GB2451955A

GB2451955A - Electronic illuminated sign with image memory, in particular for emergency escape route indication.

Info

Publication number: GB2451955A
Application number: GB0814923A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bernhard Klocker; Thomas Hagleitner
Original assignee: Zumtobel Lighting GmbH Austria
Current assignee: Zumtobel Lighting GmbH Austria
Priority date: 2007-08-17
Filing date: 2008-08-14
Publication date: 2009-02-18
Also published as: GB0814923D0; DE102008037940A1; AT10719U1; DE202007011542U1

Abstract

An electronic illuminated sign 1 comprises an image reproducing unit 2, a storage device for storing image information and a control unit for activating the image reproducing unit on the basis of the stored information. The image reproducing unit may be an LCD, TFT or preferably an OLED display. The storage device preferably holds data of a plurality of images and an interface is provided to select which image is displayed. The interface may be connected to a central control system which is part of a dynamic emergency escape or fire exit route directing system. The sign may include accumulators for power, means for providing emergency lighting, and a system for logging image changes.

Description

Illuminated sign The present invention relates to an illuminated sign which is equipped with an electrical image-reproducing unit, a storage device for storing image information and also a control unit for activating the image-reproducing unit on the basis of the image information that is stored. In particular, this illuminated sign can be used as a rescue-sign luminaire and mark an escape route in the case of an emergency.

Escape routes are usually identified with the aid of pictograms which are indicated by a rescue-sign luminaire. Such a pictogram can, for example, be an arrow and a diagrammatically outlined running man.

However, various other pictograms are also possible.

Rescue-sign luminaires based on light-emitting diodes * *.

(LED) or fluorescent lamps are known from the prior art, for example from DE 197 22 406 B4. However, these have several disadvantages. A rescue luminaire based S. * * on LEDs or fluorescent lamps usually has quite large * 20 dimensions and in particular a large structural height.

Since a luminaire that projects from the wall * .5 * represents a safety risk in the case of an emergency *S.

* and is also disadvantageous for visual reasons, these rescue-sign lurninaires must be set into the wall. As a result, the static structure of the wall can be weakened. Subsequent rebuilding or a different placement of the luminaire are often only possible at great expense.

Furthermore, fluorescent lamps in particular have a comparatively short service life of typically 8,000 h (T5 8W lamp). Since the majority of rescue-sign luminaires are to be operated whilst continuously connected, it is necessary to change the lighting means (fluorescent lamps) every year, this being linked with a high level of outlay in terms of personnel and material.

LED lighting means that are suitable for use in rescue luminaires have a substantially longer service life of typically 50,000 h. The energy efficiency of these lighting means, however, is clearly worse than that of fluorescent lamps. In addition, it is a question of point light sources that require elaborate lighting technology in order to achieve the uniformity of illumination that standards demand.

Furthermore, a rescue-sign luminaire should meet certain requirements with regard to the flexibility of the pictograms that are indicated. Often at the time when the luminaires are ordered it is not yet known where the escape routes are going to run. Escape * *.

routes can also change in the course of time in *:. buildings that are used in a flexible way, and in this case a static rescue sign would have to be replaced to **S.

provide a sign which matches the new escape route. In this connection, dynamic escape-route-directing systems in which the course of the escape route is adjusted * *.

with respect to the site of the point of danger are *j. known from the prior art, for example from DE 101 54 146 Al. Such a system requires rescue luminaires that are able to indicate various pictograms. Thus, for example, they should be able to indicate arrows pointing in various directions, as required.

It is desirable to optimize further the known rescue luminaires, in which case an improvement shall be obtained in comparison with rescue luminaires based on LED5 or fluorescent lamps that have the disadvantages mentioned above and, furthermore, a flexible indication should be possible.

According to the invention, there is provided an illuminated sign that is equipped with an electrical image-reproducing unit, a storage device for storing image information and also a control unit for activating the image-reproducing unit on the basis of the image information that is stored, wherein the image-reproducing unit is a display.

The illuminated sign is preferably able to indicate, in addition to static images, dynamically moving images as well.

This display is preferably an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screen. However, embodiments are also possible that have a screen based on LCD or TFT technology. Furthermore, it is preferably a colour display. *

The advantage of the OLEDs lies in the fact that with "S.'. the use of these a particularly flat structural form e..

can be realized for the rescue-sign luminaire. Such .. : luminaires on account of their flat structural form can :. 20 then be fitted, for example, on the surface of walls without there being a comparatively great risk of * S. ... damage. * *SS

In accordance with an advantageous further development of the invention, a plurality of images can be stored in the storage device of the illuminated sign, and the illuminated sign can be provided with an input device with which it is possible to choose between the images manually. Such an input device is preferably protected by means of mechanical or electronic safeguards against misuse by unauthorized persons. For example, password protection is possible as a safeguard. Change-overs of or adjustments to the pictograms that are indicated are preferably always logged (at the same time) when made.

The illuminated sign in accordance with the invention is preferably equipped with an interface which makes it possible to enter new image information into the storage unit even after the illuminated sign has been put into service. Such an interface can be configured, for example, as a USB interface or as an electronic card-reader.

As a further possible embodiment of the present invention, the illuminated sign can have an interface with which it is connected to a centrally controlled system, with this system choosing between the images.

Such a system is preferably a dynamic escape-route-directing system. In this case, new image information can be read (entered) into the storage device by way of the central control unit and the corresponding interface at the illuminated sign. * **

Furthermore, the illuminated sign in accordance with *:::: the invention is preferably connected to a system for emergency-recognition. In this case, this can, for .. : 20 example, be a system of smoke alarms that are distributed in a building. The illuminated sign is preferably configured in such a way that in the event * ** of recognition of an emergency it switches over from *. normal operation to emergency operation. In normal operating mode, the illuminated sign can display information or advertising, for example. In the emergency operating mode, on the other hand, emergency signals that are adjusted with respect to the situation are then indicated.

Furthermore, the illuminated sign is preferably equipped with accumulators. These make it possible for the illuminated sign to continue to indicate the emergency signal even in the case of a power failure.

Furthermore, the illuminated sign can also be used as emergency lighting and is preferably equipped with means for emergency lighting.

Further possible embodiments of the illuminated sign in accordance with the invention constitute subject matter of the sub-claims. Reference is now made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an illuminated sign in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a pictogram indicating non-usability of an escape route; Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the pictograrn from Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a cross section through an illuminated sign with an OLED screen as an image-* reproducing unit; Figure 5 shows the diagrammatic structure of a * centrally controlled system consisting of a S..

* central control unit and a plurality of **.* illuminated signs. * **

Figure 1 shows an illuminated sign 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention that is equipped with a display 2. The display 2 is preferably an OLED screen.

However, other types of screen, for instance TE'T or LCD screens, are also possible. The display is preferably relatively thin.

An organic light-emitting diode, an OLED for short, is a thin-film, luminous structural element made from organic semi-conducting materials, whose structure is similar to that of an inorganic light-emitting diode (LED). When compared with each other, however, the organic diodes present the less expensive production possibility. Further advantages of an OLED screen are a sharp image as well as just a minimum limitation of the angle of view.

Furthermore, the use of an OLED screen makes it possible to construct the illuminated sign so that it is very flat (thin) . As a result, it is made possible for the illuminated sign to be applied with the simplest assemb1, possibilities directly on any surface, for example a wall, without an unpleasant visual impression or a possible danger spot developing in emergency situations. Up until now it has been necessary to arrange the luminaires so that they are at least partly sunk in the wall. Special installation housings have to be used for such an installation in the case of concrete walls. These housings result in a * ** weakening of the structure and therefore have to be * * * * .* considered to be static. Subsequent rebuilding or a *Se.

different placement of the lurninaire are thus only possible at very great expense. * S * S. *

OLEDs are luminous areally and can thus be used as

displays. No additional background lighting is * ..

required. OLEDs have a clearly higher degree of efficiency and longer service life than fluorescent lamps or LEDs. The outlay on maintenance of these luminaires is minimal and the energy consumption is clearly reduced. On a long-term basis, the use of OLED screens as an image-reproducing unit of an illuminated sign is thus also expedient from a financial point of view.

Furthermore in the case of single-battery embodiments, the lower energy consumption renders possible the use of accumulators with clearly lower capacities. As a result, on the one hand the dimensions of the luminaire are reduced still further and on the other hand the environmental loading is minimized.

The installation of accumulators is expedient, since a power failure can occur in connection with an emergency and the illuminated sign would still be operational in this case on account of the accumulators. it can thus be operated independently of the mains supply.

The screen 2 of the illuminated sign 1 is preferably configured as a colour screen. It is expedient to use signal colours. Thus red could indicate an obstruction in or blockage of a path, and an information sign shining amber could point to a danger.

Furthermore, the illuminated sign 1 shown in Figure 1 is equipped with buttons 3 or generally with input elements which allow choices to be made between the * ** various pictograms stored in the storage unit of the *** illuminated sign 1. Thus a user can arrange for an s.

appropriate pictogram to be indicated according to the **** .. : position of the danger. **.

The input device 3 can alternatively also be configured S.... as a sensor screen, in which the screen is touch-* *.

sensitive and the user can carry out all the adjustments by touching the screen.

Furthermore, it is also possible, as an alternative to operating the input device 3 manually, to operate the latter electronically, for example by means of a corresponding remote control.

The input device 3 is preferably protected by safeguards against misuse by unauthorized persons. The use of passwords is possible, for instance, as a safeguard. However, mechanical or other electronic safeguards are also possible.

When changing over or adjusting the pictograms that are indicated, this is preferably always logged at the same time and can thus be retraced at any time. This can be very helpful if after a mishap the course of the emergency is to be reconstructed. Furthermore, the existence of a log makes it possible to uncover and correct unauthorized misuse of the illuminated sign 1 more quickly.

The illuminated sign 1 is preferably configured in such a way that it can also represent dynamic, moving images. Thus it is possible, for instance, for short films that can be reproduced on the display to be stored in the storage device.

Furthermore, the illuminated sign shown in Figure 1 is provided with two interfaces 4 and 5. The interface 4 is a card-reader, for example for SD cards. New image * S. * . . * *. information that is read into the memory unit of the .1.

illuminated sign by way of the interface 4 can be stored on the memory card 6. In this way, the : 20 illuminated sign can be adjusted, with little outlay, with respect to any form of change, for instance as a * result of the building being rebuilt. In particular in S...' buildings that are used for various purposes, it is of great significance that the illuminated signs have certain flexibility.

The interface 5 is a USB interface, as generally known from the prior art. This interface 5 also enables new image information to be inserted into the storage device of the illuminated sign. In addition to the two interfaces shown here, a whole variety of other possibilities are also conceivable in order to insert new information into the storage device. Thus the illuminated sign could be connected to a computer, for instance by way of a radio or Ethernet connection. The interfaces are not limited to communicating with the storage device. It is also possible, for example, for re-prograrnjng of the control unit to be carried out with the aid of the interfaces.

An important advantage of the illuminated sign in accordance with the invention is that it makes it possible to react flexibly to the respective danger situation. Thus Figure 2 and Figure 3 show further pictograms 7 and 8 that could be stored in the storage device. The pictograms 7 and 8 that are shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 indicate that the corresponding escape route is not usable and thus prevent a situation from occurring where the fleeing people are directed in the wrong direction.

Figure 4 diagrammatically shows an illuminated sign 1 in accordance with the invention with an OLED screen in * ** cross section. The OLED technology is based on the ***s emission of light quantums by recombining electron-hole pairs. In the case of OLEDs a polymer layer 10 is *e.� located between two electrodes 9 and 11. The polyiier layer 10 consists, for example, of p-polyphenyl vinyl (PPV), the cathode 11 consisting of aluminium, calcium * S. *. or magnesium, the anode 9 consisting of indium tin oxide (ITO). If a voltage is applied to the electrodes 9 and 11, free electrons and holes migrate into the polymer layer. They recombine there whilst emitting a photon. The wavelength of the light emitted depends on the polymer used.

A thin layer of indium tin oxide 9 is applied to a glass or plastic substrate 12. This layer is transparent. Since the polymer can be processed in the liquid state, the same technology that is also used in the case of ink-jet printers can be used here for application purposes. Thus any colours and shapes of the display can be produced very inexpensively. After the cathode 11 has additionally been applied, it is to be heeded that the arrangement is protected from air and moisture. Otherwise, the OLEDs are destroyed. If pliable plastic is used as the substrate, the display is even flexible.

A microprocessor 13 that constitutes the storage device and the control unit of the illuminated sign is shown, furthermore, in Figure 4. The microprocessor is connected to the anode and cathode of the OLED and can thus activate the latter so that the desired pictograrn can always be seen on the display. Furthermore, the microprocessor is also connected to the interfaces 4 and 5 that enable a user, in the manner described above, to supply the storage device or the control unit with new information. * ** * * S

* es The illuminated sign 1 in accordance with the invention *e..

can be used as part of a centrally controlled system 14, as shown in Figure 5. In this connection, the **** : 20 control of the illuminated signs 1 is effected by means of a central computer 15. * C.

The centrally controlled system 14 is preferably a dynamic escape-route-directing system. Such a system recognizes where the danger points are and adjusts the escape routes so that an escape route does not run along a danger point. Furthermore, the system is able to recognize whether an escape route is blocked. In this case, an alternative escape route is automatically chosen. OLED-displays present the best preconditions for application in dynamic escape-route-directing systems, since they have a high level of flexibility with regard to the pictogram that is indicated.

In particular, the illuminated sign 1 can be provided with an interface that allows the central unit 15 to load the respective pictogram that is to be indicated into the storage unit of the illuminated sign. The illuminQted sign I would then have to be equipped with just a very small memory that temporarily stores the instantaneous pictogram. Alternatively, numerous different pictograms can also be stored in the storage device of the illuminated sign 1, and the central unit 15 merely stipulates which of these pictograms is to be indicated. The interface of the illuminated sign 1 should also allow a user to load new pictograms out of the central unit 15 and into the storage device of the illuminated sign.

Irrespective of whether the illuminated sign 1 in accordance with the invention is used as part of a * ** larger system or autonomously, it is preferably connected to an emergency-recognition system. This can be a smoke alarm, for example. If an emergency is signalled by the system for emergency-recognition, the * * * illuminated sign 1 preferably switches over from normal operation to the emergency mode. If there is no * *, emergency, the illuminated sign 1 can thus be used during this time for other purposes. It is possible, for example, for it to display advertising or information during this time.

In the case of an emergency, the illuminated sign can display continuing information in addition to the pictogram. Thus it can, for instance, identify a fire-service elevator or provide information about the operationality of lifts and escalators.

Furthermore, the illuminated sign 1 is preferably equipped with means for emergency lighting. If in the course of a power failure the other artificial light sources should no longer be operational, emergency lighting as a result of the illuminated sign 1 can make a crucial contribution to the orientation of the fleeing people. * ** * * * ** S...

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Claims

Claims 1. Illuminated sign having an electrical image-reproducing unit, a storage device for storing image information and also a control unit for activating the image-reproducing unit on the basis of the image information that is stored, characterised in that the image-reproducing unit is a display.
2. Illuminated sign according to claim 1, characterised in that the image-reproducing unit is a colour display.
3. Illuminated sign according to any of the previous claims, characterjsed in that dynamic, moving images can also be reproduced on the display.

*****
4. Illuminated sign according to any of the previous * *... 15 claims, characteriseci in that the image-reproducing ** device is an OLED (organic light-emitting diode) screen.

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*
5. Illuminated sign according to any of claims 1 to * .* 3, characterjsed in that the image-reproducing unit is an LCD (liquid crystal display) screen. *IS
6. Illuminated sign according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the image-reproducing unit is a thin-film transistor (TFT) screen.
7. Illuminated sign according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that a plurality of images are stored in the storage device, and the illuminated sign is provided with an input device with which it is possible to choose between the images manually.
8. Illuminated sign according to claim 7, characterjsed in that the input device is equipped with mechanical or electronic safeguards.
9. Illuminated sign according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that change-overs of the images that are displayed are logged.
10. Illuminated sign according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the illuminated sign has an interface by way of which image data can be read into the storage device.
11. Illuminated sign according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterjsed in that a plurality of images are stored in the storage device, and the illuminated sign has an interface with which the illuminated sign is connected to a centrally controlled system, wherein * I. this system is operable to choose between the images. * S$* * S S.,.
12. Illuminated sign according to claim 11, characterised in that the centrally controlled system is a dynamic escape-route-directing system.
13. Illuminated sign according to any of claims 11 or 12, characterisecj in that the illuminated sign is equipped with an interface by way of which the centrally controlled system can read image information into the storage device.
14. Illuminated sign according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the illuminated sign is connected to a system for emergency-recognition (detection).
15. Illuminated sign according to claim 14, characterised in that the illuminated sign switches over from normal operation to emergency operation in the event of recognition of an emergency.
16. Illuminated sign according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the illuminated sign can be applied to the surface of a wall.
17. Illuminated sign according to any of the previous claims, characterjsed in that the illuminated sign is equipped with accumulators.
18. Illuminated sign according to any of the previous claims, characterjsed in that the illuminated sign is equipped with means for emergency lighting.
19. An illuminated sign substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. * Is C * * * ***** *I.. *

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