WO2006004411A1

WO2006004411A1 - Dynamic projection system for billboards

Info

Publication number: WO2006004411A1
Application number: PCT/NL2005/000487
Authority: WO
Inventors: Navaratnarajah Sagaraiah
Original assignee: Palmyra Idm Bv
Priority date: 2004-07-07
Filing date: 2005-07-07
Publication date: 2006-01-12
Also published as: NL1026592C2

Abstract

System for conveying pub is information such as advertisements, comprising a screen for displaying the information, a multimedia projector for projecting the information on the screen and a receiving unit connected to a multimedia projector, which receiving unit has been designed to receive signals via e.g. satellite, GPS or UMTS and to display the signals by way of the multimedia projector on the screen, while it has further has been provided with a unique code, a network interface card such as a MAC-address or a unique IP-address or telephone number.

Description

DYNAMIC PROJECTION SYSTEM FOR BILLBOARDS

Introduction

Advertisements on billboards along motorways, abris's, in football stadiums and expressions at other private or public places are currently expressed by way of placards or mechanically. These epressions are expensive to produce. The product has to be designed, manufactured, transported to its destination, affixed and illuminated. After expiration of the agreed term the product has to be removed and destroyed.

Since information transport systems such as UMTS or GPS, have been developed for transferring data, nearly all of the above steps and the costs involved will no longer be necessary. The concept of a receiving unit, a screen and a multimedia projector can replace the existing systems. A screen consisting of an acrylic sheet provided with a reinforced protective layer reflects the image, which is magnified by a multimedia projector mounted in front of the screen. The multimedia projector is connected to a receiving unit, e.g. an i-mode application or PDA. The screen is durable, vandal-proof, erosion-proof, self-cleaning and does not reflect sunlight. The receiving unit has a unique address. This way advertisements can be transferred selectively anywhere in the world. Transfer speed: a split second. Power supply is on the basis of photovoltaic solar energy, fully integrated in the screen. The system itself uses a maximum of 10% of the energy it generates. The remaining energy can be used for other purposes.

Further details The screen

The screen consists of several layers of transparent acrylic sheets. Between the two innermost sheets is gas for insulation of heat and cold with four sealing edges on which crystals are applied. The acrylic sheets are light and uv-ray permeable, which causes the crystals to emit a white reflection between the acrylic sheets. As an alternative for the system with crystals a system with fluorescent reflection such as in a neon tube can be used. The image on the screen is clearly visible, by day as well as at night by means of the multimedia projector. All around the screen an inclined edge, slanting 6 degrees, is mounted thus creating maximum contrast. Furthermore the screen is always warm so that no icing can occur.

The outer side of the acrylic sheets is coated with a reinforced protective film. Scratch-resistant, chip-proof, bulletproof and paint repellant. Also provisions have been made to make the system as little sensitive to wind as possible.

The solar panel

The backside of the screen consist in part of heat and light collectors for the generation of photovoltaic solar energy. The collectors receive light from both sides. On the slightly inclined edge around the screen also collectors are provided. The generated energy is stored in a battery located in the supporting post. Only a maximum of 10% of the generated energy is used for the multimedia projector, the light supply and the cleaning system. The remaining energy can be used for other purposes such as street lighting or other, commercial, applications.

The frame and supporting post are made out of plastic. This plastic does not require maintenance.

The three-in-one multimedia projector

In front of the screen an "armoured" unit is mounted consisting of three components.

1. A multimedia projector, which has been designed for 24-hours usage in an outside environment. Use is made of a long-life lamp such as a mercury- vapour lamp.

2. A receiving unit such as an i-mode application or a navigational system such as a pocket-PC or PDA. This unit serves to receive signals via e.g. satellite, UMTS or GPS. These signals are projected on the screen by way of the multimedia projector. 3. The receiving has been provided with a unique code, a network interface card such as a MAC-address, a unique IP-address or telephone number.

Radius The radius can range from domestic to international. By using unique address codes, a selection can be made. Messages can be sent in different languages to different destinations. Tailor-made solutions per country are possible in order to stay within national legal boundaries. The switching on and off can also take place by means of this code.

Maintenance

Signals on/off or defect are traced by means of built-in intelligence. The responsibilities regarding problem solving have been defined.

Cleaning the screen

Along the inner rim of the inclined edges around the screen rails are mounted. A wiper moves up and down in intervals for the cleaning of the screen.

Advantages of the system

Fast process from design to visualization on the screen. Excellent possibilities for up-to-the-minute information dissemination.

Steps such as printing, affixing and illumination via mains supply is no longer necessary. Getting a message to its destination only takes a split second. The system can easily be used in emergency situations. Streaming video is possible if desired.

Images can be transmitted in several versions at minimal extra costs. Altering or updating messages is easily carried out at very low cost. The system can also be mounted on vehicles, e.g. the backside of a truck. The system is extremely environment-friendly: 90 % energy saving, saving on printing, no transport, no waste matter. Furthermore the system, when operational, could even supply photovoltaic energy back to its own battery.

Disadvantages of the system Technical failure.

The system's possible teething troubles. In spite of all precautions: the risk of vandalism and theft.

Cost of production

The development of a specific multimedia projector equipped with a receiving unit.

Cost-reduction

Total cost of ownership: 80%

One-stop-shopping (license application, design and implementation etc.); all in one hand.

As much as 90% of the generated solar energy is redundant and consequently available for other purposes such as street lighting or, in the future, charging facilities for battery-powered vehicles.

Realization and control

The system is leased out to interested parties on a franchise basis.

Customers can purchase broadcasting time from the franchise holder. Control is centrally coordinated but can, if required, be consigned to regulating bodies such as national authorities.

Realization will come about in cooperation with well-established companies; telecom and satellite providers, and suppliers of the required hardware.

The system skips all present steps between design and visualization. The system provides the possibility to immediately update messages.

The range of the system is directly and worldwide applicable.

The system can comply fully with regulations which can differ per country.

The system can be utilized in a simple manner in case of an emergency report.

The system can be applied mobile. The system is very environmentally friendly because it skips all of the present, environmentally burdening, steps between design and visualization.

The system is very environmentally friendly because it generates its own clean energy and has available a minimum of 90% for other uses.

The system is "one-time-shopping". The system is vandalism resistant. 3A-TCP is a system for conveying public information such as advertisements and other messages, comprising a screen for displaying the information, a multimedia projector for projecting the information on the screen and a receiving unit connected to the multimedia projector, which receiving unit has been designed to receive signals via e.g. WLAN, WiFi, GPRS, satellite, UMTS or GPS and to feed the multimedia projector with these signals, to be projected on the screen, while it has further been provided with a unique code, a network interface card such as a MAC-address or a unique IP-address or telephone number. Projection can also be realized without a multimedia projector - in combination with a receiving unit - with a plasma or LCD screen.

3A-TCP.

Digital location independent projection system for billboards on the basis of photovoltaic solar energy

Introduction

Advertisements on billboards along motorways, at bus shelters, in football stadiums and other private or public places are currently expressed by way of placards or mechanically. These products are expensive to produce. The product has to be designed, manufactured, transported to its destination, affixed and illuminated. After expiration of the agreed term the product has to be removed and destroyed.

Since information transport systems such as WLAN₅ WiFi, GPRS, satellite, UMTS or GPS have been developed for transferring data, nearly all of the above steps and the costs involved will no longer be necessary. The concept of a receiving unit, a screen and a multimedia projector can replace the existing systems.

A screen consisting of a sheet of transparent material - covered with a reinforced protective layer - reflects the image, which is magnified by a multimedia projector mounted in front of or behind the screen. This multimedia projector is connected to. a receiving unit, e.g. an i-mode application or PDA. The screen is durable, vandal-proof, erosion-proof, self- cleaning and does not reflect sunlight. The receiving unit has its own unique address. Advertisements can therefore also be transferred selectively anywhere in the world. Transfer speed: a split second.

Power supply is on the basis of photovoltaic solar energy, fully integrated in the screen, or via mains supply. The system itself uses a maximum of 10% of the energy it generates. The remaining energy can be used for other purposes. Further details

The screen

The screen consists of several layers of transparent sheets of material. Between the two innermost sheets is gas for insulation of heat and cold with four sealing edges. The transparent sheets are light and warmth permeable, such that the reflection of the light in the crystals causes a white reflection. As an alternative for the system with crystals a system with fluorescent reflection as in a neon light could be used. The image on the screen is clearly visible by day as well as at night. AU around the screen an inclined edge, slanting 6 degrees, is mounted thus creating optimum contrast. Furthermore the screen is always warm so that no icing can occur. The surface of the transparent sheets is coated with a reinforced protective film.

Layer 1: consists of a sheet of hard, scratch-resistant material. In this sheet a web of hexagonal wire honeycombs is integrated. Its function is twofold: it reinforces the sheet and it enhances the density of the incoming light by forming pixels, thus inducing a sharper projection. The sheet is slightly convex in shape for extra strength and to prevent distortion (e.g. blind angle). Scratch-resistant, chip-proof, bulletproof and paint-repellant. Also provisions have been made to make the system as little sensitive to wind as possible. Layer 2: this layer is the space between sheet 1 and sheet 3 and consists of gas for insulation or is a vacuum in order to prevent condensation or other deposit.

Layer 3: this light and heat permeable sheet with its vertically ribbed surface serves as a projection screen in case the multimedia projector is mounted on the back side of the screen (for example when projection is realized holographically). Layer 4: this layer is formed by the (whether or not light permeable) solar panel. There are three methods of projection:

1. Projection on the front side of the screen. The solar panel is non- permeable.

2. Projection via the backside of the screen. The solar panel is light permeable. 3. Simultaneous projection on two or three receiving units via the backside of receiving units which are arranged back to back respectively triangularly. The solar panels are light permeable.

Sub 1. Here projection could be realized from a signpost over the highway. In this example the non-permeable solar panel could also supply the energy requirements for the signpost itself.

Layer 5: this is a protective layer for the backside of the solar panel.

The solar panel

The front and backside of the screen consists in part - at the edges - of heat and light collectors for the generation of photovoltaic solar energy. The collectors receive light as well as heat at the front and back side. The generated energy is directly used or stored in a battery, which for instance is located in the supporting post. Only a maximum of 10% of the generated energy is used for the multimedia projector, the light supply and the cleaning system. The remaining energy can be used for other purposes such as street lighting or other, commercial, applications.

The supporting post and frame are made of durable materials. This material does not require maintenance.

The three-in-one multimedia projector In front of or behind the screen an armoured, heat-conducting unit is mounted consisting of three components.

1. A multimedia projector, which has been designed for 24-hours usage in the outside environment, fitted with a long-life lamp such as a mercury- vapour lamp. 2. A receiving unit such as an i-mode application or a navigational system such as a pocket-PC or PDA. This unit serves to receive signals via e.g. WLAN, WiFi, GPRS, satellite, UMTS or GPS. These signals are projected on the screen by way of the multimedia projector or directly on the screen in combination with the receiving unit. 3. The receiving is further provided with a unique code, a network interface card such as a MAC-address, a unique IP-address or telephone number and a specially designed software package.

The receiving unit and the central advertising database

The receiving unit has been provided with a specially designed software package. This software package serves to route the received data in order to project them on the screen at the desired moment. A provision has been made to interrupt the standard batch process for emergency announcements. The unit has been provided with a module, which can confirm the reception of transmitted messages or announcements. The location of the unit can be traced in case of theft.

The unit consists of a processing unit (computer) with software, a connection for a projector or screen, a GPS module for orientation, a memory unit to save advertising messages, a unique code and a network module for the internet connection via e.g. LAN, GPRS, UMTS or WiFi. When switched on, the receiving unit will log in to the central message database by way of the network module. When logging in the receiving unit retrieves its location via the GPS module and passes it on to the central advertising database. The receiving unit also transmits its unique code and through which network address the unit can be reached. The central advertising database can on the basis of the GPS location and the unique code determine which advertising message is to be transmitted to the receiving unit. By means of the network address the central advertising database can determine how the advertsing message is to be transmitted to the receiving unit. The central advertising database regularly checks if the receiving unit is still at its location. The receiving unit will respond by transmitting its GPS location, unique code and network address. In case of malfunctions or errors the receiving unit will send a message to the central advertising database.

Radius

The radius can range from domestic to international, both public and private.

By using unique address codes a selection can be made. Messages can for instance be sent in different languages to different destinations at different times. Tailor-made solutions per country are possible, in order to stay at all times within national legal boundaries. The switching on and off can also take place by way of this code.

Maintenance

Signals on/off or defect are traced by way of built-in intelligence. The responsibilities regarding problem solving have been defined.

Cleaning the screen

Along the inner rim of the inclined edges around the screen rails are mounted.

A wiper moves up and down in intervals for cleaning of the screen.

Advantages of the system Fast process from design to visualization on the screen. Excellent possibilities for up-to-the-minute information dissemination.

Printing, affixing and illumination via mains supply is no longer necessary.

Getting a message to its destination only takes a split second.

The system can easily be used in emergency situations. Streaming video is possible if desired.

Images can be transmitted in several versions at minimal extra costs. Altering or updating messages is easily carried out at very low cost.

The system can also be mounted on vehicles, e.g. the backside of a truck.

The system is extremely environment-friendly: 90 % energy saving, saving on printing, no transport, no waste matter. Furthermore the system, when operational, could even supply photovoltaic energy back to its own battery.

Disadvantages of the system

Technical failure. The system's possible teething troubles.

In spite of all precautions: the risk of vandalism and theft. Cost of production

The development of a specific multimedia projector equipped with a receiving unit, and a screen consisting of 5 layers as described above. Software development. Setting up a franchise management.

Cost-reduction

Total cost of ownership: 80%

One-stop-shopping (license application, design and implementation etc.); all in one hand. As much as 90% of the generated solar energy is redundant and consequently available for other purposes such as street lighting or, in the future, charging facilities for battery-powered vehicles.

Saving on production design (quickly digitally realizable alterations).

Centralized development, purchase, stock records and maintenance/control.

Realization and control

The system is leased out to interested parties on a franchise basis.

The range of the system is directly and worldwide applicable.

The system can comply fully with regulations which can differ per country.

The system can be utilized in a simple manner in case of an emergency report.

The system is "one-time-shopping". The system is vandalism resistant. Glossary

3A-TPC Advanced Advertisement Agent Any Time Any Place Any Content

GPRS General Packet Radio Service: GPRS stands for General Packet Radio Service. GPRS is a new technology in the GSM-network, which makes it possible to transmit and receive more data then was previously possible with GSM mobile phones. This is because with GPRS the data are not transmitted at once through the network, but in packets. In this manner the network is used in a more efficient way and it becomes possible to transmit other, larger parts of information.

GPS Global Positioning System: GPS stands for Global Positioning System and is realized and maintained by the American authorities. At first more in particular intended for military purposes.

INDOOR access At private locations such as football stadiums, race tracks, race circuits, on billboards or bus stops.

IP Internet Protocol.

LAN Local Area Network: local network infrastructure by way of which PC's, servers and such are connected at the site of the customer. This infrastructure belongs to the customer and is not supplied along with the 3A-TPC service.

MAC-address A MAC-address is a unique indentifϊcation number that has been accorded to an apparatus in an ethernet network . MAC stands for "Media Access Control " and is also referred to as hardware address. It makes it possible for apparatuses in an ethernet network to communicate. Practically every network apparatus has a fixed MAC address determined by the producer. OUTDOOR access At public places along highways, stations, billboards or bus stops.

PDA Personal Digital Assistant

UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System: UMTS stands for

Universal Mobile Telecommunications System and is the successor of the GSM technology, which was introduced in the Netherlands in 1994. Digital signals are transmitted with UMTS just as is the case with GSM.

WiFi Wireless Fidelity (802.11 - applies to wireless LANs and provides 1 or

2 Mbps transmission).

WLAN Wireless Local Area Network: local network infra structure by way of which PC's, servers and such are connected at the site of the customer. This infrastructure belongs to the customer and is not supplied along with the 3A-TPC service.

Claims

C l a i m s

1. System for the conveying of information such as advertisements, comprising a screen for displaying the information, a multimedia projector for projecting the information on the screen and a receiving unit connected to the multimedia projector, which receiving unit has been designed to receive signals via for instance satellite, GPS or UMTS and to display the signals on the screen by way of the multimedia projector, while it has further been provided with a unique code, a network interface card such as a MAC-address or a unique IP-address or telephone number.

2. System for the conveying of information such as advertisements, comprising a screen for displaying the information, a multimedia projector for projecting the information on the screen and a receiving unit connected to the multimedia projector, which receiving unit has been designed to receive signals via for instance WLAN, WiFi, GPRS, satellite, UMTS or GPS and to display the signals on the screen by way of the multimedia projector, while it has further been provided with a unique code, a network interface card such as a MAC-address or a unique IP-address or telephone number.

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the screen consists of multiple layers of transparent acrylic sheets, in between the two innermost sheets a gas for the insulation of heat and cold is provided and with sealing edges provided with crystals.

4. System according to claims 1, 2 or 2, characterized in that around the screen an inclined edge, slanting 6 degrees, is mounted.

5. System according to claims 1 , 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the screen or the outer side of the acrylic sheets are provided with a scratch-resistant, chip-proof, bullet-proof and paint-repellent layer.

6. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided with an apparatus for the generation of photovoltaic solar energy.

7. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multimedia projector has been designed for 24-hours usage in an outside environment.

8. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving unit consists of an i-mode application or a navigation system such as pocket-PC or PDA.