Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Plural physical display element control system – Display elements arranged in matrix
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-05
2001-06-26
Shalwala, Bipin (Department: 2673)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Plural physical display element control system
Display elements arranged in matrix
C040S471000, C340S815830
Reexamination Certificate
active
06252575
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to method of selectively changing an image on a sign and a sign with selectively changeable image display.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Signage is used to convey information about products, services, or events to members of the public. Signage presently in use is printed at a remote location. It is then shipped to a point of display and installed at that point manually. The costs associated with printing, transportation, and installation are high. Advance planning is essential, as significant lead time is required to produce, ship and install the signage.
Between 20% and 30% of the signage produced is never installed due directly or indirectly to human error. If care is not taken, an error can occur during printing that renders the signage unsuitable for use. If the signage is not securely packed, damage can occur during shipping that renders the signage unsuitable for use. If appropriate care is not taken, damage to the signage can occur during installation. If delays occur in shipping or if staff do not proceed promptly with installation, there is no point installing signage after it's intended date of use has passed. Appropriately trained staff are required at every stage in the process in order to reduce the likelihood of human errors occurring.
It had been thought that the answer to these problems would lie in electronic signage. However, there is a dramatic increase in cost as the size of the electronic signage increases, this makes cost of such technology prohibitive for many applications. In addition, electronic sign technology remains subject to technical problems. Electronic displays capable of high resolution suffer from low brightness, making them only marginally useful for high ambient light applications. The displays are also subject to reflections off the display surfaces, limited viewing angles and poor overall contrast. The consumption of power by electronic signage is high. Reliability and life span remain as problems with some types of electronic signs. Until the electronic display technology matures, alternative technologies will have to be used to provide a selectively changeable image display.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is a method of selectively changing an image on a sign and a sign with selectively changeable image display in accordance with the teachings of the method.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of selectively changing an image on a sign. A body is provided having at least one viewing aperture, a printer, and a printed media support for tensioning and advancing printed media produced by the printer across the at least one viewing aperture. The printer is connected to a computer and print files downloaded from the computer to initiate printing by the printer onto printed media.
With the method, as described above, the sign has its own printer which is capable of printing text messages, graphic messages, or a combination of both. The message displayed can be changed at will, by hooking up a computer to the sign and downloading a new print file to the printer. The sign need not have its own computer, as service personnel can take with them a portable computer that contains the print files. This method has a number of inherent advantages. There is no need for lead time, the sign can be changed contemporaneously as events occur. There is no need to out source the manufacturing of the sign. The printer can print out any message or graphic prepared on a desk top computer. The sign does not have to be manufactured in quantity to be of reasonable cost. Each sign can be customized to suit its location. The signage does not have to be delivered or installed. When the signage has served its purpose, it does not have to be removed.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the method, as described above, it is preferred that each sign have its own computer. When the sign does not have its own computer, trained personnel are required to go around with computers to change the message on the sign. When the sign has its own computer, however, a computer disk can be sent through the mail and can be entered into the computer by unskilled personnel on site. A further step can be taken to reduce the frequency of intervention by unskilled personnel on site by having the computer preprogrammed to initiate periodic downloading of stored print files to the printer.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the method, as described above, it is preferred that each sign have a communications module connected to the computer. Even more beneficial results may, thereby, be obtained as the communications module gives the computer the capability of receiving signals from a remote source to receive new print files as data and then initiate downloading such data as print files to the printer. This eliminates the need for the intervention of on site personnel to periodically enter into the computer a new sequence of print files on disk. This eliminates the possibility of human error at the point of display. It eliminates most of the labour previously associated with signage. The process can be controlled from one remote location, with the equipment serviced periodically to ensure there is an adequate supply of consumable, such as printer paper and printer ink.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the method, as described above, even more beneficial results may be obtained when the communications module is capable of two way communications to the computer so that service personnel can be alerted when service is required to the printer or printed media support. With this feature servicing would only be required upon the sign signalling a immediate problem, such as a paper jam, or signalling an advance warning that consumable such as printer paper or printer ink were in short supply.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a sign with a selectively changeable image display including a body having at least one viewing aperture, a printer, and a printed media support for tensioning and advancing printed media produced by the printer across the at least one viewing aperture. A coupling is provided for connecting the printer to a computer, whereby print files are downloaded from the computer to initiate printing by the printer onto printed media.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5100330 (1992-03-01), Sekiguchi
patent: 5672381 (1997-09-01), Rajan
Christensen O'Connor Johnson & Kindness PLLC
Osorio Ricardo
Shalwala Bipin
LandOfFree
Method of selectively changing an image on a sign and a sign... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method of selectively changing an image on a sign and a sign..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method of selectively changing an image on a sign and a sign... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2515643