GB2214687A - Displays - Google Patents

Abstract

A sign suitable for use in shops, motorways or road junctions comprises a display panel wherein the display is electronically programmable and requires no power for its maintenance. The display panel may be LC material and constitute a part only or the whole of the sign. The display may be permanent or alterable by direct connection or otherwise to a computer. The display may be lit at night or include a fluorescent back-ground. The display may be arranged to flash or be animated. The sign may include a sensor for sensing road traffic or weather changes. <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO SIGNS The present invention relates to signs and more particularly to signs for shops indicating the name of the shop and its type of business.

Known signs normally comprise either a painted sign or an illuminated sign wherein the letters are painted on to the front of a panel which is lit from the rear by for example fluoroescent tubes.

The disadvantage with such signs is that they are not alterable except with considerable expense.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a sign which is readily alterable.

The present invention provides a sign for a shop including a display panel the display panel being electronically programmable to display desired information, the display requiring no electrical power once programmed.

Preferably the display comprises a liquid crystal display of the type described in British Patent No.

2146787.

The display can comprise a permanent set of characters for example painted on with only a portion of the display being programmable.

The display can be programmed at a remote location prior to the sign being placed in position or electronic programming means can be associated with the display when in position thereby allowing the information to be changed at desired intervals.

In the former case the sign can be used for example for motorways, road junctions etc. where information rarely changes and in the latter for shop windows where information on bargains, special items etc. is desired.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be now be described by way of example with reference to the zo the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 shows a shop 5n in sign in accordance with the present invention.

Figures 2 to 5 shows possible motorway direction signs.

With reference to the drawing the sign 10 comprises a frame 12 and display area 14. The display area l may comprise a permanent, painted section or sections 16,18 and can electronically programmable section 20.

Alternatively the whole display mag be made programmable.

The sign may thus read GABRIELS DELICATESSEN - 42 HIGH STREET and in the section 20 the speciality of the day may be highlighted e.g. SALAMI SAUSAGE - 50p. The section 20 (or the whole display) mag be controlled via cable 22 connected to a computer 24. In known manner a desired display may be generated on a VDU screen 26 and then transferred by electronic data transmission to a control unit 28 which can alter the display 20. Once altered no further power is required and the computer can be disconnected.

Thus for shop signs it is possible to change the display as required by the proprietor.

For more permanent signs e.g. motorway direction signs the sign 10 will preferably all be programmable (sections 16, 18 and 20) and the sign will be programmed with information at a central location and then disconnected from the computer, taken to the required site on the motorway and erected. As with present motorway signs the sign can be made in sections.

Thus all signs (of a certain size) can be made the same and then programmed. If alteration is required a computer can either be connected on site or the sign taken back to its place of manufacture for alteration.

Because the sign can be addressed pixel by pixel various styles, sizes of character, figures, pictures etc. can be included. Various colours are delectable and the sign can be lit at night if required.

Figures 2 to 5 show possible motorway or other road direction signs. Figure 2 illustrates a medium sized sign which could be portable to illustrate diversions. Figure 3 shows a small speed restriction sign and figure 4 an alternate version for directing traffic. Figure 5 shows a larger sign, constructed preferably in sections for mounting permanently for example on a gantry.

The road sign may be connected to a central computer system, or similar device, in order that it can be addressed and programmed, probably by external means, e.g. radio waves, telecommunications etc.

The road sign can also incorporate a sensor which, using for instance radar, could sense congestion on a particular road or local weather conditions such as temperature, rain, fog etc.

This will be of great use to the police, and traffic control, as they will be able to take appropriate action, including addressing road signs to display appropriate messages to the road user, e.g. "slow, congestion ahead", "congestion ahead, detour first left", "slow, black ice" or "slow, foggy conditions" etc.

Using fluorescent backgrounds on the liquid crystal display itself, contrasting to black messages, the message displayed may not necessarily need to be illuminated at night.

Visibility of the display may be greater than 45..

The display will be able to endure great changes in temperature, both below 0 temperatures and high summer temperatures, as experienced in Britain or indeed any other countries.

If controlled by a computer the display could be made to flash or be animated to give movement of the message.

Claims (7)

1. A sign for a shop or motorway including a display panel the display panel being electronically programmable to display the desired information, the display requiring no power once programmed.

2. A sign as claimed in claim 1 in which the display comprises a permanent set of characters with only a portion of the display being programmable.

3. A sign as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 in which the display is programmed at a remote location prior to the sign being placed in position.

4. A sign as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 including electronic processing means connected to the sign when in position to allow the information to be changed at desired intervals.

5. A sign as claimed in claim 4 in which the information displayed relates to motorway directions.

6. A sign as claimed in claim 5 in which the information displayed is changed at intervals to provide an animated display.

7. A sign substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.