MXPA99000934A

MXPA99000934A - Electroluminisce deployment device

Info

Publication number: MXPA99000934A
Application number: MXPA/A/1999/000934A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Robin Johnson William; W Heropoulos George; L Torma Tamas
Original assignee: Junkyard Dogs Ltd
Priority date: 1996-07-23
Filing date: 1999-01-22
Publication date: 2000-06-05

Abstract

The present invention relates to a panel, page or substrate having a row of electroluminescent material that forms a pattern corresponding to a series of images, when illuminated according to a predetermined sequence, the series of images provides an illusion of motion, a sound generator is provided to produce a predetermined audible response associated with the predetermined sequence, one or more flexible membrane switches are coupled to simultaneously operate both the electroluminescent material and the sound generator when depressed; Describe how a flexible network that is adapted to wind up on a spring loaded axle

Description

DEPLOYMENT DEVICE ELECTROLUMINISCENT TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention generally belongs to the field of electronic visual presenters. Specifically, the present invention pertains to electroluminescent visual display apparatuses ideally adapted for educational and entertainment presentations, as well as visual presenters to announce.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND Electroluminescent (EL) devices, used in "pages, panels, presenters and board games, generally comprise a phosphor layer disposed between two electrodes, at least one of which is light transmitting." A dielectric device is also disposed between electrodes, so the EL device works essentially like a capacitor.When an alternating current voltage is applied through the electrodes, the phosphor material is activated and emits light.The EL devices can be manufactured as discrete cells or as Large panels or rolls and either on rigid or flexible substrates In addition, each component of the device can be formed as a separate layer, such as a thin sheet that serves as an electrode, and a flat dielectric sheet, with the layers laminated together afterwards by heat and pressure Alternatively, the layers can be combined in overlapping coatings printed on a substrate, as is the case for a light transmissive conductive ink layer that serves as a top electrode followed by a layer of phosphor ink in a dielectric matrix and then another conductive ink coating that serves as a back electrode. EL devices have found widespread uses, eg. , in signs, watch covers and as interior light for keyboards. Membrane switches are generally constructed of two separate electrically conductive surfaces on separate substrates. At least one substrate is flexible. For example, each conductive surface may be an electrically conductive ink pattern. A separating layer with an opening is placed between the two conductive surfaces. When a user presses the flexible substrate containing one of the conductive surfaces, the two conductive surfaces come into contact causing then the activation of the switch and closing a circuit. Membrane switches have also been used in a variety of devices, such as on keyboards and control panels for appliances. See, e.g., the US patent. No. 4,683,360 to Maser for a membrane switch combined with an EL lamp panel.

The patent of E.U. No. 4,683,360 to Maser describes a combined electroluminescent panel activated by a "flexible membrane switch" The flexible membrane switch is generally constructed of two separate electrically conductive surfaces on separate substrates.At least one substrate is flexible.For example, each surface A conductive layer can be an electrically conductive ink pattern A separating layer with an opening is placed between the two conductive surfaces When a user presses the flexible substrate containing one of the conductive surfaces, the two conductive surfaces come into contact thereby causing the activation of the switch and closing a circuit U.S. Patent No. 4,532,395 to Zuko ski discloses a flexible membrane switch panel in combination disposed adjacent to flexible EL material The flexible membrane switch includes two separate electrically conductive surfaces on substrates separated with a separating layer, having an opening placed between them. One of the conductive surfaces is flexible, with another flexible layer, which has translucent indicia, placed adjacent and spaced therefrom. A flexible layer of EL material is disposed between the translucent indicia and the flexible membrane. In this way, both the indicia layer and the EL material can be depressed to allow operation of the flexible membrane switch.

Many interactive games and learning devices include flexible membrane switches to "allow a user to control some elements of the stimuli produced by this device." In this way, games and learning devices are easier to maintain a user's attention during a longer period of time compared to passive games U.S. Patent No. 5,087,043 to Billings et al. describes an interactive audio-visual crossword that includes, in pertinent part, a rigid crossword form defining a predetermined number of shape cuts, a top graphic disposed on the upper surface of the shape and a plurality of respective removable crossword pieces Each of the pieces of the crossword includes a peripheral configuration conforming to that of an associated shaped cut a piece chart A flexible membrane carries on its underside of it, together with ' a plurality of conductors in a predetermined relative arrangement. A plurality of respective lower graphics overlap the flexible membrane and underlie the shape cuts. A sound generator produces respective predetermined associated sounds in response to the input signals applied thereto. The conductors of flexible membrane, space and ground plane cooperate to form a touch pad corresponding to each of the lower graphs electrically connected to the sound generator. In this way, the sound generator is selectively driven to produce sounds in response to input signals. A disadvantage of the "Billings and other apparatus is that no animation is provided that could provide the crossword with a better appearance to a user." U.S. Patent No. 4,703,573 to Montgomery et al. Describes an audible visual activated work that includes, in relevant part, at least two pages fixed pivotally to each other in such a way that the pages are pivotal from a closed position juxtaposed to an adjacent open position.

(LCD) is fixed to one of the pages. A sound generator is attached to the LCD, and a power supply is coupled to automatically provide power to both the sound generator and the LCD when the pages are placed in the open position. A disadvantage with the Montgomery and others apparatus is that the LCD presenter limits the number and variety of interactive devices that may be present on any given page. A variety of billboard and ad signage systems are available for indoor and outdoor advertising. The patent of E.U. No. 5,123,192 to Hsieh, describes a visual presentation system that includes a liquid crystal display plate. The display board is typically placed indoors between a product to be advertised and a store counter. The visual presentation plate is visible from the outside, and is adapted to become transparent and "alternating translucent." In this way, the visual presentation plate forms images periodically that can be associated with the product and that allows observing the product through The windows, without any image being present, US Patent No. 4,739,567 to Cardin discloses a visual presentation system for a store counter that includes a retractable protective screen, a sliding projector and a mirror. arranged near the counter, with the mirror placed opposite the counter.The sliding projector is positioned to direct an image away from the counter on the mirror.The mirror is oriented to project the optical image information on the screen.A time regulator is employed. to allow the screen to be retracted periodically, typically, the regulating medium of It retract the screen during daylight hours so that the store counter can be used as a simple display window. During the afternoon hours, the projecting screen is lowered so that the images can be seen on it. A second time regulating means is employed to sequence the slidable projector through the row of sliders contained therein. A disadvantage with the two systems mentioned above is that they are relatively complicated, requiring the precise orientation of the different components of the system, thus obstructing portability. Many portable observation screens are available in the prior art. The patent of E.U. No. 4,169,658 to Brown and the US patent. No. 4,110,003 to Zinc each describe a portable projection screen that includes a flexible observation surface. The flexible observation surface is typically stored in a portable housing and can be extended therefrom to facilitate observation of the optical information generated from, for example, cinema or slide projectors. A disadvantage with these devices is that the operation of the screens depends on the availability of a projection system. In addition, as mentioned above with respect to the US patent. No. 4,169,658, there is difficulty in understanding the optical information observed, from outside, on a projection screen during daylight hours. Other visual presenters have been fabricated from electroluminescent (EL) devices, which generally comprise a phosphor layer disposed between two electrodes, at least one of which is a light transmitter. The patent of E.U. No. to Veltri et al., Describes a visual presenter that includes an EL strip adapted to function as a belt that fits a user's body. The low power requirements of the belt allow the EL material to be activated by a battery. The EL material allows the user to be seen at night and during low light conditions, for example, during the "dawn." Although highly portable, the belt does not encompass a sufficient amount of surface area to effectively function as a visual presenter for An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that uses electroluminescent display means and membrane switches to impart educational and entertainment information in an interactive manner Another object of the present invention is to provide an interactive page or panel device. with audiovisual stimuli in which the visual aspect of the stimuli provides an illusion of movement Another object of the present invention is to provide a greater number of interactive devices per unit area than the devices of the prior art Another object of the present invention is to provide an audiovisual system that is easy Adaptable to existing interactive devices. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a portable display device having a sufficient surface area to catch the attention of listeners and observers and cause them to perceive a message contained therein in various lighting conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In one embodiment, the above objects have been achieved with an interactive book comprising a series of individual display pages. Each page includes a printable and character-bearing layer on a spatially arranged visual presentation pattern of electroluminescent (EL) lamps with at least one EL lamp placed directly below each character that has been selected for illumination. Each page also includes a membrane switch that has a printed activation region that, when depressed by the user, closes the circuit for at least one EL lamp on the page and then causes the activation of the lamp and the illumination of the character superimposed. When printing with various inks and on various surfaces, EL lamps can be used to make the characters appear and disappear, as well as to change color. A sequencer circuit is operably connected to the electrical circuitry of at least some of the EL lamps on a page. The sequencing circuit is activated by touching a membrane switch, as with the circuitry for simple lighting of lamps. The sequencer is programmed for a specific pulse rate and order, causing the regulated and ordered activation of the series of EL lamps. The precise regulation and arrangement of the sequenced series in combination with the careful placement of printed characters on the page of the "visual presenter" provides movement effects, such as animation, of the characters, in a second modality, a substrate that includes a row of Electroluminescent material (EL) forms a pattern that corresponds to a series of images that provide an illusion of movement when they are illuminated according to a predetermined sequence.A sound generator is used to produce predetermined audible tones or words related in meaning to images A flexible membrane switch is coupled to simultaneously activate both the EL material and the sound generator when it is pressed by a user.A layer includes a plurality of icons, each of the pluralities of icons being associated with one of a first one. and second set of illustrations The first set of illustrations it is adapted to be observable with a non-assisted eye on a continuous base, and the second set of illustrations comprises the pattern of the EL material and are selectively visible to the naked eye, when the EL material illuminates. The sound produced by the generator may or may not be a succession of audible responses that correspond to the predetermined sequence. Each audible response of the sequence may or may not be associated only with one of the illustrations of the second set. In another alternative embodiment, a roll-up display for use in presentations includes a flexible tape with a light emission pattern disposed thereon comprising a row of electroluminescent material (EL) covered by a top layer. The flexible tape is adapted to move between extended and closed positions In the closed position, the flexible tape is wound around an axis of the elongated member In the extended position, the remaining end of the tape Flexible is positioned away from the flexible member Circuitry is attached to the elongated member to activate the material and produce light A sound generator is coupled to a horn, both of which are attached to the circuitry to produce predetermined audible signals. coupled to the circuitry, causing it to activate the EL material and / or the sound generator, in response to the detection of one or more stimuli by the sensor, eg. , movement, heat or sound. The visual display panel may also include a hollow body with the elongate member disposed within the body to rotate about the axis of the elongated member. The body is adapted to accommodate the flexible tape after reaching the second position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a typical page display for a character-carrying printable layer according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and also shows an example of the column of a book having the display pages of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded view of some of the layers of a typical display page of the present invention, with most of the electrical circuitry removed. Figure 3 provides an exploded view of a membrane switch according to the present invention. Figure 4 is a cross section of a typical two-sided display sheet of the present invention. Figure 5 is a cross section of an alternative embodiment of a two-sided display sheet according to the present invention. Figure 6 is a cross section of another alternative embodiment of a two-sided display sheet according to the present invention. Figure 7 is a block diagram of the typical electrical circuitry of the present invention. Figure 8 shows a typical display for an icon-carrying layer that is associated with a substrate according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is an exploded view of some of the "layers of a typical substrate of Figure 8, with most of the electrical circuitry removed." Figure 10 is another exploded view of a flexible membrane switch according to the present invention. Figure 11 is an exploded view of electrical circuitry and a housing associated with the embodiment of Figure 8. Figure HA is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention in an extended position. A detailed view of the invention shown in Figure HA Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the invention shown in Figure HA Figure 13 is a perspective view of the invention shown in Figure HA in a closed position Figure 14 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention, Figure 15 is an exploded view of layers of a typical substrate of the present invention. invention, with most of the electrical circuitry removed.

BEST WAY TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION With reference to Figure 1, a typical page display for the character carrier printable cap 10 of a visual display page contains a portion of graphics 12, a series of membrane switches 14 and text 16. Although the graphics, the switch Membrane and text portions of the page are displayed in separate regions to simplify the illustration, may be interposed, eg, containing the text instructions for pressing the membrane switch at the end of the text line, or a switch membrane incorporated in the illustrated scene. In addition, the text may be illuminated in accordance with the present invention. The printable layer 10 contains some translucent regions and a layer of EL lamps underlies the printable layer 10 with the individual lamps placed in a pattern corresponding to those portions of the graphics that will be illuminated.For example, an EL lamp can be placed under the sun 32. Another lamp can be placed to illuminate two closely spaced parts of the illustration, such as clouds 34 ab.The characters can be the result of printing a positive silhouette, such as sun 32, on the outer face of the 10 printable layer and a negative silhouette with dark ink directly below the positive silhouette.This refinement confines the lighting of the EL lamp under a character to that selected character.The EL lamps and the print can be combined to achieve a variety of For example, you can print a character on a translucent portion of a single-color material and then change iar of color when illuminated by an EL lamp of a different color. The characters themselves can be illuminated, such as sun 32, or they can be printed in dark ink and have a back light when an EL lamp illuminates the background as is the case with the dark plane in front of the cloud 39. The characters can also be printed on the inner face only of the printable layer 10, such as the butterfly 42, so that illumination by means of the EL lamp causes the character to "appear" on the outer surface of the printable layer 10. The portion of graphics 12 may also contain non-activatable portions. , such as in 38, that simply complete the illustrated scene. A unique feature of the present invention is the sequencing of EL lamps to cause motion effects, such as animation. Individual EL lamps can be placed under individual characters, eg, the dolphin in each of positions 40 a-d. When the appropriate switch is activated, the EL lamps illuminate in a specific order, eg. , first the lamp in position 40a, then 40b, 40c and finally 40d, giving the appearance of a jumping dolphin. When the sequencing circuitry is properly regulated and ordered with the coordinating characters, animation effects can be achieved. In another case, the characters can be printed on the inner surface * of the printable layer 10 in overlapping form, and the EL lamps can be programmed at a speed designed to provide a smoother appearance of movement. The activation of the EL lamps is caused by the membrane switches 14. A membrane switch can cause the activation of an EL lamp and the illumination of a character, such as the sun 32 or the butterfly 42, or the activation of a series of EL lamps and a sequence of movement within the graphics, like jumping dolphins in 40a-d. The printable layer 10 described above is presented as a single example of the top layer of a page of * visual presentation according to the present invention. Another visual presentation page that has unique graphics, text, and lamp patterns can be affixed to the back of the first page of visual presentation by turning the lamps inward and the character carrying layers facing outward. The two together form an interactive two-sided EL presentation panel that serves as a sheet of a book. A plurality of display pages may be linked together in a book format, such as with seam at 28 and a fold line at 36 of FIG. 1. EL lamps of the assembled book preferably receive energy for luminescence from a source internally hosted. Therefore, the assembled book preferably hosts a source of energy and circuitry common to the "EL lamp patterns" of each display page in a central area such as column 18 of the book, as illustrated in FIG. 1. energy to activate the lamps EL can be supplied, eg, by batteries 20 housed in a hollow tube 22 of the column 18 in conjunction with an inverter 26, also located inside the column 18. The inverter 26 converts the voltage of CD of the batteries in the AC voltage needed to activate the EL lamps. The tube 22 is shown with a removable cover 21 at one end for the replacement of the batteries 20. A battery input voltage in the range of 1-1 / 2V to 12V can be used, with "6V being preferred. The output of the inverter is at a voltage in the range of 80 to 160V and a frequency in the range of 400 to 200Hz, with 100V and 200Hz preferred. The sequencer circuit 24 is also shown located in column 18 of FIG. 1 because in the example illustrated, a single sequencing circuit is used that has an established pattern for the sequential movement charts of each visual display page, Alternatively, different patterns of timing and ordering can be used for each visual presentation. electrical 30 and wiring 44 that are connected to the circuitry for the EL lamp patterns of each visual presentation page.The book's sheets are aligned and then used pref eriblemente conductive epoxy resin, not shown, to intenect the circuitry of the visual presentation pages, the power source and the sequencer circuit. Alternatively, metal rivets with eyelet opening may be used to intenect the circuitry. Referring to Figure 2, the character-bearing printable layer 10 is shown with a printed positive silhouette 102 on its outer surface. A negative silhouette of the same character is printed on the bottom or inner surface of the printable layer 10, as indicated by 104. The characters can be printed with ink on the outer surface, inner surface, or both depending on the desired effect, as mentioned above. Beneath the printable layer 10 is the EL lamp layer. The EL lamps of the present invention are preferably discrete cells which are located near the printable layer 10 for maximum brightness of the superimposed characters. To simplify the illustration, the EL lamp layer has been separated into its components, but the connection circuitry is not shown. The EL lamp layer shown is a thick film of typical EL polymer with an upper pattern of electrically conductive and light-transmitting ink 86 which serves as a top electrode and a bottom pattern of electrically conductive ink 90 which serves as a bottom electrode. The upper electrode 86 is preferably disposed on the underside or inner surface of the layer 100. The lower electrode 90 is preferably disposed on the upper or outer surface of the layer 106. The terms "inner" and "outer" surface, according to they are used here, refer to positions relative to a center or base, such as the base substrate 98, of a typical visual display page or visual presentation sheet. Between the two electrodes is the phosphor EL 88, which may also be in the form of an ink, and a dielectric element 92. The electrodes 86 and 90 are aligned with the phosphor EL 88 and the dielectric material 92 to form the EL lamp. . The upper electrode 86 is made light transmitter to emit the luminescence of the phosphor EL "88. Figure 2 shows a pattern of EL lamps corresponding to characters selected from the printable layer 10. Although the different components of the EL lamps are show being incorporated in different film segments, such as 100, 92 and 106, the present invention can be manufactured with the EL lamps being "printed" directly on the inner surface of the printable layer 10. The components are then applied as successive coatings First conductive ink, phosphorus, dielectric matrix material and second conductive ink.A combination of the coating and separate layer methods can be used to effectively combine layers 10 and 100 or 106 and 98, such that the conductive ink are printed directly on layers 10 or 98 and only a separate dielectric and phosphor layer is between hese. See Figure 5. This combination of layers is also applicable to the conductive ink remains for membrane switches described below. Other types of EL lamps can also be used, such as those using foil electrodes or phosphorus impregnated resins. Also under the printable layer 10 are the internal components of the membrane switches 14. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the design of the membrane switch 14, without connection circuitry. The membrane switch includes an upper pair of conductive ink elements "parallel spirals 52 on a first surface, such as the underside of the layer 100 or the inner surface of the printable layer 10, and a lower pair of conductive ink elements. parallel spirals 54 on a second surface, such as the upper surface of layer 106, as in FIG. 2, or base substrate 98, as in Figure 3. The two sets of spirals are positioned to give each other, but are separated with a separating layer of predetermined thickness. The separating layer contains aperture 50 which are aligned with the upper and lower spiral assemblies 52 and 54, respectively. The printable layer 10 is printed with activation regions 46 of the membrane switches 14 indicating when the user must press the switch. When the activation region 46 of a switch is depressed, the upper scroll assembly 52 contacts the lower scroll assembly 54 through the opening 50, thereby activating the switch and closing a circuit. Although the separating layer containing openings 50 is shown in Figure 2 as layer 92, ie, the dielectric layer of the EL lamps, this is not a requirement. The separating layer for the membrane switches 14 can be completely separated from the components of the EL lamp and this is especially true if the EL lamps are formed as coatings of ink and resin on the inner surface of the printable layer 10. The layers of membrane switches 14 containing the upper set of spirals 52 and the activation regions 46 are preferably made of flexible material so that the oppression of the activation region 46 causes sufficient deflection of those layers to allow contact of the upper and lower assemblies of spirals 52 and 54. A material such as Mylar is preferred which offers flexibility for touch activation under light pressure and durability for use in children's books. The display pages of the present invention are preferably constructed using flexible and non-porous polymer substrate materials such as Mylar. Paper or cloth can also be used. However, for better durability, it may be desirable to use central substrates and separating layers that are semi-rigid. The printable layers are preferably 0.0762 to 0.508 mm thick. The base substrate 98 of Figure 2 is preferably 0.254 to 0.889 mm thick. The layers 100 and 106 of Figure 2 preferably measure 0.254 to 0.508. The dielectric layer 92 varies depending on the voltage used, but a thickness of 0.254 to 0.762 mm is typical. The printable layer 10 and the underlying EL lamp and the internal membrane switch layers 100, 92 and 106 are repeated in reverse fashion on the fold side of the base or center substrate 98. In this way, Figure 4 shows a cut cross section of a typical and complete two-sided display sheet of the present invention. Layers 10, 100, 92 and 98 are followed in order by a layer 106 ', similar to 106, a layer 92', similar to 92, a layer 100 ', similar to 100, and another printable layer carrying characters 10 'having a different scene in their region of graphics and different text than the printable layer 10. Preferably, the membrane switches on a first page of visual presentation, on one side, shown, eg, as the printable layer 10, of a two-sided display sheet, are not located directly opposite the membrane switches on the attached display page, or second side, shown, e.g., as the printable layer 10 '. of a two-sided presentation sheet. This placement prevents unwanted activation that would waste battery power. Layers 92 and 92 'are shown to contain phosphor EL 88 and 88' respectively, and openings 50 and 50 ', respectively. The patterns and conductive elements 86 and 52 are indicated on the layer 100, as the 86 'and 52' are indicated at 100 '. Similarly, patterns and conductive elements 90 and 54 are indicated on layer 106, as indicated 90 'and 54' at 106 '. The membrane switch activation regions 46 and 46 'are also shown on the printable layers. Figure 4 shows A-D positions as possible sites for characters having a backlight provided by the EL lamps. further, the assembled two-sided display can contain laminated covers for durability. An alternative structure, described above and illustrated in Figure 5, has a portion, ie, the upper light transmitting electrodes 86 and 86 ', of each pattern of lamps EL printed on the back of the printable layer 10 or 10'. , eliminating layers 100 and 100 '. The phosphor material EL 88 or 88 'can also be included in the portion of the EL lamp that is printed on the inner faces of the printable layers 10 and 10'. Figure 5 also shows the layers 106 and 106 'removed, as compared to Figure 4. The lower electrodes 90 and 90' are then printed on any of the inner faces of the dielectric layers 92 and 92 'or on the surfaces of the base substrate 98.

An additional alternating structure for the display sheet of the present invention has a single layer of EL film forming a center that can be used to illuminate both display pages of a two-sided display sheet, as illustrated in FIG. Figure 6. However, this requires that the EL film layer be light transmitting in directions towards both display pages. Figure 6 shows a single layer of EL film, ie the phosphor dielectric material EL, and upper and lower electrodes, which serve to illuminate the characters on both printable layers 10 and 10 '. An EL lamp causes illumination at position A on layer 10 because its light transmission portion 86 and 88 is directed towards layer 10. The other lamp EL has its "light transmission portion 86 'and 88". 'directed towards layer 10', and thus causes illumination in position D. EL lamps that illuminate in both directions can also be used simultaneously Note that in figure 6, the internal portions of the membrane switches are they show in adjacent positions of a single layer, but each one has an activation region 46 or 46 'in the printable layer 10 or 10', as appropriate.Figure 7 contains an example of the electrical circuitry for a first page 60 and a subsequent page 2. Each page displayed contains three simple EL lamps: 65, 67 and 69 on page 1, and 75, 77 and 79 on page N. The pages also contain each, a sequenced series of lamps: 71a -f in page 1 and 81a-f on page n. All EL lamps are activated by membrane switches whose activation regions are printed on the printable character carrier layers on the lamps. For simplicity, the two pages contain identical EL lamp patterns. However, different patterns can be used on the pages. The membrane switches 14 of the present invention preferably have a two-pole design, meaning that two poles of the switch are closed simultaneously. Figure 7 shows the two poles of a single membrane switch such as 64a-b. Activation of the membrane switch operably connected to the EL lamp 65 closes the circuit at the poles 64a at 60 and 64b at 60 ', and allows the AC voltage provided by the DC voltage 84 and the inverter 26 to cause the luminescence of the lamp EL 65. The simple circuitry 72 of the EL lamp page similarly allows the luminescence of the lamps 67 once the switch 66a-b and the lamp 69 are activated once the switch 68a-b is activated. In the same way, the simple circuitry 82 for page n allows the luminescence of lamps 75, 77 and 79 once the switches have been activated 74a-b, 76a-b and 78a-b, respectively, with the poles located at 62 and 62 '. Two-pole membrane switches are also used for the activation of the sequenced series of EL lamps. Page 1 shows the series of lamps EL 71a-f activated by the switch 70a-b. When the circuit is closed, the sequencing circuit 24 through the circuitry 58 causes the luminescence of the lamps 71a-f according to an established time and order regulation pattern. The sequencer circuit 24 is also operably connected to the page n by means of the sequencing circuit 58. In this way, the activation of the switch 80a-b causes the sequenced luminescence of the series of lamps EL 81a-f. Each display page of the present invention is similarly and preferably connected to both the sequencing circuitry 58 and the simple luminescence circuitry, depending on the illumination needs of the page. The placement and number of EL lamps for the pattern of EL lamps on each page may vary. Additional electrical sequencing patterns can be established in the sequencer circuit, in such a way that the regulation of time and lighting order on the different pages that have sequenced series of lamps do not need to be identical. In the same way, more than one series of sequenced lamps can be present on a single sheet. The various series of lamps sequenced on a page may contain different electrical sequencing patterns. The design of the two-pole membrane switch allows the individual electronic sequencing circuit 24 shown in FIG. 7 to control the sequenced series of EL lamps on all individual pages of the book. The first pole 70a, controls v.gr. , to the sequencing circuit 24 and the second pole 70b connects to the specific page, here 60 ', to the return side of the inverter 26. The present invention provides a unique use for EL lamps and membrane switches that will easily find application for educational purposes and entertainment. With reference to Figures 8 and 9, a second embodiment of the present invention is shown which includes a typical page layout for a printable layer carrying icons 110 of a substrate containing a portion of "graphics 112 and a portion of text 114". The substrate can be a greeting card, the page of a book, a panel or other sheet material For the purposes of description, the substrate will be an interactive board game The graphics portion 112 and the text portion 114 they are shown in separate regions to simplify the illustration and may be intermixed, eg, with the text placed near a particular graphic providing detailed information about it, In addition, the text may be illuminated in accordance with the present invention. layer 110 typically includes two sets of icons A first set of icons 116, shown with solid lines, is formed to be visible with the eye does not assist on an essentially continuous basis. In this way, the icons 116 reflect light incident on them A second set of icons 118, shown in dotted lines, is formed to be selectively visible with the unattended eye Typically, the icons 118 are translucent regions, which are printed on the inner side only of the layer 110. A layer of EL material lies below the layer 110 and is formed to luminish in areas adjacent to the translucent regions, which correspond to the icons 118. For example, a The EL area can be placed under the sun 122, as well as areas 122a-c.Another area EL can be placed to illuminate two closely spaced parts of the illustration, such as clouds 124a-b.The icons can be the result of printing a positive silhouette, such as the sun 122, on the outer face of the printable layer 110 and a negative silhouette with dark ink directly below the layer 110 adjacent to the positive silhouette and close to the areas 122a-c. This refinement confines the illumination of the EL material to a region of the layer 110 associated with icons of the first 116 or second 118 sets. In this way, the illumination of the icons 118 by the EL material allows the icons to appear as if they "appeared from nowhere" on the outer surface of the printable layer 110. The EL 120 material and the print can be combined to achieve a variety of effects. For example, a graphic may be printed on a translucent portion of a single color material and then the color changed when it is illuminated by an EL device of i "a different color.The same icons of the first set 116 may be illuminated, such as as the sun 122, or it may be 5 printed in dark ink and have backlight when an EL device illuminates the background as is the case with the dark plane in front of the cloud 126. The graphics portion 112 may also contain non-activatable portions that simply complete the illustrated scene 10 The shapes of the translucent regions are i logically associated with one or more of the icons of the first set 116. For example, water 130 may be one of the icons of the first set 116 and may have, associated with it, dolphins 130a-d, which may be four of the "icons of the second set 118. The dolphins 130a-d would not be visible until the material EL 120 was activated.To activate the material EL 120, a plurality of switches / buttons 132 can be used, or a microphone can be connected to allow voice activation of the EL material.

If the switches are shown in a region separated from the graphics portion 112, it is preferred that the switches 132 be positioned such that they are below the dolphins 130a-d. With this design, it is necessary to use flexible membrane switches, which are known well in the art. To operate the switches 132, it is understood that both the EL material 120 and the layer 110 must also be formed of a flexible material. By properly sequencing the illumination of the material EL 120, an illusion of movement can be obtained with respect to the icons 118. Otherwise, the icons can be printed on the inner surface of the layer 110 in an overlapping manner, and the EL material can be obtained. It can be set at a speed designed to provide a smoother appearance of movement. The superimposed EL areas may include the sun 122b and the cloud 117. The sun 122b and the cloud 117 may be arranged in such a way that they are visible to us until the EL area placed below them is illuminated, as mentioned above with respect to to the icons 118. In this way, upon starting the lighting sequence of 122c, 122b and sun 122a, the EL material associated with the cloud 117 would be illuminated. Once the cloud 122b is illuminated, the EL material corresponding to the letter 149 is extinguished, momentarily leaving only the cloud 122b illuminated. By carefully superimposing a succession of similar images in this way, a relatively smooth appearance of movement can be obtained. A second generator, shown more clearly in Figure 4, is coupled to a horn 134 to produce an audible response that may be associated with the icons of the first 116 and second 118 sets. When the sequencing circuitry is properly regulated and commanded with icons and audible responses, visual animation can be achieved with the corresponding audio accompaniment. For example, once the dolphin 130a is illuminated, the sound generator can produce the sound of the water splashing to imitate the sound produced by a dolphin that leaves the water 130. * During the illumination of the dolphins 130b-c, the sound generator it can produce the chattering or talking sounds of the dolphin. In this way, the sound generator can produce a sequence of audible responses associated with the lighting sequence of the icons of the first 116 and second 118 sets. In addition, each audible response in a sequence can be associated only with illumination of a particular icon of either the first 116 or second 118 sets. If it is desired to produce a shielded stage, the sound generator can mimic the sound of a commercial aircraft, a missile or a sequence of Apollo-NASA communications during the lighting of the dolphins 130b-c, exaggerating the flight of the same through the water 130. Finally, once the 13Od dolphin is illuminated, the sound generator can produce the sound of a large splash, emphasizing the return of the dolphin to water 130. The combined audiovisual stimulus provides the full effects of a motion film. 110 is shown with a positive silhouette 122 printed on its outer surface.A negative silhouette 122 of the same icon is printed on the back side, or inner surface, of the layer 110, as also indicated by 122a-c. printed with ink on the outer surface, the inner surface or both, depending on the desired effect, as mentioned above. 120. The material EL 120 of the present invention includes a plurality of electroluminescent regions 5, each of which comprises phosphor EL 138 disposed between an upper conductor 140 and a lower conductor 142. Preferably, each electroluminescent region is located near the layer 110 for a maximum brightness of the superimposed icons of the second set 118. To simplify In the illustration, the components of the EL ^ 120 material have been separated, but the connector circuitry is not shown. The upper conductor 140 is typically formed on the thick layer of polymer EL as an electrically conductive ink. Preferably, the upper conductor 140 is disposed on the 'bottom side, or inner surface, of the layer 144 near the graphics of the first set 118 and is a light transmitter to allow light coming from the EL 138 phosphor to pass through it. The lower electrode 142 is preferably disposed on the upper or outer surface of the Layer 146. The "inner" and "outer" surfaces, as used herein, refer to positions relative to a center or base, such as a base substrate 148, of a typical display page or display sheet . Phosphorus 138 typically has the form of a conductive ink disposed on a dielectric substrate 150. The electroluminescent regions, shown in Figure 9, correspond to selected icons of the layer 110. Although the different components of EL material 120 are shown being incorporated in different film segments, such as 144, 146 and 150, the present invention can be manufactured with all the EL material components 120 being "printed" directly on the inner surface of the layer 110. The components are thus placed as successive coatings of first conductive ink, phosphorus, dielectric matrix and second conductive ink. A combination of the coating methods and separate layer can be used to effectively combine the layers 110 and 144 or 146 and 148, such that the conductive ink patterns are printed directly on the layers 110 or 148 and only one layer Dielectric and phosphorus are separated between them This combination of layers is also applicable to the conductive ink elements for the membrane switches described below.Other types of EL material can also be used, such as those using foil electrodes or Phosphorus-impregnated resins Referring also to Figure 10, below the selected icons are the internal components of the flexible membrane switches 132. The switches 132 are shown without connector circuitry to simplify description Each membrane switch 132 includes an upper pair of spiral and parallel conductive ink elements 152 on a first sup The second side of the layer 154 and a lower pair of spiral and parallel conductive ink elements 156 on a second surface, such as the upper surface of the layer 158, are provided. The two sets of spirals are positioned to give one the other, but they are separated with a separating layer 160 of predetermined thickness. The separator layer 160 contains openings 162 that are aligned with the upper and lower scroll sets 152 and 156, respectively. As mentioned above, in the preferred embodiment, the membrane switches 132 can be arranged below one of the electroluminescent regions of the EL layer 120, same switch 132 which will cause it to illuminate. After pressing the selected icon on the layer 110, the upper spiral assembly 152 comes into contact with the lower spiral assembly 154 through the opening 150, thereby activating the switch 132, closing a circuit and illuminating the electroluminescent regions of the EL layer 120. At this point, the switch 132 is typically placed near the layer 148, the layer 110 and all layers intervening between the switch 132 and the layer 110 being flexible. After depressing the appropriate switch 132, movement can be provided to an icon of the first set 116 by means of the icons of the second set 118. For example, the sound generator can alert the user with an audible response as follows: "watch the sun come out". After hearing the aforementioned audible response, a user would press icon 122. This would cause switch 132, shown on layer 148, to cause phosphor A to irradiate light. The time regulation circuitry, described below with respect to Figure 11, would sequentially illuminate and decease phosphor B, C and D. This in turn would cause icons 122c, 122b and 122a to appear and disappear, leaving only the icon 122 lit. After the lighting sequence of the icons 122c, 122b and 122a has concluded, an appropriate audible response can be generated. In addition, some or all of the switches 132 may not be disposed below the EL material 120. Instead, some flexible membrane switches 160 may be formed in the same layers as the EL material 120. In this way, the switch 164 may be arranged in the graphic portion 112, below a graph associated with the first set 116, to indicate where the user can locate the switch 164. The switch 164 includes an upper pair of parallel and spiral conductive ink elements 166 which can be arranged on the surface 144, as well as a lower pair of spiral and parallel conductive ink elements 168 which may be on the upper surface of the layer 146, or base substrate 148. An aperture 170 may be placed between the top elements 166 and lower 168 to perform the same functions as opening 158 described above. The switches not included in the graphic portion 112 typically have associated therewith an activation region 172 to indicate when the user must "press the switch 164 to activate the material EL 120. When the activation region 172 of a switch is depressed, the upper spiral assembly comes into contact with the lower spiral assembly, as described above With reference also to Figure 11, an advantage of having the material 120 and layer 110 disposed on switch 130 is to make the present invention readily adaptable to existing board sets that provide sound stimuli, these games typically employ sound cards activated by flexible membrane switches.When placing both the EL 120 material and the layer 110 over the existing flexible membrane switches, a set of Board with existing sound can be easily updated to provide visual stimuli. Existing flexible membrane sensors are coupled to both the EL 120 material and the sound generator to simultaneously activate both sound and visual stimuli. The visual stimuli provided can be designed to improve the existing sound programming of the board game. As an alternative, many of the pre-existing board games can be easily reprogrammed to change the sounds generated and improve visual stimuli. In this way, existing board games can be easily and inexpensively altered to keep up with the rapidly changing trends of children's entertainment. An additional benefit of the layer design has to do with the efficient use of the substrate on which the switches and the EL material are arranged. Specifically, with the design of layers, more switches can be arranged per unit area in the board game, providing more interactive devices for a user. For example, a switch arrangement or matrix may be included. Upper conductive elements 165 separated from lower conductive ink elements 167 may be provided, with a plurality of corresponding openings 169 arranged in an insulating layer therebetween, with corresponding electroluminescent regions being present. The advantage of having more "interactive" devices is that the game becomes more suitable for younger children by placing switch 130 below the icon that is the subject of attention, a one to one correspondence is provided between the icon and the expected visual response. This concept is easily demonstrated by considering the sound generator that produces the aforementioned audible response of "look out at the sun". Upon hearing this indication, a user would only have to press the icon 122 to obtain the visual response mentioned above, thus providing a one-to-one correspondence between the icon 122 and the expected visual response. If the sound generator indicates to the user "watch the dolphins jump", the aforementioned correspondence is not present. The dolphins could not be seen, preventing the user from knowing where a switch is placed to obtain the expected normal stimulus, that is, the sequential illumination of the dolphins 130a-d. Instead, a user would have to venture into an abstract association of water 130 with dolphins 130a-d. After making the aforementioned association, a user would understand the need to press the icon 130 to activate the icons 130a-d. Many users of the present invention may not have developed the cognitive ability to make abstract associations. When placing the switch Under an icon that is the subject of attention, less abstract thought processes are required for a user to enjoy the interactive device. In a few words, the device becomes more suitable for users who have not developed the cognitive skills necessary to successfully understand abstract associations The substrate of the present invention is preferably constructed using flexible and non-porous polymer substrate materials such as Mylar. Paper or cloth can also be used, however, it may be desirable to use central substrates and separating layers that are semi-rigid for better durability.Printable layers are preferably 0.0762 to 0.508 mm thick.The base substrate 148 of Figure 2 measures preferably 0.254 to 0.889 mm thick The layers 144 and 146 of Figure 2 preferably measure 0.254 to 0.508 The dielectric layer 150 varies depending on the voltage used, but a thickness of 0.254 to 0.762 mm is typical, a comparable dimension can be employed. for flexible membrane switch layers 154, 158 and 160. Each of the membrane switches na flexible 132 is coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB) 174 by means of elements 176. A combination of sound generator and sequencer circuit is disposed on the PCB 174 and may be in the form of an integrated circuit coupled to the speaker 134. it provides a suitable power source, such as batteries 180 to supply power to the device. An ignition button 182 is coupled to the power source to selectively drive the interactive device. A housing is provided that includes top covers 184 and bottom 186. Top cover 184 includes a window 188. Additional openings are provided to mount button 182 and speaker 134 so that they can be operatively coupled to top cover 184. layer 110 is mounted to be adjacent to window 188, with material EL 120 disposed adjacent thereto. Separated from the material EL 120 is a flexible membrane switch arrangement. Between the EL material 120 and the switch arrangement are disposed the elements 176, the lower cover 186 being secured to the lower cover 184 by means of screws or the like. Referring to both Figures 12A and 12B, a roll-up display panel 210 having a flexible tape 212 is shown, an end 214 thereof is mounted to an elongate member 216. The end 218 of the flexible tape 212, opposite to the end 214, includes a handle 220 fixed to a rigid body 222. Flexible tape 212 includes a light emitting pattern 224 comprising a row 226 of electroluminescent material (EL). A top layer 228 is arranged to cover the row 226 and may include one or more sets of icons that are associated with the pattern 224. For example, a first set of icons 230, shown in solid lines, is formed to be visible with the eye not assisted on an essentially continuous basis. In this way, the icons 230 can reflect light when it affects them. A second set of icons 232, shown in dashed lines, is formed to be visible with the unattended eye on an essentially continuous basis. Circuitry 234 is disposed on a printed circuit board, which is fixed to an elongated member 216 and is electronically coupled to activate EL 226 material and produce light. Circuitry 234 includes a sound generator 236 having a horn, to produce predetermined audible signals. A sensor 238 is coupled to the circuitry 234, causing it to activate the EL material 226 and / or sound generator 236 in response to the detection, by the sensor 238, of one or more stimuli, e.g., light, movement, heat or sound. The circuitry 234 may include a microprocessor 240 and associated memory 242 that contain preprogrammed sounds and lighting sequences, described in more detail below. The display panel 210 can be activated by any suitable power source, e.g., a battery, or by connecting it to AC power by means of a plug 244 and the appropriate rectification and voltage reduction. The flexible tape 212 is adapted to move between an extended position, shown in Figure 12A, and a closed position, described in Figure 14. In this manner, the display panel 210 is considered to be extendable and retractable. Referring also to Figure 12A, in the open position, the flexible tape 212 is extended such that the end 218 is placed away from both the elongate member 216 and the end 214. Typically, the elongate member 216 is weighted to tension sufficiently flexible tape 212 to thereby provide a substantially flat surface At this point, during operation, handle 220 is typically placed on a projection extending from a vertical surface, pulling elongate member 216 to the tape flexible 212 tensioned, under gravity force To position the flexible tape to the closed position, the elongate member 216 is moved, typically with the hand so that it rotates about its longitudinal axis 246 until the flexible tape 212 is completely rolled around of the shaft 246. This places the end 218 near the elongated member 216.

Referring also to Figure 15, an alternative embodiment of the display panel 210, a hollow body 290 is provided with the elongate member 216 rotatably disposed therein. A slot 292 extends parallel to the shaft 246, with the flexible tape 212 extending therethrough. As with the embodiment described above with respect to Figures 12a-12b, the flexible tape 212 is adapted to extend between the extended and closed positions. However, in the embodiment shown in Figure 15, the body 290 encloses the flexible tape 212 when it is placed in the second position. After reaching the second position, the handle 220 and the rigid body 222 are disposed in abutting relationship with the slot 202. The hollow body 290 is typically water-tight. A flexible membrane, such as rubber, is disposed around the periphery 294 of the groove 292 in such a way that a watertight seal is formed once the flexible tape 212 reaches the closed position. Various means may be employed to facilitate movement between the open and closed positions. For example, a reversible motor can be connected to the elongate member 216 to move thereto, as described in the U.S. patent. No. 5,296,964, which is incorporated herein by reference. An advantage of providing a reversible motor is that the motor can be connected to operate in response to detection of adequate stimulation by the sensor 238, as described above.

This would allow the panel 210 to automatically extend, allowing the pattern 224 to be displaced and then retracted, thus providing greater protection to the flexible tape 212 against environmental conditions. Alternatively, the flexible tape 212 can be moved between, and placed in, the open and closed positions by a torsional force provided by a carrier bracket as described in the US patent. No. 4,169,658, which is incorporated herein by way of reference. Finally, a support structure such as that described in the U.S. patent may be used. No. 4,110,003, which is incorporated herein by reference. Referring again to both figures 12A and 13, the icons 232 of the second set are typically translucent regions printed on the inner side of the upper layer 228. The row 226 which is below the upper layer 228, is formed to luminish in areas adjacent to the translucent regions, which correspond to the icons 232. For example, an EL area can be placed under each of the letters 248, as well as the cup 250 and the plate 252, each of which are printed on top layer 228. Another EL area can be placed to illuminate two closely spaced portions of the illustration, such as vapor 254a-e. The icons may be the result of printing a positive silhouette, such as the letters 248, on the outer face of the upper layer 228 and a negative silhouette with dark ink directly below the upper layer 228 adjacent to the positive silhouette and close to the areas 254a-e. This refinement confines the illumination of the EL material to a region of the upper layer 228 associated with icons of either the first set 230 or the second set 232. In this way, illumination of the icons 232 by means of the EL material allows these icons they look as if they "appeared out of nowhere" on the outer surface of upper layer 228. EL 226 material and printing can be combined to obtain a variety of effects. For example, a graphic can be printed on a translucent portion of a material of a single color and then change color when illuminated by an EL device of a different color. The very icons of the first set 230 can be illuminated, such as the letters 248, the cup 250 and the plate 252, or they can be printed in dark ink and have backlight when an EL device illuminates the background. Upper layer 228 may also contain non-activatable portions that simply complete the illustrated scene. Referring also to figure 16, the shapes of the translucent regions are logically associated with one or more of the icons of the first set 230. For example, the coffee 256 arranged in the cup 250 can be one of the icons of the first set 230 and have associated with the same vapors 254a-e, which may be four of the icons of the second set 232. The vapors 254a-e would not be visible until the EL area placed below the vapors 254a-e was activated. Each electroluminescent region of row 226 comprises phosphorus EL 258 disposed between an upper conductor 260 and a lower conductor 262. Preferably, each electroluminescent region is located near the region of upper layer 228 that will be illuminated, for maximum brightness of the icons overlays of the first and second assemblies 216 and 218. To simplify the illustration, the components of the EL 226 material have been separated, but the connecting circuitry is not shown. The upper conductor 260 is typically formed on thick film of EL polymer as an electrically conductive ink. Preferably, the upper conductor 269 is disposed on the underside, or inner surface, of the adjacent layer 261 and is a "light transmitter" to allow light coming from the EL 258 phosphorus to pass therethrough. 262 is preferably disposed on top, or outer surface, of layer 263. The terms "inner" and "outer" surface, as used herein, refer to positions relative to a center or base, such as the substrate of base 264, of a typical visual display page or visual display sheet The phosphor 258 is typically in the form of a conductive ink disposed on a dielectric material 259. Although the different components of the EL 226 material are shown being incorporated in different segments of film, such as 259, 261 and 263, the present invention can be manufactured with all the components of the EL material being "printed" directly on the to the interior surface of the top layer 228. The components are then applied as successive coatings of first conductive ink, phosphorus, dielectric matrix material and second conductive ink. A combination of the coating and separate layer methods can be used to effectively combine the layers 259, 261 and 263, such that the conductive ink patterns are printed directly on layers 228 or 264 and only one dielectric and phosphor layer separated is between these. This combination of layers is also applicable to the conductive ink elements for the membrane switches described below. Other types of "EL material, such as those using foil electrodes or phosphorus-impregnated resins, can also be used. By properly sequencing the illumination of the areas corresponding to vapor 254a-e, an illusion of motion can be obtained. Moreover, the vapor 254a-e may be printed on the inner surface of the upper layer 228 in an overlapping manner, and the EL areas may be set at a speed designed to provide a smoother-looking appearance. audible associated with the icons of the first and second sets 230 and 232. When the sequencing circuitry is properly regulated and commanded with the icons and audible signals, the visual animation can be obtained with the corresponding sound accompaniment, for example, by illuminating the steam 254a, the horn 236 emits the sound of the wind to give the impression of a cloud moving in the sky. 254a-e, the sound generator 236 can produce the sounds of decreasing volume to give the impression that the vapor 254a-e is increasingly distant. In this way, the sound generator 236 can produce a sequence of audible signals associated with the lighting sequence of the icons of the first and second sets 230 and 232. In addition, each audible signal in a sequence can be associated only with the illumination of a particular icon of any of the first or second sets 230 or 232. Referring also to FIG. Ib, a novel configuration of the EL material could include superimposed EL areas such as steam 254f and letter 249. Both the steam 254f as the letter 249 may be arranged such that they are not visible until the EL area placed below them is illuminated, as described above with respect to vapor 254a-e. In this way, the vapor 254a-f can be illuminated sequentially, under the control of the microprocessor 240 to provide an illusion of steam movement traveling from cup 250 to 249. To complete the phrase "hold a cup of coffee", the letter 249 remains on during the sequential illumination of vapor 254a-e. After lighting the vapor 254f, the EL material corresponding to the letter 249 is extinguished, leaving only the steam 254f * illuminated. By carefully overlapping a succession of similar images in this way, a relatively smooth appearance of movement can be obtained. In addition, the pattern 224 can be illuminated to correspond to static images, that is, illuminated images that do not provide the illusion of movement. For example, letters 248 may be illuminated in any desired way to attract the attention of nearby individuals. In this way, the letters 248 can be illuminated simultaneously or each of the letters can be illuminated individually in a random sequence. The sound generator 236 can provide an audible signal, as described above. For example, the sound generator 236 may include a speech synthesizer that emits an audible signal that establishes the phrase or "slogan" illuminated. In this case the sound generator would emit the sound "hold a cup of coffee". The EL material of row 226 can be activated by any suitable means known in the art. Preferably, row 226 would be activated in response to stimuli detected by sensor 238. For example, sensor 238 can be adapted to detected infrared radiation and would cause circuitry 234 to activate row 226 and sound generator 236 in response to the detection of the heat emitted from a human body. Alternatively, sensor 238 may include a microphone and tuned filtering circuitry for detecting common frequencies produced by a human voice. Finally, the sensor 238 can be adapted to detect optical energy and thereby activate the row 226 and the sound generator 236 once it detects certain wavelengths of light, or in the absence thereof. Moreover, row 226 and sound generator 236 can be activated in response to signals produced by a clock 235, or time regulator, included in circuitry 234. This would make it possible for display panel 210 to light up and produce sounds. periodically or during pre-established times during the day. The display panel 210 may be activated in response to the activation of individual switches 266. The switches 266 may be arranged in either the elongate member 216, hollow body 200 and / or flexible tape 212. Although any switch may be used, it is preferred that the switches 266 (Fig. 12A) are flexible membrane switches as shown in Fig. 10, which are light weight and energy efficient. Referring again to Figures 13 and 15, each of the flexible membrane switches 266 is coupled to circuitry 234 by means of elements 280 terminating in an edge connector 282 positioned near the end 14. The edge connector is inserted in an edge connector receptacle 284 that is incorporated within the circuitry 234. With this design, the flexible tape can easily be replaced without inadequate costs while maintaining the usefulness of the circuitry 234, the elongate member 216 and the hollow body 290. The sounds generated in response to the activation of the EL 236 material can be changed easily and inexpensively simply by replacing the memory 242. This allows a portable, inexpensive and flexible display device that is easily changed to provide the advertisement or desired visual presentation message.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS 1. - A visual presenter comprising: a layer carrying a first set of a plurality of icons, a row of electroluminescent material arranged adjacent said layer forming a pattern corresponding to said first set of icons, said pattern arranged to show a series of illuminated images corresponding to said plurality of icons of said first set, with said plurality of icons and said pattern arranged to provide an illusion of movement of said first set of icons when said pattern is illuminated according to a predetermined sequence, and coupled means electronically to said electroluminescent material to activate said first pattern in accordance with said predetermined sequence, with each said plurality of icons of said first set adapted to be selectively observable with an unassisted eye after said activation means illuminates said pattern. 2. - The visual presenter according to claim 1, further characterized in that said pattern includes a plurality of electroluminescent lamps, and the activation means has a plurality of membrane switches arranged in the row, each switch provides contact of two elements drivers after the oppression of an activation region, the contact causing the interruption of electrical circuitry associated with at least one of the lamps, a means of supplying energy to cause luminescence of each lamp operably connected to the contact within each switch 3. - The visual presenter according to claim 2, further characterized in that the layer includes a second set of a plurality of icons, said second set being adapted to be observable with said unassisted eye on a continuous base, thereby said first set is arranged to provide an illusion of movement of one of said second set of icons after said pattern is illuminated according to said predetermined sequence. 4. - The visual presenter according to claim 2, further characterized in that at least a portion of the pattern of electroluminescent (EL) lamps is printed on a surface of the layer. 5. - The visual presenter according to claim 1, further characterized in that the character carrier layer, the lamps and the membrane switch are flexible. 6. An interactive book comprising: (A) a plurality of visual presentation sheets, each sheet comprising: (1) two printable layers, each layer has an inner face and an outer face, the layers are printed with characters; (2) at least one film of electroluminescent lamps disposed between the two inner faces of the printable layers, each lamp placed to underlie at least one of the characters and has associated electrical circuitry; (3) a series of flexible membrane switches arranged on each sheet, each membrane switch connected to the electrical circuitry of at least one of the lamps and has a top activation region disposed on the outer face of one of the printable layers , two sets of conductive elements printed on two layers of membrane below the activation region, and a separating layer defining a hole, the separating layer disposed between the two membrane layers with the hole placed between the conductive elements and below the activation region so that the oppression of the activation region allows the contact of the conductive elements through the hole of the separating layer, causing the contact luminescence of at least one of the lamps, and in turn causing the illumination of at least one of the characters; (B) an energy source associated with the film of lamps and (C) means for connecting the presentation sheets in a book format. 7. The book according to claim 6, which further comprises a sequencing circuit associated with a series comprising at least two of the lamps, which causes variable regulation and ordering of the luminescence of the series. 8. The book according to claim 7, further characterized by the sequencing circuit causes the regulation and ordering of the series so that the characters that are on the series appear to be animated. 9. The book according to claim 6, further characterized in that the printable layers are made of a flexible material with a thickness in the range of 0.0762 to 0.508 millimeters. 10. The book according to claim 6, further comprising lamination covers for the printable layers. 11. A visual presentation sheet with movement effects comprising: a film of electroluminescent lamps, the lamps arranged spatially in a visual presentation pattern, a first printable layer having characters on it arranged on some of the lamps, with which the characters can have a backlight provided by the lamps; a second printable layer having characters on it arranged on some of the lamps with the characters giving away from the film of lamps on a distant side of the first printable layer; an electrical sequencing circuit for applying energy to the lamps in a predetermined regulated order, and a power source connected to the sequencer circuit, whereby movement effects can be produced by activating the lamps with the sequencer circuit. 12. The visual presentation sheet according to claim 11, further characterized in that the film of lamps and the printable layers are flexible and non-porous polymers. 13. The visual presentation sheet according to claim 11, further characterized in that the printable layers are paper. 14. The visual presentation sheet according to claim 11, further comprising a contact switch formed by electrically conductive elements arranged below the first printable layer, the switch being interposed between the sequencer circuit and the power source ". 15. The visual presentation sheet according to claim 14, further characterized in that the contact switch comprises a set of spiral elements on opposite sides of a separating layer, allowing an opening in the separator layer contact by opposing elements. .- The visual presentation sheet according to claim 15, further characterized in that each set of spiral elements is further defined by a parallel pair of spiral elements and a first pole associated with the sequencer circuit and a second pole associated with the source of spiral elements. energy 17.- The visual presentation sheet of conformi with claim 11, further characterized in that the power source comprises a cylindrical battery and an elongated inverter package housed in a hollow tubular column, the display sheet has an edge attached to the column. 18. The visual presentation sheet according to claim 17, further characterized in that the battery supplies voltage in the range of 1-1 / 2 to 12 volts. 19. The visual presentation sheet according to claim 17, further characterized in that the inverter package has an output on the scale of 80 to 160 volts and 400 to 2000 hertz. 20. An interactive visual presentation panel comprising: a layer carrying a plurality of icons, each of said plurality of icons being associated with one of a first set and a second set of icons; a row of electroluminescent material forming a pattern corresponding to said second set of icons, said pattern arranged to show a series of images corresponding to said first set of icons, providing an illusion of movement of one of said first set of icons to the said second set of icons be illuminated according to a predetermined sequence; a generating means for producing a predetermined audible response and electronically coupled means both to said pattern of electroluminescent material and to said generator, to simultaneously activate both said generating means and said pattern, said generating means producing said predetermined audible response when said second set is illuminated of icons according to said predetermined sequence. 21. The visual presentation panel according to claim 20, further characterized in that said first set of icons are adapted to be observable with an unassisted eye on a continuous base, and said second set of icons are selectively observable with said eye not assisted, whereby said second set of icons is visible after said triggering means illuminate said pattern. 22. - The visual presentation panel according to claim 20, further characterized in that said first set of icons are adapted to reflect and absorb the light that hits them., said second set of icons adapted to be translucent. 23. - The display panel according to claim 20, further characterized in that said second set of icons comprises a plurality of electroluminescent regions and said activation means includes a sequencer circuit associated with said plurality of electroluminescent regions to selectively illuminate each of said plurality of regions according to said predetermined sequence. 24. - The visual presentation panel according to claim 20, further characterized in that said generating means produces an audible response associated only with one of said second set of icons. 25. The visual presentation panel according to claim 20, further characterized in that said generating means produces a succession of audible responses corresponding to said predetermined sequence. 26. The visual presentation panel according to claim 20, further characterized in that said generating means produces a succession of audible responses corresponding to said predetermined sequence, each of said audible responses of said succession being associated only with one of said icons of said second set. 27. The visual presenter according to claim 20, further characterized in that said pattern is arranged between said layer and said activation means. 28. The visual presentation sheet according to claim 20, further characterized in that said activation means includes a flexible membrane having a first conductive element and a contact layer having a second conductive element, said flexible membrane being separated from said contact layer, said first and second conductive elements placing in opposite relation with an insulating layer disposed therebetween, said insulating layer having an aperture aligned with said first and second conductive elements. 29. The visual presentation sheet according to claim 20, further characterized in that said pattern comprises a plurality of electroluminescent regions arranged in said row, each of said plurality of regions including a pair of electrodes separated with electroluminescent phosphorous disposed between same. 30. The visual presentation sheet according to claim 20, further characterized in that said pattern includes a plurality of electroluminescent regions and said activation means includes a sequencing circuit associated with said plurality of electroluminescent regions to selectively illuminate each of said plurality of regions according to said predetermined sequence. 31. The visual presentation sheet according to claim 20, further characterized in that said icon-carrying layer is arranged near said row. 32. The visual presentation sheet according to claim 20, further characterized in that said activation means includes a flexible membrane having a first conductive element and a contact layer having a second conductive element, said flexible membrane being separated from said contact layer, said first and second conductive elements placing in opposite relation with an insulating layer disposed therebetween, said insulating layer having an aperture aligned with said first and second conductive elements. 33. - An interactive visual presentation panel comprising: a layer carrying a plurality of icons, each of said plurality of icons being associated with one of a first set and a second set of icons, said first set being adapted to be visible with an unassisted eye on a continuous base, and said second set is selectively visible with said unassisted eye; a row of electroluminescent material forming a pattern corresponding to said second set of icons, said pattern arranged to show a series of images corresponding to said first set of icons, providing an illusion of movement of said first set of icons when illuminated said second set of icons according to a predetermined sequence; means, electronically coupled to said electroluminescent material, to selectively illuminate said second set of icons according to said predetermined sequence, whereby each icon of said second set of icons becomes selectively visible with said unattended eye. 34. - The visual display panel according to claim 33, further characterized in that said activation means includes a flexible membrane having a first conductive element and a contact layer having a second conductive element, said flexible membrane being separated from said contact layer, said first and second conductive elements placing in opposite relation with an insulating layer disposed therebetween, said insulating layer has an aperture aligned with said first and second conductive elements, and said pattern comprises a plurality of electroluminescent regions disposed in said row, each of said plurality of regions including a pair of separate electrodes with electroluminescent phosphor arranged therebetween. 35.- The visual presentation panel according to claim 34, further including a generating means for producing a predetermined audible response, wherein said activation means is electronically coupled to both said pattern of electroluminescent material and said "generator, to simultaneously activate both said generating means and said pattern, said generating means producing said predetermined audible response when said second set of icons is illuminated in accordance with said predetermined sequence: 36.- The visual presentation panel according to claim 35, characterized in addition because said activation means includes a sequencing circuit associated with said plurality of electroluminescent regions to selectively illuminate each of said plurality of regions in accordance with said predetermined sequence, wherein said generating means produces a succession of audible responses that c or correspond to said predetermined sequence. 37.- The visual presentation panel according to claim 36, further characterized in that each of said audible responses of said sequence is associated 5 only with one of said icons of said second set of icons. 38.- An interactive visual presentation panel comprising: a layer carrying a plurality of icons, each of said plurality of icons being associated with one of 10 a first set and a second set of icons; one row I w of electroluminescent material forming a pattern corresponding to said second set of icons, said pattern arranged to show a series of images corresponding to said first set of icons, providing an illusion of 15"movement of said first set of icons upon illumination of said second set of icons according to a predetermined sequence, said pattern comprising a plurality of electroluminescent regions disposed in said row, each of said plurality of regions including a pair of 20 separate electrodes with electroluminescent phosphor arranged between them; a generating means for producing a predetermined audible response and means, electronically coupled to said pattern of electroluminescent material and to said generator, to activate At the same time both said generating means and said pattern, said generating means producing said predetermined audible response when said second set of icons is illuminated according to said predetermined sequence, said activation means includes a flexible membrane having a first conductive element and a layer contact having a second conductive element, said flexible membrane being separated from said contact layer, said first and second conductive elements placing in opposite relation with an insulating layer disposed therebetween, said insulating layer having an aperture aligned with said first and second conducting elements. 39.- The visual presentation panel according to claim 38, further characterized in that said activation means includes a sequencer circuit associated with said plurality of electroluminescent regions to selectively illuminate each of said plurality of regions according to said predetermined sequence, wherein said generating means produces a succession of audible responses corresponding to said predetermined sequence, each of said audible responses of said succession being associated only with one of said figures of said second set. 40.- A roll-up display panel comprising: a flexible tape having first and second opposite ends, said tape includes a row of electroluminescent material forming an electroluminescent arrangement and a translucent top layer positioned with respect to said row to cover said electroluminescent arrangement; an elongate member defining an axis, said first end of the flexible tape attached to said elongate member, said flexible tape being adapted to wind between extended and closed positions, said second end of the flexible tape being positioned distantly with respect to said first end in said extended position and said flexible tape being wound around said axis in said second position, and means, electronically coupled to said electroluminescent arrangement, to activate said electroluminescent material to produce light, then producing a visible pattern on said flexible tape. 41.- The visual presentation panel according to claim 40, further characterized by said activation means is arranged inside said elongated member. 42. - The visual presentation panel according to claim 40, further characterized in that said upper layer includes a plurality of icons, each of which is associated with one of a first set and a second set of icons, said arrangement corresponding electroluminescent to said second set of icons, said first set of icons being adapted to be visible with an unassisted eye on a continuous basis, and said second set of icons is selectively visible with said unassisted eye, whereby said second set of icons is visible after said activating means illuminate said electroluminescent arrangement. 43. - The visual display panel according to claim 40, further including a hollow body with said elongated member disposed within said body to rotate about an axis, with said body adapted to receive said flexible tape after reaching said second position. 44. - The visual display panel according to claim 40, further including a sensor means for activating said activation means in response to the detection of a predetermined stimulus by said sensor. 45.- The visual presentation system according to claim 40, further including a means, coupled to said activating means, for generating a predetermined audible response once said electroluminescent arrangement produces light. 46.- The visual presentation system according to claim 40, which also includes means, attached to said second end, for mounting said system to a vertical surface. 47.- The visual presentation system according to claim 40, further including means electronically coupled to said activation means, to illuminate said second set of icons according to a predetermined sequence. 48.- The visual presentation system according to claim 40, further characterized in that said electroluminescent arrangement is arranged to provide an illusion of movement associated with one of said first set of icons once said second set of icons is illuminated in accordance with a predetermined sequence. 49.- The visual presentation system according to claim 40, further characterized in that said upper layer has an inner face and an outer face and includes a plurality of icons forming said pattern, said row includes electroluminescent lamps arranged with each lamp placed to underlie at least one of said plurality of icons and has associated electrical circuitry, and "a series of flexible membrane switches disposed therein, each membrane switch connected to said electrical circuitry of at least one of said lamps and having an upper activation region disposed near one of said plurality of icons 50. A roll-up display panel comprising: a flexible tape having first and second opposite ends, said tape includes a film of electroluminescent lamps disposed spatially in a pattern, a top layer that has icons on top of me sma arranged on some of said lamps, whereby said icons may have a backlight provided by said lamps; an elongate member defining an axis, said first end attached to said elongate member, said flexible tape being adapted to be wound between extended and closed positions, said second end being positioned distantly with respect to said first end in said extended position and said flexible tape being wound around said axis in said second position, and means, disposed within said elongated member and electronically coupled to said electroluminescent lamps, to activate said electroluminescent lamps to produce light, thus forming a visible illuminated pattern. 51.- The visual presentation panel according to claim 50, further including a sensor means for activating said activation means in response to the detection of a predetermined stimulus by said sensor. 52. The visual presentation panel according to claim 51, further characterized in that said predetermined stimulus includes movement. 53.- The visual presentation panel according to claim 51, further characterized in that said predetermined stimulus is sound. 54. - The visual presentation panel according to claim 51, further characterized in that said sensor is an infrared detector adapted to detect thermal energy, and said predetermined stimulus is a change in thermal radiation. 55.- The visual presentation panel according to claim 50, further characterized in that said sensor is an infrared detector adapted to detect thermal energy, and said predetermined stimulus is a change in thermal radiation. 56.- The visual presentation panel according to claim 50, further including a hollow body with said elongate member disposed inside said body to rotate about an axis, with said body adapted to receive said flexible tape after reaching said second position. 57.- The visual presentation panel according to claim 56, which further includes a motor means, arranged inside said body to move said flexible tape between said extended and closed positions. 58.- A roll-up visual presentation panel comprising: a flexible tape having first and second opposite ends, said tape includes a row of electroluminescent material forming an electroluminescent arrangement and an upper layer placed with respect to said row to cover said arrangement electroluminescent; an elongate member defining an axis, said first end attached to said elongate member, said flexible tape being adapted to be wound between extended and closed positions, said second end being positioned distantly with respect to said first end in said extended position and said flexible tape being wound around said axis in said | "second position, means, electronically coupled to said row, to activate said electroluminescent arrangement to produce light; sensor means for activating said activation means in response to the detection of a predetermined stimulus by said sensor and motor means, disposed within said body to move said flexible tape between said extended and closed positions 59. The visual presentation panel according to claim 58, further including a time regulation means electronically coupled to said activation means, to periodically activate said activation means, whereby said electroluminescent arrangement 15"is illuminated periodically according to said activation means 60.- The visual presentation panel of conformity with claim 59, further characterized in that said motor means is activated in response to the detection of a 20 predetermined stimulus by said detector, whereby said display panel moves between said closed and extended position. 61.- The visual presentation panel according to claim 60, which also includes a hollow body 25 with said elongated member disposed within said body to rotate about said axis, with said body adapted to accommodate said flexible tape after reaching said second position.