Dynamic signage with dimensional symbols

A dynamic sign, and method for manufacture thereof, is provided. The sign comprises a display comprising at least one dynamic display surface configured for projecting dynamic graphical elements. The sign also comprises a perforated mask superposed on the at least one dynamic display surface of the display, the mask comprising at least one opening formed therein. The sign further comprises at least one optical guide inserted into the at least one opening, the at least one optical guide positioned for carrying light from the display through the at least one opening and allowing the dynamic graphical elements to be seen therethrough.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to signage, and more specifically to signage having dimensional symbols.

BACKGROUND

Dimensional symbols (also known as dimensional letters) are a type of signage where letters, logos, and other various shapes are cut out of a material and affixed to a wall or other surface. Spacing between the wall and the shapes can be provided to better define the letters, and in some cases lights are placed between the wall and the letters, or within the letters themselves. This “backlighting” provides an illuminating effect for the dimensional symbols. Traditionally, the illuminating effect is halo-like, surrounding the cut-out letters. Some more modern dimensional symbols are somewhat translucent, providing a glow-type effect when backlit.

This traditional models for dimensional symbols have been around for a long time. There is a desire to enhance the existing signage options.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a broad aspect, there is provided a dynamic sign, comprising: a display comprising at least one dynamic display surface configured for projecting dynamic graphical elements; a perforated mask superposed on the at least one dynamic display surface of the display, the mask comprising at least one opening formed therein; and at least one optical guide inserted into the at least one opening, the at least one optical guide positioned for carrying light from the display through the at least one opening and allowing the dynamic graphical elements to be seen therethrough.

In some embodiments, the dynamic graphical elements comprise video.

In some embodiments, the video comprises at least one animation.

In some embodiments, the dynamic sign further comprises a fastener for securing the sign to a structure, the fastener attached to at least one of the mask and the display.

In some embodiments, the dynamic sign further comprises a frame attached to at least one of the display and the mask via the fastener.

In some embodiments, the structure is a wall.

In some embodiments, the structure is a ceiling.

In some embodiments, the mask is formed of an opaque material.

In some embodiments, the mask is formed of a translucent material.

In some embodiments, the at least one opening forms at least one alphanumeric symbol.

In some embodiments, the at least one opening forms at least one logo.

In some embodiments, the display comprises a plurality of adjacent display tiles.

In some embodiments, the mask is replaceable.

In accordance with another broad aspect, a method of manufacture of a dynamic sign is provided. At least one opening is formed in a material base to produce a perforated mask. The perforated mask is superposed over at least one dynamic display surface of a display. At least one optical guide is inserted into the at least one opening.

In some embodiments, superposing the perforated mask over the at least one dynamic display surface of the display comprises affixing the perforated mask to the display with at least one fastener.

In some embodiments, superposing the perforated mask over the at least one dynamic display surface of the display comprises removably mating at least one portion of the perforated mask with the display.

In some embodiments, inserting the at least one optical guide into the at least one opening comprises affixing the at least one optical guide to the mask.

In some embodiments, the method of manufacture further comprises fastening at least one of the screen and the display to a structure.

In some embodiments, fastening at least one of the screen and the display to the structure comprises fastening the least one of the screen and the display to a wall.

In some embodiments, fastening at least one of the screen and the display to the structure comprises fastening the least one of the screen and the display to a ceiling.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference toFIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram illustrating a portion of a dynamic sign100. The sign100is composed of a display110, a mask120, one or more optical guides130, and a controller140. The mask120is superposed or overlain over the display110, and the mask120retains the optical guides130in openings formed in the mask120, as described hereinbelow. The controller is communicatively coupled with the display110.

The display110has at least one dynamic display surface112which projects dynamic graphical elements therefrom, including various images, video, graphics, animations, and the like. In some embodiments the display110includes a plurality of panels which each have a respective dynamic display surface112. For example, the display110includes a plurality of panels organized in a grid pattern. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of panels is a rectangle having equal side length. In other embodiments, each of the plurality of panels is a square having equal length and width. In another example, the panels which make up the display110have differing shapes and sizes, and are arranged in an irregular pattern. Alternatively, or in addition, in some embodiments the display110includes a panel having a plurality of dynamic display surfaces112, for example a double-sided panel.

The display110is communicatively coupled to the controller140, which may be any suitable processor, electronic control system, or other processing device. The display110, via the controller140, is configured for receiving input signals over one or more connectors, which may be wireless and/or wired. The connectors use any suitable standard, including HDM I™, DisplayPort™, VGA, S-Video™, USB™, Miracast™, and the like. The controller140of the display110is configured for processing the input signals in any suitable fashion for displaying any visual content contained in the input signals, including the aforementioned dynamic graphical elements, via the display110. In some embodiments, the display110also includes one or more sound-producing devices, for example one or more speakers, and the controller140of the display110is configured for causing the speakers to output any audio contents contained in the input signals.

The display110may be made of any suitable technology, including an LCD (liquid crystal display) panel, a plasma panel, an LED (light-emitting diode) video board, an OLED (organic light-emitting diode) panel, and the like. In some embodiments, the display is a television. In other embodiments, the display is a computer monitor. In some embodiments, the display110includes a curved panel, a parabolic panel, or any other suitably warped panel. In addition, the display110may take any suitable shape or size, including rectangular, square, circular, and the like, and may be dimensioned according to any suitable ratio, including 4:3, 16:9, 16:10, and the like. The display110provides any suitable resolution, including 1080p (also known as “Full HD” (high definition)), 4k, 8k, and the like, and any suitable brightness.

Superposed on the one or more dynamic display surfaces112of the display110is the mask120. The mask120may be affixed to the display110in a permanent fashion, for example via an adhesive or fastener (e.g. screws), or may be removably affixed to the display110, for example via latches, hooks, and the like. For example, a top portion of the mask120can be provided with one or more hooks which are configured for slidably engaging with a top portion of the display110. In another example, embedded in the mask120are one or more magnets which are configured for removably joining the mask120with the display110via one or more magnetic or ferromagnetic surfaces on the display110. In a further example, a glue, epoxy, or other adhesive is used to affix the mask120to the display110in a substantially permanent fashion.

The mask120may be formed of a substantially opaque material, for example wood, metal, stone, tile, and the like, or of any suitable combination thereof. Alternatively, the mask120may be formed of a translucent material, for example plastic, quartz, glass, and the like. In some further embodiments, the mask120is made of a mix of opaque and translucent materials. For example, the mask120defines a checkered pattern of alternating opaque and translucent materials, or a striped pattern of alternating opaque and translucent materials, or any other suitable pattern. The mask120may take any suitable shape and size, for example based on the dimensions of the display110.

In some embodiments, the mask120is placed overtop the display110with a predetermined gap between the mask120and the dynamic display surface112. For example, the display110produces a considerable amount of heat when turned on, and the gap between the display110and the mask120provides a channel for circulating air to cool the display110. In other embodiments the mask120is substantially flush with the dynamic display surface112of the display110, for example being in contact therewith.

With additional reference toFIG. 2, the mask120has formed therein at least one opening122. The openings122may be formed in any suitable fashion, for example by the action of a jigsaw or other mechanical cutter, a high-pressured fluid cutter, a laser cutter, or using any other suitable cutting implement, on a material base used for the mask120. The openings122may form any number of shapes, including alphanumeric symbols (letters, numbers, and the like), logos, and the like. The display110, and the dynamic display surface112thereof, is visible through the openings122in the mask120, such that light emitted by the display110and which forms the dynamic graphical elements pass through the openings122.

In some embodiments, the particular shape, size, and number of panels which compose the display110are selected to substantially correspond to the shape, size, and number of openings122in the mask120. For example, when the mask120has three openings122shaped like spirals, the display110has three circular panels which have a size equivalent to or slightly larger than the openings122, or otherwise appropriate for projecting dynamic graphical elements through the openings122. In another example, the openings122include a dot pattern in a first portion of the mask122and an oval-shaped symbolic logo in a second portion of the mask122. In this example, the display110has a first rectangular panel which is positioned so as to be superposed by the first portion of the mask to align with the dot pattern, and a second, oval-shaped panel which is positioned so as to be superposed by the second portion of the mask to align with the symbolic logo. In this way, the display110is not required to span the entire height and/or width of the dynamic sign100, but instead can be restricted to certain key portions thereof, where, when overlain by the mask120, the dynamic graphical elements projected by the display110are visible via the openings122of the mask120.

With continued reference toFIG. 1and with additional reference toFIGS. 3 and 4A-D, inserted into the one or more openings122are the optical guides130. The optical guides130provide a medium for light from the dynamic display surface112of the display110to travel through the mask120, and are positioned for carrying light from the display110through the at least one opening122. The optical guides130may be made from any suitable transparent or translucent material, including glass, acrylic, polycarbonate, mesh, for example a woven translucent material, or any translucent stone or mineral, for example quartz.

The optical guides130may be retained in the openings122via friction, or be retained therein via one or more adhesives, such as glue, epoxy, or in any other suitable fashion. The optical guides130may take on any suitable shape, and may project from the mask120in a substantially perpendicular fashion, or may exhibit any suitable level of curvature or pattern of bending. For example, and with reference toFIGS. 4A and 4C, some of the optical guides130are shaped as elongated cylinders132which may have an angled distal end (as illustrated) or a flat distal end. Some of the optical guides130are triangular prisms134of varying height, and some are half-disks136of varying radius and eccentricity. With reference toFIGS. 4B and 4D, the optical guides130used to make logo lettering138are substantially flat, letter-shaped, and have a suitable thickness for projecting beyond the mask120. Still other designs and shapes for the optical guides130are considered.

In some embodiments, the number of optical guides130is equivalent to the number of openings122in the mask120. In other embodiments, the sign100includes fewer optical guides130than the number of openings122. For example, some openings share an optical guide130, such as a Y-shaped cylindrical optical guide130which is inserted into two circular openings122of the mask120. In another example, a block-shaped optical guide130has a plurality of pegs which are configured for being inserted into respective circular openings122of the mask120. In a further example, some of the openings122are not provided with an optical guide130.

The optical guides130are positioned for carrying light from the display110through the at least one opening122of the mask120. Thus, portions of the dynamic graphical elements, including the various images, video, graphics, and animations, displayed by the display110take on the shape of the openings122and are visible via the optical guides when viewing the sign100. In particular, any alphanumeric symbols, logos, or other shapes carved into the mask120(in the form of the openings122) take on part of all of the colour, brightness, and any animated characteristics of the dynamic graphical elements displayed on portions of the display110with which they are aligned.

In addition, and with continued reference toFIG. 4A, in some embodiments the optical guides130extend beyond an outer surface124of the mask120. By extending beyond the outer surface124of the mask120, the optical guides130provide a three-dimensional effect to the shapes and symbols carved into the mask120, in the form of the openings122. Moreover, portions of the optical guides130which extend beyond the outer surface124also carry light from the display110, and give a three-dimensional effect to those portions of the optical guides. In this fashion, the optical guides130provide a three-dimensional animated effect to the shapes and symbols of the openings122, as provided by the dynamic graphical elements projected by the display110.

With reference toFIGS. 5A-C, an embodiment of a dynamic sign500is shown. A mask502of the dynamic sign500is overlain on a screen in any suitable fashion, as described hereinabove. The mask502has three oval-shaped openings formed therein, and inserted into the openings are three optical guides504,506,508. The optical guides504,506,508may have different thicknesses, i.e. project from the mask502at different heights. For example, the bottommost optical guide504has a first thickness which is less than a second thickness of the middle optical guide506, but greater than a third thickness of the topmost optical guide508. In some embodiments, a distal surface of each of the optical guides504,506,508is substantially flat and parallel to an outer surface of the mask502. In other embodiments, the distal surfaces of the optical guides504,506,508have an undulating or wave-like shape.

With continued reference toFIG. 5A, a first “snapshot” of the dynamic screen500is shown. The screen of the dynamic sign500projects a plurality of dynamic graphical elements as part of an underwater or ocean theme, including a virtual fish510. The virtual fish510may be part of a video feed sent to the dynamic sign500, or may be generated by the dynamic sign500via a program or other software. The virtual fish510is animated to swim or otherwise move around, and to produce streams of bubbles. InFIG. 5A, the virtual fish510is visible via the bottommost optical guide504, a first stream of bubbles512previously produced by the virtual fish512has ascended “upward” (i.e. toward a top portion of the dynamic sign500) and is visible in the middle optical guide506, and a second stream of bubbles514being produced by the virtual fish510is visible in proximity thereto in the bottommost optical guide504.

With continued reference toFIG. 5B, the various dynamic graphical elements displayed via the optical guides504,506,508, including the virtual fish510and the streams of bubbles512,514, are configured to display motion and/or other suitable animations.FIG. 5Bshows a second snapshot of the dynamic screen500taken at some time after the first snapshot ofFIG. 5A. InFIG. 5B, the virtual fish510has swum up, or otherwise moved, to be partially visible via the middle optical guide506, the second stream of bubbles514has ascended to the topmost optical guide506, and the first stream of bubbles512is no longer visible on the dynamic screen500. In addition, a third stream of bubbles516being produced by the virtual fish510is visible in proximity thereto in the middle optical guide506.

It should be noted that in the time between the first and second screenshots, the virtual fish510“travels” between the bottommost optical guide504and the middle optical guide506. The virtual fish510may take any suitable path, and in some embodiments takes a path which partially or wholly obfuscates the virtual fish510for part of the path. As shown inFIG. 5B, a portion of the virtual fish510is not visible via the optical guide506, and is hidden by opaque portions of the mask502.

With continued reference toFIG. 5C, a third snapshot of the dynamic screen500is shown, the third snapshot being of the dynamic screen500at some time after the second snapshot ofFIG. 5B. InFIG. 5C, the virtual fish510has swum up, or otherwise moved, to be visible via the topmost optical guide508, and the second and third streams of bubbles514,516are no longer visible on the dynamic screen500. In addition, a fourth stream of bubbles518being produced by the virtual fish510is visible in proximity thereto in the topmost optical guide508, and a fifth stream of bubbles520is visible in the bottommost optical guide504.

In some embodiments, the dynamic screen500is further configured for displaying additional virtual fish, other underwater creatures, and/or other underwater objects and elements. For example, the topmost optical guide506can display waves, surf, and/or a horizon above the virtual water shown in the bottommost and middle optical guides504,506. The dynamic screen500is configured for displaying various dynamic graphical elements, including any animations of the dynamic graphical elements. The dynamic graphical elements may be moved, shrunk, grown, warped, skewed, or be subjected to any other suitable animation or alteration, and these animations and alterations are visible via the optical guides504,506,508.

Although the dynamic signs100,500have been shown as standalone signs, it should be noted that other embodiments of the dynamic signs described herein may also be integrated or encased in other structures, for example walls, ceilings, and the like. With reference toFIGS. 6A and 6B, there are shown dynamic signs600and602which are integrated into a wall structure650. The wall structure650can be any suitable wall, ceiling, partition, and the like.

With continued reference toFIG. 6A, the dynamic sign600is formed within a wall structure650which has a wall surface652. The wall surface652can be composed of a plurality of panels, or can be a continuous surface. Formed within the wall surface652are a plurality of openings, in which are inserted optical guides630, which may provide substantially similar functionality as the optical guides130. A display, which may be similar to the display110, is inserted within the wall structure650behind the portion of the wall surface652where the optical guides630are inserted. In this fashion, the portion of the wall surface where the optical guides630are inserted superpose the display. The dynamic sign600is integrated within the wall structure650, for example to appear as part of the wall structure650itself.

With continued reference toFIG. 6B, the wall surface652of the wall structure650has formed therein an aperture654. The dynamic sign602comprises a display, which may be similar to the display110, and which is inserted into the wall structure650and located behind the wall surface652via the aperture654formed in the wall surface652. The display can be secured to the wall structure650in any suitable fashion. The display is encased in the wall structure650by way of a panel620, which is inserted in and retained within the aperture654formed in the wall surface652, thereby being superposed on the display. In some embodiments, the panel620is retained within the wall surface652using a removable fastener, for example latches, press-seals, and the like. In other embodiments, the panel620is retained within the wall surface652using a substantially permanent fastener, for example glue, epoxy, and the like. In some embodiments, the panel620is substantially flush with the wall surface652. In other embodiments, the panel620is recessed or extends beyond the wall surface652.

The panel620has formed therein a plurality of openings, much like the mask120of the dynamic sign100. The openings are configured for receiving the optical guides630, which are rotated vis-à-vis the configuration of the optical guides630in dynamic sign600. It should be noted that various different configurations of the optical guides630, and indeed the optical guides130, are considered. The dynamic sign602, having the panel620which is separate from the wall structure650, provides a dynamic sign embodiment which may be more easily replaceable. For example, in a shared space, such as a conference room, different panels620having different openings and optical guides630could be used depending on the organization using the conference room. By changing the panel620, signage for the relevant organization can be provided. In addition, the dynamic sign602, having the panel620which may be removable from the wall structure650, can simplify repair and/or replacement of the display inserted into the wall structure650in the event of malfunction or failure.

In still further embodiments, the herein-described dynamic sign is implemented as part of other free-standing structures, including bollards, light fixtures or other lighting implements, obelisks, pillars, poles posts, sculptures, totems, and the like. In some such embodiments, one or more apertures are formed in an outer surface of the free-standing structure, thereby forming the mask of the dynamic sign, which is integrated with the free-standing structure. The display is positioned within a hollow interior of the free-standing structure, as suitable, and the optical guides are inserted into the apertures formed in the outer surface of the free-standing structure.

Manufacturing the dynamic signs100,500,600may be performed by implementing a method of manufacture. At least one opening, for example the openings122, are formed in a material base to produce a perforated mask, for instance the perforated mask120. The base material can be any suitable material, which may be opaque and/or translucent, and the openings can be formed using any suitable perforation technique. The openings122may take on various shapes and sizes, including geometric shapes, alphanumeric characters, logos, and the like.

The perforated mask120is superposed over at least one dynamic display surface of a display, for example the display110. In some embodiments, superposing the mask120over the display110includes affixing the mask120to the display110using one or more fasteners. In other embodiments, superposing the mask120over the display110includes mating part of the mask120, for example hooks or latches, with the display110. Still other ways of superposing the mask120over the display110are considered.

At least one optical guide, for example one or more of the optical guides130, is inserted into the openings122. In some embodiments, the optical guides130are retained in the mask120by friction. In other embodiments, the optical guides are affixed to the mask120using adhesives or other substances.

In some embodiments, at least one of the screen and the display is fastened to a structure, for example a wall or ceiling. In some embodiments, the optical guides130are inserted into the mask120before the mask120is superposed over the display110. In other embodiments, the mask120is first superposed over the display110, and thereafter the optical guides130are inserted into the mask120