DE2157472A1 - Device for displaying information to be transmitted optically - Google Patents

Description

Device for displaying information to be transmitted optically The invention relates to a device for displaying data to be transmitted optically Information in the form of optical symbols, such as luminous dots, numbers, letters, consisting of one or more Light guide elements with one each front and rear boundary surface $ As a device for visual representation To convey information, display boards with changeable or unchangeable Information content, signaling devices, surfaces for photo projection or scales of measuring devices of all kinds, the changeable, analog or digital represented measured values show, apply.

Such a device for displaying measured values by means of light guide elements, hereinafter referred to as the display device for short, uses the light guide elements, to make the measured values on scales visible in analog or digital form to be let.

In a known embodiment of such a display device an artificial light source illuminates a numbered one inside a housing located, formed in the manner of a scale information carrier; the digits can be made with the help of light guide elements on the outside of the housing can be read.

In other known embodiments, an artificial light source is used on the rear boundary surface the front boundary surface of matched light guide elements, that represent a symbol or part of a symbol to light up.

The disadvantage of the known display devices of this type is there in that a special artificial light source for the transmission of information is required, which is subject to usage-related wear and tear, which destroyed or whose energy supply can be interrupted.

Display devices in the form of signs are also known without a special artificial light source, on which with a light-reflecting color Notes in the form of numbers, letters or symbols are applied.

Such signs are for example on traffic routes as Traffic signs, signposts or warning signs put up. Flashing headlights lets these signs light up so that they can be seen from afar.

A disadvantage of the known light-reflecting signs is that, due to the nature of the reflector colors used, they only have one Reflect a fraction of the amount of light. The ray emanating from the light source must therefore be particularly strongly bundled and as perpendicular as possible to the plane of the The sign so that the area of the sign is clearly visible; continues to be the intensity of the light reflected from the child's surface only in one direction of view perpendicular to the face of the shield, satisfactory.

Arrived when observing the sign from the side the reflected light continues to be too low in intensity for the observer. Just in the case of traffic signs, direction signs or warning signals, however, it is an advantage if this in the twilight against a dark background without the help of artificial Illumination can be recognized and read from the side.

Disadvantages of a similar kind also have those provided with reflector paints white areas for photo projection.

The brilliance of the color of color images and the range of contrast in the case of black-and-white images, decreases when viewed from the side.

The object of the invention is to address the listed disadvantages of the above Avoiding display devices by creating a device as described in the introduction called kind, which without the help of special artificial light sources in each Ambient light and a uniform optical transmission of information from every viewing direction The invention achieves this in that the viewer facing, The front boundary surface not only serves to radiate light, but also for recording, during the rear boundary surface facing away from the viewer one the direction of the light received by the front boundary surface reflective surface is assigned in the manner of a mirror.

If diffuse ambient light falls on the front boundary surface of the Light guide element, that emits a bright shimmer, even with a weak one Light and can be clearly seen from the side.

According to a development of the invention, the individual light guide element or several light guide elements together, in addition to reflective surface elements surface elements with light-absorbing 3-layer can also be assigned.

With such an assignment, the incident in the light guide becomes Light is absorbed and the front side of the light guide element in question remains dark.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention are light absorbing and reflective surface elements arranged on an information carrier, which is in a lightproof Housing is housed, the surface elements assigned to the rear boundary surface of one or more light guide elements are, while the front boundary surfaces are on the outside of the light-tight Housing are visible.

Light-absorbing and reflecting surface elements are advantageously used arranged in such a way that they have a dark symbol on a reflective background or a reflective one Form a symbol on a dark background, optically using the associated light guide element on the outer boundary surface of the light guide element or

the light guide elements is mapped.

After a further, more important development of the inventive concept Each reflective or absorber surface element is its own light guide element assigned.

The front side of these light guide elements end in grid-like shapes Segments on the display surface on the outside of the light-tight housing and enable the display of a single one made up of several flat components optical symbol.

It is particularly advantageous to use the respective rear boundary surface of the light guide element a movable, this boundary surface terminating Information carrier with mirror and / or absorption surface elements arranged thereon assign. This offers the possibility of adjusting the information carrier different symbols, numbers or letters become visible on the display area allow.

The information carriers are preferably on the light guide elements associated width with a reflective or absorbent surface elements existing grid.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the front boundary surface of the light guide element itself as an optical symbol or part of an optical symbol educated. Aur this way you can create geometric figures like polygons, circles, however punctuation marks or mathematical symbols can also be represented.

Tests have shown that the gloss of the front boundary surface He of the light guide element backed with a reflective surface element all the more is lighter, the higher the value of the optical fiber refraction coefficient and that also the opening angle of the cone, which circumscribes the lateral limit of visibility, assumes larger values with a high refractive index.

It is best to leave the presentation of the information transmitted optically accomplish with light guide elements made from optical fibers. this can either with optical fibers made of polymethyl methacrylate or after a preferred embodiment of the invention by means of bundled glass fibers Light guides, whereby the glass fibers in the glass fiber bundle are rigid or flexible with one another can be connected.

In this context, light parent elements offer particular advantages bundled glass fibers, the production of which requires less effort than the production of strictly ordered glass fiber bundles with glass fibers aligned parallel to each other, as they are, for example, for optical Figure are needed.

Regardless of whether optical fibers made of plastic or glass are used, the refractive index should be at least 1.5 or above. The individual optical fiber is made in a manner known per se equipped with a high refractive index core that has a lower refractive index having a jacket made of solid material is surrounded.

In this way, the light losses when reflected on the side walls the optical fiber is reduced.

According to a further development of the invention, the light guide elements are Arranged in 7 or 35 code on the display area. This will make the representation any alphanumeric characters.

The:; uality of the character representation is improved by the fact that the front and rear boundary surfaces of the individual light guide element each arranged perpendicular to them facing longitudinal axis section of the light guide element are. A further improvement results when the front and rear boundary surfaces of the individual light guide element are optically ground flat.

The one carrying the absorbing or reflecting surface elements, Movable information carriers can be designed in different ways.

According to one embodiment of the display device according to the invention, there is this information carrier from a slide. Let by adjusting the slide Any symbols, letters or numbers can be set.

In another, particularly advantageous embodiment, there is the information carrier consists of one or more movable drums. These drums can be from a measuring mechanism, but preferably from a clock mechanism or a time-synchronous one running engine, moved so that the display device to display the time suitable is.

The invention is further developed in that the front boundary surface of the individual light guide element with the plane of the front side of this light guide element completes on the side comprehensive support body. This support body serves as a holder for the light guide elements and at the same time protects them from damaging incidence of light from the second.

The support body is advantageously made of plastic.

This enables easy manufacture.

There are particular advantages if the front of the support body one for the coloring of the information-transmitting light guide elements one one has an optical contrast producing color. If the information exists.

The front side of the support body is expediently composed of a white character dark colored. However, if the sign is colored black, the front should of the support body have a light color.

For the use of the display device according to the invention for traffic signs, It is particularly advantageous to use means known per se for signposts or warning signals to influence the color of the light in connection with a board-like design of the light guide element to be provided.

The color of the reflected light in a panel-like design However, the light guide element can also be used in an advantageous manner the projection of light images on backed with reflective surface elements Light guide elements take place.

These and other features of the invention are evident from the drawings schematically described exemplary embodiments; Figure 1 shows: on off a larger unit cut out, ß with a reflective surface element deposited light guide element in a perspective view, FIG. 2: a longitudinal section through a light guide element according to FIG. 1 along the section line B, B, FIG. 3: a perspective view of a with a light-absorbing surface element deposited light guide element, Figure 4: a perspective view of a signal element, partly from a compact light guide element, partly from a mosaic composed light guide elements, Figure 5: a perspective view of a sign with the number nl "and the letter" A ", Figure 6: a perspective View of an adjustable indicator, representing the number "0", figure 7: a single light guide element shown in perspective according to FIG. 6, FIG 8: on the information carrier of the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 6 located arrangements of the surface elements assigned to the light guide elements for reproducing the digits "0" and "4", Figure 9: a perspective view of an indicator with thirty-five Inflatable via an information carrier designed as a slide, made of light guide elements existing signal elements, Figure 102 the front of one designed as a clock Display device in perspective view, Figure 11: the back of the display block, FIG. 12: a cross section through the display block and drums, FIG. 13: a section the front of the display block.

The simplest embodiment of the invention consists of an in Fig. 1 shown prismatic light guide element 1 with a front boundary surface 2 and a rear boundary surface 3. The light guide element 1 consists of glass, but preferably made of a disordered glass fiber strand and has a refractive index of the order of 1.5 or more.

If light falls from direction A on the front boundary surface 2 of the Light guide element 1, it is picked up by this and depending on the direction of incidence immediately or after reflection on the lateral boundary surfaces 7 passed to the rear boundary surface 3 (Fig. 2), on which a reflecting the light flux Surface element 4 is arranged. This surface element 4 can -by the front Boundary surface 2 reflect incident light completely, so that this front boundary surface 2 intense shimmer; but there is also the possibility of one of the rear boundary surface of the light guide element 1 associated surface element 10 as an absorption layer train (Fig. 3). In this case, the incident light from direction A is from the front boundary surface 11 of the light guide 1 and taken through the absorption layer of the surface element 10 is absorbed, so that the front boundary surface 11 is dark is colored.

Of main importance, however, is that which is deposited with a mirror Light guide element (Fig.l, Fig.2).

Surface element 4 consists of a mirror that passes through the front Boundary surface 2 incident light is completely reflected and to the front boundary surface 2 can be reflected back, where it leaves the light guide element 1 again and enters intensive shimmering of this front boundary surface 2 in relation to its surroundings evokes. To increase the contrast, the surrounding area 5 has the front Boundary surface 2 of the light guide element l has a dark color.

Tests have shown that the bright shimmer of the front boundary surface 2 (Fig.l) of the light guide element 1 increases in intensity, the higher the refractive index of the light guide element 1 is above the value 1.5. There is also one associated with it better perception of the shimmering front boundary surface 2 from the side Direction; the cone, which circumscribes the lateral limit of visibility, usually has an opening angle of 600, however, there is already an opening angle of 1100 has been achieved by a type of glass with a correspondingly high refractive index and at least theoretically an opening angle of approximately 1800 when using Material with a correspondingly high refractive index is possible.

A mounting of the light guide element is required for mechanical fastening 1 or several light guide elements with their lateral 3 limiting surfaces 7 in a preferably opaque solid material 6 is provided (FIG. 2).

The front boundary surface 2 of the light guide element 1 must be included a short light guide element aligned parallel to the rear boundary surface 3 be; in the case of longer light guide elements, an alignment of the front boundary surface is necessary 2 and the rear boundary surface 3 of the light guide element 1 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the light guide element 1 is necessary.

The front boundary surface 2 of the light guide element 1 must, however do not necessarily end flush with the surrounding surface 5 of the solid material 6, but can also be above or below the area formed by the surrounding area Be arranged level.

To avoid unwanted light reflexes by 3 hours of several Light guide elements with one another on their lateral surfaces 7 are the individual Light guide elements without the glass fibers from which the light guide elements are made are made of a core with a refractive index of 1.5 or more, wherein the core is surrounded by a jacket made of less highly refractive material is. When the surface element 10 (Fig. 3) as black The front boundary surface 11 of the light guide element appears as an absorption layer 1 intensely dark; in this case it is expediently leveled against a high-contrast one bright surrounding area 12 from.

The light guide element 1 (Fig. 1, 2, 3) is preferably made of one formed disordered fiberglass strand, which is easier and cheaper to manufacture as an ordered optical fiber strand.

If required, the light in the light guide element 1 can also pass through a color filter be colored, which is arranged at a suitable point on the light guide.

Figure 4 shows a light guide element 14, the light return influencing layer has dark areas 131 and light areas 132 at the same time.

Instead of compact, homogeneous light guide elements like those used in the Surfaces 131; 132 assigned, can also be a large number of tessellated side by side arranged light guide elements 15 occur, depending on the type of deposited layer appear as dark surface elements 161 or light surface elements 162.

The cut of the front boundary surface 2 (Fig. 1) or 11 (Fig. 3) is not limited to geometrically simple shapes; rather it is possible » the front boundary surface of a single light guide 17 (Figure 5) of a number to recreate. The light falls, as already shown in the previous figures, from direction A into the light guide element 17 and brings the number "1" simulated front boundary surface for shimmering.

Numbers or letters can, however, also be carried out through a large number of light guide elements 19, as shown using the example of the letter "A" in FIG.

To represent letters or numbers, a certain number of elements used existing arrangements, each element individually can be brought into a state of increased recognizability, be it through a noticeable glow compared to a dark environment, be it through a dark one Color compared to a bright environment, so that the elements made recognizable any digits, but also letters, can be formed.

In Figure 6 is such a common arrangement with seven light guide elements 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27, each made from cheap, disordered fiberglass strands are made.

In Figure 7, the light guide element 21 is shown separately, its Front 210 forms a signal element and becomes a rear boundary surface 219 down to ver-young, round, square, or some other simple geometric shape may have. The other light guide elements are also in the same manner as shown in FIG. 7 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27 of the device 20 in FIG. 6. Your rear boundary surfaces open onto the surface of a slide 28 which is laterally in the device 20 is arranged movably.

The front boundary surfaces of the light guide elements 21; 22; 23; 25, 26; 27 form the number "Oß" on the dark front 201, if the corresponding rear boundary surfaces of said light guide elements on the associated reflective surface elements 211; 221; 231; 251; 261; 271 (Fig. Sa) of the slide 28 hit; the middle light guide element 24 remains dark because its rear boundary surface meets the dark surface element 241.

When the number "4" is represented by the light guide elements 22; 23; 24; 26, the slide 28 is moved up to the specific position where the rear boundary of said light guide elements on the reflective surface elements 222; 232; 242; 262 meet and the light guide elements 21; 25; 27 the dark surface elements 212; 252; 272 assigned to the information carrier designed as a slide 28 are (Fig. 8 b).

In the same way, each desired digit can be assigned by assigning a suitable constellation of light and dark surface elements on the slide 28 to the rear boundary surfaces of the corresponding light guide elements are by moving the slide 28 in the device 20 (Figure 6).

Cm on the slide 28 as large a number of surface elements as possible to accommodate numbers or the slider 28 the smallest possible length in the representation of digits or letters are the rear boundary surfaces the light guide elements 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27 aligned in a row, so that they are used to represent the digits "O" or

"4" the arrangements of dark, light-absorbing ones shown in FIGS. #C and 8d can assign ind reflelctierenden surface elements on the slide 28.

It is also possible to have the rear boundary surfaces in two rows to be arranged as shown in the example of the illustration for the digits "0" and "4". in Fig. 8e and 8f.

One uses for the optional representation of numbers and letters is preferably an arrangement with thirty-five consisting of light guide elements Signal elements (Fig. 9).

By the slide 32, which is in the device 34 from top to bottom is movably guided, any desired number or any desired letter can be used be set; in this case, a suitable one is on the surface 33 of the slide 32 Constellation of thirty-five dark, light-absorbing and reflective surface elements - analogous to the constellation of seven surface elements shown in Fig. 8a-f - arranged.

In FIG. 9, in contrast to FIG. 6, the information forming signal elements 30 dark, the front side 35 of the device 34 @ is appropriately colored light; However, this training is for illustrative purposes only Example thought as the main meaning of the invention on the arrangement of bright Signal elements on a dark background berurit.

As FIG. 10 shows, a display block 42 is located in a housing 41 in front of two drums 44 driven by a reduced motor 43; 45 arranged. The circumference of the drums 44; 45 is with axially parallel rows of dark »light-absorbing Area elements 46 occupied. After each further movement of the drums 44; 45 results a new constellation of surface elements appears under the end surfaces assigned to them 511; 521; 531; 541; 551; 561; 571. At the front of the display block 42 are Numeric fields 47; 48; 49; 50 is provided which, as shown in FIG. 13, consists of segments 510; 520; 530; 540; 550; 56o; 570, each of which is shown in FIG End faces 511 ;, 521; 531; 541; 551; 561; 571 of the print side of the display block 42 assigned. The assignment takes place according to FIG. 12 via a in the display block 42 between a digit segment and an end face, - here using the example as a digit segment 530 and end face 531, extending glass fiber bundle 532.

If light falls on the digit segment 530 according to FIG. 12, it will pass through the fiber optic bundle 532 is guided to the end face 531 and hits a drum, for example drum 44 in Fig. 10, which at the light exit point either a black, light-absorbing surface element 46 or the reflective background having. If the light hits one of the dark surface elements 46, it becomes absorbed, the corresponding digit segment 560; 570 (Fig. 13) remains dark. If, on the other hand, it hits the reflective surface at a point without dark surface elements, so it is reflected back into the relevant exit point, in the example of Fig. 12 in end face 531 and fiber optic bundle 532, changes the contrast between segments 530 and the dark background, which makes the sign in question visible from this stands out.

In the number field 47 (Fig. 10) the number "Sn" is shown in a code of 7. However, it is more expedient for the front side 42 of the display block 41 to be dark To give coloring so that the shimmering segments 510; 520; 530; 540; 550 in Fig. 13, which form the number ') ", stand out optimally from the background Light retroreflective segments 560; 570 remain dark and do not form a contrast to the subsurface of the display area. The displayed digits change accordingly the synchronous movement of the drums 44; 45 and are used in the exemplary embodiment Figures 10 to 13 of the time display.

In general, it can be stated that the shimmering of the light guide elements The shorter the individual light guide element, the more intensely it is to be observed is; because in this case there are losses when the light passes through the optical fiber are minimal. This is particularly important when manufacturing traffic signs or projection surfaces it is advantageous for photos, each of which has a small thickness, so that incident light is reflected with almost no loss.

The idea of the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but comprises devices according to the invention for the representation of optically transmitted Information in the form of optical symbols such as luminous dots, numbers, letters.

Claims (1)

Patent claims c (1) (1.) Device for displaying information to be transmitted optically in the form of optical symbols such as luminous dots, numbers, letters from one or more light guide elements with 5e a front and rear flat boundary surface. d a d u r c h e k e n n n z e i c h n e t that the dem Front boundary surface facing the viewer for both radiation and recording of light is used, while the rear boundary surface facing away from the viewer a the direction of the through. the front boundary surface of the recorded light reflecting Area element is assigned in the manner of a sail. c (2) 2. Device according to claim 1, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z E i c h n e t that, in addition to the reflective surface elements, those with light-absorbing elements EtSenschaft are provided, each alone, in combination or alternatively are assigned to each other of the rear boundary surface. a (1) 3. Device according to claim 2, g e k e n n z e i c h -n e t through an information carrier housed in a light-tight housing with light-absorbing surface elements, whose elements of these surfaces are not covered surface is provided with reflective surface elements. 4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or), d a d'u r c h g e k e n n notices that the totality of reflective and light-absorbing, in shape of a symbol arranged surface elements, one optically imaging light guide element is assigned. a (2) 5. Apparatus according to claim 3, d ad u r c h g e -k e n n z It is ensured that each surface element is assigned its own light guide element is. a (3) 6. Apparatus according to claim 5, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c h n e t that several light guide elements are used to display a single symbol are assigned, which end like a grid in segments on the display area. f (1) 7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, d a d u r c h e k e n n n z e i n e t that the front boundary surface of the recording and Provides light, while the respective rear boundary surface has a movable, this boundary surface terminating information carrier with arranged thereon Is assigned to mirror and / or absorption surface elements. r (2) t. Device according to one of Claims 5 to 7, d a -d u r c h g e k e n n n z e i c h n e t that the rear boundary surfaces of the light guide elements optionally different, made of appropriately arranged mirror or absorption surface elements existing grid by moving the information carrier carrying the grid points are to be assigned. c (4) 9. Device according to one of claims 5 bis'8, d a -d d u notify that at least the front boundary surface of the light guide element as an optical symbol or as part of a optical symbol is formed. c (10) 10.Vorrichtung according to any one of claims 1 to 9, d a -d u r c h e k e k e n n n e i c h n e t that the light guide material has a refractive index of the order of 1.5 or greater. c (11) 11.Vorrichtung according to one of claims 1 to 9, d a d u r c h e k e k e n n n e i c h n e t that the individual light guide element is made of glass fibers consists. a (15) 12.Vorrichtung according to claim 11, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n x e i c h n e t that the light guide elements consist of glass fiber bundles. r (5) 13.Vorrichtung-according to claim 11 or 12, d a d u r c h g e k It is noted that the light guide elements are made from disordered glass fiber bundles exist. a (6) 14.Vorrichtung according to any one of claims 11 to 13, d a d u r c h e k e k e n n n e i c h n e t that the refractive index of the glass is at least is on the order of 1.5 or more. c (12) 15.Vorrichtung according to any one of claims 10 to 14, d a d u r e k e k e n n n n e i n e t that the individual optical fiber has a core has a refraction coefficient of at least 1.5, that of one has a lower coefficient Is surrounded by the refractive index jacket made of solid material. f (3) 16. Device according to one of claims 5 to 15, d a d u r c h g e k e n n n n e i c h n e t that the light guide elements in the 7-series or 35-series Code are arranged. c (9) 17. Device according to one of claims 1 to 16, d a d u r c h e k e k e n n n n e i c h n e t that the front and rear boundary surfaces of the individual light guide element each perpendicular to the longitudinal axis section facing them of the light guide element are arranged. c (15) 18. Device according to one of claims 1 to 17, d a d u r c h e k e k e n n n e i c h n e t that the front and rear boundary surface of the individual Light guide elements are each ground flat. f (4) 19. Device according to one of claims 5 to 18, d a d u r c h g e k e n n n n e i n e t that the information carrier carrying the raster points consists of a slide. a (8) 20. Device according to one of claims 5 to 18, d a d u r c h g e k e n n n z e i c h n e t that the information carrier consists of one or more Drumming consists. a (7) 21. Device according to claim 20, d a d u r c h g e -k e n n z e i c h e t that a clockwork or a time-synchronously running motor is the information carrier drives. c (6) 22. Device according to one of claims 1 to 21, d a d u r c h e k e n n n z e i c h n e t that the front boundary surface of the individual Light guide element in the plane of the front side of this laterally encompassing Support body is arranged. c (7) 23. Device according to claim 22, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the support body is made of plastic. c (8) 24. Device according to claim 22 or 23, d a d u r c h g e it is not indicated that the front side of the support body has one to the coloring the information-transmitting light guide elements have an optical contrast has inducing coloration. c (14) 25. Device according to one of claims 1 to 24, d a d u r c h e k e k e n n n n e i n e t that known means for influencing the color of the light are provided in the light guide element. d (1) 26. Device according to one of claims 1 to 25, d a d u r it is noted that the light guide element or elements are panel-like Form arrangement.