WO2013086600A1

WO2013086600A1 - Dual message advertising display

Info

Publication number: WO2013086600A1
Application number: PCT/CA2011/001358
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Eugene FLANAGAN
Original assignee: Major Led
Priority date: 2011-12-16
Filing date: 2011-12-16
Publication date: 2013-06-20

Abstract

A dual-message display system (100) displays two independent and separately perceivable advertising messages (110, 120). The display system includes a first plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) adapted to display a fixed message (110); and a second plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) adapted to display an animated message (120). The animated message (120) can be time sensitive. A display combination of the fixed and animated messages is controlled by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (30). A power supply (10) is used to power both displays (110, 120), each display being capable of operation while the other is off. An infra-red remote controls the two advertising messages and can be used to turn either display (110, 120) on or off without unplugging the sign.

Description

DUAL MESSAGE ADVERTISING DISPLAY

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to advertising signs and displays, and relates more particularly to an electronic LED dual-message advertising display system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Advertising signs have been placed on doors and windows or walls of retail outlets, shops, and elsewhere. These advertising signs convey information useful to shoppers and add to the aesthetics of a retail outlet. The signs also may increase the exposure of the outlet to the passing consumers, i.e., the information displayed may catch the consumer's eye. For example, it is known to place an illuminated "OPEN" sign on doors of retail outlets. The use of such a sign serves to draw attention to the passing consumer and advertise that the outlet is open for business.

One goal in the design of the sign is to catch the attention and also convey useful information to a passing consumer. In the case of an illuminated door sign, the design goal would be to convey the most relevant and useful information to the consumer in an aesthetically pleasant way. To date, this has been accomplished with neon or LED signs of various shapes and sizes. These signs are

conventionally powered from electrical outlets and must be plugged and unplugged in order to turn the signs on and off, respectively. Although the conventional signs may appear to a consumer as satisfactory from a distance, a close inspection of the conventional signs may reveal that there may be deficiencies related to the design, structure and operation of these signs.

For example, United States Patent No. 6,271 ,814 to Kaoh issued August 7, 2001 describes a dual message advertising display system having a variable electronic display and a fixed printed display formed on a shared display screen. The fixed printed information on the display screen remains viewable at all times when the electronic display message is not activated. As such, the conventional device can only provide for the fixed information to be viewable when the display screen remains blank. Thus, the conventional device inefficiently obscures the fixed information when the electronic display is activated.

What is needed, therefore, is a standardized advertising sign or similar object that attracts the eye of a consumer and also embodies structural and operational elements which would be desirable to improve its efficiency, easy of use, and convey useful information to the consumers. Such a sign should be proportionally designed and easy to operate, while being relatively inexpensive to manufacture and with low maintenance costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, thus, provides a display system for advertising which included a first LED display for showing a fixed message; and a second LED display for showing an animated message.

Specific embodiments of the present invention include the use of a frame for enclosing the first and second LED displays. The frame may have a transparent front cover adapted for protection and viewing of the first and second LED displays. A size of the fixed message of the first LED display may be about twice the size of the animated message of the second LED display. The fixed message may include the word "OPEN" and may be positioned above the animated message. Color LEDs may be used.

The display system may include a battery storage means for supplying power to the electronic components which control the first and second messages. The power supply may include a solar power supply. A remote control means may be used for controlling the illumination of the first and second LED displays, for setting and controlling the animated message of the second LED display, or both thereof.

The display system also can include a PLC for controlling the illumination of the first and second LED displays. A dimming control means can also be provided for controlling the brightness of the LED.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention there is provided, a dual display system for displaying two independent and separately perceivable advertising messages, the display system including a first plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) adapted to display a fixed message; and a second plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) adapted to display an animated message, a display combination of the fixed and animated messages being controlled by a

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) ; the fixed message being positioned above the animated message, and a size of the fixed message of the first plurality of LED being about twice the size of the animated message of the second plurality of LED.

In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for displaying two independent and separately perceivable advertising messages, the method including the steps of providing a first plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) adapted to display a fixed message; and providing a second plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) adapted to display an animated message, and controlling a display combination of the fixed and animated messages by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the display system for advertising according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the display system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 show a back, top and side views of the display system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a control diagram for the LED dual-message system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 shows a control diagram for the LED dual-message system with dimming means according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now in more detail to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-5 show a dual-message display system 100 of the present invention. The display system 100 includes a first LED display 110 for showing a fixed message and a second LED display 120 for showing an animated message. The display system 100 preferably may include a frame 30 for enclosing the first and second LED displays (110, 120). The frame may be largely of conventional design, such as, for example can include a rectangular shape. The frame 130 may include a transparent cover 140 adapted for protection and viewing of the first and second LED displays (110, 120).

The transparent front cover 140 may be a scratch resistant glass or plexiglass. For example, a plastic-injection mold frame 130 can be used. The frame 130 can include a removable back cover 150. Other preferred materials for the frame 130 and back cover 150 include aluminum, steel, wood, or any other suitable material. For example, the back cover 150 can be removably fastened to the frame 130 by using fasteners, such as, screws 160. In other preferred embodiments, a snap-on back cover 150 can be detachably mounted to the frame 130.

The invention is preferably implemented as a portable dual-message display LED sign 100. Preferably, a size of the fixed message of the first LED display 110 can be larger, substantially the same size, or smaller than the size of the animated message of the second LED display 120. The animated message display 120 may be placed below (as shown) or above (not shown) the fixed message display 110. For example, the fixed message display 110 can include the word "OPEN" made by a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LED). Other examples of words include pizza, bakery, bar, garage, etc. or an image thereof, or a symbol, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the fixed message may be embellished by the use of LEDs around the message and/or by the use of color LEDs (e.g. red, green, blue pixels or combinations thereof). The shape and size of the font used to show the fixed message may take any convenient form.

The second animated display 120 can include a plurality of LED blocks. The second animated display 120 display a customizable message. In one preferred, but not limited to embodiment, the message includes 120 alphanumeric characters per message. The animated display 120 can be time sensitive. A non-volatile memory storage component can include 99 fully customized messages for selective display by the second display 120. The memory storage can also store programs for controlling the displays (110, 120).

The display system 100 may include a battery storage means for supplying power to the electronic components which control the first and second messages. The electronic components can include logic control circuits and LED drive circuits. The power supply may include a solar power supply. A remote control means (not shown) may be used for controlling the illumination of the first and second LED displays, for setting and controlling the animated message of the second LED display, or both thereof. The invention may be, thus, used to display word messages at a frame rate suitable for viewing in a variety of animations and formats, such, as for example, scrolling, static, bold, flashing, etc. It can also be used to display characters (such as arrows, symbols, etc.), images, pictures, logos, etc.

The display system also can include a PLC and/or mini-PCI card for controlling the illumination of the first and second LED displays. As illustrated in Fig. 6 and embodied herein, a power input is supplied from the power supply 10 via a power inverter 20 to the PLC 30 as well as the individual LED drivers 40. The LED drivers 40 can be controlled by the PLC 30. The PLC 30 can receive instructions from the remote communication input 60. Preferably, the remote communication input can be an infra-red remote control or data line. The LED drivers 40 then send a signal to the batch of LEDs 50 associated with that driver. In a preferred embodiment, depending on the driver, the exact number of LEDs associated with it can change. Preferably, the Led drivers 40 can control each LED to either turn off/on and what color to display. For example the first Led display 10 and the second Led display 120 can be operate simultaneously or each display can operate while the other is off. A small amount of power can also be supplied to each driver. A remote control can be used to turn either display on or off without unplugging the sign.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 7, a dimmer switch 70 may be provided. The dimmer switch 70 can be disposed on the back, or the side of the sign frame 130. The dimmer 70 can allow for the brightness of the sign to be adjusted (increased/decreased) manually or remotely via a remote control. As shown in Fig. 7, the standard LED drivers 40 are replaced with LED Drivers 41 that support dimming. As can be seen in Fig. 7, a dimmer 70 may be added before the wiring feed to the drivers branches off, allowing for the power going to the drivers to be variable. In a preferred embodiment, the sign 100 may be mounted in a variety of positions using a sliding mount arrangement. For example, a set of tracks can be mounted on each side on the sign frame 130. A mounting bracket can slide in and out of the set of tracks. In this embodiment by using two or more mounting brackets, the sign 100 may be hung in a variety of positions, such as, for example, two brackets on top, one on each side, etc. This mounting system allows for a much more versatile method of supporting the sign by allowing the mounting points to slide to any desired position along the perimeter of the sign-body. Preferably, once the position of the brackets has been decided, a screw or other fastening means may be used to prevent the bracket from sliding out unintentionally, which can add an extra point of safety to protect the sign from falling.

It should be apparent that the foregoing description relates only to the preferred embodiments of the present invention and that numerous changes can be made herein without departing from the scope and essence of the invention as, specifically defined by the claims appended hereto.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention provides a display system for advertising. Benefits derived from the use of the present invention can be enjoyed, for example, in the advertisement industry, in particular, retail, industrial, commercial, institutional or other private or professional business users.

LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

10 - power supply

20 - power inverter

30 - programmable logic controller (PLC)

40 - LED driver

41 - dimmable LED driver

50 - LED

60 - communication input

70 - dimmer switch

100 - dual-message display system

110 - LED display

120 - LED display

130 - frame

140 - front cover

150 - back cover

160 - fastener

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

A display system for advertising, comprising: a first LED display for showing a fixed message; and a second LED display for showing an animated message.

The display system according to claim 1 , further comprising a frame for enclosing the first and second LED displays.

The display system according to claim 2, wherein the frame comprises a substantially rectangular shape.

The display system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a transparent front cover adapted for protection and viewing of the first and second LED displays.

The display system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a size of the fixed message of the first LED display is larger, substantially the same size, or smaller than the animated message of the second LED display.

The display system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fixed message is positioned above or below the animated message.

The display system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising electronic circuitry and electrical power supply for controlling the illumination of the first and second LED displays.

The display system according to claim 7, further comprising a battery storage means for supplying power to electronic components.

The display system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the power supply comprises a solar power supply.

10. The display system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a remote control means for controlling the illumination of the first and second LED displays, for setting and controlling the animated message of the second LED display, or both thereof.

11. The display system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further

comprising a control means for controlling the amount of energy provided to the LED displays for adjusting the brightness of each display.

12. The display system according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the first and second LED displays comprise color LEDs.

13. The display system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the back of the frame is removable.

14. The display system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first LED display comprises a word, an image, a symbol, or a combination thereof.

15. The display system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further

comprising at least one mount such that the display system is adapted to be attached to a display area.

16. The display system according to claim 15, wherein the at least one mount comprises a set of tracks on which a mounting bracket can slide in and out for mounting the display system in a variety of positions.

17. The display system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further

comprising a PLC for controlling the illumination of the first and second LED displays.

18. A dual display system for displaying two independent and separately

perceivable advertising messages, the display system comprising:

a first plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) adapted to display a fixed message; and

a second plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) adapted to display an animated message,

a display combination of the fixed and animated messages being controlled by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC); the fixed message being positioned above the animated message, and a size of the fixed message of the first plurality of LED being about twice the size of the animated message of the second plurality of LED.

19. A method for displaying two independent and separately perceivable

advertising messages, the method comprising the steps of:

- providing a first plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) adapted to display a fixed message; and

- providing a second plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) adapted to display an animated message, and

- controlling a display combination of the fixed and animated messages by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC).

20. The method according to claim 19 further comprising:

- controlling the illumination of the first and second LED messages, for setting and controlling the animated message, or both thereof via a remote control means.

2 . The method according to claim 20 further comprising:

- controlling the amount of energy provided to the LED displays for adjusting the brightness of each display via a dimmer control means.