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WO1995031802A1 - Enseigne avec/sans eclairage - Google Patents

Enseigne avec/sans eclairage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1995031802A1
WO1995031802A1 PCT/NZ1995/000039 NZ9500039W WO9531802A1 WO 1995031802 A1 WO1995031802 A1 WO 1995031802A1 NZ 9500039 W NZ9500039 W NZ 9500039W WO 9531802 A1 WO9531802 A1 WO 9531802A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
lamp
sign
lamps
light
switching means
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NZ1995/000039
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Donald Rivers Ensor
David Peter Ball
Alan Milward Filmer
Kenneth Michael Pedersen
Original Assignee
Vusion International Limited
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
Application filed by Vusion International Limited filed Critical Vusion International Limited
Priority to AU25394/95A priority Critical patent/AU2539495A/en
Priority to GB9620329A priority patent/GB2301695B/en
Publication of WO1995031802A1 publication Critical patent/WO1995031802A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/04—Signs, boards or panels, illuminated from behind the insignia
    • G09F13/12—Signs, boards or panels, illuminated from behind the insignia using a transparent mirror or other light reflecting surface transparent to transmitted light whereby a sign, symbol, picture or other is visible only when illuminated
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B41/00—Circuit arrangements or apparatus for igniting or operating discharge lamps
    • H05B41/14—Circuit arrangements
    • H05B41/16—Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by DC or by low-frequency AC, e.g. by 50 cycles/sec AC, or with network frequencies
    • H05B41/18—Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by DC or by low-frequency AC, e.g. by 50 cycles/sec AC, or with network frequencies having a starting switch
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B41/00—Circuit arrangements or apparatus for igniting or operating discharge lamps
    • H05B41/14—Circuit arrangements
    • H05B41/16—Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by DC or by low-frequency AC, e.g. by 50 cycles/sec AC, or with network frequencies
    • H05B41/20—Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by DC or by low-frequency AC, e.g. by 50 cycles/sec AC, or with network frequencies having no starting switch
    • H05B41/23—Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by DC or by low-frequency AC, e.g. by 50 cycles/sec AC, or with network frequencies having no starting switch for lamps not having an auxiliary starting electrode
    • H05B41/232—Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by DC or by low-frequency AC, e.g. by 50 cycles/sec AC, or with network frequencies having no starting switch for lamps not having an auxiliary starting electrode for low-pressure lamps
    • H05B41/2325—Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by DC or by low-frequency AC, e.g. by 50 cycles/sec AC, or with network frequencies having no starting switch for lamps not having an auxiliary starting electrode for low-pressure lamps provided with pre-heating electrodes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B41/00—Circuit arrangements or apparatus for igniting or operating discharge lamps
    • H05B41/14—Circuit arrangements
    • H05B41/36—Controlling
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B41/00—Circuit arrangements or apparatus for igniting or operating discharge lamps
    • H05B41/14—Circuit arrangements
    • H05B41/36—Controlling
    • H05B41/38—Controlling the intensity of light
    • H05B41/40—Controlling the intensity of light discontinuously

Definitions

  • This invention relates to internally illuminated signs containing low-pressure gas discharge lamp (fluorescent lamp) lighting systems, with apparatus for igniting (or starting) the lamps, and has particular application to the repeated switching "on/off of fluorescent lamps to allow “flashing” or controlled timing of the "on” and “off period. Furthermore the invention relates to attention-seeking signs which may display different messages from time to time according to their illumination status.
  • fluorescent lamp fluorescent lamp
  • Gas discharge lamps are widely used for general illumination and offer substantial advantages such as efficiency, colour, coolness, and shape, over incandescent lamps.
  • the conventional fluorescent lamp namely a low pressure mercury vapor fluorescent electric discharge lamp
  • control of the fluorescent lamp presents certain problems. Since it is a gas discharge device, a high starting voltage is required to initiate ionization and current limiting must be provided to avoid damage or destruction after ionization has taken place. In the past there has been a significant delay before light appears after supplying power. It has been particularly difficult to cause fluorescent lamps to repetitively turn on without flicker, at a desired instant, and without adversely affecting their operating life.
  • the "glow starters" widely used in fluorescent lamp fittings used for conventional lighting purposes - and which are unsuitable for flashing applications - typically have a shorter life than the lamps themselves.
  • Illuminated signs which are steadily lit are commonplace, but illuminated signs which repeatedly flash on and off (particularly if lit by fluorescent tubes) have not hitherto been successful because of the difficulty of causing fluorescent tubes to undergo clean transitions between on and off.
  • This past difficulty has greatly hindered the development of internally illuminated multi-message signs such as the type that can change its message from time to time, or the type that can display either of two messages according to one transition of state.
  • the cathode at each end of a fluorescent lamp plays an important role in starting the electrical discharge in the internal gases.
  • On first applying a voltage across the tube there is practically no ionization and the gas behaves as an insulator. Once a few ions or electrons are present, a sufficiently high voltage accelerates these to provide more electrons by impact ionization of gas molecules within the tube, which in turn cause more impacts, and breakdown is achieved by a cumulative process or "avalanche".
  • the cathodes may supply electrons at a very early stage in the breakdown process by field, photo-electric, and thermionic emission. If the cathodes are pre-heated excess electrons are provided by thermionic emission, and the strike voltage is greatly reduced.
  • Glow discharge occurs before the avalanche breakdown and the subsequent arc discharge.
  • energetic electrons are accelerated to high velocities, bombarding the cathodes and dislodging emissive material by a sputtering process. This reduces lamp life and causes obvious deposition of dark material on the ends of the lamp surrounding the cathode. It is important to ensure that the glow discharge period is made as short as possible.
  • Lamp end blackening may also be caused by excessive heating of the cathodes, or heating for an excessive duration, wherein the emissive material is simply vaporised off the cathodes.
  • Switsen US Patent 3,710,185 issued January 9, 1973 describes a means for controlling a fluorescent lamp so as to make it flash, by causing a controllably conductive device in parallel with the lamp to bypass the current and thereby dim the lamp at a rate of at least five times per second. Presumably each dimming pulse cannot last for long (not many milliseconds) nor can the circuit be used for many kinds of fluorescent lamp as means to ignite or re-start the lamp are not disclosed.
  • Koyama US Patent 3,626,243 issued December 7, 1971 discloses a capacitor, SCR, and transformer placed in parallel with a fluorescent lamp to provide a high-voltage ignition pulse for instantaneous starting.
  • the triggering device used to complete the discharge circuit has a breakdown voltage intermediate between the voltage across the ignited lamp and the peak-to-peak mains supply voltage. Means for on-off switching control is not disclosed.
  • the invention provides an illuminated sign comprising a box having at least one viewing window, and having an internal illumination apparatus capable of producing light or not producing light on a repetitive basis.
  • the at least one viewing window allows the presentation of at least one set of marks or indicia carried within the box.
  • first or outer set of marks or indicia carried on a plane or surface partially covered with relatively small particles or discrete areas capable of reflecting, or more preferably scattering ambient light; each section being surrounded by clear space.
  • each small particle is substantially opaque.
  • each small particle is a substantially two-dimensional object laid upon a substantially transparent sheet.
  • the small particles may be comprised of an open-weave textile, comprised of a yarn of a light shade.
  • each small particle is a matt white or other light shade throughout unless it bears markings or indicia of a darker shade or colour, in which case the markings or indicia preferably extend throughout the thickness or at least to both sides of the small particle.
  • the material bearing the first set of marks or indicia is covered by a transparent protective sheet or pane.
  • the first set of marks or indicia will tend to be more clearly visible when the illuminated box or sign is not internally illuminated, for then reflected ambient light will be scattered from the first set.
  • the illumination section of the internally illuminated sign comprises means to cast an even illumination through the second set of marks from behind.
  • the evenness may be provided by means of one or more translucent layers and/or prismatic layers which combined have the effect of diffusing or scattering transmitted light, and optionally the evenness of lighting may be enhanced by coating the interior of the illuminated sign, behind the panels bearing indicia in a substantially matt white material.
  • the second set of marks or indicia will tend to be more clearly visible when the illuminated box or sign is illuminated, for then the light transmitted through the first set will predominate over reflected ambient light scattered from the firs-, set.
  • first set of indicia, and/or the second set of indicia may be caused to move along its plane, or slid along substantially parallel to the surface of the sign, so that the indicia can be changed from time to time.
  • a number of sets of indicia or markings may be stored on rollers and moved to and fro, or on an endless belt moved in one direction.
  • any movement of either set of indicia or markings is carried out when the state of illumination of the sign renders that set of indicia or markings substantially invisible.
  • the invention provides apparatus capable of creating a brief high-voltage pulse to initiate current discharge within a low-pressure gas discharge lamp (such as a fluorescent lamp).
  • a low-pressure gas discharge lamp such as a fluorescent lamp.
  • the invention provides apparatus which can create the said brief pulse in response to the onset of a flow of current into the control input of a device having controllable conduction properties such as a thyristor alias SCR (silicon controlled rectifier) bidirectional TRIAC, or other semiconductor switching means.
  • a device having controllable conduction properties such as a thyristor alias SCR (silicon controlled rectifier) bidirectional TRIAC, or other semiconductor switching means.
  • the invention provides apparatus for providing from a source of alternating electric power the igniting and operating voltages for a gas discharge lamp, or lamps in series, said apparatus comprising:
  • a step-up transformer switching means; charge storage means; means for charging said charge storage means; and switch control means to cause said switching means to be in either an "on" state or an "off state; and wherein said switching means and said charge storage means are connected in series with said step-up transformer to provide, when said switching means is closed, a series resonant circuit; and wherein said step-up transformer is connected in series between the gas discharge lamp and the switching means; said switching means being connected in series with said lamp or lamps whereby in use with said switching means and the gas discharge lamp connected to the source of alternating electric power, operation of the control means to switch "on” said switching means to cause it to conduct thereby allows said charge storage means to discharge transient current through said step-up transformer, causing an ignition pulse of high voltage to be created within said step-up transformer available to ignite said gas discharge lamp or lamps, and once ignited said lamp or lamps can continue to draw current from said power source via said step-up transformer and through said switching means, and operation of the switch control means in the "off sense to act on said switching means will
  • the invention provides a lighting circuit comprising:
  • a low pressure gas-discharge lamp or a plurality of said lamps connected in series, the or each lamp having resistively heated cathodes, means for connecting said lamp or lamps to a source of alternating electric power, means for limiting the flow of current through the circuit and means for controlling and igniting said lamp or lamps, said controlling and igniting means comprising: step-up transforming means having primary and secondary windings; switching means; charge storage means; means for charging said charge storage means and switch control means to cause said switching means to be in either an "on" state or an "off state; wherein said switching means and said charge storage means are connected in series with said primary winding to provide, when said switching means is closed, a series resonant circuit; and wherein said secondary winding is connected in series between the gas discharge lamp and the switching means; and wherein said switching means and the gas discharge lamp or lamps are connected in series with the source of alternating electric power, with a first power connection at a point between the switching means and the charge storage means, and a second power connection to a
  • lighting circuit comprising:
  • a low pressure gas-discharge lamp or a plurality of said lamps connected in series, the or each lamp having resistively heated cathodes, means for connecting said lamp or lamps to a source of alternating electric power, and means for controlling said lamp or lamps, said controlling igniting means comprising: step-up transforming means; first bidirectional switching means; charge storage means; means for charging said charge storage means; and switch control means to switch said first bidirectional switching means “on” or “off, wherein said first bidirectional switching means and said charge storage means are connected in series with said step-up transforming means to provide, when said first bidirectional switching means is closed, a series resonant circuit; and wherein said step-up transforming means is connected in series between the gas discharge lamp and the first bidirectional switching means; and wherein said first bidirectional switching means and the gas discharge lamp or lamps are connected in series with the source of alternating electric power, said switching means being connected in series with said lamp or lamps whereby in use, operation of the control means to switch "on" said first bidirectional switching means to cause it
  • the invention provides a lighting circuit comprising:
  • a low pressure gas-discharge lamp or a plurality of said lamps connected in series, the or each lamp having resistively heated cathodes, means for connecting said lamp or lamps to a source of alternating electric power, and means for controlling said lamp or lamps, said controlling means comprising step-up transforming means having primary and secondary windings; first bidirectional switching means; charge storage means; means for charging said charge storage means; and switch control means to switch said first bidirectional switching means "on" or "off, wherein said first bidirectional switching means and said charge storage means are connected in series with said step-up transforming means to provide, when said first bidirectional switching means is closed, a series resonant circuit; and wherein said step-up transforming means is connected in series between the gas discharge lamp and the first bidirectional switching means; wherein said first bidirectional switching means and the gas discharge lamp or lamps are connected in series with the source of alternating electric power, and wherein one or more additional bidirectional switching means, each of which is connected in series with respective current limiting means, are connected in parallel with said first bidirectional
  • the invention provides for a device which can permit the flow of current through the fluorescent lamp for an indefinite period; such period being substantially equal to the duration of the current or voltage fed to the control electrode of the said semiconductor device.
  • a suitable transistor or a gate turnoff GTO semiconductor device for example
  • illumination may be halted at any time independent of zero crossings, though in practice the decay time of the fluorescent phosphor coating inside the lamp may detract from instantaneous cessation of light.
  • the invention also provides an advertising display, in which the novel circuit is incorporated together with a suitable low pressure gas discharge lamp or lamps so as to provide illumination for marks or indicia made visible to the public, and in which flashing may render such marks or indicia more likely to be observed.
  • FIG 1 illustrates two conventional types of fluorescent lamp starter.
  • Figure 2 is an illustration of the conventional "Quickstart" circuit for starting certain kinds of low-voltage fluorescent lamp.
  • Figure 3 is an illustration of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the circuit elements of the solid-state pulse-start and current maintenance circuits connected to a mains-driven fluorescent lamp.
  • Figure 4 is an illustration of a preferred embodiment of an advertising display which incorporates the flashing circuit (see also Fig 10)
  • Figure 5 is an illustration of a preferred embodiment of the flashing circuit embodied within the advertising display.
  • Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the time course of events during the onset and cessation of light from a preferred embodiment of the flashing circuit.
  • Figure 7 is a circuit diagram illustrating the configuration of a two-lamp circuit incorporating a leakage reactance transformer, and suitable for 117 V mains operation.
  • Figure 8 is a circuit diagram for starting and flashing a fluorescent lamp which illustrates the use of a bidirectional TRIAC instead of a unidirectional
  • Fi ure 9 is a modification of the preceding circuit diagram for starting and flashing a fluorescent lamp which illustrates the use of an array of TRIACs with series capacitors to modulate the intensity of the emitted light, under digital control.
  • Figure 10 is an illustration of a further preferred embodiment of an multi-modal advertising display which incorporates the flashing circuit
  • Figure 1 shows two conventional types of fluorescent lamp starter at "A” and "B".
  • the primary winding 3,13 with 4,14 and 6,16 as secondaries represent a transformer to heat the filaments 5,15 and 7,17 of the fluorescent lamp.
  • 1,11 is a grounded conductive strip which serves to focus the internal electrostatic fields and enhance the extent of ionisation of the gas.
  • 2,12 represents a starter or switch.
  • 8,18 represents an inductive element, the ballast, used to limit the alternating current flowing through the lamp since ionised gas has a negative resistance.
  • the ignited lamp has a lower voltage across it, so the voltage across the heater transformer is substantially reduced, in turn reducing the heater currents.
  • FIG. 2 shows the conventional "Quickstart" circuit for starting a low-voltage fluorescent lamp 21, again equipped with cathode heating from the transformer windings 24, 24.
  • the mains supply is connected to 26 and 27; however this type of circuit is capable of striking a discharge between the heated cathodes 25, 25 without extra voltage pulses.
  • This circuit is capable of striking a discharge in only a limited range of 38mm diameter fluorescent lamps.
  • FIG 3 is an illustration of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • This preferred embodiment uses a unidirectional semiconductor, a thyristor or SCR.
  • Figure 8 illustrates the use of a bidirectional device.
  • the novel circuit also referred to as a pulse-start solid-state relay, is generally indicated by 30 in Figure 3; the prior art section in the lower half (comprising elements 31, 31, 32, 36, 35, 35, 33, 34, and 34) is based on the earlier figures.
  • the novel circuit is wired in series between the lamp and the ballast.
  • the component values are described for a 230 volt AC mains supply but it will be appreciated that the invention is applicable to a 110 V AC supply or AC supplies of other voltages.
  • the AC mains is fed to contacts 31 and 31.
  • a ballast 36 and cathode heater transformer secondary windings 35, 35 of the heater transformer 32 are connected to the cathodes 34 of the fluorescent lamp 33 according to the prior art in Figure 1.
  • the link between one end of the lamp and the ballast is broken in this Figure, and the novel circuit 30 (the solid-state pulse-start relay) is inserted in series with the lamp.
  • control line 313 receives controlling signals via the control line 313 from the box 312, preferably an optically isolated device such as a light-activated silicon-controlled rectifier, type HI 1C4, as disclosed in Figure 5.
  • this optical isolator may be driven by (for example) a simple and common low-frequency square-wave oscillator, such as the well-known type 555 integrated circuit with ancillary components, (see Figure 5) or it may as just one of many alternatives be a co-ordinating control line linking other similar flashing units.
  • Box 312 may be controlled via an external control line 314, eg to over-ride the oscillator to keep the lamp switched on (ie not flashing) or to control the rate and duty cycle of flashing from switch 48 of Figure 4.
  • a resistor 37 serves to charge up a capacitor 310 with energy to be using during starting.
  • the capacitor 310 typically has a value of 47 nanofarads and a rating of 400 V, for 230 volt mains applications.
  • the silicon-controlled rectifier or SCR 39 preferably type CD 106M (peak reverse voltage 600; gate current 0.2 mA, gate voltage 1.0V) causes that stored energy to be discharged through the primary winding of the pulse transformer 311 immediately gate current flows from the wire 313.
  • a high-voltage pulse is thereby induced in series with the lamp 33 and between the connections 31, 31 of the mains supply - though the ballast 36 and the heater transformer will tend to block its further passage.
  • the pulse rapidly ionizes the lamp gases and establishes the arc discharge. Mains current then flows via the lamp ballast and the pulse start solid state relay. Once the lamp arc current is initiated, mains current flows via the fluorescent ballast 36, the bridge rectifier 38 and the SCR 39 and then through the pulse transformer 311. The bridge rectifier 38 now serves to render the lamp current unidirectional, as seen by the SCR 39. In more detail, current during the positive half-cycle would flow from the ballast 36 through Dl within the bridge rectifier 38, through the SCR 39, through D4, and then through the secondary of the pulse transformer 311 to reach the lamp. During the negative half-cycle, the other two bridge-rectifier diodes conduct so that current is still steered through the SCR device (or other conductivity modulated device) in the same direction as was the case for the positive half-cycles.
  • the SCR 39 now serves to maintain lamp current.
  • the SCR gate current is removed, current continues to flow until its magnitude decreases below the SCR holding current at the end of the present half-cycle, at which point the SCR turns off. Inductive "kick-back" from the lamp ballast is therefore minimal.
  • the SCR is maintaining lamp current
  • that portion of the circuit is at a positive potential in relation to the far side of the lamp.
  • the capacitor 310 Before the lamp is activated the capacitor 310 must be charged up, typically to the peak value of the AC mains supply, by leakage current to the far side of the lamp through resistor 37, which in the preferred embodiment has a value of 0.47 megohms.
  • the charging-up time constant is thus of me order of 0.1 seconds.
  • Capacitor 310 has a snubbing action providing a further degree of protection for the SCR against rapidly rising voltage transients or pulses.
  • the inductance of the pulse transformer 311 limits current transients through the SCR 39.
  • the cathode heating transformer preheats the lamp cathodes 34, 34, and it should be noted that this preheating requirement in part prevents the unit from being used to instantly start a lamp by applying power to the whole unit, fixture, or fitting. In the preferred embodiment about 6 or 7 volts is applied when the lamp is "off". When the lamp has struck the cathode heating is reduced by the ratio of lamp volts to mains supply volts, typically 100:230. When the SCR 39 is set to become off the in-series circuit 30 becomes an open circuit, the lamp current is completely interrupted, and cathode heating is resumed. The resistor 37 passes enough current to charge the capacitor 310 while the lamp is not conducting. The pulse start solid state relay capacitor stores the required energy to generate the start pulse.
  • the pulse voltage and energy required to strike a fluorescent lamp differs for various lamp lengths and gas pressures.
  • FIG 4 illustrates an application of the invention within an advertising display.
  • the display 40 consists of a box with an open front 41 , which is normally filled by the translucent advertising material 47, having in this particular embodiment dimensions of or slightly greater than the A3 international paper size, slipped into a frame to the front of the box through a slit 42.
  • a circular fluorescent lamp 43 is held in place with four clips 46.
  • 44 and 45 represent the ballast inductor and the circuit as described in Figure 3.
  • controls such as the switch 48 may be provided for the user of the sign to determine the existence, the rate, and the duty cycle of flashing of the fluorescent lamp, by substituting external controls for the resistors that set the timing cycle of the 555 integrated circuit depicted in Figure 5.
  • Figure 10 illustrates further developments of the advertising display or illuminated display device 1030, in which means are provided to render visible or show one, rearward set of indicia 1017when the flashing lamp (such as is described elsewhere in this specification) is turned ON and show another, frontward, set 1021 by reflected ambient light when the flashing lamp 1011,1012 is turned OFF under control of its controller 1013.
  • the illuminated display device (illuminated display device) is made capable of providing multiple messages.
  • This type of display relies on a surface 1020 partially covered with relatively small particles or objects capable of reflecting or more preferably scattering ambient light; each section being surrounded by clear space.
  • One type of surface, capable of bearing markings or indicia yet providing the properties of a one-way mirror is the old technique of stipple printing, onto a translucent or transparent sheet. This is reminiscent of the Pointillist painters of the last years of the Impressionist school, such as Georges Seurat, or of the coloured-starch-grain method of producing colour photographs in the early part of this century.
  • Stipple printing results in a number of dots, of approximately constant size, laid down onto a surface at an approximately even spacing, and preferably in a randomised order so that the dot structure is not visually dominant. This process is sometimes called a half-tone or a photomechanical stipple screen tint. Dot sizes and screen ruling can be varied to suit die graphic application.
  • one preferred dot size is about 1-1.3 mm diameter, and spaced by about 1 mm from the next nearest dot, so that there is preferably about the same area of background about each dot.
  • the dots are preferably substantially opaque so that transmitted light entering a dot is substantially attenuated.
  • Each dot is of a certain colour and optionally the whole spectrum of colours may be built up by varying the proportions of dots in the primary colours, though a better approach for a certain type of image is to provide dots of the specific colour that is desired for the sign or indicium that it forms a part of.
  • Another type of surface which has properties similar to those of a one-way mirror is the age-old principle of the net curtain used in domestic windows to stop the neighbours seeing into one's bedroom in the daytime.
  • the curtain acts in reverse at night if the interior room is lit. Its function is substantially that of a one-way barrier as determined by the relative illumination on one side or the other. The effect is relative, not absolute.
  • We have extended the net curtain concept by putting one set of markings or indicia on it (or an analogue) and another set behind it on a back-lit transparency.
  • Typical net curtains are made of cotton, nylon, or other textiles. Mosquito netting is another suitable material.
  • the illuminated display device has as an outermost layer 1022 one or more substantially transparent display surfaces, mainly for protection, through which indicia are displayed.
  • the next layer beneath the display surface is the "net curtain” sheet 1020.
  • a first group of indicia 1021 - is optionally placed on this sheet.
  • Beneath the "net curtain” sheet 1020 we may place one or more further transparent or translucent sheets 1018 some of which may bear further indicia 1017 (the optional group of second indicia), and behind those again is the light-box system 1010 which provides a substantially even diffuse illumination to the entire display area.
  • the diffuse illumination is generally provided by one or more of: large-area lamps (fluorescent tubes 1011, 1012), a white-coated box about the lamps, a prismatic textured plastics sheet (not shown) to scatter light, and an opalescent or translucent sheet 1016.
  • large-area lamps fluorescent tubes 1011, 1012
  • white-coated box about the lamps
  • prismatic textured plastics sheet not shown
  • opalescent or translucent sheet 1016 an opalescent or translucent sheet
  • the prismatic scattering layer may be omitted and the translucent sheet 1016 itself may bear indicia.
  • lighting may illuminate a white or pale background (perhaps with indicia on it) and no translucent sheet is then required.
  • one may use a set of parallel, facing mirrors inside the box so that a number of repeated images are visible to a viewer when the internal lamp is on.
  • the display box shows the indicia 1021 printed onto the "net curtain” sheet when the lamp is off, illuminated solely by reflected or scattered ambient light.
  • the indicia 1017 on the transparent or translucent sheets 1018 below are visible, subject to the condition that the amount of light emanating from the illuminated display device should be significantly greater than the amount of incident light illuminating the "net curtain” sheet from outside.
  • the markings on the "net curtain” do not substantially affect the dimensions of the particles there is little image information available when viewing a back-lit net curtain or similar type of panel.
  • our illuminating system provides a fluorescent lamp-based flashing device 1011 and 1012 with 1013 (plus power cord 1014 or 1032) which exhibits a clean transition from an illuminated to a non-illuminated state and vice versa on a cyclic basis, the result is a display device 1030 or 1040 which exhibits in a viewing window 1031 one set of indicia 1042 when not internally lit, and a second set 1041 when it is lit, and typically it would alternate between one state and the other at a steady repetition rate of perhaps 1 or 2 seconds. Alternatively it may be fitted with proximity detectors or the like to set it off when a person is nearby.
  • Multiple messages emanating from the second set of indicia may be provided by including a mechanism to laterally shift the internal transparent or translucent sheets bearing various sets of second indicia, preferably while the lamp is off so that movement is not appreciated.
  • a roller mechanism may be used to unroll a flexible roll of messages printed on, for example, a "Mylar" sheet from a first roller, past a display area, and onto a second roller, preferably with intermittent motion synchronised to the cycling of the flasher circuit so that the second indicia are stationary while the lamp is on. (Preferably the flasher circuit is controlled through an opto-isolator from the roller drive so that the lamp is enabled when the rollers are stationary).
  • motion of the second indicia may serve to attract attention.
  • roller system is reversible so that once the first roller is empty it then serves as a take up roller.
  • an endless loop may be used.
  • Other means to move the indicia may be used, but a two-roller system is preferred for simplicity.
  • a third (or even more) set of indicia may be included so that what has been referred to above as a second set may be a combination of fixed indicia on several transparent/translucent sheets, or a combination of some fixed, and some moving indicia.
  • ( 1) is a transparent sheet bearing opaque paniculate markings each having a substantially white or pale appearance.
  • this sheet includes:-
  • Each object is substantially opaque and by default - in the absence of markings or indicia - is comprised solely of a background colour; preferably in a pale shade.
  • Indicia comprise one or more foreground colours, and for finely resolved images an object may comprise or a mixture of background and foreground colours which in the case of larger objects may be spatially separated within one object.
  • (2) comprises an open arrangement of particulate objects. It comprises: (a) An array of wires (or other elongated cords), carrying beads, is spread across a space between a rear, sometimes illuminated surface and a viewing position. An approximately 50% transmission of light past the array is provided by spacing each beaded wire apart from an adjacent wire by about twice its own diameter.
  • the threading process is preferably automated, in that it involves the steps of (a) selecting a bead of a particular colour, and (b) placing it on a free end of a wire.
  • each bead has a substantially constant external diameter.
  • Each bead may resemble a washer, or more preferably a short square tubular section having about the same length as its external diameter.
  • the visual appearance of a multimode display may be enhanced by preferring the use of beads of lighter colours, so that any pattern behind the beads tends to be concealed by reflected ambient light unless the pattern behind the beads is itself lit to an extent substantially greater than the reflected ambient light.
  • the "Contravision” panels can be used, but may be “overkill”. While true one-way mirrors use for example a partially silvered surface, the "Contravision” approach uses an array of printed dots on a transparent (or translucent) substrate. The dots have a white ground (as seen on the side outwards from the illuminated display device), onto which indicia in various colours and or shade may be printed. The total area covered by the dots is of the order of half the area of the substrate.
  • the "Contravision" sheet acts in a similar way to a one-way mirror in that incident light is reflected back, masking any indicia further behind in the illuminated display device, unless the lamp within the illuminated display device is switched on.
  • polarised light Indica formed from sheets of "Polaroid” or similar linearly polarised material may be provided and are set down in one or more consistent orientations of polarisation.
  • a light source of controllable angle of polarisation is provided; in this instance it may be a rotatable sheet of "Polaroid” or similar material in front of or behind the layer of indicia 1018. Rotation will cause indicia to cycle from a state of near-total light absorption (crossed polarisers) to a grey or about 50% light transmission when the polarising sheets angles of polarisation are substantially parallel.
  • Coloured light may be used; for example transparent red indicia will be substantially invisible against a background of red light, while they will become more clearly visible against white light or light of other colours which are absorbed by the red dyes within the transparent red indicia.
  • Figure 5 shows a cyclic timing circuit suitable for the flasher circuit.
  • a conventional circuit for using the well-known 555 type of integrated-circuit timer connected as an astable oscillator is shown.
  • the timing pulse and duty cycle in this type of circuit is set by the values of the 1 MO, and 470K resistors at top right, with the
  • Timing is substantially independent of the actual supply voltage.
  • the circuit is shown with an isolated power source - the transformer 50 connected to the mains inputs 53, 53.
  • the isolated interface between the output from the 555, from its pin 3, with the SCR device of the preferred embodiment of the solid-state pulse-start relay (eg 39 in Figure 3, or 78 in Figure 7).
  • a light-activated SCR (type HI 1C4) is used to provide isolation while supplying gate current to the semiconductor switching device in the pulse-start solid-state relay circuit (see Figures 3, 7, or 8) although if the power fed to this circuit is isolated and user controls are made safe optical isolation may not be used.
  • Figure 6 shows the time course of events associated with the solid-state pulse-start circuit. Time advances from left to right, and one portion of the time scale has been expanded to better illustrate brief events. Note that this diagram does not take account of the alternating nature of a 50 or 60Hz AC supply; no superimposed ripple is shown. From the top, the diagram shows the time course of the control pulse, the light output, the voltage across the capacitor 310 ( Figure 3), the start pulse, and the cathode temperature.
  • the circuit of Figure 3 has the following method of operation; assume the semiconductor switch, shown by way of example as a silicon-controlled rectifier or SCR as 39 in Figure 3, is non conducting and the capacitor 310 is charged to the peak mains voltage. At the point where the time scale is labelled "ON" (expanded scale) the control pulse is brought high by some external event. Current into the gate electrode causes the SCR 39 to be triggered into conduction. Typically an external signal will be applied from the controlling device 312 via the wire 313 to reach said gate electrode. Substantially all of the energy stored in capacitor 310 is discharged into the primary winding of the pulse transformer 31 1.
  • the inductance of the pulse transformer becomes resonant with the capacitor 310, thereby generating a high frequency sinusoidal decaying pulse, as shown by the "Start pulse” waveform in Figure 6.
  • the pulse transformer has a very low impedance at the mains supply frequency, and is typically of ferrite construction.
  • the pulse voltage developed across the primary of the pulse transformer is stepped up by the pulse transformer's turns ratio, which is preferably 40:120 to above 1000 volts; a voltage sufficient to strike the fluorescent lamp or lamps.
  • the optimum strike voltage varies for different types of lamp and it is preferable to provide pulse transformers having different turns ratios to cater for different types of lamp.
  • the frequency of the sinusoidal pulse determined by the inductance and capacitance of the resonant circuit formed by 310 and 311, is preferably made lower than any widely used radio frequency (for example it may be 150 KHz).
  • This state is maintained as long as the SCR 39 (or other device used for that purpose) remains in the conductive state.
  • the capacitor 310 becomes fully charged (in around a tenth of a second for the preferred circuit values) and as a consequence of the voltage across the lamp and pulse-start solid-state relay circuit rising to the mains voltage, the heater transformer delivers full output and warms the heaters for the next strike.
  • Capacitor 310 charges to the peak mains voltage via resistor 37. The circuit operation may be repeated once capacitor 310 attains full or at least sufficient charge.
  • the circuit also shows the preferred arrangement of two lamps, in series, though with minor modifications it will operate with one lamp, or more than two lamps, should the application require it.
  • the AC mains supply is connected to the terminals 70, 70.
  • Current flows through the primary or common winding 710 of a leakage reactance transformer which, being in an autotransformer configuration, serves to step up the incoming voltage in winding 711.
  • the type of magnetic coupling in such leakage reactance transformers also provides a current limiting action and thus replaces the ballast inductor of Figure la (8), Figure lb (18), Figure 2 (28), and Figure 3(36).
  • Such transformers are generally available in the United States of America.
  • the transformer also includes a secondary winding 712, to energise the flasher circuit 74, and three heater windings 713 for the two fluorescent lamps 73, 73 which are in series for the arc current though it should be noted that two heaters share a common transformer winding.
  • the novel solid-state pulse-start relay section is shown as items 75; a bridge rectifier, 76; a preferably ferrite-cored pulse transformer, 77; the capacitor which stores energy for the start pulse, 78; a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR), and 72; a high-value resistor which supplies a charging current for the capacitor 77.
  • the circuit of the timer module 74 would preferably correspond to the circuit of Figure 5 (transformer 50 now being winding 712) although any other device providing a suitable control pulse for the application in question could be substituted.
  • a traffic lights application may use a microcontroller circuit to provide suitably sequenced control pulses, or an office lighting system may use proximity or infrared detectors to sense the presence of a person in the zone requiring lighting.
  • leakage reactance transformer provides sufficient voltage in practice to operate two fluorescent lamps in series, even on the relatively low voltage AC mains supply of 110 volts.
  • This preferred embodiment of the pulse-start solid-state relay incorporates a semiconductor switching device, namely a TRIAC, capable of controlling alternating currents.
  • a semiconductor switching device namely a TRIAC
  • the bridge rectifier is not used in this circuit, and a DC charging current is needed only for the first strike since the arc is never completely extinguished once struck, due to reactance current through the capacitor 812.
  • the alternating-current mains supply is provided through the terminals 80, 80, preferably with the phase leg connected to the ballast 81 in order to allow neutral-referenced and non-isolated control signals to be applied to the flasher circuit 89 or directly to me TRIAC 88. Reversing the terminals simply affects the convenience of control connections.
  • the current through the fluorescent lamp (or lamps) is limited by the impedance of the ballast inductor 81 and cathode heating is provided by the transformer 83, with primary winding 86 and secondary heater windings 84, 84, though a reactance transformer of the type illustrated in Figure 7 may be substituted for use in particular with multiple lamps and low-voltage mains supplies.
  • the lamp 82 is connected in series with a pulse transformer 87, the TRIAC 88, and the ballast 81 across the mains supply. Its cathodes 85, 85 are energised from the windings 84, 84 at a higher voltage when the lamp 82 is non-conducting because the heater transformer primary winding 86 is connected across the lamp.
  • Lamp arc current continues to flow at normal strength as long as the TRIAC remains in its conductive mode, as long as current flows in its gate electrode and on until the next zero-crossing moment. Once the TRIAC becomes non-conductive, lamp arc current continues to flow through the capacitor 812 which presents a reactance of approximately 6,000 ohms and therefore the lamp continues to glow faintly. In contrast, the circuit illustrated in Figure 3 provides for complete cessation of lamp current. The capacitor does not, in this preferred embodiment, regain a steady DC charge. Because the arc is still struck it need not be restruck when the TRIAC 88 is again made conductive and lamp life is further extended as periods of glow discharge do not subsequently occur during flashing modes of operation.
  • the control electrode for the TRIAC type of semiconductor switching element may be supplied with control currents referenced to the neutral line, which renders the linkage of multiple circuits according to this embodiment easier to implement as otherwise a technique such as optical isolation is required.
  • the box 89 may represent a flasher circuit (see Figure 5 for one embodiment) which may be provided with user controls, or it may represent part of an overall synchronisation or linkage unit for multiple illumination or display devices incorporating the circuit.
  • This circuit is based on Figure 8 but includes a preferred means to modulate, or dim, the intensity of the light.
  • 90 and 90 represent the AC mains connections, with the phase leg preferably connected to the ballast 91.
  • 92 is the lamp, though a plurality of lamps may be used according to the information pertaining to Figure 7.
  • the transformer 93 provides heating current to the lamp cathodes 95, 95 from windings 94, 94, and is energised by primary winding 96.
  • Diode 910 (1N4007) and resistor 911 (470K ohms) provide initial charging current for capacitor 912.
  • TRIAC 913 is made conductive by current passing into its gate electrode from the interface 99. This causes capacitor 912 to discharge through the TRIAC and step-up pulse transformer 97, thereby generating a brief high-voltage pulse to strike the arc in the lamp 92. Once the arc has been struck, one or more of a combination of TRIACs 914, 915, 916 may be switched on and TRIAC 913 may be switched off. Series capacitors 917, 918, 919 are selected to provide a graded and preferably a binary series of reactances so that any one brightness level from a range of possible levels may be synthesised by energising one or more TRIACs.
  • the preferred interface chip a "Philips" PCF 8574, has eight outputs so 128 levels plus fully on are possible.
  • the interface chip 99 is designed to be linked to the I 2 C serial data bus, and up to sixteen chips of this type may be addressed separately from a single pair of data wires.
  • the I 2 C bus also has a ground wire and a five-volt line, not shown here.
  • the single pulse strike voltage prevents the possibility of long glow discharge periods, which are the most common cause of lamp end blackening and short lamp life.
  • the starting technique ensures the best possible start for a large range of lamps operated over a wide temperature.
  • Multiple circuits may be linked by the same control line or control system to provide flashing in synchronism, light chasing, or some other special effect. This is generally cheaper to effect in the case of circuits using the ground-referenced TRIAC type of circuit.
  • the circuit is best suited to 26mm diameter lamps and the new generation "PL” (NV Philips Gloielampenfabrikien) and “2D” (Thorn pic) lamps, which share characteristically high strike voltages. These lamps offer improved efficiency when compared to the older 38mm diameter lamps, some of which are not readily available.
  • PL NV Philips Gloielampenfabrikien
  • 2D Thorn pic
  • the circuit incorporates two inherent levels of protection against excessive changes in voltage with time, and changes in current with time which may destroy semiconductor devices.
  • the start pulse is a well defined sinusoidal voltage, applied in series with the lamp(s) and the supply. Radio frequency interference is negligible because the strike current is asynchronous, and at a relatively low frequency. 1 1.
  • the circuit has a low component count.
  • the circuit may have a dimmer option added, and can then provide a range of discrete brightness levels as well as fully on.
  • Lamp life is substantially longer than for an incandescent lamp run at its design voltage when subjected to comparable cyclic energisation. This feature suggests that traffic lights for instance would benefit from use of these lamps rather than incandescent lamps.
  • the sign according to the present invention can be used in advertising or as a point of sale marketing device and provides an efficient illuminated or flashing sign to draw the attention of the public to the words or pictures held in the sign box.
  • the fluorescent ballast and the cathode heating transformer may be combined on the one core to form a leakage reactance transformer.
  • the leakage reactance transformer may also step up the incoming AC voltage.
  • the pulse start solid state relay may be inserted in series with the lamp either on the phase or neutral line.
  • More than one lamp may be operated in series, via additional cathode heating transformer windings, and by a provision for a higher supply voltage, which may be derived by a step-up leakage reactance transformer.
  • the pulse start solid state relay may have the following variations.
  • the semiconductor switching device may be selected from a range including any other gateable or switchable semiconductor with suitable voltage and current ratings ie MOSFET, TRANSISTOR, INSULATED GATE TRANSISTOR (IGT). ' ATE TURNOFF
  • the circuit may be constructed in other configurations which provide the same operating functions as the pulse start solid state relay. These functions are specified as "resembling a switch, which when turned on, generates a first pulse voltage of additional magnitude and energy, and then maintains a flow of a lesser current as long as it is required".
  • the first pulse is preferably sufficient to strike an arc through a fluorescent lamp.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
  • Discharge-Lamp Control Circuits And Pulse- Feed Circuits (AREA)

Abstract

Un boîtier d'enseigne (1030) comporte une fenêtre de visualisation (1031) affichant un premier signe sous la lumière réfléchie lorsque l'intérieur du boîtier n'est pas éclairé. Le premier signe se compose de deux ensembles de points opaques sur une feuille transparente (1020), un premier ensemble d'une couleur de fond et un deuxième ensemble (1021) de une ou plusieurs couleurs de premier plan. Une feuille (1018) est positionnée derrière la feuille (1020) et comprend un signe visible sous la lumière transmise à partir d'une source de lumière fluorescente (1010) qui comporte des moyens (1013) pour éclairer et éteindre les lampes fluorescentes (1011) et (1012).
PCT/NZ1995/000039 1994-05-11 1995-05-09 Enseigne avec/sans eclairage WO1995031802A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU25394/95A AU2539495A (en) 1994-05-11 1995-05-09 Sign with/without illumination
GB9620329A GB2301695B (en) 1994-05-11 1995-05-09 Sign

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NZ26050994 1994-05-11
NZ260509 1994-05-11

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1995031802A1 true WO1995031802A1 (fr) 1995-11-23

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NZ1995/000039 WO1995031802A1 (fr) 1994-05-11 1995-05-09 Enseigne avec/sans eclairage

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2539495A (fr)
GB (1) GB2301695B (fr)
WO (1) WO1995031802A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19616607A1 (de) * 1996-04-25 1997-10-30 Ltw Lichttechnisches Werk Gmbh Anzeigevorrichtung für Bilder
FR2794562A1 (fr) * 1999-06-03 2000-12-08 Alain Jean Mathis Dispositif d'affichage pour affiches publicitaires et/ou informatives
WO2001020589A1 (fr) * 1999-09-15 2001-03-22 Sun Ok Park Procede et dispositif publicitaires

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2221889A (en) * 1939-07-28 1940-11-19 Multi Vue Signs Company Inc Mirror sign
EP0107939A2 (fr) * 1982-10-07 1984-05-09 Francis Alfred Carroll Dispositif d'affichage
FR2606539A1 (fr) * 1986-11-12 1988-05-13 Vitrant Christian Tableau lumineux a effet decoratif et/ou d'eclairage changeant avec le mode d'eclairage
US4747223A (en) * 1985-11-13 1988-05-31 Cesar Borda Mirrored communication system
AU580849B2 (en) * 1985-03-05 1989-02-02 Alan Milward Filmer Improvements in or relating to display units
US5199202A (en) * 1990-08-22 1993-04-06 Musgrave Gary S Light box with multiple image-forming means therein

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2221889A (en) * 1939-07-28 1940-11-19 Multi Vue Signs Company Inc Mirror sign
EP0107939A2 (fr) * 1982-10-07 1984-05-09 Francis Alfred Carroll Dispositif d'affichage
AU580849B2 (en) * 1985-03-05 1989-02-02 Alan Milward Filmer Improvements in or relating to display units
US4747223A (en) * 1985-11-13 1988-05-31 Cesar Borda Mirrored communication system
FR2606539A1 (fr) * 1986-11-12 1988-05-13 Vitrant Christian Tableau lumineux a effet decoratif et/ou d'eclairage changeant avec le mode d'eclairage
US5199202A (en) * 1990-08-22 1993-04-06 Musgrave Gary S Light box with multiple image-forming means therein

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19616607A1 (de) * 1996-04-25 1997-10-30 Ltw Lichttechnisches Werk Gmbh Anzeigevorrichtung für Bilder
FR2794562A1 (fr) * 1999-06-03 2000-12-08 Alain Jean Mathis Dispositif d'affichage pour affiches publicitaires et/ou informatives
WO2000075910A1 (fr) * 1999-06-03 2000-12-14 Reflex Media Dispositif d'affichage pour affiches publicitaires, et/ou informatives
WO2001020589A1 (fr) * 1999-09-15 2001-03-22 Sun Ok Park Procede et dispositif publicitaires

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2539495A (en) 1995-12-05
GB9620329D0 (en) 1996-11-13
GB2301695A (en) 1996-12-11
GB2301695B (en) 1998-07-29

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