Flat Advertising Device Unidirectional Deformation for Ground-Level Clarity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flat advertising devices in large sports arenas, such as football fields, suffer from deformation issues that make graphic elements appear distorted to spectators and cameras, requiring complex calculations and potentially exceeding available space, especially at the edges.

Innovation Solution

A flat advertising device with a graphic element deformed along one axis by 20-50% perpendicular to the ground, using a two-layer structure with EVA and rubber, and camouflaged bridging elements to minimize distortion and create a seamless silhouette with the ground, allowing for uniform perception from multiple angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If complex anamorphic deformation is applied to correct perspective distortion, then the graphic element appears correct from a specific observation point, but the deformation becomes excessive and does not fit in available space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegraphic element distortion correctionVSAvoidavailable space on ground
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the deformation parameter from complex multi-directional anamorphic deformation to simple unidirectional deformation along the y-axis, with deformation factor α between 0.5 and 1.5. This parameter simplification allows the graphic element to be corrected for distortion while fitting within the limited ground space available in sports arenas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of deforming the graphic element to appear correct from a specific elevated observation point (traditional anamorphic approach), the patent inverts the approach by creating a deformation that appears correct from ground level observation, accepting that it will appear distorted from elevated camera views. This inversion of the observation perspective solves the space constraint problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Manufacturing precision

If anamorphic deformation is calculated for a specific observation point, then distortion is corrected at that point, but other observers perceive even more deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistortion correction at specific pointVSAvoidperception from multiple observer positions
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a deformation solution that serves multiple observation positions simultaneously. By using unidirectional deformation along the y-axis with factor α, the graphic element appears correctly proportioned from any ground-level observation point, making the solution universal for all spectators in the arena rather than optimized for a single point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies deformation only in the y-direction (vertical dimension in the graphic element's coordinate system) while leaving the x-direction unchanged. This localized deformation approach corrects the distortion problem for ground-level observers without introducing excessive deformation that would affect multi-angle perception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If measurements of the sports ground are taken to calculate deformation, then distortion correction is precise, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeformation calculation precisionVSAvoidmeasurement and calculation requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the deformation model by using a constant deformation factor α between 0.5 and 1.5 applied uniformly along the y-axis, eliminating the need for complex ground measurements and point-specific calculations. This parameter standardization reduces device complexity while maintaining adequate correction precision for ground-level observation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If the graphic motif is deformed significantly to correct perspective, then it appears correct from the intended viewpoint, but it loses its visual importance and meaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperspective correctionVSAvoidgraphic motif importance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

By constraining the deformation factor α to the range 0.5-1.5, the patent ensures that the graphic element is corrected for perspective distortion without being deformed so excessively that it loses its visual importance. This moderate deformation range preserves the recognizability and meaning of the graphic motif while achieving adequate perspective correction for ground-level observers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3026658B1Flat advertising device and use thereof in a sports area
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 LIVEAD SPACE MARK UP
  • EP3026658B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3026658B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3026658B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Flat advertising device for placement on the ground, of the type that has a graphic element deformed for better viewing by the observers, characterised in that the graphic element is deformed only along one axis and the said deformation consists of an elongation of less than 100%.