Patent Publication Number: US-2011056102-A1

Title: Frame assembly for displaying indicia and reflecting an image

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/555,331 filed Sep. 8, 2009, in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and claims priority to the earlier application. This application incorporates the earlier application by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a frame assembly for displaying a plurality of indicia and reflecting an image, and more specifically, to a frame assembly having a frame supporting at least one light source, a sheet member bearing indicia positioned adjacent to the light source, a film or substrate bearing the indicia and releasably secured to the sheet member, a mirror positioned adjacent to the sheet member and light source, and a sensor, wherein the frame assembly in a first mode displays desired indicia through the mirror and in a second mode functions as a mirror to reflect an image. As configured, the first mode permits the light source to project light through the sheet member and mirror thereby displaying the indicia on the sheet member via backlighting. In a second mode, the sensor detects the presence of an object or individual in front of the frame assembly and deactivates the light source thereby permitting the mirror to serve a conventional purpose (i.e., reflecting an image of an object in front of the mirror). 
     In one embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the invention relates to a display unit for displaying the plurality of indicia, an enclosure for supporting the display unit, a mirror supported by the enclosure, a sensor supported by the enclosure, a mass storage device for storing the indicia to be displayed on the display unit, a central processing unit for processing the indicia, a signaling system for switching the frame assembly between the first and second mode of operation, a controller in communication with the sensor and central processing unit, and a power supply. Advantageously, the display unit may be operated remotely via a land line or wireless network to upload or download various indicia, and control the operations of the display unit. 
     In this embodiment, the first mode permits indicia to be displayed on the display unit. In a second mode, the sensor detects the presence of an object or individual in front of the frame assembly, and communicates with the controller to cause the display unit to display black pixels (i.e., no image), thereby permitting the mirror to serve a conventional purpose (i.e., reflecting an image of an object in front of the mirror). 
     The presence of mirrors in multiple locations (e.g., washrooms, dressing rooms, hotel rooms, etc.) provides an ideal opportunity to display any number of public service announcements, advertisements, or news stories. In conventional uses, mirrors serve a reflecting purpose. In other words, individuals use mirrors during washing, grooming, shopping, and dressing. In locations where announcements or advertisements are co-located with mirrors (e.g., restaurant bathrooms), the announcements and mirrors require separate wall space. As a result, wall space becomes cluttered and unattractive when bearing mirrors, flyers, advertisements, and various listings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The frame assembly displays any number of indicia in a first mode and reflects an image in a second mode. The frame assembly comprises in one embodiment a frame, at least one light source supported by the frame, a sheet member supported by the frame, a substrate bearing indicia releasably secured to the sheet member, a mirror supported by the frame, and a sensor supported by the frame. The frame may be positioned on a wall, shelf, or any suitable surface. The light source may be secured within or on the frame. The light source of the frame assembly may be powered by an external power source, a battery, or any variety of power cells. The sheet member is removably secured to the frame adjacent to the light source. The mirror is removably secured to the frame adjacent to the sheet member and light source. The sensor is secured to the frame in such a manner as to permit the beam or signal emanating from the sensor to pass through openings in the sheet member and mirror, and optionally the substrate. 
     In another embodiment, the invention relates to a display unit for displaying the plurality of indicia, an enclosure for supporting the display unit, a mirror supported by the enclosure and positioned substantially adjacent to display panel, a sensor supported by at least a portion of the enclosure, a mass storage device for storing the indicia to be displayed on the display unit, a central processing unit for processing the indicia, a signaling system for switching the frame assembly between the first and second mode of operation, a controller in communication with the sensor and central processing unit, and a power supply. 
     Advantageously, the inventive frame assembly combines the functions of displaying indicia such as advertisements or announcements, and reflecting an image of, for example, an individual. Further, the frame assembly provides a means to display a plurality of indicia in a single location. Moreover, the invention facilitates the replacement of indicia in an efficient manner. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention and the manner in which the same are accomplished will become clearer based on the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the frame assembly of the invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the frame assembly of  FIG. 1  depicting the frame assembly in a first or display mode at distance x; 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the frame assembly of  FIG. 1  depicting the frame assembly in a second or mirror mode at distance y; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial enlarged perspective view of one embodiment of the frame assembly of  FIG. 1  depicting the sensor and display unit; and 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the frame assembly; and 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the frame assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     The frame assembly  10  for displaying a plurality of indicia  15  (e.g., a flag) and reflecting an image (e.g., individual) comprises in one embodiment a frame  11 , at least one light source  12  supported by the frame, a sheet member  13  bearing indicia and supported by the frame when positioned substantially adjacent to the light source, a substrate  14  bearing the indicia and releasably secured to the sheet member, a mirror  20  supported by the frame when positioned substantially adjacent to the sheet member and the light source, and a sensor  21  supported by the frame. As configured, the frame assembly  10  functions to display the indicia  15  through the mirror  20  in a first mode of operation (i.e., display mode) and functions as a mirror in a second mode of operation (i.e., mirror mode). 
     The invention provides a frame  11  for housing and supporting remaining elements of the frame assembly  10 . The frame  11  may provide an opening  22  to permit an electrical cord  23  to travel from the light source  12  to a power outlet. In this embodiment, the light source  12  is powered by electricity provided by an external source. Alternatively, the light source may be powered by a battery or power cell and thus, no opening for the power cord is required. 
     The light source  12  may include any number of light bulbs  24  or light emitting devices (LEDs)  25 . For example, the light source  12  may include one or more fluorescent lights or bulbs, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), one or more halogen lights, or one or more xenon lights. In one embodiment, the light source  12  may be one or more fluorescent bulbs  24  of sufficient strength to project light through the mirror. In the embodiment relying upon fluorescent bulbs  24  to provide backlighting, the bulbs are individually replaceable for ease of replacement. 
     In another embodiment, the light source  12  may include a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs)  25  of sufficient strength to project light through the sheet member  13 , substrate  14  bearing the indicia  15 , and the mirror  20 . In this embodiment, LEDs  25  provide backlighting and illumination of the indicia  15  on the substrate  14  supported by the sheet member  13 . In one embodiment, the LEDs  25  are manipulated on-site to change the indicia  15  or, more advantageously, could be operated remotely via a land line or wireless network. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the light source  12  may be a plurality of LEDs  25  arranged in a specific pattern and capable of depicting desired indicia. This embodiment lacks a sheet member  13  or substrate  14  bearing indicia  15 . In yet another embodiment, a plurality of independently activated LEDs  25  may be relied upon to depict any number of desired indicia. 
     The sheet member  13  is transparent and may bear any number of reusable and removable substrates  14  carrying indicia  15 . In one embodiment the sheet member  13  is releasably secured to the frame  11  substantially adjacent to the light source  12 . The sheet member  13  may be secured to the frame  11  with any number of releasable fasteners or adhesives. The sheet member  13  may be formed from any number of materials capable of providing transparency. For example, the sheet member  13  may be formed from acrylic that is extruded as a sheet, or a polycarbonate resin thermoplastic. 
     The sheet member  13  supports the reusable, removable substrate  14  bearing indicia. Accordingly, the substrate  14  may be removed and replaced with any number of substrates bearing any number of indicia  15 . The substrate  14  is of sufficient transparency to permit light from the light source  12  to pass there through and illuminate indicia on the substrate. 
     The mirror  20  reflects an image and is removably secured to the frame  11 . In one embodiment the mirror  20  is removably secured to the sheet member  13  and frame  11 . The mirror  20  is reflective on one side and transparent on another side. For example, the mirror  20  may be a security mirror of the type used for surveillance of an area. The mirror  20  is secured to the frame  11  substantially adjacent to the sheet member  13 . The mirror  20  may be secured to the frame  11  and sheet member  13  with any number of releasable fasteners or adhesives. 
     In one embodiment, the mirror  20  includes one side painted with reflective material that permits light from the light source  12  approaching from an opposite side to pass through the mirror. In another embodiment, the mirror  20  includes a laminated reflective film adhered to one side that permits light approaching from an opposite side to pass through the mirror. 
     The sensor  21  is supported by the frame  11  and is adjustable such that it detects the presence of an object at any number of desired distances x, y. The sensor  21  communicates with the light source  12  to activate and deactivate the light source, and alternate between the first and second modes of the assembly. The sensor  21  projects a signal or beam  30  to detect the presence of an object. Upon sensing an object (e.g., individual), the sensor  21  interrupts power to the light source  12 , and the mirror  20  reflects an image of, for example, the individual standing in front of the mirror. The sensor  21  is adjustable to detect objects within, for example, one to four feet in its vicinity. For example, in the first mode, the signal  30  of the sensor  21  is adjusted such that its range for detecting an object is beyond distance x, and the invention displays the indicia  15  via backlighting provided by the light source. In the second or mirror mode, the signal  30  identifies an object at distance y, interrupts power to the light source  12 , and permits an individual to use the mirror. 
     The sheet member  13  and the mirror  20  each define at least one opening  31 ,  32 , respectively, through which the signal  30  from the sensor  21  travels. The substrate  14  may also define at least one opening  33  if required. Stated differently, openings  31 ,  32  are provided in the sheet member  13  and mirror  20  to permit passage of the signal  30  from the sensor  21  in the frame  11 , through the sheet member  13 , substrate  14  and mirror  20 , and into the space adjacent to the frame assembly. Alternatively, sufficient transparency is provided in at least a portion of the sheet member  13  and mirror  20  to permit passage of the signal  30  from the sensor  21  into the space adjacent to the frame assembly  10 . 
     In yet another embodiment, a frame assembly  26  for displaying indicia and reflecting an image comprises a frame  18  defining an opening  27 , a display panel  16  (e.g., liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor) supported by the frame  18 , a mirror  20  positioned substantially adjacent to the LCD monitor  16 , an adhesive sheet  17  having adhesive on both sides (e.g., two-sided tape) for securing the mirror to the frame  18 , an interrupt circuit board  19  for operating the frame assembly  26 , and a sensor  21  supported by the frame or monitor. This embodiment lacks a sheet member or substrate. The sensor  21  and interrupt circuit board  19  operate to interrupt power to the monitor upon detection of an object at a desired distance. Advantageously, the monitor  16  is capable of displaying any variety of indicia and may be operated remotely. 
     In particular, this alternative embodiment would permit an individual to remotely change the indicia appearing in the frame assembly for any number of reasons. For example, an individual could alternate images or advertisements depending upon the time of day, weather, or expected crowd. Further, if collecting a fee for providing the advertising space, the individual could remotely remove an advertisement from an individual who did not pay or power off the frame assembly if, for example, a restaurant owner was leasing the frame assembly and failed to pay. 
     In yet another embodiment, the frame assembly  10  may include a monitor  16  having a reflective screen, eliminating the need for a mirror  20 , sheet member  13 , and substrate  14 . 
     An overall view of yet another embodiment of a frame assembly of the invention is set forth at  110  in the perspective view of  FIG. 1 . The frame assembly  110  for displaying a plurality of indicia  112  and reflecting an image  113 , comprises in this other embodiment a display unit  111  for displaying the plurality of indicia, an enclosure  115  for supporting the display unit, a mirror  116  supported by the enclosure  115  and positioned substantially adjacent to the display unit  111 , a sensor  117  supported by at least a portion of the enclosure  115 , a mass storage device  118  for storing the indicia  112  to be displayed on the display unit  111 , a central processing unit  119  for processing the indicia, a signaling system  120  for switching the frame assembly between the first and second mode of operation, a controller  125  in communication with the sensor  117  and central processing unit  119 , and a power supply  126 . In this embodiment, the display unit may be a liquid crystal display panel (i.e., LCD). 
     The sensor  117  may be a proximity sensor (e.g., 12 volt DC sensor) for detecting the presence of an individual or object at a desired distance from the assembly and causing the frame assembly to switch between a first and second mode of operation. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2A  illustrating the first or display mode, the signal of the sensor  117  is adjusted such that its range for detecting an object is beyond distance x, and the invention displays the indicia  112 . As shown in  FIG. 2B  illustrating the second or mirror mode, the signal identifies an object at distance y, affects the operation of the display unit, and permits an individual to use the mirror. 
     As discussed above, the first mode of operation functions to display the indicia  112  on the display unit  111  and through the mirror  116 . In other words, the frame assembly  110  displays desired indicia  112  in the first mode of operation. The indicia  112  may be still images (e.g., photographs), slideshows, videos, auto-stereoscopic images, or any indicia capable of being displayed on a LCD. In one example, the assembly  110  may display an advertisement as discussed above. In the second mode of operation, the frame assembly  110  functions as a mirror. 
     Advantageously, the frame assembly  110  may be operated remotely via, for example, the World Wide Web, for uploading and downloading data, images, recordings, and the like. The assembly  110  may also be operated remotely for programming, updating, and altering indicia stored on the assembly. 
     The enclosure  115  comprises a first section  127  and a second section  128 , or stated differently, a front section and a rear section. The first section  127  is connected to at least a portion of the second section  128 . For example, the first and second sections  127 ,  128  may be connected with a hinge or by a sliding engagement. Alternatively, the first or front section  127  may be removable to permit access to the remaining elements of the invention. The first and second sections  127 ,  128  may be secured to one another with, for example, a lock, thereby protecting the assembly from tampering by unauthorized individuals. 
     The frame assembly  110 , and in particular the enclosure  115 , may be mounted on a wall or other surface in a portrait or landscape orientation and securely fastened with the second or rear section  128  flush with the surface. All data and power connections protrude from the rear or second section  128  of the enclosure  115  and into a wall surface. Alternatively, conduits may be incorporated into the assembly  110  and connected to the top, bottom, or sides of the enclosure  115  if electrical connections cannot be run through a wall surface. 
     The first or front section  127  of the enclosure  115  may be formed from stainless steel or carbon steel that has been powdered coated with a corrosion resistant paint. The second or rear section  128  of the enclosure may also be constructed of carbon steel that has been coated with a corrosive inhibiting paint. It will be understood that the enclosure  115  may be formed from any other type of material sufficient to protect the remaining elements of the invention. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 2A and 2B  the enclosure defines an opening  129  through which a signal  121  from the sensor  117  travels into the space adjacent to the frame assembly  110 . 
     The mirror  116  may be formed of two-way mirror glass and may be affixed to the first or front section  127  of the enclosure  115 . It will be understood that a single mirror and multiple display units may be utilized. For example, the invention could be configured such that multiple display units  111  are secured to a wall surface, and a single mirror  116  could cover the multiple display units to provide the appearance of one mirror with multiple displays bearing multiple indicia displayed through the mirror in the first mode of operation. 
     In one embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the mirror is affixed to the first section  127  of the enclosure  115  with an adhesive sheet  130  positioned between a portion of the enclosure  115  and the mirror  116 . For example, the adhesive sheet  130  may be waterproof two-sided tape covering the full perimeter area of an opening  131  defined by the first section  127 . It will be understood that any number of means for securing the mirror to the enclosure may be incorporated into the invention. 
     Advantageously, the frame assembly  110 , and specifically the sensor  117  and controller  125 , operates to track the number of times the frame assembly switches between the first and second mode of operation. This permits the frame assembly  110  to track the number of hits or viewings that occur during any period of time. For example, a user may track the number of people that approach the frame assembly  110 , view the indicia  112  (e.g., advertisement), and then use the mirror  116 . This tracking information may be accessed remotely and provides a near real time rate of viewing to a party who has purchased advertisement space on the frame assembly. 
     The mass storage device  118  may include a hard disk drive, solid state drive, flash drive, optical drive, or any number of devices for storing data and indicia to be displayed on the display unit. The mass storage device  118  is in communication with the display unit  111  and is accessible via a worldwide network (e.g., World Wide Web) for uploading and downloading data, images, and other indicia. 
     The central processing unit (CPU)  119  is in communication with the mass storage device and processes the indicia for display. The CPU  119  may include a commercially available or custom designed motherboard or single board computer of sufficient capability to display desired indicia and maintain desired data. The CPU  119  should be of sufficient quality and capability as to permit high resolution images and videos to be displayed on the display unit without interruption. The circuit board of the CPU may include a large area network (LAN) connection or at least provide a connection for a wireless card for data transmission to and from the frame assembly. Advantageously, an internal LAN connection provides the capability of the display unit to display videos on multiple frame assemblies in a sequential format along multiple display units from one external source or one processing source (e.g., a central processing unit, or the World Wide Web. Accordingly, multiple frame assemblies and their respective display units may act as a single display having indicia (e.g., an image) moving from one frame assembly to another. 
     The frame assembly  110  may also include a signaling system  120  for switching the frame assembly between the first and second mode of operation. The signaling system  120  has at least one signal path (e.g., three as discussed herein) and is in communication with the sensor  117 . In one embodiment, the signaling system  120  is a low-voltage differential signaling system or LVDS. The LVDS is a differential signaling system in that it transmits two different voltages that are compared at a receiver. Advantageously, the LVDS combines low power dissipation with high speed. 
     As discussed in detail below, the signaling system  120  transmits data signals (e.g., synchronizing signal and three color signals red, green, and blue) to the display unit  111  in the first mode of operation upon deactivation of the sensor  117 . In other words, the signaling system  120  ensures that indicia  112  are displayed on the display unit  111  in the absence of an individual standing in an area substantially adjacent to the frame assembly. The signaling system  120  applies a zero voltage signal across at least one signal path (e.g., across three color signal paths for red (R), green (G), and blue (B)) of the signaling system to cause the frame assembly  110  to switch to the second mode of operation upon activation of the sensor  117 . Stated differently, application of a zero voltage across the RGB signal paths ensures that only black pixels appear on the display unit (i.e., the absence of an image.) 
     The LVDS forms a part of a digital display interrupt circuit  132  present in one embodiment of the invention. In operation, the display unit  111  (e.g., LCD panel) is illuminated via the LVDS system that allows data to be sent from the processor  119  to the display unit  111  and that combines low power dissipation with high speed. The LVDS system transmits all data required to display digital images to the display unit utilizing a 40-pin connector and cable. Among the numerous data signals transferred by the LVDS are the synchronizing signal and the three color signals red (R), green (G), and blue (B) (i.e., RGB signals). 
     The amount of voltage across each RGB signal path determines the intensity of each color appearing on the display unit  111 . By applying a zero voltage signal across all three signal paths (red, green and blue), a black screen appears on the LCD panel. In order to create a zero voltage RGB signal without interrupting the synchronizing signal, a relay—either mechanical or software encoded—is required to redirect the RGB signals traveling from the processor such that the signals do not reach the LCD panel. As a result, only black pixels, and hence no image, appear on the display unit or LCD panel  111 . 
     The mechanical version of the interrupt circuit includes an interrupt circuit  132  in communication with the sensor  117  and display unit  111 . In this embodiment, the interrupt circuit  132  switches the frame assembly  110  between the first and second mode of operation. In particular, the mechanical version of this interrupt circuit  132  utilizes in one embodiment three electrically operated coil relays to divert the voltage signals to a 75-Ohm header to prevent the processor from detecting an open circuit. In this configuration, current remains flowing over the three coil relays forming the circuit. The coil relays are actuated through a voltage or power source supplied when the proximity sensor  117  is activated and the frame assembly  110  operates in the second mode of operation as a mirror  116  (i.e., when an individual stands within a desired distance of the frame assembly). When the sensor  117  is released or deactivated the voltage travels along its original signal path to the display unit or panel  111  and the display panel displays indicia  112  in the first mode of operation. 
     The software version of the signaling system  120  is incorporated into the central processing unit  119 . Specifically, the processor  119  is encoded to refrain from sending voltage to the display unit  111  along the RGB signal paths. The software is signaled on and off by an input signal from the sensor connected to an input/output board of the controller  125 . 
     The controller  125  is in communication with the sensor  117  and the CPU  119 , and directs the CPU to switch the frame assembly between the first and second mode of operation. Specifically, the controller  125  may include a commercially available or custom designed input/outboard (I/O) board that is positioned operationally between the sensor  117  and the CPU  119 . In the embodiment incorporating the software version of the interrupt circuit (i.e., signaling system) to switch the indicia (e.g., digital image) on and off between the first and second mode of operation, the I/O board converts a voltage signal from the sensor into a data string that is read by the CPU  119 . 
     The invention further includes a power supply  126  for providing power to elements of the frame assembly  110  requiring electricity. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , another embodiment of the invention comprises a frame assembly  110  supported by a swivel frame  135  such that the frame assembly may be placed on a countertop. In this embodiment, the frame assembly includes a display unit  111  for displaying indicia  112 , an enclosure  115  for supporting the display unit, a mirror  116  supported by the enclosure and positioned substantially adjacent to display panel, a sensor  117  supported by at least a portion of the enclosure, a mass storage device  118  for storing the indicia to be displayed on the display unit, a central processing unit  119  for processing the indicia, a signaling system  120  for switching the frame assembly between the first and second mode of operation, a controller  125  in communication with the sensor and central processing unit, a swivel frame  135 , and a power supply  126 . The display unit  111  may be a liquid crystal display panel (i.e., LCD). 
     In yet another embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 , the frame assembly  110  may be supported by a frame  136  and placed on a floor surface. This embodiment includes a display unit  111  for displaying indicia  112 , an enclosure  115  for supporting the display unit, a mirror  116  supported by the enclosure and positioned substantially adjacent to display panel, a sensor  117  supported by at least a portion of the enclosure, a mass storage device  118  for storing the indicia to be displayed on the display unit, a central processing unit  119  for processing the indicia, a signaling system  120  for switching the frame assembly between the first and second mode of operation, a controller  125  in communication with the sensor and central processing unit, a frame  136  for supporting the enclosure on, for example, a floor, and a power supply  126 . The display unit may be a liquid crystal display panel (i.e., LCD). 
     In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed typical embodiments on the invention and, although specific terms have been employed, they have been used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.