The sign’s hollow clad, transparent, aluminum letters are illuminated by 760 colour-changing red-green-blue (RGB) LED modules along the perimeter. Photos courtesy Allanson International
标志的空心透明铝质字母由 760 个变色红绿蓝 (RGB) LED 模块沿周边照亮。照片由 Allanson International 提供
Many Canadian town squares are now adorned with 3D signs that serve as landmarks incorporating the region’s character. One of the latest towns to feature such an attraction is Ajax, Ont. A massive 3D sign, weighing 6,000 lb (2,718 kg) and stretching over 9.1 m (30 ft) wide, was unveiled in May at Pat Bayly Square.
现在，加拿大许多城镇的广场上都装饰有三维标志，作为地标融入了该地区的特色。安大略省的阿贾克斯市就是最新的特色城镇之一。今年 5 月，一个重达 6000 磅（2718 千克）、宽 9.1 米（30 英尺）的巨型 3D 标志在帕特-贝利广场揭幕。
Letters of light
发光字
The sign’s hollow clad, transparent, aluminum letters are illuminated by 760 colour-changing red-green-blue (RGB) LED modules along the perimeter. These lights can pulse to music during concerts and events, when the sign is connected to a music source. The Town also plans to use the lights to commemorate, celebrate, or remember culturally significant days.
标识的中空透明铝制字母由 760 个变色红绿蓝 (RGB) LED 模块沿周边照亮。在音乐会和活动期间，当标志与音乐源连接时，这些灯光可以随着音乐跳动。小镇还计划用这些灯光来纪念、庆祝或铭记具有文化意义的日子。
The custom designed illuminated base is etched with leaves and waves—paying homage to the town’s natural landscape. The Town hopes the sign will not just enhance Ajax’s identity and serve as a landmark for residents, but also attract visitors to the region. The project received partial funding from the federal government’s Fed Dev Ontario Tourism Relief Fund, and was a collaboration between the Town of Ajax and local businesses, showcasing community pride and commitment to beautifying public areas.
定制设计的照明底座上刻有树叶和波浪图案，向小镇的自然景观致敬。镇政府希望该标志不仅能提升阿贾克斯的形象，成为居民的地标，还能吸引游客前来参观。该项目获得了联邦政府联邦安大略省旅游救济基金的部分资助，是阿贾克斯镇与当地企业的一次合作，展示了社区的自豪感和美化公共区域的决心。
Each company faced its own challenges and found creative solutions to deliver the interactive sign to the people of Ajax.
每家公司都面临着各自的挑战，并找到了创造性的解决方案，为阿贾克斯市民提供互动标识。
Local businesses
当地企业
Ajax decided the responsibility of designing the sign should be given to local businesses—apt since the goal of the signage is to promote the locale.
阿贾克斯决定将设计标识的责任交给当地企业，因为标识的目的是宣传当地。
FASTSIGNS of Ajax was hired to put together a project team, each with expertise in their respective fields. The team included Signature Engineering, which took charge of structural engineering; Allanson International, which oversaw LED lighting. onsite technical support, and research and development (R&D) prototyping from start to finish; Gregory Signs, which looked after fabrication; and Mitchell Electric spearheading electrical works.
阿贾克斯的 FASTSIGNS 公司受聘组建了一个项目团队，每个人都在各自的领域具有专长。团队成员包括：负责结构工程的 Signature Engineering；负责 LED 照明、现场技术支持和从头至尾的研发 (R&D) 原型的 Allanson International；负责制作的 Gregory Signs；以及负责电气工程的 Mitchell Electric。
Nearly a year before, Bhajan Kumaresan from FASTSIGNS and Nigel Isaac from Allanson discussed the programming details with Robert Gruber, Town of Ajax’s manager of culture and events. The project then began as an internally RGB-DMX lit venture, but through discussions with the Town of Ajax and FASTSIGNS, Allanson decided to showcase the multi-protocol programming capability of their tablet controller, enabling it to run two or more separate RGB colour mix systems from one controller.
将近一年前，FASTSIGNS 公司的巴扬-库马雷桑（Bhajan Kumaresan）和阿朗森公司的奈杰尔-艾萨克（Nigel Isaac）与阿贾克斯镇文化和活动经理罗伯特-格鲁伯（Robert Gruber）讨论了项目的细节。该项目最初是一个内部 RGB-DMX 照明项目，但通过与阿贾克斯镇和 FASTSIGNS 的讨论，阿兰森决定展示其平板电脑控制器的多协议编程能力，使其能够通过一个控制器运行两个或多个独立的 RGB 颜色混合系统。
FASTSIGNS, as project manager, partnered closely with the other companies to craft a captivating visual experience. The conceptual design was provided by FASTSIGNS, with input from the Town of Ajax and support from Signature Engineering. Structural drawings were provided by Signature Engineering.
FASTSIGNS 作为项目经理，与其他公司紧密合作，共同打造了一个引人入胜的视觉体验。概念设计由 FASTSIGNS 提供，阿贾克斯镇提供意见，Signature 工程公司提供支持。结构图由 Signature 工程公司提供。
Each letter was built as a separate section, so four sections were brought to the location on flatbed trucks. Photo courtesy Gregory Signs
每个字母都是作为一个单独的部分制作的，因此有四个部分是用平板卡车运到现场的。照片由 Gregory Signs 提供
Lettered to perfection
字迹完美
Each company faced its own challenges and found creative solutions to deliver the interactive sign to the people of Ajax. The whole process—from the start of working through plans to the sign being unveiled—spanned nearly 15 months (February 2023 to May 2024). The sign was unveiled on May 13.
每家公司都面临着各自的挑战，并找到了创造性的解决方案，为阿贾克斯市民提供互动标志。从开始制定计划到标志揭幕，整个过程历时近 15 个月（2023 年 2 月至 2024 年 5 月）。标志于 5 月 13 日揭幕。
The completed project involved designing, fabricating, and installing the aluminium sign with programmable, colour-changing 3D illuminated letters (spelling AJAX) on an indigo blue platform. Additionally, the Town of Ajax staff received training at Allanson’s facility on how to use and program the LED lighting control system.
已完成的项目包括设计、制作和安装铝制标志，在靛蓝色平台上安装可编程、变色的 3D 照明字母（拼写 AJAX）。此外，阿贾克斯镇的工作人员还在艾伦森的工厂接受了如何使用和编程 LED 照明控制系统的培训。
Level up
提升水平
The design process presented several challenges. One of the primary obstacles was the construction of large, thin letters that not only needed an internal structure for stability, but also had to accommodate multiple illumination systems. The search for suitable materials led to the use of high-density polyethylene plastic (HDPE) panels, which provided a sturdy base for the design.
设计过程中遇到了许多挑战。主要障碍之一是如何建造大而薄的字母，这些字母不仅需要内部结构来保证稳定性，还必须容纳多个照明系统。在寻找合适材料的过程中，使用了高密度聚乙烯塑料（HDPE）板，为设计提供了坚固的基础。
Once the problem was solved, another emerged: integrating the desired pattern onto the bases proved a challenge. Working together, Gregory Signs, FASTSIGNS, and Signature Engineering refined the design approach to ensure the concept was manufacturable.
问题解决后，又出现了另一个难题：如何将所需的图案整合到底座上是一个挑战。Gregory Signs、FASTSIGNS 和 Signature Engineering 通力合作，对设计方法进行了改进，以确保这一概念可以制造。
The design also had to provide adequate access and space within the bases of each letter to house the LED controls and power systems. This aspect of the design was critical for the functionality and longevity of the signage. Additionally, establishing access points for power and data cabling was essential, which involved the installation of a specialized conduit to meet the requirements.
设计还必须为每个字母的底座提供足够的通道和空间，以便安装 LED 控制和电源系统。这方面的设计对于标牌的功能性和使用寿命至关重要。此外，建立电源和数据布线接入点也至关重要，这就需要安装专门的导管来满足要求。
Each letter represents a section, so there were four sections brought to the location on flatbed trucks. Each piece needed to be lifted and assembled on site. A crane was used to offload the sign from the transport vehicle and lift each piece into place. Once offloaded, fork trucks were used to manoeuvre the sign into its exact, intended position.
每个字母代表一个部分，因此有四个部分是用平板卡车运到现场的。每一部分都需要在现场吊装和组装。使用起重机将标志从运输车辆上卸下，并将每块标志吊装到位。卸载后，再用叉车将标志准确地移动到预定位置。
The Town’s vision that the sign should be interactive for the public—each letter is hollow, allowing a person to go inside the letter for photo ops—also posed a few hurdles while designing the lights.
该镇希望标志能与公众互动--每个字母都是空心的，可以让人进入字母内部拍照--这也给灯光设计带来了一些障碍。
The Town plans to use the lights to commemorate, celebrate, or remember culturally significant days. Photo courtesy Allanson International
该镇计划利用这些灯光来纪念、庆祝或铭记具有文化意义的日子。照片由艾伦森国际公司提供
Allanson International worked with the limitation of the channel depth of the perimeter letters. Chris Sharpe, lead engineer at Signature Engineering, said the design allowed a maximum depth of the letter perimeter channel of only 76.2 mm (3 in.). The fabricated perimeter channel was approximately 76.2 mm deep and wide.
艾伦森国际公司对周边字母的槽深进行了限制。Signature 工程公司的首席工程师 Chris Sharpe 说，设计允许字母周边槽的最大深度仅为 76.2 毫米（3 英寸）。制作的周边槽深约 76.2 毫米，宽约 76.2 毫米。
However, ideally, the optimal depth for best illumination is the RGB addressable modules. These are lighting strips allowing users to control every single LED individually and are 101.6-203.2 mm (4-8 in.) at three modules per foot. By testing the prototypes, Allanson solved the problem by increasing the linear footage to four modules per foot, which adequately illuminated a depth of 76.2 mm without creating hot spots on the sign face.
然而，理想情况下，RGB 可寻址模块才是实现最佳照明的最佳深度。这些照明带允许用户单独控制每个 LED，长度为 101.6-203.2 毫米（4-8 英寸），每英尺三个模块。通过测试原型，艾伦森解决了这一问题，将线性尺数增加到每英尺四个模块，这样既能充分照亮 76.2 毫米的深度，又不会在标志面上产生热点。
To meet all the programming and control requirements, Allanson used its ACL-MC-MP-V1 multiprotocol tablet controller, which allows for the control of different protocol devices using a single interface, enabling both RGB-DMX and RGB-addressable systems to be managed from the same tablet controller. The final stage of the project involved training dedicated AJAX personnel and integrating the system into the existing customer network— which was completed by Allanson’s engineering team.
为了满足所有的编程和控制要求，艾伦森使用了 ACL-MC-MP-V1 多协议平板电脑控制器，该控制器允许使用单一界面控制不同协议的设备，使 RGB-DMX 和 RGB 可寻址系统均可通过同一平板电脑控制器进行管理。项目的最后阶段包括培训专门的 AJAX 人员，并将系统集成到现有的客户网络中--这由艾伦森的工程团队完成。
Let there be light
让世界充满光明
The sign has been red and white for both Victoria Day and Canada Day, and also displayed rainbow colours during Pride Durham celebrations held in Ajax. The Town will be developing a full calendar of significant days/months and will illuminate the sign in associated colours to commemorate these, such as orange for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, red and green for Christmas, blue and white for Hanukkah, and purple for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, to name a few. The lights can also be dimmed, if needed for days such as the Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. These functions can be performed simply through the multiprotocol tablet controller, either manually or by programming it to do so. The tablet control can also initiate pre-programmed functions on selected calendar days, all managed through the intuitive touch screen interface.
维多利亚日和加拿大国庆日的标志都是红白相间的，在阿贾克斯举行的 “杜伦骄傲 ”庆祝活动期间，标志也显示出彩虹的颜色。该镇将制定一份完整的重要日子/月份日历，并将用相关颜色照亮标志，以纪念这些日子/月份，如全国真相与和解日的橙色、圣诞节的红色和绿色、光明节的蓝色和白色以及阿尔茨海默氏症宣传月的紫色等等。如果需要，还可以在维米岭战役周年纪念等日子将灯光调暗。这些功能只需通过多协议平板电脑控制器手动或编程即可实现。平板电脑控制器还可以在选定的日历日启动预设功能，所有功能都通过直观的触摸屏界面进行管理。
After the sign was unveiled, Gruber, of the Town of Ajax, requested Allanson create a special program that would deliver a light show with a selected thematic opening song. Sheng You, Allanson’s in-house programmer, created this program.
标志揭幕后，阿贾克斯镇的格鲁伯要求艾伦森制作一个特殊的程序，在选定的主题开场曲中播放灯光秀。阿兰森的内部程序员 Sheng You 制作了这个程序。
The fabrication process was not without its own challenges. Gregory Signs had to customize the fabrication in many ways, from welding to creative thinking on the labour force side—especially for the letter J. The company used computer-numerical control (CNC), laser tables, band saw, mitre saw, table saw among others to deliver the finished product. “Welding this sign required almost every piece of equipment we have in our factory,” said Boris Kaminsky, a company representative. Due to the unique shape of the letter “X,” which is crossed, there was concern about whether the bottom lights would effectively illuminate the top. Allanson’s research and development team confirmed that installing at least 50 RGB-DMX modules (25 modules per leg) would provide optimal lighting for the 2209.8-mm (87-in.) letter “X”.
制作过程并非没有挑战。从焊接到劳动力方面的创造性思维--尤其是字母 J 的制作，Gregory Signs 公司不得不在许多方面进行定制。公司使用了计算机数控（CNC）、激光桌、带锯、斜切锯、台锯等设备来完成成品。“公司代表鲍里斯-卡明斯基（Boris Kaminsky）说："焊接这个标志几乎需要我们工厂的所有设备。由于字母 “X ”的独特形状是交叉的，人们担心底部的灯光能否有效照亮顶部。阿朗森的研发团队确认，安装至少 50 个 RGB-DMX 模块（每条腿 25 个模块）将为 2209.8 毫米（87 英寸）的字母 “X ”提供最佳照明。
The final step was the transportation and installation of the sign at Pat Bayly Square. Each letter was built as a separate section, so four sections were brought to the location on flatbed trucks. Each piece was then lifted and assembled together on site. A crane was used to offload the sign from the transport vehicle and lift each piece into place on to the platform, which was designed to have removable wheels with locks. Once offloaded, fork trucks were used to manoeuvre the sign into its exact intended position.
最后一步是在 Pat Bayly 广场运输和安装标志。每个字母都是作为一个单独的部分制作的，因此有四个部分是用平板卡车运到现场的。然后在现场将每一部分吊起并组装在一起。用起重机将标志从运输车上卸下，然后将每块标志吊到平台上，平台上的轮子是可拆卸的，并配有锁。卸载后，使用叉车将标牌准确地移动到预定位置。
