EP1794734A1

EP1794734A1 - Variable matrix display device and method

Info

Publication number: EP1794734A1
Application number: EP04787358A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Didier Le Gall; Yannick Le Gall; Marc Hermelin; André TESTA; Philippe Planard
Original assignee: BIG WALL VISION Sarl
Current assignee: BIG WALL VISION Sarl
Priority date: 2004-09-10
Filing date: 2004-09-10
Publication date: 2007-06-13
Also published as: WO2006030073A1; US20090139122A1; CN101044538A; CA2587458A1

Abstract

A device (1) for displaying an aggregate image (2) the form of a matrix. Each cell (4) of the matrix (3) enables display of an elementary image (6). Said elementary images are carried out on a ribbon (7). In order to vary the aggregate image, the elementary image is varied, the former being selected on the ribbon by causing the ribbon to run off inside the cell. Said device enables the creation of very large display panels, particularly those used at airports.

Description

"Method and device for variable matrix display"

The present invention relates to a matrix display method for a display panel, and a device implementing such a method. There are large variable billboards, especially used in airports and stations for the display of arrivals and departures. However, these panels are only suitable for displaying images composed mainly of alphanumeric characters.

Other variable display panels, mainly advertising type, can display images, usually illustration type, ie for example from a photograph or a drawing.

These other panels include two types. In a first type, several images are arranged so that they form a strip unwinding and winding respectively on two rolls, so that they are displayed successively. In a second type, three images are distributed on three sides of several rotating columns of triangular horizontal section, so that each time the columns perform a third of a turn on a respective vertical axis, a different image among the three is displayed.

However, these other panels can not be adapted to a large display, the technical problems and costs that would result are not suitable for normal use. They are therefore limited to reduced image sizes, and generally used for the display of advertising images of four meters by three meters.

The object of the invention is to provide a display method and a device for displaying, at a reasonable cost, large images of any type, alphanumeric or illustrative.

According to the invention, such a display method for forming a global image comprises the following steps:

decomposing the overall image into several elementary images of this global image, each corresponding to a cell of a matrix of the display device;

forming sequences of elementary images on as many ribbons as there are cells in the matrix, each ribbon being associated with a cell and comprising, in the following elementary images, at least the elementary image corresponding to said cell;

selecting on each ribbon, by scrolling it in the cell to which said ribbon is associated, the elementary image corresponding to said cell.

Before selecting the elementary image, one can:

selecting an element (5) of the display device which comprises the cell whose corresponding elementary image is to be selected; and or, selecting a zone, in particular a line or a column, from the display device, which zone comprises the cell whose corresponding elementary image is to be selected.

The ribbon can be wound in two coils by each of two of its respective longitudinal ends, the coils being on either side of the cell and the ribbon being partially visible in the cell. Then, to select an elementary image, we can scroll through the sequence of elementary images by unwinding one coil and winding the other.

Each ribbon can advantageously be mounted in a removable cassette, so that to replace a first ribbon in a cell with a second ribbon can be replaced in the display device a first cassette containing the first ribbon by a second cassette containing the second ribbon .

According to another aspect of the invention, a display device comprises a matrix of cells, each intended for displaying an elementary image participating in forming in the matrix a global image, this elementary image being supported by a ribbon. The ribbon may comprise a sequence of elementary images that can be displayed in the cell that it equips, each of said elementary images participating in the display of one or more global images. When the tape is wound in two coils, according to a first embodiment, a mechanism for selecting an elementary image may comprise a drive belt held in pressure against the coils so that when said belt is in motion, the one of the reels unfolds as much as the other rolls up. If each reel is wound on a reel, according to a second embodiment, each reel may be provided with a coaxial disk with the reel, and an elementary image selection mechanism including drive means for driving the reel. of one of the rollers in rotation, in particular by friction or by meshing or by means without contact, so that the tape wraps around one of the rollers by moving in the cell.

The device may further comprise a mechanism for selecting an element of the array corresponding to a respective cell from which it is desired to select an elementary image.

According to the first embodiment, the mechanism for selecting an element may comprise a moving element from one element to another, said moving element comprising a freewheel rotating to roll on one face of the drive belt and to press an opposite face against the coils of the selected element. It may further comprise a translation belt on which is fixed the moving element so that a movement of said translation belt allows to move said moving element from one element to another. According to the second embodiment, the mechanism for selecting an element may comprise a moving element in translation along an endless screw and supporting a wheel for driving the disc of one of the rotating rollers. The movable element may also comprise two wheels for driving the discs of the rollers of the same element, arranged so that one may drive the disc of a first roll without the second driving the disc of the second roll. These wheels will advantageously be arranged so that a minimum displacement of the crew so that the first wheel can no longer drive the disk of the first roller is sufficient for the second wheel can drive the disk of the second roller. Each wheel for driving a disk can be toothed and the drive mechanism further comprises a splined shaft meshing with the gear wheel to drive said toothed wheel in rotation.

A display plate may be provided to materialize the cell, a visible portion of the ribbon being held taut on said plate. The ribbon may be wound in two coils by each of two of its respective longitudinal ends, the coils being on either side of the cell, the ribbon being partially visible in the cell.

The display device may advantageously include a mechanism for varying the overall image. The mechanism for varying the images may itself include a mechanism for selecting an elementary image on the ribbon.

Each spool may be provided winding on a roll, each spool being provided with a coaxial roller disc, and the elementary image selection mechanism may include drive means for driving the disc of one of the rollers in rotation, in particular by friction or by meshing, so that the ribbon wraps around said one of the rollers by moving in the cell.

The drive means may, for example, comprise a wheel driven in rotation by a fluted rod.

The drive means may, alternatively, comprise a belt mounted between two pulleys, a first pulley is driving, the assembly consisting of the belt and pulleys can be tilted against the disk. In this variant, the device may comprise a rocker movable in rotation around a common axis with the driving pulley, the second pulley being mounted on the rocker arm, the rocker being able to be tilted in a position for which the belt is in contact without sliding with the periphery of the disc. According to another variant, the drive means may comprise two rollers mounted on an arm, so that they are held at a constant distance from one another and can roll on one another without sliding, a first roller, of the two, being integral in rotation with the shaft of a motor and the second roller being adapted to be placed in contact with the disk and roll without sliding on the periphery of said disk. The device may furthermore comprise a mechanism for selecting an element of the array, said element corresponding to a respective cell whose elementary image is to be selected, said element comprising the ribbon.

The device may further comprise a brake for immobilizing the ribbon in a chosen position.

The device may comprise an index, for example to identify and / or position an elementary image on the ribbon. This index can be, for example, a barcode or a reflected binary code. It can be written elsewhere than on the back of the image that it can identify and / or position. For this purpose, the device may advantageously comprise reading means (62) for the index.

The device may comprise a device for selecting an element having a movable element displaceable in line with at least some elements, said mobile unit comprising a motor for scrolling the ribbon in each of said certain elements. The ribbon can be mounted on removable media.

At least one cell may be associated with a respective motor to scroll the ribbon in said cell.

The device may include a cleaning device for the ribbon. The device may also comprise, between two adjacent ribbons, a diffusion device for coloring on at least one of the ribbons.

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description below, relating to non-limiting examples. In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a display device according to the invention, comprising a mechanism for varying the display according to a first embodiment, an element of the device being partially and schematically represented, enlarged to before the device;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the first embodiment of a mechanism for varying the display; - Figures 3 to 5 show different types of impressions on ribbons to form elementary images;

- Figure 6 is a representation, in perspective and in section, in line with an element of a display device according to the invention comprising a mechanism for varying the display according to a second embodiment; - Figure 7 is a horizontal section to the right of the element of Figure 6; and,

- Figure 8 is a partial elevation to the right of the element of Figures 6 and 7;

- Figure 9 is a representation, in perspective of three-quarter rear and in section, to the right of an element, a display device according to the invention comprising a mechanism for varying the display according to a third embodiment;

- Figure 10 is a horizontal section to the right of the element of Figure 9;

- Figure 11 is a partial schematic representation, in line with an element, a mechanism for varying the display according to a fourth embodiment, close to the third; and,

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic representation in elevation of a possible arrangement for profiles comprising several elements, for devices according to second, third and fourth embodiments. FIG. 1 represents a device according to the invention made in the form of a table 1. For the purposes of the description, Table 1 is of small dimensions. It allows a matrix display of a global image 2 variable, that is to say that several global images can be displayed successively. The image shown in Figure 1 is that of a monochrome octagon on a white background. The matrix display is made according to a matrix 3, rectangular and flat, nine cells 4 divided into three horizontal lines and three vertical columns of three cells each. The matrix 3 forms a major part of the front face, that is to say the main visible face of Table 1. Each cell 4 is the visible part of an element 5 of the display device. Each element 5 makes it possible to display an elementary image 6 in a respective cell 4, the juxtaposition of the elementary images making it possible to constitute the overall image 2 in its entirety.

Each element 5 comprises a ribbon 7 serving as support for the elementary images 6. These elementary images can be made by any means, in particular by any means of printing, painting or photography. The ribbon can thus be a photographic film, positive or negative. Advantageously use a ribbon paper printed, low cost.

The ribbon 7 is fixed at each of its longitudinal ends on a respective roller 8. Each roller 8 allows the winding of the ribbon from one of its respective ends, forming a coil 9. The ribbon 7 is held taut to the right of the cell 4 on holding means. These holding means may comprise a display plate 11 (see Figure 2) on which the tape is kept plated. Each of the rollers 8 is disposed on either side of the plate 11. Thus, when one of the reels 9 is unrolled, the other can wind on its respective roll so that the tape and kept taut and plated on the plate 11, and that the elementary images 6 follow each other in the cell 4 of the element 5.

The rolls, and therefore the rolls, can be arranged horizontally, as shown in FIG. 1 or vertically as shown in FIG. 6 or in any other position adapted to the shape of the panel. The rollers 8 and the plate 11 advantageously part of a removable part 15 of an element 5, such as a cassette 15. Thus, a ribbon can be mounted in advance in a cassette, so that to change a ribbon in the table, simply remove a first cassette containing a first ribbon to be changed and to introduce a new cassette containing a new ribbon, in particular to renew the displayable images by the panel. This same operation can be done to replace a defective ribbon, for a minimal cost.

Typically, it is expected that the width L7 of a ribbon 7 is six centimeters. Thus, common printing means can print many ribbons at low costs, rather than using special machines to print large images. We can also predict that each cell is square, a height L4 itself close to six centimeters. A functional margin L3 can be provided between two adjacent images, for example close to three to five millimeters. Thus, in the mode of Table 1, an overall image of two meters by two meters can be reconstituted from a matrix of nine hundred cells arranged in thirty rows and thirty columns. However, such a display device can be provided to cover much larger surfaces, for example 800 or 1000 square meters. It is particularly suitable for completely covering blind facades of buildings.

Each elemental image on the ribbon can be individualized or not. Thus, in FIG. 3, the ribbon comprises the same color whose intensity is degraded according to the length of the ribbon, from black to white, continuously, ie without different intensities being individualized so as to each to form an image having the dimension of an elementary image. Each element thus makes it possible to display a monochrome pixel of a chosen intensity 6B by selecting along the gradient a portion of average intensity equal to the intensity chosen. Thus, by using in three juxtaposed elements, three respective ribbons respectively comprising a gradient of one of the three primary colors, it is possible to reconstitute an image, as on a video monitor, from a sufficient number of these groups of three elements. .

The ribbon 7 shown in FIG. 4 comprises a succession of elementary images 6, individualized. This ribbon is intended to be arranged in the lower left element of Table 1 and includes in particular the elementary image 6A participating in the overall image 2 of Figure 1. The other elementary images of this ribbon are intended to participate in other global images.

The ribbon in Figure 4 is shown twisted. Thus, we see below the twist its front 7A, intended to be seen, and above the twist its back 7B. The front includes a succession of elementary images distinct from each other, each being a part of a global image. On the back and on the right each of the elementary images, the ribbon comprises indexes, here barcodes 12, respectively associated with each of the elementary images and for identifying and positioning each of these elementary images.

The ribbon 7 shown in FIG. 5 comprises a combination of pixels, that is to say in the illustrated example, a succession of lines each comprising one, two or no black pixels, of square shape. The lines are intended to be displayed in pairs and form an elementary image 6C comprising a desired combination of one, two, three, four or no pixels. The use of such ribbons is suitable for displaying essentially alphanumeric type images. For example, Table 1 in its configuration of Figure 5 allows the display of a letter A.

Of course, the same ribbon may comprise characteristics of each of the ribbons of FIGS. 3 to 5. Thus, a table equipped with such ribbons may indifferently display an overall image of the illustration type from three types of colored pixels or from elementary images parts of said image, or else a global image of alphanumeric type from a reduced number of black pixels. The three types of displays can also be combined within the same overall image.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the panel 1 comprises an enclosure 13 serving as a frame for the panel 1. The panel 1 comprises, behind the matrix 3 and inside the enclosure 13, a mechanism 14 making it possible to to vary the display, ie to modify the overall image 2.

Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrate a first embodiment for such a variation mechanism. In these figures, the arrow V, directed upwards, represents the vertical direction. Each column 20 of the matrix includes its own variation mechanism. This mechanism is used to unroll each ribbon to display a chosen elementary image. The variation mechanism comprises two subsets 16,17. One of the subsets is a mechanism 16 for selecting an element 5, among those of the column thus equipped. The other is a mechanism 17 for selecting an elementary image 6, among the elementary images that can be displayed by this selected element.

The mechanism 16 for selecting an element comprises two translation pulleys 18 mounted on respective horizontal axes X18, parallel to the axes X8 of the rollers 8, respectively in the upper part and in the lower part of the panel 1. A flexible translation belt 19 is maintained vertically between the two translation pulleys 18. The mechanism for selecting an element further comprises a moving element 21. The moving element comprises a crew shaft 25, with a fixed axis X21 crew axis on a strand 22 of the belt 19, the frontmost of the panel. The crew axis is parallel to the X8 axes of the rollers. The moving equipment further comprises a so-called pressing wheel 23 mounted free to rotate about the crew shaft 25. One of the translation pulleys 18 is a driving pulley so that it can move the moving equipment from top to bottom, parallel to the column 20 thus equipped.

The mechanism 17 for selecting an elementary image comprises two driving pulleys 24 mounted on horizontal axes X 24, parallel to the axes X 8 of the rollers 8, respectively in the upper part and in the lower part of the panel 1, respectively beyond the pulleys. translation. The mechanism 17 for selecting an elementary image further comprises a flexible drive belt 26 held vertically tensioned between the two pulleys 24. The drive belt is arranged so that a rear face of its strand 27 most the front serves as a running surface for the pressing wheel 23. This forward most strand is arranged so that if it is only stretched between the two drive pulleys, without the presence of the wheel, it is located at the rear of the coils 9 formed by the ribbons 7 of the elements 5 of the column 20, without the possibility of contact with these said coils. One of the drive pulleys 24 is a driving pulley.

The selector mechanisms 16, 17 are arranged so that, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pressing wheel, based on the rear face of the drive belt, elastically deforms the latter so that the face before the drive belt is in contact with one or two coils 9.

To select an element chosen from the elements of the column 20, the drive belt is held still and the moving equipment is moved.

21 thanks to the drive pulley, until the drive belt is in contact with the two coils 9 of the element 5 thus selected.

Then, to select an elementary image chosen from those of the previously chosen element 5, the translation belt 22 is immobilized and the drive belt is moved. In its movement, the drive belt drives in rotation the press wheel and the coils against which the drive belt is pressed by the press wheel. Thus, when one of the coils is unwound, the other coils, scrolling the elementary images along the plate 11, in the cell 4 of the element 5 to select, to select the elementary image chosen .

Thus, when the highest drive pulley is rotated by B, so that the leading strand 27 of the drive belt 26 moves up and down, the low coil of the selected element unrolls as the high coil rolls up, the elementary images scrolling from bottom to top along B in cell 4.

For example, in the situation illustrated in FIG. 2, if it is desired to select a second element 5 immediately below the first element previously selected, the high translation pulley according to A ₁ of FIG. so that the forwardmost strand of the translation belt moves up and down, together with the movable member connected thereto, and the press wheel passes, rolling on the drive belt and elastically deforming the belt translation 19, successively the low coil of the first element, then the high coil of the second element. The wheel is then immobilized between the two coils of the second element so as to press the drive belt against these said coils.

Each element 5 further comprises a brake 28 for the coils 9. The brake has a wedge shape. It is arranged at the rear of the display plate 11. A spring 29 tends to move it away from the plate by bringing it closer to the coils. When an element is not selected, the brake is sinking between the two coils of this element, so that the brake immobilizes these two coils by wedging them. Thus, the elementary image displayed by this element is kept unchanged. When this element is selected, the pressing wheel 23, sinking from the rear between the two coils, comes to push the brake, releasing the coils and allowing the subsequent selection of another elementary image.

Each brake 28 comprises a roller 30 movable in rotation about a horizontal axis, disposed at the rear of the brake. Thus, when the element is selected, the drive belt 26 is clamped between the roller 30 and the wheel 23. When the drive belt is set in motion, the roller rolls on the belt, thus limiting the transmission of vertical forces by the belt to the brake.

A second embodiment will now be described for a selection mechanism for a switchboard according to the invention, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. In this second embodiment, the structure of each column is embodied by an aluminum profile 31. extruded disposed vertically. The horizontal section of this profile is substantially constant over the entire height of the profile. The profile 31 is symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane P31, perpendicular to a plane P4 comprising the cell 4. The plane of symmetry P31 of the profile 31 also forms a plane of symmetry for the cell 4.

In Figure 6, the profile 31 is cut horizontally to the left of the plane of symmetry P31, slightly above the upper part of the plate 11. To the right of the plane of symmetry P31, the section 31 is cut horizontally, slightly beyond above the lower part of the plate 11. These two half-sections are interconnected by a vertical section of the profile along the plane of symmetry P31.

The profile comprises, at the rear, a plate 32 which extends on either side of the plane of symmetry P31, serving as a base for the profile and its mounting in the display device. The profile 31 further comprises a tube 33 of complex horizontal section extends forwardly from the flat 32. This tube comprises successively, from the rear to the front, a drive housing 34, a translation housing 36, and an earlier housing 37. The drive housing 34 and translation 36 have substantially the shape of two intersecting cylinders with respective axes X56 and X57. Two guide grooves 38 are formed vertically on either side of the front housing. The three houses and the gorges communicate with each other, so that they form only one tubular volume.

The profile further comprises two wings 40, extending both forwardly and laterally, on either side of the tube 33, from a respective junction of the translation housing 36 with the front housing 37. The wings have a small thickness, of the same order as that of the walls of the tube. The thickness of the plate 32 is greater than the other thicknesses of the profile 31.

The tape 7 (not shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) of an element 5 is used to carry a tape 15 comprising a display plate 11. This plate is rectangular; it materializes the cell 4. To the front, the free edges 43 of the flanges of the profile 11 are in the same plane as a face 42 most forward of the tube. The free edges 43 of the wings and the front face 42 of the tube serve as supports at the rear of the display plate 11.

Laterally, the wings 40 extend substantially as far as the lateral edges 41 of the display plate 11. Horizontal tabs 44 extend from each corner of the plate towards the plane of symmetry P31 symmetrically, thus forming an angle acute with the back of the plate. Thus, the cassette is mounted on the profile by simply snapping the tabs on the wings.

In this second embodiment, the rollers 8 of the cassette 15 are arranged vertically in the cassette 15. Each lug 44 comprises at its free end an outer bearing 46 cooperating with a respective inner bearing 47 of a roller 8. The inner bearings have a diameter smaller than that of the roller which carries them, so that the roller is immobilized vertically by the legs. Thus, each roll 8 is held between an upper leg and a lower leg, each extending respectively from an upper end and a lower end of the same vertical edge 41 of the display plate 11.

The outer bearings 46 are open; that is, they do not make the full turn of the inner bearing 47, but at least more than half a turn. Thus, a peripheral opening 48 is formed in the outer bearing. The outer bearing 46 is elastically deformable, so that the inner bearing 47 can be mounted in the outer bearing 46 simply by radial snapping, through the peripheral opening 48.

Each of the two rolls of the same cassette comprises, at one of its ends, a disc 49, coaxial with its respective roll. For one (shown to the left) of the two rollers the disc is above its paw high, for the other (shown to the right) of the two rollers the disc is under its low paw.

The support tape of the elementary images is wrapped between the legs supporting the same roller. The minimum distance between two superimposed elementary images is the sum of the thicknesses of two neighboring legs and a disc between these two legs. These thicknesses will therefore preferably be minimal, so as to reduce as far as possible the distance, ie the width L3 of the functional margin between two elementary images immediately superimposed. The rollers are arranged in the cassette 15 so that when the cassette is mounted on the profile, each disk 49 partially enters the translation housing 36 through a respective horizontal slot 51 made through a wall of this housing .

As in the first embodiment, each column of the matrix comprises its own variation mechanism 52 for unrolling each ribbon to display a chosen elementary image. The variation mechanism comprises two subsets 53,54. One of the subsets is a mechanism 53 for selecting an element 5 from those of the column thus equipped. The other is a mechanism 54 for selecting an elementary image among the elementary images that can be displayed by this element 5.

The drive housing 34 contains a splined rod 56, coaxial with the axis X56 of this housing 34 and rotatably mounted about this axis X56.

The mechanism for selecting an element 5 is a translation mechanism 53. It comprises a vertical threaded rod 57 disposed in the translational housing 36, coaxial with this housing 36 and mounted to rotate only about its axis X57. The translation mechanism 53 further comprises a movable assembly 58 mounted on the threaded rod 57.

This crew comprises a threaded body 59 cooperating with the threaded rod. It is cylindrical and coaxial with this rod. A toothed wheel 61 is mounted at each of the ends, respectively at the top and at the bottom, of the body 59 of the crew. The two toothed wheels are free to rotate around the body and meshing on the spline rod 56. A sensor 62 is fixed on the body 56, substantially midway between the two gear wheels 61. The sensor is locked in rotation around the body . The sensor extends forwardly from the body 56. The sensor comprises a read head 63 which enters the front housing 37. The rotation of the body is thus blocked by the engagement of the head inside the housing former so that a rotational movement of the threaded rod about its axis X57, causes the vertical translation, without rotation, of the crew. A finger 64 extends on each side of the head. Each of the two fingers 64 engages in a respective guide groove 38. The fingers cooperate with the grooves to ensure the correct positioning of the read head 63 relative to the front face 42 of the profile 31.

To select an element chosen from the elements of the column, the fluted rod is kept immobile and the movable element 53 is moved in translation thanks to the rotation of the threaded rod 57 about its axis X57, until the movable element 53 is between the two coils 9 of the element 5 thus selected. A rotation along S of the threaded rod causes the ascent of the crew, a rotation contrary to S causes its descent.

The horizontal distances between the X8 axes of the discs 49 and the X57 axis of the gears as well as the diameters of the gears and discs are chosen so that when a cogwheel is at the same height as a disc, the latter can be rotated by friction on an outer surface of the toothed wheel, when the wheel rotates.

The vertical distance between the two gears 61 is such that, when selecting an element, only a gear can be in contact with one of the disks. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8, the low gear is in contact with the low gear, mounted on the right roller, while the high gear is not in contact with the high gear mounted on the left roller. . The vertical distance between the two wheels is only slightly less than the vertical distance between the two discs. Thus, a reduced translation upwards makes it possible to put the high wheel in contact with the high disk and to eliminate the contact of the low wheel with the low disk.

The toothed wheels have an outer barrel shape, that is to say that the outer surface of each tooth is curved vertically. Thus, during the translation of the crew, the contact of a toothed wheel with a disc is progressive. The disk is thus progressively pushed towards the outside of the tube and under an elastic return effect produced by the induced deformation of the tabs, the friction force is maximum on the widest part of the toothed wheel.

The display plate 11 comprises at its center a rectangular window 66 superimposed with a similar window 67 in the front face 42 of the tube 31. When the element is selected, and whatever the disk of this element which is in contact with a toothed wheel, the reading head is always located behind the windows. Thus, if the element uses a ribbon of the type shown in FIG. 4 and comprising on its back indexes, for example barcodes 12, these can be read by the reading head 63 through the windows. 66.67 when the ribbon scrolls in front.

Thus, when the element has been selected, to select an elementary image from those of the element 5 previously chosen, one of the toothed wheels is brought into contact with a respective disk and the threaded rod 57 is immobilized, thus determining the direction of ribbon scrolling. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the positive rotation of the splined rod 56 along R about its axis X56, drives the gears in negative rotation about their axis X57, only the low wheel driving the disk low, so the right roller in positive rotation and consequently the winding of the ribbon around the same right roller and its scrolling from left to right on the display plate 11. To change the running direction of the ribbon, it is necessary to slightly translate the moving assembly so as to bring the other gear into contact with the other disc of the same element, then to reverse the direction of rotation of the fluted rod.

The indexes on the back of the ribbon allow the identification of a respective elementary image and the positioning of this image in the cell. Thus, when scrolling the ribbon in front of windows 66, 67, the read head identifies and selects the chosen elementary image, then positions it.

The length of the threaded rod 57 is such that it makes it possible to position the mobile assembly 53 in line with each of the elements 5 of the column thus equipped. The length of the fluted rod is such that the gear wheels 61 are always meshed with the fluted rod, regardless of the element selected in this column and the desired direction of travel.

A third embodiment will now be described for a selection mechanism for a table according to the invention, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. In this third embodiment, the structure of each column is embodied by a profile 71, in extruded aluminum, arranged vertically. In Figure 9, a display element 5 is viewed in perspective of three-quarter rear right according F IX; Thus, its front face, that is to say the one seen by an observer of the display, is not visible in this figure, and are mainly visible the right and rear sides (according to the same observer) of the element d display.

The horizontal section of this profile is substantially constant over the entire height of the profile. The horizontal section of an element, as shown in Figure 10, is substantially inscribed in a rectangle.

In Figure 9, the section 71 is cut horizontally at the top of the element in a plane PX ₁ except in the right rear corner, where the profile is cut at the bottom of this element, so that the interior of the element 5 is visible in the figure. One of the rollers is only partially represented so that the view from inside the element is clear. FIG. 10 is a horizontal section along the plane P X. The profile 71 comprises, at the rear, a rear plate 72 parallel to the display, that is to say parallel to the general plane of the billboard in which it participates. . This dish serves as a base for the profile and its mounting in the display device. For this purpose, the plate 72 comprises a vertical rail 73, made hollow in the dish, for receiving a head 74 of a bolt 76 (see Figure 10). This bolt allows the attachment of the profile 71 on a support 77, defining the geometry of the display panel. The principle of the composition of a display device from sections according to the invention hung on a suitable support is explained later with reference to Figure 12.

The section 71 comprises, at the front, a front plate 77 parallel to the display, ie parallel to the general plane of the display panel in which it participates. This dish serves as a support and reference to the display plate 11.

Between the two plates 72,77, the profile defines four housings, distributed so that in Figure 10 each housing occupies a respective angle of the blow of the profile.

A first vertical wall 78 of the profile extends forward from the left rear corner of the profile, first along the left side, to about the middle of this side, and then connecting the surroundings of the middle of the front plate. . This wall thus defines a first housing 81 in the front-left angle of the profile, open on the left side of the profile, at the front of the first wall 78.

A second vertical wall 79, similar to the first wall 79, extends rearwardly from the front right corner of the profile, first along the right side, to about the middle of that side, then connecting the surroundings of the middle of the flat back. This wall thus defines a second housing 82 in the rear right corner of the profile, open on the right side of the profile, at the rear of the second wall 79. The two walls 78,79 and the front plates 77 and rear 72 define between them a laterally closed interior tubular volume. The walls are of generally symmetrical shapes (as much as is possible for a profile if its section is not square) with respect to a vertical diagonal plane extending from the left back angle to the angle front right of the profile. Thus, these two walls are closer to the center of the cross-section of the profile and form at this point a throttle 86. The interior volume comprises a third housing 83 and a fourth housing 84 respectively at the back and front of the section. Strangulation 86.

A moving assembly 87 is slidably mounted in the tubular volume 0 83,84,86. The mobile assembly comprises a body 90, a first portion 901 occupies the third housing and a second portion 902 occupies the fourth housing. The body further comprises an isthmus 903 rigidly connecting these two parts 901, 902.

The mechanism for selecting an element 5 is a translation mechanism. It comprises a vertical threaded rod 57 disposed in the translation housing 84 and mounted only movable in rotation about its axis X57. The second portion 902 of the block 90 is screwed onto the threaded rod 57, so that a rotation of the threaded rod 57 causes the movement of the block, hence of the crew, from top to bottom or from bottom to top along the section 71, in the tubular internal volume 83,84,86. The first part 901 of the block comprises two guiding appendages 904 cooperating with two guide rails 905 to ensure the translational guidance and positioning of the crew and further prevent the rotation of the crew under the action of the threaded rod 57. Each of the rails is made in a respective one of the vertical walls 78,79.

The first and second housings are provided to respectively receive a roller 8 to the left of the display cell and a roller 8 to the right of the cell. The third housing is a drive housing and the fourth is a translation housing. A cassette 15 for carrying the ribbon (not shown in FIGS. 9 and 10) comprises a folded sheet 88 in the shape of a U and two rollers 8. The bottom of the U is constituted by the display plate 11, resting on the front plate 77 of the profile 71. Each branch of the U consists of a return 89 made by folding the sheet and extending rearward respectively along the left side and the right side of the profile, to the right, respectively, of the first housing 81 and the second housing 82. Since each return 89, two tabs 91 extend horizontally in the housing 81, 82 respectively, one from the top, the other from the bottom of the return. The tabs are also made by folding the sheet 88. Each of the tabs 91 comprises a bearing for holding a respective roller 8, respectively above and below an area of the roller provided for winding. ribbon.

Each of the two rollers 8 of the same cassette comprises, at its upper end above its upper leg, a disk 49, coaxial with its respective roller. The rollers are arranged in the cassette 15 so that when the cassette is mounted on the profile 71, each disk 49 partially enters the drive housing 83 through a respective horizontal slot 51 made through a respective one of the 78,79 walls of this accommodation.

Each cassette is intended to be introduced by a high or low end of the profile, and then slid along it to its position intended for display. The cassettes on the same profile are introduced successively, in the order of their display along the profile. The folded sheet 88 is provided sufficiently flexible so that during the introduction of the cassette 15 can be removed 89 returns the sides of the profile, and thus prevent the discs 49 interfering with the vertical walls 78,79 .

The ribbon driving device comprises a rotary motor 92, direct current and bidirectional, fixed on the first part 901 of the body of the moving equipment. The axis of rotation X92 of the motor 92 is vertical and a motor shaft 93, of axis the axis of rotation X92 of the motor, is oriented upwards. The drive device further comprises a rocker arm 94 rotatably mounted around the drive shaft. The pendulum includes a zone posterior 96 fluted. The motor shaft passes through the beam and it forms in its part located above the balance, a first pulley 97, driving. A second pulley 98 is mounted on an anterior portion of the rocker 94 opposite the rear portion 96 relative to the motor axis 92. This second pulley is rotatably mounted relative to the beam. A belt 99 is mounted tensioned on the two pulleys 97,98, so that the rotation of the motor 92, so the first pulley 97, causes a displacement of the belt around the two pulleys 97,98.

The driving device also comprises a splined rod 101. It is rotatably mounted about a splined shaft X101, in a bearing 102 formed in the left rear angle of the profile 71, so that it engages with the rear portion 96 of the balance 94 and a rotation of the splined rod about its axis X101 causes a rocking of the balance around the motor axis X92. The selection device is disposed in the selection housing so that there is a first position 103 of the balance for which the belt 98 is in contact with the periphery of the disc 49 of the left roller 8, and a second position 104 of the balance for which the belt 98 is in contact with the periphery of the disk 49 of the roller 8 right. In Figures 9 and 10, the balance is shown in solid lines in an intermediate position at these two positions. Only the belt and the second pulley are shown in the first and second positions in dotted lines.

The rod 101 is only partially fluted, a mobility of the balance 96 being required only between its first and second position. If we want to wind the ribbon around the left roller, we rock the balance in its first position 103, thanks to the fluted rod 101, then it rotates the motor 92, so that it causes, by the intermediate belt, the rotation of the disc, so the roller in a direction adapted to the winding of the tape. The procedure is similar to wind the ribbon around the right roll. One can thus select one of the elementary images on the ribbon, by wrapping it around one or the other of the rollers.

The moving element further comprises, mounted on the second portion 902 of the body 910, a read head 106. This reading head is provided to read an index at the rear of the ribbon. This index is a binary code reflected, that is to say that it can be read regardless of the direction of scrolling ribbon. The read head 106 is arranged opposite the right side of the profile, that is to say that the reading of the index is through a window 66 in the 89 back to the right of the cassette 15. and of a similar superimposed window 67, in the second wall 79. The index is therefore not written directly to the rear of the elementary image which it codes the position, but shifted, so that when this image s' poster in the cell, the index has been read by the read head and if this basic image has been selected, the tape can be immediately immobilized.

Such an arrangement of the read head is particularly advantageous when ambient light filtering through the ribbon would be likely to hinder the reading of the code if it was done through the display plate 11, as illustrated in FIG. the second embodiment.

To the right of the element 5, a neighboring element 501, included on a neighboring profile 711, is partially shown in FIG. 10. Only the left-hand return 891 of the cassette 151 of this neighboring element 501 is fully represented. A cleaning device 107 is disposed between the two cassettes so that the tape of the cassette passes between the cleaning device 107 and the right 89 of the cassette 15 and the tape of the neighboring cassette 151 passes between the cleaning device. 107 and the left return 891 of the neighboring cassette. Especially in urban environments, the ribbon may get dirty quickly including the deposit of dust on its displayed part. The cleaning device is intended to collect, for example by scraping on the tape, at least some of the dirt, when the ribbon scrolls to the right of the cleaning device.

The horizontal distance L3 between the two adjacent elements 5, 501 is relatively small, for example 3 mm for images whose horizontal dimension is of the order of 60 mm. However, it may be useful for some provisions of the display device to mask the resulting interval. Thus, on either side of the displayed elementary image, there is provided a colored zone in harmony with the zone closest to the elementary image this elementary image. Each colored zone is intended to be displayed on a respective return of the cassette, opposite a diffusion device 107 for coloring the colored zone.

In the example of FIG. 10, it is the same device 107 that serves both as a cleaning device and as a diffusion device. This device has a triangular horizontal section whose tip is directed forward so that the front faces 108 of the device 107 serve as reflectors for coloring. Thus, the interval between the neighboring elementary images does not appear as a black line but of a coloration in harmony with the neighboring elementary images, which makes it possible either to hide it or to integrate it into the set of the overall image displayed.

Figure 11 schematically illustrates a fourth embodiment for a display device according to the invention. This third embodiment is close to the third, previously described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Only the drive device is shown in that it differs from that of the third embodiment. Instead of a balance equipped with a belt mounted on two pulleys, the drive device 110 of FIG. 11 comprises two cylindrical rollers 111, 112 mounted on an arm 113, so that they are kept at a distance therefrom. constant one from the other and can roll on one another without slip. The two rollers are mounted free to rotate relative to the arm 113. A first roller 111, of the two, is integral in rotation with the motor shaft 93, which it forms, in the example described, an end.

The driving device 110 is designed so that a rotation of the arm 113 around the motor axis 92, brings the second roller 112 into contact with one of the two discs 49 on the rollers, in one of the two positions 114 shown. in dotted lines in Figure 11.

The rotation of the motor shaft 93 around the motor axis 92 drives in rotation about this axis, without deforming it, an assembly constituted by the two rollers and the arm, until the second roller 112 comes into contact with one of the records. The second roller being in abutment, the arm is immobilized while the rotation of the first roller 111 continues. Then, a rolling without sliding of the first roller on the second and the second roller 112 on the periphery of the disk 49, allows the rotation, around its axis X8, of the roller 8 thus selected, and consequently the winding of the ribbon around this roll. To wind the ribbon around the other roller simply reverse the direction of rotation of the motor.

For the panels adapted to this fourth embodiment it is therefore no longer useful to use a fluted rod to select a roller, the same motor can select and drive the roller, whether the engine on board or not on a mobile crew.

Figure 12 particularly illustrates an example of arrangement for profiles 71 within a display device according to the invention. Each of the profiles constitutes a stack of four cassettes 15. the device further comprises supports 77 for the profiles 71. These supports consist of horizontal bars 77. Each section is fixed at the top and bottom on one of the bars. The profiles are arranged in horizontal lines comprising several profiles side by side and in vertical columns, comprising several profiles one above the other. The same mobile unit can be provided for sliding in several profiles of the same column. Such an arrangement allows the assembly of a large format display device from elements of reduced size and weight, and does not require the use of expensive lifting equipment and bulky. In addition, it is possible to equip each section of its cassettes or simply to change a cassette on a profile, handling only the profile considered, which is particularly advantageous in the case where the display device team, for example , a building facade. Such an arrangement can be adopted in the same way for one of the second, third or fourth embodiments of the display device.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and many adjustments can be made to these examples, without departing from the scope of the invention.

The shape of the display device is not necessarily that of a panel, ie flat. In particular, the matrix display makes it possible, by orienting an element differently from its neighbor, to give another shape to the display device, for example the shape of a substantially cylindrical polyhedron, such as a Morris or even spherical column.

If the ribbon is a transparent or translucent material, the display device may include means for backlit at least some of the displayed elementary images. These backlighting means may be individual or common to several elements. The sizes of the cells, elements and therefore ribbons, are not limited to those of the examples. These sizes may be different, especially to be adapted to the size and shape of a screen they equip.

In particular, to make it possible to support a large number of elementary images on a single ribbon, it is possible to provide that each elementary image has a dimension, measured according to the length of the ribbon, small relative to the width of the ribbon. Thus, for a vertically scrolling ribbon, such as in the first embodiment, each cell would be rectangular, and of a small height relative to its width, width substantially equal to that of the ribbon. This reduces the tape running length and also the tensile pulling force on the tape.

Thus, on the same ribbon it is possible to combine several intensities of several different colors. Indeed, given the distance at which a global image can be observed, it may be sufficient to display in sixty-four colors, each in 10 different intensities. To these colors can be added black, white, gold, silver and some fluorescent colors. Thus, with about 650 elementary images of a height, for example, of 2 mm each, ie a tape of about 1, 30 meters, it is possible to represent in good quality conditions, to almost any overall image. In this case, it is not useful to use 3 pixels of elementary colors. It is also possible to use continuous gradations of each of the 64 colors, rather than 10 different intensities constituting 10 distinct elementary images.

The ribbon, instead of being wound at each of its ends, can form a loop which avoids having to rewind completely between two elementary images at two respective ends of the ribbon. Moreover this loop can be in the form of a Mobius ribbon, so that the whole Ribbon surface is used, which doubles the number of elementary images that can be supported by the same length of ribbon.

Instead of each column being equipped with its own variation mechanism, the same variation mechanism can equip several columns, such a variation mechanism further comprising a subset for the selection of a column whose variation is to be varied. display among the columns thus equipped. It is also possible, rather than having a selection mechanism in each column, to have one in each row of the table.

On the contrary, rather than the same mechanism of variation allows to successively vary the display of several elements, each element can be equipped with its own mechanism of variation. Such a variation mechanism reduces to the sole role of a mechanism for selecting an elementary image. This makes it possible to simultaneously change the display of all the elements thus equipped, instead of elements being selected successively.

If the panel is intended to be equipped with ribbons comprising sequences of elementary images all arranged in the same order as that provided for their respective global images, a single variation mechanism can be used for the simultaneous change of the display of all these elements. The only selection to be made by the mechanism is that of the overall image to be displayed.

In the context of the second embodiment, rather than gears, it is possible to use wheels whose at least the periphery is in a flexible material, for example a foam. Thus, by deforming elastically, this material allows the friction drive ribbon support rollers.

Advantageously, a display device according to the invention will be associated with automated control means, in particular for varying the images.

A mobile unit may comprise a motor designed to engage directly on the cassette, which reduces the transmission distance of the movement. It is therefore no longer useful in this case to use a drive belt or a splined rod to transmit the movement of a motor to the tape in the cassette, as particularly described with reference to the third embodiment. In another variant, each cell and possibly each cassette can be equipped with its own motor. So,

Elementary images can be changed simultaneously and independently.

A color diffusion device may diffuse the coloring other than by reflection, for example by transparency through the diffusion device.

Claims

1. Display method for forming a global image (2) on a variable display device (1) comprising the following steps: decompose the overall image into a plurality of elementary images (6), each corresponding to a cell (4); ) a matrix (3) of the display device;

2. Display method according to claim 1, characterized in that before selecting the elementary image is selected an element (5) of the display device which comprises the cell which is to select the corresponding elementary image.

3. Display method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that before selecting the elementary image, one selects a zone, in particular a line or a column (20), of the display device which comprises the cell. which one wants to select the corresponding elementary image.

4. Display method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the tape is wound in two coils (9) by each of two of its respective longitudinal ends, the coils being on both sides of the cell and that, to select an elementary image, the sequence of the elementary images is scrolled by unrolling a coil and winding the other.

5. Display method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a ribbon-shaped ribbon is used.

6. A display method according to claim 5, characterized in that a ribbon having a Mobius ribbon shape is used.

7. Display method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each ribbon is mounted in a cassette (15) removable, and that 0 to replace a first ribbon in a cell by a second ribbon is replaced in the display device a first cassette containing the first ribbon by a second cassette containing the second ribbon.

8. A display device (1) comprising a matrix (3) of cells (4), each intended for displaying an elementary image (6) participating in forming in the matrix a global image (2), characterized in that the elementary image is supported by a ribbon (7).

9. Display device according to claim 8, characterized in that the ribbon comprises a sequence of elementary images that can be displayed in the cell equipped with said ribbon, each of said elementary images participating in the display of one or more global images.

10. Display device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the sequence of elementary images comprises a gradient of the same color. 5

11. Display device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the sequence of the elementary images comprises several images (6A) individualized.

12. Display device according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the sequence of the elementary images comprises a combination of pixels.

13. Device according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a display plate (11) materializing the cell, a visible portion of the ribbon being held taut on said plate.

14. Device according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the ribbon is wound in two coils (9) by each of two of its 0 respective longitudinal ends, the coils being on either side of the cell, the ribbon being partially visible in the cell.

15. Display device according to one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that it comprises a mechanism (14,52) for varying the overall image. 5

16. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the mechanism for varying the images comprises a mechanism (17,54) for selecting an elementary image on the ribbon.

Device according to claims 14 and 16, characterized in that the mechanism for selecting an elementary image comprises a drive belt (26) held in pressure against the coils so that when said belt is in motion, one of the coils proceeds as the other rolls up.

18. Device according to one of claims 14 and 16, characterized in that each coil is wound on a roller (8), each roller being equipped with a disk (49) coaxial with the roller, and in that the mechanism for selecting an elementary image comprises driving means (61, 99, 112) for driving the disc of one of the rollers in rotation, in particular by friction or by meshing, so that the tape wraps around said one of the rollers parading in the cell.

19. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the drive means comprise a wheel driven in rotation by a fluted rod.

20. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the drive means comprise a belt (99) mounted between two pulleys (97,98) of which a first pulley (97) is driving, the assembly consisting of the belt and pulleys that can be tilted against the disk (49).

21. Device according to claim 20, characterized in that it comprises a rocker movable in rotation about a common axis (X92) with the driving pulley, the second pulley being mounted on the balance, the rocker can be tilted in a position for which the belt is in non-slip contact with the periphery of the disc.

22. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the drive means comprises two rollers (111, 112) mounted on an arm (113), so that they are kept at a constant distance one of the other and can roll over one another without slipping, a first roller (111), of the two, being integral in rotation with the shaft (93) of an engine (92) and the second roller (112). ) being provided to be brought into contact with the disc and roll without sliding on the periphery of said disc.

23. Device according to one of claims 15 to 22, characterized in that it further comprises a mechanism (16,53) for selecting an element (5) of the table, said element corresponding to a respective cell which one wants to select an elementary image, said element comprising the ribbon.

24. Device according to claims 17 and 23, characterized in that the mechanism for selecting an element comprises a movable element (21) from one element to another, said mobile assembly comprising a pressing wheel (23), free to rotate, for rolling on one side of the drive belt and to press an opposite face of said drive belt against the coils of the selected member.

25. Device according to claim 24, characterized in that the mechanism for selecting an element further comprises a translation belt (19) on which is fixed the moving element so that a movement of said translation belt allows to move said moving element from one element to another.

26. Device according to claim 23, characterized in that the selection mechanism (54) of an element comprises a crew (58) movable from one element to another, said crew being movable in translation along a worm (57).

27. Device according to claim 26, characterized in that the moving element comprises two wheels (61) for driving the discs of the rollers of the same element, said wheels being arranged so that a first can drive the disc of a first roll without the second drives the disc of the second roll.

28. Device according to claim 27, characterized in that the wheels are further arranged so that a minimum displacement of the crew so that the first wheel can no longer drive the disc of the first roll is sufficient for the second wheel can drive the disc from the second roll.

Device according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that each wheel for driving a disc is toothed and in that the drive mechanism further comprises a splined rod (56) meshing with the gear wheel to drive said gear wheel. in rotation.

30. Device according to one of claims 8 to 29, characterized in that it comprises a brake (28) for immobilizing the ribbon in a chosen position.

31. Device according to one of claims 8 to 30, characterized in that the ribbon comprises an index (12) on its back to identify an elementary image supported by the back of the ribbon and / or position said elementary image in the cell.

32. Device according to claim 31, characterized in that the index is a barcode.

33. Device according to claim 31, characterized in that the index is a reflected binary code.

34. Device according to one of claims 31 to 33, characterized in that the index is written elsewhere than the back of the image that can identify and / or position.

35. Device according to one of claims 31 to 34, characterized in that it comprises reading means (62) for the index.

36. Device according to one of claims 23 to 37, characterized in that the device for selecting an element comprises a movable element movable to the right of at least some elements, said movable element comprising a motor (92) for making scroll the ribbon in each of said certain elements.

37. Device according to one of claims 8 to 36, characterized in that the tape is mounted on a removable support (15).

38. Device according to one of claims 8 to 37, characterized in that at least one cell is associated with a respective motor to scroll the ribbon in said cell

39. Device according to one of claims 8 to 38, characterized in that it comprises a cleaning device (107) for the ribbon.

40. Device according to one of claims 8 to 39, characterized in that it comprises between two neighboring ribbons a diffusion device (107) for coloring on at least one of the ribbons.