Under the eye of the cameras
"I wanted to solve the problem of visitor passivity at exhibitions," says Xavier Dietlin. This metalworking craftsman invented a system allowing passers-by to interact with the objects on display. The concept is so simple that the inventor himself is surprised to have been the first to think of it. Three cameras, one of which is equipped with a powerful zoom, are concealed inside the podium on which the watch is displayed. Outside the showcase, a control unit is made available to the visitor, who thus becomes the director. They can rotate the piece, switch between cameras, or zoom in on a movement such as a tourbillon to observe how it works. Other controls give access to educational films presenting the mechanisms. The image can be viewed either on a plasma screen placed nearby or projected onto a white screen.
Developed with the help of start-up FiveCo and Plasma Communication, this system reduces the risk of theft and eases visitor frustration by allowing them to discover watches in their finest details for themselves, without resorting to computer-generated imagery.
Xavier Dietlin dreams of future developments using Bluetooth. Thanks to this wireless transmission mode, the curious visitor will be able to control cameras and motors with their mobile phone, and ultimately retrieve the images on it.
Adaptable to any display case, this innovation can also be fitted in retailers' shops. Window-shopping will become more engaging, as passers-by will be able to interact with the watches on display from the street. Historical pieces in watch museums could also be showcased without risk. Finally, no training is required to operate the system.
David Spring
