USH1096H - Solid state sunlight readable illuminated display device - Google Patents

Solid state sunlight readable illuminated display device Download PDF

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Publication number
USH1096H
USH1096H US07/400,642 US40064289A USH1096H US H1096 H USH1096 H US H1096H US 40064289 A US40064289 A US 40064289A US H1096 H USH1096 H US H1096H
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
carrying member
message carrying
light source
shutter
display device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US07/400,642
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
David C. Pederson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Honeywell Inc
Original Assignee
Honeywell Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Honeywell Inc filed Critical Honeywell Inc
Priority to US07/400,642 priority Critical patent/USH1096H/en
Assigned to HONEYWELL INC., HONEYWELL PLAZA, MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55408 A CORP. OF DE reassignment HONEYWELL INC., HONEYWELL PLAZA, MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55408 A CORP. OF DE ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: PEDERSON, DAVID C.
Priority to CA002023422A priority patent/CA2023422A1/en
Assigned to HONEYWELL INC. reassignment HONEYWELL INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: PEDERSON, DAVID C.
Priority to JP2221442A priority patent/JPH0398083A/ja
Priority to BR909004269A priority patent/BR9004269A/pt
Priority to EP19900116523 priority patent/EP0415379A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of USH1096H publication Critical patent/USH1096H/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/04—Signs, boards or panels, illuminated from behind the insignia
    • G09F13/08—Signs, boards or panels, illuminated from behind the insignia using both translucent and non-translucent layers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/20—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising with luminescent surfaces or parts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/18—Distinguishing marks on switches, e.g. for indicating switch location in the dark; Adaptation of switches to receive distinguishing marks
    • H01H2009/186—Distinguishing marks on switches, e.g. for indicating switch location in the dark; Adaptation of switches to receive distinguishing marks using an electroluminiscent panel

Definitions

  • the invention disclosed herein relates generally to illuminated display devices and more particularly to solid state sunlight readable, night vision compatible display devices in which ambient light energy is employed in conjunction with light energy from an artificial light source to illuminate display messages.
  • a conventional approach to implementing such displays is to provide back lighting by electrical, electrochromic or other nonambient light sources. Because the back lighting must overcome the brightness of the ambient light, such light sources must be quite intense, which generally corresponds to significant power consumption. In addition, means must be provided for controlling the light intensity to meet night vision requirements.
  • incandescent sources are inherently subject to sudden failure, which may be a critical disadvantage.
  • the elevated temperature required for high intensity operation also shortens the life of such light sources, as well as other nearby components.
  • the applicant has overcome the previously described disadvantages of conventional sunlight readable, night vision compatible displays by providing a unique solid state design which relies on a fluorescing layer energized by either ambient light or light from an electroluminescent panel to illuminate the display.
  • the invention is a display device and method for producing a sunlight readable, night vision compatible display in which a message carrying member, of which at least a portion is translucent, is back lit by a fluorescent layer, the fluorescent layer being energizable by either ambient light passing through the message carrying member or light from an artificial light source.
  • the artificial light source may be an electroluminescent panel on the opposite side of the fluorescent layer from the message carrying member.
  • the display device may be incorporated into a switch, and visibility of the message may be controllable by controlling the status of the light source. Additional insurance against unintended visibility of the message may be provided by a shutter whose operation is coordinated with control of the artificial light source.
  • the shutter may be a solid state twisted nematic liquid crystal shutter with crossed polarizers.
  • the message carrying member may comprise an array of liquid crystal elements whose translucences are controllable to provide a dynamic display message.
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view in simplified form of a push-button switch incorporating the applicant's display device
  • FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the electrical circuitry of the switch of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded view in simplified form of a display in accordance with the applicant's invention for displaying a changing message.
  • the applicant's invention will be described primarily in the form of a lighted display push-button switch, as might be used in an aircraft cockpit.
  • reference numeral 11 identifies a display housing which also serves as an operator interface with the switch to be described in greater detail hereinafter.
  • Housing 11 from inside out contains solid state electronic drive circuitry 12 for other components of the display, an electroluminescence panel light source 13, a fluorescent film 14, a film strip legend or message carrying member 15, a solid state shutter 16 and a lens 17.
  • electroluminescent light source 13 is shown as subdivided into two parts identified by reference numerals 13a and 13b.
  • solid state shutter 16 is subdivided into two parts identified by reference numerals 16a and 16b.
  • Light source portion 13a and shutter portion 16a may, for example, be responsible for displaying the status or caution message, while light source portion 13b and shutter portion 16b may be responsible for indicating the action taken.
  • Housing 11 is carried by an actuator assembly 20 which mates with a switch device 21 including one or more switches.
  • Switch device 21 may be a solid state device implemented with Hall effect switches, each including a Hall effect sensor with a magnet spaced therefrom.
  • actuator assembly 20 may include a vane of magnetically permeable material movable into and out of the gap between the Hall effect sensor and its associated magnet, depending on the actuation state of housing 11.
  • housing 11 and actuator assembly 20 may be fitted with any of a variety of known cardioid cam and follower arrangements for maintaining housing 11 in an actuated position and releasing it from that position upon alternate depressions of the housing to provide an alternate action switching function.
  • Fluorescent film for layer 14 is of a material which emits visible radiation or luminescence when energized by suitable incident radiation.
  • Film 14 is preferably a coating on the surface of electroluminescent panel 13, but is shown as a separate element for illustrative purposes.
  • Solid state shutter 16 when unenergized, is substantially opaque and will not transmit visible light. Conversely, when energized, shutter 16 is capable of substantial visible light transmission. Lens 17 may carry an antireflective coating. Solid state shutter 16 may be implemented in the form of a commercially available twisted nematic liquid crystal shutter with crossed polarizers.
  • energization of either portion of the display causes the associated portion of light source 13 to be illuminated and opens the associated portion of shutter 16.
  • the light from light source 13 is absorbed by fluorescent film 14, which is thereby caused to emit light which back lights the message on the associated portion of film strip legend 15. Since the associated portion of shutter 16 is open, the message will be visible to a viewer.
  • fluorescent film 14 receives light substantially only from light source 13 whose intensity is chosen to cause fluorescent film 14 to illuminate the display with sufficient intensity for viewing under low ambient light conditions, but not with sufficient intensity to interfere with night vision performance.
  • the portion of fluorescent film 14 corresponding to the open portion of shutter 16 will also receive substantial ambient light through the shutter and corresponding transparent or translucent portions of film strip legend 15. Under such conditions, ambient light will, in fact, provide the dominant energization of fluorescent film 14. This will result in film 14 emitting light which is sufficiently intense to make the message on film strip legend 15 highly visible under the high ambient light conditions.
  • the electroluminescent panel is a cool light source with low energy consumption, thus avoiding uncomfortably warm operator interface surfaces and deterioration of components due to high temperature. It also avoids high power consumption and cumulative production of heat for which special dissipation provisions may be required. Finally, although the light output of and electroluminescent light source degrades with time, such a light source is not subject to sudden catastrophic failure.
  • reference numeral 22 identifies an electroluminescent light source, such as light source portion 13a in FIG. 1, and an associated solid state shutter, such as shutter portion 16a in FIG. 1.
  • Reference numeral 23 identifies an oscillator/driver for energizing light source/shutter 22 in response to a status or caution signal received at a terminal 24.
  • Reference numeral 26 identifies a light source, such as light portion 13b in FIG. 1, and an associated shutter, such as shutter portion 16b in FIG. 1.
  • Reference numeral 27 identifies an oscillator/driver for energizing light source/shutter 26 in response to an electrical signal received from a switch 28, such as the switch in FIG. 1, under the control of an operator as indicated by arrow 29.
  • Switch 28 also provides an output which controls a solid state switch 30, shown in schematic form through suitable isolation and signal conditioning 31.
  • terminal 24 may receive a signal from a remote source, indicating a condition such as landing gear status or low fuel in a fuel tank.
  • the crew then has the opportunity to actuate switch 28 which, through isolation/signal conditioning 31, changes the status of switch 30 to lower or raise the landing gear or switch to another fuel tank.
  • switch 28 energizes display 26 through oscillator/driver 27 to indicate that action has been taken.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the applicant's display device which is similar to the display portion of the switch shown in FIG. 1, except that the film strip legend and shutter have been replaced by a dynamic message carrying member.
  • the display device of FIG. 3 includes an electroluminescent light source 32, a fluorescent film or coating 33 and a lens 34.
  • the message carrying member and shutter, identified by reference numeral 36 are now in the form of an array of elements which can be selectively energized to alter their light transmission characteristics.
  • Such an array can be implemented in the form of a conventional liquid crystal display.
  • message carrying member 36 functions in the same manner as film strip legend 15. However, it differs from film strip legend 15 in that its transparent or translucent portions can be varied to display a changing message. A separate shutter is not necessary since the liquid crystal display array also performs the function of shutter 16 in FIG. 1.
  • the applicant has provided a unique solid state sunlight readable, night vision compatible display which is low in power consumption and heat production and not subject to sudden failure.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
  • Devices For Indicating Variable Information By Combining Individual Elements (AREA)
  • Cosmetics (AREA)
US07/400,642 1989-08-30 1989-08-30 Solid state sunlight readable illuminated display device Abandoned USH1096H (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/400,642 USH1096H (en) 1989-08-30 1989-08-30 Solid state sunlight readable illuminated display device
CA002023422A CA2023422A1 (en) 1989-08-30 1990-08-16 Solid state sunlight readable illuminated display device
JP2221442A JPH0398083A (ja) 1989-08-30 1990-08-24 明るい周囲光条件と暗い周囲光条件の下で読むことができるメツセージを表示する表示装置および方法
BR909004269A BR9004269A (pt) 1989-08-30 1990-08-29 Dispositivo de exposicao e processo para producao de mensagem visual legivel
EP19900116523 EP0415379A3 (en) 1989-08-30 1990-08-29 Solid state sunlight readable illuminated display device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/400,642 USH1096H (en) 1989-08-30 1989-08-30 Solid state sunlight readable illuminated display device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
USH1096H true USH1096H (en) 1992-08-04

Family

ID=23584433

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US07/400,642 Abandoned USH1096H (en) 1989-08-30 1989-08-30 Solid state sunlight readable illuminated display device

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) USH1096H (ja)
EP (1) EP0415379A3 (ja)
JP (1) JPH0398083A (ja)
BR (1) BR9004269A (ja)
CA (1) CA2023422A1 (ja)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6760003B1 (en) * 1997-09-08 2004-07-06 Citizens Watch Co., Ltd. Miniature electronic device

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2683183B1 (fr) * 1991-10-31 1995-02-03 Sextant Avionique Procede pour former un motif peint sur un objet realise dans un materiau non adherent.
EP0921515A4 (en) 1997-03-31 2001-09-26 Idec Izumi Corp DISPLAY AND LIGHTING DEVICE
JP2023539329A (ja) * 2020-09-01 2023-09-13 ゼネラル・エレクトリック・カンパニイ 暗視機器に適合するデバイス

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2619368A1 (de) * 1976-04-30 1977-11-17 Siemens Ag Fluessigkristallanzeige mit einer fluoreszenzplatte
GB1527326A (en) * 1977-03-17 1978-10-04 Standard Telephones Cables Ltd Selectively illuminable displays
US4420898A (en) * 1982-03-01 1983-12-20 Moses John R Flat emergency exit sign utilizing an electro-illuminescent lamp
US4789858A (en) * 1984-06-12 1988-12-06 Taliq Corporation Multifunction switch incorporating NCAP liquid crystal

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Lawrence E. Tannas, Flat-Panel Display and CRT, 1985, pp. 12-13 and 16-17.

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6760003B1 (en) * 1997-09-08 2004-07-06 Citizens Watch Co., Ltd. Miniature electronic device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0415379A2 (en) 1991-03-06
JPH0398083A (ja) 1991-04-23
BR9004269A (pt) 1991-09-03
CA2023422A1 (en) 1991-03-01
EP0415379A3 (en) 1991-04-03

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: HONEYWELL INC., HONEYWELL PLAZA, MINNEAPOLIS, MN 5

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:PEDERSON, DAVID C.;REEL/FRAME:005189/0821

Effective date: 19890919

AS Assignment

Owner name: HONEYWELL INC., MINNESOTA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:PEDERSON, DAVID C.;REEL/FRAME:005415/0905

Effective date: 19900807

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE