EP0054336A1 - Dispositif d'affichage matriciel - Google Patents

Dispositif d'affichage matriciel Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0054336A1
EP0054336A1 EP81201365A EP81201365A EP0054336A1 EP 0054336 A1 EP0054336 A1 EP 0054336A1 EP 81201365 A EP81201365 A EP 81201365A EP 81201365 A EP81201365 A EP 81201365A EP 0054336 A1 EP0054336 A1 EP 0054336A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
disk
shell
armature
display assembly
assembly
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP81201365A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Charles M. Williams
Anthony Martin
Lloyd Seibert
George E. Ellefsen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
American Sign and Indicator Corp
Original Assignee
American Sign and Indicator Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US06/215,359 external-priority patent/US4380879A/en
Priority claimed from US06/215,358 external-priority patent/US4389804A/en
Application filed by American Sign and Indicator Corp filed Critical American Sign and Indicator Corp
Publication of EP0054336A1 publication Critical patent/EP0054336A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F9/00—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements
    • G09F9/30—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements
    • G09F9/37—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements being movable elements
    • G09F9/375—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements being movable elements the position of the elements being controlled by the application of a magnetic field

Definitions

  • This relates generally to changeable displays used for portraying visual or written information by a plurality of pivotable disks movable between contrasting conditions for day or night viewing conditions.
  • the movable display assembly itself can be used in any desired spatial arrangement. This includes pre-arranged positions where the display assemblies might be alternately used to indicate one or two or more limited words or messages. More commonly, the display assembly will be used in a rectangular or geometric matrix. In such a matrix, the individual display assemblies will be typically arranged in multiple vertical columns and horizontal rows so as to be generally usable in portraying unlimited combinations of pictorial or written information.
  • a typical element used today in such a display matrix is a lighted lamp.
  • Lighted lamps are used in both daylight and darkened environments to provide a visual contrast with a dark backgroudn panel. While very effective as a visual display, large matrix displays of this type requi: substantial amounts of energy for operation and also generate substantial amounts of heat, most of which is typically wasted to the environment.
  • the present display was developed in an effort to provide an economic alternative to a lighted lamp bank on lamp matrix display. To provide visual contrast under darkened or night conditions, a backlighted panel was desired However, bakclighting does not normally provide adequate contrast in such a display when viewed under bright daylight conditions. For these reasons, a reflective daylight display was desired as well.
  • the present apparatus provides two modes of operation. For daylight usage or for display under relativel bright environmental lighting conditions, a reflective or fluorescent contrasting display is available in combination with the background of the panel. For nighttime use or ' display under darkened environmental conditions, a backlight contrasting display is used. This versatility in display application required development of controls for moving the individual disks between three positions, each of which must be a stable rest position which can be maintained without continuous energization.
  • the present apparatus pivots a thin disk from a sealed background position to an opposed reflective or fluorescent position or to an intermediate light-transmittin position.
  • the disk and its supporting elements are movable by magnetic forces to the alternate positions. This assures certainty in the disk movement and removes visual hesitancy that might otherwise affect the visual impact of an instantly changeable display.
  • the resulting mechanical apparatus has a visual impact under all environmental lighting conditions similar to that achieved by instantly turning a multitude of lamps on or off to change a lamp bank matrix.
  • the drawings illustrate a specific form of the invention, which is an individual movable display assembly. It is adapted to be arranged in a spatial display arrangement forming discrete informational patterns or in a matrix having multiple vertical columns and horizontal rows for display of general pictorial or written information.
  • Each assembly is individually controlled and movable between three different positions. In one position, the assembly displays a surface that contrasts with the background of the matrix. In the second position, it displays a surface having a color common to the background. In the third position, it transmits light from behind the assembly in a backlighted display mode.
  • the first and second positions are designed for use in a reflective mod the second and third for use in a backlighted mode.
  • the assembly basically comprises a shell 10 that supports the assembly components; an armature 20 and disk 25 that pivot relative to the shell as a unit; and a magnetic operator, shown as a permanent magnet 26 on the armature 20 and a pair of driving magnets 27 and 28 at the back of shell 10.
  • a magnetic operator shown as a permanent magnet 26 on the armature 20 and a pair of driving magnets 27 and 28 at the back of shell 10.
  • disk 25 can be instantly positioned in one of the three above-described positions.
  • the three operationa positions of the assembly are shown in sectional views 12 13 and 14. Schematic views illustrating operation of the assembly in the three positions are shown in Figs. 15,16 and 17.
  • shell 10 is molded of plastic resin or other suitable structural material as an integral member.
  • Shell 10 can be integral with a supporting panel or frame for the display or can be a separably formed component as shown. It includes a surro ing rim 11 having a front surface 12 and anoppositely facing back surface 13. The surfaces 12 and 13 are bounded by an outer peripheral edge 14 and an inner peripheral edge 15. The edge 15 surrounds a centrally open window through the shell 10.
  • Bearing means for the armature 20 are provided integrally in the molded shell 10 and are designated in tl drawings specifically at 17.
  • the bearings 17 are shown as inwardly open apertures aligned along a transverse pivot axis X-X.
  • Armature 20 comprises a transverse axle 22 having offset support stubs 21 complementary in both size and location to the bearings 17.
  • Stubs 21 are adapted to be inserted into the opposed bearing apertures to pivotally mount armature 20 about axis X-X.
  • the offset between axle 22 and stubs 21 facilitates flexure of the armature for insertion of the stubs 21 into the bearing apertures at each side of shell 10. It also facilitates overlapping of the enlarged reflective or fluorescent area of disk 25 in front of shell 10 when in the position shown in Figs. 2,3 and 12.- '
  • the resulting forward projection of disk 25 significantly increases the visibility of the reflective or fluorescent area on disk 25 in contrast to the more recessed position assumed in the closed disk condition. It brings disk 25 forward to minimize overlap of adjacent shell surfaces which might otherwise obscure viewing of the disk.
  • Armature 20 is provided with a pair of opposed slotted tabs 23 and 24 aligned across one of its sides and partially overlapping axle 22.
  • the tabs 23 grip the side edges of disk 25, which is provided with complementary notches 38 and 39 formed inwardly from its side edges (Fig.9).
  • notch 38 is complementary to tab 23
  • notch 39 is complementary to tab 24.
  • the tabs and notches are of differing width so that the interfit between them automatically indexes and locates the flap 25 properly across the armature 20.
  • Armature 20 also supports a cylindrical permanent magnet 26 having opposed magnetic poles located about its periphery along a plane that intersects axis X-X and is perpendicular to it.
  • the angular position of armature 20 is controlled by switchable magnets 27 and 28 fixed to shell 10 within an integral magnet housing 30 protruding from the rear shell surface 13 (see Fig.7).
  • the magnets 27 and 28 have inwardly facing permanent magnet poles located adjacent to the periphery of the cylindrical magnet 26.
  • Magnets 27 and 28 are electrically switchable by electronic controls (not shown) which reverse their polarity. A substantial amount of such polarity remains as residual magnetism without the requirement for continuous electrical current.
  • the shell 10 also includes complementary angular extensions 31 and 32 which limit one angular position of disk 25.
  • the lower extension 31 projects forwardly from the front shell surface 12 about a first window section 40 located beneath axis X-X.
  • the upper extension 32 projects rearwardly from the rear shell surface 13 about a second window section 41 located above axis X-X.
  • Extension 31 terminates along an outer edge 33 which converges outward from axis X-X when viewed from the side.
  • a similar outer edge 34 is formed about extension 32, As seen from the side the two extensions 31 and 32 terminate along substantially coplanar outer edges 31 and 32, these edges being offset only by an amount equivalent to the thickness of the flap 25 which selectively contacts them.
  • Pane 36 might further include printed circuitry (not shown) for connection to the terminals of magnets 27 and 28 in each assembly.
  • Mounting projections 35 at the top and botto of the rear shell surface 13 are engageable through complementary apertures in the panel 36 to releasably fix the she 10 and its components to the matrix panel 36.
  • Shell 10 and its components are removable from panel 36 as a unit for repair or replacement purposes.
  • the disk 25 is not symmetrical about the axis X-X. It is operationally divided into a first disk end 42 and a second flap end 43 extending oppositely from armature 20 and pivot axis X-X.
  • the disk ends 42 and 43 are bounded on their sides by substantially parallel convex edges 44 and 45 which diminish in width outwardly from axis X-X. They intersect convex end edges 46 and 47 which are symmetrical across the width of disk 25.
  • first disk end 42 has a cross-sectional configuration complementary to and capable of passing through the first window section 40 on shell 10 when pivoted about axis X-X. Also, the cross- sectional configuration of the first disk end 42 is greater in both length and width than that of the second window section 41 of shell 10.
  • the second disk end 43 has a cross-sectional configuration greater than that of the first disk end. Its length is such as to extend outwardly to the peripheral edge 14 of shell 10 when in the reflective or fluorescent position shown in Figs.1 and 2.
  • Fig.12 which shows the reflective disk position
  • Fig.13 which shows the background or closed disk position
  • Fig.14 which shows the light transmitting disk position.
  • Fig.12 shows the reflective disk position
  • Fig.13 shows the background or closed disk position
  • Fig.14 shows the light transmitting disk position.
  • Disk 25 has visually contrasting outer surfaces 48 and 50 at opposite sides thereof.
  • Surface 48 shall be termed a "reflective” surface and surface 50 shell be termed a "background” surface.
  • Surface 48 can be covered or coated with any material or coloring that visually contrasts with the background color of shell 10 and panel 36. Fluorescent coatings have been preferred for maximum visibility under both natural and artificial lighting conditions.
  • Normally surface 50 and armature 20 will be painted or colored identically to the finish of shell 10 and the exposed portions of panel 36 so as to fade into the background of the display when viewed from the front. This background color is preferably black, but other colors can be utilized where desired.
  • Surface 50 is overlapped by armature 20, but since they are identically colored, this is not visually objectionable.
  • surface 48 faces outwardly opposite to the armature 20. Since it overlaps armature 20 it is unobstructed other than by the small area overlapped at each of its sides by the inwardly projecting mounting tabs 23 and 24.
  • Figs.15, 16 and 17 illustrate the alignment of the magnetic poles on permanent magnet 26 with respect to the plane of disk 25.
  • the magnets 27 and 28 continuously maintain disk 25 in each of its three alternate preset positions until they are reactivated to move it to another position. No mechanical latches or dampeners are included in the assembly.
  • the reflective position (Figs. 2 and 3) exposes most of the area about surface 48 to the front of the assembly to provide maximum visual contrast with the background elements about the matrix panel 36.
  • the first disk end 42 is locate within the first window section 40 of shell 10 and the second disk ends 43 overlaps the front surface 12 of shell 10 about the second section 41.
  • the only portions of the reflective or fluorescent surface 48 not visible are those overlapped by the tabs 23 and 24.
  • the maximum available area on disk 25 is exposed for visual impact in existing light.
  • the disk 25 In the second or background position (Fig.5), the disk 25 is rotated approximately 150 from the first position and rests with its edges against the edges 33 and 34 of extensions 31 and 32 , respectively. This exposes the background surface 50 to the front of shell 10.
  • the second disk end 43 overlaps and seals the outer edges 33 o the lower extension 31 about the first window section 40 o the shell 10.
  • the first disk end 42 overlaps and seals the outer edges 34 of the upper extension 32 about the second window section 40.
  • Disk 25 becomes part of the matrix background in this position. When the display is backlighted, disk 25 substantially stops passage of light in this position.
  • Transmittal of light through shell 10 is accomplished by selectively moving disk 25 to an intermediate position (Fig.6) between the two above-described positions. In this position, disk 25 will normally be almost horizontal, although it is preferable that the forward edge of disk 25 be inclined downwardly where the display is elevated and is to be viewed from a somewhat lower location.
  • the assembly can be backlighted by incandescent or fluorescent tubes or by any other source of light located rearward of the assemblies as diagrammatically shown at 51 in Figs. 15-17. In this position, it is desirable that the thin disk 25 be viewed on edge so as to obscure as little of the transmitted light as possible. In addition, interior surfaces viewable behind the panel 36 might be colored so as to contrast with the background coloring of the panel 36 and shell 10 when disk 25 is in this intermediate position.
  • armature 20 With the disk 25 substantially aligned parallel to the magnetic poles on permanent magnet 26, armature 20 is moved to the first position by driving the magnets to polarities opposed to the permanent magnet poles when disk 25 is upright. Movement of disk 25 to its background position is achieved by reversing the polarity of the magnets 27 and 28. The intermediate position of disk 25 is achieved in alternation with the background position by reversing the polarity of one magnet 27 or 28 only, using the other as a magnetic dampener to minimize fluttering of the disk 25 as it reaches the intermediate position.
  • the magnets 27 and 28 are arranged at approximately 45° orientations with respect to the upright position of disk 25 and the front and rear surfaces a2 and 1 3 of shell 10. They are also arranged at 45° from the horizontal and 90° from one another. Their magnetic axes converge and intersect at axis X-X. The 45° orientation of magnets 27 and 28 assures substantially horizontal positioning of disk 25 when in its intermediate position. The actual position of disk 25 in any of its three positions is a resultant of the magnetic moments exerted on the armature 20.
  • the above display assembly provides maximum areal contrast between the reflective and background conditions for daylight or frontligted use and between the backlighted and background positions for nighttime use or in darkened environments.
  • the operation of the display requires little energy, since the controlling magnets need only to be energized during resetting of indivdual disks 25. In many instances, no external lighting will be required during daylight hours.
  • the backlighting necessary in darkened environments requires substantially less energy than is th case with conventional lamp banks used in prior matrix displays.
  • the assembly is designed for simplified replaceme of disks 25 to compensate for fading or aging of the reflective finish on its surface 48.
  • Each disk 25 can be readily flexed inward toward its transverse center to release it from the armature tabs 23 and 24.
  • the entire armature assembly can also be released from she 10 by flexing axle 22 and pulling stubs 21 from bearings 17 Replacement of a disk or armature is no more difficult tha replacement of a lamp bulb in a lighted lamp matrix.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Devices For Indicating Variable Information By Combining Individual Elements (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
EP81201365A 1980-12-11 1981-12-11 Dispositif d'affichage matriciel Withdrawn EP0054336A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US21532180A 1980-12-11 1980-12-11
US06/215,359 US4380879A (en) 1980-12-11 1980-12-11 Matrix display
US06/215,358 US4389804A (en) 1980-12-11 1980-12-11 Matrix display
US215359 1980-12-11
US215321 1980-12-11
US215358 1988-07-05

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0054336A1 true EP0054336A1 (fr) 1982-06-23

Family

ID=27396106

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP81201365A Withdrawn EP0054336A1 (fr) 1980-12-11 1981-12-11 Dispositif d'affichage matriciel

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0054336A1 (fr)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2558288A1 (fr) * 1984-01-12 1985-07-19 Bodet Ets Dispositif d'affichage a segments basculants
GB2154040A (en) * 1984-01-09 1985-08-29 Staver Co Arrow display device
FR2585164A1 (fr) * 1985-07-22 1987-01-23 Soc Et Dev Prod Electron Cellule elementaire d'affichage pour panneau d'affichage a matrice de points
EP0294151A1 (fr) * 1987-06-01 1988-12-07 A/S Designs, Inc. Eléments d'affichage matriciels changeables
EP0349109A1 (fr) * 1988-06-29 1990-01-03 Mark IV Industries Limited Dispositif d'affichage
WO1990003018A1 (fr) * 1988-09-01 1990-03-22 Raychem Corporation Indicateur d'etat de fonctionnement d'un dispositif
FR2651358A1 (fr) * 1989-08-28 1991-03-01 Staver Co Ensemble d'affichage matriciel de caracteres graphiques et unite d'affichage pour un tel ensemble.
US5055832A (en) * 1989-06-09 1991-10-08 Dayco Products Canada Inc. Display element with notched disk

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3518664A (en) * 1966-07-18 1970-06-30 Ferranti Packard Ltd Magnetically actuable visual display surface with magnetic bias
US3540038A (en) * 1969-07-31 1970-11-10 Ferranti Packard Ltd Multi-color single axis magnetically actuated display or indicating element
US3975728A (en) * 1975-03-28 1976-08-17 Ferranti-Packard Limited Electromagnetic displays with resiliently mounted components
FR2443731A1 (fr) * 1978-12-08 1980-07-04 Mac Greevy Roy Afficheur a un caractere ou a plusieurs caracteres assembles en une matrice d'elements
FR2455776A1 (fr) * 1979-05-04 1980-11-28 Unisplay Sa Dispositif d'affichage matriciel perfectionne

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3518664A (en) * 1966-07-18 1970-06-30 Ferranti Packard Ltd Magnetically actuable visual display surface with magnetic bias
US3540038A (en) * 1969-07-31 1970-11-10 Ferranti Packard Ltd Multi-color single axis magnetically actuated display or indicating element
US3975728A (en) * 1975-03-28 1976-08-17 Ferranti-Packard Limited Electromagnetic displays with resiliently mounted components
FR2443731A1 (fr) * 1978-12-08 1980-07-04 Mac Greevy Roy Afficheur a un caractere ou a plusieurs caracteres assembles en une matrice d'elements
GB2038066A (en) * 1978-12-08 1980-07-16 Mcgreevy R Signs
FR2455776A1 (fr) * 1979-05-04 1980-11-28 Unisplay Sa Dispositif d'affichage matriciel perfectionne

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2154040A (en) * 1984-01-09 1985-08-29 Staver Co Arrow display device
FR2558288A1 (fr) * 1984-01-12 1985-07-19 Bodet Ets Dispositif d'affichage a segments basculants
US4663870A (en) * 1984-01-12 1987-05-12 Bodet Jean Pierre Display apparatus having pivotable segments
FR2585164A1 (fr) * 1985-07-22 1987-01-23 Soc Et Dev Prod Electron Cellule elementaire d'affichage pour panneau d'affichage a matrice de points
EP0210913A1 (fr) * 1985-07-22 1987-02-04 SOCIETE D'ETUDES POUR LE DEVELOPPEMENT DES PRODUCTIONS ELECTRONIQUES société anonyme Cellule élémentaire d'affichage pour panneau d'affichage à matrice de points
EP0294151A1 (fr) * 1987-06-01 1988-12-07 A/S Designs, Inc. Eléments d'affichage matriciels changeables
EP0349109A1 (fr) * 1988-06-29 1990-01-03 Mark IV Industries Limited Dispositif d'affichage
US5021773A (en) * 1988-06-29 1991-06-04 Nei Canada Limited Fibre optic display device
WO1990003018A1 (fr) * 1988-09-01 1990-03-22 Raychem Corporation Indicateur d'etat de fonctionnement d'un dispositif
US5055832A (en) * 1989-06-09 1991-10-08 Dayco Products Canada Inc. Display element with notched disk
USRE35357E (en) * 1989-06-09 1996-10-22 Mark Iv Industries, Ltd. Display element with notched disk
FR2651358A1 (fr) * 1989-08-28 1991-03-01 Staver Co Ensemble d'affichage matriciel de caracteres graphiques et unite d'affichage pour un tel ensemble.

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PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

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AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR GB IT NL SE

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Effective date: 19821222

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

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18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 19850103

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: WILLIAMS, CHARLES M.

Inventor name: ELLEFSEN, GEORGE E.

Inventor name: SEIBERT, LLOYD

Inventor name: MARTIN, ANTHONY