Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Plural physical display element control system – Display elements arranged in matrix
Reexamination Certificate
1998-05-28
2001-08-07
Shalwala, Bipin (Department: 2673)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Plural physical display element control system
Display elements arranged in matrix
C903S905000, C040S409000, C040S427000, C040S541000, C040S553000, C040S594000, C340S815450, C362S800000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06271814
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a multiple message display system, and specifically to an improved display system having a fixed display and a variable electronic display providing messages over a shared display area.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventional print advertising is accomplished by printing stationary fixed information and pictures on signs, billboards, posters, etc. The advertisement printed on the display medium is fixed, so that only one advertising message can be displayed at a given time. In an effort to maximize the number of printed advertisements which can be displayed on a single display medium, there have been many types of advertising displayed developed over the years that allow multiple printed advertisements to be displayed in the space occupied by a single display medium. Such print advertisements have included rotating display screens which periodically rotate the viewable display screen to change to the viewable print advertisement. Other print advertisements have been formed having multiple advertisements printed on a single display, where the particular advertisement perceivable by a viewer changes with the viewer's location in relation to the display where different advertisements come into focus depending upon the viewer's location. Unfortunately, the information conveyed to a viewer of such printed advertisements is limited to the specific pre-printed messages and images fixed on the display medium.
Electronic displays have also been utilized to display information and advertisements on a display panel, such as a matrix LED panel. The messages displayed on the electronic display are typically programmed into a processing unit connected to the display, wherein the processing unit controls which information is to be displayed on the electronic display. Electronic displays are advantageous over fixed printed displays in that the information to be displayed can be variably changed. However, electronic displays do not allow information to be constantly displayed. Information on an electronic display must be either scrolled across the screen or flashed across the screen in billboard fashion. No information is displayed on an electronic display when the processing unit is not specifically instructing a message to be displayed or if a transmission error occurs between the processing unit and the display panel.
One attempt to overcome the deficiencies of conventional electronic displays and fixed print displays is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,132,666 issued to Fahs, which discloses a vehicle-mounted electronic display system which combines an electronic display with a fixed print display. The display system includes two display sections, a variable display electronic screen and a fixed display section mounted above the variable display. Programmed messages can be flashed or scrolled across the electronic screen, while a logo or other advertisement can be constantly displayed on the screen of the fixed display section.
One of the drawbacks of Fahs's vehicle-mounted electronic display system is the increased amount of space required for both the variable display electronic screen and the fixed display screen. A further drawback of the aforementioned display system is the simultaneous display of multiple advertisements adjacent to one another can be confusing to a viewer of the electronic display system at times when information is being displayed on the electronic screen. The viewer may have his attention distracted between the message displayed on the electronic display screen and the advertising message appearing on the fixed display screen, thus reducing the effectiveness of the advertisement.
Clearly, there is a need for an advertising display system which allows both fixed and variable messages to be displayed without having one of the messages distract the attention of a viewer from the other message. Moreover, there is a need for an advertising display system which allows both fixed and variable messages to be displayed on a shared display area in order to reduce the amount of space required to display both types of messages.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a primary object of the present invention to overcome the aforementioned shortcomings associated with the prior art.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an advertising display system which allows both fixed and variable messages to be displayed on a shared display area.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an advertising display system which allows both fixed and variable messages to be separately viewed from a shared display area.
These as well as additional objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by providing a dual message advertising display system having a variable electronic display and a fixed printed display formed on a shared display area. The display system includes a display screen having fixed information printed thereon, such as an advertisement, logo, or other message. The display screen includes a plurality of apertures formed there through to provide visual access to an electronic display positioned behind the display screen. The electronic display is preferably an LED display having a matrix of LED elements, where each LED element is positioned adjacent to a respective aperture in the display screen.
The apertures are formed a predetermined spacing apart from each other so that the fixed information printed on the display screen remains easily perceivable and non-distorted to an onlooker. The predetermined spacing of the apertures is also provided to allow the information displayed on the electronic display to be viewed by the onlooker when the electronic display is activated. The spacing of the apertures causes the message appearing on the electronic display to obscure the fixed printed information on the display screen with respect to the perspective of the onlooker by causing the onlooker to focus upon the electronic display message when activated. The fixed printed information on the display screen then becomes unnoticeable to the onlooker. Thus, the onlooker will not perceive both the fixed printed information on the display screen and the electronic display message simultaneously. The fixed printed information on the display screen remains viewable at all times when the electronic display message is not activated. This arrangement of the display system allows both fixed printed information and variable informational to be displayed on a shared display area.
The display system of the present invention may also include an audio speaker device for outputting an audible signal which is synchronized with the message appearing on the electronic display. A control unit communicates with the display system to provide the messages to be displayed on the electronic display and output on the audio device. The control unit may either be pre-programmed with the messages to be displayed or allow the messages to be input by a user of the display system.
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Kovalick Vincent E.
Price and Gess
Shalwala Bipin
LandOfFree
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