FR2610438A1 - Display element formed by a cube with a display toothing and an erase toothing, display panel comprising such display elements and display system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a display element for display panels. This display element in practice consists of a cube with four faces of different colours mounted so as to rotate around its axis of symmetry C1-C2 on fixed bars such as 14, 16, 18. Each element comprises first mechanical display means 42, allowing the display of a given colour by rotation, which are arranged on a first axial face 30, and controlled by control means as well as second erase control means 44 allowing reinitialisation of an initial colour, which are arranged on the second axial face 32, which are also controlled by advantageously separate control means. The mechanical display 42 or erase 44 means are preferably formed by a toothing. A simplification of the structure of the display element is obtained, making it possible to produce display panels of very large dimensions having great display safety.

Description

Display element formed by a cube with display teeth and erasure teeth, display panel comprising such display elements and display system.

 The invention relates essentially to a display element formed of a cube with a display toothing and an erasing toothing, a display panel comprising such display elements and a display system.

 Document FR-A-2 486 285 WAKATAKE already discloses display elements for a display panel, and a display panel comprising such display elements. The display elements are formed by bodies in the form of blocks1, for example a straight prism with four faces (page 2, line 39 and FIGS. 4 to 6). These blocks comprise two pairs of opposite display surfaces d1, d3 and d2, d4 having different colors and having a square cross section (page 3 lines 1 to 3). These blocks are provided with magnetic parts ml, m2, m3 and mO housed in the mass at the level of the parallel edges situated respectively between the display surfaces d1 and d4, between the surfaces d1 and d2, between the surfaces d2 and d3, and between the surfaces d3 and d4.Each of these magnetic pieces ml, m2 and m3 extends laterally and its length lî has a value close to the width of the member 4.

The magnetic piece mO also extends laterally but its length 12 is less than the length 'by being arranged in the center of the member 4 in the direction of the width of the latter (page 3, lines 4 to 14).

 The display element has an opening 5 through which passes a rod 6 which supports it, this opening has a cross section of a square section and shaped so that its two pairs of opposite corners are spaced respectively by a distance angular of 450 with respect to the parallel edges of the member 4 in the form of a right prism with four faces (page 3, lines 21 to 26).

 It is thus understood that the structure of these display elements is very complex and requires the incorporation into their mass of magnetic parts.

 To form display panels with such elements, it is necessary to use thousands of display elements, and therefore thousands of magnetic pieces which are very close to each other due to the small size of the display elements.

 The pivoting of these display elements to display a given color is obtained through the use of one of the electromagnet rules. There are therefore major risks of obtaining display errors by virtue of this command by electromagnets of magnetized parts, activated by the passage of the electromagnet rule near adjacent display elements which one would not wish not activate in rotation. In addition, because the openings have a square section defining corners, it is always possible that a display element is rotated imperfectly resulting in its support on a bad corner of the opening, thus increasing the risk of display errors.

 The present invention therefore aims to solve the new technical problem consisting in providing a solution allowing a radical simplification of design of the display element while eliminating or radically reducing the risk of display errors. .

 Another object of the present invention is to solve the new technical problem consisting in providing a solution making it possible to produce very large display surfaces which must be, for example, at least 5 × 10 m2.

 The present invention also aims to solve the new technical problem consisting in providing a solution allowing the use of a smaller number of members to constitute a display surface.

 The main object of the present invention is also to solve the new technical problem consisting in providing a solution making graphic animation possible on the displayed image.

 Another object of the present invention is to solve the new technical problem consisting in providing a solution leading to a greater definition of the image.

 The present invention also aims to solve the new technical problem consisting in providing a solution allowing a display speed significantly higher than that of prior polychromic systems, in particular by reducing the moment of inertia.

 Another object of the present invention is to solve the new technical problem consisting in providing a solution allowing the use of a simplified display and erasure management system.

 The present invention also aims to solve the new technical problem consisting in providing a solution allowing the writing and erasing functions to be carried out practically simultaneously.

 All of these new technical problems are solved for the first time simultaneously, in a particularly simple manner, with increased reliability and entirely reasonable manufacturing cost by the present invention.

 Thus, the present invention, according to a first aspect, provides a display element comprising a block-shaped member, comprising at least a first axial face and a second axial face arranged vertically or horizontally, substantially parallel to one another, joined together by a plurality of lateral surfaces constituting display surfaces of different colors and arranged substantially perpendicular to said first face and second axial face, by defining edges at the junctions therewith, said block member comprising at least one axis of symmetry passing through the center of said first axial face and second axial face, said block member comprising axial means for mounting said block-shaped member in rotation about its axis of symmetry, so that it can successively present each lateral face in position d display, as well as rotation means intended to be controlled by d es rotation control means for displaying or erasing a given color to define or erase information in combination with other identical display elements, characterized in that the rotation means comprise first mechanical means, called display means, allowing the display of a given color arranged on. the first axial face or the second axial face, integral with the latter in rotation, and controlled by said control means and second so-called mechanical erasing means allowing the reinitialization of an initial color, arranged on said first axial face or said second axial face, integral with the latter in rotation and controlled by said control means, preferably the control means comprise first control means controlling the first mechanical display means and second control means distinct from the first means control and commanding the second mechanical erasing means.

 According to a particular characteristic of the display element according to the invention, the first mechanical display means mentioned above are arranged on the first axial face and the second mechanical erasing means are arranged on the second axial face.

 According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the first mechanical display means comprise a first toothing comprising as many display teeth as there are side faces, each tooth having an associated side face and being arranged substantially perpendicular to said associated side face. and advantageously eccentrically relative to the plane of symmetry of said adjacent lateral face passing through the axis of symmetry of the block member, said first control means comprising indexes coming to control said display teeth; likewise, advantageously, the second mechanical erasing means comprise a second toothing comprising a number of teeth less than one unit than the number of lateral faces, each lateral face having an associated tooth, except the face which is opposite to the initial face or reset, each tooth being arranged substantially perpendicular to said associated lateral face and advantageously eccentrically with respect to the plane of symmetry of the associated lateral face passing through the axis of symmetry of the block member, the second control means comprising indices controlling said erasure teeth.

 According to another particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, the display teeth and the erasing teeth are formed by an excess thickness of the axial face, preferably each tooth is extended upstream relative to the direction of movement in rotation of the block member, by a flange substantially parallel to the edge of the associated side face and recessed with respect to said edge, so as to thus define an L, said flanges thus forming stops in rotation of the display element.

 According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned block-shaped member is of substantially cubic shape and thus comprises four lateral faces.

 According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the above-mentioned axial means for mounting the rotating member comprise an axial orifice passing through the member right through and ending at the first axial face and at the second axial face. Advantageously, the internal structure of the block-shaped member is hollow.

 According to another particularly advantageous characteristic, the erasure toothing is the projection of the display toothing minus a tooth situated opposite the face carrying the initial or reset color.

 According to another particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, the display element comprises a braking element in rotation of the block-shaped member, preferably disposed inside the axial orifice.

 According to another advantageous characteristic, the block-shaped member can be produced in several nestable parts, preferably in a low density material such as a plastic material, in order to significantly lower the moment of inertia of the element. display which is therefore advantageously of low moment of inertia.

 The invention also relates, according to a second aspect, to a display panel comprising a structure with a display surface formed by a multitude of display elements arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction and spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the horizontal direction so as to form horizontal rows of display elements and vertical columns of display elements, each display element being as defined above.

 According to a currently preferred embodiment, the display elements are mounted for rotation about a vertical axis of rotation but could naturally be mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis of rotation.

 According to a particular characteristic of the display panel of the invention, the display elements are mounted in rotation by column or row on fixed rotation shafts arranged in column or row, all of these fixed shafts are mounted on a frame serving as a frame delimiting the display surface.

 According to a particularly advantageous characteristic, the display elements of the same column are mounted in rotation on a single fixed shaft of rotation.

 According to another particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, the display elements are separated from each other by means forming stop segments with a diameter smaller than that of the block-shaped members, thereby isolating the rotation of a block-shaped organ relative to another in the same column.

 According to yet another particularly advantageous characteristic of the display panel according to the invention, the means forming stop segments, either of the same row, or of the same column, are mounted on spacing and holding blades according to a predetermined space so as to define either columns or rows of display elements. Preferably, the spacing blades comprise recesses, preferably in the shape of a U, produced according to the aforementioned spacing, in which the fixed shafts are housed, the aforementioned spacing being preferably equal to at least half of the diagonal characterizing the display element.

 According to another particularly advantageous characteristic of the display panel according to the invention, the aforementioned rotary control means comprise a longitudinal structure provided with a plurality of indexes, per aforementioned row or column, moving parallel behind the plane formed by the surface formed by display elements; preferably, the spacing between the longitudinal structure and the plane of the block-shaped members is at least equal to half the diagonal of the display element.

 According to another particularly advantageous characteristic of the display panel according to the invention, the aforementioned first control means in rotation comprise a first longitudinal display structure provided with a plurality of retractable display indexes, by row or column, moving parallel behind the plane formed by the surface formed by the display elements and in the plane of the first mechanical display means mentioned above.

Likewise, the aforementioned second rotation control means comprise a second longitudinal erasure structure provided with a plurality of fixed erasure indexes, preferably three fixed indexes for a block-shaped member constituted by a cube with four side faces forming four display surfaces
According to a particular characteristic, the retractable indexes are retracted or put into action by electromechanical or pneumatic control means.

 According to another particularly advantageous characteristic of the display panel according to the invention, the first longitudinal display structure and the second longitudinal erasure structure are mounted on the same rule, the second longidutinal erasure structure is arranged in front of the first longitudinal display or writing structure, each structure comprising three indexes in the case where the display element is constituted by a cube with four lateral sides of different color, to allow rotation by quarter turn.

 According to an advantageous characteristic, the aforementioned indexes are spaced at a precise identical spacing, preferably equal to or less than the distance between the left edge of the aforementioned toothing and the right edge of the block-shaped display element .

 According to another advantageous characteristic, the speed of movement of the rule is linked to the moment of inertia of the display elements. Preferably, these indexes are provided with means for stopping the rotation of the display elements, preferably constituted by a lateral protuberance upstream of the index which then has an L shape.

 On the other hand, each longitudinal structure forming a rule may comprise at least one element correcting the position of the display elements after rotation, preferably formed by a flat face of greater length alongside the display element, advantageously with two faces. oblique at the ends. Preferably, this corrective element is made of a non-rigid material, advantageously formed by a set of flexible bristles which have the advantage of preventing the transfer of dust on the colored faces. They can therefore be arranged over the entire dimension of the colored face to completely sweep it.

 According to another particularly preferred characteristic of the display panel according to the invention, an index among the retractable indexes is controlled by a first control member while the other two retractable indexes are mounted integral and controlled simultaneously by a second independent control member of the first control member.

 The invention also relates, according to a third aspect, to a display system characterized in that it comprises at least one display panel as defined above, which preferably forms part of a peripheral display unit advantageously equipped an internal IT system. Preferably, the display system comprises a server center for managing a set of images sent to at least one peripheral display unit.

 It is thus understood that the invention makes it possible to solve for the first time all the new technical problems previously stated and results in all the technical advantages previously stated in a particularly simple, rapid manner and guaranteeing practically no display error thanks to the mechanical means. for rotating the display elements constituted by teeth integrated or forming a body with the display elements.

 Other objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clear in the light of the explanatory description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawings representing a presently preferred embodiment of the invention given simply by way of illustration and which therefore cannot in any way limit the scope of the invention.

In the drawings
- Figure 1 schematically shows a display system according to the invention comprising a server center and several peripheral display units each of which comprises a display panel according to the invention made from a plurality of elements d display according to the invention;
- Figure 2 is a perspective view, enlarged, exploded, in partial section of a portion of the display surface of the display panel according to the invention, allowing to see three successive columns of display elements according the invention as well as four successive rows
- Figure 3 is a top view of a display element according to the invention, shown in Figure 2
- Figure 4 is a front view of a display element shown in Figure 2
- Figure 5 is a bottom view of a display element shown in Figure 2
- Figure 6 is a view showing in a developed manner the structure of each display element shown in Figures 2 to 5, and clearly designating the four colored side faces, of a different color, for example blue, white, red, yellow
- Figure 7 is a schematic top view clearly showing the first longitudinal display or writing structure and the second longitudinal erasing structure, the second longitudinal erasing structure being disposed before the first display or writing structure writing, these structures being combined to form a rule, a rule being present by row or line of display element;
- Figures 8 to 12 show how the rotation of the display elements is obtained so as to achieve a maximum rotation of 3/4 of a turn, in order to be able to change the display color at will
- Figures 13 to 16 show how a selective, individual rotation of each display element is obtained by the use of retractable indexes according to the invention
- And Figure 17 shows a flowchart of general organization of the display system.

 Referring to Figure 1, there is shown the principle of the organization of the network or display system according to the invention. This first comprises a server center represented by the general reference number 1, for managing a set of images, which can be preconceived or else designed using incorporated or auxiliary computer means, and which are then sent by the server center to at least one peripheral display unit represented by the general reference number 2. In the example of FIG. 1, five peripheral display units 2 have been represented, for example. that the same image is sent to all peripheral display units 2 or that different images are sent to peripheral display units 2.

 Each peripheral display unit has a conventional exterior structure. These peripheral display structures being most generally placed outside, their exposure to the weather will require the production of a sealed box 3 for protection of the systems and mechanisms composing the display board, the surfaces of which can be seen in FIG. 1. display 4 by a glass opening allowing a perfect view of the entire display surface. In order to be properly visible, these boxes will usually be raised by a base 5 firmly anchored in the ground. The data teletransmission network has been symbolized at 6 in order to allow information to be exchanged with the server center 1. We understand that it is necessary to have an electrical supply used for the operation of each peripheral display unit and for its exterior lighting. Advantageously, provision may be made for the presence of a ventilation group integrated into the boxes 3, enabling the front glazed surface to be demisted, electric heating and air conditioning of the entire volume containing the display system. The management of this ventilation group can be entrusted to a computerization system internal to the peripheral display unit or part of the server center. A temporary emergency battery supply can be provided in the event of a power failure in order to save the computer parameters, essential for resuming activity.

 Referring to Figure 2, there is shown the structure of a display panel according to the invention, very enlarged, and very exploded, for a better understanding thereof.

 This display panel represented by the general reference number 10 comprises a structure with a display surface formed by a multitude of display elements 12, all of identical structures, arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction and spaced between them by a predetermined distance in the horizontal direction so as to form horizontal rows of display elements which have been shown here as the rows Rm-l 'Rmt Rm + 1, Ru + 2, and vertical columns of display elements of which the columns of indices Cn 19 Cn and Con + 1 have been shown here.

 It will be observed that according to the invention, the display elements 12 are mounted in rotation along a vertical axis of rotation Y-Y. It can also be a horizontal axis of rotation, which reverses the relative arrangement in rows and columns.

 The display elements 12 are preferably mounted in rotation by columns or rows on fixed shafts such as 14, 16, 18, of rotation, arranged in columns or rows, as shown, all of these fixed shafts being mounted on a frame (not shown for clarity of the drawings), and serving as a frame delimiting the display surface 4. Advantageously, the display elements 12 of the same column Con 1 or C n or Cn + 1 are mounted in rotation on a single shaft 14, or 16, or 18 fixed rotation.

 According to an advantageous characteristic of the display panel according to the invention, the display elements 12 are separated from each other by means forming stop segments such as 20, with a diameter less than this of the display elements 12, thereby isolating the rotation of a given display element 12 relative to another of the same column.

 Preferably, the means forming stop segments 20, either of the same row, or of the same column, are mounted on spacing and holding blades 22 at a predetermined spacing so as to define either columns, as shown, i.e. rows of display elements 12.

 Preferably, the spacing blades 22 include U-shaped recesses 24 made according to the aforementioned spacing in which the stop segments 20 are mounted, in which the fixed shafts such as 14 16, 18 are housed, as clearly understandable from the consideration of Figure 2.

 Preferably, the abovementioned spacing is equal to at least half of the diagonal characterizing the display element 12 which is formed by a block-forming member which will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.

 The display element 12 comprises a block-shaped member, comprising at least a first axial face 30 and a second axial face 32 arranged vertically, as shown, or horizontally, being substantially parallel to each other, joined together by a plurality of lateral surfaces 34, 36, 38, 40 constituting display surfaces of different colors, for example blue, white, red, yellow respectively. These lateral surfaces are arranged substantially perpendicular to the first axial face 30 and the second axial face 32, by defining edges at the junctions therewith.

 The block member constituting the display element 12 comprises at least one axis of symmetry passing through the center C1 of the first axial fax machine 30 and through the center C2 of the second axial face 32. This block member 12 comprises axial means 41 for mounting the block-shaped member 12 in rotation about its axis of symmetry, in fact C1-C2, so that it can present each side face consecutively in the display position, as will be explained more away, as well as rotation means intended to be controlled by rotation control means 50, for displaying or erasing a given color to define or erase information in combination with other elements of identical display 12.

 According to the invention, the means for rotating comprise first mechanical means 42, called display means, allowing the display of a given color, arranged here on the first axial face 30, although they can also be arranged on the second axial face 32.

 The first mechanical display means 42 are here integral in rotation with the first axial face 30 and controlled by the control means 50.

 The means for rotating also include second mechanical means 44, called erasing means, allowing the reinitialization of an initial color, arranged here on the second axial face 32, while also being integral with the latter in rotation and controlled by control means 50. It is understood that the second mechanical erasing means 32 could as well be arranged on the same axial face as the first erasing means 42.

 According to the preferred embodiment shown, the first mechanical display means 42 comprise a first toothing comprising as many display teeth 60, 62, 64, 66 as there are lateral faces, each tooth (for example 66) having a lateral face associated (for example 36) and being disposed substantially perpendicular to said associated lateral face, advantageously eccentrically to the plane of symmetry of the associated lateral face passing through the axis of symmetry C1-C2 of the block-shaped member.

 Preferably, the control means 50 comprise first control means 52, see FIG. 7, comprising indexes 54, 56, 58 coming to control the display teeth 60 to 66.

 Similarly, the second mechanical erasing means 44 preferably comprise a second toothing comprising a number of teeth 70, 74, 76 less than one unit than the number of lateral faces. It is thus understood that according to the preferred embodiment, the block member 12 being constituted by a cube which comprises four lateral faces, the number of teeth of the second toothing is equal to 3.

 Each lateral face 34 to 40 therefore has an associated tooth except the face (40) which is opposite to the initial reset face, that is to say here the face 36. As for the first toothing, each tooth 70 , 74, 76 of the second toothing is arranged substantially perpendicular to the associated lateral face and advantageously eccentrically to the plane of symmetry of the associated lateral face passing through the axis of symmetry C1-C2 of the block member here a cube, as is clearly visible in particular in 1 FIG. 6. Likewise, the aforementioned control means 50 comprise second control means 80 comprising indexes 82, 84, 86 coming to control the erasing teeth 70, 74, 76 .

 It is also understood that the number of indexes is also one unit less than the number of side faces. Just rotate all of the side faces minus one to display the color of all side faces.

 According to the preferred embodiment shown, the display teeth 60 to 66 and the erasing teeth 70, 74, 76 are formed by an excess thickness of the axial face 30 or 32, respectively. Preferably, each tooth is extended upstream relative to the direction of displacement in rotation of the block member, here a cube, by a flange 60a, 62a, 64a, 66a for each display tooth 60 to 66, or 70a , 76a, 74a for each erasing tooth 70, 74, 76, which is substantially parallel to the edge of the associated lateral face and recessed with respect to the edge, as clearly visible in FIGS. 3 to 6 in particular, from so as to thus define an L. The edges thus form stops in rotation of the display element. A rim 72a is also provided following the rim 74a despite the absence of a tooth associated with the face 40 for a simplification of manufacturing the extra thickness forming the toothing 44 and for the reinforcement of the display element.

 As has been said previously, the block-shaped member 12 is preferably of substantially cubic shape and thus comprises four lateral faces. In addition, the aforementioned axial means 41 for mounting the rotating member comprise an axial orifice 90 passing through the member right through and ending at the first axial face 30 and at the second axial face 32.

Advantageously, the internal structure of the display element 12 is hollow, which makes it possible to significantly reduce the moment of inertia of each display element.

 According to a particular embodiment, the display element 12 can be made of several nestable parts, preferably of a low density material, for example plastic, in order to further lower the moment of inertia. of each display element 12.

 It is also possible to provide for the presence of a braking element in rotation of the display element 12, preferably disposed inside the axial orifice 90 and which will therefore rub against the fixed shafts such as 14, 16 , 18.

 According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the erasure toothing 44 is the projection of the display toothing 42 minus a tooth situated opposite the face (36) carrying the initial or reset color, which is for example here the color white.

 On the other hand, according to a particularly preferred embodiment, the retractable indexes 54, 56, 58 are retracted or put into action by electromechanical or pneumatic control means. Electromechanical control elements of the electromagnet type are currently preferred.

 According to a more preferred embodiment, a retractable index, for example the retractable index 54, is controlled by a first control member 92 while the other two retractable indexes 56, 58, of the display device are mounted integral with having a common base 57, FIG. 7, and are controlled simultaneously by a second control member 94 independent of the first control member 92. These control members 92, 94 are in the example shown consisting of electromagnets whose bar is constituted by a rod 93 or 95 integral with the index 54 or the common part 57 of the indexes 56, 58, respectively. It is thus understood that by actuation of the electromagnets 92, 94, it is possible to obtain a movement for advancing the indexes 54, 56, 58, in the position shown in FIG. 7, or for retraction avoiding rotation of the display elements 12. We understand that when we want to perform a rotation of a quarter turn, we will only actuate the electromagnet 92 controlling the index 54, while for a rotation of 2/4 turn it will suffice to activate the electro-magnet 94 simultaneously controlling the indexes 57 and 58 and that for a rotation of 3/4 of a turn, the two electromagnets 92, 94 will be controlled simultaneously. The display of any device can therefore be obtained very simply which colored side face 34, 36, 38, 40.

 Advantageously, each index finger is provided with a lateral protuberance 54a, 56a, 58a, 82a, 84a, 86a, arranged downstream relative to the direction of advance, in the plane of the display teeth 42 or erasure 44 so as to to stop the rotation of the display element 12 by resting on the next tooth thus serving as a stop.

 It will thus be understood that the rebound backward movement of the display element 12 after rotation will be eliminated by the action of the braking means, such as a felt pad, located inside each element. display 12. It is advantageously provided that these braking means will induce a friction force greater than the moment of inertia generated by the impact of the teeth on the stop. This braking action can be improved by providing that the fixed shafts, such as 14, 16, 18 are grooved obliquely, advantageously in the direction of rotation of the cubes, so as to offer a high resistance to rotation in the opposite direction.

 Naturally, the retractable indexes 54, 56, 58 are mounted to be displaceable relative to a bar 53 forming a chassis which makes it possible to support all the mechanisms and in particular the control means 92, 94. Advantageously, one or more elements 100, 102 can be provided, 104 position correctors for display elements 12 before and / or after rotation. Each element will usually be composed of a flat face 100a, 102a, 104a of a length greater than the sides of the display element 12, flush with the rear plane of the display elements, and of two oblique faces 100b, 100c; 102b, 102c; 104b, 104c intended to slide into the space separating the display elements 12 from the bar 53 defining the display rule. Each corrector element can advantageously be made of non-rigid material so that it is not damaged if two display elements 12 are blocked between them. It is preferable to use a set of flexible bristles arranged over the entire dimension of one side of a lateral face so as to also have the function of preventing the deposition of dust on the colored lateral faces of the display elements 12.

 According to another preferred characteristic of the invention, the longitudinal erasing structure 80 also in the form of a rule comprises a rigid bar 81 comprising three projections defining the fixed indexes 82, 84, 86. According to the invention, preferably, this bar 81 of the erasing system 80 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 110 parallel to the plane of the display surface formed by the display elements 12 so that it can be pivoted in the direction of the arrow F, FIG. 7. bar 81 forming erasing rule has a rear extension 117 to which is fixed an elastic return means 118 fixed at its opposite end on an extension 120 of bar 53 forming a display rule, so that the rule is put in a retracted position or inactive at rest, and that it is controlled in the active position, as shown, by a control means 112 constituted for example simply by an electromagnet 114.

Thus, this erasing rule 81 comes to be disposed in an appropriate opening 116, offset here ves the bottom of the rule 53 of the writing system 52 and so that this rule 81 can bring the indexes 82, 84, 86 in the plane of the erasure toothing 44. Advantageously, also as shown, the erasure structure 80, in fact constituted by the rule 81, is mounted so that the erasure indexes, 82, 84, 86 are located before, or upstream with respect to the direction of movement D relative to the retractable indexes 54, 56, 58 of the display system 52.

Thus, one can produce an erasure before the display
Naturally, there must be a combined structure of display 52 and erasure 80 by creepers or rows of display elements 12. Thus, if there is a range or liana of display elements. there will be D times the structure shown in Figure 7. All of these structures can be mounted on a common chassis. that is to say in fact the bar 53 supporting the entire display or writing system 52 and the erasure system 80, so as to allow a modification of the display on the whole of the display surface, column by column, as the whole of this common structure progresses. It can be provided that this common structure is controlled by a drive system, for example with belt, of tvpe shown in Figure 1 of document FR-A-2 486 285. Thanks to this overall structure, qraphiaues effects can be produced.

Thus, at the time of the appearance of a new imaqe, there may follow a visible effect represented by a vertical zone of the reset color, for example the white color, moving for example from left to right. To the left of this area, the new image will appear as soon as on the right the old one will disappear.

 It is also possible, by removing the erasing structure 80 by pivoting about the pivot axis 110.

by inactivation of the solenoid 114. write new information. or image, without first erasing. This will allow you to create a graphic animation on information or an image already displayed. It will also be possible to write an image in several passes instead of just one, that is to say, to move a left motif on the right on the display surface.

 With reference to FIGS. 8 to 12, the various stages are shown successively making it possible to obtain a maximum rotation of 3/4 of a turn by the successive action of the three retractable indexes 54, 56, 58 of the writing system 52. The position of the initial tooth on which aqit the first index 54 is marked by a small arrow so as to reDerate its successive positions after rotation. Figs 8 to 12 make it possible to understand how the displacement of the rule 53 makes it possible to successively rotate the display elements of the same row.

 With reference to FIGS. 13 to 16., there is shown how it is possible to obtain a selective rotation of a number of quarter turns given with the writing system 52. Let for example be three successive display elements 12 constituted by cubes referenced 1, 2. 3 and the writing display rule 53 comprising an electromagnet El as control member 92 of the index 54 and an electromagnet E2 as control member ga of the following two indexes 56 and 58. The initial position cubes 1. 2.

3 is symbolized by a small arrow on the tooth which will first of all be actuated by the first index 54. in a similar manner to FIGS. 8 to 12.

 The indexes are in the rest position or inactive. in the retracted position, such as for example the indexes 56. 58 of the electromagnet E2 in FIG. 13 and in the active position. in the extended position, such as for example the index 54 of the electromagnet El at the bottom 13. Thus, when the rule 53 arrives at the level of the cube N01. the activation of the electromagnet El brings out the index 54 so as to produce a rotation of a quarter turn of the cube NO1 as shown in FIG. 14. Next. the indexes 56. 58 of the electromagnet E2 arrive at the level of the cube N01. If you want to obtain an additional 2/4 turn rotation. this electromagnet E2 is activated, as shown in FIG. 14. During the continuation of this movement of advancement of the line 53. we pass through the intermediate position of FIG. 15 where an index 56 of the electromagnet E2 has struck a additional quarter-turn rotation of cube N01. If we want to avoid a rotation of the cube N02. the electromagnet E1 has been inactivated to cause the withdrawal of the index finger 54, as shown in FIG. 15.

 Continued advancement of rule 53 finally leads the index 58 to cause a new rotation of a quarter turn of the cube N01 by action on the next tooth. It will be observed that the index 56 is provided so as not to have yet caused rotation on the cube N02. Thus, if the electromagnet E2 is kept in the activated position. continuing to advance on rule 53 will cause the cube N02 to rotate by 2/4 of a turn. We understand that if we want to cause, for example, a rotation of the cube N03 by one turn, it will be necessary to activate the electromagnet El to take out the index 54 and to deactivate the electromagnet E2 when it passes through the cube N03 to deactivate indexes 56 and 58.

 It is also understood that the distance between the indexes 54.

56. 58 must be adapted to the dimension of the side of the cube so as to allow an independent rotation action of the cubes by the successive pass of the three indexes 54. 56 and 58. The spacing between the indexes 54. 56. 58 is identical and will therefore be calculated according to the size of the display elements, here cubes. and the shape of the teeth. Advantageously. this space will be equal to the distance between the left edge of the teeth and the right edge of the cube, that is to say the distance d shown in Figure 13 on the cube N03. The distance between the simultaneously controlled indexes 56 and 58 can be reduced without changing the spacing between the first index 54 and the last index 58. in order to accelerate the speed of rotation of the cubes or display elements 12.

 We also understand for hearing a correct rotation command. the displacement of the rule 53 is carried out on quidaae rails and ensured by means of toothed belts.

of worms, racks and pinions. chains or any other system allowing perfect synchronization with the electric drive motor (s) which will preferably be of the stepping type. Indeed, the functioning of this motor will be essential because it is advantageously from the counting of these steps that the position of rule 53 will be determined and that the control pulses of the electromagnets will be sent by the server center or by the computer system. unit internal 2.

To ensure perfect operation. it is thus preferred that each peripheral display unit is equipped with an internal computer system whose tasks will be as follows:
- liaise with server center 1,
- store the broadcast images and manage their frequency of passing:
- control, synchronize the operation of the display panel mechanisms (electromagnets, stepper motors)
- control, analyze the operation of the various organs of the display system, using status sensors and make the decision to report to the server center 1 in the event of an anomaly detection.

The implementation of the image will therefore be as follows
- for exemple. we will take the case of a painting before a height of about 5 meters and a length of 10 meters.

The corresponding display surface will respectively consist of 320 x 640 display elements, for example for small cubic elements (12.7 mm) and therefore of low moment of inertia, the number of rows being 320 and the number of columns of 640. the rows being arranged horizontally and the columns vertically.

 It is thus understood that such a peripheral display unit will have 320 writing 52 and erasing systems 54 as shown in FIG. 7. the movement of movement of which will be common by mounting all of the bars 53 forming a rule on a common chassis or frame It will therefore be necessary to use a total of 320 single-index El electromagnets (referenced 92) and 320 double-index E2 electromagnets (referenced 94).

 To display an image stored on the internal computer system, the latter must therefore read the data as the bars 53 forming a rule on the table progress.

 The first operation carried out will be the execution of the sequence of control of the display organs by the internal computer system. The purpose of this control sequence is to test the various mechanical participants in the display system.

 The bodies subject to control are specified below. This list is however not exhaustive and will depend on the technical means employed.

:: Oranes: Tests: Stepper motors ... = step: Rotation in both directions Rule 53 (displacement): Advance and return: Index of writing: Return and exit of all: (53. 56 58):: indexes
Erasure structure: Inactivation or activation of (80): labarre 81:
If the results of all the tests in this sequence are positive. then the implementation of the image continues. Otherwise, the process is stopped and the server center 1 is immediately informed.

 At the end of this sequence, the erasing structure 80 will be placed in the active position, in order to rotate all the display elements 12 up to the reset face, for example the white face, before writing the new picture.

 The rules 53 moving parallel in the horizontal direction. the image will be displayed column by column. In order to know the position of the indexes relative to the teeth of a given display element or cube 12, the internal computer will count the steps of the drive motor of the rules 53.

 So. a number of steps will therefore be necessary for rule 53 to get from its rest position. for example at the left end of the display surface 4. up to the point where the first index 54 will be close to the teeth of the first display element or cube 12 of column C1.

 At this precise moment, the information contained in the first 320 pairs of data or bits used to define the displayed image will be sent simultaneously to the 320 electromagnets El single-index in the form of pulses causing the output of the indexes 54 (this position being coded 1 as the active position) or leaving them at rest (this position being coded O for the inactive position).

 The counting of the steps then continues until the second index 56 is near the teeth of the first display element or cube of the first column. N01 figure 13.

The information contained in the following 320 data pairs or bits is sent to the 320 double-index E2 electromagnets in the form of pulses causing either the output of the indexes (coded position 1) or leaving them at rest (coded position 0).

The summary of operations and their order of execution are presented in the table below
TITLE ABBREVIATION
Single-index electromagnet -------------------------- El
Double-index electromagnet -------------------------- E2
Number of steps from rest position to PO working position
Number of steps between reading the data El - E2 ....................... P1
Number of steps between reading the data in the next column ................. P2
Number of steps to reverse position P3
Counting Sending Column Type setting data steps on rotating data
PO El O or 1 1
P1 E2 O or 1 1
P2 El 0 or 1 2
Pl E2 0 or 1 2
P2 El O or 1,640
P1 E2 O or 1,640
P2 El O
P1 E2 0
P3
The image display cycle can therefore be summed up in nine distinct phases 1 - execution of the control sequence 2 - activation of the erasing system 3 - setting in motion of the rule 53 4 - start of the writing process 5 - end of the writing process 6 - deactivation of the erasure system 80-81 7 - stop of the rule 53 at the end of the race 8 - return to the starting position 9 - stop at the starting position, end of the cycle .

 It is thus conceivable that it is possible to produce a display in complete safety, and also in an extremely rapid manner due to the well-known speed of execution of computer systems. A relatively high speed of passage can be obtained, due also the low moment of inertia of the display elements 12, of the order of 20 to 60 cm per second.

 It is also understood that the overall design of the display system according to the invention is to be able to manage, from the server center 1, a set of images sent to peripheral display units 2, without limitation of number.

 The display system according to the invention, polychromic, or a computer system composed of a central unit and peripheral elements, is designed so that the peripheral display units 2 can communicate with the host center 1. Since the peripheral display units 2 will work remotely with respect to the server center 1, the monitoring of the correct functioning of the display must be carried out by the abovementioned internal computer system of each display unit 2.

 This option has several advantages. First of all, this will relieve the server center of a control task, of importance proportional to the number of peripheral display units 2. and therefore limiting from this point of view. Then, this will allow a minimum occupancy of the communication network between the server center 1 and the display peripheral units 2, thus reducing the operating costs.

 Finally, this solution will make it possible to size the hardware of the server center 1 at reasonable proportions and mainly to reserve it for the creation of image management.

 The operational control and monitoring part will therefore be entrusted to the internal computer system located in each peripheral display unit 2, which will itself be provided with self-diagnostic software. The own monitoring of the connection system will be carried out by a protocol based on the daily call and the communication of the parameters which, in the event of absence, will cause immediate intervention by a control team. These operating reports will be sent to the server center 1 via the remote transmission network.

 It is thus understood that it will also be very easy to carry out a monitoring task with the display system according to the invention.

 The role of the server center 1 could advantageously be to create images, to process them and to send them to the peripheral display units 2. Its object will also be to centralize all the information coming regularly from the peripheral display units and to need to intervene remotely on the progress of a procedure (write, erase).

The computer equipment used by the server center 1 will therefore be used on the one hand for graphics, and on the other hand for interactive telematics.

 The image visible on the polychromic display faces 4 may come from either synthetic images. or images supplied by a video source, as shown in Figure 17.

 These images will then be processed by a computer system for image interpretation analysis. This interpretation will consist in dividing the image into as many rows and columns as the display surface 4 has. In a second step, a computer will analyze each point, in order to determine its color and deduce the corresponding color combination on the display surface, knowing that there is a choice between four different colors for four different surfaces d 'display of each display element 12, for example blue yellow. red had white.

 It is thus understood that the digital image will not be doubted directly exploitable because of the many shades of colors of a real image. It will therefore be necessary to make adjustments aiming to unify the shades, taking into account the palette of colors available, here only four.

 If the image is created directly on the computer console, it will select a palette of images identical to those of the display panel and will propose a palette composed of the four colors mentioned above, as well as possible shades.

 The shades in question are obtained by juxtaposition of two different colors of column and / or of adjacent row, by decreasing by as much the fineness of resolution. For example, to get the color green. it will be necessary to juxtapose a cube presenting a yellow face and another showing a blue face. We will be able to flexibly create and modify the images designed using a digital tackle attached to the computer.

 Following this image creation phase, the computer will make this image directly interpretable for the peripheral display units 2. The images thus interpreted will be stored in a storage device for the usual interpreted images, for example a medium. computer data, such as floppy disks. These interpreted images thus stored can then be transmitted by a communication interface with the bulletin boards, thanks to links by the remote transmission networks to the internal computer management systems of the bulletin boards or peripheral display units which will then command display on various bulletin boards.

Claims (30)

1. Display element comprising a block-shaped member (12) comprising at least a first axial face (30) and a second axial face (32) arranged vertically or horizontally substantially parallel to one another, joined together by a plurality of surfaces lateral (34, 36. 38. 40) constituting display surfaces of different colors and arranged substantially perpendicular to said first face and second axial face by defining edges at the junctions therewith. said block member (12) comprising at least one axis of symmetry (C1-C2) passing through the center of said first axial face and second axial face, said block member (12) comprising axial means (41) for mounting said member in the form of a block (12) rotating around its axis of symmetry (C1-C2) so that it can successively present each lateral face in the display position, as well as means for rotating intended to be controlled by rotation control means (50) for displaying or erasing a given color to define or erase information in combination with other identical display elements, characterized in that the means for rotating comprise first mechanical means known as display (42) allowing the display of a given color, arranged on the first axial face (30) or the second axial face (32), integral with the latter in rotation, and controlled by said control means; and second so-called mechanical erasing means (44) allowing the reinitialization of an initial color, arranged on said first axial face (30) or said second axial face (32), controlled by said control means; preferably, the control means (50) comprise first control means (52) controlling the first mechanical display means (42) and second control means (80) distinct from the first control means (52) and controlling the second mechanical erasing means (44). 2. Display element according to claim 1. characterized in that the first mechanical display means (42) are arranged on the first axial face (30) and the second mechanical erasing means (44) are arranged on the second axial face (32). 3. Display element according to claim 1 or 2. characterized in that the first mechanical display means (42) comprise a first toothing comprising as many display teeth (60, 62, 64, 66) as there are lateral faces, each tooth having an associated lateral face, being disposed substantially perpendicular to said associated side face and advantageously eccentrically to the plane of symmetry of the associated side face passing through the axis of symmetry of the block-shaped member (12). said first control means (52) comprising indexes (54, 56, 58) coming to control said display teeth; similarly, the second mechanical erasing means (44) comprise a second toothing comprising a number of teeth (70, 74, 76) less than one unit than the number of lateral faces, each lateral face having an associated tooth except the face which is opposite to the initial reset face, each tooth being disposed substantially perpendicular to said associated side face and advantageously eccentrically with respect to the plane of symmetry of the associated side face passing through the axis of symmetry (C1-C2) of the 'block member (12). the second control means (80) comprising indexes (82, 84, 86) controlling said erasure teeth (70, 74, 76). 4. Display element according to claim 3, characterized in that the display teeth (60 to 66) and the erasing teeth (70, 74, 76) are formed by an additional thickness of the axial face, preferably each tooth is extended upstream relative to the direction of displacement in rotation of the block member, by a flange (60a, 62a, 64a, 66a; 70a, 72a, 74a, 76a) substantially parallel to the face of the edge of the associated side face and set back relative to the edge so as to thus define an L, said edges thus forming stops in rotation of the display element. 5. Display element according to claim 3 or 4. characterized in that the erasing toothing (44) is the projection of the toothing (42) minus a tooth situated opposite the face carrying the initial or reset color. 6. Display element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the aforementioned block-shaped member (12) is of substantially cubic shape and thus comprises four lateral faces. 7. Display element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the above-mentioned axial means (41) for mounting the rotating member comprise an axial orifice (90) passing through the shaped member. block (12) right through and ending at the first axial face (30) and at the second axial face (32); advantageously the internal structure of the block-shaped member (12) is hollow. 8. Display element according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a braking element in rotation of the block-shaped member (12), preferably disposed inside the axial orifice (90 ). 9. Display element according to any one of claims 1 to 8. characterized in that the aforementioned block-shaped member (12) is produced in several nestable parts, in a low density material, preferably in material plastic. 10. Display panel (10) comprising a structure with a display surface (4) formed by a multitude of display elements (12) arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction and spaced apart by a distance predetermined in the horizontal direction so as to form horizontal rows of display elements (Rn) and vertical columns of display elements (con) characterized in that each display element is as defined according to any one of claims 1 to 9. 11. Display panel according to claim 10. characterized in that the display elements (12) are rotatably mounted along an axis of vertical rotation (Y-Y). 12. Display panel according to claim 10 and 11. characterized in that the display elements (12) are mounted in rotation by columns (Cn) or rows (Rn) on fixed shafts (such as 14, 16, 18) of rotation arranged in columns or rows, the whole of these fixed shafts is mounted on a frame serving as a frame delimiting the aforementioned display surface (4). 13. Display panel according to claim 12. characterized in that the display elements (12) of the same column (Cn C n or Cn + 1) are mounted for rotation on a single fixed shaft (14. or 16. or 18) for rotation. 14. Display panel according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the display elements (12) are separated from each other by means forming stop segments (20) of a diameter less than that block-shaped members (12). thereby isolating the rotation of a block-shaped member with respect to another block-shaped member of the same column. 15. Display panel according to claim 14, characterized in that the means forming stop segments (20) either of the same row, or of the same column, are mounted on spacing blades (22) and holding at a predetermined spacing so as to define either columns or rows of display elements (12). 16. Display panel according to claim 15. characterized in that the spacing blades (22) comprise recesses (24) advantageously in the form of a U made according to the above-mentioned spacing, in which the fixed shafts (such as 14, 16, 18) are housed. 17. Display panel according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the rotation control means (50) comprise a longitudinal structure (51) provided with a plurality of retractable indexes (54. 56. 58), by aforementioned row or column, moving parallel behind the plane formed by the display surface (4) constituted by display elements (12). preferably the spacing between the longitudinal structure (53) and the plane of the display elements (12) is equal to at least half of the diagonal of the display element (12). 18. Display panel according to claim 17. characterized in that it comprises first rotation control means (52) comprising a first longitudinal display structure (53) provided with a plurality of retractable display indexes (54, 56, 58), per line or column, moving parallel behind the plane formed by the display surface (4) constituted by the display elements (12) and in the plane of the first mechanical display means mentioned above (42). 19. Display panel according to claim 18. characterized in that it comprises second rotation control means (80), comprising a second longitudinal erasure structure (81) provided with a plurality of erasure indexes (82. 84, 86) fixed, preferably three fixed indexes for a block member (12) consisting of a cube with four side faces forming four display faces of different colors. 20. Display panel according to claim 18 or 19. characterized in that the aforesaid retractable indexes (54, 56, 58) are retracted or put into action by electromechanical or pneumatic control means (92, 94). 21. Display panel according to claim 19 or 20. characterized in that the second longitudinal erasure structure is mounted on the first longitudinal display structure. and in front of this first lonaitudinal display structure; preferably, the display element consists of a cube with four faces of different colors and each aforementioned longitudinal structure includes three indexes to allow rotation by quarter turn. 22. Display panel according to claim 21, characterized in that the indexes are spaced at a predetermined identical spacing. preferably equal or less than the distance between the left edge of the teeth and the right edge of the display element, advantageously a cube (12). 23 Display panel according to one of claims 17 to 22. characterized in that the speed of movement of the longitudinal structures (52. 80) is linked to the moment of inertia of the display elements (12); preferably the indexes are provided with a means of stopping the rotation of the display elements advantageously constituted by a lateral protuberance upstream of the index which thus has an L shape. 24. Display panel according to one of claims 18 to 23. characterized in that the aforementioned longitudinal structures (52 and 81) move on guide rails. 25. Display panel according to one of claims 18 to 24, characterized in that each longitudinal structure (52 or 81) forms a rule; and advantageously comprises at least one element (100, 102, 104) for correcting the position of the display elements (12) before and / or after the rotation, preferably comprising a flat face of length greater than the sides of the element displays (12) with two oblique faces at the ends. 26. Display panel according to claim 25. characterized in that the aforesaid corrective element (100. 102. 104) is made of a non-rigid material. preferably and formed by a set of flexible bristles preventing the deposition of dust on the colored side faces. 27. Display panel according to one of claims 13 to 26. characterized in that the aforementioned fixed shafts (such as 14, 16. 18) of rotation are grooved and advantageously obliquely in the direction of rotation of the elements d 'display (12). 28. Display panel according to any one of claims 19 to 27. characterized in that a retractable index (54) is controlled by a first control member (92) and the other two retractable indexes (56, 58) are mounted integral and controlled simultaneously by a second control member (94) independent of the first control member (92). 29. Display system. characterized in that it comprises at least one display panel as defined according to any one of claims 10 to 28. It is preferably part of a peripheral display unit (2), advantageously equipped with a internal IT system. 30. Display system according to claim 29. characterized in that it comprises a server center (1) for managing a set of images sent on at least one peripheral display unit (2).