U.S. patent application number 12/098137 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-29 for image display device.
Invention is credited to JASON BERGERON, ROSS JACOBS.
Application Number | 20090027621 12/098137 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39885460 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090027621 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JACOBS; ROSS ; et
al. |
January 29, 2009 |
IMAGE DISPLAY DEVICE
Abstract
An image display device including a projecting arrangement
disposed in proximity with a transparent surface, the transparent
surface being configured to receive an image from the projecting
arrangement on a first side of the transparent surface, wherein the
image is viewable from a second opposite side of the transparent
surface.
Inventors: |
JACOBS; ROSS; (New Britain,
CT) ; BERGERON; JASON; (East Hartford, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CANTOR COLBURN, LLP
20 Church Street, 22nd Floor
Hartford
CT
06103
US
|
Family ID: |
39885460 |
Appl. No.: |
12/098137 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11860976 |
Sep 25, 2007 |
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12098137 |
|
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60847274 |
Sep 25, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
353/22 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 31/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
353/22 |
International
Class: |
G03B 21/14 20060101
G03B021/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 1, 2007 |
ID |
P00200700546 |
Claims
1. An image display device comprising: a projecting means disposed
in proximity with a transparent surface, said transparent surface
being configured to receive an image from said projecting means on
a first side of said transparent surface, wherein said image is
viewable from a second opposite side of said transparent
surface.
2. The image display device of claim 1, wherein the transparent
surface is disposed in a window of a motor vehicle.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation application of the U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/860,976 filed on 25 Sep. 2007, the
contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their
entirety, and priority to which is claimed under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
120. The Ser. No. 11/860,976 application claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/847,274 filed 25 Sep. 2006, the
entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference and
priority to which is also claimed herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The disclosure relates generally to an image display device,
and more particularly to a display device for automobile
windows.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Automobiles are sometimes exhibited for promotional reasons
in arenas such as malls, car shows, car dealerships, casinos, and
event promotions. When exhibited in this manner, the various areas
of the automobile (particularly the automobile windows and
windshield) are often used to display the intended promotional
message. Typically, these messages are conveyed/displayed via
stationary words or pictures fixed to the chosen area of the
automobile. It would be desirable however, if promotional images
could be displayed in a manner that would better convey the
promotional message.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] An image display device including a projecting arrangement
disposed in proximity with a transparent surface, the transparent
surface being configured to receive an image from the projecting
arrangement on a first side of the transparent surface, wherein the
image is viewable from a second opposite side of the transparent
surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0005] FIG. 1 is a view of an image displayed by an window display
device/system at a rear window of an automobile;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a view of an image displayed by the window display
device/system at side windows of an automobile;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a view of an image displayed by the window display
device/system at one of the side windows of the automobile of FIG.
2; and
[0008] FIG. 4 is a view of an image displayed by the window display
device/system at a windshield of an automobile.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] The window display device/system includes projectors,
mounting devices, lenses/optics, image supply devices, screen
surfaces, cooling devices, power supply, and window masking. The
window display device may be used to project an image onto any type
of transparent surface, such as a window. In an exemplary
embodiment, these transparent surfaces/windows are the windows of
an automobile, such as any car, truck, or SUV. The components of
the window display device are described hereinbelow and in the
FIGS. 1-4.
[0010] The number of projectors in each installation varies from
one, if only a windshield or back window is done, to any number of
windows on the automobile (typically eight, for an SUV with the
glass surfaces are done. The primary characteristic that these
projectors typically have is small size. In an exemplary
embodiment, the projector length is approx. 15 inches or less, with
the height being approx. 5 inches or less. The width will typically
be no wider than 13 inches.
[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the brightness of these
projectors varies from approx. 1100 lumens to approx. 4500 lumens
depending on the size of the particular glass area on which they
are used, as well as with the vehicle model and type used. (For
example the easiest, to cover completely, would be the SUVs because
they have many smaller glass areas which are primarily vertical).
The back window of a two seater hatchback, being both large and
oblique would be the most difficult, and would probably require a
mirror or pair of mirrors to execute.
[0012] Also in an exemplary embodiment, resolution of the
projectors should be at least VGA to provide adequate image
quality, although NTSC video can be used if sharpness is not an
issue, or if content such as race footage is used, which will have
significant picture noise and softness anyway.
[0013] The projectors are typically mounted on mounting devices,
and a variety of projector mounting devices can be designed and
custom built for specific applications. The mounts to hold the
projectors that do the side back windows are basically adjustable
ramps. The mounts for the windshields typically include an
adjustable horizontal rod to span the roof handles combined with a
hanging pan that will play approximately over the center of the
rear seat. The mount for the back window is a pedestal base that
can be stabilized by clamps to the center console. Certain other
applications will require other similar-but-different arrangements.
Additionally included in some window display device applications
are regular rectangular boxes, shims, and in some cases adjustable
mirror brackets.
[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the projectors of the window
display devices are also fitted with lensing of the shortest focal
length available. This means that projectors that include permanent
prime lenses with a very small amount of zoom adjustment may
require external short focal length adapters. The larger projectors
may need 1:1 ratio special lenses or shorter. All lensing can be
non-standard, but achieved by the use of buyable components.
[0015] As mentioned above the window display device also includes
Image supply devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the most
adaptable way to provide image content is via computers. In the
event that multiple images are used, multiple servers are required.
If multiple windows play the same image the signal can be split
using distribution amplifiers. If the determination is made that
NTSC video is adequate the playback can be DVDs. If multiple images
are to be executed from DVDs then synch-able DVDs (professional
quality units) may to be used.
[0016] Referring now to the screen surfaces, most of the rear
projection surfaces designed to operate in high ambient light
conditions may be hard" plexiglass mounted materials. The typical
curvature of automobile windows requires a more flexible material
and one that can be trimmed to fit the surfaces. The material also
must be able to be adhered to the windows with a squeegee-type
device. In an exemplary embodiment, a material known as Dilad
(typically used in store windows and other retail applications, and
made by Kimoto of Japan) may be used. Other projection material
such as "Thru-vision" or "Datex" may also be used.
[0017] The window display device and its components may also need
to be cooled. With 8 projectors running in a vehicle with the
sunroof open, automobile interior temperature can be limited to 115
degrees. In general, all applications (including the sunroof one)
will require some kind of HVAC. If one were to run the car one
could open the sunroof and run the car air circulation system. If
the car is not running (as is typical) suction and circulation will
have to be provided.
[0018] Referring to power supply, the window display devices can be
run by "shore power" or car batteries using a voltage inversion
system (12 volts in: 110 volts out). Using the car batteries
however, could require provision of a means of constant
recharge.
[0019] Also included in the window display device system is window
masking. Since automobile windows may not correspond perfectly with
video/data formats, shutter arrangements may be provided to adjust
geometry of the display to the windows of the vehicle. This is
another set of custom designed and made hardware like the
mounts.
[0020] In addition, directional sound (for outside of the vehicle)
may be provided with the window display device/system.
[0021] Also, some applications may require first-surface mirrors
and mounts to reflect the images where they have to go. When
multiple image display is used, there may be a need to produce the
content to synch within itself, and to rescale for the different
shapes and sizes of glass. That way an image can drive halfway
around the display vehicle or all the way around the display
vehicle in a synchronous way. Installation will typically be done
by a professional, and the device/system may be used in car shows
(i.e. NYC Car Show and Car Performance shows), at car dealerships,
in vehicles placed in malls (sell advertising to stores in malls
for additional advertising space), in vehicles in Casinos (sell
advertising to stores, event promotions (i.e. boxing, concerts,
performances in casinos for additional advertising space), with
outdoor media buyers, in event promotions (stadiums (NASCAR, PGA,
MLB, NFL, Tennis, NHL) movie releases, concerts (tour buses) air
shows and motor-cross), and by beverage companies and
pharmaceutical companies.
[0022] It should be appreciated that the images displayed in any
window via the window display device/system may be displayed in a
manner that fills at least a portion of any automobile window,
though the whole area of the window may or may not be filled.
* * * * *