GB2251713A

GB2251713A - Display assemblies.

Info

Publication number: GB2251713A
Application number: GB9100006A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Barton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-01-02
Filing date: 1991-01-02
Publication date: 1992-07-15
Also published as: AU9085591A; CA2099768A1; WO1992012507A1; GB9100006D0; EP0565535A1

Abstract

A display assembly comprises a plurality of elements mounted in an array to form spaced parallel rows. Each element in each row has at least two signal faces and is rotatable about a common axis of its respective row to expose a signal face at a presentation surface (8). At least one setting station (24) is disposed adjacent one side of the array and has a number of actuators (26) arranged in a line parallel to the rows. The array of elements is movable relative to the setting station or stations (24) in a direction perpendicular to the rows and each actuator (26) is adapted to selectively engage an element during such movement to determine which signal face thereof is exposed. In this way, a full traverse of the array by a setting station (24) creates a predeterminable image comprising exposed signal faces at the presentation surface.

Description

Display Assemblies This invention relates to display assemblies, and particularly to such assemblies for outdoor use.

Assemblies of the invention have use also where a moving sign is desired, and where the information displayed is to be altered either on a regular or intermittent basis.

Display assemblies of the kind to which the invention relates are typically used in sports arenas to give current information such as scores and identification of participants; in railway stations or airports to identify schedules and destinations; and in public thoroughfares such as motorways to give directions and indications of road conditions. Known such display assemblies have a board or presentation surface in which is mounted an array of elements, normally divided into discrete sections in which individual symbols such as letters or numbers can be formed. Each section will typically comprise a matrix of 7 x 5 elements, although this format is certainly not essential, and each element may be switched between two colours; ie, black and yellow to allow the formation of most alphanumeric symbols in a now well established manner.Such display symbols are marketed by Ferranti-Packard Electronics Limited, and Signalex Europe Limited. In these known systems, the switching of the elements between their two colours is accomplished by an electronic device associated with each element. This requires extensive, if not complex electronic circuitry, and the considerable expense of requiring a number of electronic devices equal to the number of elements used.

Another well known information display system comprises an array of lights which can similarly be divided into discrete sections to provide alphanumeric symbols as before. These systems also require extensive electronic circuitry, although the electronics can additionally provide for an apparently moving image to be created. However, such systems are expensive, and of course incur the additional difficulties associated with the use of light units which are themselves prone to failure.

The present invention is directed at display assemblies which are capable of fulfilling broadly the same objectives as those of the prior systems discussed above, but which are significantly less costly to manufacture, and of simpler assembly and operation.

According to the invention a display assembly has a plurality of elements mounted in an array forming spaced parallel rows, with each element in each row having at least two signal faces. Each element is rotatable about a common axis of its row to expose one of its signal face at a common presentation surface. At least one setting station is located adjacent one side of the array, and has a number of actuators arrange in a line parallel to the rows. The array of elements is movable relative to the setting station or stations, in a direction perpendicular to the rows, and each actuator is adapted to selectively engage an element during such movement to determine which signal face thereof is exposed. In this way, a full traverse of the array by a setting station can create a predeterminable image comprising exposed signal faces at the presentation surface.If desired, the array can be stationary, and the setting station or stations moved relative thereto. In some circumstances, both can be movable.

The linkage between the actuators at the setting station or stations and the respective elements is essentially mechanical. In one simple embodiment of the invention, each element has a plate attached to it, which is formed with fingers extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the respective element. Each actuator has a rod which is selectively extendable into the path of such a finger to rotate the element during the relative movement referred to above.

It is also preferred that each element has a resilient mechanism for always biasing it into an orientation at which a signal face is properly exposed at the presentation surface. In this way, a predictable image form can be assured.

A typical element for use in display assemblies of the invention has only two signal faces; for example, one in yellow and one in black. The faces may be parallel and oriented in opposite directions, but in such an arrangement an 1800 rotation is required to switch from one face to the other. This may be reduced by using an element of generally triangular cross-section, but this means that the element must be rotated in opposite directions for successive switches. In another arrangement, an element having an equal number of sides, such as four or six, can be used with alternate faces being of the same colour. This reduces the amount of rotation required to effect a switch, 900 or 600 in the two examples given, while enabling switching also to be effective in both directions of rotation.Of course, elements having any reasonable number of sides, odd or even, can be used provided the amount of rotation can be set accordingly. Where the elements each have three or more sides, then it is of course possible to have more than two colours represented. For example, red, yellow and black might be suitable for a triangular crosssectioned element, with a four sided element including blue.

A single setting station can be sufficient to provide for proper control of the elements in display assemblies of the invention. Even where the elements have more than two signal faces, multiple relative movements of the setting station and array can be applied to ensure that each element is in its proper orientation for a given image. Normally though, where the elements have more than two signal faces, two or more setting stations will be used. This is particularly preferred where it is the array that moves relative to the or each setting station; ie, the setting station or stations are stationary, as this enables a new image to be created and moved into the display position in a single movement.

Assemblies of the invention will normally include programming means for controlling the actuators in the setting station or stations. In preferred embodiments, a sensing mechanism is included to monitor the orientation of the elements, either before or after they have passed the setting station or stations. Such a mechanism can be linked to the programming means to enable any incorrect orientation of an element to be remedied.

As noted above, the required relative movement between the array and setting station or stations can be achieved with either being stationary. Alternatively, both can be movable. In this way, a moving image can be created and/or a stationary image may be altered. The array can be mounted in a flat frame, typically rectangular, in which case the relative movement will be linear. In an alternative, the array can be mounted in a cylindrical frame, in which case the relative movement will be circular. In either of these arrangements both the frame and the setting station or stations can be movable to create or alter the image appearing or to be shown at the presentation surface. In another alternative, the array of elements is created on a flexible structure, such as a belt elongate in the direction of the intended movement relative to the setting station or stations. With the rows of elements being perpendicular to the elongate axis of the belt, a length of the belt can extend over a flat length in which the elements thereof can be acted on by the actuators at a setting station in exactly the same manner as can a substantially rigid flat array.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a top plan view of a display assembly according to the invention; Figure 2 is an enlarged elevation of part of the belt of Figure 1 showing elements mounted therein; Figure 3 shows the relative disposition of an actuator at a setting station and an element in the belt; and Figure 4 shows a view from below of the arrangement in Figure 3.

Figure 1 shows in diagrammatic form a belt 2 extending around rollers 4 behind a structure 6 which defines a presentation area 8 through which a straight section of the belt 2 can be visible. A part of the belt 2 is shown in more detail in Figure 2.

As shown in Figure 2, the belt 2 is made up of a plurality of elements 10 supported between two chains 12.

Each chain is of conventional drum and link form, suitable for being driven by a gear or pinion on or adjacent to the rollers 4 in a known manner. Between each pair of opposing drums 14 a common shaft 16 extends upon which seven elements are mounted. Each element is substantially in the form of a cube, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, with four signal faces 18. Each element also includes a plate 20 having four fingers 22. The plate 20 and the body defining the faces 18 are either formed intregally or coupled together such that they are simultaneously rotatable about the axis of the shaft 16.

However, rotation of each element 10 is independent of the rotation of any other element.

To the left hand side of Figure 1 is indicated a setting station at 24. The setting station 24 has three vertical columns of seven actuators 26. Each actuator has a selectively extendible arm 28 which is manoeuvrable into and out of the path of a finger 22 of the plate 20 as the belt 2 moves along its horizontal path around the rollers 4. The arm 28 is shown in its retracted position in Figures 3 and 4. When the arm 28 is extended, as an element moves past the respective actuator, the arm 28 engages the finger 22 and causes the element 10 to rotate through 900 and expose a different signal face 18 at the presentation surface 8. A resilient mechanism (not shown) is included to secure each element 10 substantially at each of the four orientations at which a signal face 18 is properly exposed at the presentation surface 8.

It will be appreciated that by having three columns of actuators 26 at the setting station 24, the extension or retraction of the arms 28 of the actuators acting successively on the same element can determine which of the four signal faces is oriented for exposure at the presentation surface 8. The extension or retraction of the arms 28 at the setting station can be determined by a simple computer programme which can be operated from a remote location. By appropriately programming the setting station with reference to the speed at which the belt is moving, the orientation of all the elements in the belt can be set in a single cycle of movement. Thus, as an image is created, it is moved into and if desired, through the position at which the image is displayed at the presentation surface 8.By suitably controlling the programme at the setting station, quite a lengthy message can be displayed at the presentation surface. A sensor 30 is provided to check that the proper message is being displayed prior to its exposure at the presentation surface. Any error detected can be corrected in a subsequent pass through the setting station , or in one alternative the setting station can be re-programmed in response to an error to regenerate the message or image in which the error appeared. A similar sensor 32 can also be installed before or "upstream" of the setting station 10. This can indicate the orientation of each element, enabling the setting station to be programmed accordingly. This can be preferable to basing the programming of the setting station on the orientation of the elements established almost an entire cycle previously.Sensors both "upstream" and "downstream" of the setting station can be used in the same assembly if desired.

In the embodiment illustrated, seven elements are shown in each vertical column between the chains 12.

This number is suitable for the formation of a succession of standard alphanumeric matrices, each comprising a block of 7 x 5 elements. Thus, the message created in this embodiment would normally be a single line of text.

It will though, be appreciated that much greater numbers of elements may be employed between the chains to enable larger messages to be displayed. It should also be appreciated that the entire assembly can be rotated through 900 such that the axes of the rollers 4 are horizontal rather than vertical. This is particularly suitable where the message to be displayed is to be stationary, but requiring occasional alteration, and may also be more suitable where the information to be imparted is rather more extensive. Particularly, but not exclusively in this alternative arrangement, the belt can be reinforced by having additional chains 12 between the groups of elements 10.

The embodiment described uses a belt 2 which is movable relative to the setting station 24. If desired, and to achieve a different effect the belt 2 might be held stationary while the setting station 24 is moved behind the length of belt at the presentation surface.

In this way, the image being presented can be altered while it is on display. Further, and as discussed above, the manner in which the elements are mounted can be varied. The adaptation of the system illustrated to an array of elements mounted in a rigid or substantially rigid frame which is stationary or mobile, will be readily apparent.

Claims

1. A display assembly comprising a plurality of elements mounted in an array forming spaced parallel rows, each element in each row having at least two signal faces and being rotatable about a common axis of said row to expose a signal face at a presentation surface; and at least one setting station adjacent one side of the array and having a number of actuators arranged in a line parallel to the rows, the array of elements being movable relative to said at least one setting station in a direction perpendicular to the rows and each actuator being adapted to selectively engage an element during such movement to determine which signal face thereof is exposed, whereby a full traverse of the array by a setting station creates a predeterminable image comprising exposed signal faces at the presentation surface.

2. An assembly according to Claim 1 wherein each element has a plate attached thereto, the plate being formed with fingers extending therefrom in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the respective element, and wherein each actuator has a rod which is selectively extendable into the path of a said finger to rotate the element during said relative movement.

3. An assembly according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 including a sensor adjacent said at least one setting station for monitoring the orientation of the elements during said relative movement.

4. An assembly according to any preceding Claim wherein said at least one setting station includes means for controlling the operation of the actuators therein.

5. An assembly according to Claim 3 and Claim 4 wherein the sensor is connected to the controlling means.

6. An assembly according to any preceding Claim wherein each element has two signal faces and the assembly has only a single setting station.

7. An assembly according to any of Claims 1 to 5 wherein each element has at least three signal faces and the assembly has a number of setting stations equal to one less than the number of signal faces on an element.

8. An assembly according to Claim 7 wherein the setting stations comprise adjacent lines of actuators at a spacing at least equal to the spacing of the rows of elements in the array.

9. An assembly according to any preceding Claim wherein each element has a resilient mechanism for biasing it into an orientation at which a signal face is properly exposed at the presentation surface.

10. An assembly according to any preceding Claim including a substantially rigid frame in which the elements are mounted to form the array.

11. An assembly according to Claim 10 wherein the frame is cylindrical with the presentation surface on the outer side thereof.

12. An assembly according to any of Claims 1 to 9 wherein the array of elements is created on a flexible structure.

13. An assembly according to Claim 12 wherein the flexible structure is in the form of a belt elongate in the direction of said relative movement.

14. An assembly according to any preceding Claim wherein the array of elements is stationary and said at least one setting station is movable relative thereto.

15. An assembly according to any of Claims 1 to 13 wherein said at least one setting station is stationary and the array of elements is movable relative thereto.

16. An assembly according to any of Claims 1 to 13 wherein each of said at least one setting station and the array is optionally movable relative to the other.

17. An assembly according to any preceding Claim wherein the direction of said relative movement is predominantly horizontal.

18. An assembly according to any of Claims 1 to 16 wherein the direction of said relative movement is predominantly vertical.