WO2009093131A1

WO2009093131A1 - Illuminated signage and advertising display device

Info

Publication number: WO2009093131A1
Application number: PCT/IB2009/000113
Authority: WO
Inventors: Irina Kiryushev; Zeev Kurlianchick
Original assignee: KRASLEX Ltd
Current assignee: KRASLEX Ltd
Priority date: 2008-01-23
Filing date: 2009-01-23
Publication date: 2009-07-30
Anticipated expiration: 2010-07-23
Also published as: TWM374634U

Abstract

A display device (30) comprising a case having a front side to be partially edge-lit is presented. Display comprising an elongated edge-lit light source (4), a light guide, a light scattering layer (6) providing light emitting, a printed image (1), at least one direct back-lit illuminating module (2). The light scattering layer (6) has an area with broken integrity and at least one direct back-lit illuminating module (2) is assembled substantially opposite to the area with broken integrity of the light scattering layer (6) providing an independent light emitting area.

Description

Illuminated Signage and advertising display device

The present invention relates to signage systems advertising, and particularly to poster display systems and to methods of displaying poster images such as still graphics, pictures, texts etc. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Displays and signs, light panels or other objects (furtherbelow "displays") are usual forms of advertising or information media which can make use of the light transmitting properties of certain types of materials to enhance their visual appeal. When these materials are used in combination with light emanating sources, whether by applying direct or diffused backlighting, the effects thereof are usually visually pleasing or eye-catching.

One of the conventional techniques to illuminate displays, or other objects with include placing light sources at the back of the panel or object (i.e. "back-lit" type) with the light shining normally to the viewing. Back-lit light sources can be placed over a large area to illuminate a light panel or object with various shapes and sizes. As each individual light source can be placed wherever the installer wants, or can be adjusted after the initial placement, during construction, back lit light sources are flexible, user-friendly and easy- to-maintenance. However, depending on the emission pattern and intensity of the light sources, a certain distance between the light sources and the viewing surface is required to enable an overall uniform and bright illumination of the entire viewing surface, Therefore, the light panel or object body cannot be built as thin as one may desire. It is also known to place the light sources at the side of the panel or object (i.e. "edge-lit" type) with light beaming into a light transmitting/guiding medium that re-directs the light to the viewing surface. Edge-lit light sources can be placed along the surrounding periphery of the light panel or object which includes a light- guiding medium between the light source and the viewing surface. The distance between each individual light source can be adjusted to give various light intensities and uniformity, depending on the emitting pattern and intensity of the light sources. With edge-lit sources, a thinner light panel or object body can be built. However, edge-lit technique is limited by providing static posters with no animating or other visual effects.

It is also known to use Electroluminescent (EL) displays providing illuminated advertising display devices which could provide unique and eye- catching visual effects which differ markedly from the above-mentioned devices.

Such advertising can be presented in a variety of different formats. For example, advertising can take the form of still graphics, graphic animation, a still or animated text message and the like. If desired, animation can include sequenced illumination of still images depicting the product or part thereof, product use, product users or consumers, product consumption, or other subjects. Text messages can include words or phrases relating to product cost and availability, product descriptions, advertising slogans, and other information. Animated graphics or text can repeat or can be presented over time in any other manner in order to convey product information and/or to attract customers.

Animation can be defined to include a sequenced illumination of still images or text on the poster, wherein the selected animation of the still images may provide the illusion of movement Appropriate controller includes a sequencer in order to provide EL display with power at desired locations and times. EL displays can produce various regimes, e.g.: Fixed lighting, Flashing/ fixed lighting exchangeable, Dimmer (fade) lighting, Dimmer (fade) /fixed lighting exchangeable, Motion Animation/fixed lighting, Animation plus dimmer (fade) lighting, etc. EL displays are used extensively in indoor and outdoor advertising, but fundamental problems have arisen with the brightness and lifetime thereof. Thus, the typical brightness (luminance) of EL displays is about 100 cd/m² The lifetime of an EL lamp is usually defined as accumulated lighting time period while the relative brightness decreases up to 50% from the initial brightness, which typically not exceed 1 ,000 hours for usual and 5,000 hours for long-term lamps. Such a lifetime does not provide 1 - 2 years continuously working device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention combines the advantages of back-lit, edge-lit and EL techniques to make large-area, high-brightness, iight-tunable, user-friendly, ultra-thin light panels or objects with various visual and/or colorful effects, including animation with appropriate brightness with a minimum of materials. Present invention is cost-efficient, flexible and adjustable in nature, because of combining features of back-lit, edge-lit light sources.

According to one broad aspect of the present invention, proposed is a display device comprising a case having a front side to be partially edge-lit and comprising an elongated edge-lit light source, a light guide, a light scattering layer providing light emitting, a printed image, at least one direct back-lit illuminating module, wherein light scattering layer has an area with broken integrity and at least one back-iit illuminating module assembled substantially opposite to the area with broken integrity of the light scattering layer providing an independent light emitting area.

According to another broad aspect of the present invention, proposed is a display device comprises a front side with a printed image having at least one partially transparent area and at least one direct back-lit or edge-lit illuminating module assembled substantially opposite to said transparent area providing a local light emitting area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, a preferred embodiment will now be described, by way of non- limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side cross sectional view of display in accordance with one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side cross section view of device combining Edge-Lit display and additional illuminating module(s).

FIG. 3 is a side cross section view of device combining Edge-Lit display and additional illuminating module(s) having diffusive layer with broken zones. FIG. 4 is a side cross section view of device having additional ND layer. FIG. 5 is a side cross section view of additional illuminating module(s) in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a side cross section view of additional illuminating module(s) in accordance with additional aspect of the present invention FIGS. 7, 8A, 8B and 9 are isometric views of additional illuminating modules in accordance with some aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side cross section and partial isometric views of device combining Edge-Lit display and additional illuminating module(s) having light guide layer with broken zone.

FIG. 11 is a side cross section and top views of device combining Edge-Lit display and additional LCD module integrated therein, and

FIG. 12 is a side cross section and top views of device combining Edge-Lit display and additional LED display module integrated therein

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS It should be noted that the layers 1 , 6, 7 in Figs. 1 - 12 are drawn with enlarged cross section for purpose of illustration only, and the layers are not representative of the relative thickness of the layers. The layers in fact may be only a film, but to understand the drawings the layers are blown up in cross section for case of description only.

With reference first to FIG. 1 , a display device 10 according to some embodiments of the present invention includes a substantially transparent printed image 1 assembled on substantially rigid sheet or partially flexible film. These can be printed on to either an opaque or clear material. (High resolution printing on Duratrans material may be used) and first and second illuminating modules 2 and 2' accordingly. Illuminating modules may be of so called "direct view" or direct back-lit type and formed by a plastic cover (e.g. manufactured by standard molding process) of rectangular or any other desired shape, e.g. in accordance with areas of transparent printed image 1 to be illuminated and with one opened side. Cover may be substantially non- transparent or covered by non-transparent and or reflective layer. Illuminating modules further may use at least one white and/or color LED (OLED) (as further exemplified on Figs. 5 and 6) with appropriate power supply and controller. In order to provide unique and eye-catching visual effects, one of or both illuminating modules 2 and 2' may perform at least one of fixed lighting, flashing/ fixed lighting exchangeable, dimmer (fade) lighting, dimmer (fade) /fixed lighting exchangeable, motion animation/fixed lighting, animation plus dimmer (fade) lighting, etc. In some embodiments of the present invention, additional ND layer 7 (see Fig.3) may be provided in order to increase contrast between illuminated and non-illuminated areas of display 10. ND layer 7 could be formed from Neutral 20 (RE20NEARL) material commercially available from 3M Company) With reference to Figs. 3 - 5, in some embodiments the display devices 20 each include a substantially transparent printed image (poster) 1, illuminating modules 2 and 2', a light guide 3, an edge-lit light source 4 with a reflector 5 and a scattering layer (matrix) 6. Illuminating modules 2 and 2' may be of so called "direct view" or direct back-lit type and have construction and functionality similar to those of device of Fig. 1.

Edge-lit illumination devices are known with light source positioned at the edge of optical waveguide. The tight guide 3 can be made of a solid light transparent material and designed to provide an appropriate coupling efficiency for the re-directed light from light source 4 into the front face of device 20. Light scattering layer 6 may be then applied on the front face of light guide 3. Total internal reflection breaks down by surface treatment like printing ("paint dots"), surface relief features made by chemical or laser etching, stamping and V-groove processes, optical coupling to film with micro lenses or micro prisms arrays. Such a treatment provides light scattering and as a result, light emits from the surface. The primary purpose of light scattering layer 6 is to scatter or break up and distribute light generally uniformly from its concentration as emitted from the light source 4. 13

6

Light source 4 may include cold cathode or fluorescent, LED's, lased diodes, etc. Thus the light source per se will not be observed by the viewer, only uniformly transmitted light from the face of the display 20.

Light scattering effect can be achieved by using of waveguide made on material with embedded particles like commercially available plastics for edge-lit light boxes.

The integrity of scattering layer 6 may be broken by substantially transparent zones in accordance with the shape of illuminating modules 2, 2' to be assembled or/and a message, an image portion or other matter lighted when the illuminating modules 2 and 2' are operated.

Moreover, in accordance with one additional aspect of the present invention the integrity of light guide 3 may be also broken as further shown on Fig.10. Illuminating module 2 may be installed inside the broken area 3'of light guide 3 as illustrated on Fig. 10. In some preferred embodiments of device of Figs. 3 -5, additional ND layer 7 (as shown on see Fig.4) may be provided in order to increase an image contrast.

Additional separate diffusive layer (not shown) underneath transparent printed image 1 may be provided formed of an opal or milky white uniform translucent material. In that case, the integrity of diffusive layer may be broken by substantially transparent zones (similar to embodiment exemplified in Fig. 3) in accordance with the shape of illuminating modules 2, 2' to be assembled or/and message, an image portion or other matter lighted when the illuminating modules 2 and 2' are operated. Also, additional reflective layer or covering (not shown) on the back side of light guide 3 may be provided. In order to be able to install illuminating modules 2 and 2", the integrity of such reflective layer should be broken in accordance with the shape of illuminating modules 2, 2' to be assembled or/and a message, an image portion or other matter lighted when the illuminating modules 2 and 2' are operated. With reference to Fig. 5, in some embodiments the illuminating modules 2 and 2' (two in the present example) each includes a plastic cover 8 (e.g. manufactured by standard thermo forming process or made from extruded plastic profile) of rectangular or any other desired shape, e.g. in accordance with areas of transparent printed image 1 to be illuminated and with one opened side. Cover may be substantially non-transparent or covered by non-transparent and or reflective layer. Illuminating modules further may use at least one white and/or color LED's 9 (two per illuminating module in the present example) with appropriate power supply and controller. In order to provide unique and eye-catching visual effects, one of or both illuminating modules 2 and 2' may perform at least one of fixed lighting, flashing/ fixed lighting exchangeable, dimmer (fade) lighting, dimmer (fade) /fixed lighting exchangeable, motion animation/fixed lighting, animation plus dimmer (fade) lighting, etc. With reference to Fig. 6, in some embodiments the illuminating modules 2 and 2' (two in the present example) each includes at least one white and/or color LED's 9 and a light guide 10, performing edge-lit illumination.

With reference to Figs. 7, 8A and 8B in some embodiments illuminating modules 2 each includes a plastic cover 8 of rectangular rounded, or any other desired shape. Preferably, cover 8 may include continuous edge (rim, flange) or "wings" W for assembling on back side of light guide 3 or back, side of support of printing or back side of substrate of printed image. Plastic cover also could be made from long profile(s), e.g. having cross-section similar to those shown in Figs. 7, 8A and 8B by cutting-off fragments with desired length from profile with appropriate properties, e.g. width. Cover 8 forming illuminating moduie(s) 2 may be assembled in desired locations defined by e.g. printed image content by using adhesive, like glue, dual-side or single side adhesive strips, etc. Illuminating modules 2 may include openings or transparent windows 9' for inserting or assembling LED's 9. Covers 8 may be manufactured by thermo-forming or vacuum forming process from Poycarbonate PC, Acrylic PMMA, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styreπe ABS, Polyester PETG and other materials using plastic forming process. Cover 8 preferably includes internal reflecting surface in the form of white coating or white plastic or thin film metal layer like aluminum.

Any desired visual effect may be provided by assembling at least one illuminating module 2 with desired mode of operation in appropriate location in accordance with printed image content. Set of number of various illuminating modules 2 with different mode of operation (color, shape, etc.) may be provided enabling simple and fast re-configuration of Illuminating modules 2 e.g. in accordance with printed image changing. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, illuminating module 2 may include plurality of sub-modules integrated in single unit as shown in Fig. 9. In the present example three different illuminating sub-modules A, 8 and C are formed from a single piece of plastic. As exemplified in Fig. 9 sub- module A e.g. may include a strip of LJED's 9 faced to the light guide 3 when assembled, sub-module B may include LED's inserted into openings located in the side wall and sub-module C may include opening 9' in the bottom side thereof.

Reference is now made to FIG. 11 illustrating a display device 50 in accordance with additional aspect of the present invention. Display 50 is composed of edge-fit illuminated display, similar to device illustrated on Figs, 2 — 4 and LCD display 11 integrated into picture of display 50, e.g. as a computer monitor. 8 LCD 11 may provide displaying of changeable visual and/or textual information that may attract consumer attention. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 12, LED display 12 also may be integrated into picture of edge-lit display 60, in order to be able to provide additional textual information.

It should be noted that the total visual effect of the most preferred form of the device actually cannot be illustrated in a drawing and cannot be adequately described.

Display devices in accordance with the present invention may be installed indoors and outdoors including interiors, exteriors, trading floors, point-of- sale, restaurants, bars, cafes, offices, shopping centers and exhibition settings.

Construction allowing easy and quick graphic replacement may be used, e.g. magnetic strips used to securely hold graphics in place, sign face retention system for firmly locking the cover, clear acrylic front cover protecting prints/posters from scratches and grime, etc.

Ultra-slim advertising displays of different configurations may be manufactured in accordance with embodiments of the present invention including weatherproofing boxes, double-sided boxes, non-illuminated boxes, hinged and lockable boxes.

Those skilled In the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and changes can be applied to the embodiments of the invention as hereinbefore exemplified.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A display device comprising a case having a front side to be partially edge-ϋt and comprising an elongated edge-lit light source, a light guide, a light scattering layer providing light emitting, a printed image, at least one direct back-lit illuminating module, wherein said light scattering layer has an area with broken integrity and said at least one back-lit illuminating module assembled substantially opposite to said area with broken integrity of the light scattering layer providing an independent light emitting area.

2. A display device according to claim 1, wherein said light scattering layer has a plurality of areas with broken integrity.

3. A display device according to claim 1, wherein said light guide has an area with broken integrity and said at least one direct back-lit illuminating module assembled substantially opposite to said area with broken integrity of the light guide providing an independent light emitting area.

4. A display device according to claim 1 , wherein said elongated edge-lit light source formed by a cold cathode lamp or a fluorescence lamp or an array of LED's or a laser diodes.

5. A display device according to claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of back-lit illuminating modules.

6. A display device according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one direct back-lit illuminating module including a substantially opaque cover.

7. A display device according to claim 5, wherein said plurality of back-lit illuminating modules includes modules of different size and/or shape.

8. A display device according to claim 1, wherein said printed image formed on a Duratrans film.

9. A display device according to claim 1 , further comprising an ND layer on the front side of the display device.

10. A display device according to claim 1 , further comprising an additional reflecting layer behind the light guide.

11. A display device according to claim 1 , wherein said light scattering layer formed by a paint dots.

5 12. A display device according to claim 1 , wherein said light scattering layer formed by a surface relief on the light guide.

13. A display device according to claim 1 , wherein said surface relief on the light guide formed by mechanical groove or chemical etching or laser etching.

10 14. A display device according to claim 6, wherein said cover provided with a flange for assembling on a back side of the light guide.

15. A display device according to claim 1 , wherein said direct back-lit illuminating module including at least one LED.

16. A display device according to claim 6 wherein said at least one direct 15 back-lit illuminating module including at least one LED and said cover provided with at least one opening for said at least one LED.

17. A display device according to claim 15, wherein said at least one direct back-lit illuminating module provided with a light controlling unit connected to said at least one LED.

20 18. A display device according to claim 17, wherein said light controlling unit capable providing a fixed lighting and/or flashing lighting and/or exchangeable and/or dimmer lighting and/or motion visual effects.

19. A display device according to claim 3, further comprising an integrated LCD display.

25 20. A display device according to claim 3, further comprising an integrated LED display

21. A display device comprises a front side with a printed image having at least one partially transparent area and at least one direct back-lit or edge-lit illuminating module assembled substantially opposite to said transparent area providing a local light emitting area.

22. A display device according to claim 21 , wherein said at least one direct back-lit or edge-lit illuminating module provided with a flange for assembling thereof adjacent to a back side of the printed image.

23. A display device according to claim 21 , wherein said at least one direct back-lit or edge-lit illuminating module comprising at least one LED and a light controlling unit connected to said least one LED.

24. A display device according to claim 22, further comprising integrated wherein said light controlling unit capable providing a fixed lighting and or/ flashing lighting exchangeable and/or dimmer lighting and/or motion visual effect.

25. A display device according to claim 23, wherein said at least one direct back-lit illuminating module including a substantially opaque over with at least one opening for said at least one LED.