LOAD-BEARING INTERACTIVE POLE VIDEO DISPLAY SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention discloses a load-bearing interactive pole video display system. This device allows for graphical video content to be displayed on the surface of a load-bearing pole-shaped structure that may be used in applications such as, but not limited to, railings, beams and dance poles. The core components of the invention are load-bearing internal structure, LED display, light transmissive covering, modular end fittings, power source, sensing and control electronics, which, generally speaking, are configured as follows: the LEDs are mounted to the internal load-bearing structure contained within the external light transmissive tube. Located at one or both ends of the railing are modular end fittings, which allow for connecting power, data and mechanical attachment of the pole or railing to support structures such as permanent or impermanent infrastructure or other modular installations.

Claims

1. A load-bearing interactive pole video display system (100) comprising: a) an internal load-bearing structure (108) providing rigidity and stability to the cylindrical display; b) a plurality of channels (304) formed in the load-boarding structure, housing a plurality of light sources (112) within; c) a plurality of light sources comprising a cylindrical array of individually controlled LED pixels; d) a light transmissive tube (102) enclosing the load-bearing structure, diffusing the plurality of light sources (112), and providing a uniform surface to the display system (100); e) a plurality of sensors (1114) tracking the system's state and environment; and f) a microcontroller (MCU) (702) attached to the display system executing a program with following functions: (i) perform data manipulation and transmission to control and output pixel content to LED display; (ii) communicate via wireless and/or wired connection with external devices; (iii) display two-dimensional graphic content from a plurality of image and video sources and generate animated output based on such assets and the plurality of sensors; (iv) integrate sensor data from sources such as capacitive touch sensors to control functionality of or modulate the displayed content; and (v) receive and display graphic content generated or otherwise received from external sources

2. The pole video display system of claim 1, wherein the internal load-bearing structure may comprise a central tube or rod and an extruded structure with a plurality of channels for housing LED light sources, wherein the channels are effective for attaching LEDs in an unobtrusive manner that maximize blending between adjacent light sources.

3. The pole video display system of claim 1, wherein the internal load-bearing structure comprises a single piece structure that is extruded, milled or otherwise formed from a hard material.

4. The pole video display system of claim 3, wherein the hard material is steel.

5. The pole video display system of claim 2, wherein each of the central tube (108), the channel structure (110), and the light transmissive tube (102) are coaxial, wherein the plurality of channels is formed around the extruded channel structure (110), and wherein the video display is coupled to modular end fittings (104) on either end.

6. The pole video display system of claim 2, wherein the central tube (108) is comprised of steel.

7. The pole video display system of claim 2, wherein the extruded structure is comprised of aluminum.

8. The pole video display system of claim 2, wherein the light transmissive tube is comprised of polycarbonate.

9. The pole video display system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises internal sensors and external sensors.

10. The pole video display system of claim 9, wherein the sensors are proximity sensors (1112), touch sensors, motion sensors, temperature sensors, audio sensors, or light sensors.

11. The pole video display system of claim 1, wherein the internal load-bearing structure comprises the following: a. each channel (305) comprises a base (402) coupled to angled sidewalls, wherein each light source is positioned on the base of the channel and projects light toward an opening; b. a ring-shaped power and data distribution circuit board (610) coupled to an end of the light structure; and c. a plurality of LED strips (112) directly plugged into connectors (602) positioned around the circuit board (610) to receive power.

12. The pole video display system of claim 1, wherein channels in the end fittings align with channels formed by the channel structure, allowing wiring from the display system to be routed to the MCU and power and data distribution unit located elsewhere.

13. The pole video display system of claim 9, wherein the LED display structure further comprises capacitive touch sensing units co-located with a graphical display, in communication with the MCU, the combination of which provides touch-responsive capabilities.

14. The pole video display system of claim 11, wherein the MCU (702) executes a program with following functions: a. maintain communication and receive data from capacitive touch sensing units; b. determine areas and positions where a user is touching the LED display system; and c. process touch as a system input.

15. The pole video display system of claim 14, the system input is for animating or otherwise altering the graphic content, reporting to an external system, or input interface for the user.

16. The pole video display system of claim 12, wherein the pole content display is coupled to additional internal and external sensors capable of modulating the displayed content.

17. The pole video display system of claim 16, wherein the sensors are audio sensors, light sensors, inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors, or temperature sensors.

18. The pole video display system of claim 13, wherein the executed program on the MCU includes further functions to: a. receive and process data from one or more external and internal sensing units; b. receive and process graphical content data from one or more external sources; and c. receive and process playback control data from one or more external sources via an industry standard protocol.

19. The pole video display system of claim 18, wherein the industry standard protocol is DMX512, sACN, Art-Net, or OSC.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description presented in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0033] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a pole assembly system, including an outer light transmissive covering and end fittings.

[0034] FIG. 2A shows an internal load-bearing structure of the pole assembly system with channels to house a plurality of light sources.

[0035] FIG. 2B shows the light source inlaid into the channel to form a cylindrical video display, with end fittings coupled to ends of the pole assembly system.

[0036] FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the assembly, including a central load-bearing tube or rod, a channel structure that house the plurality of light sources, and the outer diffusing light transmissive covering.

[0037] FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of the assembly without the light sources.

[0038] FIG. 5 shows a non-limiting embodiment of a power and data distribution unit coupled to the inner tube or rod having connectors for coupling to and delivering power to the light sources positioned within the channel.

[0039] FIG. 6 shows a non-limiting embodiment of an end fitting that includes a recessed pocket to hold a microcontroller unit (MCU).

[0040] FIG. 7 shows a non-limiting example of a capacitive touch sensing unit overlaid on top of the light source.

[0041] FIG. 8 shows a non-limiting embodiment of an end fitting coupled to the pole assembly. Channels in the end fitting align with channels formed by the extruded structure to allow for wiring to be routed the display.

[0042] FIG. 9 shows a schematic block diagram of the MCU. Microcontroller (1102) and Power and Data Distribution Unit (1110) may be located on the same circuit board.

[0043] FIG. 10 is a flowchart detailing an exemplary process of controlling a display on the pole assembly based on sensor data received from a plurality of sensors coupled to the pole assembly system.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] Following is a list of elements corresponding to a particular element referred to herein:

TABLE-US-00001 100 pole assembly system 102 outer tube 104 end fittings 106 fasteners 108 inner tube or rod 110 channel structure 112 light sources 300 cross-section 304 plurality of channels 305 channel 306 sidewalls 310 inner surface 316 depth of channel 318 mean width of channel 320 gap between inner tube and outer tube 322 outer surface of inner tube or rod 402 channel base 404 first sidewall 406 second sidewall 408 width of sidewall 410 light opening 412 light occlusion 414, 416 semi-circular extruded parts 602 connector 610 power and data distribution unit 702 microcontroller unit (MCU) 704 cable 706 threaded holes 812 capacitive touch sensing unit 1100 block diagram 1102 microcontroller 1104 memory 1106 processor 1108 WIFI module 1110 power and data distribution unit 1112 proximity sensor 1114 sensors 1116 microphone 1118 light sensor 1120 inertial measurement unit (IMU) 1122 encoders 1124 LED strips 1128 server

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1-10, the present invention features a load-bearing interactive pole video display system (100) comprising a central tube or rod (108) with a channel structure (110) configured to house a plurality of light sources (112) within, placed concentrically within an outer diffusing light transmissive tube (102).

[0046] FIG. 1 shows the load-bearing interactive pole video display system (100) including the outer diffusing light transmissive tube (102) (hereafter interchangeably referred to as outer tube or light transmissive tube) coupled to two modular end fittings (104) at either end. The function of the outer tube (102) is to diffuse the light, provide a uniform surface capable of displaying video, patterns, shapes or text, as well as offer additional structure to the pole assembly system (100). The outer tube may be fastened to the end fittings (104) with fasteners (106) or friction fit.

[0047] FIG. 2A shows the central tube or rod (108) and the channel structure (110) that make up the inner load-bearing structure. Hereafter, the central tube or rod may be interchangeably referred to as an inner tube, and the channel structure may be interchangeably referred to as extruded channel structure or extruded structure. The inner tube (108) serves as an internal structural element contributing to the strength and rigidity of the pole video display system. The channel structure (110) may be positioned concentrically around the inner tube, and is sized to fit inside the outer tube (102). More specifically, the inner tube (108), the channel structure (110), and the outer tube (102) are all coaxial, wherein R.sub.inner<R.sub.ES<R.sub.outer, where R.sub.inner, R.sub.ES, and R.sub.outer are the radii of the inner tube, the channel structure, and the outer tube respectively. In other embodiments, the inner load-bearing structure may be constructed as a single load-bearing internal structure.

[0048] The inner tube (108) may be uninterrupted throughout the illuminated portion of the pole video display system (100), with end fittings (104) fastened to both sides. In non-limiting embodiments, the channel structure (110) may be mechanically fastened to the inner tube (108) using adhesive, rivets, fasteners or alternate methods. In some embodiments, the video display system may be coupled to other tubes that do not have an inner tube, or any other structural components, without deviating from the scope of the invention. In some embodiments, the inner tube may be composed of steel, the channel structure may be composed of aluminum, and the outer tube may be composed of a light transmissive material capable of evenly diffusing light such as polycarbonate or acrylic. As such, the inner tube may be the primary load-bearing portion of the pole assembly, reinforced by the channel structure.

[0049] FIG. 2B shows the plurality of light sources (112) laid in channels of the channel structure (110). In a non-limiting example, the plurality of light sources may include an array of LEDs. The arrays of LEDs (or LED strips) may be positioned along the length of the pole assembly and inlaid into the recessed areas of the channel structure (110) resulting in a cylindrical video display that allows for visibility from all angles. Herein, the LED strips are arranged to form a grid of individually controlled pixels. In a non-limiting example, the channel structure (110) may include eight channels for holding eight strips of LEDs. Herein, there is a one-to-one correspondence with the number of the channels formed on the channel structure (110) and the number of strips of LEDs used. In non-limiting embodiments, the LED strips (112) may be fastened to bottom of channels of the channel structure (110) using a thermally conductive adhesive backing to effectively dissipate heat, provide electrical insulation, and keep the LEDs in place. The end fittings (104) are fastened to the inner tube (108) using methods including but not limited to set screws (106), threading, welding, press-fit or adhesive bonds.

[0050] FIGS. 3 and 4 shows a cross section (300) of the pole assembly system, including the inner tube (108), the channel structure (110), and outer tube (102) covering the entire video display assembly. FIG. 4 shows the cross-section without the LEDs and FIG. 3 shows an alternate cross-section with the LED strips (112) positioned within channel structure (110). The inner tube (108) is the primary load-bearing structure composed of steel, for example. The outer tube (102) is positioned concentrically around the inner tube (108) and separated from the inner tube by a gap (320). The channel structure (110) extends across the gap (320) between the inner and the outer tube. The channel structure (110) is used to hold or position the LEDs within the pole assembly in an unobstructed manner, as explained below.

[0051] The channel structure (110) includes a plurality of sidewalls (306) forming a plurality of channels (304) in the gap (320) between the inner and the outer tube. Each channel (305) of the plurality of channels (304) is formed between two sidewalls (306). The number of channels included in the extruded structure may be based on the display requirements of the pole assembly. In a non-limiting embodiment, the channel structure (110) may include eight channels (304). In other examples, the channel structure may include higher or lower number of channels, without deviating from the scope of the invention. Herein, each channel houses a LED strip as a light source.

[0052] The channel structure (110) may be formed by coupling or joining two semi-circular pieces (414 and 416) or formed as a single circular piece. Each channel (305) of the plurality of channels (304) includes a base (402) coupled to a first sidewall (404) and a second sidewall (406). Herein, the base (402) is coupled to the inner tube (108) and the first and the second sidewalls are coupled the outer tube (102). More specifically, the base (402) is coupled to an outer surface (322) of the inner tube (108) and the first and the second sidewall are coupled to an inner surface (310) of the outer tube (102).

[0053] Each sidewall includes an arc segment or width (408) that is in face-sharing contact with the inner surface (310) of the outer tube (102) along specific locations. Herein, the number of locations where the sidewalls (306) are in contact with the inner surface (310) depends on the number of channels or the number of extrusions of the structure. In a non-limiting example, the channel structure may include a total of 8 sidewalls thereby forming 8 channels in the pole assembly. In other non-limiting example, the structure may include more or fewer sidewalls, without deviating from the scope of the invention.

[0054] Each LED is positioned within the channel by attaching the LED strip to the base (402) of the channel. Herein, the LED strip is not in contact with the inner or the outer tube, but is positioned at the base (402) of the channel (304) between the sidewalls (306). Herein, the channels may have angled sidewalls which allow light to be projected obliquely out of the pole assembly. Since the LEDs are not in contact with the inner tube or the outer tube, they will not be damaged when the pole assembly is touched, rotated, or bent within allowable range. Additionally, the channel structure keeps the light path clear of obstructions, allowing the unoccluded light sources to be evenly diffused and cumulatively form a video display.

[0055] In some embodiments, parameters such as inner radius r, height h of the extrusion, mean width w of the channels, and thickness t of the channel structure may be selected based on size, stiffness, and diffusion criteria. The outer radius R of the channel structure may be substantially equal to the inner radius of the outer tube (102).

[0056] The dimensions of the inner tube (108), the channel structure (110), and the outer tube (102) may be determined based on loading and deflection requirements of the pole assembly. In some embodiments, the inner tube may be composed of steel and include an inner diameter of about and an outer diameter of about 1. Inner tubes of other dimensions may be used without deviating from the scope of the invention.

[0057] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the outer tube may be selected based on one or more of: practical application-specific requirements, dimensions of the inner tube, a height of the channels and/or the extrusions, and LED properties. In some embodiments, the thickness of the polycarbonate material may be about , which allows for a sufficient outer diameter of the load-bearing assembly while allowing light from the LEDs in the channels to diffuse through the medium to create a cohesive video display. In some embodiments, the length of the polycarbonate outer tube is such that it covers the entire inner assembly up to the end fittings.

[0058] FIGS. 5-7 show one possible configuration of the electronic components in the pole assembly (100). The pole assembly (100) includes a ring-shaped power and data distribution unit (610) coupled to one end of the pole assembly to minimize the space needed for power and data connection. Herein, the power and data distribution unit (610) includes a central hole through which the inner tube (108) is inserted. Power wires may be directly connected to the power and data distribution unit (610), and then distributed to all subsystems of the pole assembly. Herein, each connector (602) on the underside of the power and data distribution unit (610) delivers power and data to each LED strip and additionally allows bi-directional communication between the microcontroller unit (MCU) (702) and capacitive touch sensing units (812) located along the channels of the pole assembly.

[0059] FIG. 7 shows a sensing unit (812) that may be laid over the light source (112). In some embodiments, the sensor component may be a capacitive touch sensing unit. The capacitive touch sensing unit may be used to locate a position/location where a user touches the pole video display system. Herein, the components may use a network of connected electrodes that are distributed radially and axially throughout the structure to determine the location. As a non-limiting example, the touch sensing circuit (812) may be printed on a circuit board which includes openings that correspond with each light source, so that the light can pass through the component unobstructed. The capacitive touch sensing system integrated into a video display may enable user input in the form of gestures and a control interface similar to that found in modern mobile devices.

[0060] FIG. 8 shows an end fitting coupled to the pole assembly in an alternate embodiment than shown by figures FIGS. 5-7. Recessed areas in the end fitting align with channels formed by the extruded structure to allow for wiring to be routed the display. In one non-limiting example, an end fitting as shown is fastened inside of a steel tube. The steel tube may be used as an extension to the main structure, act as a mounting point for fixing the pole display assembly, and to house the MCU, wiring, and other components.

[0061] FIG. 9 shows a block diagram (1100) of a microcontroller (1102) of the pole assembly system. The microcontroller (1102) may be a non-limiting example of the onboard MCU (702) shown previously. The microcontroller (1102) may include a memory (1104) that stores instructions executable by a system processor (1106) to enable control of LED strips (1124) and additionally integrate with the sensors (1114), as discussed below. In some embodiments, the microcontroller (1102) may be able to connect to a server (1128) via a WIFI module (1108), or physical ethernet (1109) connection to enable remote control of the LED pixels and/or integration with sensors. In some embodiments, the server (1128) may be an external computer that coordinates animation effects between multiple pole displays, allowing for synchronized control of multiple pole video display systems, allowing for larger visual influence, gamification, or volumetrically mapped structures.

[0062] A power and data distribution unit (1110) routes power to the entire video display, pixel data to each LED strip (1124) and communication signals between the MCU (1102) and sensors (1114) located along the channels of the pole assembly or elsewhere.

[0063] The sensors (1114) may include a plurality of internal and external sensors. Herein, the internal sensors may refer to sensors mounted within the pole assembly system, and the external sensors may include sensors present external to the pole assembly system. In non-limiting example, the internal and the external sensors may include one or more of a proximity sensor (1112), microphone (1116), a light sensor (1118), an inertial measurement unit (1120), and an encoder (1122). The proximity sensor (1112) may be a capacitive touch sensing element that is used to locate the position of a user touching the device using a network of electrodes that are distributed radially and axially through the structure. The controller (1102) aggregates internal sensing data from the internal sensors in addition to the external sensors (also referred to as environmental sensing devices). Based on the information received from the sensors (1114), the microcontroller adjusts an output of the LED strip (1124) as discussed below.

[0064] Turning now to FIG. 10, an example method (1200) for controlling the output of the LED strips based on the sensor data received from the sensors is shown. Instructions for carrying out method 1200 may be executed by a microcontroller (such as controller (1102) of FIG. 9) based on instructions stored in memory of the controller and in conjunction with signals received from sensors of the pole assembly system, such as the sensors described above with reference to FIGS. 1-9. Alternatively, the pole video display system may be used as a traditional display, capable of showing video content from external sources.

[0065] At 1202, method 1200 includes receiving sensor data from a plurality of sensors coupled to the pole assembly system. As an example, the microcontroller may receive sensor data from a proximity sensor. Based on the sensor data, the microcontroller may determine a location where a user has touched the pole system. As another example, the microcontroller may receive sensor data from a pressure sensor coupled to a dance floor indicating that a user has stepped on the dance floor. In yet another example, the microcontroller may receive sensor data from an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that a certain force has been applied to the pole assembly system. If a user strikes the pole assembly, for example, the IMU sensor detects the impact and the microcontroller may generate a particle animation, based on the magnitude of the impact as measured by the IMU. As described previously, the plurality of sensors may include both internal and external sensors coupled to the pole assembly system.

[0066] The microcontroller may generate a frame of graphical content using incoming sensor data, and outputs data to the LEDs integrated within the pole video display system. As an example, the displayed effect may include video, patterns, shapes or text formed by the array of LED pixels. In some embodiments, the microcontroller may retrieve graphic content stored in the memory or dynamically generate content and modulate the LED output accordingly. As an example, an initial display pattern may include flashing LED light in a specific sequence. However, if the ambient noise level increases above a threshold, the microcontroller may flash the LED light at a higher rate, for example. In another example, the flashing of the LED light may be synchronized with the music played in the background. If the music changes, the microcontroller may update the display pattern accordingly.

[0067] At 1206, method 1200 includes generating the signals to update the LED display with the newly rendered content.

[0068] With respect to the device, it should be further noted that the device can be a stand-alone fixture or part of a larger system. In some embodiments, multiple pole assemblies may communicate with one another by a master controller or other node in a mesh network, and the video displayed on each of the pole assemblies may be controlled to create dynamic experiences.

[0069] Ultimately, at the conclusion of these steps is a method by which a load-bearing interactive pole video display system can utilize sensors to incorporate environmental data in the video display, allowing it to act in ways such as but not limited to: ambient decoration, safety illumination, performance prop, conveyor of information, interactive system, or control device.

[0070] As used herein, the term about refers to plus or minus 10% of the referenced number.

[0071] Various modifications of the invention, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Each reference cited in the present application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0072] Although there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made thereto which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is only to be limited by the following claims. Reference numbers recited in the claims are exemplary and for ease of review by the patent office only, and are not limiting in any way. In some embodiments, the figures presented in this patent application are drawn to scale, including the angles, ratios of dimensions, etc. In some embodiments, the figures are representative only and the claims are not limited by the dimensions of the figures. In some embodiments, descriptions of the inventions described herein using the phrase comprising includes embodiments that could be described as consisting of, and as such the written description requirement for claiming one or more embodiments of the present invention using the phrase consisting of is met.

[0073] The reference numbers recited in the below claims are solely for ease of examination of this patent application, and are exemplary, and are not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims to the particular features having the corresponding reference numbers in the drawings.