CA2129324A1 - Point-of-purchase illuminated display - Google Patents
Point-of-purchase illuminated displayInfo
- Publication number
- CA2129324A1 CA2129324A1 CA 2129324 CA2129324A CA2129324A1 CA 2129324 A1 CA2129324 A1 CA 2129324A1 CA 2129324 CA2129324 CA 2129324 CA 2129324 A CA2129324 A CA 2129324A CA 2129324 A1 CA2129324 A1 CA 2129324A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- display
- illumination
- window
- timer
- sensor
- 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
Links
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 claims description 23
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005923 long-lasting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007774 longterm Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008929 regeneration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011069 regeneration method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
- Mirrors, Picture Frames, Photograph Stands, And Related Fastening Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A point-of-purchase illuminated display; the illustrated embodiment hasan infrared sensor to detect human approach, and a timer that illuminates the semi-transparent display screens when a person is close. Useful elements include battery power, for ease of portable placement with no troublesome cords; display screen holders, that allow the screens to be slid out and replaced; and a dual concave mirror that reflects the central light towards both display windows. The illustrated embodiment uses a fluorescent bulb and has an electronic logic board to control the light activation by the sensor.
Description
212~324 INTRODUCTlON AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
In many modern shopping situations the shopper is faced with a huge array of incoming data; they see thousands of types of products and many different brands of similar products, all with unique packaging colours and text; they see "specials" signs;
hear and see other shoppers; hear store information broadcast over speaker systems; and often they are attempting to push a cart or control an unwieldy child while carrying a heavy bag. Many shoppers, in this situation, must shut down some of their observational capacity and filter out a great deal of light, colour, and sound, merely to be able to concentrate on finding what's on their list. An unfortunate result is that many truly worthwhile special products--new and interesting products, or special prices or special shipments of regular products--are missed, even when there are text signs or broadcast information to help the shopper.
The present invention discloses an elegant and minimally intrusive way of attracting the shopper's attention for such specials. A small, portable illuminated display is pl.lced. usually near the items of interest, with a replaceable semi-transparent sheet that carries hlformation about the items. This will commonly be graphic information such as a coloured picture. but could also be text or a mixture. In the illustrated embodiment. the display is battery-powered. which makes movement and placement of the display easy.
Fven more interesting~ it is provided with an int`rared sensor that detects human presence.
The display illumination is thus off when there are no people nearby. and turns on and stays on for a few seconds when a person is near. The advantage that this has in attracting attention is obvious: a light turning on is always noticed. And battery-lit`e is greatly extended by the long "off' periods. The illustrated embodiment also has display windows on two sides. Iit by a single central inner bulb. and a novel mirror that directs light from the central bulb out towards both windows. The unit is sirnple and inexpensive 212932~
to build, and extremely long-lasting, with tens of thousands of on-offs before batteries need to be replaced.
An object of the present invel-tion is to disclose a point-ol-purchase illuminated display comprising a portable self-contained display unit having: a central display window on at least one side; means to receive a semi-transparent display sheet adjacent the interior of the window; illumination means within the unit behind the display sheet; and means to actuate the illumination means; so that the display sheets are min:~ted and made prominently visible through the display unit window. The actuation means may comprise an infrared sensor that detects human presence and a timer so that the display sheets are illumin~ed for a set length of time and then turned off.
A further object is to disclose a point-of-purchase illuminated display comprising: an electric illumination; an electronic logic board to activate the illumination, the logic board comprising: an infrared sensor to sense human presence; an operational amplifier; a dual comparator; and a timer. It is a further object that the display have a frame around the illumination; two windows in the frame on opposing sides of theillumination; means of inserting and holding semi-transparent display sheets adjacent the windows; and battery electric power means to drive the logic board and illumination;
whereby a person moving within range of the sensor will cause the sensor to create a signal; the amplifier to amplify the signal; the dual comparator to activate the timer; the timer to electrify the illumination for a set period of time during which the illumination illuminates the semi-transparent display window; and further whereby a display sheet may be easily removed and replaced with a different display sheet. The illumination may be aided by a mirror comprising two separate concave reflection surfaces, each of which reflects light towards one of the windows. The light may be fluorescent, and the battery means may comprise two replaceable dry-cell batteries t`or the light and one replaceable dry-cell battery for the timer. The electric power means may be by A/C current rather 212~324 than battery.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
For this description, refer to the following diagrams, wherein like numerals refer to like parts:
Figure 1, illustrated embodiment of the invented portable display, right front perspective view;
Figure 2, the portable display of Figure 1, left front perspective view;
Figure 3, the portable display of Figure 1, right front perspective view with partial cutaway; and Figure 4, schematic circuit diagram of the electric elements of the display of Figure 1.
The illustrated embodiment of the invented display can be seen by ret`erring to Figure I, where the display generally indicated as 100 has elements main frame 14~
battery compartment 2, and holder 1 (which may be a clamp or the like and is not detailed in the diagrams). Replaceable transparent display sheets 3 (the rear one not visible) have been inserted through slots 4 in frame 14 and are held in track 9. Infrared detector 5 is positioned in frame 14. In Figure 2 can be seen light batteries 11, timer battery 12. battery holder 1(), and battery compartment door 13, which is shown slid t`ully open. Holder 1.
seen on Figure 1. is not shown (it projects from the cut-away portion of the door 13).
Figure 3 shows the internal central light 6; in this embodiment a fluorescent bulb. Also shown is electronic logic board 8 and two-sided concave mirror 7 surrounding lamp 6.
Details of logic board 8 can be seen in Figure 4. Since these are known electronic elemenls. which also may vary sligh~ly il`diff`erenl types of lamps are used, the functional units only are indicated on Figure 4: these comprise sections for: infrared sensor section S, operational amplifier O, dual comparator D, timer T, ballast B, and lamp L,.
Functioning of illustrated display 100 can be best explained with reference to Figure 3 and circuit diagram Figure 4, as t`ollows: when a person appro~ches (not shown), their presence is sensed by sensor 5 (section S on circuit diagram Figure 4). The output signal from sensor 5 is amplified in two independent high gain internally frequency compensated operational amplifiers (section O). The signal goes to the dual comparator (section D), which changes the signal to a digital pulse and starts the timer (section T).
Ordinarily timer T will activate lamp (section L, here shown as a ~luorescent with ballast section B) for about 4-6 seconds. As long as a person is within about 2-3 meters from the sensor 5 of Figure 3 it will continue giving an activation signal and the lamp 6 in Figure 3 will continue to light. This light is thrown towards display screen 3, front, and also rear screen 3' in Figure 3, thus illuminating these screens 3 and 3'. Mirror 7 aids in this, having concave surt`aces that reflect light towards screens 3 and 3'.
The electronic circuit shown in Figure 4 has been designed for minimum power consumption and long-term operation; a prototype has worked for over 30,000 person-triggered impulses before battery replacement. In actual use there will sometimes be 20 to 30~o more impulses than this number due to battery regeneration.
With existing technology this embodiment is a simple and perhaps the most useful one, but it might be appreciated that various of the elements of the invention might appear differently or be omitted in particular situations. For instance, other types of person-sensing devices may be used; the timer mighl be for different time spans, or flash on and off before going off; the unit might have a plug-in cord rather than batteries; the mirror might be strai~ht rather than curved, or be omit~ed entircly; the display sheets might be straight rather than curved; there may be only one window and one display sheet; and the central light might be incandescent rather than luminescent~ or may have several separate bulbs. None of these variations are showm but all? and others that will - 21~932 1 occur to one skilled in display, are contemplated as within the scope of the invention.
The foregoing is by example only, and the scope of the invention should be limited only by the appended claims.
In many modern shopping situations the shopper is faced with a huge array of incoming data; they see thousands of types of products and many different brands of similar products, all with unique packaging colours and text; they see "specials" signs;
hear and see other shoppers; hear store information broadcast over speaker systems; and often they are attempting to push a cart or control an unwieldy child while carrying a heavy bag. Many shoppers, in this situation, must shut down some of their observational capacity and filter out a great deal of light, colour, and sound, merely to be able to concentrate on finding what's on their list. An unfortunate result is that many truly worthwhile special products--new and interesting products, or special prices or special shipments of regular products--are missed, even when there are text signs or broadcast information to help the shopper.
The present invention discloses an elegant and minimally intrusive way of attracting the shopper's attention for such specials. A small, portable illuminated display is pl.lced. usually near the items of interest, with a replaceable semi-transparent sheet that carries hlformation about the items. This will commonly be graphic information such as a coloured picture. but could also be text or a mixture. In the illustrated embodiment. the display is battery-powered. which makes movement and placement of the display easy.
Fven more interesting~ it is provided with an int`rared sensor that detects human presence.
The display illumination is thus off when there are no people nearby. and turns on and stays on for a few seconds when a person is near. The advantage that this has in attracting attention is obvious: a light turning on is always noticed. And battery-lit`e is greatly extended by the long "off' periods. The illustrated embodiment also has display windows on two sides. Iit by a single central inner bulb. and a novel mirror that directs light from the central bulb out towards both windows. The unit is sirnple and inexpensive 212932~
to build, and extremely long-lasting, with tens of thousands of on-offs before batteries need to be replaced.
An object of the present invel-tion is to disclose a point-ol-purchase illuminated display comprising a portable self-contained display unit having: a central display window on at least one side; means to receive a semi-transparent display sheet adjacent the interior of the window; illumination means within the unit behind the display sheet; and means to actuate the illumination means; so that the display sheets are min:~ted and made prominently visible through the display unit window. The actuation means may comprise an infrared sensor that detects human presence and a timer so that the display sheets are illumin~ed for a set length of time and then turned off.
A further object is to disclose a point-of-purchase illuminated display comprising: an electric illumination; an electronic logic board to activate the illumination, the logic board comprising: an infrared sensor to sense human presence; an operational amplifier; a dual comparator; and a timer. It is a further object that the display have a frame around the illumination; two windows in the frame on opposing sides of theillumination; means of inserting and holding semi-transparent display sheets adjacent the windows; and battery electric power means to drive the logic board and illumination;
whereby a person moving within range of the sensor will cause the sensor to create a signal; the amplifier to amplify the signal; the dual comparator to activate the timer; the timer to electrify the illumination for a set period of time during which the illumination illuminates the semi-transparent display window; and further whereby a display sheet may be easily removed and replaced with a different display sheet. The illumination may be aided by a mirror comprising two separate concave reflection surfaces, each of which reflects light towards one of the windows. The light may be fluorescent, and the battery means may comprise two replaceable dry-cell batteries t`or the light and one replaceable dry-cell battery for the timer. The electric power means may be by A/C current rather 212~324 than battery.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
For this description, refer to the following diagrams, wherein like numerals refer to like parts:
Figure 1, illustrated embodiment of the invented portable display, right front perspective view;
Figure 2, the portable display of Figure 1, left front perspective view;
Figure 3, the portable display of Figure 1, right front perspective view with partial cutaway; and Figure 4, schematic circuit diagram of the electric elements of the display of Figure 1.
The illustrated embodiment of the invented display can be seen by ret`erring to Figure I, where the display generally indicated as 100 has elements main frame 14~
battery compartment 2, and holder 1 (which may be a clamp or the like and is not detailed in the diagrams). Replaceable transparent display sheets 3 (the rear one not visible) have been inserted through slots 4 in frame 14 and are held in track 9. Infrared detector 5 is positioned in frame 14. In Figure 2 can be seen light batteries 11, timer battery 12. battery holder 1(), and battery compartment door 13, which is shown slid t`ully open. Holder 1.
seen on Figure 1. is not shown (it projects from the cut-away portion of the door 13).
Figure 3 shows the internal central light 6; in this embodiment a fluorescent bulb. Also shown is electronic logic board 8 and two-sided concave mirror 7 surrounding lamp 6.
Details of logic board 8 can be seen in Figure 4. Since these are known electronic elemenls. which also may vary sligh~ly il`diff`erenl types of lamps are used, the functional units only are indicated on Figure 4: these comprise sections for: infrared sensor section S, operational amplifier O, dual comparator D, timer T, ballast B, and lamp L,.
Functioning of illustrated display 100 can be best explained with reference to Figure 3 and circuit diagram Figure 4, as t`ollows: when a person appro~ches (not shown), their presence is sensed by sensor 5 (section S on circuit diagram Figure 4). The output signal from sensor 5 is amplified in two independent high gain internally frequency compensated operational amplifiers (section O). The signal goes to the dual comparator (section D), which changes the signal to a digital pulse and starts the timer (section T).
Ordinarily timer T will activate lamp (section L, here shown as a ~luorescent with ballast section B) for about 4-6 seconds. As long as a person is within about 2-3 meters from the sensor 5 of Figure 3 it will continue giving an activation signal and the lamp 6 in Figure 3 will continue to light. This light is thrown towards display screen 3, front, and also rear screen 3' in Figure 3, thus illuminating these screens 3 and 3'. Mirror 7 aids in this, having concave surt`aces that reflect light towards screens 3 and 3'.
The electronic circuit shown in Figure 4 has been designed for minimum power consumption and long-term operation; a prototype has worked for over 30,000 person-triggered impulses before battery replacement. In actual use there will sometimes be 20 to 30~o more impulses than this number due to battery regeneration.
With existing technology this embodiment is a simple and perhaps the most useful one, but it might be appreciated that various of the elements of the invention might appear differently or be omitted in particular situations. For instance, other types of person-sensing devices may be used; the timer mighl be for different time spans, or flash on and off before going off; the unit might have a plug-in cord rather than batteries; the mirror might be strai~ht rather than curved, or be omit~ed entircly; the display sheets might be straight rather than curved; there may be only one window and one display sheet; and the central light might be incandescent rather than luminescent~ or may have several separate bulbs. None of these variations are showm but all? and others that will - 21~932 1 occur to one skilled in display, are contemplated as within the scope of the invention.
The foregoing is by example only, and the scope of the invention should be limited only by the appended claims.
Claims (18)
1. Point-of-purchase illuminated display comprising a portable self-contained display unit having:
a central display window on at least one side thereof;
means to receive a semi-transparent display sheet adjacent the interior of said window;
illumination means within said unit behind said display sheet; and means to actuate said illumination means;
whereby said display sheets are illuminated and made prominently visible through said display unit window.
a central display window on at least one side thereof;
means to receive a semi-transparent display sheet adjacent the interior of said window;
illumination means within said unit behind said display sheet; and means to actuate said illumination means;
whereby said display sheets are illuminated and made prominently visible through said display unit window.
2. A display as in Claim 1 in which the actuation means comprises a sensor that detects human presence.
3. A display as in Claim 2. in which the sensor is an infrared sensor.
4. A display as in Claim 2 in which the actuation means further comprises a timer so that the display sheets are illuminated for a set length of time and then turned off.
5. A display as in Claim 2 in which the display sheets may be selectively replaced.
6. A display as in Claim 2 in which the illumination means is powered by dry-cell batteries.
7. A display as in Claim 2 in which the illumination means comprises an electric light.
8. A display as in Claim 2 in which the illumination means comprises an electric light aided by a mirror.
9. A display as in Claim 8 in which the display has a display window on two sides and a semi-transparent display sheet adjacent each window.
10. A display as in Claim 9 in which the mirror comprises two separate concave reflection surfaces, each of which surfaces reflects light towards one of the windows.
11. A display as in Claim 9 in which the light is fluorescent, the timer is powered by a dry-cell battery, and in which all said dry-cell batteries may be replaced.
12. A display as in Claim 11 in which the display further comprises a holder for affixing it in a usage area.
13. Point-of-purchase illuminated display comprising a portable self-contained display unit having:
an electric illumination;
an electronic logic board to activate the illumination; said logic board comprising:
an infrared sensor to sense human presence;
an operational amplifier;
a dual comparator; and a timer;
a frame around the illumination;
two windows in the frame on opposing sides of the illumination;
means of inserting and holding semi-transparent display sheets adjacent the windows; and battery electric power means to drive the logic board and illumination;
whereby a person moving within range of the sensor will cause the sensor to create a signal; the amplifier to amplify the signal; the dual comparator to activate the timer; the timer to electrify the illumination for a set period of time during which the illumination illuminates the semi-transparent display window; and further whereby a display sheet may be easily removed and replaced with a different display sheet.
an electric illumination;
an electronic logic board to activate the illumination; said logic board comprising:
an infrared sensor to sense human presence;
an operational amplifier;
a dual comparator; and a timer;
a frame around the illumination;
two windows in the frame on opposing sides of the illumination;
means of inserting and holding semi-transparent display sheets adjacent the windows; and battery electric power means to drive the logic board and illumination;
whereby a person moving within range of the sensor will cause the sensor to create a signal; the amplifier to amplify the signal; the dual comparator to activate the timer; the timer to electrify the illumination for a set period of time during which the illumination illuminates the semi-transparent display window; and further whereby a display sheet may be easily removed and replaced with a different display sheet.
14. A display as in Claim 13 in which the illumination is aided by a mirror;
and in which said mirror comprises two separate concave reflection surfaces, each of which surfaces reflects light towards one of the windows.
and in which said mirror comprises two separate concave reflection surfaces, each of which surfaces reflects light towards one of the windows.
15. A display as in Claim 14 in which the light is fluorescent, and the battery means comprises two replaceable dry-cell batteries for the light and one replaceable dry-cell battery for the timer.
16. A display as in Claim 15 in which there is only one window and the mirror reflects light towards said window.
17. A display as in Claim 15 in which the display further comprises a holder for affixing it in a usage area.
18. A display as in Claim 14 in which the electric power means is by A/C
current rather than battery.
current rather than battery.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2129324 CA2129324A1 (en) | 1994-08-02 | 1994-08-02 | Point-of-purchase illuminated display |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2129324 CA2129324A1 (en) | 1994-08-02 | 1994-08-02 | Point-of-purchase illuminated display |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2129324A1 true CA2129324A1 (en) | 1996-02-03 |
Family
ID=29220401
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2129324 Abandoned CA2129324A1 (en) | 1994-08-02 | 1994-08-02 | Point-of-purchase illuminated display |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2129324A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT404889B (en) * | 1997-07-24 | 1999-03-25 | Wolf Walter | Advertising medium/advertising pillar |
| WO2003088194A1 (en) * | 2002-04-09 | 2003-10-23 | Pos Concepts Pty Limited | Illuminated display device |
| WO2007083150A1 (en) * | 2006-01-23 | 2007-07-26 | Warke William L | Portable viewing stand |
-
1994
- 1994-08-02 CA CA 2129324 patent/CA2129324A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT404889B (en) * | 1997-07-24 | 1999-03-25 | Wolf Walter | Advertising medium/advertising pillar |
| WO2003088194A1 (en) * | 2002-04-09 | 2003-10-23 | Pos Concepts Pty Limited | Illuminated display device |
| WO2007083150A1 (en) * | 2006-01-23 | 2007-07-26 | Warke William L | Portable viewing stand |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |