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WO1992012507A1 - Ensembles d'affichage - Google Patents

Ensembles d'affichage Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1992012507A1
WO1992012507A1 PCT/GB1991/002237 GB9102237W WO9212507A1 WO 1992012507 A1 WO1992012507 A1 WO 1992012507A1 GB 9102237 W GB9102237 W GB 9102237W WO 9212507 A1 WO9212507 A1 WO 9212507A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
assembly according
array
elements
setting station
signal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB1991/002237
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Andrew Barton
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA002099768A priority Critical patent/CA2099768A1/fr
Publication of WO1992012507A1 publication Critical patent/WO1992012507A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F9/00—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements
    • G09F9/30—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements
    • G09F9/37—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements being movable elements
    • G09F9/375—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements being movable elements the position of the elements being controlled by the application of a magnetic field

Definitions

  • This invention relates to display assemblies, and particularly to such assemblies for outdoor use. 5 Assemblies of the invention have use also where a moving sign is desired, and where the information displayed is to be altered either on a regular or intermittent basis.
  • Display assemblies of the kind to which the invention relates are typically used in sports arenas to
  • assemblies have a board or presentation surface in which is mounted an array of elements, normally divided into discrete sections in which individual symbols such as letters or numbers can be formed. Each section will typically comprise a matrix of 7 x 5 elements, although
  • Another well known information display system J comprises an array of lights which can similarly be
  • a display assembly has a plurality of elements mounted in an array forming spaced parallel rows, with each element in each row having at least two signal faces. Each element is rotatable about a common axis of its row to expose one of its signal face at a common presentation surface. At least one setting station is located adjacent one side of the array, and has a number of actuators arrange in a line parallel to the rows.
  • the array of elements is movable relative to the setting station or stations, in a direction perpendicular to the rows, and each actuator is adapted to selectively engage an element during such movement to determine which signal face thereof is exposed. In this way, a full traverse of the array by a setting station can create a predeterminable image comprising exposed signal faces at the presentation surface.
  • the array can be- stationary, and the setting station or stations moved relative thereto. In some circumstances, both can be movable.
  • each element has a plate attached to it, which is formed with fingers extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the respective elemen .
  • Ea actuator has a rod which is selective! extendable into the path of such a finger to rotate the element during the relative movement referred to above.
  • each element has a resilient mechanism for always biasing it into an orientation at which a signal face is properly exposed at the presentation surface. In this way, a predictable image form can be assured.
  • a typical element for use in display assemblies of the invention has only two signal faces; for example, one in yellow and one in black.
  • the faces may be parallel and oriented in opposite directions, but in such an arrangement an 180° rotation is required to switch from one face to the other.
  • This may be reduced by using an element of generally triangular cross-section, but this means that the element must be rotated in opposite directions for successive switches.
  • an element having an equal number of sides such as four or six, can be used with alternate faces being of the same colour. This reduces the amount of rotation required to effect a switch, 90° or 60° in the two examples given, while enabling switching also to be effective in both directions of rotation.
  • elements having any reasonable number of sides, odd or even can be used provided the amount of rotation can be set accordingly.
  • the elements each have three or more sides, then it is of course possible to have more than two colours represented. For example, red, yellow and black might be suitable for a triangular cross- sectioned element, with a four sided element including blue.
  • a single setting station can be sufficient to provide for proper control of the elements in display assemblies of the invention. Even where the elements have more than two signal faces, multiple relative movements of the setting station and array can be applied to ensure that each element is in its proper orientation for a given image. Normally though, where the elements have more than two signal faces, two or more setting stations will be used. This is particularly preferred where it is the array that moves relative to the or each setting station; ie, the setting station or stations are stationary, as this enables a new image to be created and moved into the display position in a single movement.
  • Assemblies of the invention will normally include programming means for controlling the actuators in the setting station or stations.
  • a sensing mechanism is included to monitor the orientation of the elements, either before or after they have passed the setting station or stations.
  • Such a mechanism can be linked to the programming means to enable any incorrect orientation of an element to be remedied.
  • the required relative movement between the array and setting station or stations can be achieved with either being stationary. Alternatively, both can be movable. In this way, a moving image can be created and/or a stationary image may be altered-
  • the array can be mounted in a flat frame, typically rectangular, in which case the relative movement will be linear. In an alternative, the array can be mounted in a cylindrical frame, in which case the relative movement will be circular.
  • both the frame and the setting station or stations can be movable to create or alter the image appearing or to be shown at the presentation surface.
  • the array of elements is created on a flexible structure, such as a belt elongate in the direction of the intended movement relative to the setting station or stations. With the rows of elements being perpendicular to the elongate axis of the belt, a length of the belt can extend over a flat length in which the elements thereof can be acted on by the actuators at a setting station in exactly the same manner as can a substantially rigid flat array.
  • Figure 1 is a top plan view of a display assembly according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 is an enlarged elevation of part of the belt of Figure 1 showing elements mounted therein;
  • Figure 3 shows the relative disposition of an actuator at a setting station and an element in the belt; and
  • Figure 4 shows a view from below of the arrangement in Figure 3.
  • Figure 1 shows in diagrammatic form a belt 2 extending around rollers 4 behind a structure 6 which defines a presentation area 8 through which a straight section of the belt 2 can be visible. A part of the belt
  • the belt 2 is made up of a plurality of elements 10 supported between two chains 12.
  • Each chain is of conventional drum and link form, suitable for being driven by a gear or pinion on or adjacent to the rollers 4 in a known manner.
  • a common shaft 16 extends upon which seven elements are mounted.
  • Each element is substantially in the form of a cube, as shown in Figures
  • Each element also includes a plate 20 having four fingers 22.
  • the plate 20 and the body defining the faces 18 are either formed intregally or coupled together such that they are simultaneously rotatable about the axis of the shaft 16. However, rotation of each element 10 is independent of the rotation of any other element.
  • a setting station at 24 To the left hand side of Figure 1 is indicated a setting station at 24.
  • the setting station 24 has three vertical columns of seven actuators 26.
  • Each actuator has a selectively extendible arm 28 which is manoeuvrable into and out of the path of a finger 22 of the plate 20 as the belt 2 moves along its horizontal path around the rollers A .
  • the arm 28 is shown in its retracte position in Figures 3 and 4. When the arm 28 is extended, as an element moves past the respective actuator, the arm 28 engages the finger 22 and causes the element 10 to rotate through 90° and expose a different signal face 18 at the presentation surface S.
  • a resilient mechanism (not shown) is included to secure each element 10 substantially at each of the four orientations at which a signal face 18 is properly exposed at the presentation surface 8.
  • the extension or retraction of the arms 28 of the actuators acting successively on the same element can determine which of the four signal faces is oriented for exposure at the presentation surface 8.
  • the extension or retraction of the arms 28 at the setting station can be determined by a simple computer programme which can be operated from a remote location.
  • the orientation of all the elements in the belt can be set in a single cycle of movement.
  • the programme at the setting station By suitably controlling the programme at the setting station, quite a lengthy message can be displayed at the presentation surface.
  • a sensor 30 is provided to check that the proper message is being displayed prior to its exposure at the presentation surface. Any error detected can be corrected in a subsequent pass through the setting station , or in one alternative the setting station can be re-programmed in response to an error to regenerate the message or image in which the error appeared.
  • a similar sensor 32 can also be installed before or "upstream” of the setting station 10. This can indicate the orientation of each element, enabling the setting station to be programmed accordingly. This can be preferable to basing the programming of the setting station on the orientation of the elements established almost an entire cycle previously. Sensors both "upstream” and “downstream” of the setting station can be used in the same assembly if desired. In the embodiment illustrated, seven elements are shown in each vertical column between the chains 12.
  • This number is suitable for the formation of a succession of standard alphanumeric matrices, each comprising a block of 7 x 5 elements.
  • the message created in this embodiment would normally be a single line of text.
  • much greater numbers of elements may be employed between the chains to enable larger messages to be displayed.
  • the entire assembly can be rotated through 90° such that the axes of the rollers 4 are horizontal rather than vertical. This is particularly suitable where the message to be displayed is to be stationary, but requiring occasional alteration, and may also be more suitable where the information to be imparted is rather more extensive.
  • the belt can be reinforced by having additional chains 12 between the groups of elements 10.
  • the embodiment described uses a belt 2 which is movable relative to the setting station 24. If desired, and to achieve a different effect the belt 2 might be held stationary while the setting station 24 is moved behind the length of belt at the presentation surface. In this way, the image being presented can be altered while it is on display. Further, and as discussed above, the manner in which the elements are mounted can be varied. The adaptation of the system illustrated to an array of elements mounted in a rigid or substantially rigid frame which is stationary or mobile, will be readily apparent.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Devices For Indicating Variable Information By Combining Individual Elements (AREA)

Abstract

Un ensemble d'affichage comprend une multiplicité d'éléments montés en alignement pour former des rangées parallèles espacées. Chaque élément de chaque rangée comprend au moins deux faces présentant des signaux et peut tourner autour d'un axe commun de sa rangée respective pour exposer une face à une surface de présentation (8). Au moins un poste de positionnement (24) est placé de façon contiguë à un côté de l'alignement et comprend un certain nombre d'éléments d'actionnement (26) alignés parallèlement aux rangées. L'alignement d'éléments est mobile par rapport au(x) poste(s) de positionnement (24) en un sens perpendiculaire aux rangées, et chaque élément d'actionnement (26) est adapté à entrer en contact de façon sélective avec un élément au cours du mouvement de celui-ci afin de déterminer laquelle des faces présentant un signal sera exposée. De cette manière, une traversée entière de l'alignement par un poste de positionnement (24) produit une image prédéterminée composée des faces portant des signaux tournées vers la surface de présentation.
PCT/GB1991/002237 1991-01-02 1991-12-16 Ensembles d'affichage Ceased WO1992012507A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002099768A CA2099768A1 (fr) 1991-01-02 1991-12-16 Presentoir

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9100006A GB2251713A (en) 1991-01-02 1991-01-02 Display assemblies.
GB9100006.7 1991-01-02

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1992012507A1 true WO1992012507A1 (fr) 1992-07-23

Family

ID=10687865

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1991/002237 Ceased WO1992012507A1 (fr) 1991-01-02 1991-12-16 Ensembles d'affichage

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0565535A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU9085591A (fr)
CA (1) CA2099768A1 (fr)
GB (1) GB2251713A (fr)
WO (1) WO1992012507A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2431037A (en) * 2005-09-01 2007-04-11 Roy Booth Display formed by scanning picture elements

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2276028A (en) * 1993-03-12 1994-09-14 James David Brooks Matrix display
GB2403334B (en) * 2003-06-26 2005-05-11 Abdol Hosain Akbarpour Electromechanical display mechanism

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3199098A (en) * 1963-02-14 1965-08-03 Samuel A Schwartz Display apparatus having spheres mounted on rods
FR1494524A (fr) * 1966-09-26 1967-09-08 Recognition Equipment Inc Dispositif d'affichage mobile de symboles
AT378067B (de) * 1976-02-27 1985-06-10 Leemann Dittmann Ruth Einrichtung zum anzeigen einer information

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1023667A (en) * 1961-11-17 1966-03-23 Levy Associates Company Ltd Display unit
CH486748A (de) * 1968-08-19 1970-02-28 Contraves Ag Einrichtung zum Erzeugen einer wandernden Plakatschrift
US3813673A (en) * 1972-06-26 1974-05-28 Trans Lux Corp Display panel
SE8600652L (sv) * 1986-02-14 1987-08-15 Euroband Ab Indikeringsanordning

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3199098A (en) * 1963-02-14 1965-08-03 Samuel A Schwartz Display apparatus having spheres mounted on rods
FR1494524A (fr) * 1966-09-26 1967-09-08 Recognition Equipment Inc Dispositif d'affichage mobile de symboles
AT378067B (de) * 1976-02-27 1985-06-10 Leemann Dittmann Ruth Einrichtung zum anzeigen einer information

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2431037A (en) * 2005-09-01 2007-04-11 Roy Booth Display formed by scanning picture elements

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2099768A1 (fr) 1992-07-03
GB9100006D0 (en) 1991-02-20
GB2251713A (en) 1992-07-15
AU9085591A (en) 1992-08-17
EP0565535A1 (fr) 1993-10-20

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