WO2016038472A1

WO2016038472A1 - A display arrangement and method

Info

Publication number: WO2016038472A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/052146
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shaun KEMP
Original assignee: Xtls Trading 138 (Proprietary) Limited
Priority date: 2014-09-12
Filing date: 2015-03-24
Publication date: 2016-03-17

Abstract

The invention relates to a display arrangement 10 and method. The display arrangement 10 includes a first print layer 12 which is at !east partially translucent and a second print layer 16, which is at least partially translucent, and which is superimposed/provided over a front side of the first print layer 12. The display arrangement also includes a lighting arrangement 29 which is positioned on a rear side of the first layer 12 and which is configured to illuminate the first layer 12 from the rear side, as well as the second layer 16 through/via the first layer 12, when operated. The display arrangement 10 may include an intermediate print layer 14, which is at least partially translucent, and which is located between the first and second layers 12, 16. The intermediate layer 14 may be configured to mask the visual effects of the first layer 12 on the second layer 16, when the layers are not illuminated by the lighting arrangement 29.

Description

A DISPLAY ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

THIS invention relates to a display arrangement and method.

For many years now the platforms available to consumers as far as illuminated print is concerned, has been limited to static/inactive backlit illuminated displays, light boxes and illuminated outdoor signage. The standard scenario involves the use of a light dispersing print material which gets illuminated with the use of LED/flood light systems. For example, a standard illuminated sign will have a digital print that is mounted onto a tight box which, when turned on, increases visual impact by illuminating the digital print.

One of the limitations of these types of systems has been that each system is designed specifically around a specific brand requirement, and in order to change the graphic image that is being illuminated to a different image, it is necessary to replace the printed graphic image physically.

This drawback led to the development of digital display panels and digital billboards which are currently used when a 'multi-use' approach is needed by a particular company/brand, and they need graphics which change or animate in order to create emphasis on individual creative elements. This type of technology is however costly and, as a result, the versatility and scale of the display panels are often dependent and limited by the budget allocation of the company.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided a display arrangement which includes: a first print layer which is at least partially translucent; a second print layer, which is at least partially translucent, and which is superimposed/provided over a front side of the first print layer; and a lighting arrangement which is positioned on a rear side of the first layer and which is configured to illuminate the first layer from the rear side, as well as the second layer through/via the first layer, when operated.

The display arrangement may be a graphic/visual display arrangement. The graphic/visual display arrangement may be for advertisement purposes.

The display arrangement may include an intermediate print layer, which is at least partially translucent, and which is located between the first and second layers, wherein the intermediate layer is configured to mask the visual effects of the first layer on the second layer, when the layers are not illuminated by the lighting arrangement. The intermediate layer may therefore be a mask/diffuser layer. The intermediate print layer may be a layer of white ink. The display arrangement may include a print media/material (e.g. a print substrate) on which the first layer is printed. The intermediate layer may therefore be printed over/on top of the first layer and the second layer may be printed over/on top of the intermediate layer.

A front side of the second layer, which faces away from the first layer, may define a viewable surface which, when in use, functions as a main display of the display arrangement.

The display arrangement may include a housing in/to which the lighting arrangement is mounted. The housing may be in the form of a light box.

The lighting arrangement may be configured to illuminate different colours (i.e. different frequencies). The lighting arrangement may include a plurality of light sources (e.g. LED light sources). The plurality of light sources may be distributed across/along a rear face of the first layer in order to illuminate different parts of the first layer, when in use. The lighting arrangement may be an RGB (red, green, blue) lighting arrangement. Each light source may be an RGB light source. The plurality of light sources may be arranged to form an RGB light strip, wherein the strip is arranged to extend across and/or along the rear face of the first layer, in order to illuminate different parts of the first layer, when in use.

The display arrangement may include a controller which is operatively connected to the lighting arrangement in order to control the operation thereof. The controller may be configured to control the illumination of the lighting arrangement by conducting one or more of the following operations: selectively switching the individual light sources on or off; selectively changing the light intensity of the individual light sources; and/or selectively changing the colour illuminated by the individual light sources.

The controller may be a DMX controller. The controller may include control software which is configured to control the operation of the lighting arrangement. The controller may be configured to have two or more operating states/modes which are configured to control the illumination of the light sources, such that they illuminate in two or more different ways. The controller may include a trigger arrangement which is configured to initiate a sequence of control instructions for the controller, upon receiving a specific trigger, The trigger may be an audio trigger, a motion sensor trigger, a time delay trigger, a trigger dependent on social media or a combination of these triggers.

The display arrangement may include a power supply (e.g.

power supply).

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a display method which includes: operating a fighting arrangement; and

filtering light illuminated by the lighting arrangement through a first print layer and thereafter through a second print layer, such that a front, viewable surface of a front side of the second display layer, which faces away from the first layer, is illuminated by the filtered light.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings. In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional exploded view of various print layers of a display arrangement in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional exploded view of part of a display arrangement in accordance with the invention;

Figure 3a shows a schematic plan view of a front face of the display arrangement of Figure 2, when a controller of a lighting arrangement of the display arrangement is in a day mode;

Figure 3b shows a schematic plan view of the front face of the display arrangement shown in Figure 3a, when the controller is in a night mode;

Figure 4a shows a schematic plan view of the front face shown in

Figure 3a, with different print, when the controller is in a day mode;

Figure 4b shows a schematic plan view of the front face shown in

Figure 4a, when the controller is in a night mode; and

Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional view of part of a display arrangement in accordance with the invention. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates generally to a display arrangement which is capable of displaying an image in a variety of ways, without the use of a digital display panel.

Instead, the invention makes use of a multi-!ayer printing technique. The printing technique is conducted by printing three translucent print layers onto a print media/material (e.g. a substrate), one on top of the other. The first layer printed on the print media is a so-called "effects layer". This layer may typically be a colourful graphic image which is meant to complement a so-called top layer described below. The next layer is an intermediate or so-called "diffuser layer" which is configured to help mask the effect of the effects layer when the printing arrangement is in a non- illuminated state. The final/top layer is printed on top of the "diffuser" layer, and typically defines a top viewable surface of the display arrangement which acts as a main display of the display arrangement (which is viewed by people during use). The top layer may, for example, be a colourful advertisement for a particular company.

The print layers are typically secured to a front part of a housing/lighting box. Inside the housing is provided a plurality of RGB Sights which are distributed across the rear face of the first print layer. The lights are operatively connected to a controller which is configured to control the operation thereof.

The controller typically includes control software which is configured to control the operation of the RGB lights. The combination of the light intensity and colour illuminated by each of the RGB lights are filtered through the effects layer, due to the printing contained therein. The filtered light is then transferred through the diffuser layer and onto the top layer which again filters the light due to the printing contained therein. As a result, the advertisement (or other graphic display) which is displayed by the viewable surface (i.e. when viewed from in front of the top layer), is creatively changed through the filtered lighting.

The operation of the RGB lights are controlled by a controller which may have different states in order to change the appearance of the graphic display displayed on the viewable surface in a creative way.

In the drawings, reference numeral 10 refers generally to a display arrangement in accordance with the invention (see specifically Figures 2 and 5).

Reference is now made to Figure 1. The display arrangement 10 includes three translucent print layers 12, 14, 16 (or which are at least partially translucent) which are printed one on top of the other onto a print media/material 18 (e.g. a print substrate such as paper). The layers 12, 14, 16 are therefore effectively superimposed over one another.

The print layer 12 (hereinafter referred to as the "effects layer 12") is firstly printed onto the print media 8. The print layer 12 essentially contains a secondary graphic display (the so-called "primary graphic display" will be described in more detail below) which is configured to provide a so-called secondary visual effect on a graphic (e.g. an advertisement) being displayed on the layer 16 (the secondary visual effect will be described in more detail below). After the effects layer 12, the print layer 14 (hereinafter referred to as the "diffuser layer 14") is printed over the effects layer 12 on the print media 18. The diffuser layer 14 is effectively a layer of white ink which is configured to help mask the effect the effects layer 12 has on the layer 16 during a non-illuminated mode (described in more detail later on in the specification).

Finally, the print layer 16 (hereinafter referred to as the "creative layer 16") is printed over the diffuser layer 14 onto the print media 18. The creative layer 16 defines a viewable surface 20 of the display arrangement 10 and essentially contains the main/primary graphic display (generally indicated by reference numeral 22) which will be viewable by people standing in front of the display arrangement 10. The primary graphic display may for example be that of an advertisement (e.g. for advertising a particular brand of beer).

The display arrangement 10 includes a housing 24 (see Figure 2) which has a rectangular outer frame 26 which defines a large rectangular recess 28 leading into the housing 24 from a front part thereof. The print media 18 is effectively dimensioned to fit snugly within the recess 28 such that the viewable surface 20 is flush with a front surface 30 of the frame 26, when fitted therein.

The display arrangement 10 also includes a lighting arrangement in the form of an RGB light strip 29 which includes a plurality/series of RGB (red, green, blue) LED lights 32. The light strip 29 is mounted inside the recess 28 and extends across the width and length of the rectangular recess 28 in a meandering fashion. The light strip 29 therefore substantially extends across the width and length of a rectangular rear face of the print media 18 and therefore also the effects layer 12.

Due to the distribution of the lights 32 across the rear face of the print media 18, the individual lights 32 are able to illuminate various portions/parts of the effects layer 12 from the back/rear. Therefore, for example, the light indicated by reference numeral 40 can be used to illuminate a bottom left corner of the effects layer 12 (as well as the other two layers 14, 16). In a similar fashion, the light indicated by reference numeral 42 can be used to illuminate a top right corner of the effects layer 12 (as well as the other two layers 14, 16).

The tight strip 29 is operatively connected to a controller 34 (see Figure 5) which is configured to control the operation of the lights 32. The display arrangement 10 is powered by a power supply 36 (e.g. a 12 V power supply (the display arrangement 10 may however also be adapted to allow it to be powered by larger power sources)) which is connected to the controller 34. In this example, the controller 34 is a DMX controller which also includes a remote control unit 38 which can be used to operate the controller 34 remotely. The controller 34 includes a processor and an internal database (not specifically shown) on which appropriate control software is stored. The control software is typically configured to instruct the processor to perform certain control functions in order to illuminate the lights 32 in a specific manner.

More specifically, the controller 34 is configured to control the operation of each of the lights 32, by controlling their intensity and colour. The controller 34 may, for example, include two (or more) states/modes, wherein each mode comprises a unique set of control functions for the lights 32, in order to illuminate the three layers 12, 14 and 16 in a specific manner. The one state may be a day mode in which none of the lights 32 are illuminated (thereby producing a so-calfed non- illuminated mode/state), while the other state may be a night mode in which the lights are illuminated in a specific manner, in order to provide a different visual effect during the night.

Reference is now specifically made to Figures 1 , 3a and 3b. In the example illustrated in these figures, the effects layer 12 includes a pattern (generally indicated by reference numeral 50) which extends across the whole layer 12. The creative layer 16 illustrates, amongst others, a human hand 52 which appears to be connected to a light bulb 54 by means of an electrical spark 56. The controller 34, in this example, includes a day mode (illustrated in Figure 3a) and a night mode (illustrated in Figure 3b).

In the day mode, the controller 34 does not illuminate any of the lights 32. Since the diffuser layer 14 effectively masks the effect the effects layer 12 has on the creative layer 16 during a non-illuminated mode, the pattern 50 is not transferred onto any part of the creative layer 16, as shown in Figure 3a. During the night mode, however, a portion of the lights 32 which is positioned behind the illustration of the hand 52 (i.e. the portion of the lights 32 which corresponds with the hand 52) is illuminated. As a result of the illumination, the pattern 50, in the specific location of the hand 52, is transferred through the diffuser layer 14 and projected/transferred onto the hand 50 part of the creative layer 16. In the night mode, the display arrangement 10 therefore effectively illustrates the same image as in the day mode, but with the hand 50 being covered with the pattern 52. The colour of the pattern 50 can, for example, be changed by changing the colour of the portion of lights 32 positioned behind the hand 52 (as mentioned above). The light illuminated by these lights 32 is effectively filtered through the effects layer 12. The colour of the lights being transferred onto the creative layer 16 is therefore affected by the colour of the actual lights 32, as well as the colour of the effects layer 12 in the particular parts/portions which are positioned directly above (i.e. corresponds to) the said lights 32. For example, if a particular light 30 illuminates in red, and the corresponding portion of the effects layer 12 is green, then the light transferred onto the creative layer 16 should be yellow.

The effects layer 12 therefore effectively provides a secondary I effect for the image/graphic being displayed on the creative layer 16.

Figures 2, 4a and 4b show another example of the display arrangement 10 which has two different display modes (e.g. a day mode and a night mode).

By projecting/illuminating different light colours (i.e. frequencies) through the use of the RGB lights 32, certain other visual aspects can also be changed, such as shade and highlights. Through the use of critically placed colour filters (colour polarization filters) within the effects layer 12 (by means of the print), it is possible to manipulate the colour ultimately projected through the viewable surface 20.

The controller 34 can include a trigger mechanism/arrangement which is configured to implement a set of flash sequences upon receiving/detecting an appropriate trigger, e.g. to thereby help draw a viewer's attention. Examples of trigger mechanisms are audio sensors, motion sensors and specific time delays. Social media may be used as a trigger.

The display arrangement 10 may, for example, be used as a retail display which uses a time delay, motion sensor or social media trigger to execute/run a specific illumination sequence in order to draw a viewer's attention.

The display arrangement 10 can be implemented in existing light boxes to thereby upgrade the light box. The upgrade may, in certain circumstances, not even require a structural change to the display housing.

In one application, the display arrangement 10 can be used in the club/entertainment industry (e.g. nightclubs, restaurants, taverns and other social venues) where the arrangement 10 may, for example, be provided on, or form part of, a wall which is animated through audio triggering. In this example, sound sensitive control units may be used in order to control the animation sequence and to set the timing to various acoustics frequencies of the music.

In another application, the display arrangement 0 may be used in the film industry in which it can be used as backdrops which has integrated colour and contrast control, which may help provide emphasis and realism to scenes.

The display arrangement 10 may further be used in decor where interior decorators and decor agents can offer clients a dynamic visual experience through engaging printed media and ambient light control. In another application, the display arrangement 10 may be used as freestanding units, large format displays (such as building wraps, mega- signs, hoarding illumination and graphic towers) and in product promotions (e.g. activation booths and exhibition stands).

The Inventor believes that the display arrangement 10, in accordance with the invention, provides an aesthetically dynamic solution to at least some of the problems identified in the background of the invention, which is cost effective, energy efficient, labour efficient and versatile.

The controller 34 allows the display arrangement 10 to control and randomize the colour of the lights 32 through flash sequencing and colour cycling, ultimately creating movement and colour animation on the viewable surface 20. This allows the display arrangement 10 to highlight key features/elements within the printed graphic.

By using a multi-layer process, it allows certain print elements to be isolated and to control the way the print elements react, when illuminated, as opposed to when it is unlit.

Claims

1. A display arrangement which includes:

. a first print layer which is at least partially translucent; a second print layer, which is at least partially translucent, and which is superimposed/provided over a front side of the first print layer; and a lighting arrangement which is positioned on a rear side of the first layer and which is configured to illuminate the first layer from the rear side, as well as the second layer through/via the first layer, when operated.

2. The display arrangement of claim 1 , which includes an intermediate print layer, which is at least partially translucent, and which is located between the first and second layers, wherein the intermediate layer is configured to mask the visual effects of the first layer on the second layer, when the layers are not illuminated by the lighting arrangement.

3. The display arrangement of claim 2, wherein the intermediate print layer is a layer of white ink.

4. The display arrangement of claim 2, which includes a print media/material on which the first layer is printed.

5. The display arrangement of claim 4, wherein the intermediate layer is printed over/on top of the first layer and the second layer is printed over/on top of the intermediate layer.

6. The display arrangement of claim 5, wherein a front side of the second layer, which faces away from the first layer, defines a viewable surface which, when in use, functions as a main display of the display arrangement.

7. The display arrangement of claim 6, which includes a housing in/to which the lighting arrangement is mounted.

8. The display arrangement of claim 6, wherein the lighting arrangement is configured to illuminate different colours.

9. The display arrangement of claim 8, wherein the lighting arrangement includes a plurality of light sources.

10. The display arrangement of claim 9, wherein the plurality of light sources are distributed across/along a rear face of the first layer in order to illuminate different parts of the first layer, when in use.

11. The display arrangement of claim 10, wherein the lighting arrangement is an RGB (red, green, blue) lighting arrangement.

12. The display arrangement of claim 11 , wherein each light source is an RGB light source.

13. The display arrangement of claim 12, wherein the plurality of tight sources are arranged to form an RGB light strip, wherein the strip is arranged to extend across and/or along the rear face of the first layer, in order to illuminate different parts of the first layer, when in use.

14. The display arrangement of claim 10, which includes a controller which is operatively connected to the lighting arrangement in order to control the operation thereof.

15. The display arrangement of claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to control the illumination of the lighting arrangement by conducting one or more of the following operations: selectively switching the individual light sources on or off; selectively changing the light intensity of the individual light sources; and/or selectively changing the colour illuminated by the individual light sources.

16. The display arrangement of claim 15, wherein the controller is a DMX controller.

17. The display arrangement of claim 14, wherein the controller includes control software which is configured to control the operation of the lighting arrangement.

The display arrangement of claim 15, wherein the controller configured to have two or more operating states/modes which configured to control the illumination of the light sources, such that they illuminate in two or more different ways.

19. The display arrangement of c!aim 15, wherein the controller includes a trigger arrangement which is configured to initiate a sequence of control instructions for the controller, upon receiving a specific trigger.

20. The display arrangement of claim 19, wherein the trigger is an audio trigger, a motion sensor trigger, a time delay trigger, or a combination of these triggers.

21. A display method which includes: operating a lighting arrangement; and