JPS6337376A - Digital screen display device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a digital screen device and a driving means for providing an image that can be projected onto the digital screen.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Several attempts to digitize images have been disclosed in the patent literature. One early technique involved driving a patterned backdrop into a large number of small holes. The pattern seen through the front hole changes as the backdrop moves. Such techniques are summarized in, among others, US Pat.

More recent techniques include projecting images onto patterned screens. This pattern appears in sashiko stitches or other repeating forms. U.S. patent references discussing this type of technology include, but are not necessarily limited to, U.S. Pat. There is.

Other related U.S. patents include U.S. Patent C [No.
, No. 837,894, No. 3,335,457, No. 3,
No. 237,331, No. 3.314.179, No. 3.3
29. / No. 175, No. 3.568゜346, No. 3.
No. 686.781, No. 3.783.539, and No. 3
．． 987.588.

In conjunction with the above, there have been ongoing efforts to produce digital displays. For example, digitized signs can be found in places like the New York City Time Square. In one example, the photovoltaic field is controlled by an array of photovoltaic cells each driving a single light bulb on the display screen via an amplifier circuit. The shadow movie and possibly the true shadow are projected onto the screen from a control room behind the sign. The images projected onto the photocells appear in light on the city's display screens.

Other, lower cost efforts have been made to digitize images on a more modest scale. A device sold under the name Channel 2000 (Channel 20001) contained multiple lenses.

Another device, known as Channel 11, used a single diffuser sheet and a single Igcrate separator. Both devices created interesting patterns. It was designed so that it could be placed on top of the TV.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly stated, the present invention comprises a digital screen display apparatus for digitizing images selectively displayed on a partially transparent slide by electromagnetic drive means. . This digital screen preferably consists of a front diffuser sheet and a rear diffuser sheet separated by a grid. This grid has a large number of square apertures with sides shaped into a complex parabolic shape to focus the light onto the front diffuser sheet. Transparent slides contain works of art. Depending on the nature of the effect to be achieved, the device may have one or more slides. A striped mask having alternating transparent and opaque zones is located between the rear diffuser sheet and the artwork slide. The artwork on the slide has holes drilled in it to provide windows. All slides are positioned so that their windows are aligned with the clear zone of the mask so that when no images are projected, light passes through the slides and is substantially unobstructed by the mask. To provide the image, one of the slides is moved relative to the screen body so as to position the artwork halfway between the illumination source and the window in the mask, so that it is placed in front of the diffuser sheet. Project a digitized or mosaiced image. The rear diffuser sheet serves the important purpose of homogenizing the image displayed on the front diffuser sheet. Therefore, the front diffuser sheet is a single color with no shading cutting across the square front of each cell.

Each slide has upper and lower tabs attached to the drive ribbon. The ribbon passes through a number of pulleys and is connected to one arm of a T-shaped lever or crank. A solenoid, a dashpot, and a return spring are connected to the other arm of the T-shaped crank. Movement of the solenoid cranks and drives the ribbon and slide. Each art slide is associated with its own independent solenoid and crank drive mechanism. Conventional programmable devices can be used to control a plurality of slides in sequence, allowing artwork to be displayed on a digitized screen.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the two diffusion sheets are:
They may be separated by a spacing means consisting of a gap having a predetermined space. According to a further embodiment of the invention, said drive means may also consist of bimetallic drive means. The slide may be moved by a chain drive cam that continuously moves the drive ribbon of the slide.

A single slide embodiment is also presented in which a single artwork slide is used to create multiple digitized images.

(Example) These and other features of the present invention will be more fully understood with reference to the following drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a digital screen according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a digital screen with the screen partially removed. 1 is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the mount plate and fluorescent rear light source used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic side elevation view of another embodiment of the invention in which the slide is driven by a bimetallic strip; FIG. FIG. 8A is a side exploded elevational view of another embodiment of the invention involving a single slide; FIG. Figure 8B is the 8th
an exploded perspective view of the single slide embodiment shown in Figure A;
FIG. 9A shows an alternative embodiment of the cam operated by the drive rM'J mechanism; FIG. 9B shows the location of the cam with respect to the cam engageable stud on the drive slide; Detailed view of the example, Figure 9C is similar to Figures 9A and 9.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a mechanism for driving a cam along a cam path so as to affect the movement of the drive mechanism according to the embodiment shown in FIG.

In the following description, common reference numerals indicate common members in different drawings depicting the present invention.

The inventive device 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a first
- As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the device 10 of the present invention has a housing 12 with a frame 14 on the outside thereof. A frame 14 surrounds a digital screen 16. Image 15 appears on screen 16 shown in FIG. This image 15 is the second
It is controlled by a mechanism shown in rough detail in Figures 5 to 5 to change over time. Each image 15 consists of a series of clear and sharp squares. As the images 15 change, they dissolve from one side forward in an interesting manner, controlled and controlled by the conventional programming means 11. Device 1
0 and the programming means 11 is supplied by an AC plug 17.

The digital screen 16 is substantially sandwich-shaped with a front diffuser sheet 18 and a rear diffuser sheet 26 separated by a grid 20. The grid 20 is similar to that found in electric fluorescent lighting fixtures. Each grid 20 has horizontal and vertical
It has a large number of grid apertures or holes 22 arranged at 1. The sidewall 24 of each grid hole 22 has a complex parabolic shape that helps focus the light onto the front diffuser sheet 18. A mask 28 is located immediately after the rear diffusion sheets 1 to 26. Mask 28 has alternating rows of dark stripes 32 separated by transparent stripes 30. dark stripes 3
2 is located directly behind the grid sidewall 24 so that the transparent stripes 30 are directed toward the holes 22 of the grid 20. A critical part of the device 10 of the present invention lies in the use of the front diffuser sheet 18 and the rear diffuser sheet 26 in conjunction with the grid 20. The rear diffuser sheet 26 serves the important purpose of homogenizing the image 15 presented to the front diffuser sheet 18. The homogenizing effect of the rear diffuser sheet 26 causes each digitized square visible on the front diffuser sheet 18 to appear a single continuous color. These features represent a substantial advance over conventional digitized system technology.

The artwork 35 is preferably printed on a transparent slide 34. There is an orderly array of through holes 96 located to coincide with the horizontal mask openings 30 and the grid holes 22 provided both horizontally and vertically. Although such construction minimizes light attenuation, the Hylarl(R) Slip Sea I. 98 is required. Alternatively, the slide 34 may be a continuous rigid structure with transparent stripes alternating between rows of artwork.

The mask 28 is stationary with respect to the rear diffusion sheet 26, whereas the slide 34 is movable with respect to the rear diffusion sheet 26. A transparent retaining plate 36 is located behind the slide 34 and is adapted to hold the slide in a relatively flat position relative to the mask 28.

A number of conical concentrators are positioned between the fluorescent illumination source 40 and the holding plate 36. The conical concentrator 38 focuses the light from the fluorescent light H,@40 to match the size of the transparent portion 30 on the mask 28. The light emitted from the fluorescent light source 40 is transmitted to a conical concentrator 38.
, a transparent retaining plate 36, a slide 3 having a slip sheet
4, opening 30 in mask 28, rear diffuser sea 1-26,
and through the grid openings 22 and finally through the front diffuser sheet 18. The conical concentrator 38 can be molded from plastic or metallized with a mirror finish. Typically six fluorescent light sources 40 are mounted on a solid bracket 42 located near the rear of the housing 12. A post 43 connects the upper pulley bracket to the lower pulley drive bracket.

A device such as that described above may be used if the artwork 35 is not aligned behind the mask aperture 30 so that each side is about 5/8
The presentation of the sliding artwork 35 to the mask window 30 is controlled by a drive unit 41. Drive unit 41
essentially consists of a solenoid 80 and a T-shaped crank 5.
6, an air pot 76, a return spring 84, and a slide drive ribbon 48. Each slide 34
have upper and lower slide tabs 44 and 46, respectively. Slide tabs 44 and 46 are vertically aligned with respect to each other and are adapted to attach to opposite ends of slide drive ribbon 48. The slides 34 are divided into an upper group 31 and a lower group 33. Each upper slide 31 is separated from the next upper slide 31 by a lower slide 33. When not used for viewing purposes, the slides 34 are always returned to their respective upper and lower positions 31.degree. 33 under the influence of return springs 84. The purpose of dividing the slides into upper groups 31 and lower groups 33 is to assist in creating a gradual numbing effect in a manner described below. The upper slide tab 44 passes through a first set of upper boos 950 and then a second set of upper pulleys 50 and a first lower pulley 5.
4 and then the bottom of the T-shaped crank 56 or the third arm 72
connected to. A recoil weight 52 attached to the ribbon 48 balances the weight of the slide 34. Ribbon 48 is attached to T-shaped crank 56 by passing through a series of attachment pins 58 that frictionally engage ribbon 48. The ribbon 48 is connected to the crank 5
6, the second lower pulley 60, and the tension spring 62 which is sequentially attached to the main slide tab 46. Lower slide tab 46 then passes third lower pulley 64 . This suction spring 62 is
It takes the slack out of the ribbon 48 and pulls the slide in a straight line to keep it square. Therefore, the ribbon 48, the slide 34, and the spring 62 form one continuous loop through the drive unit 41. The actuating member of the drive unit 41 is mounted between the plates 66. The T-shaped crank 56 has a pivot bearing 74
The pivot bearing 74 is rotatable (held between the plates 66 by The air pot 76, solenoid 80, and return spring 84 are installed in the center of the crank 56.The air pot 76, solenoid 80, and return spring 84 are installed in a rack 67 that is installed in order between the plates 66.The attached rod 78 is connected to the T-shaped crank 56. The first or right arm 68 of the air pot 76 is connected to the air pot 76 .

Similarly, the plunger 82 of the solenoid 80 is connected to the second or left arm 70 of the ■-shaped crank 56. The return spring 84 is normally mounted on the first arm 68 of the crank 56 and is located on the opposite side of the air pot 76.

Each slide 34 has its own drive unit 4
I have 1. The adjacent row of adjacent solenoids 86, return springs 87, and air pots 88 are shown in dotted lines in FIG.

Mutually adjacent rows of solenoids 86 , return springs 87 , and air pots 88 in adjacent drive units 90 face in opposite directions with respect to the solenoid 80 and dashpot 76 of drive unit 41 . The adjacent drive units 90 are connected to alternating rows of slide tabs 92,94 associated with the upper (or lower) group of slides 31. Solenoid 80°8
6 is of a type that is normally retracted at startup, and the following element relationships occur. Each drive unit 41 is associated with a slide 34 in the lower slide group 33. The solenoid 80 is activated by rotating the crank 56 on the bearing 74 around the main axis 75 and pulling up the slide 34 in the lower group 33 to place the artwork 35 immediately behind the mask window 30 in the mask 28. Similarly, drive units 9 in alternating rows
0 propels the slide 34 from the upper group 31 to the viewing position. This occurs because alternating rows of solenoids 86 are activated, pulling the ribbon 48 down from the upper group 31 onto the slide 34, thereby causing the artwork 3
5 to a position after the window opening 30 in the mask 28. Solenoid 80.86 and dashpot 7
By alternately arranging the drive unit 1-41.90 in a staggered manner, the drive unit 1-41.90 can be made more compact. Apertures 96 in slide 34 serve to allow light to pass through. The clear Mylar separator 98 normally separates the adjacent slides 3
4 to prevent the slides 34 from pulling each other together.

These drive units 41.90 are controlled by a programming device 11 known from the prior art. Such programming devices 11 may include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following conventionally known devices: chipper relays, cam timers, rotary squirrels, pushbuttons, perforated tape programs, and electrical programming devices. You can leave it there.

The digital screen device 10 according to the preferred embodiment may be plugged into a dedicated programming device or a master programming device that controls all devices or other equipment.

For compactness and easy and efficient operation, the slides 34 in the multi-slide system 10 are formed from wide sheets of plastic film. The basic requirement is that the film 34 must be stiff, since wrinkles are a problem. An additional advantage of using plastic film is that a photographic transparency film of sufficient weight can be used directly as a slide without the need for additional materials or handles.

To keep these wide sheets under control, use Lucite® or Lexan®.
Lexan] (registered trademark) or Plexiglas [
A Plexiglass® or glass 98 is placed behind the stacked slides and in front of the light source 40 and the conical concentrator 38. According to a preferred embodiment 10, the light source is a number of fluorescent lamps 40. The installation plate 66 is installed vertically to leave a central space for the drive system 41.90. Particular advantages of fluorescent lamps are their whiteness, low temperature, and relatively low wattage and large source area.

Although fluorescent light is preferred, a fluorescent light source is also possible. Acceptable common sources of illumination include fluorescent light sources such as those described above, incandescent light sources, halogen light sources, mercury vapor lamps, and sunlight under suitable circumstances. In most cases, reflectors are useful. Generally, the digital screen surface 16
By blocking the light from natural light, you can obtain clearer brightness.

FIG. 4 shows the fluorescent light tube 40 installed. Each of the approximately six fluorescent light tubes 40 is supported by a standard socket 42 mounted on left and right installation plates 45. The left and right installation plates 45, which are on the same plane, both extend in the vertical direction, and the housing 1
It is fixedly fixed in the rear frame of 2. The rear frame also supports top and bottom mounting brackets and allows for removal of the entire operating system for length screws and adjustments. The fluorescent light tube 40 is
It is placed horizontally and parallel to the dark striped area 32 on the mask 28. Each fluorescent light tube 40 is attached to a slide 34
They are staggered relative to their adjacent neighbors to distribute the backlight more evenly behind them.

A lens in a concentrator such as the conical concentrator 38 is
- It is possible to use boat lighting by concentrating it on the mask window 30. A series of horizontally complex radial concentrators 38 replaces the plastic retaining plate 36 behind the slide 34 in some configurations.

Such a concentrating body may also be a series of concentrating bodies having a complicated elliptical shape in the horizontal direction, or a flat mirror surface portion, or a means of the side thereof. The choice of concentrator or lens is also a cost consideration.

The digital screen 10 according to the preferred embodiment has high efficiency illumination, good storage capacity, mechanical simplicity,
and the stability of a wide variety of control configurations. The mask hole or window 30 is sufficiently wide in the horizontal direction,
The connected grid openings 22 are connected to the digital screen 1.
6 to form open stripes across the 6.

The width of the dark stripes 32 is greater than 1/2 the cell size. A typical cell width is approximately equal to a cell depth of about 5/8" (inch) in the preferred embodiment 10. The centerline of the dark stripe 32 is located at the center of the cell wall that it traverses. It is located immediately after.

A series of slides 34 each have one image of a work of art 35 formed on each slide with holes provided to provide windows for each slide. In the storage or rest position, all windows 99 of the standard slide 34 correspond to the mask 'fX 30. When a slide 34 taken from either the upper group 31 or the lower group 33 is pulled down or raised by half the cell dimension, the image of the artwork element 35 is transferred to the mask window 3.
0 and its number coincide with the perforated window 96 of the stored slide 34.

The sandwich-like digital screen 16 is 1/1
Front diffusion sheet 18 and rear diffusion sheet 2 made of 6” (inch) opal-colored or opalescent acrylic material
6. The front and rear diffusion sheets 18.26 are
It is partitioned by a mirrored parabolic grid 20. This mirrored parabolic grid 20 is
It is particularly effective in helping both to homogenize the light and to create a relatively high brightness on the front surface 18.

To create a crisp appearance in the digital screen 10 over a certain size, the front direction 18 is held firmly against the grid 20, either by gluing or by molding the diffuser sheet. . Either a slight spherical recess or all portions of the front diffuser sheet 18 are brought into contact with the grid 20 so that their outer edges are attracted to each other.

Slide 34 for reduced friction and simplification of design
The driving force applied to should be parallel to the plane of the screen 16. Therefore, the pulley 50 is fitted into the bearing. Further, the slide 34 according to the preferred embodiment 10 is
Tension tab 44.9 on its leading edge
4, each tab being horizontally offset from the other tabs. A tab 46.92 for return tension to storage is always formed on the trailing edge opposite the leading edge tab. Therefore, the upper slide tab 92 is located on the opposite side of the lower slide tab 94, and the upper slide tab 44 is located directly above the lower slide tab 46.

The slide 34 is thus maintained in a tensioned state, and under control, is always maintained in a state without distortion or warping. For simplicity and economy, each slide 34 has only one pull tab and one return tab.

It is also possible to drive this system by using a spring load on one side.

According to a preferred embodiment 10, the non-stretchable drive ribbon 4
8 is bent around a nylon roller or bushing 50,54°60,64 installed between washers on a small spindle. Tension spring 62 takes up slack in ribbon 48 and holds slide 34 under control. In larger units, a balance peg 52 is added to the top of the ribbon 48.

To maintain the optical level during slide exchange, half of the slides are stored above the viewing position and the other half below. Drawing these slides alternately into viewing positions will prevent uncomfortable imaging of image characteristics and lighting levels. Also, the most efficient bucking of the drive element is obtained when the upper and lower slides alternate. There is no need for a wire connection between the top and bottom of the device 10, as the bi-directional drive of operation 41.90 is in one unit, along with the continuous ribbon system. A continuous ribbon system also has the advantage of keeping the slide 34 under control by maintaining tension while minimizing the required drive force.

According to the preferred embodiment 10, a solenoid 80° 86 is used to tension ribbon 48. Each solenoid is
Associated air cylinder or dashboard 1
-76.88. Each solenoid is operated by direct current and has continuous duty. The inherent adjustment of the dashpots 76,88 not only provides shock absorption within permissible noise limits, but can also reduce the operating speed of the solenoid. Therefore, images can be recalled at any desired speed. In order to create an acceptable "blend" from one image to the other, it is preferred that the lower slides follow the upper slides alternately. If the top slide follows the top slide, or the bottom slide follows the bottom slide,
The resulting overlap of artworks and the dilution of the image by white light during the transition period "results in an unsatisfactory image at the time of dissolution."

A further embodiment 100 of the invention is shown in FIG.

A bimetallic drive element 102 is fixed to the top of the slide 34 by means of a ribbon 48 .

At the bottom of the slide 34, a ribbon 48 connects the mounting block 1 to the housing of this alternative embodiment 100.
A leaf spring 116 connected by 18 is mounted.

The bimetallic drive element 102 includes a first metal 104 and a second metal
It is formed in a laminated structure with metal 106. Lamination is first done,
It begins with the first metal 104 being positioned on the second metal 106. In the middle of lamination, the second metal 10
6 is located at the top and the first metal 104 is located at the bottom. Such a reverse junction is intended to provide compensation due to outside temperature. This bimetallic drive element 102 is supported by mounting means 108 which are connected to the housing of the alternative embodiment 100. A heating coil 110 is used to heat a portion of the bimetallic drive element 102, thereby causing the free end to move up and down in response to the application of heat. As the free end of the drive element 102 moves up and down, the slide 34 moves up and down while being restrained by the leaf spring 116. Drive element 1
The upward movement of 02 is controlled by the hot side stopper 112. Similarly, the downward or return movement of drive element 102 is controlled by cold side stop 114.

The operation of such an alternative embodiment 100 is shown below.

When current is applied to the heating coil 110, the bimetallic strip 102 bends upward due to the difference in coefficient of thermal expansion of the first metal with respect to the second metal 106. This upward movement of the heated bimetallic element 102 is controlled by the upper hot side stop cap 112. The upward movement of the bimetallic drive element 102 causes the slide 34 to rise against the resistance of the spring 116. Heating coil 11
When the electrical energy flowing through 0 stops, the bimetallic drive element 102 cools and thereby moves to a position where it rests against the lower cold side stop lower limit 114. The slide 34 is thus returned to its original position. Multiple bimetallic drive elements 102 may be used to drive multiple independently held slides 34. FIG. 6 shows an individual heating coil 110.
Although shown, it is also possible to use self-heating resistive elements to achieve similar results. This economical alternative embodiment 100 makes it possible to produce smooth operation and also has significant longevity due to fewer moving parts. Bimetallic strips also replace solenoids and dashpots.
It is also possible to operate the preferred embodiment 10 shown in FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 7 shows that grid 20 has been removed and in its place:
There is a gap "G" between the front diffusion element 18 and the rear diffusion element 26.
A gridless embodiment 120 is shown which is substantially the same as the embodiment shown in FIGS. However, a mask 121 is disposed between the imaging system and the imaging system similar to that previously described.Alternative Embodiment 120
Although the digitization effect is not significantly different from that in Examples 10-100, it is useful for certain applications. Without the grid 20, the highlighted image would be unsharp and somewhat obscured. Embodiment 120 is particularly useful when coupled to other illustrated slide drive mechanisms.

Another alternative embodiment having a single slide according to the invention is shown in Figures 8A and 8B. Similar to example 10, alternative example 122 includes front diffuser panel 18, grid 20 .
rear diffuser panel 26, - set of conical concentrators 38;
and a fluorescent illumination source 40. The mask 124 and the artwork slide 126 are placed between the rear diffuser sheet 26 and the conical concentrator 128. Many small round holes 1
25 are formed on the surface of the mask 124 at equal intervals.

This hole 125 is quite small in the bonding region when compared to the total surface area of the mask 124. for example,
The total opening area of the holes 125 is 1 of the total surface area of the mask 124.
It becomes substantially smaller than 0%. The artwork slide 126 has a number of artwork elements 128 on its surface. The moving motors 129 and 127 move the slide 12
6 are automatically driven in the Y11 and Xl+ force directions, respectively. A pair of cams 123 that drive the slide 126 are connected to an "X jl drive motor 127 and"
Y ++ drive motor 129 . The frame and guide guide slide 126 throughout its movement.
Supporting and guiding by typical means. Moreover, the slide 126 and the related artwork 12B are the mask 12
In the middle of the small circulation between 4 and the light concentrator 38,
It is also possible to drive the slide with drive means consisting of two or more cranks driven by - motors and supporting the slide.

Example 122 is referred to as an example or quick method for a single slide. The pores for each cell are required to be at least slightly smaller than the portion of the cell covered by the reciprocal of the number of images. Each car's transparent slide 126 (having a size similar to slide 34 of Example 10) is created to contain an array of artwork elements 128 so that all of the first image As the slide moves, all parts of the second and third images simultaneously fall one after another into positions corresponding to the mask. There is. Each image portion is slightly larger than the hole 125 for the purpose of providing a clean image, and primarily to keep successive image portions close together.

As with some designs for concentrators, and especially for single slide designs such as this, the mask may be removed if the concentrator forms a precise illumination area. Other alternative embodiments, in which the array of conical concentrators moves along the slide, have the added advantage of not having to move the wide slide material. The homogenizing effect according to the present invention produces a light illumination spot at any position on the rear diffuser sheet while creating uniform illumination on the front surface of each cell. The most effective illumination with a single slide is obtained by a continuous striped pattern, in which the dowels are slits across the cell, and for movement only in the vertical axis, for example a cam on the motor shaft. A different drive system is required. In such cases, it may be necessary to make the sequence reversible or to temporarily turn off the light source in order to repeat the sequence. The movement of the slide is such that it moves a full cell size in the direction of the short hole size (until half of the image is visible), then vertically moves 1/2 cell size, and then back. In some of the embodiments described above, the image obtained in the manner described above is obtained by opening a window in one of the images and stacking additional identical slides with other artwork (or image) elements. You can get more images than one.

Several other single slide systems are also possible, where the mask is a dynamic element in image selection.

According to one embodiment, the mask can also be a liquid crystal array formed in such a way that there is a segment covering each image element for each cell.

Generally, the array is such that all segments covering each image element move simultaneously so that each image appears in turn.

Other dynamic system masks may include polarization arrays in which rotating polarizers pass light through each set of image elements in turn.

The drive system in embodiment 122 consists of X and Y movement motors 127, 129, as shown. Another simple drive scheme for the single slide embodiment 122 may consist of a pair of conventional drive cranks, each with a radius smaller than one cell size. The actual radius is determined as a function of the size of the hole 125 and the number of images included. If only a single axis movement is required, slide 126 is driven by a cam or crank. Two axis movement is accomplished by cams that are typically driven or synchronized with a second axis drive mounted on a frame driven by a first axis drive.

Alternative embodiment 130 relating to the chain drive is shown in the ninth example.
This is shown in Figures 8 to 9C. Each slide 34 is driven by a drive slide 132. Each drive slide 1
32 has a cam engagement stud 134. A number of drive slides 132 are mounted within a horizontal block 136 and are capable of vertical movement up and down a limited amount.

Each stud 134 projects from either the lower slot 138 or the upper slot 140.

The lower throwers 1 to 138 are located between each upper slot 140, and the upper and lower throwers 1 to 138 are located between each upper slot 140.
They are arranged alternately above and below.

The cam path line 142 is the path through which a diamond-shaped cam 144 moves in the longitudinal direction of the installation block 136. Typically, three or more diamond-shaped cams 144 are mounted on a chain 146 and driven by a drive motor 148 having a sprocket 150 at one end thereof.
The other end is supported by the idling sprocket 150. The diamond-shaped cams 144 are mounted on the side of the guide chain 146 so as not to interfere with the sprockets 1-150 when they change direction. The movement of the diamond-shaped cam 144 causes each stud 134 to move down the trailing edge of the cam 144 until it reaches its top position, where it returns to its normal resting position. (Front edge) Move above. Return spring 152 is used to return slide 132 to its initial, undriven position. As the diamond-shaped cam 144 moves along the path 142, the upper slot 1
40. Lift the stud 134 upward in the lengthwise direction. When the stud 134 reaches its top, the diamond-shaped cam 144 contacts the stud 134 associated with the lower thrower 1-138. Lower the upper thrower l until the diamond-shaped cam 144 is at the end of the installation block 136.
The sequence of driving the stud 134 upwardly in -140 and then downwardly in the lower slot ~138 continues alternately. With the first cam at its end, the second diamond-shaped cam 144
comes to the position where the sequence begins again. This particular embodiment is useful for drive systems in which the sequence repeats continuously. Example 130 is also relatively low ranking. However, this embodiment does not have the flexibility of embodiment 10, which allows selective driving of the slides 34 and selection of slide combinations.

The present invention may also provide a blank slide 34 onto which a prepared film is applied. Advanced techniques are used to prepare such films and to place artwork directly onto slides. According to certain techniques, the windows are stamped into the slide. The wide back surface of the ribs of the radial grid 20 allows structurally important material to remain between the windows without covering any useful portion of the grid holes 22.

The advantage of brightness arises because the absence of any material is more obvious than the presence of any material. However, the most significant advantage of curing is that no advance preparation for the window is required.

A thick film or slip sheet should be applied over the colored surface of each slide 34 to avoid interference with the stamped slides, and generally to prevent flaking of the artwork. A colored gel-like substance is attached directly to the slide with glue or tape.

Works of art may be reproduced photographically on transparent film. The mask is prepared to either expose or cover the window stripe, depending on whether the film is negative or positive. Screen printing with transparent ink is a particularly economical technique for reproduction slides. During printing, the window stripes can be masked or, more preferably, removed from the screen. Transparent markers can also be used to draw on the slides. Window stripes can be masked or avoided while drawing. Mochiro/υ, art works can also be copied using transparent markers. Slides can also be drawn with transparent markers on a computer-driven plotter. A work of art can originate in a computer or be scanned for input into a computer.

The digitized image can be displayed on the back of the digital screen in a variety of different ways for different applications. Some possible ways that shadows can be cast on a digital screen are: Shadows from a single white light source:
Shadows from multiple white light sources: Shadows from a single colored or changing colored light source; Shadows from multiple colored or changing colored light sources; Slide projection; Movie projection: Opaque projection of images as they are projected onto a screen by lenses: television projection; fiber optic images using various methods of illuminating and programming optical fibers; electrically controlled photodiodes, one per cell: each a photodiode consisting of several colored diodes per controlled cell; a liquid crystal with one segment per cell that is illuminated behind and electrically controlled: - one color filter per segment] liquid crystal arrays using several segments per cell, electrically controlled and backlit; backlit transparencies in contact with the screen; moving transparencies or belts in contact with the screen and backlight; other conventionally known There are many watermarking techniques that are used.

According to the preferred embodiment 10, the present invention has various interesting techniques and advantages. Some of them have the following points.

1. It is possible to program everything from reusing a single slide several times in a row to using multiple slides only once. Multiple slides can be pulled together or nested together.

2. Dashpot adjustment to allow melting range from super slow to sudden explosion of color.

3. A front overhang or silk projected to present a company name or similar design with a changing background, or to display a map or chart diagram with small parts changing.

4. Alpha numbers and segment images where some digital screens are used to spell =i or to show no numbers using individual letter slides or stacked segment slides.

5. A plain color slide used to change the background of text.

6. Gradual transition color slides, in which, for example, a pale blue slide changes to orange and then dissolves into other slides with a pinkish color that becomes deep purple.

7. A video in which a series of several frames makes the shape jump.

8. Slide with narrow holes for gradual transition type rainbow slide or single slide animation.

9. Master slides such as chart compositions or dark and light for sunsets.

10. A sized slide with an image adapted to cover the screen so that some parts change without affecting the other, or each part changes at a different rate.

The digital screen according to the invention has a wide variety of uses. The digital screen holes or cells 22 can be of any size or shape. The properties, utility, or potential of any particular application depends on selecting the most appropriate cell shape. Some additional possible applications for digital screens according to the invention include exhibitions including previews and Joe rooms; displays including window displays and purchase displays; entertainment products; toys including simulations of computer displays. ; games involving digital screens played on surfaces; arcade gooms: crafts, including those for creating mosaic patterns from successive color masters and for creating sword-knit lace patterns; counting and analysis; advertising billboards; for verification, advertising. and signs, including traffic control signs; high brightness televisions, flat screens; interior displays, particularly including stores, nightclubs, and restaurants; stage backdrops; store front signs, etc.

In addition to the embodiments described above, there are other possible embodiments within the scope of the general digital screen according to the invention. Such concepts include:

1. Soft digital screens where the front diffuser does not touch the grid or the grid is removed as described above, so that the image appears as if it were drawn in air.

2. Image storage is similar to that described here, but
Detailed image screens where works of art are created by compressed images expanded either by fiber optic lenses or by element-by-element projection onto a digital screen surface.

3. A digital screen with a very small grid (VSG) that increases the fineness and graininess of the image.

Other variations are also possible.

Although the invention has been fully described with reference to preferred embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that modifications can be made to the disclosed structure and method without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Will.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a digital screen according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a digital screen with the screen partially removed. 1; FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the mounting plate and fluorescent rear light source used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is a schematic side elevational view of a further embodiment of the invention in which the slide is driven by a bimetallic strip; FIG. 7 shows the digitizing grid removed; FIG. 8A is a side exploded elevational view of another embodiment of the invention with a single slide; FIG. Figure 8B is the 8th
an exploded perspective view of the single slide embodiment shown in Figure A;
FIG. 9A shows an alternative embodiment of the cam operated by the drive mechanism; FIG. 9B shows a detail of the embodiment of FIG. 9A showing the position of the cam with respect to the cam-engaging stud on the drive slide; 9A and 9C are diagrams showing a mechanism for driving the cam along the cam path so as to affect the movement of the drive mechanism according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. 18... Front diffusion sheet 20... Grid 26
... Rear diffusion sheet 28 ... Mask 30.32
...Stripes 34...Slide 38...Concentrated body 40...Light source 41...Drive unit Patent applicant Steffen Weinreich Figure 50 Procedure stroke 1) Original image (method) 1. Indication of the case 1986 Patent Application No. 179,005 2 Title of the invention Digital screen display device 3 Relationship with the person making the amendment A'1 Patent applicant's address New Chassis, United States of America 08
852 Monmouth Junction Two Tone Road
14 Name: Stephen Uniinreich Nationality:
United States of America 4, Agent 5, Date of amended order: September 3, 1989 (Shipping address: 9 rJ, 1989)
30th) Procedure Ne FITTE October 2g, 1986 Commissioner of the Patent Office Black 1) Mr. Akihiro 1, Indication of the case 1986 Patent Application No. 179.005 2, Name of the invention Digital screen display device Monmouth Junction No. 1~nroad 14 people name
Stephen Uniinreich Nationality United States Voluntary Amendment 6, Subject of Amendment 111, "Claims" column Claims 1) A forward diffusion means and a device separated from the forward diffusion means by a predetermined gap. , a rear diffusion means for illumination by a light source, said front diffusion means and said rear diffusion means extending image segments to form a continuous clear image. Mf&. 2) a grid placed between the front and front diffusers and having a depth sufficient to substantially homogenize the light from the rear diffuser and create an image digitization effect when viewed from in front of the front diffuser; 2. A device according to claim 1, further comprising means. 3) said grid means has a number of cells with reversible side walls, the reflective effect of said side walls homogenizing the light passing from the anti-remembrance diffusing means to the forward diffusing means; 3. The device according to claim 2, further increasing the efficiency of the process. 4) said grid means has a large number of cells with tapered side walls such that the opening of each cell is larger on the side adjacent to the front diffusion means and conversely smaller on the side adjacent to the rear diffusion means; The tapered side wall directs the light toward the forward diffusion means 1! 3. A device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that it increases the efficiency of the device in the passage of light. 5) A device according to claim 1, further comprising imaging means for illuminating said back-diffusion means, consisting of a controllable array of elements. 6) have rows of graphical material on the surface separated by rows of relatively transparent areas, and have sufficient rigidity to move as a unit and be relatively wrinkle-free (composed of Δ Drawing information comprising a seat means and tab means located at opposing edges of the sheet means, and the sheet means is movable by a drive means that applies a driving force to the tab means. 7) The sheet means comprises a first sheet means and a second sheet means movably attached to the first sheet means, and a tab for each sheet means. means are located in different relative positions from sheet means to sheet means, such that the drive means in the tab means of the first sheet means is in a different position relative to the drive means in the tab means of the second sheet means; 7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the device does not interfere with the device. 8) The first sheet means and all the odd-numbered sheet means move in a predetermined direction toward the viewing position, and the second sheet means and all the even-numbered sheet means move toward the viewing position in the opposite direction to the above-mentioned direction. and as each sheet means moves to the viewing position, the preceding sheet means moves in the opposite direction away from the viewing position, creating a smooth transition. The device described in. 9) further comprising tensioning means attached to the tab means;
Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein tab means at opposite edges of the sheet means are interconnected under tension to assist in guiding and supporting the sheet means. . 10) storage means for storing visual information, masking means for selectively viewing segments of the stored visual information, and one side of the stored visual information opposite the viewer; and concentrating means for directing light from the illumination means to the selected segment of the stored visual information, for presenting graphical information to the viewer. equipment.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1.) A front diffusion means; a rear diffusion means for illumination by a light source, separated from the front diffusion means by a predetermined gap; and installed between the front and rear diffusion sheets. a grid means installed between the light source and the rear diffusion means, a mask means for blocking light from the light source at predetermined intervals, and a storage means attachable between the light source and the mask means. wherein the storage means comprises a partially transparent film means carrying visual information, the film means comprising a number of slides each carrying visual information; upper and lower tab means comprising ribbon means connected to said tab means, lever means connected to said ribbon means, and a solenoid connected to said lever means for moving said slide relative to said rear diffusion means; driving means for illumination by a light source, wherein actuation of the solenoid moves the lever means and the ribbon means, thereby moving the sliding means relative to the rear diffuser means; Digital screen display device. 2.) An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said drive means comprises damper means for regulating the movement of said lever means. 3.) the lever means comprises a "T" shaped crank having first, second and third arms, the solenoid being connected to the first arm and the damper means being connected to the second arm; 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the ribbon means is connected to the third arm. 4.) Said drive means comprises spring return means connected to said T-shaped lever means for returning said T-shaped lever means to a standby position.
The equipment described in section. 5.) A device according to claim 4, wherein the sliding means has holes allowing the passage of light unobstructed by the transparent film. 6.) Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said masking means comprises a single plate having a number of transparent and non-transparent stripes running parallel along its long side. 7.) The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the grid comprises a number of square shaped holes with parabolic sidewalls. 8.) The sliding means comprises a first set of sliding means having a first standby position, and a second set of sliding means having a second waiting position spaced apart from the first waiting position by a predetermined position; 8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the sliding means in one set are separate from the sliding means in the second set. 9.) The device according to claim 1, wherein said drive means comprises a bimetallic drive means. 10.) a front diffusion means; a rear diffusion means; a separation means for separating the front diffusion means and the rear diffusion means at a predetermined interval; and an illumination means for projecting light onto the rear diffuser; masking means placed in close proximity to said back-diffusion means for blocking at least some of the light from the illumination means; and a number of partially transparent planar means each carrying visual information and storing visual information. a ribbon means attached to said transparent planar means; a lever means attached to said ribbon means; and a solenoid means attached to said lever means; drive means for driving the storage means relative to the back-diffusion means, wherein actuation of the solenoid means causes the partially transparent planar means to move. 11.) A drive device for a digital screen display device having a digitizing screen, partially transparent sliding means and illumination means, comprising flexible coupling means mounted on said transparent sliding means; cam means comprising at least one cam having a generally diamond-shaped profile; at least a first drivable slide means; and a stud mounted on the first drivable slide means for coupling to the cam means. cam engaging means mounted on the flexible coupling means; and driving means for driving the cam means, between the cam and the stud having a substantially diamond-shaped outer shape. a drive device for reciprocating said first drivable slide means to sequentially move said transparent slide means relative to said digitizing screen. 12.) at least a second drivable slide means having a cam-engageable stud mounted thereon, the stud in the second drivable slide being located at the bottom of the cam path;
12. A drive device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the stud of said first drivable sliding means is located at the top of said cam path. 13.) a front diffuser; a rear diffuser spaced apart from the front diffuser at a predetermined distance for illumination from a light source; and a grid installed between the front and rear diffusers; mask means installed between the light source and the back diffusion means for blocking light from the light source at regular intervals; and mask means installed between the mask means and the light source and having visual information on its surface. a storage means consisting of a partially transparent film; an X-drive means for driving said storage means in a given direction; and an X-drive means for driving said storage means in another given direction different from said X-direction. Y drive means for
and a drive means for moving the storage means relative to the rear diffusion means. A single slide digital screen display device for illumination by a light source. 14.) A patent in which the mask means has a large number of small holes arranged at regular intervals, and the opening area of the small holes is smaller than 25% of the total surface area of the mask means. Apparatus according to claim 13. 15.) A driving device for a digital screen display device having a digitizing screen, partially transparent sliding means and illumination means, the driving device comprising: flexible coupling means mounted on the transparent sliding means; bimetallic means attached to the coupling means and for moving the sliding means by the bimetallic means;
heating means for heating the bimetallic means; and return spring means attached to the sliding means for returning the transparent sliding means to a standby position, wherein upon actuation of the heating means, the bimetallic means is heated. Drive means for moving said sliding means relative to said digitizing screen and for causing said spring means to return said sliding means to its standby position upon activation and deactivation of said bimetallic means. 16.) A front diffusion means; a rear diffusion means that is separated from the front diffusion means and receives light from the light source before the front diffusion means; and a rear diffusion means that is installed between the front and rear diffusion means and receives light from the rear diffusion means. A digital screen display device for illumination by a light source, comprising: grid means having a depth sufficient to substantially homogenize the light and create a digitizing effect of the image when viewed from in front of the front diffuser means. 17.) a front diffusing means; a rear diffusing means for illumination by a light source separated from the front diffusing means by a predetermined gap; and an element with visual information stored in a plurality of segments. and a storage means for storing visual information located between the light source and the rear diffusion means, wherein the front diffusion means and the rear diffusion means expand the plurality of segments to form a continuous and clear image. A display device for illumination for a light source that forms an image. 18.) a front diffusion means; a rear diffusion means for illumination by a light source, separated from the front diffusion means by a predetermined gap; and a rear diffusion means for illumination by a light source, installed between the light source and the rear diffusion means, for illumination from the light source. illumination by a light source, comprising mask means for blocking light at regular intervals, and storage means located between said mask means and said light source and consisting of at least one partially transparent film carrying visual information. Digital screen display device for. 19.) a front diffusing means; a rear diffusing means for illumination by a light source, separated from the front diffusing means by a predetermined gap; and a rear diffusing means installed between the light source and the rear diffusing means, for illumination from the light source. storage means for storing visual information, consisting of a masking means for blocking light at regular intervals and a number of partially transparent films having visual information on their surface, located between said masking means and said light source; and alternating partially transparent film means in opposite directions from different storage locations to maintain an average illumination of said back-diffusion means while alternating said partially transparent film means. and a driving means for driving a digital screen display device for illumination by a light source. 20.) a front diffusion means; a rear diffusion means for illumination by a light source, separated from the front diffusion means by a predetermined gap; and a rear diffusion means installed between the light source and the rear diffusion means, for illumination from the light source. mask means for blocking light at regular intervals; and a mirrored wall located between the storage means for storing visual information and the light source and for concentrating the light from the light source onto the back diffusing means. a light concentrating means comprising a plurality of elements contained therein, each element having a tapered shape such that it is widest in the direction closest to the light source and narrowest in the direction closest to the mask means; Digital screen display device for illumination by a light source, wherein the storage means is located between the light concentration means and the masking means and consists of at least one partially transparent film carrying visual information. 21.) a front diffusion means; a rear diffusion means for illumination by a light source, separated from the front diffusion means by a predetermined gap; and installed between the light source and the rear diffusion means, for illumination from the light source. masking means for blocking light at regular intervals; and a number of rigid slides, each having visual information on its surface, each slide having upper and lower tab means, between said light source and the masking means. storage means attachable to the mask means; and drive means coupled to upper and lower tab means for selectively moving the slide relative to the mask means, the individual slides moving as a unit. A digital screen display device for illumination by a light source, wherein said slides have sufficient rigidity so that the tension acting on said upper and lower tab means guides the individual slides. 22.) consisting of a front diffusing means, a rear diffusing means separated from said diffusing means by a predetermined gap, and an imaging means comprising a controllable array of elements for illuminating said rear diffusing means; screen display device. 23.) a front diffusion means; a rear diffusion means for illumination by a light source, separated from the front diffusion means by a predetermined gap; and a rear diffusion means for illumination by a light source, installed between the light source and the rear diffusion means, for illumination from the light source. comprising masking means for blocking light at regular intervals, and a number of film means carrying visual information, each film means having a number of substantially transparent portion means therein, and between said light source and said masking means. A digital screen display device for illumination by a light source, comprising an installable storage means for storing visual information. 24.) The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said substantially transparent portion means comprises an array of stamped portions to conduct substantially all light incident thereon. 25.) a front diffusing means; a rear diffusing means for illumination by a light source separated from the front diffusing means by a predetermined gap; and a rear diffusing means installed between the light source and the rear diffusing means for illumination from the light source. storage means comprising a mask means for blocking light at regular intervals; a storage means comprising a plurality of partially transparent film means having visual information on its surface; and moving the plurality of partially transparent film means relative to the back diffusing means. and a continuous tensioning means for connecting the driving means to the transparent film means, the tensioning means causing the driving means to drive the transparent film means up and down. A digital screen display device for illumination by a light source. 26.) The driving means is comprised of a plurality of individual driving means each associated with an individual transparent film means for selectively driving the individual transparent film means. The equipment described in section. 27.) A front diffusion means, a rear diffusion means that is separated from the front diffusion means and receives light from the light source before the front diffusion means, and a rear diffusion means that is installed between the front and rear diffusion means and receives light from the rear diffusion means. grid means having a number of cells with reflective sidewalls of sufficient depth to substantially homogenize the light and create an image digitizing effect when viewed from in front of the front diffuser means; A digital screen display device for illumination by a light source, wherein the reflection effect of further enhances the homogenization of the light from said back diffusing means to the front diffusing means and the efficiency of the device in passing the light. 28.) A front diffusion means; a rear diffusion means that is separated from the front diffusion means and receives light from the light source before the front diffusion means; and a rear diffusion means that is installed between the front and rear diffusion means and receives light from the rear diffusion means. It is deep enough to substantially homogenize the light and create an image digitization effect when viewed from the front of the front diffuser, with the aperture of each cell being larger on the side closer to the front diffuser and vice versa. grid means having a number of cells with tapered side walls which are smaller on the side proximate the diffusing means, said tapered side walls forcing light towards said forward diffusing means, thereby reducing the passage of light; A digital screen display device for illumination by a light source, which improves the efficiency of the device. 29.) consisting of a front diffusion means, a rear diffusion means separated from the diffusion means by a predetermined gap, and a controllable element array having a number of liquid crystal elements;
and an image means for illuminating the rear diffusion means. 30.) a front diffusing means; a rear diffusing means for illumination by a light source, separated from said front diffusing means by a predetermined gap; and a controllable element array having a number of optical fiber elements; A screen display device comprising an image means for illuminating a diffusion means.