GB1325165A - Display systems - Google Patents

Abstract

1325165 Matrix displays SONY CORP 16 Oct 1970 [16 Oct 1969] 49263/70 Headings G4H and G5C A display system comprises a plurality of indicator devices, a corresponding number of registers 12, 13 storing binary data, a decoder 17 which converts binary signals from the registers to code signals, gating circuits 14a1...4f for applying the binary signals sequentially, in a time division manner to the decoder, means for applying the decoder output signals to the indicator devices and an energizing circuit for activating the devices to form a display. The system comprises a column of 3 glow discharge tubes each comprising a plurality of anodes 5a...5d and a corresponding number of 16 element cathode arrays 2a...2d. The electrodes are formed on parallel glass or ceramic panels with mica shields 7 extending between panels. Corresponding cathode elements are connected together and signals applied via leads 10a...10. Leads 9a...9d are connected to each anode. A display is produced by applying a positive potential to the anodes and connecting selected cathodes to ground. Diagonal groups of anodes e.g. 5a, 5b, 5c in first, second and third tubes are interconnected. Binary signals are applied to shift registers 12, 13 from where 6-bit codes are supplied to AND circuits 14a...14f together with read out pulses to terminals 15a, 15b, 15c. The outputs of the AND circuits are connected via OR circuits 16a...16f to decoder 17 having 16 outputs each corresponding to one element of the cathode arrays. The decoder outputs are connected through three groups of AND circuits 19a...19p in parallel to three buffers 20a, 20b, 20c; read out pulses from terminals 15a, 15b, 15c are also applied to these AND circuits. The outputs from the buffers are applied via switching circuits to the discharge tubes to ground selected cathode elements whilst potential pulses are applied to the anodes by a timing circuit.