GB2495764A - Portable electronic sign with keyboard. - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable electronic sign comprises a first front face having a screen 1, 3, e.g. of LEDs, and a second rear face equipped with input apparatus such as a keyboard 5. Handles 2, a stand 6 and hooks 4 for attachment to the top of a vehicle window may also be provided. The sign is preferably powered by rechargeable batteries which may be charged from photovoltaic cells or a wind-up mechanism. A light box may provided in addition to the screen to enable printed signs, e.g. having preprinted logos on, to be displayed. Lights may be provided around the periphery of the sign to attract attention. Wireless, Internet, Bluetooth, GPS and/or USB connectivity may also be provided. The sign may be used for meeting passengers at airports. Alternatively the sign may be worn as a an illuminated warning sign for cyclists, or as a general warning sign to warn of accidents.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION

OF

LAWRENCE SORUNKE

FOR

ADISPLAYBOARD

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a display board, more particularly a display board for portable identification of travellers or provision of information.

Background

Increased levels of travel, nationally and internationally, combine with a lessening knowledge of interpersonal or face to face communication, facilitated by the presence of electronic communication.

This combination means that many meetings between business people and even friends require a degree of recognition that is not present.

Therefore signs may be used. Particularly for example, business travellers need to be recognised by those tasked with collection of these travellers, such as chauffeurs.

When meeting for the first time, many chauffeurs use name boards to attract the attention of and locate their clients.

These boards may only be used once and very often the only information they display is the simply the name of the passenger.

They also fail to provide a professional, commercial or modern air to the board's user or employer.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem, including the following: Granted United States patent US 7 748 148 (REILANO et al) discloses a backlit display sign comprising, a rear sign enclosure element at the back of the sign with a forwardly facing wide mouth opening, a sign front face cover including a light guide formed from a light-transmissive material that has a front surface and a rear surface, said guide extending across the mouth opening of the rear enclosure element to define a light cavity between itself and the rear enclosure element, at least one source of visible illumination operatively associated with the sign for illuminating the light cavity, a light reflective surface layer on at least said front surface of the light guide, the light reflective surface layer on the front surface having an opening therein, said surface layer reflecting light rays which emanate from the light source that are within the light guide back into the light guide such that the light guide comprises a light-propagation sustaining channel which enhances the transmission of light through the guide until emitted through said opening in the front light-reflective layer for producing visible symbols, letters, numbers, or other indicia that can be seen by an observer viewing the front surface of the sign.

Granted United States patent US 7 064 673 (BONHAM) discloses a sign module, comprising: a display configured to display a message; a processor configured to control the display; and at least one communication port connected to the processor for communicating with a second sign module having a display; wherein the sign module, when used in association with a second sign module, is configured to determine whether to operate as a master sign module or a slave sign module relative to the second sign module; and if the sign module determines to operate as a master sign module, the sign module is configured to communicate with the second sign module to control the message on both its display and the display of the second sign module; and if the sign module determines to operate as a slave sign module, the sign module is configured to communicate with the second sign module and display a message received from the second sign module; otherwise when not used in association with a second sign module, the sign module is configured to control only the message on its display.

Granted United States patent US 7 746 247 (KIMBROUGH) discloses a safety alert sign for providing a visible warning, the safety alert sign comprising: a display board having a first set of LEDs supported thereon and a second set of LEDs supported thereon, wherein the first set of LEDs are disposed on the display board in a first given pattern, the second set of LEIJs are disposed on the display board in a second given pattern, the first given pattern forms a textual message, and the second given pattern forms a floodlight; a control system in electrical connection with the first set of LEDs and the second set of LEDs, an actuator in electrical connection with the control system for selectively operating the first set of LEDs and the second set of LEDs; and a first voltage source and a second voltage source, the first voltage source in electrical connection with the first set of LEDs and the second set of LEDs as actuated by the control system, and the second voltage source in electrical connection with the control system.

United Kingdom patent application GB 2 407 196 (WELCH) discloses a programmable display or sign including a keyboard or keypad array carrying alpha numeric indicia utilisable for displaying a message on a rear screen of the display/sign, said display/sign including a front viewing screen for the user, the rear screen overlapping the front viewing screen and the keyboard or keypad array and said display/sign including handle means spaced from the keyboard or keypad array.

European patent application EP 0 283 752 (FUCHS) discloses a portable terminal characterized by a body (B) having a top and bottom; a screen (5) mounted at the top of said body and viewable from one side thereof, said screen having means for forming alpha numeric characters therein having their bottoms facing the bottom of said body (B): a keyboard (K) mounted on said body below said screen (S) and viewable from the same side of said body (B) as said screen, said keyboard having keys on which alpha numeric characters are imprinted with their bottoms facing the bottom of said body; and a rigid handle (H) joined to the bottom of said body so as to provide a space (0) therebetween that is visible from said one side of body.

Granted United States patent US 6 865 835 (WEBSTER) discloses an illuminated message display for use on a vehicle having rear lights and a right turn signal comprising:.A circuit board having opposing ends and a front face;A lamp connected to said front face of said circuit board, such lamp being of the supernova LED type;A circuit board holder attached to said end of said circuit board, said circuit board holder comprising a plate having a front face, a first band having opposing ends with one end frictionally engaged with said front face of said plate, a second band having opposing ends with one end frictionally engaged with said front lace of said plate, and a latch releasably connecting said end of said first band with said end of said second band; A display cable having opposing ends with one end connected to said end of said circuit board; A display controller attached to said opposing end of said display cable and mounted within said circuit board holder; and a wire having opposing ends with one end connected to said display controller and the opposing end connected to the rear lights of the vehicle such that the circuit board will be activated thereby.

Granted United States patent US 7 174 664 (SPENCER) discloses a hand-held.

illuminated signalling device comprising: a housing having a front portion and rear a portion, said front portion defining a display area, said rear portion including a handle; light emitting means for producing illuminated messages at least partially contained within said housing front portion; a power source means electrically connected to said means for producing illuminated messages; manual control means for selectively supplying power from said power source to said means for producing illuminated messages; message selection means for selecting one of a plurality of messages for illuminated display by said means for producing illuminated messages; message confirmation means for confirming the message selected and displayed, said message confirmation means disposed on said housing rear portion, said message confirmation means providing a visual indication of a message currently displayed.

Granted United States patent US 6 177 877 (MUNYON) discloses a portable programmable sign, comprising, in combination, a housing having opposed front and rear sides including a sign portion and a hand-grip portion mounted transverse to said sign portion, computer miniaturized microprocessor means for processing data mounted within said housing, keyboard means mounted in said hand-grip portion for receiving input data and transmitting the input data to said computer microprocessor means, said keyboard means including a keyboard miniaturized microprocessor, message display means for presenting the input data to an observer, said message display means including a message display mounted on said front side of said sign portion, circuit means for electrically joining said keyboard means, said computer microprocessor means and said message display means, power means for supplying electrical current to said circuit means, and on/off means for connecting and disconnecting said circuit means with and from said power means.

In contrast the present invention provides a multifunctional, professional, and modern alternative to a handwritten sign that may be used on a plurality of occasions to display a plurality of messages.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a display board with a first face having a screen, being equipped with input apparatus on a second reverse face, an electronic printed circuit board, rechargeable energy supply, and a carrying facility.

Typically this facility comprise a tubular central handle creating a T-shaped board, wherein the handle allows the board to be spun, turned for input, or easily directed towards approaching travellers.

Ideally such a handle is hinged or displaceable, in order to allow the board to be set down on a level surface. For example the handle may be displaced 90 degrees in order to provide a stand, wherein there may be provided reinforcement or formalisation of the handle's position.

In other embodiments the facility includes handles wherein the faces are joined at ends and sides and handles are provided at either end.

In addition it is preferable that carrying may occur on separate structures, such as tables, car window glass or other common transport scenarios, and accordingly also hooks and a fold out stand may be provided to allow the display to be hung or set up on a desk or similar flat surface.

In some embodiments the rechargeable energy supply may include a kinetic energy generation facility. Yet further may include photovoltaic cells.

The board is typically formed primarily of moulded plastic such as acrylonitrile-butadienestyrene (ABS) and is sturdy, in some embodiments being provided with rubber, silicone or elastomer edging or casing. This casing ideally allows a user to hold the board comfortably and prevents accidental damage.

The display is preferably a high contrast arrangement of light emitting diodes (LEDs) in order that the board may be used in a plurality of light environments.

In some embodiments the reverse face has a user notification liquid crystal display (LCD) screen or similarly lit screen and a standardised western keyboard and screen, so that the user can check the message spelling or content without having to keep turning the board over and over.

In this way a user is enabled to check inputs and compose messages for the display.

According to a second aspect of the present invention the keyboard typically has the usual letters and symbols common to a QWERTY keyboard and in preferred embodiments additionally also other shortcuts, specific symbols or emoticons such as arrows or smiley faces may be included.

Yet further embodiments may permit logos for airports, train stations, information desks and telephones to be displayed or included.

The preferred means of achieving this according to a third aspect of the present invention may be by inclusion of a light box on the first face, wherein printed signs may be held over the box and light emitting through the sign.

Other embodiments may include means that provide a second display on the first face, capable of displayed greater numbers of colour and/or detail.

In any event such means may be accessed or enabled temporarily or selectively.

In preferred embodiments the display's front surround is equipped with lighting, wherein it may be adjusted or programmed by a user to light up and flash to attract the attention of a passenger/client.

Ideally the board also has a dictionary and translator that may be accessed by the user via the keyboard and messages for the main display can be checked, adjusted and translated on the screen before being sent to the main display.

In some further embodiments the board is enabled with wireless connectivity and/or Internet access to facilitate new software upgrades and global positioning system (GPS) locational data.

Wireless connectivity also preferably permits transfer of data in two directions, for example in order that the user may keep remote controllers updated as to location or situation.

Wireless connectivity may include BLUETOOTH (Trade Mark) or other inter-apparatus connectivity.

Features that may utilise the GPS locational data include tracking of the board if it is being used to direct a client to the car in which it is displayed.

Other embodiments may have universal serial bus (USB) or other sockets to enable such features.

Yet further embodiments may include digital scanning facilities or microphones.

Preferably the board requires some form of security or identity check from the user prior to unlocking of all or some functions. This check may require a key, keycode, numerical or alphanumeric code, or Personal Identification Code (PIN)> Other features rendered capable by internet connectivity are such as that the board can be remotely accessed allowing display information, or for example the PIN, can be altered as and when necessary.

In this way a multiple pickup for the user may be configured.

Typically the board's power supply is a rechargeable battery with also a mains electricity connection plug.

Embodiments of the board may also have secondary uses as a warning device and cyclist's rear light.

In particular, in the event of a road traffic accident, embodiments of the board can be stood up in the road and programmed to flash warning arrows or symbols to alert other drivers of any danger.

This same arrow display may also be used where the board may be worn on a cyclist's back to alert other road users of their presence on the road.

It could be attached vertically to the cyclist's back/backpack with a specifically designed strap running through the handles.

Other messages may be displayed in such scenarios or others such as when a vehicle is on temporary plates. Accordingly some embodiments may include magnetic portions.

The board would light up/flash and in addition the display could feature arrows moving towards the cyclists outside, directing the traffic around/away from them.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figures 1 show a front and rear view of the preferred embodiment; Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the board; And Figures 3 show two side views and an end view of the preferred embodiment.

Detailed Description of Figures

The pictured and preferred embodiment of the board includes the following: Display (1); Handles (2); Second screen or logo display area (3); Hooks for attachment of the board to a vehicle window (4); Full OWERTY keyboard including letters, numbers, symbols and international characters (5); And Fold out stand (6).

Longer messages may scroll across the main display like you see in buses or queues at banks etc. Ideally the board has 1 2v vehicle electrical supply and mains charging The hooks 4 may be retractable, hinged, extended out or otherwise displaceable andfor may have resiliently deforniable parts that allow them to be hooked onto or over a window, in order to be used in vehicle side windows.

The hooks 4 ideally have contact pads that contact the glass in use having elastomer covering.

Further embodiments may include suction cups that allow attachment directly to glass.

The pictured and preferred embodiment of the electronic name board therefore provides a handheld unit that displays a name digitally, to clearly attract the attention of a party or individual arriving at a public venue; i.e. an airport or train station.

Information may be entered on the keypad 5 as required, enabling quick and easy input of text, allowing response to situations.

A rechargeable battery is included which allows portable and flexible operation.

Aside from holding the board in use, the window hooks 4 and retractable stand 6 provide alternative means of positioning the board. Advantages over traditional boards are clarity and professionalism.

Information such as name, flight number, or organisation is entered using the keypad 5.

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>Claims 1. A display board with a first face having a screen, being equipped with input apparatus on a second reverse face, an electronic printed circuit board, rechargeable energy supply, and a carrying facility.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A board according to claim 1 wherein the input apparatus is a QWERTY keyboard with additional shortcuts, non-standard symbols and emoticons.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A board according to claim 1 or 2 including a light box on the first face, wherein printed signs may be held over the box and light emitting through the sign.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A board according to claims 1, 2 or 3 including a kinetic electrical energy generator.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A board according to claims 1 to 4 wherein the carrying facility is a central handle with a circular profile.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A board according to a preceding claim including wireless connectivity.</claim-text>