GB2438676A

GB2438676A - System for displaying images on a carrier

Info

Publication number: GB2438676A
Application number: GB0610261A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tariq Ali; Garry Nicholass
Original assignee: INNOVERTS Ltd
Current assignee: INNOVERTS Ltd
Priority date: 2006-05-24
Filing date: 2006-05-24
Publication date: 2007-12-05
Also published as: GB0610261D0

Abstract

An image display system 10, for displaying images on a carrier 16 such as a vehicle, includes a display part 12, a control part 14 and communication means 24. The display part is mountable to the carrier 16, preferably on an external surface. The communication means 24, which may use wireless communication means such as a cellular network, permits communication between the display part 12 and the control part 14. The display part 12 includes display means 20, such as an LCD or plasma display screen, for displaying an image in accordance with a set of display instructions 58. The display instructions 58 may cause the images displayed to change depending on the geographical location of the carrier 16.

Description

Imacie Display System The present invention relates to image display

systems, particularly but not exclusively image display systems for displaying images on a carrier such asavehicle.

The external surfaces of vehicles such as buses and taxis frequently display advertising images. Such images are in some cases painted directly onto the vehicle, while in other cases the images are carried by a medium such as paper or a plastics material which is fixed to the vehicle using adhesive, or is carried within a mounting frame on the vehicle. Such images can be relatively difficult and time consuming to change.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an 1 5 image display system for displaying images on a carrier, the system including a display part, a control part and communication means, the display part being mountable to the carrier, the communication means for communication between the display part and the control part, the display part including display means for displaying an image in accordance with a set of display instructions, the control part being arrangeable in use to provide the display instructions to the display part via the communication means.

Possibly, the control part provides the display instructions to the display part on receipt of a signal. Possibly, the signal is generated by the display part.

Possibly, the control part includes a set of control instructions, which may include a register, which may include a plurality of identifiers and may include a corresponding plurality of sets of display instructions. Possibly, the signal relates to one of the identifiers, and may be associated with the carrier.

Posslbly the control part is arrangeable so that In use on receipt of the sIgnal relating to one of the identifiers the control part provides display lnstnactions to the display part which correspond to the one identifier.

Each identifier may be a geographic identifier. Each geographic identifier may be associated with a route of the carder or a location of the carder.

Each Identifier may be a carder identifier, which may uniquely identify thecarder.

Posslbly the register includes a first register, which may include the plurality of geographic identifiers and the corresponding plurality of sets of display instructions, and may include a second register, which may include a plurality of carder identifiers and a correspondIng plurality of geographic identifiers.

Posslbly the control part Is located at a ftced location. Possibly the carder is movable between a local position and a remote position relative to the control part.

Possibly, the system is arranged so that the display Instructions are communicated between the control part and the display part when the carder Is In a predetermined position.

PossIbly the predetermined position Is the local position. Possibly, the communication means are arranged so that the display Instructions can only be communicated between the control part and the dIsplay part when the carder Is in the local position.

Possibly, the signal Is generated when the carrier moves into the local position.

Possibly, the communication means includes a wireless connection, which may be of relatively short range.

Alternatively the system may be arranged so that the display instructions are communicated between the control part and the display part when the carrier is in any of a plurality of predetermined positions.

Possibly, the communication means includes a mobile telephone network.

Possibly, the signal includes location information. Possibly, the location information relates to the location of the carrier in real time. Possibly, the location information is provided by satellite navigation means. Possibly, 1 5 the system includes the satellite navigation means.

Possibly, the system includes mounting means for mounting the display means so that the display means is visible from the exterior of the carrier. Possibly, the mounting means is arranged to mount the display means to the exterior of the carrier. Possibly, the carrier is a vehicle, and may be a bus. The fixed location may be a garage, bus station or depot.

Possibly, the display means include a screen, which may be substantially flicker free, and may be a liquid crystal display screen or a plasma screen.

Possibly, the display instructions are arranged to provide still images, and may be arranged to provide a sequence of different still images.

Possibly, the different still images are displayed for predefined time periods.

The predefined time periods may be of varying duration. Possibly, the predefined time periods are at least of fifteen seconds duration. Possibly, the transition between sequential images is relatively rapid, and may be substantially instantaneous.

Possibly, the system includes an image creation part for creating sets of instructions, which may be remote from the control part. Possibly, the system includes connection means between the image creation part and the control part for transmitting sets of instructions from the image creation part to the control part.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle including an image display system as described in the preceding paragraphs.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of displaying images on a carrier, the method including providing an image display system, the system including a display part, a control part and communication means, the display part being mountable to the carrier, the communication means for communication between the display part and the control part, the display part including display means for displaying an image in accordance with a set of display instructions, the control part being arrangeable in use to provide the display instructions to the display part via the communication means, the method including the step of mounting the display part to the carrier.

Possibly, the image display system is as described above in any of the said preceding paragraphs.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Fig. I is a schematic diagram of an image display system; Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of the image display system; Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a display register; Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of the image display system; and Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a route register.

Fig. I shows an image display system 10, the image display system 10 including a display part 12, a control part 14, and an image creation part 30.

The image creation part 30 includes a design system, represented in Fig. I by a screen 32 which is connected by a connection 38 to a server computer 34.

1 5 The control part 14 includes a controller 40 and a control input/output 26.

The system 10 includes connection means between the image creation part 30 and the control part 14, the connection means including connections 38 to a communications network, in this example the internet 36.

The display part 12 includes display means in the form of a screen 20 which is mounted by suitable mounting means such as a bracket or a frame to a carrier in the form of a vehicle 16, which in this example is a bus, but could be a taxi or other suitable carrier. The screen 20 could be substantially flicker free, and could be a liquid crystal display screen or a plasma screen. The screen 20 could be weatherproofed to allow mounting to an external surface of the vehicle 16.

The display part 12 includes a display controller 22 which is in communication with the screen 20 by means of a connection 38. and a display input/output 28. The display input/output 28 communicates with the controller input/out 26 via communication means, which in the example shown in Fig. I is in the form of a wireless communication link 24. Alternatively the communication means could be of any other suitable form, such as a plug-in cable connection.

In one embodiment, referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the controller 40 includes a set of instructions 42, which includes a first register in the form of a display register 56 in the form of a database, the database including a plurality of records, each record including an identifier in the form of a geographic identifier, which in this example is a route identifier 54, and a corresponding set of display instructions 58.

In this example, the controller 40 is located in a fixed location such as a bus depot, and the wireless connection 24 is of relatively short range, so that communication is only permitted within the locality of the bus depot.

In use, a set of display instructions 58 is created on the design system 32 and loaded to the server computer 34. The set of instructions 58 is transmitted via the connections 38 and the internet 36 to the controller 40, where the display instructions 58 are allocated to a route identifier 54 in the display register 56. Thus, referring to Fig. 3, each route identifier 54 corresponds with a set of display instructions 58.

When the vehicle 16 returns to the bus depot into a position local to the fixed location 18 of the control part 14, a communication link 24 is established between the display controller 22 and the controller 40 so that data can be exchanged therebetween.

With the link 24 established, the display controller 22 communicates an appropriate route identifier 54 relating to the carrier as a signal to the controller 40. The controller 40 matches the received route identifier 54 with the corresponding display instructions 58 in the display register 56 and the corresponding display instructions 58 are then communicated (uploaded as indicated in box 60 in Fig 2) via the communication link 24 to the display controller 22.

The vehicle 16 can then leave the depot, and proceed along the designated route displaying images on the screen 20 in accordance with the display instructions 58 (box 62 in Fig 2).

The set of display instructions 58 could provide a series of moving images such as video, or could provide one or a number of sequential different still images. For use in traffic, the use of still images is preferred for safety reasons as such images cause less distraction. The different still images could be displayed for predefined time periods, which could be of varying duration, but to reduce distraction could be at least of fifteen seconds 1 5 duration. For the same reason, the transition between sequential images could be substantially instantaneous.

The embodiment described permits the tailoring of sets of images to particular routes or geographic locations. The display instructions are uploaded to the display controller at a predefined location ie the bus depot, ensuring adequate integrity of data transfer while the bus is out of service.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Any suitable communication means could be used between the various components of the system. The display means could include any suitable screen or combination of screens. The vehicle could be any suitable type of carrier. The carrier could be a stationary carrier.

The identifier could be a carrier identifier, which could be unique to the carrier, which would permit the tailoring of sets of images to particular vehicles.

In one example, the communication means could include a mobile telephone network, to provide communication between the control part and the display part when the carrier is in any of a plurality of predetermined positions eg within the operating range of the network, or at specific locations within the network operating range which could be locations of high signal strength and where the vehicle is stationary for a period thus allowing adequate data transfer. This would permit the display of topical and/or emergency messages.

Referring to Fig 1, the system 10 could include a satellite navigation system 64 which could establish a satellite link 48 with a satellite 40 to generate location information. The location information could be communicated to the control part 14 as a signal which forms the geographic identifier 54 and then generates the upload of the display instructions 58.

1 5 Thus the display instructions 58 could be updated in real time relative to the location of the vehicle 16.

In another embodiment, referring to Figs. I and 3 to 5, an image display system 110 includes a controller 140. Many features of this embodiment are substantially the same as those described above and therefore the same reference numerals will be used. The controller 140 includes a set of instructions 142, which include a second register in the form of a route register 52. The route register 52 is in the form of a database, the database including a plurality of records, each record including the vehicle identifier 50 and a route identifier 54.

The set of instructions 42 includes a first register in the form of a display register 56. The display register 56 is in the form of a database, the database including a plurality of records, each record including a route identifier 54 and a corresponding set of display instructions 58.

In use, a set of display instructions 58 is created on the design system 32 and loaded to a server computer 34. The set of instructions 58 is transmitted via the Internet 36 to the controller 140, where the display instructions are allocated to a route identifier 54 in the display register 56.

Thus, referring to Fig. 3, each route identifier 54 is allocated a set of display instructions 58.

The display controller 22 includes a vehicle identifier 50 which is unique to the vehicle 16. When the communication link 24 is established, the display controller 22 communicates the unique vehicle identifier 50 to the controller 140. The controller 140 matches the vehicle identifier 50 with the corresponding route identifier 54 in the route register 52. The route identifier 54 is then matched with the corresponding display instructions 58 in the display register 56 and the corresponding display instructions 58 are then 1 5 communicated (uploaded as indicated by box 60 in Fig 4) via the communication link 24 to the display controller 22 The vehicle 16 can then leave the depot, and proceed along the route displaying images on the screen 20 in accordance with the display instructions 58 (box 62 in Fig 4).

Thus, in this embodiment, the vehicle identifier 50 is matched to an appropriate route identifier for the allocation of the display instructions.

Vehicles can therefore be moved between routes as required. Sets of display instructions 58 can be arranged to produce images which are tailored to a particular route which the vehicle follows. Each route could have a different set of corresponding display instructions. The display instructions could be arranged to produce different images over a route on a timed basis, so that advertisers could pay for time slots on a route. The sets of display instructions can be easily changed, and can be changed remotely from the image creation part 30. The system caters for the use of different vehicles on a route, so that the appropriate set of instructions can be matched to a route rather than a particular vehicle.

There is thus provided an image display system for displaying images on vehicles which permits the rapid change of images or image sequences, and the display of different image sequences for different routes, vehicles or locations.. The system can be controlled remotely, and permits advertisers to select particular routes or locations and particular time slots on particular routes or locations to maximise the targeting of advertising to particular audiences.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any 1 5 patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. An image display system for displaying images on a carrier, the system including a display part, a control part and communication means, the display part being mountable to the carrier, the communication means for communication between the display part and the control part, the display part including display means for displaying an image in accordance with a set of display instructions, the control part being arrangeable in use to provide the 1 0 display instructions to the display part via the communication means.

2. A system according to claim 1, in which the control part provides the display instructions to the display part on receipt of a signal.

* S. S * S * SS 1 5 3. A system according to claim 2, in which the signal is generated by the display part.

S ***

4. A system according to any of claims 1 to 3, in which the control part :::: : includes a set of control instructions, which includes a register. * 20

5. A system according to claim 4, in which the register includes a plurality of identifiers and a corresponding plurality of sets of display instructions.

6. A system according to claim 5 when dependent on claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the signal relates to one of the identifiers.

7. A system according to claim 6, in which the control part is arrangeable so that in use on receipt of the signal relating to one of the identifiers the control part provides display instructions to the display part which corresponds to the one identifier.

8. A system according to any of claims 5-7, in which each identifier is a geographic identifier.

9. A system according to claim 8, in which each geographic identifier is associated with a route of the carrier or a location of the carrier.

10. A system according to any of claims 5 to 7, in which each identifier is a carrier identifier.

11. A system according to claim 10, in which the carrier identifier uniquely identifies the carrier.

12. A system according to claims 8 or 9, in which the register includes a : first register, which includes the plurality of geographic identifiers and the S...

"15 corresponding plurality of sets of display instructions. * S. * S S

13. A system according to claims 10 or 11 and 12, in which the register includes a second register which includes plurality of carrier identifiers and a corresponding plurality of geographic identifiers.

14. A system according to any of the preceding claims, in which the control part is located at a fixed location.

15. A system according to claim 14, in which the carrier is moveable between a local position and a remote position relative to the control part.

16. A system according to any of the preceding claims, in which the system is arranged so that the display instructions are communicated between the control part and the display part when the carrier is in a predetermined position.

17. A system according to claim 16 when dependent on claim 15 in which the predetermined position is the local position.

18. A system according to claim 17, in which the communication means are arranged so that the display instructions can only be communicated between the control part and the display part when the carrier is in the local position.

19. A system according to claims 17 or 18 when dependent on claim 2 or 1 0 any claim dependent thereon, in which the signal is generated when the carrier moves into the local position.

20. A system according to any of the preceding claims, in which the communication means includes a wireless connection. *.S.

* . .. .1 5 21. A system according to claim 16 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the system is arranged so that the display instructions are communicated between the control part and the display part when the carrier : is in any of a plurality of predetermined positions.

22. A system according to any of the preceding claims, in which the communication means includes a mobile telephone network.

23. A system according to claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the signal includes location information.

24. A system according to claim 23, in which the location information relates to the location of the carrier in real time.

25. A system according to claim 24, in which the location information is provided by satellite navigation means.

26. A system according to claim 25 in which the system includes the satellite navigation means.

27. A system according to any of the preceding claims, in which the system includes mounting means for mounting the display means so that the display means is visible from the exterior of the carrier.

28. A system according to claim 27, in which the mounting means is arranged to mount the display means to the exterior of the carrier.

29. A system according to any of the preceding claims, in which the carrier is a vehicle.

30. A system according to claim 29, in which the carrier is a bus.

* S. * *. * 1 5 31. A system according to claim 14 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the fixed location is a garage, bus station or depot.

32. A system according to any of the preceding claims, in which the display means include a screen.

33. A system according to claim 32, in which the screen is substantially flicker free.

34. A system according to claims 32 or 33, in which the screen is a liquid crystal display screen or a plasma screen.

35. A system according to any of the preceding claims, in which the display instructions are arranged to provide still images.

36. A system according to claim 35, in which the display instructions are arranged to provide a sequence of different still images.

37. A system according to claim 36, in which the different still images are displayed for predefined time periods.

38. A system according to claim 37, in which the predefined time periods are of varying duration.

39. A system according to claims 37 or 38, in which the predefined time periods are at least of fifteen seconds duration.

1 0 40. A system according to any of claims 36 to 39, in which the transition between sequential images is relative rapid.

41. A system according to any of the preceding claims, in which the system : *.* includes an image creation part for creating sets of instructions.

* S. S ****1 5 42. A system according to claim 41, in which the image creation part is * remote from the control part.

SS

S

43. A system according to claims 41 or 42, in which the system includes connection means between the image creation part and the control part for transmitting sets of instructions from the image creation part to the control part.

44. A vehicle including an image display system as defined in any of the preceding claims.

45. A method of displaying images on a carrier, the method including providing an image display system, the system including a display part, a control part and communication means, the display part being mountable to the carrier, the communication means for communication between the display part and the control part, the display part including display means for displaying an image in accordance with a set of display instructions, the control part being arrangeable in use to provide the display instructions to the display part via the communication means, the method including the step of mounting the display part to the carrier.

46. A method according to claim 45, in which the image display system is as defined in any of claims 1 to 43.

47. A system substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

48. A vehicle substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings. S.

: * 49. A method substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to * S* * **.1 5 the accompanying drawings. * .. * . .

50. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.

* : * .