WO2017072553A1

WO2017072553A1 - Self-printing advertisement board with removable ink

Info

Publication number: WO2017072553A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/058283
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul LEWIN; Jeremy SMALLWOOD; Albert Kocsis; Gábor HETYEY; Attila ÁGOSTON; Zoltán JUHÁSZ; Gábor HALMI; Attila Nagy; Viktor KÁLMÁN; Ferenc THIER
Original assignee: Siarq Studio Itinerante Arquitectura, S.L.; Index Kommunikacios Kft.
Priority date: 2015-10-27
Filing date: 2015-10-27
Publication date: 2017-05-04

Abstract

A self-printing advertisement board having a removable ink printing unit (5), composed of differently coloured polymer powders, and a sheet (4), also reusable, having an electrode structure (6) connected to an electrical unit (7) which applies voltage, controlling the adherence of the powder by applying the principle of dielectrophoretic fixation. It also has a removal unit (8), using a brush (16) and, optionally, a separation unit (9) for reusing the powder removed. The printing unit (5) has a print head with dispensing cartridges (10) connected to a digital controller and a refilling unit (15). A central control module (12) includes image processing software that actuates the printing unit (5) and includes a communication module for remote management over the Internet (I), by means of a web server (27), including a camera and lighting.

Description

S P E C I F I C A T I O N

SELF-PRINTING ADVERTISEMENT BOARD WITH REMOVABLE INK OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention, as expressed in the title of the present specification, relates to an self-printing advertisement board with removable ink having the advantages and characteristics described below, which represent a novelty in the current state of the art.

The object of the present invention focuses specifically on an self-printing advertisement board with removable ink that includes means and devices acting as interfaces, which are capable of showing static images, based on removable powdered ink applied on a special sheet, also reusable by means of a specific technique, based on which said images may be changed without changing the lamina and, additionally, remotely over the Internet.

Said means constitute a technology that allows the printing of changing advertisements on said board sheet, whose surface may be deleted and printed indefinitely. Also, the ink used is collected and, optionally, the colours separated in order to be reused. Thus, on the one hand, the board is capable of changing the image it offers without producing any type of residue and, on the other, uses much less electricity than that consumed by dynamic displays (for example, LCD screens), in addition to being cheaper to manufacture.

FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

The field of application of the present invention falls under the industry sector dedicated to the manufacture and commercialization of billboards and advertising media, focusing particularly on the field of advertisement boards with changing images.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Different types and systems of billboards and advertising media with changing images are known in the market. For example, by means of rotating slats, scrolling sheets or similar. However, in these types of systems the possible number of different images is very limited and, in order to add new advertising images, the sheets or printed-paper must be fully replaced by other different ones, in addition to making the corresponding prints thereon.

There are also dynamic display-type boards that include a larger number of changing images; however, these are normally photographic reproductions of images on LCD screens, which implies that the board is either small or is highly expensive. In addition, these types of boards require high electricity consumption to function.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a new type of changing advertisement board, but much more environmentally friendly and cheaper.

Furthermore, in reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that, although some parts of the board are available on the market, at least by the applicant, the existence of any other advertisement board with removable ink having technical, structural and constituent characteristics similar to those of the advertisement board claimed herein is unknown.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The board proposed by the invention therefore represents a noteworthy novelty within its field of application since, based on its implementation, the aforementioned objectives are satisfactorily achieved, the characterising details that distinguish being conveniently set out in the final claims that accompany the present specification. Specifically, what the invention proposes, as mentioned earlier, is an self- printing advertisement board that includes means and devices capable of displaying static images that can be replaced by others without need to change or replace the sheet which acts as a surface whereon they are printed, with the advantage that removable ink is used for said printing.

Also, in the preferred embodiment, the board of the invention is designed to be an advertising banner remotely operated over the Internet, i.e. the board devices may be controlled through a server or web application and the content displayed thereon may be monitored through an integrated camera. To this end, the system preferably uses coloured polymer powders as ink and a reusable printing surface (a laminating sheet) containing an electrode structure. The degree of adhesion may be controlled by varying the voltage applied to the electrode structure; the powder may be removed without trace in order to print a new image on the same printing surface.

The deposition of powder (printing of the advertisement) is preferably performed using a single print head specially designed for precise powder dispensing applications. After changing the image and in order to enable the reuse of the differently coloured powder since, as mentioned earlier, the ink is removable, they must be separated from one another, which is carried out by means of a separation unit wherein two stages are envisaged: magnetic separation and sifting. Furthermore, for depositing and adhering the powder grains over the surface of the board sheet, the principle of electrophoretic or dielectrophoretic fixation is preferably applied. The size, shape and grid of the electrode and the material applied to the laminated sheet are specific for achieving said adherence without suffering deformations, as the sheet is preferably disposed in an upright position and rotates for printing and deleting the images.

Based on the foregoing, the board printing system provides the following advantages compared to current systems: - It is easy to produce and control a divergent electrostatic field on a surface using an interdigitated electrode pattern.

- The energy used is less that that used by LED technology and the particles can be mechanically released when the field is eliminated.

- The system works with a variety of materials.

- The system allows the use of particles of different sizes, within a certain range. - Its effectiveness is not very influenced by humidity.

- The reuse of the materials avoids the generation of residue.

- The system can be adapted to different advertising board sizes.

- The ink can be recycled in situ or periodically by specialised personnel.

- The remote system allows the advertisement to be changed without need for the intervention of specialised personnel.

- Less visual contamination than that produced by the LED system. The powder used with the board of the invention is, preferably, powdered polyester material and susceptible of being produced in a wide range of colours available on the market.

Image processing is responsible for transforming the image from the colour space to the specific palette of the board of the invention. As the board uses an indexed personalised palette, the system needs to transform each pixel of the image to obtain the closest colour match on the scale, which is performed by means of an image processing module. The interpolation algorithm of the known colour palette causes a defect in the context of the board printing method of the invention. Said algorithm works well with shiny colours, however, dark colours are selected as shades of black, due to which the converted image loses colour fidelity in the darkest regions. Therefore, the specific interpolation algorithm of the proposed board uses a colour distance metric modified to mix all the dark colours except black. This is achieved by artificially "distancing" the black in the colour space. The result not only achieves better colour depth, but rather the use of a greater number of powder paints.

Given that banner advertising has a fixed size, the initial image must be rescaled in order to also be adapted to the resolution of the paper sheet.

The print head controller receives information about the image from the central control module and translates it into low-level control signals towards the print head. The board functions like an integrated printer using colour powder which it deposits through the aforementioned piezoelectric print head on a special surface constituted by the sheet with electrode structure.

The powder dispenser is digitally controlled and uses a small resonance mechanism to resolve the static friction and generate a kinetic friction which allows the movement of the paint grains as a continuous fluid. The "viscosity" of this current is determined by the physical properties of the powder, such as grain size, density, friction coefficient and also vibration amplitude.

The dispenser contains an anti-obstruction system for interrupting or avoiding the formation of conglomerates. The dispenser operates with vibration to expel the volume of powder in a controlled manner, constituting the basic unit of printing technology of the board of the invention.

The board also includes a mechanical system or sheet loader (treadmill) and guiding system, a print head displacement unit, powder refilling units and a powder removal system.

Specifically, the sheet functions like a treadmill included between drums and rollers disposed above and below. At least one drum acts like a pushing means and two rollers like tensioning elements. The two drums, optionally, are connected therebetween by a cable through a pulley system that provides constant tension by means of a counterweight and a spring. The advantage of this sheet actuation system is the independent tensioning and movement. The rotation of the sheet drum and horizontal movement of the printer unit head are actuated by stepper motors guided by the printer control system. Furthermore, the print head has various cartridges for the different powder colours, which must be refilled every now and then. The control software controls the consumption of paint by colour and for managing the ink powder refilling unit envisaged by the board, having envisaged in said unit a powder tank for each colour equipped with small worm screw transporters for expulsion thereof towards the corresponding print head cartridge. The powder removal subsystem is consists of either a simple brush with which the sheet comes into contact in its sliding movement or a rotary brush actuated by a direct current through the traction chain. The strength of the chain ensures the necessary pressure for the brush to clean the paint powder from the sheet. In both cases, the paint particles used are collected in a container disposed for such purpose underneath said brush, having also envisaged a large flat tray disposed underneath the sheet actuation unit in order to collect any possible powder residue. Optionally, the self-printing advertisement board of the invention includes a separation unit, the process of which comprises the aforementioned separation and sifting stages. This unit may be incorporated to the board itself, underneath the aforementioned removed powder collection container, or consist of an independent module, for example located elsewhere, wherein said separation is performed with the ink powder periodically collected from one or more boards.

In any case, the first step in the process is magnetic separation, which is carried out by means of a non-magnetisable rotating drum wherein a tube is inserted having a stable magnetic insert, preferably NdFeB or Neodymium magnet. The powder collected (a mixture of different colours) is divided on the basis of ferromagnetic properties. Three of the seven colours are doped with iron particles.

The second stage is separation sifting, wherein the group of ferromagnetic and non-magnetic colour powders may be separated on the basis of particle size. The size of the ink particles shall be that determined by the fulfilment of the main criteria: electrostatic adherence, printing and good image quality. Sifting can be performed by rotation of the sheet drum, avoiding frequent obstruction due to the properties of the amorphous and rough particles. Continuing with the properties of the invention, the self-printing advertisement board has an integrated control system, image processing software and communication module. Also, preferably, it is equipped with a tracking and lighting system. A web-based graphic user interface and software integrated in the unit allows it to function like an autonomous system. The main objective of the user centre/web application is to provide an independent platform for easy, remote supervision and for the operation of the board devices. Its main characteristics are as follows:

- User management: the devices are only controlled by means of authentication;

- Device management: the frame manages a large number of devices in a single location;

- Image processing: the images, for printing thereof, are converted and updated to an acceptable format from the viewpoint of the board devices;

- Monitoring: the devices function remotely using the user centre. In order to provide a secure communication network, OpenVPN Virtual

Private Network is used. With this additional network, the board devices can establish a secure connection with the web server of the system over the Internet using a 3G modem incorporated for such purpose. Authorisation is required to use the functions of the web application. Each device may only be controlled by the owner of a given unit. The owner may establish/adjust the main device attributes, annul the current status and functioning, and initiate a new printing process. Before printing a selected image, the image is converted to the palette of the board in question applied using an additional screening process to increase printing quality. The converted image can be reviewed in the web application prior to printing. The printing process in progress can be controlled/cancelled (stop, resume, cancel the operation) by the owner at any time. The result of the printing process can be observed remotely: through the chamber which has been mounted on the device for such purpose, showing the current situation of the sheet on the web application. In short, the self-printing advertisement board proposed by the invention is a profitable tool for open-air communication means, effective and environmentally friendly which, from a certain distance, can have nearly the same visual effect as a paper-based poster, but which does not require pre-printing of paper, or ink, or glue which pollute the environment.

The described self-printing advertisement board therefore consists of an innovative structure having characteristics unknown to date for the purpose for which it is intended, reasons which, added to its practical utility, endow it with sufficient reasons for obtaining the exclusivity privilege being applied for. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to complement the description being made and with the object of helping to better understand the characteristics of the invention, this specification is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by a set of drawings where, in an illustrative and non-limiting manner, the following has been represented: fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the internal rear part of an example of the self-printing advertisement board object of the invention, wherein the main parts and elements it comprises can be observed;

fig. 2 shows, also schematically, a sectional elevational view of the example of the board, according to the invention, shown in figure 1 , wherein its main elements can be observed;

fig. 3 shows a schematic view of the structure of the sheet that constitutes the surface to be printed of the board of the invention; fig. 4 shows a partial and perspective view of an example of a print head dispenser cartridge of the board of the invention, showing its external configuration and, schematically, some of its essential internal components represented by a dashed line;

fig. 5 shows a partial and perspective view of the upper part of the example of the self-printing advertisement board shown in figures 1 and 2, wherein the configuration of the roller system and powder removal unit can be observed;

fig. 6 shows an enlarged view of detail A indicated in figure 2, wherein the actuation and guiding unit of the sheet can be observed on the lower part of the board; and

fig. 7 shows a schematic view of the remote operation of the board over the Internet. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In light of the aforementioned figures and in accordance with the numbering adopted therein, a non-limiting example of the self-printing advertisement board of the invention can be observed, which comprises the parts and elements indicated and described in detail below.

Therefore, as can be observed in figures 1 and 2, in the example represented the board (1 ) in question is of the type comprising a structure (2), preferably aluminium, having cover panels (3) that form a conveniently resistant box wherein the constituent elements are housed, including a mobile sheet (4) movable by an actuation and guiding unit (19), whose surface serves to include the images to be displayed through the front side of said box. Based on said configuration, which may vary in each case, the board (1 ) is distinguished by comprising a printing unit (5) that applies removable ink, consisting of differently coloured polymer powders, preferably polyester, wherein the mobile sheet (4) is a printing surface that is also reusable, as it contains an electrode structure (6) (figure 3) connected to an electrical unit (7) also included in the board (1 ) and which, on applying electric current, controls the adherence of said powdered ink, applying the principle of electrophoretic fixation.

The board (1 ) also has an ink removal unit (8) for removing the powder from the sheet (4) surface and allowing reprinting of a new image thereon.

Optionally, the board (1 ) also includes a separation unit (9) for reusing the powder collected in the removal unit (8), wherein the powder is subjected to a process comprising a magnetic separation phase and a sifting phase. Although not represented, in the event of inclusion, said separation unit (9) comprises a non-magnetisable rotating drum wherein a tube having a stable magnetic insert is inserted, preferably NdFeB, and a sieve for separating the particles based on their size, in addition to means for carrying out the aforementioned magnetic separation and sifting phases.

Going into each element in greater detail, it should be noted that the printing unit (5) comprises, at least, one print head having various dispenser cartridges (10) for dispensing the powders of each colour which, moved by a linear actuator (1 1 ), is connected to a controller which receives information about the image from the central control module (12) and translates it into signals that actuate said print head in order for the cartridges (10) to dispense the corresponding amount of powder. To this end, each dispenser cartridge (10) is digitally controlled and uses a small resonance mechanism (13) that makes it vibrate, causing the powder contained in its interior to flow through the nozzle (14) in a fluid and continuous manner (figure 4). The board (1 ) also has a refilling unit (15) for refilling the powder that constitutes the ink, formed by a group of tanks, one for each colour, that fill the dispenser cartridges (10) as required, which is controlled by a central control module (12). The software of said module controls the consumption of paint by colour in each cartridge (10) and manages the refilling of powder, having envisaged small worm screws for expulsion thereof in the tanks of each unit (15).

In accordance with figure 5, it can be observed how the removal unit (8), in a possible embodiment, comprises a brush (16) with which the sheet (4) comes into contact in its sliding movement, although another possible option is the inclusion of a rotary brush actuated by a motor or by the movement of the chain which actuates the displacement of the sheet (4). In any case, said brush (16) cleans the paint powder from the sheet (4) surface and the used particles are collected in a container (17) disposed for such purpose underneath said brush, having also envisaged, preferably, a collection tray (18) disposed on the lower part of the board (1 ), under the relevant sheet (4) actuation and guiding unit (19). Likewise, the existence of a deflector panel (28) has been envisaged in order to prevent powder from falling outside of the collection container (17) of said removal unit (8).

The sheet (4) moves dragged by said actuation and guiding unit (19) which comprises, at least, a first traction drum (20) associated with a motor (21 ) by means of a chain (22), a second drum (23) disposed at the opposite end, in this case the upper end, and which, together with the drum (20), drag the sheet (4) and corresponding tensioning rollers (24). The central control module (12) controls all the board (1 ) elements and devices and includes programmable image processing software and a communication module. In addition, preferably, it is equipped with a tracking system in the form of a camera, preferably a small webcam-type camera, as a remote tracking and monitoring, and also lighting, system (elements not represented in the figures).

Figure 7 schematically represents the remote communication between the board (1 ) and the client/user through their computer or electronic device (25), which is carried out over the Internet (I), preferably using OpenVPN virtual private network (26) to connect to a web server (27) of the application which enables the remote management of the board (1 ).

Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention and the manner in which to put it into practice, it is not considered necessary to further extend the explanation thereof in order for any person skilled in the art to understand its scope and the advantages arising therefrom, whereupon it is hereby stated that, within its essentiality, it may be put into practice in other embodiments that differ in detail from that indicated by way of example, and which also fall within the scope of the protection being applied for, provided that its basic principle is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

C L A I M S

1 . An self-printing advertisement board which, being of the type that includes a sheet (4) whose surface serves to include the images to be displayed, is characterised in that it comprises a printing unit (5) which applies removable ink and in that the sheet (4) of the board (1 ) is also reusable.

2. The self-printing advertisement board, according to claim 1 , characterised in that the ink consists of powdered material that adheres to the sheet (4), applying the principle of dielectrophoretic fixation.

3. The self-printing advertisement board, according to claim 4, characterised in that the powder that composes the ink is polyester ink. 4. The self-printing advertisement board, according to any of claims 2 to 3, characterised in that the sheet (4) contains an electrode structure (6) connected to an electrical unit (7) incorporated to the board (1 ) and which, on applying voltage, controls the adherence of the powder. 5. The self-printing advertisement board, according to any of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that it has, additionally, an ink removal unit (8) for removing the powder from the surface of the sheet (4) to allow the reprinting of a new image thereon. 6. The self-printing advertisement board, according to claim 5, characterised in that the removal unit (8) comprises a brush (16) with which the sheet (4) comes into contact in its sliding movement and cleans the powder from the surface.

The self-printing advertisement board, according to claim 6, characterised in that it also comprises a collection container (17) for collecting the removed powder.

The self-printing advertisement board, according to any of claims 5 to 7, characterised in that it also includes a separation unit (8) for reusing the powder collected in the removal unit (8).

9. The self-printing advertisement board, according to claim 8, characterised in that the separation unit (9) comprises magnetic separation means and sifting means.

10. The self-printing advertisement board, according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the printing unit (5) comprises, at least, one print head with various powder dispensing cartridges (10) which, moved by a linear actuator (1 1 ), is connected to a digital controller.

1 1 . The self-printing advertisement board, according to claim 10, characterised in that each dispensing cartridge (10) has a resonance mechanism (13) that makes it vibrate, causing the powder contained in its interior to flow through its respective nozzle (14) in a fluid and continuous manner.

12. The self-printing advertisement board, according to any of claims 10 to 1 1 , characterised in that it comprises, additionally, a powder refilling unit (15) in the dispensing cartridges (10), consisting of tanks, one for each colour, having small worm screws for expulsion thereof.

13. The self-printing advertisement board, according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that it has a central control module (12) that controls all the board (1 ) elements and devices and includes a programmable image processing software that actuates the printing unit (5).

14. The self-printing advertisement board, according to claim 13, characterised in that the central control module (12) also includes a communication module for remotely managing the printing and other actions of said module.

15. The self-printing advertisement board, according to claim 14, characterised in that said remote management is carried out over the Internet (I) by means of a web server (27).

16. The self-printing advertisement board, according to claim 14 or 15, characterised in that it includes a camera as a remote tracking and monitoring system.