US20030037473A1 - Apparatus for displaying a transparency - Google Patents
Apparatus for displaying a transparency Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030037473A1 US20030037473A1 US10/197,140 US19714002A US2003037473A1 US 20030037473 A1 US20030037473 A1 US 20030037473A1 US 19714002 A US19714002 A US 19714002A US 2003037473 A1 US2003037473 A1 US 2003037473A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- transparency
- panel
- fresnel lens
- lens panel
- support structure
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F13/00—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
- G09F13/04—Signs, boards or panels, illuminated from behind the insignia
Definitions
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 4 is a side view of the first embodiment
- the transparency 14 to be viewed is the next layer of the apparatus 10 and is positioned immediately in front of the diffuser panel 20 within the frame structure 12 such that the transparency 14 and the diffuser panel 20 are adjoining in overlying surface contact fully throughout areas extending with the viewable area 16 .
- the transparency 14 is formed from a piece of translucent material having a viewable image.
- the transparency can have any other structure suitable for viewing in the apparatus 10 .
- the transparency can be a piece of photographic film or can be printed from an ink jet or laser printer.
- the embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 5 further includes a source of artificial light 60 (shown schematically) for additional illumination of the transparency 14 by the apparatus 10 .
- a source of artificial light 60 shown schematically
- Light rays emitted from the source of artificial light 60 are directed by the reflective cushion panel 52 into the back of the apparatus 10 .
- the redirection of light by the apparatus 10 functions to eliminate a “hot spot” that might otherwise be observed when a source of artificial light is used to illuminate a transparency from behind.
- uniform edge-to-edge brightness is achieved across the entire viewable area 16 of the transparency 14 when the transparency 14 is viewed through the apparatus 10 using a source of artificial light 60 for illumination.
Abstract
An apparatus for displaying a transparency includes a Fresnel lens panel and a support structure. The support structure supports the transparency on a horizontal surface in an upright viewing position, and supports the Fresnel lens panel in a position behind the transparency. In this configuration, light passing through the Fresnel lens panel from the rear of the Fresnel lens panel is directed through the transparency for viewing of the transparency.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/313,863 filed Aug. 21, 2001.
- The present invention relates to an apparatus for viewing a transparency, and particularly relates to an apparatus for displaying a transparent photographic image.
- A transparency may be displayed for viewing in an upright position by placing the transparency on a stand or other supporting device. The supporting device uses back-lit illumination. Such devices typically provide uneven illumination of the transparency. This is most noticeable when a source of artificial illumination is used for back-lighting the transparency. In that case, a localized area of increased light intensity, referred to as a “hot spot,” appears on the transparency directly in front of the back-lit illumination source. The uneven illumination produced by the formation of the “hot spot” results in a decrease in light intensity as the eye travels away from the “hot spot” toward the periphery of the transparency.
- In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus for displaying a transparency includes a Fresnel lens panel and a support structure. The support structure is configured to support the transparency on a horizontal surface in an upright viewing position. It is further configured to support the Fresnel lens panel in a position behind the transparency. In this configuration, light passing through the Fresnel lens panel from the rear of the Fresnel lens panel is directed through the transparency for viewing of the transparency.
- In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support structure further includes a translucent diffuser panel. The support structure is configured to support the diffuser panel in a position behind the transparency. The support structure is further configured to support the Fresnel lens panel in a position behind the diffuser panel. In this configuration, light passing through the Fresnel lens panel from the rear of the Fresnel lens panel is directed first through the diffuser panel and subsequently through the transparency for viewing of the transparency.
- In the preferred embodiment, the support structure is a frame surrounding and positioning the individual layers of the apparatus which include the Fresnel lens panel, the diffuser panel, the transparency, and a transparent front panel. The support structure is further configured to surround and define the periphery of the viewable area of the transparency. Light is directed uniformly through the viewable area of the transparency by the Fresnel lens panel which extends completely across the viewable area.
- In another embodiment of the invention, a source of artificial light is used to direct light rays into the back of the Fresnel lens panel. The Fresnel Lens panel redirects the light through the layers of the apparatus in a uniform manner, thereby eliminating the “hot spot” that otherwise might be observed when a source of artificial light is used to back-light a transparency display.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a front view of a part shown in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a view taken on line3-3 of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 is a side view of the first embodiment;
- FIG. 5 is a side view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view, taken from the side, of a part shown in FIG. 5.
- An
apparatus 10 comprising a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. Theapparatus 10 includes apicture frame structure 12 which supports atransparency 14 in an upright position for viewing. Light entering the back of theapparatus 10 passes through thetransparency 14 resulting in back-lit illumination of thetransparency 14. Theapparatus 10 produces uniform illumination across the entireviewable area 16 of thetransparency 14, and also brightens thetransparency 14. - As shown partially in FIG. 1, the
apparatus 10 has a number of layers enclosed in theframe 12. In the preferred embodiment, there are four layers enclosed within theframe 12 which are as follows: 1) a Fresnellens panel 18 forming the back of theapparatus 10, 2) adiffuser panel 20 positioned in front of the Fresnellens panel 18, 3) thetransparency 14 containing the image to be viewed, and 4) atransparent front panel 22 forming the front of theapparatus 10. - As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the Fresnel
lens panel 18 in the first preferred embodiment is formed from a rectangular piece of plastic having afront side surface 24 and aback side surface 26. The front andback side surfaces lower edge surfaces end edge surfaces lens grooves 35 extends across theback side surface 26 from thecenter 36 of theback side surface 26 outward to theperipheral edge surfaces lens panel 18 in this embodiment hasgrooves 35 arranged as concentric circles, a glass Fresnel lens panel would preferably have the grooves in a rectangular configuration. Theback side surface 26 of the Fresnellens panel 18 with thegrooves 35 forms the back of theapparatus 10 with thefront side surface 24 facing toward the front of theapparatus 10. It might be preferable to reverse the orientation of thepanel 18 so that thegrooves 35 face toward the front of theapparatus 10 to protect theplastic grooves 35 from physical damage. - The next layer of the
apparatus 10 is thediffuser panel 20 which is positioned within theframe structure 12 immediately in front of the Fresnellens panel 18 such that thediffuser panel 20 and the Fresnellens panel 18 are adjoining in overlying surface contact fully throughout areas extending with theviewable area 16. Thediffuser panel 20 is formed from a translucent material, such as frosted glass, and is of the same size and shape as the Fresnellens panel 18. - The
transparency 14 to be viewed is the next layer of theapparatus 10 and is positioned immediately in front of thediffuser panel 20 within theframe structure 12 such that thetransparency 14 and thediffuser panel 20 are adjoining in overlying surface contact fully throughout areas extending with theviewable area 16. Thetransparency 14 is formed from a piece of translucent material having a viewable image. However, the transparency can have any other structure suitable for viewing in theapparatus 10. For example, the transparency can be a piece of photographic film or can be printed from an ink jet or laser printer. - The final layer of the
apparatus 10 is atransparent panel 22, preferably formed from a clear pane of glass or plastic with the same size and shape as that of the Fresnellens panel 18. Thetransparent panel 22 is positioned directly in front of thetransparency 14 within theframe structure 12 and forms the front of theapparatus 10. Thetransparent panel 22 functions to protect thetransparency 14 from dust and physical abrasion. - As shown in FIG. 1, the
frame structure 12 enclosing the layers of theapparatus 10 has a rectangular configuration defined by an upper 37, a lower 38, aleft 39, and a right 40 channel. The channels 37-40 are preferably made from a metal material, and are joined at their ends at right angles to give theframe structure 12 its rectangular configuration in which the upper 37 and lower 38 channels are parallel and opposite each other, and the left 39 and right 40 channels are parallel and opposite each other. The joined channels 37-40 of theframe structure 12 receive and surround the Fresnellens panel 18,diffuser panel 20,transparency 14, andtransparent panel 22 layers as shown in FIG. 1. Theframe structure 12 thus defines and surrounds the periphery of theviewable area 16. - As shown in FIG. 4, the
frame structure 12 in the preferred embodiment is held upright in a free standing position on ahorizontal surface 44 by asupport member 46 affixed to the back of theframe 12 and extending out from theframe 12. Thesupport member 46 can have any suitable configuration known in the art. - When light rays are directed toward and through the
apparatus 10 from the back, the light rays passing through the Fresnellens panel 18 toward the front of theapparatus 10 are directed by the array of Fresnellens grooves 35 from thepanel 18 further through theapparatus 10. Thelens panel 18 then functions to enhance the illumination of theviewable area 16 in accordance with the configuration and orientation of thegrooves 35, as well as the index of refraction of the material from which the Fresnellens panel 18 is formed. The light transmitted from the Fresnellens panel 18 must first pass through thediffuser panel 20 and subsequently through thetransparency 14 andtransparent panel 22 before reaching the viewer. The function of thediffuser panel 20 is to provide a bright white opalescent background for any clear or colorless areas of thetransparency 14. In addition, the translucent quality of thediffuser panel 20 prevents the array of Fresnellens grooves 35 from being visible through thetransparency 14. Thus, the overall effect produced by theapparatus 10 in viewing thetransparency 14 is that theapparatus 10 produces even illumination across the entireviewable area 16 of thetransparency 14 thereby providing uniform edge-to-edge brightness over the entireviewable area 16 of thetransparency 14. - As shown in FIG. 5, a second preferred embodiment of the invention further includes a
reflective cushion panel 52 which overlies thehorizontal surface 44 beneath theapparatus 10. FIG. 6 shows that thereflective cushion panel 52 preferably has a laminate structure which includes apaper layer 54 overlaid with a layer ofcompressible foam 56 which in turn is overlaid with apaper layer 54. Eachpaper layer 54 of thereflective cushion panel 52 has a reflectiveouter surface 58. FIG. 4 shows how theapparatus 10 is to be positioned upon thereflective cushion panel 52. - When the apparatus is configured as in FIG. 5, the
reflective cushion panel 52 directs light falling behind theapparatus 10 upward toward the rear side of theapparatus 10 where the light rays can then enter and pass through theFresnel lens panel 18. Thereflective cushion panel 52 therefore functions to increase the amount of light transmitted through thetransparency 14 for increased illumination of thetransparency 14. - The embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 5 further includes a source of artificial light60 (shown schematically) for additional illumination of the
transparency 14 by theapparatus 10. Light rays emitted from the source of artificial light 60 are directed by thereflective cushion panel 52 into the back of theapparatus 10. The redirection of light by theapparatus 10 functions to eliminate a “hot spot” that might otherwise be observed when a source of artificial light is used to illuminate a transparency from behind. Thus, uniform edge-to-edge brightness is achieved across the entireviewable area 16 of thetransparency 14 when thetransparency 14 is viewed through theapparatus 10 using a source ofartificial light 60 for illumination. - The invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications. Such improvements, changes and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims.
Claims (9)
1. An apparatus for displaying a transparency, said apparatus comprising:
a Fresnel lens panel; and
a support structure configured to support the transparency on a horizontal surface in an upright viewing position, said support structure being further configured to support said Fresnel lens panel in a position behind the transparency, such that light passing through said Fresnel lens panel from the rear of said Fresnel lens panel is directed through the transparency for viewing of the transparency.
2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising a translucent diffuser panel, said support structure being further configured to support said diffuser panel in a position behind the transparency, and to support said Fresnel lens panel in a position behind said diffuser panel, such that light passing through said Fresnel lens panel from the rear of said Fresnel lens panel is directed first through said diffuser panel and subsequently through the transparency for viewing of the transparency.
3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2 , wherein said diffuser panel and the transparency are adjoining in overlying surface contact fully throughout areas extending within said viewable area, and said diffuser panel and said Fresnel lens panel are adjoining in overlying surface contact fully throughout areas extending within said viewable area.
4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said support structure surrounds and defines the periphery of a viewable area of said transparency, and said Fresnel lens panel extends throughout said viewable area to direct light through said transparency uniformly throughout said viewable area.
5. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising a reflective cushion panel configured to direct light upward toward the back of said Fresnel lens panel.
6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said reflective cushion panel is a panel configured to overlay the horizontal surface, and has reflective opposite side surfaces.
7. An apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said reflective cushion panel has a compressible layer between said reflective opposite side surfaces.
8. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said support structure comprises a frame extending around the periphery of the viewable area.
9. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said Fresnel lens panel is a separate structure supported by said support structure.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/197,140 US20030037473A1 (en) | 2001-08-21 | 2002-07-17 | Apparatus for displaying a transparency |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US31386301P | 2001-08-21 | 2001-08-21 | |
US10/197,140 US20030037473A1 (en) | 2001-08-21 | 2002-07-17 | Apparatus for displaying a transparency |
Publications (1)
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US20030037473A1 true US20030037473A1 (en) | 2003-02-27 |
Family
ID=26892588
Family Applications (1)
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US10/197,140 Abandoned US20030037473A1 (en) | 2001-08-21 | 2002-07-17 | Apparatus for displaying a transparency |
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Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040216345A1 (en) * | 2003-04-29 | 2004-11-04 | Wadusky Krystal Leigh | Quad mount support frame |
US8683184B1 (en) | 2004-11-15 | 2014-03-25 | Nvidia Corporation | Multi context execution on a video processor |
FR3005345A1 (en) * | 2013-05-03 | 2014-11-07 | Emerson Network Power Ind Systems | SAFETY LUMINAIRE |
JP2015515015A (en) * | 2012-02-06 | 2015-05-21 | エーブリー デニソン コーポレイションAvery Dennison Corporation | Directional active projection |
US20160238215A1 (en) * | 2015-02-12 | 2016-08-18 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Lighting apparatus and moving object |
USD791617S1 (en) * | 2015-10-12 | 2017-07-11 | Cloverleaf Media Llc | Digital signage device |
US9911377B2 (en) | 2014-07-31 | 2018-03-06 | Cloverleaf Media, LLC | Dynamic merchandising communication system |
US20180259774A1 (en) * | 2017-03-10 | 2018-09-13 | Boe Technology Group Co., Ltd. | Virtual reality display device and manufacturing method thereof |
US10176354B2 (en) | 2015-10-12 | 2019-01-08 | Cloverleaf Media, LLC | Systems and methods for serving pixel mapped content to merchandising communication systems |
Citations (8)
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---|---|---|---|---|
US1820912A (en) * | 1929-09-26 | 1931-09-01 | John W Kelly | Illuminated sign |
US2218828A (en) * | 1938-08-08 | 1940-10-22 | Page Ervin R Ne | Method of producing photographic transparencies |
US2372124A (en) * | 1942-01-28 | 1945-03-20 | Emil S Schenkel | Sign construction |
US3064125A (en) * | 1957-09-30 | 1962-11-13 | Corning Glass Works | Luminair |
US3423865A (en) * | 1965-10-22 | 1969-01-28 | George K C Hardesty | Multiple image and legend display means |
US3744882A (en) * | 1971-08-20 | 1973-07-10 | Holograph Corp | Composite lens for an optical communication system providing directly viewed real images |
US3868501A (en) * | 1973-05-16 | 1975-02-25 | Cryton Optics Inc | Light boxes with fresnel lenses |
US4185895A (en) * | 1978-03-31 | 1980-01-29 | Hughes Aircraft Company | Reflective mode, dynamic scattering liquid crystal display system having a Fresnel reflector for lighting |
-
2002
- 2002-07-17 US US10/197,140 patent/US20030037473A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1820912A (en) * | 1929-09-26 | 1931-09-01 | John W Kelly | Illuminated sign |
US2218828A (en) * | 1938-08-08 | 1940-10-22 | Page Ervin R Ne | Method of producing photographic transparencies |
US2372124A (en) * | 1942-01-28 | 1945-03-20 | Emil S Schenkel | Sign construction |
US3064125A (en) * | 1957-09-30 | 1962-11-13 | Corning Glass Works | Luminair |
US3423865A (en) * | 1965-10-22 | 1969-01-28 | George K C Hardesty | Multiple image and legend display means |
US3744882A (en) * | 1971-08-20 | 1973-07-10 | Holograph Corp | Composite lens for an optical communication system providing directly viewed real images |
US3868501A (en) * | 1973-05-16 | 1975-02-25 | Cryton Optics Inc | Light boxes with fresnel lenses |
US4185895A (en) * | 1978-03-31 | 1980-01-29 | Hughes Aircraft Company | Reflective mode, dynamic scattering liquid crystal display system having a Fresnel reflector for lighting |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040216345A1 (en) * | 2003-04-29 | 2004-11-04 | Wadusky Krystal Leigh | Quad mount support frame |
US8683184B1 (en) | 2004-11-15 | 2014-03-25 | Nvidia Corporation | Multi context execution on a video processor |
JP2015515015A (en) * | 2012-02-06 | 2015-05-21 | エーブリー デニソン コーポレイションAvery Dennison Corporation | Directional active projection |
FR3005345A1 (en) * | 2013-05-03 | 2014-11-07 | Emerson Network Power Ind Systems | SAFETY LUMINAIRE |
US9911377B2 (en) | 2014-07-31 | 2018-03-06 | Cloverleaf Media, LLC | Dynamic merchandising communication system |
US10198988B2 (en) | 2014-07-31 | 2019-02-05 | Cloverleaf Media Llc | Dynamic merchandising communication system |
US20160238215A1 (en) * | 2015-02-12 | 2016-08-18 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Lighting apparatus and moving object |
US9969496B2 (en) * | 2015-02-12 | 2018-05-15 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Lighting apparatus and moving object |
USD791617S1 (en) * | 2015-10-12 | 2017-07-11 | Cloverleaf Media Llc | Digital signage device |
US10176354B2 (en) | 2015-10-12 | 2019-01-08 | Cloverleaf Media, LLC | Systems and methods for serving pixel mapped content to merchandising communication systems |
US20180259774A1 (en) * | 2017-03-10 | 2018-09-13 | Boe Technology Group Co., Ltd. | Virtual reality display device and manufacturing method thereof |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: EXPRESSLY ABANDONED -- DURING EXAMINATION |