A Trivision, also called three-message sign, is a

billboard A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertise ...

/sign that consists of triangular

prism Prism usually refers to: * Prism (optics), a transparent optical component with flat surfaces that refract light * Prism (geometry), a kind of polyhedron Prism may also refer to: Science and mathematics * Prism (geology), a type of sedimentary ...

s placed inside a frame. The prisms rotate 120°, each showing a new message of

advertisement Advertising is the practice and techniques employed to bring attention to a product or service. Advertising aims to put a product or service in the spotlight in hopes of drawing it attention from consumers. It is typically used to promote a ...

and/or information. As implied, three individual images, or messages, can be displayed on a Trivision.http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/1056921/JCDecaux-switches-off-rotating-billboards/ The Trivision is most commonly used as a commercial sign and is used both indoors and outdoors. Trivision billboards are commonly found along highways and in city centers. The changing messages on the rotating prisms are intended to catch the attention of its viewer. Many individual studies that have been made in different countries, shows that the movement within a Trivision attracts attention and increases brand impact. The basic principle was used to change scenes in ancient Greek theatre with wooden prism devices known as

Periaktos A periaktos (plural form periaktoi, from a Greek language, Greek word meaning ''revolving'') is a device used for displaying and rapidly changing theatre scene (drama), scenes. It was first mentioned in Plato's ''Republic'', in the story, "Allegor ...

. The first

U.S. patent Under United States law, a patent is a right granted to the inventor of a (1) process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matter, (2) that is new, useful, and non-obvious. A patent is the right to exclude others, for a limited ...

using this principle in a motorized display was issued in 1901. In 1950 many suppliers existed in

USA The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territori ...

. Today the product exists all over the world and can be built in all size and shapes such as curved, giant sizes, city format, on walls, in landscape format, portrait format, and over bridges. The sign can be used on-demand, meaning the correct message will appear when the command is given to the sign. Commonly these signs are used in traffic and often called “

Variable Message Sign A variable- (also changeable-, electronic-, or dynamic-) message sign, often abbreviated VMS, CMS, or DMS, and in the UK known as a matrix sign, is an electronic traffic sign often used on roadways to give travelers information about special ...

” (VMS). A VMS can be used for directional, speed limit, warning, parking guidance and toll booths. The VMS can also be used in advertising for applications, such as morning- and/or evening-messages. Other names of this sign include: Tri-Face, Three Message Sign, Prismavision, Prismatic displays, Rotapanel.

References

Billboards Signage {{advertising-stub