Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Plural physical display element control system – Display elements arranged in matrix
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-09
2001-01-30
Shankar, Vijay (Department: 2778)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Plural physical display element control system
Display elements arranged in matrix
C345S111000, C040S449000, C340S815620
Reexamination Certificate
active
06181315
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a magnetically operated display and its method of operation.
Eye-catching displays are becoming more and more popular due to increasing consumerism and the desire for public awareness of products, public announcements, etc.
A first conventional display includes a matrix of light emitting diodes (LEDs) wherein various groups of the LEDs in the matrix can be selectively turned on simultaneously to present various images. The first conventional display performs well in an environment with a low level of light. However, the efficiency of the first conventional display is considerably reduced if the level of light is increased, for example, a sunny day, and the noticeability of the display is impaired.
A second conventional display includes a matrix of magnetically operated display units each including a magnet embedded in a pivotable plate including a first surface with a color different from that of the remaining portion thereof and a second surface with a color identical to that of the remaining portion thereof. The second surfaces of different groups of the pivotable plates in the matrix are selectively exposed to view so as to show different images. The second conventional display shows clear images in a bright environment, however, visibility of the first surfaces of the pivotable plates is greatly reduced in the dark as the first surfaces of the plates do not produce light.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is the primary objective of this invention to provide a method for operating a magnetically operated display unit which presents clear images in the darkness or in bright sunlight.
The magnetically operated display unit includes a frame with a color, a plate pivotably mounted on the frame and including a first surface with a color different to that of the frame and a second surface with a color identical to that of the frame, a magnet embedded in the plate, a U-shaped ferromagnetic element mounted on the frame so that two tips of the magnet are located between two tips of the U-shaped ferromagnetic element, a solenoid mounted on the U-shaped ferromagnetic element and a light emitting diode, or other light emitting device, mounted on the frame. The plate defines a cutout for receiving the light emitting diode and one of the tips of the U-shaped ferromagnetic element. The light emitting diode includes a tip located on a level between the plate and the tips of the U-shaped ferromagnetic element. Two opposite currents are selectively directed through the solenoid. The plate is pivotally mounted on axle(s) and the plate is thereby divided into two opposed areas, one on each side of the line of the axle(s). The light emitting diode is disposed in one of these opposed areas, preferably remotely spaced from the line of the axle(s). A lens is disposed above the top of the light emitting element (LED) so that light is cast upon the surface(s) of the plate even under low light conditions.
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Lite Vision Corporation of Taiwan
Said Mansour M.
Shankar Vijay
Thoma Peter J.
Thompson & Knight L.L.P.
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