[go: up one dir, main page]

WO1999054859A1 - Appareil pour lire des informations sur une feuille transparente - Google Patents

Appareil pour lire des informations sur une feuille transparente Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1999054859A1
WO1999054859A1 PCT/GB1999/001133 GB9901133W WO9954859A1 WO 1999054859 A1 WO1999054859 A1 WO 1999054859A1 GB 9901133 W GB9901133 W GB 9901133W WO 9954859 A1 WO9954859 A1 WO 9954859A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sheet
light source
strip
plastics
support panel
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB1999/001133
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Peter Matthew Watson
Lennox Mark Huck
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
MINIFLAME Ltd
Original Assignee
MINIFLAME Ltd
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 MINIFLAME Ltd filed Critical MINIFLAME Ltd
Priority to AU34355/99A priority Critical patent/AU3435599A/en
Priority to GB0023122A priority patent/GB2353133A/en
Publication of WO1999054859A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999054859A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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
    • G09F13/20—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising with luminescent surfaces or parts
    • G09F13/22—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising with luminescent surfaces or parts electroluminescent
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B29/00—Maps; Plans; Charts; Diagrams, e.g. route diagram
    • G09B29/10—Map spot or coordinate position indicators; Map reading aids
    • G09B29/102—Map spot or coordinate position indicators; Map reading aids using electrical means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/20—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising with luminescent surfaces or parts
    • G09F13/22—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising with luminescent surfaces or parts electroluminescent
    • G09F2013/227—Electroluminescent displays for vehicles

Definitions

  • This invention relates to apparatus for reading information on a transparent sheet of material .
  • the information may be, for example, a map or a message.
  • Difficulty is often encountered in reading maps, messages and other information in conditions of poor visibility. For example, drivers of road vehicles trying to find their way at night often have difficulty in reading maps or general directions. People tend to use interior vehicle lights and/or torches in order to be able to see sufficiently clearly what they are trying to read. The interior lights and the torches tend to provide too much illumination in some areas and not enough illumination in other areas. Often a torch light will adversely affect a person's might vision, thereby making it dangerous for the person to continue driving or flying until such time as the person's night vision has returned.
  • apparatus for reading information on a transparent sheet of material which apparatus comprises a holder for the sheet of material, and a light source for enabling the information to be read in conditions of poor visibility, the holder comprising a flexible support panel for receiving the sheet of material, a flexible cover, and releaseable securing means for releaseably securing the cover on the support panel in order to contain the sheet of material, the flexible cover comprising a transparent portion through which the sheet of material is able to be read, and the- light source being of an electroluminescent material which becomes illuminated consequent upon receiving an electrical current from a power source.
  • the information can be printed or otherwise provided on the transparent sheet of material .
  • the transparent sheet of material will usually be a transparent sheet of a plastics material .
  • the sheet of material needs to be sufficiently transparent to enable it to be illuminated from behind by the light source.
  • the information on the transparent sheet of material may be a map, a message or any other suitable and appropriate type of information.
  • the apparatus may be one in which the releaseable securing means comprises a first portion on the support panel, and a second portion on the cover.
  • the apparatus may be one in which the releaseable securing means comprises a matrix of interlocking plastics members, the matrix having the first and the second portions.
  • the releaseable securing means may comprise a zip, the zip having the first and the second portions.
  • the apparatus is one in which the transparent portion of the cover is of a plastics material which can be written on and then wiped clean after use.
  • the transparent portion of the cover is of a plastics material which can be written on and then wiped clean after use.
  • persons following a route on a map may mark their route and then wipe the transparent portion clean when they have reached their destination.
  • the apparatus is one in which the light source is in the form of a panel.
  • the panel is able to provide background lighting of a consistent quality over a wide area.
  • the panel may be of a sandwich construction comprising a transparent plastics face sheet, a plastics backing sheet, and a sheet of the electroluminescent material positioned between the face sheet and the backing sheet .
  • the light source is in the form of a strip, the strip being positioned over the support panel such as to be able to provide substantially constant light over the support panel .
  • the apparatus may include diffuser means for evenly diffusing the light from the strip.
  • the diffuser means may be a sheet of foam material. Other diffuser means may be employed.
  • the apparatus may be one in which the strip is of a substantially circular cross sectional shape, and in which the strip comprises a first electrode which is a centrally positioned longitudinally extending electrode, and second electrode which is a helically wound electrode.
  • the first and the second electrodes may be separated by a phosphor coating with a metallic sheet .
  • the second electrode may be surrounded by a sheath of an indium tin oxide.
  • the first electrode is preferably a copper wire electrode.
  • the second electrode is preferably a fine wire electrode.
  • the flexible strip preferably comprises an outer plastics layer.
  • the outer plastics layer is preferably made of polyvinyl chloride but other plastics materials may be employed.
  • the strip may be secured in position over the support panel by any suitable and appropriate means including stitching, sticking or threading the . strip through loops on the support panel .
  • the apparatus may include an electronic circuit for causing the electroluminescent material to become illuminated.
  • the apparatus may be one in which the power source is at least one battery, and in which the apparatus includes an inverter for providing power for the electroluminescent material from the battery.
  • the apparatus may include a pouch for the battery.
  • the battery may be provided remote from the apparatus so that, the battery may be the battery of a road vehicle, a helicopter or an aeroplane .
  • the apparatus may include releaseable attachment means for releaseably attaching the apparatus to another object. Any suitable and appropriate releaseable attachment means may be employed.
  • the apparatus may be one in which the releaseable attachment means comprises an array of interlocking plastics members, press studs or a hook arrangement.
  • the releaseable attachment means may be employed for attaching the apparatus to the instrument panel of a vehicle, or to clothing. When attached to clothing, the apparatus may be attached to a leg part of the clothing so that a person sitting down can use the apparatus to read on their lap.
  • Figure 1 shows first apparatus for reading information
  • Figure 2 shows second apparatus for reading information
  • Figure 3 shows third apparatus for reading information
  • Figure 4 shows a reverse face for the apparatus shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3 ;
  • Figure 5 shows an electronic circuit for the apparatus of the invention.
  • apparatus 2 for reading information on a transparent or translucent sheet of material in the form of a map 4.
  • the apparatus 2 comprises a holder 6 for the map 4, and a light source 8 for enabling the information on the map 4 to be read in conditions of poor visibility.
  • the holder 6 comprises a flexible support panel 10 for receiving the map 4, a flexible cover 12, and releaseable securing means 14 for releaseably securing the cover 12 on the support panel 10 in order to contain the map 4.
  • the cover 12 comprises a transparent portion 16 and a border 18. The transparent portion 16 enables the map 4 to be read.
  • the light source 8 is of an electroluminescent material which becomes illuminated consequent upon receiving an electrical current from the power source.
  • the releaseable securing means 14 comprises a first strip 20 which is on the support panel 10 and which comprises a matrix of interlocking plastics members .
  • the releaseable securing means 14 further comprises a second strip 22 on the top edge of the cover 12, the second strip 22 comprising another matrix of the interlocking plastics members.
  • the two strips 20, 22 secure together by pushing, and they are separated by pulling.
  • the releaseable securing means 14 also comprises a zip 24 which extends along the left hand side of the apparatus 2 as shown in Figure 1.
  • a first part of the zip 24 is secured to the support panel 10 and a second part of the zip 24 is secured to the cover 12.
  • the zip 24 has a pull ring 26.
  • the cover 12 has a pull tab 28 for enabling the cover 12 to be pulled in order to separate the strips 20, 22.
  • the transparent portion 16 of the cover 12 is of a plastics material which is able to be written on and then wiped clean after use. Thus, a person reading the map 4 is able to mark their route and then wipe the transparent portion clean after arrival at a desired destination.
  • the light source 8 is in the form of a panel.
  • the panel is of a sandwich construction comprising a transparent plastics face sheet, a plastics backing sheet, and a sheet of the electroluminescent material positioned between the face sheet and the backing sheet.
  • An on/off switch 30 is provided. Wiring 32 extends from the on/off switch 30 to a battery 34.
  • the battery 34 is remote from the apparatus 2. In use of the apparatus 2 in a road vehicle, then the battery 34 could be the battery of the vehicle. Similarly, in use of the apparatus 2 in a helicopter or an aeroplane, then the battery 34 would be one of the batteries employed in the helicopter or the aeroplane.
  • the apparatus 2 is provided with a pouch 36 for receiving a battery 38 and an inverter 40.
  • the inverter 40 is for providing power for the light source 8 from the battery 34.
  • the apparatus 2 is thus provided with an integral power source .
  • Figure 3 shows apparatus 2 similar to that shown in Figure 2 except that the light source 8 is not in the form of an a panel but instead is in the form of a flexible strip 42.
  • the flexible strip 42 is secured by stitching to the support panel 10.
  • Other methods of securing the strip 42 in position can be employed, for example adhesives or threading the strip 42 through loops secured to the support panel 10.
  • Figure 4 shows the reverse side 44 of the apparatus 2 shown in Figures 2 and 3. It will be seen that the reverse side 44 includes four strips 46 of interlocking plastics material. Four strips 48 engage the four strips engage the four strips 46. If the four strips 48 were secured to the thigh portion of trousers, then the apparatus 2 could be secured to the trousers so that a person could read the map 2 sitting down with the map 2 being on one of their thighs .
  • an electrical circuit 50 which is a low power electrical circuit 50 and which is employed for providing electricity as required to the light source 8.
  • the circuit 50 comprises resistors Rl, R2 , R4 , R5 and R6 , capacitors Cl, C2 , C3 and C4 , transistors Tl and T2 , and a transformer TF1.
  • the on/off switch 30 may be formed by a pair of contacts 52.
  • the capacitors C2 and C3 and the resistor R4 form an oscillator circuit which is completed by the primary of the transformer TF1.
  • the primary of the transformer TF1 is driven by transistor T2. Power for the circuit 50 comes from a battery.
  • the circuit 50 operates such that the inverter 40 is kept in the off position by the resistor R6 which ensures that the transistor Tl is normally in the off condition.
  • the transistor Tl is switched on.
  • the transistor Tl then fires, through the resistor Rl, the oscillator circuit formed by the capacitors Cl, C2 and the resistor R4.
  • the primary of the transformer TF1 completes the oscillator circuit.
  • the primary of the transformer TF1 is driven by the transistor T2 as shown.
  • the completed oscillator circuit is tuned to capacitor C2.
  • the capacitor C4 removes ripples in the direct current .
  • the capacitor C3 matches the capacitance required for the electroluminescent material and stops the circuit 50 from generating high off load voltages.
  • the resistor R5 adjusts the current required: By using the centre tap to feed back, it is able to create effectively 9v-0-9v with a 9 volt battery.
  • the electroluminescent material of the power source 8 illuminates when powered by the alternating current from the inverter 40.
  • the light source 8 gives good continuous light of even distribution.
  • the apparatus 2 may be such that things other than maps are read.
  • a potentiometer or the like may be used to control the intensity of the light from the light source.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Educational Administration (AREA)
  • Educational Technology (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
  • Facsimiles In General (AREA)

Abstract

L'appareil (2) de l'invention comprend un support (6) de la feuille transparente (4), telle qu'une carte, et une source optique (8) qui permet de lire les informations dans des conditions de visibilité médiocre. Le support (6) comprend un panneau porteur souple (10) pour recevoir la feuille transparente (4), un cache de protection souple (12) et un moyen de fixation libérable (14) pour fixer de manière libérable le cache de protection (12) sur le panneau porteur (10). La source optique (8) est constituée d'un matériau électroluminescent.
PCT/GB1999/001133 1998-04-17 1999-04-14 Appareil pour lire des informations sur une feuille transparente Ceased WO1999054859A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU34355/99A AU3435599A (en) 1998-04-17 1999-04-14 Apparatus for reading information on a transparent sheet of material
GB0023122A GB2353133A (en) 1998-04-17 1999-04-14 Apparatus for reading information on a transparent sheet of material

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9808284.5A GB9808284D0 (en) 1998-04-17 1998-04-17 Apparatus for reading information on a transparent sheet of material
GB9808284.5 1998-04-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999054859A1 true WO1999054859A1 (fr) 1999-10-28

Family

ID=10830580

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1999/001133 Ceased WO1999054859A1 (fr) 1998-04-17 1999-04-14 Appareil pour lire des informations sur une feuille transparente

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU3435599A (fr)
GB (2) GB9808284D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO1999054859A1 (fr)

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3304317A1 (de) * 1983-02-09 1984-08-09 Teldix Gmbh, 6900 Heidelberg Lichtplatte zur durchsichtbeleuchtung
US5381310A (en) * 1991-09-25 1995-01-10 Brotz; Gregory R. Sheet-illuminating system
US5485355A (en) * 1992-12-10 1996-01-16 Elam-Electroluminescent Industries Ltd. Electroluminescent light sources
US5497572A (en) * 1992-04-16 1996-03-12 Hoffman; Peter Illuminated sign and method of assembly
US5533289A (en) * 1992-04-16 1996-07-09 I.D. Lite, Inc. Illuminated sign
US5613756A (en) * 1995-08-21 1997-03-25 Allen; Mary E. Clothing with pouch means for receiving an illuminating device
DE29706600U1 (de) * 1997-04-12 1997-06-12 Outdoor Bike Trades GmbH, 50677 Köln Flexible, selbstklebende Werbefolie, bedruckbar; vielfarbig leuchtend durch elektrostatische, einlaminierte Folie, Stromversorgung über Transformator zum Anschluß an das Brems-System (-Licht) eines Fahrzeuges bzw. direkt an die Batterie, mit der Möglichkeit zum laufenden Farbwechsel
US5680160A (en) * 1995-02-09 1997-10-21 Leading Edge Industries, Inc. Touch activated electroluminescent lamp and display switch
DE29718617U1 (de) * 1997-10-21 1998-02-19 Hölzl, Christian, 85635 Höhenkirchen-Siegertsbrunn Leuchtmittel für Kleidungsstücke
JPH10149124A (ja) * 1996-11-19 1998-06-02 Amatetsuku:Kk 簡易型発光表示装置

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3304317A1 (de) * 1983-02-09 1984-08-09 Teldix Gmbh, 6900 Heidelberg Lichtplatte zur durchsichtbeleuchtung
US5381310A (en) * 1991-09-25 1995-01-10 Brotz; Gregory R. Sheet-illuminating system
US5497572A (en) * 1992-04-16 1996-03-12 Hoffman; Peter Illuminated sign and method of assembly
US5533289A (en) * 1992-04-16 1996-07-09 I.D. Lite, Inc. Illuminated sign
US5485355A (en) * 1992-12-10 1996-01-16 Elam-Electroluminescent Industries Ltd. Electroluminescent light sources
US5680160A (en) * 1995-02-09 1997-10-21 Leading Edge Industries, Inc. Touch activated electroluminescent lamp and display switch
US5613756A (en) * 1995-08-21 1997-03-25 Allen; Mary E. Clothing with pouch means for receiving an illuminating device
JPH10149124A (ja) * 1996-11-19 1998-06-02 Amatetsuku:Kk 簡易型発光表示装置
DE29706600U1 (de) * 1997-04-12 1997-06-12 Outdoor Bike Trades GmbH, 50677 Köln Flexible, selbstklebende Werbefolie, bedruckbar; vielfarbig leuchtend durch elektrostatische, einlaminierte Folie, Stromversorgung über Transformator zum Anschluß an das Brems-System (-Licht) eines Fahrzeuges bzw. direkt an die Batterie, mit der Möglichkeit zum laufenden Farbwechsel
DE29718617U1 (de) * 1997-10-21 1998-02-19 Hölzl, Christian, 85635 Höhenkirchen-Siegertsbrunn Leuchtmittel für Kleidungsstücke

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 098, no. 011 30 September 1998 (1998-09-30) *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9808284D0 (en) 1998-06-17
GB0023122D0 (en) 2000-11-01
AU3435599A (en) 1999-11-08
GB2353133A (en) 2001-02-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4601120A (en) Flexible illuminated display
US5005306A (en) Illuminated vehicle sign
US5533289A (en) Illuminated sign
US5845987A (en) Illuminated accessory and device
US4645970A (en) Illuminated EL panel assembly
US5124845A (en) Interior rearvision mirror
US7270438B2 (en) Lighted backpack
US7746247B2 (en) Wearable, attachable, or hand-held, super-bright, led based, textual, safety alert sign and portable emergency/work light
US5471773A (en) Illuminated sign
US5566384A (en) Vehicle with an EL light strip
US4110818A (en) Illuminated flag or pennant
US4942506A (en) Electrical light illumination for kites flown at night
EP0267331A1 (fr) Assemblage de panneau éclairé
US6283414B1 (en) Illuminated kite
GB2333829A (en) Electroluminescent interior vehicle lighting
WO1999054859A1 (fr) Appareil pour lire des informations sur une feuille transparente
US20070076408A1 (en) Traffic gloves
US20070139943A1 (en) An illuminable feature module for installing in a console
US20090129104A1 (en) Floor mat
WO1998041448A1 (fr) Support d'atterrissage portable, electroluminescent, pour helicoptere
JP2004151629A (ja) 移動体発光表示装置
EP1099564A1 (fr) Enseigne avec des motifs lumineux
JP2848512B2 (ja) 車両用メータ装置
US7654680B2 (en) Console assembly
JP2022174386A (ja) タクシー待ち表示具

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CU CZ DE DK EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT UA UG US UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW SD SL SZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref country code: GB

Ref document number: 200023122

Kind code of ref document: A

Format of ref document f/p: F

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: KR

REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: 19990414 A 0023122