the device simultaneously sees zone identifiers 1414 and 1415, it can display a dynamic text (constructed according to the information it has at the time) to the user who tells him that the Sardinia and Corsica are close to the place he is consulting.

On the other hand, when the device is close to the support (this is the case when the user is approaching, the detected area identifiers then being the same whatever the level of radiation of the antenna) and which he still detects. several zone identifiers, then it discriminates by determining the nearest identifier (comparing the response times) and launches the corresponding media.

The advantage provided by this discrimination is to be able to allow identification chips of areas very close to each other. Thanks to this automatic regulation or this discrimination (without the intervention of the user), there are no distance constraints to respect between the chips for the system to work. The device can be in 3 possible states:

• 1: no active zone is detected.

• 2: An active zone is detected and the device knows it.

• 3: An active zone is detected and the device does not know it.

Determining the state of the device. The determination of the current state of the device is performed in combination between the data transmitted by the detection module (RFID reader for example) and the processing module of the device:

When it detects a zone, this reading / detection module (11) regularly sends the corresponding zone identifier to the processing module (7). The latter therefore receives this identifier as long as the device remains close to the zone identifier. The time between each sending of the detection module (which can be called the detection frequency) is a data chosen at the design of the process.

The processing module therefore manages a non-use delay. If this fixed delay is exceeded without the processing module receiving any data from the detection module used then the device is in state 1 of the previous list.

It is also possible that the management of this delay is performed directly by the detection module (11) and that it only communicates the state changes to the processing module (7). The important thing is that the processing module (7) knows in what state it is and even if it is the detection module (11) that makes this determination. The processing module (7) also maintains a constantly updated list of zone identifiers. It constitutes this list as and when the device is used. When the detection module indicates to the processing module that it is near a zone, the processing module searches for the zone identifier in the list, if it finds it then the device is in state 2 from the previous list, if it does not find it then the device is in state 3 of the previous list.

For the sake of saving energy, it is possible to adjust by programming the detection frequency of the detection module and the non-use delay according to the state in which the device is located. When the device is in state 2, the detection frequency can be decreased and the nonuse timeout increased. Thus the detection module is solicited less often and consumes less energy. The impact of this adaptation of the detection frequency is a certain inertia at the transition from state 2 to state 1.

Description of the behavior of the device according to the state in which it is located. The behavior of the device depends on two distinct events:

• The state in which it is located (see above).

• The mode of use chosen: user or learning. This mode depends on the position in which the button (13) is located.

The device manages at least three databases and a look-up table, which are stored in the memory 12: • The database of zone identifiers,

• The media database to be disseminated,

• The table of correspondence between the identifiers of zones and the media to diffuse, • A database of behavioral and data of historization.

These data are stored in the memory space of the device (removable card 12 or hard disk), they can be made (except the behavioral base) with or without the accompaniment of the device.

The behavioral base allows when the device is used in user mode to collect statistical data on the media that the user has viewed, if he saw them until the end and at what time. These data can make it possible to obtain statistics (56) on the circulation of the different users on a place of exhibition or sale. The processing module also records in this database the history of the interactive areas that have been browsed, for example in the form of a list of the last ten areas visited. It can also serve as a basis for determining the content to be broadcast: on the same interactive zone, the content to be broadcast could be different depending on whether or not the user has already consulted a particular content, or that the user comes from a predefined interactive area.

The table below illustrates an example of historical and behavioral database content:

52

24

Table 1

It should be noted that if the base is deported outside the device (by means of communication, for example), it can be common to all users. The User column can either contain a user name or a device identifier.

The media base (44) contains the list of media that will be accessible when using the device. The database contains the name of the media, the type (sound, image, video or text) and the full path, which makes it possible to consider that the media is remote from the device and accessible via local network or web link. For a completely autonomous device, the media data is stored in the memory 12 of the device. This media base must be constituted upstream of any use of the device whether in user or learning mode. A basic example is provided below:

Table 2 25

The database, as illustrated below, field identifiers (43) contains the list of identifiers. It can be constituted upstream or when using the device in learning mode. In the example below, the support "Islands in the Mediterranean" (for example a map) includes the three interactive zones relating to the islands Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica. In our example, an RFID tag is positioned under each of the islands shown on the map.

Table 3

The Zone / Media mapping table allows you to know which media to broadcast when the detection module is near a zone identifier. This correspondence table can be prepared upstream and stored on the memory of the device or can be constituted as the use of the device in learning mode. This correspondence table can be more or less complex in its structure. The same interactive zone can be in correspondence with several different contents. The choice between these different contents, in user mode, will be according to an algorithm implemented by the program of the processing module (7) and not a user interaction. For example, with reference to the table below, if the user arrives at the identified area 1416, then the identified media 240 is broadcast.

Table 4

For example, the content to be broadcast on the same interactive zone may be different depending on whether or not the content of another interactive zone has already been viewed. The processing module (7) then consults the historization database in order to know what has been the content already broadcast and chooses an undisclosed content associated with the area overflown by the device.

Optionally, the processing module takes into account the area of origin of the device (last record in the historization database) to determine the media to be broadcast. In the example below, if the user comes from the Sicilian zone (1413) to the Sardinia zone (1414) then the broadcast medium is the media 208. If it comes from the Corsica zone (1415), then the media 210 is broadcast.

Table 4-1

For example again, the content on the same interactive zone could be different according to the time that it is or according to the time that one put to come on this 006/002252

27

zoned. In the example below, the media broadcast between 8:00 and 22:00 on the interactive zone 1415 is 228, while the media 229 is broadcast between 22:00 and 8:00.

Table 4-2

For example again, the content on the same interactive zone could be different depending on the light intensity that exists in the place invested, or depending on the temperature or the number of people present or any physical size that would likely be measured by a sensor disposed on the device or in its environment.

In the example below, between 8:00 and 22:00, if the ambient temperature is below 20 ^° C, then the media 224 (photos of Corsica in winter) is broadcast. For a temperature above 20 ⁰ C, the media 225 (photos in summer) is broadcast.

Table 4-3

The behavior of the device according to its state and the mode of use chosen is summarized in the following table:

R2006 / 002252

28

Table 5

The types of broadcast when using the device in user mode are two in number:

• broadcast "on zone": the media is broadcast only when the user remains close to the zone identifier. As soon as it deviates, the device returns to the state that is its when it is out of area.

• "depending on the content" broadcast: the broadcast of the media runs to the end as soon as the user has selected an area regardless of the 02252

29

time he stays there. Only the detection of a new zone can stop the current broadcast to broadcast new content.

In more detail, FIG. 4 illustrates the learning mode of the device that can be selected by means of the button (13).

From an initial state 40, the processing module (7) is in the queue for data transmitted by the detection module (H) _/ the latter being in operation for reading RFID tags through the antenna ( 9). At 41, the detection module reads and, depending on the detection or not of an interactive zone, remains in its read state (NO) or transmits the identification number read to the processing module (7).

This module determines whether the detected zone exists 42 by comparing the identification number transmitted with those present in the database of identifiers 43.

If the zone does not exist (NO), the device invites (45) the user to make an association between the identifier of this zone and a media from the media database 44. The processing module (7) ) displays to the user via the screen (1) the number of the detected zone and invites him to give him a name. To do this, it is envisaged to provide the device with removable input means, for example via a USB keyboard connected to the device, these means being used only for this learning operation but not during the use of the device. Then, it presents a list of available media in its database. The user can view these media before definitively associating them with the detected area. Optionally optional parameters can be requested and linked to this association as shown in table 4: activation times, area of origin, 6 002252

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temperature or other environmental parameter, ... In case of information of parameters conditioning the association, the device then invites the user to make other associations on this area to cover all possible combinations of parameters. The data entered by the user are recorded in the corresponding databases: zone identifiers (43), correspondence table 4, etc.

If the zone already exists (YES), the zone / media association may be modified 46: in this case (YES), the device prompts the user to make a new association between the zone and a medium of the base 44. in the case where the user does not wish to modify the association (NO) and in the case where the user has just made / modify a media / interactive zone association, the device returns to its initial state 40 for the reading / detection of a new area.

With reference to FIG. 5, in the "user" mode, the device is first in an initial state 50 corresponds to the processing module waiting for data and the detection module ready to perform a zone identifier reading .

At 51, the detection module reads and determines whether the identification number it has read corresponds to an interactive zone of the sensitive area identifier database 43. It should be noted that the device responds by events. For example, RFID readers when they are in the proximity of a label, regularly returns (according to a manufacturer's time) the zone identifier that it has found: every X milliseconds, the detector receives the identification number of the label. When the label is no longer in the field of action of the RFID reader then it does not return anything. So there is an event every X milliseconds in the presence of a tag, but there is no event to indicate that there is no tag near the detector. A delay (slightly greater than X) can be used by the detector for this purpose.

In the affirmative (YES), the device tests, in 52, if a media is not currently being broadcast and stops it if it is the case (in 53). The device is already in a content viewing mode. In the negative of a broadcast in progress (NO), the device automatically switches to a content display mode, that is to say that the lower lamps (8) go out, the opaque strip (4) is placed under the screen, the halogens (3) light up and the electronic card (6) controls the display on the screen.

The processing module then determines (55) the broadcasting scenario from the multimedia content library 44 (see table 4), the zone / media correspondence table 56 (see table 2) and possibly the historical and behavioral base 57 (see table 1). With the access path entered in the table 2, the processing module retrieves the media to be broadcast in the memory 12 and diffuses (58) this content via the controller card of the screen. Module 7 then updates the historical and statistical data base 57 (see Table 1). At the end of the broadcast of the medium, the processing module 7 returns to its initial state 50 with the halogen 3 and screen 1 turned off, the opaque ribbon removed and the lamps 8 turned on.

In the negative of a zone detection (NO), the device tests, in 60, if a content is not being broadcast. If not, the device returns (remains) to the initial state 50. If yes, the behavior of the device is a function of the type of diffusion defined previously. An analysis of the type of diffusion is performed at 60 by the processing and control module 7:

For broadcast "on zone", then the device stops the broadcast of the content and returns (in 62) in non-broadcast mode (extinguishing halogen 3 and screen

1, removal of the opaque ribbon and lighting of the lamps 8) then returns to the initial state 50,

For a "content-based" broadcast, the broadcast of the content continues and runs until the end (unless a new hotspot is detected, see 53), and then the device returns to the initial state 50.

Figures 4 and 5 thus show the general operation of the device in the settings and user modes. In general, the detection work is performed by the detection module and the broadcast work by the processing module. The process making it possible to know the simple states of the device (near an interactive zone or not) can be indifferently carried out by the detection module or by the processing module.

FIG. 6 illustrates a device similar to that of FIG. 1 in which the opaque ribbon (4) and the motorized reel (5) are replaced by a liquid crystal pane (16). There are such glazings produced by the company Saint-Gobain (trade name) having properties to make them transparent when they are supplied with electricity or opaque when no voltage is applied to the terminals of such a glazing. Such a solution has the advantage of not using mechanical means, often more greedy power consumption. In operation, the glazing is 6 002252

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powered to take its transparent state until an area is detected. The glazing then goes into the "opaque" state by stopping its power supply and the multimedia content is broadcast via the screen.

According to another embodiment, another possible detection means is the articulated arm having at least two degrees of freedom (generally at least two joints). The articulated arm is fixed and the portable device remains attached to this arm. It may be interesting in some cases to offer interactivity spots rather than requiring the user or visitor to wear the device throughout his visit. Sometimes only a few interactive places in a particular site are sufficient and necessary. In this case, an articulated arm supporting the device and bringing it closer to the surface to be explored can be installed. The action remains the same, namely to put the device on the surface but the detection means may be different. Simple potentiometers at the joints make it possible to calculate the angular data necessary for the determination of the position. The correspondence table then associates the angular data (and therefore the geographical position of the device) with the media to be broadcast. In addition, the device can be equipped with an element for detecting the support on the object or the surface to explore (return switch, single bimetallic strip, ...). This detection then triggers the launch of the broadcast of the associated multimedia content. In the same way as the previous embodiment, the device proposes an absolute positioning immediately correlated to the object that one wishes to explore. The precision of the angular calculation does not require a fine resolution, the system allows a margin of error of positioning. The device is more of a designation tool than a rigorous pointing tool.

In one embodiment, the joints of the articulated arm may be equipped with brakes to keep the device in its position when no longer supported by the user.

Claims

A portable device for broadcasting multimedia digital data associated with interactive zones present on surfaces or objects, these interactive zones being associated with identification data, characterized in that it comprises:

Detection means (11, 9) able to receive, on interrogation, said zone identification data during the displacement of said device according to at least two degrees of freedom on or near the zones;

Means for broadcasting (6, 1) said multimedia data; and

Control means (7) receiving said identification data of the detection means, the control means being able to determine said multimedia digital data associated with at least this identification data and to control said broadcasting means to broadcast these determined multimedia digital data.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said diffusion means comprise a screen (1) substantially transparent disposed on the upper face of said device, the underside of said device being provided with a transparent plate (10) of such so that the user can see, through said screen and said plate, the area on which said device is positioned.

3. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it further comprises: first lighting means (3) of said screen (1) for use, means of variable opacity (2, 16) associated with the lighting means (3) of the screen, said means (2, 16) being rendered opaque and said first lighting means (3) being switched on when the screen is used to broadcast said digital multimedia data and said means (2, 16) being made transparent and said first lighting means (3) being extinguished when the screen is inactive to allow the through vision of the device.

4. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises second lighting means (8) at said transparent plate (10), said second lighting means (8) being extinguished when the screen broadcasts said digital multimedia data and is lit when the screen does not broadcast this data to facilitate the positioning of said device by illuminating its underside.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said detection means have a variable detection sensitivity, said device being able to automatically change said sensitivity when a plurality of area identification data is detected. .

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said detection means are able to determine the identification data which are received first during an interrogation, said control means determining said multimedia data in function of said data received first.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it does not include any interface or input means for a software interaction with the user.

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said detection means comprise an RFID antenna (9) and an associated reader (11), said reader being connected to said control means (7), and said interactive areas comprise at least one RFID chip.

9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said detection means are connected to angular sensors located on an articulated arm at the end of which is positioned said device.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said control means (7) comprise communication means, via a communication network, with an external computer processing system.

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said control means comprise a microprocessor, a storage memory storing said digital multimedia data and comprising a broadcast scenario database associating said identification data. multimedia content, and a computer program for controlling the broadcast means according to said determined identification data.

12. A method for broadcasting multimedia digital data by a portable device equipped with identification data detection means associated with interactive zones, these multimedia digital data being associated with said interactive zones present on surfaces or objects and associated with said data. identification, characterized in that it comprises: a step of moving according to at least two degrees of freedom and positioning said device in the vicinity of one of said interactive zones, a step of detecting said zone by determining the data identification means associated with this zone, a step of broadcasting said multimedia digital data associated with said identification data of the detected interactive zone comprising a step of consulting a database to determine said multimedia digital data as a function of said data of identification of completed.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that said step of zone detection and determination of the identification data comprises a step of reading, by an RFID reader, identification data contained in an electronic chip disposed on said approximate area and transmission of said identification data to said control means.

14. The method of claim 11 or 12, characterized in that said zone detection step comprises: a step of detecting a plurality of zones by said detection means; a step of establishing a list of said plurality of detected zones; a step of regulating the sensitivity of said detection means until the detection of a single one of said plurality of zones.

15. The method of claim 11, 12 or 13, characterized in that said zone detection step comprises: a step of detecting a plurality of zones by said detection means; a step of discriminating the zone whose identification data are the first received on interrogation of said detection means; said broadcast multimedia digital data being associated with said discriminated zone.

16. A method for broadcasting multimedia digital data by a portable device according to claims 3 and 4, said multimedia digital data being associated with interactive areas present on surfaces or objects and associated with identification data, characterized by the it comprises: - a step of lighting said second lighting means (8) at the level of the transparent plate (10), a step of positioning said device near one of said interactive areas by looking through said device, - a step of detecting said zone and determining the identification data associated with this zone, when a zone is detected, A step of extinguishing said second lighting means (8) at the level of the transparent plate (10),

A step of lighting said first illumination means (3) of the screen (1) and rendering opaque said means (2, 16) under the screen, a step of switching on said screen (1) and broadcasting on this screen digital multimedia data associated with the identification data of the interactive zone detected.

Multimedia system, comprising a plurality of interactive physical areas with associated identification data and at least one device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

18. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said identification data is contained in an RFID tag associated with each of the physical interactive areas.