CA2092086C - A display system - Google Patents

A display system

Info

Publication number
CA2092086C
CA2092086C CA002092086A CA2092086A CA2092086C CA 2092086 C CA2092086 C CA 2092086C CA 002092086 A CA002092086 A CA 002092086A CA 2092086 A CA2092086 A CA 2092086A CA 2092086 C CA2092086 C CA 2092086C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
dots
display system
edgelit
matrix
light
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
CA002092086A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
John Ashall
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ILLUMINATION RESEARCH GROUP Inc
Original Assignee
ILLUMINATION RESEARCH GROUP Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
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Application filed by ILLUMINATION RESEARCH GROUP Inc filed Critical ILLUMINATION RESEARCH GROUP Inc
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2092086C publication Critical patent/CA2092086C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0033—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
    • G02B6/0035—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it
    • G02B6/004—Scattering dots or dot-like elements, e.g. microbeads, scattering particles, nanoparticles
    • G02B6/0043—Scattering dots or dot-like elements, e.g. microbeads, scattering particles, nanoparticles provided on the surface of the light guide
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/18—Edge-illuminated signs
    • B60K35/60—
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0033—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
    • G02B6/0058—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide varying in density, size, shape or depth along the light guide
    • G02B6/0061—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide varying in density, size, shape or depth along the light guide to provide homogeneous light output intensity
    • B60K2360/33—
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0033—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
    • G02B6/0058—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide varying in density, size, shape or depth along the light guide
    • G02B6/006—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide varying in density, size, shape or depth along the light guide to produce indicia, symbols, texts or the like
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/18—Edge-illuminated signs
    • G09F2013/1804—Achieving homogeneous illumination
    • G09F2013/1809—Achieving homogeneous illumination using a non-homogeneous front window
    • G09F2013/1813—Achieving homogeneous illumination using a non-homogeneous front window provided with a coating showing a pattern of dots of variable density

Abstract

The invention provides a novel illuminated display system wherein the system has at least one transparent sheet having two opposing surfaces, wherein at least one of these surfaces has a matrix of dots applied to its surface. It is preferred that both surfaces have the matrix of dots applied thereto. The display system is illuminated by a light source on the edge of the sign. The display system can be one-sided or double-sided.

Description

2~92~8~.. .

A DISPI ~Y SYSTF~
The invention relates to a novel display system, and to in particular illuminated display boards.
Originally, illuminated display boards were essentially display boards with an 5 external light source. For example, a billboard with lights. Smaller displays were generally even less sophisticated and were not even illuminated.
As the market grew and the need for advertising increased so has the need for more sophisl;caled but just as simple display systems.
With the advent of translucent plastics, back-illuminated signs and displays have 10 become very popular. This type of system essentially comprises a bank of lights, generally the fluorescent variety with a translucent sheet with the sign applied thereto;
either by the way of painting or etching and the like. Large banks of lights are often required to illuminate the entire surface of the signs. A disadvantage of such back-illuminated signs is that a large number of lights are required, increasing running costs 15 and maintenance costs since they are continually needing to be replaced. Furthermore, when one light needs to be replaced generally the entire sign needs to be dismantled, which is a great inconvenience when a large sign is involved.
Clear sheet materials with the sign directly applied to the surface have recently been used. However, the problem with these types of signsldisplays, as with the back-20 illuminated signs, a number of lights are required to fully illuminate the sign. In thiscase the display requires a light source along each edge of the sheet in order for the sign to be illuminated and even then the middle portion of the display is not illuminated to the same degree as the edges.
The prior art has attempted to increase the degree of illumination of translucent 2 5 and transparent mediums and generally these attempts have not been particularly successful when applied to larger areas which is often the case with signs. Illumination of a small area is generally easier and an attempt at increasing the illumination of a small area is discussed in U.S. Patent No. 3,241,256. This patent dealt with providing uniform brightness on instrument dials, scales and indicator tapes, generally small in nature. A
3 0 dot pattern was applied to the rear side of the light transmitting block only wherein the block is supported by a plate. As with previous systems, when larger areas are required to be illuminated, a number of light sources are required to fully illuminate the entire area of the sign.

2 20920~6 In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided an edgelit illuminated display system comprising: a transparent medium having first and second opposing surfaces and at least one edge operable with a light source for illuminating the first and second surfaces; and a matrix of dots on 5 each of the surfaces arranged to allow interaction of light between the surfaces, the matrix of dots on at least one of the surfaces substantially covering the entire surface for providing an even and increased illumination throughout the surface, wherein when a graphic image is supported over the surface, the graphic image is evenly illuminated.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided an edgelit illuminated display system comprising: a housing having a light source therein; a transparent medium having first and second opposing surface and at least one edge operable with the light source for illuminating the first and second surfaces; and a matrix of dots on each of the surfaces arranged to allow 15 interaction of light between the surfaces, the matrix of dots on at least one of the surfaces substantially covering the entire surface for providing an even and increased illumination throughout the surface, wherein when a graphic image is supported over the surface, the graphic image is evenly illuminated.
Surprisingly and advantageously, the illuminated display system of the 20 present invention with a dot matrix applied to both sides of the transparent sheet, a~

2a 2092086 provides greater and more even illumination of the sign. This is also true for large signs. The prior art does not discuss this important finding and the theory does not predict that by applying a dot matrix to both sides would enhance illumination 5 significantly. Also by using the system, maintenance is reduced as weN as the power requirements.
The light source is generally fixed to only one edge of the transparent sheet.
Only in very large signs may another light source be required on another edge.
Furthermore, the density of dots preferably increases along the transparent 10 sheet in the direction from the edge where the light source is to be fixed.
To increase the density of dots the dots can either increase in number and the gaps between the dots decrease in size or alternatively, the gaps between the dots stay the same and the size of the dots increases.

7~ ' ~ , ~Dots~ used in the specification and in the claims can be of any size or shape, for example square, round, rectangular, triangular and in tact can be of irregular shape. The dots are translucent or opaque and more preferably light-coloured for example, white.
~Matrix~ used in the specification can be any display or array of the dots as herein defined.
~Transparent medium~ used in the specification and claims means one or more transparent sheets.
The dots can be applied to the transparent sheet by etching, painting, screen printing or any other means of applying a medium to a transparent sheet.
Alternatively, the matrix of dots may be applied to a transparent film which then may be adhered to the transparent sheet.
The transparent medium may be glass or plastic but is preferably acrylic.
Generally to form the sign, in the case of a one-sided sign, a backing plate is provided which is generally opaque and light in colour, preferably white.
In the case of a two-sided sign, another sheet with a light coloured face, preferably white, facing the dot matrix of the transparent sheet, is attached. This other sheet may be plain or have the sign applied to the other side. This other sheet should be sufficiently translucent to allow some light to pass through andilluminate the sign. The other sheet may be made of any material including plastics and paper.
The light source can be retained in a carrier which can also act as a support for the transparent sheet. Preferably the light source is a fluorescent tube or depending on the size of the display, a number of tubes.
2~ The article for use in an illuminated display system of the invention can be placed within a box structure wherein translucent panels are provided and the article in combination with the light source acts as an extended light source.
Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of an illuminated display system of the present invention.
Figure 2a illustrates a preferred embodiment of a one-sided sign.
Figure 2b illustrates a preferred embodiment of a two-sided sign.
Item 10 illustrates a transparent sheet 10 with the matrix of dots 13 applied to the surface 11. A matrix of dots 13 is also applied to the other side 12.
The transparent medium 10 can be accommodated in a carrier 20 which also houses a light source 21. It should be noted that the light source can be affixed in alternate ways, providing the light source is substantially on the edge of the 5 transparent medium 10.
Figures 1 and 2a illustrate an arrangement for a one-sided sign in accordance with the invention. Transparent medium 10 has dot matrix 13 applied to both surfaces 1 1 and 12 to be illuminated. A backing sheet 14 which is opaque and preferably white in colour is fixed to the transparent medium 10. Figure 2a 10 illustrates that there is a gap between each of the layers for clarity only, in practice the layers would be in substantial contact with each other. Sheet 15 has a sign 30 printed on its front side. The side of sheet 15 in substantial contact with transparent medium 10 is light in colour and generally white. Sheet 15 is sufficiently translucent to allow some light to pass through the sheet and illuminate 15 the sign. Materials found to be sufficiently translucent include paper (for example posters) and plastic materials.
Figure 2b illustrates an arrangement for a two-sided sign in accordance with the invention. In the case of a two-sided signa, sufficiently translucent sheets 16 are fixed to the transparent medium 10 with dot matrix thereon. These sheets 16 20 may be plain or have the sign applied to the outer face of the sheet. The face contacting the transparent sheet 10, at least, is light coloured and preferably white.
Similarly if the sheet 16 is plain, the sheet is preferably light coloured and more preferably white. In the case where sheets 16 are plain, further sheets 17 may be incorporated into the sign system, wherein the sheets 17 have the sign applied 25 thereto. Once again sheets 17 are sufficiently translucent to allow some of the light to pass through and illuminate the sign. Similarly for the one-sided sign sheet 15 may be plain and an additional translucent sheet (not shown) can be fixed in front of the plain sheet 15.
Framework (not shown) or the like, can be used to secure all of the layers 30 together. Similarly the carrier and light source housing 20 can also retain the translucent sign sheet.

~_ 4a To more clearly illustrate the present invention tests were conducted on different sized signs wherein the dot matrix in the first instance is only applied to one side of the transparent medium. The dot matrix in this preferred embodiment is applied by screen printing white dots directly on to the transparent material, in 5 th.s case perspex. The density of the dot matrix. as indicated previously, increases away from the light source.
Secondly, the dot matrix is applied to both sides of the transparent medium in the same way as for the one-sided application.
In both cases only one edge of the sign had a lighting means attached 10 thereto and fluorescent lighting was used. Furthermore, only one-sided signs were formed, and thus an opaque white backing sheet was used in the trials.
Light meter readings were taken at two positions on each of the signs, midway from the light source and at the opposite end of the light source.
The results of the tests are shown below:

Table 1 Size Li~ht Meter Readin~ (Lux) (aT) of Si~n Distance from (n x an~ Midway from At Oppo-~!;te end li~ht source light source of light sourcelight travelled one-sided 2600 2400 30x16 16 t~G sided3400 2400 one-sided 1500 1250 30x30 h~o-sided 1950 1450 one-sided 475 435 60x45 45 ~vo-sided 810 685 one-sided 440 300 60x60 60 hNo-sided 720 440 Further experiments were conducted by Optical and Photometric Technology Pty, a NATA registered organisation on two acrylic sheets which had the dimensions 10 mm (thick) x 520 mm (long) x 260 mm (wide). One of the sheets had the dot matrix applied to both sides, the other sheet had the same pattern applied but to oniy one side. The panels were illuminated on the edge along the 260 mm side. The illumination source was an Osram Deluxe SLP
11W/21 orientated horizontally and housed in a triangular aluminium extrusion.
The results of the experiments on each sheet are shown in Table 2.
Table 2 illustrates the sheets per se and the values represent the Luminance values at that particula. Iocation on the sheet. The light source is attached at the top of the page.

_.

260 mm (L~ sou~

[52l [551 ~371 [74l 168] 148 [80l l74~ [591 r87l 175] E6 520mm 143 140 119 [79~ 172l l57]

2~ 167l lS9~ l54]

161l [58] 152]

[60] '58l l54]

~.~

7 20920~6 Luminance values in lumens for the double sided application are in numbers without- brackets, luminance values in lumens for the single sided application are in [Brackets].
The test results in both trials clearly indicate a marked improvement of the 5 illumination of the sign when the dot matrix is applied to both sides of the transparent medium. This is especially true in the middle of the sign wherein most of the message to be illuminated is placed. Furthermore the effectiveness of the dot matrix is still good even for larger sizes.
The display system in accordance with the invention can be used in small 10 and very large displays and advantageously providing good illumination without the large number of lights previously required. Manufacturing and maintenance of the signs is less time consuming and simpler.

Claims (17)

CLAIMS:
1. An edgelit illuminated display system comprising:
a transparent medium having first and second opposing surfaces and at least one edge operable with a light source for illuminating the first and second surfaces; and a matrix of dots on each of the surfaces arranged to allow interaction of light between the surfaces, the matrix of dots on at least one of the surfaces substantially covering the entire surface for providing an even and increased illumination throughout the surface, wherein when a graphic image is supported over the surface, the graphic image is evenly illuminated.
2. The edgelit illuminated display system of claim 1, wherein the dots are translucent.
3. The edgelit illuminated display system of claim 1, further comprising at least one sufficiently translucent sheet having at least one light-coloured surface thereon.
4. The edgelit illuminated display system of claim 3, wherein the at least one light-coloured surface of the translucent sheet contacts the first surface of the transparent medium with the matrix of clots thereon and wherein the graphic image is formed on the translucent sheet opposite the light-coloured surface.
5. The edgelit illuminated display system of claim 4, further comprising a light-coloured opaque backing sheet which contacts the second surface of the transparent medium with the matrix of dots thereon.
6. The edgelit illuminated display system of claim 1, wherein the matrix of dots is configured such that the density of dots in number increases away from the edge of the transparent medium which is operable with the light source.
7. The edgelit illuminated display system of claim 1, wherein the matrix of dots are applied to the transparent medium by etching, painting, screen-printing or as a transparent film with the matrix of dots applied thereto and the film then adhered to the transparent medium.
8. The edgelit illuminated display system of claim 1, wherein the dots are opaque.
9. The edgelit illuminated display system of claim 1, wherein the matrix of dots is configured such that the density of dots in size increases away from the edge of the transparent medium which is operable with the light source.
10. An edgelit illuminated display system comprising:
a housing having a light source therein;
a transparent medium having first and second opposing surface and at least one edge operable with the light source for illuminating the first and second surfaces; and a matrix of dots on each of the surfaces arranged to allow interaction of light between the surfaces, the matrix of dots on at least one of the surfaces substantially covering the entire surface for providing an even and increased illumination throughout the surface, wherein when a graphic image is supported over the surface, the graphic image is evenly illuminated.
11. The edgelit illuminated display system of claim 10, further comprising a first translucent sheet having at least one light-colored surface thereon for diffusing and reflecting light, wherein the light-colored surface of the first translucent sheet communicates with the first surface of the transparent medium with the matrix of dots thereon.
12. The edgelit illuminated display system of claim 11, wherein the graphic image is formed on a surface of the first translucent sheet opposite the light-colored surface.
13. The edgelit illuminated display system of claim 12, further comprising a second translucent sheet having at least one light-colored surface thereon for diffusing and reflecting light, wherein the second translucent sheet communicates with the second surface of the transparent medium with the matrix of dots thereon.
14. The edgelit illuminated display system of claim 10, wherein the matrix of dots is configured such that the density of dots increases away from the edge of the transparent medium.
15. The edgelit illuminated display system of claim 10, wherein the matrix of dots are applied to the transparent medium by etching, painting, screen-printing, or as a transparent film with the matrix of dots applied thereto and the film then adhered to the transparent medium.
16. The edgelit illuminated display system of claim 10, wherein the dots are translucent.
17. The edgelit illuminated display system of claim 10, wherein the dots are opaque.
CA002092086A 1990-09-20 1991-09-20 A display system Expired - Lifetime CA2092086C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPK239290 1990-09-20
AUPK2392 1990-09-20

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2092086C true CA2092086C (en) 1995-09-05

Family

ID=3774963

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002092086A Expired - Lifetime CA2092086C (en) 1990-09-20 1991-09-20 A display system

Country Status (14)

Country Link
US (2) US5390436A (en)
EP (1) EP0549679B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2920785B2 (en)
KR (1) KR960013210B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE138753T1 (en)
BR (1) BR9106868A (en)
CA (1) CA2092086C (en)
DE (1) DE69119910T2 (en)
DK (1) DK0549679T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2089231T3 (en)
GR (1) GR3020877T3 (en)
HK (1) HK208996A (en)
SG (1) SG68563A1 (en)
WO (1) WO1992005535A1 (en)

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US5390436A (en) 1995-02-21
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DE69119910D1 (en) 1996-07-04
DK0549679T3 (en) 1996-10-14

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