Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Light pen for fluid matrix display panel
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-24
2001-09-11
Brier, Jeffery (Department: 2672)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Light pen for fluid matrix display panel
Reexamination Certificate
active
06288701
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Research and development of the present invention and application have not been Federally sponsored, and no rights are given under any Federal program.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to user programmable scrolling displays such as wearable badges, advertising modules and modules to be integrated into apparel. The invention comprises a liquid crystal display mounted in a case with interior printed circuit board and exterior control buttons to activate the scrolling display to present various user created messages.
2. Description of the Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR §§1.97-1.98
The prior art includes patents which disclose a variety of hand held and programmable displays. Scrolling displays, per se, are also shown in the prior art.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,841,878 to Arnold, et al discloses a card sized hand held sound and display unit that will display an image or produce sound based upon the depression of a switch. A data scroll switch and a LCD display are also disclosed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,608 to Grewe, et al discloses a hand held remote control unit with a LCD display. The display has a number of menus that are modified by the control buttons on the front of the unit.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,798 to Stambolic, et al discloses a hand held electronic game with a number of buttons used to modify an LCD or LED display. The device includes a programmable microcomputer and a scrolling display.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,728 to Madden discloses a hand held programmable LCD display unit that utilizes only three buttons to control the messages displayed on the unit.
Other patents of interest include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,768,300; 5,047,952; 5,317,671; 5,363,092; 5,388,061; 5,826,235; 5,890,121; and, 5,892,455.
The prior art, while disclosing the general concept of programmable displays fails to anticipate the unique aspects of applicant's invention disclosed hereinafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to displays and particularly to user programmable scrolling displays. The display comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) mounted in a plastic case with a plurality of control buttons extending outwardly therefrom A printed circuit board is mounted within the case and coupled to the LCD display to activate the various messages in a manner determined by the ins control buttons. A power source and microprocessor are also mounted within the case. The internal circuitry will not be discussed in detail since the general teachings are available in the prior art cited above.
In one embodiment, the display includes a built-in steel pin for attachment to apparel. The display may be provided with a double sided foam tape for attachment to a vertical surface or with a special purpose clip that may be affixed to a vertical surface with double sided foam tape. The display can be affixed to the clip but may be lifted off to permit use with apparel.
The essence of the invention is a user programmable scrolling display in which one may create, edit, store and display a multiplicity of personal messages by manipulating the integral control buttons. One may also vary the scrolling speed and choose the number of times a message will repeat. The display is mounted in a unique case with an integral pin to attach to clothing in a badge-like arrangement or it may be affixed to a vertical surface with tape or a special clip. The foregoing display may also be mounted in a special case for use in point of purchase displays or giftware.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the display may be affixed to tee-shirts, caps and other apparel as well as bags and backpacks using a special clip that is permanently affixed to the cloth. A display case is then affixed to the clip with two screws or by similar means. This permits the case to be removed to allow cleaning of the apparel. The same case, without the clip, may be affixed to a foam board, cardboard, merchandise board, etc.
In an alternate embodiment, the display may be programmed using an external computer which connects to the display through a two-pin serial interface. A two pin connector passes through two holes on the back of the case and contacts pads on the printed circuit board.
Accordingly, an object of this invention is to provide a new and improved user programmable scrolling display.
An another object of this invention to provide a user programmable scrolling display which may be attached to clothing.
A further object of this invention is to provide a LCD display which is mounted within a case having control buttons extending outwardly therefrom to control a scrolling display and including a unique clip mounted to said case to affix the display on apparel or other designated surfaces.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4160242 (1979-07-01), Fowler et al.
patent: 4500880 (1985-02-01), Gomersall et al.
patent: 4952927 (1990-08-01), DeLucca et al.
patent: 5281962 (1994-01-01), Vanden Heuvel et al.
patent: 5398022 (1995-03-01), Lipp
patent: 5430436 (1995-07-01), Fennell
patent: 6141018 (2000-10-01), Beri et al.
Brier Jeffery
Joel, ESQ Richard A.
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