Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Plural physical display element control system – Display elements arranged in matrix
Patent
1994-03-25
1996-07-02
Brier, Jeffery
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Plural physical display element control system
Display elements arranged in matrix
34081542, G09G 334
Patent
active
055327117
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This application claims priority under USC .sctn. 371 from International Application No. PCT/US94/07329, filed Sep. 27, 1991.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to display systems and, in particular, to large display systems or signboards for presenting varying alpha-numeric, graphic, and animated images to large audiences.
1. Background of the Invention
Several methods and display systems have been devised to generate large, illuminated, multi-colored, quickly changeable graphic displays for the purposes of advertising, entertainment, and the general dissemination of graphic information, both images and text. Most of these systems employ output matrices of electrically powered picture elements such as incandescent lamps, light-emitting diodes, cathode-ray tubes, electromechanical "flip" elements, or liquid crystal elements. As a result, these display screens typically need large numbers of electrical conductors, associated connectors, and picture element fixtures and require large, rigid structures to maintain proper alignment and surface geometry. These displays are often quite heavy and require substantial electrical power for their operation. Considerable expense and effort must be expended to transport, set up, power, and maintain such displays, particularly larger versions having surface areas of greater than 9 m.sup.2.
2. Summary of the Invention
An object of the present invention is, therefore, to provide a display system for presenting varying images with good image quality and has color animation capabilities.
Another object of the invention is to provide a relatively inexpensive and low maintenance display system and method that eliminate or substantially reduce the use and number of electrical elements to substantially decrease the amount of energy used by the system and provide a consequent reduction in size and weight of an associated support structure necessary to maintain surface geometry of the display screen and alignment of its elements.
A further object of the invention is to provide a lightweight, collapsible display screen on a flexible substrate such that the packing volume of the display system for storage and transportation is considerably smaller than the usable surface area of the display screen.
Still another object of the invention is to provide such a display system that can be easily transported and mounted on surfaces of different contours and shapes and in locations unable to support heavier display systems.
The display system of the present invention includes a projector for displaying varying alpha-numeric and graphic images on a passive display screen requiring no electrical connections or active switching or gain media. The display system has a large number of optical conductors with output and input terminals positioned at their opposite ends. The output terminals are spaced apart and preferably supported by an equal number of terminal housings affixed to a preferably thin, flexible substrate to form the display screen. The optical conductors are gathered behind the substrate, and their input terminals are collated into a launch grid with the input terminals having a positional arrangement corresponding to that of the output terminals of the display screen.
The launch grid preferably includes a heat dissipating framework for mounting the input terminals of the optical conductors into a closely packed arrangement occupying a minimum amount of space.
The projector includes a high intensity illumination source, an imaging medium and associated support devices, thermal management components, and a launch grid receptacle for receiving the optical conductor input terminals. The imaging medium contains source images held at or very near the surface of the input terminals which are fixed into position by the launch grid receptacle of the projector.
High intensity light directed at the imaging medium projects the source images directly into the input terminals of the optical conductors without the need for intermediate lenses, mirrors, or other optical elements. L
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Brier Jeffery
Inwave Corporation
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