FR2517446A1 - Modular fibre=optic alphanumeric display for long-distance viewing - has liq. crystal shutters controlled by processor to form character from optical fibre matrix illuminated by high intensity light source - Google Patents

Abstract

The entire surface of the panel is formed of a variable number of interconnected modules. Each module comprises a high intensity light source connected to a fibre-optic network distributing light over a perforated alphanumeric matrix and associated optical shutters. Each shutter consists of a liq. crystal cell wired to a processing system which selectively controls the passage of light carried by the associated fibre. A moving or fixed display can thus be provided, e.g. for road or publicity messages, for long distance viewing (100-200m) irrespective of the ambient light levels. Typ. each alphanumeric module is formed of thirty five points.

Description

VARIABLE MESSAGE VISUAL COMMUNICATION PANEL
HIGH PERCEPTION HDP

 The invention relates to visual communication works with variable messages making it possible to display day and night, at will, thanks to a peripheral control element of alphanumeric characters or images.

These works are resistant to climatic bad weather and can be used outside as inside.

 In known works of this kind, two different conceptions exist: panels which visualize a message by reflection or by fluorescent activation of incident light rays, and so-called luminous panels which use light sources as constitutive elements of the message. These first devices using electro mechanical or electromagnetic systems have, despite certain advantages such as their low energy consumption, the major drawback of not developing a good perception of the message at a long distance (100 to 200 m) whatever the environment. bright associated. Likewise, the second devices have this same drawback linked both to the weakness of the intensity and to the divergence of the light rays emitted.

 The panel according to the invention has the purpose of remedying these drawbacks and therefore of obtaining a better degree of perception day and night, while improving the advantages of reliability, energy efficiency and maintenance. It is in fact made up of simple modules assembled together over the entire viewing area. Each module is made up of four bodies; the high intensity light source a network of optical fibers distributing the light, an alphanumeric perforated matrix and optical shutters. A peripheral computerized control system, connected to all the matrices, allows messages to be displayed on the panel.

The device according to the invention makes it possible, by acting on optical shutters nar exenple with liquid crystals by means of electrical pulses programmed by the central unit, to visualize, thanks to high-intensity light points and especially directional of the breaks. various with a high degree of cruel perception whatever the environment. The advantages obtained thanks to this invention consist essentially in that the light level is very strong, the constituent organs are simple and reliable and have good weather resistance.

The invention is set out below in more detail with the aid of an overall drawing of the panel - FIG. 1 - and a drawing representing the constituent bodies of a module - Fig. 2
As shown, Fig. 1, the panel (1) consists of modules (2) juxtaposed to each other thus forming the display plane of dimensions varying with the number of modules assembled. Each display module (2)
Fig. 2 - is made up of four organs: the high light intensity source (4) converges towards the network of the optical fiber bundle (5) which are distributed over the alphanumeric perforated matrix (35 points) - (6). Each light termination is located opposite a shutter cell (7) with liquid crystal, for example connected by wiring (9) to the computer control system (3), thereby making it possible to either close or open the cell. and therefore either the passage or the stop of the light transported by the optical fiber.

 The device, object of the invention can be used in all cases where variable or fixed visual message must be communicated to others regardless of the ambient environment. It can be used for pedestrian, road, river and air signaling, for the dissemination of general or advertising information messages.

Claims (5)

1 - Visual communication panel with variable messages with a high degree of perception (1) characterized in that it consists of a variable set of modules (2) juxtaposed. Each element is formed from a high light intensity source (4) from a set of optical fiber bundles (5) transporting and distributing light on a planar alphanumeric perforated matrix (6). Each termination of a bundle of optical fibers corresponds to a shutter cell (7) allowing the passage or stopping of the propagation of the light emitted by the source and transported by the optical fibers. 2 - Panel according to claim 1, characterized 'in that each panel is obtained by the juxtaposition of modules in unlimited number. 3 - Panel according to claim 1, characterized in that each module is composed of a high intensity light source (4) obtained by a halogen lamp for example with converging mirror, of a network of fiber optic bundles (5) transporting and distributing the light without loss towards a perforated alpha numerical matrix 35 points (6) and optical shutter cells (7) for example with liquid crystal on each terminations of the optical fibers.  4 panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the display control is performed by a peripheral system (3) computerized, connected to each shutter cell (7) by wiring (8). 5 - Panel according to claim 1, characterized in that the means making it possible to obtain a high degree of perception are due to the power of the emission light source, to the transport without loss of light by the optical fibers and to the convergence of light rays at the outlet of the matrix.