WO2017019977A1 - Self-powered magnetic sign - Google Patents

Abstract

A magnetic sign includes an aerodynamic forward-facing power module, a rechargeable power source associated with the power module, a display module, and a controller. The sign further includes a magnetic element for attaching to a metal panel. The aerodynamic forward-facing power module includes an aerodynamic housing and at least one electrical current-generating wind turbine. The power module further includes at least one electrical current-generating solar panel. The display module includes one or more light sources and at least one light-diffusing element disposed to back-light or side-light an informational display panel. The at least one light-diffusing element may provide a reverse radial gradient translucence pattern. The controller is configured to control one or more of a sign actuation, an overcharging of the rechargeable power source, and a usage of the rechargeable power source.

Description

SELF-POWERED MAGNETIC SIGN

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/198,278 filed on July 29, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Generally, the present invention relates to signage such as for placement on vehicles. Particularly, although not exclusively, it relates to an aerodynamic magnetic sign for attachment to a vehicle or other metal surface, including a self-contained power source and a display surface providing an even distribution of emitted light back-lighting or side-lighting an informational display panel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Magnetic signs which are portable and which are attached to metal surfaces such as vehicle panels are known in the art. Typical examples of magnetic signs include, although are not limited to, flat magnetic signs attached to car doors, side panels or rear panels of vehicles, and automobile rooftop signs. These signs typically display printed advertising messages or other information.

[0004] Currently, there are some magnetic signs placed on rooftops of vehicles that are lighted. Most of these lighted signs are powered either by a permanent connection to the vehicle's charging system or battery, or via a cable connected to an internal power outlet, the vehicle cigarette lighter, a USB port, or other charging outlet car. These types of connections compete with the occupant's need to power and/or charge devices such as cellphones and other mobile devices.

[0005] Accordingly, a need is identified in the art for magnetic signage including its own independent charging method. Any improvements along such lines should also contemplate good engineering practices, such as simplicity, ease of implementation, unobtrusiveness, stability, etc. Advantageously, a self-contained power source obviates any need for external wiring to supply power to the sign, likewise obviating any issues of wire packaging/routing or alterations/additions to the vehicle's power system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] By applying the principles and teachings described herein, the foregoing and other problems become solved. In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a magnetic sign comprising an aerodynamic forward-facing power module and a display module. A rechargeable power source is associated with the power module. A magnetic element is provided for the sign for attachment to metal surfaces such as vehicle panels. A controller controls operation of the sign.

[0007] In embodiments, the aerodynamic forward-facing power module comprises an aerodynamic housing and at least one electrical current-generating wind turbine. The power module may further comprise at least one electrical current-generating solar panel.

[0008] In other embodiments, the aerodynamic forward-facing power module includes other components for harvesting energy from of the turbulence created by airflow around the forward nose of the sign and converting that energy into electric current via VEH (vibration energy harvesters, e.g, electromagnetic induction, electrostatics, aeroelastic flutter and flutter-driven triboelectrification caused by the self-sustained oscillation of flags. In one embodiment, the forward-facing power module includes a triboelectric generator defining an electrode, the electrode comprising a flexible strip configured for periodic contact with a rigid plate.

[0009] In one embodiment, the display module includes one or more light sources and at least one light-diffusing element disposed to back-light an informational display panel. In embodiments, the one or more light sources are light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and the at least one light-diffusing element provides a reverse radial gradient translucence gradient effect. In embodiments, the at least one light-diffusing element comprises a number of reverse gradient radially translucent diffusion patterns that is the same as the number of light sources, each reverse gradient radially translucent diffusion pattern being positioned adjacent a corresponding light source. In other embodiments, the at least one light-diffusing element comprises an acrylic panel with side-lit light-emitting diodes. [0010] In another embodiment, the at least one light-diffusing element comprises an acrylic panel with side-lit light-emitting diodes. This display module includes one or more light sources and at least one light-diffusing element to side light a translucent diffusion which in turn provides illumination to light the material informational display panel. In embodiments, the one or more light sources are light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and the at least one light-diffusing element provides a side-lit diffused translucence. In embodiments, the at least one light-diffusing element comprises a number of LED's in a linear pattern parallel to the edge of the diffusion panel of approximately 4mm to 6mm in thickness

[0011] The controller is configured to control one or more of a sign actuation, an overcharging of the rechargeable power source, and a usage of the rechargeable power source. In embodiments, the controller is configured to prevent the overcharging of the rechargeable power source by: 1) determining a fully charged state of the rechargeable power source; and 2) allowing actuation of the sign during a determined daylight condition during that fully charged rechargeable power source state. A daylight sensor connected to the controller may be included for determining the daylight condition.

[0012] In other embodiments, the described sign may include a unique sign identifier such as a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag and/or another identifier such as an etched serial number. In still other embodiments, the sign may include an associated content delivery system such as a Bluetooth Low Emission (BLE) beacon.

[0013] These and other embodiments of the present invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following description of the invention and referenced drawings or by practice of the invention. The claims, however, indicate the particularities of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

[0015] Figure 1 shows a magnetic sign according to the present disclosure; [0016] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a power module for the magnetic sign of Figure l ;

[0017] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a display module for the magnetic sign of Figure l ;

[0018] Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of a lighting panel for the display module of Figure 3;

[0019] Figure 5 illustrates light emission from the lighting panel of Figure 4;

[0020] Figure 6 illustrates light diffusion through a light-diffusing element according to the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of a lighting panel, a light-diffusing element, and an informational display panel for the sign of Figure 1; and

[0022] Figure 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a magnetic sign according to the present disclosure; and

[0023] Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a triboelectric generator for use in the magnetic sign of Figure 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] To solve the above-summarized and other problems, the present disclosure provides an aerodynamic magnetic sign including an integrated, self-contained power source. The described sign further includes a display surface configured to ensure that emitted light is evenly distributed behind an informational display for a more desirable visual effect. In turn, the described sign includes a control system which controls electrical current generation, storage, and usage as well as sign actuation.

[0025] In the following detailed description of the illustrated embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention and like numerals represent like details in the various figures. Also, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that process, mechanical, electrical, arrangement, software and/or other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0026] With reference to Figure 1, a magnetic sign 100 is disclosed, comprising a forward- facing power module 102 and a display module 104. The power module 102 and display module 105 are joined and/or integral to one another, to provide a smooth aerodynamic surface when attached to a vehicle (not shown). As depicted, in an embodiment the power module 102 defines in side cross-section a wedge or other suitable configuration to present an aerodynamic forward- facing surface to minimize wind resistance when attached to a vehicle in operation. Of course, alternative aerodynamic configurations are contemplated in accordance with the location at which the sign 100 will be attached. For example, the configuration represented in Figure 1 is typically provided for a sign to be attached to a vehicle side, for example in a co-planar orientation with a door surface or a side panel of a van or truck. For signs 100 intended to be attached to a vehicle roof (embodiment not shown), alternative configurations to preserve an aerodynamic shape are contemplated.

[0027] The sign further includes a magnetic element 106 provided by one or more magnets or magnetic layers. Use of various types of magnets is contemplated, including without intending any limitation a sheet magnet, one or more neodymium magnets, one or more ceramic magnets, and one or more electromagnets. Multiple discrete magnets may form the magnetic element 106, or alternatively the element may be provided as a sheet or layer magnet. Still more, combinations of these elements are contemplated.

[0028] With reference to Figure 2, the power module 102 includes various elements allowing the device to generate and store electrical power when in use. The power module 102 includes an aerodynamic housing 108 configured to hold various power-generating elements, a rechargeable power source, and a controller. In more detail, in the depicted embodiment the housing 108 holds a pair of wind turbines 110a, 110b. Of course, use of more or fewer wind turbines is contemplated according to the size and power requirements of the sign 100. As will be appreciated, when secured to a vehicle in motion, the forward-facing power module wind turbines will rotate under the influence of the airflow generated over and through the power module housing 108. Such turbines are known in the art. The wind turbines 110a, 110b are operatively linked to a motor 112 which, when turned by the wind turbines, generates direct current (DC) electrical power.

[0029] In an embodiment, the power that can be generated by the described wind turbines 110a, 110b arrangement for management by a controller (described in more detail below) can be estimated by the power equation:

P = .5 x Rho x A x Cp x V³ x Ng x Nb

Wherein:

Rho = Air density - typically 1.2 kg/m 3 ; A = Area swept by the turbines - m 2 ; Cp = Coefficient of Turbine Performance - typically .35; V = Wind velocity - m/s; Ng = Motor Generator Efficiency - typically .5; and Nb = Gearbox Efficiency - typically .95.

[0030] The power module 102 also includes at least one solar panel 114 for generating electrical power from solar radiation. Such solar panels 114 are well known in the art. Both the motor 112 and solar panel 114 are operatively connected to a rechargeable power source 116, in the depicted embodiment being an array of rechargeable DC batteries 118, whereby electrical current created by the motor 112 and solar panel 114 is delivered to and stored by the rechargeable power source 116 for use by the display module 104 as will be described below. As will be appreciated, this allows the sign 100 to self-generate power for its operation both when a vehicle to which the sign is attached is in motion, and when the vehicle is stopped.

[0031] For operation of the sign 100, a controller 120 is provided, configured to manage various functions of the sign. In one embodiment, the controller 120 is a circuit board configured to route electrical current generated by the motor 112 and solar panel 114 to the rechargeable power source 116 to charge/recharge batteries 118. The controller 120 also is configured to manage rechargeable power source 116 power usage, and also to actuate the sign 100 according to certain predefined parameters. In an embodiment, the power module 102 includes a daylight sensor 122 of known design, which detects levels of ambient lighting and determines a "daylight" or a "nighttime" condition. The daylight sensor 122 may be associated with the controller 120 as shown in the drawing figure, or may be separately included in or on the power module 102.

[0032] In an embodiment, the controller 120 and daylight sensor 122 are operatively connected to the display module 104 whereby the sign 100 is actuated in dark or low-light conditions and remains actuated until the controller determines a depleted or nearly depleted state of the rechargeable power source 116. In turn, the controller 120 may be configured to detect a fully charged state of the rechargeable power source 116 and to actuate the sign 100 even when the daylight sensor 122 determines a "daylight" condition. As will be appreciated, this prevents the power module 102, which in the depicted embodiment is substantially constantly supplying power to the rechargeable power source 116, from overcharging the power source. In turn, as is known an illuminated sign tends to be more visible to a passerby than a non- illuminated sign, event in daylight conditions. Alternatively, the controller 120 may be configured to interrupt provision of electrical power from the motor 112/solar panel 114 on detecting a fully charged state of the rechargeable power source 116.

[0033] The display module 104 includes a light source, one or more light-diffusing elements backlighting an informational display such as an advertising sign. As will be described, inclusion of the one or more light-diffusing elements advantageously allows providing an even light emission in a display module 104/sign 100 having a slim, aerodynamic physical profile. In more detail, with reference to Figure 3 the display module 104 includes a light source 124, in the depicted embodiment being a housing 126 holding a lighting panel 128 including a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 140, see Figure 4. However, any suitable light source is contemplated.

[0034] The light source 124 overlays the magnetic element 106, in the depicted embodiment being a sheet magnet 130, a metal panel 132, and interposed therebetween a plurality of discrete magnets 134. As shown, the metal panel 132 is dimensioned to also underlay the power module 102 in the assembled sign 100.

[0035] As background, at close range a light source often casts a brighter light at its center and a progressively weaker light as it radiates outward. Depending on the source, this light pattern often resembles a circle with a strong light, or a "hot spot," in the center and a softer light as the light moves away from center. Essentially, the center point between a light source and a panel placed parallel two that light source is a closer distance and therefore absorbs or reflects more light. The effect diminishes the further a particular point on a surface is away from the same light source.

[0036] Therefore, the light source 124 also includes at least one light-diffusing element 136. An informational display panel 138 is provided to display any information thereon to passers-by, disposed to be backlit by the lighting panel 128. The light-diffusing element 136 is configured to diffuse light emitted by the lighting panel 128 to provide an even, smooth light transmission without glare or "hot spots" even when one or more lights are disposed in close proximity to the informational display panel 138 as is the case here.

[0037] The rationale for this is to allow a slim profile for the lighting element 124 and also for the sign 100 in general compared to conventional lighting methodologies for signs. Conventional lighted backlit signs usually feature one or more light sources inside an enclosure. In a backlit sign, various methods are used to cast a uniform pattern of light onto a sign surface where the message is displayed. These messages are often made with translucent materials. The rear light source glows through the front translucent message panel creating the desired backlit effect. One common method of maintaining uniformity of light distribution and a smooth even light effect is to keep the light source a distance away from the sign surface. This allows light to spread before hitting the translucent surface creating this more even lighting effect, but requires a higher profile or thicker width sign to keep the lighting at a needed distance from the message panel. To place a light source in close proximity to a translucent informational display, emitted light must be diffused to provide an even lighting effect.

[0038] To this end, light-diffusing elements 136 providing light diffusion according to various methods are contemplated. In one embodiment, the light-diffusing element 136 diffuses light via a reverse gradient radial translucence which provides a more uniform light projection onto the informational display panel 138. As described above, light emitted such as from an LED exhibits a gradient pattern of radial diffusion from a brighter center, softening towards an outer radius. Figure 5 illustrates the effect that would occur from simply disposing an LED lighting panel 128 comprising a plurality of arrayed LEDs 140 behind a conventional semi-transparent diffusion layer 142. As shown, multiple "hot spots" 142 result.

[0039] On the other hand, by interposing a light-diffusing element 136 providing a semi- transparent white reverse radial gradient, light is evenly diffused onto the informational display panel 138 (see Figure 6). In an embodiment (see Figure 7), a light-diffusing element 136 is provided having a same number of reverse radial gradient translucence gradient patterns 142 as the number of LEDs 140 provided in the lighting panel 128. As will be appreciated, the percentage of translucence of the light-diffusing element 136 is selected to be directly proportional to the luminescence pattern of the LEDs 140. Each translucence pattern 142 includes a center portion of lower translucence (more opaque) surrounded by a gradient pattern of increasing translucence (less opaque) heading away from the center portion. When placed opposite and in close proximity to an LED 140 as shown in Figure 6, this creates the appearance of even diffusion even when the light source and another surface— in this case the informational display panel 138, are held in close proximity. Essentially, by placing a light source opposite a surface providing a reverse radial gradient translucence gradient the radial brightness pattern will be cancelled out by the reverse radially translucent gradient, delivering a more even lighting effect, even at close range.

[0040] This effect can be mathematically expressed as shown below in terms of radial density where ^(r, t) is the density of the diffusing material at location r and time t and D{(f>, r) is the collective diffusion coefficient for density φ at location r; and V represents the vector differential operator del.

— τ— = ? · [ (<i>jn V t r. r)i,

[0041] If the diffusion coefficient depends on the density then the equation is nonlinear, otherwise it is linear.

[0042] A similar, but opposite formulae (compared to that shown above) might be used to express the photon density of light in reverse. As will be appreciated, it is possible to specifically tailor light-diffusing elements 136 to specific lighting panels 128 having specific light emission patterns and strengths. One method would be to use sensors to measure the intensity of the light radiated from a light source 140 or lighting panel 128 as it appears on a translucent panel, followed by creating a suitable reverse radial gradient translucence gradient pattern via software to design a material with the desired diffusion pattern. Another method is to shine one or more light sources onto a semi-translucent panel and capture an image, followed by printing from the image a diffusion pattern of the size needed to create the desired diffusion effect using varying transparency in accordance with the above method.

[0043] Other features are contemplated. For example, each sign 100 may be uniquely identified by a printed and/or etched serial number which could be registered in a cloud database. In another embodiment, the unique identifier may be a scannable tag such as a bar code or a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. In another embodiment, a content delivery system may be associated with the sign 100. In one embodiment, this could be a Bluetooth® Low Emission (BLE) Beacon via a mobile platform, using portable devices including smart phones and tablets on any mobile operating system, to trigger delivery of content associated with the sign 100 to a user who enters a region proximal to the sign.

[0044] By such content delivery systems, the sign 100 is enabled for connecting with various mobile programs and services through software via a particular mobile platform to deliver content associated with the sign to a user's mobile device. Additionally, the unique identifier, or ID number of the sign 100 may be communicated to the service. When two-way communication then occurs between the sign 100 and user's mobile device, for example by way of an app, via the service, this identifier— (aka, registration or serial number)— can provide lost and found information if the sign ever happens to be lost or stolen. Once a sign 100 is registered online, this serial number is always broadcasting via the content delivery systems, essentially allowing the sign to connect with a mobile phone or other mobile device whose location is known via GPS or other method, and therefore reporting the location of the sign. Over time, the service will store information about apps and users who have accessed the content delivered by the Beacon via a mobile service, including location, time, and other usage criteria.

[0045] In another embodiment (not shown), use of commercially available side-lit acrylic panels to disperse/diffuse light evenly is contemplated. [0046] Still yet other alternative devices for generating electrical energy may be included in the power module 102. In one aspect, it is contemplated to provide one or more vibration energy harvesters to power the sign 100 and store extra energy in the rechargeable power source 116 in the absence of solar energy and/or in the event that rotation of the wind turbines 110a, 110b is impeded due to accumulations of ice, dirt or other environmental conditions. These vibration energy harvesters utilize wind movement, turbulence, and vibration energy caused by movement of a vehicle to which the sign 100 is attached to generate electrical current which can power the sign and/or charge the rechargeable power source 116. In particular, mechanical vibrations, air turbulence, etc. may be converted into electrical current using a variety of methods, including without intending any limitation electromagnetic induction, electrostatics and triboelectrification.

[0047] In one embodiment as depicted in Figure 8, "flutter-driven" triboelectrification caused by a self-sustained oscillation of a flexible strip is utilized as a source of power since it conveniently takes advantage of wind availability. Triboelectrification has an advantage over wind turbines, which perform optimally when a continuous smooth flow of air passes through the blades, in that states of turbulence and chaos can also create usable energy harvesting metrics from any surface with smooth air flow and/or turbulence.

[0048] The described effect is provided by a triboelectric generator 144 comprising a fluttering flexible strip 146 and a rigid plate 148. With reference to Figure 9, the flexible strip 146 includes one fixed end 150 and an opposed free end 152, whereby the flexible strip will flutter under the influence of wind (see arrow A), turbulence, and mechanical vibration. The flexible strip 146 includes a surface coating of a metal, thus allowing the flexible strip to act as both a fluttering body and an electrode. In an embodiment, a surface of the rigid plate 148 is fabricated of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a triboelectric material of high electron affinity, to achieve contact electrification between the flexible strip 146 and the rigid plate.

[0049] By this configuration, three distinct contact modes between the fluttering flexible strip 146 and the rigid plate 148 are created from which energy is harvested: single, double and chaotic. As depicted, the triboelectric generator 144 is attached to the sign 100 at a forward region of the power module 102 adjacent the aerodynamic housing 108. However, it will be appreciated that the triboelectric generator 144 could equally be attached at a side, a top, or any other region of the sign 100 providing sufficient wind speed or turbulence to cause the flexible strip 146 to flutter and make intermittent contact with the rigid plate 148. The triboelectric generator 144 may also be enclosed in a housing or scoop (not shown) to blow wind to pass straight through to cause the flexible strip 146 to flutter, while allowing sufficient clearance to make sure the flexible strip has room to flutter.

[0050] To induce a self-sustained contact-propagation-separation of conductor and dielectric through the high-frequency oscillation of flexible strip 146 flutter, the rigid plate 148 is positioned at a spaced distance adjacent to the flexible strip. The coupled interaction between the flexible strip 146 and the rigid plate 148 may be optimized by employing proper dimensions (width w and length L), bending stiffness B of the flexible strip and the flexible strip-rigid plate distance. Since the onset velocity for flutter is largely dependent on the flexible strip 146 bending stiffness B, incoming air velocity and the length of the flexible strip, the flexible strip-rigid plate 148 distance has a negligible effect on the stability of the flexible strip.

[0051] Hysteresis is induced for the flutter onset velocity. The fluttering of the flexible strip 146 suddenly arises above a certain critical velocity. However, once fluttering occurs, it continues despite the decrease of air velocity far below the critical value. Bistability occurs between the two critical velocities, where a small external excitation induces the transition from the stable to fluttering state. This means, as a non-limiting example, once the fluttering occurs at around 12-14 mph it continues even when wind speeds are reduced somewhat below the flatter onset velocity.

[0052] In one embodiment, a flexible strip 146 is provided having small dimensions between 2 x 1.5 cm to 7.5 x 5 cm. Good energy can be collected at wind speeds of around 6 ms^_1 or 13.4 mph that will exhibit high-electrical performances: an instantaneous output voltage, current, frequency and average power density of sufficient to power the sign 100 on its own even in the absence of energy contributions from other methods/structures described above.

[0053] As is known for the construction of wind-driven energy-harvesting systems using fluttering behavior, the flexible strip 146 and the rigid plate 148 are arranged in a face to face orientation as shown in Figure 9 so that the interaction between them can lead to a rapid periodic contact and separation. The flexible strip 146 and the rigid plate 148 become oppositely charged whenever they are in contact. The subsequent separation of the two charged structures induces an electronic potential difference that induces a flow of free electrons to the sign controller for distribution to the lights and / or battery.

[0054] As will be appreciated, numerous advantages accrue from the features of the described magnetic sign 100. The sign 100 is easily manufactured to conform for attachment to any curvature defined by a vehicle panel to which it will be attached. By the described power module 102, a detachable sign is provided that can recharge its power source 116 while the vehicle is in motion by way of the described wind turbines 110a, 110b, but also when the vehicle is still by way of the described solar panel 114. Because of the described power module 102, the sign 100 does not in any way rely on the vehicle's electrical system for power. By the described controller 120, the sign 100 can be configured to emit light automatically at night and shut down during daylight hours, but may also operate during daylight hours for better visibility and/or to prevent power source 116 overcharging. By the described display module 104, an informational display may be backlit by evenly distributed light from a lighting panel 128, within the confines of a slim, low physical profile sign 100 suitable for attachment to a vehicle side or other surface.

[0055] The foregoing has been described in terms of specific embodiments, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional embodiments are possible without departing from its teachings. This detailed description, therefore, and particularly the specific details of the exemplary embodiments disclosed, is given primarily for clarity of understanding, and no unnecessary limitations are to be implied, for modifications will become evident to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Relatively apparent modifications, of course, include combining the various features of one or more figures with the features of one or more of the other figures.

Claims

IN THE CLAIMS:

1. A magnetic sign, comprising:

a forward-facing power module;

a rechargeable power source associated with the power module;

a display module;

a magnetic element; and

a controller.

2. The sign of claim 1, wherein the forward-facing power module comprises an aerodynamic housing and at least one electrical current-generating wind turbine.

3. The sign of claim 2, wherein the forward-facing power module further comprises at least one electrical current-generating solar panel.

4. The sign of claim 3, wherein the forward-facing power module further comprises at least one triboelectric generator.

5. The sign of claim 1, wherein the display module includes one or more light sources and at least one light-diffusing element disposed to back-light or side-light an informational display panel.

6. The sign of claim 5, wherein the one or more light sources are light-emitting diodes.

7. The sign of claim 5, wherein the at least one light-diffusing element provides at least one reverse radial gradient translucence pattern.

8. The sign of claim 7, wherein the at least one light-diffusing element comprises a number of reverse radial gradient translucence diffusion patterns that is the same as a number of the one or more light sources.

9. The sign of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control one or more of a sign actuation, a charging of the rechargeable power source, and a usage of the rechargeable power source.

10. The sign of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to prevent the overcharging of the rechargeable power source by:

determining a fully charged state of the rechargeable power source; and

allowing actuation of the sign during a determined daylight condition during said fully charged rechargeable power source state.

11. The sign of claim 10, further including a daylight sensor connected to the controller for determining the daylight condition.

12. The sign of claim 1, further including a unique sign identifier.

13. The sign of claim 1, further including a content delivery system associated with the sign.

14. A magnetically-backed sign for attaching to a vehicle, comprising:

a power module comprising an aerodynamic housing holding at least one forward-facing electrical current-generating wind turbine, at least one electrical current-generating solar panel, at least one triboelectric generator, and a rechargeable power source;

a display module including one or more light sources and at least one light-diffusing element back-lighting or side-lighting an informational display panel; and

a controller.

15. The sign of claim 14, wherein the one or more light sources are light-emitting diodes and the at least one light-diffusing element provides at least one reverse radial gradient translucence pattern.

16. The sign of claim 15, wherein the at least one light-diffusing element comprises a number of reverse gradient radially translucent diffusion patterns that is the same as a number of the one or more light sources.

17. The sign of claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to control one or more of a sign actuation, a charging of the rechargeable power source, and a usage of the rechargeable power source.

18. The sign of claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to prevent the overcharging of the rechargeable power source by:

determining a fully charged state of the rechargeable power source; and

allowing actuation of the sign during a determined daylight condition during said fully charged rechargeable power source state.

19. The sign of claim 18, further including a daylight sensor connected to the controller for determining the daylight condition.

20. The sign of claim 14, further including a unique sign identifier.

21. The sign of claim 14, further including a content delivery system associated with the sign.