MXPA05011918A - Improvements relating to billboards - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for displaying images includes an enclosure (11), a frame (20) installed in the enclosure (11) and adapted to hold an interlaced image (21), and an optical barrier (12) spaced from the frame (20) and adapted to obscure portions of an installed interlaced image (21).

Description

IMPROVEMENTS WITH RESPECT TO PANELS FOR ADVERTISEMENTS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to panels for advertisements for displaying images and in particular to panels for advertisements for displaying images that appear to be three-dimensional for a viewer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The three-dimensional, animation and rotary technology is currently implemented using a lenticular lens arranged in front of an interlaced image print. US 5,847,808 provides a general indication of the technology. Printing is created using software that takes "slices" or "strips" of several images and interlaces them using an offset press or a digital press. The impression is applied directly to the back of the lenticular lens, so that the interlaced portions are aligned with the lenticules of the lens. The lenticular lens obscures a subset of the interlaced strips when viewed from a particular angle, so that a mixed image is seen, comprising strips that originate from one or more of the interlaced images. As the viewer's angles change, other strips are obscured by presenting another mixed image to the viewer.

When printing comprises strips of multiple images of different layers of an object, a three-dimensional effect is obtained. In this context, three-dimensional means that the viewer perceives that the image has depth, when viewed at different angles. Rotary and animation technology operates in a similar way, where several consecutive interlaced images are provided in the print, and the viewer observes each one in sequence as they are viewed at different angles. This produces the perception of animation or rotation, if only two images are used. A similar effect can be produced by using a barrier, instead of a lenticular lens, as shown in US 5,695,346 and US 4,927,238. In this case, the black barrier lines obscure certain portions of the interlaced print at particular angles. Although existing technology can be used to display three-dimensional images, animations and rotations of panel size for advertisements, this is relatively difficult and expensive to exercise due to technology limitations. For ple, the largest lenticular lens available is 2.5 m by 1.2 m. Therefore, to provide a panel size display for advertisements, multiple lenses and prints must be combined.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus that can display panel-size images for advertisements that are perceived as three-dimensional. In one aspect, the present invention comprises an apparatus for displaying images that includes: a housing, a frame installed in the housing and adapted to support an interlaced image, and an optical barrier separate from the frame and adapted to obscure portions of an installed interlaced image . Preferably, the apparatus also includes an image installed in the frame. The image is a composition of multiple interlaced images. Preferably, the interlaced images together with the optical barrier display three-dimensional images to a viewer. In one embodiment, the image is applied to a single piece of translucent material. Preferably, the optical barrier includes a plurality of elongated lattices. The lattices can be extruded from a non-reflective material, such as anodized aluminum. Preferably, the lattices have a segmented triangular or circular cross section. Preferably, the trellises are arranged adjacently in a linear arrangement, vertically oriented, with a space between adjacent trellises. Preferably, the lattices are spaced apart so that there is a ratio of 80/20 lattice width to space. In particular, the width of each lattice is 20.32 mm, and the space between each lattice is 5.08 mm wide to provide viewing between angles of 15-165 °. Preferably, the housing is adapted to receive a light source to provide backlighting for an image installed in the frame. The light source can be a plurality of fluorescent lights, for example. Preferably, the housing is constructed from opaque, non-reflective material. Preferably, the space between the image frame and the optical barrier can be adjusted, either manually or automatically. This can be through a suitable mechanical or electromechanical adjustment system, such as telescopic or slidable spacers. This can alter the perceived depth of a displayed image, and / or ensure that the desired optical effect is obtained through the apparatus. Preferably, the relative horizontal and vertical position of the image frame and optical barrier can be adjusted, either manually or automatically. This can be through an adequate mechanical or electromechanical adjustment system. This may be to align the interlaced image with the lattices of the barrier, and / or ensure that the desired optical effect is obtained through the apparatus.

Preferably, the housing can be tilted to provide optimal viewing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of an ad panel assembled to display images according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the panel for advertisements, including an image frame and optical barrier; Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the panel for advertisements seen from point A in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the panel for advertisements seen from point B in figure 1. Figure 5A shows a modality of the optical barrier in relation to the image in more detail; Figure 5B shows another embodiment of the optical barrier in relation to the image in more detail; and Figures 6A-6D show an example of an image interlaced with respect to the optical barrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a panel for advertisements 10 according to the invention in assembled form. The term "ad panel" is used throughout the specification to refer to a structure which displays an image. Although the structure of the present invention is not an advertisement panel in the traditional sense, it can be used to display images of a size and nature typically displayed by panels for traditional advertisements. For example, you can display images that are 6m by 3m or larger. In the preferred embodiment, the advertisement panel 10 is adapted to display three-dimensional images. The advertisement panel 10 includes an opaque housing 11, constructed of a base (not visible in Figure 1) and four sides. An optical barrier 12 covers the housing 11. Preferably, the optical barrier 12 is formed by a plurality of opaque lattices, for example 14, supported on a rectangular frame 15. The image displayed by the advertisement panel 10 is displayed through the optical barrier 12. The structure 10 forms a light box which substantially prevents light from entering or escaping. The typical global dimensions of an ad panel are 6.5m x 3.5m with larger sizes generally seeing a disproportionate increase in the longitudinal dimension.

Figures 2 to 4 show internal components of the advertisement panel 10. An image frame 20 adapted to support an image 21 is disposed inside the housing 22 11. Preferably, the picture frame is constructed of steel or the like, and has a non-reflective edge with a width of approximately 10% to 20% of the length of the image 21, to improve visualization. Alternatively, different frame widths can be used. The image 21 is a composite of multiple interlaced images. In one embodiment, the image is applied in a single piece of translucent or transparent image material to suitable light, such as backlit canvas or the like. The image 21 can be stretched and installed in the frame 20, and a mechanical tension locking system (not shown) holds the image 21 taut. The image frame 20 is separated from the rear wall 23 of the housing 11 by four sparier rods. , of which three 24a-24c are visible in Fig. 2. The spacer rods 24a-24d are interconnected between the frame 20 and the rear wall 23 of the housing 11 by any means known in the art. The optical barrier 12 is joined and separated 28 from the picture frame 20, through four spacer rods, of which three, 25a-25c are visible. In one embodiment, the interior 23 of the housing 11 behind the image frame 20 houses a suitable light source (shown in Figures 3 and 4) to backlight the image 21. The light source may be, for example, a light source. arrangement of fluorescent lights 30 as shown in figures 3 and 4. Illuminate the image 21 in this way, allows a printed image to be viewed through the optical barrier 12. A canopy 27 provides some protection of the front of the housing against ambient light to improve viewing conditions. Preferably, the entire structure can be tilted to optimize visualization. Figure 3 is a side view of the advertisement panel seen from point A in Figure 1. This figure shows in more detail the spatial relationship between the grid, image and backlight. As can be seen, the image 21 is separated from the grid 12 by spacers 25b and 25c. The image is also separated from the back of the housing 11 by spacers 24b and 24c. The lights 30 are placed between the image 21 and the back of the housing 11 to backlight the image 21. Figure 4 is a view of the panel for advertisements seen from point B in figure 1. Again, it can be seen inside of the housing 11 the alignment of the optical barrier 12, image 20, spacers 24a, b, 25a, b, and lights 30. This figure shows that the optical barrier includes a plurality of lattices 14 surrounded by the frame 15. In the above embodiments described, the image is provided in the print 21. In alternative embodiments, the image may be provided in any other display means. Said means include further projection of the image on a screen or a television screen. When images are displayed on these media, a light box behind the screen may not be necessary. These display means also allow the image to be easily changed. For example, a panel for advertisements of the invention can be used to consecutively display a plurality of images. Figures 4 and 5A and B show a section of the optical barrier 12 in more detail. In these figures, the barrier 12 includes a plurality of elongated lattices, for example 14, with a segmented triangular or circular cross section. For example, the front face of each lattice is flat or curved, and the back is biased so that the vertex of the lattice faces the image. The lattices 14 are arranged in a linear array, each extending vertically from the upper part of the frame 15 towards the lower part. The frame 15 is preferably non-reflective and in preferred embodiments, it has a width of about 200 mm to 300 mm to improve the displayed image. Each lattice 14 is constructed of rigid non-reflective material, such as anodized aluminum extrusion. The non-reflective qualities reduce the reflection of ambient light during the day, which impedes the visibility of the image 21. In alternative modes, the lattices can have any shape that provides a changing view as a passerby passes the panel for advertisements. Ideally, the portion of the trellises closest to the image has a smaller width than the portion of the trellis closest to a passer-by. For example, lattices can have a "T" shape with the top of the T closest to a passer and the bottom of the T extends to the image. Ideally, the lattice design will maximize the viewing angle of the image. The trellis should also be designed to minimize reflection from the trellis, maximize lattice strength, and minimize trellis movement. The reflection from the lattice can be minimized in a number of ways including coating with matte black at least any surface of the lattice visible to a passer or at least any surface of the lattice visible to a passerby. The strength of the lattice can be maximized by forming the lattice of rigid material. Additional strength can be obtained by extending high tensile strength cables through the inside of any hollow latticework. The movement of the trellis can be minimized through high tensile strength cables within hollow lattice pieces. further, it may be possible to extend cables of high tensile strength horizontally behind and / or through the pieces of the lattice to further prevent the movement of the lattice under outdoor conditions. The adjacent lattices 14 are arranged to provide a space 50 between each pair of lattices, through which the portions of the image 21 can be viewed by a bystander. Preferably, there is an 80/20 ratio of lattice width to spacing 50, although a variation of up to 5% can also be tolerated. In Figure 5A, this relationship is the ratio of A to C where B is the width of the lattice 14 and space 50. For example, in the preferred embodiment, each lattice 14 has a width of 20.23 mm and the space 50 between each lattice is 5.08 mm. As will be appreciated, other dimensions that substantially maintain the 80/20 ratio of lattice width to space 50 can be used. As can be seen in Figure 5A, the triangle back portion of each lattice 14 allows a bystander to visualize the image over a 150 ° field of view. By varying the width and extension of the trellises 14, the viewing angle can be modified. For example, the viewing angle? provided by the lattices of Figure 5A is between 55 ° and 125 ° giving a full viewing angle of 70 °. In Figure 5B, the width to extension ratio of the lattice 14 has increased giving a wider viewing angle. In Figure 5B, the viewing angle? it is between 40 ° and 140 ° giving a viewing angle of 100 °. In these figures, the image is obscured at the viewing angles f and?. If the trellis are 20.23 mm with a spacing of 5.08 mm between trellises and a suitable trellis extension, a viewing angle of 165 ° can be obtained. If a bystander is outside the viewing angle, the image will be obscured by the grid 12. For the best display performance, the pieces of the grid 14 should remain parallel to each other and equidistant from the image 21. The pieces of the grid are They must form a material that resists movement under air load and other weather conditions. Figures 6A to 6D show an example of an interlaced image 21 according to the invention. The image 21 is shown in elevation and in horizontal projection to illustrate its relationship with the optical barrier 12. Each image forming the image 21 is divided into strips of pixels, for example 60. The first strip of each image is arranged in a manner adjacent in image 21, and this forms a "set". A set can contain any number of strips but in preferred embodiments, between 10 and 25 strips make up each set. The number of sets depends on the number of lattices in the ad panel. For example, when ten images form the interlaced image 21, each set comprises 10 strips, one of each image. The second set is formed of the second strip of each of the 10 images and is arranged adjacent to the first set. This procedure is performed for the third set and subsequent sets, which result in a complete image 21 assembled from sets of slices of images placed adjacently. The formation of images in strips and sets can be done in a computer before the image is printed or otherwise displayed. A set 61 of the image 21 can be seen in Figure 6A. The width of the assembly 61 matches the width of a lattice 14 plus space 50 for an adjacent lattice. For the preferred embodiment, this width is 25.4 mm. Each of the 10 strips that form the assembly 61 has a width that is one tenth of this total, that is to say 2.54 mm. All assemblies 61 must be aligned with corresponding lattices 14. If not, as shown in Fig. 6B, the relative positions of barrier 12 and image 21 must be adjusted from an unaligned position 62., to an aligned position 63. As will be appreciated, a different number of images can form the interlaced image 21, which will give a different number of strips forming each set 61. For example, any number between 10 and 25 images can be used in an image 21, resulting in a corresponding number of slices per set 61. In each case, the total width of the set 61 will match the width of a lattice 14 plus space 50, and hence, the width of individual strips will be should adjust accordingly. When the panel for advertisements 11 displays objects in third dimension, each image that forms the image 21 is related to a different layer of the three-dimensional objects. When the panel for announcements displays animations or rotations, each image in the image 21 is related to an image in the animation / rotation sequence. The interlaced image 21 can be created from individual images using interlacing software. When deploying an image in third dimension, the use of the different layers provided by each image gives the whole image an aspect of depth and therefore provides the three-dimensional effect. Various additional features can be implemented in the basic advertisement panel 10. The image frame 20 and optical barrier 12 can be connected through adjustable spacers 24a-24c to facilitate the adjustment of the space 28. For example, the spacer rods 24a- 24c can be telescopic or slidable, so they can be extended or retracted manually or automatically to adjust the space. Alternatively, any other manual or automatic mechanical or electromechanical adjustment system can be installed. Similarly, the vertical and horizontal position of the image frame 20 and / or barrier 12 can be adjusted through a manual or electromechanical means to align the image 21 correctly with the lattices 14 of the optical barrier 12. The alignment correct between the assemblies 61 of the image 21 and lattices 14 of the optical barrier 12 is important to ensure that the desired optical effect is obtained. The deliberate movement of the image 21 and / or barrier 12, however, can create a desirable animation effect. Preferably, the lateral movement is not greater than the width of a lattice 14. For example, one option is to use an electric motor to adjust the image laterally and / or horizontally up to 20 mm to 30 mm. If the image is printed, the image material itself can be stretched a little when installed in the image frame 20 depending on the particular properties and composition of the image material and the anticipated environmental conditions. It may be necessary to evaluate this stretch in the longitudinal and transverse direction and compensate for it, to ensure correct alignment. A mathematical stretch analysis of the image medium can be carried out, and this analysis is used at the time of producing the image 21 to ensure that the stretching of the material is taken into account and that the resulting entanglements are correctly proportioned within the tolerances permissible The preferred printing process uses a panel print for advertisements of higher resolution than the standard, and doubles in density the amount of ink printed on the material to make it durable to light, and to prevent color fading. If the image is displayed using other means, stretch analysis may not be necessary. A displayed three-dimensional image may have an apparent depth of between 60% -100% of the width of the ad panel, depending on the images used and background layer of image 21. This is a perceived depth, not real, and may differ from Person to person. The depth of a three-dimensional image displayed by the advertisement panel 10 can be changed by altering the distance 28 (shown in Figure 6C) between the optical barrier 12 and the image 21. Altering the space 28 also ensures that the correct optical effect is obtained . The distance 28 between the frame 20 and barrier 12 is calculated to give the clarity of the desired image, three-dimensional effect, and image depth. For example, as shown in Figure 6C, there is a wider viewing angle 65 when the space 28 between the optical barrier 12 and the image 21 is increased by moving the barrier 12 from the A position to the B position. This is because at the increased angles of the visual line 66 from the eye of the viewer 67, through the spaces in the barrier 12 to the image 21. As a result, different subsets of the strip 60 are seen, and the viewer 67 perceives a greater depth in the displayed image. As shown in Figure 6D, if the barrier 12 moves closer to the image 21, from the position B to the position A, there is a narrower viewing angle 69, due to the decreased angles of the visual line 70. Different slices of the image forming the image 21 are blocked, unlike Figure 6C. Those slices seen by the viewer form a mixed image, which has a lower depth than for the image displayed in Figure 6C. Similarly, as the viewer moves laterally in front of the optical barrier 12, the angle of his visual lines across the barrier 12 also changes. This results in a different subset of strips in each set that is obscured by the barrier 12, causing the viewer to see a different mixed image formed from the strips. In the case of a three-dimensional image 21, the viewer will perceive that he is seeing the image displayed at different angles, when moving laterally. Optionally, various additional features can be implemented with the invention. The frame 20 can be unlocked and moved backward, for example 500 mm, to allow access to change the image 21 or perform maintenance or the like. The components of structure 10 are preferably constructed from materials with similar thermal expansion coefficients to reduce irregular expansion. Doors and access ways can be included in the ad panel 10 to facilitate image maintenance and change. Sensors can be installed to remotely detect temperature, humidity and light to monitor conditions. Drainage facilities can be included in the ad panel. Additional lighting may be included in the ad panel to accentuate the image and ensure adequate light distribution. The foregoing describes the invention including the preferred forms thereof. Alterations and modifications as will be obvious to those skilled in the art, are intended to be incorporated within the scope of the present as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (29)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - An apparatus for displaying images that includes: a housing, a frame installed in the housing and adapted to hold an interlaced image, and an optical barrier separate from the frame and adapted to obscure portions of an installed interlaced image.

2. The apparatus for displaying images in accordance with claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally includes an image installed in the frame.

3. The apparatus for displaying images in accordance with claim 2, further characterized in that the image is a composition of multiple interlaced images applied to a material transparent to light.

4. The apparatus for displaying images in accordance with claim 2 or claim 3, further characterized in that the image is produced in a single piece of material.

5. The apparatus for displaying images in accordance with claim 3, further characterized in that the interlaced images together with the optical barrier display three-dimensional images to a viewer.

6. - The apparatus for displaying images according to any of claims 1 to 5, further characterized in that the optical barrier includes a plurality of elongated lattices.

7. The apparatus for displaying images according to claim 6, further characterized in that the lattices can be exempted from a non-reflective material, such as anodized aluminum.

8. The apparatus for displaying images in accordance with claim 6 or claim 7, further characterized in that the lattices have a segmented triangular or circular cross section.

9. The apparatus for displaying images in accordance with claim 8, further characterized in that the lattices are aligned so that the smallest distance between the image and the lattices is at a vertex of the lattices.

10. The apparatus for displaying images in accordance with claim 8 or claim 9, further characterized in that the lattices have a flat or curved face to a viewer.

11. The apparatus for displaying images according to any of claims 6 to 10, further characterized in that the lattices are arranged adjacently in a linear array with a space between adjacent gratings.

12. The apparatus for displaying images in accordance with claim 11, further characterized in that the lattices are oriented vertically.

13. - The apparatus for displaying images in accordance with claim 11 or claim 12, further characterized in that the lattices are spaced apart so that there is an 80/20 ratio of lattice width to space.

14. The apparatus for displaying images according to any of claims 11 to 13, further characterized in that the separation of the lattice provides visualization between the angles of 15-165 °.

15. The apparatus for displaying images according to any of claims 11 to 14, further characterized in that the width of each lattice is 20.32 mm.

16. The apparatus for displaying images according to any of claims 11 to 15, further characterized in that the space between each lattice is 5.08 mm.

17. The apparatus for displaying images according to any of claims 1 to 16, further characterized in that the housing is adapted to receive a light source to provide backlighting to an image installed in the frame.

18. The apparatus for displaying images in accordance with claim 17, further characterized in that the light source is a plurality of fluorescent lights.

19. The apparatus for displaying images according to any of claims 1 to 18, further characterized in that the housing is constructed of opaque, non-reflective material.

20. - The apparatus for displaying images according to any of claims 1 to 19, further characterized in that the space between the image frame and optical barrier is adjustable.

21. The apparatus for displaying images according to claim 20, further characterized in that the space between the image frame and the optical barrier can be adjusted manually.

22. The apparatus for displaying images according to claim 20, further characterized in that the space between the image frame and the optical barrier can be adjusted automatically.

23. The apparatus for displaying images according to any of claims 10 to 22, further characterized in that the adjustment is by means of a suitable mechanical or electromechanical adjustment system.

24. The apparatus for displaying images according to any of claims 20 to 23, further characterized in that the adjustment is by means of telescopic or slidable spacers.

25. The apparatus for displaying images according to any of claims 1 to 24, further characterized in that the relative horizontal and vertical position of the image frame and optical barrier is adjustable.

26. The apparatus for displaying images in accordance with claim 25, further characterized in that the relative horizontal and vertical position of the image frame and optical barrier can be adjusted manually.

27. The apparatus for displaying images according to claim 25, further characterized in that the relative horizontal and vertical position of the image frame and optical barrier can be adjusted automatically.

28. The apparatus for displaying images according to any of claims 25 to 27, further characterized in that the adjustment is by means of a suitable mechanical or electromechanical adjustment system.

29. The apparatus for displaying images according to any of claims 1 to 28, further characterized in that the housing can be tilted to provide optimal viewing.