GB2348533A - Through-window image display system for moving vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

A system of displaying images to passengers in a moving vehicle, eg an underground train, includes a window which is rapidly switched from the opaque state 3 to a clear transparent state 2 as the vehicle passes a series of stationary posters 1. A device synchronises the transparency of the windows with the position of the posters, so that a window switches momentarily to the clear state when aligned with each poster, producing a cinematic effect visible from within the vehicle. The vehicle window includes a layer of electrochromic glass 2b. The posters can be visible just by virtue of the internal train illumination, or by additional light sources on the tunnel walls or carried by the train.

Description

Through-window image display system for moving vehicles The invention relates to a method of displaying moving images through the windows of a moving vehicle.

At present there is no method of displaying advertising in underground tunnels, let alone advertising which is animated. Such a feature would have great novelty value and be a very eye-catching way of conveying a message or advertising campaign.

An object of this invention is to provide passengers in a moving vehicle with animated viewing during their journey.

According to the present invention, there is provided a system for displaying moving images to passengers in an underground train comprising a window or a number of windows which can be switched between an effectively opaque and an effectively transparent state to produce a cinematic effect when passing images are viewed through it/them; a poster or a number of posters inside the nonplatform section of an underground tunnel; a system for controlling the opacity of the windows as the train travels through the tunnel ; and a system for synchronising the transparency of the windows with the position of the posters.

As a safety precaution, it would be advantageous for the natural state of the windows to be transparent, so that in the event of a power cut they would become clear.

If the light emitted from the interior illumination of the moving vehicle is not sufficient to illuminate the posters, they can be lit as necessary by a source of light attached either to the tunnel wall or to the vehicle.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: FIGURE I shows the windows of an underground train in relation to one of a series of posters mounted on the underground tunnel walls.

As shown in Figure I the windows of the train consist of three parts: a layer of electrochromic glass 2b sandwiched between two sheets of standard glass 2a and 2c.

As the train passes into the tunnel, the windows become opaque 3. The direction of the train is indicated by arrow 10. The transmitter/receiver 4 mounted on the train constantly emits a signal (for example infra red) 5. As a poster 1 on the tunnel wall is reached, the responder 6 mounted near it reflects the signal 7 which is picked up by transmitter/receiver 4.

On reception of the signal, the power supply through cable 8 to the relevant window 2 is turned off, switching the window to a transparent state. The image is now visible 9 to passengers inside the train.

If the light from the train carriage is not sufficient to illuminate the picture, an additional source of illumination can be supplie, attached either to the train or the tunnel wall.

When the responder 6 is passed, the reflected signal 7 ceases, causing the power supply through cable 8 to be restored, and returning the window to an opaque state 3.

This cycle takes place repeatedly in rapid succession throughout the tunnel making the series of posters appear animated. As the train enters a station or if it becomes stationary in the tunnel, the windows are switched off and return to a transparent state 2.

Claims (3)

1. CLAIMS I A system for displaying moving images to passengers in an underground train comprising a window or a number of windows which can be switched between an effectively opaque and an effectively transparent state to produce a cinematic effect when passing images are viewed through it/them ; a poster or a number of posters inside the non-platform section of an underground tunnel ; a system for controlling the opacity of the windows as the train travels through the tunnel ; and a system for synchronising the transparency of the windows with the position of the posters.
2. 2 A system of displaying moving images as in Claim 1, for use anywhere other than in an underground train.
3. 3 A system of displaying moving images substantially as described herein with reference to the items numbered I-10 of the accompanying drawing.