BE1023226B1 - ELECTRONIC NOMINATIVE PLATE - Google Patents

Abstract

Description is made herein of an electronic nameplate device (10) for use with an audiovisual system. The electronic nameplate (10) includes an electronic paper display (100) which includes a matrix of character blocks (101), a processor (120), a receiver (170) for receiving information relating to at least one character to be display by electronic nameplate (10) and power supply. The electronic paper display is mounted in a panel (102) which can be mounted within a docking station. A control system, such as an audiovisual system, is provided to control each electronic nameplate in situ in a conference room in front of a participant's seat.

Description

ELECTRONIC NOMINATIVE PLATE

Field of the Invention The invention relates to an electronic nameplate for use with an audiovisual system.

Prior art of the invention

The use of paper nameplates for session participants, such as a conference or other meeting, is known so that each participant can be easily identified by other participants in the session. During the preparation of a conference room, assembly room, room or other meeting room for such a session, it is generally necessary to create, before the session, name plates for each participant in the session. This preparation typically requires printing the name of each participant on a paper nameplate, and requires, depending on the size of each session, a considerable amount of paper which is then discarded and lost when the session is over. After printing the name plates, they must be at least positioned in front of the space allocated to the participant to whom the nameplate is associated. In some cases, the nameplates of paper must be inserted in nameplate holders, which may have already been provided in front of the seat of each participant or which must be positioned accordingly according to a predetermined plan or diagram. For example, for plenary sessions, 751 members of the European Parliament meet in the Chambers, which requires the preparation of 751 nameplates. NATO sessions also involve a large number of participants. For such large sessions, a person must at present place each nameplate in front of the relevant seat, according to a plan. This has the disadvantage that the preparation time for each session tends to get longer, especially if many participants have to attend the session.

In addition, when a last-minute change is required, changing, adding or canceling one or more paper nameplates may also add to the preparation time, as new plates need to be printed and every seat for which a change must be made must be located and the replacement done. Summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is therefore to provide an electronic nameplate which reduces wastage of raw materials, such as paper and ink.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic nameplate that can be easily programmed and updated as needed.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic paper comprising a plurality of character blocks, each character block comprising at least 26 segments.

As described below, more characters can be represented with at least 26 segments than is possible with conventional seven- or eight-segment character blocks. Cyrillic characters and other characters different from Latin characters may be displayed due to additional segments.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an electronic nameplate for use with an audiovisual system, the electronic nameplate comprising: an electronic paper display comprising a plurality of character blocks as described above, a connected processor at the electronic paper display for controlling the characters displayed in the character block matrix, at least one receiver connected to the processor and operable to receive character information and to transmit the character information to the processor and a power supply. energy connected at least to the processor and usable to provide energy at least when a change of the electronic paper display and required. The use of electronic nameplates according to the invention advantageously provides a paperless system which can be easily fixed in position, if necessary, in front of a participant's seat in a meeting room. Since nameplates are electronic, there is no need to use paper or ink and these resources are therefore eliminated. The use of electronic nameplates also greatly reduces setup time, including seat allocations prior to a meeting. Each electronic nameplate, placed in front of each participant's seat, can be automatically set according to the predefined allocation of seats and can also be updated according to changes in the predefined allocation of seats. Electronic paper display technology requires a power supply only during data transfer to refresh the characters to be displayed. A passive system that is universal and can be used with any audiovisual system is therefore provided.

In a preferred embodiment, the electronic nameplate further comprises a driver connected between the electronic paper display and the processor.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the processor further comprises a memory, the memory being usable for storing data to be displayed on the electronic paper display.

The memory can store up to 1000 names and character sequences and can therefore be configured manually without an external computer. Names can be changed with buttons on the back panel.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the receiver is configured to operate with at least one of: radio, sonic, ultrasonic and optical frequencies.

Such a solution has the advantage that the electronic nameplates can be wireless.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receiver is configured to operate with infrared frequencies. The use of infrared frequencies for data transmission provides a secure and tamper-proof digital transmission link that can be implemented outside of a meeting or conference room where electronic nameplates are located.

In one embodiment, the electronic nameplate further comprises at least one docking station configured to support the electronic paper display.

The docking station provides support for displaying on electronic paper. An optimal layout of the docking station ensures visibility of the name displayed by other meeting participants.

In a preferred embodiment, the electronic paper display is affixed to a panel, the panel being mountable within the docking station.

The panel advantageously provides protection for electronic paper display. When the panel is mounted inside the docking station, the name is visible to other participants.

In one embodiment, the electronic paper display device includes a set of lamps that can be controlled by at least one button connected to the processor. Lighting and extinguishing of the lamps can show the result of a vote, show a speaker. The color of the lamps can also illustrate the color of a political party, etc.

In a further embodiment, the lamp assembly includes a plurality of light emitting diodes.

Light-emitting diodes have a long life, are energy efficient, are environmentally friendly, allow design flexibility, light up immediately when energized, and require low voltage power. The set of lamps may include at least one backlight.

By providing at least one backlight, it is possible to illuminate the electronic nameplate without interfering with what is displayed on the electronic paper display.

In a further embodiment, the docking station comprises at least one of the processor, the receiver, the power supply, the driver and the memory.

The panel is therefore very light and can be placed in any docking station placed in front of each participant's seat. Of course, panels with their electronic paper displays can be removed from their docking stations when they are not being used.

In a further embodiment, at least one character block comprises between 7 and 40 segments.

The segments activated by electronic paper display technology provide the representation of any desired character. Using more segments per character block provides the ability to represent characters from a number of different alphabets.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one character block comprises 26 segments.

Advantageously, by having 26 segments, more characters can be represented than is possible with conventional character blocks of seven or eight segments. Cyrillic characters and other characters different from Latin characters may be displayed due to additional segments.

The audiovisual system allows the control of a plurality of electronic nameplates according to the invention and placed in a conference room.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an audiovisual system comprising: a plurality of electronic nameplates as described above, a transmitter for transmitting data to at least one receiver, the data comprising the information to be displayed on each electronic nameplate, and - a controller to control the transmitter and each electronic nameplate.

The audiovisual system allows the control of a plurality of electronic nameplates according to the invention. Electronic nameplates may be installed in a conference room and may be controlled by a controller who may or may not be located in the conference room. The electronic nameplate is addressable and can be easily removed when it is not needed. Similarly, the names of participants on a list can be sent to different displays on electronic paper based on their IP addresses. The electronic paper display is universal and can be associated with all commercially available audiovisual systems. The display device on electronic paper can be adaptable to the needs of each manufacturer and can be amended accordingly (number of characters, number of segments, logo, etc.).

Brief description of the drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the electronic paper display device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 illustrates the electronic paper display together with connectors and character blocks, FIG. 3a illustrates a character block according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3b illustrates a character block according to a second embodiment. of the present invention, FIG. 3c illustrates a character block according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a name displayed in the electronic paper display, FIG. on electronic paper inserted into a panel, FIG. 6 illustrates a docking station according to the invention, FIG. In front of the electronic nameplate according to the invention, FIG. 7b illustrates a sectional view of the electronic nameplate illustrated in FIG. 7a taken along the line VIII-VIIb, FIG. 7c illustrates a perspective view of FIG. the back of the electronic nameplate device of FIG. 7a, FIG. 7d illustrates a perspective view of the front of the electronic nameplate device of FIG. 7a, FIG. 8 illustrates a selection of characters that can be displayed in FIG. using the character block of Fig. 3, and Fig. 9 illustrates a printed circuit board for use in the electronic paper display device of Fig. 1.

Description of the invention

The present invention will be described in connection with particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is however not limited thereto. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes.

The object of the present invention is to provide an electronic nameplate device as part of an audiovisual (AV) system. The electronic nameplate is placed in front of the seat of each participant to display the name of the participant. The name can be changed automatically.

The electronic nameplate device of the invention includes an electronic paper display installed in a panel / docking system for use in meeting or conference rooms where a session is to be held and in which the name of each participant must be posted in front of the seat of each participant. The electronic nameplate device also includes electronic components that make changes to the character blocks of the electronic paper display as needed. The electronic paper display and its electronic components will be described first, followed by the panel / docking system.

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of an electronic nameplate device 10 according to the present invention. The electronic nameplate device 10 comprises an electronic paper display 100 and a plurality of electronic components 20. The electronic paper display 100 comprises at least one character block 101, each character block being formed by a plurality of segments (1 at 26 as described below with reference to Figure 3). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the electronic paper display 100 comprises 18 character blocks 101 each comprising 26 segments. The electronic paper display 100 is mounted in or on a panel 102 that can be mounted in a docking station 200 (Figs. 6 and 7a-7d) as will be described in more detail below. The electronic paper display 100 preferably further comprises a set of programmable light elements 104 which surround the character blocks 101. The programmable light elements 104 offer the possibility of displaying other information, for example drawings such as logos. It will be readily appreciated that the set of programmable lighting elements 104 is not limited to surrounding the character blocks 101 but may be located above, below, to the left, to the right, or to any other appropriate location with respect to the character blocks 101. In one embodiment, the set of programmable lighting elements 104 comprises 954 elements. The display on electronic paper 10 is described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2.

The electronic components 20 include an electronic paper display driver 110 connected to the electronic paper display 100 by a plurality of cables 205 (generally shown as arrows in this figure) and a plurality of cable connectors 105 (shown in FIG. usually as a single connector on this figure). It will be appreciated that cables 205 and cable connectors 105 are shown schematically in FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, a cable is used for three character blocks 101 as shown in FIG.

A processor 120 is connected to the driver 110 of the electronic paper display by a bus 115. In a preferred embodiment, the processor 120 is a microprocessor and the bus 115 is a multi-master, multi-slave computer serial bus, asymmetric such as a control bus "I2C", a bus of "inter-integrated circuits", manufactured by NXP Semiconductors, which is also known as control bus "12C" and "IIC".

The display driver 110 and the cables 205 may be separated just as a display driver 110 may be associated with one of the cables 205 as will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 9.

In a preferred embodiment, the processor 120 includes two power supply pins, a positive power supply, and a negative power supply shown respectively as VDD and VSS in FIG.

The processor 120 is connected to a transceiver 170 configured to receive at least data from an audiovisual system 190 as shown. The data includes the information to be displayed on the electronic paper display 100. The transceiver is preferably configured to operate with at least one of radio, sonic, ultrasonic or optical frequencies. In a preferred embodiment, it is configured to operate with optical frequencies and more preferably with infrared frequencies. The use of infrared for data transmission provides a secure and tamper-proof digital transmission link that may be outside a meeting or conference room where electronic nameplates are located. Each processor preferably has a unique identifier, which may be a unique address, for example an IP address.

In one embodiment, the transceiver 170 may be replaced by a receiver, if no two-way communication is required.

The processor 120 is preferably connected to the AV system 190 by a bus 160. In a preferred embodiment, the bus is bidirectional. In one embodiment, the bus is an "ITQ-485-A" bus (also known as an "ANSI / TIA / EIA-485" bus, a "TIA / EIA-485" bus, an "EIA-485" bus "or an" RS-485 "bus.) The" TIA-485-A "bus allows the electronic nameplate device to be able to communicate with the AV 190 system via bus 160 over long distances (~ 1km ).

The transmission of information to the AV 190 system is initiated as required either wirelessly via the integrated infrared transceiver 170 or via the "TIA-485-A" bus 160 and integrated external controls connected via the medium.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the processor 120 is connected to at least one control button 155 for controlling at least one lamp, not shown in the figures. Each lamp is preferably installed near the periphery of the electronic paper display 100. Each lamp preferably comprises a light-emitting diode (LED). In one embodiment of the present invention, eight colored LED lamps are installed around the electronic paper display to illuminate the outline of the display. The color displayed by the LED lamps can be associated with a color representing a present company or a political party. The LED lamp (s) can also be used to indicate when a participant is speaking or to represent the participant's answer to a vote. The votes displayed may be displayed as part of the AV 190 system which includes an integrated voting system, each color representing a voting choice, for example, green for "yes", red for "no", blue for "abstention", etc. Activating a combination of control buttons 155 may result in the display of a particular color.

In another embodiment, at least one LED backlight may be provided in the electronic paper display device. Such an LED backlight may be provided on the panel 102 or may be provided in a base in which the panel is inserted for display as will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 7a to 7d.

The processor 120 is connected to a power supply, not shown in Figure 1. The power supply can be a battery, a fuel cell or a power outlet.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the processor 120 includes an internal memory (not shown). In another embodiment of the present invention, the processor 120 is connected to an external memory 125. The internal memory and the external memory 125 can both be used to store a plurality of names to be displayed on the electronic paper display. 100. Preferably, the memory can store 1000 names or words up to 18 characters and allows the integration of most alphabets (Arabic DIN 31635, Aramaic, Cyrillic, Coptic, Esperanto, Gothic, Greek, Latin, etc. .). The names displayed by the electronic nameplate can be selected from the list of names stored in the internal memory by means of a button.

The processor 120 is preferably connected to an output driver 130 for transmitting output data 140.

The processor is preferably connected to a data receiver 145 and receives input data 150.

In a preferred embodiment, the AV system 190 includes a controller (not shown) for controlling at least the electronic nameplate that is part of the AV system. Naturally, such a controller can also be used to control other elements of the AV system, for example projectors and screens, etc. Software is preferably run on the controller to enable control of each electronic nameplate. Each electronic nameplate is preferably identifiable by a unique address, for example, a unique Internet Protocol (IP) address. The AV system 190 further comprises at least one transmitter (not shown) for transmitting the data to be displayed by each electronic nameplate. The controller is preferably installed on a computer, which is operable to set the information relating to the characters to be displayed on each nameplate. The infrared transceiver 170 and the bus 160 are bidirectional and are primarily used for the transfer of information to the device electronic paper display device 100 from the AV 190 system. This information may include: to the point (including verifying the operation of the electronic paper display and its subsystems as well as checking the operation of the display itself) and a library containing the names of the speakers.

In one embodiment, the remote library may be edited locally and the confirmation of the revisions may be forwarded to a management computer or other device from which the library is derived. The infrared transceiver 170 and the bus 160 can both be used for transmitting data to external programs and receiving data from external programs, for example for managing and controlling microphones, to provide rights. voting by activating integrated LED lamps as described above, displaying the name of the speaker, etc.

In addition, infrared transceiver 170 and bus 160 both provide external controls for processor 120 to allow entry of input data 145, 150 into processor 120 and data output 130, 140 as shown in Fig. 1. The infrared connection or the bus with the transceiver 170 may be considered to provide "software" control and the physical bus 160 may be envisioned to provide hardware control.

The provision of additional data to the processor 120 allows it to be able to adapt to different configurations, for example the detection of the light level to control the LED backlight as described above so that when the ambient light falls below a threshold predetermined, the LED backlight is activated, to enable / disable the functionality of the electronic paper display device so that the additional functionality is not implemented at an inappropriate time, either inadvertently or deliberately.

The output data 140 from the data output 130 may include information, a command, or a confirmation that is sent to an external system. This information can be digital or analog information.

In a preferred embodiment, the electronic components 20 as shown in Fig. 1 are mounted on a printed circuit board as will be described with reference to Fig. 9 below. The printed circuit board is mounted in the panel 102 with the cables 205 connecting the electronic paper display 100 to the printed circuit board and the electronic components described above.

Figure 2 illustrates the electronic paper display 100 attached to the panel 102. The electronic paper display 100 may comprise an array of 18 character blocks 101. Each character block 101 includes a plurality of segments. As shown in Figure 2, each character block 101 is labeled "A" to "R" from right to left.

Although 18 character blocks are shown in Figure 2, it will be readily appreciated that the electronic nameplate device may comprise more or less than 18 character blocks. In addition, depending on the size of the electronic nameplate device 100, more than one line and / or column of character blocks may be provided. The electronic paper display 100 is based on the electronic paper technology which allows reading similar to that of a book. The electronic paper display 100 is passive when the data is displayed and does not require any internal lighting because it takes advantage of ambient light like a traditional book.

In a preferred embodiment, the panel 102 comprises a brushed polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) material or acrylic glass (also known as "Perspex" (trademark of ICI plc), "Plexiglas" (trademark of Evonik Industries) and other trade names and generics). In the example illustrated in Figure 2, the dimensions of the panel 102 are as follows: 350 mm by 60 mm by 20 mm. The panel 102 is preferably placed on the electronic paper display 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic paper display 100 includes a plurality of flat cables 205 configured to connect the electronic paper display 100 to the printed circuit board, for example using the cables 205. The cables 205 are preferably configured to connect the electronic nameplate display 100 to the printed circuit board (as described below with reference to FIG. 9). The panel 102 may be mounted in a docking station as will be described below with reference to Figures 5, 6 and 7a to 7d.

It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the docking station may include the electronic components 20 described above. In this case, providing flat cables, with appropriate cable connectors, allows the panel 102 to easily plug into additional connectors provided in the docking station.

The number of flat cables 205 and the number of cable contacts 205 depends on the number of character blocks 101 in the electronic paper display 100 and the number of segments per character block. In the embodiment described below with reference to Figures 3a and 3b, the total number of segments on the display is 468, i.e. 18 character blocks each comprising 26 segments. There are 6 flat cables each with 80 contacts, providing a total of 480 contacts, which is enough to connect the 468 segments. Of course, you may need fewer cables if there are fewer than 18 blocks of character or if there are fewer segments in each character block. Similarly, if there are more character blocks and / or more segments in each character block, more flat cables may be needed.

In the embodiment described below with reference to Figure 3c, there are 18 character blocks each comprising 28 segments, a total of 504 segments and therefore contacts. If cables with 80 contacts are used, another flat cable will be needed. However, it can be more efficient to use 9 flat cables each having 60 contacts (a total of 540 contacts) so that 2 blocks of character can be controlled by each cable. Of course, other suitable cable arrangements may be used depending on the number of contacts that each cable can offer.

Electronic paper technology allows character display by simple polarization that occurs during data transfer. As soon as the characters or shapes are sent and displayed, the electronic paper keeps the characters displayed in memory without requiring additional external energy.

Fig. 3a illustrates an embodiment of a character block 101 of the electronic paper display 100. The character block 101 comprises 26 segments. The 26 segments allow the display of any type of characters included in the traditional and Cyrillic alphabet. The 26 segments are numbered from 1 to 26 in the figure. Each character is determined by a segment configuration. For example, the letter "O" can be represented with segments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17 (as shown in the character block " K "in FIG. 4) and the number" 0 "can be represented by segments 1,2,3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17 in a manner similar to the representation of the letter "O" but with the addition of the segments 20 and 24 to distinguish (as shown in the character blocks "F" and "G" of Figure 4). Similarly, to distinguish, the letter "B" can be represented by segments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 17, 24 and 26 as shown in the character block "L" of FIG. 4 and the number "8" can be represented by segments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17 , 21 and 25 (not shown).

Figure 3b illustrates another embodiment of a character block 101A according to the present invention. The character block 101A also includes 26 segments but arranged in a different configuration. The segments 2 to 6, 8 to 12 and 14 to 26 are identical to the respective segments of the character block 101 shown in Figure 3a. In the embodiment of Figure 3b, the segments 13 and 7 are removed from their locations at the bottom of the character block and form with the segment 1 a new upper bar which is divided into three segments, namely, the segments 13, 1 and 7 as shown.

Figure 3c illustrates another embodiment of a character block 100B according to the present invention. The character block 101B comprises 28 segments. Segments 2 to 26 are identical to the respective segments of character block 100 shown in Figure 3a. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3c, the segment 1 is smaller and can be considered effectively divided into three segments, namely the new segment 27, the segment 1 and the new segment 28 as shown.

A character representation with fewer segments is also possible, for example, conventional seven- or eight-segment character blocks may be used, but it will be appreciated that the ability to display characters in any alphabet as described herein will be appreciated. above will be restricted by the number of segments. Other representations with character blocks of up to forty segments are also possible.

When comparing the character block 101 according to the present invention having 26 segments with the conventional seven or eight segment character blocks, the segment 1 is used as such; each pair of segments 2 & 3, 4 & 5, 14 & 15 & 16 & 17 are combined to form single segments; segments 6, 8, 9, 11 and 12 are combined to form a single segment which is the equivalent of segment 1; and segments 21 and 25 may be combined (for the seven-segment character block) or separated (for the eight-segment character block). All other segments are not used.

As described above, according to the present invention, each character block 101 comprises 26 segments and each segment corresponds to a switchable element. Each switchable element can be switched from white to black (for display) or from black to white (when you erase or change what is displayed).

Each switchable segment or element has its own dedicated command line through which signals are provided to go from white to black or black to white. Two electrodes are provided in each segment, which must be in opposite states. When a load is applied, the pigment inside the segment goes up or down. If the charge does not change, the pigment remains in place inside the segment.

Each segment in the display can be driven with a square wave operating at a suitable voltage, for example between 0 and 5V or between 0 and 15V.

Global updates can be performed on the character block when all segments are switched to a state, that is, to be all white (change from black to white) or all black (change from white to black), the segments in the desired state flashing as part of the change during refresh. Background fields can be changed during global updates.

Local updates are also possible to change individual segments in the character block to change what is displayed. Background fields tend not to be changed during local updates.

A finite state machine (FSM) can be used to control segments and their changes from white to black or from black to white. Such an FSM can have four states: "start_update", "wait", "update complete" and "idle" ("start_update", "wait", "refresh completed" and "idle") to perform the updates for each segment.

As described above, current is only applied to the segments in the character blocks forming the display when a change of state is requested and the segments maintain their state until they are updated or deleted. In this way, each electronic paper display for a conference can either be programmed in situ or remotely programmed and then can be moved to the conference room or another location where the electronic paper display will be used.

Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a name displayed on the electronic paper display 100 using the 26-segment character representation as shown in Fig. 3a. The example of "JAMES BOND 007" is displayed, example where the blocks of character "E" to "G", "I" to "L" and "N" to "R" are used with the blocks of character "H "and" M "serving as spaces for alignment on the left edge of the electronic paper. It will be appreciated that the character blocks "A" through "C", "E" through "H" and "J" and "N" could have been used with the character blocks "D" and "I" serving as spaces to align the name on a straight edge of the electronic paper, or blocks "C" to "E", "G" to "J" and "L" to "P" with the character blocks "F" and " K "serving as spaces if the name is to be centered in the electronic display. The segments used for each character in the example "JAMES BOND 007" can be easily determined from the character block 101 shown in Fig. 3a.

It will be readily appreciated that other representations of each character are also possible. For example, using the character block 101A of Fig. 3b and the character block 101B of Fig. 3c, it is possible to provide a different representation of the character B in "JAMES BOND 007". Segments 4 to 6, 8 to 12, 14 to 17, 21 as well as segment 13 (FIG. 3b) or segment 27 (FIG. 3c) and segment 1 can be used for this representation different from the character B.

Fig. 5 illustrates the panel 102 and the electronic paper display 100 installed within the panel 102. The panel 102 preferably comprises a U-shaped frame 510 with a front support 520. The U-shaped frame 510 comprises two substantially parallel side portions 510A, 510B and a connecting portion 540 therebetween. The dimensions of the U-shaped frame 510 correspond to the dimensions of the electronic paper display 100, and in particular the length of the connecting portion 540 and the length of the parallel side portions 510A, 510B, so that the display on Electronic paper 100 can be inserted between the parallel lateral portions 510A, 510B of the U-shaped frame 510. The front support 520 is preferably rectangular and its contour corresponds to the outline of the U-shaped frame 520. The thickness of the parts Lateral portions 510A, 510B and connecting portion 540, as indicated at 530, of the U-shaped frame 310 is substantially the same as the thickness of the electronic paper display. The link portion 540, when assembled in the docking station 200, represents an upper edge of the panel 102, and the edge 550 forms a lower edge of the panel (as shown more clearly in FIG. 7b).

In a preferred embodiment, the U-shaped frame 520 is sized to house the printed circuit board on which the electronic components 20 are mounted in addition to the electronic paper display. This gives a single unit that has its own power supply (due to the presence of a battery on the circuit board) and that is effectively a stand-alone component that can be easily placed in any suitable location.

Fig. 6 illustrates a docking station 200 which is configured to support the panel 102. The docking station 200 includes a rectangular frame 600 having a length and a width that is larger than the link portion 540 of the panel 102. The frame 600 further includes a rectangular recess 610 whose dimensions correspond to the dimensions of the connecting portion 540 of the panel 102. In a preferred embodiment, the recess 610 includes a chamfered surface 620 extending along its length. . In a preferred embodiment, a lower portion of the recess 610 includes a second recess 615 which is larger than the recess 610. The docking station 200 and its recesses 610, 615 are shown more clearly in FIG. 7b .

Figures 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d illustrate different views of the panel 102 placed inside the docking station 200.

Fig. 7a is a front view of the electronic paper display 100 inserted into the panel 102 which is mounted in the docking station 200 as shown. As described above, the rectangular frame of the docking station 200 has a base that is longer than the length of the panel 102.

Fig. 7b is a sectional view along the line VIIb-VIIb of Fig. 7a and illustrates the arrangement of the panel 102 within the docking station 200. The recess 610, including the chamfered surface 620 , is configured so that the panel 102 with the electronic paper display 100 is at an angle α with respect to the base of the docking station 200. The angle α between the panel and the base of the station 200, in a clockwise direction from the base of the docking station, is preferably in the range of 95 to 135 degrees, more preferably in the range of 100 to 120 degrees and ideally at 105 degrees relative to the frame 600 forming the base of the docking station. The second recess 615 is also shown extending from the recess 610. As shown, the lower edge 550 of the panel 102 is supported by a surface (not shown) on which the docking station 200 is positioned.

Figures 7c and 7d are respectively perspective views of the back and front of the panel 102, the electronic paper display 100 and the docking station 200.

Figure 8 illustrates character blocks representing the letters of the Latin alphabet (letters "A" to "Z"), the numbers "0" to "9" and symbols "/", "<", ">" , "(", ")", "=", "+", "" ". Representations of letters of the Cyrillic alphabet are also shown, for example" Φ "," 3 "," H "," M " "," fl "," Γ "," C "and" Ti "It will be readily understood that letters of the Greek and Coptic alphabets can also be represented.

Fig. 9 illustrates a printed circuit board that can be implemented in the electronic paper display as described above with reference to Fig. 1. The printed circuit board preferably consists of a printed circuit board (PCB). ) on which the electronic components are mounted. As shown, there are six cable connectors 105 and six display drivers 110, each cable connector 105 being associated with a display driver 110 and operable to connect a flat cable (not shown) connected to the display on the display. electronic paper to drive the 18 blocks of character. Each character block comprises 26 segments as shown in the embodiments of Figures 3a and 3b. As described above, more than or less than 6 cable connectors 105 (with associated 205 flat cables and display drivers 110) may be implemented depending on the number of character blocks implemented and the number of segments in each block of character.

Four switches Sw01, Sw02, Sw03, Sw04 are provided to switch functionality. The switches Sw01, Sw02 and Sw03 correspond to the switches 155 described above with reference to Figure 1 and provide the functionality of being able to follow a pre-assigned menu configuration. and submenu of call. For example, Sw01 can perform multiple functions depending on when the switch is depressed: • as a simple "on-off" switch that gives access to a "MENU", where by a first switch on for less than 5 seconds, the "MENU" is activated and the electronic paper display 100 is lit and by a second switch activation for less than 5 seconds the "MENU" is deactivated and the electronic paper display 100 is turned off. • as a configuration of the "MENU" where a first activation for more than 5 seconds activates Sw02 and Sw03 to display submenus for selection purposes and a second activation of the switch deactivates Sw02 and Sw03, deactivates the "MENU" and extinguishes the display on electronic paper.

As described above Sw02 and Sw03 can be used to move through the submenus as shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1.

In addition, the switches Sw01 and Sw02 can be used for the installation of the menu in Table 2 below.

Table 2.

The switch Sw04 can be used as a reset switch and is located at a location on the electronic paper display where it can be accessed. In one embodiment, the switches Sw01, Sw02, Sw03, Sw04 may be located at the top of the electronic paper display device to provide easy access, the switches Sw01, Sw02, Sw03 being centrally located for easy access and the switch Sw04 being located towards the right edge of the card as shown in FIG. 9.

Four spring-loaded connectors CN1, CN2, CN3, CN4 are provided for connecting the printed circuit board to the base. These may be so-called "spring-loaded piston connectors" that allow the panel to be connected and disconnected from the base without snagging while providing superb conductivity when the panel is engaged in the base . In one embodiment, the spring-loaded connector (SLC) consists of a right SLC 813-S1-NNN-10-017101 model (7.5 mm high) manufactured by Preci-dip in Switzerland.

The connections made between the electronic paper display 100 and the associated display drivers 110 are, typically, by means of flat cables and "zero insertion force" (ZIF) connectors, for example the ZIF connectors of FIG. FH28 series for flexible printed circuit and flexible flat cable manufactured by the Hirose Electric Group, are used to allow "safe blocking and retention by actuator" to ensure that there is a perfect conductivity between the base and the display on electronic paper. As described above, the cables may provide any appropriate number of contacts depending on the number of character blocks and segments in each character block.

In a preferred embodiment, the power supply (in the form of a rechargeable battery, not shown) is located inside the panel 102. The docking station does not need current to be supplied to it. if the battery is located inside the panel. However, the docking station 200 may comprise a battery or be connected to an external power supply if current in addition to that of the battery on the printed circuit board is required.

In a preferred embodiment, the LED lamps controlled by the control buttons 155 (FIG. 1) described above are inserted near the recess 610 of the base 600. The panel 102 is preferably made of Plexiglas so that the light emitted by the LEDs is diffused through the panel and that the panel acquires the color of the light emitted by the LEDs.

As described above, in a preferred embodiment, the electronic components 20 are provided on the printed circuit board in the panel and the docking station is used as a simple base to support the panel. In another embodiment, the electronic components 20 may be provided in the docking station or distributed between the panel and the docking station.

In another embodiment, the docking stations may be equipped with at least one lithium-ion battery which can provide full autonomy for a period of up to two weeks without modification of the display or until a week with daily change of the names displayed. A "battery test" procedure can be used to display the battery status and the remaining capacity of the battery directly on the electronic display. The charging time for such batteries is estimated to be two hours to recover full autonomy. The large display autonomy is due, in part, to the technology used, ie the electronic paper display, the choice of low-power electronic circuits and a processor that can be programmed to place the device in "standby" mode in the absence of dedicated information.

If a backlighting is to be implemented in one embodiment of the electronic paper display device, another power supply may be required in addition to the battery provided on the printed circuit board, since more power will be required. power for the light elements used as backlighting.

It will be readily appreciated that it may be possible to integrate the printed circuit board with the electronic paper display so that only minimal connections between the two are required.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments of the electronic paper display device, it will be readily appreciated that other embodiments are also possible.

Claims (14)

CLAIMS: An electronic paper comprising a plurality of character blocks, each character block comprising at least 26 segments. An electronic nameplate for use with an audiovisual system, the electronic nameplate comprising: an electronic paper display comprising a plurality of character blocks according to claim 1; a processor connected to the electronic paper display for controlling characters displayed in the character block matrix, - at least one receiver connected to the processor and operable to receive character information and to transmit the character information to the processor, and - a power supply connected to at least the processor and usable to provide energy at least when a change of the electronic paper display is required. The electronic nameplate of claim 2, the electronic nameplate further comprising a driver connected between the electronic paper display and the processor. The electronic nameplate of claim 3, wherein the processor further comprises a memory, the memory being usable for storing data to be displayed on the electronic paper display. An electronic nameplate according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the receiver is configured to operate with at least one of: radio, sonic, ultrasonic and optical frequencies. The electronic nameplate of claim 5, wherein the receiver is configured to operate with infrared frequencies. An electronic nameplate according to any one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising a set of lamps that can be controlled by at least one button connected to the processor. The electronic nameplate of claim 7, wherein the lamp assembly comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes. An electronic nameplate according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the lamp assembly comprises at least one backlight. An electronic nameplate according to any one of claims 2 to 9, further comprising a panel in which the electronic paper display is mounted. The electronic nameplate of claim 10, wherein at least one of the processor, receiver, power supply, driver, and memory is located on a printed circuit board mounted in the panel. An electronic nameplate according to any one of claims 2 to 11, the electronic nameplate further comprising at least one docking station configured to support the electronic paper display. An electronic nameplate according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein at least one character block comprises between 7 and 40 segments. An audiovisual system comprising - a plurality of electronic nameplates according to any one of the preceding claims, - a transmitter for transmitting data to at least one receiver, the data comprising the information to be displayed on each electronic nameplate, and - a controller to control the transmitter and each electronic nameplate.