Illuminating Display Systems

• US 20090284164A1
• Filed: 05/13/2008
• Published: 11/19/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/13/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc.
• Original Assignee: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc.
• Inventors: Bowden, David R., Ray, William Johnstone, Bray, Peter Michael, Lowenthal, Mark D.
• Granted Patent: US 8,127,477 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 315/218
• CPC Class Codes: A47F 3/001 Devices for lighting, humidifying, heating, ventilation
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/00 Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising G09F9/00, G09F11/00 take precedence; control of displays in general using static means to present variable information G09G
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 9/37 being movable elements G09F9/302 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2330/028 Generation of voltages supplied to electrode drivers in a matrix display other than LCD
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/14 Semiconductor devices, e.g. diodes
• CPC Class Codes: H01F 38/14 Inductive couplings for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling H02J50/10
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/10 using inductive coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/12 of the resonant type
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/40 using two or more transmitting or receiving devices H02J50/50 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0034 using reverse polarity correcting or protecting circuits mechanical means of polarity protection H02J7/0045
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0042 characterised by the mechanical construction
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0044 specially adapted for holding portable devices containing batteries H02J7/0045 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 41/245 for a plurality of lamps
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/37 Converter circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/10 Controlling the light source
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/115 by determining the presence or movement of objects or living beings
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/40 Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection

Abstract

An exemplary system comprises a power regulator and an emitting apparatus. The emitting apparatus is typically attached to or integrated with a display object, such as a merchandise package or container. A support structure, such as a point of purchase display, typically contains or supports one or more power regulators and display objects. The power regulator comprises a controller and a primary inductor, and the controller is adapted to provide a voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a first primary inductor voltage. The emitting apparatus comprises an illumination source and a secondary inductor coupled to the illumination source. The illumination source is adapted to emit visible light when the power regulator is in an on state and when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor. In exemplary embodiments, the first and second inductors are substantially planar.

Claims

1. A system for illuminating a display object, the system comprising:

a power regulator comprising a controller and a primary inductor coupled to the controller, the controller adapted to provide a voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a first primary inductor voltage; and

an emitting apparatus magnetically couplable to the power regulator, the emitting apparatus comprising an illumination source and a secondary inductor directly coupled to the illumination source.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the secondary inductor and at least a portion of the illumination source comprise a cured conductive ink or polymer.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the secondary inductor and the at least a portion of the illumination source are incorporated within a merchandise package.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the merchandise package has a spacer structure between the secondary inductor and a space or location for holding merchandise.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the illumination source is adapted to emit visible light when the power regulator is in an on state and when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the emitting apparatus is electronically inert when not within the predetermined distance of the primary inductor.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the secondary inductor is adapted to receive a magnetic flux from the primary inductor and generate a first secondary inductor voltage.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first primary inductor voltage has a first polarity, and wherein the controller is further adapted to provide the voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a second primary inductor voltage having a second polarity opposite the first polarity.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the illumination source comprises an electroluminescent panel or display.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the electroluminescent panel or display comprises:

a first conductor coupled to the secondary inductor;

a dielectric layer;

an emissive layer comprising a plurality of phosphor particles suspended in a cured polymer; and

a second, optically transmissive conductor coupled to the emissive layer and to the secondary inductor.

11. A method of manufacturing the emitting apparatus of claim 9, comprising:

printing the secondary inductor and the first conductor using a conductive ink or polymer;

printing the dielectric layer;

printing the emissive layer; and

printing the second, optically transmissive conductor.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the illumination source comprises:

at least one light emitting diode; and

at least one blocking diode coupled to the at least one light emitting diode and further coupled to the secondary inductor.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the power regulator further comprises a second, feedback secondary inductor coupled to the controller.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is a merchandise display system, further comprising:

a support structure adapted to support the power regulator within a predetermined proximity to at least one display object, the display object having the emitting apparatus and incorporated merchandise.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the power regulator is disposed along or within a horizontal member of the support structure.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the power regulator is disposed along or within a rear, vertical member of the support structure.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the power regulator is portable and disposed to be positioned on top of a horizontal surface of a support structure.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the power regulator is couplable to an AC or DC power source.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the DC power source is provided through an Ethernet connection.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further adapted to detect a presence or an absence of the emitting apparatus.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller further comprises a plurality of switches or transistors coupled to the primary inductor.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the controller is further adapted to determine a pulse duration of an induced voltage or current, and to modify an on-time duration or a switching frequency of the plurality of switches or transistors.

23. The system of claim 1, wherein the emitting apparatus does not include any additional active electronic components or any battery.

24. The system of claim 1, wherein the emitting apparatus is substantially sealed.

25. A method of manufacturing the emitting apparatus of claim 1, comprising printing the secondary inductor and at least a portion of the illumination source using a conductive ink or polymer.

26. The system of claim 1, wherein the power regulator has a flyback configuration.

27. The system of claim 1, wherein the secondary inductor and the at least a portion of the illumination source are incorporated within an adhesive label or package label.

28. The system of claim 1, wherein the secondary inductor is substantially planar.

29. The system of claim 1, wherein the primary inductor is substantially planar.

33. The system of claim 1, wherein the secondary inductor is directly coupled to the illumination source.

30. An illumination system comprising:

a support structure adapted to support a display object;

a power regulator coupled to the support structure, the power regulator comprising a controller and a primary inductor coupled to the controller, the controller adapted to provide a voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a first primary inductor voltage; and

an emitting apparatus coupled to the display object, the emitting apparatus comprising an illumination source and a secondary inductor coupled to the illumination source, the illumination source adapted to emit visible light when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor when the power regulator is in an on-state.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein the secondary inductor comprises a cured conductive ink or polymer and has a substantially planar form factor.

32. The system of claim 30, wherein the primary inductor has a substantially planar form factor.

34. The system of claim 30, wherein the secondary inductor is adapted to receive a magnetic flux from the primary inductor and generate a first secondary inductor voltage, wherein the first primary inductor voltage has a first polarity, and wherein the controller is further adapted to provide the voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a second primary inductor voltage having a second polarity opposite the first polarity.

35. The system of claim 30, wherein the illumination source comprises an electroluminescent panel or display, the electroluminescent panel or display comprising:

a first conductor coupled to the secondary inductor;

a dielectric layer;

an emissive layer comprising a plurality of phosphor particles suspended in a cured polymer; and

a second, optically transmissive conductor coupled to the emissive layer and to the secondary inductor.

36. A method of manufacturing the emitting apparatus of claim 35, comprising:

printing the secondary inductor and the first conductor using a conductive ink or polymer;

printing the dielectric layer;

printing the emissive layer; and

printing the second, optically transmissive conductor.

37. The system of claim 35, further comprising:

at least one color layer.

38. The system of claim 37, wherein the at least one color layer comprises a plurality of fluorescent inks or dyes.

39. The system of claim 30, wherein the illumination source comprises:

at least one light emitting diode; and

at least one blocking diode coupled to the at least one light emitting diode and further coupled to the secondary inductor.

40. The system of claim 30, wherein the power regulator is couplable through the support structure to an AC or DC power source.

41. The system of claim 30, wherein the controller is further adapted to detect a presence or an absence of the emitting apparatus.

42. The system of claim 30, wherein the controller further comprises a plurality of switches or transistors coupled to the primary inductor.

43. The system of claim 42, wherein the controller is further adapted to determine a pulse duration of an induced voltage or current, and to modify an on-time duration or a switching frequency of the plurality of switches or transistors.

44. The system of claim 30, wherein the display object comprises a package and package contents, and wherein the emitting apparatus is integrally formed with, or printed on, or adhesively attached to the package of the display object.

45. The system of claim 30, wherein the display object comprises a container and liquid contents, and wherein the emitting apparatus is integrally formed with, or printed on, or adhesively attached to the container of the display object.

46. A display system for illuminating merchandise, the system comprising:

a support structure adapted to support a display object;

a power regulator comprising a controller and a substantially planar primary inductor coupled to the controller; and

an emitting apparatus coupled to the display object, the emitting apparatus comprising an electroluminescent illumination source and a substantially planar secondary inductor coupled to the electroluminescent illumination source.

47. The system of claim 46, wherein the secondary inductor is directly coupled to the electroluminescent illumination source.

48. The system of claim 46, wherein the electroluminescent illumination source comprises:

a first conductor coupled to the secondary inductor;

a dielectric layer;

an emissive layer comprising a plurality of phosphor particles suspended in a cured polymer; and

a second, optically transmissive conductor coupled to the emissive layer and to the secondary inductor.

49. A method of manufacturing the emitting apparatus of claim 48, comprising:

printing the secondary inductor and the first conductor using a conductive ink or polymer;

printing the dielectric layer;

printing the emissive layer; and

printing the second, optically transmissive conductor.

50. The system of claim 46, wherein the secondary inductor comprises a cured conductive ink or polymer.

51. The system of claim 46, wherein the electroluminescent illumination source is adapted to emit visible light when the power regulator is in an on state and when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor, and wherein the electroluminescent illumination source is electronically inert when not within the predetermined distance of the primary inductor.

52. The system of claim 46, wherein the controller is further adapted to detect a presence or an absence of the emitting apparatus.

53. The system of claim 46, wherein the display object comprises a package and package contents, and wherein the emitting apparatus is integrally formed with, or printed on, or adhesively attached to the package of the display object.

54. An illumination system comprising:

a support structure adapted to support a plurality of display objects;

one or more power regulator coupled to the support structure, a power regulator comprising one or more controllers and one or more primary inductors coupled to the one or more controller, each controller adapted to provide a voltage or current to a selected primary inductor to generate a first primary inductor voltage; and

a plurality of emitting apparatuses, a corresponding emitting apparatus of the plurality of emitting apparatuses coupled to a corresponding display object of the plurality of display objects, each emitting apparatus comprising an illumination source and a secondary inductor coupled to the illumination source, each illumination source adapted to emit visible light when the coupled secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of a corresponding primary inductor when the power regulator is in an on-state.

55. The system of claim 54, wherein each controller is further adapted to detect a presence or an absence of an emitting apparatus.

56. The system of claim 54, wherein each secondary inductor comprises a cured conductive ink or polymer and is substantially planar.

57. The system of claim 54, wherein each primary inductor is substantially planar.

58. The system of claim 54, wherein each display object comprises a package and package contents, and wherein a corresponding emitting apparatus is integrally formed with, or adhesively attached to, or printed on the package of the display object.

59. The system of claim 54, wherein each display object comprises a container and liquid contents, and wherein a corresponding emitting apparatus is integrally formed with, or adhesively attached to, or printed on the container of the display object.

60. The system of claim 54, wherein each illumination source comprises an electroluminescent panel or display.

61. The system of claim 60, wherein the electroluminescent panel or display comprises:

a first conductor coupled to the secondary inductor;

a dielectric layer;

an emissive layer comprising a plurality of phosphor particles suspended in a cured polymer; and

a second, optically transmissive conductor coupled to the emissive layer and to the secondary inductor.

62. A method of manufacturing an emitting apparatus of the plurality of emitting apparatuses of claim 61, comprising:

printing the secondary inductor and the first conductor using a conductive ink or polymer;

printing the dielectric layer;

printing the emissive layer; and

printing the second, optically transmissive conductor.

63. The system of claim 61, further comprising:

at least one color layer comprising at least one fluorescent ink or dye.

64. The system of claim 54, wherein each illumination source comprises:

at least one light emitting diode; and

at least one blocking diode coupled to the at least one light emitting diode and further coupled to the secondary inductor.

65. A method of illuminating a display object, an illumination source coupled to or integrated with the display object, the method comprising:

energizing a primary inductor to provide a first primary voltage;

receiving a magnetic flux from the primary inductor and generating a first secondary voltage in a planar secondary inductor;

applying the first secondary voltage to the illumination source; and

energizing the illumination source to emit visible light.

66. The method of claim 65, further comprising:

energizing the primary inductor to provide a second primary voltage having a polarity opposite a first primary voltage polarity;

receiving a magnetic flux from the primary inductor and generating a second secondary voltage in a planar secondary inductor, the second secondary voltage having a polarity opposite a first secondary voltage polarity;

applying the second secondary voltage to the illumination source; and

energizing the illumination source to emit visible light.

67. The method of claim 65, further comprising:

detecting a presence of a display object.

68. The method of claim 65, further comprising:

detecting when display object is no longer within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor.

69. The method of claim 65, further comprising:

detecting a pulse duration of a voltage across the primary inductor; and

adjusting the first primary voltage.

70. The method of claim 65, further comprising:

adjusting a brightness of an illumination source by adjusting the first primary voltage.