Signs of bright times

PERTH-based high-resolution imaging company Lumacom has launched the first of its planned worldwide network of high-impact, full colour video displays.

The futuristic signs, launched at the Aberdeen Hotel in Northbridge, rely on the function of the human visual system – the science known as psychophysics – to give the impression of a higher resolution image than is actually there.

Lumacom managing director Rodd Sala said the product provided considerable cost and operational advantages over the capabilities of conventional systems.

“It opens up a whole new section of the market which has previously not been exploited due to the prohibitive cost of conventional technology,” Mr Sala said.

“Worldwide expenditure on outdoor display signs exceeds US$10 billion per annum. We expect to increase this as our system is so cost-effective.

“There are many offshore markets for this product with the largest being the US. China and other parts of Asia are rapidly growing markets.”

The number of pixels in Luma Signs are much lower than it appeara, using as few as 10 per cent of the pixels of a conventional sign.

The visual perception system linking the human eye and the brain ‘fills in’ the missing pixels when viewing the display.

The technology offers the potential for displays from around 10 square metres to massive signs that cover the face of a building.

While clearly visible from the outside, tenants within a building do not see the sign and it does not obstruct their view.

The Aberdeen Hotel Luma Sign will carry community interest information and can be directly linked to a media newsroom.

Lumacom has been engaged in product development for the past 10 years.