Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Plural display systems – Tiling or modular adjacent displays
Reexamination Certificate
1997-04-14
2001-01-16
Nguyen, Chanh (Department: 2775)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Plural display systems
Tiling or modular adjacent displays
C345S084000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06175342
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for building a modular changeable information sign for use in outdoor and indoor environments.
Prior art changeable signs have been cumbersome and expensive due to the method of assembling the signs, the inability to reuse components and maintenance problems. Prior art changeable signs have also been difficult to modify and repair.
Furthermore, the prior art does not disclose a design using modular display units, making it easy to manufacture, while combining the benefits of a computer-based display unit. Prior art signs do not have components which are interchangeable. Prior art signs will not automatically readdress themselves for maintenance or reassembly. The prior art does not disclose a design which is reconfigurable into a new sign for a new purpose without extensive modification.
The prior art signs are not designed to be easily changed in height or width. The prior art does not disclose a design to easily change the dimensions of the sign to accommodate a greater width or a greater height or a different modular matrix pattern.
The present invention solves these problems with an assembly of computer based, recyclable, sealed display units, which may be assembled into a sign of varying proportions. Each display unit is further capable of being easily replaced with another display unit. The sign further has the capability and method of readdressing all display units in the sign for proper display of the information.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a modular electronic sign having a plurality of display units assembled together and connected to a control computer. Each display unit has a circuit board having a display side with a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in a pattern thereon. The light emitting diodes are controlled by a power switching transistor assembly which in turn is controlled by a microprocessor on the circuit board. The microprocessor is in communication with a sign controller and adjacent display units. The circuit board accommodates connecting the display unit to power and communication, via a pair of power connectors and several communication connectors. A light isolating spacer is positioned on the display side of the circuit board to help define the display elements. The light isolating spacer has a plurality of holes formed therein for allowing the LED's to extend into the spacer and project light through the spacer. A translucent cover has a silk screened pattern thereon and is mounted over the display side of the circuit board and the light isolating spacer. The display unit has a plurality of standoffs intermediate to the cover and the display side of the circuit board. The standoffs extend from the circuit board to the electrical connections. The standoffs form an environmentally sealed electrical connection to the circuit board. A mounting track may support the display units and provide power and communication connections. The mounting track has a first power conductor, second power conductor and a communication conductor. The first power conductor is connected to one power connector on each display unit mounted on the mounting track. The second power conductor is connected to another power connector on each display unit on the mounting track. The communication conductor in the mounting track is connected to a communication connector in each display unit. A sign controller controls the information displayed on the sign. The sign controller is a computer having a memory, an information input, and an information output. The computer is connected to the communication conductor to thereby communicate to each display unit mounted on the mounting track.
A feature of the present invention is a microprocessor in each display unit for controlling the light emitting diodes.
Another feature of the present invention is an interconnection between adjacent display units on a mounting track for addressing each display unit after it is mounted on the mounting track and is connected to the sign controller.
Another feature of the present invention is that the LED's may be arranged in a matrix pattern compatible with popular computer software such as Microsoft Windows® and associated applications.
Another feature of the present invention is a mechanical and electrical connection to allow a display unit to be removed from the mounting track and disconnected from adjacent display units without disturbing adjacent display units.
Another feature of the present invention is a mounting track which may be formed from a plurality of longitudinally joined segments to extend the length of the sign.
Another feature of the present invention is a mounting track which may be mounted in a parallel relationship with another mounting track to extend the height of the sign.
Another feature of the present invention is that the display units are individually sealed to protect the units from outdoor elements.
Another feature of the present invention is the circuit board in each display unit may be conformal coated.
Another feature of the present invention is a standoff which pierces a metal contact on the circuit board, creating a gas tight electrical connection to the underlying circuit board.
An advantage of the present invention is the display units may be reused to build a new sign.
Another advantage of the present invention is the display units may be individually removed and replaced on the sign and readdressed automatically.
Another advantage of the present invention is the display units may be removed from the middle of a mounting track without disturbing adjacent display units.
Another advantage of the present invention is the modular sign does not need to be separately housed in an enclosure because each display unit is sealed.
Another advantage of the present invention is the display units are electrically interchangeable.
Another advantage of the present invention is the display units may be mounted on to sides of a mounting structure to form a back-to-back modular sign.
Another advantage of the present invention is the mounting tracks may be mounted vertically on a mounting structure.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the display units may be mounted at any point along the support member.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the display units may be mounted to the support member in two substantially perpendicular orientations.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the display units may be hermetically sealed, preventing moisture from entering the display units.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the display units may be simply pressed onto the conductors to make electrical contact, obviating the need to screw the display units to the conductors.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the front panel of the display unit may be painted with an opaque material to reduce glare and to improve the contrast between the light emitters and the display unit.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the display units may be made of some non-metallic material such as plastic, because the display units derive structural support from mounting channels in the back side of the display unit.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3889147 (1975-06-01), Groves
patent: 4050834 (1977-09-01), Lee
patent: 4163332 (1979-08-01), Salem
patent: 4197527 (1980-04-01), Romney
patent: 4445132 (1984-04-01), Ichikawa et al.
patent: 4471350 (1984-09-01), Chow
patent: 5020253 (1991-06-01), Lie et al.
patent: 5027112 (1991-06-01), Ross et al.
patent: 5198803 (1993-03-01), Shie et al.
patent: 5257020 (1993-10-01), Morse
patent: 5390093 (1995-02-01), Himeno et al.
patent: 5634711 (1997-06-01), Kennedy et al.
Freeberg Paul C.
Melby Gordon M.
Nicholson Timothy J.
Aadco, Inc.
Nguyen Chanh
Peterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.A.
LandOfFree
Enhanced modular message board does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Enhanced modular message board, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Enhanced modular message board will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2549439